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 Daily Solutions - Hallo-green |
| Making the spookiest holiday more earth-friendly |
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Edited By: Teresa Palagano,
Photo: Ericka McConnell
More frightening than any ghoulish fiend is what’s festering in our landfills. So think green this Halloween. For alternatives to eco-evil costumes, log on to greenhalloween.org . Some of the “eek-o-friendly” ideas: Dress as a tree, butterfly or cloud (wear all white; cut old bedsheets into strips and tie them to the arms of a shirt so they wave in ...
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| Featured Articles |
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What to Buy Now: TREES  |
| When you hear the words “trees” and “autumn,” you think brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves. But those in the know think bargain. Many nurseries ... |
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| Can't Sleep? |
| You’ve tried all the tricks: warm milk, a dark room, a regular bedtime. But nothing seems to alleviate the tossing and turning—and you need sleep. ...
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| Shake Up Breakfast |
| Problem: You’ve heard all about the health benefits of pomegranates—protect against free radicals, help regulate blood pressure, maintain digestive regularity—and now they’re in season! But ... |
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| My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule | |
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Capture the memories
Problem: You’ve made a vow to document every milestone of your pregnancy, but you hardly have time to sort out all your sonograms and photos of your growing tummy, on top of all the notes and cards you received at your baby shower.
Solution : Don’t fret. For modern moms, the eco-chic way to documenting your lovely pregnancy is as easy as plugging in the My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule ($49.95, digitimecapsule.com ) into your computer—no downloading involved. The ...
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| An IT Tech for Home | |
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A valuable service for the plugged-in mom
Problem : At the office, when techy things go awry, you simply call on your favorite IT person. The one you befriended with homemade cupcakes and other “gifts” that assure she rushes to your rescue when the computer crashes. But what to do when you’re home and your laptop locks up—with those must-have notes for the morning meeting!?.
Solution : With so much technology in our lives—BlackBerrys, iPods, home networks, laptops, wireless printers, Webcams—the chances of tech failures, ...
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| T&E Keeper | |
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Cute organizational tool
Problem: In your coat pocket, the bottom of your bag, your desk drawer, the refrigerator—the spots where your receipts end are endless. So when it’s time to file your T&E report or submit health insurance claims, you go on a scavenger hunt looking for those scraps of paper.
Solution: Stop wasting time (and having to eat expenses) by corralling all your receipts into the Moleskine Pocket Memo accordion file folder ($13, amazon.com ). Label the categories and file them ...
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| Reading Time | |
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New device helps young readers focus
Problem: Your grade schooler is not what you’d call a natural born reader. Getting him to sit still with a book is a struggle. But you’re not giving up the fight. Determined, you require a 30-minue daily dose of reading.
Solution: Ease the struggle with the Mark-My-Time digital bookmark ($9, target.com ). The bookmark/stop watch has a countdown timer and offers a cumulative time tracker, so your child can record his reading minutes at the touch of a button. ...
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| Mobile Yoga | |
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Keep up your practice
Problem: You were on the brink of perfecting your downward dog when back-to-back business trips put your yoga—and it’s Zen offerings—on hold. Now you’re stressed and feeling anything but flexible.
Solution: Next time pack your yoga. With the My Yoga 2 Go Practice Deck ($15, amazon.com ) you can use the 71 posture cards in seven different sequence levels, housed in a handy cardboard case to make sure your yoga sessions stay on track when you’re on the ...
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| Disaster Preparedness | |
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Ease your mind with this kit
Problem: With the H1N1 scare and the economy at DEFCON 2, we’ve been distracted so worries over hurricanes and other weather-related calamities have taken a backseat. But the Red Cross suggests that families stay prepared for disaster. But the thought of making a ‘disaster kit’ is daunting and just plain scary.
Solution: Ease your mind and pick up a GoPicnic “Disaster Safety Pack” ($18, gopicnic.com ), which includes a 3-day supply of breakfast, lunch and dinner for a single ...
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| Best in (Fashion) Show | |
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For the glam canine
Problem : Fido is freezing his paws off. Your puppy is not enjoying the onset of fall and you don’t have the extra time in the morning to coax him outside for his walk.
Solution: If he’s a show off, give him reason to strut his stuff in fun dog clothes from Kakadu Pet ( kakadupet.com ). For the Divas, there’s the Glamour Pooch jacket ($22), plush and luxurious it’s also durable. For the less posh pooch, there’ a ...
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| Being Green is in Style | |
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For earth-friendly blow-outs
Problem: You want to be an environmental do-gooder. But there are some things you are not willing to sacrifice and your appearance is one of them.
Solution: Pick up the new eco-friendly hair dryer from Conair and style in good conscious. The 1400-watt EcoDry Styler uses 25% less energy than high watt dryers without forfeiting power. And it has all the bells and whistles you’re used to: iconic technology, heat control a cool shot button (to lock styles in ...
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| Foaming at the Mouth | |
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Makes brushing fun
Problem: Tend to whip out the floss and toothbrush after a business luncheon? Really getting deep between those teeth could be as simple as switching your toothpaste.
Solution: You may not realize it, but 40% of your tooth surface is hidden between the teeth and conventional toothpaste can’t reach those tight spots. Aquafresh with Iso-active Foaming Gel ($4, aquafresh.com ) is a one-of-a-kind toothpaste that turns from gel to foam in your mouth, allowing the active ingredients to ...
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| Cut Your Grocery Bill | |
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A great new digital tool
Problem: Your grocery bill is out of control. But who has time to clip coupons, stakeout sales and determine which brands are offering the best bargains?
Solution: For just $5 a month, you can have someone do the stakeout for you. At thegrocerygame.com you can sign on and save up to 50% on your bill (the average family saves about $500/month). Here’s how it works: The Grocery Game tracks the sales history on nearly every item in 160 supermarkets. (Its ...
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| Less Mess with Napkin Clips | |
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Keep your napkins close
Problem: Table etiquette is lost on your little one. Getting him to say excuse me after he burps—and then giggles for five minutes—was a master accomplishment. Getting him to use a napkin, well you’re just not up for that challenge.
Solution: Sometimes all it takes to get a good habit to stick is a fun thingamajig. So try adding Napkin Clips ($8, etikits.com ) to the training. Not only will they hold the napkin in place, but they come with ...
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| Eat-Out Dishes at Stay-Home Prices | |
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Make your own KFC!
Problem: The kids are pleading for the Bloomin’ Onion you ordered at Outback last weekend. (OK, you’re craving it, too.) But eating out again just isn’t in the budget.
Solution: Instead, click on to copycat.cdkitchen.com and clone it. The free site has tons of recipes from more than 100 top restaurants, decoded by chefs, home cooks and restaurateurs. Store your favorite dishes in the site’s recipEbox so you can cure restaurant cravings at home—no trip to the pickup ...
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| Frequent Shaver Saver | |
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Soothe & Smooth
Problem: After a summer of shaving, tweezing and waxing yourself into a beach-worthy hairless state, you’re suffering from razor burn and bumps and ingrown hairs. Ouch!
Solution: Roll on PFB Vanish ($15, pfbvanish.com ) to dry skin each morning and evening. Within 48 hours, ingrown hair will lift above the skin. To treat the redness and bumps from shaving, apply it to affected areas right after shaving.
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| Spice Up Dinner | |
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Broaden your family's culinary horizons the easy way.
Problem: Just getting dinner on the table is a challenge. So you’re less than thrilled when the old standbys like taco night get more “oh-no’s!” than “ole’s!” Sure you’d like to dish out more originality, but who has time to get creative?
Solution: Add global sizzle to your evening entrée with a Destination Dinners Kit. No imagination require. The kits ($25, destinationdinners.com ) come with pre-measured spices and sauces, as well as a step-by-step recipe and a shopping list for ...
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| An Ounce of Health Care Prevention | |
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Common-sense health-savers
Problem: As the country’s debate over health care rages on you’re feeling uneasy about those pricy doctor bills.
Solution: While we all worry about the future of healthcare in this country, the focus on our family’s heath should remain the same, says Dr. Erika Schwartz, Medical Director of Cinergy Health. The best thing you can to protect yourself and your loved ones is to practice prevention. “Prevention is not early diagnoses of disease,” says Dr. Schwartz. “Tests do not prevent ...
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| A Beauty Tool Makeover | |
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Consider the Q-tip
Problem: The bathroom sink and vanity look as if your makeup bag exploded. A bevy of brushes, shadows, lotions, potions, wipes and wonder crèmes are sprawled everywhere.
Solution: You need to streamline, sister. For the sake of hygiene, consider dumping dirty brushes and swap in cotton swabs. The new Q-tip Vanity Pack ($3.20, Target) features trendy designs and colors, perfect for sitting out on the clean-up counter top. Whether you’re layering shadows for a smokey-eye look or applying ...
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| New Ideas for Family Night | |
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New book helps you enjoy low-tech family fun
Problem: Not sure how to delete the tech love between your children and the gaming and texting devices that have replaced good old fashioned conversation? Has family game night become your kid’s idea of social suicide, as opposed to a fun night of family bonding?
Solution: Get 300 new ideas for entertaining your crew with Family Fun Night by Cynthia L. Copeland ($15, amazon.com ). When Scrabble is just not cutting it, you can flip through and find clever ...
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| Worry-free Baby Baths | |
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Take care of their delicate skin
Problem: Splish, splash, your little one just loves the bath. But most shampoos and washes tend to give his sensitive skin a rash.
Solution: Things like eczema, sensitive or very dry skin shouldn’t turn bath time into a battle. Developed by a mom, California Baby calming shampoo and bodywash ($20, californiababy.com ) is made with organic, 100-percent botanically based ingredients and scented with only pure essential oils. Plus, it’s naturally tear-free (no numbing agents) and the all-in-one formula makes ...
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| Relief for BlackBerry Burnout | |
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Soothing overworked digits
Problem: After a full day of typing and texting your poor fingers ache.
Solution: Massage your hands with a dollop of Garden Relief ($30, gardenofeveskincare.com ) from Garden of Eve. Made with all natural, ingredients like St. John’s wort, Arnica and green tea extracts, the comfort cream can reduce discomfort due to inflammation and over worked, tired aching muscles. It won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, just less sensitive. So you can get back to the keyboard without ...
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| Easy Answers for Awkward Tween Questions | |
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For when you need to know what you are talking about
Problem: Suddenly your kid’s body questions are coming rapid fire. It’s not that you’re shy about the answers, but even unabashed moms can feel themselves blush when quires like “What’s this hair down there?” start to fly.
Solution: Steele yourself and be ready with some honest, reassuring answers. But for backup, get a copy of The Girls Body Book ($10)—there’s one for boys, too. Author Kelli Dunham supplies age-appropriate answers and advice on a pre-teen’s changing body, emotions and ...
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| Fix Your Finances, for Free | |
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A web destination for savvy moms
Problem: The recession has wrecked havoc on your financial resources. And while you’re getting used to holding back the tears when you look at your 401K statement, you need to do something to get back on track. But what?
Solution: You could meet with that oh so pricey financial planner—but who can afford that right now?! Instead, check out Simplifi.net , a free financial planning and advice service that allows you to manage your debt, get advice on ...
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| Saving Face | |
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Exercises that combat fine lines and firm skin
Problem: Your stay-in-shape regimen (eat well, workout, attempt to get enough sleep, repeat) isn’t easy, but you are a dedicate soul who’s determined not to age before her time. A bunch of crunches keep the tummy from sagging, now if only there were similar moves to turn back the clock on your face.
Solution: You’re in luck, says Cynthia Rowland, founder of the Facial Magic system. There are simple routines you can do to tighten your skin and ...
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| A BlackBerry for Toddlers | |
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For little ones who cannot get enough of Mommy's
Problem: Despite an overstuffed toy box, your child’s favorite plaything is your BlackBerry. Turn your back for a moment and he’s blasting your boss illegible emails and calling your mother-in-law (eek).
Solution: Get him a BlackBerry made just for the toddler set. LeapFrog’s Text & Learn ($22, recommended for children 3 and older) offers letter matching, shape identification and keyboard navigation games. And just like the real gadget, your child can exchange text messages with Scout, the lovable ...
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| DIY Shoe Fix | |
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Save money and stay stylish
Problem: Your favorite stilettos are worn out, but tossing these pricey pumps isn’t an option and the local repair shop is charging $15 for a simple 5-minute fix.
Solution: DIY! You don’t have to be a professional cobbler to get the job done. Replacing the worn out heal tips on your favorite pair of shoes can be as quick (but much cheaper) as buying them. Purchase plastic or metal heal tips in various sizes from www.stiletto-heel-tips.co.uk . Then ...
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| Keep your Cool in Summer Heat | |
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Sweet-smelling and portable
Problem: Hot, humid weather doesn’t pair well with your morning rush: making breakfast, coaxing the kids out of bed, finding lost camp shirts, trying to catch the train on time and running to the office for the 9am meeting. By the time you take your seat at the conference room table, you’re a sweaty mess.
Solution: Freshen up fast with Motif's Moist Hand & Face Wipes with Aloe ( motifliving.com ). Available in three fragrances—Blackberry and Basil, Olive ...
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| Green Diapering | |
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Not your mother's cloth diapers.
Problem: When disposable diapers first were introduced, mothers across the country danced in the streets. Cloth diapers equaled leaks, and pins and lots of sizes. But now, with the green movement afoot, they’re baaaaaack.
Solution: Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional cloth diapers—they’ve come a long way. And if your eco-consciousness demands cloth, try Wahmies One Size Diaper ($17, ClothDiaperCompany.com ). Easier than ever with more adjustability and comfort. Plus there are no pins—they’ve been replaced ...
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| Safe Tools for Your Little Sous Chef | |
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For your Bobby-Flay-in-training
Problem: Your child is at the stage where he mimics everything you do (sigh), but come dinnertime his presence in the kitchen and “let me try” persistance is more a hindrance than a help.
Solution: Let him really help without the worry he’ll get hurt on sharp cooking tools. Made of nylon and silicone, this new line of children’s kitchen tools by Curious Chef are safe, made for tiny hands and best of all, they actually work. Their ...
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| Sweater Saver | |
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Defuzz
Problem: When it comes to shopping, you always put yourself last. Your husband, your kids and even the dog get the new before you do. Now your favorite summer sweater is starting to look like something out of the dryer’s lint trap—but back to school shopping is just around the corner. What’s a thrifty mom to do?
Solution: Don’t toss that sweater just yet. The makers of Hollywood Fashion Tape have developed the Hollywood Sweater Saver ($6, hollywoodfashiontape.com ...
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| Potty Talk | |
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Masks odors
Problem: Let’s face it ladies, we’d prefer not to discuss what happens in the restroom. But at one time or another we’ve all had an embarrassing moment in the office loo. Followed by uncomfortable silence at the sink as you slink away from the smell.
Solution: Hold your breath no longer. Carry a bottle of Poo-Pourri ($10, poopourri.com ) in your purse and, when necessary, simply spray before you go. The deodorant, made with all-natural essential oils, creates ...
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| Coffee Cover | |
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Stylish java accessory
Problem: Late for the morning meeting—again—you race to grab a latte, plop it down on the conference table and try to catch up on the conversation. But when you reach for your caffeine all you see is a sea of identical cups.
Solution: Cover your coffee with the Cupcoat from Cup Coture ($12 -$18, cupcouture.com ). The sleeves, which come in 40 different styles--from Andy Warhol to Zebra print-- provide style and safety from scorching coffee, plus they’re ...
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| Multi-Tasking Soap Solves Skin Problems | |
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Problem: You woke up this morning and found yet another blemish. This can’t be right—combating wrinkles and pimples at the same time? As crèmes, gels, potions and lotions threaten to take over the bathroom sink, you long for a single product cure.
Solution: Lather up with a handful of Cor Silver Soap. It evens skin tone, cleanes, replenishes collagen, hydrates—and protects skin from UV rays. (Good-bye toner, wrinkle serum and cream, fine-line filler, moisturizer and sunscreen.) The secret? ...
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| Bad Mood? Spray It Away | |
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Fragrant mood-booster
Problem: Every working mom gets has her share of why-me whiny days. But in this economy, it’s become a chronic condition. More layoffs? Are you for real?
Solution: Put a little optimism in the air Gloomaway mist from Origins with ($25, origins.com ). Keep a bottle in your desk draw and when things get bad, a spritz just might lift your spirits. The mist features grapefruit, known to stimulate and relieve anxiety, as well as field mint and sweet ...
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| Get Rid of Sports Uniform Stains and Smells | |
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Fresh laundry for the athletic family
Problem: You thought that juggling game schedules was going to be our biggest battle. But between your little soccer star of a son and your Olympic-gymnast-hopeful daughter, you’ve given up on getting the stains and smells out of uniforms. You’ll pull your share of carpools and get them to the game on time—but no guarantees on how good they’ll smell.
Solution: WIN High Performance Sport Detergent . ($7, winproductsinc.com ) directly targets sweat molecules embedded in moisture-wicking and ...
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| My Jelly Belly | |
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Customized for you
Problem: Somehow this summer you’ve been given yet another job: Party Planner. (Because mother, wife, sister, daughter, manager, friend, chef, household CFO, healthcare provider and chauffeur weren’t sufficient). Birthdays, BBQs, Baby Shower and school fundraiser now all fall to you. Oh, and don’t forget the party favors.
Solution: You can cross favors off the list because now you can now personalize your own containers of Jelly Belly’s famous jellybeans. Just choose the flavors/colors of the jellybeans—whether it’s the colors ...
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| Guarding Innocent Ears | |
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Educate yourself to protect your kids
Problem: The kids are brawling in their bedroom when suddenly you hear your 5-year-old use a soap-in-the-mouth worthy word. You’re so careful not to use inappropriate langue in your home, so where could he have heard this?
Solution : Find out all about protecting your little ones from the rapidly-growing media industry in Kids, Media and Values: A Wake-Up Call. Stay informed with up-to-date statistics on what your kids are exposed to, and how the content affects their ...
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| Saving the Planet One Sandwich at a Time | |
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Healthy doesn't have to be boring
Problem: You have a picky eater and making a lunch that he’ll actually eat is a daily gamble. All four food groups are properly represented. But when you check on what’s left in the Scooby-Doo lunch box the sandwich you made with love only has a bite or two taken out of it. What’s a mom to do?
Solution: Stock up on Mighty Much Meals from GoPicnic.com ($3-$6). With six varieties to choose from, Mighty Munch Meals offer ...
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| Web of Fun | |
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Cool game
Problem: You’ve got the day off and your restless kids are eager for something to do on this bright summer morning. All you want is to sleep in late, but to make that happen, you have to find something to keep them entertained.
Solution: Spin a web of imagination and strategy with this a-maze-ing outdoor game. You’re sure to keep them busy for a few hours until you’re hungry for breakfast—or more likely lunch. Set the stage for ...
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| A Sweet Compromise | |
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Fruity thirst-quencher
Problem: After a long day of swimming and bug chasing at camp, your little ones are looking for a tall, cool glass of something. They want orange soda. You want them to drink water to steer clear of a sugar buzz.
Solution: PUR Flavor Options has released five fruit infused concentrates: Strawberry, Peach, Raspberry, Lemon, Grape. Available as a pitcher ($25) or faucet mount ($50, purwater.com ), they turn a plain glass of filtered water into a sweet ...
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| Home Office Time Saver | |
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Streamline your mailings
Problem: Working from your home office is the perfect fit for your busy life. And although you love the perks—time with the kids, being away from office politics—there are things about your old HQ that you miss, like the convenience and ease of the mailroom.
Solution: Say goodbye to the hassle of sheet labels. Now you can print labels at home that are ready for shipment, without ever having to wait in the long lines at the post ...
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| A Hole in One | |
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An aha! use for golf towels
Problem: You are so over find a wet hand towel on the floor or discovering it draped over the kitchen chair.
Solutions: Hang a golfer’s towel near the sink. Golf towels are small hand towels with a grommet hole in one corner and a hook or chain that can be connected to a towel ring or rack. If you loose the golfers’ clip, a shower curtain ring is a good substitute. The towel stays in place, all you ...
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| Easy Décor for Kids Rooms | |
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Affordable and cute
Problem: Your tween changes her mind as often as she changes outfits. Who can keep up with the fixation du jour? Hannah Montana posters, were, like, so last week. Now it’s all about Twilight . And while you’re all for self expression, her changing styles are really doing a number on your walls.
Solution: Go for hip, classic designs that you both will love with WallPOPS ( wall-pops.com ). The peel and stick boarders and decorative decals are ...
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| Eco-Friendly Candles | |
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Bring the outdoors in
Problem: You’re going through a nesting phase. You plant and weed till your finger ache, but you just can’t get enough of the outdoors—even indoors. You wouldn’t be content until your entire dwelling smells like an enchanting Italian garden.
Solution: Scatter PaddyWax Eco Candles ($18, paddywax.com .) all around the house. With scents like Fresh Grass and Cucumber Ginger, you’ll get your fragrance fix. The bonus? They’re packaged in reusable planting containers. Just fill the pulp box with soil ...
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| Outdoors Outings Made Easy | |
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A portable beach shelter
Problem: You’re looking forward to your July 4th beach day with the family. Sand. Surf. Sun. All good. Lugging all the beach chairs, tents, coolers and other equipment through burning hot sand—not so good. But you’ve got to keep the little ones shielded, hydrated and comfy.
Solution: Outdoor adventures are made easy with the Shade Wagon ($600, shadewagon.com ). Equipped with terrain tires (think sand, mud and gravel), a heavy duty umbrella, MP3/Ipod Speakers, holders for beach bags/garbage ...
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| Get-Dressed-Yourself Thermometer | |
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Kid-style weather reporting
Problem: Running late for work, you rush downstairs to find your little camper—lunch bag in hand—dressed in her favorite Hannah Montana sweater and jeans. Which would be great, except that at 8 a.m., it’s already 80 degrees.
Solution: To help her to learn which clothes are appropriate without a fight, hang the Kidknows Outdoor Thermometer ($7. Kidknows.net ) outside her bedroom window. This bright, little gadget helps kids gauge the weather a color scheme that conveys freezing (blue) ...
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| Germ-free Travel | |
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Keep clean while on the road
Problem: Your long-awaited (and much deserved) vacation is just around the corner. And while you’re looking forward to your getaway retreat, you are less eager about the germs that linger there. You’re no germaphobe, but the thought of who and what has been in those hotel sheets before you makes you cringe.
Solution: Arm yourself with Crypton’s Travel Clean Kit ($17.50, cryptonfabric.com ). Packing a disinfectant & deodorizer as well as a stain remover in its pretty green ...
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| Second Life for Single Socks | |
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Repurposing time!
Problem : The mysterious gremlin in the dryer has claimed another sock, leaving its mate to forever reside at the back of the single sock bin.
Solution: Pull that lonely sock out into the light of day and play. Single socks have all sorts of uses, says Cynthia L. Copeland and Anya Lewis, authors of Lost Socks! ($10). On a rainy day, pull socks over the end of hockey sticks; the kids can enjoy indoor play without scratching ...
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| Parting Ways | |
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An easy hair game-changer that you might have overlooked
Problem: You need a new look. Should you go with a totally different haircut or get adventurous with color? Then again, the time you went into the salon looking for something drastic, it ended in drama.
Solution: Before you make a hair move you may (really) regret, save the money you’d blow at the hair salon and find a face-flattering style by changing your part, suggests celebrity hair stylist Robert Ramos. If you have a long face, opt ...
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| High Finance for Her Highness | |
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Fiscal responsibility has never been so cute
Problem: Once upon a time there lived a little princess who was rarely satisfied with what she had. More, more, more, she chanted until one day her very wise mommy (and a sinking economy) decided enough! Her highness needs a lesson in money management.
Solution: To the rescue: The Princess Money Manager Coin Bank ($39, www.aprincesslovestosave.com ). The bank’s three separate compartments—Spend, Share and Save—help little girls with big dreams understand the importance of putting aside money for ...
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| Securing the Security Blanket | |
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Ingenius new device
Problem: Your baby loves her bee-b (baby blanket) the way you love your BB (BlackBerry). But when you’re out and about one day, wind gusts blow the blanket into the wet, dirty street. Now that her sweet covering resembles road kill, there’s no stopping the screaming.
Solution: Suspend your daughter’s tantrum—and her blanket—with Stroller Suspenders ($10 to $18, StrollerSuspenders.com ). They safely clip on blankets, keeping them connected to your stroller and off the floor. Unlike other devices, ...
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| How to Spot a Lie | |
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Decoding kid's body language
Problem: Your preschooler has reached the lying stage, otherwise known as “wasn’t me.” Mysteries such as ‘who got cookie crumbs all over the coach,” are easily solved by trace evidence of chocolate chips on his chin. Other fibs are more worrisome, such as when “who pushed your little brother?” is met shoulder shrugs.
Solution: You don’t need to be a mentalist to read the tells your child is giving, says Jim Fannin, a body language expert. The body ...
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| Green Cleaning Tips You've Got to Try | |
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Old-school techniques that make sense today
Problem: With a house, a husband, a band of kids and a full-time-plus career, you need all the help you can get when it comes to cleaning.
Solution: Find easy but effective ways from a woman who raised (gasp!) nine children—Mrs. Myers. The line of cleaning products that her daughter named after her is just the tip of the mop. Her new book, Mrs. Myer’s Clean Home: Non-nonsense Advice That Will Inspire You to Clean Like the Dickens ...
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| Just Say NO | |
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Free yourself with one little word
Problem: You feel paralyzed by your to-do list, overwhelmed by commitments and exhausted by the work/life-balancing act. And lately you’ve been roaming the office like the undead.
Solution: Learn to say: “no, not this time, can’t, I’m busy, wish I could” and “count me out,” says Michelle DeAngelis, author of Get A Life That Doesn’t Suck . “Change your automatic response from ‘yes’ to ‘no,’” she says. "Working moms in particular give, give, give and need to learn ...
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| Tattoo Be Gone | |
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Cosmetic camouflage for certain social situations
Problem: You love the tribal tattoo that adorns your lower back. It’s your sexy little secret—and you’d like to keep it that way. But your tattoo is peaking through the dress you just bought for a client cocktail party.
Solution: Run out and get a tube of Kat Von D’s tattoo concealer ($25, sephora.com ). The famed tattoo artists and reality TV star developed the concealer in three shades (to fit every skin tone) because she believes tattoos, ...
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| Bad Hair Day Fix | |
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Polished ponytail
Problem: You love summer: Cute sun dresses, beach days and cricket-chirping nights. But the humidity and its effect on your hair, well, that you could live without. Clips and barrettes are okay, but you wish there was a way to keep you hair up and out of your face without looking like you’re on your way to summer camp.
Solution : Add some polish to your ponytail with accessories from Emily Elizabeth. Part jewelry, part hair elastic, these ...
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| The High Chair Comes Full Circle | |
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Meal time maneuvering
Problem: Hook-on high chairs are a blessing for trips to grandma’s and restaurants, but getting your child in and out of them can be a handful and the awkward angles they create mean you have to be a contortionist to get a forkful of spaghetti into a stubborn child’s mouth.
Solution: The new 360° Hook-On High Chair from Chicco ($70) let’s your child face you, rather than the table. The chair locks in six revolving positions, making in’s ...
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| Your Dry Cleaner Is Gonna Hate This | |
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DIY clothes care
Problem: The pile of things that you have to get to the dry cleaner is growing, but the pile of cash you use to pay for such things is shrinking.
Solution: Wash your delicates in Soak. The rinse-free formula is gentle, smells amazing and is much more affordable ($16 a bottle which is good for about 80 washes). And the fabric-friendly ingredients revitalize fibers so they look great and last longer. It’s perfect for duvet covers, lingerie, cashmere ...
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| Reflexology for the Office | |
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New book offers holistic tips for a pain-free you
Problem: Straining over a keyboard, carting around a toddler on your hip, toting your life around in a way-too-heavy workbag—these things are starting to be a real pain in your neck.
Solution: Get relief using reflexology without even leaving your desk. This holistic healing method can be used at any age, any place and any time, says Pauline Wills, author of Easy Reflexology ($12). To rid you body of that neck pain try gently rotating your big toe ...
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| Discipline--British Nanny Style | |
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Proven techniques from across the pond
Problem: Your child is at the stage where she’s testing boundaries. And her favorite tactics—meltdowns at the mall, acting like a diva on play dates and being impossible at mealtime—are testing your patience.
Solution: Take a few discipline tips from the playbook of Penelope Fairchild, author of British Nanny ($10). Her tried and true advice offers strategies for a tantrum prone toddler: “It is best to remove them from a problem straight away, and distract them with something ...
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| Out-Back Adventures | |
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Summer staycation options
If the cash crunch has you canceling your getaway, look no further than your own backyard for free activities. Set up a tent and camp under the stars. Plant a veggie garden with the kids. No green thumb? Distinguish partial shade from partial sun with a sunlight calculator ($30, leevalley.com ). Host a biggest-bubble contest: Fill a kiddie pool with a bubble solution (combine dish detergent, water and glycerin), then toss in hula hoops, wands and other clever tools. rock-a-bye ...
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| Just Beachy | |
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Low-cost, high impact seaside atmosphere
For an oceanview room without leaving home, bring the sea to you. Create the feel of a seaside resort by showcasing shells or sea glass in glass cubes. Fill the fireplace with a large shell brimming with plants and light up the mantel with sand-filled jars that hold beach-colored candles. Find all you’ll need at seashellworld.com and bring the surf to your turf. ...
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| Pack It In | |
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Say "yes" to more picnics!
In easier to carry than a basket, this picnic set backpack from French Bull ($150, frenchbull.com ) means you’re always ready to dine al fresco—just add sandwiches and sun. ...
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| Picture This | |
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Wall art with a personal touch
To splurge this Father’s Day, send your favorite daddy-kid picture to photopopart.com . You select the color, style and layout, and an artist sends you three versions to preview. Then pick your fave, and a one-of-a-kind pop-art piece will be created for the proud papa in your life (from $186). Great gift idea for his birtdhay too!
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| Create a Virtual Fridge | |
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Virtual gallery for proud moms
Problem: Your little artists have taken over your home, posting pictures all over the fridge, the family room walls and playroom. You’re tired of having your house pose as a gallery but you can’t bare to throw away any of your children’s masterpieces.
Solution: Reclaim your wall space by creating a virtual fridge. Scan the artwork, take pictures of the kids displaying their favorites or event take a photo of the fridge, then upload them to your computer, ...
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| Wrinkle Remover | |
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Scientific skincare boost
Problem: Wrinkle creams have you frowning—resulting in, errr, more wrinkles. After some very disappointing results at the beauty counter, you are looking for something you can count on.
Solution: Turn to the science behind Relastin.™ These skin-saving products use a scientific Zink Firming Complex™ to significantly improve the elasticity of your skin. The lack of elastin proteins (which you, gasp, lost as a teenager) causes the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, but the formula in Relastin ...
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| Hold on to Your Haircut | |
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Tricks to keep hair stylish
Problem: These tough financial times mean that visits to the hair salon have to be, um, cut. But split ends don’t care that there’s a recession. And lately your ‘do is looking like a don’t.
Solution: Make your hair cut last longer with these tips from celebrity hairstylist Luke O’Conner: Heating tools like dryers and irons damage your hair—upping the need for touch-up haircuts. To minimize these effects, air dry your hair until it is 85 percent dry ...
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| Make Clean-up Easy for Kids | |
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A fun way to encourage a tidy room
Problem: Your preschooler is all about princesses—a priceless time in her life for sure. But it looks like all seven dwarfs, a beast and a platoon of princes are bunking in her bedroom. Her majesty’s quarters are a mess!
Solution: Control the clutter by making good use of wall space with Disney Princess hooks ($9) for her to hang clothes, coats or a cape. The hooks, from 3M Command, use stretch and release technology that holds strong and ...
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| Shapely Sans Stockings | |
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Look trimmer in a flash
Problem: You’re determined to wear that cute summer dress (you just got on sale—score!) to work today but you over did it with the Haagen-Dazs last night. Your tummy could use a little tucking, but stockings in the summer—that’s a fashion don’t.
Solutions: Slip on a nude pair of Sculptz Shorts ($22) to instantly flatten your stomach, lift the rear and slim the hips—without making you feel like you’re wearing a straight jacket. Sculptz are so light, comfortable and ...
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| A Non-Slip Scrub for the Tub | |
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Ingenious option for smooth skin
Problem: As the sun begins to sizzle, you’re showing a little more skin. Before you dare to bare your legs, however, you must exfoliate and polish and moisturize. Being on a limited time budget, you need an all-in-one product. But most scrubs leave the tub so slick you need to post a “Slippery When Wet” sign.
Answer: Keep the bath safe with the new Shower Paste from K. Hall Designs ($28, khalldesigns.com ). A blend of Kaolin Clay ...
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| Summer SOS (Save Our Scalps) | |
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Tips for maintaining healthy hair.
Problem: When most of us think of protecting ourselves from the sun, we think sunscreen. But one part of the body is getting overlooked, says Dr. Craig Ziering, a hair transplant surgeon. The sun can cause long-term damage to hair folicales that can result in dry, brittle hair or even bald spots. “Aside from sun damage, one of the biggest mistakes people make in the summer is simply not properly washing hair after being in the ocean or pool,” he ...
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| When There's No Time to Moisturize | |
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For sleek skirt legs
Problem: Your mornings are so maddening that you sometimes have to choose between brushing your teeth and shaving your legs—so a proper moisturizing ritual is out of the question. But now that the weather is warmer and you’re showing a bit more skin, you’d like your legs to be skirt-sans-stockings ready.
Solution: Keep a bottle of Fragrant Moisture Mist from Victoria’s Secret Naturally line in top drawer of your desk. It has none of the bad stuff (like ...
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| Keep Home Information Organized | |
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Everything you need at your fingertips
Problem: Your new toaster broke, but you can’t find the warranty. You’ve spotted a bee’s nest but can’t find your exterminator contract. The paint in the sun porch is starting to peel, but you can’t remember the color—or the painter’s number. If only you’d had someplace other than the junk drawer to store all those bits of papers, cards and info that suddenly have become so important.
Solution: Corral all your household information in the Home Keeper ($27.50, ...
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| Instant Inexpensive Art Ideas | |
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Low-cost home enhancement
Problem: Your creative sense says your home décor needs a boost—these blank walls are just so boring—but your bankbook says art just isn’t the budget.
Solution: You can create a “wow” factor without getting woozy over the cost of an interior decorator, says Michelle Williams, interior designer and founder of Michelle Williams Interiors, a Chicago-based design firm. Here are some of her low-cost, high impact tricks: Tear out pages from coffee table books or world atlases , and ...
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| Cleaning On the Go | |
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Introducing "Momspit" to help keep your youngsters tidy
Problem: As a kid, every time your mom licked her fingers to wipe the chocolate, ketchup or grime from your face, you squirmed and swore you’d never subject your children to this icky cleaning method. But you just broke that vow and used a little saliva to get the mystery goo off your son’s forehead. Gross.
Solution: Toss a bottle of Momspit into your purse. The no-rinse cleaner for hands and faces means you can de-dirt little ones ...
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| Make a Fashion Statement: Floss | |
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Handy pack for healthy teeth and gums
Problem: Forget clutches and chunky cocktail rings, you know the most stylish accessory is a smile. But yours just isn’t as bright as it could be because too often you’re forced to floss on the fly.
Solution: Keep a few packs of Glide Whitening Plus Scope Flavor Floss in easy to find spots as a daily reminder: the glove compartment, handbag, desk drawer, coat pocket. Infused with Scope, this floss is designed to prevent surface stains between teeth ...
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| Build a Teepee Out of Bean Stalks | |
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A cool & simple nature project
Problem: You’re kids are the outdoorsy-types. Catching bugs, chasing toads and digging in the dirt—they can’t get enough. But now you’ve got so many dirt holes that your backyard’s been declared a danger zone.
Answer: Put your little nature lovers to work building a bean teepee. Pick a four-foot plot that gets at least 6 hours of sun. Stake bamboo into the ground in a circle and tie the tops together to make a teepee shape, says outdoor ...
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| Beyond Sippy Cups | |
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New mom-friendly upgrade
Problem: Your kids have outgrown sippy cups but haven’t outgrown spilling—especially in the car.
Solution: Pick up a few Contigo Stainless Steel kids mugs. Available in candy colors, the mugs’ AUTOSEAL technology means beverages won’t leak or spill. Plus, drinks will stay cold for 12 hours and hot for four. No juice box offers all that. Now you can concentrate on driving—when you’re not breaking up a he’s-touching-me scuffle.
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| Freshness to Go | |
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Affordable and scent-sational
Problem: Your three o’clock is now at 2:30, so you’re running back to the office from your lunchtime yoga class. The scheduling shuffle means you had to skip the shower and you’re feeling a little less than, um, fresh.
Solution: Resist the temptation to use heavy deodorants or an extra dose of perfume and opt for Dove’s new Go Fresh Body Mist ($3.89, dove.com ). It’s got a long-lasting scent (we love “Burst,” which smells of nectarine and ...
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| Say Thanks with Style | |
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Get the high-quality look at a price you can afford
Problem: Today’s cyber society, with all of its email, Evites and e-cards, offers great convenience, but you long for the personalization of the hand-written note.
Solution: Get personal with stationary at Shutterfly.com . Their new line boasts today’s leading designers—Stacy Claire Boyd, Boatman Geller, Fresh Lemonade—at super affordable prices. Everything from stationary cards and note pads to thank you cards and gift tags can sport your personal flare with just a few clicks. And that’s the best of ...
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| April Showers Activities | |
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A playtime pick for when they are stuck inside
Problem: It’s the weekend and the rain’s rolled in. Now the kids are starting to bounce off the walls.
Solutions: Have your band of housebound little ones expel some energy with some rainy day entertainment: Crank up the tunes and get your groove on with a game Freeze Dance. Kick it until the music stops, when everyone has to hold their pose. Toddlers will love the novelty of trying to freeze in motion and older kids will have ...
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| Stress-busting Foods | |
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Comfort foods that are actually good for you
Problem: The shaky state of the economy has most people feeling uneasy. But when you are stressed you eat. And with the latest barrage of bad news about bailouts and bankruptcies, you’re up to a pint of ice cream a day.
Solution: It’s OK to seek comfort in food, as long as it’s the right food, says Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D., author of The Beauty Diet . In fact some feel-good foods can actually lower stress, boost energy levels ...
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| Summer-Ready Skin | |
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Affordable beauty treat
Problem: A reforecasting of the household budget, courtesy of the economy, has made it clear that you can barely afford a manicure, never mind a mud wrap. But with all future spa visits on hold, you’re wondering how you’re going to get your skin in shape for summer.
Solution: A dollop of Chloe & Jane’s Super Moisturizing Body Wash ($14, chloeandjane.com ) will help you get your spa fix. Packed with Aloe Vera, it hydrates, leaves skin smooth ...
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| Fresh Dinner Fix | |
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Wow your kids with this colorful and healthy dinner
Problem: Your picky eaters refuse to try new foods and you are fresh out of ideas for dinner. But as you pull out the box of frozen fish sticks from the freezer your husband moans, “Not again.”
Solution: Go from blah to “ah!” with a clever Hang-Ten Taco recipe from ZESPRI GREEN Kiwi. This palate-expanding dish is not only a surefire kid pleaser, it’s packed with healthy ingredients. And since kiwi is in season starting in May, you ...
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| Body Image Booster | |
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A literary way to inspire your tween to adopt a healthy lifestyle
Problem: You know the scary statistic: A third of U.S. children are overweight or obese and are developing obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. So you stock the house with veggies and put a ban on video games (except, or course, for the Wii Fit). But teens being, well, teens, your efforts are being ignored. And with all you hear about the dangers of a negative body image, you’re afraid to push.
Solution: Get your daughter a ...
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| Book for Building Healthy Habits | |
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An engaging new title that gets kids to focus on their health
Problem: As you pester your child to eat her peas, she wants to know why. Why are vegetables good for you? Why do I have to brush my teeth? Wash my hands? Wear sunscreen?
Solution: The Healthy Body Book ( wateringcanpress.com ) offers a unique take on getting kids to respect and care for “the coolest machine “ they’ll ever own with a workbook that offers fun facts about how the body works (did you know, for instance, that ...
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| Green Baby Gifts | |
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Cute and guilt-free
Problem: Your mom-to-be girlfriend is all about green living. From the Earth-friendly laundry detergent to the non-toxic paint on her walls, she’s adamant about her commitment to being eco-conscious. So you need a baby gift to go with her recycle-reduce-reuse habits.
Solution: Check out the new collection of Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods and chose from diaper bags, teethers, toys and the oh-so-adorable ReUsables (plates, bowls and utensils made for little hands). All live up to her green standards—plastics are ...
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| Older Mom Seeking Other Older Mom | |
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Support system
Problem: Still in the midst of midnight feedings, baby proofing the house and maternity leave, it seems you’ve been getting the been-there-done-that blow off from your friends whose kids are all already enrolled in preschool. If only you had someone to commiserate with…
Solution: Log on to MotherhoodLater.com , a site that connects moms who’ve had babies at age 35+. With 18 chapters everywhere from Anchorage to Los Angeles and more than 4,000 members, moms can find one ...
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| Coupon Clipping for the Time Challenged | |
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Savings just a mouse click away
Problem: Like everyone else, you’re feeling the cash crunch. But unlike some others, you’ve no time for sleep, never mind shop for the best sales or clip coupons.
Solution: Stop missing out on the discounts by visiting redplum.com . Log on during you lunch hour and download a free song, print coupons or get discount codes to your favorite stores. Make sure you take a look at the SweetFinds where you can find a slew of freebies: pizza, ...
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| Free Advice for Looking Fabulous | |
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Personalized beauty service
Problem: The lip color you just splurged on looked fierce at the cosmetic counter, but looks freaky now that you’ve got it on in the office.
Solution: Get a free beauty consultation from the experts at Cosmoholic. Just email a picture at cosmoholiconline.com and they’ll tell you which of their nine shades suit you best. You’ll love that this line of liquid lipstick combines the best of lip gloss with the best of lipstick—lots of shine and color ...
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| Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work | |
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A fun game to make the most out of this annual event
Clue: It’s April 23
Answer: When is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day? Celebrate by playing “Occupational Jeopardy” with the little office visitors. Review staffers’ duties and develop clues about everyone from the receptionist to the CEO. Then stage the game, reminding kids to answer with a question. (Clue: “This person is the VIP in the company.” Answer: “Who is my mommy!?”) ...
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| A Fix for Bad Service | |
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The easy way to flex your consumer muscles
Problem: A mix-up at the paint store has left you seeing red—even though the color chart promised “raspberry truffle.” And your credit card company is trying to charge you a “late” fee when you know you sent the bill in on time.
Solutions: Instead of spending your lunch break feuding with customer service, keep your cool and log onto www.consumeraction.gov . Click on the sample complaint letter and use it as your template to vent about disappointing products, ...
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| Laundry Made Easy | |
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New washer/dryer sheets from Purex
Problem: In your house, the dirty laundry is always on overload. And you cycle through so many cleaning products that you always seem to be out of something—softener, detergent, dryer sheets. Plus, the spills, bulky bottles and stray dryer sheets have you ready to throw in the towel.
Solution: Some very smart people over at Purex have come up with Complete 3-in-1 laundry sheets ($6, drug and grocery stores) that have a whole load’s worth of detergent, softener ...
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| Unwanted Gift Cards | |
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There's no reason to let your gift cards expire
Problem: As you’re cleaning the junk drawer, you find a batch of gift cards from birthdays and holidays past that you know you’ll never use.
Solution: Exchange them for ones you will at giftcardrescue.com and go on a free shopping spree. Now that’s playing your cards right.
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| Killer Overtime | |
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How long hours can cause more harm than good
Problem: Cranky kids and cold leftovers aren’t the only challenges awaiting moms who work late. Logging extra hours can increase your chances for illness and injuries by 61 percent, according to a sobering study from the University of Massachusetts. And lots of research shows that working long hours induces fatigue and stress, leading to higher risks of job-related accidents. Overtime can also have a negative effect on productivity and creativity. So even though you’re logging the hours, you may not ...
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| Storing Winter Clothing | |
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Hand-washing rules
Problem: There’s not enough room in your closet for clothes of all seasons so it’s time to pack away the winter wardrobe. But you don’t want to find that your favorite white sweater has yellowed or that your designer wool skirt has moth holes. Plus, you just can’t justify a massive dry cleaning bill right now.
Solution: Save money on dry cleaning by taking care of your washables yourself, says What Not To Wear c-host Clinton Kelly. He ...
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| Perfect Presents | |
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Gift-giving strategy
You were sure your sister was going to love the hip Alexis Bittar bracelet you gave her—instead she flashed to the critical comment you made about “rethinking” her accessories. It’s the thought that counts, so this gift-giving season, send nothing but I-love-you-the-way-you-are thoughtfulness.
No exercise DVDs for the overweight, power drills for your not-so-handy husband or frilly blouses for your rocker niece. Finding just the right gifts requires that you start shopping before “Jingle Bells” is playing in all ...
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| From Sand to Snow | |
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Re-purpose for winter fun
Rather than running out to buy toys for that big blizzard the weatherman has promised, unpack your beach gear.
Everything your kids use in the sand—shovels, buckets, block makers and other castle-building tools—is perfect for making snow forts as well. Soon after the snow hits, you’ll have all you need to create a frozen fantasyland they can play in till the sun comes out again.
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| Small Talk's Big Benefit | |
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Get chatty-it's good for you
If you’d opt for a root canal over chatting up the VPs at the office party, consider this: Small talk stimulates cognitive ability and enhances memory. A study from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor suggests that all it takes is about ten minutes of chitchat to improve mental performance.
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| Mother's Little Tech Helpers | |
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The proper gadgets and software can help save your sanity. Here, must-have tools that will help delete the chaos and restore the calm in your life.
After Dina Dreifuerst’s car was stolen, it wasn’t the missing wheels that was the biggest problem—it was the fact that her day planner had been on the passenger seat. All the details of her life, right down to records on about 50 hours’ worth of billable research she’d done for her employer, were gone. “I lost my brain,” she says. “I vowed from that point forward that it would never happen again, and that was when I bought my PDA,” ...
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| A Sweeter Halloween | |
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Jazz up October's spookiest day
Make a run to your local pumpkin patch and pick a bunch of pumpkins in different sizes for a game the kids can play at the Halloween party. Align the pumpkins from smallest to largest and have the kids take turns attempting to hurdle them. Touch one and you’re out. The first child to jump over all of them wins a treat.
What to do with all that leftover Halloween candy? Try out some of the fun recipes at curbly.com ...
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| Pretty in Pink | |
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Raise breast cancer awareness with some very cute stuff
Believe in the power of pink and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a splurge on any of these beauties: FiveHumans T-shirt ($27, fivehumans.com ), Mommy Needs Coffee Thermos ($20, theorganizedparent.com ), rlee Collection handbag ($150, rleecollection.com ), Elizabeth Hurley High Gloss Lip Color Collection ($16, esteelauder.com ).
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| Thanksgiving Tricks | |
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Entertaining a crowd?
You’re still not sure how it happened, but your turkey day guest list went from intimate to enormous. Before you panic, consider these crowd-control strategies from Diane Phillips, the diva of do-ahead: Have the kids collect golden autumn leaves and hand them out to guests as cocktail coasters. Keep the gravy piping hot as it’s passed (and passed and passed) by filling the gravy boat with boiling water 15 minutes before serving; then swap in the gravy. Use muffin tins ...
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| Tell Me a Story | |
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A book lover's day to celebrate
Did your passion for reading skip a generation? Make up for this genetic mishap on National Family Literacy Day (November 1) by making your kids the storytellers. Cut out objects from magazines, says Bobbi Conner, author of Unplugged Play. Have one child pick a picture and start the story; the next picks another and adds on to the story. The plot thickens until the last picture inspires the happily-ever-after ending.
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| T-day Plus Three and Counting | |
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Worry-free leftovers
Just when did Aunt May’s leftover marshmallow yams hit the refrigerator shelf? Keep track of the barrage of holiday leftovers with the DaysAgo Digital Day Counter ($10 for a pack of two, howmanydaysago.com ). The reusable counter keeps track up to 99 days and attaches to a variety of surfaces—so you’ll know just how many turkey sandwiches you still have to eat before it’s time to toss the bird.
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| Banish Lunchbox Blahs | |
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Make lunches special
Your grade schooler is super-excited about her Hannah Montana lunchbox. To get her as pumped about what’s inside, get creative: Use a tic-tac-toast stamper ($3, perpetualkid.com ) to make a game board of bread. Pack raisins, banana slices and other healthy toppings as game pieces that can be stuck on with a dab of peanut butter. Or create a sandwich puzzle by stamping out the center with a cookie cutter and then slicing the rest of the sandwich into shapes ...
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| Download Forms for Free! | |
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Paper chase
If any essential legal documents you’d file under “not fun” remain undone, take some of the pain out of the process by downloading forms for free at docstoc.com. The online service lets you find and share legal and business documents, offering everything from living wills to power of attorney contracts. You might find that getting your papers in order is a breeze when all you have to do is fill in the blanks.
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| Well Heeled | |
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Gorgeous choice for the well-shod mom
You played personal shopper to your entire family, outfitting your little fashionistas for the new school season. Now it’s your turn, so go ahead and splurge on these patent leather Sarra shoes by Eileen Shields—so hip they’d make Carrie Bradshaw green with envy ($495, eileenshields.com ). Your legs will wonder how you ever lived without them. Wary of the heel height? Slip in a liner ($7, daintyfootings.com ) for a little extra pampering and you’ll feel like you’re wearing flats. ...
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| Pollen Proofing | |
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Allergy season strategy
Summer breeze...makes you feel anything but fine. If warm weather has you saying “achoo,” try some simple preventive measures before looking in your medicine cabinet. Avoid foods that can aggravate pollen allergies (melon, banana, cucumber and sunflower seeds) and help yourself to spices like cayenne pepper and ginger that can help clear congestion. Also, stay indoors in the morning—pollen levels peak between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Before heading out, check the pollen forecast by entering your zip code at ...
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| Plant a Get-Well Garden | |
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Find the natural RX in nature's bounty
Cultivate homegrown cures by potting plants known for their healing powers. Treat cuts and burns with the gel-like substance in the aloe vera plant’s leaves. Improve sleep and ease frazzled nerves with lavender. Clean the air of toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene with gerbera daisies, and grow your own vitamin C by planting a citrus tree—try a Meyer lemon tree on a sunny windowsill. ...
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| No Pooling Around | |
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Practice safe pool
Before the kids take that first plunge into the pool, you zoom through a mental checklist: Sunblock? Check. Floaties? Check. CPR? Uh-oh. If your lifesaving skills are rusty, get the CPR Anytime Kit ($35, shopcpranytime.org ) from the American Heart Association. Training, and peace of mind, takes just 22 minutes.
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| Window Show | |
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Floral bounty on a scale you can handle
Spring has sprung. But you’re dreading the time (and backache) it takes to design and dig a glorious garden. No sweat. Just deck the sills with window boxes—plastic or fiberglass ones work best and cost less. Simply scatter pebbles over the drainage holes in your box, add a layer of potting soil and finish it off with flowers and mulch. When selecting flowers, consider location and time: Bright, showy blooms do best in at least six hours of direct sunlight, ...
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| Pump Yourself Up | |
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Harness the power of your mind
How do you get through an intense spin class? Tell yourself you can. A sense of control and positive self-talk improve stamina, says a study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. People with a can-do attitude reported less fatigue than those who doubted their ability. So next time you hit the wall, just call on your inner cheerleader. ...
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| Teachers Rock | |
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Show them how much they matter
It all adds up: dedication + teacher = invaluable life lessons. May 6 is Teacher Appreciation Day. Share a story about your favorite educator or make a donation to help raise the status of teachers everywhere at the website of the nonprofit TeachersCount.org . And remember to tell your kid’s teacher he rocks.
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| Time versus Money | |
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The choices that we make
By: DivineCaroline
Every Thursday at 6 p.m. the owner of a pasta shop parks her truck outside a house in my neighborhood and sells freshly made ravioli, cut pasta, roasted asparagus, ricotta cannelloni, tomato sauce, and more. The customers? Women who are hungry for homemade pasta and starved for time. The food isn’t a bargain price, but the shoppers don’t care. They pay for convenience.
In other words, they trade money for time.
As women finally accept ...
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| Plant It Forward | |
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More trees please!
Help your children to dig eco-endeavors with a tree-planting party. Sometime between Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 25), honor Mother Nature by joining the Arbor Day Foundation—which includes ten free trees with membership. Sign up at arborday.org and type in your zip code to get the trees best suited to where you live. Then gather the kids and their friends, along with some shovels, to lay down the roots of a mini forest that will serve future ...
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| Girlfriend Getaway | |
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Refuel with your best friends
Are pangs of guilt preventing you from a friends-only foray? Get over it: A recent survey shows that 40 percent of women are planning such a trip. To make it easy, go to gutsywomentravel.com for a list of adventures, then line up your partner for child care. Now you just have to decide if you want to sip your martinis on the beach or in an urban hot spot. ...
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| Friendly Stands | |
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Little League etiquette
Every Little League game has one: a loudmouth parent who critiques the kids, curses the coach and argues with the umpire. Take the lead on fostering better team spirit—for players and parents—by downloading the Guide for Coaches at frostedflakes.com. Because win or lose, having fun is the real home run.
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| Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day | |
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Mom-to-mom tips to keep kids engaged
This year it falls on April 24
Have your daughters and sons shadow professionals in your office, then do a group project. Last year, the project was to concoct a special lemonade, which they later sold in the conference room to everyone in the office. Bonus: the kids learned how much fun marketingcan be.
Judy Watts, International Tax Manager,
Pittsburgh, PA
Smaller companies can get really creative and go all out: An architectural firm might give the kids ...
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| Fab Flapjacks | |
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Pancake mix makes these Triple Chocolate Pancakes a simple, extra-sweet treat.
From Easy Breakfast & Brunch ($20, Ryland Peters & Small) You'll need: Butter-milk pancake mix for 12 pancakes 4 teaspoons cocoa powder 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 9 ounces white chocolate, chopped 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt Bottled chocolate sauce, heated 1. Heat oven to warm. Prepare pancake batter, adding cocoa to dry mix. Stir all of bittersweet and 3 ounces of white chocolate into batter. Lightly grease a pan and heat it over medium heat. Reduce heat ...
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| Black History Month | |
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A field trip that brings history to life
"I have a dream," you tell your kid, "that one day you will love history." Make it happen by making Black History Month come to life with a mini trip to honor African-American contributions to our country. Log on to nps.gov , type "celebrate" in the search window and find inspirational locations like Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthplace and grave in Atlanta, or get a glimpse of slave life in the 1800s with a walk through slave cabins at ...
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| Leapin' Sleepover | |
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Family February fun
Take advantage of this February's extra Friday with a s-leap-over party. Kick off the fun with a leapfrog race, then play the M&M's lily pad game: Heap a pile of green M&M's in the center of a table and give each child a green drinking straw and a green paper plate. Kids suck the candies onto the straw and transfer to the plate. The first to hoard 29 pieces on her "lily pad" wins. Now hop to it—the 29th ...
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| Party On | |
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Cool ideas for your child's special day
Your daughter simply must have a Hannah Montana birthday party or she'll just die. No sweat. Log on to birthdaydirect.com for one-stop party solutions, including favors, decorations, invitations, tableware—even tattoos. You'll find the hippest themes (think High School Musical ) and the cutest ideas ( Bee Movie bash, anyone?). Plus, there are great discounts and, for the less organized among us, same-day shipping.
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| Build a Better Snowman | |
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Snowy day activity
Flurries flying? Gather the kids and get rolling with these tips from Jim Sysko, who holds the world record for building the tallest snowman: Position your glacial guy in the shade so he's less likely to melt. Use wet, warmer snow for construction. Pack snow around the base to keep him stable; flatten the tops and bottoms of adjoining spheres so they don't roll off. Add creative accessories so your snowman looks as cool as he is.
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| Patriot Act | |
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Giving back to the troops
To send some holiday cheer to a soldier in a war zone, visit www.soldiersangels.org . Commit to mailing one letter a week and one care package a month (the site lists the most requested items and also offers prepacked care packages that you can purchase), or make a onetime donation. ...
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| Stylish Storage | |
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A cuter-than-usual way to get organized
It's only a few days after the holidays, but your house is already overrun with doll clothing and art supplies. Corral toys and trinkets into these mini suitcases from the Land of Nod ($20 for a set of three, www.landofnod.com) . Modeled on European lunchbox designs from the 1960s, the set includes a small, medium and large case—perfect for toting playthings from room to room or all the way to Grandma's.
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| Art Surprise | |
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A festive centerpiece that will inspire creativity
Inspired by an idea in Jane Seymour's Making Yourself at Home ($25, www.overstock.com ), will keep kids busy before dinner. You'll need: 1 roll butcher paper ($13, www.amazon.com ) 1 wooden tray ($30, www.crateandbarrel.com) 1 cylindrical glass vase 4 short glasses 5 tall glasses Crayons, markers and colored pencils 1 floral bouquet Turkey finger puppets ($4/dozen, www.orientaltrading.com ) 1. Cover children's table with butcher paper. Set tray on top. Place vase and glasses on tray. 2. Put art ...
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| Eco-Office | |
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Work Smart
It hits you as you watch sheet after sheet of inky paper spit out of your office printer: This can't be good for the environment. Work supplies and equipment definitely take a toll on the earth, but you can limit their effects by purchasing items that are energy-efficient, reusable and low in damaging chemicals. From recycled Post-its to solar calculators, you'll find 38,000 earth-friendly alternatives at The Green Office ( www.thegreenoffice.com ). ...
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| Drive Time | |
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Leafing: a seasonal family activity
Celebrate the crisp, cool fall weather by taking a road trip to some of the country's best sites for changing leaves (to gather ideas, visit www.foliagenetwork.com ). Pack a picnic basket with French bread, pears and apples (both fruits are in season now) and a savory, nutty cheese that complements the late-fall mood. The kids can read Betsy Maestro's Why Do Leaves Change Color? For trip music, try the George Winston classic Autumn . ...
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| It's Halloween | |
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Spooktacular Party Games
Volunteered to host this year's Halloween party but don't know jack-o'-lantern about kids' games? Here are two that'll keep 'em howling. Bobbing for apples Core an apple and stuff a chocolate coin inside it. Whoever gets the apple with the golden treasure wins a prize. The mummy game Give each team a roll of toilet paper and let each select a "mummy." The first team to completely wrap their mummy in paper wins.
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| Cuddly Costume | |
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Grin and Bear It
Think your baby is just too tiny to don a costume this Halloween? In this bear-hooded jacket-and-pants suit from Little Giraffe ($116, www.littlegiraffe.com) , he'll be just as cozy as he is cute. Guaranteed to be the hit of the trick-or-treat brigade—and to be a favorite outfit for months to come.
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| Cubicle Cool | |
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Staying calm at work
You want to be Zen at the office, but then your coworker starts humming that annoying Elliott Yamin tune—again. Your boss sends yet another erratic email, and your PC crashes for the fourth time that morning. Feel like you're going to lose it? Here's how to keep your head no matter what kind of chaos breaks loose in your cubicle. "Walk away from your desk," suggests New York City-based psychologist Frank Massino. Take 15 minutes to roam the office and ...
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| Scented Slumber | |
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Sweet smells can make you smart!
Worried about memorizing a fact sheet for your morning meeting? Try sniffing a favorite flower or scented candle first. (Our pick: K. Hall Designs Pomegranate Scented Candle, $19, www.amazon.com .) Smelling a distinct aroma while trying to memorize something, then letting the same smell waft around you as you sleep can boost your recall by a scent-sational 13 percent.
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| If the Shoe Fits | |
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Kid Gear
When it comes to shopping for criss-crossy slingbacks or practical-yet-pretty pumps, we know you're a pro. But shoe shopping for your tot is a lot tougher—it's so hard to size his fast-growing feet. That's why you'll love these shoes from Preschoolians. The soft-soled, machine-washable slip-ons have a clear window on the bottom so you can see just how well the shoe fits your little one ($25, www.preschoolians.com ).
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| Petal Pusher | |
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An impressive-looking cupcake that only looks tricky to make.
Bake sale. Two words working moms dread. But armed with this easier-than-it-looks recipe from A Baker's Field Guide to Cupcakes , you won't be tempted to wimp out with store-bought brownies. You'll need: 1 container canned vanilla frosting 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Yellow food coloring 12 plain store-bought cupcakes Pastry bag and coupler Wilton tip #352 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles 1. Place frosting in a large mixing bowl and beat in vanilla extract and enough food coloring to create a ...
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| Trash to Treasure | |
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Clear space and have fun doing it
Here's a way to liven up Labor Day while clearing some space in your very clogged closet. Throw a "bad-gift gala" in the backyard by inviting friends to exchange any misfit (or downright dreadful) gifts they've accrued during the year. Pile all the unwanted presents on a picnic table and giggle as one friend's trash becomes another's treasure. To make this end-of-summer soiree festive, whip up some simple salads—then let the grabbing begin.
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| Locker Gear | |
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School supplies with real style
Coolness is key when it comes to school essentials. Outfitted with hip graphics, this Back-to-Campus collection from Barnes & Noble includes everything from sketchbooks to pencil pouches. Grab a few for you, too—coolness is also key when it comes to cubicles ($7 to $17, www.barnesandnobleinc.com ).
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| Heat Beaters | |
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Mini doughnut ice-cream sandwiches
On a hot summer night, these treats from Icebox Cakes , by Lauren Chattman ($18, www.amazon.com ), will make you swoon. You'll need: 8 mini doughnuts 8 teaspoons orange marmalade 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream 4 tablespoons sliced almonds 1. Slice each doughnut in half horizontally. Spread 1 teaspoon marmalade over the bottom half of each doughnut. Spoon 3 tablespoons softened ice cream over the marmalade on each. Place top halves of the doughnuts on top of ice ...
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| Cyber Dog | |
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The starter pet
The kids are pleading for a puppy, but you can't imagine having to feed and care for even one more creature (no matter how cute). For a trial run, adopt a virtual dog at www.virtualpuppy.com . At the free site, kids get to pick and name their pet. Then easy-to-read symbols show them how Fido is feeling so they know when to walk, feed or play Frisbee with him. And yes, they even have to clean up the cyber ...
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| Greenscaping | |
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Guilt-free gardening
Need another nudge to plant a lush garden this summer? Gardens are more eco-friendly than grass. Lawns require lots of water while providing no natural habitat for wildlife. But sprays of wildflowers offer shelter to lots of critters, as do vegetable and herb gardens. To keep your gardening greener, use nature's natural pesticide— ladybugs. Lure them with ladybug houses, and they'll keep the insect population in check.
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| Tough as Nails | |
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Tip for pretty summer hands
Everything about you says polished professional—speech, outfit, attitude. So what's with your nails? We don't want to point fingers, but a manicure is a must. Skip the time and expense of a salon with these new crystal nail files ($5 to $9, www.95andsunny.com) . Guaranteed never to wear out or wear down, the double-sided glass files reduce chipping and peeling. Choose from more than 50 hand-painted designs. ...
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| Keeping Kids Active | |
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Mom-to-mom tips for summer fun
Tee Time for Tots At the start of each summer, my kids design a miniature golf course in our backyard. Sometimes it takes them days to complete. They dig holes for the balls and creatively design the course so it has obstacles and fun things to attract golfers of all skill levels. All summer long, we invite neighborhood kids (and adults) to play on our course. —Peggy Campbell-Rush, teacher, Washington, NJ Puppy Love The best things we ever did ...
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| Pinatas! | |
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Make it an instant fiesta
Sure, you could celebrate Cinco de Mayo with another (yawn) Taco Night, or you could make it a real party just by adding a pi ...
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| Go Green | |
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Eco-Friendly Floral
Searching for a Mom's Day gift with meaning? Send blooms that benefit Mother Earth. All flowers arranged by www.organicbouquet.com are grown using top environmental standards, and part of the proceeds from select arrangements support organizations such as the Global Fund for Women. While your mom delights in the gorgeous flowers, you'll feel all warm and fuzzy knowing you've done two good deeds. ...
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| Zulugrass Jewelry | |
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Gorgeous beaded jewelry that helps women
Finally, jewelry that's as creative as you are! Made from natural grass beads and hand-strung by Maasai tribeswomen in Kenya, Zulugrass jewelry ($8 per strand, www.leakeycollection.com) can be worn as necklaces, hair ties, anklets, belts or bracelets. Choose from more than 80 stunning color combinations, then string together your own original look as you contribute to the much-needed income of Maasai women and their families. ...
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| Bookmark This | |
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Rescue Me
Looking to mix a killer mojito? Not sure how to replace a blown fuse, clean ketchup from the carpet or find your true bra size? Since it's the little things that can trip us up, www.video jug.com has hundreds of instructional videos that help problem-solve. Log on and learn how to cure the hiccups or beat your kids at computer games. There's no clip, however, on being the perfect working mom. Some of life's challenges are still too big ...
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| Seasonal Gear | |
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Bring on the Rain
It's raining cats and dogs—but who cares. With this wet-weather gear from Hatley, you and yours can puddle-jump in style. Coats and boots ($36 and $34, www.hatley nature.com ) are fully lined to keep you warm and dry, and the splashy designs (Fun Dog and Purrrfect Cats) come in mom sizes, too. Soon you'll all be singin' in the rain. ...
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| Heart-Lovin' Hot Cocoa | |
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Do your heart good with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
It seems that cocoa has the potential to lower the risk for heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the United Kingdom have discovered an ingredient in cocoa that inhibits blood platelet function, which in turn can reduce potentially fatal blood clots. Try this healthful, heart-warming treat from Hot Chocolate , by Fred Thompson ($13, www.harvardcommonpress.com ). You'll need: 1 cup sugar 1 cup natural cocoa powder 1 cup nonfat dry powdered milk 1/2 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate ...
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| Earn More | |
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A Reason to Say "Cheers"
Occasional after-work cocktails with colleagues could boost your career, suggests a study in the Journal of Labor Research. The study shows that women who drink earn 14 percent more than nondrinkers, and men who drink earn 10 percent more than those who don't. "Social drinkers are networking, building relationships and adding contacts, all of which can lead to bigger paychecks," says researcher Edward Stringham, PhD.
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| Valentine's Day | |
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It's a Date
As you sit with your kids signing heart-shaped cards, sneak in a history lesson. One reason we celebrate romance on February 14 is that in the Middle Ages people believed this was the day birds began searching for their mates. The love-struck celebrated by following suit, sending letters and tokens of affection to would-be sweethearts. Now that the kids understand Valentine's Day, all you have to do is explain mating. ...
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| DIY Fun | |
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Tray Chic
Spread some holiday cheer on this deliciously easy-to-make serving tray. Fill a shadow box frame ($34, www.potterybarn.com) with your favorite seasonal sweets—think peppermints, popcorn, brightly wrapped candy or dried cranberries. In seconds you'll have a dressed-to-impress tray that's fancy but not at all fussy. Now you have to entertain.
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| Office Etiquette | |
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Graceful Exits
Too pooped to party? The holiday parade of client and office soirees can run you ragged. Rather than ducking behind a waiter and darting out the door, follow these tips on graceful exits from Jeanne Hamilton, founder of EtiquetteHell.com. Slip away from boring small talk by making eye contact with someone else across the room and saying, "Oh, it's Ellen. I haven't talked to her in weeks. Would you excuse me for a few minutes?" Or wave someone near ...
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| Holiday Decorating | |
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Frosty the Door D
Deck out the door and welcome in the holidays with this easy, adorable snowman. Just round up three plain wreaths—small, medium and large—from a craft store and attach them with string. Tie on an old neckscarf, add a snow cap and position a pair of boots for legs. No subzero temperatures required. For this and other crafty holiday ideas, check out the Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook ($18, www.bettycrocker.com). ...
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| Chill Chaser | |
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Part coffee, part hot chocolate, entirely delicious.
The flavors of java and the spice cardamom combine to make the
perfect brew to share in front of the fireplace. For this and other
mouthwatering mocha recipes, pick up Hot Chocolate (Fred Thompson, $12.95, Harvard Common Press, click here to order ).
You'll need:
3/4 cup ground dark roast coffee
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
6 cups water
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1. Combine ...
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| Leaf Relief | |
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Raking It In to Stay Fit
Raking can burn a healthy 300 calories an hour, so throw a family
leaf-raking party this weekend. Keep your helpers happy with a thermos
of hot cider, and take the boredom out of choredom with rockin' music.
Clear pathways and lawns, but shred the leaves under trees and shrubs
for compost. Make several piles and then play—you can bag another day.
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| Mornings Made Easy | |
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Strategies for Adding Happiness and Harmony to Your Most Hurried Hours
Catherine Parsons has her a.m. act together. Before the educational
administrator and mom of two slips into sleepwear the night before,
backpacks are fully loaded, the breakfast table is set, alarms are
programmed and wardrobes are selected. Of course, organization makes
absolutely no difference on the mornings her clothing-opposed
4-year-old refuses to eat a single Cheerio. "I have been the mom in a
business suit and heels carrying a screaming child to the car in his
pj's—throwing his bag of clothes and breakfast into the ...
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| Age Gracefully | |
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Age Gracefully
Still haven't mastered the guitar, perfected a watercolor technique or
filmed a masterpiece? Here's hope for your inner artist. You could be a
creative late bloomer, according to David Galenson, PhD, author of Old
Masters and Young Geniuses . Many artistic types peak later, often in
their forties through sixties. "They rely on wisdom, judgment and
knowledge," he says. So join the ranks of Virginia Woolf, Cezanne and
Alfred Hitchcock, who did their best work later in life.
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| Office Accessory | |
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Style File
It's a chore to look chic while you're shuffling piles of
files to the conference room. But the Audrey File Tote from
russell+hazel ($48, www.wishingfish.com ) can turn your burdensome
bundle into a thing of beauty. With five pockets and detachable leather
straps, it looks more like a designer bag than a briefcase, making you
the envy of every meeting.
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| Killer Overtime | |
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Killer Overtime
Cranky kids and cold leftovers aren't the only
challenges awaiting moms who work late. Logging extra hours can up your
chance of job-related injury and illness by 61 percent, suggests a
study from the University of Massachusetts. Working long hours induces
fatigue and stress, leading to higher risks of accidents. So take off
at quittin' time (when possible) for the sake of your well-being.
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| Reader Tips | |
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Reader Tips
Give 'em a Break
Each time my kids hit the books, I set a timer to remind them to take a refreshment break. A brief
breather or treat makes studying more pleasant and helps retention.
Brenda Nixon, author, Mount Vernon, OH
Look to the Library
When my kids have a hard time sitting down to do homework, we head to
the library. They focus better there, and the work gets done
faster?usually within an hour. We do this two ...
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| Organize | |
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Pretty in Paisley
Keep your child's school life--and your own--in elegant order with
Mead's Pleasantly Paisley binders ($4 at Wal-Mart and Rite Aid stores).
Cafeteria menus, sports schedules, permission slips and such will all
fit beautifully in one binder.
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| Celebrate | |
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"A" Is for Appleseed
Tell your kids that Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman and
that he was a naturalist and missionary who planted seedlings (along
with his religious ideas) in
pioneer America, and they'll likely shrug off the history lesson. But
tell them how he ran around barefoot with a pan on his head and that we
celebrate his birthday (September 26, 1774) by eating apples--well, now
you're talking ... and chewing and picking and baking (apple pie, that
is).
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| AM Time Saver | |
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The Right Start
Here's how to bring the morning rush down a notch. Play the "either/or"
game--and avoid a.m. power struggles. Lay out two outfits the night
before and ask your child, "Which do you want to wear?" Let her try on
both if she wants. The following morning, ask, "What do you want to put
on first, your panties or your shirt?" Next, "Would you like to dress
in your room or the den?" And so on.
Photo: Kate Mitchell/Corbis
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