Mom In The Know

Giveaway sponsered by Energizer®

2010-06-10T08:36:00.001-06:00

From Amateur to Accomplished, Photographers Get a “Shot” at Greatness

National Geographic and Energizer Team Up for Third Annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest

ST. LOUIS (April 15, 2010) – Many photographers dream of seeing their images in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Now, through the third annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest, photo enthusiasts of all skills levels will have a chance to realize that dream. The winner will have their photo featured in the December issue of National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries, and they’ll also be awarded the trip of a lifetime – a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles.

Through Wednesday, June 30, aspiring photographers can visit nationalgeographic.com/lithium to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. Whether you are a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a long-time photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter.

“You don’t have to be an expert or have professional equipment to capture a magnificent shot,” said 20-year National Geographic photographer and contest judge Jim Richardson. “One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera. Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you’re prepared to capture the moment when it happens.”

After the entry period closes, Richardson will review all of the entries and select two finalists in each category. Then, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 15, Americans will be asked to go online and review each of the Category Finalists and vote for their favorite in each category. Once the Category Winners are determined, Richardson will help choose a Grand Prize Winner, to be announced on or about Nov. 4.

The Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Web site also serves as a valuable resource for photo enthusiasts. Visitors can check out photos and tips from Richardson, enjoy a gallery of past winners as well as view a weekly gallery that will be updated with new submissions. Photo buffs can even participate in a Q&A with Richardson, asking about anything from his 20 years with National Geographic to questions on gear and equipment.

“I love fielding questions related to the gear we use,” said Richardson. “One of photographers’ biggest complaints is coming across a great image and realizing your equipment has run out of juice. When you’re out in the field, it’s the last thing you want to worry about. Keeping Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries on hand gives me peace of mind, so I can concentrate on getting the perfect shot.”

Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are the world’s longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices. They last up to 8x longer* in digital cameras and up to 2x longer* in flash units than Energizer® MAX®, the company’s flagship alkaline brand. The batteries also last longer in portable GPS units, LED flashlights and handheld games.

Along with a storage life of 15 years, Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform well in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees Celsius), making them ideal for photographers who are on-the-go.

“Energizer sets a world standard for reliability and long-lasting power, so it made perfect sense for us to partner with the world’s premier publication honoring photojournalism,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “Both Energizer and National Geographic share the goal of celebrating the work of photographers from all skill levels. We can’t wait to see the incredible submissions the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest receives this year.”

Entry into the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest begins April 15, 2010, at 12 a.m. and ends June 30, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Photos must be submitted online. No print or film submissions will be accepted.

Richardson will select the 12 Category Finalists based on the following criteria: extent to which photo captures the essence of the theme selected (25 percent); impact and creativity (50 percent); and composition, clarity and technical quality (25 percent). The 12 photos designated a Category Finalist will be posted online at nationalgeographic.com/lithium on Aug. 17, and voting for the winning photo in each category will extend through Sept. 15. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected by Richardson and announced on or about Nov. 4.

Each of the Category Winners will receive a prize pack comprised of an EPIC Action Video Cam, a Nikon COOLPIX L110 digital camera, a Litepanels Micro® camera light, an Energizer® Ultimate® Lithium 1AA Handheld flashlight, an Energizer® Ultimate® Lithium Headlight, an assortment of Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries and two books from the National Geographic Collection: “Journeys of a Lifetime” and “National Geographic: The Image Collection.”

The Grand Prize Winner will receive all of the items listed above as well as a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles, accompanied by a National Geographic expert.

*Versus Energizer® MAX®. Results vary by device.

My thougts take .. I don't even know.

2010-04-21T20:39:00.003-06:00

Spin it how you want, life is full of lemons. I"m tired of making lemonade and I'm ready to chuck the lemons at all the sour faced troublemakers. You know the ones, the people who have "the best of intentions" but stir the pot? Making a fuss for everyone else but just to cause controversy?

The above song is prefect. It's for me is what I'm talking about in a nutshell.

You're either in our out.

For me it's about the journey and the destination you can have both.

Either part of the problem or the solution.

My favorite is the "I want's" but "I don't want to do it's."

I'll judge you from afar and tell you what you did wrong.

How I'd do it better even, but I won't do it. I have way to much going on.

Let's just pick all these battles and not make any progress okay? So much easier then working together.

Can you tell I had a PTA meeting tonight?

Time gets away from us, let's enjoy it while we can.

2010-04-13T08:31:00.009-06:00

I can't help it, time gets away from me. I mean to post at the very least twice a week but time just falls through my fingers like grains of sand. Where does the time go you ask? I don't know anymore. Probably to the faces above, but why not take the time to spoil them while they'll have me.

We're getting to the age where I'm getting to be "embarrassing" and they want to walk ahead of me with their friends. I find myself asking when I became a stigma. I realized it's not just me, it's all moms and dads. It's kids. We can't avoid this. It's inevitable. In one corner I have then cuddling and asking for attention, then moments later I "don't understand them".

Is this what it's like raising 'tweens?

The thing is I get they don't understand their feelings any more then I do. As much as I'm frustrated, I want to hug them and tell them it's all going to be okay.
*sigh*
We'll get through this, right?

How I spend my time ... sometimes

2010-03-14T15:05:00.003-06:00

Tonight as Kendra premieres season 2 on E! I must say ... wow ... she's not holding back!

Guess what? Kendra has that mom belly that haunts most of us and it's not gone in a few weeks like so many celebrities seem to. She's worried about getting her body back, her relationshop being the same and her life returning to normal.

Also?

You don't see the hint of a nanny, maid or a cook.

It also makes you think she's just like on of us, she just happens to be married to a NFL player and an Ex-playboy bunny. This is the thing, she's pretty grounded, with the same worries we have.

As we are introduced to Kendra and Hank adjusting to baby, we realize that they haven't had a night out alone yet since Hank IV was born, and why? Well, one no sitter and two Kendra is pretty worried about leaving him. Hank wants to give her a special night, but is in in the cards?

Kendra also has the normal I-just-had-a-baby worries. She hasn't lost a pound, she has a baby belly, she's adjusting to life with baby and feeling alone. They are in a new city and she doesn't know a lot of people. It's a lot to take on all at once.

It looks like a promising season, and it's always quite a ride with Kendra!

The super new season of Kendra premieres on E! March 14th at 10pm!

again

2010-03-10T09:25:00.002-07:00

Here I am again, trying to figure all this out. First off how do I change all of this over? My blog that is? Any advice is appreciated. Yes, I want to move that I have existing!
Anyway, I'm feeling so much better and getting the health issues under control, finding out it's type 1 not type 2. Taking it day by day.
So this is turning into a bit of everything, but it's all me.
My health as we figure it out. My daily issues and triumphs with my daughters. Normal day to day stuff as a mom, life in general. Reality TV recaps, whatever crosses my mind at the time.
I'll still be testing products, as I get them in. I'm not going to make it all about that anymore. Lesson learned I will not be asking for testers anymore. I will only be taking stuff on that my family we be testing.
I want this to be more about us, me and real life. It's been a heck of a year and getting all the little things in order has been crazy.
Having two daughters that are 8 & 10 I can use all the mom advice possible!

long time no post

2010-02-17T07:31:00.002-07:00

It's been a bit, huh?
I'm catching up so I apoligize.
I'm on a reformatted computer all data lost.

I feel that's who I am all data lost. After months and months of feeling awful, sleeping all the time or battling insomnia I finally have a diagnosis.

I'm diabetic.

The irony isn't lost on me. I eat well, I don't like candy, cakes, processed food, ice cream but genes catch up. Luckily I started exercising recently. A friend said to me, "Look at the people who run daily and are in great shape, then drop dead of a heart attack."

This is me, raw and unedited straight from the heart. I owe you guys a lot of posts and reviews. We'll be catching up and changing a lot around here. I hope you'll stick with us.

Take care of those toofers!

2009-08-31T18:58:00.001-06:00

“Back to School Brush-Up”

Now that children have headed back-to-school to begin new lessons in math, science and geography to name a few, renowned Dentist Dr. Daniel C. Smith of Focus Dentistry thought it would be the perfect time to give parents a quick lesson as well - on how to properly teach children to brush their teeth!

"It is absolutely amazing how many parents and children have no idea how to brush their teeth," says Dr. Smith "I am always surprised by this huge number--as many as 75 percent--because improper brushing can result in as much damage to your teeth and gums as not brushing at all."

In order to ensure your kids are properly brushing their teeth and preventing unnecessary cavities and gum disease, Dr. Smith urges you teach your kids the following:

• The most important time to brush is before going to sleep because the body does not produce enough saliva to fight against sugars in the mouth says Dr. Smith. All bodily functions slow down while sleeping, therefore, bacteria grows rapidly, causing cavities and infection

• There are many types of toothbrushes on the market today, including electric, ultrasonic, ionic and the "normal/standard" toothbrushes, but Dr. Smith thinks that mechanical options show better results than standard ones. Regardless, Dr. Smith believes that a toothbrush should be soft bristled, regardless of size or shape

• Dr. Smith recommends anti-plaque, high fluoride toothpaste containing little or no abrasives. Abrasives wear out the enamel in teeth, which may look sparkly white but may be unhealthy. As far as gel or paste toothpaste, that is your child’s personal preference

• According to Dr. Smith, flossing should be done daily. Unfortunately, most people floss three or four times weekly. Flossing at night is very important to reach food particles that have remained in the mouth after eating all day

• Finally, even if your children are following a proper routine, still be sure to schedule your child regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and oral exams. A check-up every six months is recommended by Dr. Smith in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

A worry for a lot of parents.

2009-08-27T07:53:00.000-06:00

With sexting a growing concern amongst parents and teachers alike, Houston is the first city to step up and implement a no “sexting” rule as students get ready to return to school. As more teens and celebrities alike are being discovered with nude/semi-nude photos, many will likely follow suit in putting together precautions to stop the issue before it gets even bigger. In a study conducted recently by the National Campaign on sex and tech, it was found that 22 percent of US teenage girls and 18 percent of teenage boys have sent messages or posted images or video online showing them nude or semi-nude.
Predicto Mobile (www.predicto.com), the leading online and text message based survey company, has put together some tips to use until a no “sexting” rule may be implemented in your town:

 Check the school’s cell phone policies. Speak with their teachers about what they are doing to limit text use and find ways you can work together to combat the issue if it becomes a serious problem
 Talk to your kids about the dangers of sexting. Find out who they are chatting with and look at the cell phone bill to see what time of day they are texting the most
 Encourage good academic behavior. Find out when their exams are, offer help with studying, etc.
 Make them work for it. If texting during school gets out of control and you see a spike in your bill, ask your child to get a part time job to cover their text message cell phone plan
 Don’t text them when they are in class. Occasionally you may need to get in touch with your child during school hours, find out when your child has breaks in between classes or what time they take lunch and use that time to send texts
 Petition your cell phone provider to limit cell phone text message service during school hours

“It is great that Houston is finally taking steps to address this growing concern,” says Eyal Yechazkell, CEO of Predicto Mobile. “This is hopefully a chain reaction across America as it’s become one of many issues amongst texting during school. The tips we’ve provided should give parents a better gauge on what they can do to make the texting feature as safe as possible outside the home.”

Play Safe

2009-08-24T08:30:00.001-06:00

Summer is starting to wind down, and for many parents with school-aged children, the change of seasons isn’t just stressful because of back-to-school shopping, but rather because of impending fall sports try-outs. Fall sports, including football, cheerleading, soccer, field hockey and volleyball are among the most common activities for American youth, but these sports may not always be all fun and games. With the growing cost of college tuition, many children are vigourously engaging in these activities at a young age and recent findings show that incorrect technique, equipment and/or coaching style can lead to serious injuries such as shoulder tears, herniated disks and even paralysis.

In fact, according to a recent study completed by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research injuries from fall sports, especially cheerleading, are the highest they have been in years and the results of sports injuries are among the most devastating.

Furthermore, even if you child isn’t participating in a fall sport this year, there is also a safety worry in the classroom! In order to combat the rising number of cases of childhood obesity, many schools are now enforcing a more vigorous physical education program, in turn leading to greater opportunities for injury. Recent findings from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital of Columbus, OH, show that gym class injuries increased 150% over the past ten years. The study also notes a national estimate of nearly 37,000 annual injuries on average, with fewer than 30,000 in 1997 and climbing to more than 60,000 injuries a year by 2007.

Sports physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons are taking note and spending more time discussing with parents, coaches and young athletes how to better prepare themselves in order to prevent severe injury. Below, renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr Eric A. Crone of the Gramercy Surgery Center and NY Ortho, Sports Medicine & Trauma Center, both in New York City, offers his advice on how help children, athletes and pupils steer clear of the doctor’s office this fall.

Sample Talking Points:
• Physical Examination: Before participating in any sports activities or rigorous physical education program, children should under-go a yearly physical examination provided by their family physician. The family doctor may be able to detect any possible bone, joint or muscle problems early on, so not to lead to a greater chance for injury later

• Physical Condition: Often I see young athletes come to see me with injuries that occurred because there muscles or stamina simply was not up to speed with the activity they were performing. Especially when entering the fall sports season, young athletes are often un-prepared for vigorous work-outs after not properly training their bodies
over the summer. Coaches and teachers should offer their students daily work-out routines prior to tryouts so that they can come to their first day of practice prepared

• Proper Equipment: No matter what the activity, athletes must be provided with the correct equipment needed for their sports. Many of my patients come to me with injuries that resulted from improper gear (helmets, padding, sneakers) and or damaged equipment

• Stretching: Often coaches and teachers do not enforce or provide adequate stretching time before and after physical activity, which can in turn be detrimental to young athletes. Un-stretched muscles have a greater chance to be pulled as lactic acid builds up during physical activity as after physical activity is completed. Athletes must stretch prior to and after every practice, class or game in order to ensure that the correct warm-up and cool-down of the muscles occurs

• Technique: In my practice, improper technique is the leading cause of devastating sport’s related injuries. If children learn from an early age the wrong way to tackle, jump, kick or swing the pattern is embedded in muscle memory and hard to correct, which in the long run can cause serious injury

• Nutrition: Now that school has begun again, parents cannot always monitor a child’s food intake at all times, but proper nutrition is still a vital component when preventing sport’s injuries

• Rest: With the fall being a relatively short season, allowing a limited amount of time for pre-season training, young athletes will push themselves to meet the practice demands of their coaches and trainers. I always remind coaches and parents to offer their young athletes enough time for rest and recuperation, which give their muscles time to heal and ultimately make them stronger

• Treatment: Remember although your child may simply be sore from over-exertion, a small ache or pain could result in a larger problem down the road. If your child has on-going pain that does not go suppress over time, make sure to consult a sports medicine trainer or sports orthopedic surgeon for proper diagnosis

Family first

2009-08-12T09:40:00.001-06:00

A quick vacation before the kids return to school and retooling the site.
I hope it's back to normal soon!
The Mom in the Know

Shoes!

2009-08-06T10:25:00.002-06:00

You see clogs pretty much everywhere these days, right? The everyday gardening clog is an out and about shoe now. They’re easy to slip on and go so why not right? Well Jollys has made it that easy with a simple style that offers so many choices.

Jollys offers a gardening clog that is good for just that, gardening. You can also wear them around town, as they are light, flexible, waterproof and that comfortable. I did have a tester wear these who let me know not only were they comfortable to wear but she was complimented on the pleasant appearance, and asked about them more than once. The fact you can just slip them on I think was a huge selling point for a lot of the moms that ogled them. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and recently added picture clogs.

Jollys offers more than women’s gardening clogs. You can shop for men’s, kids and knee cushions on their easily navigated site. They offer free shipping, score right there that’s a bonus for me in this day and age. You want another bonus on their product? Jollys offers satisfaction guaranteed! From the site-
Return unworn within 30 days for a full refund or to make an exchange. We'll send the replacements out at no extra charge. (Just enclose a note detailing what you want.)

I have to say I approve and would wear them myself, but I do have to pass some things off to my testers, as is my business.
Do you want a pair of Jollys? Well you have a chance now. All you have to do is leave a comment, tweet me, or email me with Jollys on the subject and you will be entered to win! Jollys has been wonderful enough to donate a pair to The Mom in the Know to raffle off to the readers. You’ll have your pick.

This is coming up in The Mom in the Know anniversary special giveaway ... watch for it! It should take place the week of August 23, please watch for the announcement, it may be sooner. I hope that is the latest!!!

Guest blogger today Melissa from rock and drool

2009-08-05T07:16:00.003-06:00

Classy Closet Blog exchange, thank you, Jen!
Guest blogger Melissa from Rock and Drool ... thank you Melissa! Today I'm on her blog, Rock and Drool.

A Shower, Some Memories and A Guest Post

I'm not the sentimental mushy type of Mommy Blogger. Well, only on someones birthday, or an anniversary, or if I'm trying to get someone to forgive me. Otherwise, anything goes. In fact, I recently changed my title from Mommy Blogger to Life Blogger. It makes more sense. I think we're much more compatible.

So, I participated in this little Blog Swap from the Classy Closet. Quite forgetting that I have no sense of decency and all my filters are filthy and in need of changing. Really, I'm typing butt-naked, smoking a cigarette while my children are running amok through the subdivision, unsupervised and wreaking havoc. I'm just bad-ass like that.

BUT...

I need to be on my best behavior. I'm a guest in someone elses virtual kitchen and it doesn't look like she uses paper or plastic. But I do see some Coke Zero. I hope she doesn't mind if I just drink from the can directly.

While I was showering this evening. What? That's when I get some of my great post ideas...
I was thinking about my kids. And my husband. I was thinking about some little things. Little quirks, feelings. Things I don't ever want to forget.

So, I decided...what better than to make a good impression than by doing a sweet and sappy post, right? Get some kleenex, I'll wait.

I want to always remember. Forever. Our first kiss. I never. Ever. Had tingles like that before. And no, I wasn't drunk...or naked.

I want to remember the little -isms of my first born son. How he changed words like compleeceman for policeman. Fighterman...spiderman. 'mapewter...computer. I want to remember this. Because it was so him.

I want to always be able to remember how it felt to hold my children. All three of them. For the first time. Their scent. Their movements. My heart.

My daughter. My sweet little girl. She used to only know how to say "Where's my mum?" "I want my mum" A mummies girl. And we aren't even British.

My son. My baby. With his two different colored eyes. Jerst...instead of just. And how, right now, he loves me more than anyone. Except his oldest brother.

And I want to always remember how I knew. On our first date. That this was it. And you knew too.

Little things, yes. But I want to remember them. To document them. Because, as time goes by, those memories get lost in the wrinkles of my aging brain. And the only way to remember them...
Is to be stressed out about what to write on a guest post, take a shower, and write it down.

Here, your Coke Zero can. Sorry, I smushed it. I was nervous.
Thank you for giving up your space. To let me mess it up!!
XOXO

You can find me blogging over at my place Rock and Drool
Find me on twitter: RockDrool

Nu-Skin

2009-08-03T09:23:00.004-06:00

My husband is a pig.

This is not true. A pig takes better care of himself, rolling in the mud to maintain healthy skin and comfort. My husband plays in the mud but he has no interest in healthy skin or comfort. He’s just lazy. He works hard and spends whatever time he can find not, and as such the fight to get him on board with a focus towards personal appearance and hygiene can be a challenge.

I’m hopeful Nu Skin is helping me change this.

The folks at Nu Skin have spent over 20 years formulating quality skin care for every person on the planet. Using the best ingredients the earth has to offer, the company line of “all of the good, none of the bad” stands true to form in every product they put on the shelf. A full team of scientists work with an innovative Advisory Board in an effort to combine dermatology, ethnobotany, and nutrition to create a full line of cosmetic products that lead the industry.

While many of their products are pointed towards the feminine side of the worldly community, they recently sent us a full sampling of their products for the men, including the Dividends Shave Cream, Aftershave Balm, and Antiperspirant Deodorant. The refreshing smell had me excited to present him with the gifts, but the byproducts of their use were the true gift of benefit. For the first time in, well, forever, he’s shaving without being asked. He’s not complaining about the pain of the process, and he is taking a greater interest in his personal appearance… and he smells fantastic.

Getting him this far is a tremendous step for the entire family, not to mention our local community and world forced to endure his traditional stench, and we couldn’t be happier. The folks at Nu Skin have made it all possible and are constantly striving to do more. You can check out their full line of products online and ordering is a breeze.

Thanks so much Nu Skin… he may not say it, but he’s almost as thankful as the Mom in the Know.

Beach reading plus!

2009-07-30T06:49:00.002-06:00

When you keep secrets, you don’t make friends… or do you? In Jane Stanton Hitchcock’s fifth page turner, Mortal Friends, we venture into the social scene and political scandals of Washington D.C. Murder is on the plate, a serial killer is on the loose and police detective Gunner, touting more than a few secrets of his own, is looking to catch him before the bodies pile up.

Reven Lynch is in the” it” crowd but is no longer married to it. She’s a crime-loving gal who owns an antique shop, also working as a decorator on the side. Her best friend since boarding school, Violet Bolton, is an expert of all there is to know about serial killers. When the killer on the loose strikes on their running route, they have a lot to reconsider and a lot to contemplate in their own lives.

New face on the scene Cynthia Rinehart throws a few wrenches into the experience and love lives. Reven is dipping her toes into the dating scene, but is he the killer as Gunner suspects, or just a lothario?

As all this comes undone marriages fall apart, friendships are weathered, enemies surface, and scandals are reveled. Reven will discover that the life she has known is for naught.

In the true style of Jane Stanton Hitchcock, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat and riveted until the very last page.

Sending tails a waggin!

2009-07-27T06:32:00.003-06:00

We are a family. For us that includes the Mom in the Know, the dad that wishes he was in the know, two beautiful (and all too energetic) daughters, and two dogs. We have eight hands, 80 fingers, eight feet, 80 toes, eight paws, two tails, and 80 gazillion worries that go along with ‘em. All too often the dogs fall to the shadows in terms of products for care. Not that the dogs of the world are in need of a better home… we live in Denver, one of the most dog-friendly communities you’ll find on the planet, and as such we are blessed to have a world of options in helping us provide proper care and pampering for the four-legged members of the unit.
However, in finding Happy Tails Spa, we no longer search for the proper answers. Now, those answers come right to our doorstep.

Happy Tails Spa specializes in problem-solving products for the modern dog. As any dog owner can attest, the needs and demands of maintaining a healthy pooch are significantly different than those of a human. It takes a focused approach to design and production to create products that will provide quality, reliable care and maintenance for our beloved canines. Happy Tails Spa understands these needs and offers an astounding menu of products to address those specific needs for your family.

We have an English Bulldog in our home. Trixie is special in so many ways, but as anyone owning an English Bulldog can attest, the care and resulting needs associated with raising such a dog fall on the extreme end of the dog-care spectrum. There are “special” traits and bodily functions (to put it nicely) associated with English Bulldogs that require special care and efforts in hygiene and maintenance. Other breeds of dog also present special circumstances, and we have found Happy Tails Spa provides any and everything we could need to keep up with the game.

We are particular enamored with two products sent to us by HTS, including the Dog Smog Remedy and the Eyepads. Our dog battles, well, “environmental odor issues”… that’s putting it nicely. Dog Smog Remedy provides an alternative option that allows the user to address these concerns at both ends of the dog! As their website suggests, “The all natural formula contains peppermint and fennel to slay the fire breathing beast but it’s more than just a breath freshener, Dog Smog Remedy gets to the guts of the problem with digestive enzymes papain and bromelain. All of these ingredients help calm the bubbling brute below and provide a long-term solution to an embarrassing problem.”

The Eyepads is especially helpful for those of us seeking to keep the faces of our dogs clean. No breed of dog “leaks” bodily fluids from their eyes like the English Bulldog and the fight to keep her facial folds free of infection and debris is a daily battle. The HTS Eyepack includes all-natural wet-wipe pads as well as a nutrient-rich, high-metabolite immunogen powder clinically proven to boost the immunity to bacteria and infection while providing a safe, sanitary cleansing agent to keep our pooch free of dangerous infection and dirt. These products are natural, they contain no pharmaceutical antibiotics, and they taste delicious (because we all know our dogs come with busy tongues). They clean without pain or harm and they provide an outstanding source of protection against illness and health issues associated with nearly every breed of dog on the planet.

We couldn’t be happier with the products presented by the Happy Tails Spa. Their website is fabulous, their customer service is top shelf, and the entire experience has been nothing short of a joy. We suggest you invite the Happy Tails Spa into your home today.

Coraline ... on DVD 7/21

2009-07-20T07:27:00.005-06:00

In the world of animation we are overloaded with choices these days, but this one was a treat for each and every member of the family. Coraline (PG) is a story about an 11-year-old girl moving into a new house. What can a bored girl do? Like most children, she explores and discovers a new world that leads to all a whole new world of fun.

Coraline Jones is her name and in her new abode she discovers a door to another word. She finds an alternate universe very similar to her own where every member of her family is present but offers a seemingly perfect version of her real life… at least it seems perfect, at first. When Coraline wants to stay in her world, what will her “other” mother do? Coraline discovers the journey back to her real life is not as easy as opening the door and throwing away the key.

As the PG rating states, this feature is a bit more advanced. It does have some thematic elements, scary images, language and suggestive humor. There are overtones of dread and despair that may disturb younger children, but for those working towards double-digit age it can be a perfect mix of growing emotions and deepening plot lines. Depending on what type of humor your child enjoys, I would tread lightly. It’s a well-animated piece with a suggestively drawn skit in a bar setting that has well-endowed dancers that may take some explaining if your child fails to comprehend the nature of the environment. Those parents employing strict viewing guidelines may find this particular scene a bit troublesome, but the adult themes incorporated are rather subversive, and to be fair, that one scene is the worst of it in my opinion. The rest of the story is rich in detail and character, presenting an advanced storyline many children will adore (a child as a hero… that’s always a winner).

If they are less than 10- to 12-years of age you might be wise to view the movie in private before sharing with your lil’ ones, but for those with a love for the fantasy-laden world of animation, Coraline is a true delight to be enjoyed time and again.

How funky is your snack?

2009-07-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

Freeze-dried snacks are a delicious and natural treat, a great alternative to grab and go. We try to be responsible in snacking in my house. You have to be in this climate, and my kids love fruit. However, it’s hard to keep it fresh all day. Funky Monkey has helped me remedy this issue, and that’s a relief for me.

In contrast to the leathery, sticky dried fruits you see in the stores, these are crispy and have that bite where you know they are indeed freeze dried . There is no sugar coating making them sticky, they are vegan and free of fructose and other additives, and they provide the nutritional value of actual fruit without the hassle, mess, or nuisance.

My youngest liked the crunch, comparing it to a chip with the taste and healthy gains of fruit. It’s like fooling yourself, yet so tasty and beneficial. At school her friends were intrigued and asked about the sweet smell and the colorful packing. What a clever idea Funky Monkey!

The website is very colorful and interactive and your kids will love it, though a warning that it may distract from your original reason for visiting. There is a lot going on. I personally like the “Looney Lab” where you can create your own flavor. If you don’t like “busy” sites and a lot of action, you have been warned.

With a variety of flavors, Funky Monkey is sure to delight your family in some way. Bananamon, Carnaval mix (yes it is spelled like that.), Jivea Lime, & Purple Funk. Look at your local grocer and see what your kids think, if it’s crunch they are craving you have a winner here.

About Funky Monkey Snacks:
Funky Monkey Snacks are all-natural, real fruit made using a proprietary freeze-drying
process that creates Fruit That Crunches!® while retaining fruit’s natural goodness.
Funky Monkey Snacks are 100% fruit with no added sugar, colors, flavors or
preservatives. Each 1 oz. bag contains three servings of fruit, providing a delicious and
nutritious snack choice that helps support healthy living. For more information, visit
www.FunkyMonkeySnacks.com.
Bananamon, Jivealime, Purple Funk, and Fruit That Crunches are registered trademarks, and Funky Monkey and
Carnaval Mix are trademarks, of Freeze Dried Partners LLC. All other trademarks and/or registered trademarks
contained herein are the property of their respective owners

Doggie Bling- No more Drool puddles!

2009-07-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

Drool is a big problem in the house, not with my kids (at times with their father) but with my darling bulldog, Trixie. She comes by it honestly and can’t help it. It’s the nature of the beast as they say. I have to clean up the floor a lot where she had been sleeping and wipe her mouth up. I’ve looked all over the internet but usually we just wipe, at times scrub where she had laid her pretty little head. We call it Trixie goop. I want to call it a thing of the past.

Then I ran across a great product that I am convinced they were thinking of bulldogs and bulldog owners, Slobber Blotters. I realized there was a call, reaching far above and beyond bulldogs. 100% soft absorbent terry cloth fabric is just a wipe away from a happy dog. They can rest their little jowls on it, or after a long stop at the water bowl, just help them out.

The Slobber Blotter has a snap closure, it was nicer then a Velcro one, or a tie. Now, mime two maniacs managed to get it loose after a long play session, but I swear they hide opposable thumbs somewhere. That shouldn’t happen I’m sure, only if it’s snapped on something and that may very well have been the case. It is intended to snap lose it needed. I have canine conspiracy theories that constantly run through my head.

Bandabling Pet Bandanas are the parent company to Slobber Blotter and I have to say measure before you order to confirm. We were okay, but it’s always best to be safe. They are machine washable and I do that frequently, I also dry mine and have run into no problems.
I can’t say for sure if the dog unsnapped the snap playing or it came of when Trixie got caught on something, either way I’ll assume it was for the best, she was probably getting herself in trouble. That feature is splendid, no gagging doggies!

Look up Slobber Blotters at Badabling pets they are having a 20% sale right now!

Winners finally announced- Boogie wipes and Popcorn +

2009-07-10T16:25:00.002-06:00

When I said enter as many times as you like, I wasn't kidding! I had a lot more local entries then normal, LOVIN IT! the kids in the Know picked, not me! I didn't pcik my favorite blogs, people or anything like that ... random!

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
BOOGIE WIPES WINNER:

Laurie of Guessing all the way. She rocks, and so does her site. Follow her, and follow her on twitter. Talk about a down to earth mama. I just happen to like her, as well as they picked her.

POPCORN PRIZE PACK FROM KERNEL SEASON'S:

Chris in CO (no blog info.) but happy that you are reading or following. Chris, if you have a blog, let me know and I'd love to share with my readers. :(

Lisa in NJ, A twitter feed, but doesn't want to be listed. Has privacy settings, I understand Lisa, NEXT TIME!!

And ... no joke ...

Laurie of Guessing all the way. She rocks, and so does her site. Follow her, and follow her on twitter.

That is what multiple entries gets you!

I'm having a big blow out at the end of the month, a 2nd anniversary celebration!
Watch for it. TONS of giveaways and I usually allow MULTIPLE entries in MANY ways ... watch for it.

Sleeping can be a serious thing

2009-07-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

According to Dr. Dan Smith, “approximately 100 to 200 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep Apnea can cause long-term health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and impotency.” Below is Dr. Smith’s list of the 4 symptoms of Sleep Apnea that should not be ignored:

1. “Snoring that is loud enough to wake your child up” is the first indicator of OSA, according to Dr. Smith. This is not the occasional snort or two but that incessant, honking-level snoring
2. “If your child ceases breathing intermittently while sleeping.” When OSA occurs, the tongue can be sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops or is greatly diminished
3. “Suddenly waking up because he or she can not breathe and has shortness of breath or gasping.” This is directly linked to symptom #2, says Dr. Smith. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough due to the blockage, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp
4. “If your child is excessively drowsy during the day.” This does not mean hitting the proverbial wall at 3 pm that a quick snack can fix or throwing a temper tantrum due to exhaustion. This means actually accidentally falling asleep during the day (not during nap time)
Dr. Smith states that “while snoring is typically a problem that is associated with men, it is a condition that does not discriminate.” Dr. Smith says men, women and children can suffer from OSA. It is one of the most misdiagnosed medical problems – especially in children. Loud and regular nightly snoring is often abnormal in otherwise healthy children. If a child suffers from OSA, he or she may be getting too little oxygen and too much carbon dioxide. This condition can lead to poor heart and lung development, behavioral problems, and even death if unchecked.

Thankfully, health centers have opened to help diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Dr. Dan Smith recently opened the Focus Center for Sleep Apnea and Snoring. This Center provides care from a team of Medical and Dental Specialists, to create a more complete solution to OSA by combing the highest technology available in the field as well as continued advanced education.

If your child suffers from the above 4 symptoms, it is in his or her best interest to be given medical attention. At the Focus Center for Sleep Apnea and Snoring, the diagnosis process is easy and follows these steps:

1. Patients (or the parents of the patient) are given a questionnaire that will indicate if they are suffering from “daytime sleepiness” and gauges the amount of noise they make while sleeping (snoring)
2. After the questionnaire is returned, they are evaluated and it is decided if the child needs further testing
3. A thorough exam by a sleep physician is done utilizing technology that allows doctors to “see” the airway without utilizing x-rays
4. Further testing can include the use of an ambulatory sleep computer (sleep study for the home) that will tell doctors the extent of OSA your child has. The Watch Pat is an electronic computer that is taken home for your child wear overnight in his or her usual sleep environment. It is extremely comfortable to wear and does not affect their usual pattern of sleep. It tells the doctors how much true sleep your child get, how much and how loud he or she snores, and what position he or she snores the most in. It evaluates your child’s sleep stages (including REM sleep) and the oxygen content of his or her blood at different times of their sleep. Finally, it analyzes their personal data and generates a report
5. Further studies might indicate the need for an overnight sleep study (PSG). Treatment will consist of the best methods that can include a dental device, CPAP, or surgical procedure

Online Entertainment Kids Can Enjoy At Their Own Pace

2009-07-09T09:14:00.001-06:00

(A very cool site that I looked and a played with a bit, enjoy!)
Kideos.com Launches; Features Online Entertainment Kids Can Enjoy At Their Own Pace

Easy to Navigate Site Gives Kids Access to all of their Favorite Videos and Parents Peace of Mind

LOS ANGELES, CA — July 9, 2009 — Earlier Media today announced the launch of Kideos (www.kideos.com), an entertainment destination for kids to safely watch videos online. Kideos features popular children’s videos, from Elmo to Thomas, with a kid-friendly interface within a safe environment. Kideos is the newest web property from Earlier Media, a company dedicated to providing trustworthy destinations for children of all ages to learn, watch videos and play games online.

Central to Kideos’ value proposition is the site’s Video Advisory Council, a group of parents and educators who screen content before it appears on the site. Once videos are reviewed by the Council, they are categorized and sorted into age-based groups factoring in developmental criteria and recommendations from leading experts nationwide. This process gives parents confidence that the content on Kideos is appropriate, safe and entertaining for children.

Additionally, the site offers parents their own personalization tools to limit videos shown to their children by selecting the appropriate age-based category. Once chosen, children will only be able to view videos specifically targeted towards their exact age group.
“Children are using the Internet for entertainment at a very young age,” said Josh Solt, COO of Earlier Media. “We built Kideos to provide children an easy way to watch their favorite videos while giving their parents peace of mind that their kids are viewing safe, age-appropriate programs.”
Kideos is easy for children to use on their own, with a simple user interface that even young children can easily navigate once they have gotten started. Within a short period of time, kids are able to select videos to play without any help from adults, giving them a sense of confidence and a way to interact with computers just like grown-ups.

New content is added to the site daily after it is reviewed by the Council so kids have a fresh experience with each visit. Content includes children’s television shows, movies, educational videos, music videos, cute animals, and more. For more information, please visit www.kideos.com.
About Kideos
Kideos is the premier destination for kids to safely watch videos online. Each video on Kideos has been screened by the site’s Video Advisory Council, a group of parents and educators, who select appropriate content for the site. The site was developed with the goal of allowing parents to feel comfortable permitting their child to spend time on Kideos, while also making sure children have a thoroughly entertaining experience. For more information, please visit www.kideos.com.

When someone calls ...

2009-07-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, and mobile entertainment company mSpot.com is putting on its white gloves.

But instead of offering up etiquette tips ("Put your phone on silent during meetings"), mSpot's offering 10 "courtesy" ringtones - songs available for download that might make Emily Post cringe, but show you've at least got manners on the mind.

…feel free to use with credit to mSpot.com.

1. “Manners Matter,” Sandi Patty

2. “I’m Old-Fashioned,” John Coltrane

3. “Behave Yourself,” Booker T

4. “Keep it Down,” Yesterday’s Kids

5. “Shhh,” Miles Davis

6. “Sophisticated Lady,” Duke Ellington

7. “I Better Be Good,” Alice Cooper

8. “Enjoy the Silence,” Depeche Mode

9. “A Proper Girl,” Jackie DeShannon

10. “Politesse,” Lustfinger

But if manners have never been your thing, show people how you feel about Cell Phone Courtesy Month by downloading “Raised by Wolves” by The Bloody Hollies.

toofers!

2009-07-08T07:26:00.000-06:00

According to Oral-B, as many as 70% of women are affected by gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, during their pregnancies. Gingivitis is caused by an accumulation of plaque in the mouth on the teeth and below the gum line; this can also be triggered by fluctuating hormones. Additionally, pregnant women are at greater risk for tooth decay when sugary food cravings kick in. Refining your oral hygiene during pregnancy is one of the most important steps you can take to help yourself and your baby.

Dr. Margaret Mitchell, DDS, of Mitchell Dental Spa, a dental and spa facility located in Chicago’s Water Tower Place, provides the following tips for maintaining proper oral hygiene during pregnancy:

• Inform Your Dentist: X-Rays can harm the baby, and medications you may be on can affect the treatment your dentist administers.
• Clean Where the Toothbrush Doesn’t: Make sure to floss every day; toothbrushes can leave as much as 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched.
• Utilize Proper Brushing Technique: Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
• Increase Time Spent on Oral Care: This means brushing after every meal if possible or at least rinsing your mouth out with water if a toothbrush is not available.
• Floss: Make flossing or the use of a Waterpik a regular part of your oral hygiene regimen.
• Eat Well: A well-balanced diet will not only give your unborn baby nutrients, it will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Visit Your Dentist: Consider more frequent visits to the dentist during pregnancy, so the risk of pregnancy gingivitis can be decreased through early detection and treatment. At the very least, regular 6 month check-ups during pregnancy are important.

A small break ...

2009-07-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here for the holiday, but my daughter turn's 8 this week so we have a few in queue and a one that our friends at Barnes and Noble happily share with me, so I can in turn share with you. Enjoy!

OR use this code to embed in a pop up window:
Tagged! on June 29

thanks again B&N!

2009-07-06T06:20:00.001-06:00

Working on drawing winners, you will get an email this week! Until then here ya go!

javascript:void(0)

Jeepers ... PEEPERS!

2009-07-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

We hear all about the economy today and the drastic measures we have to take. While the need to buckle down is as strong as ever, I love to treat myself with lil’ luxuries: lip gloss, jeans and sunglasses.

I readily admit a love for Oakley Sunglasses and I have reviewed them in the past. I also have reviewed QT Sunglasses designer-inspired models, and I’m happy to report I am doing them again right now!

Shannon Denton of QT Sunglasses is the great mind behind this fantastic site. It’s hard to find quality products that are reasonably priced with the allure of product identity. Just to clarify, these don’t give the impression of quality… they are quality! When you live life as a parent and have a family to support, it’s not that easy to dress like you want. The labels demand a bit more then everyone can afford. Now you can protect your retinas, you can stop lines at an early age, you can look good doing it, and you can save money, thanks to Shannon.

These sunglasses are as durable as the actual designer and are just as attractive, too. My daughter has a pair that she wore to school… at recess, in physical education, playing outside, at field day and at the carnival on the last day of school. They have held up great and look no worse for the wear! She loves to play at the park and wears them to keep her vision clear, and needless to say, it’s pretty cute - though can I admit when she is walking with her apple juice from the chain coffee store we see on every corner, in her designer inspired sunglasses, and flipping her long blonde hair I am a bit petrified for my future?

Back to the point of this review, I tend to get off the topic as we all know!
I love the sunglasses for all ages, and not just for the ladies. QT can hook up the men in your life as well. Stop on by and grab a few pairs, there is a discount at the end of this review for The Mom in the Know readers. I hope you enjoy this thrifty find as much as I did.

25% OFF Voucher Code: MomInTheKnow

No more boogs!

2009-06-29T07:00:00.003-06:00

Let’s face it parents. We get to pick at our kids faces, and we get to do it a lot. If you are one of the lucky that have children with allergies then you know all about ‘em… boogies. They are everywhere when you have kids and you can’t help it, and for the most part, neither can they. It’s just a part of our lives. When cold and flu season hits so do runny noses and we have no choice but to deal with it. Tissues get harsh after a bit and irritate the nose. Your skin gets dry and irritated on top of being… it’s a no-win situation.

Now there is something non-evasive to help.

Mindee & Julie, the co-founders of Boogie Wipes, shared the frustrations of many moms and wanted to find a solution. They are saline-infused moist wipe that sooth chapped, sore noses while dissolving mucus. I’ve used them myself and I can attest to the wonders of the product myself. I like the fresh scent, but recently they developed a menthol scent aimed at adults. There is also a grape scent that kids love, wipes our kids clamored for when sneezing in this house!

They are so gentle they can be used on babies, infants, and dads. Moms, kids, whoever might need a bit of help with the nose. The wipe itself it so gentle I hardly noticed it and when I did use it I was quite satisfied with the mild touch. I have sensitive skin and so do my kids which are one reason I found Boogie Wipes to be such a relief. As parents we know when your child is uncomfortable it’s no fun for anyone around. In my not-so-humble opinion, the Boogie Wipes have made our lives so much easier.

They come in a handy little plastic pouch with a pop-up opening to pull out one at a time, clean and easy and without hassle. However, the Boogie Wipes Travel Packs are ingenious, perfect for lunch boxes, school, back packs, purses, desks, cars, trucks, SUVs… you get my drift! My youngest loved that. I didn’t have to throw one or two in a baggie and have her carry that. She had her own, and every kid loves that.

I think I covered all the bases on the fascination I have with Boogie Wipes and would suggest you check out their site to see where you can build a fascination of your own.

GIVEAWAY!
In cooperation with The Mom in the Know, Boogie Wipes would like to offer one of my readers 3 packs of 30-count wipes (fresh, grape & menthol). To win go to their site and find where Boogie Wipes offices are located and email to me. The email link is located on the right side of the page or momintheknow@gmail.com with BOOGIE WIPES in the subject, please. You may ALSO leave a comment on this post! Enter as many times as you would like.

Pop it ... it's hot! (and tasty!)

2009-06-25T07:00:00.016-06:00

(look for the giveaway at the end of this review)
How many families out there still gather around and have “family” night? I know we do at least once a week. My kids still like the event (and excuse to stay up late) and I bask in it before they realize that I’m not that cool. I’m sure you remember how uncool it was to hang out with your parents, right? Well, I cuddle up with the girls on the couch and watch movie while they still want me to… even if right now it’s “Star Wars” they pick to watch.

Our favorite snack when we settle in is popcorn, and while we all partake, we each like our own toppings. The girls love popcorn, it’s a great, healthy snack and they each get their own bowl. I get them each their own seasoning or they can have it plain (we like butter, we don’t douse our kernels in it).

This is where Kernel Season comes in. Kernel Seasons offer the full menu of popcorn products and specialize in flavored popcorn spices, so full of flavor you would hardly know it’s there. It checks in at 24 calories per cup, the flavors are natural and offer no fat while low in calories. With so many choices of toppings, fourteen in all – including anything from sweet to spicy such as White Cheddar, Butter, Nacho Cheddar, Parmesan and Garlic, Ranch, Sour Cream and Onion, Salt, Caramel, Kettle Corn, Jalapeno, Chocolate Marshmallow, Apple Cinnamon, Barbecue, & Cajun – it’s hard to miss your stomach’s desire. If you have a family of many or just a variety of palates, then you have options galore.

Summer is here and school is out, we aren’t in a regular routine of physical activity and tend to run amuck in terms of schedule – but popcorn can provide a quick, health snack to help you get through and Kernel Seasons insure you enjoy the experience! Have I mentioned fat-free? I try to keep a variety of snacks available to my family and the healthier the better. Popcorn stays fresh enough in an airtight container that you can store it for a few days, and it’s a great snack anytime. Kernel Seasons make it that much better.

You can also use it for crafts if you don’t want the leftovers to go to waste (what leftovers?!)
Here are some ideas straight from Kernel Seasons:
• Popcorn holiday sheep - draw a sheep's head and feet on construction paper. Let children fill in the body with popped popcorn. (Adapt to any white animal shape.)
• Feed birds by stringing popcorn and cut up apples. Hang on a fence post for a backyard feast. Birds will use leftover string when building nests.
• Form holiday shapes (pumpkins, snowmen, etc.) from a mixture of warm popcorn and melted marshmallows. Work quickly with small batches to create desired form. Embellish with candy and other food decorations.

Need a few more things to do?
Popcorn in Games and Trivia: According to the U.S. Popcorn Board, the United States produces nearly 500,000 tons of popcorn every year making it a quintessential American favorite with uses that extend beyond the kitchen. Play these fun games during after school play dates, family night, or other special occasions.
• Play the popcorn game: Encourage kids to jump around and pretend they are popcorn kernels popping. Learn why corn pops and share this with kids while they are playing.
• Bobbing for Popcorn Balls: Tie popcorn balls to strings suspended from up high. Have kids stand next to balls and try to eat them without using their hands.
• Sing I'm A Little Kernel to the melody of I'm a Little Teapot using the following lyrics:
I'm a little kernel in a pot,
Turn on the heat and
Watch me hop.
When I get all warmed up,
Then I'll pop,
Umm, I taste good when I'm hot!

• Popcorn Trivia: Prepare simple popcorn trivia questions and answers such as...

Q: How high can popcorn pop? A: As high as three feet.
Q: Who ate popcorn like breakfast cereal with milk? A: American Pilgrims.
Q: How much popcorn will one cup of kernels make? A: One cup of kernels can make a whopping 40 cups of popped popcorn

Popcorn and its many uses, eating or for play, can be a beneficial part of your summer. If you want to spice it up, Kernel Seasons is one of the tastier options out there. Not all popcorn products are created equal. Look for Kernel Seasons at your local grocer or order online, and if shop via the web, look for their special internet offers!

What is the name of the founder or Kernel Season's AND where was Kernel Season's founded?
Winners, yes WINNERS! THREE (3) of you get prize packs including:
1 White Cheddar
1 Nacho Cheese
1 Kettle Corn
1 Butter Seasoning
1 Parmesan & Garlic
1 Ranch
3 Microwave Popcorn Packets
1 Popcorn Spritzer
1 Pouch Of Kernels
1 Recipe Book
Comment or email me your answer at momintheknow@gmail.com or click the email link on this page. I had originally said email only, you may comment, too. SPAMMERS be nice. I opened comments back up again let's give it ONE more try.

(I don't ship out of the US, because I don't know the regulations ... if you are OUT of the US and want to enter go ahead and I can at least send you a thanks, you can give your prize away to a friend in the USA if you win and then maybe they get the customs regulations and can send it and someone can explain all of it to me by then ...)

Pup-Cake

2009-06-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

You may have noticed that I am expanding out to the pet market a bit more (and couldn’t be happier). As a parent and pet owner I don’t want anything to fall by the wayside. If you are like me, your pets are a part of your family and are loved as much as any other creature in the house. I realized there was a call for more on the four-legged little ones, albeit my sloppy, drooling, snoring, stinky, loveable canines. More importantly, the market for pet supplies and products has recognized those needs and is steering to fill the void.

I must admit those innovations have allowed me to spoil the dogs. They are pampered and my lab (Dairy) is, well… okay, he’s fat. No ifs, ands or buts about it. He’s huge, weighing in at 115lbs. We also have our pampered princess Trixie and she is a bit chubby (not fat). The vet hasn’t told her to lose that freshman 15 in the next six months. We have been inundated with snacks and it doesn’t help, but this one was an exception. It was so hard to say no, trust me on it.

Puppy Cake was the brainchild of Kelly Chaney and I need to thank her personally. I know it may be silly to some, but what do you give to the eyes staring up at you when the humans are celebrating with that delectable, lip-smacking cake? Now I have the perfect resolution: Puppy Cake.

In two flavors, Buddy’s Best Banana Cake and Fifi’s Favorite Carob, your dogs will be delighted and feel as if they are part of the festivities. With a yogurt topping they won’t be running around wild, at least from sugar. Carob is a safe treat for the furry ones and my pups can’t get enough. The bananas? Yum! Just wait for the little four-legged ones to have frosting on their snouts.
These were so simple to throw together the kids helped me, and they baked right up in a before you could say, "Trixie, what is it girl?"
Kelly wouldn’t steer you in the wrong direction. Try Puppy Cake today!

PS- Don't forget the sprinkles!

This one is for the Dad's ...

2009-06-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Last minute gifts for Dad brought to you by our friends at Barnes and Noble ...

Simon & Schuster authors share lessons they’ve learned from their fathers:

How to Talk to Dads: Alec Greven

Shread the Evidence!

2009-06-15T07:42:00.006-06:00

We live in a crazy world. The need for security, for you and your family, is as great as ever. In dealing with an online business the Mom in the Know has learned that it does not take much to draw the attention of those that are up to no good. Identity theft has become a multi-million dollar detriment for the world and all of us need to take extra precautions to protect our accounts, our identities, and our families.

One simple way to enhance the security in your life is through the use of a shredder. While many of us have turned to the green approach that eliminates as much paper from our lives as possible, we still handle documents of a sensitive nature. Receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, invoices, business communications, and hundreds of other papers that inundate our lives are open invitations to identity thieves. A quality shredder (and the devotion to utilizing one) can provide an easy, efficient means for eliminating many of those concerns.
Our friends at Fellowes, creators of the world’s toughest shredders, opened our eyes to gifts of a quality office tool. Kristen from the Golin Harris Corporation (Public Relations Representatives of Fellowes, Inc. of the Fellowes company) contacted us to discuss a new “Spring Clean the Home Office” campaign that highlighted the seasonal rite of passage as an opportunity to improve your home office and develop new habits that will enhance organization and encourage sound business practice moving forward. It sounded like a perfect time to jump on board, so Kristen hooked us up with one of the elite shredders on the market: the Fellowes PS-79Ci.

This thing has been amazing. It’s loaded with beneficial features, designed to shred paper, plastic (as in credit cards and computer disks), and compact discs. The Jam Proof System Operation eliminates troublesome jams by providing a lighted gauge to help the user avoid overloads while also warning of misfed paper (on their website you will find an outstanding video that demonstrates the benefits of this feature). The Patented SafeSense Technology can sense the proximity of your hands and will immediately cease shredding to avoid potential injury. SilentShred Technology keeps the machine running a quiet, smooth rate to avoid nuisance noises that can often disrupt office communications. Maintenance is a breeze as the machine includes a cleaning auto-start infrared system to warn the user when cleaning is needed to avoid complications. Oiling the shredder is as easy as pie, and it’s all spelled out in a well-organized manual with outstanding illustrations that make the entire operation feel seamless.

The Fellowes PS-79Ci shredder has become one of the beneficial tools in the office. It’s been everything Kristen promised and more. It’s increased our recycling efforts, it’s helped the entire family embrace a new sense of security, and the office is as clean and organized as ever. Fellowes offers a full line of shredders with a model that is sure to fit your needs. Their customer support is outstanding and their dedication to superior products and quality relationships with their clients shows why they’ve become the leader in shredding products.

The Mom in the Know is sold. Check out Fellowes today and put their shredders to use for you, your home office, and your family.

A little information from our friends at Fellowes about Home Safety Month:

Home Office Safety Tips:
Simple Steps Help Ensure Your Family’s Safety at Home

June is Home Safety Month and a perfect time for everyone to re-evaluate the safety of their homes to ensure family members are well-protected. While approximately half of all injuries occur in and around the home , many people in the U.S. are focused on preventing fires, burns and poisonings, and ignore potential safety hazards associated with the home office. The Home Safety Council, a national nonprofit focused on preventing injury in and around the home, reminds families to keep an eye out for risks in the home office.

Home offices are growing in popularity. In fact, nearly 45 million Americans work from home at least one day-a-week , and an even larger number maintain a home office for household business tasks like paying bills and filing taxes each year.

While working from home adds convenience, office supplies and equipment, such as paper shredders, can pose a potential safety risk. But as the threat of identity theft continues to rise, impacting 9.9 million Americans in 2008 , paper shredders are an essential piece of home office equipment to help protect sensitive information.

Fellowes, Inc., the leading shredder manufacturer, recognizes the importance of minimizing risks in the home office and protecting against identity theft. As a result, the company developed a range of shredders that feature a proprietary SafeSense technology, which automatically disables the shredder when sensing hands or large pets are too close to the paper opening.

In honor of Home Safety Month, Fellowes and the Home Safety Council suggest the following home office safety tips to further minimize risk.

Preventing Home Office Injury:
• Keep your work space off-limits to children unless supervised by an adult.
• If you have an entire room devoted to your home office, consider installing a door lock and keeping it locked when not in use.
• When purchasing a paper shredder, look for one with safety features to protect children and large pets from injury.
• Unplug shredders and other office equipment when not in use.
• Keep scissors, letters openers and all sharp office supplies in a drawer and out of harm’s reach.
• Install safety covers in unused electrical outlets.
• Make sure all electrical cords are not cracked or worn and in good condition.
• Look for certification labels from an independent testing laboratory such as ETL or UL when using extension cords, power strips and surge protectors or other electronic equipment.
• Store printers and ink cartridges in a high cabinet out of a child’s reach.
• Keep file cabinets closed when not in use and securely fasten shelving units to the wall so they cannot tip. Don’t permit children to climb on any furniture.
• Thumb tacks, paper clips and other small objects are choking hazards. Keep these where children cannot see or reach them.

About the Home Safety Council
The Home Safety Council® (HSC) is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Through national programs, partnerships and the support of volunteers, HSC educates people of all ages to be safer in and around their homes. For more information about the organization and to learn how to protect all areas of the home, visit www.homesafetycouncil.org

About Fellowes, Inc.
Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., Fellowes, Inc. offers an impressive range of products to equip the workspace, including paper shredders, binders and laminators, desktop accessories and record storage solutions. Fellowes, Inc. owns and operates subsidiaries in Canada, United Kingdom, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Russia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, China and Australia. The company employs more than 2,700 people throughout the world and expects global sales in excess of $700 million this year. Fellowes is a proud supporter of the Home Safety Council. For more information, visit www.fellowes.com.

Roll with it

2009-06-11T06:08:00.004-06:00

My oldest, as I have mentioned before, battles JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). She gets aches and pains on a regular basis and suffers horribly, due to a challenged immune system, from simple illness that affects her much more deeply than most.
For her, carrying her bag to school can be tough. I have a difficult time finding the perfect bag for her, she needs a rolling one but one that is durable. We’ve gone through several in our days and they get trashed, for lack of a better word, in the matter of a school year.
Then I came across ZÜCA and those worries are now over. Payton was able to customize her bag, and that was tremendous for a 9-year-old girl. She had a fantastic time looking around the site picking colors out and the frame. Usually going to a store you get what you get and a classmate has it, now she is her own unique bag that she designed. No one has one like it, NO ONE! That made her day.
Let me tell you a little more about this bag. Not only can you get flashing wheels (there are lights in the wheels!), but you also get a pad to sit on the bag. Yes, it’s so sturdy you can sit on the bag. It holds up to 250lbs if I am not mistaken, and what is better than that when you are waiting to get in school? You don’t have to stand in line! ZUCA gives you a nice comfy seat and you can imagine how relieving that would be at 7:50 AM.
Now you may worry about travel, worried that the frame would be too large for carry on. Allow me clear that up. While you can’t carry the SPORT (the bag we’ve been discussing) on the plane, but the ZÜCA Pro is the carry-on unit. The frame is compact, the wheels are recessed into the bag, and it’s perfect for the trek via plane (I will warn that I didn’t test that one out and I can’t comment on the usage of it, but based on our experience with the Sport, we have no reason to believe the Pro wouldn’t be of tremendous benefit for you and your child.
The vast array of color combinations were a delight for all of us, the girls had no problem satisfying their picky little minds. Storage in the bags are awesome they are sturdy as a bag I would use and the next trip I take, I probably will use one. I wish I had one of these during our last hospital stay. It would have been a perfect.
What else can I tell you about them? They are quite adult friendly, too. Fits a laptop, books, clothes, anything you might need for trek to the gym or to help during the professional work day. They are striking enough for an adult to use and convenient enough for all to enjoy. The frame’s design is aerodynamic and designed for all ages.
As you get ready for summer vacations, business trips, or simple day-to-day activities like trips to the pool or library, consider breaking with the bag you’ve been using to make friends with ZÜCA. You’ll be happy you did!

Are you the next big thing?

2009-06-07T19:25:00.000-06:00

You might be the next big thing! Or maybe it's someone you know!

On behalf of Universal Pictures, I’m excited to announce a one-of-a-kind opportunity for aspiring young actors!

Universal Pictures is pleased to host an online casting call to fill a role in the upcoming feature film, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. The film is based on the novel of the same name.

Sam is Charlie St. Cloud's kid brother on the cusp of puberty, appealing, annoying, adventurous,and trying to act grown up while still being a kid. Universal Pictures is looking for 11-14 year-old boys to play the role. Sam should be a regular kid, natural, non-actory, and unaffected.

Please note that all who audition must be available for work from July 2009 through October 2009. For more details, please refer to the media alert below and go to http://www.iamsamstcloud.com, where you can download the audition scene and submit your audition tape online.

Sigh ... for Psibands

2009-06-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

First let me take this time to thank PSI bands. This has been a bit in the making, but it’s a good thing now.
PSI (pronounced sigh) bands are a life saver for so many of us out there. I have had a hard time putting this into words. I start, I stop, start, stop. I have a daughter who combats motion sickness. A long car ride isn’t conducive to her system. I don’t want to drug her or keep her at home or avoid travel. When I ran across Psibands I was elated. If they work on chemotherapy patients, the chances of helping folks that struggle with motion sickness and similar affliction should be pretty good.
I have been combating nausea for unknown reasons here and there and have been experimenting with prescriptions from the doctor that still fail to solve the problem. It’s not a lot of fun, just comes in waves, but then I popped on my waterproof Psiband (that was an added bonus, I can wear it in the shower) and tried it out.
The medicine I was given made me tired or it was a patch that irritated my skin. Not these bands. They are comfortable, lightweight and eye-catching. In addition to all of that my daughter can wear it and I’m not in fear of putting something into her body (OTC or prescribed) for a car ride. I love the bands simplicity, ease of use; I can carry them anywhere, no prescription needed so if I’m out and about I can grab one and slap it on. Even better? I don’t need to worry about drug interactions and can be as discrete (or not… they are rather stylish) as I like.
I feel like I can’t say enough about the benefits of these bands. I now own one in every style to match what I have going on, fashion forward and savvy they are!
Yes, they did help the motion sickness, too. Her little wrists were just fine (and not much smaller than mine) and she loved the changes it brought in the car, and for the first time in quite a while, she wasn’t as anxious and uncomfortable (to be fair we are talking about a lot of trips around town and nothing too far, but she felt better regardless). I had no mess to clean up and that was a relief for me!
My nausea is subsided when I wear a Psiband, but it’s not a cure all. Consult a medical professional when you have symptoms that persist. For me, the days are more tolerable and I now wish I had owned it when I was pregnant with my second daughter. I was nauseous the entire time and I think that it would have made my life a million times easier!
Let me attach a little information here from the press release to answer common questions. They are the frequently asked questions that I can’t answer myself. I hope that it helps you along and give you a better understanding of why you need to get these for yourself or for someone you know.

PSIBANDS

Q: What is acupressure?
A: Acupressure is the stimulation of specific points throughout the body. This therapy may be self-administered or conducted by another person using fingers, thumbs, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to a specific point(s) to provide comfort and alleviate symptom(s).

Q: How do Psi Bands® work?
A: Psi Bands use wrist acupressure, an ancient healing art. Scientific studies support the use of wrist acupressure in the relief of nausea.

Q: Where do I position Psi Bands?
A: 1. Place one band on the inside of each wrist, 2 1/2 finger widths above the center of your wrist crease between the wrist tendons. This placement is known as the Nei-kuan acupressure point. The button should be facing in and the dial should be facing out.
2. Both bands should be worn at the same time.

Q: How do I adjust Psi Bands?
A: 1. To adjust the band size around the wrist, place the post of the dial through the appropriate band hole. Feed the slack of the band under the slide-able collar, just as you would a watch. It should feel snug yet comfortable.
2. To increase or decrease pressure on the Nei-kuan acupressure point, rotate the dial. It should feel snug yet comfortable.

Q: I have small or large wrists. Will Psi Bands fit me?
A: One size fits most. Psi Bands use a watch-like adjustable band with multiple settings from which to choose. They will fit wrists measuring 5 1/4 inches up to 8 1/4 inches.

Q: How many Psi Bands come in one package?
A: A package contains two Psi Bands wrist bands.

Q: Are Psi Bands re-usable?
A: Psi Bands are re-usable and should be replaced if they no longer provide pressure on the Nei-kuan acupressure point.

Q: Do I have to wear both bands?
A: Yes, both bands should be worn at the same time.

Q: How long do I have to wear Psi Bands?
A: Psi Bands may be worn on an as needed basis (up to 48 continuous hours) at the first sign of nausea. They may also be worn up to 5 minutes before traveling or surgery. The response to acupressure is individual. While some experience relief within minutes, others notice changes in hours or subsequent days.

Q: How do you clean Psi Bands?
A: To clean Psi Bands, use a damp cloth with mild soap and wipe gently; air dry.

Q: What are Psi Bands made out of?
A: Psi Bands are made out of Medical Grade synthetic rubber that contains no plasticisers, no PVC and
latex-free. The band material is made in the USA and then shipped to China for manufacturing.

Q: Where can I get a pair of Psi Bands?
A: Psi Bands are available nationwide at 5,000+ Rite Aid retail locations, as well as other regional chains such as Longs Drugs, Pharmaca and REI stores. They are also sold by numerous other retailers including drugstore.com, babycenter.com and amazon.com (see http://www.psibands.com for a complete list).

Q: How much do Psi Bands cost?
A: Psi Bands sell for $14.99-$19.99 per set. Cost varies per retailer and location.

Q: How did you come up with the name Psi Bands?
A: Psi, pronounced "sigh", is the acronym for pounds per square inch, the term used to describe a unit of pressure. Psi Bands are worn on the Nei-kuan acupressure point. They are drug-free wrist for the relief of nausea. Breathe a Psi of relief!

DON’T BE GREEN WITH NAUSEA – GO GREEN WITH PSI BANDS

There’s more than one reason Psi Bands chose the color green for the company logo and packaging. In an effort to create a more sustainable business model for Psi Bands and our society, Psi Health Solutions, Inc. has taken the following environmentally and socially conscious measures:

1. Psi Bands use biocompatible materials. They are made from medical grade synthetic rubber and are latex-free.
2. We use no PVC or BPA in any of our products or packaging.
3. Psi Bands themselves are reusable and our packaging serves as a reusable travel case.
4. Our packaging uses all aqueous-based inks and uses the smallest dimensions possible to reduce our carbon footprint.
5. Psi Bands donate $1 of every Cherry Blossom (the GREEN-colored band) set sold to our charitable partner, Fertile Hope (a national non-profit which provides reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility).

reading with Ziggy

2009-06-02T10:42:00.002-06:00

Hi there!

As children pour out of schools for summer vacation, many parents are left wondering how to keep their kids entertained for the next three months!

On this week’s special episode of Barnes & Noble Tagged! (www.BN.com/Tagged), host Molly Pesce offers some great suggestions for parents, starting off with a special visit by four-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Ziggy Marley.

Stop by the Barnes & Noble Studio (www.BN.com/Studio) this week to get up close and personal with the oldest son of reggae icon Bob Marley as he talks about his new album for kids and parents, Family Time. In this interview, Ziggy graces the Studio with two new songs, shares some little known facts about his own legendary family, and discusses the importance of both the immediate family and our figurative family across the world.

Stay tuned through Marley’s performance for a Tagged! “CloseUp” to find out how your kids can earn free reads through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids, and keep watching for Molly’s Top Tags in new book, movie and DVD releases just for kids.

an important message to promote womens health

2009-06-01T06:30:00.000-06:00

Pilot Study Explores Positive Effects of Yoga During Pregnancy

--Mindful yoga decreases pain, stress and anxiety--

Washington, D.C., May 15, 2009 — Increased physical and psychological distress during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for both mom and baby during and after birth. But according to a new study, mindfulness-based yoga can decrease these potentially dangerous risk factors. Mindfulness-based yoga is a combination of Iyengar yoga, a form of postural yoga, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, a relaxation and stress management program. The results of the pilot study appear in the May/June issue of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN), which is published by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).

"The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Yoga During Pregnancy on Maternal Psychological and Physical Distress,” by Amy E. Beddoe, RN, PhD; Paul Yang, MD, PhD; Holly Powell Kennedy, CNM, PhD, FACNM, FAAN; Sandra J. Weiss, PhD, DNSc, RN, FAAN and Kathryn A Lee, RN, PhD, FAAN, covers a seven-week mindfulness-based yoga group intervention involving 16 healthy, pregnant women who were between 12 and 32 weeks gestation at the time of enrollment.

The article describes how women practicing mindful yoga during their second trimester reported significant reductions in physical pain, while women in their third trimester showed greater reductions in perceived stress and anxiety.

"Childbirth preparation is extremely important at all stages of a pregnancy,” says AWHONN Executive Director Karen Peddicord, RNC, PhD. "Nurses can use this new knowledge to extend the traditional goals of pregnancy education to reduce pain and anxiety through more than just basic relaxation techniques.”

The article concludes that the preliminary evidence supporting yoga's potential efficacy for reducing pain and stress, particularly if started early in the pregnancy, should serve as a starting point for future research.

About JOGNN
The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN) is the bimonthly peer-reviewed journal of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

About AWHONN
The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is the foremost nursing authority that advances the health care of women and newborns through advocacy, research and the creation of high quality, evidence-based standards of care.

AWHONN's 23,000 members worldwide are clinicians, educators and executives who serve as patient care advocates focusing on the needs of women and infants.

A leader in professional development, AWHONN is the first and only association to be awarded the designation Premier Provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for innovation and excellence in Continuing Nursing Education.

In 2009 AWHONN celebrates its 40th anniversary of promoting the health of women and newborns. Founded in 1969 as the Nurses Association of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the association became a separate nonprofit organization called the Association of Women's Health and Neonatal Nurses in 1993. For more information, please visit us at www.awhonn.org.

A small break ...

2009-05-23T12:07:00.003-06:00

As the school year winds down and as we celebrate Memorial Day, The Mom in the Know will resume posting Monday June 1, 2009. Just a crazy week with the Kids in the Know getting out of school and activities consuming our time. Please take this time to thank a solider, active or retired or even put flowers on the grave of a solider we have lost. Be safe this weekend and remember the car next to you may not be!

Digital Media Camp

2009-05-21T06:33:00.000-06:00

Do your kids spend countless hours on My Space and Face Book? Are you looking for a fun summer camp for your kids that provides new skills in the world of digital media and lays a foundation for their future? Well, this summer, Digital Media Academy (DMA) will teach teens and young adults how to channel that passion for social networking into future careers.

The world of digital media is one that continues to grow. DMA has available courses for both pre-teens and teens that lay the foundation in many areas. Teens become inspired to learn, by using their passion for the Internet and for sports and music and film, and creating their own animation, graphics, websites and learning how to use the most current technology and programs.

Digital Media Adventures caters to ages 7-12, with day and residential camps in robotics, game design, web design, filmmaking and cartoon and comic creation, taught by professionals and teachers with a passion and talent for inspiring young minds.

Teen courses for ages 13-18 are offered at beginning to advanced levels with an optional residential pre-college experience. Additionally, not to be left out parents can take this opportunity to spend more time with their child, because DMA offers professional level courses in film, web design, digital photography, filmmaking, animation, music production and more. Teens who attend DMA can explore possible career paths, prepare for college and gain practical work skills all while enjoying an incredible summer camp with other creative teens.

The Stanford-accredited consolidated (4-5 day) courses can be taken individually or combined for multi-week certifications at prestigious college and university campuses including University of Chicago, Stanford University (San Francisco), UCLA (Los Angeles), Harvard University (Boston), George Washington University (Washington, D.C.), Brown University (Providence, RI), and the University of Texas at Austin, to name a few. Go to www.digitalmediaacademy.org for more information, and to enter to win FREE courses and discounts! Make this year’s summer camp more than just a memory – let it help your child’s future.

Another guest in this case an expert ...

2009-05-18T06:04:00.002-06:00

I didn't feel this was up my alley to write this, I usually sleep okay ... so here you go! My reviews will commence later this week. Though I admit it was a nice break.
(This particular review has been provided by Bryan Douglass, husband and faithful servant of Mom In the Know. Enjoy.) No pictures were provided by the client I'm sorry for any inconvenience.

Here’s the deal… I don’t sleep. On a good night, I get five, maybe even six or seven, hours of sleep, but those nights are rare. It’s much more common for those nights to be filled with restless tossing and turning, and the results are nightmares that don’t go away when my eyes open.

The Mom in the Know and I have tried a wide variety of sleep aids to help get me on track. The problems are numerous – stomach and digestive issues are resolved (for the most part) by medication and diet, snoring has been eased by changing sleeping positions as well as nasal strips, and the list grows from there. Still, the nights of horror persist and it tortures every waking moment of my day.

I have heard of clinics that will assist in diagnosing your issues and problems and, in many cases, could point you in the direction of relief. With so many folks suffering from sleep disorders the call for these clinics has grown and more and more of us are filling those clinics in search of a cure… and now, we have help that doesn’t require a trip to the clinic.

The SLEEPTRACKER, designed and produced by Innovative Sleep Solutions, is an intricate computer housed in a wrist watch. This computer will monitor your nightly movements, employing a small accelerometer to measure certain types of lateral motion that correlate to lighter stages of sleep. The watch monitors signals from the body that indicate whether a person is asleep or awake. From this data, the watch can produce a “picture” of your sleeping patterns that will help determine a window for optimal awakening in the morning, targeting a time in the pattern when your body is set to wake.

In essence, our bodies work in cycles, and no two bodies are alike, and no two cycles are alike. As a result, it can be extremely beneficial for us to take advantage of the peak rest hours in those cycles, and it is also beneficial to know the best times to wake. The SLEEPTRACKER can do this, and studies have shown that it performs as well as the visits to the clinic.

A recent evaluation study reveals that SLEEPTRACKER, the world’s only sleep-monitoring watch, is nearly as effective in gathering specific sleep data as advanced sleep laboratory equipment. When comparing SLEEPTRACKER to lab tests, the watch successfully detects moments of restlessness during sleep 91 percent of the time.

The designs are sleek, comparing to your typical store-brand sports watch. More importantly, it works. I have used the watch for nearly three months and am happy to report that I am feeling as rested as ever. The longer you use the watch, the more affirming the process becomes. I never feel as if I’m waking with expectations of the alarm. It’s refreshing, and I’m hooked.

The SLEEPTRACKER website is just as valuable, offering a functional environment loaded with information that includes a blog, testimonials, and options for purchase. If you want a better night’s sleep, check out SLEEPTRACKER today.

eat and enjoy!

2009-05-11T07:05:00.007-06:00

<Dream dinners is giving away this experience to one of you! Go to their site and pick your favorite dinner, comment and leave it. I'll pick a winner May 18th! You get to go to a location near you and prepare 6 dinners of your choice.

(This particular review has been provided by Bryan Douglass, husband and faithful servant of Mom In the Know. Keep that in mind as you read the review below. Enjoy.)

There are times when it is good to be spoiled.
I’m spoiled rotten by the Mom in the Know, a purveyor and producer of outstanding food. I have the gut to show for it (I try to wear it well) and am more than happy to help the cause when eating is the task at hand.
Imagine my joy when she walked in with five momentous trays that represented dinner for the week!

A representative from Dream Dinners had contacted her with an invite to come try “a few things” off their menu, and she had turned that into a feast of epic proportions. Dream Dinners provides a personal, home-touched slant to food service by creating delicious dinners made to your liking that can service a family, a party, or a freezer. It’s taking the work out of cooking for those that do not wish to dismiss a good, wholesome meal with it.

We visited the menu online to prepare for the trip and had no trouble finding an assortment of options that would make the entire household content. There is an amazingly-long menu filled with options that tempt the taste buds without compromising on the quality of the ingredients, or your health (grilled and vegetarian options can be found throughout). These are home-cooked meals with premium components prepared and ready for the oven, making an elegant meal as easy as ever.

We had some of our favorites at home: Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches with french rolls, firehouse three cheese pasta with meatballs, beef skewers with peanut dipping sauce, chicken enchiladas and Italian stuffed shells. Each were prepared to our specific requests fresh as we enjoyed beverages at the store (quaint and sophisticated), allowing us to avoid allergy concerns (that would be onions and peppers) without hassle or worry. Each came with easy-to-use instructions for baking (as well as hints to produce particular “effects” on the food, such as a crispy top layer versus a more traditional bake) in portions that would easily feed a family of four with food to spare (they can modify your serving size based on the estimated number of guests… the website has a nifty floating calculator to help you with the process when ordering online, an outstanding feature of the site).

Every meal was delicious, easy to clean, and produced leftovers enjoyed for lunch the next day. It was an outstanding experience and the Mom in the Know is happy to support their cause in helping your family enjoy the same. However, we also give kudos to Dream Dinners for their commitment to family and health, noting a special section on their website dedicated to articles on health, lifestyle, safety, nutrition, and other family topics you may find of interest, making DreamDinners.com a worthy stop for any mother (or father for that matter) spending time on the web. Dream Dinners has also created the Living the Dream Foundation, helping to raise thousands of dollars for various organizations in support of individual families going through life’s more difficult challenges (supporting, for instance, The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research – fpwr.com – dedicated to curing genetic disorders).

This is a wonderful company supporting an approach to business we all should appreciate. It’s a great place to buy a meal (or 20!), they put their resources back into the community, and you family and friends get to enjoy a wonderful dining experience in the process. Keep Dream Dinners in mind for your needs… you will be happy you did.
Dream dinners is giving away this experience to one of you! Go to their site and pick your favorite dinner, comment and leave it. I'll pick a winner May 18th! You get to go to a location near you and prepare 6 dinners of your choice.

Reading with Lois

2009-05-07T07:00:00.003-06:00

Reading and literacy is a passion of mine, a true passion. Use these links and share with the little readers in your house. I hope they are valuable to you, too.

Lois with Guests from Children’s Dept:

Lois on Newbery Medal Winners:

Lois with Tail Wagging Tutors:

Lois on Inquiring Young Minds:

Lois on her favorite educational books:

Lois on Books for Twilight Lovers:

Lois on Board Books for New Babies:

Lois on Choosing Books for Different Reading Levels:

Lois Intro Episode:

You can view all of Lois’ videos here

Silent Snooz

2009-05-04T06:29:00.003-06:00

Silent Snooz is a handy little device to help those snoring get a peaceful night sleep and those around them, too. The unscented, eucalyptus, and lavender nasal dilators are fashioned to do just that and no doubt about it, they do. Too good to be true, well maybe but you’d have to try them to see.
They call for 30-day use, but last much longer. Tucked away in their little carrying case they are easy to store and travel well. The first night of use, you know the Silent Snooz is there, but it’s not a hindrance. Once you use it again, you don’t even realize it’s there, that’s how comfortable there are.
Does it work?
Well, a good night’s sleep for all involved would say yes, yes it does. Spouses, children and users agree that rest was had by all for the first time in a long time. A sound sleep even! Why? Well, maybe it was the Nobel Prize winning technology that makes it easy-to-use, FDA lists it, and it quiets snorers instantly.

They are latex free, as the aromatherapy (fragrance free is available) sets in it calms one; suggested use states application 15 minutes prior to bedtime and for duration of night. The Silent Snooz gradually confirm to an ideal position on your septum to produce the greatest degree of relief. Not all noses are alike these form to you.
They also do work on a child, one tried it, liked it and it worked. She was a small 9-year old (not my 9-year old she’d fight me on it) and it worked like it did on the adult tester and she enjoyed it. Her parents reveled in a fantastic night’s sleep for the entire house, too. So did her siblings. Snoring sees no age.
If snoring is a blight like it was for this family, put a snooze on it and forget it.
Availability: Associated Wholesalers, Avon Catalog, Drugfair, Kerr Drugs, Ingles Supermarkets, Hannaford Brothers, Harmon, Magic Mark Stores, Rite Aid, Walgreens and select drugstores nationwide.

Yes another giveaway!!

2009-04-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

All you have to do is comment ... contest ends 5/10/9 11:59PM MST share with your friends and you may comment once a day.

PRIZE 1
www.votrevu.com
TARTE D'AMANDE Soufflé Riche Pour Le Corps
ALMOND PIE Rich Soufflé Lotion for the Body

Treat yourself to Tart D'Amande Soufflé Riche Pour Le Corps day or night for luxurious moisture protection that's never heavy or greasy, just divine. Almond Pie exudes a warm fragrance, rich with coveted and healthy ingredients to treat your whole body. Vitamins and tropical nut oils provide the ultimate in hydrated and sensuously silky skin. While rich with fatty acids and decadent aroma, there are no calories to be gained here. Guiltlessly dive into a big scoop of absolute deliciousness, and those lucky enough to be near you will savor the pleasure too. Apply liberally to the body and massage until absorbed. Perfect to wear anywhere! 0% Guilt. 100% Pleasure. Be Delicious.
6.76 fl. oz. $48.00

POWER Ingredients
Below are the hard-working ingredients that make this product so powerful and beneficial for you.

MACADAMIA OIL

VITAL

GRAPE SEED OIL

SHEA BUTTER

COCONUT OIL

SWEET ALMOND OIL

D PANTHENOL

CERASOME A AND E

PRIZE 2- $50.00 gift certificate to Bruno Jamais Restaurant

Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club brings the French Riviera to the upper east side. Where else can one dine in style until 3am with delectable cuisine such as chocolate soufflé and Foie Gras? The service and décor are equally impressive. The restaurant received the "Best Interior Design" award by Hospitality Design Magazine. The restaurant Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club may be located in a brownstone on the Upper East Side of New York; however the ambience is pure Paris where Executive Chef Hok Chin's cuisine is as artistic as the stylish décor.

Having dinner at Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club is truly a luxury experience. The restaurant club named for its very charming French owner Bruno Jamais, is a little gem, a lovely little secret, where you feel like you have left the streets of New York far behind as you walk up the steps of the brownstone. Once inside, Jacques LeMagueresse welcomes you with his sexy French accent, and leads you to the restaurant through the automatic door of the well-stocked wine cellar with the door closing with a whoosh behind you, capturing the essence of a James Bond movie as you enter the bar.

On a warm summer night allow debonair owner Bruno Jamais to make you feel at home and beat the doldrums of winter. Celebrity patrons have included: Billy Baldwin, Joan Rivers, Cindy Adams, Chazz Palminteri and even former President Bill Clinton. *Reservations are suggested and chic attire is requested.

Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club
24 East 81st Street
New York, NY 10028
212-396-3444
www.brunojamais.com

Monthly Giveaway for two you!

2009-04-27T07:00:00.002-06:00

All you have to do is leave a comment (if you did it the previous way, they count, too). If you Follow me on twitter, let me know and I'll give you a bonus entry.
You may comment once a day until contest ends. Share with your friends!

Contest ends 5/3/9 11:59PM MST

. Please email me with questions by using the link on the right or hitting me up on twitter.

AminoGenesis Introduces Wrinkle Arrest
New Anti-Aging Day Cream with SPF 18 Wins American Academy of Dermatology Seal of Recognition
AminoGenesis, known best for their advanced amino acid skincare products, is introducing their newest creation, Wrinkle Arrest, which has earned the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® from the American Academy of Dermatology for its sun-protection benefit.

Wrinkle Arrest is a new moisturizing day cream with SPF 18 and broad spectrum sun protection. Wrinkle Arrest contains the groundbreaking AminoGenesis DermaScyne formula which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of aging. These precursors help support proteins like collagen and elastin as well as many other key proteins found in the skin. Price: $59

According to AminoGenesis founder Ron Cummings, “We applaud the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and its commitment to leading the charge to reduce the incidence of and mortality from skin cancer. Protecting the skin from the ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun not only helps reduce your risk of skin cancer, but also helps prevent premature aging, including wrinkles.”

Ron notes that the consumer has no real way of knowing how effective various sunscreen products are at protecting the skin. The SPF (sun protection factor) of a product only refers to the UVB spectrum of ultraviolet light. UVA also damages the skin. At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not have specific guidance for the industry regarding the UVA protection of sunscreens. For this reason, the claim of broad-spectrum protection (meaning protection against both UVA and UVB rays) actually may be very misleading to the consumer.

About the AAD REAL OF RECOGNITION
In a further effort to emphasize the importance of proper sun protection and to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology introduced the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION. The AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION is designed to help consumers choose products that will provide the sun protection recommended by dermatologists, including broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

For a product to receive the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION, it must meet the following criteria:
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher
Evidence of broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) as evidenced by the critical wavelength method and in vivo testing using the Persistent Pigment Darkening method
Evidence of product stability Absence of photo toxicity
Complies with United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Sunscreen Monograph

Before granting the use of the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION to a product, the Academy’s Melanoma/Skin Cancer Committee of dermatologists reviews each application and the corresponding documentation to ensure the product meets the program criteria. Products applying for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION must submit extensive formulation and scientific testing data. Once approved, the product will display the following statement: “The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes this product for its sun-protection benefit.”
http://www.photolagen.com/

http://www.compassionet.com
healthDropz: Beverage Booster
healthDropz is available in three blends (Energy, Focus and Green Tea Antioxidants), each providing a precise, highly concentrated mix of vitamins, herbs or select natural ingredients. Simply add six healthDropz to 8 oz water of water or any beverage. No mixing necessary. A 90 serving bottle of healthDropz (0.9 fl oz) retails for $8.99. The bottle is small and convenient to carry, about the size of a lipstick.

healthDropz Energy: The Kick Without the Can
According to Lane, “today’s energy drinks are creating a generation of caffeine and sugar addicts.” Unlike other specialty beverages, healthDropz Energy is not a caffeine laden formula. Instead, the secret in these drops is small amounts of caffeine, the amino acid taurine and lots of B vitamins, especially B12. B vitamins are used by our bodies to create glucose into energy. The lack in vitamin B12 can cause people to be sluggish, which is why healthDropz Energy rates over 6,000% percent of the recommended Daily Value of B12 per serving. Because healthDropz Energy is sugar-free, there is no potential for a sugar crash.

healthDropz Focus: A Difference in Minutes
Today’s bottled Focus drinks add small amounts of a 1-2 special ingredients. healthDropz Focus is a fast-acting blend combining vitamin B6 with four scientifically tested, brain support nutrients, rhodiola rosea, DMAE, huperzine A (an extract from Chinese club moss) and citcoline. In as little as 10 minutes healthDropz Focus users have noted benefits. “We knew healthDropz Focus was a powerful natural formula, but we did not anticipate so many people reporting its benefits so quickly,” says Lane. healthDropz Focus may be a good option to supplements as well. Unlike the Omega-3 brain supplements which have a fishy after-taste, healthDropz Focus adds no flavor to a glass of water.

healthDropz Green Tea: A Drop Full of Antioxidants
Everyone is talking about the miraculous powers of green tea antioxidants. The active antioxidants of green tea are called polyphenols, the most powerful of which is ECGC (epigallocatechin gallate). Unfortunately, avid tea drinkers are constantly brewing pot after pot of green tea for the desired six cups a day. healthDropz Green Tea is an easy solution; providing a full cup of green tea polyphenols in just six drops. Importantly, about half of these polphenols are ECGC. Cut six cups into three, by adding six healthDropz to each cup of green tea. Or add green tea benefits to any drink, without adding flavor. healthDropz Green Tea has none of the added sugar or sweeteners of bottled green tea nor the strong bitter after-taste of green tea extracts.

Mom's and testers needed.

2009-04-26T10:25:00.003-06:00

Have you ever wanted to test a product you saw on The Mom on the Know? We are always looking for testers!
Please contact us by submitting an email as to why you would make a good product tester.
The Mom in the Know team.

A Biggest Loser checks in ...

2009-04-23T07:05:00.004-06:00

I’ve rarely gotten to speak to someone who touches my heart as much as Michelle Aguilar. It wasn’t her story as much as her attitude on wellness. In this nip-and-tuck society, she took the bull by the horns and attacked her issues, losing 110lbs (one of me!) all while working in front of America’s camera. In a sports bra and spandex, I can’t even run to the store in sweats without feeling like the world is watching.

Sure, a lot of us have weight issues. It’s a fast food nation. We have portions larger than our heads and it’s practically impossible not to gain at least five pounds a year. How do we fix that? How do we change that for our children? In the same vein, how do we avoid eating disorders for the next generation we are raising when all we see are girls under one hundred pounds gracing the covers of every magazine in line at the checkout?

Michelle has taken an approach that I’ve embraced wholeheartedly and I did so after having two daughters.

Michelle says before you even begin to look for a workout program you need to be ready. It’s something you need to be prepared for mentally, and it’s a process you don’t want to jump into with both feet… small steps or you’ll burn out. Walk for an hour a day with the dog, your child(ren), a friend. It’s about embracing a new lifestyle, not just exercise. You need to realize that right off the bat. If you aren’t in the right state of mind, you are setting yourself up for disappointment, as is true in so many aspects of life. Embrace a new way of wellness and a new life.

Craving a snack? Well, start the day off right like Michelle does with a bowl of cereal and you may lessen those cravings. Breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. If you still have a craving, even after breakfast, Michelle tends to east small-but-fueling snacks like almonds and cashews. Protein and fueling foods tend to last a lot longer than empty foods like sugars. Michelle doesn’t even keep sugar in the house. She has to leave the house to get it, and then it’s putting all the energy and effort it takes to get out and get it. After all that, even wanting it is a different story! That’s one way to combat sugar cravings! Don’t be afraid of ashamed if you do submit… once you do you’ll usually find that a bite satisfies you. Best part? It’s Okay!

Now, the question many of you may be wondering about … the scale, that annoying white whale, the elephant in the room for so many of us. Once you reach the goal you are shooting for, use it as a tool to maintain weight, not to control your life. You need to respect yourself and the scale. It does not define you. It’s a tool to help maintain again not control you.

No one is alone in weight maintenance and wellness. Look around and ask a friend to get healthy with you. It’s a support system, someone who understands, someone to talk to while you are walking, stressing and to combat cravings with. If you are going at it alone… best of luck!

Tote it and go!

2009-04-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Amies Circle was something I happen to run across and I can’t even remember how. I was fortunate enough to be able to review this unique product that is designed for kids, but adults can enjoy just as much. Characters for the personality of the child adorn the tote, wallets, stationary products, backpacks, coin purses, laptop sleeve, & wristlet.

My daughters preferred the tote and I enjoyed the coin purse I admit, I like the little pocket inside that was the perfect size for business cards. I did let them have it back and on the trips to the store it was used, many times. My oldest who is all tomboy liked the tote, it’s green, one of her favorite colors and has a dog on it, so it’s not “too” girly for her.

My youngest, she’s the critic, here is where you’ll get the opinion you’ve need, for the little one you want to buy for. It’s just enough room for all the things you need, lip gloss, pens, paper, littlest pet shops and all the stuff you carry around. The strap is a good length for a “girl that isn’t a teenager” as she put it, but honestly, it hit me right about the chest, and I’m 5’3. For people of the taller persuasion, I don’t know how it will hang on you!

From the website:

Founded by hip graphic designer and mom Jubily Boy, AMIES' mission is to offer
fun, age-appropriate products that capture the youth, innocence and imagination
of children.
Inspired by the friendship they share with their pets, Jubily designed AMIES'
introductory, flagship collection around the most beloved pet in the world,
dogs.
Just like their real-life counterparts, AMIES dog characters are sweet, silly
and one-of-a-kind, with happy, friendly dispositions and unique personalities
that inspire their young owners to love themselves for who they are and enjoy
doing what they do best--being children.

Jubily has done, in my opinion an amazing job of finding that happy medium for kids and especially kids that are indeed dog lovers, I know mine are (our beloved ones you can see here on the site).
Visit AMIES today!

Healthy and tasty, too.

2009-04-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Eating healthy isn’t in everyone wheelhouse these days. I embraced it a long time ago for my family but you can’t always find “treats” and “snacks” for that way of life. I was lucky enough to do that. I can’t attest that it’s healthy as I’d like, but it is dairy free, tree nut free, peanut free & egg free. They are also whole grain and for children with allergies HomeFree treat are amazing.

We tested and tried the Mini Chocolate Chip cookies and the Soft Oatmeal cookies. The Soft Oatmeal were amazingly well, soft! They are pure delight on the senses, tantalizing to taste, truly! Something without all the additives “can’t be that good” is such a delectable treat, right? Wrong. The soft, melt in your mouth delight of the oatmeal cookies, remind me of the homemade taste that I seemingly have little time to make these days, yet my children crave. Also, I know I can’t make them this healthy or with the same quality products and feel as confident in my product.

The Mini Chocolate Chip cookies where my youngest daughter’s favorite, she took the box to school for her snack all week. A light and crisp bite into the cookie, a flavor that was unique to them and them alone, good enough to be hijacked my 7-year old. She gives them rave reviews and is a chocolate lover; they also were wildly approved by the rest of the family.

What else can I tell you about HomeFree products? Jill Robbins the founder of HomeFree bakery is a mom and a clinical psychologist who created this brand so that kids with food allergies would enjoy treats along with others. Pretty neat, huh?
On the HomeFree site, there is also a cookbook and starter kits, in addition to many other helpful goodies to get you started. You can also buy HomeFree products there.

Do yourself a favor, find a store near you or order some today.

Priceless

2009-04-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

(For this particular review, we enjoyed one-on-one interview time with the business proprietor, Mrs. Mo Lukens. We’ve included some poignant quotes from Mo throughout the interview. Enjoy.)
“It’s all about the families, creating heirlooms to be passed down from one generation to the next.”
There are times when I feel it is necessary to request certain accounts and reviews from my wife, the illustrious Mom in the Know, as those experiences have touched me in some way. She is presented with numerous offers of intrigue, and from time to time, I feel compelled to turn from the world of sports I normally cover to lend my story to the site… and more often than not, it’s a special occasion when I beg for the opportunity, something special that has come along and provided a source of inspiration.

Over recent weeks, I have grown an affinity for pictures. Growing up, I was never a picture guy. Hated ‘em. Didn’t take ‘em, didn’t want to be in ‘em, and didn’t have very many that served any pertinent role in my life. However, as I move on in life, I find myself taking more time to enjoy good pictures. Whether they be from friends on Facebook, from a co-worker’s cell phone, sitting on a billboard along the commute to work, or found in a book or magazine, I am finding the art and beauty of the photograph has started to take hold.

Of course, it may be my failure to stop aging that brings me to this day, but more than anything, I believe it may be the joys of my family that has brought importance to pictures. I have found the life as a husband and father is so much more fulfilling than any other experience I have ever had, and I have come to realize that (a) these moments are fleeting (and I’ve already let too many go by), and (b) there isn’t an emotion or problem that can’t be made better by spending a few minutes with pictures of my family. It reminds that there is a purpose, that there is something greater, that I am capable of loving and being loved and am blessed to be enjoying my life with the three most beautiful creatures I will ever have in my life.

“The fathers, especially those with newborns, are beautiful. You can see the gravity of the love that has hit them.”
As such, when the Mom in the Know was granted an opportunity to meet and work with one of the more renowned family photographers in our area, Mo’s Family Portraits, it was an exciting moment for us, but especially for me.

While I fail to find flaw in pics of my wife and daughters, the fear that I will ruin family photos is never ending. I simply don’t photograph well. I’m covered in ink (tattoos have been a long-standing addiction), I have a forehead like a movie screen, and I can’t pull off the smile that conveys comfort and happiness.

As luck would have it, Mo’s Portraits is known throughout our area as the place to go when you want your family pictures done right. Not only is Mo known for her work with local families, but the studio has earned respect as one of the best providers of commercial photography in the area. The studio, located in the heart of Golden, Colorado (a quaint lil’ suburb on the far west side of Denver, serving as the welcome mat for the Rocky Mountains), has done work with local political figures, businesses, sports and entertainment celebrities, and those are pictures we see throughout the newspapers, publications, advertisements, and web pages of our community. Clientele like this shows just how much respect this studio has earned, and having the opportunity to meet and have our family photographed by that same studio… it was very exciting to say the least (and she does all kinds of work on top of these services, including babies, children, senior pictures for the high school kids, and promotional needs).

“You can see it first when time comes for high school senior pictures. The girls are excited, making plans and preparing for the big day. The boys are mortified and seem to think a lack of planning will relieve their fears. Somehow, we always make it work for both.”

So Mo gave us a call and set us all up. We would meet her at her studio, located in a historic home in Golden (an ideal setting for such events, a picturesque residence set on top of a small hill overlooking historic Golden and the adjoining foothills), and we were instructed to wear matching grey t-shirts with jeans (I fully believe this was done for my comfort, as this is my outfit of choice on six of the seven days of the week). She also wanted to speak to us about “a cool new service she’s been providing to customers that’s getting rave reviews.”

We arrived and Mo immediately put our girls, normally ramped off a potent mixture of childhood energy and enthusiasm, at ease, providing them with a slight distraction while we discussed the session and the goal of the day: We will get some fabulous pictures of you and your family, and we will give you the most amazing family portrait you could hope for… and it won’t even hurt!
Before I knew it, we were done. Mo had thrown us in a room and allowed us to mingle together, and after a few minutes (during which she was shooting), we went through a few posed shots and some family fun. The kids were allowed to play and even inspired a few poses for us all, and Mo took shots throughout. It passed so quickly, I didn’t realize we were done, and the entire family had a blast, and that might be more amazing than anything.
“Five-year-old girls are loveable little goofballs of energy, and they are SO much fun to photograph.”
As I waited for the kids to gather their things, I was enjoying the comforts of Mo’s family room and noticed a large portrait of an older couple, sitting together in the sun, embraced on a large, smooth rock in the midst of a stream. Suddenly, it hit me: That’s a painting. It looked so real, I hadn’t noticed the strokes and the texture of the picture. Mo had snuck in, walked up behind me, and said, “So you like, ‘cause that’s what I’d like to do for you.” It’s called Artistic Impression, a method of creating a painting to replicate a photo.
She sat us down and we went through all of the photos, making eliminations for various reasons. The wife didn’t like this, the kids liked that, and to help, Mo added her artistic input, steering us towards observations and choices that would give us a picture that reflected us as a family and that would translate for us all. Somehow, she had managed to take one picture that was the perfect caption of us as a unit. The kids and piled on top of me as I laid on the floor, and Mo had the wife move in casually behind to bind us all together… all three of them laughing and full of love, and for me, a simple look of happiness.

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t moved, and before I could recover my emotions, I was crying. So often you forget just how lucky you are and how much love you have been given, and somehow, Mo reminded me of it all in one picture… and I couldn’t contain myself. I had to walk out. It was the one, and Mo marked it, and she sent us on our way.

“In this line of work, you find opportunities to see people through highs and lows. Every job is an emotional moment for the people involved. Weddings, births, families, a person’s first professional session for an exciting new career or opportunity: you see all realms of emotions, and that’s powerful.”
A couple of weeks later, the Mom in the Know gave me a call to let me know she was on her way to meet Mo. She was preparing to do an exhibition at the local Barnes & Noble (we went to support the cause, and I wanted to check out more of her work). I was to meet them after work, and upon arrival, I found that our Artistic Impression was the centerpiece of the collection. It was brilliant, beyond anything I had imagined.
The kids were gleaming with joy and Heather was as proud as could be. Payton, our oldest, had a small piece of hair dangled in front of her face (she got all my good jeans, including her fine hair). Adison, our youngest, was cheesing it without teeth and with a crinkled nose. I’m laying there, the bottom of the pile, and it may be one of the best expressions ever caught of me. My colorful artwork on my forearms is perfectly replicated. A slight tan on my face accompanied by a forehead made white due to an undying dedication to baseball caps (though Mo toned it down so I don’t ruin the pic!). The folds in the shirt, the shadows, and tones and smiles and the emotions. They all shine through in a way that is both artistic and rich.
When I think of my family, at this time of our lives, this is what I will envision. This is what I will remember. Mo captured it perfectly, and it is one of the few pictures I will reflect on until my days end. It is a perfect gathering of us all, and it is a picture that I hope to hold to remember who we have been, who we are, and who we will always be… a family.
“There are promotions and advertising and such, but for a photographer, nothing beats a good referral. If you take pride in your work and put your devotion into providing quality photographs, they speak for themselves. Those moments and the families that appreciate them are the reason I do this, and they are the reason I get to keep doing it… and that’s the joy of my work.”

We owe this to Mo, and we encourage you to give your family (and yourself) the same gift. Visit Mo’s Portrait Studios online today to check out her portfolio, artistic offerings, credentials, and services. She always has promotional offers running as well to help you plan for the event and save a few bucks (not that Mo is going to hurt you anyway… she’s very reasonable and will give you more than your money’s worth). You will also find Mo is more than willing to discuss your particular situation. During these hard economic times, it can be difficult to consider the services you may need for photography. Mo is flexible and happy to discuss your particular situation to make arrangements beneficial for all.
I promise… you will not be disappointed.

A look into "The Mom" of The Mom in the Know

2009-04-10T06:30:00.006-06:00

(moving files from one computer to another)

As I settle into the office that I rearranged; you know the one my desktop crashed, my laptop decided it had "low virtual memory" on the process of all of it? Oh yea, my oldest also was ill with a kidney stone? Yes, that office that was slow coming. I thought a glimpse in to me was long overdue. Short and sweet, it will be, picture heavy, too.

(This is the chair I write from)
I'm just a woman who writes about stuff I like and don't. I try to take care of a family; as crazy as they are. Two daughters that seem to think they know it all right now, have the ages seven and nine always been like this? If so I formally apologize to my late grandmother, my grandfather and mother. I should probably to my aunts and uncles that were around to then, ouch!

(said 9-year old sick with kidney stone, wouldn't even eat a donut)

(7 mom, I'm almost 8-year old, being her usual "THERE'S A CAMERA" self)

I'm also mom to two furry, four legged pooches that are the sweetest things ever. One bulldog who owns us, Trixie and one black Lab who isn't really sure what the story is, Dairy. Kids named his, I had no part. There is a MR. around here somewhere who contributes, too. He's a tad on edge, he lives with this insanity.

(only picture we really have of trixie looking ... well awake ...

(only picture we have of Dairy looking ... well calm ... yes, he is alive.)

(Mr. TMITK with 9-year old, a Daddy daughter moment.)

I digress, I love to cook, bake, organize (okay, you can't look in my office rightthisminute and tell), read, look for new products, talk and hang out with friends. I drink Iced Tea, no lemon, no sugar by the gallons, and I drink water, too.
Well, that's a little about me, The Mom in the Know. You can also call me Heather or momo. Most of my friends do.
If you want something featured, contact me. If you just want to read, do.
Enjoy.

(I spend a LOT of time here, as you can see by my filthy towels, whoops)

(My kids spend a lot of time here, more then I'd like)

A mouse for millions ... (video clips)

2009-04-07T07:35:00.004-06:00

During the summer of ’08 our oldest was introduced to a wonderful book titled, “The Tale of Despereaux,” a sensational tale authored by Kate DiCamillo about a courageous mouse with unique physical features (namely ears that resemble pancakes) and a more unique view of the world. In a world where mice are raised to be timid and fearful, Despereaux the mouse was adventurous and brave. He rode against the current of his community, reading books, seeking valiant escapades, and living without fear. Through the journey of his life, he encounters other members of various animal societies that share his penchant for difference. Their lives cross in the kingdom of Dor as Despereaux seeks life as a knight, and the tale flows from there.

As luck would have it, the folks at Universal Studios recognized the success of this novel and put the project into motion. “The Tale of Despereaux” hit theaters just a few weeks after our children had devoured the book and a rare opportunity to connect those two worlds arrived. Unfortunately, as often happens in life, the event kept eluding our schedules and we never made it to the theater, but our fortunes turned as the folks at Universal Studios sent the Mom In the Know an advanced copy of the flick on DVD and our children’s prayers were answered.
In sitting to watch the movie with our little ones, I made the following notes based on observations by our oldest daughter. She has read the book multiple times and continues to return to the story for entertainment, so it stood to reason that no critic might be as insightful as her. The following observations come direct from her mouth.

“No one likes Despereaux just because he is different, but they should all try to be like Despereaux. He reads books and isn’t afraid to fight for good.”
She has expressed her admiration for Despereaux for these same traits before, but they are the focus of the motion picture version of the story, and we applaud Universal for leaning in that direction. It is one of the best messages this story conveys and it is a lesson many children (especially young girls) can and should absorb.

“It doesn’t happen exactly like this in the book, but Despereaux never gets scared. They want to make him leave and he’s not scared because he wants to go on an adventure. They say he is bad for wanting an adventure, but he’s not and he’s happy they are making him go.”
I have not read the book from cover to cover myself, but I have read portions with my daughter and noted a few difference (it’s to be expected). Beyond that, the message shines through. Despereaux made choices, he accepted the consequences of those choices, and he found a way to turn those consequences into positive experiences.

“Despereaux is the hero because he never quit, and he never changed what he was doing because he wasn’t scared. He was brave and he made the others feel brave when they were with him, and that’s why they beat the rats and brought happiness back to the princess and king.”
If you know the story it makes more sense, but the message is simple. If you believe in what you are doing, others will believe in you and you can work together to influence positive change for us all.
Based on her review, the movie may not represent the most accurate account of the novel, but this is not a surprise. Movies are rarely given the time needed to detail such a story with accuracy, and as our daughter noted, the bulk of the positive messages from the tale were captured.
It’s a gift to be different.
There is beauty in curiosity.
You will get from the world what you give.
Those are messages any parent can appreciate, and they are the reason you should put a copy of “The Tale of Despereaux” in their DVD player (and on their bookshelf).

Giveaway Monday

2009-04-06T09:02:00.001-06:00

Winners to be announced in a bit ... until then ...

mSpot.com launched this week, and it allows users to create and customize their own ringtones (think fun DIY). The giveaway includes artists such as Norah Jones, Coldplay, Faith Evans, etc. As part of the launch, the site is giving away 1 ringtone per new user while supplies last. I know "free ringtones" sounds like spam, but this is actually a cool site, and I think your listeners will like it and have fun using it to edit songs.

No strings, no complicated partnership - just literally something fun you can offer your readers so they love you guys even more. http://www.mspot.com/deal/

FREE to YOU ... ENTER NOW!

2009-03-28T18:33:00.002-06:00

(urgh, I'm still waiting on the new computer my friends, it's coming and my site will return to normal. Until then freebies!)

To win do the following ...

You must leave a comment on this post.
if you are following me on twitter tell me so (you can even email me that if you don't want your twitter public, you still have to comment though) and it's an entry.

Follow me on twitter and it's another entry. You have to let me know that you are following me though.

Tell someone about this and every person that mentions you in a comment is another entry for you.

Enter as many times as you would like with the above methods, this contest ends on or about April 5, 2009 12:00 AM MST. You will be notified by a post on this SITE so check back here for your name.

• Desquacrem
Few products can claim to be an all-in-one necessity like Sothys Desquacrem. Clarifying and astringent active ingredients to help eliminate persistent deep impurities – including sebum trapped in skin follicle - creates a radiant complexion. Price: $30

Aroma-Sothys Spicey Shower Gel

A cleansing amber gel with spicy hints that leaves the skin soft and delicately scented.
Retail Price: $24.00 for 8oz.

French Skin Care Company Sothys Blends
Timeless Elegance with Advanced Skin Care Products and a 5,000-Square-Foot Flag Ship Manhattan Spa

Sothys, A Legend in the Beauty Industry, Brings the European Spa Experience to
American Consumers

Skin care has truly evolved over the years and has become a necessity in American culture. The changing face of skin care is driven by factors such as lifestyle trends, technological advancements and cultural truisms. The beauty industry is perpetually challenged with flash-in-the-pan products that lack the research and professional expertise demanded by consumers.

For more than 60 years, Sothys has been committed to keeping the value that has established itself as a legend in the beauty industry. Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and the understanding of a customer’s well-being, Sothys is continuing to change the world of beauty. With global distributors in more than 110 countries, Sothys expanded its international scope by offering their signature treatments and skincare solutions to the American consumer. Utilizing exclusive European methods, Sothys offers unique and specialized treatments combined with high technology formula and a cocktail of active ingredients. Sothys wide product line ranges from Face Care, Body Care, Sun Care, Prestige Care, Make-up and Men’s Skin Care.

In April 2005, Sothys introduced its New York spa, the company’s signature spa in the United States. The impressive 5000-square-foot space offers the quintessential French spa experience striving to address every skin and body care need. Blending urban style with French influences, Sothys offers luxurious service and signature treatments by aestheticians from the Sothys Institut de Beaute in Paris giving the New York spa the utmost authenticity.

“Sothys’ devotion to research and product quality is the raison d'être why we have been a leader in the beauty industry for over 60 years,” said Christian Graces, president of the U.S. division of Sothys. “Effective skin care is more than topical, it’s science. Our highly-trained professional experts have spent years combining state-of-the-art technology formula with innovative ingredients to achieve the best possible results for every skin type. At Sothys, we create a beauty experience that exceeds our customers' expectations continuing to raise the bar for excellence.”

This fall, Sothys will unveil two spa treatment lines –Secrets De Sothys and the Sothys Seasonal Facial - both of which bring the latest in skin care innovations and the highest degree of professional quality. Along with new treatments and products, Sothys continues its tradition of pairing award-winning spa treatments with luxury home skincare products to create the most effective beauty program available.

New! Secrets de Sothys: Secrets de Sothys® (global anti-age stress relief line) is the result of Sothys research in the fight against aging. High technology formulas and cocktails of active ingredients were selected for their properties and synergistic effects on skin degeneration. The force of the innovation: Tex-OE® (extract of prickly pears): it stimulates the appearance of HSP, proteins that combat skin stress and preserve cell viability after an external aggression. Results: skin that is smooth, firm, revitalized and that radiates beauty.
• Secrets Global Anti-Age Serum: A truly exceptional treatment, Global Cure is a powerful cocktail that reactivates the skin's youth. Its active complex of soybeans and rice nutri-peptides revitalizes cellular activity, reinforces defense potentials and corrects for consequences of hormone deficiencies to the skin. The number and depth of wrinkles decrease, and the skin is firmer and more hydrated. (Price: $200)

New! Seasonal Facial: The Sothys Seasonal Facial offers an ever-changing seasonally appropriate facial. This fall, Tangerine and Ginger will combine to create the ultimate energizing and soothing experience designed specially for the autumn months.

ProSpa Body Treatments
Unveiled in April 2007, Sothys’ ProSpa is a unique multi-sensorial environment with a fusion of exotic botanicals, essential oils, spa water and marine extracts. ProSpa treatments are meant to create the skincare experience into a ritual of both relaxation and efficiency.
• Oriental Essence Ceremony: Soft smooth skin becomes reality following exfoliation with a Ginger infused balm. Aromatic bags - smooth Balinese pebbles in soft gauze soaked in a warmed exotic oils and luxurious spiced Granita are used to perform a massage that is inspired by Asian and Indian techniques. The body is enveloped in deep relaxation, the spirit soothed and the skin hydrated, soft and luminous. An unparalleled sensory experience. ($125/1 hr)
• Award-Winning Slimness Fusion: Redefines the contours of the body with a powerful cocktail of slimming actives blended within a warm body wrap. A re-mineralizing salt glow invigorates the skin and boosts the circulation to promote the natural elimination process. Extracts of Algae, Green Tea, Red wine and essential oils provide all the powerful ant-oxidants, polyphenols and minerals to boost the elimination of lipids, improving the appearance of cellulite and slim lining the body contours. ($140/1 hr 15 min)

Sothys Treatments and Intensive Care Lines
Every woman has imperfections on her skin; but Sothys’ Specialized Care line has made it possible to pinpoint and treat problem areas with products designed for high-tech performance. Sothys chemists have created treatments to achieve younger looking eyes, a brighter and radiant complexion, smoother and firmer skin. Combined with the superior care of the Sothys salon treatments these highly concentrated and carefully formulated products will enhance the beauty of the skin.
• New! Hydroptimale TH3 Ultimate Hydration Facial: A delightful and relaxing treatment that actually teaches your skin to auto-regulate its water balance and maintain its moisture reservoir. It offers a 3-Dimensional Intelligent Program that will keep your skin soft and moist for days. ($175/1 hr 15 min)
 Hydroptimale THI3 Serum: Created to deeply hydrate the skin, this highly concentrated serum auto-regulates water flow and reinforces the skin barrier by strengthening the corneous layer. It utilizes optimizer SC, a Sothys complex which includes algae, plan extracts and sugar to improve water retention in the dermis. (Price: $64, 1.7 oz)
• Lift Defense 2: Dermo Reconstructing Treatment: A five-phase comprehensive treatment to restructure the skin from the inside out. Wrinkles are filled, skin firmness and facial contours are restored and expression lines softened and diminished. ($175, 1 hr 15 min)
 Lift Defense 2 Serum: An anti-aging serum that provides the skin with a double active/passive defense system, improves cellular communication and restructures tissues for an anti-wrinkle “retinol like” effect. (Price: $70, 1 oz.)
• Oxyilance Anti-Pollution Treatment: This invigorating treatment features several patented ingredients that stimulate cellular breathing and energize the cellular activity, leaving the skin glowing. (175, 1 hr 15 min)
 Oxyliance Perfect Serum: Powerful anti-free radical action makes this serum produce real anti-aging results after just 15 days, this serum is meant for the intense care of fatigued and aggressed skin and contains peptides, which are powerful anti-oxidants which aid in cell regeneration and protect cellular structures. (Price: $70, 1 oz.)

About Sothys Skin Care Products
Preliminary Care: Sothys chemists believe clean skin is the first step toward beautiful skin. Sothys has created a line of cleansers and lotions for every skin type combination. The purpose of the cleansers are to rid the skin of microscopic particles, while the lotions work in a dual capacity as toner and fresher to help remove any residue left from the cleanser as well as restoring the skin’s appropriate pH balance.

Basic Care: Beyond cleansing, each skin type must be treated as a unique and fragile entity. Sothys has created everyday creams, serums and masks each personally picked by a Sothys esthetician to create personalized and targeted care catering to each individual’s needs.

Skin Care for Men: Sothys Homme system is specifically designed with the needs of male skin in mind. Based on the fact that men’s hormones and routine care like shaving can wreck havoc on a man’s face, Sothys Homme is meant to be a dedicated system to help men avoid becoming dependant on products made for women. Almost every Sothys Homme product contains phytomalt – a hydroglycolic complex selected from the distillation of malt from Scottish Whiskey. It is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, vitamin B and minerals. It is known for its soothing, calming effects.

Sun Care: Not all sun care is created equal: Sothys sun care line introduces their exclusive innovation: Cellu-Guard™ Complex. Sothys’ Cellu-Guard Complex employs triple cellular protection by targeting keratinocytes, Langerhans cells and fibroblasts. This system encourages the protection of the cell membrane, cell proteins and cellular DNA.

About Sothys
In 1946, Sothys was a beauty institute in Paris, where a list of exclusive customers enjoyed fine French products created by Dr. Hotz, a medical biologist. Sothys was acquired by the Mas family in 1966 and chairman Bernard Mas decided to add to the beautiful Sothys range and increase its availability. By 1970 Sothys had entered the United States market under the direction of esthetician Christian Garces. Sothys became an instant hit for estheticians looking for a professional, results- oriented product line. Over two decades later, it continues to be the forerunner in an extremely demanding industry. Much of Sothys' success is due to its focus on education. Not content to simply sell its products, Sothys offers continuous, complementary education to estheticians and therapists who want to learn not just about the products, but about the industry in general. At the Sothys Institute in Miami, and at regional Sothys offices across the Nation, classes are offered, with topics ranging from hands-on body workshops to cosmetic chemistry. For more information, please visit www.sothys-usa.com.

About L'Institut Sothys New York
Like its sister spa in Paris, L'Institut Sothys New York offers the quintessential French spa experience. Nestled among the busy streets of Midtown Manhattan, Sothys’ goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where each person can feel comfortable in their own skin. From their signature facials and digi-esthetique massage methods to their full concierge and express services, L'Institut Sothys New York strives to address every skin and body care need. The spa houses 10 treatment rooms and is the only comprehensive retail center in the United States that carries the entire range of Sothys products including facial care, body care, sun care, makeup and specialty treatments.

More than 20 Sothys signature treatments are available at the spa, including the exclusive Institute Treatments which sets Sothys apart from other leaders in the industry. The spa aestheticians are trained by aestheticians from the Sothys Institut de Beaute in Paris and are the ultimate experts in the Sothys technique, giving the New York spa the utmost authenticity. For more information, please visit www.sothyspa.com.

Another Giveaway!

2009-03-23T07:32:00.003-06:00

(urgh, I'm still waiting on the new computer my friends, it's coming and my site will return to normal. Until then freebies!)

To win do the following ...

Go to www.sothys-usa.com and leave a comment with

How to enter ...

You must leave a comment on this post.
if you are following me on twitter tell me so (you can even email me that if you don't want your twitter public, you still have to comment though) and it's an entry.

Follow me on twitter and it's another entry.

Tell someone about this and every person that mentions you in a comment is another entry for you.

Enter as many times as you would like with the above methods, this contest ends on or about April 5, 2009 12:00 AM MST. You will be notified by a post on this SITE so check back here for your name.

• Desquacrem
Few products can claim to be an all-in-one necessity like Sothys Desquacrem. Clarifying and astringent active ingredients to help eliminate persistent deep impurities – including sebum trapped in skin follicle - creates a radiant complexion. Price: $30

Aroma-Sothys Spicey Shower Gel

A cleansing amber gel with spicy hints that leaves the skin soft and delicately scented.
Retail Price: $24.00 for 8oz.

French Skin Care Company Sothys Blends
Timeless Elegance with Advanced Skin Care Products and a 5,000-Square-Foot Flag Ship Manhattan Spa

Sothys, A Legend in the Beauty Industry, Brings the European Spa Experience to
American Consumers

Skin care has truly evolved over the years and has become a necessity in American culture. The changing face of skin care is driven by factors such as lifestyle trends, technological advancements and cultural truisms. The beauty industry is perpetually challenged with flash-in-the-pan products that lack the research and professional expertise demanded by consumers.

For more than 60 years, Sothys has been committed to keeping the value that has established itself as a legend in the beauty industry. Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and the understanding of a customer’s well-being, Sothys is continuing to change the world of beauty. With global distributors in more than 110 countries, Sothys expanded its international scope by offering their signature treatments and skincare solutions to the American consumer. Utilizing exclusive European methods, Sothys offers unique and specialized treatments combined with high technology formula and a cocktail of active ingredients. Sothys wide product line ranges from Face Care, Body Care, Sun Care, Prestige Care, Make-up and Men’s Skin Care.

In April 2005, Sothys introduced its New York spa, the company’s signature spa in the United States. The impressive 5000-square-foot space offers the quintessential French spa experience striving to address every skin and body care need. Blending urban style with French influences, Sothys offers luxurious service and signature treatments by aestheticians from the Sothys Institut de Beaute in Paris giving the New York spa the utmost authenticity.

“Sothys’ devotion to research and product quality is the raison d'être why we have been a leader in the beauty industry for over 60 years,” said Christian Graces, president of the U.S. division of Sothys. “Effective skin care is more than topical, it’s science. Our highly-trained professional experts have spent years combining state-of-the-art technology formula with innovative ingredients to achieve the best possible results for every skin type. At Sothys, we create a beauty experience that exceeds our customers' expectations continuing to raise the bar for excellence.”

This fall, Sothys will unveil two spa treatment lines –Secrets De Sothys and the Sothys Seasonal Facial - both of which bring the latest in skin care innovations and the highest degree of professional quality. Along with new treatments and products, Sothys continues its tradition of pairing award-winning spa treatments with luxury home skincare products to create the most effective beauty program available.

New! Secrets de Sothys: Secrets de Sothys® (global anti-age stress relief line) is the result of Sothys research in the fight against aging. High technology formulas and cocktails of active ingredients were selected for their properties and synergistic effects on skin degeneration. The force of the innovation: Tex-OE® (extract of prickly pears): it stimulates the appearance of HSP, proteins that combat skin stress and preserve cell viability after an external aggression. Results: skin that is smooth, firm, revitalized and that radiates beauty.
• Secrets Global Anti-Age Serum: A truly exceptional treatment, Global Cure is a powerful cocktail that reactivates the skin's youth. Its active complex of soybeans and rice nutri-peptides revitalizes cellular activity, reinforces defense potentials and corrects for consequences of hormone deficiencies to the skin. The number and depth of wrinkles decrease, and the skin is firmer and more hydrated. (Price: $200)

New! Seasonal Facial: The Sothys Seasonal Facial offers an ever-changing seasonally appropriate facial. This fall, Tangerine and Ginger will combine to create the ultimate energizing and soothing experience designed specially for the autumn months.

ProSpa Body Treatments
Unveiled in April 2007, Sothys’ ProSpa is a unique multi-sensorial environment with a fusion of exotic botanicals, essential oils, spa water and marine extracts. ProSpa treatments are meant to create the skincare experience into a ritual of both relaxation and efficiency.
• Oriental Essence Ceremony: Soft smooth skin becomes reality following exfoliation with a Ginger infused balm. Aromatic bags - smooth Balinese pebbles in soft gauze soaked in a warmed exotic oils and luxurious spiced Granita are used to perform a massage that is inspired by Asian and Indian techniques. The body is enveloped in deep relaxation, the spirit soothed and the skin hydrated, soft and luminous. An unparalleled sensory experience. ($125/1 hr)
• Award-Winning Slimness Fusion: Redefines the contours of the body with a powerful cocktail of slimming actives blended within a warm body wrap. A re-mineralizing salt glow invigorates the skin and boosts the circulation to promote the natural elimination process. Extracts of Algae, Green Tea, Red wine and essential oils provide all the powerful ant-oxidants, polyphenols and minerals to boost the elimination of lipids, improving the appearance of cellulite and slim lining the body contours. ($140/1 hr 15 min)

Sothys Treatments and Intensive Care Lines
Every woman has imperfections on her skin; but Sothys’ Specialized Care line has made it possible to pinpoint and treat problem areas with products designed for high-tech performance. Sothys chemists have created treatments to achieve younger looking eyes, a brighter and radiant complexion, smoother and firmer skin. Combined with the superior care of the Sothys salon treatments these highly concentrated and carefully formulated products will enhance the beauty of the skin.
• New! Hydroptimale TH3 Ultimate Hydration Facial: A delightful and relaxing treatment that actually teaches your skin to auto-regulate its water balance and maintain its moisture reservoir. It offers a 3-Dimensional Intelligent Program that will keep your skin soft and moist for days. ($175/1 hr 15 min)
 Hydroptimale THI3 Serum: Created to deeply hydrate the skin, this highly concentrated serum auto-regulates water flow and reinforces the skin barrier by strengthening the corneous layer. It utilizes optimizer SC, a Sothys complex which includes algae, plan extracts and sugar to improve water retention in the dermis. (Price: $64, 1.7 oz)
• Lift Defense 2: Dermo Reconstructing Treatment: A five-phase comprehensive treatment to restructure the skin from the inside out. Wrinkles are filled, skin firmness and facial contours are restored and expression lines softened and diminished. ($175, 1 hr 15 min)
 Lift Defense 2 Serum: An anti-aging serum that provides the skin with a double active/passive defense system, improves cellular communication and restructures tissues for an anti-wrinkle “retinol like” effect. (Price: $70, 1 oz.)
• Oxyilance Anti-Pollution Treatment: This invigorating treatment features several patented ingredients that stimulate cellular breathing and energize the cellular activity, leaving the skin glowing. (175, 1 hr 15 min)
 Oxyliance Perfect Serum: Powerful anti-free radical action makes this serum produce real anti-aging results after just 15 days, this serum is meant for the intense care of fatigued and aggressed skin and contains peptides, which are powerful anti-oxidants which aid in cell regeneration and protect cellular structures. (Price: $70, 1 oz.)

About Sothys Skin Care Products
Preliminary Care: Sothys chemists believe clean skin is the first step toward beautiful skin. Sothys has created a line of cleansers and lotions for every skin type combination. The purpose of the cleansers are to rid the skin of microscopic particles, while the lotions work in a dual capacity as toner and fresher to help remove any residue left from the cleanser as well as restoring the skin’s appropriate pH balance.

Basic Care: Beyond cleansing, each skin type must be treated as a unique and fragile entity. Sothys has created everyday creams, serums and masks each personally picked by a Sothys esthetician to create personalized and targeted care catering to each individual’s needs.

Skin Care for Men: Sothys Homme system is specifically designed with the needs of male skin in mind. Based on the fact that men’s hormones and routine care like shaving can wreck havoc on a man’s face, Sothys Homme is meant to be a dedicated system to help men avoid becoming dependant on products made for women. Almost every Sothys Homme product contains phytomalt – a hydroglycolic complex selected from the distillation of malt from Scottish Whiskey. It is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, vitamin B and minerals. It is known for its soothing, calming effects.

Sun Care: Not all sun care is created equal: Sothys sun care line introduces their exclusive innovation: Cellu-Guard™ Complex. Sothys’ Cellu-Guard Complex employs triple cellular protection by targeting keratinocytes, Langerhans cells and fibroblasts. This system encourages the protection of the cell membrane, cell proteins and cellular DNA.

About Sothys
In 1946, Sothys was a beauty institute in Paris, where a list of exclusive customers enjoyed fine French products created by Dr. Hotz, a medical biologist. Sothys was acquired by the Mas family in 1966 and chairman Bernard Mas decided to add to the beautiful Sothys range and increase its availability. By 1970 Sothys had entered the United States market under the direction of esthetician Christian Garces. Sothys became an instant hit for estheticians looking for a professional, results- oriented product line. Over two decades later, it continues to be the forerunner in an extremely demanding industry. Much of Sothys' success is due to its focus on education. Not content to simply sell its products, Sothys offers continuous, complementary education to estheticians and therapists who want to learn not just about the products, but about the industry in general. At the Sothys Institute in Miami, and at regional Sothys offices across the Nation, classes are offered, with topics ranging from hands-on body workshops to cosmetic chemistry. For more information, please visit www.sothys-usa.com.

About L'Institut Sothys New York
Like its sister spa in Paris, L'Institut Sothys New York offers the quintessential French spa experience. Nestled among the busy streets of Midtown Manhattan, Sothys’ goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where each person can feel comfortable in their own skin. From their signature facials and digi-esthetique massage methods to their full concierge and express services, L'Institut Sothys New York strives to address every skin and body care need. The spa houses 10 treatment rooms and is the only comprehensive retail center in the United States that carries the entire range of Sothys products including facial care, body care, sun care, makeup and specialty treatments.

More than 20 Sothys signature treatments are available at the spa, including the exclusive Institute Treatments which sets Sothys apart from other leaders in the industry. The spa aestheticians are trained by aestheticians from the Sothys Institut de Beaute in Paris and are the ultimate experts in the Sothys technique, giving the New York spa the utmost authenticity. For more information, please visit www.sothyspa.com.

CAN YOUR KID COOK?

2009-03-19T06:54:00.000-06:00

(anyone waiting on a review, I'm so sorry we are waiting in a new computer!)
Jr. Chefs of America Wants to Know!
OPEN CASTING CALL ON SATURDAY APRIL 4th
www.jrchefsofamerica.com

PLUS COOKING DEMONSTRATION FROM TOP CHEF
FAN FAVORITE FABIO VIVIANI

WHAT: Open casting call to become a Jr. Chef of America
Host your own online webisode

WHERE: Sur La Table, Farmers Market
6333 W. Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036

WHEN: Saturday April 4th, 4 PM - 8 PM

Here is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Jr. Chefs of America experience!

Open casting call will give aspiring young chefs between the ages of 10 - 18 an opportunity to enter our “Jr. Chefs of America first annual WEBISODE Cooking Contest.” Existing Jr. Chefs will also be present for a special cooking demonstration!

Any interested kids will have the chance to enter the contest by being filmed demonstrating a recipe at the Sur La Table Kitchen.

Come with your own recipes and ingredients, or you can use those of the Jr. Chefs.

Pre-register at www.jrchefsofamerica.com to reserve your audition time! Winners of the contest will be announced on May 11th, 2009. Prizes for the contest are worth over $500!

Jr. Chefs of America is here to inspire a new generation of smart eaters and build parents’ confidence about their children’s skills in the kitchen. Featuring original webisodes, this site is all about kids teaching kids the joy of cooking.

Free Entertainment for Kids on Spring Break “Stay-cation”  10 Web Sites to Keep Your Kids Entertained and Safe

2009-03-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

(I'm still computer-less so this is from a PR agency)

In these tough times, a lot of families are opting for Spring Break “stay-cations” instead of big holiday trips. But if you’re staying home, it can be hard to keep the kids entertained and out of trouble. Many parents are naturally cautious about letting their kids loose on the Internet, but there is a lot of good, free, appropriate content available online – if you know where to look. Here’s a list of 10 web sites to bookmark that can help your kids beat Spring Break boredom if they’re staying home.

Best Set-and-Forget Web Environment for Kids
• KidZui – KidZui is actually not a Web site at all – it’s the Internet made just for kids. It gives kids access to millions of Web sites (including all of the below), YouTube videos, games and photos that have been vetted by a team of parents and teachers. Kids love the cute little avatars they can create and the safe social networking features, and parents love the fact that there’s no chance of enquiring minds stumbling across anything inappropriate.

Best Web Sites for Kids
• Club Penguin – A snow-covered virtual world where children play games and interact with friends in the guise of colorful penguin avatars.
• Lego.com – Ideal for the Lego fan, your child can watch Lego comics and movies, play games and construct their own Web page to show off their creativity.
• Nick.com – Your child can pledge to save the world, play games, check out the latest news on SpongeBob or create a virtual life on Nicktropolis.
• PBSKids.com – With games themed around Sesame Street, Clifford, Curious George, Arthur, Barney and other kid classics, your kids will have fun "interacting" with their favorite characters.
• Poptropica – This virtual online world lets kids create a character, play games, compete with other kids and travel between islands on a blimp to explore new areas.  

Best Online Game Sites for Kids
• Cartoon Network Games – With more than 200 games featuring favorite cartoon characters, your kids can hunt monsters with Scooby-Doo, play Ninja Survival or follow the Path of a Jedi.
• Funbrain – Part of the Family Education Network, the site provides educational activities for parents and teachers, as well as interactive games to help your kids with math and reading.
• Funschool – This site, provided by Kaboose, is designed for elementary-age kids and offers free educational games as well as printable activities, coloring sheets and craft projects that will help your kids learn while having fun.
• Hot Wheels Games – For car fans, Hot Wheels has dozens of vehicle-related games that let kids drive through mazes, race friends and solve puzzles.

KidZui’s Cliff Boro believes that parents needn’t be afraid of letting their kids use the Internet. “The Internet is a wonderful tool that, when used appropriately, provides endless hours of free entertainment for the whole family,” he says. “And more than that, it’s a great way for kids to learn and discover new things without even realizing it!” And what parent wouldn’t approve of that?

Quick update!

2009-03-12T10:34:00.001-06:00

I'm sorry for no new posts this week, but while I was moving my office my computer crashed! I'm waiting on a new computer and I will be live again as soon as that gets here. I did lose some data but will recover what I can. I'm trying, readers I'm trying~
Mom in the Know!

And the winners are ...

2009-03-07T15:55:00.002-07:00

Beeb, Leah & Bebemiqui!
Please email me at momintheknow@gmail.com with WINNER OF CONTEST in the subject line, I will forward to the company providing the prizes. Please claim prizes by 3.14.09.

Regular posting will resume soon, I hope by Thursday I have mom duties this week at school and I moved my office I'm in disarray!

Contest ended ...

2009-03-05T07:23:00.001-07:00

winners will be announced tomorrow ... please check back.
regular posting will resume Monday.

WIN the prizes below!

2009-02-24T12:46:00.007-07:00

ALL BELOW IS FREE TO YOU ... ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST! THANK YOU KMR Communications!!!
GIVEAWAY EXTENDED!!!
Please note and tell your friends to visit and note! Contest ends March 4th 11:59PM MST. Winners will be drawn randomly by kids in the know, please select which procuct or products you would prefer. You may enter more then once and you may also pick more then one item! This will be my last post of the week so you won't forget to enter! My apologies, I can't get the links to work. I'm working on it please cut and paste the link until then. You are welcome to click the links at any time, but it's not required to entered.

One more way to enter?? Follow me on twitter and let me know.
http://twitter.com/TheMomintheKnow (again if the link isn't working, sorry I'm trying to get this fixed.) Just let me know who you are "following" me and I'll enter you for another entry!

Fairhaven Health Dreambelly Stretch Mark Cream: Contains ingredients recognized for their ability to revitalize skin during pregnancy and tone skin after childbirth. Ingredients include aloe vera gel, natural butters, moisturizing oils, grapeseed extract as well as rosehip seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. DreamBelly helps prevent stretch marks by keeping skin supple and elastic and may aid the body in regenerating strained tissues and help fade existing marks. Price: $19.95 http://www.fairhavenhealth.com/

My apologies, I can't get the links to work. I'm working on it please cut and paste the link until then. You are welcome to click the links at any time, but it's not required to entered.

AminoGenesis’ Tripeptinon™ capsules are designed to lift, firm and strengthen facial connective tissues giving skin the most youthful appearance possible. Tripeptinon™ combines three powerful anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and anti-sagging technologies along with the base formula of 17 amino acids to address surface issues as well as underlying issues such as supporting and connective tissue. Price: $79 www.aminogenesis.com

My apologies, I can't get the links to work. I'm working on it please cut and paste the link until then. You are welcome to click the links at any time, but it's not required to entered.

TOKI: The Collagen You Drink
TOKI reintroduces a youthful look and feel to skin with an extraordinary ingredient base that includes the moisture-rich retention of Hyaluronic acid in a mucopolysaccharide complex. The mucopolysaccharide complex replenishes skin from within, and combines with Collagen Peptide and Vitamin C to restore a more youthful quality. When modified with HAI™ Amino Acid Extract from Hijiki seaweed for enhanced absorption, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be dramatically reduced. Your skin tone, moisture level and resiliency are revived. In as little as 45 days, skin texture starts to become smoother and tighter and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be diminished. Price: $175 for a 30 day supply. To order,
www.888ageless.com.com

My apologies, I can't get the links to work. I'm working on it please cut and paste the link until then. You are welcome to click the links at any time, but it's not required to entered.

Greening Cold and Flu Season: How to Shop Smart, Save Forests and Send a Message

2009-02-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO – With cold and flu season in full swing, Greenpeace is releasing its Recycled Tissue and Toilet Paper Guide, a credit card-sized shopping guide that helps consumers find the greenest household paper products. In the guide, Greenpeace gives a thumbs up to brands Green Forest, Natural Value and Seventh Generation, while recommending that shoppers avoid products like Kleenex, Cottonelle Charmin, and Angel Soft.

Greenpeace recommends products that meet three important environmental benchmarks: they are made from 100 percent overall recycled content, a minimum of which is 50 percent post-consumer recycled content; and are not bleached with chlorine or toxic chlorine compounds. The guide rates facial tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, and paper napkins.

“Tissue products that are made from recycled content help to reduce our impact on ancient forests, protecting forest ecosystems and wildlife,” said Greenpeace Forest Campaigner Lindsey Allen. “By using our guide and voting with their dollars, shoppers can help save Endangered Forests.”

Green Forest is an example of a responsible company making tissue products. All Green Forest products are made from 100 percent recycled paper, are whitened without chlorine, and are produced from a minimum of 90 percent post-consumer recycled paper.

“Our company’s primary goal is to make truly environmentally friendly products that also work well for the consumer, while being profitable,” said Allen Stedman, President of Planet Inc., manufacturers of Green Forest paper. “We want to make a difference in the marketplace, and we’re delighted that Greenpeace has recognized our efforts.”

One company that Greenpeace says can do much better is Kimberly-Clark, the largest tissue product company in the world with net sales in 2007 of over $18 billion dollars. Yet despite their large market share, Kimberly-Clark has not used their influence to show the industry how to be greener.

Greenpeace gave an ”Avoid” rating to Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, and Viva, Kimberly-Clark’s household paper product brands.

The full Greenpeace Recycled Tissue and Toilet Paper guide can be found at www.greenpeace.org/tissueguide.

Recommended: Fluff Out, Seventh Generation, Natural Value, 365

They can do better: Earth First

Avoid: Kleenex, Scotties, Puffs, Target tissues, Wal-Mart tissues

About Greenpeace
Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

Dress for success

2009-02-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

When President Obama took office I didn’t realize that it would affect my daughter’s wardrobe. Hiho Batik handmade clothing is favored by the Obama girls and has been seen in the pages of People, Star and US magazines. My children have seen the styles all over the television and in my People magazine; they were excited when I was contacted to review Hiho Batik.

My expectations are quite high for clothing for several reasons; I’m not going to tell my loyal base here to buy anything in this economy (okay, at anytime) that isn’t superb. I’m quite frugal and I want all the bang I can get for my buck; I’ll spend more for a quality product and I’ll expect the best for in return.

Hiho Batik’s products are all handmade, that adds to the character. I should say it IS the character. Each one is 100% hand-made and each piece is individually waxed and dyed as original piece of art.

The fabric is 100% cotton, the ones I received were dyed and I washed them separate the first time so they didn’t run. I suggest this due to the nature of the dyes, you can’t be too safe. I found the fabric itself to be of quality and held up well in the washer and dryer. With active kids testing products, the true test is how well the garments hold up. Answer? Amazing!

The styles are unique, so are the designs. You can even have a party at the store and create your own!

When you order, the design may vary a bit as all are handmade.

Enjoy!

Cloud B Twilight Ladybug and Sleep Sheep

2009-02-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

(This particular review has been provided by Bryan Douglass, husband and faithful servant of Mom In the Know. Keep that in mind as you read the review below. Enjoy.)
When my better half, also known as the Mom in the Know, gets a product sent specifically for our own children, I take great interest in the performance of those submissions. She has become a regular stop for the UPS and FedEx trucks of the neighborhood, and from time to time, we have occasion to receive test items that strike the fancy of our own daughters, and as such they carry the potential to become a regular part of our lives. I find it fascinating, because every so often, those products become memories.
Such has been the case for the package that arrived compliments of Cloud B.
Cloud B is a company that dedicates their time and efforts into providing comfort and rest for the children of our world. Two mothers felt the need for a line of products that could help not only their own children, but all of the world’s little ones into a good night’s sleep. They hatched a plan to develop a full line of sleepwear, sleeping aides, and various products that would encourage a healthy sense of comfort in bed and allow them to enjoy the satisfactions of sound rest. To complete the cause, an Advisory Board of medical specialists and professionals were hired to oversee these products and to assist in the enhancement of design to maximize the effective performance of these products, and thus was born Cloud B.
For us, the opportunity to encourage rest for us all was an idea we were all too happy to consider. Our children are no longer infants, but for much of their lives, it has been difficult to maintain sleep schedules. The girls often rise out of sleep at odd hours and will experience difficulty in returning. Times are at their worst when illness sets in, and little did we know the arrival of the Cloud B Sleep Sheep would be so timely.
You may remember a small frame of time when the Mom in the Know was out of pocket, forced to spend time away from work due to the misfortunes of infection. Our youngest was diagnosed with pneumonia and was admitted the Children’s Hospital. As any parent knows, these are events as trying as any. Even when surrounded by the best medical care available, housed in an immaculate facility dedicated to the specific physical and emotional needs of our children, the thought of worst-case scenarios and sleepless nights suffered through unrelenting spells of coughing and struggles to breath can be excruciating. Your child will be looking to you for comfort and support, and for us, the Sleep Sheep, a.k.a. Becky (named by our daughter, in honor of one of our closest friends), was there to support the cause.
The Sleep Sheep is a plush stuffed animal whose body houses a tiny sound box. The box produces a variety of white noises, sounds associated with comforting nature scenes laced with beats that remind young children of the experience of the womb (replicating the sounds of a human heart). The toy is so soft, our youngest daughter found the sheep to her liking right away. It became her hospital companion and security item to assist through an experience we would all endure together. She wouldn’t let her out of her sight, and the two became inseparable partners while our girl’s lungs fought to overcome infection.
I would feel safe in suggesting the Cloud B Sleep Sheep played a tremendous role in her recovery. The sounds would help her find much-needed rest throughout those days, and that also gave my wife and I time to rest as well. It was a trying experience, but the Sheep made it a wee bit easier to bear, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Becky still gets the star treatment today. Our daughter doesn’t tout as many furry friends as she used to, but Becky the Sheep has become a regular. They share a bond, and the white noise has become a bedtime necessity.
For our oldest, the fine folks at Cloud B also sent the Twilight Bee. Also available in a turtle model, the Twilight Collection are unique toys that project different colors of light through luminary patterns that project from the shells of the animals onto the ceiling of the room. At night, these toys serve as a source of calm, soft light that will help comfort the bedroom and will also provide a peripheral focus that will lure children to sleep. Our oldest daughter loves it, not a big fan of the dark and, as a lover of science and astronomy, it fits the personal feel and theme of her room.
Those are just two products among many available from Cloud B to help your children find a better night of sleep, and based on the experiences we have enjoyed, we must suggest you give them a shot if your child is in need of a new nighttime friend and you are in need of a few hours of shuteye yourself. After all, sleeping kids can produce sleeping parents, and that’s a situation we can all appreciate.
Check out Cloud B today. The website is phenomenal, easy to use and functional. You will find a wealth of information not only their line of products but also on their business and the minds that go into these wonderful sleep aides. If your child could use a helping hand in the bedroom, visit Cloud B and see what they can do assist.

Snap, shoot, click!

2009-02-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

A few ideas for pictures at hime in hard times.

1. Don't just read your manual - Sit down with your camera too, and as you go through the manual, experiment with the tips and settings it's referring to. You may end up with a lot of pictures of your feet as you page through it, but in the end you'll have a much greater knowledge of not only where and what all the settings on your camera are but what they do.

2. Use a tripod. A tripod is essential for capturing a "steady" and level shot. Especially with low lighting.

3. You never know how many photos you'll take when you turn your camera on, or if you forgot to download the memory card the night before, so be sure to have enough memory to ensure that you won't miss those important moments. Memory cards are getting more and more inexpensive. Have at least a 512MB or 1Gig card. This will allow you to take a large amount of photos and even a video or two if your camera is capable of it.

4. Make backups, make backups, make backups. Oh yeah, and make backups. Having a digital file is like having a print from 35mm film. If you lose your 4x6 print, its ok, you have the negatives so you can go have another print made. NOT so with digital -- if you delete a picture, or even worse, if your computer hard drive fails then that image is GONE. Try to make a habit of regularly copying your digital files onto another device, like an external hard drive. Computer memory is incredibly cheap, so there's no excuse to not have 1 or 2 backup copies of all your digital pictures and videos. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

5. If you're using an interchangeable lens camera (a digital SLR) and need to change lenses, be sure to do so in as much of a dust-free environment as you can. If you're outdoors, try to shield the camera with your jacket or shirt, or within a camera bag. Repeated lens-changes can let dust into your camera, which will show up on pictures as circular dark areas that stay in the same spot through each picture, and can get dust in your viewfinder, which doesn't affect image quality, but is usually just annoying. Camera cleanings usually aren't quick, or free.

6. It doesn't take a lot of equipment to make a good photograph. Some of the most iconic images of our time were taken with a single camera and lens, but it was the photographer that knew their craft. Can you imagine Henri Cartier-Bresson, Walker Evans, or Ansel Adams with zoom lenses, flashes, and Photoshop?
By Jason Roehner

I'd love to sent up an interview with Jason Roehner of High Res Media to discuss further tips about lighting, camera angles and answer your photography questions.
www.highresmediallc.com

Chew it slowly! A pet review

2009-02-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

(This particular review has been provided by Bryan Douglass, husband and faithful servant of Mom In the Know. Keep that in mind as you read the review below. Enjoy.)
We start with a qualifying statement: we own an English bulldog.
If you haven’t absorbed the encompassing joy and love of time spent with an English bulldog, you should do so immediately. Find a friend with a bulldog and make arrangements to spend a full day… in closed space… no visits outside for fresh air… with this person and their canine. Come to our house and spend the day (we have two young daughters, a Wii and DirecTV, so peripheral distractions won’t be a problem).
You have no idea.

Allow me to explain. I have often said owning this bulldog is akin to letting your 90-year-old grandmother convalesce at your home. She is beyond repair, she does and says what she wants, and she is who she is, without apology or guilt. No holds barred. Take it as it is, ‘cause life has brought her to a place where the power, motivation, or desire to refrain from full pursuit of comfort is gone.

Among the pleasurable experiences that come with this bundle of love is the experience of dinner. She eats as much as you’ll give her, she rarely takes time to fully chew her food, and as a result, expansive sessions of belching and gas (often laced with the always-appealing bouts of vomit). She guzzles water as if fresh off the desert plains of the Sahara, and that only adds to the problem. We have learned to accept her as is, but we have often wondered if there is anything, anything at all, we can do to alleviate the undeniable discomfort and to encourage better eating and drinking habits.

Our prayers were answered by the folks at the Long Tail Pet company.
Long Tail Pet’s history starts with Nancy Kerrigan (not THAT Nancy Kerrigan… we are talking Nancy Kerrigan, dog lover and moonlighting inventor, not Nancy “Why did you hit me in the knee with a lead pipe?” Kerrigan). Nancy was in love with Maggie, a wonderful beast of great exuberance and energy. Maggie, like many of the dogs across the planet, suffered from an inability to avoid her instincts over the food bowl, a condition Nancy referred to as “inhalation eating.” Maggie didn’t chew, she just sucked the food down and called it a day. Hoping to entice change, Nancy set forth to find a solution, a cure for the problem. There were products claiming they would help, but nothing worked (and more often than not, those “solutions” introduced more problems than answers).

So Nancy took the next step and sought the advice of veterinarians and pet experts. Their suggestions led Nancy to a vision of a new invention to combat the issue, and with designers onboard to help bring the vision to realization, the Long Tail Pet DogPause Bowl came to life.

The idea is simple: encourage your dog to take it easy, to slow their pace of digestion, and to conserve rather than attack. The solution, amazingly enough, was even more simple: install a “crossbar” diversion in the dog’s bowl, creating four separate compartments, each holding a smaller portion of food or water while creating a barrier that will encourage your dog to slow their pace while eating and drinking.

Nancy’s motivation to encourage a healthy eating pace was suddenly coming to life, but she also created a system of portion control for Maggie. She didn’t have to eat all of the food as quickly as possible. The bowl creates four smaller portions, easily managed with just enough effort required to slow the pace. This new bowl was tested and the results earned rave reviews not only from Nancy and Maggie, but also from local vets and dog behaviorists. The bowls encourage dogs to eat wise, but they also trick owners into healthy habits of their own. Controlled portions can help reduce overeating, overfeeding, and resulting obesity. These bowls add a tool in the belts of those dog lovers fighting to address those issues, and the decrease in gas and bloating, the ability to lower incidence of sickness and vomiting, and the overall benefit of the bowl create a situation any dog owner should covet.

Those folks heard about our beloved bulldog and sent along new DogPause food and water bowls. We couldn’t be happier. Our dog still battles her own habits and gluttony, but these bowls help her slow the pace of consumption. There is less mess (before, during, and after the meal), we have a new-found budget of benefit for dog food, and Trixie (our bulldog) is more than happy to portion her meals herself. She understands a full bowl isn’t a demand, it’s an offering. Having those divisions prepares a visual choice that she can make, and that has allowed her to accept a new, healthy approach to dining.

If you own dogs and you want to introduce sanity to the lives of everyone (and everything) involved, you need to check out the DogPause Bowl today. They are reasonably priced and the folks at Long Tail Pet have provided a full menu of features and helpful offerings at their website. Any and everything you need to help you shop, research, and make a decision is there, and you can get the job done for less than $20. You’ll also find a full list of supporters and other prominent organizations, publications, and television and radio shows that have found their love of these bowls is as strong as ours.

Hit ‘em up today and get your dog on track for a healthier lifestyle.

Keep it in place

2009-02-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I make dinner for my family most night, but we do get stuck on conversations. They only like to give up so much about their days, and it seems like almost everyday it’s “School was okay we did this and that, jeez MOM!” Mr. MITK and I both try and engage them in conversations about anything and it might be the age, but it’s usually rebuffed.

Lately they do want to discuss Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama, several US presidents of the past and Harriet Tubman. It’s all about historical figures. Pretty cool to me, but in the same vein I’d like to know a bit more about what they think about life and topic I throw at them. Not just history, though I love hearing it.

Mat Chats it’s a pretty fun take on an idea what you look at and smack your head and say “Why didn’t I think of that?”
A place mat with questions on it for you and your family to enjoy and answer together dinner fun!
A myriad of topics for family and situation, some examples follow.

• Attitude
• Friendship
• Fun/Work
• Gratitude
• Health
• Attitude
• Mindfulness
• Vision

The mats were a great conversation starter which spiraled into many other conversations. It’s always interesting and informative to learn what your kids know at and thing. I can still enjoy it, they aren’t scaring me yet!
I hope you get one to try and have a great family dinner … together!

Complete Idiots Guide to Backyard Adventures

2009-02-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kids love adventures, it can be as easy as sleeping in a fort or taking a hike around the neighborhood. We have two dogs who love to go on walks, we are lucky enough to live in Colorado where we’ve had sixty plus degree weather in January.

Cabin fever still strikes.

I was enlightened to one of many Idiot’s guides recently and this is one I’ll tell you about now.

The Complete Idiot’s guide to Backyard Adventures has several, simple, easy and ideas for every budget. What does your family like to do? Are you into insects? Stars? Want to fly a kite? It’s all covered in just the first thirty pages. My daughter loves rocks, and there are new and creative ideas on how we can go on “hunts” and “walks” for rocks.

One thing I enjoy immensely about this book is it’s also written so a child can read it and understand the terms.

Trading places is an idea that I want to try out, it’s a suggestion to trade places with mom or dad. I already have the wheels turning here for that. They are old enough to clean now, cook well sandwiches for all!

The Complete Idiot’s Guide is also filled with a lot of fun facts here and there. I found out I was one of 4.8 million people that work from home. That surprised me.

Aren’t the outdoorsy type, but maybe love crafts? You can make paper, pottery, ideas for exploring art. I love getting my kids paintings, shows so much expression. I get some of the most amazing drawings, too. One thing I do is watch the sale ads for sales on paper at office supply stores, buy a pack and let them go nuts. I do make them use both sides, better for the environment. Another thing? You can wrap a gift in something like that, use them as a thank you or a greeting card.

Next fun fact? Tape may take paint off the walls, so before putting the paint on the wall fun it across a towel. The cloth takes away some of the stickiness.

Don’t take the name of the book personal, its simple ideas we may not think of. I know I can try to hard and put too much pressure on that perfect family day. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Going green, is gold.

2009-01-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Green living is as common as well, the common cold. Do you take your own reusable bags to the store with you? Do you recycle your junk mail, catalogs, papers and general recyclables? Sometimes it is easier to just throw it away and start later, but it’s a new year and I have the perfect way to get you off on that right foot.

Eco-Friendly Families is a lifestyle guide to help you explore ways to implement green into your families’ lifestyle. It takes small steps, I can’t lie to you there. We didn’t just do it over night and we have struggles daily. The funny thing for me was my kids were more interested in the environment and being committed to a new lifestyle.

In Eco-Friendly Families, Helen Coronato translates so many simplistic ideas that you may not always think of and makes it enjoyable for at least one family member hopefully.
One of the issues Helen tackles amongst the many is cleaning and how to do it efficiently and still be environmentally sound. Below are a simple list of household items that are readily available and eco-friendly.
• Baking soda
• Rags (instead of paper towels)
• Saltshaker
• Spray bottle
• Olive oil
• Bottle of vinegar
• Old toothbrush (soak in hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria)
• Promotional or expired credit card
All of these items are listed and the uses for in her book, if I gave it away the purpose of me telling to buy you the book would be moot. It’s a great read and tool, so please pick it up.

Suck it up!

2009-01-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

As the mother of two, so many options that are out there now weren’t out there when I was raising the little ones. My oldest who just turned nine yesterday, used a pacifier and my youngest would have nothing to do with one. We were forever losing them, looking for it in the car seat, under the couch, wherever she had last been seen with it.

Back then, there was a clip, but it wasn’t as sturdy as they are now and certainly not as creative as the one I’m about to introduce you to.

Thanks to BinkTees you can say goodbye to plastic clips. You wouldn’t have to worry about the binky getting lost or dirty when it falls out, which it always does. Talk about a new, fun, very creative and safe way to wear a binky as an accessory.

The ribbon can be removed and worn by itself, we as parents know that versatility is great.

BinkTees offers a variety of options for little boys and girls, long sleeve, short sleeve; you can always put a hoodie over anything!

It’s an amazing idea and created by a mom; as my faithful readers know my favorite kind of business to support.

Enjoy!

Scholarship worries?

2009-01-22T07:00:00.003-07:00

Upromise Doubles 2009 Scholarship Fund to Help More Students Attain a College Education

NEWTON, Mass., January 14, 2009 – At a time when an unprecedented number of Americans are struggling to save and pay for the ever-rising cost of college tuition, Upromise, a Sallie Mae company, is doubling financial support for its annual scholarship program. This year, the Upromise Scholarship will award a total of $500,000 in college aid to 200 students. Based on merit and need, the Upromise Scholarship was created to help Upromise members pursue a college education and is made possible by many of America’s leading brands, including lead sponsors, Bank of America and Bed Bath & Beyond®, and support from Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s eStore.com, Kaplan, Rewards NetworkSM and Sallie Mae.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the cost of college has more than doubled since 1990, with the average tuition, room and board at a four-year private college or university costing roughly $38,400 per academic year. With today’s economic challenges and more than 18.4 million students expected to attend the nation’s colleges and universities this fall, American demand for financial scholarships will be considerable.

“In these difficult economic times, Americans need all the help they can get to save and pay for college.” said David Rochon, president, Upromise. “This year, through the generosity of Upromise partners, we are delighted to double the Upromise Scholarship Fund and support twice as many students in their higher education dreams.”

“As Upromise members, my parents have received money for college tuition when they shop for groceries, clothing and even when they fill up on gas,” said Krista Grill, a senior at Baldwin Wallace College and recipient of the 2008 Upromise Scholarship. “Those savings combined with winning the scholarship made a big difference in helping my family and I pay for college this past year.”

To apply for this year’s Upromise Scholarship, students can visit upromise.com/scholarship and apply online by February 28, 2009. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be a Upromise member or child of a Upromise member (joining is free at www.upromise.com)
• Have a household income of $65,000 or less
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
• Be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll during the 2009-2010 academic year, or a student already enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university or vocational-technical school
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident residing in one of the 50 U.S states or Washington, D.C.

Complete eligibility guidelines can be found at upromise.com/scholarship.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Education is currently accepting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov, which is crucial for students to complete to be eligible for federal financial aid for college. To help with college planning, Upromise.com offers free tools including links to Sallie Mae’s scholarship search, college savings plan options and tips on how to earn more Upromise college savings rewards.

About Upromise
Launched in April 2001, today Upromise is the largest private source of college funding contributions in America, with more than 9.5 million members and more than $450 million in member rewards. Membership is free and can help families save money for college while making everyday purchases of products and services at more than 22,000 grocery and drug stores, 14,000 gas stations, 8,000 restaurants, as well as thousands of retail stores, and more than 600 online shopping sites. Upromise partners include Bank of America, ExxonMobil Corporation, Bed Bath & Beyond®, McDonald’s®, JCPenney.com, LandsEnd.com, Sears.com, and hundreds of others. Upromise also makes it easy for families to start their own college savings strategy through tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans offered through Upromise Investments, Inc. or by using Upromise contributions to help pay down eligible student loans. Upromise is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of saving-and-paying-for-college programs. Upromise is headquartered in Newton, Mass., and has more than 350 employees. For additional information, visit upromise.com.

Shave the last ...

2009-01-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

What do you shave with, lotion, moisturizer, shaving cream or soap? What do your legs feel like after that? Smooth or is there a tad bit of stubble left behind? Do you feel dry and scaly? It happens to the best of us.
EOS Shaving cream is one of the better ones out there to help prevent that; the best that I have found so far. The scents are refreshing and the cream goes on smooth.
How does it shave, great but you do have to use it lightly as it is quite thick and need to rinse the razor often.
Does it work on men, most definitely! Eos leaves the face feeling smooth and a lingering scent behind for you and even your kids to enjoy when you give ‘em a peck on the cheek.
I liked the pomegranate raspberry scent the most, as I have sensitive skin and I’m sensitive to scents. Eos comes in three unique scents Island blue and Vanilla Bliss are the other two and I’m sure you can find one just right for you.
Go to the site and look for a store near you!

Balanced Water

2009-01-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

The world is made of water. The vast majority of our environment and surroundings is comprised of or derived from water. It is the most vital of substances on the planet, an element that serves as the fuel of life for us all. As that world around us evolves, the water appears to be evolving with it. Energy drinks once loaded with sugars, preservatives, and various chemicals and additives have fallen as the beverages of choice return to basics, relying on the gifts of the world’s nature elixir and offering the enhanced benefits that can only be gained by featuring water as the primary ingredient of choice.
The trend is evident on the shelves as consumers are no longer lacking in options for beverages. The number of folks using carbonated offerings as their beverage of choice is dropping while sports drinks are starting to discover the power of natural ingredients. More of the bottles on the shelf are carrying words like “enriched” and “organic,” touting a new vision of healthy living that can be enhanced by the consumption of drinks engineered to increase your quality of life. The bulk of those companies are now peddling the most basic of nutrients but are doing what they can to turn that life staple into a more rewarding experience.
The members of the Mom in the Know family have tried a multitude of these drinks. Raising two young children to respect their bodies and minds is of top priority, but presenting a beverage that can do that while also offering desirable taste and satisfaction can be difficult. While the fine folks in the food and beverage industry are working hard to bring “health” and “flavor” to a healthy co-existence, the task is not easy. Add the elusive tastes of our young ones and the trials endured in keeping them happy in a world of too many choices and you have the perfect formula for frustration and indecision.
Fortunately, the folks at the Balance Water Company have us in mind.
Based in Australia, the world’s largest island, Balance Water is based on simple-yet-powerful ideals, seeking a balanced world steeped in environmental and social responsibility. While water is our greatest resource, the world has not given us license to act irresponsibly. Balance Water provides the well-being benefits of the world’s most precious nutrient with operations and motivations founded in communal goals.
At the center of Balance Water products are handpicked Australian Flower Essences, a natural additive used in small, highly concentrated doses. These essences have been used for centuries by local island inhabitants to reduce stress and enhance focus. Australians believe the positive effects of their flower essences are cumulative, meaning their power increases over time and with continued use, and now they are offering those benefits to the world.
They use eco-friendly practices, highlighted by an effort to produce and package their product around the world. To optimize the realization of global goals, Balance Water realized the dangers of shipping could only hamper their cause. The carbon footprint created by packing and delivering their products could be as detrimental for our environment as anything they do, thus Balance Water has devised a system of local “outlets” charged with the production and delivery of their products. The Australian Flower Essences are the only ingredient in these products that is shipped around the world, providing local operations for a global effort and minimizing the ecological damage such operations could create.
Balance Water has been in business for some time and has offered water-loving consumers some of the best beverages money can buy for many years. However, their most recent endeavor is devised to make the mothers of the world happy by offering a line of water beverages specifically engineered for the young body.
Balance for Children provides the young members of our world with an outstanding alternative to the typical, sugar-based, over-caffeinated options they find on the shelves for consideration. Like all Balance Water products, there are no flavors, no colors, no preservatives, no manufactured chemicals or additives, and no refined or natural sugars. It is water enhanced by the same Australian Flower Essences that have kept those island inhabitants healthy for centuries.
More specifically, Balance for Children features a unique mixture of four different Australian Flower Essences, including Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Black-Eyed Susan, and Paw-Pay. Those essences promote increased focus for young minds while also enhancing calming emotions to restore emotional and physical balance for our youth. As you know, the children of our world contribute (and use) more energy than we can calculate. Balance for Children will keep their tanks hydrated and fueled while introducing natural ingredients proven to enhance their abilities to maintain focus and balance.
Our children spent several days drinking Balance for Children and the experience was refreshing. The highs and lows of the typical sugar-filled day were leveled. Our girls found reading and studies became easier and, as you might expect, more rewarding. There were no complaints of taste or texture (after all, they are used to water) yet the benefits of those Australian Flower Essences were impossible to ignore. There were noticeable increases in focus and, much to my own amazement, fewer trips to the fridge. It was clear the water was not only refreshing, but it helped our girls feel more energized while keeping them more hydrated with increased abilities to focus on task.
As a result, we have made Balance for Children a daily ritual in our household. While we continue to use the efficient and cost-effective filter for much of the water consumed in our house, we have also insured a regular dose of Balance for Children is included on the menu. As the Australians have learned, the effects improve with continued use and our children are enjoying those benefits with each and every cup of Balance for Children they get.
The folks at Balance Water have built a corporation we can support and commend, emphasizing the importance of community and wellness for all while maintaining their visions and goals. Now they have tailored their menu to include benefits for our young ones, and that has us feeling as balanced as ever.
To find a Balance Water vendor near you, visit their website at www.balancewater.com and hit their “Where to Buy” page. Enjoy and stay balanced.

Camping out

2009-01-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

RESEARCHING THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD
A Timeline for the Year

By Eve Eifler, Co-Director, Tips on Trips and Camps, Baltimore, MD

Often times, parents start researching the perfect summer experience for their child too late in the season. In many cases, the only session in which their child can participate – nestled between baseball season, the family vacation and the start of school - is already filled up. The best way to avoid this situation is to plan your summer early. Done right, the process of finding the right camp can take an entire year’s worth of research, but the reward is great.

If you are trying to decide on a traditional camp experience, here’s a timetable:

DO THE RESEARCH (Now, fall and winter)

With over 11,000 camps in the United States, it is important to come up with a list of questions to guide you. By doing so, you can narrow the possibilities to a manageable few.

What do I want in a camp?
Single sex or co-ed?
Religious or non-denominational?
Sports-oriented, nature-oriented or a mixture of both?
Close-by camp within driving distance or am I comfortable with a plane flight?
Do I want lakes or mountains (or will just a river do)?
1, 2 or 4 weeks in length?
Is the culture or personality of the camp competitive or nurturing?
Are activities required or is there free choice by interest?

To do this research, it is helpful to –

• Talk to other children and parents. Referrals from other families with camp experience are a great way to get the real scoop. Remember it is sometimes difficult to recognize when your child may need a different program than his or her best buddy.

• Watch DVDs & talk to your children. DVDs are especially helpful for children to learn what camp is all about and can easily enable you to discuss camp with your child in order to assess their readiness. Children enjoy seeing the campers and the activities. When talking to your child about their interests, be open to the unexpected.

• Search the Internet. The Internet is full of “Yellow Pages” that offer links to a camp’s web site. You can search by region or camp focus. If using this method, it is a good idea to use additional references from the camps, as well as an independent advisory service.

• Attend a camp fair. Schools, malls, and community centers sponsor annual fairs to allow parents to see many programs in a central venue. Usually present are directors of overnight camps, day camps and teen programs. Check your local parenting publications.

• Talk to camp directors. Each director should have a clear sense of what children should gain from their experiences and how to go about teaching these skills. If the director cannot adequately answer your questions about camp philosophy, home communication or supervision, then it is probably not the right camp for you.

• In-person meetings. Many camps host slide shows, gatherings or reunions where you have an opportunity to meet the directors and speak with current campers. Some offer visiting days in the spring when you can go and see the camp facility.

• Talk to a Camp Advisor. Tips on Trips and Camps is one of the many wonderful resources to use in locating the perfect program for your child. Camp advisors can help a family compare programs, obtain references, determine the right questions to ask directors, and, ultimately, find the program that suits each child. They have seen the camp and share their first hand observations.

Early Bird Discounts (Now)
Once you have determined which camp suits your child, you can take advantage of early bird discounts. These discounts usually hold the cost of camp down to the previous year’s tuition or take a few hundred dollars off the price of residential camping. And, when your neighbors are stressing out about what their child will be doing in the coming summer, you will be sitting pretty with your child already enrolled.

Camp provides an opportunity for growth that should not be underestimated. It is an integral part of a child’s educational and social development, providing a haven from our technologically and academically driven society. It certainly is not a vacation in the strictest sense of the word. Since there are programs to fit the needs of any child, I encourage you to explore the range of options available to you. The camp experience is an opportunity that cannot be replicated elsewhere. And you might want to make appointments to visit a few camps that could be of interest for next summer.

Happy camping!
•••••••

Tips on Trips and Camps is one of the oldest and largest camp advisory services. Established in 1971, “Tips” has advisors in 16 cities, relationships with over 600 sleep away camps and programs, and each year provides advice and guidance to thousands of families. The service is provided by phone, email and the website, which makes it available to anyone virtually anywhere. For more information and advice, to request brochures and DVDs, or to speak to a knowledgeable consultant, visit www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com.

Write here!

2009-01-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I like to send a note to school with my girls in their lunches, just so they know that I’m thinking of them even if I’m not with them. I sometimes get stuck on what to say, how to say it. All the “love you” get old for them after a bit I think; they want new jokes, facts and “flair”.
Kids Lunch Box Cards has filled that niche for me and many of us now. They are cards that are filled with fun facts, riddles, gross but true facts, looney laws, and mystical people.

The riddles have scratch off answers, makes it even a little more fun for the kids to enjoy their surprise. They can play at lunch with their friends or keep it for themselves.

The Looney Laws, you can share those with your class and see what ones you have in your state!
Gross but true, perfect for that little boy who loves the gross but true things in life!

Mystical people, I have a seven year old daughter who loves fairies and I have a feeling all her little Tinkerbelle loving friends will like this set just as much as she does.

I don’t want to tell you a lot about the cards, you have to look at the site and order them for yourself!
Keep in mind, you can give them as gifts, even to teachers who may like to give them to students for a bit of fun. Enjoy!

Do you have something you want to promote, something you think I should promote? Is there something you just want to tell me about? Contact me at the email on the right side bar, or email momintheknow at gmail dot com.

A note from The Mom in the Know

2009-01-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to The Mom in the Know for 2009. It certainly brought a bunch of changes here for me (a lot of my friends call me momo just so you all know) and our family. I had one daughter, Adison start second grade and the oldest daughter, Payton start third grade. They both had the same teachers from the prior year so the transition was easier and it makes it easier in the MITK or MOMO depending on who knows me. Yeah, I’m trying to make it a tad more personal this year for my faithful readers, getting to know the softer side of me.
I plan to ask you all to start to contribute a bit this year, too! That’s coming so keep on reading.
My 2008 was alright had its ebbs and flows. Payton has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and she has some serious bouts this year. She is playing basketball to help build some strength
I hope to implement fundraising links this year on the site, submit me ideas of charities you support. I’d love to hear more about causes we can get together for. I do but the site on the back burner when the kids are ill. Even if I have posts in queue I put them in hold at times because I will want to be available in case the vendor, clients, or my readers need me. My family is first, I know you guys get that!
Adison was in the hospital then home care with her bout of pneumonia. That was another setback but she is better 99% of the time. Cold and coughs for the rest of the year are risky, but again it’s all part of life. Both of my girls are tough as nails and I can’t even imagine having their strength.
As many of you have seen the site went through drastic changes. I bought the domain name and space in January of 2008 and it didn’t roll out until August 2008. For that I apologize. I had been working with someone and been promised many dates, then promised all of you those same dates and I looked foolish. I had to end a long standing business relationship and within a week I had the site you see now. Much cleaner looking and functioning as I dreamed. Okay, well I still have ideas I send in all the time but I don’t know for sure what features I want still. No, we aren’t going to have a chat room anytime soon.
One resolution I do have for 2009 is for tweet it for readers and clients, to make it accessible and the tools you want. Tell me! Email and let me know. The email is always on the right tool bar.
Please contact me if you have sent something in for review and it has not posted. I have to check the status. I have several reviewers.
On that note we are always looking for new products and new clients, since the testing/review period does take a bit. Please contact me (email is on the side bar) if you are a vendor, PR firm or the actual designer. I would love to discuss your product.
Do you design business cards? I need them! I’d love to feature you if you could design them for me!
I hope Mom in the Know has a fantastic 2009 and share your ideas with me!

Happy 2009 to you and yours!

It's all about the Dogs!

2009-01-04T17:37:00.003-07:00

(This particular review has been provided by Bryan Douglass, husband and faithful servant of Mom In the Know. Keep that in mind as you read the review below. Enjoy.)
During the holidays, one particular point of comfort for me is knowing that I will have multiple opportunities to hunker down with the kids (and maybe even once or twice with the wife) and watch a movie. We are all movie junkies and enjoy the comforts of our own living room to share a few laughs… and to be honest, with them at 8 and 7 and me at 35, we share similar definitions of “funny” and reside on the same humor wavelength.

This particular Christmas, we were blessed with an early delivery from the fine folks at Universal Studios, sending us a copy of the latest in a long-standing series of family comedies centered around life with a canine. If you are a dog lover, chances are you have seen at least one of the series titled after the famous Saint Bernard known as Beethoven. The first edition of the series hit theaters back in 1992, and 16 years later, the formula still works.

This year’s offering is titled “Beethoven’s Big Break” and offers a cast full of stars most parents will recognize. Those that grew up in the ‘80s (like myself) will recognize Jonathan Silverman with ease – remember Weekend at Bernie’s? – as well as the great Rhea Perlman, famous from her days on the small screen as the belligerent waitress in Cheers. Those of us who tend to prefer our comedy done blue will recognize comedian Eddie Griffin as well. Your young ones will recognize the others, including Moises Arias from Hannah Montana as well as Stephen Tobolowsky from Heroes. And of course, no canine flick from this era would be complete without a cameo from the Dog Whisperer himself, Mr. Cesar Milan.

Together the crew launches into life with the oversized Bernard as he attempts to survive the world of Hollywood fame. As luck would have it, Eddie (played by Silverman) is a struggling animal trainer but is also struggling to maintain sanity as a single father. His son Billy (played by Arias) is attempting to con his father – holding a strict NO PETS policy – into letting him keep the St. Bernard and his three puppies, all strays found on the street. In an amazing plot twist (at least for my girls), the dog in the move Eddie is currently working on is kidnapped! In a mad rush to find a replacement to keep production moving during the pending investigation, the studio casts (who else) Beethoven to fill the role, and antics ensue.

While Eddie and Bill begin guiding Beethoven through the rigorous work of movie production, the beefy vagabond is attempt the solve and case, and in the process, he becomes the biggest canine star the world has seen since Rin Tin Tin laid paws on the Walk of Fame. Eddie (again, as you might have guessed) begins to recognize the redeeming qualities over the beast and takes a shine to the dog and his family. By the end (that’s right, SPOILER ALERT), his career has been catapulted thanks to Beethoven’s performance, the case is solved, and the next great movie is ready to hit the silver screen.

For parents, we will admit the plot is somewhat predictable, but in keeping perspective (this is a family movie, largely aimed at getting the interest of your children, the forces that truly pull you to the ticket office, and as such the plot needs to be a bit remedial and easy to follow), the overall experience is rewarding. The story touches the heart and the dogs are rather loveable, but the humor is done well and will keep the kids laughing without coming off as corny. The humor can border on definition as rude but is mild in his worst case, and in the end, the kids are left with positive messages. The continued support for love of all creatures is something far too many kids miss these days, and the rewards of compassion and teamwork are always a lesson of great importance. The music is upbeat and fresh, the acting is professional and polished, and the results speak for themselves.

My girls and I have watched it a couple of times since, and while I tend to work while the television is being watched during the day, this movie has drawn my attention on several occasions and continues to stand as a choice we can rely on when compromised viewing choices are needed.

If you like movies and enjoy watching movies with your family, it’s hard to go wrong with Beethoven’s Big Break, and we want to thank Universal for their continued efforts to keep movies like this on the shelves and in our hearts.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

2008-12-29T12:12:00.002-07:00

(this was supposed to post last monday, aploigies!)

Mom in the know will return with new posts on January 5th 2009. Have many happy holiday's with you and yours!
Hand a happy 2009.
The Mom in the Know!

Better late then never!!

2008-12-29T09:42:00.002-07:00

What's in your air?

2008-12-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

USA TODAY SPECIAL REPORT INVESTIGATES IMPACT
OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION ON AMERICA’S SCHOOLS

Online Database Uses Government Data to Track How
Toxic Chemicals Affect Air at Nearly 128,000 Schools

McLean, Va. (December 8, 2008) —USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling newspaper, launches an investigative series today called “The Smokestack Effect: Toxic Air and America’s Schools.” The special project looks at issues such as why children are vulnerable to toxic chemicals and, using the government’s own data and modeling software, points to schools which appear to be in toxic hot spots. The series, which took eight months to produce and will run through the month, can be found at smokestack.usatoday.com.

An interactive database of nearly 128,000 schools featured online at smokestack.usatoday.com shows how emissions of toxic chemicals may affect the air at schools across the country. It also shows how schools rank in their exposure to cancer-causing and other toxic chemicals. The database is modeled on information reported to the government by 20,000 industrial plants. The series also offers information on how Americans can learn more about the air outside their schools and do something about it.

In Part I of the “The Smokestack Effect,” which appears today in the newspaper and online, USA TODAY compares what the model shows to what the State of Ohio found after it monitored the air outside Meredith Hitchens Elementary School in Addyston, a Cincinnati suburb. In 2005, Hitchens was closed after the Ohio EPA found levels of carcinogens 50 times higher than what the state considers acceptable. The chemicals were emitted from a plastics plant across the street from the school. USA TODAY found that the air outside 435 schools nationwide may be even worse than the air was outside Hitchens when it closed. Those schools, identified by the government's own data and model, extended from East Coast to West, in 170 cities across 34 states.
USA TODAY also worked with the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health to take "snapshots" of the air at almost 95 schools in 30 states. The series will continue on Tuesday with a look at what USA TODAY discovered and what experts say needs to be done to help parents and school districts know for certain what's in the air outside schools.

USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 34 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI). The USA TODAY brand also includes: USATODAY.com, an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day; USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a magazine for enthusiasts of college and professional football and baseball; USA TODAY Mobile, offering up-to-the minute news and information on a variety of mobile platforms and devices; and USA TODAY LIVE, the television arm of the USA TODAY brand that brings the spirit and quality of the newspaper to television.

Check out your own local schools.

Rewards for your cookies

2008-12-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

The holidays are officially here and that can only mean one thing – the height of baking season! This year, give your readers (and you!) a chance to win a new Samsung electric range by entering their cookies in the Samsung / Allrecipes.com Holiday Cookie Contest! Runners up will also receive a digital DVD camcorder.

Get the kids together to help with baking… or even arrange a cookie swap with your neighbors this holiday season. It will make the holidays a little less stressful, since you’ll only have to buy ingredients for one cookie but can have a variety for guests to enjoy. Also, cookies make great, personal gifts when we are all looking to save a few dollars.

Full details are below:
• Contest start date: Monday, December 8th
• How to enter: Submit photos of cookies online at www.allrecipes.com between December 8 - 31
• Contest categories: Four categories include cut-outs, drop cookies, cookie bars and spritz.
• Finals: The best looking photos from each four category will be notified January 6th and advance to the final category
• Winner announcement: A winner will be selected by online voters from the four finalists on January 21st and receive a Samsung FTQ386LWUX Electric Range. The range also includes innovative features such as SteamQuick, which wipes the oven clean in just 20 minutes and an extra large 5.9 cu. ft. of oven space. The three runner up contestants will receive a Samsung DVD camcorder.

Organic Holidays, thank you Pangea Organics.

2008-12-10T11:44:00.001-07:00

Born out of the desire to do right by the planet, this year Pangea Organics has a great gift idea to let you in on the fun, too! After two years in development, Pangea just released a series of holiday gift boxes that actually grow Spruce Trees. Yes, that's right. Just like their plantable packaging that grows organic, edible sweet basil, the box itself grows a tree. Just soak the box for a day, and plant it in the earth. If everyone plants their holiday gift box and bar soap box this year, collectively, we will have planted 122,000 trees which is equivalent to not driving 30 million miles in one year! Multiply that out by 75 years, the average lifespan of a Spruce, and that's 2 billion, 250 millions that we're collectively offsetting!

In celebration of the holidays, Pangea has invited me to extend this beautiful holiday offer to purchase Pangea products for you, your friends and your family at wholesale pricing -- yup, 50% OFF -- for the holidays. Give green, give sustainable, give the gift of the future...and save a little gas too. Pangea will even pick up the cost of shipping on orders over $75.

The only way to take advantage of this special offer is by emailing holiday@pangeaorganics.com with MOM IN THE KNOW in the subject line. You will then be sent a special order form that you will need to fill out and submit via email by December 15th. Just so you know...this offer is available via email only, and not available anywhere else, including pangeaorganics.com.

Enjoy and thanks for being part of the solution.

Warm wishes,
Mom in the Know

PS: Feel free to pass this offer along to friends and family.

For a Snarky Mama

2008-12-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted so say what you think, but you bite your tongue just to be polite. You can stop now and let your shirt say it for you. Thank you Eileen and Elise of Planet Mom for reinventing the apparel market for moms like me. Yes, I have a lot to say some days and I usually say it. I shouldn’t always do that though, I’ve been reminded I’m the one who is supposed to set the example. Oh yeah.
I have the “Trophy Wife”, the “Botox Free” a gift to a friend, and “Nanny Deprived” that I reviewed. Everywhere I go; the comments flow. I have knee surgery recently and my surgeon love the “Trophy wife” shirt so much that is what he took to calling me. I take the shirt all in jest mind you, but it’s so funny you must have a tad bit of humor to buy it anyway.
T-SHIRT SPECS Planet Mom shirts are made by American Apparel and are 100% heavy weight cotton, with 100% stretch to them. Their lines are embroidered with mesh interfacing on the inside of the shirt to insure comfort and stability.
You can also make a custom order request by contacting Planet Mom Tees; personalize a shirt for a friend in need. I thought about making a shirt for a friend who always gets hassled about having “too many kids” (she has six). None of their business I say.
They do run small, if you like that fit perfect if not then buy a size larger.
Also a great selection for men. Take a gander and see if he deserves something or if it’s all for you.
Nothing for the kids yet, I guess as moms Eileen and Elise know they usually take care of that on their own.
Look, peruse, buy. “tis the holiday season and I’m sure you have a lit of people who these are perfect for!

Bag it!

2008-12-01T07:00:00.002-07:00

In the day of use your own bags at the stores I was happy to find Bella Totes . I love handmade, this is so much more attractive then the store brand ones and on top of that STURDY!

I admit this review may be a bit shorter then others, but I can’t say a lot about something so sweet and simple.

So attractive and wonderful to use, my daughter even used it for school. It carries books, folders and those random items your child may bring home just as easily as a few canned goods.

These ones fold up so small you can keep them in your purse; you won’t be running back to your car for a forgotten bag in the rain!

Contact Bella Tote for a great holiday or teacher gift today.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

MITK is celebrating with her family today, and will resume posts next week. Have a happy holiday.

nature-y Goodness!

2008-11-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

The power of the shower… it’s a wonderful thing. We take showers to get our day started right, we take showers to wind down at the end of the day, and we take showers in the middle of the day to simply wipe the slate clean and start over. Nothing refreshes like a quiet, relaxing trip to the bathroom to cleanse the ills of life away.
For those that value those bathing experiences like us, the search to identify and enhance the experience with the proper products can be excruciating. There is no shortage of companies pushing various soaps, lotions, skin and hair care products, and other bathroom accessories meant to make the experience both enjoyable and cleansing, but the list of those capable of taking such an opportunity and pushing it to new heights of satisfaction is limited.
Finding soap to dry my skin, to damage my hair, to leave me feeling empty and unfilled from an otherwise bountiful time spent in the tub… that’s easy. Locating products that make the experience seem that much more enjoyable can be difficult.
Now that we have found One with Nature Soaps, the task is not so daunting. In fact, it has proven to be oh so rewarding.
One With Nature is dedicated to developing and manufacturing top-of-the-line skin care products aimed at fulfilling the customer’s every desire in the bathroom while also seeking a harmonious kinship with nature. Like many of the products we feature on Mom In the Know, One With Nature supports environmental consciousness by creating products that are void of artificial ingredients such as colors, fragrances, or animal-based components. All of the materials used are derived from plants and naturally-occurring minerals found in unique environments rich in life and health. Essential oils and natural sources are employed to transform those materials into highly-beneficial, luxurious soaps that will help you discover a whole new bathing experience.
The team at One With Nature sent us a full array of products to sample and review, including items from the new Dead Sea line that brings the companies’ gift for soap production together with an outstanding environmental effort aimed at maintain the integrity and strength of this historical body of water.
First on the plate was the Vanilla Oatmeal Soap, an excellent addition for those who have already discovered the benefits of oatmeal as a bath enhancer. Our children struggle with dry skin and our youngest is hit hard, fighting bouts of excema. The Vanilla Oatmeal Soap works as an exfoliant while the oatmeal replenishes the skin with needed nutrients. If you suffer with sensitive skin, this soap is an ideal option for your shower.
Next came the Granny Smith Soap, a perfect example to showcase just how simple yet rewarding the One With Nature approach can be. This bar is humongous, over twice as large as the traditional bars you find on the grocer’s shelf. However, the size is only part of the benefit. These soaps are made with 10% vegetable glycerin (traditional soaps are made from artificial glycerin), a process that produces a bar soap that offer moisture to the skin, allowing the cleansing process to heal while providing outstanding hygiene.
Our family then tore into the Bing Cherry Soap, much like the Granny Smith with an alluring fragrance kids are sure to love. These soaps are started with a vegetable base and contain no artificial colors or fragrances. The Bing Cherry is as sweet and alluring as the name suggests, and your skin is left with a rich, moist texture you will learn to crave.
The next product on the menu, the Olive Oil Soap. Olive Oil is rich in moisturizing powers and provides an excellent feel few (if any) soaps will match. The result is a moisturizing soap that leaves the skin soft, not oily, matched with the refreshing sent of olive oil.
That brought us to the crown jewel of the collection, the Dead Sea Salt Soap as well as the Dead Sea Mud Soap. As noted on the One With Nature page dedicated to the Dead Sea, this body of water has long been associated with therapeutic gifts. Located near the earth’s lowest point of elevation, the Dead Sea contains more solid content than any other body of water. The salts and muds found in this water are bloated with sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and bromine. All are associated with stimulated blood circulation and are believed to accelerate the natural exfoliation process. This gives the skin a balanced pH chemistry while the minerals revitalize skin cells while providing deep-cleansing attributes that will draw toxins away from the body.
And the soap smells fantastic. You leave the shower feeling as healthy as ever without that filmy residue or any sense of dry and damaged skin. The soap does reinvigorate and gives the use a definitive lift that can carry he/she through the day.
More importantly, the introduction of this new line has given One With Nature an opportunity to team with FoEME, the Friends of Earth Middle East, an organization dedicated to preserving and supporting the continued health and life of the Dead Sea. These are environment issues that affect us all and will definitively affect our children and the generations yet to come. One With Nature’s effort should be applauded and serves as example for many in the business sector to follow.
The full line was nothing short of outstanding and is likely to allure many of our friends and family that come to us seeking insight on the experience One With Nature provided. The products are as rewarding as any you will find on the market and the move to protect the environment that makes it all possible exudes a proactive attitude the entire world should emulate.
Visit OneWithNature.com today and open your home to the gifts they can provide.

Pop one open

2008-11-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Contributed by Bryan Douglass
I am addicted to soft drinks.

I was a member of that family when you were growing up… that family that kept a fridge in the garage specifically for the beer and soda to be held on retainer for those moments when a friend or family member simply couldn’t go without. I was raised on Coke versus Pepsi, then the switch to the new formula (not very good, but it made money), then we all endured that clear cola phase (what a nightmare), and I consumed it all.

I was raised on soft drinks. Some folks do coffee, some turn to alternative substances (trampling our great American legal system in the process), others drown their sorrows in hot dogs or ice cream or shopping or gambling.
I grab an ice-cold can of carbonated goodness, and thanks to Mom In the Know, I now grab an ice-cold can of Hansen’s Natural Soda.

If you serve as an obedient slave to an addiction like mine, the word “natural” rarely fits in your realm of perspective. There is nothing “natural” about soda, at least not the soda I grew up consuming. The only ingredient I remember reading on those cans that fits such definition might have been water (and to be honest, I have no idea if water was really listed there… I’m making an educated guess).

And I would be lying if I said that addiction and all of the ingredients that came with it has served me well as I grow older. A horrific dietary schedule, a laundry list of bad choices, and a complete and total lack of exercise (especially during those college years) have left me with weight to lose, endurance to rediscover, and a need to reevaluate my choices at the refrigerator.
Hansen’s beverages have become my compromise.

Unlike the sodas I’ve been raised to trust, Hansen’s is built on a reputation of wholesome ingredients rather than the preservatives and chemicals typically found in such beverages. Discovered in the 1930’s, Hubert Hansen and his three sons started their business by offering fresh, non-pasteurized juices. That same tradition is alive in the Hansen can you pick up today. In the 1970’s Tim Hansen turned the business towards sodas, and now they stand as the industry leader in natural alternative beverages, and soda is just the tip of the Hansen fountain.

The folks at Hansen were kind enough to send several samples of their canned sodas and I found them all to be nothing short of refreshing, tasty, and satisfying. I came to enjoy them so much that I turned to the shelves at my local grocer to discover a wide array of Hansen products, including fruit juice Smoothies, energy drinks, sparkling lemonades and orangeades (my favorite), multi-vitamin juice drinks, junior juice drinks, iced teas, various juice drinks and blends, and an endless line of beverages sure to fill any and all of the thirst cravings you may have.

These days I limit my consumption to just two or three sodas per week, but the Orangeades and energy drinks keep me happy and moving. We have turned our kids from the sodas and sugar-filled juice boxes to the Hansen’s youth juices (all made out of 100% juice) and smoothies. Even the wife, who has tends to avoid sweets, has discovered a fondness for the iced teas, making Hansen a family staple.
We suggest you try it for yourself. Hansen’s beverages have changed the way we live and we are sure they will do the same for you.

Healthy and tasty snacks for all.

2008-11-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

Contributed by Dad in the Know.

I remember when my parents first decided it was time to start eating healthy. If the truth were told, they were probably wise enough to make such advances earlier in my youth, but this particular suggestion stands as a distinct memory.
The day my mom put rice cakes in front of me for breakfast… it was as if she was trying to feed me dried death. They were void of taste, the texture was offensive, and they made healthy eating seem more like capital punishment.
Thanks to the folks at Real Foods, the rice cake has been evolved into a treat I can enjoy.
The product is the Corn Thin, a pleasurable crispy cake of sun-ripened corn, popped under high temperatures and delivered in a tasty, thin cake that is easy to use in a variety of ways. Corn Thins are 97% fat free and are made with all-natural ingredients, free of artificial colors and preservatives. They are also gluten free (an excellent fact to consider, especially for parents like us with children that suffer negative effects from gluten), GMO free, and contain 10% dietary fiber.
The health benefits are undeniable, but my mom used to say the same thing about rice cakes… and I’d rather eat sand than rice cakes. I can’t say the same for Corn Thins, for they are not only delectable, but they are offered in a wide variety of flavors and have become the secret ingredient in various recipes and snack plates we use every day.
The Original Corn Thin is surprisingly refreshing. Unlike rice, the Corn Thin maintains the flavor of the grain from whence they came, providing a taste reminiscent of gourmet popcorn. However, Real Foods didn’t stop there. They also offer Corn Thins in flavors such as Sour Cream and Chives, Cheese, Feta and Sundried Tomato, Soy and Linseed, Cracked Pepper and Lemon, Multigrain, Rye and Caraway, and (my favorite) Sesame. All are absolutely delicious and provide a quality, health snack I can enjoy at time of the day, and the wide variety of flavors have allowed us to create new snack ideas when we entertain.
I tend to eat them as is, without additional ingredients or spreads. However, the family has learned to treat Corn Thins as an alternative to potato chips, and as such they find them to be highly pleasurable with dips, spreads, and other additives such as vegetables and fruits. I am always a sucker for peanut butter (excellent on the Sesame thins), but we have found the Corn Thins are study enough to carry just about any ingredient you might want to consider.
To help in your efforts to discover the optimal use of Corn Thins for you and your family, you can visit the Real Foods website and find all of the information you will need. There is a plethora of information on the Corn Thins and other products offered by the Real Foods family, but you will also find an outstanding recipe section to help you get started.
With outstanding health benefits matched with flavor you will crave, Corn Thins should be on your snack menu, and you are likely to find additional spots in your lunch and dinner plans for Corn Thins once you learn just how pleasurable they can be.

Sudsy fun

2008-11-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you are raising children that require your assistance at bath time, trying to convince your growing children that the time has come to turn to showers and fend for themselves, or rearing children that want nothing to do with you and shower on their own, there is tremendous value to be found in comfort. Knowing that shampoos and soaps you provide your family will get them clean and fresh without fear of discomfort or pain is the key to insuring bath time goes as smoothly as possible for all involved.
The folks at Little Twig want to help you in those efforts, and like many of the companies we review at Mom in the Know, they want to help the world as they do it.
Hailing from California, Little Twig offers a full line of children’s bath care developed with the assistance of pediatricians and real-life parents, producing safe and natural options for your bath-time needs. Employing organic, botanical ingredients in simple-yet-gentle recipes, Little Twig has developed a comprehensive line of body washes, shampoos, bubble bath lotions, diaper creams, baby powders, and bodymilks and oils that will allow your family to enjoy each and every bath and shower they take.
Little Twig sent us a pleasurable sampling of nearly every product they offer, and all proved to be favorites not just for our children but also for your’s truly. The body wash smells great, it left our skin feeling smooth and regenerated, and they were also highly efficient in creating a full-body lather with just a small helping. The bodymilks, available in several scents, were as fine a compliment to any bathing experience as we have experienced, leaving our skins moisturized without the oily feel many of the lotions in today’s market tend to produce. Our daughters were especially happy with the body oil that left a pleasant scent while also providing much-needed moisture for the skin.
While the bath products are certainly the highlight of the show, the outstanding list of peripheral effects created by each purchase of Little Twig products stands as an impressive showcase as well. Little Twig is a family business and their interest in serving the community is not limited to their own neighborhood. Each year Little Twig selects a charitable organization benefiting various issues for children and donates time, marketing, and a portion of all profits to that organization. This year the Everychild Foundation, created by a group of women looking to make a difference in the lives of children who suffer from disease, neglect, poverty and disability, received those gifts and are also featured in advertising on the site, encouraging all customers to contribute to the cause and make our world better.
Little Twig also employs and contributes to an extensive recycling program created to involve families in the continued effort to reduce waste. There is an entire section of the Little Twig website dedicated this cause and to continued education in recycling, bolstering our love for this company as another outstanding pillar of support for the future generations we are raising.
Mom in the Know heavily suggests you visit LittleTwig.com today and make sure you give the site a thorough review, for it is expansive and educational. The Little Twig online community includes a full menu of their products and offerings (you can order online or utilize the Store Locator to find a dealer near you), complete with details and order information, but you will also find wonderful links to those charitable organizations to which they contribute, a fully-interactive forum where you can interact with fellow customers and parents on a wide variety of issues, and a section of news and headlines on all of the worldly issues we face as families today. It is a wonderful experience offering much more than an opportunity to shop, and for this Little Twig gets a tremendous vote of support from Mom in the Know.
Visit LittleTwig.com today. You’ll be happy you did.

Rub and a little scrub on a mommy's belly.

2008-11-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

Rose and jojoba body rub- Bulgarian rose absolute in a base of jojoba and olive oils is a genie in a bottle. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin it’s great for the whole family. Perfect for babies after a warm bath and after shaving for you.
I personally tried it for both shaving and massages. It did leave an oily residue more then I prefer on both the shaving a massages. The rose is a nice scent, but if you are allergy prone remember and be wary of that. I love jojoba for skin care and I enjoyed a bit of indulgence there. I honestly am not a oil person because of the residue. But if I have to use and oil this is one I’ll use.

Body jelly is a vegetable alternative to petroleum jelly. Use it for anything you would use petroleum jelly for. I used it for a lot of boo-boos in this house. Even My dog’s paws, ears, and random things on us here and there. I can’t really elaborate much its body jelly! Worked great! I’ll take it over petroleum jelly anytime.

Sexy belly - Improve your skin’s elasticity on those sexy body parts; belly, breast and hips with SEXY BELLY. This vitamin-rich treatment is loaded with shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil; to help with cell regeneration, capillary circulation and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, while conditioning the skin. Great for “Mommies-to-Be” and sensitive skin!
It sounded almost too good to be true. Can you really fix all that stuff? Isn’t that why people have plastic surgery?
So I tried and tested for several weeks, as did a friend who was actually pregnant. I’ll be honest It didn’t make me smooth and stretch mark free as is I didn’t sacrifice my body for two children at one time. Did it make it softer? Yes. Are my stretch marks, okay I call them mom mommy marks, I did achieve them, still there, yes. Are they lighter I honestly can’t tell yet. After 7+ years now it all looks the same. The smell is mild and the feel is pleasant.

contest and update

2008-11-03T13:28:00.002-07:00

MITK had a personal emergency, my daughter was in the hospital with pneumonia and still has it actually. My reviews are posting automatically I'm not working currently, everything is on hold until she is better. I'll contact the winners then. I'm sorry for any inconvenience.

Bloggy Giveaways-2

2008-10-30T07:00:00.003-06:00

Do you remember this review? Well here is is again and I have another set of DVDs to give away ... this time you have to tell me ... what is the brain's name in the brain candy DVDs? You can find it on the site! For a double entry, tell me what you think looks coolest about the DVDs.

Contest end Friday, October 31 at MIDNIGHT MST.
Winners will be announced by November 3rd.

DUE TO A MITK EMERGENCY (my daughter is in the hospital with pneumonia) the deadline is extended until around the 3rd, I'll update as soon as I can we are in the hospital.

See, hear, taste, touch, and smell. We all recognize those as the five senses, right? Would you have known that as a child when your mind was developing? If you had someone telling you that this was a "sense" and it was "taste" as a child you may not totally get it.

Well, Sam Reich-Dagnen and husband John Dagnen had twins and needed to fill that void. How do I help teach them? What can I do to help them learn in a productive way? They wanted as they put it a DVD that was developmentally appropriate content that truly engaged our children rather than just putting them to sleep and let me tell you my readers this hits the mark. Braincandykids.com has it all and more. Not only that but Sam is a mother and an amazing woman who I’ve come to admire and adore as a person. I can see why her company is so successful with their ideas and them at the helm!

See features Bruce Brain, Ivy eyes and all of the gang who take you on a journey to “see” all the wonders on this scavenger hunt for balloons. Classical music tickles your eardrums as your little ones explore the worlds with so much to see around them, bubbles, boats, butterflies and the Brain candy gang. It’s not just a regular DVD meant to bore an infant or distract a toddler, they are learning as they play.

Anna ear was engaging and walked us through a delight of activities to teach us about another sense, hearing. This musical adventure helps develop language and literacy skills which if you have not picked up by now are quite a passion of mine. To make them so available to children young as six months, it’s such an advantage. Now when my kids were this age, there were other videos but no one was guiding and walking through with us, and my kids? Well they did fall asleep; it was the nap-time video to be honest. These are so interactive and engaging no rest here for the viewers. One mom told me, “the kids loved them, and I hoped to get a rest! Nope it didn't happen no more “rest” time when I put these DVDs in which is actually great after I did watch them!”

Several of us are used to another style of DVDs and child learning this is a good thing! Mom & Dad, no more sneaking naps!

My youngest is oddly obsessed with lemons and eating them straight. The taste DVD made her want to eat everything in the house (okay, she wants to anyway that was her excuse) and “introduce” the other kids to new tastes. I like this concept for the simple fact I had a picky eater. Had I had this I think it would have made a lot of food transitions a lot easier. Mojo Mouth could have taught her - and well, any child - that food isn't anything to be afraid of but something to try and to experience. The country music in the DVD makes you feel a little more at ease, the kids get down and just want to get into the groove, if you please. From sweet, tart, and sour, it’s all a variety of taste pleasures.

Touch - this seemed to be the overall kid. Maybe it was the relateable social interaction of hugs; hands in the spaghetti; the Bruce Brain and Harry Hand guide you through many adventures with the entire Sense squad. Okay, Braincandy calls it a Gang ... I just ad libbed there. One of the neatest things was I showed my six and eight year old these, now they were a little above the learning curve here though they loved the music so it truly drew them in. In addition to that, it made them wants to watch it with my friend’s younger kids and help them along. Sam and John make the DVDs accessible to any and everyone in my opinion.

Well, Braincandy does something here that takes a favorite element and introduces it to my kids. What you ask? The blindfold and smell test. What a fun and exciting way to develop a sense but make it a game. Do you think they know what they are doing is learning? Maybe, maybe not and it’s just a blast for them. Yet another game we had to play. Well, I admit I set it up and had the older kids play with the younger ones. The fact there was such an interest that Nusi nose helped my kids develop was so amazing. Simple things they could usually care less about that mean so much in the big picture.

The five senses! How else can you get a little one so excited? Sam and John have the market cornered. I wonder where they were eight years ago...

Watch for the new website to open live ... I will be giving away a set of Braincandy DVDs. Keep checking www.themomintheknow.com!

Contest end Friday, October 31 at MIDNIGHT MST.
Winners will be announced by November 3rd.
More giveaways at the Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival!

Mom In The Know

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