LifeMinute - Kids and Family Podcast

Savvy Summer Travel Essentials

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:51:47 -0700

'Tis the season for summer travel and organizational guru, Jill Pollack joins us with the savvy traveler’s packing guide.

So what is the key to packing light?

Jill: Well the key to packing light is to start with the essentials – make a list of what you need to bring. Think mobility, versatility, and necessity…then lay everything out on your bed and reassess before you pop it in your bag. Let's start with toiletries, here it’s all about multi-purpose products to save time and room.

Schick, the manufacturer of great women’s razors, recently polled 1,000 women in their Schick Shave Survey and found that 83% always pack a razor when they travel. One I personally love is their Schick Intuition Plus razor. Talk about shaving simplicity at its best! It lathers, shaves and moisturizes in one easy step so you don’t have to pack shave cream. The blades are surrounded by a skin moisturizing solid so all you need to do is just add water. Effortless and smooth! It also comes in many varieties each offering different skin care ingredients such as aloe, vitamin e, shea butter and now antioxidant rich pomegranate extract.

And of course don’t forget sunscreen! Use trial sizes to save room in your suitcase. I like Banana Boat’s Sport Performance. It has an spf of 30, is sweat and water resistant and great for outdoor family activities and sports. Keep all of your toiletries together in a ziplock. It's the best bet in case anything spills.

Keeping hands clean is a must when traveling too. 80% of all infectious diseases are transmitted through hands. Wet Ones® antibacterial hand wipes are great because they not only kill 99.99% of germs, but you can also use them to wipe away dirt and messes. And unlike alcohol-based gel hand sanitizers, they won’t dry out your skin or be an issue getting through airport security! Pack them wherever you go!

What about clothes?

Jill: Clothes take up the most room in a suitcase so don’t bring too much. Think about what you’ll be doing and what you’ll need. A pair of shorts, a couple of tops, a versatile dress…think of things that can go from day to night that you can wear over again. Think neutrals and blacks that can last a while. Also, travel with comfy shoes that you can wear the whole time and one pair of dress shoes if you need them.

What about when it comes to actually packing the suitcase?

Jill: When actually packing...rolling instead of folding will help you fit more and prevent wrinkles. You can even use tissue paper in between some delicate items—that prevents wrinkles too. Throw a few dryer sheets in between the clothes to keep them smelling fresh. I also like to pack an extra plastic bag for dirty laundry or wet swimsuits.

What are some other tips?

Jill: Consider one good bag to take and leave some room in it for things you wanna bring home like souveneirs….and if you’re flying you can carry it on. Look for something that rolls and has lots of accessible pockets. If you do have to check baggage make sure you can spot it easily when its coming off the conveyer—tie on a colorful headband to the handle so you know its yours!

Summer Entertaining with Celebrity Party Planner, Cathy Riva

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:12:03 -0700

July 4th is just around the corner—the kickoff to summer soirees! Celebrity party planner, Cathy Riva tells us how to create an easy, affordable and festive at-home bash!

So Cathy where do we start?

Cathy: Well first thing to do is plan your décor. Pick one main color and then sprinkle in a few accent colors. Save money by shopping at home using things you already have on hand. If you have flowers in your garden use those, then fill in with inexpensive melamine or plastic wear, plus dollar store décor is fun for accents.

What about the menu?

Start by setting up a "Do It Yourself" bar. You don’t have to stock an expensive bar, I like to mix up pitchers of margaritas using Sauza Tequila. It’s so affordable, and you can make fresh-tasting margaritas with a few simple ingredients…frozen limeade, light beer, tequila, water, and ice. No blender necessary!

Pour them into gorgeous pitchers and use any glassware. Also stock your “DIY” bar with colorful sugars and salts to rim glasses, and other great garnishes. But also make sure to have plenty of other beverages on hand for guests that don’t drink.

For the food, serve it family style. Use big, colorful platters and keep the menu simple.

Any other tips?

Cathy: I like to add a conversation piece to all my parties. Try cute fly swatters that are made from inexpensive flip flops. They serve as a great center-piece in lieu of flowers.

Go to www.facebook.com/sauzamargaritas for more tips!

How to Makeover Your Home on a Budget

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:18:12 -0700

Want to make your home look magazine-ready, but on a limited budget? Target style expert for Home and HGTV designer, Sabrina Soto shares her simple design secrets for easy home makeover success!

Go to your local Target store or www.target.com for more great product ideas!

Cool Gifts for Cool Dads

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:46:52 -0700

Father’s Day is just around the corner, what are the must-haves for the "cool dad?" We caught up with the arbitors of cool, MAXIM Magazine to find out!

Mike Dawson, Senior Editor
Don’t get your dad a tie, please…those days are gone. Obviously there is a ton more stuff out there that is a lot more nitch, a lot more nuance. You can get much cooler stuff that he really actually wants and will use.

Digital digs? Of course the iPhone is still huge…Android cell phones, iPod touches–all with a gazillion apps. There’s even a new convenient way to charge them. It's "Mygrid" from Duracell, it simultaneously charges up to four devices...cell phones, mp3 players, blackberrys, you name it…without the hassle of multiple charger cords. Just plug the charging pad in and place your gadgets on top, it's that simple! Compatible with most cells like iPhone, Motorola, Blackberry and Nokia. Get it on www.amazon.com or at Target for 79.99. Other hot ticket items?

Mike Dawson, Senior Editor
Two big trends that are out there are sort of new-age hipster prep fashion. It’s a tighet fit, it’s a slimmer fit. And cologne in the last 20 years has gotten so much more complex. It’s a huge market and there’s new stuff out every season, all you have to do is walk into a department store

Big news in scents comes straight from Italy. It's Mandarina Duck Pure Black. A minimal and clean fragrance with exotic notes of indian pepper, cedar, bergamot, vanilla and orange. The hottest scent for the "edgy dad." Available at Barney's for $58.

Another new idea...a nod to the old. Seems barber shop shaves are the latest craze in grooming! Get him a certificate for about twenty bucks!

Mike Dawson, Senior Editor
Obviously the ‘50’s with madmen etc…this whole sort of barber shop culture has come back. And the hot shave is always a classic. It’s quite an experience. You really feel refreshed.

So there ya have it…the hot list for the cool dad. Happy father’s day!

How to De-Clutter Your Life with Organizing Guru Peter Walsh

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:26:52 -0700

Are you one of the 64% of people that are either stressed or frustrated by disorganization in your home? Best-selling author and organizational guru, Peter Walsh tells us about the "Organize This" contest and how "you" can de-clutter, de-stress and win a $20,000 makeover from California Closets plus a consultancy with the master himself!

So Peter how does the contest work?

Peter: I’ve been looking for the right partner to help people get organized and California Closets was the perfect fit. We decided to join forces to help people take the next step whether it’s winning our new "Organize This" contest or visiting www.californiaclosets.com to schedule a free consultation. So if you need an organized life and don’t know where to begin or even if you have an idea about a room or closet you want to transform, tell us about it, how it got that way and what you wish you could do about it. If you win, California Closets and I will give a free in-home consultation and personalize your space to make it what you want and give you what you need including $20,000 in custom home solutions. That’s enough to fix all the rooms in your home! Just go to www.facebook.com/californiaclosets to get started.

Why is being organized in the spaces we live so important to de-stressing?

Peter: Well being organized is more important than you may realize. Surveys have found that organized people are not only less stressed but they earn more money, get promoted faster and organized children do better in school. The first step before you get started is to create a vision for your home. Ask yourself, "what do I want from my home and the life you live in?" Then go from room to room and create a list of what you see and what you’d like to see for each. De-cluttering should not be an exercise in moving stuff from room to room.

Think of the acronym F.A.S.T.
F - fix a time to do it
A - anything not used for twelve months – out the door
S - someone else’s stuff – return it
T - trash, gone forever

How do we tackle what’s "in" our bedroom/clothing closets?

Peter: Well once you’ve created storage solutions that organizes everything and lets you see what you have ...you can then decide what you don’t "need" to have anymore. First off they should be filled with clothes you wear frequently and that you look and feel good in. Every season, you should switch your wardrobe over so there is less to deal with in there. Store things together by color and style then get rid of things that you haven’t worn in a year and things that don’t fit anymore. The more you can get rid of—the better you’ll feel.

What about the family room?

Peter: Well this is usually the most challenging room because everyone uses this room and everyone has a different idea of what they want it to be! It's best to discuss with everyone about how they see this room then map your zones...reading, TV, video games, music, toys, crafts.

Any other final tips?

Peter: Just remember that which each item you remove or organize it’s a step towards a new life!

Fo more info go to www.californiaclosets.com and enter the "Organize This" contest.

Former Apprentice Star, Kelly Perdew Shares his Entrepreneurial Tips for Military Vets

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:49:05 -0700

When the nation’s military heroes return from overseas, their entrepreneurial spirit lives on at home. Each year, 250,000 members of the military transition to veterans and begin to look for their next step in life.

Season two winner of the hit TV show "The Apprentice," Kelly Perdew, shares his advice for starting a business and making a successful transition from the military to civilian life.

AS A MILITARY VETERAN YOURSELF, WHAT HELPED YOU TRANSITION INTO CIVILIAN LIFE AND A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR?

Perdew: As many military veterans can attest, the skills we learn through our extensive training are extremely helpful in the business world. When you leave the military you leave with a strong entrepreneurial spirit as well as highly developed leadership skills, determination and a sense of commitment. It’s this foundation that helped me take the next step into becoming a business leader, a competitor and a successful business owner.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR HELPING VETERANS TAKE THAT NEXT STEP IN FINDING A JOB IN TODAY’S TOUGH ECONOMY?

Perdew: First, there are a number of American companies that have special programs designed to help veterans take that next step into building a lifelong career using the skills they learned in the military. Plus, as we all know, the business industry is very competitive and with the lack of jobs available today, many American veterans may consider becoming an independent business owner. I found great personal and professional satisfaction leading my own companies.

Also, be on the lookout for unique opportunities directed at veterans like "Operation Stores & Stripes," where military veterans have the chance to win his or her very own Sears Hometown Store.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT HOW CAN VETERANS GET INVOLVED IN "OPERATION STORES AND STRIPES?"

Perdew: Now through June 25th, qualified military veterans can enter the "Operation Stores & Stripes" contest online at www.searshometownstores.com/veteran where they will complete an application which serves as their official entry to the contest. Once the recruitment period closes, all applications will be reviewed and qualified candidates will be notified that they will continue on the second phase of competition. Ultimately, one deserving military veteran will earn an entrepreneur’s dream – their very own business. The winner will receive their own Sears Hometown Store which they will independently own and operate. All Sears Hometown Stores are locally owned and operated by dedicated, hard working individuals that take great pride in serving their communities nationwide and we couldn’t think of another group, other than our nation’s military heroes to honor with this program.

You can find out more by visiting www.searshometownstores.com/veteran.

Food Network's Ellie Krieger on Healthy Summer Meals

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:46:08 -0700

Looking for simple summer recipes that won’t pack on the pounds? Food Network host Ellie Krieger shares some tips and tricks for healthy summer eating.

It’s summertime which means people are getting beach ready, seems like a great time to focus on healthy eating habits.

Ellie: Yes, it is! I find a great way to think about nutrition is to categorize foods as usually, sometimes and rarely. "Usually" foods are the backbone of healthy eating – fruits vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. "Sometimes" foods are less healthy but are fine to sprinkle in daily in small amounts like white flour and sugar. And "rarely" foods include butter and bacon. The best part about this approach is there’s no never---no food is off limits.

It can be difficult to avoid the "sometimes" and "rarely" foods – they’re everywhere! How can you make foods that taste good and are good for you?

Ellie: The best part about summer is there are so many "usually" foods in season to enjoy. The key is to prepare them healthfully and deliciously. I particularly like using the T-fal Actifry. It’s a new appliance, which cooks with little to no oil so you can make your favorite appetizers, entrees and desserts with less fat and calories!

For example, make delicious French fries or sweet potato fries with only one tablespoon of oil to go with fresh burgers or whatever you have going on the grill. While you’re grilling, the Actifry automatically stirs the ingredients so while you're grilling your side dish cooks for you!

You can also use the device to prepare a variety of seasonal recipes, including tandoori salmon, green beans and almonds or granola – all with little to no oil. Enjoy all your summer favorites without the guilt!

You meantioned burgers. Grilling is so popular during the summer. How do you make healthy grilled meals?

Ellie: Start with veggies, don’t just think meat! Try zucchini, eggplants and don’t be afraid to try unusual vegetables like romaine lettuce hearts or portobello mushrooms.

For meat, think about using rubs rather than marinades. For an easy at-home rub, try mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper. Rubs are basically a marinade without the oil or waiting time. When you’re using this rub, you can make it even healthier by using lean cuts of steak like sirloin.

A favorite of summer is the burger, of course. Make sure you get 90% lean meat or higher or use ground turkey. I also love to stuff my burgers so you’re using a more modest amount of meat. You can stuff it with sauteed spinach or roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese. You still get a mean, robust, juicy burger, but with less calories.

What about desserts? How can I still enjoy dessert without the guilt?

Ellie: Ice cream is a favorite of the season and you can enjoy it! Add some grilled peaches or make mini ice cream sandwiches. Stay within small portions to enjoy your favorites without extra calories. And I love the fresh fruit desserts you can make in the Actifry. And don’t forget about traditional summer treats like juice pops or fruit pops...easy, low-fat and low-calorie options to cool you off.

Visit www.nutritiousanddelicious.com for more information and recipes.

Frozen Food Home Delivery Service Schwan's Honors the Military

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:24:04 -0700

What do reality star Bill Goldberg, actor Ryan Merriman, and former U.S. Marine and Indy Car Racer, Joey 'T' have in common? They’re all part of a film called "Sons of the Fallen" airing in theatres nationwide on Tuesday, May 18th that pays tribute to our military heroes.

The film chronicles a week-long camp experience set in the picturesque Rocky Mountains for boys aged 7 to 17, whose fathers made the ultimate sacrifice for our country while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The stars became celebrity camp mentors to the boys who bonded with one another over their shared losses. The camp was a brainchild of former Indy Car Racer Joey Truscelli—'Joey T'…and was filmed at his hometown ranch in colorado.

The film is brought to you in part by Schwan's—the frozen food home delivery service which also provided food and support at the camp. In one scene, the iconic Schwan’s delivery truck races around the speedway Truscelli created on his ranch, then delivers ice cream to the boys.

Don’t miss it----One Night Only---the film airs nationwide Tuesday May 18th. 2010 at 8:00pm eastern time… 7:00pm central. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.schwans.com/sons. Proceeds from the production will benefit the camp.

Hot Looks for the Home this Spring

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:29:31 -0700

What’s hot for the home come spring? We caught up with Architectural Digest at their 9th Annual Home Design Show for a look at the standout products new to market...everything from high-tech ovens to hand-painted wallpaper!

Jen Catto from the magazine tells us, "It's a home design enthusiast's paradise. There are over 50,000 square feet of products for both consumers and professionals alike. So whether you're starting a project from scratch or you want to source inspiration or have a free consultation with a top designer...or even if you're looking for that final piece to wrap up a room, this is the place."

Let’s start in the kitchen with the new Jenn-Air Appliance collection that features high -performance wall ovens. These ovens have the industry’s most powerful convection system and an interactive culinary center that helps home chefs cook foods exactly the way they want.

Jen says, "We’re seeing a lot of high tech ovens that are really functional, but also beautiful and very sleek. Jenn-Air has a new line of wall ovens that are exactly that. There’s a new seven inch touch screen, you can select what kind of food you’re cooking, exactly how well done you want it and even what kind of pan you’re cooking it in.  Beyond stainless steel it comes in oiled bronze, or black and white floating glass...so there are a lot of options."

They also have duct-free downdraft cooktops and microwave drawers!

And who says you can’t live in glass houses. Valcucine’s all-glass cabinetry is now introduced in the U.S. for the first time. It's  100% recycleable…harder than steel and resistant to humidity.

Jen says, "It's like artwork and it is revolutionary! Valcucine eliminates the need for wood in the kitchen using stainless steel and glass making it a lot more sustainable with a much longer shelf life."

And if  you're looking for audio/visual equipment that has won design awards,  look no further than Harman International. But don’t be fooled by the speakers’ good looks. They bring movie theater sound right into your  living room.

Also wall covering is back in a big way and Fromental’s got you covered with 17th and 18th century hand painted and embroidery designs.

Jen tells us, "It is more than just wallpaper – the scenic designs don't repeat so what you end up with is this piece of art that's printed on this, very rich and silky paper."

And for one-of-a-kind lighting...hand blown glass from John Pomp Studios. Turn down the lights and you have glass art work hanging from the ceiling.

There you have it…the hot list for your home this year!

High Speed Rail Coming to a Track Near you!

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:08:56 -0800

With President Obama’s announcement of the allocation of eight billion dollars in high-speed rail funds, the nation will see the creation of a world-class, multi-corridor high-speed rail program. The new system will soon help promote economic growth and add needed jobs. In the long-term, high-speed rail will create a valuable new choice for America’s traveling public, improving congested roadways, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and promoting more livable communities, while giving a boost to established transit systems including bus and commuter rail.

LC's Mission to Fight Dating Abuse

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:42:02 -0700

Do you or someone you know suffer from relationship abuse? Young women aged 16-24 experience the highest rate of dating abuse and partner viol

ence in the u.s. and 80% of these women stay with their partner after experiencing some form of relationship abuse, according to the Avon Foundation.
mark, the beauty and fashion boutique brand has partnered with its Spokesperson and Star of the hit reality show “the Hills”, Lauren Conrad, to create the girls m.powerment campaign, commited to preventing the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence.

Celebrity Hang Outs

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:34:25 -0700

Sophia Bush likes to take her dog to the beach,
Sherri Saum loves to read,
and Tori Spelling has traded shopping for family time!

See what your other favorite celebs do in their spare time.

Home Makeover on a Budget

info@lifeminute.tv (lifeminute.tv) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:22:10 -0700

In today’s economy, more and more homeowners are opting to renovate and redecorate rather than relocate…here to help is style expert Elizabeth Mayhew, author of “Flip” a Room by Room Guide to Transforming Your Home.
Elizabeth says some of the most affordable and high impact changes you can make to your home involve accessorizing. We went one-stop-shopping at Target and found some amazing pieces.
Let’s start with lighting. It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to create a new look. Overhead lighting systems are expensive and can make a room look harsh, so consider floor and table lamps set at varying heights.
Next up are throw pillows and area rugs. Both are fairly inexpensive ways to create an instant new look…dress up a neutral couch with a vibrant print. A new area rug instantly changes the atmosphere of a room and infuses it with warmth. A good tip to remember is that your rugs, pillows and throws should be mixed and matched. Not everything has to be identical, have fun with texture and patterns, it’ll really add dimension to your room.
But if you're just starting out or if you need to buy something new, Elizabeth recommends buying large pieces like a couch in a neutral color that will stand the test of time. Accent furniture goes a long way in updating your room and doesn’t have to be a huge investment. She also loves the idea of using a wicker trunk as a coffee table. It doubles your storage space and is extremely budget friendly.
Also, window treatments add a focal point to any room. There are many beautiful and affordable options out there. Consider adding decorative window hardware...little details can go a long way.
And finally wall color! It’s a wonderfully inexpensive way to completely makeover a room. Keep in mind that you don’t always have to paint the whole room. Sometimes painting one accent wall can make a fabulous and colorful statement.