National Writing Competition for High School Students - New Topic & Contest Monthly

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My two sons (foreground) at Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment Event

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, California

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

As a mom of four teens myself, I am a strong proponent of extra curricular academic activities that enforce and build upon what kids are learning in school.  This is equally true whether you're talking about the sciences, mathematics, language arts or any other academic field they typically study.

Writing contests, such as the one I'm writing about in this post are fabulous ways to engage teens in using the skills they've learned in classrooms and turning them into projects that are not only constructive but  esteem-boosting as well.  With that in mind, I'm pleased to share this growth opportunity with both my parent and teen readers.

Each month, an organization called Stage of Life features a national writing contest for high school students dealing with a different real-world issue.  Past contests have dealt with the Gulf Oil Spill, America's relationship to food, education improvement, teen stress, etc.

This student writing competition is a non-fiction, memoir, blogging, diary, letter, or essay-style contest for teenagers in high school.  Quality entries from teens with authentic voices in their submissions are highly sought.  The monthly winner receives several prizes as well as publication and public acknowledgment for their work.

Entry Deadline for this month is January 31, 2011

For the January 2011 Teen Writing Contest the topic is "What organization, company, non-profit, or cause will help make the world a better place in 2011?"

You'll find more information about the contest including how to enter HERE

About Stage of Life™

StageofLife is a free, non-partisan grassroots project hosting blogs, information and resources for teens, Millennials/Gen Y, Gen X, and Baby Boomer generations.  Its specialized content includes lesson plan ideas and writing prompts for Language Arts teachers, monthly writing contests for high school students  and college students, blogging resources, a platform for writers and bloggers to promote their work and much more, including My Life Rewards, an area dedicated to providing relevant coupons and discounts exclusively geared towards each stage of life.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation in association with this post.  However Ritz-Carlton (which is not in any way involved in the writing contest described in this post) hosted me and my family for the event mentioned in the photo that accompanies the story.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

WIN $2000 or A Brand NEW Buick Car - Design & Luxury GIVEAWAY Contest

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I've got some very exciting news. Buick has hand-picked a select group of bloggers -- including MommyBlogExpert.com -- to help build the social media buzz about something dramatically new that is coming from this American auto maker.  All I can say is that it's a new kind of design and luxury. 

Entering to Win some BIG Prizes is EASY!

Just Like Buick's Facebook Page and you'll be given access to view a specially produced live event at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit (NAIAS) that will be live streaming on Buick’s Facebook Page on January 10th, 9:15 a.m. EST

Buick's social media representative tells me that not many people know about this grand giveaway, so this increases your chances of winning. Readers who socially interact with the Ustream during the event could be randomly picked to win $2000 and again later for an additional chance to win a brand new Buick!

Good Luck - I hope one of this blog's readers rakes in a BIG PRIZE!

FTC Disclosure:  I am writing this blogpost for a chance to win $5000 from Buick.  I did not receive any payment or other compensation in association with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Top 5 Things Pregnant Women Need to Know About Prenatal Care - Guestpost by Dr. Abramowicz

Me during early pregnancy with our first child

Photo by my Hubbie, MommyBlogExpert.com

By Jacques S. Abramowicz, MD, Ultrasound Expert

Guest Post for MommyBlogExpert.com

For many an expectant mom, seeing her baby for the first time during the prenatal exam is a life-changing experience.  Thanks to amazing new advances in ultrasound technology, it can be a life saving moment for babies as well.

Without question, the most important decision you can make for you and your baby is to actually come in to your obstetrician’s office for prenatal care.  This is the best way to diagnose problems as early as possible and to avoid the more serious complications that occur in some pregnancies.

Dr. Jacques S. Abramowicz

Photo provided by author of this guest post

Here’s what you need to be aware of when it comes to prenatal care and clinical exams

• Your doctor will need to know as much as possible about both parents, so come prepared to discuss your medical and personal history, as well as your partner’s.

• During your exam, your care provider may discuss nutrition and physical activity, what to expect during the pregnancy and birth process.

• Some medications are not safe during pregnancy. So, ask your doctor before stopping or starting any medicines. Keep in mind that even over-the-counter medicines and herbal products may cause side effects or other problems. But not using medicines you need could also be harmful.

• At your initial visit, make sure you have information about your potential genetic risks for anemia and blood incompatibilities because these provide your doctor with the tools needed to address possible complications, and also give you and your baby the best chance for a successful pregnancy.

• Throughout your prenatal care, ultrasound exams will be conducted so it’s important that you always keep your appointments. With today’s imaging capabilities, doctors can examine everything from your baby’s developing brain to its arms and legs and even his or her tiny, dime-size fetal heart.

Prenatal care provides a wide range of support including medical care, education and counseling.  For your baby on the way, it’s a whole new world out there.  Certainly, it’s clear that ultrasound imaging and other tests available through early prenatal care can maximize the chances that you and your future child both arrive safely at your destination.

About Dr. Jacques S. Abramowicz

Dr. Abramowicz is director of obstetrical & gynecological ultrasound and co-director at Rush Fetal & Neonatal Medicine Center, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

What concerns you most about being pregnant? And, if you’ve already had your first ultrasound, how did this experience make you feel?  Leave a comment below and share.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive payment or any other compensation in association with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.