Back to School Backpack Put to the Test

In honor of the return to school, I'm testing a new backpack. Actually, my daughter, Tami, will be trying it out at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Tami will choose from the wide selection available at CSN Stores, a group of over 200 stores that sells everything from bistro sets to . . . well, backpacks! Take a look at CSN Stores for yourself!

What qualities does a busy college student need in a backpack? Room for a laptop? A water bottle pouch? Space for an MP3 player? Does the bag need to be pretty? Sturdy? Waterproof?

Coming soon--Tami's choice along with her criteria. After she's tried it for a while, we'll see a review! Comments from her friends will also be included.

Meanwhile, your have plenty of time to shop 200+ stores at CSN.com!

For the FTC: The backpack was provided through a gift certificate from CSN stores, but this will not influence the review.

Read "Chocolate Roses" for a Sweet Treat!

From Amazon.com:

"Janie Rose Whitaker's world revolved around her chocolate shop until Roger Wentworth and his young daughter moved into the apartment across from Janie's. Anyone would think Roger fit the mold of the "perfect" guy, but soon Janie discovers secrets that could keep them apart forever. Though she resists getting involved in Roger's complicated life, they are drawn further into a bittersweet relationship.


You will laugh, cry, and crave chocolate as you read this LDS paraody of the classic novel Jane Eyre."

Many authors are currently rewriting Jane Austin's works with a modern twist. Most of those are thinly-disguised updates that are poor imitations of the original. "Chocolate Roses", however is fresh and original. Janie Rose Whitaker is a complex and interesting character, a mix of independence and self-doubt.

Joan Sowardsmanages to infuse this story with tragedy, comedy, and romance. Not only will LDS readers find a clean, compelling, and fun read, but this story can be enjoyed by readers of all faiths. Take your time and savor this book just like gourmet chocolate.....without the calories!

 I enjoyed this book so much I ordered Joan's previous book, "Haunt's Haven", and am in the middle of savoring every word.

How Much Have You Changed?

Researchers at University of California, Riverside, the Oregon Research Institute and University of Oregon claim that personality traits in children can still be recognized in them as adults. Children's personalities were rated by their teachers, then this information was compared to videotapes 40 years later.

Verbally fluent children were ranked as higher in intelligence and seen as more in control as adults. Youngsters with lower fluency became adults who sought advice and gave up when faced with problems.

Adults who were cheerful were adaptable as children and adults who spoke negatively about themselves struggled with new situations in their youth.

Impulsive chidren became talkative adults while the more controlled were more timid and shy. No surprise to any of their teachers, I'm sure .

Insecure adults were more humble as children, while condescending adults came from self-confident children.

So, don't expect many surprises at that high school reunion!