Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 28

Foodie Fridays: Crispy Fried Tofu w/Peanut sauce (It's Better than it sounds)

Alright, I know that it's Sunday but we've missed our regular posts this weekend so I thought I'd share a vegetarian dish today, for our vegetarian followers.

I am what you'd call a 'disgruntled vegetarian/vegan' in that I don't mind meat but it doesn't like me very much. But it's very important to ensure to get all the appropriate intake of protein, iron and other vitamins that you may miss from not consuming meat.

If you find the right recipes, you'll be amazed to find out how you can create...

Music Mantra Monday - A Little Help From Friends

For today's post, we are dedicating it to my new young friend, Brooklyn, and her family.

Hearing the word 'cancer' is a terrifying thing, especially when you are a kid. Many of you know that I have gone through it a couple of times and it doesn't matter how many times it comes back, the news is still difficult to absorb.

Today, my new friend, Brooklyn, is going through surgery on her leg to help rectify her cancer that, thankfully, hasn't spread anywhere else. It doesn't make what she has to go...

Writing Prompt Wednesday ~ Never give up

Today's post is inspired by my daughter, Jordy.

Right now, we are going through a lot in our house. My kids have all started a new year in school, my husband is injured and unable to work...which means I have the whole caseload of bills and stuff...and I am going through a bunch of health issues (nothing to worry about too much, but still a concern). So my premise lately has been, 'never give up'.

Don't give up on anything just because you are thrown a curve ball. Don't give up because times ge...

Writing Sample Saturday: A Short Story - Spiderman Shoes

Welcome to our Writing Sample day!

Usually, I share excerpts from my novels, and up-and-coming ones, but today I wanted to share a story close to my heart about my oldest daughter, Jaimie.

In light of me writing the next book in my series about her, I had some heart-felt memories about all she's been through. For those who have read, Not Just Spirited , you know that she struggled with a very severe form of SPD. In fact, she was one of the top three cases her therapist had dealt with at that tim...

Music Mantra Monday ~ Good Deeds

For today\s Music Mantra, I wanted to do a special tribute.

It took me hours to come up with the song to put with this post but I thought this was most suitable.

As many of our followers know, this song holds many special points for my family. Now, I thought it holds even moreso.

Yesterday, my husband and I went out to the grocery store to get a few essentials for our house. We can't afford a lot right now with him being injured, and this being a slow time for my work but you gotta do what ya go...

Special Sunday Post: A Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivors

Cancer.

It is an ugly word and scary to deal with, but it is a reality. It doesn't realize we are stronger than it is, even if it doesn't think so.

We. Are. Stronger.

Today, I usually get my kids to post what is on their minds but today we are sharing a special post. I dedicate this to my grandmother, who was a two-time breast cancer survivor, and to all of you out there going through, fighting or have survived cancer.

My Grandma was the 'glue' of my mom's side of the family. She kept us talking,...

Music Mantra Monday: Happiness ~ Pharrell Williams - Happy (Official Music Video)

Happiness.

We all define it in our own ways. And there is no way to judge another for what they turn to for that happiness. As long as it is healthy, brings the best out in you and emits that happiness from you, it is good.

We've had a very rough week around here...mostly health-wise. It has been very important for me, more than ever, to stay positive and turn to the happiness I have in my life. If I don't, I know I can slip into complete negativity and that is not a place to be.

Happiness to me...

Talk About It Tuesday: Motivation

Motivation.

Each of us has different resources we draw from to maintain it. And you aren't born with it. It must be learned, instilled and nurtured. Trust me when I say that when there are things around you that take away from that motivation, it can hurt.

Losing your motivation can beat you down because you not only lose sight of what's most important to you, but you also become trapped in negativity. And you don't want to get stuck in that, 'I can't' mode.

We are all human and have been in tha...

Writing Sample Saturday: Kids Amaze Me

I thought I'd go back a bit for today's Saturday Sample, because I've gotten to spend more time with my oldest, Jaimie, which I haven't gotten to for a while.

As many of you know, Jaimie has Asperger's and SPD. She has had a tremendous amount of therapy to be who she has become and I am so proud.

The girl that refused to speak until she was three, is now volunteering to be the Master of Ceremonies. The girl that was afraid to even allow people to touch her, is giving hugs. The girl that didn't...

Chynna's Kids Speak Out!: A Review of The Littlest Inventor

Usually, on Sundays we get the kids to blog about their thoughts. But today, I am reviewing a wonderful new sensory kids' book called, " The Littlest Inventor ".

I loved this book. When I first wrote, " I'm Not Weird, I Have SPD ", I was trying to give my Jaimie a tool to communicate with others of what she was going through on a daily basis. She didn't have the words because she couldn't speak, so I gave them to her. This book does the same thing.

I would gear this to younger readers, as it is rhy...