Chicken Soup for the Soul Offers Free Ebooks for Students of All Ages

 

Parents and teachers are looking for ways to keep students engaged while they learn at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Chicken Soup for the Soul, in partnership with American Humane, has a line of free ebooks for kids of all ages, available on all popular ebook platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple Books, Google, and more.

These books offer students fascinating stories about zoo and aquarium animals, along with photos. There are even free activity pages and complete curriculums available for download—all at no charge. The three volumes in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Humane Heroes series are provided for all reading levels, with Volume I targeted at older elementary students, Volume II written for middle schoolers, and Volume III for high school students.

Here are just a few of the animals children will meet in the pages of these books:

  • Kasi the baby cheetah was orphaned and too young to be introduced into the adult cheetah community. The team at Busch Gardens didn’t want Kasi to grow up alone, so they found a special friend for him – a Labrador Retriever puppy. The two young animals lived together until Kasi was old enough to be integrated into the cheetah habitat. The two friends still see each other when the dog visits Kasi at the zoo.
  • A 23-year old penguin at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut also needed help. And some middle school students came to his rescue. They partnered with the aquarium’s staff to use the 3D printer at their school to make the penguin a boot that helped him regain mobility.
  • Magic, the baby dolphin abandoned by his mother who was miraculously saved by a dedicated team at The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

The three-book, eBook series can be read on any eBook app – Kindle, Nook, Apple books, or any other – on their computers, tablets, or phones. Each book contains 12 age-appropriate stories – and color photos as well. The Chicken Soup for the Soul website includes supplemental photos and videos, and even fun worksheets kids will love. Parents and teachers can find everything they need, including the links to Kindle, Nook and Apple to download the free eBooks at www.chickensoup.com/ah.

ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. With well over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, the phrase “chicken soup for the soul” is known worldwide and is regularly referenced in pop culture. Today, 27 years after it first began sharing happiness, inspiration and hope through its books, this socially conscious company continues to publish a new title a month. It has also evolved beyond the bookstore, with a podcast, education programs, dog and cat food, licensed products, and video, television and movies through its subsidiary, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.

ABOUT AMERICAN HUMANE

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org and be sure to follow American Humane on Facebook and Twitter.


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Decoupage Bunny Jar From a Spaghetti Sauce Jar – Video Tutorial

I love decoupaging with napkins. I hope you like this tutorial. I will list my favorite supplies below the video. Let me know if you try it.

Products I use:

Napkin Decoupage

Chalk Paint

Gold Paint

Decoupage Napkins  

Mod Podge

Fine Glitter


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Cracker Barrel Copy Cat Recipe – Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake – Video Tutorial

If you love the Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake at Cracker Barrel, you are in luck. You can follow the recipe and video tutorial below to recreate that scrumptious cake in your own kitchen.

Recipe

Cracker Barrel Copy Cat Recipe – Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake – Video Tutorial

Ingredients

  • FOR CAKE:
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • FOR FROSTING:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup Coca Cola
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Instructions
  2. In a pot over medium heat, combine oil, cola, and butter. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add in your sugar and flour, stirring until the batter is smooth.
  4. Put your batter in a separate bowl. Add in your buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, cocoa, and baking soda. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased and floured pan.
  6. Bake at 350 ºF for 30 minutes.
  7. While your cake bakes, prepare your frosting in a separate bowl. Start by beating you butter and cocoa powder with a hand mixer. Add your cola, vanilla, and chocolate syrup. Beat to combine, gradually adding your powdered sugar as you mix.
  8. Remove your cake from the oven and give it a few minutes to cool. Frost your cake and enjoy!
https://www.mommyramblings.org/2020/03/07/cracker-barrel-copy-cat-recipe-chocolate-coca-cola-cake-video-tutorial/


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Exclusive Interview with Rosemarie D’Alessandro – Mother of Joan D’Alessandro the 7-Year-Old Girl Scout Murdered by Teacher Neighbor

We had a great, nearly 3-hour interview with the inspirational Rosemarie D’Alessandro. We filmed it live and you don’t want to miss a minute. Rosemarie took unspeakable tragedy and turned it into Joan’s Joy.

Joan’s Joy Foundation was created to keep the children of today safe by remembering Joan. Rosemarie lobbied for Joan’s Law and Paula’s Law which deny parole to convicted murderers who sexually assaulted their minor victims.

Please visit JoansJoy.org to learn more. The interview below is a must see.


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Signs you need to get your eyes tested

There are lots of different signs that can indicate a change in your vision, and the need to get a new eye test. The most obvious and common one is a change in your ability to read things. Across the world, it is estimated that over 55% of the population need some kind of vision correction. This equates to billions of people. Luckily over 80% of vision problems can be fixed, corrected or avoided.

eye exam

The sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can get it sorted. If you are putting off getting your regular eye test, this is a call to action! Book yourself in today! I know what you are thinking. “I don’t want to spend a fortune on a new pair of glasses”. The good news? You don’t have to. Gone are the days of 400$ glasses, only available at opticians. A growing number of people are now turning to online vendors to buy new glasses. They are a lot cheaper and come in a wider variety of styles.

If you are still unsure as to whether you need glasses or an eye test, here are some more warning signs that your eyes need help.

Blurry Vision

If you cannot see clearly at a distance, or objects have a fuzzy halo around them, you may be developing shortsightedness. Try resting your eyes and staying hydrated for a day or so – if the blurriness does not go away, book in for an eye exam.

eye glasses, reading

Poor Nightvision

If you cannot see in the dark as well as you used to, this could be a sign of cataracts in its early stages. Although not a serious condition, if left undetected they could grow to obscure your vision.

Eye Strain

If you find your eyes getting more fatigued after focusing on something like a book or a screen, this could be a sign you need to get your eyes tested. However, eye fatigue can also be a result of bad habits. Spending hours looking at your phone screen and not staying hydrated can both lead to eye fatigue. Make sure you take regular breaks and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help your body and your eyes.

eye exam

Headaches

The eyes are made up of loads of tiny muscles. When one of the eye’s mechanisms begins to fail, those tiny muscles are put under more strain. When this happens your eyes tend to squint as they are forced to work harder. This can lead to headaches and eye pain. If you are suffering with reoccurring headaches, it is probably time to see a optician/doctor.

Looking after your eyes is incredibly important. Without them, life would be a whole lot harder. Nobody wants to have to deal with a life without vision. This is why it is immensely important to make sure you get your eyes tested regularly. An annual eye test can reassure you that your eyes are in good health, and also flag up any early problems.

This is a collective guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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4 Reasons to Get Your Boiler Serviced Annually

winter cold day

Being a property owner, your job is more than just making your home look pretty. There are a lot of other things that every homeowner should consider. Boiler servicing is one of those necessary things that is often overlooked. Most people do not get their boilers checked and serviced regularly. It is the reason why they have to replace it after a few years or get it repaired by paying a significant amount of money. This can be avoided only if you book your boiler maintenance service. Here are a few reasons for you to service your boiler annually.

boiler

Find Problems Sooner than Later

It is easy to forget that you do not only use your boiler during the cold winter days but every day for your hot water. Due to this, your boiler can run into issues that you don’t even notice which leads to repairs or sometimes, even replacement of the system. Contrary to this, with annual service, you are making sure that you are identifying internal faults and addressing them before it’s too late. Getting boiler service once a year will confirm that your system is working correctly and help you to save money on unexpected breakdowns and any future repairs.

Ensure Efficiency

Some boiler parts can wear out faster than others, during winter, your boiler is forced to work hard. You know all too well the high bills you receive during the winter months. If you are looking to save on those ever-increasing energy bills, then it is essential to make sure all the parts are working at peak efficiency. An expert will ensure that your boiler is working as efficiently as possible and not consuming extra energy. This will help save on energy bills while also decreasing your home’s carbon footprint.

Keep Your Boiler Warranty Valid

Most common boiler warranties and guarantees require yearly service to keep your warranty valid. If you are not getting annual service, then it can void your warranty or guarantee. In fact, most home and business insurance companies include regular service for boilers in their policies so that the boiler is safe to use. It is essential to know that a regular boiler service will meet the requirements of your policy,

Check with your insurance company about what they provide.  Another great option is to get boiler coverage. Find out more about insurance by visiting the Corgi HomePlan website.

Coffee ,Winter

Your Boiler Will Run Safely

Annual boiler service not only makes sure that your home boiler is running efficiently but also certifies that it is working safely. A faulty boiler can be very unsafe, mainly if a gas leak occurs. Every year,  thousands of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning due to broken and damaged boilers. Carbon monoxide, which is also known as the silent killer, is a gas that causes headaches, collapsing, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, and a loss of consciousness. Therefore, to make sure that you and your family remain safe, you must have your boiler checked regularly. Annual service will let you know if you need to get your boiler repaired and will give you peace of mind.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.

 

 


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4 things you should prioritize this spring

to do list

Can you believe the winter holiday season is officially over, and the new year is already in full swing? If you’ve already headed back to work, then you might be missing the freedom you had over the Christmas break. Maybe you’re wondering what to do with the limited free time you’re now left with.

With so many little tasks to get sorted, deciding what to prioritize isn’t easy, especially when you only have a weekend to work with. Most would agree that prioritizing the errands or little tasks that will save you time, money and effort in the future should be tackled first, so that’s what we’re going to look at here. Check out my top 4 things you should prioritize this spring.

Getting your AC unit checked

Reaching for your AC unit when it’s baking hot outside, only to find it splutter, choke and fail on you is something no one wants to experience. Especially during the hottest months of the year!

If your AC unit is faulty or not working correctly then get it looked at straight away – for air conditioning repairs in Las Vegas, click the link – if you can’t remember the last time you had it serviced, then get it looked at as soon as possible. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have months to get this sorted, failing to prioritize some simple maintenance could mean you’re stuck on a waiting list for weeks and you may be charged extra for an emergency call out.

Deep cleaning the house

It’s not pleasant and most people would prefer that this wasn’t classed as a priority, but deep cleaning your home will not only give you a deep sense of satisfaction, it’s also beneficial for your physical and mental well being. From dust bunnies to spider webs, cleaning up your home and giving everything from the ceilings to the skirting boards a good scrub will make your living arrangements much more pleasant and make your home feel fresh and ready for the new year ahead.

Removing the clutter

Clutter is not your friend. It’s stressful, unsightly and makes our lives a misery – often without us knowing it! Believe it or not, decluttering your home doesn’t mean getting rid of all the sentimental items you cherish – just the ones that you’re hanging on to for no discernible reason at all. Start with your closet and remove anything that you haven’t worn in a year, donate any items to charity or sell them online to make a little profit. Go through each room in turn and you won’t believe the difference it makes to your life.

Moving your body more

We all lead pretty sedentary lifestyles, so getting up and moving our bodies a little more each day is certainly something to prioritize. Exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling session at the gym, it can be a walk around the block on your lunch break or some simple yoga moves at home. Moving your body reduces stress, relieves tension and gets your heart pumping, so make it a priority this year!

exercise class

This is a collaborative post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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Filed under Fitness, Home & Garden, self-help

Did You Get a Cricut Maker For Christmas and Don’t Know Where To Start?

If you received a new Cricut Maker or other model for Christmas and don’t know where to start, you might want to keep reading. I have some beginner Cricut videos up on our YouTube channel and plan to add more. It will get you started on some great projects. View the whole Cricut Video Playlist for more inspiration.

There are videos about saving money on Cricut supplies, tips and hacks about how to get free Cricut fonts and SVGs plus so much more.

I also plan to do some Live Cricut Crafting that you can join us for, so make sure you subscribe to us on YouTube and click that bell so you will be notified of new videos as soon as they are posted.

Happy Crafting!!!


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Why Some Parents Have Made The Switch To Infant Goat Milk Formula

goat milk, baby milk , switching from formula

Goat milk formulas are emerging on the scene in a big way. While less common than the standard cow’s milk-based preparations, you can now find goat’s milk formulas in supermarkets and online storefronts around the world. More people are exploring this interesting new option for infant nutrition and the formula industry is taking notice.

Looking at the benefits of infant goat milk formula, it is not hard to see why many parents are making the switch to this nutrient-dense alternative. However, for those new to the world of alternative formulas, or infant formulas in general, this trend might seem a bit confusing. While you should always be looking for the best nutrition options for your child, knowing about the available options is just as important.

To provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision, let’s look at some of the specific reasons why some parents are making the switch to goat milk formula.

 

Distinct Nutritional Profile

While cow’s milk does contain a complete and balanced nutritional profile, goat’s milk is more suitable for some infants due to its own distinct blend and balance of ingredients. For example, goat’s milk contains many vitamins and minerals in greater concentrations than cow’s milk. For those infants who struggle with deficiencies of these substances, it might be worthwhile to switch up the conventional cow’s milk blend once in a while, or permanently, for a goat’s milk formula.

These substances include selenium, vitamin A, and niacin, all essential building blocks for growing infants and toddlers. These minerals and vitamins boost brain development and keep your child’s immune system in top shape. Goat’s milk preparations also contain thirty per cent more magnesium than cow’s milk preparations. Vitamin C is also much more prevalent in goat’s milk formula than in cow’s milk formula.

When it comes to balance, goat’s milk formulas may not be as ideal as cow’s milk preparations. However, thanks to the wonders of modern chemistry, goat’s milk formulas are usually fortified with extra amounts of the minerals and nutrients that it lacks. These include iron and vitamin B12.

goat milk for babies

Build Gut Health

Gut health is an increasingly popular topic for new parents. Medical science has established a robust connection between healthy gut flora and positive well-being. These benefits carry over into physical resilience as well as mental health and mood.

Incredibly, goat’s milk formulas are an abundant source of pre and probiotics. These are essential substances that bolster the gut flora in the human body. If you want your child to have a robust immune system that will enable them to fight off pathogens and beat major diseases before they develop, then you might try starting them on goat’s milk formula right away.

goat milk for babies

Ideal For Sensitive Stomachs

The digestive system of your young child is still developing. Many babies and toddlers find that cow’s milk formulas are too difficult to digest and cause them pain and stomach discomfort. In some cases, this can also be caused by lactose intolerance.

Goat’s milk is a great solution to this problem. Though it also contains lactose, it is much less prevalent than in cow’s milk. Goat’s milk formulas are primarily composed of casein, which is much easier to digest than lactose. It is worth trying out if your infant is struggling with a standard formula.

 

Ask Your Doctor Before Making A Decision

With any changes to your infant’s diet, make sure to consult a physician. They will be able to direct you as to what your child needs to thrive and whether the product you have chosen is right for your child.

baby, goat's milk
This is a collaborative post. The ideas and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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Things to Do to Get Your Boiler Ready for Winter

Boiler , Furnace, Heat, Winter

When winter hits, you need a comfortable and warm home. For this reason, you have to pay attention to the condition of your boiler. You can’t live with an broken or malfunctioning boiler during the winter season. If you have a boiler cover, there is nothing to worry because your engineer will see you within 24 hours after your call.

Understand the Importance of Boiler Cover

Servicing a boiler can easily be forgotten, but regular boiler maintenance and checks have numerous benefits. A defective boiler can be dangerous; therefore, you can protect yourself from different threats with a boiler cover. People who don’t have a boiler cover may find it challenging to get a qualified engineer at a reasonable price.

Remember, engineers across the country  have busy schedules in the frostiest months. If your boiler is already covered, it will be easy for you to get help and advice. By ignoring the importance of a boiler cover, you can increase the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, explosions and fires.

Test Your Boiler in the Autumn

People in the UK often turn their central heating on after October. They don’t realize the possibility of faults in their boiler. For this reason, check your boiler in mild weather. There is no need to use it for a long duration, turn it on for some time to check its radiators.

To nip boiler faults in the bud, arrange for a reliable boiler service. It will help you to identify and resolve different issues before winter. Moreover, you will get a consistent supply of hot water on every freezing morning.

Timers and Thermostats thermostat

An engineer can identify issues with your timer and thermostat during an annual service. Defects and errors in your heating time can make things difficult for you. Pay attention to the condition of timer and location of the thermostat to keep your house warm.

Check Pipe Insulation

Water expands when freezes; therefore, standing water in the plumbing system can affect your pipes. For this reason, pipe insulation is necessary. Similar to loft insulation and cavity wall, it can decrease heat transfer and maintain the flow of water in pipes without any heat loss. In this way, you can avoid several winter emergencies.

Boiler Pressure

Pay attention to the pressure of the boiler. You can judge it between 1 and 1.5 (in the green or the red). Decreased pressure can affect the flow of hot water around a heating system. Remember, high pressure can make radiators bleed. Similar, too low pressure requires you to refill loop to increase it. For the best performance, the pressure of your boiler should be temperamental.

Power Flushes

radiator

Keep your radiators clean to make things easy for your central heating system. Your plumbing engineer can clean pipes and radiators to flush sludge out of these units. After cleaning, your plumbing system will be refilled with a corrosion inhibitor and clean water. It will increase the efficiency of the central heating system.

snow winter

This is a collaborative post, the ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings Blog.


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