School has started, which means most children are encouraged to read more. Whether you have a child or grandchild who loves reading or not, try the following method for added interest and perspective: Select a book that has been made into a movie. The reward for reading the book is getting to watch the movie together afterward (add popcorn for extra enthusiasm). Children may become much more interested in reading after realizing how much of the storyline is often left out of films. Here is a list of films and their book origins that might be of interest:

We have heard for years “mother knows best.” Unfortunately, I’m not sure that still rings true. The rising generation of children have been called the laziest, rudest and most entitled kids in history. How did they get this way? Let’s ask Mom.

From the moment your child wakes up in the morning he is slowly using up the benefits of the previous night's sleep. He wakes up refreshed, but as the hours pass, the benefits of sleep time are used up, and an urge to return to sleep builds. When we provide naps, we allow a child a "fresh start" after each sleep period.

My cell phone rang and I answered it. In the midst of my conversation, I hear my home telephone line ringing. I ignore it. I have caller ID; I will call them back. As soon as the telephone stops ringing, a call waiting beep comes through on my cell. I ignore it. I hear the home phone ring again. Although distracted, again, I ignore it. My cell call waiting alerts me again. As I say goodbye to the person I was attempting to have a phone conversation with, the home phone rings for the third time in three minutes. This time I answer, “Good Lord, what?”

Nikolai Oskolkov, simply known as NikO, lives and works in Columbia, South Carolina. He has been involved in fine art since early childhood and has made painting a career since high school. In his 29 years, he has travelled far and wide from Russia to Canada and the US, and throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

Get ready for Superheros, Sequels and Wild Comedies

Is this a fabulous summer or what?
Last time, I promised to do a Q-and-A, as I get many questions about the things I write and mention in the classes I teach. I hope one of these questions is something you wanted to know.

Courage, kindness, and inspiration are the words that come to mind when you first encounter Catherine.  She is one of those women who make you realize that beauty is much more than skin deep. 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation quotes, “A woman’s risk of breaking a hip secondary to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer combined.”  Ladies…pay attention to your bones, your hips and spine will thank you and keep you standing tall!

Is this a fabulous summer or what?
Last time, I promised to do a Q-and-A, as I get many questions about the things I write and mention in the classes I teach. I hope one of these questions is something you wanted to know.

As part of my itinerary for a trip to Rome to celebrate my birthday I put the Cinecittà Studios, the hub of Italian cinema, on my list. As a film enthusiast, I could not miss the opportunity to explore memorabilia of great Italian directors, such as Fellini, or catch a film clip of my favorite Italian actress, Anna Magnani. With a convenient subway stop, Cinecittà was easy to locate and packed full of fascinating information.

Nikolai Oskolkov, simply known as NikO, lives and works in Columbia, South Carolina. He has been involved in fine art since early childhood and has made painting a career since high school. In his 29 years, he has travelled far and wide from Russia to Canada and the US, and throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

Sports are fun, challenging and empowering. Sports injuries are not! Learn more about how to avoid some of the most common sports injuries and play on.

I have been working out on the beach lately. I’m talking about more than just a powerwalk or run. My workout includes push-ups, crunches, planks and burpees, all which require getting down and dirty. At first, I took an exercise mat to avoid lying directly on the beach becoming covered in sand. However, in doing set after set, I realized I was going to get sandy—extremely sandy—no matter what.

Bluffton S.C. Artist Amiri Farris is known for his dynamic, powerful artwork. His fine art combines an alluring blend of vivid colors and layered textures that evoke images of Sea Island Gullah culture. His artistic vision introduces us to uplifting moments and insight into his contemporary view of culture, capturing the essence of a people who have preserved their African traditions of net making, basket weaving, quilting and bateaux building.

I have been working out on the beach lately. I’m talking about more than just a powerwalk or run. My workout includes push-ups, crunches, planks and burpees, all which require getting down and dirty. At first, I took an exercise mat to avoid lying directly on the beach becoming covered in sand. However, in doing set after set, I realized I was going to get sandy—extremely sandy—no matter what.

Last month I promised to review a few books for you. I hesitate to use the term diet books because many so-called diet books currently on the market are not really about weight loss, but are more a collection of charts and recipes. Not that it’s bad. Other so-called diet books are actually exercise manuals and food charts. That's not bad either. You will also find the healthy lifestyle type of diet books that can be very good. Books like Wheat Belly (Rodale Press Inc.) are a whole different genre and are meant to be warnings about avoidance and should only be taken as such.

Meet Alison Meeks:
A delight to be around, Alison Meeks is bubbly. Her personality and smile has a way of brightening a room just based upon her entering. She is open to life and adventure, and she is sincere and kind. With all of these exuberant qualities, there was one thing weighing Alison down. “I feel so much younger on the inside than I look on the outside,” Alison commented. Alison knew her main problem area—her eyes. “They make me look tired and older. In fact, I have gotten to the point where I avoid mirrors and cameras. I don’t like what I see,” she explained.

Get ready for Superheros, Sequels and Wild Comedies

"Begin doing what you want to do NOW. We are not living in eternity. We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake."

The holiday shopping madness had not even started. However, when I think about it, I guess the crazy, fanatical parkers are crazy year round. You know the ones I'm referring to-those who would sell their soul to the devil to get the closest parking space possible.