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Article on Co-parenting (Ghostwriting)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:40:15 +0100

Divorce and break-ups are a difficult life change for anyone. Feelings are hurt, reputations damaged, you have to decide who gets to keep the vintage teapot you found at the flea market that one time. What if you and your Ex have children? How do you keep the negative after shock from affecting your children? Can you really put it all aside and learn to parent together but separately? Co-parenting is hard but it can be done, just keep the following in mind.

Coming to Terms

Put your personal feelings in the past- and keep them there. Maybe he cheated on you, maybe she just wanted out- it does not matter anymore. Whether you split on good terms or you both left kicking and screaming, those emotions need to be locked in the past and only brought out when appropriate; like two a.m. when you just need to cry into your ice cream. Give yourself time to grieve, remembering to keep your feelings to yourself and other adults. Your children do not need to be privy to your feelings on this matter. Come to terms with the split and move on.

The love you have for your children should ALWAYS outweigh the distaste you have for your Ex. It can be tempting to speak negatively about your Ex in front of the children- do not.

Be honest with yourself. Try to remember that there are two sides to every story. You can choose to throw yourself a pity party or you can admit that both of you had a part in the making and breaking of your relationship. Keep everything in perspective and do not let grudges turn your logic into an irrational mess. Remember that your Ex will more than likely move on some day and your children will gain a step-parent. This does not mean you are being replaced, simply that you will have to learn to be a mature adult and realize that this new person just wants to help. You can either accept or deny such help, but know that being vindictive and petty will not help you in the long run.

Keep it Simple

Set clear boundaries early on. Feelings and intentions can be unclear throughout the various stages of an ending relationship. Both of you need to discuss what behavior is acceptable and not and it needs to be made very clear that although you are not partners in life anymore, you are still connected through your children and that is all.

Keep communication strictly about the children. You do not need to update your Ex about new significant others or what you did in Pilates class today. Check yourself, if what you are about to say does not directly pertain to the children, do not say it.

Stay Calm

Pick your battles. Is the world really going to end if your Ex forgot your daughter’s ballet shoes at his house? It is absolutely imperative that you not let the little things get to you. Getting angry and starting arguments over little things that are easily forgiven will do nothing but breed mistrust and resentment.

Limit courtroom drama. Learn to discuss important things and come to decisions regarding the children together and amicably. The less time you spend hashing out every difference in court is more time you can spend working on your family. Remember that your children are going through a life change too and they need both of their parents support- not hostility.

Letting negativity go and moving forward is a difficult thing to do but with these tips, co-parenting with your Ex and keeping things civil will become easier with time.

Movie Locations For Tourists (Ghostwriting)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:37:00 +0100

Have you ever watched your favorite movie and just sat there with equal parts amazement and sadness because you wished you could just BE there? While there is very little chance that you will ever actually sail the seven seas with Captain Jack Sparrow on The Black Pearl, you may be interested in these 10 popular movie locations that are very much open for business.

Family Classics

Our first destination is the infamous “8 Hook and Ladder”, still a functioning fire-house, this iconic brick building with the bright red door is none other than the Ghost Busters headquarters! Although, when you do visit, try to get your photos from across the street as a fire could spring up at any time.

Every kid from the 80’s and 90’s knows the “truffle shuffle”. Drive up to Astoria, Oregon and get your shuffle on outside the original “Goonies” house. There is a tour a few times a year, but the neighbors don’t seem to mind if you just want to snap a few shots of this now historical landmark.

Who doesn’t remember the crazy one legged lamp from “A Christmas Story”. Relive your favorite childhood holiday memories and make your way to Cleveland, Ohio. The house is open year round for tours and yes, you can even see that darn lamp shining in the front window.

Fandoms for Everyone

“What is your quest?” “To seek the HOLY GRAIL!” 1975’s “Monty Python and the Holy Grail Fans” should have no problem trekking to the isolated Doune Castle to reenact their favorite Python moments. Located in Scotland and boasting several tours a year, this film location is a must for die-hard fans.

Do you know how to get onto Platform 9 ¾? Every Potter-Head in the world can tell you! To get to the ACTUAL platform, one would presumably have to manage to get through the wall, but for the rest of us “muggles”, we’ll have to make do with just looking at the entrance, now permanently located in New Western Departures Concourse located in Kings Cross Station in London.

Did you know that you can experience Middle Earth from The Shire itself? Located in Matamata, in Northern New Zealand, this private farm land boasts year round tours for Hobbit and Lord of the Ring fans alike! Not only can you frolic like Frodo through the rolling green hills, the set is still in fact a working farm, so you can also help tend to the animals!

For the Guys

Test your endurance as you sprint up the 72 stone steps marking the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by the iconic scene in Rocky 1. Double points if you blast “Eye of the Tiger” while wearing a track suit!

Who can forget Jodi Foster’s heart-felt performance in “Contact”? Visit the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, between 9am-4pm year round except between the months of August and December. Check out their website for visitor center information and guided tours.

Built in 1924 and designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, The Ennis House in Los Angeles, California boasts a couple movie claims to fame. First used in 1933 for “Female”, then gaining a bit more exposure for providing the creepy exterior shots for 1959’s “House on Haunted Hill”, the Ennis House finally gained infamy as the inspiration for most of the architecture in 1982’s “Blade Runner”, although only a handful of scenes were actually shot at the physical location. Now an historical landmark, The Ennis House is open for tours but as of recent is under renovations.

Eastern State Penitentiary was transformed into a mental institution for the cult classic, “12 Monkeys” starring, Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. Known as one of the most haunted locations in Pennsylvania, you can even attend their annual “Terror behind the Walls” haunted attraction. They offer year round tours and they will even host your wedding!

Even the greatest of movie and film buffs have shied away from visiting the last on our list, but give it a shot, plan your next road trip or family vacation to include one of our top 10 movie location destinations!

TV for Women (Ghostwriting)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:35:03 +0100

When it comes to television, it can be difficult to find a show that you can relate to without losing brain cells. You’re a smart woman, why would you waste what little time you have between work and Pilates, zoning out on glamorized teen pregnancies? Watching the tube doesn’t have to be a mindless activity; find the right programs and you can turn your nightly fix into something beneficial.

Test Your Wits

Spend an hour playing the guessing game with “Law and Order: SVU”. Try to figure out the culprit before Detective Benson and Stabler to work on your problem solving skills. Take a drink of your vintage Moscato every time someone hits on Benson and you will have a great night in no time.

Learn some useless information to surprise your friends with by getting your daily dose of “Jeopardy!” As far as trivia shows go, this one is fairly simple to follow. It is far more beneficial for you to spend an evening learning that cats spend 66 percent of their lives sleeping, than to watch obnoxious teens get drunk on the beach.

Impress a new acquaintance at a party when you tell them that the color red does not in fact make bulls angry. They are impartial to not only red, but blue white and green cloaks as well. Matadors use aggressive movement to provoke the bulls to attack. According to “MythBusters” the color is irrelevant.

Reality Check

Too often, women become depressed because they religiously tune in to shows that depict beautiful, perfect women in an idealized world where everything is perfect and awesome. You’re a smart woman; you know that this is not accurate. “Girls” on HBO is a fantastic escape from the typical “chick show”. Bad sex, ugly shoes and crappy jobs are fascinating and will serve as a reminder to how great your life really is.

Considering taking a match to your apartment because you just do not want to spend another minute of your life vacuuming? Turn on “Hoarders” on Discovery Channel for an hour and come to the realization that your house really isn’t that bad.

Fantasy for Adults

Turning books into movies; not so good. Turning books into an epic television series; a weekly guilty pleasure. “Game of Thrones” is an intense, sexually explicit, on the edge of your seat HBO series based on George R.R Martins, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Full of established actors and twisting plot lines, this is a show that you have to pay attention to. Forget “Teen Mom”. “Game of Thrones” will keep you thinking long after the closing credits have faded from the screen.

With the recent obsession with vampires, finding a worthy show to satiate your craving for blood can be overwhelming with all the kitschy teen programs out there. Think of “True Blood” on HBO as an adult version of the popular craze. Grab a glass of wine and swoon over Stephen Moyer as vampire Bill Compton. Pick up some great self-defense moves from southern belle Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin. If you love Law and Order: SVU because of drool-worthy Christopher Meloni as Detective Stabler, you get a double bonus as he is up to play Roman; an ancient vampire on the new season of TB.

It is easy to simply zone out in front of the screen at the end of your day, but why not make your TV time into a worthwhile experience? Learn something new; dedicate yourself to a juicy plotline, and actually enjoy yourself. Check your local guides to see when these great programs are airing in your area.

Album Review (published as myself)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:33:36 +0100

Artist- Stars

Album- Set Yourself on Fire

Release Date- March 8, 2005.

Indie-Pop band Stars are known for their inspiring melodies and nonsensical lyrical content and

although they are not a very well known group, they have still managed to become an unforgettable presence in the minds and hearts of their loyal listeners.

‘Your Ex-Lover is Dead’ is the opening track on their third studio album, ‘Set Yourself on Fire’. With this track, Stars managed to bring an entire generation of hipsters to their knees with seemingly generic prose that bordered on the mundane. The song itself sparked heated debates on exactly what the metaphorical meaning behind it was, flames that were only fanned higher when the video to accompany it was released.

Stealing scenes from the 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Stars suddenly gave meaning to their almost senseless lyrical content.

This led to an A-HA! moment for fans and critics alike as they could now put the song into the context of the movie and it made sense!

“Your Ex-Lover is Dead” brings to mind the angst and heartache of being a 20-something in love…and then having your memory erased by a sex driven mad scientist…something I am sure we can all relate to.

Full of abundant instrumentals and child like vocals, ‘Your Ex-Lover is Dead’ is perfect for lounging on your futon, as you watch your insignificant life melt away on the lingering storm clouds.

Solitary Sam (Character Piece/Short Story)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:32:13 +0100

In reality, Sam had learned to enjoy her solitude.

She thought that she would miss the daily texts with invites to the most mundane of social gatherings, but she was actually perfectly content to sit on the window cushions, mindlessly stroking her cat as the hours passed, and continued to pass.

Her friends had abandoned her due to some quite unjust social indecencies, but that no longer bothered her. “Hypocrisy runs rampant in that town”, she thought to herself as she gazed out her window.

She thought about her friend Meg, and how she had always wished that Meg would finally take that step and free herself from the self-imposed restraints of motherhood and her relationship with convenience born out of sheer desperation, and if Sam was being perfectly honest, pure laziness.

Meg’s idea of breaking free had been as of recent, her sordid weekend affairs with that Boy. Sam snorted in disdain at the thought of “that boy”, startling the cat.

“I can’t help that the Boy is nothing but an overgrown man-child with a severe mommy complex” , she explained to her cat as he gave her a look of concern that only a cat could possibly muster and walked away.

Sam felt a moment of sadness when she thought about Meg and the Boy, and how their perceived love for each other would certainly not last the year. She couldn’t linger on her friend’s mistakes though; she had learned that you couldn’t protect people from themselves, especially when they were so adamant about bringing everyone around them down to their level of misery.

They had tried to bring her down, under the guise of friendship and support, but they had failed and disappeared back to their lives. Confrontation had never been an issue in the group before, but Sam had always hoped that Meg at the very least would have been honest about her motives.

She could feel the anger of betrayal simmering under her calm surface again.

It was true that she had fallen in love with someone, and yes, she probably shouldn’t have left so messily and abruptly.

But Sam had been under the impression that her friends were adults, and judging by their own indiscretions, the fact that hers paled by comparison should have been enough to grant her a little support. Even judgmental support would have been better than what she had actually received, which was nothing more than a cool, indifferent shunning.

No, her friends were far too civilized to say anything. Females are fickle; they let their men do the public shaming. Or in Meg’s case, her Boy.

Sam frowned at the clouds outside her window and decided it was time to get over it.

She had lost her friends, but it was time for her to stop questioning her choices and the events leading up to this realization.

She hoped that someday, the girls would find some sort of inner dialogue that prevented them from continuing the path of pretense and honor that they were so desperately holding onto, and that eventually that town would learn what loyalty actually meant.

Sam sat in her solitude and planned her future.

But first, the cat needed to be fed.

Summer 2013 Songs (Ghostwriting)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:27:42 +0100

No matter what musical genre you prefer, it is hard to deny that there are some mega catchy tunes out there this summer. Even non-country lovers find it difficult to not cheerfully –albeit drunkenly- sing along to Toby Keiths “Red Solo Cup”. And who can forget that this summer, “We are young” with FUN and The Wanted is “Glad we came”? It seems there is no end to the memory making music already incessantly stuck in our heads for the rest of the summer, but are there any songs we HAVEN’T already had our fill of? Surprisingly, yes! These songs have been slowly creeping their way up the charts for the past few weeks and are sure to make a splash this summer.

Pop Lovers

Remember last summer when Neon Trees debuted with the pure awesomeness that was Animal? A song about besties wanting to take things to the next level put Neon Trees on everyone’s radar and now they are back this summer with yet another up and coming hit, “Everybody Talks”. Sure to give meaning to even the most menial summer fling, turn up “Everybody Talks” and make some memories this summer.

In true Pitbull fashion, the Cuban rap artist is back again with another chart topping hit, “Back in Time”. The airwaves have just started picking up this club-worthy pop tune and it will only get more infectious as the heat rises this summer. He’s never gone for more than a season but Pitbull came back this year with a bang. Dance your summer away with Pitbulls ode to the new Men in Black movie and maybe it will prompt you to see the new box office hit?

Indie Chill

This spring was an intense ride for Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye, when his hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” took the world by storm. He’s back just a short season later with another song from his album “Making Mirrors” with “Giving Me a Chance”. This album is a summer must. Don’t forget that only listening to one song off a popular album is like reading only one chapter of an awesome book.

Of Monsters and Men is an up and coming Indie Rock band that is sure to keep you relaxed and joyful on even the hottest of days. “Little Talks” is starting to get some airtime and is definitely going to be a contender this summer.

Country Craze

On this season of The Bachelorette, one of the contestants took Emily on a romantic date that included slow dancing to a live performance from one of her favorite bands, “Gloriana”. They serenaded the couple with their popular song, “Kissed You Goodnight”. This song is as melodic and beautiful as it is swoon-worthy. Put this on your summer soundtrack and see if you aren’t feeling more romantic and free spirited.

Country sweethearts, Love and Theft have just debuted their summer crooner “Angel Eyes”. Put on those daisy dukes and grab your strawberry wine because this song will take you right back to your first summer crush at the county fair.

A blanket, a 6-pack and some portable speakers are all you need to make this summer one to remember with this playlist as these songs are sure to blow up in the next few months.

How to be an Active Mom (Ghostwriting)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:26:12 +0100

Your job as a mother is not an easy one. Whether you work out of the home or are a stay at home super mom, managing a household, caring for children and keeping life running smoothly leaves little time for yourself. Many mothers become complacent when it comes to personal things such as that extra baby weight they have yet to shed, or their personal diet. Who has time to take that Yoga class when you have three soccer games to attend? Why bother cooking healthy meals throughout the day when that fast food dollar menu is so convenient and cheap? It seems like a nearly impossible thing to fathom but staying in shape, even when you are leading the busy, hectic life of a mom is a lot easier than you think. Try these tips for the next week and see how you feel.

Make Exercise Fun

Take the kids to the park and play tag. Walk the dog together. If your children are still stroller bound, push them around the block a few times. Just a 20 minute walk a day can greatly reduce your stress levels, boost your energy levels and lower your blood pressure.

Jumping jacks are a great cardio booster. Make it into a game, see who can jump the longest and reward the winner with stickers or a treat-a glass of wine for mom perhaps? Incorporating exercise into play time also has the added benefit of keeping your children active and tiring them out for that sacred time of the day; nap time!

Grab some ankle weights and work on those legs while you vacuum. Turn everyday chores into a fun exercise opportunity. Work in some squats while you are picking up toys. Concentrate on keeping your tummy tight while you fold laundry.

Eat Smart

Save money and calories by preparing healthy snacks to refrigerate and grab on the go. Apples and peanut butter, celery and peanut butter, anything with peanut butter is delicious and easy to eat when you are on the run. If you need something sweet, squirt dime-sized drops of yogurt on a cookie tray and freeze overnight. Frozen yogurt drops make a delicious breakfast treat that you can stick in a Ziploc and enjoy anywhere.

Stay hydrated. Keeping a steady flow of water through your system is the most important factor when it comes to staying in shape. It is so easy to just grab a soda or processed drink because they come in easily accessible and reseal able containers. Bottled water is a better choice but can be expensive over time, so opt for a reusable water bottle.

Relax and Rewind

Take time to slow down and take stock of your surroundings, even if it is only for five minutes a day. So many moms get burnt out and live in a constant state of exhaustion because they just don’t know how to find the time to relax and breath. You have to make the time. Meditate for five minutes, close your eyes and allow yourself to be free from your day, if only for a few minutes. When your body is stressed, it releases the hormone Cortisol. When Cortisol is released too frequently; weight gain can occur, further slowing you down and leading to other health problems. Keeping your stress in check is key to staying in shape.

Try adding one tip a day for the next week and work from there. Guaranteed you will have more energy, feel better and will be well on your way to getting and staying in shape.

The Top 6 Mystery Game Apps (Ghostwriting)

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:24:04 +0100

Besides the obvious perks of texting, voice calls and being able to check your email or social media accounts anywhere and anytime, smart phones and tablets now offer countless ways to keep us entertained. There are dozens of sites dedicated purely to downloading, rating and sharing games (or apps) for your smart phone or tablet, and most of them are free (or at least cheap!). Check out our list of the Top 6 game apps for your smart devices, more specifically, MYSTERY games.

For IPhone Lovers

Our first game is “Murder Files”, downloadable for your IPhone on ITunes for $2.99. Murder Files is a 6 part, puzzle mystery game where the player assumes the role of the detective (there are 4 choices of character) and spends the game both interrogating people in the town for information leading to the mystery being solved, as well as partakes in a number of problem solving puzzles. As of recent, only the first 4 parts have been released, but it is expected the last 2 will be released in subsequent updates.

The next IPhone app is “Bloodlines: The Alexa Holmes Chronicles”, downloadable from ITunes for $2.99 as well. The game follows Alexa Holmes (your character) the grand-daughter of Detective Sherlock Holmes as she tries to solve his murder. Full of geography trivia, detective work and an elusive Vampire enemy, this game is a great one for fans of the classic RPG’s.

Android’s Unite!

For all of our Android users, our first pick would be “Crime City”, downloadable for FREE in your Google Play Store. Build your own city in this action packed RPG as any sort of criminal you want. Invite your friends and take over other cities and criminals. Join the mob and use your deduction and research skills to take down your enemies!

Also for Android platforms is “Who is the Killer”, downloadable also for FREE in your Google Play Store. “Who is the Killer” is a classic “whodunit” story, told in 3 parts. Follow different characters and try to arrest the killer before it’s too late. Every day there is a new mystery to solve, brain teasers and more!

Tablets and I Pad Users

Our pick for the best Mystery Game App for I-Pad is “The Room”, downloadable from ITunes for a mere $0.99! Unlock puzzles of varying degrees of difficulty to get to each new level. The game includes 4 “chapters” each more challenging and mind numbing than the last.

For our Android Tablet users, our pick for best Mystery Game App is “Mystery Manor”, downloadable for FREE from Amazon.com. If you are too impatient to wait for your “energy” or “health” to fill back up, you can in fact purchase more to be able to continue playing the game, but the game is free for those who wait. Mystery Manor is a “never ending game”, with new puzzles and clues to solve the mystery of the Manor every day. Each new level that you beat opens even more features and gameplay as well!

If you are a fan of Mystery Games and enjoy using your deduction skills to solve puzzles and brain teasers, then these are the top games for you!