Review: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School

I recently had the chance to read The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School. As a parent of a middle school age son and one getting close to that age I am always looking for some good advice but it was clear when I opened it that this book was not written for adults. It was written for kids to talk about all the fun, scary and just strange things that can, and probably will, happen to you as you navigate your way through those years we parents dread, MIDDLE SCHOOL!

With only 128 pages this book is actually packed with some amazing advice that I have yet to see in any tween advice books. From how to survive changing in a locker room (OMG! I remember how embarrassing that is!) to step by step instructions on how to do the Running Man and Funky Chicken at a school dance, you will find lots of great strategies to get you through those AWKWARD moments! What I really liked about it though is that it was the perfect ’summer read’~no big words, lots of funny pictures and words you actually use (totally)!

This is what one of my favorite pages looks like:

Some other very cool and practical advice in this book:

How to survive a group assignment:

5. Take on slackers…. positively. Sometimes a group member will avoid doing his fair share. Instead of getting mad at the person (which will only make him work less…if that is even possible!) engage him in a positive way. (book goes on to tell you how)

How Not to Remake Your Rep:

*Going over the top. You know those little dogs that don’t stop barking? They make you want to yell, “Shut it, yappy!” Never try so hard that you are viewed as a pooch. Sometimes muzzling is a better strategy.

Defending Your Inbox:

*Ban bullies. Exile nasty e-mailers to deepest cyberspace by using the “Block Sender” option.

I really like that there is a section here for boys and girls. Most people think that girls have the most Middle School drama but as a mom of a boy with lots of friends, I can tell you that boys have their fair share too. Boys, it even tells you what it could mean when a girl can’t stop twirling her hair!

The publisher of this book would love to hear what you have to say so they are going to give away 5 copies of this book. The deal is though, if you win, you have to come back and tell everyone what you think of the book. I am going to run this giveaway a little differently than we usually do because I want to hear what is on your mind about Middle School. So, in order to win go to this thread and talk about what you are most afraid of happening in Middle School. If you have already started, tell us one of the worst (or most embarrassing)  things that has happened! This should be a fun topic!

Bella Sara Royalty Cards Review and Giveaway

I was just introduced to these cards by Team Mom. Since I have little boys, I am very used to Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh but I had no idea that trading cards were created specifically for girls. These horse-themed fantasy cards have positive, inspirational messages on them which I think is pretty cool!

Bella Sara cards just released its 9th series which include royal realms and fantastic castles in the magical land of North of North. Sara, the goddess of North or North is introduced with her very own card.

Do you play this game? Talk about it in the forum here: Bella Sara Fans

Bella Sara and Team Mom are sponsoring a giveaway here so one lucky winner will get:
ONE Bella Sara Prize Pack featuring Royalty, Miniatures and Treasures collections!

“Buy” your tickets here!

Contest open to all forum members. You will be contacted via PM and email. We will use the email address you registered here with. (If a reply is not received within 48 hours we will choose another winner!) Your parents must approve the email and respond with an address to send your prize to. Winner is randomly drawn by our sites lottery system from all tickets.GOOD LUCK!!

The Self-esteem Makeover!

The Self-esteem Makeover!

From the Editors of Girl World Daily

Karate chop! It’s time to whip your self-confidence into shape. Hasn’t anyone told you that you can learn to be fabulous? It’s not about your looks — it’s your thinking. Your happiness, appearance and relationships all hinge on how you perceive — and present — yourself.

Tell Your Inner Nag to Shut It!
Stop hating on yourself, would ya? Everyone from the Dalai Lama to Oprah talks about how our thoughts transfer to our experiences. Thinking you’re fat or dumb or not good enough for some guy is the reality as long as you’re believing it.

Try this: When you catch yourself listening to negative self-talk, stop. Picture something you adore about your life, your looks or your little quirks. Like the cool bond you have with your sis or how that blue dress looks so much better on you than it does on the hanger. Smile. Hold that grin.

Believe in Your Own Greatness
Maybe you feel other girls are so much smarter, prettier, cooler.…Well, we can’t argue with the fact that there are a lot of great gals out there. But guess what: You’re one of ‘em!

Try this: Being your total self is about rolling all the best parts of you into one impressive presentation. Instead of wishing you were a clone of someone else, take a look at everyone around you. Realize that you have just as many good qualities as the girl sitting next to you. It’s just that each of you has a unique blueprint. Rock yours!

Give Ugly the Day off
Everyone has that friend who obsesses over her looks. She can’t pass a store window without stopping to adjust her shirt, inspect her lips, tuck a hair. She picks, picks, picks until she scoffs: “I look horrible!” Meanwhile, she’s cute as can be. Um, pardon, is that friend…you?

Try this: Do a single glance in the a.m., then totally avoid mirrors and windows (shiny spoons? dang, vain!). Break free of the focus on your physical appearance so you can look within. Are you getting good grades, feeling fit and hanging with the right people? No mirrors! To pump up your self-esteem, it’s time for inner reflection.

Scene It Box Office Smash Review

Me and my family have been playing Scene It Box Office Smash lately. It’s a fun family game but is rated teen for several reasons. 1. There is an announcer that sometimes says things that I don’t think younger kids should hear. 2. Some of the movie clips have content that kids shouldn’t hear. 3. There is very mild violence- but I think it would be ok for kids to hear. However the layout of it is extremely easy to use and there are features that make this game funny, and exciting.

The Xbox live portion of it is great. There’s practically no delay and its fun to see who knows the most trivia out of the group you’re playing with. There is also a great use of the avatar you can make on the Xbox dashboard. When your playing a game your own avatar pops up in between rounds of the game and does funny things like jump up and down on a couch or sometimes even dances. Something I find cool about Scene It is that there are extra controllers you can get that make you feel like you’re in a game show.

Overall I’d rate this game a 7/10.