The Magic of Reading

Friday, April 26, 2013 by  

Cloisters, Mary Pope Osborne, Unicorn tapestry, famous unicorn, Dianthus, excited young reader, can't believe itDianthus!!  The magical unicorn trapped in the tapestry came to life – not only in the Magic Tree House book, Blizzard of the Blue Moon - but for our young reader on a visit to the Cloisters in New York City where the circa 1495AD woven masterpiece graces the hall today.

Our daughter’s expression cannot deny the power of words coming to life. And no children’s author makes history come more alive than Mary Pope Osborne. She is a literary hero in our home, a master wordsmith, prolific and creative, funny and warm.

Anyone who knows me knows Children & Literacy are paramount:  http://www.biancatyler.com/childrenliteracy.htm
Our little one started reading the Magic Tree House books in 1st grade. Omi's birthday gift - Magic Tree House (8)cu Omi's birthday gift - Magic Tree House (15)cu3
For her 7th birthday, my mother gave her the entire set. She was thrilled!

Dad & the Birthday Girl are checking out each book.
Book stands & baskets throughout the house, this series commands a special shelf on her favorite bookcase in her room.Omi's Magic Tree House collection gift 2012 (1)b     Omi's Magic Tree House collection gift 2012 (4)b  Omi's Magic Tree House set (4)cu2

It helped, too, that our daughter was 7 when Jack’s little sister, Annie, was 7 in the series. And when our little one turned 8, Annie was just turning 8!

Annie’s brave and smart, kind and loves animals. She’s a delightful role model for any little girl. Jack is bright and funny, loves to research and jots handy notes in his journal. I have found boys are entertained by the series as much as girls are…and that’s a great first step in fostering a lifelong love of reading. Governor's Challenge cover page 2012169

Every book has been a joy to read. For 1st & 2nd grade, our daughter participated in the Governor’s Challenge reading over 2,000 pages each summer. Much of it, of course, the exciting Magic Tree House stories. And when she had to tell the Governor what her favorite book was it came as no surprise that it was a Magic Tree House story!

Cloisters, Magic Tree House, Mary Pope Osborne, Unicorn, Tapestry, Jack & Annie, snow, New York City, NY 1938, blizzard, mystery, children's book (8)  Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (8)   Cloisters, Magic Tree House, Mary Pope Osborne, Unicorn, Tapestry, Jack & Annie, snow, New York City, NY 1938, blizzard, mystery, children's book (2)   Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (5)Cloisters, Magic Tree House, Mary Pope Osborne, Unicorn, Tapestry, Jack & Annie, snow, New York City, NY 1938, blizzard, mystery, children's book (1)Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (9)

It’s been fun taking her to Cloisters, Magic Tree House, Mary Pope Osborne, Unicorn, Tapestry, Jack & Annie, snow, New York City, NY 1938, blizzard, mystery, children's book (3)places she’s read about – the Cloisters to see the unicorn tapestry. The 1930s structure resembles medieval abbeys and is situated on the northern tip of Manhattan island. It’s breathtaking views overlooking the Hudson River and the gardens surrounding it make the trip simply wonderful.

George Washington Bridge, Heather Gardens, Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (11) Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (4) Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (3) Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (2)                    The Cloisters house over 5,000 European medieval works of art from the 12th – 15th centuries. It is under the care of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Cloister’s Library contains over 15,000 volumes of books.Cloisters, Genealogy of Christ, Compendium, New York City, NY 1938 Cloisters, Genealogy of Christ, fragment of a Compendium, New York City, 1230AD

 

Our next trip was to Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts after reading Magic Tree House #27, Thanksgiving on Thursday. The stories of Squanto, Priscilla, Governor Bradford, the pilgrims & the Native Americans came to life through words only Mary Pope Osborne can weave. As we sailed into the harbor, we tried hard to imagine what the pilgrims were thinking in 1620 as they approached land.Plymouth, MA, Plymouth Rock 1620, 1620, Pilgrims, Priscilla, Governor Bradford, the 1st Thanksgiving

Plymouth & Whales April 2013 (57)c

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, stained glass window, Revolutionary War, VFMA, America, Valley Forge Military AcademyNext roadtrip…Valley Forge – Jack & Annie’s story with General George Washington, Revolutionary War on Wednesday, book #22.

And from there, any family trip we can drive to…Gettysburg, Sturbridge, the Titanic exhibit at Mystic.

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – If you are looking for a wonderful series for your young reader, I highly recommend the Magic Tree House series. The wind started to blow. The tree house started to spin…


Bianca

Hide the Candy!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 by  

Baby, BunnyChickie, darling, sweet button, bundle, baby hat, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happiness

Easter is my favorite holiday.

I love that our daughter was born the day after Easter.

I sometimes call her my Little BunnyChickie.

 

I love that Spring just Wooden ornaments, hanging eggs, children in wonder, touching eggs, pussywillows, big blossoms, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happinessstarted. Everything awakens from Winter’s long freeze & is born anew. The air smells fresh & green baby leaves are Easter Bunny visits, Easter Bunny, candies, M&Ms, Winnie-the-Pooh basket, Disney Cinderella princess dolly, Easter, Happy Easter, family, joy
Joy, overwhelmed, surprise, Bunny visits, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happinessJoy, happy, Snoopy, kitty, Easter dress, morning surprise, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happiness

Wooden Easter ornament, bunny riding train, handpainted, European, Easter, Happy Easter, grandparent's ornamentsWooden ornament, wooden Easter Bunny, crafts, nest, Easter eggs, old and new together, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happinessWalking Easter Bunny to egg hunt, confetti, Easter, Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunt, Easter party, friends gather slowly unfurling. I love pussy willows and forsythia, big blossoms and tiny crocuses.

I love the Easter story of Jesus’ Resurrection & I love the trumpets at church that glorious, Holy morning when we all celebrate together in song & praise. I love & appreciate the religious traditions of other folks as I am a member of a very large, close-knit, multicultural, multi-religious, multi-international, multi-lingual family.

I love coloring eggs & decorating them with the kids. I love the little 50-year-old, wooden, hand-painted European Easter decorations from my grandparents. I love to mix those decorations with our little one’s pretty, handmade decorations from preschool. Old & new crafts together.

I love the Easter Bunny, the delicate, ceramic decorations, fragile Easter eggs, egg-citing hunts & yummy candies.

Wooden chick in bucket, Easter basket, nest, bird nest, Easter eggs, bird eggs, colored eggs, crafts, handpainted ornaments, Easter, Happy Easter

I particularly love pastel M&Ms!! I like all chocolate, but those tiny, pale- colored little chocolate dots of joy always seem to find my lips, hummm… I admit, I will steal bites here & there from my children’s baskets in passing. I’ll pass a lot – cover those baskets!!

I love the Easter egg hunts at farms, in fields, at church & at friends.
Easter egg hunt, hand in hand with Daddy, red barn, farmlands, Connecticut farm
Easter Morning, Easter egg hunt, Easter baskets, Easter bonnets, Easter dresses, Easter fun, church, congregation, Easter Sunday Easter, Easter hunt at church, Easter eggs, Easter basket, Easter bonnet, bonnet and bow, Easter dress, Easter joy   Parties, celebrations, the Easter Bunny arriving on the fire truck!

Easter egg hunt, beautiful day on the farm, farm, farmlands, puffy clouds, blue skies, happy children, children running, gathering eggsDancing at the Easter party, DJ, friends and neighbors, Easter, Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunt, Easter party
Easter Bunny arrives on fire truck, Easter, Happy Easter, child hugs Bunny, firefighersWaiting for the Easter Bunny, friends, baskets, children, anticipation, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happiness, communityAmerican flag, Easter, Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunt, Easter party, music, eggs, friends and funChildren with the Easter Bunny, happy kids, smiles, Easter, Happy Easter, family, happiness, community fun

Jesus, Jesus' cross, resurrection, forsythia, church, Easter celebrations, He Is Risen

I love Biblical epics on TV at this time of year and was particularly pleased with Mark Burnett’s The Bible miniseries ~ simply outstanding!!

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – I love Spring & all the cheeriness of the season!


Bianca

Airlifted St. Patty`s Day!

Sunday, March 17, 2013 by  

Today the world celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. I love the festivities, I love being in parades,Parade, Stamford Ford Lincoln, St. Patrick's Day parade, St. Patrick's Day, celebrations, Mustang, Ford Mustang, Black Mustang, Family, parades and family I love Ireland having studied at Trinity College in Dublin, and I love that even though I’m not Irish, everyone can be Irish for the day. But there is a special reason for a few of us to celebrate: 7 years ago today our son helped save the life of his schoolmate. They were 14 years old.

It had snowed a few days earlier and a bunch of boys went sledding at school. But part of the steep hill had iced over during the night. His friend’s sled flew across the ice and he lost control slamming his head into a brick wall.

2013-03-17_13-08-04-aThe boys didn’t want to get into trouble at school and panicked. They thought it best to get their buddy inside without telling anyone. Our son stood up and said no. He ordered one kid to run and get adult help. He told another to call 911. He ripped off his coat and wrapped it around his friend who was in shock. He told the rest of the boys to not move him at all. His friend received a plate & 37 metal staples in his head. The doctors at the hospital where he was airlifted said had he been moved, he would have died. The immediate actions to get help, warmth and stay calm saved his life.

Boy Scout at September 11 memorial, Yankee Stadium, Credit-AP, September 23, 2001, Boy Scout waving flag, patriotic, New YorkOur son had learned emergency care in Scouts. He knew it was right to risk reprimand from the school administrators rather than risk someone’s life.

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – Both boys are 21 now. We are so proud of them ~ fine young boys grown into fine young men.

More about our son: http://www.theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/the-making-of-a-superhero/
Credit: Associated Press


Bianca

I Am Here For You

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by  

Mother and son communicate, Mom listens to son, mom listens to teen, communication, be present, teen confides in mom, mom and son, mom and teen, listen Mother and daughter, proud mother and baby daughter, mother and daughter embrace, mother and toddler nose to nose, mom and toddler

It’s no secret children need their parents’ attention. Unconditional love, devotion, affection, warmth, trust, mutual respect and communication. Put down your handheld and be present when you’re with your kids. Nothing makes me sadder than to see a child at a playground looking longingly at his parent texting hoping the adult will play with him soon. They know you’re really not present. Or when a child bounds out of school with a look of excitement bursting to tell his parent about his day and he’s greeted with an obligatory wave while still looking down texting. How long do you think that excitement is going to last? How long do you think the communication lines will stay open? It can be forever if you always give your child the message “I’m here for you, I’m present.”

Mom & son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy, breakfast in bed Our son so long ago & today,

nothing’s more comforting than just being there… Mom & son, mom snuggles son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy 

Teen son November 2011   Teenager, teen son, September 2011   Teen son October 2011, texting, hanging out     Teen son September 2011

Hanging out or hanging in…

Mom & son, mom snuggling son in teddy shirt, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy  Mom & son, mom and son hanging out, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy Mom & son, Sunday morning with stuffed animals, son and mom happy  Mom & son at The Cavern in Liverpool, Liverpool England, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy

Mom & son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy, laughing  Mom & son, son snuggles mom, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy   Mom is pregnant, Mom & son hug in corn field, pumpkin picking, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy  Mom & son, Pikachu, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy, Rusty Scupper   Mom & son, proud mom sees son accept Scounting pin, Boy Scout award, Boy Scout pin, Boy Scout badge   Mom & son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy, England

Mom & son, Mom walking with son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy  Mom & son, morning snuggles, snuggles with stuffed animals, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy   Mom & son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy reading Dr. Seuss  Mom & son, mom proud of son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy Mom & son, signing autographs, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy

Mom & son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy, Mother's Day at Valley Forge  Mom & son, big smiles, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy  Mom & son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happy at car race  Mom & son eating Cheerios and Mini Wheats, Kellogg's, Mini Wheats, Cheerios, hanging out, watching TV, chillin

And our little one…

Mom and baby snuggling  Little girl looks up to mother, mother kisses daughter, comforting, love, mom and daughter, toddler in Cinderella dress  Baby sleeping on mama's chest, mom and baby snuggling, newborn and proud mom   Mom and baby snuggle, happy cuddles, fleecy snuggling, love, mom and daughter  Baby sleeps on mommy's chest, cozy snuggles, love, warmth, tenderness, comfort, mom and baby, mom and newborn

Mom and daughter giggling and snuggling, love and warmth, tenderness, snuggling on couch Mom and toddler laughing, mom and toddler cuddling and smiling, mom and baby hugging  Daughter and mom laughing, mom and daughter being silly on couch, giggling and having fun

Beach house, Mom and toddler walking on the beach, sunset on beach mom and daughter enjoy, last days of summer  Mom and daughter snuggle, mom and daughter laughing and being silly in the playroom, super hugs  Mom and baby snuggling, mom and toddler cuddling, cozy hugs, snuggling, love, warmth, tenderness  Snowy love, snuggling in the snow, mom and baby on 1st sled ride, puffy white snowsuit for baby, cuddles and kisses in winter, snowy kisses and hugs

November 2011 Mom and daughter, love, warmth, tenderness, cuddle  November 2011 Mom and daughter hug, snuggle, cuddle Baby and mommy laughing, joyous, baby clapping, love, fun, great memories

Daughter and Mom playing, Toddler and Mom play peek-a-boo, giggles, fun   Daughter and mom goofing around, daughter and mom making silly faces, sticking out tongue, silly pics,    Mom and daughter snuggle nose to nose, cuddles, hugs, love, warmth, tenderness, sippy cups, pink sweaters, flower dresses, Snoopy

Travel exhaustion, not just hanging out with the kids but passing out from exhaustion

Teens are notorious for keeping to themselves, mumbling when spoken to, hanging out in their room rather than the den, etc., you know the drill if you have a teen. But if they have that secure feeling that you will give them 100% of your attention when they do open up about their world, their happenings, their loves and their heartaches, what a lucky parent you are! Drop everything and lend your ear and your heart. I never felt my parents didn’t hear me. They not only heard, they listened.

November 2011, Teen and mom hanging out together, happy memories, teenager, mom, chilling out togetherThere’s a large, soft, pale green armchair next to my desk. I love when our son slumps into the chair, tossing his legs over the armrest ready to confide in me. Of course, it’s usually when I’m working or on a deadline, but nothing swells my heart more than knowing I’m the one who he chose to speak to at that very moment. I’ll stop anything I’m doing, swivel my chair in his direction and look into his deep, thoughtful eyes.

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – The great communicator in my life taught me this line of communication can stay open through all stages of my life and I can pass that gift on to my children. So can you. Click here http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/daddy/ to read the special Bright SpotTM of that story to see what I mean - the message in that Bright SpotTM is important for ALL parents. So important it’s bold & underlined. It’s a lesson for us all in this modern world!

After you have taken a look at the link in the above paragraph, please read the quote below from the Dalai Lama about “being present:”

When asked, “What thing about Humanity surprises you the most?” the Dalai Lama answered: “Man…because he sacrifices health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future. He lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” – Dalai Lama XIV

Teen son and little sister October 2011, skateboarding, scooter, teenager, 1st grader

Mom & son, mom confident with son, mom loves cares and nurtures son, mom communicates with son, son and mom happyBe in a “present” state of mind when you are with your children. They will grow and leave before you know it. And when you are old, what greater gift than for them to be in a “present” state of mind when spending time with you.

You will be leaning on them one day.   xo~b Sunbeam on mom and toddler, mom and daughter, autumn day, glorious day


Bianca

Live & Let Love

Friday, January 18, 2013 by  

I was finishing up a really great day trip with my daughter & one of her closest friends. The girls met more than 6 years Affectionate family, mother, father, baby, daughter, loving couple, loving parents, joy, close bond, familyago in a baby lapsit music program. The little friend’s grandmother was with us on this particular day and my husband called to see when we would be home.              

Bianca Tyler, Phillip, happy couple, loving parents, close family, family ties, family bond, happy parenting“It shouldn’t be more than an hour now,” I said and we each finished with “I love you very much, too.”

The grandmother turned to me when I hung up. “I didn’t mean to listen in but it was really nice to hear you talk like that with your husband.”

To me, it’s just normal. My husband and I are tender & loving in our daily routine. It’s good for us & it’s good for the children. Affection is part of their daily life, and I hope that their partners one day in the far future are just as loving & warm.

The children  brother & sister  close  happy  snuggly  kind  thoughtful  sweet  incredible bond (6)I remember advice from some folks when I first married: “Don’t call your husband at work, just let him just do his job.” “Don’t tell your husband you love him all the time, he’ll bore of you.” “And don’t be overly mushy, guys don’t like it.” The children  brother & sister  close  happy  snuggly  kind  thoughtful  sweet  incredible bond (4)

But I grew up in a loving home with smoochy parents & grandparents and I went with my gut. To me, men are just as deep as women are and most people, I believe, desire attention, recognition & hugs. The children  brother & sister  close  happy  snuggly  kind  thoughtful  sweet  incredible bond (2)

And what I find is that many people wish they had a more loving relationship. Or that they connected more with their spouse.

It’s really not hard. It’s the little things that add up to the wonderful bond between you & your significant other.

A brush past your partner with a soft touch across the shoulders. A little kiss as you pass in the kitchen or while your husband is working late into the evening. I leave him notes in his briefcase, he’s left me notes in the pantry, across my computer screen, in my coat pocket or the bottom of a soup pot! Love note from Phillip in my pocket January 2013, love note, sweet note, incredible husband, coat pocket, winter coatPhillip writes Love notes on wife's screen, bianca tyler's computer screen, I love you, messages of love (2)

Arm in arm when you walk, hand holding when you talk, a little text here & a little Google Chat there. It all adds up.  Communication – touch, voice, writing – text or by hand. It all matters.
And nothing beats the kiss! 

Affectionate, close, loving, kind family, happy to be together, Bianca Tyler, family bonds (1)  Affectionate, close, loving, kind family, happy to be together, Bianca Tyler, family bonds (2)

Don’t think your kids don’t notice. They want that comfort of a loving environment.

Bianca Tyler and Phillip, snuggle, happy couple, parents celebrating their children's party, wonderful timesOf course, when they’re preteens, a kiss might evoke a look of disgust or even a groan, but in reality, it gives your children quiet inner peace to know their parents are close & loving and, with a divorce rate of nearly half of all marriages nowadays, don’t underestimate the great security it gives them. Phillip and Bianca Tyler  Let's Talk radio hosts  relaxing  enjoying each other  quiet evening together

Bianca Tyler and Phillip, Bianca Tyler, fun with spouse, fun with husband, goofing aroundSo reach out to your partner. Physically & emotionally. And have fun!   Happy marriage, happy couple, bianca tyler, radio host, phillip, Let's Talk Mom, Let's Talk radio show

It will not only be super for your relationship, but it will teach your children what a loving family is and what a great partnership looks like.
Father and daughter, father adores daughter, newborn, newborn baby, baby, adoration

Father and daughter, father adores daughter, princess, Cinderella

And the kindness your children experience they will share because they know it as their norm.

The children  brother & sister  close  happy  snuggly  kind  thoughtful  sweet  incredible bond (3)   

The Bright Spotâ„¢ bright spot flowerThe children  brother & sister  close  happy  snuggly  kind  thoughtful  sweet  incredible bond (5) – You already know your children model your behavior.

You have the power to mold their framework for a loving marriage and a connected family structure in their future. The children  brother & sister  close  happy  snuggly  kind  thoughtful  sweet  incredible bond (1)

 So go on now…smooch the daylights out of your kids and your spouse!  Happy Parenting!™


Bianca

Our World Community Comes Together!

Monday, December 24, 2012 by  

AngelsBorn & raised in picturesque Connecticut just 30 minutes from Newtown, I was devastated to hear the news on December 14th. I sat in church longing for words from our clergy to help make sense of the tragedy. My heart was so heavy, my eyes and cheeks burned with tears for the parents, siblings, grandparents and friends who lost 20 of America’s babies and 6 heroic adults that fateful morning.

Christmas was about a week away and the kindly folks of that small, beautiful town felt grief beyond measure. Understandably, the holiday lights remained unlit.

Our church held several prayer vigils for the victims & surviors that horrific night, the very next morning and throughout the week. A Christmas concert had been planned for later that week and the question came up, “Should it be cancelled?” I and the rest of the congregation were so heavy-hearted. I expected the pastor to say it was cancelled.

But instead he said, “If we do not sing, evil wins. If we do not help our community move forward, we lose. If we do not light our God-Love-Togetherness-Making-Sense-Christmastime-Healing-light-community-understanding-resolve-strength-December-2012-1-300x169 trees and our candles, evil wins. If we do not help others to start healing, we lose.” “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1)

The Litany: “I live, at times…grieving the loss of loved ones…” “Oh Lord, You are my Light! Come, dispel my darkness!”

Closing Litany: “If we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another…”

A fellowship from around the globe! Calls poured in from our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends shocked by the news. The world community mourned the little children & brave adults all together and everyone’s wishes for strength, love, healing and comfort are flooding the families in Newtown.

456 children attended the school. There was only 1 homicide in that charming, rural town in the last 10 years. The parents will need help. The siblings will need help. Not talking about it to trusted friends or professionals could repress feelings and cause future problems. Many may feel “Survivor’s Guilt.” This tragedy has hit many adults and children in many parts of the world. We had a friend whose 8-year-old son didn’t want to go to school. Children need to feel safe. Parents need to address this in age-appropriate terms and only you, as a parent, know what your child can & cannot handle informationwise.

God-Love-Togetherness-Making-Sense-Christmastime-Healing-light-community-understanding-resolve-strength-December-2012-2-169x300

Phillip & I wanted to do what we could to help promote healing. We asked family therapist & trauma expert, Melissa Cook, to speak on our Live call-in radio program, “Let’s Talk!” on 1490am to give specific advice on steps families & individuals - directly & indirectly – could use to start to heal and repiece their lives. All shows are archived on this site, just click here:


Bianca

WHY Kids Have Allergies!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 by  

Have you ever wondered why kids these days have allergies when it was practically non-existent when we were young? Click on this video below & give yourself a few minutes to digest this earth-shattering news uncovered by Robyn O’Brien, mother of 4 and now known as “food’s Erin Brockovich,” according to The New York Times.
Then listen to our interview with Robyn on our show, “Let’s Talk!” – click the radio show tab in nav bar above – to find out why she says so many kids nowadays have one of the 4 A’s – Allergies, Asthma, ADHD or Autism. Find out why this generation is known as Generation Rx - it will blow your mind! Robyn’s discoveries have been recognized by Dr. Oz, Ted Turner, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Prince Charles, SHAPE Magazine, Forbes Woman & the Discovery Channel.
 
The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – Robyn offers solutions to protect your family in this video & in our interview above. Empower yourself!


Bianca

Pumpkin Henge

Friday, October 19, 2012 by  

“Do you smell that, Mommy?” I wasn’t smelling anything, I was heading intoIndian corn, red corn, maze, Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (15) Party City for a dolphin balloon, last errand of the evening, my mind racing with the day’s events. “Smell what, Honey,” I asked, clutching her little, warm hand in mine as we weaved through the busy parking lot.

“Autumn.”

Gorgeous BIG pumpkin with curly stem, Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (10)I stopped immediately between the safety of parked cars and looked at her. “What do you smell?” She looked up at me and then closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “The smokey smell in the crisp air, that smokiness you smell when fireplaces crackle and leaves fall gently outside and we get costumes for Halloween and then the holidays begin!” Then she opened her eyes and smiled serenely.

What a simple delight when we stop everything and listen to our children. When we halt our harried lives and smell the air around us. Yes, just stop and breathe. Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (3)

We took the kids to a 150-year-old farm for hayrides & pumpkin picking, corn mazes and strawberry fields…forever…

 

Strawberry, fresh strawberry patch, crop of strawberries, baby strawberry, unripe strawberry, Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (13)

 

 

Pumpkin patch, fun in Autumn, crisp air, sunny skies, white pumpkins, rainbow, strawberry fields, strawberries (3)   Pumpkin patch, fun in Autumn, crisp air, sunny skies, white pumpkins, rainbow, strawberry fields, strawberries (1)

Pumpkin patch, fun in Autumn, crisp air, sunny skies, white pumpkins, rainbow, strawberry fields, strawberries (2)

Pumpkins, squash, gourds, totally cute (5) Pumpkins, squash, gourds, totally cute (3)
The girls worked hard creating their very own Pumpkin Henge: Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (20)

Batman Marilyn Monroe Sherry-Netherland Hotel Doubles New York CityAfter 20 years, I’m turning in my Marilyn outfit to match our daughter as “princess & queen”Costumes, matching Mommy-Daughter costumes, princess and queen, red and gold costumes, gowns, beautiful fabric as we help coordinate this year’s Fall Festival and organize the costume parade with Batman.

Oh, I do love my Batman!  Click here for more about my very own Caped Crusader: http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/my-caped-crusader/

The Bright SpotTM  bright spot flower – It’s not just roses we have to slow down for, smell the Autumn, too. 🙂 Snoopy pumpkin, Snoopy, Pumpkins


Bianca

Which One Are You?

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 by  

Bianca Tyler & Phillip, husband and wife, understanding, loving, kindness, thoughtfulness, embrace, snuggle, cuddle, sweet, sensual, loving couple, loving husband and wife, sexy, sexy cuddle, Let's Talk, Let's Talk radio show, radio, radio show

Janet Jackson’s catchy tune “What have you done for me lately?” and John F. Kennedy’s famous quote from his inaugural address, “…ask not what your country can do for you — ask what can you do for your country,” can symbolize your view of a relationship. Where do you fall in your marriage?

For us, we try to do whatever we can to please one another. If I grab a bottle of water for the car or our room for the night, I grab one for Phillip, too. It’s not even a thought, it’s just automatic. And it goes for anything. If he makes a cup of tea, he always makes two. If I can make my husband’s life more comfortable with simple, loving gestures, I do. And vice versa.

Sometimes I’ll warm a towel or his robe in the dryer for him shortly before he steps out of the shower, or I’ll chill a wine glass in the fridge before he comes home from work. These aren’t hard things to do, they don’t take effort, and are so appreciated. My husband sometimes leaves little notes in the big soup pot that say, “I love you,” and I leave naughty notes in his briefcase. 

I learned very early on in our marriage that Phillip was a giver and a pleaser, and it made me want to do things for him in return. And so it went back and forth, back and forth. Now that’s a relationship cycle one would want to keep going!

Years back when I was about 20, there was a significant holiday – I can’t remember which one at this point – but I bought Grandparents, loving couple, married 61 years, diamond anniversary, diamond celebration, incredible role models, loving grandparents, my dream couple, sweet embrace, sweet to each other, life long journeytwo cards and gave one to my grandmother and one to my grandfather. My grandmother smiled at me tenderly as she gave her card back. She put her arm around me and said, “Your grandfather and I are one; we share everything. We love your thoughtfulness, but we only need one card.” Then she kissed me on the forehead and that was that.

Married 61 years, they were loving and kind to each other every day. They held hands when they walked, when they sat on the couch, whenever they could. The memories are beautifully indelible. Their diamond celebration story: http://theletstalkmom.com/romance-and-spice/the-diamond-celebration/

So as I went into my marriage, I thought to myself I could think, “What have you done for me lately?” …or I could be a thoughtful spouse and say to myself, “What can I do for my husband?”

I know there are some people that might think I’m a wimp. Oh, contraire! When you are great to your significant other and your significant other is great to you, you are united, you are strong, you feel loved, and you are on the 61-year path.

The Bright Spotâ„¢ bright spot flower – When parents are strong together, the whole family benefits and thrives.

 


Bianca

Blue Moon Blast Off!

Sunday, September 2, 2012 by  

What better way to end Summer Fun 2012 than with a sky full of colorful fireworks on the beach in New York!  http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/immigrants-aliens-the-american-girl/A Blue Moon smiled down on us as my husband wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. I leaned my head on his chest, the Fireworks YAYscent of him, his cologne and cotton candy was intoxicating. We watched the children with delight, eyes wide with wonder, as they enjoyed the last few nights of warmth & sea air this late summer weekend. Music rocked the crowd and folks started dancing on the boardwalk. It was like a movie.

The next day we took the kids to the Intrepid to visit the newly-opened Space Shuttle Pavilion. I didn’t realize seeing it for the 1st time up close would actually take my breath away~more than once at that!

Space Shuttle on Intrepid, Welcome to Space Shuttle Pavilion, exciting Labor Day 2012Space Shuttle Enterprise over Central Park, New York, Courtesy of NASA and Space Shuttle Intrepid Museum, Flight over Manhattan, Heading to Intrepid    Space Shuttle Enterprise, NASA flight to New York City, Courtesy: Intrepid Museum & Space Shuttle Pavilion, Enterprise heads to Intrepid   Space Shuttle Enterprise on Intrepid, powerful, marvel, American ingenuity, pride, US space program

Phillip gently touched the wing. “Don’t touch!” I chided, snapping into Mom mode and pointing to the Do Not Touch sign. “It was in outer space,” he defended, “it’s a marvel and I cannot leave without touching it. Besides, look at the side here – meteorites hit it & gouged the side panels. I can’t not touch it, it’s within reach, I’m not even leaning!” Space Shuttle Enterprise, damage on space shuttle, damage on panels, damage from meteorite, meteorides, Intrepid

Space Shuttle Enterprise in space, earth, attached shuttle, Enterprise, amazing photo, Courtesy of Intrepid Museum and Space Shuttle Pavilion

 

Space Shuttle on Intrepid, Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum, Intrepid, NYCLater we toured the Intrepid aircraft carrier (see: http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/immigrants-aliens-the-american-girl/ for another story about the Intrepid!)

This visit we learned Intrepid is almost as long as the Chrysler Building (pic on right) Intrepid- height of Chrysler Building NYC, New York City, aircraft carrier, museum& when it housed 3,000 people, the cooks used to bake 700 loaves of bread & grill 1,500 chickens per day! Per day! For years! Puts its size in perspective…

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – Phillip’s spot on: Enterprise, NASA, the astronauts & our space history are all truly marvels! Bravo to American ingenuity!


Bianca

The Eyes Have It

Sunday, April 29, 2012 by  

Bianca Tyler, eyes, eyes have it, Dr. Kornstein, TV years, The Let's Talk Mom - t

 God created them. My parents fashioned them. Dr. Kornstein perfected them!

After Lasik, the first thing I could see the next morning was the time on the cable box across our bedroom. Prior to that, all I could see was a neon green fuzz-blob hovering over a 56″ TV. I couldn’t even see the big cable box!

I headed to the bathroom and saw my eyes for the 1st time without contacts. Naked. Pure. Not covered by tiny plastic discs or lenses & frames. Just big, green, clear eyes. I was free. I was amazed. It was like looking at myself for the 1st time and really seeing myself. 20/15 vision for years now, all thanks to Dr. Howard S. Kornstein.

Radio in the 80s, news(radio in the 80s)

For 30 years I wore glasses. Big, small, dark, light, wire frames, colors, patterned, corner decals, you name it, I tried it.

Bianca Tyler, news anchor, CBS aff

By 8th grade, I tried contacts but from Day 1,             I always had a problem with them. Didn’t matter the brand, they were dry and irritating and with a career in television, I’d slip in my contacts for   on-air and rip them out between newcasts.

When I was on the TV show, The Morning Mix, Jeff Lamb often raved about his laser surgery.

The Morning Mix  Bianca Tyler, Morning Mix Bianca Tyler, Jeff Lamb, Darin Adams, Doc Watson, The Morning Mix

Morning Mix memories:

No way could I go through an eye surgery, I thought. Surgery awake – no way! Cutting an eyeball, eeewwww! Doctors even offered to do the surgery for free if I talked about the results on the air, but I just didn’t have the courage.

Then, years later, I heard about bladeless surgery with Lasik and thought I can do this! Bladeless? I’m in!

So my husband & I met with Dr. Kornstein. Calm, gentle and very self-assured, he guided us through the initial consultation. He made me feel very comfortable so he and his team proceded to tell us about the procedure. “And then the flap…” The what!  Flap started to come in & out of the conversation describing the cornea at certain stages. Wait a minute – I thought he was just going to beam some red light in my eye.

That’s when I started to feel queasy & woozy. “Please don’t use the F word again,” I warned as I started to feel myself wimping out. “I trust everything you’re going to do, please don’t tell me any more.” But they had to inform me about the procedure so I pointed to my husband, “He’s my other half, tell him,” and plugged my ears.

Sure, call me a baby, but that’s where I was at with my eyeballs and so be it! There were several visits to the doctor’s office for check ups before the surgery and each time we went I’d warn the staff & remind the doctor – no dreaded F word.

The day of the procedure I was very nervous and needed to talk to Dr. Kornstein but he was already in surgery. Pacing a while, I finally walked up to the receptionist and asked if anyone had ever walked out of the waiting room at this point. “No. You’d be the first.”

I headed to the elevator and pushed the button. My husband hugged me tightly and convinced me to get out of the elevator and go back into the waiting room. “I’ll see if I can get the doctor.” Dr. Kornstein came out to talk to me, “You’ve come this far, at any point you want me to stop before the procedure, I will.” You know, that’s all I needed to hear. I knew I was in good hands and started to relax.

There are several more check points before surgery and at each stage I told the staff, “Please don’t use the F word.” Everyone would chuckle and it lightened the mood.

When I was finally on the table, Dr. Kornstein gave me the option to leave. He was kind & confident and I said I would stay. A wonderful nurse stroked my arm through the whole procedure; she never stopped till it was over! I quietly hummed some odd tone the entire time, like a yoga ohm that wouldn’t stop. I spent so much time wondering if it bothered the doctor that it took my mind off what he was doing. I just couldn’t stop “ohming,” weird! And then before I knew it, it was done.

Dr. Kornstein was a miracle worker. I couldn’t go anywhere without my glasses or contacts for 30 years and for the last 8 years, I have this beautiful vision I never take for granted. And when our darling Grandma went blind, it hit home even more: Why I Love You & Is This The End

Blue eyesOur 7 year old had an emergency this week and he saw her straight away. He’s a Dad 1st and made our little one feel at ease in that oversized chair with the big googly-eyed equipment and stinging drops. All’s well, thank God, and thank you, Dr. Kornstein.

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – The EYES have it!

Dr. Howard S. Kornstein, New York City or Westchester: 914 – 948 – 5157                                 Look at the left-hand column of this site for a link to Dr. Kornstein


Bianca

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