February has been a rather reflective month for me. There has been highs and lows, doubtful moments and moments of joy and happiness. I guess that this is what makes life interesting. I’m been rather unproductive this month and have been finding it difficult keeping to schedule. I get very frustrated when things deviate from plan and sometimes really feel like kicking myself for not being disciplined enough.I’m wondering if I’m been setting my aspirations too high or if I need to be more patient and wait for a while before I am able to see the results I desire.

I’ve been stepping up exercising and paid but the kilos doesn’t seem to be falling off as fast as I would like. I guess that the eating out on weekends and my passion for it coupled with doing bakes has been self sabotaging. Maybe I shouldn’t be so critical on myself and judge myself so much on the numbers on the scale as I ‘m sure there has been inches lost since I’m able to fit back into all clothes that were bought before the kids were born.

I guess I have to do a more detailed plan/schedule for next month to ensure that what I have planned for the month does get carried out.

February 25, 2012

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners by Beth Bracken

Dominique Book Review Beth Bracken, Children's Book

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners by Beth Bracken is a colourful picture book teaching about the importance of having good manners for kids age 4-6 yrs old.

Pete the Monkey is one boy with really bad manners. He doesn’t give too hoots that he is being rude and gross. In fact Pete enjoys the attention he gets from misbehaving. One day he got to experience a taste of his own medicine when his parents and sisters ganged up against him during dinner.

Pete got frustrated to see them displaying such bad manners and finally understood the point that they were trying to get across to him on how important it is to have good manners. From that day onwards Pete tried his best to behave himself on all occasions.

I personally found the book a fun read however am not sure if the child reading it will be able to take away the message of the importance of having good manners. It is rather a hit or miss as some children may take it that their bad behaviour is acceptable as adults also behave in the same way and may not correct their behaviour instead.

My 5yr old was a bit disgusted with Pete’s behaviour and mentioned that he should behaved himself at the table. I’m lucky that he doesn’t behave like Pete and has good manners.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own. This post has a compensation level of 3