First, be a parent
Our first and most important job as a parent is to protect our children. I think so many parents (especially mothers) become trapped in the desire for our children to like us, to think we are okay, and accept our parenting. In that search for the perfect relationship, I think many of us have found that we end up becoming our children’s friend instead of their parent. Children don’t need friends, they need parents. Being a parent absolutely has its rewards, but there are times when tough situations arise, and times when a parent has to get tough as well, but reasonably it is for the better of the children we are raising.
I was raised with this principle and it has always been with me, but it was brought to light in the recent exposure of 16 year old Jamie Lynn Spears who recently found out she was pregnant. While I am certainly not here to pass judgment, I noticed some interesting trends in her mother’s parenting style that I believe may have led to trouble for both Jamie Lynn and her pop star sister Britney. Not long ago, Jamie Lynn was a brilliant young lady with a leading role on her show, Zoey 101 and a career that she was looking forward to pursuing. She was thought to have it all, until she grew up too fast, thanks in large part to her parents.
Hollywood superstars already have lives that are far beyond the realm of most everyone else’s, but there needs to be consistency and rules laid out by their parents that keeps Hollywood kids in a semi-normal lifestyle. The media hounds and paparazzi are practically begging young girls to grow up quickly so they can get better pictures and have a better story. After all, normal and calm doesn’t sell well in the media. Young Hollywood stars don’t have the mental capacity to differentiate between what is right and what the media is hounding them for, and hence they need their parents. Often times the parents of Hollywood stars get so caught up in making their children marketable that they forget what really matters. A friendly relationship with ‘best friend’ status looks great on camera and in magazine articles, and that’s what happens much of the time.
Since Britney was the big cheese, Lynne Spears has been there as her friend and confidante. While I think that support and friendship are two major parts to a healthy parent-child relationship, it certainly should not be the foundation. When Lynn was asked about her 16 year old daughter’s pregnancy, she said she was shocked because “she’s never late for her curfew.” Is she kidding?? She apparently seems to be under the impression that sexual intercourse only happens post-curfew. She also must have forgotten that her 16 year old daughter was in the process of moving into an apartment with her 19 year old boyfriend, thinking she would be happier there. This is a mother who is clearly so concerned with being her daughter’s friend that she forgets the basic responsibilities of parenting, like keeping her daughter at home until she is ready to face the world on her own. While I am sure that finding out your 16 year old baby is pregnant with a baby of her own must have been devastating for Lynn Spears, she went on the other end of the spectrum with supporting and hogging the spotlight right along with her daughter. She’s stoked about being in the spotlight, and even willing to shed light on the brilliance of her daughter’s pregnancy for an undetermined amount of money provided by OK! Magazine. Lynne Spears needs to do a reality check on the seriousness of the situation. It’s not all about cute babies and becoming a grandmother for the 4th time. Hopefully she will step up to her role as a mother, forget what her young daughter thinks is fun and take some control over what’s going on in her daughter’s life. She’s living vicariously through her daughters, hoping to get some of the life back that she feels she didn’t get for whatever reason, but that’s not healthy. She’s the parent now, so she needs to grow up and act like one.
In a realistic sense, I too am a mother with some of the same issues. My eldest son is only 9, and certainly not a Hollywood star, but I sometimes have a difficult time being his mother and not his friend. I’m a big softie, and don’t like to see him upset. When it comes to consequences for disrespectful behavior, I have trouble enforcing the rules we set forth. My first thought is that I don’t want to see him upset, and I don’t want him to hate me. Then luckily reality sets in and I realize that an eight minute time out is far more beneficial and is a step toward learning a life lesson. Oddly enough, my children are much better behaved when I’m being strict and enforcing rules that keep them in line. Not only are they better behaved, but they are happier and seem to enjoy life more.
Children, especially those with celebrity status need love and support from their parents and someone to guide them down the right path despite what is being thrown at them. Luckily, popularity comes with the territory of being a celebrity, and hence they have a variety of friends to choose from. It’s so much easier to be your child’s friend, but in the end it is far more rewarding and beneficial to be their parent. Discipline does not have to come with disrespect. Children need boundaries and these are their formative years, and eighteen years is typically all you have to raise that child to be a respectable human being. They need to know that we, as parents are going to be there to guide them, not to act as their friend. When we act as parents, they can count on a well-respected guiding force to teach them right from wrong. What we teach them will stay with them for the rest of their lives. As Dr. Phil says, we are not just raising today’s children, we are raising tomorrow’s adults.
Helping to teach kids that “different” is “ok”!
Kids Get Designer Duds With Diversity Local Mom Creates Children’s Clothing Line
Phoenix, AZ (12/16/07) – In today’s fast paced world consumers are always looking for products that combine multiple functions into one easy to manage device. Lisa Hillery-Smith, a new mom, has taken that same concept and applied it to fashion and education.
Regionz Kidz is a full line of designer children’s tees that feature black and white caricature-like images of toddlers from varying ethnic backgrounds hand drawn by a local artist. This line is one of the few places parents can find up-scale children’s clothing that is produced using a scientifically advanced, eco-friendly printing process.
“I had been searching for a designer clothing line for my daughter that was unique and eco-friendly. When I didn’t find it I figured, why not make one of my own? I want this line to highlight some of the fun aspects about living in a country as diverse as the
US and teach children to celebrate the diversity,” Lisa, Founder and CEO of Regionz Kidz, said.
The boys and girls shirts are made from 100% preshrunk cotton and come in four colors. Moms can strut their multicultural fashion too as the line features a matching set of t-shirts in women’s sizes. With Regionz Kidz, the consumer can also be the designer. The Regionz Kidz artist will create personalized pieces for parents who send in photos of their children.
Regionz Kidz is not just a clothing line. The company’s website blog features articles, cultural event listings & family-friendly product reviews that bring awareness to the types of activities, toys, books, & movies that parents can use to teach their children about diversity & tolerance.
Lisa wants her customers to get more than just one-of-a-kind funky designs with Regionz Kidz; she hopes to expand their knowledge of tolerance and multicultural sensitivities. Her line of region based books and educational children’s products allow parents to teach their children about the different regions of the
USA and aid them in learning to read. The books feature multi-cultural children’s stories for two different age groups; 0-2 years & 2-3 years, and the website features 8 sets of downloadable Regionz Kidz flashcards – three in Spanish.
About Regionz KidzBeginning in 2007, Regionz Kidz has clothed and educated families across the U.S. with pride. The company is the result of one mom’s quest to find a unique infant and toddler clothing line for her daughter. After visiting a regional gift show and realizing there was a lack of infant and toddler clothing that was upscale, culturally-diverse and customized for kids, she decided to create her own designer infant and toddler t-shirt line. She wanted a regional children’s clothing line that would highlight some of the fun aspects about living in a country as diverse as the
US. She also wanted multi-cultural designs celebrating the diversity of the children and families all across the country. For more information about this line visit http://www.regionzkidz.com
Digital Scrapbooking-Make your Memories Last a Lifetime!! Where to Begin?
Digital Scrapbooking-Make your Memories Last a Lifetime!! Where to Begin?
Moms and women from all over the world are enjoying making there memories last for a lifetime (and more!) with the new affordable hobby of digital scrapbooking. Whats Digital Scrapbooking? Its an affordable way to design and personalize your Scrapbook Layouts and photos without leaving your computer!!! You can print them or save them to a cd to share with family and friends!!
How do you get started?
First you need to decide if you would like to make the Digital Scrapbook layouts from scratch or find some great Premade Digital Scrapbook Layouts.
Making your Layout from Scratch
If you would like to create your first layout from scratch you will need a graphics or photo program (We recommend Paint Shop Pro you can download a free trial at corel.com). Create an blank image in either 12by12 or 8by12 inches. Draw embelishments or add graphics to decorate your page and add backgrounds. Then just add your favorite photos!!!
Want a Premade Layout?
There are many great websites that offer Kits and Premade Scrapbook Layouts. The Graphics Shoppe is a Online Graphics,Scrapbooking and Crafts club with adorable themed premade scrapbook layouts ready for printing or using digitally. Just add photos and your done!
Digital Scrapbooking is a way to make sure your cherished memories never fade away or get ruined. They last forever and can be shared for generations to come and with so many resources you will always be able to find the perfect layout for your family photos!!!
Free Digital Scrapbooking Quickpages to Get you Started from The Graphics Shoppe.
About the Author:
Owner of-The Graphics Shoppe
A Online Graphics,Crafts and Scrapbooking club with OVER 2000 Graphics for Both Personal AND Commercial use!Premade Scrapbook layouts,Printables,Craft Projects,Ebay Auction Templates,Freebies and more!!!
http://thegraphicsshoppeclub.com
The Hidden Cost of Indoor Air Pollution
by Nuby DeLeon
Studies from the United States and Europe indicate that people living in industrialized nations spend more than 90% of their time indoors with a majority of it spent at work. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor air pollution is two to five times, and in some cases a hundred times, worse than outdoors. A big contributor to this problem comes from toxic cleaners being used in enclosed office spaces. Many of the cleaning products used to clean offices contain chemicals that can cause eye, skin and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathing problems, cancer, or birth defects. Poor circulation and insufficient HVAC systems that collect and recirculate the toxic cocktail of evaporated chemical compounds around the office only exacerbate the problems.
Research done by Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, found that U.S. companies could save as much as $200 billion annually in worker performance improvements by creating offices with better indoor air. Employees are not only a company’s main source of income – they also make up a big part of a company’s operating cost. When an employee cannot perform their job optimally or calls out sick due to symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality they still need to get paid their salary despite their decreased productivity. With rising health care costs, the benefits of improving indoor air quality far exceed the cost of making those improvements. Many business owners and CEO’s do not realize that poor indoor air quality is creating an unnecessary money drain.
The National Institutes of Health Library of Medicine Household Products Database (www.householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov) lists almost any brand of cleaner, what’s in it, and its links to health effects. The database can be searched by chemical or by product brand. Some chemical ingredients to look out for are:
• Sodium Hydroxide – Inhalation is immediately irritating to the respiratory tract. Contact can cause severe damage to the eyes, skin, mouth and throat. Can cause liver and kidney damage. Found in dishwashing liquids, laundry products, oven cleaner, scouring cleansers and tub/tile cleaners.
• Hydrochloric Acid – Can cause severe damage to skin. Can be harmful to health, just by breathing fumes. Can be fatal if swallowed. Found in odor eliminators and toilet bowl cleaners.
• Butyl Cellosolve (2-butoxyethanol) – Can cause irritation and tissue damage from inhalation. Found in All-purpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, degreasers, floor polish, rug shampoos, toilet bowl cleaners, tub & tile cleaners and window cleaners.
Switching to green cleaning products creates a considerable impact on indoor air quality, the planet, health care and operational costs. A green cleaning pollution calculator can be found at www.ofee.gov/janitor to determine the environmental impact of using “green” janitorial services and products. According to the EPA, Americans generate 368 million pounds of hazardous waste from cleaning products per year. We would eliminate over 15 million pounds of toxic chemical cleaners a year if only 10,000 office buildings switched to green cleaning products. In addition to this, if only 1 out of 4 U.S. households switched to green cleaning products we would eliminate over 7 billion pounds of carbon emissions annually.
For more information about green cleaning products and air purification for your home or office, contact Shaklee Independent Distributor (www.shaklee.net/ktracy), Karen Tracy e-mail: ktracy@cinci.rr.com.
LBD Conspiracy
It’s funny how one’s self-image tends to stay frozen in time. Your mind picks out a moment when you looked your best, sometimes a moment that occurred many moons (and many pounds) ago, and it goes through some kind of freezing process that crystallizes this warm memory into a mental ice cube tray where you can periodically pull it out of the figurative freezer of dreams and lick it with the symbolic tongue of delusion just to make sure it’s still there.
Or something like that.
For my husband, this frosted fantasy is more than 20 years old and revolves around his balmy bachelor days when he drove a little red sports car and spent his weekends logging hours as a private pilot. He keeps a picture of himself — I call it his Top Gun picture — from those days. He’s leaning against that sports car, handsome and dashing in a flight suit, with his airplane in the background. The car and the plane are long gone, and the flight suit would require a considerable amount of alternation if he wanted to wear it now (sorry, dear), but I know my Tom Cruise clone still sees himself as that studly single man.
My flash-frozen picture of myself occurred about the same time, back in my skinny season, when I first wore a Little Black Dress. For a woman, the LBD is far more than a piece of clothing. It’s a canvas on which she can showcase her stylish self, one of the most important items in her wardrobe. And once a woman, say one like me, has felt beautiful in this essential item of apparel (a la Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), she tends to assume she will always look good in it.
So with this assumption firmly in mind and having not worn an LBD for quite a while, I went shopping recently for a new little black dress to wear to this year’s holiday parties. I had my teenage daughter and my mother in tow. And I stumbled upon a shocking scandal, one that should have every woman in the country up in arms.
Someone is sabotaging the LBD. Someone, probably the same folks adding lead to children’s toys, is removing fabric from the fundamental fashion frock and skewing the sizes. These pernicious people have a lot to answer for.
I tried on dress after dress in what I thought would be a quick quest for a trendy, yet timeless LBD. I started, naturally, with the size that I know fits me, the size that has fit me for years. But for some reason, the dresses in my size failed to flatter my figure. In fact, each terribly tight toga refused to go much past my knees! I was astounded, and then annoyed, as my size-zero, soon-to-be-disowned daughter snickered and rather cruelly implied that my love for a certain Italian dessert could have contributed to my size shrinkage problem: (”Oh, tiramisu,” she said mockingly, “how could you?”)
My mom, trying to be helpful, began bringing me LBDs in larger sizes. I refused to try them on.
“That’s my size and I’m sticking to it!” I said heatedly, pointing to one of the discarded dresses.
A warm flush of embarrassment began to spread over my face and threatened to melt that icy illusion in my head.
That’s when I realized I was the unwitting victim of a vast LBD conspiracy. These people are trying to make me look fat and send me into the little black dress doldrums. But I won’t give them that satisfaction. I want my original size back. I’m calling my congressman.
© Jackie Papandrew 2007
Visit JackiePapandrew.com to find out more about Jackie and sign up for a free email version of her column.
The Land of Twins
It sounds like something out of a strange science-fiction movie, but there’s actually a town in Nigeria known as “The Land of Twins.” That’s because the little village of Igbo-Ora has an unusually high incidence of natural twin births. Scientists are puzzled as to why this occurs.
Nearly 5 percent of the births among the Yoruba community in Igbo-Ora result in twins, compared to about 0.5 percent of all births internationally. Some people believe it might be because the villagers eat a lot of yams, which have a natural hormone called phytoestrogen that may stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. Others believe it’s a matter of genetics; perhaps the women in Yoruban families have inherited the tendency to release more eggs.
Fortunately, the Yoruba believe that twins bring good luck and are a gift from God. This is different from some other areas of Africa, where they believe that twins have special powers and can hurt people they don’t like. Before missionaries entered Africa and changed certain superstitions, some African communities would kill twins and even their mothers, believing that a twin birth meant that the mother had been sexually active with two men.
Interestingly, the Yoruba also believe that twins share a soul. Thus, if one twin dies, a wooden figure called an “ibeji” is made in place of the dead twin. The other half of the soul from the deceased twin will reside in the ibeji, they believe, which the mother then dresses and feeds as if it were alive. When a surviving twin becomes an adult, he assumes responsibility for the ibeji. If both children die, the mother participates in an elaborate ceremony where she dances with two ibeji figures to represent her dead children.
Women who wish to become pregnant with twins without the use of fertility technology might want to consider a diet heavy in yams!
Mom Inventor - The Handy Burpee
My name is Sheila McGoldrick - I am the mother of three WONDERFUL children, Tyler, Brody and our newest addition as of September 11, 2007, Laney Paige!!! It is because my children and their horrible acid reflux like symptoms that I started the awesome journey toward inventing the Handy Burpee. My fun-loving husband, Wayne, is my “down to earth” partner in this business.
The Handy Burpee is a NEW style burp cloth with a protective covering for your hand. It protects baby as well from wearing their own spit-up and saves you from having to do extra loads of laundry!
This product is wonderful for any baby whether breast or bottle fed. Big enough for a man or woman’s hand and also works for right or left handed parents/caregivers.
We were also featured in the Pregnancy Magazine 3 months in a row for a contest giveaway and Jennie Garth has received our products. She loved them so and even had time to send us a thank you letter!
To check out this awesome innovation, please go to http://www.LovePrints.net
Christian toys are so hard to find!
I have searched all the local shops and other than Noah’s Ark toys, Christian toys are incredibly hard to find! That’s why I was so thrilled to find Plush Talking Christian Dolls that are adorable, safe, fun and teach Christian morals based on Bible scriptures!
The Ambassador Man and Ambassador Gal dolls were inspired by Ephesians 6: 10-18 and 2 Corinthians 5:20 and dressed in full Christian armor these Ambassador Man & Gal plush talking Christian dolls have six good values vocals which are activated when your child presses on different pieces of plush armor.
These Plush Talking Christian Dolls are great for boys as well as girls!
They will provide hours and hours of good Christian fun!
And to make your Plush Talking Christian Doll purchase even better, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of these Ambassador Man & Ambassador Gal Plush Talking Christian Dolls will be donated to support Christian children’s ministries!
Elaine K. Stephen
Inspirational Gift Gallery
Favorite Christmas Movies
There’s nothing like lighting a fire, turning on the Christmas tree lights and cuddling up on the couch to watch a fun Christmas movie. Over the years there have been many great movies that became instant classics. Pick your favorite and grab a big bowl of popcorn because it’s movie time!
Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1947) starring James Stewart is a story hope and worthiness. When George Bailey hits a lifetime low on Christmas Eve, an angel looking to earn his wings comes to his rescue and shows George what life would be like without him for those he loves. Through the angel’s intervention George learns that his life has meaning and in the end an angel gets his wings.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) stars a young Natalie Wood who sets out to find out if there really is a Santa Claus. When Kris Kringle, the Macy’s “Santa,” claims to be the real deal, he is accused of being insane and must go to court to prove his claim.
“Scrooge” (aka “A Christmas Carol,” 1951), adapted from the Charles Dickens classic novel, tells of bitter, old Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who overworks and underpays his employee, Bob Cratchit, and who has no regard for family. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is haunted by the ghosts of Christmas Present, Christmas Past, and Christmas Yet to Come. Will the spirits help Scrooge see the error of his ways?
In 1988, Bill Murray starred in “Scrooged,” and updated version of “A Christmas Carol.” Murray plays Frank Cross, a smug television executive planning a production of the Dickens’ classic novel. When the three spirits visit Frank on Christmas Eve he goes on a wild, ethereal journey.
In “A Christmas Story,” (1983) “You’ll shoot your eye out,” is all little Ralphie Parker hears when he asks for an official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle “with a compass in the stock.” Set in 1940, the movie follows Ralphie and his dealings with teachers, friends, bullies, his wacky family, and even Santa Claus on his quest for the perfect Christmas gift in this hilarious holiday favorite.
Celebrate Christmas with Chevy Chase and the Griswold family in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989). The Griswolds never seem to have any luck and the bad luck continues in this madcap holiday adventure. Can Clark Griswold and his family survive?
John Hughes’ “Home Alone” (1990) made Macaulay Culkin a child star. When the McAllister family accidentally leave their eight-year-old son, Kevin, home alone while they vacation in France, he must defend his family’s home from a couple of bumbling robbers played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. If one “Home Alone” is not enough there were two sequels, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and “Home Alone 3.”
The Dr. Seuss classic holiday tale “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” was first made into an animated movie in 1966. Ron Howard directed a live action version starring Jim Carrey in 2000. It’s the story of a nasty, green creature named The Grinch who is determined to destroy Christmas for the gentle Whos living in Whoville. He has a change of heart when he encounters a little girl who teaches him the true meaning of Christmas.
Other animated movies were made for television and are favorites for children and adults alike. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965) stars all of the Charles M. Schulz “Peanuts” characters and follows Charlie Brown as he tries to find the true meaning of Christmas. In the 1960s, Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass began to create a library of holiday movies using stop motion animation, a process using figurines, as well as more traditional animation. Some of their Christmas favorites include “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964), “The Little Drummer Boy” (1968), “Frosty the Snowman” (1969), “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970) and “Jack Frost” (1979).
New York City at Christmas Time
While many people travel during the Christmas season to visit family, many take advantage of the time off for a vacation. If you are looking for a place to visit over the holidays, consider a Christmas holiday in New York City. While New Yorkers might be known for their gruff exteriors, there is nothing quite as magical as New York City at Christmas time. Whether you prefer to catch a show, go shopping, or just tour the sites, there is something for everyone in the Big Apple.
Christmas is not complete without a stop at Rockefeller Center for a look at the enormous Christmas tree in the plaza. Rockefeller Plaza is located in midtown Manhattan between 47th Street and 51st Street and between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue. Lighting the Rockefeller Center tree has become a long New York tradition. November 28, 2007, marks the 75th anniversary of the tree lighting ceremony and will officially kick off the holiday season celebration in the city. On average, the tree ranges from 75 to 90 feet tall and holds approximately 78,000 lights.
At the base of the tree is another New York favorite, the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza. If you aren’t one to glide across the ice, just watching the skaters twirl, spin, and even fall can be worth your time. The ice skating rink opens from October to April, but it is advised to check the schedule and to make reservations if visiting during the winter holidays.
As the light dims on the city and evening sets, make sure to take a trip up 5th Avenue. Fifth Avenue is a shopping mecca, but during the Christmas season it also has some of the most beautiful storefront decorations. Cartier at 5th Avenue and 52nd Street even goes so far as to wrap the entire building with a big, red bow. Macy’s department store at Herald Square not only decorates the outside of the building with lights, but also has elaborate window displays. Lord & Taylor between 38th and 39th Streets often draws crowds but it’s worth waiting in line to see the extravagant holiday scenes complete with animated figures. Finally, Saks Fifth Avenue, located across the street from Rockefeller Center between 49th & 50th Streets, is a popular stop. This year the windows will be decorated based on Tchaikovsky’s ballet, Sleeping Beauty.
No trip to New York is complete without taking in a show or two and the holidays are no exception. For 75 years the world-famous Rockettes have dazzled crowds with their high kicks at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. It is a lively show filled with the spirit of Christmas and a favorite of children and adults alike. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet is a beautiful rendition of a holiday classic. Audiences are dazzled by toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies while one of the most talented ballet companies in the world leaps, twirls, and dances the magic of a little girl’s dream at Christmas. This year, a holiday must-see is How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the St. James Theatre. Based on the Dr. Seuss classic this holiday favorite will warm any grinch’s heart.
Naturally, if you are in New York City for New Year’s Eve, a trip to Time Square to watch the ball drop atop One Times Square at the stroke of midnight is an unforgettable way to usher in a new year. This tradition has been going on since 1906. It can get very crowded so arrive early and be prepared to stay in one spot for the night. Just cuddle up to your loved one and get ready for that New Year’s kiss as the ball drops.
Car Seat and Booster Seats
It was once said, that all babies and toddlers must ride in a manufactures car seat and or booster seat. In the late 70’s such car seats took a turn from plastic buckets to an actual seat where babies and toddlers could be placed for a much safer ride in the car.
Since the late 70’s manufactures have improved on car seats and booster seats, functions have been added, needed fabric padding, more secure crotch locks, better crash test. However, one thing that has not changed since the mid to early 80’s is the sliding harness clasp.
If you have ever wondered how a baby or toddler can get out of their car seat and or booster seat, this center sliding harness clasp is to blame! Babies and toddlers can figure out real quick that the center harness sliding clasp is easy to move up and down the harness straps. Once a baby or toddler has figured out that they can move the center sliding clasp down, usually toward the crotch, this gives room to wiggle out arms and upper body through the top of most car seats and booster seats.
Now while most parents are driving, keeping their eyes on the road, babies and toddlers are able to slide down the center sliding clasp of car seats and booster seats and slide out through the top of their car seats and booster seats and become free inside a moving car…Have you seen your child free inside your car while driving?
This problem can create a huge safety risk for children and parents as finding a place to pull over off to the side of the road is not always an option right away. Most parents after pulling over to the side of the road will put their baby back inside the car seat and or booster seat, adjust the harness straps tighter and think this will solve the problem… only to find out after they began to drive again that their baby or toddler is now back out of the car seat and or booster seat.. Frantic parents will replace the car seat and or booster seat, however, most manufactures car seats and or booster seats made in the USA have sliding center clasp!
Baby Huggables is a mother invented product to help deter babies and toddlers from being able to wiggle out the top of their car seats and or booster seats while the parent is trying to drive. Baby Huggables is placed directly above the manufactures center sliding clasp. Once Baby Huggables is in place, babies and toddlers will still be able to slide down the manufactures center clasp, but will not be able to slide out of the top of their car seat and or booster seats.
Inventor Sherri Frushon, who is a stay at home mom, suffered through several car seats with her now 10 year old daughter, saying, I tried everything I could think of to keep my baby inside her car seat. When nothing worked, I would purchase yet another car seat thinking this would solve the problem. After awhile I had 5 car seats in my garage which had cost me a lot of money! After I started to look at these car seats I noticed one thing in common all these car seats had, the center sliding clasp! My daughter finally grew out of her car seat and then booster seat, but my mind would not allow me to stop thinking that if my child could escape out of her car seat, other children must be doing the same thing.
It was not until Mrs. Frushon had her last child, a boy, who was able to escape out of his car seat that again she started to dig in to this problem and designed Baby Huggables.
Baby Huggables can be placed above the manufactures sliding center clasp, or below the manufactures sliding clasp on almost all car seats and booster seats. It takes seconds to clip on, with it’s plastic soft teeth so not to harm the harness straps, and less time to remove.
Baby Huggables will allow parents to focus on the road ahead for a much more stress free drive. Baby Huggables works on those with more then one baby, such as twins and multiple births who’s parents suffer the same problem of their children being able to get out of their car seats and booster seats.
Visit the site today to find out how you can get peace of mind and put your eyes back on the road!
Is Your Child Suffering from The Gimmes?
This horrible, debilitating disease can transform even the kindest, sweetest children into horrible thoughtless monsters!
Has this ever happened to you?
–You walk into the grocery store with your little angel by your side. She asks if she may please have a box of Starry Fish Gummy Fruit Snacks, and when you say, “Not today honey,” your princess transforms into a screaming, raging beast, stomping her foot, shrieking loudly, accompanied by fake sobs. Spectators look on, wondering how you could be so cruel. Read more
Holiday Travel Flight Tips
For many, flying over the holidays can be a real nightmare. Long lines at the airport can quickly send the cheeriest of holiday travelers straight to bah-humbug land. Some travel at Christmas time for pleasure, and starting off your trip with a headache is no way to head out on vacation. Others travel out of necessity. It’s a reality that many families are spread out from city to city and have to travel great distances to spend time with their loved ones at Christmas. Whether you are taking a vacation or traveling to spend time with your family, a few tips can keep “bah, humbug” out of your holiday vocabulary.
Pack light. With extra crowds at the airports, the last thing you want to deal with is maneuvering large, heavy or bulky pieces of luggage through the sea of people. By packing light you will relieve a lot of frustration for yourself.
Ship ahead. If you have holiday gifts to bring to your loved ones, you might think about shipping them ahead. By doing so, you will avoid having to unwrap gifts at security check points as well as unload the extra weight from your luggage.
Be aware of travel restrictions. With heightened security at the airports, travel restrictions are always changing. Knowing what you can and cannot bring with you on an airplane can save you time and money at security lines. Check the FAA (www.faa.gov) or TSA (www.tsa.gov) websites for current information.
Check travel advisories. Suggested airport arrival times often change during the holidays because of crowds or heightened security. Check with your airline to see how early you should arrive before your flight. You can also check flight status to see if your flight is late, on time, or cancelled. This is highly recommended since weather conditions can be unpredictable around the holidays.
Make your luggage identifiable. In order to avoid luggage mix-ups place a unique bow or ribbon on your suitcase so that it stands out from the others. Stickers or other adhesive items also act as good identifiers.
Pre-check for your flight. Many airlines now offer you the option to check-in for your flight online. You can print your boarding pass from the comfort of your own home and then avoid long lines at the airport. If you have luggage to check, you might opt for the electronic kiosks that some airlines offer. You can also use these kiosks to check in.
Carry on luggage if possible. In order to limit the chances of lost luggage, try to carry on your luggage instead of checking it. If you must check you luggage because you have too much to pack or have items that cannot be carried on due to security regulations, then make sure to bring all essential items such as prescriptions with you in a small carry-on bag or purse. It is also wise to pack a few essentials clothing items in a carry-on in case your checked items are lost.
Flying at the holidays does not need to be the nightmare it is often deemed. By taking a few precautions and with a bit of planning you can survive the airports with your ho-ho-ho still chiming from your mouth. If frustrations arise, try to smile through them and remember what the spirit of the holidays is about.
V-Smile Learning System Review
Vtech has come out with a new fun and educational game console in the V-Smile Learning System recommended for children ages 3-6.
The item comes with one joystick and an Alphabet Park Smartridge game cartridge. It plugs into your TV audio and video jacks. An AC adapter is available separately, but batteries may be used. A joystick is available giving the option to use the two-player mode on many V-Smile Smartridges.
Your children will enjoy the simple graphics and the bright buttons. With a huge range of activities including learning the alphabet and lessons in friendship, your child will get hours and hours of entertainment from this toy. That will give you the break you need while maintaining the piece of mind that comes with a VTech product.
All your younger children will love the V-Smile system, with its colorful joystick, buttons, and bright graphics. There are many games available for the game system for younger and older children.
Turn your home into a fun learning center. The V.Smile TV Learning System Plus is a fantastic system that will help your child to grow and learn as quickly as possible from the safety of your TV screen.
What’s The Cost: $59.99
Cons:The Battery life is a bit short and the second joystick and AC adapter pack must be purchased separately. Some younger children could have trouble understanding the V-Smile Smartridge games.
Where to buy:
V.Smile TV Learning System Plus
Submitted by: Megan Cahill; Louisville, KY
Goo Gone All Purpose Remover
Goo Gone is a wonderful product. This product is made to take care of those things that nothing else will get rid of. It removes paint, crayon, glue, grease, tape or anything that is sticky or gummy. It isn’t greasy so it doesn’t leave a greasy residue on anything you spray it on. It even removes permanent laundry marker.
You can buy this product in a spray bottle or in a regular squirt type bottle.
It also has the orange citrus smell that everyone is into these days. This product is a must for anyone who has children or a hard working husband in their household. I use it all the time.
It only takes a single spray, wait a couple of minutes and wipe clean. It is also very inexpensive. I have even used this to remove old hairspray off the bathroom walls and sinks. It works in the laundry too. I use it to remove all the gummy yuck my husband the plumber/pipe fitter gets on him everyday and he uses it to remove all that yuck from his hands at the end of each day. This product is a must for every household.
What’s The Cost: Prices vary.
Cons: The only thing I have found that it will not remove is super glue and I’m not sure there is a product out there that can.
Where to buy:
GOO GONE
Submitted by: LeaAnn Massey; Covington, IN
Dinner Menu Ideas for Christmas
Every family has its favorite dishes for the holidays, traditions that have been passed down year after year. Maybe it is time to spice things up and introduce some new recipes or at least make some variations to some favorites. It’s a good idea to incorporate family favorites from your spouse’s family (if you can get them to share the recipes), especially if you can’t get together with that side of the family. Here are a few different ideas to help you find your own groove this holiday season.
Appetizers - Why not have a few appetizers set out, so people can snack while dinner is finishing up? Set out some healthy things to munch on, like fruit and veggies or cheese and crackers. It’s easy to set up a nice tray; even just a foil lined pizza pan covered in clear plastic with Christmas designs on it can dress up the table.
Side Dishes - Tired of the same old stuffing or mashed potatoes? Try some souped up stuffing. Take some precooked chicken (or left over turkey from Thanksgiving), picked off the bone and then mix that with your favorite cream soup (chicken, mushroom or celery) and some sour cream, top with stuffing, add a little water and bake according to the directions on the stuffing box.
Other side dishes can feature different vegetables, noodles or potatoes. You could also have some fruit side dishes, like baked apples. If it’s a family gathering where everyone brings a different dish, then try out that recipe you’ve been wanting to make but haven’t.
Main Dishes - While a ham or turkey may be traditional for Christmas dinner, how about a roast? It’s simple to cook a nice, moist roast using a slow cooker. Place the meat in the slow cooker, add some broth or au jus, some favorite spices and let it cook while you are enjoying the family. Add some vegetables; simply select ones that cook well in the slow cooker and there is one less dish to make.
Desserts - Everybody loves desserts, especially at the holidays. We tend to overindulge in them. Try to find some desserts that are still delicious, yet a little less filling. Gelatin, especially if you make red or green, is always a hit around the holidays. Add fruit or make it into squares or even fun shapes with cookie cutters.
Instead of having very heavy desserts try having an angel food cake. Adding red and green candy or sugar sprinkles gives it a festive look. Have a variety of bite-size desserts, such as mints, chocolate covered nuts or peanut butter balls. This will give guests a variety and help curb the need to overindulge as well.
‘Tis A Few Weeks ‘Til Christmas
‘Tis a few weeks ’til Christmas and all through my house
Not a gift has been bought, and I’m feeling like a louse.
The dog chewed up the stockings I left in her reach without care
And I’m hoping St. Nicholas will soon take her with him in the air.
My consumers, er, children, nestle each night snug in their beds,
With craniums full of toy commercials that cause visions of dollar bills to dance in mass marketers’ heads.
And me in my stained sweatpants, with my hair in a cap
I’m too seasonally stressed for even a short winter’s nap.
When out near my lawn the other night, there arose such a clatter
I tripped over some of last year’s toys trying to see what was the matter.
Down hard on the floor, I fell with a crash
Tore a hole in those sweatpants and on my leg was a gash.
The moon on the tops of our inflatable holiday decorations below
Gave a luster of true tackiness to my fake falling snow.
When what to my weary, yet competitive eyes should appear
But a miniature plastic sleigh across the street, surrounded by eight adorable reindeer.
Being erected by my nasty neighbor, in a manner so lively and quick
I knew in a moment that my house’s Yuletide décor needed a good kick.
Slightly more rapid than turtles, my children they came
When I whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Now, Boys! Now, Girl! Now, Bad Dancers and Little Vixen!
On, Retailers’ Dreams! On , Merchandisers’ Minions!
Put more lights on the porch! Put more lights on the walls!
We must impress the neighbors – now dash away all!
As dry leaves that before the manic shoppers’ eyes fly
When they rush to the stores, their panic mounting to the sky.
So the next day, at my bidding, my husband he flew
To our housetop with more lights, and a bad attitude, too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of his big, awkward hoof.
As I rushed outside and was turning around
Sliding off the roof, my husband came with a bound.
He was dressed in his grubbies, from his head to his foot
So it didn’t matter that his clothes were tarnished with leaves and a root.
But a bundle of lights he still held on his back
And he looked like a murderer when he gave me that sack.
His eyes, how they glared at me, ‘til I felt very wary
His cheeks, they were burning as red as a cherry.
His not-so-droll mouth told me his anger I did sow
And I feared that his temper, it surely would blow.
A stray piece of grass he picked out of his teeth
Then he brushed off the leaves encircling his head like a wreath.
He had a mad face and his little round belly
It shook when he moaned like a bowl full of jelly.
He’s a bit chubby and plump, usually a right jolly old elf
But I didn’t dare laugh at him then, if I valued myself.
The frown on his face and the twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but he’d clearly given up on this work
With a hand on his sore back, he turned with a jerk.
I started to speak, but he pointed his finger at my nose
And shaking his head, up the stairs to our bedroom he rose.
He fell into bed, to the dog gave a whistle
And the children all scattered, like the down of a thistle.
But I heard them exclaim as they dove out of sight,
“Poor Dad! He’s not going to have a good night.”
© Jackie Papandrew 2007
To read more of Jackie’s award-winning humor, visit JackiePapandrew.com. Want to receive her column via email? Click on Free Subscription
Contest: Sensory Playtime
I came across a cool little contest over at Play Activities. I just wanted to write a quick post to let everyone know about it. The neat prize for the winner is a Sensory Garden Dome, which I’d like for myself. LOL
More details regarding contest requirements, etc. can be found at: Sensory Play Contest
Santa’s Elves Potato Delight
8 red potatoes, sliced
2 large sweet onions, sliced
1/2 cup butter, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl mix sliced potatoes, sliced onions, butter and garlic salt together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Grease a large casserole dish. Place potato mixture in casserole. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and remove aluminum foil. Sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven, uncovered and continue baking until cheese has melted and potatoes are fork tender, approximately 10 minutes.
Reindeer Bread
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans, divided
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add one egg at a time mix well after each addition. In a separate bowl blend together flour, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and the ginger. Slowly stir 1/3 of the flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Then stir 1/3 of the pumpkin into the sugar mixture. Next stir in 1/3 of the flour and then the rest of the pumpkin. Finally stir in the last of the flour mixture. Gently fold in chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of pecans. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour mixture into loaf pan and sprinkle with remaining pecans. Bake for one hour until a knife inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Cool completely. For the icing stir together the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream. Add cinnamon and nutmeg and stir until smooth. Drizzle icing over bread loaf when completely cooled.
Jolly Ole St Nick Ham
1 (5 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup of water
1 cup of orange juice
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Blend together apricot preserves and Dijon mustard in a mixing bowl. Score the ham with shallow criss cross cuts. Spread preserves mixture over the whole ham. Gently pat brown sugar over the top of the preserve mixture. Mix water and orange juice together in a bowl. In a large roasting pan pour orange juice and water in bottom. Place the ham on a roasting rack in roasting pan. Bake approximately 1 1/2 hours or until ham is heated thoroughly. You may need to add a 1/2 to 1 cup of the orange juice/water to the pan as your ham cooks and the liquid evaporates.
Yuletide Breakfast In a Package
1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shells
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cooked crumbled sausage in a large mixing bowl. Fold in both cheeses. Place one pie shell in a pie plate. Place half the sausage mixture in the pie shell. Place the other pie shell in a pie plate. Pour rest of the sausage mixture in the shell. Whisk eggs, milk, onion and both peppers in a separate bowl, making sure eggs are blended in well. Pour half the egg mixture over the first pie shell and mixture. Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the other pie shell. Bake one hour or until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
