Season Greetings and Happy Reading!

Hello All!

I know it has been a while since I have written and for that I apologize. I've been racking my brain trying to come up with some good sales for parents and some excellent crafts for kids. I think I may have found a few really good ones.

Recently, I was giving two American Girl magazines for my daughter and was amazed at the number of great ideas they contained. I wanted to share a few of those with you. I also wanted to update you on the latest sales that The Ultimate Book Soiree can offer though Barefoot Books. If you haven't checked out the website please do. These books are amazing. www.ultimatebooksoiree.info

As aways, I'm open to your suggestions and crafting ideas.

Thanks!

Phyllis








Fruit Pizza
This is a wonderful idea for those holiday sleepovers and even a family Christmas event.

Ingredients
1 (18 ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slice cookie dough and arrange on greased pizza pan, overlapping edges. Press dough flat into pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.
2.In a large bowl, soften cream cheese, then fold in the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust. You can chill for a while at this point, or continue by arranging the fruit.
3.Begin with strawberries, sliced in half. Arrange in a circle around the outside edge. Continue with fruit of your choice, working towards the middle. If bananas are used, dip them in lemon juice so they don't darken. Then make a sauce to spoon over fruit.
4.In a saucepan, combine sugar, salt, corn starch, orange juice, lemon juice and water. Cook and stir over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 or 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat, and add grated orange rind. Allow to cool, but not set up. Spoon over fruit. Chill for two hours, then cut into wedges and serve.


This recipe was taken from allrecipes.com. You can also find a mor kid friendly version of this pizza in the July/ August 2009 edition of American Girl Magazine.

Join an award wnning team

I would like to take this time to introduce you to Barefoot Books. This company was started by two hardworking women that wanted a better career/ home life. They also had a strong desire to introduce their children and the world to excellent reading material.

Times are harder today more than ever. Money is tight and the holiday season is fast approaching. Becoming a Barefoot books ambassador is absolutely free and worth a second look.

This company is unlike any other direct sales organization I have researched. They offer a complete variety of training materials, videos, marketing and sales publications at your fingertips. You have no inventory to control and you are your own boss. You also manage your own time and resources.

I'm not saying this opportunity will make you a Hilton overnight but you can earn an excellent commission, learn something about running a business and sell a product you can stand behind.

Click on the link below or go to www.ultimatebooksoiree.info for more details.

Have a holly, jolly holiday season

Oh yes, the holiday season is quickly approaching and many of use are caught once again unprepared. Well, maybe you are not as unprepared as you think.

Children are excellent and creative little artists. They are never afraid to take a risk and every creation is a master piece. Why not take a few of those masterpieces and be a little creative yourself. Buy a variety of frames and make a mini collection using drawings created by your children. Take it a step further and scan these images. They can be used for greeting cards, mugs, t-shirts, hats, etc.

Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Moms and Dads will love these very creative treasures from your children. Your kids will love it too. They would be extremely excited to know that they not only helped but had a starring role in your gift giving.

Sample image uses RIBBA frame 11 3/4" x 15 3/4" $9.99 from IKEA

Learning through doing- Activities to keep your kids hopping

My daughter loves following me around. I know this may not be new to many of you but I never imagined to what extent. So, in an effort to always make our day a learning experience each daily duty is a mini activity. For starters we create lists. My daughter can not read yet but she can draw pictures. She will create a picture list of our "to do" list and I will add the word next to the image. This does several things. She will begin to learn organizational skills, perfect her art skills and word recognition.

Together, we work diligently on checking off all items on our list. Our next big activity is to learn a new language. I will keep you posted on the results!

Work together and stay involved in your children's lives. It is never too late to show them how much you care.

Thanks!

Phyllis

Introduce your children to a new world through books

Award winning children's books!

Halloween Activities

For the remainder of the month, Barefoot books will be highlighting the ghoulishly simple recipe idea listed below and many others. Please have a little family fun with these downloadable kitchen ideas.

Happy Halloween!

Slimey Green Gloop

A Barefoot Activity for Kids Ages 8 and up

Make this dip as late as you dare, because avocados lose their lovely color when they are exposed to the air. Feeds 6 as a dip

Materials /kitchen rules

• Wash your hands before you start!
• Always have a grown-up in the kitchen with you when you cook
let’s begin
1. Put the avocado on a chopping board and cut in half lengthwise. Grip the avocado
with both hands and twist each hand in a different direction to separate the halves.
Use a tablespoon to remove the pit. Scoop the flesh out and put it in the food processor.
2. Chop the chili in half, remove the seeds and chop it into small pieces. Do not put your hands anywhere near your face. Add the chili to the food processor and then wash your hands and the chopping board thoroughly.
3. Use kitchen scissors to trim the scallion and snip it into small pieces. Add the snipped scallion to the food processor.
4. Cut the lime in half. Squeeze the juice from half a lime with the juicer. Add the juice
to the food processor.
5. Add the parsley (without stalks) to the other ingredients and put the lid on the machine. Make sure the lid is on properly and that you have dry hands. Start the blender to mix the ingredients and then slowly add olive oil through the top of the blender;
it should blend in as you keep the blender mixing. You want a thick paste;
you may not need all of the oil.
6. Spoon the mixture into a dish and get dipping!

What to Find

• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 medium green chili
• 1 scallion
• Half a lime
• 2 handfuls parsley
• Approx. 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Vegetables to chop into bite-sized
dipping sticks (e.g. carrots, peppers, cauliflower, cucumber, broccoli, celery)

Kitchen Stuff

• Chopping board
• Knife
• Tablespoon
• Food processor
• Scissors
• Juicer
• Measuring cup
• Serving dish

Kids’ Kitchen
40 Fun and Healthy Recipes to Make and Share
Written by Fiona Bird
Illustrated by Roberta Arenson
DECK WITH 40 CARDS IN BOX
9781846861765
$19.99

Fundraiser for the cure

Hello all and happy Tuesday~

Well, I apologize for not getting back to you concerning my recent fundraiser (end date 10/16/2009). Unfortunately, it was not as productive as expected. No funds were raised, but I hope the thought did heightened awareness. Whether or not you gave to my fundraiser or to someone else the point is you gave.

Thanks everyone for your support and have a wonderful Tuesday night!

Phyllis

Bold colors, sharp lines, arrogant and unsure: Q & A with Atlanta's Robin Gillis

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20449-Vinings-Arts-and-Crafts-Examiner~y2009m10d11-Bold-colors-sharp-lines-arrogant-and-unsure-Q--A-with-Atlantas-Robin-Gillis

Take a trip around the world with a book

I know this sounds awful but I truly hate traveling. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy visiting different people and seeing new things but the getting there part is just terrible. Maybe I should try a 1st class flight or a luxurious cruise. Well. that's not quite in the budget this year but it sounds GREAT otherwise.

Since my daughter has been born, we have greatly limited our travel to where ever can be reached by car. When she gets older, I'm sure this will change. I have tried to introduce my housebound offspring to many places though books. It is not the same as being there, but when you can't your imagination will always take you to your destination.

As a side note, the wonderful thing about children is they embrace ever new adventure. No matter the distance, it is all the same to them. A lot of fun!
Barefoot books has a great collection of children's fun and adventure titles. I have included a few of my favorites.

Fundraiser Update- 3 Day Walk for the Cure

We are 4 days into our Walk for the Cure fundraiser and the respose has been a little slow. However, I would like to thank those that have lent a hand to our efforts. I encourage each of you if you can not donate, please support the cause in any way you can. One way is by getting an examination yourself. Another is by offer words of support or just volunteering at your local 3 Day Walk event.

Every little bit helps!

Thanks!

Phyllis

Online Fundraiser for the Cure

Please help the Ultimate Book Soiree raise funds for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure. This online fundraiser will be held from October 5-16, 2009. The walk in Atlanta will begin at Lake Lanier Island October 23rd and conclude October 25th.

For each book you purchase, a donation will be made to the Atlanta walk fund. Please continue to stop by the Ultimate Book Soiree for updates.

To review the Barefoot Books bookstore, please click the banner below. Thank you for your contribution.

Phyllis

Eat your veggies!

Did you know today is World Vegetarian Day? http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/celebrate_world_vegetarian_day_on_october_1.html
Did you miss it? Well, so did I but my daughter and I will make up for it the remainder of the week. I am lucky that I have one of the few 4 year-olds that loves a good salad and a little yoga. Yes, it's true! I can't make these things up.

A little of the "good" television I previously spoke of is On Demand through our local cable television provider. Under the "kids" and then onto "kids fun fitness" you will find these short yoga sessions. My little one loves them.

Along with heightening your awareness of all things vegetable, Barefoot Books offers a collection of Yoga books and cards for children. Good, strong and healthy habits start now. Help push your kids along with a few fun activities that could turn into a lifetime of well being.

What helpful hints do you have to share on exercise and

good eating? I would love to hear your comments.

Thanks and until next time!

Phyllis

Fundraising ideas

Do you need a great way to raise money for your favorite local charity, church or children's activity? Have a Barefoot Books book drive. These books can work as a stand alone event or incorporated with a bazaar or vendor event. Check it out!



As an added bonus, the company is offering a prize to readers. Show them how you share healthy cooking with your children and you can win a grand prize of a $500 Whole Foods gift card.



As always, thanks for stopping by. Please don't forget to leave any interesting and creative family friendly ideas you come across.

Thanks!

Phyllis

Tips and Tricks...MSN Today

Happy Wednesday to all...I hope the week so far has been bright. I have attached a link to a few very clever ideas posted today on MSN. There are 50 ideas for using old/ retired items around the house. Some are misses but most are hits. Please let me know what you think.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/cleaning-organizing/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=21889122>1=32001

Off to the kitchen with you

When children have a good head start, they are able to continue those same values throughout life. Even the simplest of things can make a monumental effect on a child's life. What better way to introduce values than through fun and interesting ideas.

Sometimes though it's for the best that they never realize you are teaching them a thing.

My daughter loves everything about being in the kitchen. I'm not sure if is the fact that she is in the kitchen with me or if it is the mess. Whatever it is I can't crack an egg without her.

One book I know your family will love is Kids' Kitchen 40 Fun and Healthy Recipes to Make and Share.

Children not only get to demolish the kitchen with you but they have their very own book of recipes. Each recipe is healthy and will inspire your budding chef.

Why not make a gourmet event of it. Try this...have your child/children pick two of their favorite recipes from the book and have at it. Bring out the good table cloth and pretend to dine in a restaurant. My daughter loves to play waitress. " May I take your order?" I guarantee you, it will be a blast!

As I mentioned in my first post, there is some good television out there as well. If you haven't seen it try Food Networks Good Eats. The host and creator Alton Brown uses humor, props and mini sketches to not only show you new recipes but tell you why it works. Again, another one of my child's surprise favorites.

Let me know how you make things creative in the kitchen.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/good-eats/index.html

Perfect Popcorn
http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/perfect-popcorn/18871.html

Thanks for visiting!

Phyllis

Let's get it started !

Thank you so much for joining me on my inaugural post for the Ultimate Book Soiree. I hope to provide you with fun filled ideas and excellent educational choices for you and your family.

As Mother to a vibrant 4 year old, I know how difficult it can be to make sure they are absorbing the right thing. The television networks and radio airwaves are filled with negative influences. It can be trying but you can find some good children's programing and listening in all that. In a good book, you can allow your imagination to soar and create something much more than that.

In this technologically filled world, sometimes books get pushed to the background. Books can ferry you away to many lands and worlds we may only be able to discover in our minds eye.

Please join me in adding your own tips and tricks and amazing book ideas.

Thanks for joining...

Phyllis

www.phyllis-ortega.barefootbooks.com