Making Babies the Old-Fashioned Way OB/GYN Reveals Steps to Avoid Using Fertility Drugs To Become Pregnant

According to the World Health Organization, roughly one in six couples will struggle with infertility and about 70 percent of them will turn to fertility drugs or in vitro-fertilization. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Many couples struggling to achieve pregnancy can conceive naturally by following some simple guidelines before resorting to expensive and potentially hazardous fertility medications," said Dr. Amos Grunebaum, a double board certified OB/GYN based in New York City. "Infertility can increase stress among couples and, unfortunately, often times leads them to prematurely opt for fertility drugs or IVF. In many cases, fertility can be improved and pregnancy can be achieved naturally by following some simple steps."

Dr. Grunebaum’s tips include:

Pinpoint Your Fertile Window – As you might already know, in order for conception to take place, you must ovulate and at least one vital sperm needs to fertilize the egg within 12-24 hours of the egg being released from the ovary. Because sperm can only live for 5-6 days in the female reproductive tract and only a small number of sperm will even survive the long journey, it is recommended that couples plan to have intercourse several times in the days leading up to ovulation as well as on the day of ovulation. To do this optimally requires that you have a good idea of when you will ovulate each cycle. Ovulation Predictor Kits (www.early-pregnancy-tests.com) are a popular method for predicting ovulation. OPKs detect the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. Approximately 12-36 hours before ovulation occurs, the amount of LH in your body "surges". By testing with OPKs, you can identify this LH surge, which allows you to know that ovulation is just around the corner and that you are in your fertile window.

Restore Your Hormonal Balance – If you have irregular periods, your path to parenthood might end up being a long, tiresome journey. For women with chronic irregularity, it is likely that there is an underlying hormonal imbalance that is impacting the frequency of ovulation and/or menstruation. The herb commonly known as Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), included in the fertility-enhancing supplement FertilAid for Women, is frequently used to help women restore hormonal balance and cycle regularity. The active compounds found in Chasteberry help to promote fertility by decreasing prolactin levels in the body.

Check His Swimmers – Did you know that up to 40 percent of males suffer from low sperm count? Now, if the idea of heading to the urologist for a sperm count test is a bit intimidating to your partner, you might suggest that he get an at-home sperm test, like SpermCheck Fertility (www.fairhavenhealth.com). SpermCheck, is a fast, accurate, affordable and simple method for determining if his sperm count is within "normal" range (above 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen is the accepted standard for "normal" sperm count) in the privacy of your own home.

Transform Your Diet – Leave those junk foods on the shelf, and try to incorporate more whole grains, vegetables, colorful fruits (for the antioxidant compounds found in these foods) and lean sources of protein in your diet.

Shed Those Extra Pounds – Your optimal BMI (body mass index) is between 18.5 and 25. A BMI above 25 decreases your chances getting pregnant and increases pregnancy complications. It is best to lose the unwanted pounds before actively trying to conceive, as weight loss causes toxins (that had been stored in your fat cells) to be released into your body. To ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible, you will want to achieve your optimal weight before becoming pregnant.

Quit it – Quit using tobacco and drink alcohol only in moderation.

Exercise But Don’t Overdo It – A healthy lifestyle definitely includes regular exercise, so if you are more couch potato than marathon runner, stepping up your exercise habits will go a long way in improving your overall health and enhancing your fertility.

Chill out – According to many fertility experts, chronic stress can certainly be a fertility buster, as it causes the body to be in "fight or flight" mode constantly, which suppresses reproductive hormones. Again, yoga is your friend here, as is acupressure or acupuncture.

About Dr. Amos Grunebaum

Dr. Amos Grunebaum is double board certified in obstetrics/gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy). He is recognized as one of New York's foremost Ob/GYNs as evidenced by his regular inclusion in Castle Connolly's "Top Doctors: New York." Dr. Grunebaum is the former director of WebMD's Fertility Center and is one of the Internet's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy.

Baby Boomers: The New 'Dress for Success' Rules

Forever 21 is a retail phenomenon among the younger set, but despite the trend of businesses catering to Baby Boomers, there's no Forever 51 or 61 for those of us trying to find presentable, affordable office fashions. At least such a store would help us figure out the new dress code.

So what's a Baby Boomer to do? How do we fit in without looking like fools? And where can we find fashions that suit our aging bodies and more-mature tastes? Read on for a primer on getting along without entirely giving in, or spending a fortune.

WOMEN

Totally Toned Physics
Even if you're a gym rat, Daisy Dukes and jeggings will make you look like a wannabee. It's possible to wear body-skimming clothes without looking like you're headed for the nightclub. Shop for tailored outfits that set off your best features without flaunting them. Well-cut fashions, including jeans, capris and tops, will look pulled together without screaming OLD!

Curvier Shapes
Us somewhat larger ladies have a much harder time walking the fine line between too tight and overly ample. Much plus-size clothing tends towards the frumpy, but select stores have long understood our need to look fashion forward while complementing any over abundance. Find free shipping codes for J. Jill and Coldwater Creek, two of my favorite size-friendly stores, and avoid paying for more than fashion.

Décolletage
In an effort to skimp on cloth and save money, many manufacturers are cutting tops so low you can see the Alps in one quick glance. Even Victoria's Secret has abandoned quality support in favor of skimpy Pink PJs. That's why I have a row of chemises in my closet. Such "underwear" allows me to fill in the gap while still wearing today's looks.

Granny Arms
Nothing gives our age away like that swaying under-bicep flesh. You can lift weights until you're blue in the face (literally) but, at a certain age, that skin just gives up. It doesn't help that manufacturers -- once again looking to reduce material costs -- feature almost nothing but cap sleeves.

Fortunately, lightweight cardigans with raglan sleeves are available everywhere, even big-box stores like Target. They're perfect for overly air conditioned offices yet have a youthful look. I've also found thrift shops have funky vintage tops and cute jackets with mid-length sleeves that give my basics a hip look. My present favorite is a man's seersucker jacket that looks great paired with everything from a gypsy skirt to yoga pants.

MEN

The Skinny on Jeans
I just love the hipster look; it's such a great reminder of the Beatnik era. But Boomer men look plain silly in stovepipe jeans. On the other hand, you also don't want to pull an Obama and wear mommy jeans hiked up to your waist. Here's where the tried and true help out. Levi's classics are always acceptable and stores like Lands' End and Eddie Bauer can fit you out in body-flattering jeans. Once you know your size, skip the stores and order online with free shipping offers from sites like FreeShipping.

The Upper Half
Boomer guys are lucky as they can get away with T-shirts and still fit into a relaxed office. Retro graphic Ts are particularly popular, but don't pull out your ragged Pink Floyd shirt that's worn thin. Save that for your next rock concert.

For slightly more formal offices, you can't go wrong with polo shirts. They look pulled together but still youthful. I've also noticed the upscale guys in Colorado -- a decidedly casual state -- wear dress shirts without ties, but they're always dry-cleaned with a super-sharp crease in the sleeve.

Suits
Save the suits for New York City and (some) job interviews. If you're heading to a more formal client meeting or conference, a casual sports jacket over chinos usually suffices. A blazer with jeans also has a nice finished flair.

Bellies
I really don’t want to see your done-lap disease. If your belly done lap over your belt, it's time to explore Hawaiian shirts or, if your office is super casual, XXL team jerseys and polos. Lucky you, however, as these styles can be found almost anywhere. Make sure any sports clothing comes from an authorized dealer, like College Jersey or the NFL Shop. Otherwise, you're ripping off your favorite teams and buying inferior products.

Footwear
Two no-nos: Bedazzled Crocs and sandals with socks (unless you work in a food coop). Otherwise, you're good to go.

Headwear
Some offices are so loosey-goosey you'll see hats indoors. While I think this fashion looks stupid on older men, a baseball cap worn with the bill facing forward is acceptable. And, although Mad Men lids are hotter than New Orleans during Jazz Fest, leave this fashion statement to the younger set and professional musicians.

Kate Forgach has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.

Outside Influences Inside Your Home

Written by Ellie Hirsch, founder of Mommy Masters

This article was inspired by Tampa Mom, Krista Jacobs, who has some concerns about her 4 year old, who recently picked up some new behaviors at school.  Krista is seeking advice on “how to handle outside influences, for example kids at school that speak or behave in ways not allowed at our home.”  Whether your child is in nursery school or 5^th grade, outside influences can have a large effect on his/her behavior, both at school and at home. 

As parents, we work hard to raise our children with certain beliefs and morals, and have to hope that they will practice these rules in the real world, where we aren’t present to police them.  Our children head to school to be educated and socialized, but in addition to being exposed to wonderful new experiences, they also get exposed to bad language, negative habits, peer pressure and unfamiliar situations.

So what are parents like Krista supposed to do to handle the new negative behaviors that have become present in their homes?  Take a step back and remember that your children’s peers were not brought up by you.   That means their parents may have had different rules, some perhaps more lenient and some even more strict.  Have confidence in the way you have raised your child and know that he/she has a wonderful foundation because of you.  If your child comes home and starts acting or speaking differently, and it starts to affect what he/she has been taught at home, have an open conversation with him/her.   It’s easy to get angry and want to punish your child’s bad behavior,  but instead, be patient, especially with the younger ones.  Help your child understand why his/her actions are so upsetting and disappointing to you.  Explain that even though his/her friends might be talking or acting a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s okay for your child.  Ask him/her to stop and think for a second before he/she acts in future situations and wonder, “Would my mom and dad allow me to talk this way?  Would this be acceptable in my home”?  If the answer is no, then he/she needs to change gears at that moment.  Help him/her understand that your family rules apply wherever he/she is, even if mommy and daddy aren’t present.  Connect with your child on an emotional level and explain how his/her actions make you feel as their parent.  For example, let him/her know how proud you are when he/she makes great decisions and follows your rules.  More importantly, discuss how your child will be proud of him/herself when he/she makes good choices. 

Some kids are born leaders and others, followers.    At school, the followers can tend to make wrong decisions to fit in, feel accepted and to be liked, and for fear of standing up for themselves.  You may be surprised to learn your child is a follower at school, since at home, he/she is a leader.  Be involved with your child’s school habits, know who his/her friends are and take an active role in who your child is at school.  This of course is easier when they are younger but if you start now, you will be providing them with the knowledge to avoid negative school situations as they get older.  After you speak with your child, don’t be surprised if he/she expresses that he/she is uncomfortable about standing up for him/himself.  Explain that if a friend is making you feel bad or is asking you to make decisions that don’t feel right, then he/she is probably not a true friend.  Perhaps this “friend” is not even aware that his/her actions are making your child uncomfortable and if he/she knew, the issues might stop.  If this “friend” is someone that you often have over for playdates, it’s a good opportunity to confront the situation and take the pressure off your child, if of course you witness this bullying, use of bad language or overall negative behavior.  In a non-threatening manner, you could speak with the child, in front of your child, and let him/her know such manners are not allowed in your home and that it is making your child feel uncomfortable.  If it gets to a point that is uncontrollable, confront the parent and find out what is going on.  It might be a surprise for this parent to learn their child is acting a certain way and you will be thanked, or it might be behavior that is acceptable in that household.  This could be a touchy subject so be sensitive and remember different families have different rules and what works for yours may not work for theirs.  If problems at school continue, it’s definitely a good idea to alert the teacher and let them handle it, although he/she is probably already aware.  Usually, if a specific child is making your little one act out of character, others are also experiencing the same issue.   

In summary, have confidence in the way you have raised your little one and let them try and handle situations on his/her own, using the skills you taught them.  Don’t get angry, but instead help your child understand that household rules apply, even when out of the house.  Let your child know that it’s okay, and good, to have friends that are different than he/she is, but  teach your child to be a leader, to voice his/her opinion and to always be proud of the decisions he/she makes.  If these conversations are happening in your home now, you will lay down a wonderful foundation for the future.   

I have experienced everything I have written about in this article and have had success in helping my little one gain confidence in who he is and what his beliefs are.  The other day on the car ride home from school, my 5 year old said to me, “Mom, I stopped to think to myself today and told my brain that it was not doing the right thing, so I didn’t do it…just like you taught me”.  I could not have been more proud, and as I glanced at him in the rear view mirror, I knew he was just as proud!

If you are parent seeking advice, visit Mommy Masters on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/mommymasters) and be sure to click "like" to become a Fan.  Your question might be chosen next to appear on the Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Blog!  If you prefer a more private venue to share your personal parenting concerns, you can contact me at info@mommymasters.com.  Remember, together we can master motherhood!

Thanks for reading,

Ellie Hirsch, a.k.a. "The Mommy Master"

http://www.mommymasters.blogspot.com

Beautisol Sunless Tanner Review

As a highly committed member of the sunless tanning club, I have tried every type of brand and application out there. To be honest, none of the store bought sunless tanners delivered a deep, dark and realistic tan like I got with my hand-done salon tans. Most people would look down upon me for not taking advantage of the Florida year-long

sunshine, but personally not only do I hate to laying out and feeling like I am melting away, I also do not want year round damage to my skin!

For the past few years I have been lathering onthe sunless tanning lotions that I buy from the store in hopes to look like I just spent the week on vacation, but have neverbeen 100 percent satisfied with the results. Luckily a few weeks ago I received a sample of the most amazingsunless tanner I have ever used, which is why I am writing this review! The brand is called Beautisol, and not only does it deliver a flawless, deep and realistic tan, but it’s also paraben-free and packed with anti-aging ingredients. When I think of Beautisol, the quote, “Too much of a good thing, is a good thing,” comes to mind.

A lot of people have trouble applying sunless tanner, but Beautisol has made it simple by providing gloves, an apply by numbers chart and also videos on their website to help users apply their products flawlessly. Another con people relate to self-tanners is the smell that most of them have. Beautisol is the first sunless tanner I have used that does not leave an unpleasant scent on your skin.

I have not found any negatives about this product, in fact I am borderline obsessed with it. It is a little more costly than tanners you would find in the store, but not by much and you do get more bang for the buck! I have never received compliments using any other sunless tanner, but the week I used this countless people commented on how tan I was and how great I looked!

If you hate lying out in the unbearable Florida heat and love your skin too much to damage it with UV rays, then I highly suggest you try Beautisol if it is in your budget! Use those few hours spent a week sun tanning on something a little more enjoyable. To check out the product I refuse to ever go without from this point on, go to www.Beautisol.com

www.beautisol.com

20% off your purchase with code: TAMPA20

Valid now through October 31st

What Do Math and Exercise Have in Common? Expert Reveals the Answer Should Be "Your Kids"

Carrie Scheiner is not ashamed of being a bit of a math nerd.

But don’t let her degree in Math education from Rutgers University fool you – she is also a big fan of physical fitness, and her passion for both has led to her to think of exercise for kids in a completely new way.

"As adults, we don’t think about it, but much of our exercise regimens revolve around counting," said Scheiner, creator of Exploracise, an exercise DVD for kids and parents (www.exploracise.com). "So I began thinking about how much more fun, and healthy, math could be for kids if we combined it with exercise. That was the genesis of my combination of the two disciplines."

Scheiner believes her approach actually addresses two of the most pressing problems in the United States today.

"Research shows that exercise improves learning and multi-sensory learning techniques improve the recognition and recall of information," Scheiner added. "One-third of U.S. children are overweight or obese and 61 percent of fourth graders are not proficient in math. That being said, it just makes sense that we start approaching these problems head-on, and we can create an economy of scale in time and resources by doing it at the same time."

Scheiner believes that parents should encourage kids to get off the couch and exercise, too, which is why she has also devised a list of tips for parents who want to see their kids exercise as they learn. They include:

Count Along – It’s not just about counting to ten when you touch your toes. There is so much more you can do when your kids are having fun. It can be as simple as having them do the same thing you do – sets of 10 repetitions of any exercise – and then have them add up all those 10s when they are done. It will help them get comfortable tabulating simple equations in their heads.

Shapes Can Be Healthy – When I was a kid in gym class, they made us do arm circles, but there are so many other shapes that can be explored. Triangles, rectangles and even more complex geometric shapes can be combined with exercise in a variety of ways. Be creative and don’t be content with your kids using their arms like windmills. Make it fun for them and it will help to create healthy exercise habits that will last a lifetime.

Scavenger Hunts – Hide and Seek is a time-honored game, and with a little twist, you can use it to make math and healthy eating fun. Hide some healthy foods around the house, and set your kids to the task of finding them, but write down the calories and fat for each healthy food. When they find them, have them match up the foods with the numbers.

"It’s all about getting kids to put down the video game controllers and to get off the couch," she said. "We owe it to our kids to start them off in life with healthy habits that we never learned as kids. As adults, we had to teach ourselves to work out and eat healthy. It wasn’t something that most of us learned when we were young. With this approach, you can help your kids develop intellectually and physically, as well as help them establish healthy habits that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives."

About Carrie Scheiner

Carrie Scheiner has a lifelong love of helping others, and is passionate about helping children learn math and healthy lifestyle concepts. She won the award for best student teacher for secondary math while receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Math and Secondary Education at New Jersey’s Rutgers University, where she also earned a Masters of Science in Statistics. She has combined her love of math and her passion for healthy eating and exercise to help the next generation overcome its current educational and health crises. (www.exploracise.com)

Healthy "Trick or Treats" Recipes

Let your little monsters enjoy the ghost and goblins of Halloween without the highs (and lows) of a sugar rush. Catherine McCord, founder of the family friendly culinary site, Weelicious.com has come up with these simple and delicious healthy “trick or treats” that ensure the monster within every child is kept at bay.

Popcorn Trail Mix Recipe:

4 Cups Popcorn, popped

½ Cup Chocolate Chips

½ Cup Dried Cherries or Cranberries

½ Cup Roasted MixedNuts, almonds, walnuts or peanuts

1. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and combine.

2. Place mixture into individual treat bags.

3. Serve.

Spookie Grilled Cheese

Butter

8 Slices Pumpernickel or Dark Rye Bread

4 Slices Cheddar Cheese

1. Heat butter in a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

2. Using a halloween theme cookie cutter, take four slices of the bread and cut out the centers.

3. Place a slice of cheese on the 4 remaining pieces of bread and top with the cut out bread slices.

4. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches whole side of bread facing down for 3 minutes.

5. Flip and cook the sandwiches cut out side down for 2 minutes or until golden and cheese has melted.

6. Serve.

Grave Brownies (Makes 14 Graves)

3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

3/4 Cup Cocoa Powder

3/4 Tsp Salt

15 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted

1 1/2 Cups Sugar

2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

3 Large Eggs

1/2 Cup Semisweet Chocolate, chopped (You can also use chocolate chips)

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.

2. Whisk the first 3 ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

3. In a standing mixer or bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar and vanilla.

4. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until combined then slowly mix in the dry ingredients.

5. Pour the batter into a greased and parchment lined 9x13 baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Cool, cut into bars and top with “grave stones”.

*When cutting your brownie, use a long serrated knife and wipe it off in between cuts.

* To make gravestones, cut construction paper into stones and decorate as desired. Place a toothpick on the backside of the stone and attach with a piece of tape and poke the gravestone tooth pick into the brownie.

Catherine McCord- a model, actress and mom of two- launched the renowned cooking site, Weelicious (www.weelicious.com) in 2007 to show parent how to cook recipes that are kid-friendly, quick, andnutritious. With a culinary background at NYC’s prestigious ICE and a passion for food, Catherine makes cooking accessible using a few fresh, easy ingredients to make recipes that will appeal to a range of ages.

Local Psychiatrist Explains How to Effectively Discuss Hurricanes With Children

Unfortunately, natural disasters, such as hurricanes, are a part of life in Florida. Most children know that hurricanes are “bad,” but they may not understand much else about them. Therefore, it is critical to discuss hurricanes with your child before they happen, and to have a family emergency plan in place, which should be shared with children in terms they can understand.

The most important message you can convey as a parent or caregiver is that your child is safe and will continue to be safe throughout the duration of the disaster. This assurance is critical because it provides comfort to children at a stressful time. Let your child express how he or she feels and listen attentively. Find some quiet time sitting on the couch together. Don’t have the discussion while you or your child are doing something else. Time devoted exclusively to the discussion of the disaster sends a message of how important the discussion is to your child. Whether the hurricane is coming or has already affected some other location, explain was has happened or what is about to happen in a calm, matter-of-fact way. Do not provide information that is not relevant or may be too upsetting. For example, if there have been fatalities related to the hurricane, do not share this information with very young children. Try not to minimize your child’s expression of fear or upset. Also, realize that very young children (4 and younger) may not be able to express in words what is bothering them. Instead, they may “act out” by becoming clingy or more emotional than usual. Be aware that these might be signs of distress.

After a disaster, it is important to re-establish routines as quickly as possible. This provides the child with a sense of control of the environment, and builds confidence that life will go on. Try to keep your same routine in terms of sleep times and meals. Confirm your expectations that homework still needs to be completed, household tasks still need to be done, etc. Also, try to limit your child’s exposure to the trauma on television and the Internet. Although you should acknowledge the disaster, there is little purpose in continued exposure through the media. This continued exposure leads to ongoing emotional reaction and memories that serve little purpose in terms of healing.

Remember that it is normal to feel stress during and after a disaster. Children may express stress by fear that the disaster will happen again soon. This can potentially affect the child’s sleep patterns, appetite and reactions to daily activities. For example, a child that is stressed may eat less, have nightmares with frequent awakenings and have physical manifestations, such as a stomach ache. Some children also react by becoming more irritable, having trouble concentrating, crying easily and losing interest in activities they typically enjoyed. If such symptoms continue after a few weeks and they adversely affect the child’s ability to function at home or at school, a consultation with a pediatrician or psychiatrist might be indicated.

Be reassured that most emotional, behavioral and/or physical changes as a result of exposure to a natural disaster resolve on their own in a short period of time. Post traumatic stress disorder is a specific diagnosis with symptoms present for at least one month. Whether a child develops such a disorder depends on numerous factors, including the degree of the threat or injury. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best. Ongoing concerns are always best treated by a visit to the physician.

This article was contributed by Dr. Kristine Vallrugo. Dr. Kristine Vallrugo completed residency training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., before conducting her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwestern University Medical Center in Chicago. Vallrugo is board certified in psychiatry, and had a private practice in Chicago. With a master’s in health law, she practiced medical malpractice in Chicago for six years. Her professional experience includes forensic psychiatry; working to evaluate prisoners for insanity defense, fitness for trial and competency. Since moving to Florida, Vallrugo has joined a private practice in Sarasota, focusing on children and adolescent psychiatry. She is a married mother of three with two step-children.

8 Tips to Avoid Drowning in Deals

Tough financial times call for smarter shopping measures. For some of us this means going to extremes and cutting up credit cards. For others, it just means clipping coupons and unplugging appliances.

No matter what your money-saving solution, merchants are catching on to these smart shopping tactics. Stores are constantly developing their own methods to make sure we keep buying. Many times, this comes in the form of a sale that looks great on the surface, but actually ends up saving next to nothing.

In fact, recent studies suggest that plenty of shoppers are overwhelmed with the flood of daily deals they receive. With so many special offers flying around, here are eight tips to help you avoid drowning in deals.

1. Unsubscribe from Newsletters
Signing up for email newsletters from favorite merchants will keep you informed about their special offers. However, these mailings are still promotional materials intended to make you spend money. If you find yourself exasperated by the breadth of deals and discounts, try following stores on Facebook and Twitter. You still get access to promotions, but they're not always being waved in your face. Instead, you can access the information only when you want to see it.

2. Set a Time to Review Deals
The urgency to get a bargain before time runs out can be a distraction. When you find yourself getting sidetracked checking each offer as it comes in, set aside a time where you can review them all at once. Sure, you might miss the occasional Groupon, but at the end of the day it's cash that's still in your pocket. Reviewing deals all at the same time lets you think out purchases more clearly, compare offers side by side, and prioritize those that best meet your needs.

3. Technology is Your Friend
Your smartphone is a surprising savings tool. Some apps like GasBuddy can help you track down the lowest gas prices, no matter where you are. The Coupon Sherpa mobile app lets you locate and scan coupons directly from your phone. Using your cell in this way allows you to find special offers specific to your shopping needs.

4. Weigh Credit Card Options
Cashiers frequently encourage you to open a store credit card, promising healthy savings if you do. While there may be a good initial offer or incentive, like a regular discount on all purchases, this is another tactic to keep you spending. It's best to just have one of these cards specifically for expenses like gas and food. You'll have to spend on those needs either way, so you might as well get a discount. At NerdWallet.com, they have a comparison of the top 18 store credit cards to help you make an informed decision.

5. Track Your Deals
Ah, the agony of a missed expiration date for a voucher. It gets in your head and makes you regret dollars down the drain. To avoid getting mixed up and missing deadlines, keep a calendar of when offers expire. This helps you track the good ones and keep an eye on how your spending matches up with your budget. You can even do it digitally at CityPockets.com. They organize all the deals you've already purchased, send you expiration reminders, and even allow you to sell unused deals.

6. Eating Out is a Trap
Restaurants are filled with drink specials and dollar menus to encourage buying. While a double cheeseburger and fries from McDonald's costs just over $2, the nutritional value is low and you'll soon be hungry again. It's surprising how much you can save buying groceries and making meals at home, instead of eating fast food. If your culinary muse has failed to inspire you, AllRecipes.com has plenty of Quick and Easy Recipes to consider.

7. Use Coupon Sites
Despite the sufferings of deal-of-the-day sites, coupon sites continue to grow, making it a good thing for shoppers. Sites like CouponSherpa.com have coupons organized by product category and retailer name, so finding a good discount is easy. The best part is, their services are offered for free; credit card information and personal details aren't required. The savings are there at your leisure with no strings attached.

8. Price Comparisons
Seeing a deal with numbers like 50-percent off can lead to an itchy mouse-clicking finger. Resist the urge to act now and shop around a little instead. Often, similar retailers are aware of their competitors' deals and will offer something comparable. Also, try to shop at stores with low-price guarantees. This way, if you find a better deal after you buy, you can still get reimbursed for the difference.

This article was written by Andrea Woroch. Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Give Kids the Fuel They Need with Good Nutrition

Summer is coming to an end and kids are about to get back into the swing of school. Now is the time to take a closer look at what kind of fuel they are starting each day with. The type and variety of foods that children eat can affect their academic and physical performance, mood, behavior, and overall well-being. The bottom line is children need good, healthy food in order to perform at their best.

Foods to avoid

Think twice about giving your children foods with labels listing food additives, colors, preservatives, or chemical names you can’t pronounce. Also to be excluded:

• MSG
• Artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup
• Genetically modified foods
• Trans fat and hydrogenated fat
• Fruit juice from concentrate
• White and/or bleached flour products.
• Roasted or sugar coated nuts

Healthier options – getting back to basics

Think real food! Start offering your kids whole fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, grains and unprocessed meats. Choose foods that have not been altered from their natural state. Whether your child is 2, 12, or 22 it is never too late to change the way you think about food. Here are some healthy lunch and after-school snack choices for your family that offer flavor and variety along with nutritional benefits.

Lunches:

• Turkey roll up: A whole grain, rice, or corn pita, no nitrate lunch meat, lettuce or other leafy green, sliced tomato and hummus or whipped avocado as a pita dressing.

• Almond butter sandwich:
• 2 pieces of whole grain, sprouted grain, or gluten free bread
• 1-2 Tablespoons of raw almond butter
• ½ cup of mashed fresh berries or an all natural/low sugar fruit preserve

Snacks:

• A piece of fruit or vegetable slices with raw or natural nut butter
• Trail mix: mixture of raw nuts and dried raisins, cranberries and pineapple
• Mixed berries
• Rice crackers and all-natural nut butter
• Veggie bag: snow peas, green beans, carrots
• Fruit leather, dried fruit slices, or fresh fruit
• Greek yogurt and dehydrated veggie chips

This article was contributed by: Chicago Healer's Tiffany Triner, Assistant Nutritionist at Nutrition Connection Balance, LLC. About ChicagoHealers.com-Chicago Healers (www.ChicagoHealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy.

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Announces Discount Program for Readers and Follows.

After years of positive feedback from our readers on the great products we feature in the pages of our monthly print magazine, we are happy to announce a special new program that will allow you to enjoy the products and services you see at a special Tampa Bay Parenting discount!!  We are working directly with the companies to secure discount codes and special offers.  All items will be announced here on our blog throughout the month so be sure to check back often.

It is our way of saying Thank You for your continued Support! Enjoy!

Our very FIRST company to be featured is Mine for Nine, who is offering a 10% discount. This company has been personally reviewed by one of our Social Moms Rachel, please see her post below about her experience, and we feel confident you will love their concept as well. Enjoy and be sure to share you experiences with us on this blog or Facebook.

About Mine for Nine

There's a smart, new way to shop for stylish, make-you-feel-good maternity clothes. It's called Mine for Nine, and it's one of those revolutions that your best friend and sister will say "I wish they had that when I was pregnant.” MINE offers pregnant women an alternative to purchasing an expensive maternity wardrobe or supplements the one they already have. Find the perfect business suit for that important business meeting or a spectacular evening gown for the black tie affair you were just invited to. And when you're done, no need to store clothes you may or may not wear again -- just ship them back.

www.minefornine.com 

10% off USE CODE: tampabay2011 

Valid September 1st through September 30th