Real Smart Mama Blogs to read

Here are some of our favorite blogs from real Smart Mamas in the blogosphere.

Enjoy!

Pundit Mom’s post - Non-Mom? Really? Are You Sure You Want To Go There?

MomLogic’s post - The Duggars Are Sex Machines

To Think is To Create’s post - Hey Mama: A Tribute to Motherhood

 

How did Mother’s Day begin?

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there! What a glorious weekend to celebrate!

It’s funny how most mothers say “every day is Mother’s Day” for them… and that they “don’t need one specific day to celebrate” themselves…

But it is special to have one day each year that is especially reserved for celebrating Mothers. Mothers of all kinds. Mothers young and old. Mothers of babies, teenagers and adults. Mothers of pets. Godmothers. Grandmas. Nanas. Aunts. And women that take on the role as “Mom” in your life.

That’s right, every kind of mother.

But it got us thinking… How did Mother’s Day actually begin? What is the history behind Mother’s Day?

Well, we found the answer at Mother’s Day Central.

Mother’s Day Central is a website that you must check out. This amazing website celebrates mothers, all year long. It is just full of interesting and insightful information about Mother’s Day… and also shares information about phenomenal and special women and mothers throughout history.

Take some time to sit and peruse Mother’s Day Central. It will bring you such appreciation for motherhood.

And again, Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers! We hope you have a day of relaxing with your loved ones… and maybe a little pampering.

- Audrey, Jane and Sharon

 

Mother’s Day Tips from gift-giving expert and creator of the Bowdabra bow-making tool, Sandy Sandler

10 Great Ideas Dad and the Children can do for Mom!

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for dads and kids to get creative and organize a fun and relaxation-filled day to thank Mom for all that she does 365 days a year. This year, incorporating a green, eco-friendly theme into your Mother’s Day celebration is the latest trend, and there are countless ways to honor Mother Earth, as well as your mother, on this life-affirming holiday. No, this doesn’t entail buying her expensive gifts or treating her to a pricey meal in a restaurant. But, it does require a little effort and advanced planning to ensure that the day is perfect for the special mother in your life. So, here are ten great, budget and eco-friendly things that will surprise and delight Mom this year.

(1) Plant a Tree
There is simply no greener and more wonderful way to commemorate a special holiday like Mother’s Day than to plant a tree. Plant it in the yard, and let Mom enjoy the ever-bearing gift that will remind her for years to come of your thoughtfulness. Take the kids to the nursery or garden store to pick out an appropriate tree for your particular zone and climate, and don’t hesitate to ask for instructions on how to best plant, water, and fertilize it. Don’t have the space to plant a tree? Consult your local park and recreation department about planting a tree at a nearby park.

(2) Get Creative with Recycled Paper
Almost every craft store is now selling a variety of recycled construction paper that can be used for making fun and eco-friendly Mother’s Day cards. Let the kids experiment with nature-themed items by using vegetable dyes, leaves, and dried beans to design memorable, home-made cards that express their personal appreciation for Mom.

(3) Create an Indoor Healing Garden
Create a gift that will give Mom a healthy reminder to unwind when life gets hectic – an indoor healing garden. Simply find a place in the house or on the patio that gets a little sun, and fill it with small pots of plants with medicinal qualities such as chamomile, aloe vera, and lavender. Next scoot over a comfy chair, and create a quiet oasis for her to retreat to when it’s time for some relief from the daily stress.

(4) Make a Composter
Is Mom always complaining about the trash not being taken out? Why not surprise her with a compost bin or pile that you will actually use! It’s a great way to create organic compost that can be then spread in the garden, under shrubs, and used for potting soil for outdoor plants. Start with a dry, shady spot near a water source for your bin or pile. Then, add brown material such as dead leaves, branches, twigs. Next, combine green material including grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. Moisten material as you add it. Mix the pile, and cover with a tarp to keep moist. Keep adding material and mixing. When the compost at the bottom is dark and rich in color, it’s ready to use (usually in a couple of months).

(5) Mix Bath Salts
After a long, busy day, treat Mom to a relaxing, interruption-free bath. To give her an incentive to take a “spa” break, give the gift of homemade bath salts. All you need is a cup of baking soda, a cup of sea salt, a cup of Epsom salt, and about 10 drops of essential oil (choose a fragrance that Mom prefers). Just add the ingredients to the blender and whirl. Pour into a Mason jar, and tie with a colorful bow.

(6) Decorate a Garden Stone
A fun project for kids, Mom will appreciate a hand-painted stone that she can add to her garden or use as a door-stop. Choose large, smooth stones, and wash before painting. Brush with Tempera paint and spray with Clear Coat once paint is dry.

(7) Buy a Membership
A lovely way to thank Mom on Mother’s Day and throughout the year is to purchase an annual membership to one of her favorite destinations. Museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and many parks all offer memberships that she and the rest of the family can enjoy again and again.

( 8 ) Make a Donation
A donation to a charity or non-profit organization in Mom’s name is another considerate gift that can go a long way to help others.

(9) Clean the House with Eco-Friendly Products
You can be guaranteed that Mom doesn’t want to be cleaning house on Mother’s Day. Instead, head to a store that sells eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and surprise her by tidying up without her asking.

(10) Pledge to be Green
Is Mom always reminding everyone to turn the water or lights off? The time is now for all of us to be more conscientious of the energy and resources we use. Write up a pledge to uphold the initiatives that your family can undertake to be more eco-friendly, and sign it. It’s not just a gift for Mom; it’s also a gift to the planet!

Here are some great recipes that Moms and kids will love.

Chocolate Bananas — created by Sandy Sandler
Ingredients:
6 bananas
8 oz bag of chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
6 popsicle sticks
baking pan lined with wax paper

Instructions:
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave.
Peel the bananas and place a stick up the center of each banana.
Dip each banana in the chocolate,
then roll them in the chopped nuts.
Place the bananas on the baking sheet and place in the freezer



Breakfast Fruit Kabobs - created by Sandy Sandler
Cut up Mom’s favorite fruits and then put about six slices on each Kabob! Serve it with yogurt and toast and mom will love her breakfast!

No-Bake “Dreamsicle” Yogurt Pie - from AmazingMoms.com, a great source for kid-friendly recipes
(An easy to make recipe for kids and much healthier than most cream pies!)
Ingredients:
1 9″ graham cracker crust shell
1 8oz. container of orange flavored yogurt
1 C. thawed whipped non-dairy topping
1/2 C. canned mandarin orange slices - drained and
broken into pieces

Instructions:
Combine yogurt and whipped topping together in a bowl and stir with a spoon.
Add mandarin orange slice and stir. Spoon into the pie shell. Cover with plastic
wrap and chill. Tip: You can also freeze this pie and thaw
slightly before serving.

With the wonderful selection of flavored yogurts available,
your child can try different flavor combinations:
- Vanilla yogurt with banana slices
- Lemon and lime yogurt combined
- Peach yogurt with canned peach pieces

Breakfast Pies – one of my favorite recipes from Kaboose.com
These buttery, flaky pastry pies are filled with smoky sausage, sweet pepper and Monterey Jack for a savory breakfast treat. The individual pies can be frozen and warmed up as needed for a toasty, tasty way to start your day.

Ingredients:
3/4 pound breakfast sausage
1/8 cup minced onion
1/8 cup minced green bell pepper
1 (12 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough
3 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Cooking Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, combine sausage, onion and green pepper. Cook until sausage is evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.

Separate the dough into 10 individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit out, then line the bottom and sides of 10 muffin cups. Evenly distribute sausage mixture between the cups. Mix together the eggs and milk, and divide between the cups. Sprinkle tops with shredded cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until filling is set.

Baked French Toast - another great recipe from Kaboose.com
This sweet vanilla-and-cinnamon-scented French toast is made the night before and refrigerated to soak up lots of lovely flavors. Baked up in a matter of minutes the next morning, this recipe makes a sweet and sumptuous spread for morning brunch.

Ingredients:
1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut diagonally in 1 inch slices
8 eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter
1-1/3 cups brown sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Cooking Instructions:
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of bread in the bottom. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup; heat until bubbling. Pour over bread and egg mixture.

Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes.

About Sandy Sandler:
Sandy Sandler is a corporate gift expert and creator of the QVC best-seller, the Bowdabra®, a crafting tool that helps people make professional, hand-tied bows. Her products and supplies are designed to transform the creatively-challenged into creative pros.

**GIVEAWAY!! ENTER TO WIN A BOWDABRA AND SCRUNCH RIBBON KIT!! CLICK HERE!!**

 

Real Smart Mama Blogs to read from this week

Here are some great posts we came across this week from some Real Smart Mamas out there. Enjoy our favorites of the week.

been there shares a friend’s advice for graduating seniors.

Momocrats scores 5 questions with Barack Obama.

Teachers At Risk gives us some food for thought with her blog about teaching math.

Digest and enjoy!

 

Animal/Pet Safety for the Spring Season

Animal/Pet Safety for the Spring Season
With the warm weather approaching, it can be tempting to do just about anything to get out of the house. It sounds like a good idea let your “cabin-fevered” dog or cat run amuck in the great outdoors to burn some energy and get some fresh air, but not without the proper precautions.

For the Cat Owner
First and foremost, cats should NEVER be allowed outdoors. The upcoming heat and humidity of the summer can really play a toll on your kitty. Without sufficient food and more importantly water, any animal can dehydrate and overheat in a very short amount of time. Regarding health issues and even with state mandated rabies vaccinations, there are a number of other, more common diseases that your feline friend can contract, resulting in severe illness or even death. Aside from diseases, there are far more frequent instances of injury and death resulting from motor vehicle accidents and the intentions of ill-wishing individuals. Cats are not capable of “looking both ways before crossing the street,” so a sudden dash into the street could very well cause a horrible injury and most likely death. And not everyone out there is a cat lover, particularly around Halloween. Certain cats are targeted to be used for sacrifice and torture. There are even some cat shelters that will not adopt out black or white cats in the month of October for this very reason. Yet, it doesn’t take Halloween for these types of individuals to prey on the helpless kitty, so keeping them indoors in your best bet. Now some may say it is in a cat’s nature to want to be outdoors and I couldn’t agree with you more. But isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?

For the Dog Owner
The family dog would love to convince you that he is perfectly fine being outdoors all on his own. No owner to keep an eye on him, but more importantly keep him out of trouble. If there were only a way to prove to Fido that we are only sticking around for his own good, life would be much easier, wouldn’t it? Not to mention shield him from hurting himself. It’s also our job to guard him from others, be it another 4 legged friend he shares this planet with or an individual looking to harm or even dognap him. Similar to those issues mentioned above regarding cats, the rate of “Dognapping” has increased dramatically over the years, with over 40,000 dogs being reported missing a year in the United States. There are a few ways you can protect yourself and your pooch:

1. Never leave animals outdoors unattended whether it is on a tether, in an insecure yard, or out roaming free. This is an open invitation for someone to take your dog.

2. Keep dogs on a leash when outside of a confined area. If in a dog park or run, always keep your dog in sight at ALL times. Know your local leash laws in order to protect you and your pup.

3. If someone is showing a significant amount of interest in your pup, be extra cautious. They might be scoping you and your doggie out to be their next victim.

4. Keep your dog (and all pets) microchipped.

5. Do NOT put your dog’s name on his/her collar. Your dog will answer to its name and no one will assume the Dognapper isn’t the proper owner if he knows this sort of information.

6. Be aware of surrounding animals, for you and your family’s own protection. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood pets, and if there is a strange animal roaming about, call your local authorities to make them aware.

Now, aside from dognapping, there are a few other rules to live by in these hot summer months to come in regards to your dog. Leave water available at all times, indoors and out. The heat causes dehydration so you need to allow your canine companions the opportunity to re-fuel. If you do allow your pup outdoors for an extended period of time, be sure there is ample shade available for him to hide from the sun. And NEVER leave a pet in a car in the summertime. The temperature in a car (even in the shade with the windows cracked) can rise up to 40 degrees in less than an hour (with the majority of that intense increase occurring in the first 30 minutes). If you plan on going places that do not allow pets, it is a safer bet to leave him at home.

For more information on the Dog Days of Summer, the Humane Society of the United States has an ample amount of information HERE.

Contributed by Jen from Mommy Instincts

 

An interview with Debbie Jacobson, creator of “What’s Next?” on Retirement Living TV

We recently had a chance to chat with Debbie Jacobson, creator and executive producer of “What’s Next?” on Retirement Living TV.

The lifestyle makeover show for middle age, “What’s Next?” shares inspirational stories of men and women who want to make the most of their freedom years. Having achieved the goal of retirement, many retirees, however, realize that the reality is not always as rosy as the dream. After a little freedom, many retirees find themselves asking, “What’s Next?”

This is where the team of “What’s Next?” comes in. Guided by the help of a team of experts in areas of health, wellness, lifestyle and relationships, and career and volunteer opportunities, each guest pinpoints trouble spots, and explores activities recommended by the team to overcome these obstacles.

The creation of “What’s Next?” is very special and very personal to Debbie Jacobson. Debbie’s father had a rough time transitioning into retirement and Debbie, a working mom with four kids and a fifth on the way, had a tough time watching him deal with it. Inspired by her dad’s plight, Debbie, ever the proactive mother/wife/daughter/producer, created and is executive producing the TV series.

Debbie’s father was actually the first subject in the series. And as many of us may be facing similar situations with our own parents and grandparents, we at Pinks & Blues feel that Debbie Jacobson has a very important and powerful message, and even more crucial, solutions.

1. Your idea for “What’s Next?” started on a very personal level with your Dad. Can you tell us a little about your Dad’s journey into retirement as it is connected with your talents and experience?

Well, my dad’s retirement didn’t come in the way he had hoped, i.e. the sort of old fashioned farewell dinner, gold watch, etc. The company he had worked for since he was a young man (Kitchens of Sara Lee) moved to a non-union (right to work) state to save costs and it put my dad out of his job. He was able to work with a couple of other places, but the same thing kept happening – plants were closing to move to states where labor was less expensive. He found that he was getting older and at times it felt like his chances of continuing to work were less and less likely. My dad is a man whose whole existence was built around his job, his value was wrapped in his paycheck , and certainly as my dad. Over the years we all harassed him so much about getting out of the house and going back to work because we thought that would make him happy. He just was disenchanted and had lost all motivation , I guess for fear of rejection or not being able to capture the camaraderie he had at Sara Lee…

And then along came RLTV. I was working on a show for the network (Art of Living) that told stories and highlighted retirees and seniors doing outrageous and/or exceptional things in retirement. Most times activities that were very different from life prior to retirement – they basically reinvented themselves. I started thinking about my dad and how he was so opposite of these people. This was when “What’s Next?” was born… and I really wondered about all the other people who might be in the same situation as my dad. How many other people went into retirement or were already there and life just wasn’t playing out the way they had hoped. Who would they turn to? How would they get through this?

RLTV was so supportive and gave us a chance to reach out ! As a producer, I knew there might be avenues we could help our guests explore that they may be too intimidated to pursue, or just weren’t thinking of a bigger picture. We could help pave the way but pave the way with experiences they could have achieved without us – just to help them realize what might have been right under their noses the whole time.

2. Many of our Pinks & Blues readers are facing the retirement of their parents/grandparents. What are some important red flags to indicate that a parent may need the intervention of a program such as “What’s Next?”

I believe the red flag to watch out for to begin with is really seeing them stuck in the house. Seeing that they seem to be socially isolated – not reaching out into their community. Whether it is sleeping late or watching a lot of television, there is so much more for them outside of the house . The trick is , when you see the red flags, getting your parent to admit that they have an issue and letting go of their pride, just a little, for their children to help them out. And don’t treat them like children – they have so much experience in life and just may have lost their way…

3. “What’s Next” addresses health and wellness, lifestyle and relationships, and volunteer and career opportunities. How does “What’s Next” actually connect a retiree with experts in these fields?

We initially do an over the phone interview with our guest to hear about his or her life as it is at that moment – before we begin our process. We hear where they are emotionally, physically, etc. and work to put experts together that will seem to best serve the guests needs. Whether it is financial, physical, or social, we always hope to find that our guest responds and succeeds with all the options laid out before them. Sometimes it doesn’t go that way, which is fine. My hope is that at least one thing changes for them and improves their quality of life. Beyond that , the idea is that when the show leaves them and this whole “tv” process is over, that they have learned things about themselves and tools to achieve a better retirement. They have earned it and deserve to have this time be the best it can be!!! The experts are with us from the beginning, meet with the guest, explain who they are and what they can offer. If something they suggest doesn’t sound good to our guest, they absolutely have the option to say no. We find this in the case in offering financial help.

4. How has “What’s Next” been received? We at Pinks & Blues have watched segments of “What’s Next” and are so encouraged by even small lifestyle changes that have influenced the positive changes in individuals.

The show has been very well received, actually! So many people respond with how either they individually relate or know someone who is in this situation. People who have seen the shows really get emotionally caught up and really feel the emotion of the lows for the guest, which then triggers the “come on, you can do it!” feeling… it’s a lot fun hearing the different reactions!

5. How do you follow-up on the retirees you profile?

We did a reunion show with all the guests in one room together. That was a lot of fun! Mainly because for most of them it was a chance to realize that they were among their peers who are experiencing the same or similar things in retirement. It became painfully obvious that each individual really thought they were the only ones having a challenged retirement. When we were all together, I told them I was so happy that they had a chance to see one another and experience each others’ stories, BUT there was a bigger purpose being served here. They were really reaching out to our audience and saying, “You aren’t alone – look at us! Now get out there and try something new!”

At the end of the shooting day for the reunion show, there was so much bonding between the guests. Friendships were formed and they all exchanged email addresses to keep in touch. I know, for a fact, that my dad has received several emails from the different guests checking in on him and encouraging him. It really has been so humbling because I could have never anticipated the support that would be shared with one another!

6. And the question of the day… how does one get his or her parent/grandparent to apply to be on “What’s Next?”

For anyone who has a friend, parent, or relative who is really struggling and lost in retirement, they can contact us through the website RL.TV or by calling the network (800) 754-8464.
Thanks for having interest in the show! It is so near and dear to my heart. I am truly proud of our mission and proud to be a part of a network that has such a care and concern for this.

We at Pinks & Blues thank Debbie for her wonderful and inspiring work in helping our parents and grandparents live full, productive and happy lives. “What’s Next” can be seen each Friday at 2pm EST on Retirement Living TV. Be sure to tune in!

 

Party planning made easy

Hosting a fabulous party doesn’t have to be a stressful event. The key is planning and organization. Here’s an easy game plan for your next party.

First, determine how many people you will invite and how long the party will last.

Next, determine how much food you’ll need. As a rule of thumb, you will need three to four bites per person, per hour. For a small gathering, five to eight different appetizers will suffice. Allow for one to two drinks per hour, per guest.

Then plan your menu. Think about making a few “wow” appetizers and then rounding out the menu with some less labor-intensive dishes, such as a good store-bought cheese ball and crackers or a fruit or cheese platter. And remember, you don’t have to make everything from scratch. Take advantage of timesavers from your supermarket, such as sliced baguettes and pre-cut veggies.

You don’t have to have traditional serving platters to present your food attractively. Use your imagination-unusual small plates, decorative trays, cutting boards and baskets can all be used for serving.

Finally, don’t wear yourself out the day of the party; make what you can ahead of time so that you’ll be free to have as much fun as your guests.

Here are two simple appetizer recipes that your guests will rave about.

Spinach and Feta Pinwheels

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (10 oz) bags frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, roasted red peppers, and both cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry out to an 11-inch square.

Spread spinach mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving one inch of pastry uncovered at the far end. Press down evenly with fingers.

Starting on the near side, tightly roll up into a log. With a serrated knife, using a sawing motion, cut roll crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Place slices on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and one tablespoon water. Brush egg mixture lightly over slices.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and browned. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 16 spirals

Make Ahead Tip: Combine spinach, peppers, and cheese. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cocktail Meatballs & Spicy Cranberry Sauce

2 (32 oz) packages frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
1 cup smoky barbeque sauce
1 can cranberry sauce with whole berries
1/4 cup hot chili sauce*
1/4 cup orange juice

Cook the barbeque sauce, cranberries, chili sauce, and orange juice in a dutch oven or large stock pot over medium heat for five minutes, stirring to combine. Add meatballs, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

Makes 60 to 70 meatballs

Tip: The meatballs may also be prepared in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.

*Look for Sriracha in the Asian Foods section

Toni Tanner Scott is a Personal Chef & Cooking Coach. Check out her site, Dinner Made Simple, for recipes, menu planning, cooking tips and much more.

 

Old time cold remedies for today’s smart mama

A hundred years ago herbs were not only used in cooking, but were the basic ingredient in most health remedies used to treat common aliments. The herbs were planted in the spring and dried in the fall, to be handy for the up coming year.

Perhaps using home remedies was found to be the more prudent way to treat illness than a costly trip to the doctor. Home remedies were used to treat illnesses such as colds, stomach aches, muscle pain, and more.

Most home remedies included medicinal herbs. The herbs were combined into concoctions, and by trail and error, remedies were developed. The tried and true remedies were used and shared with family, and friends. Many of these old remedies have survived, and are still used today.

The common cold was one such illness that was frequently treated with a variety of old home remedies.

Below are some old tried and true remedies to aid with comforting the common cold.

1. To help sooth a sore throat: Sage mixed with a bit of Alum

1/2 tea dried Sage, a pinch of Alum mixed in a warm 6 oz glass of water. Gargle several times every few hours.

2. Mix 2 tab. Molasses into a cup of chamomile tea. This drink can be given at night to sooth one off to sleep with a sweet tea. The chamomile is also soothing on the stomach, and aids to promote sleep.

3. Sassafras tea is also great it aid in diminishing fever, and soothing one’s throat.

4. Cold Eeze Lozenges. These are an all natural lozenges that are made with Zinc. Studies show the zinc will help reduce the length and severity of a cold. These wonderful lozenges can be purchased at most drug stores or health food stores.

5. Homemade chicken soup. Helps with congestion, and is thought to be an all around good cold remedy.

6. The wonderful Hot Toddy. Mix piping hot water to a cup, 1/2 shot of whiskey, and 1 tea spoon lemon juice, 1 tea spoon honey, mix well. The Alcohol has an anti-inflammatory effect on mucous membranes. Also said to reduce fever, and relieve muscle aches.

7. Garlic and warm milk. 1 good size glove of garlic crushed and mixed in 1 cup of warm milk. This concoction is said to shorten the duration of a cold. An active compound in garlic, allicin, is known to be a good decongestant. Garlic is also known to have potent antioxidant properties, so it couldn’t hurt.

8. Vitamin C. Eat foods that are high in vitamin C. Studies show taking vitamin C will shorten the length of a cold.

9. Echinacea, the Chinese have been using Echinacea for centuries for its strong antibiotic properties. World Health Organization also supports use of Echinacea for use to shorten the common cold.

10. Cough syrup can be made very easily in your own kitchen. Slowly boil a lemon with its skin on for about 8 minutes. Cut the lemon in two parts and squeeze the juice with the use of a squeezer. Add the lemon juice to a glass. Mix in two tablespoonfuls of glycerin, (purchase glycerin at your local drug store or health food store.). Stir lemon juice and glycerin together. Add 1 tablespoonful of honey. This cough syrup will really ease a sore throat.

11. Feed a cold; starve a fever. There is a theory that eating less during a cold may shorten the duration of the cold. However, nutritionists strongly disagree with this theory, because the body that is stricken with a cold needs more nutrients, to aid in fighting off illness.

12. Breathe steam. Steam does help liquefy and loosens mucus. This mucus helps clear airways, and can decrease nasal congestion.

13. The Old fashioned mustard plaster helps relieve chest congestion. To prepare 1 tablespoon dry mustard, 1/4 cup flour lukewarm water. Sift together mustard and flour in a bowl. Slowly add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the plaster on a piece of muslin that is big enough to cover the chest. Cover with another piece of muslin. Like a sandwich, put over chest. Check chest in 5 minutes for any signs of allergic reaction. Remove if skin is showing hives or deep redness. Skin will be a little pink. Leave on 1/2 hour; remove plaster with tepid water.

By Sharon Stajda. For more information about common cold remedies, visit Cold Remedies – Home Care Treatment.

 

Plan a great kids’ treasure hunt party

Kids parties have become the latest craze, and coming up with unique and fun themes and activities for children’s birthday parties and other events can be daunting. More and more parents are faced with the need to find new and creative ways to entertain throngs of classmates, neighborhood friends, and siblings of various ages.

One simple, low-cost, and very popular way to entertain children at any kind of celebration or gathering, indoors or out, is with a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. A treasure hunt is the one party game that truly promotes interaction, naturally evokes squeals of excitement, and leaves your party guests with lasting memories of their adventurous day at your child’s party.

What if your child doesn’t want a pirate-themed party? No problem! Treasure hunts aren’t just for pirates. Tradition has dictated that pirates are the great treasure hunters, but the fact of the matter is treasure hunts are loved by boys, girls, and grown-ups alike, and make a great addition to any party theme.

Treasure hunts can be simply adapted with a storyline and a variety of decorations to fit into any party theme. This is the one area of planning where your child might already have a very clear idea of what they would like, and it would be wise to involve them in this decision, as it makes the party their own.

To adapt a treasure hunt for a princess-themed party, for example, you might announce that someone has stolen the princess’s jewels, and whoever finds them by following the clues will be rewarded with a share of the loot. You place a jewelry box overflowing with plastic beads, candy necklaces and rings, and other gem-like treats in the center of the party table, and have someone sneak the treasure away during the party before making the announcement. Other themes and decorations might revolve around the latest TV cartoon characters, superheroes, pop idols, a holiday, or your child might want to create their own theme.

That being said, be careful not to fall into the parent trap of spending a small fortune buying themed party goods. Consider purchasing just a few themed bright and colorful decorations and/or centerpieces, and then either complement them with less expensive coordinating party supplies and decorations, or make your own — there are plenty of great fun ways to put you and your child’s artistic talent to work to customize your party.

Some crafty ideas kids may love making or having at their party include authentic-looking weathered pirate treasure maps, princess crowns and jewelry, spyglasses made from paper towel rolls, pinatas (handmade or bought), cardboard hooks inserted into the bottom of styrofoam cups to wear on their hands like Captain Hook, paper or felt decorated pirate hats, and bejeweled and personalized loot bags, to name only a few.

Although it requires some time, creativity, and resources, you can make and stage your own treasure hunt game to play as a group or competitively in teams. Design and hide 10 clever clues that lead players step-by-step from one clue to the next, hidden amongst common objects, to ultimately discover the hidden treasure, which might be sacks of “loot” consisting of candy such as chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, or party favors, toys, and other items valuable to children.

Alternatively, if you’re short on time, money, and party ideas like many busy parents and party planners, online sites such as Treasure-Adventure.com offer affordable complete treasure hunts with pre-made custom clues full of rhymes and riddles that kids love to solve, the design of which can be the most time-consuming and difficult part of preparing a treasure hunt.

Use creativity to build your party further around the hunt for a truly fantastic and memorable party that your child and his or her guests will talk about long after the party is over. Although the treasure hunt will likely be the main attraction since it is the most action-packed and engaging, don’t necessarily limit other activities that might complement the hunt such as a cannonball toss using bean bags or water balloons, “Walk the Plank” using a shallow pool full of plastic alligators and snakes, pan for gold using gold spray-painted rock nuggets, dress in costumes, hold a peg-leg relay, make a castle or pirate ship out of an appliance box, play “Blackbeard says,” etc. — the sky is the limit!

Treasure hunts are also not just limited to children or birthday parties, but are perfect for family fun night, slumber parties, classroom parties, picnics, and other group events. Treasure hunts bring parties alive with hours of challenging and fun entertainment, with the thrill of the hunt along with the solving of puzzles often being the most enjoyable and memorable part of the day. And don’t think you can’t top your last party. By using a variety of themes, new treasure hunt clues and decorations, and a little creativity, you can throw many more successful and unique parties for years to come that never go out of style.

“If you’re up to the challenge, spyglass and compass in hand, yer prize is in sight, so let the adventure begin!”

To purchase inexpensive ready-to-play treasure hunt games online and find more valuable information on treasure hunt party planning, visit Treasure-Adventure.com. Games come complete with hiding guides to help you coordinate and pull off the perfect hunt and bring your party to life, come in a variety of themes such as for outdoor and classroom events, and the Treasure-Adventure.com web site also offers party supplies, free downloadable kids activities and games, party and craft ideas such as how to make an authentic looking pirate map, treasure hunting tips, and legends of lost treasure.

By Deb Bromley

 

InfantSEE - Helping Infants to Establish a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

Cooing, sitting up and crawling are signs that your baby is growing. Your baby’s vision has stages of development too, but usually there are no signs to mark the progress.

The American Optometric Association encourages parents to include a trip to the optometrist in the list of well-baby check-ups. Assessments at six to twelve months of age can determine healthy development of vision. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to ensure your child has healthy vision for successful development—now and in the future.

InfantSEE® (www.infantsee.org) is a public health program designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child’s quality of life.

Under this program, member optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment within the first year of life as a no cost public health service.

One in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems, yet only 13 percent of mothers with children younger than 2 years of age said they had taken their babies to see an eye and vision care professional for a regular check-up or well-care visit. Moreover, many children at risk for eye and vision problems are not being identified at an early age, when many of those problems might be prevented or more easily corrected.

An InfantSEE® assessment between six and twelve months of age is recommended to determine if an infant is at risk for eye or vision disorders.

Since many eye problems arise from conditions that can be identified by an eye doctor in the infant’s first year of life, a parent can give an infant a great gift by seeking an InfantSEE® assessment in addition to the wellness evaluation of the eyes that is done by a pediatrician or family practice doctor.

InfantSEE® is a first-of-its-kind national program to provide children professional eye and vision care earlier in life. The program addresses the early childhood segment of the pre-school population, providing no-cost infant eye and vision assessments before the age of one year.