I had the great opportunity this week to attend the Orlando, Fl. casting call for ABC’s new fall show “Shark Tank”. I pitched our Smartie Pants and our new really cool fall hoodie idea, to the casting team and a producer. We have our fingers crossed and very excited. What was really great to see was that even though in these hard economic times, there were people with big dreams and a lot of determination in their eyes. Not the doom and gloom that we have read in all the papers for the last two years. It was great to be surrounded by people with such positive energy. I wish everyone much success and the best of luck!
ABC’s Networks, “Shark Tank” Casting Call
June 14th, 2009Volunteering may get you out of your funk.
May 22nd, 2009
Take a look at http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and get yourself back on track, while doing some good for others. Life can be hectic and now with the economic downturn it can be very stressful. Many of us Dads are constantly worrying about how we are going to provide for our families and keep a roof over our loved ones. We watched our 401k’s dwindle, then took early withdraws to cover needed expenses, and then got hit with the tax penalty and on and on. The weight on our chest gets heavier and the panic creeps in around 3:00 A.M. All of this worrying lowers your immune system and impacts your daily well being, ultimately your health and relationships. I have always found exercise to be beneficial, nothing like a good run or some cycling to clear the head. Numerous studies are now coming to the conclusion that giving of yourself to others can be very beneficial to your health. I am involved in numerous fundraisers to promote awareness for certain groups and to network my business. The volunteering has made me get out of my own bubble, teach my kids about being grateful and gives me a positive mission to focus on. So look at volunteer match and ask your kids how they would like to give back. And let the rest of us know how it went…
Temple Beth-El Chili Cook Off, funraiser
May 21st, 2009 Here is some Food for thought…In this current economic climate, our Temple has been feeling the belt tighten with our congregant’s donations, child care cost and membership dues are a constant issue. SO, it was time to get creative, have some fun and bring in a little money for our home away from home. Hence, The Kosher Style Chili Cook Off! We had a sign up sheet with a registration fee of $75.00; you could make a veg. or meat chili of your choice. Then we promoted and promoted and sold tickets for $10 for a tasting in small plastic cups. If you happen to want a bowl of a chili that was calling your name it was $3. Each family that participated in the cook-off had a Team name and a Theme, the kids loved it…. We had the people choice awards and also a panel of Judges, (Rabbi) who blind tasted the Chili’s. Later Winners and runner-ups were announced. We collected over $1,200. And everyone is already talking about next year. 
Smartie Pants got a little PR via blogger!
May 15th, 2009A Mom Who Loves Reviews blog, raves that Smartie Pants are a great product to have! It’s been awesome and we are excited to see our Smartie Pants fans grow and that parents and kids are enjoying our line.
Dadosphere, a blog for Dads
May 12th, 2009I recently ran across Dadosphere an online community of Dads who blog. The site doesn’t talk about sports, or local bars, but about the joys and sometimetimes the disappointments of parenting. It is a place to look for advice and to give it out freely from experience. I became a member which only takes a second and these Dad bloggers are from all walks of life with varrying interest. I found this community to be a great support and full of useful, information. Everything from packing lunches to teen driving and insurance. So take a second, check it out and maybe you’ll find yourself blogging about something close to your heart.
Kids Safety Day, Virginia Ave. Clw. Fl
May 4th, 2009Today my daughters and I spent a few hours at the Kids Safety Day. We spooned cherry and lemonade Italian Ice into our mouths, stood in line waiting to get air brushed tattoos and learned about various safety programs and helmet laws. One piece of green literature caught my eye and it was labeled: Tips for Responding To Bullying. It was being distributed by Pinellas County Schools and I knew that todays purpose had just been fulfilled. Most cases of bullying go unreported; however, the affects can last a life time. Urge your kids to speak up and report abuse.
Tips for Responding To Bullying
Spring Auctions raise money for local schools
May 1st, 2009This Spring we had the opportunity to contribute to Canterbury School of Florida, Academy of The Holy Names and Holy Family. Even though our contributions are small in the big realm of campus budgets. I have come to learn that it really does takes a village and if you think, “what can I possibly do?” The answer is a lot. All of our schools are suffering right now in the wake of this economic downturn and the generosity of parents and local businesses just isn’t there anymore. Believe me when I say even the smallest amount of your time and effort is greatly appreciated, because when you multiply the numbers by all the parents and the community anything is possible. 
The Walk….
April 27th, 2009
Day break
Ty Joslyn
April 24th, 2009
Join us in supporting the March of Dimes walk for Babies April 25th. In Downtown Tampa at the University of Tampa, for a 5K. Smartie Pants Apparel is donating 10% of Sales through May 25th. to the March of Dimes and we are looking so forward to participating with this wonderful organization.