Pieces of a Mom

Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Dwight Wilkinson

2012-02-24T17:16:00.000-05:00

As a parent, I know all too well how important it is spend quality time with my family. The days are short, and the work hours are long. It's difficult to take back your time. Dwight Wilkinson had the same struggles but found the perfect solution when he opened a Kiddie Academy Franchise 9 years ago.

Dwight Wilkinson opened his Kiddie Academy, located at 1020 Horsham Road in North Wales, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 2003, at the age of 42. He has remained dedicated to educational excellence, which along with a passion for children’s mental and physcial development, has helped him and his academy achieve success.

Background: As a previous business owner of a Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Shop, Dwight Wilkinson was looking for a business concept that would grant him more time with his wife and four children. He began researching opportunities with a Monday - Friday schedule to help accommodate his family-oriented lifestyle and responsibilities as a community volunteer and coach of his children’s soccer, basketball and baseball teams. Dwight narrowed his search down to the child care franchise industry due to his love of children and managerial background. After two years of looking at child care companies, he chose Kiddie Academy for its warm, caring personality. He found Kiddie Academy to have a vested interest in the success and well-being of their franchisees. He has remained dedicated to educational excellence, which along with a passion for children’s mental and physical development, has helped him and his academy achieve success.

Goals: Dwight often sets goals around educational achievements and finds opportunities for his academy to reach a higher standard. He continually looks to improve the quality of services at his Kiddie Academy, whether through hiring qualified, passionate staff members or adding educational resources. Dwight hopes to grow his academy’s enrollment and is looking into the possibility of opening a second location in the future.

Challenges: Each new generation of parents find a new way to communicate with each other, their children and their child care providers. For Dwight, finding the most effective way to communicate with his families has proved to have its challenges. However, by experimenting with various communication methods, including take home folders, outdoor signage and technology, he has learned more about the consumer and how to reach his target audience.

Results: Dwight’s hard work and commitment has earned him great success. His academy was recently licensed by the Department of Education and accredited by AdvancEd, which is an achievement no other child care in his area can claim. From a personal stance, becoming a Kiddie Academy franchisee has been both fun and rewarding for Dwight. It has given him a better quality of life and allowed him time to spend with his children and family.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed herein are solely mine. Any factual information was provided by Kiddie Academy.

My Newest Venture with Girls' Lunch Out

2012-02-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

We've all heard about the power of networking. Maybe you even have a networking success story. I know I do. Some powerful connections are made through networking. Even speaking with someone for as little as 2 minutes can leave a lasting impression.

Girls' Lunch Out {GLO} was formed to give women a place to connect, lunch and learn...with a purpose. GLO events offer women who are small business owners, social media entrepreneurs, and/or bloggers a chance to escape daily life for a few hours to connect with like-minded women in a casual and fun atmosphere.

As an attendee of several GLO events, I know, firsthand, how beneficial these events have been for expanding my networking potential. For example, after attending a GLO event in early October, I was inspired to spread the news about GLO to other social-media minded women. However, at the time GLO was based in the metro Philadelphia area only. Another attendee, Christina MacCarrick, owner of the online magazine, Jersey Shore Families, felt the same way I did. We were thinking the same thing at the same time. Weird, huh?

Chrissy and I made a plan to get together to brainstorm some ideas we had. In a few short weeks, we had our mission and a proposal for the founders of Girls' Lunch Out: to bring GLO to New Jersey!

Fast forward a few months, and today we announced that our first New Jersey event will take place on March 24th!!! As the co-chairpersons for the Girls' Lunch Out, Central/North Jersey chapter, Chrissy and I will be bringing GLO events to cities and towns all over central and north Jersey.

I am so excited to be part of the Girls' Lunch Out team and look forward to connecting women in New Jersey.

Hop over to read the Save the Date post on the GLO site for a few more details. Mark you calendars for a fabulous event where you'll meet, mingle, and munch.

And don't forget to check out the entire GLO team and to see if we are in a city near you.

Mama's Little Helpers: Tips for Getting Your Children to Clean Up After Themselves

2012-02-21T05:30:00.000-05:00

Here's what I've learned in my almost 10-year career as a mom:

Kids are slobs.

You may be fortunate enough to count yourself among the few and lucky moms who have an obsessive-compulsive, anal-retentive child. I, however, am not among that elite group.

Nope.

My children are the epitome of messiness.

One night before I finally retired for the evening, I looked around my downstairs and wondered, "How did I get here?" My house seemed a mess. An empty water bottle on the table, crumbs on the floor, stains on my sofa cushions, and small toys, books, and hair ties strewn about. Again, how did I get here? How have I not noticed the mess than has engulfed my home? And more importantly, what do I plan to do about it?

There was really only one solution: get the kids involved and empower them to clean up after themselves.

I essentially created these monsters by constantly picking up after them, primarily because their mess drives me mad, and it's just easier for me to do rather than ask them multiple times to pick up a little toy from the floor. Have you been there?

But now that my kids are older, 6 and almost 10, it's time for them to learn some responsibility. I can't follow them around their entire lives picking up their pieces. It was time to put a plan in place.

But because they are kids, I had to make it fun...and challenging. Taking the boredom out of cleaning up has made all the difference.

Tip #1: Time is ticking
Use a clock or a timer on your phone to set a guideline for completing a few tasks. My daughters love when I give them 15 minutes to do as much as they can. The race against the clock is completely motivating and inspiring. It worked wonders for me.

Tip #2: Make it a game
The most difficult part of clean up is that my kids don't know where to start. They become overwhelmed when they see the billowing mess. Grab a flashlight and play tag. You tag an item with the flashlight, they pick it up and put it where it belongs. It's fun and functional.

Tip #3: Put the mystery in cleaning up
Grab a basket and a sheet of paper. Write down cleaning tasks on the paper and cut them into strips. Fold and place in the basket. Some examples of tasks might be "pick crayons off the floor", "put away all stuffed animals", "put dirty laundry in hamper", "put combs and brushes into the basket". Have your child choose a slip of paper and complete the task.

How do you motivate your children to clean up after themselves? Please share a tip if you've got one. :)

Spring Trend: Colored Jeans

2012-02-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Fess up: Have you succumbed to the latest denim trend, colored jeans?

I'm not gonna lie. When I first read about colored jeans, I was all, "No way am I going to wear such bright colors on my legs. I can't pull off that look, and I'll look just ridiculous." I felt the same way about colored denim as I did about skinny jeans. Now, I practically live in skinny jeans.

But after months of seeing pictures of colored denim EVERYWHERE and liking what I saw, I've given in to the trend.

I bought a pair of colored jeans today. I've been looking, mostly online, for weeks. Prices varied greatly. I found colored jeans that are $30, and I've found pairs for $200. $200 for a trend that I'm not completely sold on? Just couldn't do it.

So, I settled for a pair at Old Navy. The pair originally retailed for $34.95 but were on sale (for a limited time) for $19. So, I went for it. What the heck, right? I went with the "Blue Moon". I like them so much that I think I'm going to pick up another pair tomorrow (a rust colored pair). I bought a really great sweater to pair with them for $9. I'll wear the outfit this week and post a picture!

So, tell me, do you own a pair of colored jeans? If so, what color are they?

This Week's Top 5 "Pin" Picks

2012-02-19T20:30:00.001-05:00

My love affair with Pinterest continues. This week I had summer and outdoor entertaining on my mind. I have so many ideas. Now, I've got to keep up the momentum and block out some time once spring arrives to implement my ideas.

1. I love the simple look of these hanging Mason jars. We have a high fence just like the one in the picture, and these lanterns would make a perfect addition to it. Hanging them at varying heights creates a dramatic look.

2. Corners present a decorating challenge. Most corners usually go unused, and that's some serious waste of space. When I saw this corner entryway, I thought it would be perfect for the landing at the bottom of our stairs which also happens to be just inside our front door. I'd probably nix the bench and place the umbrella canister directly beneath the shelf.

3. These cap-toe flats are perfect to pair with the bright, colored skinny jeans that are all the rage for spring. They are fun, fashionable, and functional.

4. Speaking of those colored skinny jeans, this pair is fabulous! I love the whole outfit. It looks so casual and effortless yet so pulled together.

5. Back to the theme of the great outdoors...how much do you love this pallet table? OMG! I am loving it!! I need to find someone who can make this for me. I know I can't do it, and the Hubs isn't the least bit handy. Any volunteers?

So there you have it. I'm off to spend a few quality hours on Pinterest to find pictures of things I'll probably never make, places I'll never go, and hairstyles I'll never have. ;-)

My Favorite Valentine

2012-02-16T19:28:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday I attended a Valentine's Day party in Harper's classroom. I got to spend the afternoon with my favorite Valentine. We made several crafts, and this adorable photo frame was one of them. One of the moms took pictures and printed them on site. Dontcha just love technology?

Were you lucky enough to visit your child in school for Valentine's Day?

What Do You Want To Remember About Today? About Anyday?

2012-02-14T11:49:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, I found a list of writing prompts on, where else, Pinterest. One of the prompts on the list is "what do you want to remember about today?" That prompt really made me stop to think. We have good days, bad days, and days that fall somewhere in between. But at the end of that day, what is it that you truly want to remember about it?

On the very evening I found that list of prompts, I found Harper fast asleep in her bed by 8 pm. Just one look at her, and I knew that her lying safely and peacefully in her bed was what I wanted to remember about that day.

Six Years Ago Today...

2012-02-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

I gave birth to my second child.

I never thought I'd have more than one child. After Emma was born I was completely content. As a mother, I couldn't imagine ever having the ability to love more than one child.

Finally, when Emma was nine months old, we decided to try for number two. I wrestled with my decision. But after thinking about the strong bond I have with my sisters, I knew I wanted Emma to have a sibling. I wanted her to know the love of a brother or a sister.

On the day that Emma turned a year old, I took a pregnancy test. It was positive. We were elated.

Six weeks later, I suffered a miscarriage. I was devastated. I blamed myself.

It took me three years to muster the courage try again.

On our wedding anniversary, June 25, 2005, we learned that we were expecting a baby, once again.

I was cautious. I didn't allow myself to become too excited. I worried for most of my pregnancy...about every little thing and every big thing.

On February 13, 2006 when my water broke at 5:00 pm, I felt a wave of relief rush over me.

At 10:29 pm, I gave birth to my precious Harper Elizabeth.

I am grateful that I had the strength and courage to try again. We couldn't imagine a life without her, and I couldn't imagine Emma not having a sister to share her life.

Wishing my baby a happy birthday and many more!

Gluten-Free Cookie Pops

2012-02-10T23:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we'll be celebrating Harper's birthday with her Daisy troop at their bi-monthly meeting. I learned that one of her troop members was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. I wanted to make a fun treat that every little girl could enjoy. Since I don't normally stock rice flour for gluten-free baked goods, I picked up a mix for gluten-free sugar cookies. The mix is by Cherrybrook Kitchen and costs about $5 per box.

For something different, I decided to make cookie pops...sugar cookies on a stick. I bought the sticks at a craft store in the baking section. I've made them before for one of Emma's classroom celebrations. They are a big hit with the kids!

This Week's Top 5 "Pin" Picks

2012-02-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

If you're not yet using Pinterest, you soon will be. The virtual pin board that lets you organize, store, and share all the gorgeous things you find on the web has caught on like wildfire. I began using it back in August, mostly because everyone else was doing it. But now I love it and realize the many benefits. Basically, you create pin boards (think of them as electronic cork boards). As you find interesting, beautiful, or inspiring photos, ideas, recipes on the web, you pin them to your boards to reference at a later time.

I've gotten lots of great decorating and craft ideas from the site, just to name a few.

This week, I wanted to share some of my favorite "pins" of the week.

1. This photo is great inspiration for exercising. It is so true...

2. If you are looking for organization ideas, Pinterest is your place. I love this wall for organizing the schedules and important papers for your children.

3. And then there are the travel pictures. Oh. My. Stars! I could literally spend an entire day browsing the travel pictures. There are so many places I want to go, and I've added so many more places to my list thanks to the amazing pictures on Pinterest. Take this one, for instance. Can someone book me on the next flight to Positano, Italy?

4. DIY projects abound on Pinterest. From the super simple to complex, everyone from the novice to the experienced DIY-er can find plenty to keep her busy. Next on my list of DIY projects is this chalkboard platter. Don't you love it? I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for platters when I go yard sale shopping this spring.

5. Like I said, there isn't anything you can't find on Pinterest! How pretty are these heels? I love the bow and the stitching.

So there you have it. My 5 favorite pins of the week.

If you are on Pinterest, be sure to look me up and follow. I'll be sure to follow back. Can't wait to see what you are pinning. :)

It's Been A Crazy Busy Two Weeks

2012-02-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

The past 2 weeks have been cuh-razy. I'm not complaining. I'd much rather be crazy busy than be sitting around idly. But a little downtime here and there would be nice.

Last Wednesday, Harper was home sick for the day. Between running her to the pediatrician's office and having prescriptions filled, the day was a complete loss. Last Friday, she returned the the pediatrician for a follow up visit. After leaving, I had to take her back to school, pick up forms from the nurse, take the forms back to the pediatrician's office to have them signed, pick up a prescription, drop the forms and medicine at the school nurse's office and attend a math game day with Emma. The opportunities to visit Emma in school are limited. The parents aren't invited to the 4th grade celebrations. So, when there is something special, I always make time to attend.

The Hubs was traveling last week for work, so I had no help here at home. I had 3 deadlines and had to request extensions for 2 of them. Hate doing that, but it was a necessary evil.

The weekend was just as busy. Between, Harper's investiture ceremony for Daisy Girl Scouts, running errands, and watching the Super Bowl (OK, the commercials and half-time show), I felt as if I was running and being pulled in every direction.

It didn't slow down much this week either. I had more deadlines and had some extra projects on my plate this week. All good stuff, but it was work that isn't normally on my schedule.

This week Harper was the star of the week in her classroom. I had a chance to be her special guest yesterday. I love visiting her classroom. Her teacher is lovely, and I get the biggest kick out of her classmates. I read "If You Give a Cat a Cupcake", and we decorated foam cupcakes with stickers. We had a ball! Unfortunately, I didn't get any pics because I was busy with the kids.

After visiting her classroom, I came home for an hour and worked and headed out again to take Harper to the dentist for her 6 month cleaning.

The madness continues this weekend with another visit to the pediatrician, 2 birthday parties and a Daisy meeting for which we need Valentines and a birthday treat for the troop to celebrate Harper's birthday (which is Monday).

I hate to say this, but I really need a debilitating snow storm to slow things down. Can't believe I just said that.

Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Cory and Summer

2012-02-08T10:08:00.000-05:00

Cory and Summer Bullock are proof that running a successful Kiddie Academy franchise doesn't require a lifetime of experience with children. With passion, determination, and drive, you can create your own success, just as this young couple has.

Cory and Summer Bullock opened their Kiddie Academy franchise, located at 2010 East League City Parkway in League City, Texas, on August 18, 2008, at ages 27 and 24.

The Bullocks have achieved tremendous success, and as the youngest franchisees in the system, it proves that age is no barrier when owning a Kiddie Academy franchise. They have reaped the rewards of owning a business and watching children grow in front of them.

Background: With his commitment to the Navy coming to an end, Cory Bullock and his wife, Summer, began looking at opportunities to start their own business. During their search, they researched various franchise industries, including tanning and food, before settling on child care. After about six months of looking, they came across Kiddie Academy through an Internet search and inquired for more information. Shortly after, they came to Kiddie Academy’s headquarters to meet with the corporate staff. Unlike other franchise companies who closed doors in their faces due to their young age, Kiddie Academy opened their doors to Cory and Summer with warm, welcoming attitudes. They knew then that they had made the right choice with a company that could bring their passion for children and dream of being business owners together.

Goals: The Bullock’s main goal since day one has been to operate a successful, well-run business that provides parents and children with the best care possible. They aim to do so by upholding the Kiddie Academy brand image, as well as their personal image within the community. Looking down the road, Cory and Summer continue to work on expanding their current academy with the possibility of opening another location in the future.

Challenges: When opening their Kiddie Academy location, Cory and Summer were faced with the challenge of building brand awareness and establishing themselves in their local community. However, the Bullocks accepted the challenge head-on and relished the idea of starting a business that was new to the area. They were determined to set themselves apart from their competitors by promoting the fact that their location was not a typical “day care.”

Results: Despite the fact that they were new to their community and surrounded by competitors, the Bullocks have achieved monumental success - both from a business and personal standpoint. They have consistently maintained high enrollment numbers, created a well recognized and respected brand presence in their community and formed many solid relationships with the families they serve. Cory and Summer have had the pleasure of seeing the results of their hard work in the many children they serve. They have seen the quality of the product first-hand with the children’s advancements and accomplishments.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All factual information was provided by Kiddie Academy. All opinions are my own.

WINNER - "Balance-tine" Balance Bar Giveaway

2012-02-07T23:37:00.001-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO TARI!!

She is the lucky winner of the Balance Bar "Balance-tine" Giveaway. Tari will be enjoying a heart-shaped tin filled with Balance Bars in a variety of flavors!

Many thanks to all who entered. If you weren't lucky this time, check back soon for another fabulous giveaway.

Best App for Beginning Runners: Couch-to-5K from Active.com

2012-02-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

For years, I've been saying that I am going to run a 5k. Years. At least 3. But as many of you know, I am a serial yo-yo exerciser. And when you are a yo-yo exerciser, you are usually, by default, a yo-yo runner. There have been times in my life when I've been able to easily run 5 miles. And there have been times when a half-mile is a struggle.

I started 2012 off with a goal to knock off the yo-yo exercising and get a consistent workout routine in place. Six weeks into 2012, I am proud to say that I've been a regular at the gym since January 2nd. I'm not going to lie. There are days when I'd rather sit in front of the computer. There are days when I should be sitting in front of the computer. But I drag myself to the gym.

I'd love to hire a running coach, but that's hardly in the budget. So, I've turned to the next best thing...an app! Don't you love that there's an app for that? :)

About a month ago, I downloaded the Couch-to-5K app from Active.com. I am currently into week 4, and I love the slow and steady progress that I am making. I don't feel overwhelmed, and I don't feel rushed. It is so manageable that there are days when I do the daily activity twice in a row. I'm sure once the amount of running begins to increase, this won't always be the case. But for now, it works for me. I love the flexibility also. If any given week's workout is particularly tough, you can repeat it rather than advance to the next week. Slow and steady wins the race.

The app consists of 3 workouts per week for 9 weeks. At the end of the 9th week, I will be able to run 30 minutes without stopping. I do most of my running on a treadmill, but the app is GPS-enabled if you're an outdoor runner. You can also log your progress, track calories burned, distance logged, and sync with your playlists.

If you are a beginner runner and need motivation, this app is perfect for you. It is currently on sale for $.99 at the iPhone App Store.

3 Square Deals: Eat Out at a Discount and For a Good Cause

2012-02-06T16:55:00.002-05:00

Ask most people why they don't eat out very often, and you are likely to hear "It's too expensive." as the number one complaint. It's true. Enjoying a nice meal out at a a new or favorite restaurant can set you back a hundred bucks. That's $100 that many households just cannot justify.

Now, thanks to 3 Square Deals, eating out just became more affordable and charitable. 3 Square Deals offers daily deals that are redeemable at local and national businesses. Think Groupon but for dining deals only. However, there's a BIG difference between 3 Square Deals and Groupon. Every purchase you make through 3 Square Deals is for a good cause.

Here's how it works:

You sign up to receive the deal, which is delivered to you via email.
If the deal interests you, simply click to purchase it. Within minutes, a voucher is delivered to you via email.
Print the voucher and enjoy your meal and know that someone in need will be enjoying one on your behalf.

For each voucher you purchase, 3 Square Deals will donate 10% of the purchase price to one of the following:

Food Bank of South Jersey, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

Click here to sign up and start saving and giving.

Officially a Daisy

2012-02-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Harper officially became a Girl Scout Daisy when she received the official trefoil Girl Scout pin. During a special ceremony, the Daisies in Harper's troop received their pins and are now on their way to earning their "petals'.

We are so proud of her and excited for her.

I had to post a picture of these adorable daisy cupcakes made by one of the moms. How cute are they? Just perfect for the occasion!

If I Had A "Real" Job...

2012-02-01T15:21:00.000-05:00

I awoke in the middle of the night to a child with seething ear pain. For 2 hours, I consoled her by rubbing her back, kissing her head, and tolerating the whining and piercing screams until the Advil kicked in. Eventually, she fell asleep. But I stayed awake, worrying as parents often do. Eventually, I, too, succumbed to heavy eyelids.

When daylight came, I knew I'd have a sick child home from school today. I called the school to report her absence. It's her 10th sick day of the school year (yikes!). I called the pediatrician. I made the appointment. I went to the appointment. I went to the pharmacy to pick up the prescription. And I returned home.

When I got home, I looked at my desk. A slew of unread email messages. The voice mail light on my land line was blinking frantically. A handful of un-retrieved and even more unanswered text messages. A pile of papers haphazardly arranged on my desk.

I stopped short of my desk and wondered, "What if I had a real job?"

The kind of job where I am required to be at the office by a certain time each morning and required to stay until a certain time each evening. The kind of job where deadlines are anything but flexible. The kind of job where I am an essential part of the process and success. I used to have a job like that. And then I had kids.

When Harper started kindergarten in September, I planned to get back to work part-time. I took a month off to get my act together around the house knowing that having a job outside the home wouldn't be conducive to accomplishing ANYTHING inside the home. And then I started taking on some freelance writing and social media gigs. It was supplemental income until I went back to work. The work kept me busy and satisfied. But I still yearned to be a major contributor to the household GNP.

And then sickness hit our house. Harper was out for almost 2 weeks. Surely, that alone would have gotten me a pink slip. Although the Hubs telecommutes, he also travels quite a bit. I cannot rely on him to stay home with sick children due to his travel schedule. We don't have family to help us out. Local relatives work full-time. I bear the burden.

So, every time I sit down to so some job searching, I think of my children in times of sickness, and I wonder just how understanding an employer could be. Because everyone has a breaking point...

If you are a parent who works outside the home, how do you handle your child's sick days? How do you determine who stays home from work? Please weigh in here or head over to Facebook to join the discussion.

Meatless Monday: Lemon Basil Spaghetti

2012-01-30T17:03:00.004-05:00

This is a quick and delicious pasta dish that you can very easily throw together after a busy day. It can easily be converted to gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta for traditional pasta.

LEMON BASIL SPAGHETTI (Serves 4 to 6)

Ingredients
1 lb. box of spaghetti
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup torn basil leaves
kosher salt and ground black pepper

Preparation
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.

2. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

3. Drain the pasta. Add the lemon juice mixture to the pasta. Add the basil leaves and toss well to combine.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Wine.com: All Things Wine at Your Fingertips

2012-01-30T10:11:00.001-05:00

You know how I much I enjoy wine. There are so many great wines out there, but not all are available at my local wine stores. When I can't find what I am in search of, I turn to Wine.com, a trusted online wine resource. Wine.com caters to every wine need from individual wine purchases to gift baskets. They offer a great selection, low prices, convenient delivery, and all the information you need to make informed choices about wine.

Wine.com makes learning about wine fun and informative. They've posted this fun graphic detailing the history of Champagne. Who doesn't love a glass of bubbly??!!

Brought To By Wine.com, Purveyors of Fine Wine and Champagne

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed herein are mine.

Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Sparta, New Jersey

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

I love a great local success story! I especially love one where people have pursued a passion. Here is an inspiring story of Kiddie Academy franchise owners who followed their dream.

Jill and George Malanga opened their first franchised Kiddie Academy in July 1996 at 233 Sparta Avenue in Sparta, New Jersey, at ages 50 and 59, respectively.

Fueled by their overwhelming success, they opened their second location at 179 Cahill Cross Road in West Milford, New Jersey, in September 2004. Unlike owners of other child care concepts in the area, the Malangas treat each parent and child as they would a member of their own family, regularly going above and beyond to provide the best service possible.

Background: Jill was a franchisee for NutriSystem, but shortly after the birth of her first child she wanted to shift her attention to her son. When it came time to select a child care facility for him, the options in the area were not up to her standards. As a result, she decided to open a Kiddie Academy franchise, not only for her son but for other parents in the community looking for a better option. George, a former high school teacher and 30-year veteran of the music industry, saw the success of his wife’s venture and decided to follow in her footsteps with a second location shortly after his retirement in 2003. Each time they see a satisfied parent or hear a student’s laugh, the Malangas know that their decision to become Kiddie Academy franchisees was the right one.

Goals: For George and Jill, giving parents peace of mind is their top priority. They regularly consult with parents to provide the best possible service to their children, including waiving the tuition for any student with a parent deployed overseas. With enrollment at both academies nearing capacity, the Malangas are also considering opening a third location in the area.

Challenges: Maintaining the company’s cozy, nurturing atmosphere is always one of Jill’s top concerns, since she operates one of the largest Kiddie Academy facilities in the United States. Kiddie Academy’s innovative curriculum and hands-on approach to educationally-based child care keeps the academies inviting and personal. Jill and George want each parent and child to maintain the special feeling of being part of their Kiddie Academy community.

Results: Jill’s constant drive to make her academy the best it can be has paid off over the years. Events such as date nights and shopping days, as well as pancake breakfasts and end-of-the-year recitals, continuously receive rave reviews from parents and children alike. Not only has she received several awards from both her franchisor and the local community, she has also made quite a difference in the lives of the children who attend her academy – an achievement that cannot be measured by a certificate or plaque, but instead by the smile on a child’s face.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, any opinions stated are my own. Factual information was provided by Kiddie Academy.

A Sweet Giveaway: Balance Bars in a "Balance-tine" Tin

2012-01-27T00:08:00.000-05:00

I am a HUGE fan of Balance Bars. I eat at least one a day. They are perfect before or after the gym or as a snack to hold you over until your next full meal.

Every single flavor is a grand slam. Many protein bars are known for tasting like a piece of cardboard. Not Balance Bars. With flavors like Cookie Dough, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Caramel Nut Blast, you'll satisfy your craving for something sweet and your need for protein every time.

I had mentioned in a previous post that Balance recently introduced the nimble bar, a protein bar specifically formulated for women. The nimble bar is a beauty and nutrition bar that boasts a mere 120 calories. It is the first protein bar of its type to be made using Truvia, a natural sweetener with zero calories. It is the first bar to contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health of your body and your skin. Isn't that what every woman wants? The nimble bar is available in 2 flavors: peanut butter and yogurt orange swirl. If you love the taste of a Creamsicle ice cream bar, you will love the yogurt orange swirl.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, I am giving away the Balance-tine Tin, an adorable heart-shaped tin filled with various flavors of Balance Bar.

The tin contains one bar in each of the following flavors/varieties:

chocolate craze
cookie dough
mocha chip
double chocolate brownie
triple chocolate chaos
chocolate mint cookie crunch
chocolate peanut butter
s'mores
yogurt orange swirl (nimble bar)
peanut butter (nimble bar)

Balance Bars are a great alternative to a large breakfast. They make a perfect mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack when you feel a slump coming on, or a treat when you are craving a sweet.

TO ENTER:
Leave only ONE comment telling me what your favorite Balance Bar flavor is if you've tried them before. If you've never enjoyed a Balance Bar, leave a comment telling me which flavor you would most like to try.

All entries MUST be submitted by 11:59 pm EST Monday, February 6. One winner will be selected via random.org and will be notified via email. The selected winner will have 24 hours to respond to claim the prize and to provide a shipping address. If selected winner fails to claim the prize within 24 hours, a new winner will randomly be chosen. This contest is open to residents of the United States only.

For more information and to stay in touch with Balance Bar:
Visit the Web site
"Like" Balance Bar on Facebook
"Like" nimble bar on Facebook
Follow Balance Bar on Twitter

Disclosure: Balance Bar has kindly provided one Balance-tine tin to Pieces of a Mom to giveaway to a reader. I was also given a complimentary box of nimble bars to sample.

Celebrating Valentine's Day: Thinking Outside the {Heart} Shaped Box

2012-01-25T22:39:00.000-05:00

It's not too late to pull together a plan for a fabulously fool-proof Valentine's Day. Whether you'll be celebrating as a family or as a couple, I've got some off the beaten path ideas that will have your heart fluttering.

For the Family

Indoor Picnic
Get a roaring fire going and spread out a big blanket on the floor. An indoor picnic is the perfect option for any budget or number of people. Go high-end by serving a nice wine, gourmet cheeses and crackers, grapes, and fancy Belgian chocolates. Or for a more wallet and family-friendly picnic, serve heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches, fresh fruit, whole-grain crackers and pretzels, and a fun dessert. Cupcakes are a big hit with the kiddos. A picnic is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is a great way to celebrate with the family or alone and doesn't have to be expensive.

Celebrate with Breakfast
My husband and I stopped going out for Valentine's Day dinner a long time ago. The restaurants are over crowded, serve overpriced, prix fixe meals, and service is fair, at best. Once we had our children, we wanted to include them in the celebration. So, we started going out for breakfast or serving a special morning meal at home. Heart-shaped pancakes served with red fruits (strawberries and raspberries) are perfect for this occasion. Adults can enjoy mimosas (or other Champagne cocktails) while lingering over a relaxing meal. Celebrating early in the day with the kids allows time for mom and dad to have a quiet celebration after the kids have gone to bed.

For the Two of You

Spa Day
If pampering and relaxing with your Valentine are your thing, then check out a spa near you. Most now offer couples' packages for the day including a light lunch. Hmmm....sounds nice.

Wine Tasting
I've noticed this year, that many local New Jersey wineries are offering special Valentine's Day weekend tastings...complete with chocolate. Hello. Did someone say wine and chocolate in the same sentence?? If you are lucky enough to live within a reasonable driving distance to a winery, check it out. The tastings are very reasonably priced at about $10 per person and often include a tour of the cellar.

Trip down Memory Lane
Once you have children, it's often difficult to remember the couple you were before the kids came along. Put the the kids to bed. Crack open a bottle of wine or pop the cork on some bubbly and turn on your favorite channel on Sirius. It's time to chill with your Valentine and reminisce about why you fell in love in the first place. Recall details from your first date or when you first met or maybe even your first fight (lol). Break out the old pictures and remember special trips you've taken and special occasions. It's an opportunity to reconnect in our otherwise busy worlds.

However you choose to spend it, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be an over-commercialized holiday filled with cliches. It's never too late to start a Valentine's Day tradition by doing something new!

This post is a reprint of one that was originally published on February 8, 2011

My Afternoon Tea

2012-01-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

I'm not a coffee drinker...unless you include a Frappaccino or a cappuccino in there. But I love my afternoon tea. Must have it every day, especially during the cold weather months.

I had to share my favorite brand and flavor because it's just that good.

Good Earth® Decaffeinated Vanilla Chai Tea hits the spot each and every afternoon. (available in regular also).

I like to add a dash of fat-free milk to mine. It definitely adds a velvety creaminess to the tea. The black tea has hints of vanilla, star anise, cloves, cardamon, ginger root, nutmeg, black pepper, and chicory root.

It's the perfect afternoon or evening pick-me-up.

Saying Goodbye to Google Friend Connect

2012-01-24T10:01:00.001-05:00

On March 1, 2012 Google will discontinue Google Friend Connect (GFC) for blogs that are not using the Blogger platform. However, the absence of GFC will affect all bloggers.

Via Google Friend Connect, your blog's RSS feed shows up in Google Reader. It is currently unclear if Google will remove this functionality on March 1. What is clear is that the GFC widgets that are currently displayed on countless blogs will be inoperable and the option to join a blog via GFC will no longer exist on March 1. You will need another option to stay connected to your favorite blogs.

What to do? What to do?

For starters, one of the first things you need to do is remove the GFC widget from your blog. There's no use in anyone joining for 6 weeks.

Encourage your GFC subcribers to connect with your blog in a number of different ways:

1. Subscribe via RSS feed
Most blogs will have an icon or a subscription box displayed somewhere on the blog to allow you to do this. For a more comprehensive explanation on why you, as a blogger, need to set up a RSS feed, read the Feedburner tutorial written by my pal Gigi, from Kludgy Mom. She highlights the whys of Feedburner. An RSS feed is incredibly easy to create with Feedburner.

To stay in touch with Pieces of a Mom, subscribe to my RSS feed.

2. Connect on Facebook
Most blogs have fan pages on Facebook. You can either perform a search in Facebook for the blog you are looking for or you can go to the blog to see if there is a Facebook widget or icon where you can easily "Like" the page.

To stay in touch with Pieces of a Mom on Facebook, click to "Like" my page. I update my Facebook page with all of my posts and some other relevant and helpful articles.

3. Follow on Twitter
Most bloggers are on Twitter and are very active there. I love the conversation on Twitter much more than on Facebook. It's more lively and more frequent. Again, you can perform a search on Twitter for your favorite blogs or check the blog for a Twitter icon.

To stay in touch with Pieces of a Mom on Twitter, click here to follow me. I am very active on Twitter and can usually be found tweeting about my favorite TV shows.

4. Send a newsletter
You can also send a newsletter to your current GFC subscribers to let them know how they can connect with you once GFC has been discontinued. I'm hoping that the blogs to which I subscribe do this. It really is the simplest way for your subscribers. They merely click a link in a message to make the new connection with you.

For more information, check out this informative post at momcomm.

Using IdentityHawk to Prevent Identity Theft

2012-01-23T15:30:00.000-05:00

When we were robbed a little over 2 years ago, after the initial shock wore off, I immediately thought of identity theft. The thief more or less ransacked many of our personal items. At first glance it was difficult to determine exactly which items may have contained social security numbers and other important personal information that could lead to identity theft. We had 2 laptops stolen. I wracked my brain trying to remember what information was stored on the hard drives of those laptops.

We were lucky...that time. We got away without being victims of identity theft. I was grateful being that I already felt completely violated.

You can never be too careful. You never know when identity thieves are targeting your personal information. More than 11 million consumers have been victims of identity theft. Don't let it happen to you.

IdentityHawk leads the industry in identity fraud detection and protection. Created to safeguard the assets, properties, and the good names of consumers, IdentityHawk takes a proactive approach to identity theft protection by using leading-edge technology to detect, deter, and prevent identity theft before it strikes. IdentityHawk customers are protected by round-the-clock Internet scanning to uncover any potential risks. Members are contacted via email when a risk is detected so that immediate action can be taken.

IdentityHawk combs through various online sources including public databases and hidden chat rooms in search of suspicious activity. Despite ramped up efforts on the part of the government and an increased awareness among consumers, identity theft protection is still in high demand.

Take action today! Protect yourself and your identity.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions expressed herein are my own.