The Novella http://thenovella.com What's Hot In Entertainment, Education and Family Issues Today! Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:11:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 2012 Golden Globes! http://thenovella.com/2012-golden-globes http://thenovella.com/2012-golden-globes#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:10:02 +0000 kathytedwards http://thenovella.com/?p=82 The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards was held last night in Los Angeles. Ricky Gervais once again hosted the event and the room was filled with handsome men and beautiful women who were dressed to the nines. There were a number of awards given in the Best Actor/Best Actress categories. George Clooney who had the starring role in the movie “The Descendants” won a Best Actor award for a drama film with the movie itself also winning in the Best [...]]]> The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards was held last night in Los Angeles. Ricky Gervais once again hosted the event and the room was filled with handsome men and beautiful women who were dressed to the nines. There were a number of awards given in the Best Actor/Best Actress categories. George Clooney who had the starring role in the movie “The Descendants” won a Best Actor award for a drama film with the movie itself also winning in the Best Motion Picture Drama category.

Meryl Streep won an award for Best Actress in the drama film category for her role as Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Britain, in “The Iron Lady.” Another Best Actress award was given in the Comedy or Musical category to Michelle Williams for her role as Marilyn Monroe in “My Week With Marilyn.” Jean DuJardin won Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical as well for his role in “The Artist,” a black and white silent movie that also won an award for Best Comedy or Musical.

Next up is the Academy Awards being held on Sunday, February 26th just six short weeks from now.  It is sure to be a night of excitement as well!

]]> http://thenovella.com/2012-golden-globes/feed 0 Keep Anger at Bay During Divorce to Keep from Hurting Your Children http://thenovella.com/keep-anger-at-bay-during-divorce-to-keep-from-hurting-your-children http://thenovella.com/keep-anger-at-bay-during-divorce-to-keep-from-hurting-your-children#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:39:05 +0000 kathytedwards http://thenovella.com/?p=80 While everyone involved in a divorce goes through a myriad of emotions, the most common one is anger. When a person is hurting because of a bad relationship that ends in divorce, they can become very angry. They may feel the divorce is not their fault and they should not be going through so much pain. When children are involved, it can also become a very painful process for them as well. It is extremely difficult for children to see [...]]]> While everyone involved in a divorce goes through a myriad of emotions, the most common one is anger. When a person is hurting because of a bad relationship that ends in divorce, they can become very angry. They may feel the divorce is not their fault and they should not be going through so much pain. When children are involved, it can also become a very painful process for them as well. It is extremely difficult for children to see their parents who once loved each other become so embittered and mean to each other.

Children may start to lash out toward the parent they believe is the cause for the family breaking up. It is very important that you not talk negatively about your ex-spouse and that you keep anger out of any conversations with your children about their other parent. Ask other family members to do the same. If you feel you cannot do this, then you might want to seek help with a divorce support group.

From a child’s viewpoint, the best thing that could happen after a divorce is that he or she is still very much loved by each parent and that both their mother and father continue to be a very big part of their life.

]]> http://thenovella.com/keep-anger-at-bay-during-divorce-to-keep-from-hurting-your-children/feed 0 Welcome To Blue Ivy Carter – Baby Daughter Of Beyoncé And Jay-Z! http://thenovella.com/welcome-to-blue-ivy-carter-baby-daughter-of-beyonce-and-jay-z http://thenovella.com/welcome-to-blue-ivy-carter-baby-daughter-of-beyonce-and-jay-z#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 07:26:58 +0000 kathytedwards http://thenovella.com/?p=70 Superstars Beyoncé and Jay-Z became the proud parents of a new little baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter, on Saturday. Beyoncé first announced at MTV’s Video Music Awards in August 2011 that she and her husband, Jay-Z (real name Shawn Carter) were expecting a baby. While giving a dazzling performance of “Love on Top,” she opened her blazer and revealed her baby bump.

According to Good Morning America, they chose the name “Ivy” because of the significance of the number “4” or [...]]]> Superstars Beyoncé and Jay-Z became the proud parents of a new little baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter, on Saturday. Beyoncé first announced at MTV’s Video Music Awards in August 2011 that she and her husband, Jay-Z (real name Shawn Carter) were expecting a baby. While giving a dazzling performance of “Love on Top,” she opened her blazer and revealed her baby bump.

According to Good Morning America, they chose the name “Ivy” because of the significance of the number “4” or “IV.”  Beyoncé was born on the 4th of September and Jay-Z was born on the 4th of December. The couple married on the 4th of April, 2008 and 4 is the name of Beyonce’s latest album.

Blue Ivy was born at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York’s Upper East Side. It has been reported that Beyonce and Jay-Z rented out the entire 4th floor of the hospital for a reported $1.3 million dollars. Security was very tight for this very special event.

]]> http://thenovella.com/welcome-to-blue-ivy-carter-baby-daughter-of-beyonce-and-jay-z/feed 0 Pretexting – What Is It and How Do You Protect Yourself From It? http://thenovella.com/pretexting-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-protect-yourself-from-it http://thenovella.com/pretexting-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-protect-yourself-from-it#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:23:03 +0000 kathytedwards http://thenovella.com/?p=78 We have all heard the stories about someone receiving a phone call or an email asking for their social security number or bank account numbers. We have all been told not to ever give this information to anyone over the phone or by email. Some people may still become a victim of identity theft because they are unaware of something illegal called pretexting.

Pretexting is when a person uses false or fictitious methods to retrieve a victim’s personal information such as [...]]]> We have all heard the stories about someone receiving a phone call or an email asking for their social security number or bank account numbers. We have all been told not to ever give this information to anyone over the phone or by email. Some people may still become a victim of identity theft because they are unaware of something illegal called pretexting.

Pretexting is when a person uses false or fictitious methods to retrieve a victim’s personal information such as full name, address, birthdate and social security number. For example, someone may call and falsely explain that he is phoning from a government agency or a financial institution and needs this information to determine if you are eligible for a loan based on your income. The pretexter may then either use the information himself or he may sell it to someone else. They can call your bank and use this information by pretending they are you. He may explain that he needs the account number because he’s left it at home. Because he has the other information they ask for and is able to accurately provide it, he may be given information regarding your bank account, savings account or credit cards.

Don’t be a victim of pretexting.  Never give information of this sort to anyone over the phone or by email. Remember, if a financial institution or someone you do business with is calling you, they will not be asking for this information. They already have it!

]]> http://thenovella.com/pretexting-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-protect-yourself-from-it/feed 0 The 10 Rules For Parents http://thenovella.com/the-10-rules-for-parents http://thenovella.com/the-10-rules-for-parents#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:04:45 +0000 kteinc http://thenovella.com/?p=34 During the upbringing and education of a child one important factor is “are the parents fit for the job?” There is no instruction manual for parenting and no one is born with all of the knowledge necessary. But here are a few rules to help a parent through the process.

1. Children are smarter than you think – do not under estimate your child as he/she understands more than you think. If you make the child feel that you think less [...]]]> During the upbringing and education of a child one important factor is “are the parents fit for the job?” There is no instruction manual for parenting and no one is born with all of the knowledge necessary. But here are a few rules to help a parent through the process.

1. Children are smarter than you think – do not under estimate your child as he/she understands more than you think. If you make the child feel that you think less of him/her it could affect his/her development.

2. Do not threaten your child – a child is motivated more by love than by threats. If you threaten a child he/she may do exactly what you do not want them to do.

3. No bribing – if you try to get your child to learn by paying them then they will learn that money is more important than the education.

4. No promises – do not make your child promise anything, as most children cannot hold promises so this could create the opportunity for them to lie which could lead to punishment.

5. Allow your child to let go of the apron strings – do not keep your child on a short leash, let them grow up naturally with some amount of space and freedom.

6. Talk on their level – do not use too many big words or words they are not capable of understanding when trying to convey a message. Keep it simple and concise so that he/she understands what you’re trying to say.

7. No immediate obedience expected – a child must learn to think on his/her own so do not expect him/her to immediately and blindly be obedient.

8. Less indulgence – if you indulge a child too much he/she may develop compartmental issues.

9. Do not compromise – do not compromise the rules of a game just for the child. The game is meant to be educational and teach how to follow rules.

10. Keep rules consistent with your child’s age – do not impose rules that do not match the age of your child.

]]> http://thenovella.com/the-10-rules-for-parents/feed 0 Is Prenatal Care Really Important http://thenovella.com/is-prenatal-care-really-important http://thenovella.com/is-prenatal-care-really-important#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:43:27 +0000 kteinc http://thenovella.com/?p=31 If you have recently found out that you are pregnant or are planning to add to your family you may be wondering if prenatal care is really that important. If this is your first child you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions from happiness to fear. Not only do you have to worry about providing such things as money, healthcare, baby supplies, formula and diapers for your child but you must also take into consideration your own health. [...]]]> If you have recently found out that you are pregnant or are planning to add to your family you may be wondering if prenatal care is really that important. If this is your first child you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions from happiness to fear. Not only do you have to worry about providing such things as money, healthcare, baby supplies, formula and diapers for your child but you must also take into consideration your own health. One of the most important issues during pregnancy is you and your baby’s health.

The moment you find out you are pregnant you should start taking into consideration steps for prenatal care. You may have heard from other mothers the importance of prenatal care but you may be asking yourself “is it really that important?” Prenatal care involves the care of the baby but also the health of the mother. Issues to monitor during prenatal care are weight, blood pressure and the expansion of the mother’s stomach. You will also be monitored for medical conditions or complications during pregnancy. During prenatal care you will be guided to the minerals and vitamins you should intake daily. Prenatal care is very important for the assurance of an uncompensated pregnancy as well as a healthy mother and child.

]]> http://thenovella.com/is-prenatal-care-really-important/feed 0 Can I Afford Day Care? http://thenovella.com/can-i-afford-day-care http://thenovella.com/can-i-afford-day-care#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:04:43 +0000 kathytedwards http://thenovella.com/?p=58 Today it is harder and harder for families to afford childcare. With the lack of income for mothers, it makes it almost impossible to work and still afford daycare for their children. Sometimes it costs more for the daycare service than the mother actually makes on her job. This is a very frustrating situation since most mothers feel as if they should contribute to the family income. Not only does working help the family, but it gives the mother some [...]]]> Today it is harder and harder for families to afford childcare. With the lack of income for mothers, it makes it almost impossible to work and still afford daycare for their children. Sometimes it costs more for the daycare service than the mother actually makes on her job. This is a very frustrating situation since most mothers feel as if they should contribute to the family income. Not only does working help the family, but it gives the mother some time to be away from the everyday stress of motherhood. It also provides an outlet for social contacts as well.

When faced with the tough decision of whether or not to work, there are two things to look at when the cost of daycare is close to or equal to the amount that a mother makes on her job. First, she can continue working while searching for another job with better pay or she can continue to stay home with her child.  The mother must decide if working a job where most of her income would be spent paying the cost of daycare is worth having a little time out of the house. If she decides that staying home is the better option for her and her family, she might want to look around and find a program that offers childcare a couple of hours a week such as Mother’s Morning Out offered by some churches.

]]> http://thenovella.com/can-i-afford-day-care/feed 0 How To Obtain Funding For Your College Bound Child http://thenovella.com/how-to-obtain-funding-for-your-college-bound-child http://thenovella.com/how-to-obtain-funding-for-your-college-bound-child#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:01:52 +0000 kteinc http://thenovella.com/?p=43 It is hard for a young adult to find a job today without a college degree. The economy is especially tough on families with children attending college. Most often, the dilemma is not getting them settled into college; it is in trying to help them pay for it. It is very difficult for a young adult to start their life after college owing enormous student loans that they cannot afford.  It puts an incredible amount of pressure on them to [...]]]> It is hard for a young adult to find a job today without a college degree. The economy is especially tough on families with children attending college. Most often, the dilemma is not getting them settled into college; it is in trying to help them pay for it. It is very difficult for a young adult to start their life after college owing enormous student loans that they cannot afford.  It puts an incredible amount of pressure on them to hurry and find a job so they can start paying off those exorbitant student loans.

If your child is planning to attend college next year, then you should start looking into the different types of financial aid now. The first thing to look for online is Federal Student Aid.  This is an office of the U.S. Department of Education that has invaluable information that can help to lead you in the right direction to acquire funding for your child’s college education like FAFSA, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  There are three kinds of aid available: grants which do not have to be repaid; loans which must be repaid with interest; and work-study programs which permit a student to earn money while attending college to help pay expenses.

While there are numerous ways to ease the financial burden of sending your child to college, looking into Federal Student Aid and FAFSA is a great place to start.  Many local civic organizations and colleges also offer scholarships.  Check with your high school’s guidance counselor or student services department to find out more.

]]> http://thenovella.com/how-to-obtain-funding-for-your-college-bound-child/feed 0 Feeling Helpless When It Comes to Debt? http://thenovella.com/feeling-helpless-when-it-comes-to-debt http://thenovella.com/feeling-helpless-when-it-comes-to-debt#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:50:18 +0000 kathytedwards http://thenovella.com/?p=56 Have you had trouble paying your bills? Are you afraid of losing what you have worked so hard for? Because of the economy, most families are struggling. Almost everyone has been at this point at some time in life. There are many reasons why you might find yourself in this situation whether it is because of overspending or maybe even through no fault of your own, such as illness or job loss. Bill collectors and creditors look at it all [...]]]> Have you had trouble paying your bills? Are you afraid of losing what you have worked so hard for? Because of the economy, most families are struggling. Almost everyone has been at this point at some time in life. There are many reasons why you might find yourself in this situation whether it is because of overspending or maybe even through no fault of your own, such as illness or job loss. Bill collectors and creditors look at it all the same.

Get your finances back on track. Begin by taking a realistic look at your financial situation. Write everything down. Make a list of all sources of income. Next, make a list of all necessary expenses paid out monthly, such as mortgage or rental payments, car payments, light and telephone expenses. Last, write down additional expenditures over and above the necessary items such as money spent on eating out or on clothing you really didn’t need. Make sure you list everything even if you believe it is of no importance.

Prepare a budget and stick to it.  Set aside money for the necessary expenses and put back any money left over. After several months of sticking to your budget, you will find that you have saved a little extra money and can take the family out to dinner and a movie. Then, you can truly enjoy your night out because you saved up for it and you don’t have to worry about where the money for the light bill is coming from.

]]> http://thenovella.com/feeling-helpless-when-it-comes-to-debt/feed 0 Teen Video Game Obsession http://thenovella.com/teen-video-game-obsession http://thenovella.com/teen-video-game-obsession#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:56:12 +0000 kteinc http://thenovella.com/?p=38 Video games can be fun and entertaining but also somewhat addictive. But what should you do when your teen has an obsession for video games? Some teens develop such an obsession that they totally withdraw from society. This withdrawal is not healthy and can lead to other issues. Recognizing game obsessions is more difficult than one thinks. It normally starts off as an interest or curiosity and then finally grows steadily into an obsession.

By the time a child has become [...]]]> Video games can be fun and entertaining but also somewhat addictive. But what should you do when your teen has an obsession for video games? Some teens develop such an obsession that they totally withdraw from society. This withdrawal is not healthy and can lead to other issues. Recognizing game obsessions is more difficult than one thinks. It normally starts off as an interest or curiosity and then finally grows steadily into an obsession.

By the time a child has become 15 years old he/she has acquired some rather skillful debating abilities. Because of this, when a parent questions a teen’s repetitive video game play he/she can refute the parent’s concerns with logic and question the parent’s flaws. Since most parents really do not want to admit a flaw they can tend to give in and convince themselves four hours of video game play is okay. It seems logical since most parents spend that much time on their cell phone, computer, Blackberries, etc.

Be very careful not to fall into the trap of a logical teen. Video games can become addictive and if played unmonitored can turn into an unhealthy obsession.

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