New Year's Resolutions for Children

While all of us take time making New Year's resolutions for ourselves, did you ever ask your child what their resolution is? Are they interested in creating a New Year's resolution too? Just as we have many goals we like to accomplish, there may be special things a child would like to do for the new year as well. If your child is having trouble deciding on what their resolution may be, perhaps you could help them with on. Here are a few steps that you can follow that can help a child decide his/her New Year's resolution.




1.  Talk to your child and ask her what the new year means to her. Ask what she would like to do for the year ahead.

2. Help your child write down his ideas on things that he would like to do for the new year. Place a star next to his favorite ones.

3. Pick out her favorite resolution and draw a picture about it. Talk about the resolution with your child and see when or how she would like to make that come true. Hang up the drawing in her room or on the refrigerator so that she can see her picture every day.

4. Click here to continue reading about how to help your child with their New Year's resolution... 

Experience the Pending Birth of Jesus Through Facebook...

A Social Network Christmas.....


The story of Christmas is told by Facebook..... If Mary and Joseph lived today, this is how the story would look on Facebook. This definitely puts an easy understanding on the true meaning of Christmas. If your spirits are low this year, this video will raise them up... We celebrate Christmas every year to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus... Enjoy watching the video. 

Some Very Talented Dogs!-Watch these guy decorate a Christmas tree!

These are some cute and talented dogs! Watch as they decorate the Christmas tree. These dogs are trained by a method called "mirror method." This video will definitely make you smile. Enjoy!

Ariana's Annual Christmas Poem: The Family Christmas Tree

This year, my annual Christmas poem was inspired by the Christmas tree. Every year, families come together to decorate their tree. Little kids often love putting up their favorite holiday ornaments on the tree or even adding the special ones that they made at school. At our church, we even have a special church service that is dedicated to adding all of our special Christian symbols on the tree... The Chrismon Service. 


I began thinking of all the past years that I have helped decorate a tree, and how now, I put up my own Christmas tree as well. Each ornament and decoration has a special meaning when it comes to the Christmas season. Also, there are ornaments that all have a special place in our heart as well. Like those that were family heirlooms, special projects from school or even those given to us by family friends and neighbors. There really is a lot more to the Christmas tree when you think about it.... 


Take a moment and read my poem, "The Family Christmas Tree" (click on the title). I think you will really enjoy it .... It just might make you think the next time you put up your Christmas tree... 

How to Write a Holiday Christmas Poem

Every year, I like to write my annual Christmas poem. I usually always read my poem at my annual Christmas Eve service at church. The poem is also included in all of my Christmas card mailings as well. 


Writing a Christmas poem should be fun, and not stressful. Actually-by keeping all of your favorite Christmas memories in mind, and then combing the actual meaning of Christmas along with those memories -it should be quite enjoyable to write.  If you will be sharing poetry this Christmas season, here are some tips on writing your poem. 




1. Review the story of Jesus' birth in the bible. Listen to some inspirational Christmas hymns about Christmas and about the baby Jesus.

2. Write down some of the things that mean a lot to you at Christmas time. Think about what Christmas really means to you.

3. Speak with your minister to find out what kind of Christmas church service there will be and see how your poem could fit in with the service.

4. Click here to continue reading the steps on How to Write a Christmas Poem....

Fun Outdoor Activities and Games to Play in the Snow

During the winter is a fun time to get to play in the snow. Many kids like to build snowman, have snow-ball fights, build forts or have fun laying out snow angels. 

Although winter is a cold season, you can stay warm by playing plenty of fun winter games and drinking warm steaming hot chocolate. Just remember to change into something cozy and dry once you have finished playing outside. 

Here is a list of fun games and activities that children can do out in the snow... 

              1. Snowman Making Contest

Host a snowman making contest. Gather together about three children per group if there is a large number of children. Be sure that there are extra scarves, carrots, items for buttons and eyes, food coloring, twigs or anything else creative that the children can come up with to create their snowman. Use a digitalcamera to take pictures. Ask another adult to vote for the best snowman or if there isn't one present, have the other children vote.

Go Ice Skating

Go outside to the nearest rink and allow your child to bring some of his/her friends. Dance away to any music that might be playing. Help those who are just beginners so that they can have fun on the ice too.

Click here to read about more fun activities to do in the snow!

My Top 5 Christmas Movies of All Time....

Watching Christmas movies are an enjoyable way to celebrate the season and cuddle underneath those cozy blankets during the cold winter season. 


There are Christmas movies that stick with us throughout our entire lives that really touch our heart. 


Here are a few that have touched mine:

#1 It's a Wonderful Life

This movie makes you feel like there is a reason for living for everybody. It gets you in the Christmas spirit after that little bell rings at the end of the movie... There's nothing like watching a little bit of George Bailey when you are feeling down on hope...

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                  #2. The Christmas Shoes

Learn the spirit of giving and what it means to truly be a part of Christmas. While the movie is sad, it makes you appreciate all of the loved ones around you and reminds you-we are all not here forever...-->Click here to continue reading about my TOP 5 CHRISTMAS MOVIES

Top Christmas Webcams on the Web: Virtual Holiday Fun

If you are looking for a way to introduce a little Christmas cheer into your household, and you can't travel abroad, there's always virtual travel on the Internet by webcam.


Christmas is a lively and spirited time of the year. It's always beautiful with all of the magnificent colorful Christmas lights, holiday decorations and cheerful music that plays all throughout cities all over the world. It can also be exciting to see how other areas beautify and celebrate for Christmas too. There are a variety of online Christmas webcams that we can watch throughout the Christmas season.

For those who want to peak in on Santa Claus, they can view the inside and outside of Santa's office at the Artic Circle in Finland. Tune in while you listen to Christmas music and watch the lights or see the light fluffy snow on the ground. There is also previously recorded video of a morning in Santa Claus village or you can observe the daily activities of the people who come to visit the office too. The website also provides information on how children can mail Santa Claus a letter too......


Click here to continue reading more about Christmas webcams that you view on the web..... 

5 Cool Ways To Use Your iPhone 4 as a Computer

iPhones are the new trend when it comes to cell phones. There are so many applications and uses for them. It's almost like having a computer and the Internet available at your finger-tips 24-7. If you are usually always on the go, an iPhone may actually replace your computer.


There are several ways that your iPhone can act as a computer. One of them is simply logging onto the Internet. With the purchase of iPhones, you usually are required to purchase a data package which includes access to the Internet. You are able to read and send email, browse and bid on Ebay, search for information on Google or Wikipedia, read the latest news, update your status or see your friends' statuses on Facebook and much more. Almost anything you usually had done on the Internet at home, you can do on your iPhone.


With iPhones, you also can send or create documents. If you have an important blog post, article or form that needs sent to your boss, you can create and email it to him/her. You could begin writing your first drafts for your novel. You can save it to your phone or save it in an online file storage account. For college students, you can proofread or finish up the last few paragraphs of a report before emailing it to your teacher.


If you are an individual who loves to take and share pictures, you can also do this with your iPhone. Take pictures with your phone, and share them at photo-sharing websites or even get them developed. Upload them to stores such as Walgreen's and then pick them up later. Email photos to your friends and family or share them on Facebook.


Is it time for monthly budgeting of the bills again? Instead of sitting down at your desk at home which is piled with papers, sit down in peace somewhere out in a park or a quite place such as a library to gather your thoughts. Figure your bills online with your iPhone and then pay them online. Use spreadsheets to find out how much you will have left over once everything is paid. If you are traveling and need to know your bank or credit card balance, you can also check it with your iPhone too.


For those long stressful days, there's always plenty of games to play on your iPhone. Download applications or surf the Internet for them. Relax, kick back, and enjoy some “me-time” while you use your phone to play some fun games. You won't have to fight a family member for computer time or sit down at a desk to play. Simply pull out your phone, load your favorite game, and play away.


"Once your iPhone has all of the features that you want it to have and it begins to replace your computer, you can also decorate it with accessories. You can buy decorative earbuds for when you are listening to music or purchase designer iPhone covers. There are a variety of designs, colors and themes that are available in iPhone covers. Not only do they decorate your phone, but they can protect it as well. "


So if you are looking for a phone with all of the bells and whistles or you are a person on the movie, an iPhone is an ideal accessory to own. There are many activities that you can do on an iPhone that you would normally perform on a computer. This can make your life easier, simpler and help avoid fighting for computer time with others who live in your household.

More Gift Ideas for Christmas: Fishermen Gifts

Do you have people in your family who enjoy fishing or even make a sport out of it? 

The holidays are just around the corner, and there is a great new tool that every fisherman should bring with him on his fishing trips. Now you can fish with a remote control fishing boat! 

When you are out fishing, you won't have to deal with any screws, glue or tools. The fishing pole is actually mounted within the remote control fishing boat. The RC Fishing Pole will be able to fit to any fishing boat. During your fishing outing, simply drive the boat around the lake until you find a good spot to begin fishing. Once a fish hits, you watch the line come off of the boat, and then it reels in the fish. Or instead of waiting, just keep on driving the remote control fishing boat around until the prize fish hits the line! The line can go out to 200-300 feet. This will give you plenty of opportunity to catch some of your favorite fish. 

You can catch a variety of fish using the boat. This includes Bluegill, Bass, Cripe, Catfish, Pike, Crappie and more! This could be one of the best gifts that any fisherman could ask for. It could also make a great gift for kids who go out on fishing trips as well. RC fishing will make it fun for younger fishers who may enjoy steering around the remote control boat. The gift is actually very affordable as well...Its around $20 with a $3.95 shipping fee... If you have friends or family that enjoy fishing-show them a new and fun way to fish for Christmas... 

Christmas Shopping for the Holidays: Rocky the Robot Truck

Are you shopping for the Christmas holidays? If you have a little boy or have a nephew, cousin or grand-boy who is into trucks and robots, then Rocky the Robot Truck could become one of his favorite toys.  Rocky will load up and unload heavy loads, dances and even speaks. Rocky can say up to 100 different phrases! Perhaps your little one will never run out of things to say with Rocky. He can even put on his favorite song and dance right along with Rocky too. 


Rocky the Robot Truck has other truck sound effects such as honking, lighting effects and engine sounds too. When your little boy puts away Rocky, he is sure to put in a good night's sleep. Rocky will fall asleep and might even snore until he is ready to play again the next day.


If you are curious what others have to say about Rocky the Robot Truck to help you decide if he is the right toy for your little one, check out the Rocky the Robot Truck Review....

Going Retro......

Hello readers. I have started writing for another website. The new website I began writing for is called EggnChips.com. This one has a lot of retro content. Anything that is retro goes. You can read about old Atari games, Nintendo games, old television and movies, and more.
It has been fun to read and write about retro because I love to think about the old days. Sometimes it seems as if the games and toys back then were funner at times. 


If you enjoy reading about retro-or even playing old games (some of them are on the site for you to play for free!), then you might check the website out.... http://www.eggnchips

I wrote my first article about 90's stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey lawrence. You probably remember Melissa from shows like "Clarissa Explains It All," and "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch." Joey Lawrence is best know for his acting in the family sitcom, "Blossom." The two starred together in a movie, "My Fake Fiance," and they did so well, that they are now airing in a family sitcom appearing on ABC Family called, "Melissa and Joey."

If you would like to read my article, click the link below:

90S STARS MAKE A COME-BACK TO SITCOM COMEDY

Selections from Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence:

                         

    

Flying to be Free

Bandwith for just $0.01 for the First Month

I know as a writer or even an Internet entrepreneur, it is important to have a website, blog, my own domain and even some affordable hosting. I have a client on Fiverr.com who is offering unlimited domains, space and bandwidth for $0.01 for the first month. They also can get you a WordPress blog set up in under five minutes just to get you on the road to the fast-track. 


Hostgator Review is trying to make easy when it comes to choosing web hosting and domains...They also want to make sure that their services are want will work best for you--as they instruct you to read all of the contents on their front page before continuing.....


To get started, they are offering a special $0.01 sign up! 
When you check-out, just simply type in the text "1CentReview."  


-->Click here to find out how you can get unlimited space, bandiwdth and domains virtually free for the first month

This way, during your first month, you can basically test drive your website--to exactly what you will need to promote your business on the web.... 

Self Publishing on Barnes and Nobles

All of us writers and authors all want to publish a book or get published in a book! 


We have submitted and submitted--and sometimes still get those annoying "NO" letters... While some of us have had success getting published, there is something about SELF PUBLISHING that is more satisfying. 


A client of mine on Fiverr.com, Maria Gudelis is an author, entrepreneur, Real Estate agent and an Internet Marketing Expert. She wants to let others know why they should get published on Barnes and Nobles...


Here are her 4 reasons for getting published on Barnes and Nobles: 

1. It gives you instant Credibility

2. It separates YOU from the rest of your competition

3. You use the book as your “Lead Generation Magnet” and each buyer of your book becomes a customer that can buy even MORE from you as you establish a relationship with them

4. You can use the book as a instant ‘conversation’ piece at networking events.

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You have to admit, these are all pretty good reasons. For an author to get their book into a well known market such as Barnes and Nobles  is a great success--and its also a great way to release your book to millions of consumers on the market.... 

Maria Gudelis wants to tell you even more information about publishing and she has plenty of tips and advice to give you on her blog.... For those who are interested in self-publishing, they should all definitely give it a read.... 

The Business of Fiverr.com

In the last month, I have had many orders and have obtained some new clients from Fiverr.com. I actually found this website information in a Woman's Day magazine. There was an article about 12 ways to earn income online, and Fiverr.com was one of the websites listed.... Ever since day 1 of signing up there--I have had an order. 


You basically set up a gig that you are wiling to do for $5. You complete the gig, Fiverr takes $1 and you get paid $4. The only downfall is that Fiverr holds your payment for up to 2 weeks. But then you get paid. While $4 doesn't seem like much--after awhile---it adds up quick! Especially after you have many orders!


I wrote an article explaining more about Fiverr.com and if you are interested in making an income doing whatever kind of task you want for $5 (some are even as strange as singing Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe style for $5), 


then check out my article:


THe Business Benefits of Fiverr.com

Losing Weight

If you are like most people, than losing weight can be hard sometimes. I know I have had my ups and downs about it myself. There is so much different foods to try on the market, and even more technology available that seems to keep us inside. It is important to get outside and exercise, or even exercise to videos in the home if we can't get out-and its also VERY important to keep a healthy diet and eat the foods that are healthy for us...


On Fiverr.com, there was a client who had a weight-loss program that they wanted me to blog about. It's called The Mediterranean Diet.


Here is the description of the Mediterranean Diet:


Do you love eating well? The Mediterranean diet is based on delicious foods. It is a way to live well, be well, and get to a healthy weight (and stay there) without feeling deprived or hungry.


I know that I would like to be able to eat what I want-without feeling deprived--and then actually stay at my goal weight! You can still eat what you want (in moderation)-have a positive mind set-YES -you can meet your goals, --and have plenty of optimism..... A positive mind with happy thoughts-will help you get to where you want to go! With the Mediterranean diet, you can learn how to lose weight naturally,  lower cholesterol naturally, (for pregnant women-learn to eat a healthy pregnancy diet) and learn about monounsaturated fats.

Introducing: Pyxism....

At Fivver.com, one of my clients wanted me to tell you a little about his company, Pyxism. 

Its actually a travel company where you can get discounts on products and vacations that you can sell at retail. Those who decide to take advantage of this new home-based-business will have access to thousands of resorts world-wide at steep discounts-That they can then offer to consumers. Sellers can also have the chance to book their own travel as well. When you sell one of these great get-aways to a customer, you earn commissions. 


If you had always wanted to get into the travel business, and offer exotic vacations, then this is your time to lock into Pyxism's home based business... Should you be one of the millions who have found him/herself out of work and looking for a new opportunity, perhaps you can read more about this business... 


http://fortuneladders.com/http://www.FortuneLadders.com

Busy as a Bee!

The Rural Freelance Writer here has been quite busy!  I have had many writing orders and clients in the last month or so. Recently, I found a new website to provide writing services to called, "Fiverr.com." I offer to write 300-400 word articles for $5. There also is a new Twitter and blogging service that I just started offering, so you may see some new advertisements or reviews about websites to come on this blog too. 

Then, I got a cool idea to start advertising my writing services on Ebay! I don't know why I didn't think of that before! I also have been getting many clients from Ebay and have been trying to keep up with orders there as well. It has been a very busy time for me. 


To some, it may not seem like much-but in one day-I made $114 just from writing--It was great to feel that I made that just from my own writing services.... Was really awesome....


--So be ready readers--you may be meeting some of my new client friends here at the Rural Freelance Writer--as I review their topics and introduce them to you......


So if you don't hear much from me much---Its because my fingers are busy typing and dancing all over the keyboard!.... I promise to check in every now and then though!

Technology Blog

Hello to all of my readers who read my blog:) I've been keeping busy with local festivals and trying to find ways to get more hits on my articles and blogs as well. 


I have started another blog--a "niche" blog focused on technology. Since I am a featured technology contributor at Associated Content, I figured that I would begin to share some of my technology articles.










For those who would like to follow or start reading my technology blog, you can read it by clicking on the link below: 


Technology and Family
http://technologynfamily.blogspot.com/

It will feature articles about games or websites for children, new electronics, useful websites or links to free software and tips on using the Internet. I mostly will try to feature basic or daily Internet tips or websites that are focused on family or children--instead of advanced users... 


Hope you decide to come on over and take a read :) .... 

Yahoo! News Bytes August 12, 2010

I write for Associated Content and now Associated Content is a part of Yahoo!.... Thought I would post this video for you all to see :) It's kinda neat....

Okay--So It seems I took the summer off from blogging

Alright readers---are you still here? .. Perhaps there is new readers? ... It seems that I have taken the summer off from blogging without actually meaning to. I've been sorta busy with a few mini vacations, writing for other websites, working at my out of home part time job and just doing thing around the house. I guess I have neglected my little blog here. 


With school starting in just days, I figured I would get re-acquainted with this blog of mine and begin writing as the "Rural Freelance Writer" once again. 


I am still writing for some websites---these websites include:


*Demand Studios
*Associated Content
*Examiner.com
*123 Experts (on occasion)


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Recently, I also submitted an article to my local newspaper to see if I could possibly catch a by-line...  I will find out soon to see if it will get published. It was an article about saving money for school supplies.  I have also been busy writing tech articles for back to school at Associated Content as well.


Here are some links to my back to school technology articles: 


5 Popular and Affordable Cell Phones for Students


10 Affordable Gadgets for Back to School


Five Back-to-School Budget-Friendly Laptops for Students



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I am trying to come up with new articles for Examiner so that I can begin to make money there as well. At Examiner, I am only paid for page-views but some writers seem to do extremely well over there. So if you know of a food festival, restaurants, popular grocery or specialty food stores around the Champaign, IL area--please let me know :) I would be happy to write about them and give them online exposure...


For now--I am signing out---I will be back again and promise not to stay away for so long next time!... 

Taste of Champaign-Urbana Arts & Crafts Festival (June 11th-13th 2010 )

Taste of Champaign-Urbana 

Arts Crafts Festival 

(June 11th-13th 2010 )

Click here for more details about the festival...

In the mood for trying a variety of delicious food, listening to live music entertainment or browsing creative handmade crafts?  During the second week of June, Champaign, IL's park district will be hosting the Taste of Champaign Arts and Crafts Festival. There 20 food booths that are expected, 3 days of live music and entertainment, a family fun zone and crafts such as jewelry, painting, pottery and more. 50,000 people are expected to attend...Read more.

Now Examining Food in Champaign, Illinois....

So, I am exploring another writing venture...

I have been reading and checking out the website, Examiner.com.(here's my new page) I had applied, and got accepted into their writing program. You are paid for the amount of traffic that you receive. You also get $50 for every person you refer if they become an Examiner as well...

Some websites I have read that people earn well at Examiner---some earn around $400 a month, while others can earn up to $2,000. I guess it is all about how much SEO you know how to do, and how much effort you also put into your marketing... I just got signed up late last week, and have added two articles so far...

---So, as of a couple days ago-You are now looking at the new Champaign Food Examiner. I will write about different types of restaurants, food stores in and near Champaign. So, I guess finally-I couldn't get more local or rural ...

If you like to check in with me every now and then-keep your eyes open for posts from Examine... I'll be letting all of you know when I publish something new there too :) ---Hope this leads to an exciting and perhaps lucrative side job ;)
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