Oscar-nominated US actor Paul Giamatti is to join the cast of ITV's Downton Abbey, starting with the Christmas episode, it has been announced.He will star alongside Elizabeth McGovern as Harold, the "maverick, playboy" brother of Lady Grantham.Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and EastEnders actor Nigel Harman are also set to star in the fourth series of the dramaThe stately series was the most-watched drama of 2012, averaging 11.9 million viewers per episode.
"We're excited that Paul Giamatti will be joining us on Downton to play Cora's brother Harold, the rather free-spirited uncle to Mary and Edith," said Gareth Neame, from production company Carnival Films."We can't wait to see him work alongside Shirley MacLaine, who are both sure to upset the Grantham's apple cart in this year's Christmas Day episode."The influx of US actors to the period drama reflects its growing popularity in the States.12.3 million Americans tuned in to finale of series three on 17 February, making it the highest-rated show of the day, and breaking the viewership record for broadcaster PBSread more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23034116Source:http://britsunited.blogspot.com/2013/06/paul-giamatti-to-join-downton-abbey.html
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As some of you know who follow me I moderate the Young Adult Book Club on goodreads.. I have been the moderator for about 6 years now! We are a fun book club so if you want to discuss books stop on by and meet new readers. It's time to vote for our book club pick!Poll What book would you like to read in August with the group? Just Jane by Nancy MoserDriver's Ed by Caroline B. CooneyWonder by R.J. PalacioThe Diviners by Libba BrayEvery Day by David LevithanA Little Princess by Frances Hodgson BurnettForest of dreams: The Laylines trilogy by Sophie MassonThe One That I Want by Jennifer EcholsThings I Can't Forget by Miranda KenneallyFlash Burnout by L.K. Madigancomments and details· show results· invite friends
family together1. You and your husband haven’t been to the movies in five years……because you won’t leave your kids with a babysitter. It’s tough to tell whose separation anxiety is more agonizing: yours or your little ones’. But hire a sitter anyway—for the kids! “Life has turned into one long, teachable moment, but we think we’re the only teachers,” says Lenore Skenazy, author of Free Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children Without Going Nuts with Worry. “Children learn a lot from us, but also from other people, including babysitters”—things like adaptability, resilience, even new vocabulary words. Plus, research shows that the more couple time
2. Your kid begs you to play endless rounds of Sorry, and mopes if you pass.It’s the parent-as-TV model: Children whose parents constantly entertain them can lose the ability to play creatively and independently. A little boredom actually can boost their imagination, though. Plus, it’s good for kids to see that you won’t cater to their every whim. “My little guy always wants to play,” saysDenise Schipani, author of Mean Moms Rule. “He says, ‘Come play a game with me.’ The other day I said, ‘I play with you a lot, but I can't play with you all the time.’”
3. You’re offended when your teen opts out of taco night to sleep over her BFF’s house.It hurts that teenagers need (and want) you around less, but “being with their friends is really important," says psychologist Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author of Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child's True Potential. “It's part of their identity, and they feel left out if they miss something.” Consider your kid’s “see you later” as an opportunity to get back in touch with who you are, and what you like to do, when you’re not being a mom. We’re guessing it doesn’t involve taco night. 
4. Your six-year-old wants to chat with you in the bathroom as you pee.Every family has different boundaries, but if this happens, it’s time to explain privacy, which most kids start to understand around age five, says New York–based pediatrician Alanna Levine, MD, author of Raising a Self-Reliant Child. Try saying, “There are some things like blowing your nose that you can do in public and other activities that are private.” A household policy of “knock before entering” can help everyone get their space. 
5. You’re torn about accepting a job promotion because of your kid’s sports schedule.“A lot of moms feel like they can't lean in because they have to spend all their time with their kids,” says Skenazy, who advises companies on creating work-life balance for employees. “But we don't have to lavish as much attention on our kids as we think we should. Don’t latch yourself to the desk, but don’t feel so guilty if you can’t watch every soccer practice.” It’s wise to figure out how a new job will affect family time, but passing up opportunities can leave you simmering with resentment—not a good cocktail for family happiness. 
6. You call in sick to girls’ night out because you feel like you’re abandoning your family.Mom guilt can make you reluctant to do something for yourself, but your kids should see you as “a whole person living a whole life, because that’s what you want for them,” says Schipani. In other words, when Mom has coffee with friends, your kids realize you’re more than just their mother. But never mind life lessons for your kids. Take time out because it's fun for you! “You might sign up your kid for tap dancing lessons. Why shouldn't you have tap dancing lessons? It has nothing to do with your kid; it has something to do with you as a person.” 
7. Your child has been talking for five minutes, but you haven't heard a word.If you never left your job, would you pay as much attention to your inbox as you do when you arrive in the morning? Time apart from your kids offers a similar refresh, so it’s easier to concentrate on them when you’re together. “Say, ‘For the next 30 minutes, we’re going to play together and not do anything else,’” suggests Dr. Levine. “It doesn’t have to be a huge quantity of time, but you want your child to feel she has your undivided attention so she can look forward to it.” When time’s up, you can focus on other things sans guilt.
8. Your teens stay up late watching TV with you—so you and your husband never talk anymore.On the one hand, you’re thrilled your teenagers want to spend time with their parents. On the other, their omnipresence can leave you feeling disconnected from your spouse. “Say, ‘Mom and Dad just want to hang out,’” suggests Dr. Kennedy-Moore. Or choose other ways to work couple time into your family schedule. “My friend used to go into the city with her husband for breakfast. They’d come home at 2 P.M. and the teenager hadn’t budged.”
9. You haul your kids along to grown-up events.Schlepping your tots to adults-only gatherings because you can’t stand leaving them behind annoys everyone—including your children! “I was giving a lecture in a ballroom of people, and a couple of parents were trying valiantly to keep their toddlers occupied,” says Skenazy. “Here’s the thing: There was free babysitting across the hall!” Sitting in a boring conference vs. playing with a bunch of new toys? No contest for your kid. Child care emergencies happen, but if you can help it, don’t bring wee ones where they won’t feel comfortable.
10. Everyone in your family has stopped saying thank you.“There’s a concept in psychology called habituation, which means you get used to what’s always there,” says Dr. Kennedy-Moore. “A little missing allows people to look forward to being with someone.” If you’re taken for granted or ignored because you’re constantly around, take a break. Sign up for a night class, slip out for a walk or lock yourself in your bedroom with a good book. Your children may be more grateful to have you around—and you’ll definitely be happier to see them.
Since the announcement this bout will be taking place many have questions why? Why Canelo? Why is it happening so soon? Why not let the fight build up even bigger for next year? Why would Floyd take this risk so early? Has Floyd pulled another master-stroke in his matchmaking? To answer all of the above questions its because Floyd is the best fighter on the planet and is backing up his claims as one of the greats.So why Canelo..... well outside of Floyd Mayweather himself Canelo is the cash cow and most marketable fighter on the planet and will ensure Floyd keeps his nickname 'Money' intact. So the question should be Why not take this fight. The second reason this fight is happening is that, rumor has it CBS put a little pressure on Floyd to take this fight as was not happy with the numbers of Floyd s last fight and lost money so were determined to comeback stronger and even bigger so proposed a mega showdown that could break all PPV records. Many are saying its to soon but in my opinion its the perfect time for Floyd as his not getting any younger and for Canelo if victorious he can say he beat the best Floyd Mayweather and will catapult him to legendary status at the humble age of 23.There has been many skeptics of Floyd saying he ducked Manny Pacquaio and others, well the fact that his taking on a younger, bigger, and hungry fighter shows that claim was false and their was someone who blocked that fight on the other end of the negotiation table. However their will be no doubt people hating if he breezes past Canelo saying he fought a green fighter and some who was not ready. He can't do right people will always criticize but the real fans will knows this will likely be his hardest test of his 6 fight deal and if he happens to pass this test he will most likely retire undefeated as there is no one who can compete with him @147 or @154 lb. Floyd is already going down as a ATG but this will just elevate his legendary standing in the sport and the history book as he will be considered as the greatest ever along with other greats.
LeBron James' headband will be in the starting lineup for Game 7 of the NBA Finals, probably."I'll probably start off with it, man, " James said of his most discussed accessory ahead of Game 7, via CBS Sports. "A little superstitious. If it gets knocked off, then me and him will have a discussion if he will return."Based on the way James closed out Game 6 earlier this week, the San Antonio Spurs might want to take care not to knock it off. After losing the headband during a dunk with nine minutes remaining in regulation and the Miami Heat trailing by five points, James scored 10 points and assisted two other baskets over the remainder of the fourth quarter and in overtime.WATCH: James Dominates Game 6 After Losing Headband
So, yesterday was date night! I must say it was long needed too. Don't get me wrong, we had fun all day with the kids, but we needed couple time. I have Gwynnie Bee to thank for this very sexy dress I had on. Steamy! My husband and I went out for Italian food and ice-cream. Perfect, I didn't even have to share my ice-cream! Now, during the day we took grandpa bowling with us. Benjamin got to wear his brand new bowling shoes. He was SUPER excited. If you are doing AMF's free bowling with your children, I would recommend buying them a pair. The cost of rentals can get expensive. We bought Benjamin a size too big, so he is a bit clumsy in them. Hopefully that means he will make it through the whole summer with them!
The boys all had a good time and enjoyed a little friendly competition. Grandpa won.Today did not go as planned however. My husband took my son to Regal theaters' summer movie program in the morning. Many theaters offer summer deals, so check it out! We were supposed to go to the park in the afternoon, but off and on storms prevented our plans. Perhaps tomorrow or Friday we will make it up to him. Tomorrow is library day. We have a special story time, but we should be able to "squeeze" the park in.Orange RhinoUnfortunately, I have failed twice today and once yesterday on my no yelling challenging. I didn't really yell, but I raised my voice unneedingly. When nerves are short and things seem stressful, its very hard to keep your cool. I quickly lowered my tone and got myself in check. It would kill me to have to start the whole thing over again. Perhaps I'm glad I'm not doing the full Orange Rhino Challenge yet. I truly want to be a better mother than I am. Some advice I got recently from the the author of the Orange Rhino blog has helped me a lot. She said,"All day tell yourself positive affirmations." So today when I felt down and like a "bad mommy" I reminded myself that I take good care of my boys. I make sure they are fed, the get baths, teeth brushed, nails clipped, ears cleaned, the have toys, and clothes. I can say that my kids don't realize when money is tight, or they don't have what I want them to have. They see that I read to them every night and kiss their boo-boos and thats all that matters!Looking ForwardThe Giveaway comes to an end on Monday the 24th. So make sure to check out the entry requirements here! Also, I'm interested in hearing what you all are doing with your families this summer. Anything fun and affordable? Also, next month is my BIRTHDAY! I will be doing a little more soul searching next month. I will be sharing all the things I have done over the past 25 years and sharing a few things I want to do on my way heading to 30. I will discuss what I feel I lack and what I have more than my years worth of. It should be interesting to say the least! 
