Category: Funny

Great Women Bloggers, Part 2- Sharon Silver, Margaret McSweeney, Debi Taylor, Jenna Riggs and Beth Engleman

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I wrote a blog earlier this month that highlighted some of my favorite women bloggers.  That blog was just the beginning.  Please meet some more of my favorite women bloggers and know that there WILL be a Part 3 forthcoming!

SHARON SILVER is the force behind PROACTIVE PARENTING-

http://www.proactiveparenting.net/

It is not easy being a parent and juggling all there is to do in a course of a day!  Sometimes raising a family and trying to be a good employee can conflict.  Sharon is there to be the voice of reason.  Known to many by her popular website: http://www.proactiveparenting.net/ .  Sharon also can be found on MOMTV.com and soon in a bookstore near you with her soon to be released parenting book.  You will love getting to know Sharon Silver through the many media outlets simply at your fingertips.  I am proud to call her a friend for life!

Connect with Sharon on Twitter as @Sharon_Silver

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MARGARET MCSWEENEY

http://www.MargaretMcSweeney.com

Margaret McSweeney is one of the kindest and gentlest souls I have EVER met!  She mixes southern charm with good old city “know how” in all she does.  Her passion is to help and support girls/women in crisis.  She is deeply rooted in her Christian faith, however is open to discussing on her blog all kinds of topics.  I truly am a fan.  Margaret, like me, is also an addict of the FLIP Camera! Connect with Margaret on Twitter as @McSweeney

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BETH ENGLEMAN and JENNA RIGGS!

http://www.mommyonashoestring.com


Beth Engelman

I first met Beth a few months ago in sunny, albeit windy, Chicago.  She is a stitch!  I must say that I love a woman who brings her laptop to a meet and greet lunch!  She is non-stop, highly caffeinated and ultra groovy.  She also is a terrific talent, writer and a single mom.  Her agenda is to help families, especially mom’s post-divorce.  You will LOVE Beth and her Mommy On a Shoe String partner- JENNA RIGGS. I have never met, Jenna in person, but we both have an interest in children’s literacy and the arts.  She also is a media personality and quite the traveler.  She and Beth have been best friends since college.  You have to admire a duo that can sustain such a long and deep friendship through “thick and thin”.

You can check out all of Jenna’s talents on www.jennariggs.com

Click here for  a peek at Beth’s iVillage video: http://video.ivillage.com/player/?fid=31499

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Debi Taylor is the Spirit of Autism

Sometimes you meet people virtually and just know that you could be the best of friends because you both strive for a common cause- that is how I felt when I “met” Debi Taylor from the Sprit of Autism.  This mom of a child with Autism also dedicates her energies to being an EMT.  She has written some of the soundest informational packets to help Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) learn more about helping children with Autism.  I admire her stamina and love her blog. Connect with Debi on TWITTER – @SpiritofAutism

Check it out here:  http://www.82nd-atl.com/Spirit/ Look for the tabs regarding CERT info, too!

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Who comprises the next set of GREAT WOMEN BLOGGERS?


In no certain order as they are all GROOVY GALS!


Shara Lawrence-Weiss of MommyPerks.com


Wendy Young of Kidlutions.com


Lisa Callsen of CodaDiva.com


and Momentrepreneur and life coach- Britt Michaelian

 

http://brittmichaelian.com/



Thaddeus Setla- Helping Train and Entertain EMS

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a topic I have written about several times in within this blog.  Many of you are familiar with my interest for educating paramedics, trauma specialists and nurses how to use sign language effectively  with people who use sign as their primary or secondary mode for communication. The response has been overwhelmingingly positive thanks to the help of a few friends, Thaddeus Setla included!

Thaddeus is known throughout the EMS community as the filmmaker and catalyst behind the Chronicles of EMS  (CoEMS) and a fun little forum known as a Seat at the Round Table.   Chronicles of EMS is a series which has garnered the attention of people within the film and EMS communities as an outstanding independent attempt to have everyday people and EMS personnel sneak a peek in to the life and times of daily medical services within the field.  Whether the Chronicles of EMS spotlights a serious critical incident or how EMS personnel are called in to action simply to find out that a homeless person is seeking free medical care and attention in a hospital, the stories are always interesting.

I had the opportunity to interview Thaddeus and will hope to do so again, soon!  I also am privileged to have been invited to San Fransciso in order to film a segment, two or three regarding special needs children and how EMS can best assist them during a medical or disaster event.

Here is our interview and also please visit and SUPPORT the Chronicles of EMS. This quality filmmaker and the people involved with CoEMS deserve a shot in the spotlight through PBS, Discovery Health Channel or any other network which cares about showing a quality story to many.

Here is our interview on the VIMEO CHANNEL (and when I can figure out how to get it to upload correctly- it will appear here too):     http://vimeo.com/17246709


Yes, Virginia- Sane People do Shop BLACK FRIDAY!!

Published on by LouiseSattler2 Comments

If you are following this blog then you know then that our family and friends have celebrated quite a bit of “festivus” this week.  We had not one but two Thanksgiving dinners, immediately (and I mean pronto) followed by Chanukah.  Within hours of cleaning the Thanksgiving meal and opening the early Chanukah exchange of gifts was the commencement of Black Friday!

Why did we subject our entire family to Black Friday?  What did we need so desperately that we drove in darkness to stores late at night?  The answer is simply- TRADITION!!   Yep, we hit the roads a little before midnight to go to WALMART in order to partake in midnight madness.  Small appliances, a must have for every new apartment owner, was at the top of my daughter’s list.  Toy Story 3 and the Little Pet Shop super set both were on sale AND on the list of our adopted holiday family.  An awesome three piece set of JEEP luggage was a steal at $30.  Not on the list, but I rationalized the need for this item all the way to the cash register.

We arrived home with six full bags and toting my new wheelie luggage around 1:30 a.m. only to catch a few winks and be back up and at STAPLES by 8 a.m.  Again, coffee and donuts were at my favorite little Black Friday store and so were ALL the computer tech geekie stuff we were looking for.  My fave pick here- a wonderful digital picture frame and a wireless router.   STAPLES hands down received the “most prepared” award.  The store was thoughtfully set up so that ALL the highlighted advertised items were easily accessible.  And of course, did I mention there was coffee!?

And when all was said and done the biggest gift I received was a night filled of family togetherness and laughter.  The total bill amount was not much compared to all the warm fuzzies I felt.. which were priceless.  I hope if you are reading this blog that you too have had a holiday season filled with good cheer and lots of “warm fuzzies”.

Thanks for reading!

Black Friday/ Small Biz Saturday/ Cyber Monday- My Picks!

Published on by LouiseSattler3 Comments

I would like to think that I come from a  family lineage which includes lots of great shoppers.  It often has astonished me that NONE of my family members were named “CLEARANCE” or “SALE”.

Seriously, I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you some Black Friday/ Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday secrets and top picks!   I also encourage you to add your own!

BLACK FRIDAY

Electronics! I must tell you that this is the year of the “i”.…. iPad, iPhone, iMac ,iHOME and more.  Also the MAC AIR has been given a hearty thumbs up by techies around the world.  I for one have loved the applications that can be added to the iPad and iPhone.  So, take advantage of this years’ sales… particulary VERIZON who is rolling out the 4G version of the iPhone with a special plan.

I also am a PC lover, too.  I don’t discriminate.  I own both MACs and PCs.  Electronic stores love me.

Furthermore, great bargains can be snatched up for GPS systems, television sets and Bluetooth devices.  I know that STAPLES, BEST BUY and other box stores are advertising amazing sales for these items.  Just be forwarned- go early to get the best deals.  And if you plan on taking advantage of WALMART and TARGETs sales- be prepared to bring a meal, a line holder (meaning a second person while you escape to “potty”) and warm/comfortable clothing!   Look online before you shop.  Sometimes they offer free shipping and that means you can sleep in on Friday!

And give the gift of learning to your family with one of my favorite choices-ROSETTA STONE.  Consider pairing a Rosetta Stone language set with a surprise trip to another country!    Nothing beats the Winter blues then a trip to Italy or the South of  France!

And…. now for SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY—

Every locale has great stores that are known in the area.  This would be a great time to snatch up an item that you have spied for some time and have  waited for the price to be a bit more to your liking.  Don’t forget that wine stores often have holiday specials during the weekend and are mainly family owned businesses.  Also, outdoor and sporting equipment shops- like bike stores- can be a super choice for gift buying.  Compare and save!

In addition, don’t forget the ONLINE small businesses.  No time is better than the present to look for a very special PRESENT!  Consider perusing online catalogs of well known mom groups.  And if you are one to gander over Craigslist you may find local businesses advertising there , too.  Just buyer beware and please be safe about using online sites such as Craigslist!

I have scoped out several mom and pop shops that are ONLINE- these are some of my new faves:

Tea Pots PEACOCK POTTERY–  http://www.PeacockPottery.com  Check out the great ceramic gifts straight from Poland.  I loved the Christmas Ornaments and must confess did not wait until Small Biz Saturday to order!  They are already in my home and wrapped!

The BOYS STORE– This is a unique store with “stuff” only for the testesterone makers in your home! It is so much fun to peruse this website.  I loved it! Owned by

Suzanne Remington who I interviewed.  Listen to the interview here:  Louise Interviews Boys Store Owner- Suzanne Remington

Seasons of My Heart - a Culinary Journey through Oaxaca, Mexico SEASONS OF MY HEART! ¡Me gustan mucha Susanna Trilling y SEASONS OF MY HEART ! “

This is a company owned by Susanna Trilling who has created an authentic and fun cook book- SEASONS OF MY HEART! This is not a “how to make an easy taco” cookbook, but an authentic read about  Mexican culture juxtapose  with amazing recipes. This is the ultimate coffee table book, too!   If you have a person in your home that LOVES to cook Mexican food (caliente!) then this is the gift for you! Available online at http://www.SeasonsofmyHeart.com

Susanna also offers a destination vacation/cooking class in her very own Oaxaca, Mexico kitchen!   English and Spanish are spoken in her kitchen!

CYBER MONDAY–  Cyber Monday is Black Friday for those who don’t want to move off their desk chairs!  Or for people like me who need to continue the shopping frenzy a few more days!  Best deals can be found on virtually any website- particulary those who are HUGE like AMAZON, EBAY, Overstock.com and more.   Don’t forget other great niche sites too, like SIGNALS.

And when all else fails or the creative juices stop flowing….. there are always gift cards!

Louise Sattler is a “professional shopper” who also finds time to be a psychologist, owner of SIGNING FAMILIES™ and a media personality (HerInsight Media Network).

She too participates as a biz owner in Saturday SMall Business Shopping Day.  Order from SIGNING FAMILIES™ via PAYPAL on Saturday, Nov. 27th with PAYPAL and Louise will rebate you 10%.  Shipping is free, too! (US and Canada only)

FIND LOUISE’s PRODUCTS and many others here at MommyPerks.com: Holiday Gift Guide, 2010

Happy Chanuk-Giving-FriSaturday- an updated post!

Published on by LouiseSattler5 Comments

Chanukah

In just a few short days  our family will be starting a holiday marathon!  Thursday brings us “technically” Thanksgiving which this year will be known as Chanuk-Giving-FriSaturday .  Now before you start commenting that I have lost all synapses in my brain- hear me out.  We celebrate Chanukah in this household.  (A minor Jewish holiday made very important thanks to Hallmark and a few other corporations.)  As the stars and moons would have it- this year the Jewish calendar mandates that we celebrate Chanukah the first week in December, not even a full week after  USA Thanksgiving.  Since our family will be together on Thanksgiving we decided that sharing gifts only a few short days early won’t be so terrible. So, as soon as we clear the Thanksgiving dishes we will crack out the menorah and an assortment of dreidels. I am really hoping that no one spills gravy on the Thanksgiving tablecloth as that could interrupt the velocity of  these charming wooden and plastic tops.

As soon as the dreidels are spun, latkes are cooked and presents are exchanged we will then celebrate another family holiday- BLACK FRIDAY.  Of course, I would like to think that ALL my holiday shopping will be accomplished before Thanksgiving, but why bother!  Black Friday has become a family tradition and is often just too much fun to pass up.   It begins with the ritual scanning of the internet and newspapers  a week prior.  Then after Thanksgiving we “map out” the course we will take.  If necessary, we achieve maximum coverage by dividing and conquering in three separate cars.  Phones will be charged for last minute consultations.  And of course, we will all have a copy of “THE LIST”.  This list consists of priority items first, followed by “if it is a good sale items”, and ending with “just because”.    One year a new television went from “just because” to “priority” in a matter of seconds due to the testerone makers in our household deeming it so!

While others choose their routes by best sales, opening times, and proximity to other stores- I determine my top picks by who has coffee ready and waiting for the early bird customers who have yanked their bodies out of bed at 4 a.m.  Last year I ditched the testesterone makers at an electronic store while I hopped over to Staples.  While waiting at 5:45 for the doors to open I was treated to not only FREE and hot coffee but a Dunkin Donut (and not the boring kind of donut either!) I could care less how long the lines were after the first half of the caffeinated cup hit my bloodstream and I even purchased a few “just because” items .

Then after a well needed nap we will now start to plan for a brand new family event- SMALL BUSINESS SHOPPING SATURDAY!  This is when you focus all your attention and wallets on small businesses…. if you need a little help with direction may I suggest that you start at MOMMY PERKS–  http://wwwMommyPerks.com.  Supporting work at home parents (WAHM) and small biz parents is good for the economy.  Consider it a warm fuzzy shopping experience.

Now feel free to share your family holiday celebrations or tips on this years’ best Black Friday deals. Happy Chanuk-Giving-FriSaturday everyone!

To listen to Shara, owner of MommyPerks, explain the importance of work at home parents and how she put together the MommyPerks.com Holiday Guide listen here:  MommyPerks.com on 2010-11-17 at 15.24

Louise Sattler is a psychologist, owner of Signing Families™,  host on HerInsight Media, wife and mom!  This year she is looking forward to discovering great stories from real fun and funny people for her new Educast series.  Want to join in on the fun?  Submit your story to Louise at info@signingfamilies.com for consideration.

Meet Lisa Callsen- aka CODA DIVA!

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Lisa Callsen is an intriguing, dynamic and energetic speaker delivering an inspirational message.  As a hearing child of Deaf parents, she identifies with being a Coda (children of deaf adults). The only speaker of her kind, takes you into her journey of living in a Deaf household and dealing with the hearing culture. She is bi-lingual and bi-cultural. Her story will educate and encourage you. She believes we all have a story, she’ll engage you, empowering you to embrace your own identity, culture and diversity.

Coming up soon for Lisa- The Coda365 tour (visit http://www.Coda365.org for more information!)

Connect with Lisa on TWITTER as @CODADIVA

Watch our interview here:

 

EMS 101

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Next week I will be going to a very important conference- NASEMSO– the National Association of State EMS Officials annual meeting.  This will be unlike any gathering of the minds that I have ever attended. And I am really excited as I have worked hard and waited a long time for this opportunity.

Nevermind that this will be an opportunity for me to discuss the advantages of sign language for all emergency responders and healthcare providers with people who are the “shakers and movers” in the the EMS milieu.  Nevermind that I will be able to educate people about how to approach a deaf child or one who has special learning challenges, such as Autism, during a critical incident.  Nevermind that I will be proudly showing my SIGN LANGUAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS series of products and information.

My reasons for excitement are purely selfish.  Next week I get to be both the teacher and the student. I can be a participant in sessions that will help me to learn more about the the fabric of emergency management.  What training does a First Responder need?  How do cities determine how many ambulances are needed? Do EMS organizations have special considerations for bilingual/bicultural families? What are the latest and greatest technologies in ER care for trauma doctors?

And if I can help others next week, too- well then that would be icing on the proverbial cake!

Thanks for reading!  If you would like to read more about Sign Language for Emergency Situations and the reasons why I created this series please see this blog entry  ” WHY I CREATED SIGN LANGUAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS”

Louise Sattler is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Owner of Signing Families™ , frequent blogger to many educational websites and the host of the soon to launch radio program on the HerInsight Media Network– The Louise Sattler Show-  Where Learning Meets Laughter!

Hopefully by this time next week she will have learned a lot of information about the EMS.  Feel free to learn more about Signing Families” EMS trainings by sending an email to Info@Signingfamilies.com

 

There are many great resources to learn more about EMS

I highly recommend the CHRONICLES OF EMS

and Spirit of Autism

A SUPER SURPRISE from CANSON/ Papershow and ABCTeach.com !!

Published on by LouiseSattler17 Comments

Anyone who follows my show, Learning and Laughter with Louise! will know that I am passionate and a bit of a zealot when it comes to supporting educators and families.  I even try to make my enthusiasm contagious which is why when people within the educational realm listen and respond to the show, I get really excited.   So, imagine my excitement when two super companies called today saying that they wanted to give unbelievable giveaways during the next couple of weeks! Read below to see who and what is being offered!

First, next Wednesday, August 18th I will be talking to Giulia Giovanelli, Product Manager for the super company- CANSON. They have developed the PAPERSHOW. What is the PAPERSHOW and why did it get my attention?  In essence, the Papershow is a digital writing solution that enables the teacher to instantly display handwritten notes from the paper to the screen.  For a classroom, this is breathrough technology compared to what has been available in the last ten years. A teacher can write from anywhere in the classroom and keep their eyes on the students!  Also, CANSON offers on their website many constructive examples of the application for the Papershow within the classroom.

Papershow is so new it is only  available starting September 2010 for MAC and PC computers!  Connect with PAPERSHOW on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/papershowus?ref=ts

Here is the GREAT NEWS!  One lucky educator can win the TEACHER’S EDITION STARTER KIT for their classroom (VALUE $249).  Included in this kit is the following:

  • 1 PAPERSHOW Bluetooth® digital pen.
  • 1 Bluetooth® 512 MB USB key containing the PAPERSHOW application.
  • 1 large 128-page interactive book with small squares.
  • 30 sheets of letter interactive printer paper.
  • 1 detachable and interactive EXTRA ruler with colours and calculator.
  • Accessories: 1 binder, 1 carry case, 1 AAA battery, 3 ballpoint pen refills, and rings to personalise the USB key and pen.

How can you be eligible to win this great prize?

There are three ways you can be eligible to win.  You may leave a comment on all three website to increase your chances to win.  You MUST write why you want to be the winner for this wonderful prize!  (We will use a random service to pick the winner and contact the winner by 9 p.m. August 19th)

First, Leave your comment on my WORDPRESS BLOG as to why you wish to have the PAPERSHOW: http://louisesattler.com/

Second- Leave a comment about why you would love the CANSON PAPERSHOW for your classroom on my Learning and Laughter with Louise! FACEBOOK PAGE- http://www.facebook.com/pages/LEARNING-and-LAUGHTER-with-LOUISE-SATTLER/111990452155127

Third- Leave a comment about why you would love the CANSON  PAPERSHOW for your classroom on my SIGNING FAMILIES™ page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-States/SIGNING-FAMILIES/108062343239?ref=ts

Want to see Papershow in action!  Here is the video!

Secondly, meet our generous friends from

I first “met” Sandy Kemsley via a mutual friend, Shara Lawrence-Weiss of MommyPerks.com.   I was happy to be introduced to a “hands on” site for teachers.  I even bought my niece a year subscription for her birthday last year and she was thrilled!  Sandy and I recently were talking about her Wednesday, August 25th segment for Learning and Laughter with Louise! She generously offered not one, not two, but TEN one-year subscriptions to her website- abcteach.com !   Ten lucky winners will be able to use a pleth

ora of online resources to use within their classroom or homeschool environments.  (My favorite section is ABCTools! Here you can create what you need for the classroom setting! WOW! )

How can you win?  Easy shmeezy… go to the links above and tell us why you want the  abcteach subscription.  We will pick FIVE WINNERS on AUGUST 18th and FIVE MORE on AUGUST 26th (9p.m.EST).

Connect with abcteach.com on FACEBOOK here: http://www.facebook.com/abcteach?ref=ts

Questions?  Please feel free to contact me at info@signingfamilies.com

Have a great day and thanks for reading!

Disclaimer- I received no free products for this blog. NADA!

Louise Masin Sattler is a busy psychologist and owner of Signing Families™.  She also is honored to be part of the HerInsight Network Catch her show, Learning and Laughter with Louise! every Wednesday at 9 a.m. EST.  Coffee optional.  Laughing is mandatory.

Laugh with Louise on Twitter as @LouiseASL