“Chawcherries!”

That’s what Grace called strawberries when she was two. She loved strawberries soooo much I decided her birthday theme would be “Strawberry Shortcake.” Aside from the fun Strawberry Shortcake decorations and cake, we made giant papermache strawberries (which I still have up in the attic) and went on a hunt for strawberries! And of course there was tons of chocolate dipped strawberries!

One year we even tried to grow our own strawberries! While the vines flourished across our garden almost taking it over, it produced very little strawberries…in size and quantity and well, they just didn’t taste as good as store bought.

So I decided to leave it up to the experts! The California Strawberry Commission is all about sharing, educating, and filling you up with strawberries. I visited their site and learned some interesting facts about strawberries. I also visited Strawberryville a fun, interactive site for  kids and teachers which includes downloads, screesavers and recipes. The Strawberry Breakfast Pizza sounds YUMMY! And there’s lots more recipes on their site like strawberry salad! So check them out.

Did you know:

Fun Strawberry Facts

Better Start Eating Strawberries
Respondents to a recent national survey labeled strawberry lovers as “health conscious, fun loving, intelligent and happy.” Non-strawberry lovers, on the other hand, were described as “weird, boring, stuffy–picky, fussy eaters who avoid healthy foods.”

Strawberry Lore and Legend
In provincial France, strawberries were regarded as an aphrodisiac of the highest quality. Newlyweds traditionally were served a soup of thinned sour cream, strawberries, borage (a European herb whose flavor is reminiscent of cucumber) and powdered sugar.
The second wife of Henry VIII, Queen Anne Boleyn (1507-36), had a strawberry-shaped birthmark on her neck. Unfortunately, some claimed this fact proved she was a witch.

The strawberry is recognized as representing absolute perfection in the Victorian language of flowers.

Medieval stonemasons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals, symbolizing perfection and righteousness. During the same time period, strawberries were served at important state occasions and festivals to ensure peace and prosperity.

Ever eaten a double strawberry? Legend holds that if you break it in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you will soon fall in love with each other.

Strawberries in Literature
Sacred to the both Goddess of Love and the Virgin Mary, strawberries boast a long, dramatic history.

“Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.” –William Butler

“The strawberry grows underneath the Nettle, And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best Neighbour’d by fruit of lesser quality.” — William Shakespeare, Henry V

“My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn, I saw good strawberries in your garden there.”
– William Shakespeare, Richard III

When as the rye reach to the chin,
And chopcherry, chopcherry ripe within,
Strawberries swimming in the cream,
And schoolboys playing in the stream,
Then O, then O , then O, my true love said,
Till that time come again,
She could not live a maid.
– George Peele, The Old Wives Tale

Um, after all this strawberry talk, I need to run out and get me some! Does anyone have strawberry recipes to share?

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When my family and I vacation it looks something like this:

Pack up the minivan and four kids and dog, drive to see family and squeeze in some fun sighseeing to a children’s museum or Disney World. Our vacations and not relaxing at all! It’s go, go, go with maybe a day at the beach! What I wouldn’t give for a week at a beach or relaxing resort! In fact, we’ve been to a half dozen of those time share tours but when it comes down to signing the papers, we just can’t do it. Paying a yearly maintenance fee of over $300 just doesn’t sit well with us when we could probably take an entire vacation for $300 (plus gas, of course.)

I’ve heard about those wonderful all inclusive resorts, but we’ve never done it. Mostly because we had to squeeze in family visits with vacations, but I think it’s about time we look at vacations differently.

MomCentral asked me if I wanted to blog about WonderFall Celebration and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to check out a real all inclusive vacation for a change. Here’s what Beaches says about their all inclusive vacation. “Other “all-inclusives” may say they include everything under the sun - but don’t get burned. Because add-on fees and hidden charges can really add up. Beaches is different. Beaches includes all the things you want most, so families can get away to Beaches with zero worries and zero surprises.”

Right now they’re having a special if you vacation between September and November. Sure is tempting!

GET 1 free night when you stay 5 or 6 nights. GET 2 free nights when you stay 7 nights (or longer).Valid in any category at one of the resorts featured below. Combine it with up to 45% off for incredible savings.

TRAVEL DATES: September 1 - November 4, 2008
BOOK BY: June 26, 2008

There’s so much to do for kids and teens. Some activities include kids camps, toddler pools, kids and teen disco, fully-staffed nursery, treasure hunts, game rooms, a swim up soda bar plus lots more.

I know the Game Garage is something my kids would be interested in. And what preschooler could resist The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street!

For more information on Beaches WonderFALL Celebration check this out.

Have you ever been to a Beaches Resort? Let me know what you think! Or just share your typical vacation and/or your dream vacation!

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If you’re at all concerned about the environment you probably recycle. We recycle as much as we can, which really doesn’t seem like a lot compared to how much stuff we throw into the trash and then landfills, but every little bit helps, right!

When I was asked to try Recycline’s Preserve Toothbrush my first thought was “Ick, who wants to use a recycled toothbrush.” Then I read how Recycline uses 100% recycled plastics in the handle, including recycled yogurt cups. I didn’t even know you could recycle yogurt cups. The packaging the toothbrush comes in can be recycled and it’s also a handy travel case! To recycle the toothbrush and case all you have to do is send them in in the postage-paid mailer available at stores or from Recycline.

Then I tried the product and I have to say I really like the curved handle and bristles that were engineered by a dentist. I tried out the soft toothbrush, but since I’m really hard on my toothbrushes I might have opted for the medium. It also comes in ultra soft.

This eco and teeth friendly product is available at Target stores nationwide for only $2.04. Here are some other product highlights:

You can even get Recycline Preserve coupons at their Recycline website:

Well, if a recyclable toothbrush isn’t enough for the environment, Recycline Preserve has a whole line of other recycled and recyclable products. From a variety of ladies’ shavers and and toothpicks, to table and kitchenware, you can feel good about your purchase of any Recycline product!
Some other fun facts about the company.

“As a company, we strive to combine socially and environmentally responsible business practices with groundbreaking design to create products that people feel good about having in their homes.”

In 1996, founder and president Eric Hudson was committed to the need to use our earth’s resources more efficiently and responsibly. The developing plastic recycling market represented a great new opportunity to reuse our earth’s resources (plastics are made from oil and natural gas—making up roughly 9% of the world’s petroleum usage). However, at the time that Recycline was formed, there was a lot of concern that recyclables were not

necessarily turning into new products. Seeing an opportunity, Eric started Recycline to reuse Earth’s precious resources and turn them back into products that people wanted. He worked with dentists, scientists and engineers to create Recycline’s first high-quality product from recycled plastics – the Preserve Toothbrush. Since then, Preserve has grown into a dynamic, green lifestyle company offering a range of products for almost every room in your home. Using innovative methods, we turn used materials into razors, colanders, cutting boards, tableware and more!

So what do you think? I think I found a new company I can feel good about giving my money to!

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Ever thought of starting a book club? I did several months ago! I figured it was about time I crawl out from behind my computer and meet with real people face to face, and I wasn’t interested in playing Bunko. I thought a book club was the perfect solution and the good people at Christian Book Previews sent me a a Book Club Kit (Literary Guide and Party Planner) for Sharon Hinck’s Restorer. I only heard great things about the book so I put together a cool slide show to advertise this book club at church. Unfortunately it never made it into the schedule, and was only announced from the pulpit once or twice. I think that’s why my book club never really got off. I only had one committed member and after our first meeting we never met again. Talk about a book club flop!

But the Christian Book Previews Literary Guide and Party Planner was awesome. All the summaries of each character was there, plus questions and themes to discuss. They had everything a bookclub leader could want. One thing I regretted was reading the guide BEFORE I read the book because it spoiled a major surprise in the book for me. The other thing I regret is not being able to have the cool Restorer Party. The party guide gives suggestions for decorations, activities related to the book, music, favors and gifts, and food! I really would have liked to try the stew they had in the book!

The wonderful thing about this BookClub Kit is it all comes in a neat little package. So if you’re considering a starting a book club. Consider the BookClub Kit!

The BookClub Kit

The Restorer :: Host your own book club, everything included:
1. 8 copies of The Restorer
2. Literary Guide
3. Discussion Guide
4. Party Planner
5. Leader Checklist
6. Exclusive DVD from author
7. Graphics for invitations, posters, and evites
price :: $119 | read a sample of the Literature Guide

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My kids would be game fanatics if I let them. But I’m the game gestapo and limit my kids’ game time during the school year to the weekends and only 30 minutes a day! Yes, you read it right. I got sick of hearing the arguing and complaining about brothers hogging the games and playing unfair yada, yada, yada. But before you think I’m heartless, I do give them free time every so often!

This summer we instituted the game playing check book! Each morning they are expected to do certain chores. For each chore they earn 5 minutes of game time and during the summer they can play every day, but they have to earn time. During the day I find ways for them to earn time like extra chores or playing piano.

But when we got our sample copy of Go Pets Vacation Island DS in the mail, I let each kid play without keeping track. I really didn’t even get a chance to look at this game, but my kids did and here’s their reviews:

Timmy (8) I liked playing Go Pets Vacation Island because it was fun, and I got to make my own dogs and cats and play mini games. I liked to make friends with other characters and giving them mail. My favorite mini game was the balloon pop. It was kinda easy and kinda hard. My second favorite was the food making game.

Joey (11) Go Pets is kinda like a portable Webkins. You create your pet and get to go and meet other pet characters. There are five mini games: Balloon popping with darts, finding matches, tile matching game, a cooking game, and the last one I didn’t unlock yet, but I read you have to blow bubbles and pop them. I played it for quite a while and it was neither fun or boring. I really wished I could have done the WiFi, but I didn’t know any other person with the same game. I think kids five - eight years old would like this game better than me.

Visitfor more information!

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Several members of my family suffer from seasonal allergies. And it seems like my husband and two older boys suffer the most. Sneezing, stuffy nose and head. If you have allergies you know how miserable and draining it can be on your system.

I try and stay away from the over the counter poison medicine by using the Nettie pot to clear out sinuses, sometimes it works right away, but other times our family just wants a quick fix.

We thought about air filters and with how often I dust (or lack of dusting) I think this is something we really need to check into seriously.

When Mom Central  emailed me about AccuClean, I thought it a perfect place to start my search. Unfortunately, they couldn’t give out units, but at least I’m more educated now and can make an informed decision if we choose to go this route.

Here are some interesting facts:

“Indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air, of particular concern because most of us spend as much as 90% of our time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”

“AccuClean can be attached to your existing furnace or air handler, so you don’t need to renovate your home to install it. Once installed, AccuClean removes allergens from the air in every room of the house, as opposed to plug-in air cleaners that operate in only one room.”“AccuClean removes virtually all allergens in your home: well, up to 99.98%. Additionally, the system removes more than 99% of the common flu virus. It’s 100 times more effective than the standard one-inch filters and it’s easy to clean by simply vacuuming or washing the reusable filter.” My husband would love this!

Hannah Keeley, one of our Mom Central consulting principals and founder of www.TotalMom.com, has been working closely with American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning over the past two years and has met with moms who have experienced, firsthand, the difference AccuClean can make in families’ homes and lives. Hannah shared this with us:

“Keeping the dirt and dust out of your house is easier said than done, and cleaning every day is simply not an option for today’s busy families. AccuClean prevents unwanted dust and dander from continually circulating in your home, ensuring the indoor air your family breathes is cleaner and healthier.
To find out more about AccuClean and see Hannah’s tips about keeping your home’s indoor air clean and healthy and more info. on the AccuClean system by clicking here. 

I’d love to hear your stories about allergies and how you battle them!

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They’re all over the video game stores. Those colored boxes that you have to stomp while giant arrows scroll up the screen. Big kids. Little kids. Fat kids. Skinny kids. All pounding and sweating to some upbeat rocking music.

They call it dancing, I call it great exercise and a lot of fun.

This year Joey (11) wanted Dance Dance Revolution. He got to play it over a friends house. It was the first time I tried and I have to say for someone that took dance while I was younger and who’s pretty coordinated, I felt like a klutz. But the music was great! If you didn’t mind singing to “Brick House.” It was definitely nostalgic. But I had to think twice when my son wanted it. Did I actually want him to be listening to all the secular songs I grew up on.

The answer was no. So we looked into the newer versions. But with artists like Brittney Spears and Justin Timberlake, I didn’t think that was a better choice. Then I saw Dance Praise in a Christian store. I almost bought it. But I wasn’t crazy about the fact it had to be played on your computer. I didn’t think screen would be big enough. So I went home and read some Amazon reviews. They all got 5 stars and were mostly used by ladies trying to lose weight. I decided to go back and buy it. But when we tried it on my son’s computer it didn’t work. The music was great, but the screen didn’t work.

Joey was disappointed, packed it up and he and dad headed off to Toys R Us. They came home with Disney Dance Revolution. I decent alternative. With songs from Hannah Montana and High School Musical how bad could it be?

I tried my hand…or foot…at the game and realized the kids had it on too hard a setting. I played the easier version and while it was fun I didn’t like the fact a giant BOO would come on the screen when I missed! It really made me feel depressed! Also, I didn’t like the fact that I had to change the song every time it was over. I would have liked it to keep playing. I’ll have to ask my son if there’s a setting that gives you continuous play.

Everyday Joey comes home from school and starts playing. He really sweats up a storm. (pardon the cliche) and I don’t mind him playing as long as he has home work done.

So what happened to the Dance Praise Revolution? I got it back out of the package and tried it out on my computer. It worked beautifully. The arrows were big enough for my aging eye sight and the music was awesome. All the latest in Christian artists! It has several different modes (like Disney Dance Revolution) you can play by recording how many calories you want to burn or the time you want to dance. It has regular dance mode and many other things I haven’t explored yet.

The second time I popped in the cd no music came on and the arrows didn’t scroll. I got frustrated and decided to try it another day. It happened a second time. I searched and switched and did everything I could think of . Then I got online for tech support. My problem was solved in the FAQs. It seemed there’s a glitch sometimes and to start the music/ dance segment you have to choose a song from the list. I did that and had no trouble. The songs and dances played continuously for my scheduled 30 minutes. I graduated to Medium and had fun doing it!

So if you’re looking for an alternative to the Dance Dance Revolution craze, here are two great options! No one is paying me for this review or gave me any products to sample. I just thought something this fun and great should be made more public!

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Not get much house cleaning done! That’s for sure!

I have a confession to make. I hate to clean house, do laundry, do dishes, etc. For a while I was blessed with having someone come to my house every other week and mop the floor, clean the bathrooms and dust. But that came to an end a while ago.

In between cleaning visits, Clorox Wipes were my best friend! Now that I don’t have anyone cleaning for me, they’re are a life saver! I use them for everything. From spot cleaning the kitchen floor, to cleaning around the toilet, and on the sink and faucets. They come out when I see a fresh dirt hand print on the wall or to clean dust bunnies from corners. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

When Clorox came out with their new disinfecting wipes, I was eager to try the sample they sent. I immediately noticed they had a stronger smell. They package says they’re thicker and they claim to cut through, sticky messes easily. I decided to test their claim:

I compared original Clorox wipes with the new disinfecting wipes and I have to admit the newer ones are thicker and I love the griping, suction cup like protrusions that help scrub up dirt. I used them to wipe bird droppings off my car window, to clean up dog hair hiding in the corners of my kitchen, and to clean my mirrors. And it’s true, there were no streaks. Next task is to clean up the dried up egg on my smooth top stove! A true test of the products worth!

More info:

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are bleach-free and are safe to use on hard surfaces from glass and stainless steel to marble and granite. The new wipes also contain a streak-free formula that makes them ideal for quick cleaning of mirrors, windows, and metal fixtures. And, as always, the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria, including salmonella, E.coli and the flu virus. Well, my family has been flu free for years WITHOUT getting the flu vaccine so maybe there’s something to this claim!

I have a container of Clorox wipes under every sink and need to get one for my car. They truly are a busy moms life and time saver!

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Seems like everyone is getting on the “All Natural” bandwagon and I’m glad. Years ago when I couldn’t figure out why sometimes my children raged out of control for no apparent reason, I decided to try the Feingold diet of eliminating all preservatives and artificial flavors and colors. I did see a change in my children, though eating this way 100% of the time was not easy for our family. So we did the best we could, started buying organic and natural food products as much as we could and noted what set my kids off like Krispy Kreme donuts. My daughter goes absolutely out of control when she eats them so it’s a rare occasional treat.

When Mom Central asked me if I wanted to try Ragu’s All Natural pasta sauces in a pouch, at first I was hesitate. Being a full blooded Italian who makes her own sauce I rarely use pre-made sauces and when I do it’s usually Paul Newman’s because it’s all natural. But I was intrigued to find out more about Ragu.

My samples came and I stared at the giant sized Capri Sun looking pouches. Definitely something I’d have to get used to thinking pasta sauce was inside. But I liked what the package said. ALL NATURAL, NO PRESERVATIVES, NO SUGAR ADDED, FULL SERVING OF VEGGIES.  On closer inspection the of the package it seemed simple and quick enough. Just clip the corner of the pouch, pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds pour and eat.

When I decided to use the sauces I was in a quandary about dinner and had forgotten them. My mother (who’s been living with us since January) suggested pasta and I remembered by samples. I’ve gotten away from heating plastic in the microwave so I poured on pouch in a dish and heated it up and then tried it there way.

The pouch method was quick and easy and I immediately thought it would be a great thing to take camping. I haven’t tried to heal it up in boiling water, but I don’t see why you couldn’t.

Then it was time for the taste test because no matter how easy something is to make, if it doesn’t take good, you’re not going to buy it again, right?

My Italian mother who never eats sauce at of a jar was going to be the toughest critic as were my plain pasta loving kids. My mom’s reaction “Not bad, but don’t tell my grandma!” Her really Italian grandma would watch the old pasta sauce commercials on tv and spit and gag, “Yuck, patooey!” My mom says pasta sauce has come a long way.

My kids seemed to enjoy it as well. We sampled the Traditional Tomato Basil which tasted sweeter )Ragu put acerola cherry concentrate listed as an ingredient) and less basily than we expected. The Garden Vegetable was my favorite of the bunch. I think the only downside to this product was the size. Two pouches barely feed our family.

What I think would be a great product is if somehow Ragu could package this sauce with pasta and do a microwave thing like the mac and cheese singles. I could really see this product used as an after school snack!

For more info. on this product visit  Feed Our Kids Well.

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I just got my complimentary copy of Rattled in the mail and just in time. My sister is about to have a baby any day now! This looks like I book I needed 13 years ago! The back cover says it all:

“Clutter? Chaos? Exhaustion got you down? You must be a mom. And you’re not alone. Perhaps you thought you had it all together, then your baby was born and your world was turned upside down…”

 Rattled by mom blogger Trish Berg is an hilarious account of her own crazed moments of motherhood, and deliciously celebrates sweet moments with the babies that will grow up all too soon. It mixes practical advice while encouraging you to”keep it biblical.”

This book has it all! With chapters on becoming a mom, losing sleep, organizing your life, and taking care of YOU! It’s the perfect gift for a new mom and you can order it here ’cause this copy is already spoken for!

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I’m always interested in trying new products for my family. So when I was asked if I wanted to try the new Cranergy from Ocean Spray, I said, “bring it on!”

I’m not a huge fan of the cranberry, but to my surprise the Raspberry Cranberry energy drink was VERY smooth. According to the ingredients, cranberry is the third ingredient, good news if you’re not a fan of the tart fruit. I enjoyed my sample and it was perfect for a mid-afternoon pick me up especially since I recommitted to eating less! Each 12 oz. bottle contains 50 calories. Ocean Spray claims the juice helps to restore our natural energy and though I didn’t eat a large lunch, after I drank the energy drink I didn’t feel that late afternoon crash. So maybe there’s something to their claim.

I like the fact it has green tea extract, but my family has given up Splenda and artificial (Red Dye 40) colorings which this product contains. So if you don’t mind those things, then give it a shot. I do think kids would like the taste and it’s a nice alternative to water!

Here’s what they say:

• Cranberry juice and green tea extract: both contain high levels of antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals and stay healthy, and green tea extract offers a natural source of caffeine
• B-vitamins: support healthy energy production
• Vitamin C: helps boost your immune system

Cranergy is available in Cranberry Lift and Raspberry Cranberry Lift. For more information please visit www.oceanspray.com Online coupons are available at www.cranergy.com.

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I’m thrilled I finally got Norton 360 on my new computer! It’s been unprotected for too long and now I can sit back and not have to worry thanks to Symantec who let me test their software! With advanced antivirus, antispamware, firewall, intrusion protection, and powerful SONAR behavioral detection technology, Norton 360 protects my computer from many online threats like the recent Silentbanker Trojan, which takes advantage of various points of entry to infect computers and steal personal information.

Norton 360 even has this phishing protection and web authentication (in Firefox) which lets you know when you’ve stumbled upon a sight with questionable security. I’ve only begun to explore the features of Norton 360, but it comes with a limited automatic backup system. It also has Network Monitoring which checks the status of wireless security, maps connected devices, alerts users when they are connected to an unsecure network, and provides advice to help manage network security settings. This is going to come in real handy with all the places I use WiFi!

Let’s see, what am I leaving out. PC Tuneups which optimizes PC performances by removing unneeded files and it provides a diagnostic report for troubleshooting and problem solving. Norton 360s Internet Browser Cleanup capability is also compatible with my browser, Firefox.

Parental control and antispam are available through and optional add-on at no extra charge. I’ll definitely have to look into that one! But the best thing about having Norton 360 on my computer is that I can rest easy and know I’m protected!

There are even versions of Norton 360 for their Premier Edition and small businesses!

If your computer is not protected and you’d like to purchase Norton 360 visit www.symantecstore.com It’s also available for purchase at various stores.

And just for fun, let’s hear about your computer virus/crashing horror stories. I remember a while ago my computer crashed and not everything was backed up. I had to pay a computer guy to find my files, fix my computer and still I couldn’t find some important WIP versions! That meant I had to rewrite entire chapters. Not something I want to do again and with Norton’s automatic backup system, I won’t have to!

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Lice! It’s something no one wants to talk about or admit they’ve ever had. But here I am blogging about it, sharing my personal story with the nasty little critters, and debunking some myths.

Myth Number One: Dirty kids are the ones who get lice, right? Wrong? Everyone and anyone can get lice, though it is rarer in adults. I got lice when I was in grade school.

Every year the school did a lice check, but my head itched intensely long  before the school lice check. I remember so clearly the only thing that would satisfy the itch was to dig the hard bristles of my brush into my scalp. My mother (a hairdresser) thought I had my dad’s dandruff until she saw one of those little creepy crawlies jump out of my head.

Myth Number Two: Lice can’t jump or fly. They walk from head to head. I’m not sure how I got lice, but my mother and grandmother subjected me to those old, noxious, chemical treatments. I think that was the time my mother cut my long hair and gave me Dorothy Hamill hair. I haven’t had short hair since.

When I was asked if I wanted to blog about a product called LiceMD that’s pesticide FREE, I thought it’d be a great chance for me to share my story.  Thankfully, none of my children have ever had lice, but they are in school, and now I’m prepared with this new product sample.

I try to make my home as natural and pesticide free as possible and I’m so glad  LiceMD is non-toxic, safe, and odorless. Plus it’s pediatrician tested and clinically proven and helps prevent re-infestation. My mother told me after I was deloused, I went back to school and caught it again! She got ticked off (pun intended!) and told the school she would not send me back until they found the kids with the lice and got rid of them. (The lice, not the kids.)

So if your child comes home with a note from school saying he/she has lice, don’t freak! Okay, that’s not realistic. First freak, then get a some LiceMD. I thought about giving my box away, but decided I never know when I might need it! I don’t see an expiration date on the package, so it may come in handy some day. Though I hope I never have to use it!

Do you have a lice story? Share it here and then click over for some more common myths about lice go here.

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I’m always looking for ways to eat healthier and cut calories, so when I was asked to sample and blog about the new Special K Bliss bars I couldn’t resist. A big thank you to Kellogg’s for sending me two boxes and a giant tote that’s perfect for the summer!

To be honest, when I saw the box with an orange slice dipped in chocolate, I wasn’t too excited to taste it. But I was hungry and one bar was only 90 calories. So I took my first bite and was pleasantly surprised. It was yummy, and chocolately with a hint of orange, kind of reminiscent of a creamsicle. With only 2 grams of fat it was a guilt free treat and will be a quick  and delicious option for breakfast or to quiet my hunger.

I’ve only taste the orange chocolate dipped bars, but they come in Chocolatey Dipped Raspberry which I’m sure is even yummier and I’ll be hiding from my kids! Check out all the details yourself at http://www.specialk.com. They have so much more to offer than products. There’s a yahoo group, a Special K challenge and how to get a healthier, thinner you with the help of their coaches. They claim you can lose an inch in two weeks with their easy and delicious meal plan suggestions. I’ve just recommitted to tailoring my eating and increasing my workout and will be seriously looking at their plan. You might want to look at it also, and when you pass these new Bliss bars in the store, grab a box or two. They really are a guilt free indulgence. I plan to stick one in my purse tomorrow as I run around town to ward off that urge to drive through!

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Whether it’s Christmas morning and they’re hunting for their gifts like the Magi searching for baby Jesus or whether they create their own treasure hunt for grandma, my children love treasure hunts. They love making them, but more so they love going on a treasure hunt.

So when I heard about Giftventure.com and how their purpose is creating fun treasure hunts for parents to give to their children, I knew I had to try it out and they were generous to let my family test their product! They have several hunts to choose from including an Easter hunt (so stay tuned for how you can get 10% off during the month of March.) Signing up is relatively painless and after you choose your character ( a pirate, fairy, unicorn or dragon) and the location of where you will hide the treasure, you are then your first letter to start the journey.

Because of time restraints, I choose to have the letters sent directly to me all at once, but you can opt to have them come in the mail several days apart. Each letter is from one of the characters above and depending on the age of your child, it contains age appropriate clues, puzzles and codes that lead your child closer to the treasure which has been previously purchased by you. Our treasure was a single candy bar, (Stay tuned to hear about how THAT went over) but the treasure can be used as a birthday gift or Easter hunt. I can definitely see this becoming a pre-birthday tradition!

When the first letter arrived I got the expected questions: “Who’s Gunther?” I chose the send to be a dragon. “Mom, is this for real?” But the excitement was unanimous and my 10, 7, and 5 year old enthusiastically dug into the puzzle. They each did their part and figured out a number equaled a symbol. It wasn’t until my 13 year old saw the symbol and said, “That’s an ‘A’!” Duh! Why couldn’t we see it?

I slipped the next letter in the mail box the next day and asked one of the kids to get it. They were very excited and tore open the envelope and figured out the maze and another code. Then a day passed and no letters from Gunther. My five year old still wasn’t sure if it was for real or not, but her brothers told her it was for fun!

The last letter came today and everyone was excited. They read the letter, figured out the code which led them to the location of the surprise. UNDER MOM’S BED. They each went to a corner, but my five year old found the candy bar. My seven year old got really upset. He threw up his hands and started to tear up. “That’s it? A candy bar?” He’s my real sensitive one and though he had fun figuring out the clues he was expecting MORE. Everyone else loved it and had a piece of candy. I felt bad for Timmy (7) so we hid another prize under the bed, but there was no consoling him.

I guess one good thing out of Timmy getting upset is that I think I figured out his love language. GIFTS! Next time I’ll make sure the gift is a bigger deal!

Now is a great time for your kids to go on their own Giftventure.com because they’re offering 10% off to MY READERS who make a purchase during the month of March! Just use the promo code: MOMCENTRAL. Please note, the Easter Giftventure has a deadline to sign up by March 14 (necessary to arrive in time for March 23 Easter).
for reduced shipping cost.

So what are you waiting for. A Giftventure awaits for you and your child!

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Years ago my family switched to natural cleaners we purchased through our Shaklee, our vitamin and natural supplement company. I wanted a cleaner that was safe for me, my family and the environment, but also one that cleaned well! While I’m far from a cleaning expert, the diluted solutions seemed to do the job.

Recently I started stocking pile Clorox Clean Up wipes. Nothing beats the ease of grabbing a wipe and cleaning. I keep one in every bathroom and under the kitchen sink. When the gunk starts to build, I just whip out a sheet and clean.

Then I discovered a new product from Clorox called Clorox Green Works. Seems like Clorox has jumped on the “green” band wagon, and I’m so glad. I tested the all purpose and window cleaner and the first thing I noticed was the smell. It had a citrusy, clean smell unlike my other cleaner. But does it work? I have no complaints. My counter tops and bathroom look clean, and I even cleaned the dog smudges off the back door!

Clorox Green Works has a full line of natural cleaning products from kitchen counters to toilets all made with plant-based ingredients taken from coconuts and lemon oils. Sounds good enough to eat!

For those really concerned about the environment and animal testing, this is good news. GreenWorks products contain over 99% natural ingredients that are biodegradable and eco-friendly with recyclable packaging, and they’re not products tested on animals.

The only issue I had with these products is trying to find an online price for them, though the company does say these cleaning products are a little more expensive than traditional cleaners because of higher costs to create them. And I’ve known for years how much more expensive natural and organic is, but my family’s health is worth it!

I do recall seeing this product at Walmart, so I’m sure they’re available wherever Clorox products are sold.

You can read more about the desire, development and discovery of this wonderful product!

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Every new mom wants the best for their baby. I was no exception. Thirteen years ago when my first son was born, I planned on nursing for at least a year, making my own baby food, really connecting and nurturing my baby, and not plopping him in front of the television.  Well, Chris wasn’t getting enough food, I weaned him at seven months, and I know I didn’t make all my baby food. In fact, I remember relying on chicken nuggets from McDonald’s several days a week. And the television did get used as a baby sitter more than once (of course I was right there doing laundry!) I just wish I had known about the Baby Einstein videos early on.

Julie Aigner-Clark, a former literature and art teacher, and founder of The Baby Einstein Company developed the first Baby Einstein video for her newborn daughter, in her basement. Her desire was to create an interactive, hands-free way to play with her baby. She wanted to bring a board book to life, and that’s just what she did.

I just had the privilege of watching the Baby’s First Moves DVD. It’s an interactive board book with dynamic visuals, motion and sound all set to classical music.  The moms and babies and puppets demonstrated things like rocking, rolling, sitting up, jumping, etc. Seeing all the moms interacting with their babies almost made me wish for another one! My baby is five years old, but she really enjoyed watching the puppets on the video. I was impressed with the simplicity, yet educational and mesmerizing power the images had on me a thirty-something year old.

But the most impressive thing about the video was the Bonus Material which featured things like Discovery Cards (interactive flash cards), Let’s Pretend (engaging video and images of frogs jumping, babies rocking and sitting up, etc,) Puppet Shows (Octopus Tap and the Oliver Twist, etc,) The Toy Chest (where you can see explanations and links to all the toys used in the video,) and my favorite part, Move with Me, (where a mom and pilates instructor demonstrates exercises you can do with your child to help strengthen your post-baby body while engaging in play with your infant.) She also gives tips on how to properly lift your baby and baby carrier. The entire video can be played in English, Spanish and French, and I had great fun watching Move with Me in Spanish and French. The translators were very enthusiastic in their performance.

I’m sure the old debate of whether or not a child should watch television under the age of two is still raging in certain circles, but the bottom line is, moms do need a break and often times use the television to stimulate and entertain their babies. Why not give them something educational and beneficial to watch while bouncing in that chair or exersaucer? And of course, when you have a free hand, grab your baby and play along with the video. After all, that’s what the founder had in mind when she created the first video!

Recently the Baby Einstein Company has taken a closer look at  how moms actually use their products, and how to get back to the original vision of the videos -to provide moms with an interactive tool with a connective, hands-free way to engage their baby and create moments of discovery together. I believe congratulations is in order because Baby’s First Moves DVD does just that.

If you would like to buy it for yourself or as a gift go here.  I’m keeping my copy so I can give it to my little sister who’s expecting her first child.

The Baby Einstein Company believes that when used properly, developmentally appropriate video content can be a useful tool for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

“Key to our perspective is our belief that parents/caregivers play a critical role in defining the ‘appropriate use of television.’ Alternatively, we believe in the power of parents/caregivers to make decisions on what they feel is appropriate for their children - and that includes whether or not they choose to use television, how much television their child is allowed to watch, what they are allowed to watch, etc.”

For the Baby Einstein Company’s official perspective on the issue of children and television go to www.babyeinstein.com.

To better aid parents in the most effective use of their products, Baby Einstein is kicking off a Parent-Child Interaction campaign. The initiative will engage parents and provide them with tips and insights on how to turn everyday moments into meaningful moments full of interaction and discovery with their baby.

And isn’t that one of the things every mom wants for their baby!

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Before I homeschooled, when my kids were in school, I rarely got them up and ready to leave for school. I would sleep in until nine sometimes. (I’ve never been a morning person.)

Then, I only had one or two in kids in school and my husband did a great job of getting them fed and ready for school. In fact, my oldest was a pro at making his own breakfast in first grade (except for the time he almost caused a fire in the microwave by leaving a plastic spoon in his oatmeal bowl which melted!) But I’m sure the morning would have been smoother if we had had Breakfast BREAKS.

Now my kids are older, and I get up with them at 7 am. They’re pretty much self-sufficient, though I do make them eggs for breakfast on occasion. But I can see how these grab ‘em and eat breakfasts could help busy families.

The best way to describe it is it’s like a lunchable for breakfast. Each package (which has a handle and looks like a little lunch box) contains “a balanced breakfast for kids including cereal (Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms), that can be enjoyed with or without milk, Minute Maid® 100% fruit juice, and a nutritious snack.” This prepackaged breakfast even comes with a napkin, spoon, and moist towelette.

“Breakfast BREAKS was originally developed for schools to ensure that the children served were receiving the USDA requirement of at least 25% of the recommended key nutrients they needed each day, with the addition of 8 oz. of low fat milk.” And I can see what a great idea it is for schools. I’m just not sold on the idea that it’s any easier than grabbing a cereal bar, a juice box or throwing some cereal in a bag. With Breakfast Breaks, you still have to pour the milk in the bowl or find it somewhere if you’re on the go and want milk with your cereal. Though I guess busy moms from across the U.S. wanted these Breakfast Breaks in the supermarket, so here they are.

I think it’s important for you to know I rarely buy lunchables, though I do on occasion, and we try and buy organic cereal and cereal bars. In fact, I’ve even taken the time to make my kids crackers, cheese and ham squares instead of buying the prepackaged, more pricey ones. I also steer clear of those prepackaged small chip bags and snacks. I usually buy the bigger snacks in bulk and then divide them myself into snack baggies. It takes some time, but not a lot and it does save tons of money and packaging waste.

So while I’m not completely sold on Breakfast Breaks for our family, I do see them having a place in the market for those busy stressed-out moms and dads who don’t have time to think ahead and don’t have quick, healthy foods on hand and accessible to their kids. One thing I am excited about for these Breakfast Breaks is I see them as a great way to cut down on the pre-camping hassle and long road trips. I am more likely to pick up this type of prepackaged food on a camping or road trip to save me the hassle of making individual meal sacks for my four kid.

But don’t take my word for it, check it out and try it for yourself. It might be exactly what you’re family’s been looking for!

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About five years ago our family adopted a more healthier lifestyle eliminating almost all preservatives and artificial colorings and flavors from our food. While we’re not religious about this practice I’m always on the look out for healthy and tasty snacks and drinks.

Here’s what some people are saying… (stay tuned for what I think!)

“Froose is an innovative new children’s beverage, Not only is Froose nutritious, but it also tastes amazing ─ just like taking a bite out of a piece of fruit! And it’s uniquely called a “whole food” beverage because it combines the best of organic whole grains and fruit, making it a great alternative to juice. Even though it was created with young children in mind, my 13-year-old son has started his own private Froose stash in our garage. I’ve taken to following the track of empty boxes around the house to find him!”

I agree that the whole food, organic ingredients is a definite plus is our sugar-saturated world, but not all my kid’s agreed on the taste factor. We’re not a huge juice drinking family, but when we do drink juice it’s 100% juice. My youngest two didn’t care for the strawberry flavor, my ten year old liked it, and he and his older brother (13) said it tastes “yougurty.” I personally liked the strawberry flavor and we’ve got two more flavors to try out. My younger two don’t really like all the juice flavors I normally buy anyway. So that wouldn’t stop me from buying Froose.

“Froose is the brainchild of Denise Devine, a Mom of three, who was working for a major food company and was herself frustrated by the lack of healthy choices for her young children. Her Mom-instincts kicked in when she noticed her son drinking fruit juice all day long and then, after filling up on empty calories, she’d find him not hungry for dinner. She set out to develop a nutritious smoothie-like alternative to juice incorporating whole grains, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. After several years of research, in collaboration with The International Food Network at Cornell, Denise now holds 19 process and composition patents that ultimately enabled her and her team to create a drink that suspends whole foods in liquid form. The resulting beverage is.”

I guess my boys were right on. Smoothie is what it tasted like to them. Maybe if I presented Froose to my younger kids as if it were a smoothie their initial reaction would have been different. I’m definitely impressed with the ingredients and whole foods. It’s not just a juice. It’s a snack! For more detailed nutritional information go here!

“With statistics about childhood obesity growing scarier every day, it’s reassuring to give my kids a drink that combines the best of whole grains and fruit in one nutritious, portable package. Froose comes in grab-and-grow™ 4 oz. juice boxes, making it a convenient, tasty and nutritious alternative to juice. One box of Froose contains only 80 calories and a healthy amount (3 grams) of fiber. Sweetened with organic brown rice syrup, a complex carbohydrate (which means No Sugar High and No Empty Calories!), it is also wheat and gluten free.”

It was kind of comical watching my thirteen year old suck down a 4 oz. juice box in two seconds flat, but he drank it without complaining! And he’s my pickiest eater. I would recommend Froose bottle their juice for older kids as well or in cooler juice pouches or plastic bottles. Despite half of my kids not loving the juice and one not finishing her juice box, I would buy them! I’m always looking for healthy snacks and it’s a great quick drink when you can’t make your own fruit smoothies. So give Froose a try. What have you got to loose? (sp. intentional

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If you’ve been following my blog these last few weeks you already know I’ve been feeling a little stressed out and over committed. Simplify by Paul Borthwick was just what I needed. And God knew it even before I agreed to participate in this book review.

Everything about this book is simple. The cover, the easy to read content, the helpful ideas and bullet points. Reading it evokes a sense of calm. The author has divided the book into categories such as Discerning Want Versus Need, How Do We Spend Our Leisure Time, etc. and after a brief explanation, he breaks the chapter down into easy to follow suggestions on how to simplify that area of your life.

What I love about the book is that it doesn’t expect me follow all the suggestions, (and thank goodness since there are 106 of them!) but breaks them down into categories and smaller suggestions so that you feel you might be able to conquer several in each chapter and obtain the simplicity you’re desiring. What’s also neat is to go through the list and say, “Yeah, I’m doing that!” I plan to highlight the sections I’m already doing and try to add to it to further simplify my life

Here’s a little preview of the content:

#3 Resist Temptation

An article in a local paper described customers at a local “bargain” store as “People Shopping for Things to Need.” Stay away from shopping centers or malls except when you have a specific purchase in mind. Don’t surf the Internet gazing at all the stuff for sale on eBay or at the website of your favorite clothing, technology, music or DVD store. Window-shopping in all forms induces buying. That’s why professionals spend so much time decorating the windows, jazzing up their websites, and bombarding your Christmas mail with catalogs.

#20 Give it Away

Go through your house looking for things you consider useless that could help someone less fortunate.

Go through the closet and give away clothes you have not worn in a long time or may never wear again.

Donate useful (but unused) furnishings and appliances cluttering your attic and basement. From thrift store revenues, the Salvation Army funds many of its urban outreaches to the poor or alcohol-dependent.

Take the family to serve a holiday meal at a soup kitchen. It builds thankfulness, teaches you and your children to serve without reciprocation, and suppresses those self-indulgent tendencies that surface during the holidays.

#36 Exercise with Someone

If I exercise alone watching an aerobics instructor on TV, I am more inclined to be lazy (or even grab a snack while exercising). On the other hand, if my wife and I exercise together, there is accountability and less of a tendency to cheat (see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

#50 Take a Rest with God

Meditate on the Psalms, or examine texts like Matthew 11:28-30. It will bring your perspective in line with God’s.

We live in a culture that says, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Distinctly biblical concepts like contentment (Philippians 4:11) or freedom from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:6-10) remind us that biblical leisure is a time for refreshing and recreation, renewing and resting our body and soul.

#100 Do the Hardest Tasks First

Put those dreaded tasks at the top of your “to do” list and take care of them first. Procrastinating only makes them seem harder and keep them on your list for weeks.

Whether it is paying the bills, going to the dentist, or calling Aunt Mabel, do yourself a favor by tackling the tough assignments first.

Convinced you need this book? Great! I’ve made it simple for you to get your own copy! Go here to order yours!

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