A Valentine’s Day Worth Remembering… Adopt a Real Manatee!

Manatee gift adoptions from Save the Manatee Club are a way to protect endangered manatees and their aquatic habitat, and also a way to let your loved ones see that your heart is in the right place this Valentine’s Day.

Jennifer Vogel, recently retired from a long career of practicing law, and who currently resides in Texas, adopted a manatee for her husband, John, last Valentine’s Day. “We had just decided to spend part of the summer in the Florida Keys so my two daughters could become certified scuba divers,” said Jennifer. “I have always loved manatees, and the whole family knew how excited I was about the possibility of seeing one on our trip. Adopting a real manatee was the perfect way to make our trip more meaningful.”

Thirty-three manatees are featured in Save the Manatee Club’s adoption programs, including two new manatees, Bama and Zewie, who spend the summer months in Alabama waters. Jennifer chose Brutus for her husband from the adoption program at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida. “The choice was easy,” Jennifer explained. “I loved the very macho name for such a gentle, giant creature.”

Tax-deductible gift adoptions from Save the Manatee Club cost $25 and include a color photo, biography, and adoption certificate of the manatee who is chosen. Also included is a fact-filled membership handbook, subscriptions to the Club’s official quarterly newsletter, The Manatee Zone, and the bi-monthly e-newsletter, Paddle Tales, and a year’s membership in Save the Manatee Club. A personalized Valentine’s Day gift card comes with each adoption, and shipping is free within the United States. An 8-inch manatee plush toy is included with every gift adoption of $35 or more

Funds from the adoption program help in the protection of manatees and their ecosystems. Save the Manatee Club is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit conservation organization, established in 1981 by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. This past year the Club assisted with rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts in America and abroad; helped to expand and protect the manatee’s winter warm-water habitat; obtained improved boat speed zones in areas frequented by manatees; and conducted research on boater compliance in Kings Bay, Crystal River, Florida to obtain improved protection measures there. The Club raises public awareness; educates; advocates; and supports conservation efforts in other countries.

Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club, said that despite the immense problems facing manatees, there is hope. “As long as people continue to support strong manatee and habitat protection measures, manatees have a chance,” said Rose.

Jennifer Vogel and her family are among the many who advocate for the manatees. “The manatee is one of America’s treasures,” she remarked. “What I love about Save the Manatee Club is that they help you feel personally connected to the manatees through their real live manatee adoption program, and regular updates let you know how the manatees are doing.”

Care to adopt a manatee this Valentine’s Day? Visit Save the Manatee Club’s website at www.savethemanatee.org, or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646). Also, sign up for the Club’s free E-Newsletter.

Fireworks safety tips to consider this New Year’s

• Stay Alert. Never mix alcohol with fireworks, sparklers and novelties.
• Adult supervision. Never allow children to light or handle them.
• Take Precautions. Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
• Let Sleeping fireworks, sparklers and novelties Lie. Don’t try to relight fireworks, sparklers and novelties that don’t ignite. Wait 15 - 20 minutes, then douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Obey All Laws. Please obey state laws regarding the use of fireworks, sparklers and novelties.
• Protect Your Pets. Animals are often frightened by the sounds of fireworks, sparklers and novelties. To protect your “best friends,” keep them indoors — away from the loud noise — and secure.

Tampa Bay Collection Sites Fill Up with Shoe Box Gifts as Web-Savvy Volunteers Pack Their Boxes of Hope Online

Volunteers have been working tirelessly at 16 Tampa-area collection sites where thousands of shoe boxes packed with school supplies, toys and necessity items were dropped off by caring Tampa Bay residents. National Collection Week is wrapping up for the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind—Operation Christmas Child—where participants fill empty shoe boxes with items for kids suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, famine, and poverty. Soon, these shoe boxes will be delivered to 8.5 million kids worldwide.

For families who haven’t yet packed their gift of hope, it’s not too late. Many local families are choosing to pack shoe box gifts virtually through “Build a Box,” an online giving tool. It’s a simple, quick, yet meaningful way to impact a child in need. Families can visit the project’s website at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ, select a child’s age and gender, shop through an online selection of gifts, “pack” them in an empty shoe box, and finish it off with a note of encouragement. Then through tracking technology, donors can "follow” the box to the destination country where it will be hand-delivered.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, uses simple gift-filled shoe boxes to let hurting children know they are loved and not forgotten. For many of these children, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered more than 86 million gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children in more than 130 countries.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 727-403-2109 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

5 Tips for Choosing Safe Toys

According to the Toy Industry Association, toys generated nearly $21 billion in sales in 2010. Many of those purchases came during the Christmas holiday season. No matter what time of year they are purchased, a danger risk comes along with them. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that, during that same year, 181,500 children under the age of 15 were treated in emergency rooms across the nation as a result of toy-related injuries. There were also 17 toy-related deaths in 2010.

“This time of year, there is a big push for consumers to stock up on toys, and people love to get kids toys to open up,” explains Dr. Pamela McCullough, a pediatric nurse practitioner and the director of the nursing program at Stratford University’s Woodbridge campus (www.stratford.edu). “But placing an emphasis on safety has to be a top priority. It is important for anyone purchasing toys to take the time to minimize risks.”

Here are 5 tips for choosing safe toys, this holiday or any time of the year:

Be a label reader. It is important to see past the toy and read the packaging. Look for “nontoxic” on anything that has art supplies, such as crayons, paints, clay, etc. Also, make sure paints are lead-free. Any children’s jewelry should have ASTM F2923 on the label, which means it has been tested and has met the guidelines set forth by the ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).

Keep age in mind. While it may be tempting to purchase toys outside of the child’s recommended age, it may be dangerous. The age recommendations are there because of potential harm that may exist. Stick with buying toys within the child’s age group to help minimize risks.

Get the gear. Purchasing a new skateboard, bike or other such device may be exciting, but unless a child has the gear that goes with it, there may be a safety hazard. Always purchase the safety gear that is needed to go with such an item, such as helmets, knee pads, goggles, etc.

Evaluate electronics. It is advised that children under the age of eight not have electronic toys, because they could pose burn hazards. Also, all electronics should have the “UL” symbol on the package, which means they have been safety tested by Underwriters Laboratories.

Thrift with care. Many parents who are cash-strapped this holiday may head to thrift stores in an effort to find toy gifts for their kids. There may be great bargains in the bin, but there could also be potential safety hazards. It is difficult to know which toys may have been recalled, which are not working properly, or the recommended ages for each toy. Always minimize risks by thoroughly checking the product over and by doing a quick online search regarding the item, which should help provide info about recommended ages and past recalls.

“The last thing anyone wants is to give a child a gift that ends up sending them to the emergency room or worse,” adds Dr. McCullough. “While there is no sure-fire way to avoid injuries, following these safety tips will help you minimize the risks, and help make it a better experience.”

Stratford University offers a variety of degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as degrees in health sciences, such as EKG-phlebotomy, healthcare administration, pharmacy technician, and medical assisting. In addition, they offer degrees in culinary arts, computer information systems, hotel and restaurant management, and hospitality management.

About Stratford University:

Stratford University operates campuses in Tysons Corner, Richmond, and Woodbridge. It offers 35 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Technology. The degree programs are offered both on campus, as well as online. For more information on the competition or Stratford University, please visit www.stratford.edu.

Safeguard Your Health-Care Dollars Physician Offers Tips for Saving Money, Assuring Quality

More Americans are paying more of their health-care costs out of pocket every year because they lack insurance, have higher deductibles and co-payments, or have chosen a Health Savings Account plan.

There are ways they can save money without jeopardizing their health and there are steps they should take to ensure they’re getting the best value for their dollars, says physician Angel M. Garcia (www.DoNoHarmDrs.com), an internist who has been in practice for more than 25 years.



Garcia, author of Do No Harm: Saving Our Health-Care System, says patients themselves are the first line of defense in an industry where increasing tensions have created new stressors at every level.

“No physician is beyond becoming burnt out,” he says. “Physicians who are working mechanically, who are no longer interested, committed and enjoying practicing medicine can be a danger to their patients.

“I’ve heard many patients excuse their doctors by saying, ‘Oh, he’s just burnt out.’ While such loyalty is kind, the issue is one the patient should talk about with their doctor. “You could just say, ‘Hey, Doc, you seem tired. Are you OK?’ You may be surprised how much your doctor appreciates your concern.”

Garcia offers these simple ways patients can save money and ensure their money is well spent:

For minor illnesses, try over-the-counter medications: Some illnesses might be resolved with non-prescription drugs. Caution: If symptoms aren’t resolved in three to five days, or if they go away but keep returning, you must see a doctor. Garcia recommends Zyrtec-D 12 Hour for allergic sinusitis and upper respiratory infections, hydrocortisone cream for rashes and bug bites. Prilosec for heartburn, Imodium AD for diarrhea.

Talk to your doctor – if you can’t, change doctors: It doesn’t matter whether your physician is nationally renowned or a Harvard graduate; if he or she doesn’t have time to listen to you, or doesn’t seem interested, find a new doctor. A good place to start is references from friends – but be sure to ask whether they’re happy with their doctor’s bedside manner. “Arrogant but good” is not what you want.

Be prepared so you get the most out of your visit: The doctor will want to know your chief complaint: when the problem began, how it progressed, what makes it better or worse, any associated symptoms, such as fever. He or she will also need to know what medications you take, including the drug name, dosage, how it’s administered, and frequency. If you take more than one or two medicines regularly, you should make a list and keep this information in your wallet.

Don’t skip the follow-up visit: When a patient sees a doctor for a medical complaint, a follow-up visit usually is scheduled. Some patients skip these because they feel better, but that may mean the medications have temporarily relieved the symptoms. The follow-up is worth the money to ensure the problem is resolved and no abnormalities remain.

About Dr. Angel M. Garcia

Angel M. Garcia is a practicing physician with more than 25 years of clinical experience. His efforts to help reform the health-care industry include creating standardized, electronic medical records for 38 medical and surgical specialties. Maintained in a centralized patient record database, use of these records can prevent complications of many chronic illnesses, including heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Garcia was a five-time guest speaker at the National Medical Records Institute annual scientific meetings. In 2001, Dr. Garcia was selected as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was a guest of President George W. Bush at the White House for the High-Tech Leaders Forum and the Economic Leaders Forum.

Everyday Minerals Make Up Review by Cat Pylant

I have to start this review off by saying, I LOVE make-up. I love trying different colors, products and brands to see the different ways I can emphasis and highlight different features. With that being said, I am also a big make-up critic! Unfortunately I have spent a lot of money on products I have used a few times to only to resort back to my usual daily picks. I have bags full of products that did not make the cut. I am happy to say Everyday Minerals passed the test with flying colors. I have only tried their travel size mineral eye shadows, but that is enough to make me want to try the rest of their products. From the pretty colors with fun names such as Lovers Lane and First Love, to the environmental responsibility this company installs into each and every product they make, I can stand by these products 100 percent!

About the Shadow:
The travel size shadows are fantastic! Small enough to fit in your purse, but big enough to last for a long time! It has a roller application, so it makes it easy to put it on when you are on the go, as well as layer it for a deeper, bolder color. The shadow goes on with a silky feel and can be worn during the day or for a night on the town! There are so many colors, and they are so affordable that there is no reason not to try these natural products! Not only does this shadow look better on me than my old ones, but I also feel better using Everyday Minerals and supporting their cause.


About Everyday Minerals:
Everyday Minerals is an Austin-based mineral makeup company that specializes in healthy, natural, and sustainable makeup products that every woman can afford and use, every day. The company has a unique corporate culture that puts the customers first, even allowing them to participate in the development and naming of products. What sets Everyday Minerals apart is its loyal following and social community—its active blogs and forums are a testament to this. The company also practices what it preaches: Their unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility translates into everything Everyday Minerals does, including day-to-day office life. The eco-conscious collective offers free bicycles to its employees to cut down on carbon emissions; financial incentives are used to get employees to carpool and shop at local organic farms; employees composte at the office, and there is a company-wide “WeCycle” recycling program to reduce needless waste.

http://www.everydayminerals.com

Importance of Keeping Books in Your Home

Studies show that having books at home is as important as a parent’s education in determining a child’s future academic success. However, for families struggling to make ends meet in these difficult economic times, owning books may be their last priority.

Beginning in January, your readers can help Scholastic donate up to one million books to children through its online book community YouAreWhatYouRead.com. We would love you to include this campaign in the front of the book or online and let your readers know how they can make a difference.

It’s simple to do.

● Go to YouAreWhatYouRead.com and create a “Bookprint” – a list of the 5 books that have shaped your life.

● For every new Bookprint created, Scholastic will donate one book to the literacy nonprofit Reach Out and Read to help a child in need.

● Through YouAreWhatYouRead.com, your readers can connect with book lovers from around the world, discover new reads and compare their Bookprint to those of 200 featured famous reading role models on the site including Dr. Oz, President William J. Clinton, Taylor Swift, Daniel Radcliffe, Oprah Winfrey, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

With your readers help, Scholastic Book Clubs’ in-school philanthropic program, ClassroomsCare, will be able donate up to one million books to Reach Out and Read. Recent government funding cuts has made it a major challenge for organizations like Reach Out and Read to continue to get books into the hands of kids in need.

OMG! I’m In College And I Never Learned to Cook! Mom Offers Simple Tips to Help Students Prepare Their Own Meals and Eat Healthy

College is supposed to be a place of higher learning that prepares young people for the challenges of taking on a greater role as an adult in a civilized society. While there is no doubt the value of the degrees earned in those hallowed halls, one mom has a striking complaint about it all.

“How can you consider yourself educated and sophisticated if you don’t know how to cook a decent meal?” asked Hollis Ledbetter, author of OMG! I’m In College and I Never Learned to Cook (www.omgcookbooks.com). “Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for higher education for the purposes of being able to earn a living and contribute to the world around them, but I’ve never seen a college course titled ‘How to buy groceries, cook dinner and do your own laundry!’”



Ledbetter, a mother of four children (one still in college, the others all have families of their own), sensed the irony of colleges teaching students to become engineers, lawyers and doctors who – without mom’s help – are still likely to burn down the kitchen while trying to boil water.

“Parents and kids need to know a few key things before the adventure of higher education begins,” she added. “Kids need to learn how to cook and parents need to know how to teach them. Taking a semester of home economics in high school does not equate to knowing how to safely defrost a chicken, carve it, prepare it and cook it so that it actually tastes like something other than shoe leather. It’s one part art and one part science, and they aren’t going to learn either from any class at school.”

Her tips for parents include:

Just Teach the Basics – You don’t have to teach your children how to make eggs benedict and how to mix the hollandaise sauce from scratch. Boiling water, broiling meats, making pasta that doesn’t stick to the pot like bathroom caulk – these are the basics. Everything else, they should learn on their own.

Don’t Coddle Them – You’ll save money and they’ll eat better if you encourage them to buy groceries, instead of eating fast food or PopTarts all the time. Hold the line on the food budget you give them and they’ll hold the line on a good diet.

Her tips for kids include:

Definition of Cooking – Microwaving a Hot Pocket is not cooking. Cooking involves taking actual vegetables, fruits and meats, and preparing them – either by cooking or mixing – to form a snack or a meal. If all you can do is make pre-packaged macaroni and cheese, and nuke a burrito, that’s not cooking.

Safety – There is a reason why some foods are refrigerated and why some are not. Learn the difference between the two. I guarantee you don’t want to learn the hard way, when you try to put mayonnaise that was left out all night on a turkey sandwich and wind up in the ER.

Healthy Foods – Here's a good reason to eat homemade healthy foods. If you buy groceries instead of eating out all of the time, you'll not only eat better, but you will save tons of money – money that could be spent on that new smart phone, laptop or tablet you've been dreaming about. Overall, in a nine-month period, it is easy for a single person to save between $1,000 and $2,400 simply by NOT eating out.

“There is an old proverb that says, ‘If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime,” Ledbetter said. “Of course, it stops before they mention if he knows how to cook the darn thing. If you can help encourage your kids to prepare their own meals, they’ll eat healthier and be happy in the kitchen for the rest of their lives. And, I think that’s a more valuable lesson than they’ll ever learn in school.”

About Hollis Ledbetter

Hollis Ledbetter is married with four children (one still in college) and six grandchildren. She has worked as a fitness instructor for the YMCA teaching aerobics, pre-natal exercises and woman’s strength training. For the last 17 years, she has worked in real estate and for the last four, she has been writing cookbooks.

How to Survive Holiday Gatherings and Avoid an Aneurysm Tough Love Author Shares Tips for Disarming the Debbie Downers

For those of us from families built on Debbie Downer DNA, there’s only one direction a mood can go during holiday get-togethers and that’s down.

Sure, the running negative commentary, bubble-bursting barbs and rampant self-pity were funny coming from comedian Rachel Dratch on “Saturday Night Live’s” Debbie Downer sketches. But few of us can foresee our own Negative Nancys giving us a good belly laugh.


Whether you’re the smiley face among frowners, or a bit of a Depressing Dan yourself, there are tricks you can use to keep the table talk from getting lethal, says Paula Renaye, a professional life coach and author of The Hardline Self Help Handbook, (www.hardlineselfhelp.com). 

“You can take control simply by thinking about what you choose to say – or not say,” Renaye says. “If you hear yourself criticizing, judging or complaining, you’re part of the problem. Happy, self-respecting people don’t find it necessary to dump on others to make themselves feel good.

“If someone else is the problem, simply don’t give them the ammunition they need,” she says. Instead try these tactics:

Do not say anything negative. Period. And no one-downing! One-downing is the opposite of one-upping. It’s the art of coming up with something worse when someone else talks about their problem. No matter what negative thing anyone says, or how much you agree with it or don't, resist the urge to respond with a negative. Instead ….

Dodge, distract and detour. Turn things around with a question -- a positive one. If you need to, make a “happy list” of questions before you go, so you’ll have some at the ready. And remember, there's no law that says you have to answer a question just because someone asked it. With negative people, it’s best if you …

Do not talk about yourself. The only reason negative people care about what you’re up to is because they want something to ridicule, brag or gossip about to make themselves look or feel good. Don’t go there. Whether you just filed bankruptcy or won a Nobel Prize, keep it to yourself. No good can come of it. None. And why do you need to chatter like a chipmunk about yourself anyway? Might want to think on that one, too. Better to find some praise for someone else than to expect someone to praise you.

Do not share your woes. Even if you’re in a tough place and could really use a shoulder to cry on, don’t start laying your woes on a Negative Nell. Even in a weak moment, when you’ve had a terrible day, talking about it with a negative person is a bad idea. You might get a microsecond of sympathy, but that’s only so they can launch into telling you how much worse they have it. So, no talking about yourself unless you want to be the talk of the party, the family and the town.

Do your homework and become like Teflon. Think of the times people said things that made you feel bad or made you feel the need to defend or explain yourself. If you want to avoid going down that trail again, start hacking away at the jungle of your own emotions. Get over needing anyone's approval or blessing. If you are still waiting for negative relatives to validate you, you’re in for a long wait. Don't set yourself up to be miserable. Get over it and go prepared.

About Paula Renaye

Former eggshell-walker, emotionally-bankrupt wreck and utter failure at keeping her world from falling apart, Paula Renaye uses her journey out of despair into joy as a breadcrumb trail for others. She has been a consultant for 18 years, holds a degree in financial planning with a background in journalism and psychology, and is a member of the International Association of Coaches. Paula is the multi-award-winning author of The Hardline Self Help Handbook.

Jobless Execs: It’s Time to Dump the Old School To Find Work, You Must Go Digital, Recruiting Expert Says

The nation’s unemployment rate may be inching downward, but the out-of-work figures have remained in the 9.0 to 9.2 percent range since April 2011, according to Bureau of Labor statistics.

An estimated 32,000 job seekers found work in October, but that still leaves 13.9 million reported unemployed, which means a lot of people are competing for the same job.

So how do you stand out in that crowd?



“It used to be that executives could network their way onto the CEO’s schedule, maybe on the golf course or a chance meeting at lunch or a ball game,”

says Colleen Aylward, a recruitment strategy expert and author of, From Bedlam to Boardroom: How to Get a Derailed Executive Career Back on Track! (www.devonjames.net/the-book). ”It’s now up to you to gather your data, polish it up and position it where people will find you -- and that’s one of the biggest shocks in the executive job seeker’s world right now.”


It’s a message that unemployed execs in their later years may not want to hear, but it’s one they need to get their collective arms around as the economy tries to rebound. The old-school train has left the station -- permanently -- and if 40- and 50-something prospects want to compete for top-flight executive positions it’ll mean breaking old habits and exiting their comfort zones.

Two words: digital brand. 

Aylward says it’s time to become an authority on-line and to create a virtual network of business connections so that you can easily be found.



“Just when they thought their golden years entitled them to being ‘served’ by recruiters, members of that older generation now have to do homework and market themselves,” says Aylward, who interviewed thousands of jobless executives over 20 years.“They don’t want to hear it, or believe it, but it’s reality.”

According to surveys, 89 percent of employers use a form of social media to identify job candidates, with LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter the most popular. LinkedIn, with its more than 135 million members, dominates the competition, with 86 percent usage compared to just 50 percent for Facebook and 45 percent for Twitter.

Sounds like a good place to start.

After embracing social media (even building a personal website), Aylward has these tips:

Streamline your strengths with specific examples. It’s not the interviewer’s job to figure out what your strengths might be; it’s the candidate’s job. The days of clever cover letters opening doors are gone. Those resumes and on-line profiles better be stronger than ever and packed with data and specific accomplishments.

Don’t waste time with external executive recruiters. They don’t find jobs for people. You need to get in front of the internal corporate recruiters who are searching for you online. So help them do their job by researching companies online yourself, as well as locating jobs yourself, introducing yourself to a prospective employer and conversing directly with hiring managers – online.

It’s all about them, not you. Get out of the mindset that matching yourself for a job or interviewing for a job is about you. It’s all about what you can do for them. That means defining your strengths and determining specific areas where you can solve their business problems. And be prepared to demonstrate that you have kept up with technology, industry changes and how the economy has affected them.

“Embrace change,” Aylward says. “You are still very valuable and worth money for a long time, but you need to make yourself visible -- and viable -- to those who need your expertise.”

About Colleen Aylward

Colleen Aylward has led the executive search firm Devon James Associates, Inc. for 19 years and is founder of Recruitment, Inc., a spinoff software product company in the Human Resources & Recruitment market. She currently resides in Bellevue, Wash.

How My Smart Phone Keeps Me Organized

Yes, I am one of those moms. You know the ones that I am talking about – the ones that always have their phone in their hand. I admit, it’s like an extension of me. The few times that I have forgotten it, I felt like part of me was missing.

When I got my first smart phone a couple of years ago, it was more like a shiny new toy. As my life has gotten busier between my kids, my husband, my job, and writing, it’s become more like a lifesaver. Ok, that’s exaggerating some, but it really does help me every day in many different ways.

Here is a list of ways that it helps me to keep things together at least a little bit.

1. Calendar: I put EVERYTHING in the calendar in my phone. If there is any question as to if we have anything going on, I can quickly check it no matter where we are. I also set it up to send me reminders of appointments and such so that I don’t forget them if I am out and about.

2. Notes: I have used the notes function on my phone for many different things. I have typed in the number of the fields my girls’ soccer games are so I don’t forget when we get there. I have typed in my license plate number that I had to turn into the state park when we were camping. I think you get the idea - pretty much anything I need to remember I have put in the notes so that I have it with me.

3. Blogging: It’s hard sometimes to find the time to sit down at my laptop and get a post out. I love that I get publish a quick post from my phone. Just this morning I wrote a quick blog post while I was waiting for the kids to be able to go into school. It’s so easy to blog on the go.

4. Email: It’s so easy to shoot off a quick email from my phone no matter where I am. I can send an email to my mom, my husband, or a potential writing client. If I am waiting for an important email from a client, I don’t have to sit at home at the laptop. I always have my email with me.

5. Entertainment for my kids: We were in the car for a bit the other day unexpectedly, and I just handed over my phone to my 5 year old so she could play a game of Angry Birds and then watch some cartoons on Netflix. This is not something that I do often, but it’s nice to have the option sometimes.

6. Camera: My phone has a great camera and since I always have it with me, I can take pictures of my kids (or whatever) anytime. I can even upload them online so that my dad in Florida can see what we are up to at all times.

7. Reading: I have the Kindle app on my phone. If I am waiting somewhere, I can pull up the current book I am reading and sneak in a few pages. As a busy mom, I have to read when and where I can.

8. Cloud computing: I use various apps such as Evernote and Dropbox so I always have my important documents with me if I have a minute to do some writing or need to reference something. It’s so convenient to have that right at my fingertips.

9. Social networking: I can check Facebook quick or even Twitter. I don’t have a ton of time to spend on these things, so it’s nice to be able to check them quickly from my phone if I am waiting at the doctor’s office or for my girls to get done with school.

10. The Internet: I don’t do a lot of browsing online from my phone, but it’s nice to have the option if I want to look something up quickly.

Honestly, I would so lost without my phone. I don’t know how I functioned without it. As a busy mom of two girls who works full time and is also trying to manage a freelance writing career, it’s seriously a lifesaver.

About the Author:

I am a writer/editor at Not Just 9 to 5 and have a blog at the Working Mother magazine mom blogs. I also will be having a piece published soon at Liberating Working Moms.

Social Mom Review for Origany Clothing, by Rachel Long

I feel confident dressing my toddler in Origany clothing. Origany clothing is made from organic cotton with low impact dyes. The clothing and yarn comes from Peru. The Pink Frill “Baby Doll” dress that Sophie received for review wore and washed well. It was easy for her to play in, yet dressy enough for an afternoon out. You can purchase this dress for $48 at www.origany.com.

About: Rachel Long – TBPM Social Mom

I am a stay at home mom of soon to be three children. I have two girls, Lily age 4 and Sophie age 2 and we are expecting a little boy in October. I have been married for 8 years to a wonderful man. I love spending time with my family and friends and taking advantage of all that Tampa Bay has to offer. Prior to having children I was an elementary school teacher for 8 years. Once my children are all in school I hope to return to the working world as a guidance counselor.

Social Mom Review of The Muppets Movie by Rachel Long

As any parent knows, it is hard to please all your children on an outing. The new Muppets movie kept our entire family entertained. It was wonderful to see all the old Muppet characters with some new ones added. Walter is a Muppet that dreams of meeting the Muppets he sees on TV. His brother, Gary played by Jason Segal and his girlfriend, Mary played by Amy Adams plan a trip to Hollywood. Walter joins them so he can visit the Muppet Studios. When they arrive at the studios they find a building falling apart that everyone has forgotten about. While they are there, Walter overhears Tex Richman, a wealthy oil tycoon talking about how he plans to drill under the theatre for oil, not turn it into a Muppet Museum as he leads everyone to believe. Walter, Gary and Mary track down Kermit and the rest of the Muppet gang to help save the theatre. 80’s music is infused throughout the movie as well as cameos from stars like Selena Gomez, Whoopie Goldberg and Jim Parsons. The Muppets is a terrific movie choice for the holiday season.

About Rachel Long – TBPM Social Mom

I am a stay at home mom of soon to be three children. I have two girls, Lily age 4 and Sophie age 2 and we are expecting a little boy in October. I have been married for 8 years to a wonderful man. I love spending time with my family and friends and taking advantage of all that Tampa Bay has to offer. Prior to having children I was an elementary school teacher for 8 years. Once my children are all in school I hope to return to the working world as a guidance counselor.

Tips for Teaching Kids How to Read Food Labels

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last three decades. While only 7 percent of children ages 6-11 were once considered obese, that figure has now risen to 20 percent. Today, more than one third of all children and adolescents are considered to be overweight or obese. One way the CDC recommends preventing and addressing the problem is for healthy eating to become a part of every child’s life. And healthy eating begins with reading food labels.

“Once children know how to read, they are ready to start learning how to read food labels,” explains Jolly Backer, chief executive officer of Fresh Healthy Vending (www.freshvending.com). “The more they know about what they are eating, the more empowered they will be about making healthier food choices.”

There are many potential advantages to teaching children how to read food labels, including that it helps to encourage portion control and will help them find the information they need to make healthier food choices. Reading labels can provide reading practice, as well as a science lesson if you take the time to research what some of the unknown ingredients are. It is also provides a math lesson, especially when they are given the opportunity to measure out their food.

Here are some tips for teaching kids how to read food labels:

Start at home by getting out a couple of their favorite things, such as cereal, along with a measuring cup. Start by teaching them how they can determine what a serving size is, and letting them measure out one serving.

Once they understand serving sizes, move on to showing them things like calories, fat, sugar, fiber, and cholesterol on the label. Explain why it is important to know what quantity of these things constitutes a serving, and what amount is considered high. For example, if they look at a can of soda and see that it has 40 grams of sugar, they will learn that this is high; if they look at a serving of Cheerios, and see that it has one gram of sugar, they will see that this is low.

Try having them read the ingredients list. The longer-labeled products are often less natural and have a lot of artificial ingredients, making them more unhealthy. Remind children that things like fresh fruits and vegetables don’t usually have labels but are usually the most natural and healthiest options around.

Once they have the above steps down, do some label comparisons, so they can determine which choice is the healthiest option.

Be patient with kids as they learn how to read and understand labels. It will take time and practice, but after a while they will understand it and the information they are gaining.

Once children have been exposed to label reading at home, and have had an opportunity to practice measuring and learning about the food, parents can encourage label reading at the grocery store, as well. The more practice that kids get at label reading, the better at it they will become. In time, they will be familiar with many foods, know which are healthy and unhealthy, and be able to identify healthier food options without always having to rely on reading the labels.

“Even when children walk up to a vending machine, where they can’t read labels, you want them to know which is the healthier option,” adds Backer. “With label-reading practice, they will become savvy shoppers who recognize healthy food options when they see them. Label reading is a tool that kids can use for the rest of their life.”

Fresh Healthy Vending is a company on a mission to help address childhood obesity, by providing vending machines stocked with all-healthy food options. Their dual-climate-controlled machines have been placed in over 800 locations around the nation, including school campuses. Each machine is stocked with fruit smoothies, soymilk, yogurt, tea, and even fresh fruits and vegetables.

Those interested in learning more about Fresh Healthy Vending should visit www.freshvending.com.

About Fresh Healthy Vending

Based in San Diego, Fresh Healthy Vending is a company that started in 2010 and is revolutionizing vending machines by filling them with healthy, natural food options. Dubbed the “future of vending,” they are leading the way in healthy food vending. Their machines offer 100-percent juices, fresh vegetables, fruits, smoothies, and yogurts. The Fresh Healthy Vending machines are franchised and are being placed in schools, offices and other locations throughout the country. To learn more about Fresh Healthy Vending, visit the website at www.freshvending.com

ENTER TO WIN! Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine's Subscription Giveaway!

Give the gift that gives all year!

Sign up 1 to 100 of your friends for a subscription to Tampa Bay Parenting between December 1st and December 15th and be entered to win:

Grand Prize – Two (2) Night Stay in December, for four people to Christmas Gaylord Palms in Orlando, 4 tickets to ICE! featuring Dreamworks Shrek the Halls, ShreakFeast Interactive Character Meal, souvenir photo and a Character Passport Meet & Greets!

First Prize – Five LEGOLAND Florida Passes

Second Prize – American Girl Doll as seen on pg 16 of the December issue

Third Prize – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows DVD and tickets to Nights of Shimmering Lights.

Fourth Prize - Family four pack of tickets to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Miracle on 34th Street

Fifth Prize - Family four pack of tickets to The Velveteen Rabbit at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Sixth Prize – Family four pack of tickets to Wild Wonderland at the Lowry Park Zoo

Seventh Prize - Family four pack of tickets to School House Rock at Largo Cultural Center

SIGN UP FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS HERE AND BE ENTERED TO WIN!

Each sign up will be counted as an entry to win.

Happy Holidays!

Waste Not — Want Not! Go Green this Holiday Season!

Think outside the box this holiday season. Even if you aren’t a very crafty or creative person, or have never thought much about “Going Green,” the holidays are a great time to start! Those who are seriously into preserving the environment often cringe at the mere thought of all the waste that goes along with the holidays, such as not so eco-friendly gifts, wrap and dispensable party wares. I’ve come up with a few simple solutions to give you the opportunity to have a healthier holiday season. Not only will you help preserve the planet in the long run, but you may even save a few bucks by using some of the belongings you already own and incorporating them into your holiday décor.

Decorations

Think long term. Eliminate wasteful paper products and disposable pans and other bake wares. Purchase or use glass cookware and dinnerware. Invest in cloth items such as cloth napkins, placemats and tablecloths or make them yourself from fabric. Hint: if you purchase blue or red fabric items, they can be used many times through the year for other holidays or everyday use.

Collect pine cones for free. Bring the outdoors in!

Decorate the house with live greenery—the best choices are herbs such as basil and rosemary, which have a wonderful fragrance, and you can use them for cooking all year long.

Look in your kids rooms for decoration ideas. Whoever said you couldn’t build a menorah or tree decoration out of Legos? Or a cool snowflake scene from an Etch-a- Sketch or Lite Brite!

Christmas Trees

• Get a live tree that you can have in your house and then plant outside after the holidays—in your yard or somewhere else. The planet needs more trees and they sequester carbon. Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain nonbiodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead. (Please read the warning labels.)
• Grow it yourself: Plant a few seedlings each year, and, in a few years, you will have your own tree that you can bring in for the holiday season.

Save Money

Energy: Attach your indoor and outdoor lights to a timer, and program them to be on only for the several hours in the evening when people will see them.

Wrapping paper: Wrap presents with recyclable wrapping paper or get creative and make your own. Gifts can be wrapped in newspaper, fabric or make use of some of your child’s artwork that you have been holding onto! How about putting your gift in a reusable bag?

Cards: Make your own holiday cards! Recycle children’s artwork or use some of the cards from last year. Or make your own recycled paper! Take old newspaper, mix it with water in a blender and pour out over a screen and set out to dry. Try sprinkling some seeds in it and the recipient can just plant the card! How clever! Or check out the website www.sproutem.com and you can order custom seeded paper.

Gifts:

If you must purchase a gift, look for items made from recyclable material.

Give gift certificates for goods or services you know the recipient will use.

Shop consignment stores! Not only will you help keep items recycling, but you will also save some money too!

Think Green – Great gift ideas include water bottles, plants, battery chargers, cloth napkins, energy saving light bulbs and a reusable shopping bag. Better yet, create your own “green” bag and put a bunch of small items in a reusable shopping bag.

Make Something! Whether it’s a cake, pillow, home accessory, scrapbook, painting, ornament or scarf—be creative.

Some of these ideas are great to continue on throughout the year at any other gift giving time or holiday. The kids can easily pitch in and may even come up with some new clever ideas to reuse items and to help save you some money—and to cut down on waste.

About the Author:

Kara Ferraro is a publisher and freelance writer with two elementary aged children. She is always looking for clever, budget friendly activities to do with her family and ways to save money.

Vegan Options For the Holidays

Vege USA is committed to taking vegetarian and vegan cuisine to a whole new level by offering a diverse line of authentic Asian and internationally-themed gourmet meat alternatives that combine premier-quality ingredients, essential nutrients and deliciously satisfying flavors in a convenient frozen packaged product.

By offering delectable and nutritious products which can be savored by devoted and occasional vegetarians alike, Vege USA is dedicated to helping consumers embrace healthy eating not just for now, but for life. To find out more about their products and place your order before the holidays visit: http://www.vegeusa.com/

Grand Opening of H&M at the International Plaza Mall

There has been a lot of buzz circling around Tampa’s International Plaza Mall, as shoppers anxiously awaited the grand opening of the clothing store, H&M and H&M Kids. For individuals who have never been to H&M or even heard of it, it is easily defined as a store that gives you more “Bang for the buck!” This store has something for everyone and every budget. As stated on H&M’s Facebook Page:

“Offering fashion and quality at the best price, H&M offers a varied assortment for the entire family, including concepts for ladies, men, teenagers and children.”

Don’t get me wrong, customers will find pricier clothing articles throughout the store, but there is an abundance of selection for everyone’s budget and everyone’s different fashion styles.

Before I divulge on the grand opening I have to commend the H&M staff for how calm and collected they were with such chaos going on around them. Everyone I talked to was friendly and helpful, even with a huge crowd that was non-stop. I was able to speak with H&M representative Tony Everett, as he kindly took some time out of his big day to walk me through the kids store and tell me about some of the reasons why this store is so fantastic, and what it means for the Tampa Bay community.

When discussing what makes H&M a great place to shop for kids, Everett pointed out the unbeatable prices (one being an adorable girl’s holiday dress for only $10) as well as informing me that H&M has a “Basic & Conscious” clothing line. He stated “These items are made of 50 percent organic cotton blend,” and that, “ H&M is proud to be able to cater to the various lifestyles that their shoppers encompass.”

At the International Mall, H&M opened a kids store in addition to their regular store, providing clothing from babies to adults and to males and females. Everett explained that H&M is truly “A one stop shop for the entire family.”

As for what the opening of these affordable fashion stores means for Tampa Bay, Everett enlightened me by saying, “It means great things. The other day we had a special opening for the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay in which we were able to give them a catered, mini-shopping spree as well as donate $2,005 to their organization.” It was refreshing to see the genuine smile on his face as he spoke about that evening and the impact this store can have on our community.

Now onto the details about the grand opening and advice on how to attack this shopping spree with the least amount of stress possible:

Let me first say, if you plan on visiting the store this weekend, be prepared for lines. Lines to get in the store, to try on and to check out. If you absolutely cannot handle waiting in lines, I suggest holding off visiting the store until the weekend is over. Be advised though, the opening sales are WORTH THE WAIT! If you have even the littlest of patience, I encourage you to check it out before the weekend and sales are over.

Pros:

• $10 off purchases $50 and more coupons: People in line received this coupon, which allows shoppers to save a little (or buy a little more…). I am not sure if these will be available the whole weekend, but stapled to the receipts were also a $10 off gift card.

• Opening sales: H&M is already reasonably priced for the most part, and adding these sales on top is a shopper’s bank account dream! This is a great time to get holiday shopping done, because as stated before you can find something for everyone! Some of the sale highlights I saw were: $35 pencil skirts for $10, $35 sweater dresses for $15 and kid’s tops and dresses for $5-$10.

• A gracious return period: Why is something that every store has listed as a pro? Because you can skip the dressing room line, make your purchases and if they don’t work out, you have 30 days to return them (BIG time saver)!

Cons:

• Lines: After asking around most people said it took them about 20 minutes to get into the store. The check out lines seemed to take around the same amount of time (mid-day). Lines are expected at grand openings, so it seemed like most customers did not mind, and it was apparent that H&M did everything they could to speed it up.

• Temperature: If you go, wear layers or something breathable. This will not only help you try stuff on without going into the dressing room, but I assure you it gets a little toasty as the bodies fill up in there.

• Sales prices: Be careful when you choose the items that have the opening sales prices. Customers told me that items that were on sale racks did not always have the sales tag, and when rung up, they would sometimes register as the regular price. Before you walk away, be sure to check your receipt and make sure you are getting the sales price on the correct items.

Tips for Parents:

After speaking with multiple parents, it seems as though the key to staying sane during the grand opening weekend is to leave the kids at home. After seeing a few moms try to maneuver their way through the lines and crowds with strollers, I can confirm it does not look enjoyable for any party involved. So do yourself a favor and hire a babysitter for a few hours while you shop ‘til you drop!


For more information on H&M visit: http://www.hm.com/us/

How to Have a Stress-Free Daylight Savings Experience with Your Children

Back before you were a parent, the end of daylight savings was a welcome relief to pitch black mornings. An extra hour of sleep is more valuable than gold, especially post parenthood. Enter Sweet Bundle of Joy who doesn't share your affinity of snoozing and also has a set, circadian rhythm that doesn't magically readjust over a weekend. Your baby doesn't care that Uncle Sam dictates a useless time adjustment every six months.

As if parenting weren't already the hardest thing anyone has ever done in the history of doing things, we must deal with the time change and our children. Here's what will happen, if you're new to fall-back with children: they wake up after the same number of hours of sleep. So if Junior typically wakes up at 7:00 am, you'll now have a 6:00 am early riser after the change. Start gearing up for that adjustment now with these six easy tips.

1. Extend bedtime a little later each night.
Folks who prefer to rip the band-aid off may just push through a few tough days and move bedtime forward a full hour immediately. Older children can handle a change like that a bit easier. But if you you have a baby or toddler, I recommend pushing bedtime back by ten or fifteen minutes for a few nights. This will take some discipline, but establishing a solid bedtime routine and sticking to it is not only important for your sanity, but for your child's health, too.

2. Expect grumpy toddlers for up to three weeks.
Again, the younger the child the longer it will take to adjust. According to multiple studies, poor or inadequate sleep causes irritability, stress and anxiety. No big surprise there. Pile on top of that an inability to verbally communicate and you've got a cranky young child on your hands for days, if not weeks. Just brace yourselves and prepare to expect some rocky terrain.

3. Reduce other variables to focus on sleep.
Kids do really well when they have time to hone in on one skill or hurdle at a time. If you're potty training, pull back on the reins for a while to let the lack of sleep pass. Trying to concentrate while sleep deprived makes you ineffective and irritable -- and the same goes for Junior.

4. Get room darkening shades or curtains.
Kids sense morning like sharks smell blood; the tiniest crack of daylight can wake even the hardest young sleeper. Keeping it dark in your child's room will encourage more sleep in the morning, something you'll want all year round. If you're not a fan of drapes, grab online coupons for custom blinds from sites like CouponSherpa, and outfit your windows with tailored dressings on the cheap.

5. Consistency is key.
It's tempting to give in to Little Darling when she pitches a fit for candy at the grocery store. If you give in to her demands, she'll just ratchet up the decibels on your next visit. That same principle applies to adjusting your clocks back. Stick to later naps and a later bedtime to avoid prolonged pain. According to Kim West, social worker and sleep coach, children will adjust to your age-appropriate sleep requirements when you are consistent. This means having the exact same routine every night and responding in the same way to your child's testing.

6. Minimize exposure to artificial light.
There's solid evidence that exposure to artificial light limits the production of melatonin, a key hormone in regulating the sleep/wake cycle. This goes for TV too. Cut the pre-bedtime cartoons and opt for relaxing, sleep-friendly activities like reading or puzzles.

Ashley Grimaldo comes from a long line of penny pinchers and enjoys blogging on money-saving tips and advice for frugal-minded parents. She lives with her husband and three children in Bryan, Texas. Ashley has been featured among such media outlets as Redbook, The Chicago Tribune, Time.com, and CBS News-Houston.

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.