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Book Review & Giveaway: It’s Not PMS, It’s You!
Written by humorist Deb Amlen, It’s Not PMS, It’s You! is a hilarious tongue-in-cheek tome about the well-known differences between men and women. We may be from the same planet and are of the same species, but that might just be where the similarities between men and women end. Blame it on hormones or chromosomes, but men and women simply think differently, behave differently, and emote differently. From it’s historical context to our modern-day Battle of the Sexes, Amlen takes cliched notions about sex and gender differences (most of them true, of course) and highlights them in a quick read filled with humorous narratives and clever anecdotes. From co-ed gatherings to bachelorette parties, It’s Not PMS, It’s You! is the perfect book to read with friends for some insightful humor and laughs.
I have been offered TWO copies of this book for a give-away! To enter the It’s Not PMS, It’s You! give-away, please leave a comment below. You can also post an additional comment for each of the following: subscribe to AYMB, follow AYMB on Twitter, tweet about this give-away, and/or post about this give-away on your blog or Facebook page. This give-away is for U.S. and Canada residents only.
I will use www.random.org to select two winners for this giveaway on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.
Good luck!
Disclaimer: I was given one copy of It’s Not PMS, It’s You! and two additional copies for the purpose of a give-away, courtesy of Sterling Publishing Company.
27
The Mother/Sister Role
My father, my half-brother and my half-sister flew in from the the East Coast for a visit last week. My half-brother is 14 and my half-sister is 10.
I was 20 years old and away at college when my brother was born. I was in graduate school when my sister was born. Since we’re decades of age apart, didn’t grow up together, and live across the country from each other, I obviously don’t have a normal sisterly relationship with them. I love them as I do the sister and brother I grew up with, but it’s a very different relationship. Over time, I have developed a dynamic with them that seems half-mother/half-sister. When you’re old enough to be the mother of your siblings (and often get mistaken for the mom…ugh), it’s easy to find yourself playing the mom role just as easily as it is to be the sister.
During our visits, I find myself shifting between this mother role and the sister role. I can ask my brother and sister to help with dinner, stop running down the hardwood stairs in slippery socks, or clean up after themselves just as easily as I can find myself on the couch with them playing DJ Hero, teasing and giggling with them as if I were their age. At the same time, I need to monitor myself like I would with any other kids around, like watch my language and avoid inappropriate topics. And when topics come up that aren’t necessarily inappropriate, but definitely on the serious side, it can be confusing as to how to handle it. For one thing, my sister and brother aren’t even half as sheltered as I was growing up. It’s not because of how they are parented but rather it’s due to the world they and their friends live in. Their access to the world is staggering and their precociousness is reminiscent of my young adult self and certainly not my tween and teen self. (continues…)
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Mental Monday: Animal-Assisted Therapy in War Zones
Golden Retrievers are often used for therapeutic purposes
I recently learned that a psychology team in Afghanistan brought a few therapy service dogs with them to help the troops. There is reason to believe that these dogs will be very helpful for the troops as they help keep spirits high and ease the mental and physical stresses associated with combat.
Since World War II, animals have been commonly used in both mental and physical therapeutic settings as a way to help the healing process. From cats and dogs to horses, animals have been proven to be a wonderful way to help people recover from both mental and physical ailments. Anyone who has a companion animal or a service dog already knows that there is nothing like holding, hugging, and petting a warm, soft, and cuddly animal to help ease the mind and soothe the soul.
Animals can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety levels. They can also help combat depression and social isolation, two issues that are often comorbid with other mental or psychical health problems. Specially trained service animals have helped people in private therapeutic settings, schools, hospitals, convalescent homes, and even prisons. (continues…)
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On All The Things That Make Me Beautiful – Giveaway Winner!
According to random.org, the winner of the book On All the Things That Make Me Beautiful by Nadirah Angail is:
Comment #3 – Keena!
Congrats, Keena! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the book as much as I did.
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Foodie Friday: Vroom-Vroom Juice
Put a little *vroom* in your juice
For my two year old Monkey, everything that makes a loud whirring sound is called a *vroom-vroom*. Which explains why whenever I break out the blender to make a smoothie, my toddler says it’s time for *vroom-vroom juice*.
There are a ton of different ways to make a smoothie and it seems like I’ve tried a hundred different varieties without nailing the perfect consistency. The smoothie either turns out too sweet, too bitter, too grainy, or has too many seeds. This one, however, is my favorite smoothie recipe. And the Monkey loves it, too:
The Monkey’s Vroom-Vroom Juice
- 2 cups organic Acai juice (I prefer Acai with pomegranate juice)
- 1/2 cup of non-fat organic vanilla or plain yogurt
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 small package of frozen organic strawberries
- 1 frozen mango
Optional:
1 tablespoon of flaxseed
When you’re preparing to *vroom-vroom*, make sure to add the ingredients in the order I listed in order to help blend more smoothly and evenly. If the blender doesn’t seem to be working, you may have an air pocket. Safely and carefully, lift the lid and use a spoon to stir up the mixture before proceeding to blend again. You may have to blend for about 2-3 minutes before you get the right consistency.
For toddlers, the best cup I have found for smoothies is the Munchkin Mighty Grip Flip Straw Cups. They’re not the easiest sippy cup to clean and assemble, but toddlers find them very easy and fun to use.
The *vroom-vroom juice* smoothies also make great frozen fruit bars! My favorite mold is the Tovolo Shooting Stars.
Cheers!