Motherhood Moment

Soul Sustenance: Roots

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:57:00 +0000

When you need to find your way, check your roots. - Teri Trespicio, Whole Living

Parenting Pointers: Short Term Money Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Sometimes even the best planners find themselves short on money, for a variety of reasons - unexpected bills, job loss, and more. If you find yourself in this situation, you do have a few options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Payday loans - sometimes called a wage day advance, payday loans are based on the fact that you'll be able to pay back with your next paycheck. These are often easy to get, and the short-term loan length is appealing to some. Long-term, the interest rates tend to be high. Make sure you know the terms and fees before considering a payday loan.

Credit Card - you can use your credit card in two ways. Cash advances provide cash right away that you can use on anything. Interest rates, however, are often charged from the day you take the cash out, not like on purchases. You can also use your credit card for more every day purchases, but be careful - it's easy to get yourself into a huge credit card hole if you get into this habit.

Bank loan - there are several types of bank loans you can consider, including personal loans and home equity loans. You'll need to have something of value as collateral, but they often have low rates.

Family/friend loan - this tends to have the lowest dollar amount of rates and fees, but it does have its drawbacks as well. You need to make sure that the loan doesn't upset the relationship you have. Also, it's easy to take advantage of friends and family, so make sure to draw up the loan repayment terms - and stick to it.

Personally, I've used the second and fourth options. The second was a one-time need (and we don't plan to do it again). The last option worked well for us, because I have a good relationship with my brother, and he's single and has the money to spare. Whatever your situation is, weigh your options carefully and choose what's best for you.

Contest: Lenovo Dream to Do

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Dream To Do gives schools the chance to win a technology makeover valued at $50,000! The contest is open to all accredited schools, grades K-8 in the U.S and runs through April 16, 2012.

Parents or teachers can submit drawings made by students illustrating what they want to DO when they grow up, accompanied with a one-sentence description. Each illustration submitted adds 10 points to your school’s score. Friends and family can then vote for the best illustration gaining an additional point for each vote.

By registering for Dream To Do, participants will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Lenovo ThinkPad X130e laptop.

Website Spotlight: Future Fortified

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

I just heard about the Future Fortified program, which is a global campaign to give women and children the nutrients they need to live healthy lives. Good nutrition is essential during the "first 1,000 days" (pregnancy through the second year) because so much development occurs in the body during this time, so Future Fortified has a special focus in this area.

The organization has a long-term focus, working with governments, community organizations, and companies to help provide access to healthy food, educate families about the importance of nutrition, and help make healthy food affordable. Another key component of helping families provide necessary nutrients are the home nutrition packets. These cost as little as 3 cents each, so it makes them affordable for nearly everyone. They get sprinkled over food a few times a week and deliver essential micro and macro nutrients. These packets look different depending on where they're available - they're produced by local companies (which is good, families can support local organizations) and are tailored to the needs of the area.

They also have a fun points system for engaging with the company and helping spread awareness, which they say will be tied to contests in the future, as well as a shop that's coming soon where you can buy a variety of products to help support the mission. For more information, you can find Future Fortified on Facebook or follow @futurefortified. You can also visit the Future Fortified YouTube channel. Future Fortified partners with 1,000 Days, DSM, Edesia Global, and Herbalife.

Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Future Fortified. To thank me for my contribution, Mom Central donated $20 to the Future Fortified campaign.”

Thrifty Thinking: Foods We Overpay For

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:39:00 +0000

This week was National America Saves Week (through February 26th). To support this initiative to get Americans thinking about how they can save more, Ziplist, the recipe discovery and grocery list app that will help you plan ahead and get you more bang for your buck before you hit your grocer, has identified the tips to save, plus food Americans overpay for. 

Wasted food - Wasting food costs America more than $100 billion annually. The average four-person household wastes about $1000 of food each year and waste about 25% of the food they purchase. A family can save a significant amount by planning ahead, using coupons and opting for less expensive alternatives.  

Coffee - Half of Americans that buy coffee often at work, are spending more than $20 a week, or around $1,000 a year. Instead get your coffee fix at home and bring a thermos to work.

Bottled Water - Instead of spending $2 on bottled water that many bottled water companies are simply bottling filtered tap water and put a 4,000% markup on, buy a sport bottle and filter your own water from your faucet Brita home-filter pitcher or sink attachment for less than a case of store bottled water.

Produce - In-season produce is less expensive than out of season produce that has to be imported. Consuming produce that is in season can greatly reduce the cost of your meals during that season.

Perishable Items - Try longer-lasting fruits like apples and oranges rather than fruit that perishes quickly. Vegetables are the most wasted food. U.S. consumers spent $32 billion on vegetables they purchased, never ate, and ended up throwing away. Choose veggies like potatoes, onions and tomatoes. And learn to cook with shelf-stable items such as pasta, beans, rice, canned goods, and other items can be made into major elements of a meal.

Snacks - Pre-packaged snacks might be a way to save time, but you are paying extra for that, sometimes as much as 40% more. Don’t buy the individual sizes of crackers, cookies and pre-cut veggies and fruit unless you score a great deal. Instead, buy a big package and package the food yourself in containers.

Name Brands - In some cases name brands can sometimes be cheaper if you have a coupon, but without them store brands are in most cases going to be less expensive. You could end up saving 29% using store brands, but always make sure to pay attention to the price per unit to make sure you are getting the best deals.

Ready-to-Go Food - Avoid frozen TV dinners, all-in-one boxed meals, and prepared foods are much more expensive because of the labor it takes to prepare them. Rather than buying pre-made packaged food, make them at home for one-third the cost and in most cases will be more nutritional.

Fancy Packaging - Instead of buying the pre-made chocolate pudding in plastic containers, it’s so simple to make it yourself. Purchase old-fashioned oatmeal, instead of the instant oatmeal packets. If a food is greatly packaged, most likely you are paying for the package not the ingredient.

Luxury Market - Don't dismiss the idea of shopping at cheaper stores for your weekly shop. Some items are truly better quality at the expensive markets, like fresh foods, but for canned and tinned goods, there are often great deals for the same product.

Failing to Plan - One of the biggest costs when grocery shopping are made on impulse purchases. 60 - 70% of purchases made at the market are unplanned. Creating and sticking to a shopping list eliminates impulse buys saving you both money and number of trips to the market (time and gas). Sit down before your next grocery trip and use ZipList, so you get only what you need.

Sweepstakes: Toby Keith Red Solo Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:33:00 +0000

Enter for a chance to WIN a “Red Solo Cup” signed by the country superstar! Currently the MOST PLAYED song on TouchTunes, Keith's hit single "Red Solo Cup" has held the #1 spot for over nine straight weeks and now fans have a chance to own a piece of the magic! Enter now for a chance to win: http://www.touchtunes.com/tobykeith (18+, U.S. only, ends 10:00:01am ET 03/05/12)

Thrifty Thinking: Saving Money on Gas

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:29:00 +0000

Crude oil prices are surging again as commodities traders respond to the continued tension between Iran, Israel and the United States. According to NBC Nightly News, the fear of any kind of military action in the Middle East drives up the price of fuel despite no real shortage of supply. Just recently, the price of gasoline rose three-and-a-half percent and is up 42 cents from one year ago.

As winter subsides into spring, consumers should gear up for another pricey summer with gas prices expected to peak just in time for weekend getaways. But before you cancel your vacation plans, consider these tips for saving on fuel.

1. Use your smartphone.
Look up gas prices in your area and pinpoint the least expensive options on your route by using GasBuddy.com. The site also offers a mobile app that uses GPS to provide current gasoline prices per gallon based on your location. Another option is the CheapGas app which guides you to the least expensive gas station in your proximity, an invaluable resource when driving in unfamiliar areas.

2. Travel with cash.
Many gas stations advertise the price per gallon to cash-paying customers and those who use credit cards are charged an additional 10-cents per gallon. Pay with cash when you can to save.

3. Stock up on discount gift cards.
You can purchase gift cards at less than face value from sites like GiftCardGranny.com including gas gift cards for popular brands like Chevron, Shell and Exxon. For example, the site is currently selling a Hess gift card for 8-percent off. These cards go fast, so set up an alert to receive an e-mail when new gas cards become available.

4. Fuel up at the warehouse.
Membership-based stores like Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club have discounted gas. In some cases, you can use affiliated credit cards to get a double-dip discount: Pay less at the pump and get a cash back bonus. For instance, the Costco-branded TrueEarnings American Express card lets customers earn three percent cash back on up to $3,000 in gas per year.

5. Find a gas reward credit card.
If you are going to swipe your credit card at the pump, look for one that offers a high reward like Chase Freedom Visa, which offers 5 percent back on gasoline purchases. For other options, check out PTMoney's "The Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards of 2012."

6. Go for grocery and gas discount programs.
Many supermarket chains have partnered with name-brand gas stations to offer reward programs. Ralph customers can get 10-cent per gallon savings at Shell stations in Southern California after redeeming 100 grocery points at the pump. Other grocery chains like PriceChopper, Kroger and ShopandStop offer similar programs. Speak with a store manager to find out which local gas stations will honor the reward program, as some franchise-operated stations may not participate in the programs. (Note: in MN, Cub and Rainbow, and in WI, Copps and Pick 'n Save, also have fuel rewards programs.)

###

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

Free Redbox Game Rental

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:26:00 +0000

This coming week you can get free video game rentals at Redbox. As a thank you to loyal customers, starting Sunday, February 26, anyone can reserve a game online at Redbox.com/gamesweek and get the first day of rental free.

Redbox offers rentals on the newest releases across Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Just Dance 3 and Elder Scrolls: Skyrim for just $2 a night. Visit Redbox.com or use the free iPhone and Android apps to find your neighborhood Redbox kiosk. The week of free game rentals ends Thursday, March 1.

Shopping Savings: Hamperks (Rainbow/Copps/Pick n Save)

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:24:00 +0000

Roundy's has started its Hamperks promotion this year. When you shop at Rainbow Foods in Minnesota and Copps and Pick ‘n Save in Wisconsin, you can start saving dollars toward your holiday ham with Hamperks. If you have a Roundy’s Reward Card, there’s no need to enroll in this program. Points will automatically accrue on their loyalty card.

Here’s how it works:
1) When you use your Roundy’s Rewards Card card, you earn 1 Hamperk for every $10 you spend on qualified purchases.
2) When you earn 50 to 74 Hamperks, you save $1 per pound on a Roundy’s Spiral Cut Half-Ham; if you earn 75 to 84 Hamperks, you save $1.50 per pound on a Roundy’s Spiral Cut Half-Ham; and if you earn 85 or more Hamperks, you save $2 per pound on a Roundy’s Spiral Cut Half-Ham. That amounts to a potential savings of $16.
3) The program has already started, and you can continue earning Hamperks through March 31. You can redeem your Hamperks between April 1 and April 8 when you make your purchase with your Roundy’s Rewards Card. At that time, Hamperks points will automatically be applied toward your Roundy’s Spiral Cut Half-Ham.

Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:16:00 +0000

Escada fragrance

Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:49:00 +0000

SuperFood solution
U by Kotex
güd by Burt's Bees (Facebook)

Healthy Habits: Avoiding Overeating

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:16:00 +0000

There are some easy - and interesting - tricks you can try to eat less. All of them are backed by research, even though some of them sound a little odd.

- Blue is a calming hue; try to work it into your dining room.
- Don't eat with the TV on.
- Use larger utensils, but smaller plats.
- Serve in the kitchen and eat in the dining room; the extra effort will make you think twice about getting seconds.
- Eat spicy foods. The intense tastes often will cause you to eat less.
- Eat slowly. If you're eating with others who eat fast, try to b the last one to start eating, since you're more likely to eat fast when others are too.

Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Invisible Glass cleaner
Marley Organic Coffee
Mucinex (Facebook)
Emergen-C for Kidz (Facebook)
Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash
Eucerin Calming itch relief (Facebook)

Healthy Habits: Sleep Well

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Here are some tips to help make sure you have a good night's sleep.

- Get as much natural light as possible in the morning to help regulate melatonin.
- Consider having tart cherry juice before bed (tart cherries contain melatonin).
- Exercise.
- Adopt a bedtime habit that signals relaxation and sleep, such as reading a book, stretching, doing yoga, or having a one-on-one with your spouse.
- Make sure you're using a pillow that still retains its shape (not one that's super limp).
- If you must nap in the afternoon, keep it to 30 minutes.
- Keep the temperature between 65-70.
- Keep clutter in the bedroom to a minimum.
- If you're having problems sleeping, stop drinking about 3 hours before bed. Although alcohol can make you drowsy, it can also disrupt your sleep patterns, which means your sleep won't be as restful.

Thrifty Thinking: Style Tips for Men

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:09:00 +0000

1. Go Generic
Does seeing a $150 price-tag on a button up from a brand you've never heard of make you sick to your stomach? If so, you'll be happy to learn the shirt underneath your jacket or sweater isn't the most important piece of an outfit. While shirts provide a foundation for your overall look, they're generally pretty standard. Stores like Kohl's and Target have affordable prices on collared shirts appropriate for just about any office.

2. Timely Shopping
Surprisingly enough, some months are better for buying suits than others. Purchasing suits in either January or July is your best bet, as these months are typically when retailers reduce prices on last season's styles. You can score even more savings by using a discount store gift card from sites like GiftCardGranny, which instantly trims up to 35-percent off your purchase price. Unless you work with a few fashionistas, odds are the rest of the office won't have any idea you got your suits on sale.

3. Shoe Shop Online
Sneaker shopping is popular with many men, but a pair of Jordan's don't quite cut it in a professional environment. Luckily, sites like Zappos.com offer free shipping and free returns with all shoe orders. This provides the convenience of shopping from home without the worry of getting stuck with the wrong size.

4. Ditch Dry-Clean Only
As you upgrade your wardrobe, it's important to check the tags of any items you buy. If possible, dry-clean only should be avoided at all costs. Not only is dry cleaning expensive, it's also inconvenient. Unless you're especially motivated to maintain your look, you'll likely wind up with a closet full of dirty clothes.

5. Keep it Clean
If you think flipping your tie over your shoulder at lunch is the best way to stop stains, you're probably not familiar with the Tide to Go Pen. This handy little contraption can be kept in a pocket or desk drawer and makes everything from barbecue sauce to coffee disappear in an instant. Your days of strategic shirt tucking and tie placement are finally over.

6. Make it Interchangeable
It's nice to have some interesting patterns and vibrant colors mixed into your wardrobe, but don't invest heavily in them. Solid, standard colors like light blue can be combined with a variety of different pants and jackets. Shopping this way limits the number of items you need to buy as you're able to create several different looks with a small stable of clothes.

7. Get the Deductions
Don't let clothes you know you'll never wear again take up all of your closet space. If you're running short on cash, your most current styles can always be sold online or at a local consignment store. Ebay is an easy fallback option, but sites such as ResaleShopping.com help you locate stores in your area that specialize in buying men’s clothing. Another option is to pack your clean clothes in a box and drop them off at a donation center. Make sure you pick up a signed and dated receipt to get the tax deductions in the spring.

8. Get Healthy
When you find yourself going through sizes like a middle-schooler during a growth spurt, consider counteracting your expanding waistline with diet and exercise. It's often hard to get motivated, but a brisk walk or bike ride every day makes an impact. After slimming a few inches, you'll have access to formerly ill-fitting items you've already purchased.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.

Consumer Critique: Farm Rich

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Farm Rich makes a variety of easy-to-bake frozen snack and meal products, including standards like cheese sticks, meatballs, and French toast sticks; and things a little more adventurous like mushrooms and jalapeño poppers. I tried the cinnamon French toast sticks, because I figured they'd be a hit with our kids - and they were. They were sweet, but not too sweet, and the were the perfect size for finger food and for dipping into small bowls of syrup. Farm Rich products are a good value too. My only complaint is that they aren't organic, which is a priority to us - but more and more companies are making that move, so hopefully they'll follow suit! For more information you can find FarmRichSnacks on Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a coupon for a free Farm Rich product as a thank you for this post.

Freeflys Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:23:00 +0000

Free sample of new Tide(r) Pods.
Free sample of Clinique(r) Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss at Nordstrom.
Free sample of Crest(r) Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse. Please note you must be a Costco(r) member to receive this sample!
Free sample of Nine West(r) Love Fury Fragrance.
Free Peppercorn Shrimp from Panda Express(r).

Consumer Critique: Dawn Detergents

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Dawn has some new dish detergents out, that promise an overnight soak in just five minutes. There are three of them: Dawn Power Clean has micro-scrubbing enzymes that provide Dawn's Best Clean and is available in Refreshing Rain and Vibrant Fresh; Dawn Bleach Alternative is gentle on hands but has the power of added bleach and is available in Fresh Rapids and Morning Mist; and Dawn OXI has active oxides that use tiny bubbles to help dissolve food messes and is available in Citrus Zest and Invigorating Berry.

All three of them did the job well. I didn't notice a lot of difference between the three, but I did notice that they cleaned off a wide variety of gunk with ease - greasy chicken pans, stuck on cookie bottoms, dried cereal - all things that I hate scrubbing off. It was much faster than some other products I've used. The scents are appealing as well, and the amount of suds really made my husband happy (he doesn't like detergents that don't suds up well). If you're looking for some powerful clean, try out these new Dawn products.

Disclosure: I received complimentary samples of Dawn to facilitate this review.

Consumer Critique: Wuggle Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:14:00 +0000

I was really excited about my chance to review Wuggle Pets. These are customizable pets that your child helps create. They are stuffed animals, and the creation begins with picking what type of pet to create (the starter kit has a Magical Unicorn and Cuddly Puppy). Then, the child chooses how much stuffing to put in, and can add "magic dust" and a "personality charm" to help assign the personality the child will give to the pet. It's really amazing to see little kids who choose the personality for their toy - and then continue to interact with that stuffed creation as if it really and truly had that personality. It can also open up discussions about emotions and differences between people. The Starter Kit is $19.99 and each Individual Kit is $7.99. Current pets available, besides those in the starter kit, are Funny Monkey, Clever accoon, Bashful Bear, and Playful Pony.

It's an easy activity to do with your kids - and makes a great gift, too. Plus, kids have such a sense of accomplishment and ownership when they've made their own toy. If you're going to spend money on a stuffed animal, why not have it be one they can help create?

Ideavillage Products Corporation, the creators of Wuggle Pets, has been around since 1999. Their As Seen On TV products are available at various retail outlets, and online. Their success allows them to support Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Cherish the Children Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and more.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary Wuggle Pets kit to facilitate this review

Consumer Critique: Journey to Virginland

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:06:00 +0000

I recently had the chance to review Journey to Virginland - Epistle 1 by Armen Melikian. This book was quite interesting. It is not a typical book, it is quite original in its form and style. The book follows Dog in his quest for the key fulfillment. It has been compared to George Orwell in some ways, and I can see that - this book has the same sense of taking a critical look at what is in the world around us. The map at the beginning of the book (with Russia as Whitebearland and Egypt as Pharaohland) gives the reader an idea of what's in store - a book that is both observant and filled with dry wit.

It is not an easy book to read. The author doesn't play around with simplistic language, so I don't recommend reading it when you're distracted by kids. But it will make you feel like you're reading a true adult book. It's full of symbolism and allusion, so it definitely keeps the reader thinking. If you're easily offended, you probably shouldn't read it, but if you want something that's going to challenge you, then check this book out.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this review.

Consumer Critique: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:21:00 +0000

I got a chance to preview Jeremy Fink & The Meaning of Life (available March 6th on DVD, on deman, and digital release). The movie, staring Mira Sorvino, Joe Pantoliano, Ryan Simpkins, Michael Urie, and Maxwell Beer, is based on the book by Wendy Mass and presented by Phase4Films.

The movie follows Jeremy Fink, who gets a box to open on his 13th birthday that says< "The Meaning of Life." The problem is, the four keys are missing, so he and his best friend search Manhattan for clues to the keys. Rated PG, this is a great family movie. There's nothing in it that would scare my little girls. The storyline is simple enough my preschooler could follow, the visuals are interesting enough to keep my toddler's attention, and the film is engaging enough that my husband and I enjoyed sitting through it - so there's something in it for everyone. There are a few quotes from the writer and director, Tamar Halpern, that I think really embody the spirit of the story, and wanted to share with you.Why did you decide to make this film?When I read Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, I was deeply moved by the message, namely that each day is precious and it's up to us to celebrate that gift...To understand and appreciate how much love we have around us and the great possibilities each day holds, regardless of challenges and sorrow, is to understand the meaning of life!What do you hope viewers will take away from this?My dream is that moms and dads, grandparents, cousins, guardians and older siblings, will watch this film with the younger generation and at the end, hug one another...My hope is people watch it with those they love to further strengthen the ties that bind them together...This film is a reminder to those of us who are here to choose life in the fullest sense of the term - to live it fully.For more information visit Phase4Films on Facebook or follow @Phase4Films.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary preview copy of the DVD to facilitate this review.

Consumer Critique: The Cookie Thief (Frances Gilbert)

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:25:00 +0000

I recently received a copy of The Cookie Thief by Frances Gilbert. The book is a short, sweet story about a boy who is upset that his cookies keep disappearing, no matter where people hide them. So with the help of a friend, he lays a trap for the cookie thief - and discovers who it is! It has a cute ending, and the illustrations really add to the story - especially Thomas's expressions!

The author, Frances Gilbert, was born in London became a special educator after emigrating to the U.S. She has worked with young children for over thirty years. She believes the reading experience is an important precursor to literacy, and writes her books to be read aloud. This book is perfect for both reading aloud to young kids, and also works well for early readers with some literacy skills.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review.

Consumer Critique: New Chapter Dietary Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:09:00 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to try out New Chapter dietary supplements. New Chapter has been around for thirty years, and through that time, they've remained committed to using whole food supplements (as opposed to synthetic chemical isolates). They're committed to using organic ingredients - and to go one step further, being as sustainable as possible. In fact, the farm in Costa Rica, Finca Luna Nueva, is a model for sustainable farming practices, and the home offices in Vermont recycle, compost, or reuse 85% of their waste.

The company has a whole range of supplements, including multi-vitamins, targeted vitamins and nutrients (such as CoQ10 or Zinc), herbal therapeutic supplements, fish oil (Wholemega that contains omega 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), probiotics, and even mushroom supplements! Their dedication to quality and science leads them to form partnerships with research institutions like Columbia University, The Cleveland Clinic, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Plus, they have a nifty online supplement advisor, developed by Dr. Taryn Forrelli, New Chapter's Director of Medical Education.

The supplements were easy to take. And I really like the sustainable focus the company has. I'm definitely adding New Chapter to my short list of acceptable supplement brands!

Disclosure: I received samples of New Chapter supplements to facilitate this review.

Shake Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:08:00 +0000

After childbirth is a time when women are actively trying to get back in shape and lose the added weight. However, taking care of a newborn child doesn’t always allow the time. The Shake Weight gives new mothers an easy way to get back in shape (and make it easier to tote around the new love of your life) without the added time of going to the gym.

The Shake Weight is a mere 2.5 – 5 lbs and can be used anywhere, including at home and in the office. A product this simple and versatile makes it easy for anyone to work out (for just 6 mins a day) anywhere that’s convenient. The revolutionary product proves its legitimacy by utilizing new workout technology called dynamic inertia, which can increase muscle activity nearly 300% compared to a standard dumbbell.

About Shake Weight

Shake Weight® is the revolutionary new way for both men and women to shape and tone your arms, shoulders and chest. .Shake Weight® utilizes groundbreaking new workout technology called Dynamic Inertia, which can increase muscle activity nearly 300% compared to a standard dumbbell. The Shake Weight® is available in 2.5 lbs for women at a retail price of $19.95 and 5 lbs for men at a retail price of $29.95. The new Shake Weight® PRO version, featuring adjustable resistance, is now available at $24.95 for women and $39.95 for men. For more information visit www.howtoshakeit.com.

Trickomatics Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

Ever lay awake worried about your children? It’s the three AM conversation with yourself that starts with the gnawing question – am I doing enough for my kids? Does this ring a bell? If so, you’re not alone.

Every parent wants to prepare their children for the big, scary, competitive world that awaits them when they leave the cocoon of childhood -- everyone including Rebecca Ehrlich, a speech-language pathologist in New York City. She was one of those people staring at the ceiling at three AM, wondering if she could do more for her children. Only they weren’t her own children she was worried about – they were other people’s children- the kids she was tutoring in after-school programs who were struggling to understand core math concepts.

So who do we blame?

Sure, public education is an easy target. Despite larger class sizes and shrinking budgets schools are expected to perform better with far less. Complicating the issue is the fact that children are being asked to learn more than their parents when they were their age. Add to it the speed at which teachers must work to accomplish grade level standards and it becomes painfully clear why so many kids are being left behind.

“Professor John Richards, a social policy scholar said something that haunts me to this day” said Rebecca. “Children who eventually drop out of school start falling behind by Grade 3. Grade 3! This is scary stuff we’re talking about. Once a student falls behind, it’s very difficult to get them back on track.”

Simply put, children fall behind in math because it’s a vertical learning experience. You cannot become skilled at D, if you don’t understand A, B, and C. Once gaps form in understanding, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up. This makes it critical to reach kids before it’s too late, but how? If your home budget doesn’t include the enormous cost of expensive after-school tutoring programs parents are left with a fist full of flashcards and a frustrated child who’s one step closer to believing the voice in their head that says something is wrong with them.

But here’s the deal – plenty of smart kids struggle with core math concepts, just ask Rebecca. “I was one of those kids. I know what it feels like to believe that your brain isn’t wired for math. I know what it’s like to feel stupid in a classroom and it’s a horrible feeling. I can understand why students give up and what each and every one of those students needs to understand is that it is not them. It is how they’re being taught.”

Despite Rebecca’s post-graduate degrees and honors she struggled with something as simple as calculating a tip to a restaurant meal. Enter Barrett, Rebecca’s future husband, a successful investment banker with a passion for numbers.

“One night I mustered up the confidence to ask him, how do you calculate numbers like that? I’ll never forget that night – in mere seconds he showed me some simple tricks that changed the way I looked at math.”

Rebecca found that the methods Barrett taught her were created in ancient Asia hundreds of years ago. Wanting to know more, Rebecca looked at math test scores from around the world and discovered that the most successful students share one trait in common- they think in numbers.

Armed with this realization she brought this discovery to her school district as well as the students she tutors after school. When met with startling results she couldn’t stop there. She needed to share her new teaching techniques with everyone. So together with Barrett, they combined their passions and created a fun, entertaining, and effective math program using an alternative approach of Hollywood entertainment and interactive technology for teaching children, ages 7 -11, how to think in numbers.

To learn more about this revolutionary new product, visit Trickomatics.com and start getting more sleep at night.