There are many cherry, orange, or lemonade flavored drinks out there – but they contain either sugar or chemical sugar sweeteners, of which neither is good for you in the long run. Hint Unsweetened Essence Water come in oodles of flavors so finding a favorite is going to be very easy.  I really liked Cucumber and the Honeydew-Hibiscus flavored waters; they are so different from your usual fare. Here are the other flavors:

Raspberry-Lime
Blackberry
Mango-Grapefruit
Pomegranate-Tangerine
Watermelon-Lime
Strawberry-Kiwi
Pear

If your store does not carry this, please go:  http://shopping.drinkhint.com/store.php

Tara Zimliki, fitness expert and founder of Tara’s Boot Camp in Branchburg, New Jersey, teaches people every day how to maintain healthier lifestyles, no matter what their age or fitness level. Using her own family as an example, she helps families improve both their health and their confidence. “By making a commitment to family fitness, you can strengthen bonds and get yourself in shape, too,” says Tara. There’s also the added benefit of setting your kids on the right path for later in life, when being fit will lessen the risk of diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.

Try these strategies to get your family moving — this fall and all year-round:

1. Start young. Tara advises parents to get kids moving early in life which will promote healthy development and keep sedentary habits at bay. Even your toddler needs at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity every day, and should not sit still for more than an hour at a time.
2. Set realistic goals. Not all children are star athletes. But keep in mind that your child may have never been given the chance to shine. You can help by being realistic about your child’s physical ability. For some kids, even a jog around the block can seem intimidating. “Running ability is mostly mental,” says Tara, “it’s important to keep your child motivated by breaking down each goal, step by step.”
3. Get animated. Running doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative with your workout. Form a conga line and play follow the leader. Flap your arms whenever you see a stop sign. Try running while hopping, pumping your arms, playing air guitar — whatever you and your kids can dream up!
4. Be a cheerleader. A recent study of 200 students in grades 2 through 11 showed that kids of all ages want their parents to help them stay active. Cheer them on frequently and show your child that activity is a priority every day. Tara says to make sure your children know that you would never be disappointed with their performance. “Remember, this is both a workout and a bonding activity,” says Tara.
5. Use community resources. Your family run doesn’t have to be confined to your block. Keep it interesting by visiting different parks or neighborhoods other than your own. You can also check out whether your child’s school, or a local university or community center, offers an indoor or outdoor track for public use.
6. Be vigilant. Although a family jog provides a convenient way for you to get out the door and run, the advantages don’t come without risks to your child. Try to avoid running at night when visibility is limited. “Your exercise should be satisfying and safe for both you and your new companions,” advises Tara. Also, leave distractions at home – including the iPod and the dog. Make this time simply about you and your kin.

About Tara Zimliki

Tara is a Certified Personal Trainer through The American Council on Exercise (ACE), and a Boot Camp Instructor. She has competed and trained with top athletes at the University of South Carolina where she was awarded a full cross-country scholarship. Tara has a B.A. from Rutgers University and specializes in fat loss and nutrition. She is passionate about helping people change both body and mind, believing positive results stem from positive attitudes. She helps clients maintain this attitude with fun, challenging and rewarding workouts.

Tara’s love of fitness started as a child when she began running at the young age of 7. She played numerous sports but running was her passion. Tara enjoyed it so much that she continued running right up until she had children, completing the New York Marathon 8 months pregnant and even ran 1 mile the day she gave birth to her first daughter and 3 miles the day she gave birth to her second daughter. Tara has completed 15 Marathons and hundreds of races worldwide. In addition, she has won many 5Ks and placed top in many long distance runs. In 2008, Tara placed in the top 500 women for the NYC Marathon. Recently, she won the USATF New Balance Long Distance Grand Prix for women 34 & under for the 4th consecutive year. Tara’s practices what she preaches in all aspects of fitness and health and for this reason she is a trusted trainer that produces results.

For more information on Tara’s Boot Camp, including registration details and full schedule, visit www.tarasbootcamp.com.

It may not be your Bubbe’s brisket, but leek frittatas from Turkey and corn flour-coconut halava from India are the very dishes that will make your Rosh Hashanah meal unforgettable.  The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), operating in more than 70 countries around the globe, has collected from some of the most exotic locales in Jewish life a menu of decadent recipes for the Jewish New Year. Hailing from Jewish families the world over, these recipes will not just dazzle your senses, they will connect you to traditions and tastes thousands of years old.  And, as with all Jewish cooking, some of the recipes play fast and loose with ingredient amounts and cooking time, so channel your inner Joan Nathan, and get cooking! Bon Appétit! More JDC recipes – from Argentina to Tunisia – can be found at: http://www.jdc.org/uploadedFiles/jdc_home/media_center/press/releases/Rosh%20Hashanah%20Recipes.pdf

From India:
Corn flour-Coconut Halava (a specialty of the Bene Israel community)
Recipe courtesy of Rosy Solomon Moses of Mumbai, India.

Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups of cornstarch (in India, use corn flour); a drop or two of pink, orange or red food coloring; 2 cups of sugar; 4 tablespoons of chopped almonds & pistachios; 1 medium-sized coconut (or 1 can of thick coconut milk);1 tablespoon of margarine; and ½ teaspoon of cardamom and nutmeg.

Preparation:
Scrape coconut, grind in the mixer and extract coconut milk with warm water to measure 2 quarts. Sieve cornstarch and add to the coconut milk with sugar, a good pinch of salt and color.

Mix well and pour into a stove-top pan and cook on flame, stirring all the time to prevent sticking. Stir for about 30 minutes. Pour a little in a plate, and if it comes out without sticking to the plate, add the margarine, half the nuts, cardamom and nutmeg powder. Mix well and pour onto 2 ungreased trays, 8″ x 10″. Tilt to spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining nuts. Cool and cut into squares or diamonds. Keep overnight in the fridge if not consumed the same day.

Optional: You may want to add 1 packet of agar agar (a gelatin agent) in a ½ cup of warm water, cook for 5 minutes more, before adding the margarine and nuts, for firmness and better taste of halava.

From Israel:
Lentil Spread and Dabo (Ethiopian Bread)
Recipes courtesy of Ayala Yasu, an Ethiopian-Israeli, who in 1984 flew to Israel with Operation Moses

Lentil Spread
Ingredients:
2 cups red lentils; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 medium onions, diced into cubes; 2 cloves garlic, crushed;1 cup boiling water; 1 teaspoon hot paprika; 1 ½ tablespoons sweet paprika; 1 tablespoon chicken soup; Salt to taste; Turmeric to taste (optional)

Preparation:
Cook the lentils until soft. Sauté onions and garlic in oil in a separate pan until soft. Add hot and sweet paprika and water; simmer on low flame for five minutes Add cooked lentils and chicken soup. Add salt and turmeric to taste.

Dabo:
Ingredients:
2 ¼ pounds of flour; 2 tablespoons yeast; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 ½ cups lukewarm water.

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and allow dough to rise about 1 ½ hours. Place dough in a large pan and bake until golden.

Note that Dabo can also be “baked” in a large pot over a very low flame. Once the dough appears dry, remove it from the pan, and cook on the other side until golden.

California Blooms (www.californiablooms.com), the premier internet retailer of fresh eco-friendly, boutique-grown roses from the central coast of California, will offer consumers a special 18-rose white bouquet throughout the month of September in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. (click here to view/order – http://www.californiablooms.com/ovarian-cancer-awareness-roses.html) With the purchase of the benefit bouquet, 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), an organization dedicated to the fight against ovarian cancer.

We are honored to partner with OCRF and to help in their efforts to prevent ovarian cancer, commented Mark Skorlich, CEO of California Blooms.  This is a worthy cause that has affected so many people, and we¹re excited to offer our customers an easy way to contribute with this month-long campaign.

We are so grateful to California Blooms for their support, said Audra Moran, CEO, OCRF. It’s important relationships like these that enable OCRF to continue funding the most cutting-edge research in our quest to find an early detection method and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.

According to OCRF, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women.  The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. However, when ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%. Supporting ovarian cancer research makes it possible to develop new early testing techniques as well as new treatments.

California Blooms proudly supports the search for a cure in honor of the late Gerre Skorlich, mother of CEO Mark Skorlich, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 1994.

About Ovarian Cancer Research Fund:

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is the largest private non-profit organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to funding ovarian cancer research.  Our mission is to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.

Each year there will be approximately 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer In the United States, and about 15,500 women will die of the disease. Currently there is no effective means of early detection. Since 1998, OCRF has given almost $40 million for ovarian cancer research. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, OCRF sponsored researchers are developing innovative strategies for early detection; exploring the genetics that increase risk for ovarian cancer; understanding the underlying molecular biology of the disease; identifying new and better targets for treatment; and deciphering how and why ovarian cancer spreads, and how to stop it.

For more information or to join us in our fight, please visit OCRF¹s

Website at www.ocrf.org.

About California Blooms:

Launched in 2009, California Blooms (www.californiablooms.com), is the premier internet retailer of the freshest, boutique-grown and eco-friendly roses from the central coast of California for any occasion.  California Blooms roses are delivered direct from the grower to anywhere in the U.S. within 24 hours of being hand-selected and cut, resulting in the superior quality and freshness of every bloom as compared to delivery times of upwards of 3-7 days for many of the larger floral retailers and florists.

California Blooms roses are grown on one of the most highly-decorated and world-renowned farms of hydroponic roses. The family-owned farm has  grown varietal roses for over seven generations, and utilizes eco-friendly methods that drastically reduce the demand for energy and water  consumption (see website for further information on the eco-friendly growing methods).

Get up-to-the-minute California Blooms info and special offers at

www.twitter.com/calblooms or www.facebook.com/californiablooms

The CD offered much more then just music, it offered a great time for the whole family. Watching the little ones dance it was just so entertaining. It allowed for a great time to be had by all.

The mesh viewing area is especially useful for parents who wish others to see their newborn baby, but not touch! This innovative over-the-handle infant carrier covers from Berry Goods Baby fits snugly over almost any style infant carrier or car seat with elastic edges, so that the handle can easily be held by mom or dad. Made of breathable cotton, the protective cover features a tinted mesh viewing cover in the front, and soft cotton flaps cover the handle and mesh area. Fold up the cover when not in use. The covers are available in a wide selection of gorgeous designs and prints which change seasonally, and be purchased online at www.berrygoodsbaby.com.

We just love the one we were given and it fits the infant seat perfectly! The colors were great for either boy or girl, and we feel so much better bringing the baby outside now that we know he is safe from the bugs, and harsh sunlight. Really great baby gift for new or expectant moms!

Pirate Brands Nutrition Expert Offers Healthy Tips For Your Summer Gathering

SEA CLIFF, N.Y. (July 26, 2010) – Summertime is synonymous with barbeques and we are in the thick of it right now!  Grilling is a great healthy way to cook and a great way to bring family and friends together.  One of the only ways people can go wrong at these outdoor occasions is to select unhealthy meats, snacks and sweets.

Luckily, Emily Whelan Anschlowar, MS, RD, the in-house nutrition expert for Pirate Brands (makers of all-natural snacks including Pirate’s Booty), has created tips for your readers to throw a healthy, but delicious barbeque this summer.

•       Go Lean, or go home.  Instead of a fatty New York strip steak or pork chop, select lean meats like chicken (sans the skin), top sirloin or pork tenderloin.  Grill up burgers using lean ground turkey or bison.  Fish is also delish on the barbie!  For meatless meals try veggie burgers or Portobello mushrooms.

•       Make sure to veg out.  Grilling veggies is not only healthy, but the process really brings out the natural flavors and juices.  Some great grilled vegetables include corn, zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers.  Shish kabobs are always a hit as they’re fun to make and eat with the family!

•       Don’t forget about the snacks.  Greasy fried potato chips and neon orange cheese puffs are always barbeque staples.  A great alternative to fried potato chips is Potato Flyers – deliciously baked all-natural potato chips that have half the fat and a quarter less calories than the leading potato chip brand.  A smart swap for cheese curls is Pirate’s Booty, which is baked, all-natural puffed rice and corn that is lower in calories, but high in taste.  Both products are also trans-fat and gluten-free!

•       Commit to low-calorie condiments.  A barbeque is not a barbeque without macaroni and potato salad.  Just swap out fatty mayo for Greek yogurt in your favorite recipe – you won’t only lose on the fat and calorie intake, but you’ll gain in nutrition, as yogurt is packed with calcium, protein and probiotics.  Also, try using guacamole, pesto and tomato sauce in place of store bought condiments, which are usually all additives with no actual food.

•       Sip your way slim and stay hydrated.  Stay away from drinks high in sugar and that contain caffeine like soda.  Research shows that caffeine actually dehydrates you – that’s the last thing you want while having fun in the sun!  Your best bet is to opt for water or a low-calorie flavored water.

•       Savor that sweet tooth.  Fruit is nature’s candy and should not be over looked when it comes to the grill!  Banana, mango, pineapple and peaches are all delicious when grilled.  Pair the fruit with a scoop of frozen yogurt and a drizzle of honey and you’re in for a real treat!

At Pirate Brands, we have been creating healthier treasures since 1987 with the belief that you shouldn’t have to “snackrifice” taste for health…Arrr!

I had the opportunity to see Tiana’s wide cuff bracelet with “Live, Laugh Love” stamped across the front. My favorite thing about the cuff is the thickness and weight of it – it’s definitely high quality sterling silver and is nicely weighted. It feels pretty good on the wrist! Also, the letters are blackened to make them stand out more against the smooth silver. Also, whenever I look at the bracelet, I get uplifted because of its words. The bracelet is expertly crafted and Tiana does a great job with her stamping technique. Jewelry by Tiana is a great shop to go to for your custom stamped sterling silver jewelry! Whether it’s for you, your partner, or your friend, you’re bound to find something you love in Tiana’s shop!

The Original flavor has a hint of garlic which you don’t expect, but you truly cannot stop at just one.  I also ate the Sour Cream & Onion, Homestyle Barbeque and the Sea Salt & Vinegar.  Each one was better than the next, but the Original was still my favorite.  Pirate Brands are not greasy, and I didn’t get any acid reflux afterward like I do from a competitors greasy, salty brand.

Potato Flyers are baked with pressure, which makes them crisp and tasty, proving that you don’t have to “sacrifice” taste and fun for health when it comes to your potato chips.  Like all Pirate Brands snacks, Potato Flyers are all-natural, trans-fat and gluten free and provide a first-class crunch.  Plus, the chips are only 120 calories for a one ounce serving!  They are perfect to pop in the lunch box or bag for your kids for school.  Don’t forget your own bag!

These are no ordinary bagels or breads.  They are made in an artisan tradition, taking days to rest the dough to create a depth of flavor, and contain organic spelt.  What is spelt?  An ancient grain chocked full of nutrients, with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil to give them a savory touch.  The spelt grain is easy to digest and is loaded with protein, fiber, magnesium, complex carbs, essential amino acids, Vitamin Bs and much more.  Its been used since Biblical Times for its health benefits. How many foods can you say that about?

Spelt Right uses only organic and natural ingredients as well as only vegan (vegetable based) ingredients so that the bagels may be re-frozen after having been defrosted.  Allergic to nuts or soy? No worries, they do not use eggs, nuts, soy and no dairy is used in their products.

There are several wonderful flavors to choose from: Sesame Mucho, Simply Spencer, Everything Emma, and Cinnamon Raisin Royale.

Check out their website at www.speltrightbaking.com for yourself.  Read about The Bakehouse in Yarmouth, Maine and stock up on these delicious award winning bagels!

Stretch Island Fruit Strips – an all natural and healthy option to consume your favorite fruits when they’re not in season. Offering a half serving of fruit per strip and only 45 calories each, it’s a nutritious option with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Slip them right in your pocket! Available in Starbucks.

FruitaBu Fruit Rolls – Parents can pack these in lunches for their children or even hand them out as tasty treats on Halloween as bundles of candy are the typical choice. It’s a great way to sneak fruit into your children’s diets, as they offer a whole serving of fruit in each roll! Plus, your kids will love them because they’re fun to unroll, eat, and share with friends.

The Stretch Island Fruit Strips are delicious and will easily be gobbled up by kids as well as adults.  We all taste tested these and had no problem asking, “Oh! What other flavors do they have?”  They were that good.  Look, kids are inundated with so much sugar and junk these days, why not offer a healthier snack for them (and you) even if they don’t realize they’re eating fruit and something good for them.

I was so thrilled to be given three Braza products to try out.  They are the Braza Bra Extenders, The Disposable Nursing Pads and the Braza Waist Bandit.  These items are remarkable! Every woman has a bra in their drawer that is just a pinch too tight, but of course it is usually your favorite bra, so you tend to push it to the back of the drawer, and hope someday you will be able to wear it again.  Well, now you can.   The world’s first and only Clear Bra Extender.

Since bras come in many fashion colors and printed designs, it’s impractical to make cloth extenders to match them all.  Even beige is difficult to match! Braza’s Clear Bra Extender is super thin, extremely comfortable, soft, pliable, hypo-allergenic and contains no metal parts. Their four position extenders add up to 3 to the bra’s back band.

The Disposable Nursing Pads: dedicated to the nursing mother, are the best there is:

they wicks moisture

Keeps wearer dry

Protects clothing

Are contoured for comfort

Have adhesive strips to keep pads in place

Come in soft packaging for travel

And unlike others, theirs are not individually wrapped in plastic (dangerous around infants and adds to our landfills)!

Finally, the Waist bandit Waistband Extender helps you to make those pants, shorts and Capri’s that are just a wee bit too small in the waits that extra “extra” room until you have dropped that excess weight.  Instead of squeezing into tight pants or buying a new wardrobe, this temporary fix has become a popular alternative. Braza has included a cotton panel that will handle serious weight gain or pregnancy through the third trimester, as long as it’s not triplets! Just thread the band through the top of the panel as shown on package (or online) and cover with an over blouse and you are good to go! A must to have along on cruise or vacation (when you tend to put on a few extra pounds)!

Along with the products to try I was given their product catalog.  I was just astounded at the number of products that Braza offers.  If you go to their website: www.braza-bra.com you can see what stores carry their products.  I have to say they are a must see for all women.

Gilt has partnered with Care.com. Care.com’s main initiative as a company is to carefully review all sorts of family assistance professionals, from babysitters and nannies to pet sitters and dog walkers, so that families can hire the best caregivers out there. They focus on safety, experience, and quality, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are watching over what’s most important to you: your home and family.  Moms all over the country have shown a great deal of support for Gilt and Care.com.

To show their appreciation, Guilt has combined their efforts to put together a sweepstakes they think will be truly worthwhile. By entering the sweepstakes, moms get the chance to win the most invaluable reward there is – time and relaxation. Gilt and Care.com will be giving away $15,000 worth of services ranging from babysitting, dog walking, or housekeeping. Imagine how nice it would be to have a date night any night of the week and be completely confident that your little ones are getting the best care possible!

Additionally, Guilt will be giving away five $500 gift certificates for Gilt Children (which features everything from children’s bedding to apparel to furniture, all at a huge discount) and fifty premium memberships to Care.com. A premium membership includes access to Care.com’s extensive network of caregivers, free background checks and detailed caregiver profiles, expert advice and more. No purchase is necessary to enter the sweepstakes, which starts August 25, 2010 and goes through September 15th.

You can enter the contest here: http://bit.ly/deAxms.

You can also follow them on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/giltchildren)

The photogator is affordable too. You get 10 in a package for $14.99. You can purchase them at www.photogatorstand.com.

Twisterz Toys has three different sets of toys right now that teach children creativity, imagination, logic, spelling, problem solving, and hand/eye coordination. All this comes in one small toy. It is designed to get parents and their children working together. You can create stories with the Story Starter, create words with the Word Builder, and learn letters and spelling with the Alphabet Matcher.

At first, my daughter was a little confused. She is 5 and she knows her letters but cannot yet read or spell many words. But with a little help from Mom and Dad, she soon had the hang of it. She really loves the Alphabet Matcher and gets really excited when she gets it right. She is learning and having fun.

The Twisterz Toys are rated for age 3+. They can be bought at local retailers such as Target and online at Amazon.

You may be thinking that they aren’t safe because of their reputation with tornadoes, but what you’re hearing is probably related to motor homes and old mobile homes. Newer mobile homes are much safer and are built to construction standards regulated by the federal government. Factory direct mobile homes are much safer than they used to be, and can be customized to your personal preferences.

Mobile homes are also known as manufactured homes. They are built in a factory and transported to your land to be installed. They can be one or multiple parts, and on-site additions, including decks and garages, are options to be considered.

If you have a plot of land to call your own, a mobile home can be a great first home, or even a place to retire. With the money you save on the purchase of a home or the option of building a home from the ground up, you can purchase a larger plot of land to put your home on, and add more customizations to your home.

I’ve seen mobile homes listed for sale that would have fooled me into thinking they were standard houses. With features from beautiful decks to indoor spas, stunning kitchens and vaulted ceilings, some of the mobile homes are more beautiful than many of the regular homes I’ve seen.

Mobile homes are definitely something worth considering for anyone who wants to own a home at a much lower price.

For nearly 20 years the Guide has assisted parents, family, friends and
caregivers by providing qualified toy recommendations to help aid in the
skill development of children who have physical, cognitive or developmental
disabilities. To help parents select the perfect playthings for their
children, all toys featured in the Guide are associated with icons that
show parents which skills can be developed during playtime.

“As the mom of four beautiful kids, I know that every child has a unique
personality, distinct interests and develops at their own pace. Since my
son RJ was diagnosed with autism when he was three, I also know what it’s
like to be blessed with a child who has special needs,” said Holly Robinson
Peete. “I am truly honored to appear on the cover of the 2010 Toys”R”Us Toy
Guide for Differently-Abled Kids because I have seen how everyday toys,
like those featured in the Guide, have helped my son build skills to
enhance his development.”

“The Toys”R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids is a labor of love for
the “R”Us family, which is why, for nearly 20 years, we have offered this
complimentary resource for our customers who love and care for children
with special needs,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys”R”Us, Inc.
“We love kids, and through the wonder of play, all children can achieve
their own personal victories and imagine worlds of possibilities.”

National Lekotek Center Partnership and Toy Selection Process

Since 1994, Toys”R”Us, Inc. has partnered with the National Lekotek
Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the world accessible
to children of all abilities. Lekotek assesses the play value of hundreds
of toys for children with special needs through therapeutic play sessions
with some of the toughest toy critics – kids.  At least two skill-building
traits are assigned to each toy that appears in the Guide, and color-coded
skill-building icons are used to signify the specific benefits of each
item.  Following are examples of the toys and corresponding skills and
symbols featured in the Guide:

*      Auditory: Explore ‘N Grow(tm) Busy Ball Popper from Playskool(r)

*      Creativity: Duplo(tm) Large Brick Box from LEGO Systems, Inc

*      Fine Motor: Magnetic Number Maze from Melissa and Doug(r)

*      Gross Motor: Super Sounds Soccer from Fisher-Price(r)

*      Language: TAG Junior Reading System from LeapFrog(r)

*      Self Esteem: Harumika Starter Set from Bandai(r)

*      Social Skills: Deli Shop Play Set from Just Like Home

*      Tactile: Model Magic Presto Dots from Crayola(r)

*      Thinking: What’s GNU? from ThinkFun(r)

*      Visual: Perplexus(tm) from PlaSmart

Expanded Selection for Online Shoppers

Online shoppers interested in finding all of the information and products
available in the Guide can visit the company’s dedicated website
Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled.

The online version allows shoppers to search by skill, price and age range to select and purchase toys directly from the digital pages of the Guide. To showcase even more everyday playthings that can help build skills in children with special needs, this year, Toys”R”Us has broadened its assortment to include items available at Toysrus.com, highlighted within the Guide in four dedicated pages.

Additional Features of the Guide

To further assist shoppers, the Guide also includes the “Top Ten Tips for
Buying Toys” from the National Lekotek Center. These tips highlight
important information to consider when selecting toys for differently-abled
kids, such as choosing items with multi-sensory appeal, considering the
child’s individual abilities and the toy’s current popularity.

Additionally, to help differently-abled children prevent accidental
injuries during playtime, the Toys”R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled
Kids features “Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs.”  The tips,
created with guidance from leading safety and special needs organizations,
offer basic suggestions, such as never leaving a child unsupervised, as
well as specialized tips, including avoiding trigger toys.

To assist family and friends shopping for the differently-abled kids in
their life, the Guide also includes an easy-to-use Skill-Building Toy
Finder index. Located at the back of the book, the section categorizes
every toy by the skill it helps build, allowing shoppers easily to find
toys that benefit the child in their lives.

Earth Friendly Products is running a Safeguard Your Home! campaign and is promoting their line of eco-friendly products. These products are perfect for the family that wants to get rid of chemicals in their homes.

Right now, Earth Friendly Products is running a contest to win an array of their cleaning supplies. You can enter to win them for your child’s classroom or dorm room. All you need to do is go to their Facebook page, click “like” and leave a wall post to enter. You could win:

*        ECOS Laundry Detergent
*        Dishmate Hand Dishwashing Soap
*        Wave Autodishwasher Detergent
*        Eco Breeze fabric refresher
*        Window Cleaner
*        Parsley Plus all-purpose cleaner

So head on over to Facebook and leave a wall post to win these green products for your child’s classroom or dorm room.

I was able to check out the Speck shown, and it is so cool and a must have for you iPad!

Speck is going to give three of our readers the chance to win an iPad Speck! Just follow the rules below and good luck to all who enter.  **Speck is doing the giveaway as a “grab bag” so you will have no choice of colors, it will be a random selection for the three winners!

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.  –

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your

comment.

- MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM IT.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Speck iPad Case give away over @pjmommy

4. You may write about our contest on your blog!

5. Join Our Google Connect

6. Join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: September 15, 2010, MIDNIGHT EST.

to seamlessly go from day to night and can be taken from the office to

the street. The Grasshoppers collection retails for $50 or less and is

available on www.grasshoppers.com

Grasshoppers offers lightweight, flexible and supportive shoes from a premium line of casual comfort shoes in stylish & sophisticated silhouettes, including slip ons, sneakers, wedges and sale.

Grasshoppers wants you to be comfortable and with our proprietary PureFit™ comfort system, you’ll have all over comfort and support. Grasshoppers supports your active life with a dual density footbed, Gel-Flex technology, stretch uppers, padded collars, and a flexible outsole, to provide support to take you from day to night in comfort and style. Select shoes have been APMA and podiatrist approved.

I was able to sample a pair of their Stretch Plus Zip suede shoes and wow are they comfy! I have knee problems and also lower back issues and these shoes were like walking on a cushion all day but I was supported.  Great looking and they go with just about everything and they come in 3 color choices, I chose Dark Espresso Suede. I just love these, and I will be checking out their other shoes too!

Timmy Time  follows the adventures of Timmy, a little lamb with a lot to learn as he enters preschool. Fans of Aardman’s hit children’s series, Shaun the Sheep, will recognize Timmy as the baby lamb on the farm who is frequently drawn into all kinds of chaotic adventures by the mischievous older sheep. Used to having his way by being “the only lamb in the flock,” Timmy is now heading to preschool to graze on some important life lessons about playing nicely with others, namely his fellow classmates of the furry, feathered and spiky types.

Episodes portray all the aspects of a preschooler’s day that are familiar to parents–painting, puzzling, making music, building with blocks, napping, snacking and more–through strong but simple storylines that are told without human dialogue, instead using a unique combination of expressive character animation, gesture and reactions, comedy and
slapstick, bleats, quacks, oinks and the like.

While being entertained by Timmy’s fun and fleecy antics, the young audience members will benefit by seeing important social skills in action, such as how to help someone in need, how to be good sports, and how to respect others. Creator/Producer/Supervising Director Jackie Cockle (BAFTA winner, producer on Bob the Builder, director on The Wind in The Willows, among other television credits) believes that “preschoolers can easily identify with Timmy as he learns universal lessons about himself, his friends and the world around him.”

Check local television listings for exact airtimes, and to find out more about Timmy, his classmates, and the show, visit www.timmytime.tv.

Timmy fans can look forward to his first DVD release in early 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment, who also distribute the DVD releases of Shaun the Sheep, the second fastest-growing children’s brand on DVD in 2009. Timmy toys will also be available in Spring 2011 from JAKKS Pacific.

This is why we are endorsing Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes. They are great for at home and at school. Wet ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes come in handy canisters or convenient travel packs to put in your child’s backpack an carry along in the car. Simply pull a wipe out of the package and wipe off hands or clean off a school desk to keep the germs at bay. Even the youngest children can understand the concept of using Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes after they have played with their toys at Kindergarten and our older children know all about germs and the importance of keeping them off of our hands.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes is offering a sampling of their product to one Pajama Mommy reader.

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.
- MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM IT.

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3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered Wet Ones Hand Wipes giveaway over @pjmommy

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

4. Join Our Google Connect

5. Join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: September 21, 2010, MIDNIGHT EST.

To nominate a school, all you need to do is visit Clorox.com. The contest is open until September 27, 2010. Once the contest has ended, America will get to vote between October 5, 2010 and November 1, 2010. The winners will be announced on December 8, 2010.

For official rules and to nominate a school program, visit www.Clorox.com.
·         The Clorox Company sent me information about Power A Bright Future grant program not intended to solicit product claims.

It is on my to read list we’ll just put it that way. I am making my way through the other books that have been on that list for ages so I can get to this one. Yes I am rushing but what can I say this book just sounds absolutely fantastic.

So why am I bragging about the fantasticness of this book and making up words just to describe it?

Well it is because one fantabulous reader will be winning an autographed copy of this book.
THE PRIZE PACK INCLUDES:  an Official I AM NUMBER FOUR hoodie, t-shirt, and book autographed by Pittacus Lore.

The hoodie and shirt will be in a large. So it may not fit all of you but it is definitely good to own or even a great gift.  This is absolutely a great deal for anyone interested in reading this book or loved it and just has to have another one in their collection.

I am usually one of those people. I may or may not own several copies of my favorite book just because it was on sale at Borders and I couldn’t help myself but that is neither here nor there.

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.
- MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM IT.

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3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the I AM NUMBER FOUR give away over @pjmommy

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

4. Join Our Google Connect

5. Join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: September 15, 2010, MIDNIGHT EST.

My 5 year old daughter, Hailey, started Kindergarten last week. I was slightly concerned about her phonics skills because she did not attend preschool and has not yet learned how to read. I was excited when Rock ‘N Learn allowed us to preview these DVD’s. My daughter has been watching them constantly. She loves the music and dances while she sings along. She is learning more vocabulary and learning how to pronounce words properly which was a constant contention with us in our household. She has grown leaps and bounds in just a week and I feel more secure about her status at school already.

About the Phonics Volume 1 DVD
Practicing the phonics skills that lead to reading and spelling success is more fun than ever.  Rock ‘N Learn has turbocharged their best-selling Phonics program with new, enhanced animation along with sentence and story practice.  Catchy rhymes make rules easy to remember. Delayed answers and “on-screen mouth” let students check their reading and pronunciation.  Read-along stories and fun songs provide practice with rules and build reading fluency.  Context clues help students develop multiple strategies to read for meaning.  Busy parents and teachers love the way Rock ‘N Learn Phonics captures kids’ attention and allows for differentiated instruction through independent practice.

About the Phonics Volume 2 DVD
Practice is the key to reading and spelling success-and now it’s more fun than ever. Rock ‘N Learn enhanced their best-selling Phonics video program with new animation along with sentence and story practice. Volume 2 builds on Volume 1, with catchy rhymes to make rules easy to remember. Delayed answers and their “on-screen mouth” let students check their reading and pronunciation. Read-along stories and fun songs provide practice applying the rules and building reading fluency. Context clues help students develop multiple strategies to read for meaning.

Rock ‘N Learn is offering up Volumes 1 and 2 of their Phonics DVD to one lucky Pajama Mommy Reader.

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.
- MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM IT.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the ROCK ‘N LEARN  give away over @pjmommy

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

4. Join Our Google Connect

5. Join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: September 21, 2010, MIDNIGHT EST.

Some of the features of the Power A Pro Pack Mini include:

.       MiniRemote is 35 percent smaller than the original model

.       Wii MotionPlus compatibility

.       Contoured surfaces providing a natural grasp for more precise handling and eliminating edge pressure points during extended play

.       A soft touch finish for a no slip grip that doesn’t require a glove

.       Larger A, 1 and 2 buttons for overall increased accuracy and enhanced game play

.       Glowing main control buttons for anytime use in any environment

.       Color options include Black and Purple, each with a coordinating Wrist Strap

The Power A Pro Pack Mini includes the MiniRemote and MiniChuck and can be purchased at most retailers and online at www.PowerA.com for only $49.99.

The Publishers of Percy are going to give one lucky reader a copy of the book for themselves! Just follow the rules below and I wish you luck, this is a really beautiful book!

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your
comment.
- MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM IT.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered Percy Perfectly Imperfect Chicken Book give
away over @pjmommy

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

4. Join Our Google Connect

5. Join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: September 11, 2010, MIDNIGHT EST.

1.      Fruit- Natural, sweet and good for you, fruit is a popular snack choice among kids and parents. Aim for about 1.5 cups of fruit per day.

Snack Hints:

.         If you want to make fruit even more appetizing, try pairing it with low- fat, plain yogurt for dipping.

.         Stick some freshly washed grapes in the freezer for a cool snack on a hot, summer day.

.         Another popular alternative is dried fruit. If the label doesn’t list any additional ingredients to the fruit, such as sugar, much of the nutritional value remains the same (but with a higher caloric
density).

2.      Smoothies- Even the pickiest kids can’t resist fruit smoothies, which are naturally sweet and can be an excellent way to sneak nutrition into their diet. Beware of store-bought smoothies, however, which are usually full of added sugar. These end up carrying as many calories as a full meal (for a toddler).

Snack Hints:

.         Smoothies made at home with fresh fruit such as bananas and strawberries, plain yogurt, and low-fat milk will be a healthy source of calcium and protein.

.         If your child isn’t getting enough fiber or protein in his or her diet, add powder supplements to the smoothie.

3.      Cereal- Cereal is a great source of fiber, which is filling, helps with digestion and can also lower cholesterol. Unfortunately, many cereals that kids love are full of sugar. Consumer Reports investigated the sugar content of some brands and found that a bowl of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks serves up as much sugar as a glazed donut. Several other popular kids’ cereals also had hefty amounts of added sweeteners.

Snack Hints:

.         The good news is that Consumer Reports rated several kid-oriented cereals as both low in sugar and nutritious. These include Cheerios (regular and Honey Nut varieties), Kix and Life.

.         Read nutrition labels and purchase high fiber cereals so children can get the most out of their breakfast pick.

4.      Peanut Butter- Although high in fat, peanut butter is packed with fiber and protein. If your child has peanut allergies, you’ll have to steer clear of this snack choice. Such allergies have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, so it’s important to watch for evidence such as rashes around the mouth and face and more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing [source:

Snack Hints:

.         If allergies aren’t a concern, kids love peanut butter spread on graham crackers or paired with different flavors of jelly for a classic PB&J.

.         Try smearing peanut butter on a celery stalk and topping it with raisins to create a treat with flair (Ants on a Log).

.         Opt for natural peanut butter to avoid trans fats and added sugar.

5.      Trail Mix- Instead of buying pre-assembled bags of trail mix at the store; try making your own at home. Not only is it a fun activity for the kids to participate in, it allows you to control the salt and sugar content. Homemade
granola is a great source of fiber, but it can also be high in sugar if bought at the store pre-made.

Snack Hints:

.         In addition to granola, tasty and healthy ingredients include dried fruits, various nuts, unsweetened coconut flakes, peanuts, mini pretzels and pumpkin seeds or hulled sunflower seeds.

.         If added sugar isn’t a big issue, kids will love the addition of M&Ms or chocolate chips.

Tasty After-School Recipes:
1.      Pear Pinwheels
.         Whole-wheat tortillas
.         Cheddar cheese, grated
.         Pear, peeled and thinly sliced
Directions:

*Place 1 whole-wheat tortilla on a plate, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover cheese with pear slices. Sprinkle pear with a bit more cheese.

*Microwave for 30 seconds, or until cheese melts. Roll, and cut into slices.

2.      Fruit Smoothie

.         1 container (8 ounces) vanilla-flavored nonfat yogurt
.         1 banana, sliced
.         1 cup frozen strawberries or peaches
.         1/4 cup orange juice

Directions:

*In a blender, whip together all ingredients. Serve in glasses

3.      Cupid Clusters

.         3 cups Yogurt-Burst Cheerios or similar whole-grain cereal
.         1/2 cup chopped dried strawberries
.         1-1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions:

*Place paper liners in 24 mini muffin cups. Toss the whole-grain cereal and chopped dried strawberries in a medium bowl.

*Melt the white chocolate in a microwave on high for a minute, stirring it frequently. Combine with the cereal and strawberry mixture. Spoon into prepared cups and refrigerate until the clusters are firm, about 5 minutes.

4.      PB and Raspberry Pops

.         1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
.         1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
.         1 cup reduced-fat milk
.         2-4 tablespoons honey, divided
.         2 teaspoon vanilla extract
.         1-1/2 cups raspberries
.         2 cups raspberry juice or raspberry juice blend
.         1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

*Combine peanut butter, yogurt, milk, 2 tablespoons honey, and vanilla in a food processor or blender until smooth.

*Pour peanut-butter mixture into eight 6- to 7-ounce paper cups or pop molds until they’re one-third full. Cover and freeze for 1 hour. Cover and chill remaining peanut-butter mixture until needed.

*Stir together raspberries and juice, divide among the cups or molds, and insert sticks. Cover and freeze for an hour. Then fill with remaining peanut-butter mixture and freeze for at least 8 hours, or until firm.

*Let stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes before unmolding. If you want, spoon honey around the rims and sprinkle on sesame seeds.

5.      Nutty Popcorn and Fruit Mix

.         1 package (6- to 7-cup yield) plain microwave popcorn
.         Nonstick cooking spray
.         2 to 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
.         2 cups potato sticks
.         1-1/2 cups peanuts or almonds
.         1 cup mixed dried fruit

Directions:

*Pop popcorn according to package directions. Pour popcorn into a very large bowl; coat lightly with cooking spray.

*Sprinkle popcorn with Parmesan cheese; toss gently to coat. Stir in potato sticks, peanuts, and dried fruit.

Beginning August 23^rd and running through September 3^rd Belli, a line of luxurious and uniquely teratology tested skincare products which addresses the specific issues of pregnant women, new moms and babies, will be hosting an online party to celebrate the company’s birthday.  To kick off the party, Belli and its partner sponsors will be having a drawing for a prize each day during the two week promotion.  Then on September 6, 2010 one lucky grand prizewinner will be selected to take home each of the prizes awarded during the promotional period! Wow! That’s a whole lotta product, and they are like no other products you may have tried before.  I was given samples of the luxurious products and I loved the fresh clean smell and how soft and “alive” they made my skin feel.  Their products can be seen you can get 30%  store wide discounts and amazing deals such as free ground shipping for purchases over $75.00 and you can enter the contest by going to: www.belliskincare.com.  Please enter this wonder give away, and I really hope that one of our fantastic readers will be the grand prize winner! Good luck to everyone who enters!

Not only does the Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life app feature recipes, it also includes timers so you can remind yourself when it is time to have a healthy snack to keep yourself moving through that busy day. It also contains a five minute meditation from Stephen Bodian, author of Mediation for Dummies. This will help you to calm down and relax your breathing. Just five minutes a day can make a huge difference.

There is no excuse for not downloading Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life for your iPhone. You and your children need to eat healthy and this will make it easy for you to make good decisions for your life and your children’s lives.