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South Shore Author Tanya Hackett to Release Children’s Book “My Brother Lives in Heaven” to Assist Families Dealing with Grief and Loss
Plymouth author Tanya Hackett will release her first children’s book “My Brother Lives in Heaven” on July 23, 2024 to help children who are suffering from an unimaginable loss. The book has already been named the number one new release in its genre from pre-orders on Amazon.
The book explores how children often wonder what Heaven looks like and struggle with the unknown of where their loved ones go after they leave us here on Earth. In this touching story, a little boy describes to readers all the emotions he feels after the loss of his younger brother. He describes in detail the beauty of what he sees as Heaven and all that will be until he’s reunited with his brother. He validates the sadness that comes along with missing someone, but also the joy, beauty, and peace of what he believes fills his brother’s eternal life in Heaven. Through beautiful illustrations, readers will feel an array of emotions as this little boy travels through his journey of grief. This sweet story helps little minds see beyond Earth and find peace after losing a loved one.
Hackett wrote the children’s book following the sudden, unexpected death of her three year old son Jonny in 2021. After losing her son, she was not only faced with her own grief, but also the grief of her son Bobby, who was only five years old. Through her own blog and social media, she shared the rawness of the pain they felt and the pain of watching her son suffer with the loss of his little brother. Hackett realized this loss was not temporary and, in fact, is a life sentence of learning a new normal. She has gone on to dedicate her life to not only remembering and honoring her son through her foundation, but also normalizing grief and sharing her journey. This book is a look into what grief has been for her son Bobby, who is now turning eight years old.
Hackett hopes this book will help other children who are suffering with an unimaginable loss. The children’s book in Jonny’s memory is going to be released on July 23rd during his anniversary week. The book is being published by Briley and Baxter Publishing Publications LLC of Plymouth, MA, which was founded by South Shore award winning author Stacy Padula as a way to support animal rescues with 10 percent of publishing royalties donated to different animal rescues. The company publishes books in adult fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children’s, science fiction, fantasy and self-help, as well as Christian fiction and non-fiction for all ages. The book is illustrated by Mandy Moore and is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and e-book on Apple Books and Kobo.
“My mission as a bereaved mother is to normalize grief and not make people grieving feel like they need to move on or get over it,” said Hackett. “There are no eight stages and then you’re suddenly healed. This is a life of learning how to live around the pain and function in a new normal. “
About the Author
Tanya Hackett is the wife of a police officer and mother to three beautiful children: Bobby, Jonny, and Brooke. In 2015, Tanya began working as a social worker for the state of Massachusetts. Tanya’s passion for helping others shined through her work with families and children in the community. It wasn’t until the sudden, unexpected death of her son Jonny in
2021 that her mission shifted. After losing her son, she was not only faced with her own grief, but also the grief of her son Bobby who was only five years old. Through her own blog and social media, she shared the rawness of the pain they felt and the pain of watching her son suffer with the loss of his little brother. Tanya realized this loss was not temporary and, in fact, is a life sentence of learning a new normal. Tanya went on to dedicate her life to not only remembering and honoring her son through her foundation, but also normalizing grief and sharing her journey. This book is a look into what grief has been for her son Bobby, who is now turning eight years old. Tanya hopes this book will help other children who are suffering with an unimaginable loss. Tanya plans to continue sharing this journey and hopes to someday write a
follow-up book in the perspective of her daughter who was born a year after her brother Jonny gained his wings. Jonny will always be a part of the Hackett family, and they will never stop sharing his legacy.
The Hackett family founded a charitable organization, Jonny’s Bags that help families at Children’s Hospital ICU by providing items of comfort and support. For additional information please visit https://www.
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Introducing Paper Tacos: Bringing Culture and Joy to Spanish-Language Greeting Cards
If you’re looking for delightful greeting cards that celebrate every day and especially if you have any birthdays on the horizon, put Paper Tacos on your radar. This Latino-owned brand offers a beautiful collection of Spanish-language greeting cards that add a thoughtful touch to any occasion. From abuelita to amigo, Paper Tacos has the right tone for family and friends, making it a refreshing addition to the greeting card industry filled with culture and traditions.
A Brand Rooted in Culture and Tradition
Paper Tacos is the brainchild of artist Jesús Ruvalcaba, who taps into the beautiful culture he was raised in to create a line of cards that bring smiles to the faces of both the sender and the recipient. Growing up as a first-generation son to immigrant parents, Jesús saw a gap in the market for greeting cards with cultural significance. Most cards were generic and uninspiring, failing to reflect the vibrant Hispanic culture. So, he decided to create his own.
Starting from local farmers’ markets, Jesús’s cards received a heartwarming response, leading to their availability in Vallarta Supermarkets and online. Today, Paper Tacos stands as a testament to the power of cultural connection through thoughtful and beautifully designed greeting cards.
Delightful Designs for Every Occasion
Paper Tacos offers a wide range of greeting cards that are perfect for any occasion. Here are some everyday best-sellers, including holiday cards, with new designs soon to be unveiled. All cards are blank inside, allowing you to add your personal touch:
- Las Mañanitas ($5.50): This card depicts a traditional Spanish birthday song, perfect for celebrating birthdays.
- Feliz Día De Tu Santo ($5.50): Celebrate a loved one’s Saint Day by wishing them a Feliz Día de tu Santo.
- Nopales Sigue…Sigue ($5.50): Motivate your loved one with humor when they feel like giving up.
- Noche de Ponce ($5.50): Toast to Christmas with Ponche! This card brings the festive spirit of the holidays.
Why Choose Paper Tacos?
- Cultural Connection: Each card is designed to connect emotionally with the Latino community, reflecting the rich traditions and culture of the Hispanic population, which reached 62 million in the U.S. in 2020.
- Unique Illustrations: Don’t be fooled by the simple illustrations. Jesús has put time, love, and thought into each creation, sprinkling subtle expressions of his California heritage.
- Support for a Cause: By choosing Paper Tacos, you support a Latino-owned brand that is proud to contribute to the community.
A Variety of Categories
Paper Tacos offers a wide selection of cards in several categories, including:
- Birthday Cards: Celebrate birthdays with designs like “Happy Sapo Verde.”
- Love and Friendship: Express your friendship with cards like “Pan Dulce.”
- Motivational Cards: Encourage loved ones with cards like “Ponte Las Pilas.”
- Seasonal Cards: Find the perfect card for Spanish Father’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, graduation, Mother’s Day, and more.
Bringing Nostalgia and Joy
All of Paper Tacos’ cards come with cute designs that are sure to connect emotionally and bring a sense of nostalgia to all loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a funny greeting card or a heartfelt message, Paper Tacos has you covered.
Available Online and In Stores
You can purchase Paper Tacos cards online or at one of their wholesale partner locations. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a greeting card that truly celebrates your heritage and brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Paper Tacos offers a delightful and culturally rich collection of Spanish-language greeting cards. Embrace the joy and nostalgia of your heritage with cards that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful. Celebrate every occasion with Paper Tacos!
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Bellabu Bear Teams Up with Paramount for “Garfield: The Movie” Collaboration!
Bellabu Bear, renowned for their eco-friendly and ultra-comfortable bamboo clothing, is back with an exciting new collaboration with Paramount’s latest release, “Garfield: The Movie.” This partnership brings together Bellabu Bear’s dedication to sustainability and comfort with the beloved character Garfield, promising a delightful blend of style, safety, and nostalgia for fans of all ages.
Bellabu Bear’s bamboo clothing is crafted from organically grown, chemical-free materials, earning the prestigious Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Their pajamas are designed for peaceful bedtime moments, featuring child-safe YKK zippers and Oeko-Tex Certification for worry-free wear. Each garment is a unique masterpiece, hand-drawn to create stunning prints that embody both style and safety.
Bellabu Bear’s bamboo pajamas are soft, breathable, and eco-friendly, making them the secret to sweet dreams and cozy nights. Bamboo fabric is like a gentle hug for your skin—hypoallergenic and oh-so-soft, ensuring you can say goodbye to irritation and hello to bedtime bliss. By choosing bamboo, Bellabu Bear says yes to sustainability and no to harmful chemicals. Bamboo grows quickly and requires minimal resources, making it a natural choice for eco-conscious sleepwear.
The “Garfield: The Movie” collaboration brings a touch of nostalgia to Bellabu Bear’s collection, featuring hand-drawn prints of everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat. This partnership follows Bellabu Bear’s successful collaborations with Paramount and Nickelodeon, which have resulted in sold-out collections and continuous projects throughout the year.
Bamboo naturally fights off bacteria, keeping your pajamas fresh and clean wear after wear. Say goodbye to odor-causing microbes and hello to nights filled with pure, uninterrupted bliss. With Bellabu Bear’s bamboo pajamas, you can rest easy knowing you’re wrapped in comfort and protection. This is Bellabu Bear’s way of ensuring your sleep experience is as worry-free as it is luxurious.
Bellabu Bear is all about crafting sleepwear that’s as dreamy for you as it is for the planet. That’s why they turned to bamboo as the star of their pajama show. When you slip into Bellabu Bear’s bamboo pajamas, you’re not just drifting off to dreamland; you’re making a conscious choice for both yourself and the Earth. Sleep well, feel good, and embrace the magic of bamboo!
Garfield: Lazy Mondays Bamboo Women’s Pajama Set
Step into the purr-fect world of Garfield with our Lazy Mondays Bamboo Women’s Pajama Set. Crafted from luxuriously soft bamboo fabric, this set features playful Garfield prints inspired by lazy Mondays, adding a touch of whimsy to your bedtime routine. Ideal for lounging or catnaps, these pajamas keep you cozy and stylish.Top Features:
- Stylish and Functional: Scoop neck long-sleeve top with elegant snaps, perfect for breastfeeding.
- Practical Pockets: Jogger-style pants with deep pockets, spacious for your cell phone.
- Luxurious Comfort: Super soft waistband for extra comfort.
Tailored for All: Designed to fit all body types with a touch of stretch and smooth fabric.Pure and Safe: Oeko-Tex Certified, ensuring it’s free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Tagless Comfort: Completely tagless for ultimate comfort.
Why Bamboo? Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic, and moisture-absorbing, perfect for any climate.
With so much more to come this year, Bellabu Bear‘s collaboration with “Garfield: The Movie” is just the beginning. Their commitment to creating sustainable, stylish, and comfortable sleepwear ensures that they will continue to be a favorite among families looking for the best in bedtime apparel.
For fans of Garfield and lovers of eco-friendly fashion, this collaboration is a dream come true. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the perfect blend of nostalgia, comfort, and sustainability with Bellabu Bear’s latest collection!
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Sara Blakely Sends 1,000 Girls Across the Country to Camp Invention This Summer
Sara Blakely, the inventor and founder of Spanx, is giving full scholarships to send 1,000 girls across the country to Camp Invention® this summer.
“My hope is that this gift will inspire the next generation of female leaders and industry disruptors. Only 13% of primary patent holders are women, and when I started Spanx, that number was even lower… it was only 6.8%,” Blakely said. “We need more products and ideas generated from the feminine perspective. Women have so many gifts to bring into the world… imagine if their full potential could be realized. I’m so excited to partner with the National Inventors Hall of Fame to send young girls to Camp Invention this summer so they too can have the confidence to dream up ideas and solve problems for the world.”
In addition to the financial gift, each girl will also receive a “lucky” red backpack. “I started Spanx with my lucky red backpack from college. It was with me every step of the way. The lucky red backpack is a symbol of starting small while dreaming big and that everything you need is right there on your back. It’s even hung on the wall and framed at Spanx HQ as an inspiring symbol,” Blakely said.
For more than three decades, Camp Invention, a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame® in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, has developed confidence and problem-solving skills for girls and boys through authentic, hands-on STEM activities inspired by its Inductees. Camp Invention promotes STEM learning; builds leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship — in an exciting and engaging environment.
“The National Inventors Hall of Fame pays it forward through our education programs, competitions and events,” said National Inventors Hall of Fame CEO Michael Oister. “We are appreciative of Sara Blakely’s donation, specifically to support girls’ access to invention education and hands-on STEM activities. Our mission is to provide more underserved children the opportunity to experience our programs, develop their own innovative mindset, and benefit from hands-on, problem-based learning, which will boost their interest and confidence in exploring STEM fields.”
Local programs are facilitated and taught by certified local educators. Annually, Camp Invention programs benefit more than 118,000 children and partner with 2,500 schools and districts across the nation. Educators and school districts can partner with Camp Invention by visiting invent.org/camp.
About Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx. She revolutionized the undergarment industry with just $5,000 and a “lucky” red backpack. With no outside investment, she turned it into a global brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable solutions. Sara was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world and was featured on the cover of Forbes Magazine as the youngest self-made female billionaire. Sara Blakely and The Sara Blakely Foundation are on a mission to change the way women see themselves and the way the world sees women. Blakely has invested millions of dollars to elevate women and in 2013, she signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate half her wealth to philanthropy.
About Camp Invention
Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children entering kindergarten through sixth grade to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some of the world’s greatest inventors. Camp Invention is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This nationwide, nonprofit organization is committed to the curious minds and innovative spirits of the past, present and future. Since 1990, our education programs have served more than 2.6 million children, and 309,000 teachers and Leadership Interns. For more information, visit invent.org/programs/camp-
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5 Ways to Explore “Real” Montana and its National Parks
These days, when people say “Yellowstone,” you can’t be sure that they’re talking about America’s first national park. More often than not, they’re referring to one of TV’s most popular series by the same name. Many tourists are visiting Big Sky country looking for the “Yellowstone” lifestyle even if the drama isn’t real. In a recent joint study by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research and the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana, “Yellowstone” tourists alone spent $730 million in Montana in 2021.
Below are 5 ways to visit the “real” Montana and its amazing National Parks.
Explore Yellowstone and Glacier by RV: Discover the natural beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and more with the comfort and convenience of a new Winnebago RV, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience the great outdoors like never before. Based in Bozeman, MT, Blacksford’s brand new, luxury RVs and camper vans are low-mileage and impeccably maintained, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip. They offer flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic vacation, and support to ensure a seamless rental experience.
Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ 3-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling Class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing, to horseback rides, to Yellowstone whitewater rafting, guests will be talking about their unique experiences for years to come.
Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Glacier National Park/Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties plus six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.
Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a base camp for adventure whether it’s winter or summer. Guests can ski and snowboard Big Sky Resort’s expansive 5,850 acres of terrain in winter, and hike nearby shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking in summer. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers spacious, sophisticated accommodations steps from on-site amenities and Big Sky Town Center.
Glamping Cowboy Retreat: Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains. Guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike, and experience the natural world in this unique landscape. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce, and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great base camp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
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Summer Sanity: Expert Tips to Manage Parenting Overwhelm During Summer Break
It feels counterintuitive to say that summer break is one of the most dysregulating time periods for parents, because isn’t it supposed to be fun? However, most parents experience dysregulation [the inability to manage or regulate one’s emotions] multiple times per day.
“Summer break implies that there is a break or pause from all the things that we may have been obligated to get done or responsible for doing,” explains Dr. Amber Thornton, author of A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children. “It’s supposed to be the ultimate moment of freedom, enjoyment, and satisfaction. This is exactly how I remember summer break as a kid. An entire three months of fun, excitement, and good times. Then came parenthood.”
When Dr. Amber was in the process of planning and writing “Chapter 4: Daily Dysregulation” for her new book, her family was knee-deep into summer, with back-to-school right on their heels, and she could tell they were all feeling the pressure. “I truly didn’t realize what the experience of summertime felt like for parents until I found myself desperately searching for summer camps for my toddler because he had just completed his first year of ‘big boy school,’ and childcare for him was no longer a thing after the conclusion of an academic year. It was intense,” the licensed clinical psychologist shares.
Dr. Amber noticed that the unpredictable nature of summer, in addition to the flux in schedules, routines, and her children’s energy levels, made for some challenging moments. She also noticed this in other parents. “Peak summer for parents is venting to your other good parent friend about how you can’t wait until school resumes, all the while knowing that deep down, you will look back on the summer memories and still smile,” she says.
A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children
by Dr. Amber Thornton
Ulysses Press
Trade paperback; June 18, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-64604-668-3
$17.95; 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; 176 pagesAbout the Author
Dr. Amber Thornton is a licensed clinical psychologist and strong advocate for the mental health and well-being of parents. Dr. Amber loves writing and creating content online that will speak to the everyday struggles of motherhood and parenthood. She holds a BS in psychology from Ohio State University and PsyD in clinical psychology from Wright State University School of Professional Psychology. She’s an Ohio native who has made Washington, DC, her home since 2018. She loves spending time with her husband and two children. Learn more about Dr. Amber Thornton at dramberthornton.com and follow her @dramberthornton on Facebook and Instagram.
