Articles written by Heather Tomasello

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About me - Heather Tomasello

Heather Tomasello is the author of three books for children, including an upcoming board book entitled, Hello, Florida! published by Sterling Publishers. Her work has been featured in Highlights for Children, Hopscotch, and Guideposts for Kids as well as

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Health & Fitness > Weight Issues How to avoid the "freshmen fifteen" or college weight gain: 1 of 7

Moving away from home to live on your own involves hundreds of small transitions. You may never have needed to make your own meals before. Even if you did your own cooking, chances are your refrigerator was always well-stocked. And your mom was there to remind you to "eat your vegetables." Now, between school, work, studying...
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture How to teach children to pray: 1 of 7

For many parents, teaching children about prayer and how to pray is a daunting task. After all, we ourselves find the concept hard to grasp. "You mean the Creator of the Universe actually wants to hear from me?" "Do my prayers make a difference?" "When I pray I feel silly, like I'm talking to myself." Friend Wells, pastor at...
Education > Reading & Writing Skills Creating opportunities for children to explore creative writing: 2 of 11

How to Use Free Writing to Help Children Explore Creative Writing Many children feel intimidated by the writing process because they are afraid to make mistakes. The rules for grammar, spelling, and punctuation can loom large in their minds and stifle creativity. What if your child/student could suspend the rules and write w...
Personal Finance > Budgets & Saving How to save money on holiday shopping: 3 of 14

How to Have Lavish Holidays on a Shoestring Budget According to CNN.com, last year the average American family planned to spend around $920 on holiday gifts. With families feeling the pinch of recent economic uncertainty, many are asking, "How can we give meaningful gifts to our loved ones while spending less money?" Here ar...
Hobbies & Games > Home Decor Crafts How to make soap: 1 of 4

Homemade Soaps: A Lovely, Inexpensive Gift You can make boutique-quality soaps in your own kitchen with a few hours, some basic supplies, and a trip to a local arts & craft supplies store (or by ordering supplies online.) Homemade soaps make wonderful, inexpensive gifts for Christmas, Mother's Day, birthdays, and Teacher...
Personal Finance > Budgets & Saving Financing your children's education in an age of declining financial aid: 2 of 7

College on a Budget: Tips for Parents of High School Seniors The recent economic downturn may have sent your stock market portfolio and savings plunging, while the cost of college tuition, room and board, and other fees continues to rise. The ability to pay for their child's college education concerns many parents more than ...
Arts & Humanities > Children's Literature Reading suggestions for children who enjoyed Harry Potter: 1 of 3

Are you (or a child in your life) an avid Harry Potter fan? Want book suggestions to fill the void, now that the Potter series has ended? Long before J.K. Rowling began her Harry Potter series, J. R. R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L'Engle wrote excellent fantasy stories with mystical creatures and magical elements, re...
Religion & Spirituality > Setting Life Goals Benefits of setting goals and tips for success: 8 of 22

As a former college academic advisor, I believe in the power of setting goals and teaching children how to set their own goals for the future. Goals are different from "New Year's Resolutions." Goals carry positive affirmation ("I will accomplish x,) whereas resolutions tend to be negative ("I'll stop doing x.) Goals help yo...
Celebrations & Holidays > Valentine's Day How to give a creative and original Valentine's Day gifts: 3 of 8

Are you looking for something more creative to give your sweetheart for Valentine's Day than the same old chocolates, flowers, or lingerie/silk boxers? Here are 25 fresh and fun ideas to say "I love you" with style. (Some are practically free and others a little more pricey. All are guaranteed to thrill!) 1. Challenge him/he...
Education > College Search Selling yourself to colleges: Tips for writing winning essays: 6 of 14

Five Tips for a Great Admissions Essay From a Former College Admissions Officer College admission and scholarship application essay prompts might make you feel like a contestant in some nightmarish pageant. "In 250 words or less, describe yourself, your future goals, and your plans to achieve world peace." Why do college adm...