Did you know that the chemicals in your laundry detergent could be making you sick?

Take a moment and stop by my new blog at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com Following is the type of posts and ideas you will typically find, not to mention, recipes, contests, freebies, etc.

One of the reasons I recently decided to create some greener, more eco friendly products for the Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts line was that I began to realize how dangerous the things in my home are. I have always thought it important to keep my house clean and sanitary because I have a little boy who seems to get sick at the drop of a hat. So, I would pour on the bleach and bust out the surface disinfectant. I also love my whites to be WHITE when it comes to my clothes. Oh, and I cant forget about the air fresheners - with a dog, a husband, and a 4 year old, my house always seems to have some kind of "funk" so I would give it a spray of Renuzit! But, I found that my son continues to be sick, continues to have serious allergies and respiratory issues! How could that be? Well, I started doing some research and realized just how dangerous some of the chemicals in everyday products can be! My beloved bleach may be more harmful than good- not just to my family, but to nature! I was shocked! But, I kept researching and found that there are tons of alternatives out there, in fact, cheaper equivalents! So, as I did with my soap making, I began to try recipes and tweak them until I found just the right blend for me. But, it is important to me to share this with everyone... The chemicals can be so harmful to you and your family, not to mention dangerous if they are misused by a child or pet. So, I would like to share a few articles I located on the subject (as I am NO expert) and then introduce some of the new products I have added to my shops! I will also be sharing some recipes that you can do at home, too! Oh, and if you have a recipe or idea ... Please share! Keep up with all the upcoming articles, recipes, tips and ideas at my new blog where Eco Friendly and New products is the focus- Mommy Tyme Gifts at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com

Here is a great article that does not waste words...

The Chemicals in Laundry Detergent

By: Janelle Elizabeth

Something as simple and ordinary as cleaning your clothes in a washing machine can have serious repercussions. The chemicals used in these cleaning agents are hardly user-friendly.



In fact, many of them contain cancer-causing chemicals, as well as other harmful toxins. As a consumer, you should familiarize with some of the common terminology that is often overlooked but may have longer lasting ramifications than ever before thought.



There are some very specific ingredients to watch out for and avoid when you examine the label on laundry detergent. Some of these chemicals have even been banned or restricted due to their noxious side effects.



One such common chemical found in laundry detergent are petroleum distillates, or napthas. Having been linked to cancer, lung damage and/or inflammation, and mucous membrane damage, this is a very harmful chemical.



Along the same lines, another family of harmful chemicals are phenols. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has declared that phenol is toxic to people, especially those who are hypersensitive. The hypersensitive population could experience very dangerous side effects or even death, even at low exposures. Additionally, it can absorb very rapidly, causing toxicity through the whole body.



Should phenol be absorbed into the body, death and toxicity are prone to attack the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys.



Further, another active ingredient in laundry detergent is household bleach, or sodium hypochlorite. Responsible for the majority of household poisonings, this chemical is a forerunner to chlorine.



The results can be even more harmful when it reacts with other organic materials,. Carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created. These have been know to cause disorders or damage to the reproductive system as well as the immune and endocring systems.



With so many disadvantages to using traditional laundry detergents, it s no surprise that consumers are becoming more educated about what it takes to go green and make changes for the better in their own homes and in the world. From fragrance to whiteners, detergents have become increasingly dangerous to use, especially on a regular basis.



Many who have families do laundry on such a frequent basis that these dangers posed by toxins should not go ignored. As the awareness grows for the dangers of the chemicals found in laundry detergents and other similar products, companies will have to shift their focus to a greener, safer line of goods.



In order to reduce the use of these potentially harmful products, alternatives are constantly being developed that aim to be environmentally friendly, and healthier for us.

About the Author

Using a magnetic laundry system will allow you to reduce the amount of chemicals you expose your family and the environment to.

(ArticlesBase SC #569809)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Chemicals in Laundry Detergent

Green Beauty Tips

Natural homemade beauty recipes

Nature is the newest trend in skin and hair care. For years, we’ve been putting toxic chemicals into our bodies that build up and make us feel tired and sick, regardless of whether we eat them or if they seep though our pores. And people are finally catching on that natural is better.

Most stores now have a line of “natural” beauty products. Unfortunately, they often come with a big price tag attached too. Often times many of these products are not actually “natural” so it does pay to do your homework to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Fortunately actually making beauty products yourself isn’t too difficult. So if you want beauty products that you know are natural and are also inexpensive, just make them yourself. Here are 5 quick and easy recipes you can make at yourself.

Face Mask
Eating good food helps give you the right nutrients you need to look good. You can get more of these vitamins and minerals by putting the good stuff right on the skin.

Combining a mashed carrot, mashed avocado, and a beaten egg with a half cup a few tablespoons of honey creates a great face mask that provides vitamins, and improves the tone and texture of your skin. Just stir well, apply, let sit for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with cool water.

After you’re washed and nourished your skin, you can use grated cucumber or diluted lemon juice as a toner to help tighten your skin and close up your pores to close your pores and keep your skin looking great.

Hair Conditioner
Many people pay a lot of money for a conditioner that actually makes your hair look and feel good. Here’s a great natural recipe to save you money and help your hair.

Just mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of castor oil and apply to hair. Let sit for about ten minutes and rinse out. You can use this every so often as a conditioning treatment for healthy shiny hair. If you like being experimental, you can try mixing other kitchen items, herbs, and natural items with eggs for healthy, shiny hair.

Hand and Foot Cream
A quick face mask will help make you look great in not a lot of time, but hands and feet require extra care.

Use ½ cup of olive oil mixed with natural sea salt and massage into your hands and feet. Leave a few minutes to soak and then rinse off with warm water.

When it comes to natural beauty products, these recipes are just the start. You can find hundreds of different combinations in natural beauty books, magazines, and on the internet. Or you can go to your kitchen cabinet and make your own special creations.

Natural Beauty - Makeup PLR Bundle

Make Soap! Easy soap making with your kids...

How to Make Homemade Soap

We all use soap. In the old days, most people made their own. Today, we are much more likely to buy it from the store. There are lots of brands to choose from, and each brand has various formulations and scents.

But making your own soap has some definite advantages. One of the most significant is the price. We can make soap much cheaper than we can buy it. Making it ourselves also gives us complete control over the ingredients, so we can create a soap that's perfect for our skin type in a scent of our choosing.

Making soap is much easier than you might think. It is, however, important to take certain safety precautions. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients

* 12 cups lye crystals
* 5 cups softened water
* 6 pounds lard

Instructions

1. Put water in a glass or plastic bowl. Carefully pour lye into water, stirring constantly with a plastic or wooden spoon. This should be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, because it produces caustic fumes.
2. Mixing lye and water produces heat. When the lye is completely dissolved, set the mixture aside to cool.
3. Place lard in a stainless steel or enamel pan. Melt over low heat.
4. Allow both the lye solution and the lard to cool to room temperature.
5. Slowly pour the lye solution into the lard, stirring slowly and constantly with the plastic or wooden spoon.
6. Continue stirring after all of the lye solution has been added. Drizzle a small amount of the mixture into the pot periodically. When the soap keeps its shape for a moment before sinking into the mixture, you can add scent, color and herbs.
7. Pour the soap into a mold greased with Crisco. Wrap in a towel, and let set for about 18 hours or until completely cooled. Uncover and let set for 12 more hours.
8. The soap may now be unmolded and cut into bars. Let the bars cure for 3 to 4 weeks before using.

Customizing Your Soap

There are lots of different ways you can customize your soap. To make the best soap for your skin type, you may want to use different oils. Some that are commonly used include olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. The correct amount varies depending on which oil you use, so look for recipes online or in books until you get the hang of it.

Essential oils have therapeutic properties and add fragrance. Oatmeal, cornmeal and other grains can be added as exfoliants. And skin-safe colorants may be used to produce the desired color. These ingredients should be mixed together and added to a cup of the soap mixture, then stirred into the rest of the soap mixture immediately before pouring into the mold.

Making your own soap is easy, and it can be lots of fun. Coming up with the perfect concoction for your skin is rewarding, and sweetly scented homemade soaps make wonderful gifts for any occasion.

Inspiration Avenue Blog Contest for Pure

This week I had the great fortune to be invited as a member of Inspiration Avenue, a fantastic group of Etsy sellers who have a united purpose to serve others, help one another, and share their inspirations and creativity!  I was so thrilled for this opportunity, I wanted to jump right in.

A routine contest is posted on Inspiration Avenue's blog, and this contest is open to everyone, not just Etsy sellers.  This week, the theme is pure, so here is my entry:



Creamy Caramel All Natural Lip Balms

No petroleum - no harsh chemicals - no worries what is going on your lips... All natural organic apricot kernel oil, organic white beeswax pellets, a smidge of vitamin E, and yummy creamy caramel flavoring is all there is to it! Each one is only 1.25, long lasting, smooth on and keep you moist for hours! No tugging across your lips, as they practically melt a barrier! Use over lipstick for that added shine without the gunk and junk!



You can find these lip balms on sale at my Etsy shop http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com  or by clicking here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39477291
You can find out more about these wonderful contests on Inspiration Avenue at the link below:
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/

Setting Up a New Shop with the Latest Items....

Over the Holiday weekend, I decided to plunge, feet first, into the new zibbet Marketplace.  If you have not tried it, it is worth a minute of your time to explore.  The listing is very easy, and it's free!  You can list up to 25 items, free.  There is also the upgrade for 7.00 or the lifetime membership for about 150.00!  Anyway you go, it seems like a great deal.  But, is the traffic there?  That was my concern before I splurge on a lifetime account.  This is a lifelong project for me because I love what I am doing, but I am not at a point where I can leave the 9-5 world just yet (boy, I wish I was...).  So, every minute online has to count.  Every marketing effort has to be substantial- (if you have not checked it out, you should visit my blog:  Mishaps of Mommy- for marketing shortcuts, tips, free services and more at http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com)

So, I opened shop, created some NEW items for the event, and now we wait?  No, now we get busy and promote the heck out of zibbet to see where it is going to go!  Etsy did not occur one day, many people worked tirelessly at it, each individual store promoted and shouted their URL to the world... The same has to be true of Zibbet!  I like the idea of getting in on the ground floor of a marketplace, so I can learn and explore as each new application and service is added, plus the competition is not quite so tough!  The idea of being part of something new excites me!

So, today I listed some of my latest (and possibly greatest) new items:

First is the Sweet Pea Bath Set with a giant 5 ounce bath butter bar in sweet pea with essential oils for skin care, an all natural sweet pea solid fragrance pot, and 1.7 ounce natural sweet pea sugar scrub with essential oils like jojoba, avocado, and aloe, Mango butter (organic), mineral salts, etc.... All for a discounted price of 5.50!  And with the new flat rate shipping, you can get it all for 4.95 (and maybe add another bath bar, fragrance, or shampoo)

You can also opt for the larger version with a 6.5 ounce sugar scrub for only 7.50 for the set!

Another new item I listed today is the Orange Blossom Mango shampoo in 4ounces, or 6.5 ounce flip top container.  This great shampoo has a super rich and thick lather, is created with essential oils like Rosemary (known to assist in scalp care), jojoba oil, avocado oil, aloe oil, and sugar (to name a few of the ingredients!).  Long lasting orange and mango fragrance lets you feel like you are on vacation everyday.  No heavy or oily residue!  Great for every hair type and on sale now!

So, stop by the new Zibbet shop at http://www.zibbet.com/MommyTyme and see what you think!

Some Great Opportunities, Mom!

Cool Storage ideas for the crafter! Check these ingenious ideas out!


Crafters! Scrapbookers! Teachers! Check out these deals on fantastic, fun, STICKERS!


Looking for ideas? Look here!



Have someone who is nuts for nuts on your holiday list? Check this out and save 15%! Plus, they will ship your gift anywhere!



You have heard of pet insurance? Well, as a pet owner, I can tell you, costs can get ridiculous. I just spent 900.00 + because my dog was attacked by a ground hog- I found out about the insurcance after the incident, but I intend to keep my dogs for a long time, and so this really is a great plan- See what you think:
Pet Insurance from Pets Best - Premium as low as $19
Check out this crazy thing! I am not kidding- this is fantastic:





Finally, Don't forget about the Mommy Tyme Gifts Sale currently underway:

Etsy Buy Handmade MommyTyme

Don't look now, but school's here! Are you ready for one of the biggest challenges for Moms of school-age kids - preparing school lunches day after day?

There's hope and help for you yet. Here are 7 back-to-school lunch tips. Hey, I can't come over and make your kids' lunches for you, but these tips will surely make it much easier:

1. Make dinner do double-duty

You're already in the kitchen preparing your family's dinner, why not use that time to get a head-start on the next day's brown bag lunches?

Make a double batch of meals that taste just as good "the morning after," you know, like fried chicken. Or cook dishes that can be transformed into something "new", such as pasta sauce that's just as yummy as pizza topping (on ready-made crust of course).

To make meal planning easier, take a look at Dine Without Whine. It's a monthly service for planning your family's meals and grocery shopping.

2. Include lunches when meal planning

To do tip #1, you need to be more organized. This means including your kids' lunches when planning your family dinners.

3. Let the kids participate

Lighten your load and teach your children some important life skills at the same time. Even small children can help prepare their lunches.

If morning is too stressful, then make this an after-dinner activity - which brings us to...

4. Make advance preparations

Do whatever you can do ahead of time. For example, cook in batches on the weekend, or put leftovers in packable containers the night before.

5. DIY fast food

Commercial packed lunches are attractive but unhealthy. But who says you can't make your own? Buy your own colorful and attractive lunch boxes, such as a bento-style lunchbox.

Fill it up with a variety of healthy food. Think of mixing up foods with different textures and colors. And cut them up into small pieces so they're easy and fast to eat.

6. Soup it Up

Soup makes a quick and healthy lunch. You can cook a large pot in the weekend and pack it in a thermos for a warm and satisfying lunch. Serve with whole wheat bread and some fresh fruit and you've got a complete meal!

7. Sprinkle in some fun

Sneak a little surprise into your child's lunchbox once in a while. It could be a little chocolate treat, stickers, or a sweet note from you. Getting something unexpected makes lunch fun.

With planning and creativity, your children can have healthy, delicious lunches without too much work for you.

For meal planning help, go to Dine Without Whine. It makes meal planning a breeze, while helping you save time and money.

Then you'll have time and energy for those school lunches.

Help with my shop! Sale at Mommy Tyme bath and gifts...

I wanted to let my readers in on my sale at Mommy Tyme... I am closing out on select spring fragrances until next year, so lotions are drastically discounted, spring spritz's, certain handmade soaps, and in the spirit of the holiday season... I have cut prices on my scarves and accessories! I hope you take a minute to explore my shop and let me know what you think, what you would like to see more of, etc. I know that customers are the foundation of any good business, so what am I missing? Are there colors that you would be more interested in? fragrances? collections? baskets? gift sets?

I could sure use the advice of avid shoppers, so check out my shop, or just look at my widget below and let me know what you think....

Etsy Buy Handmade MommyTyme

Five Easy Toning Exercises you can Do Anywhere

Exercise is an important part of our lives. Staying in shape is one way to increase your life expectancy. Weight bearing exercises are important also for increasing muscle mass and bone density as you age.

Most of us have learned what to do when it comes to exercising. The problem is where and when to get the job done. With a busy lifestyle, making time for exercise is a challenge.

Weight bearing exercises aren’t just for bodybuilders. As you age, especially once you hit the age of forty, you begin to lose muscle mass. For women especially, bone loss becomes a problem. When the body is in need of calcium it can rob it from your bones. Building muscle not only increases their mass but your strength.

Here are five easy toning exercises that can be done anywhere and whenever you have time. At home, at the office, or on vacation, you can do these easy yet extremely effective exercises.


1. The Bridge Butt Lift – Sounds like a plastic surgery technique but it is an easy way to tone your buttocks. Lay down with feet flat on the floor, legs shoulder width apart. Place your hands, palm side down, on either side of your body. Pushing with your feet, squeeze your gluteal muscles and lift your butt off the floor. Hold the position for a count of five to ten and release down to the floor.

2. Squats – Squats work the butt, the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps. If you aren’t sure of proper form, you can use a chair. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and feet firmly planted. Push your butt back as if you were preparing to sit in a chair. Keep your abs tight and your upper body straight. Once you reach chair level stop and hold the position for a count of two to five and release. At the lowest point, place all of your weight on your heels for balance and maximum toning.

3. Reverse Lunges – Lunges work the quadriceps muscles. They can be hard for people with knee problems. A reverse lunge still tones the right muscle groups but with less pressure on the knee. Stand with feet together and arms at your sides. Take one leg and move it backwards until you are in lunge position: front leg bent at a 90 degree angle and back leg extended until you are on the ball of your foot. From this position lower yourself down until the back knee almost touches the floor. Hold for a count of two and return to starting position.

4. Pushups – This is a classic toning exercise that works all areas of the arms plus the chest muscles. If you aren’t comfortable or strong enough to perform a pushup on your toes, lower your body to your knees. Be sure your arms are tucked into the body and your back straight as you lower and lift your body.

5. Crunches – Abdominal muscles can be worked every day to build strength and muscle tone. Lying on the floor in sit up position, lace your fingers behind your head. Squeezing your abdominal muscles, lift your upper body until your lower back is about to come off the floor. Hold for two to five counts and return to starting position.

These five exercise moves can be done whenever you have time. The best thing about exercise is that its effects are cumulative. Even five or ten minutes at a time will work to your advantage.


If you liked this, please visit my blog:
http://mommytymeswordsofwisdom.blogspot.com for more! There is always some helpful advice on health, wellness, links, freebies and more... I hope you enjoyed! Don't forget- 10.00 shopping spree giveaway at A New You

http://mommytymeswordsofwisdom.blogspot.com

More great recipes, freebies, giveaways and such...

One of my favorite topics to blog about is the great items, recipes and giveaways I am constantly running across on the web. It can be addictive to search for all those super deals and finds! And I admit, I am addicted! So, I am pleased to share the list I have recently compiled with my readers... Hope you enjoy, and please, comment and share if you try any of the following, log into any of the following sites, purchase any of these products! Remember, if it was not a good experience you can save someone else from the same mistake!

Well, this one is cool! Restaurant recipes- copycats of your favorite out to eat spots! Like, I love the coleslaw at KFC! Who doesn't? Well, now I can make that at home...There are tons of favorites listed here:
http://www.recipelion.com/Restaurant-Recipes/The-10-Best-Copycat-Restaurant-Recipes

Free health related samples and savings! Take five minutes (if even that) to complete a quick questionnaire on your medical issues, interests, needs, and you will receive several offers, coupons, savings, and free samples to choose from. Quick, easy, painless..
https://www.qualityhealth.com/campaign?rf=39565&ct=36916&mc=MjA2MjgwNDA.&ct=36916

Coupons, Coupons, and more coupons. Quick survey, really easy!

https://www.qualityhealth.com/registration?rf=39596&path=37855&ct=36919&mc=MjA2MjgwNDA.

Fall is all about apples, pumpkins, and the yummy smells of kitchen spices... Here is a great little low cal, low fat recipe for apple walnut carrot salad! I have not tried it, so if you do, please share with us!
http://www.nubella.com/component/option,com_recipes/Itemid,94/task,detail/rid,1607/s,2/r,apple/

I also wanted to take a moment and share a new location where you can find my Mommy Tyme bath and gifts products- right at Soopsee! This is a mini version of my Etsy shop with all the same great benefits of my Etsy shop! Check it out, then share here with us what you think! Do you have a Soopsee account? Interested in getting one? Let me know, and I will be glad to provide more information on how to get hooked up with Soopsee!



Check out this Article! Really! Great tips on fashion on the Cheap! Super hot looks that you can create with thrift store finds! I was floored when I read all the ideas, then I thought- "wow! Why did I never think of this before?". Really. It is worth a read!
http://www.eversave.com/mc/3/articles/1178/fall-fashion-2009?ref=333474537&zip=61953&sourceid=49661

Have a party coming up Looking for the perfect appetizer, recipe, main course for a dinner party? Whatever the occasion, this site has you covered! You can sign up for a weekly newsletter, too! Take a minute and find a great meal to try tonight! Downsize your search by setting your own limits, low cal? low fat? on a budget? heart healthy? You can find it all here!
http://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/category/course2fdish.php

Want to share anything you found here with your blog readers? Feel free to reblog any of my blogs! Go ahead! Spread the word! Just click on the reblog button found at the bottom of my entries and post to your blog!

Finally, Please take a moment to scroll down and re-enter the blog contest I have going on right now for a fantastic big and fat butter bath bar! That's right! The details are below, just visit my etsy shop, pick the handmade soap you would want if you win, then comment here! For extra entries, follow me on facebook, twitter, retweet this contest, blog about the contest, subscribe to the blog and more. Leave a comment for each task you do! The more comments, the more entries, the more chances to win! So, get going and get entered! I want some winners!

Children and weight loss! Recipes, some free stuff! More...

Some more tips on weight loss I thought you might enjoy! Unfortunately, with all the quick and easy products out there, fast food, and "snack packs" we have chosen convenience over healthy food choices for our kids. This is a national phenomenon, and seems to have snuck up on the American population. I have gathered a few sites, choices, and information for Mom! As a student Mastering in Child and Adolescent Development, I really want to stress how critical it is to not ridicule, put down, or use any type of demeening language when discussing these issues with your kids. Children's self esteem is very fragile and can impact how they remember situations, the feelings they attach to certain scenarios, and overall mental health. Please be patient and supportive with your child if they are over weight, make it a family project- do not single your child out for "diet foods", and if the child has siblings ensure there is not ridicule or torment from them towards the overweight child.

Tips for Weight Loss with kids


Here is a link to Remedy for Life. Enter your email and you will receive tons of health related products coupons, samples and freebies. Takes 5 minutes, but definitely worth it!

https://register.remedylife.com/index.php?zid=348&CID=15451&DID=81205&pid=59657&uid=325

Free Dial Soap and many more offers. Quick survey!
https://www.qualityhealth.com/campaign


I would love it if you would all stop by the website and see the new happenings! There is a lot! New contests and slideshows from several social network sites at http://www.mommytyme.org/contact.html

New skin care, beauty tips and more at http://www.mommytyme.org/services.html

And I have signed up with a few affiliates who are offering some fantastic products and savings this month! These are deals you won't find retail! Check out what Amazon is offering, Scrapbook Supplies from Cherry on Top, pet health and lifestyle products from Fetch Dog and much much more!

Come on by at http://www.mommytyme.org

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts is having my Fall Into the Holidays Sale! Super discounted items! Check out the scarves and neckwarmers ant greatly discounted prices! And don't forget to enter the contest/drawing this month! All you need to do is:
1. Comment here or on any of the blogs
2. Sign the guestbook at http://www.mommytyme.org
3. Follow me on Twitter or subscribe to the blog!

That's it! That's all! You can email me at Mommytyme70@yahoo.com to ensure that I have received your entry (some like confirmation!)

This month I am giving away full size Butter Bath Bars! Jam packed with organic cocoa butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, and long lasting fragrance! Rich and thick, clean rinsing, keep you feeling moisturized all day! Enjoy!

Crafting with the Kids!

Crafting = Quality Family Time

Some parents are skilled crafters. Others are doing well to cut paper in a reasonably straight line. No matter which group you fall into, crafting with your kids can be beneficial for all involved.

Few things bring families together like crafting. Here are some of the good things that come out of crafting with your kids.

* Crafting builds creativity. Developing minds need a creative outlet, and crafting provides the opportunity for kids to use their imaginations. It helps them learn to solve problems, and it could lay the groundwork for a lifetime of interest in art. For parents, getting creative can help reduce stress and promote using the brain in ways that we don't have a reason to use it every day.

* Crafting teaches kids to follow directions. This seems like a very basic skill, but we all know adults who can't seem to follow directions. When kids craft, they learn the consequences of not following directions when their projects do not turn out as expected. This instils in them the importance of doing things the right way the first time.

* For young children, crafting is fabulous for learning basic skills. Almost any type of craft promotes hand-eye coordination. Kids can also learn to use scissors, measure and do lots of other things they will eventually do in everyday life.

* Parents and children have a chance to talk. In our busy lives, it seems that we know less about our kids than previous generations of parents did. Passive activities such as watching TV do little to encourage conversation. But when you're crafting together, talking comes naturally. You can seize the opportunity to discuss such things as your child's interests, his concerns, and how he's doing in school.

* Crafting is a great way to wind down. It's wonderful for kids to be active, but there are times when they need to calm down. If you find your child getting agitated or exhibiting an overabundance of energy near bedtime, try bringing out the craft supplies. Crafting engages kids' minds, giving them something to focus on and a good reason to sit still for a while.

* Creating things is a confidence booster. Parents who craft regularly know the feeling of accomplishment when a project is complete. Multiply this feeling by ten, and you have a pretty good idea of how your child feels when he makes something. For kids, crafting can help build positive self-esteem.

* Working on a project together is a great way to teach your kids teamwork. This will help them develop skills needed to resolve disputes peacefully and effectively. It will also help them discover their strengths and teach them that doing their best will make the entire project turn out better.

* Crafting creates treasured family memories. The finished product will serve as a reminder of the fun you had making it together.

Crafting as a family provides opportunities for us to interact with our children. It is also a valuable learning experience for them. Don't worry if you aren't the world's greatest crafter. Simply being willing to try anyway is a lesson to your kids in itself.

All Mom Content (Shortest Sales Page)

Get your family eating together, and eating healthy! Even on a tight budget!

Ok, Mom's out there... Here is a fantastic idea (why didn't someone come up with this sooner?)-

How busy is your evening, trying to figure out dinner and find things your family will actually eat? We've all seen the hamburger helper commercials, but is that really good for everyone? Check out the calories, fat, and sodium sometime on the box! You will be amamzed! But, I have found a great site that offers weekly menus, the grocery list all ready made for you, and tips and tricks to make it fun and easy. No kidding! This really is a wonderful idea! Check out the links below- you will be amazed. There are some free weekly planners, free grocery lists, and a few really great articles on how to get your kids to eat! (My 4 year old has been on a diet of hot dogs, peanut butter, crackers, and cheese for at least 3 months, now. I literally can not get him to eat anything else! I want to pull my hair out!)

So check out some of the following, then come back and share with our other readers... Did these work for you? How much of a time investment does this involve? Is it expensive. By following a specific grocery list and having your meals planned (healthy and great tasting meals, by the way) you should save at the store, cut down on snacking mid day, lose weight, and everyone should feel better- meaning you can feel better about what your family is eating! Just give it a click! What do you think?

Free Dinner Planning & Grocery Shopping Sheets

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Free Online Recipes

By: Christine Steendahl

Locating Free Recipes is as Easy as Logging Onto the Internet

One of many reasons why people love the internet is due to the remarkably quick and painless way you can locate information. Within seconds, you can find a library of knowledge relating to almost any topic imaginable. While many of us don’t utilize the internet for in-depth research, one way most of us can enjoy the convenience and power of the internet is by locating free online recipes.

Barely 15 years ago it seemed impossible that in a few short years, millions upon millions of recipes covering almost every dish would be readily available at their fingertips. Since the future is here, here are the many ways to cash in on free online recipes.

Obviously the free online recipes are extremely practical because you access a recipe in a matter of seconds. While a lot use a search engine like Google, many people often have their favorite recipe websites that offer vast amounts of recipes. Just input a key word or keyword phrase like “chili” or “chicken soup” and you will usually find a few to hundreds of useful recipes.

In addition to being easy to access, a lot of recipe websites are full of people that enjoy cooking, have their own favorite recipes and enjoy adding recipes to the database for others to use. These community recipe websites are a great way to share knowledge. In addition, a lot of recipe websites offer the ability to add comments. So whether you love a recipe or not, you can simply share your thoughts with others. This is a great way to try out a recipe (especially if many people liked it) or avoid it the recipe if it received bad reviews.

In addition to being able to view recipes on your computer screen, many cooks take it one step further- they print out their favorite recipes. It is incredibly easy to print out recipes and many free online recipe sites offer the option of special recipe formatted files which make it a snap to print out your favorite recipes. This way you no longer have to worry about ruining the recipe card while you cook or losing it. If you spill liquid on it, you can easily print it out again.

In addition to all these advantages, a lot of free online recipe sites have taken it one step further in providing quality information on how to cook specific meals. Many free online recipe sites now provide images and some even include videos describing step by step how to create a moderate to difficult dish.

Free online recipe web sites are perhaps the quickest way to locate new recipes, read reviews, and chat about the newest or best techniques on cooking and sharing with millions your prized or time honored family recipe. Free online recipe websites are truly the ultimate home recipe box.

Author Resource -> For a large collection of family friendly free online recipes visit http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/archives.htm







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Holiday Meals- Can we still eat healthy? Can we still stick to our diet?

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Tips For Healthy Eating During The Holiday Season

By: Susanne Myers

by Susanne Myers

The time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day has to be the hardest few weeks to stick to a healthy eating lifestyle or any diet for that matter. We are constantly tempted by sweets, treats and just way to much food in general. I would like to share a few tips with you that have helped me in the past to stay on track between now and the end of the year.

1) Make sure you eat before you go to any holiday gathering. You know you will be tempted by all sorts of unhealthy but yummy foods. Make sure you don’t go overboard by eating something that is good for you before you go. Try to make sure you are not hungry when you arrive, or you will be much more tempted to overeat as well.

2) Drink some water before you go and alternate higher calorie drinks like alcoholic beverages, eggnog or hot chocolate with water while you are at the holiday party. Drinks can have a lot of hidden calories in them, so watch out. Diet sodas are another good option.

3) Fill your plate with some “good “ foods first. Pick some raw vegetables, but go easy on the dip. Turkey breast, and lean ham or pork roast are other good choices. Don’t forget a nice plate of salad with a low fat dressing and some fresh fruit for dessert.

4) Don’t cut your favorite holiday treats completely out. If you don’t allow yourself the occasional small indulgence, you will be much more likely to break down and binge on all those cookies and treats. The key is to enjoy small portions or bites of your favorite foods. If you have a soft side for chocolate chip cookies then go ahead and indulge, but limit yourself to one a day or every few days. Of course the same applies if you prefer cheesecake or gingerbread men. For some lower calorie versions of some of your holiday favorites, visit www.healthymenumailer.com/blog.

Eat several small meals a day. This old tip holds especially true during the holiday season. We tend to skip meals and indulge in one large holiday dinner with the entire family. Don’t starve yourself all day. Get some snacks in and most importantly start your day with a good, healthy breakfast. You will be able to enjoy your holiday more by stabilizing your blood sugar. You don't want to spend the day being grumpy from not eating for hours, or be the first ready for a nap after overeating.

5) Use the busy shopping season and burn some extra calories. If you are heading to the mall, park a little further away, or take your time and do a round of window shopping all through the mall before you buy. Every few extra steps that you take count. Just don’t reward yourself afterwards with food. For extra motivation to get more walking in, consider wearing a pedometer. See http://www.walkingofftheweight.com for more information on walking and using a pedometer.

6) Take some time to relax. The holidays can be a very stressful season if we let them. Many of us (including myself) tend to overeat or medicate ourselves with food when we are stressed. Work in some extra time just for you. Sit in front of the fire with a good book or your favorite magazine, go get your nails done, take a bath or go for a walk. Do whatever works for you to calm you down and help you de-stress.

Above all, enjoy the holidays and remember they are not only about food, but more importantly about family spending quality time together. Treat yourself to some new holiday candles, listen to your favorite Christmas tunes, or go for a drive through a lit up neighborhood this year. Have fun during this special time of the year and enjoy that occasional cookie.

Happy Holidays!

Author Resource -> Susanne Myers is the co-creator of Healthy Menu Mailer. Busy Moms love

the easy-to-prepare healthy dinner recipes, grocery lists and

encouragement to stay healthy every day of the week. To learn more and get your free sample menu visit http://www.healthymenumailer.com

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Get Kids to Eat! Really!

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Great Hints For Healthy Kid-Friendly Meals

By: Christine Steendahl

Most may remember when classroom bulletin boards displayed the food pyramid. The pyramid – there was only one. One size fit all. Everyone was encouraged to subscribe to the same nutritional guidelines. Everyone was encouraged to merely look at the pyramid and find out how many servings were needed each day.

Most would agree that it is a great thing that obsolete food pyramid has almost all but been forgotten! It may have taken a while, but the notion that not all people want the same food intake finally caught on. Nor are children expected to follow the same nutritional guidelines as the adults.

If you're hoping we'll show you the "kid's guidelines" there simply isn't a set guideline. The quantity of food from each food group that each person needs to eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle is dependent on their age, sex and physical activity level. One size doesn’t fit all. You can go to mypyramid.gov to type in some search criteria to get an idea of how much from each food category to eat every day.

Remember balance is the name of the game. Make sure your little ones are consuming fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats and beans and grains every day. Then round it off with water, fresh air and exercise. To help you get started, below you will find a couple of healthful meals for little ones.

This turkey avocado sandwich wrap uses kid-approved ingredients for a nutritious lunch or treat.

INGREDIENTS:
• Whole wheat tortillas
• 1 avocado mashed
• Sliced deli turkey
• Shredded carrots
• Shredded lettuce
• Shredded Monterey jack cheese

PREPARATION:
Prepare wraps in the following order: Spread mashed avocado on tortilla; Sprinkle shredded carrots and lettuce on avocado; Lay on slices of deli turkey; Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

In addition, you won't get any scrunched noses if you tell the little ones you're making chicken nuggets for supper. This kid favorite is tasty in the low-fat, oven-baked version. For quick clean-up and extra crispiness, lay a sheet of foil on a cookie sheet; and, then place a wire rack on top of the foil.

INGREDIENTS:
• skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut in 1-2 inch sections
• non-fat or low-fat buttermilk
• flour for dredging
• finely chopped corn flakes for dredging
• salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 375. Prepare three large bowls for dredging chicken - 1 with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, 1 with buttermilk, and 1 with crushed corn flakes. Prepare baking pan by laying a sheet of foil over a cookie sheet; and then place a wire rack on top of the foil. Season chicken with salt and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.

Dredge chicken pieces in flour. Shake off extra flour and coat with buttermilk. Next, liberally coat chicken with corn flakes, and place on rack of your baking pan. Bake nuggets for 15 minutes. These keep well for the next day's lunch box so make plenty!

The next time you reach into the pantry or freezer to grab something quick to prepare for dinner, take a good analytical look at the ingredients. The idea is not to serve food that is "not too bad" but rather food that is healthful. Remember that not all of your little ones may require the same servings of food.

Author Resource -> Christine Steendahl Is The Founder Of Dine Without Whine – The Number One Online Source For Affordable And Family Friendly Weekly Meal Planning. Eliminate Your Dinner Hour Stress And Re-Discover The Pleasure Of The Dinner Hour! For A Free Sample Menu Visit http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com









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More today! Women's health, freebies, samples and more!

I have a lot to share with you today... Yeah! Hope your ready.

For starters, free sample of Dove products. This takes some survey completion, but not more than a few minutes. I would love to hear about your wait time once you complete the survey and the product arrives. This helps me in the future to let other's know...PS if a link does not work for you, please let me know. I try them all before I post, but you never know with glitches!



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Do You take the Yaz birth control pill? when it first came out, most of us thought "wow" that is a great idea- less cramps, clear up our acne, decrease our PMDD! Right? Now, it is coming out the ads were misleading and there are some serious side effects. See some of the listed effects below:
Yaz Injuries

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Don't forget your Pets!

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See the video in the upper right corner of this page for more information on these products and the many others they have!

Freebies, offers, and more....

Hi all! Well, I have worked over the weekend promoting my sales and items. I also diligently added to my website, Mommy's Tyme. In the course of doing this, I have come across several freebies, contests, etc. that you may be interested in. We all need to save a buck, so if someone's giving it away- I am first in line!

Here is a free Act mouthwash offer- Now, I personally have not tried this mouthwash (I am a traditional Listerine user!) but I am signing up and going to give it a go!

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