December 2014 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

FR

EE

2014

DECEMber

Internet Safety

stress busting

ways to keep your child

safe online

tips for the holidays

Holiday

Gift Guide

Great Gifts for all!

Glassboro, NJ

See page 15

2 | December 2014

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Contents DECEMBER 2014

mom 2 mom 6 Simple Steps: Making the Most this Holiday Season

8 Santa Claus Isn't Coming to Town

10 I’m Telling!

12 Ways to Help You and Your Child Survive Separation Anxiety

14 10 Ways to Save on Holiday Fun

moms R women 2 21 Stress Busting Strategies for the Holidays

features

Holiday Gift Guide also in this issue 5 Some of My Faves 15 Business Spotlight: Winter Wonderland

29 Things to Do 30 Recipe Corner

know 2 grow 22 Internet Safety 24 Deadly Diseases You Should Be More Concerned About than Ebola

26 Cultural Sensitivity 28 Simple Ways to Bust Winter Blues

“Like” South Jersey MOM magazine on Facebook and find out about local events, win prizes and connect with other moms in the area! www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM

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December 2014 | 3

South Jersey December

MOM 2014

CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com

Magic Carpet Rides for TWO

W

hat could be more fun than taking a magic carpet ride to a mysterious place? Making it a magic carpet ride for TWO! Your child can “go” with a friend, sibling or cousin and make this adventurous, silly and whimsical.

It’s really easy to create this fun-filled experience. Give each of the kids a carpet remnant or a small throw rug, like the kind you use in a bathroom. Place them side by side and have them say, “Abracadabra, Magic Carpet Take us to ____”. That’s the fun part deciding where to go. They should take turns selecting a destination. They could go to Disney World, Sesame Place, the beach or the mountains. How about to the city or a museum? It’s such a great pastime to get lost in your imagination. Help your kids share the fun together … anytime, like on a cold, snowy day when you’re stuck in the house and a quick “adventure” is needed to change their mood. This is also a wonderful way to get ready for bedtime as they get sleepy, dreaming about their make-believe world.

There’s nothing quite like it – sharing the magic of an adventurous carpet ride for two!

Not only a South Jersey Mom, Sharla Feldscheris a proud South Jersey Grandmom (Grammy, as she prefers to becalled). The author of six books on creative ideas to do with young children, including two KIDFUN Activity Books published by HarperCollins, she has a blog at www.kidfunandmore.com with more easy-to-do KIDFUN ideas. Sharla has her own public relations business in Philadelphia. A real kid-believer, she began her career as the first PR Director of the Please Touch Museum and started her own business with Sesame Place as her first account, representing the park for 26 years.

Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com Chris Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com Photographer Nicki Albertson www.imagesbynicki.com 609-238-8184 nicki@imagesbynicki.com Contributing Writers Matthew Brenner, Kimberly Clayton Blaine, Jenifer Lacey, Sharon Nolfi, M.A., Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Cheryl L. Potter, M.B. Sanok, Erin Taylor, Renee Taylor Neglin and Susan Vanden Berg Special Thanks To Winterland Joanne E Lopes, MD, FAAP, Advocare Cornerstone Pediatrics Submit Calendar Listing michelle@superiorgx.com www.southjerseymom.com

Created by Markations Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499 Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations.

On average, the people who still have this use it fewer than 2 times a week. What is it? a. Common sense b. Landline phone Women think about this approximately 52 times a day. What is it? a. Their Hair b. Starbucks 22% of people with smart phones don’t do this. What is it? a. Socialize b. Take pictures Thank you Mr. Dementri at G.C.I.T. and Skyler Ognibene, 9th grade I.T. student for questions and answers. Correct answers: b, a, b 4 | December 2014

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher.

Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090 Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524 All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only Every month South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090.

On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info. www.southjerseymom.com

a letter from the EDITOR

T

he month is a flurry of activity to fit everything in, and sometimes we need permission to say, “I can’t do it all!” Do you sometimes feel that you’re creating madness instead of memories? If so, read Erin Taylor, our new columnist, sharing her suggestions on how to get through the holidays gracefully, “Simple Steps: Making The Most This Holiday Season (page 6) to help you create memories not madness this holiday. So, now you’ve prioritized the parties and activities for the holidays but how can you manage to get out

of the house when your child has separation anxiety? That’s why I found our article, “ByeBye, Baby” (page 12) particularly helpful; it offers advice on how to practice getting out of the house without the kids, to get some adult time this holiday for socializing and shopping.

When all else fails and you can’t seem to leave the crying child behind, plan a family night at Winterland Ice Skating Rink, this month read about the local ice-skating rink in Glassboro in the business spotlight section on page 15.

Last month South Jersey MOM’s Night Out at Bogey’s Club & Café was great fun and I’d like to thank all the vendors that participated and all the ladies that came out to enjoy the night. The evening was a great success, South Jersey MOM along with the guests, raised over $1,500 for the Toni Donato Bolis & Baby RJ Foundation.

Eat, drink & be merry!

Your friend & fellow MOM,

Karen Ognibene karen@superiorgx.com

1. What has a foot but no legs?

2. Poor people have it. Rich people need it. If you eat it you die.

What is it?

3. What comes down but never goes up?

4. I’m tall when I’m young and I’m short when I’m old. What am I? 5. Mary’s father has 5 daughters – Nana, Nene, Nini, Nono. What is the fifth daughters name?

6. How can a pants pocket be empty and still have something in it?

7. In a one-story pink house, there was a pink person, a pink cat, a pink fish, a pink computer, a pink chair, a pink table, a pink telephone, a pink shower– everything was pink! What color were the stairs?

faves

TIME IN A BOX

This box provides a wealth of ways to make memories with your child. It’s not really a game, more like a contract to live a more connected life with your loved ones, and it includes ideas of activities that create memories; such as solving a puzzle, starting a family tree or making a blanket fort. Foxmind.com, $18

Bo-Po (Brush On – Peel Off) Nail Polish

Polish that peels off, how cool is that? Kids can create color patterns and when they tire of it, the polish peels off without damaging the nail. I love that it contains no harmful chemicals or odors and there’s no need for Acetone based remover. The bonus is that the polish comes in a unique spill-proof bottle. I wish this were around when my princess was younger; we could have avoided a lot of nail polish catastrophes.

Bo-po.com, $4.

Kevita

These coconut drinks are the new craze to get good bacteria into the body. They are so tasty and good for you, but you have to start out slow by drinking a tablespoon a day and working up to a quarter cup with lunch and dinner; otherwise it can cause stomach upset. Every flavor tastes great, try them, and you too will be hooked!

Available at Target, $3.

1. A snail 2. Nothing 3. Rain 4. A candle 5. If you answered Nunu, you are wrong. It’s Mary!

6. It can have a hole in it. 7. There weren’t any stairs, it was a one story house!

Funology.com

some of my

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December 2014 | 5

mom 2 mom

Simple Steps:

Making The Most This Holiday Season Erin Taylor, MA

I

t’s that time of year again – the flurry of activity that occurs between November and December – also known as the “holiday season.”

There are so many things to do and so little time to squeeze it all in.

As a parent, that task is even more challenging. But I have learned how to get to January not only surviving, but knowing I actually enjoyed the Holiday Season. Here are a few things I have discovered along the way: Get organized. A few years ago, I found myself at December 20, stressed and not finished my To Do List, which made the next 4 days busy, stressful and not that much fun. That year, I decided to put an annual reminder on my calendar every November 1 to “plan the holiday season.” Since adding this small step, I have found it helps me to pace myself and my family and fit in (what we choose to fit in) and reduces my overall stress.

Prioritize. This is the next thing I learned. A family gathering? Holiday cards? Holiday movies? Gift buying? Family photo? Cookie-baking? I discovered I could not fit in all that I tried to fit in and still enjoy the holiday season so I took a close look at what I really wanted to accomplish and let the rest go. It felt strange at first, but it served me well. And I also learned to remember to “plan in” some much-needed quiet time for me and my family.

Lower my expectations. In order to choose what stays and what goes, I had to lower my expectations and be gentle with myself. For example, after trying one year, I realized I could not hand-make wrapping paper that I saw without causing unnecessary stress for me and my family. Now,

when I am unsure about a task, I ask “Is this really necessary?” If I cannot firmly say yes, it probably has to go.

Make time for self-care. I know I will have much more energy and enthusiasm to give to all I do this holiday season if I find some time to do what makes me feel good and recharges my batteries. The paradox of time is that when I allow myself some of it to do what renews me time seems to expand to allow me to accomplish the other things I need to do.

Be present. This is the most important step I learned. I realized that when I look back in years to come, I would rather not say I checked off the myriad things on my To Do List but cannot actually remember what all those things were; instead, I prefer to relive a warm memory of time spent snuggling on the couch with my little one who is now taller than me. Time passes at a steady pace, but I know that when I am not fully present, it seems that time passes by even faster.

I will once again be taking these simple steps to make the most out of this holiday season and give myself the time and mental space to create warm, loving memories that my family and I will cherish.✲ Erin Taylor, MA is a wife, therapist, writer, parent coach and mom to four children ages 7, 9 and 12. Her oldest daughter died of a heart defect as a baby. Her practice is called It Takes A Village Parent Coaching (www.villageparentcoaching.com) because she understands that it takes a village to raise a child. You can reach Erin at 609-605-3844 or erin@villageparentcoaching.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ItTakesAVillageParentCoaching.

Homemade Candy Canes Making Memories That Last A Lifetime Ingredients • 2 cups sugar • 1/2 cup light corn syrup • 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar • 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract • 1 teaspoon red food coloring

Directions • In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, cook sugar, corn syrup, water and cream of tartar until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Increase heat to medium and cook until candy thermometer reads 265° (hard-ball stage), stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; add extract.

• Pour half into a buttered 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. pan. Add food coloring to remaining mixture; mix well. Pour into another buttered 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. pan. Cool 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Butter fingers; quickly pull half of the white or red at a time until firm but pliable (the white portion will have a milky color).

• When taffy is ready for cutting, pull into a 1/4-in. rope. Cut into 6-in. pieces. Twist red and white pieces together; form into canes. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cool. Yield: 1 to 1-1/2 dozen.

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Give the Gift of Life Wouldn’t it be great to help an infertility couple who is struggling to have a family?

South Jersey Fertility Center is looking for donor egg candidates who want to give the gift of life.

Candidate Requirements: • Ages 21-32 • Have two ovaries • Regular menstrual cycles • BMI >19 but <30 • Not adopted • Able to pass screening criteria • Compensation: $8000 For more information and an application, visit our website www.sjfert.com/donor-egg/egg-donors or call the donor egg program at 856-209-4401 Ext 2150 SJ Fertility Center has four locations throughout South Jersey to serve you: MARLTON: 400 Lippincott Drive, Suite 130 • 856.596.2233 SEWELL: 570 Egg Harbor Road, #B4 • 856.218.8863 BURLINGTON: 1900 Mt. Holly Road (Route 541), Suite 4A • 609.386.4701 EGG HARBOR TWP: 2500 English Creek Ave, #225 • 609.813.2192

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December 2014 | 7

Santa Claus Isn’t Coming to Town: Christmas Gift-Giving Around the Globe

By Susan Vanden Berg

S

o it’s Christmas Eve, and you are setting out cookies and milk for jolly old St. Nick, but your pajama-clad kids are getting concerned: How can Santa deliver presents all over the planet in just one night? Put their minds at ease, because the guy in red has a lot of help. In fact, kids from Athens to Zurich look forward, not to visits from Mr. Claus and Rudolf, but the anticipated arrival of festive characters such as Sinterklaas, the Christkind or the Three Kings. Families across the globe celebrate many beloved customs that can inspire us to deepen and appreciate our own gift-giving traditions.

France On Christmas Eve in France, children place a pair of shoes by the fireplace, under the Christmas tree or near their family crèche (nativity scene). Wooden shoes, called sabots, were traditionally used, although today, any shoes will do. The shoes then await the middle-ofthe-night arrival of Pére Noël (Father Christmas), or in some regions, Petit Noël (the Christ Child), who fills them with toys and candies.

While sporting a long white beard and clad in red, Pére Noël is tall and slender, unlike his portly American cousin. He arrives with a sack full of goodies, and is helped in his deliveries by a single donkey instead of twelve reindeer. Sometimes a little treat is left out for the Pére—and occasionally a glass of wine.

The Netherlands Holland loves to celebrate St. Nicholas’s Day, December 6, with parties and presents. On the evening of December 5, Dutch children anticipate the arrival of Sinterklaas atop his white horse, along with his side-kick, Zwaarte Piet (Black Pete). The children fill a pair of their shoes with oats and carrots for the horse and place them by the fireplace or near the door. In the morning they find their shoes filled with candy and surprises wrapped misleadingly in something like old socks or potato peelings.

These surprises are often accompanied by short, funny poems composed by friends or family members that give hints as to what the gift may be.

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Germany Similar to the Netherlands, children in Germany celebrate St. Nicholas’s day by putting out their straw-filled shoes to be filled instead with treats during the night. Not-so-nice children might be disappointed to find their shoes filled with sticks or coal by St. Nick’s stern sidekick, Knecht Rupprect. Some families also welcome the Christmas man, Weihnactsmann, who brings gifts on Christmas Eve, or by the angelic Christkind, the Christ child.

Mexico and Spain In Spain, Mexico, and many other Spanishand Portuguese-speaking countries, presents are given on the 6th of January. On el Día de los Reyes, or the Day of the Kings, families celebrate the coming of the Wise Men to see the Christ child. In Mexico, children place their shoes near the family nativity scene or just outside a door or window, often leaving straw and water for the kings’ camels. In Spain, from young to old, all family members set out shoes on balconies or outside the door, perhaps leaving a glass of wine for each of the three kings, and oats or barley for the animals.

They all wake in the morning to find their shoes filled with gifts, candies or trinkets.

Switzerland In Switzerland, St. Nicholas comes to deliver wishes of prosperity as well as gifts.

Some homes are visited by Father Christmas,

who is similar to France’s Pére Noël, accompanied by his wife Lucy. The main gift-giver, however, is the Christkind, or Christ child, who has come depicted as a golden angel.

Families will leave a window open on Christmas Eve so that the Christkind can fly in and leave presents.

Sweden Sweden celebrates a long Christmas season beginning December 13th, St. Lucia’s Day, a beloved Swedish festival, and ending on January 13th. Children open gifts on Christmas Eve that are brought by Jultomten. This sneaky Christmas gnome carries a huge sack on his back, but instead of carrying it all the way from the North Pole, Jultomten conveniently lives under floors of Swedish homes and barns.

Like gifts from Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, Swedish gifts are often accompanied by humorous little poems.

Greece The patron saint of mariners, St. Nicholas is often portrayed in Greece as being drenched with seawater—a far cry from our snow-loving Santa. He does bring some gifts on Christmas, but most gift-giving is done on January 1st, St. Basil’s Day. Italy Italian children may enjoy getting gifts on Christmas day, but like children in Spain and Mexico, the main gift-giving day is Epiphany, January 6th. They also leave their shoes or stockings out by the chimney before bedtime, but in Italian style, they do so for La Befana instead of for St. Nick. A woman seeking to atone for her lack of hospitality to the Wise Men, La Befana now searches for Bambino Gesù, the Baby Jesus, leaving gifts at every house along the way.

So as you tuck in your little munchkins this December 24th, let them rest assured that something special awaits them and that kids around the world have their fun too—even if they have to wait until January.✲ Susan Vanden Berg is a freelance writer and mother of two.

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RiverWinds Annual Memberships Make GREAT Christmas Gifts!

Purchase a Gift Card for that special person in your life!

Join us for our annual Holiday Party on December 12th from 6-8pm • Visit with Santa • Enjoy snacks • Make an ornament • Listen to carolers Free and Open to the Public Quarterly payment options now available for non-resident members Find us on Facebook

Since 1972 English Septic has been a member of the South Jersey Family. We wish you and your family a very Safe & Happy Holiday Season.

Open Throughout the Holiday Season & Weekends – No Extra Fees!

www.EnglishSeptic.com

(856) 358-2518

www.RiverWinds.org Check us out at www.RiverWinds.org or call 856-251-0990 for details regarding how you and your family can enroll! www.southjerseymom.com

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December 2014 | 9

I’m Telling!

By Renee Taylor Negin

K

ids love to report on the activities of other kids. They will call to light everything from the most minor infraction—“Mom, she stuck her tongue out at me”—to the most dangerous act—“Mom, he’s jumping into the pool from the roof.” Any time kids perceive another kid’s action as breaking a rule, he or she is likely to come running to report it. This can result in a never-ending barrage of complaints about others. It’s difficult for kids to know which complaints are legitimate and which are not, yet parents and teachers expect them to be able to do so. The result is that children become frustrated because their needs are not being met, and adults are annoyed at hearing so many reports.

The two key factors in lightening the tattling load are setting a clear understanding of the difference between tattling and telling, and understanding why kids tattle.

10 | December 2014

Tattling is what kids do to other kids to get them in trouble or to call attention to themselves as the do-gooders. Telling is reporting a problem in which there is the potential for harm. The gray area comes in with the word “harm.” To some, it’s only physical harm. To others, emotional or psychological harm falls into this category as well. Figuring out what constitutes harm, and effectively communicating that to children, can help all involved to be on the same page.

One method of helping kids understand when to tell and when telling is just tattling is to role-play various scenarios with them. Practice different scenarios with kids and figure out together which cases call for enlisting an adult’s help.

Kids tattle for a variety of reasons. They may lack the skills to resolve a situation without an adult’s help. They may enjoy the reward of positive attention. They may be trying to

gain a clear understanding of the rules. Or, they may be attempting to express a sense of unfairness in enforcing the rules.

It’s important for parents, caregivers and teachers to give kids the tools they need to solve problems on their own. Kids need to learn to talk to their peers to resolve issues of sharing or kindness or fairness. However, they also need to know if they try to work it out themselves and are unsuccessful, they can turn to an adult for help.

Children also need to know exactly what the rules are and that they apply universally. If a child tattles, make sure to acknowledge that the other kid is, in fact, breaking a rule, and let him know you will handle it. Make sure he knows you have followed through. Reward kids for following the rules by complimenting their good behavior. Point out occasions where they are following a specific rule.

What about those times when there is cause for concern? Once kids understand the difference between tattling and telling, encourage them to use a direct approach. “Mrs. Smith, this is an emergency. Katie is trying to cut people with scissors.” Prefacing the issue this way will alert the teacher or parent that what is to follow is more than tattling, it’s important information, and it could otherwise be dismissed by an adult who is too eager to wave it off as tattling.

Emotionally dangerous situations are less clear-cut. Consider situations where one child is being bullied or intimidated by another. In these cases, there is not necessarily physical harm being done, yet the child on the receiving end is not able to work the situation out for him/herself. He or she may be too afraid or embarrassed to seek help yet, clearly, someone needs to intervene. A child who is not directly involved might try to stand up for the bullied kid, or might seek out an adult’s assistance.

Children need guidance in learning what poses a threat and what passes for nuisance.

They also need to know they can turn to an adult in a time of need. What adults need to do is find the balance. Pay attention to the rules, let kids know they are being heard and give them the skills to know the difference between what they can handle and when to call in the troops.✲ www.southjerseymom.com

• Full day or half day • Degreed teachers • Limited class sizes • Security system and cameras • Academically oriented programs • Fenced playground • Computer room • Sibling discount • HATCH Interactive Smart board

2,3,4, or 5 Day Schedule Open Mon.-Fri. 7am–6pm

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Marshmallow Menorahs What You Need: • Marshmallows (large) • White icing • Pretzel Sticks • Food Coloring • Graham Crackers

Instructions: 1. Spread icing on the bottom of nine marshmallows and place them in a row on the graham crackers.

2. Place 1 extra marshmallow on the middle marshmallow.

3. Place pretzels in each and you have your menorah!

4. Drizzle food coloring www.kiwicrate.com www.southjerseymom.com

December 2014 | 11

Bye-Bye, Baby!

Ways to Help You and Your Child Survive Separation Anxiety

By Kimberley Clayton Blaine

I

t’s the moment every parent of a small child dreads… the good-bye. For parents of young children, it can be a gut-wrenching, heart-aching, guilt-ridden moment full of tears, protests, and quick getaways. Separation anxiety can ruin your workday, put a damper on your (rare!) dinner out and keep you trapped in your house (and chained to your toddler). But parenting expert Kimberley Clayton Blaine says that does not have to be the case.

“Babies can show signs of separation anxiety as early as six months, and young children can experience it at almost any age,” says Blaine, licensed family and child therapist, mother of two boys and author of the new book The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children. “The good news is that separation anxiety will pass—and there are some simple solutions to help you get to that point.”

Toddlers, she says, understand about people leaving before they learn about people returning, and they can tell from your actions that you are about to leave. So for most children (and their parents), anxiety begins to build even before you’ve stepped one foot out the door.

Bring out the “blankie.” Transitional objects, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed toy can be reassuring to small children. “In fact,” says Blaine, “to your child, these items are a symbol of you. They represent comfort, safety and joy. When you have to separate from your child, be sure that those special objects are 12 | December 2014

close at hand to provide comfort while you are away.”

Practice makes perfect. It may seem silly for you to practice being apart from your child, but Blaine says that it can really make a big difference in the long run. If you know you are going to be away for a longer than normal period, help your child work up to that separation by taking a series of short breaks, such as running next door for a minute or going out on a brief errand.

Ask your sitter to come early. Whether you are leaving your baby for a dinner date, or you have hired an in-home sitter to watch your little one while you are at work, leaving him or her in the hands of someone else can be stressful for both you and your baby. And even though you may not realize it, your child picks up on the anxiety you are feeling, and it will affect his or her reaction as well. To give you both peace of mind, be sure to spend some time with the sitter and your child together.

Leave on a happy note. Every parent has done the sneaky “slip out the door” in hopes of making a tearless getaway. But Blaine says this is actually doing more harm to your baby than good. Just because your child doesn’t see you leave doesn’t mean he or she won’t eventually notice your absence. And, in order to alleviate separation anxiety, you want to make sure your child is associating happy thoughts with your coming and going. Let your child see you leave, even if it triggers the waterworks—and make sure there is a fun activity scheduled im-

mediately following your departure.

“It’s hard to see your child cry when you leave,” sympathizes Blaine. “But if you continue to sneak off, [your child will] become even more worried that you might disappear at any random time.”

Ditch the guilt. There aren’t many things that pull at your heartstrings more than having to leave a crying child who is reaching out for you. Situations of separation anxiety can create a sense of overwhelming guilt for parents. You want to be there for your child, but there are times when you just can’t. And it’s not healthy for either of you if you constantly feel trapped in the situation. Remind yourself that this is a stage and you both will get through it. You aren’t a bad parent for leaving your child in tears. In fact, your efforts are working to raise a healthy, independent adult!

“Don’t minimize your child’s experience by getting resentful or angry if he [or she] goes into a tirade when you leave,” reminds Blaine.

“It’s quite normal to feel at peace with your child’s neediness at one moment and then to feel agitated and overwhelmed the next. Try to find ways to balance your need for his [or her] independence with his [or her] needs to expand [your child’s] world and feel safe. You’ll both be the better for it.”✲ Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT, is the executive producer of the online parenting show www.TheGoToMom. TV and author of The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children and The Internet Mommy. www.southjerseymom.com

2014 Top Gifts Zoomer Dino

by Zoomers

SkylandersTrap Team

The time seems to disapeer for our kids once we plugged the latest version of Sky Landers.

It’s definitly a familly favorite because not only do our little ones love it but we do too! It’s not complicated at all and it’s fun to play and Skylanders fans loved playing the villians as clIfford the BIg red dog food

Science Kit by The Young Scientists Club

Calling all the science lovers out there, Cliffords’ science kit offers tons of experiments but our kids especially went crazy over the chocolate slime and floating orange. The kit is recommended for ages 36 months to 10 years old... we found this odd, but really, our toddlers did enjoy watching some of the experiments, especially the exploding volcano!

— $19.99

Control him if you can! He can sense where you are and what you’re doing! Our kids all LOVED this little guy. Zoomer zooms around like a real “Pet” and corrects himself if he starts to topple. The more time the kids spent with him the more “Trained” he became and reacted to commands almost flawlessly. Best iPet we’ve ever seen! — $99.99

Modarri

These new toy cars are fantastic! They do not run on batteries, and have a very impresssive steering mechanism. Kids can transform the cars and swap out all 12 parts. With one finger in the driver’s seat kids can take the wheel and “drive”. A very unique toy — $49.95

Sew Cool by Sew Cool

Sewing has never been sooo easy with Sew Cool the threadless Sewing Studio. Girls made stuffed toys, doll clothes and a dozen other creations with the projects included with the package. Independent work made our — $34.99 little divas proud.

Air Hogs Zero Lazer Gravity InteractIve Play Mat by Creative Baby

The I-Mat is one of the best gifts we’ve seen this year. It really is an interactive play mat. You click on an animal or object and the pen will name it and then have music or a sound effect. Our kids loved the two games and we were impressed... it has 3 languages. This product is fun and educational! We love it! — $79.95

by Spin Master So much fun. We loved taking turns running the car up the walls and around pictures.

Great for whole family even the little guys.

— —$39.99

Ask the Doc Joanne E Lopes, MD, FAAP Advocare Cornerstone Pediatrics

Wondering whether or not you should get a flu shot?

This is a question I am routinely asked in my practice at this time of the year. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons associated with the flu vaccine.

Pros:

The flu vaccine protects against a serious and sometimes fatal illness.

It is estimated that approximately 40,000 deaths occur each year from complications associated with the flu, with over 200,000 hospitalizations. It is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

The vaccine is readily available at most physician offices, pharmacies, and local flu clinics in your area. It also comes in 2 forms: the shot and the mist, which is a nasal spray that can be given to patients between the ages of 2 and 49.

The flu vaccine does not cause the flu and has few side effects.

Recent studies have shown that it is safe to give to most patients who are allergic to eggs.

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Cons:

Has to be given yearly. This is because every year the flu virus can mutate and change. The vaccine is based on the predictions of which strains will be the most harmful for the upcoming year.

Some years are more protective than others depending on which viral strains are most active. The flu vaccine protects against the flu but not against other viruses and illnesses such as the common cold.

Some of the side effects include redness and muscle soreness at the injection site and possibly a low-grade fever. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve in a few days. *It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you have about the flu vaccine with your health care provider.

December 2014 | 13

More Holidays for Less Money—

10 Ways to $Ave on Holiday Fun

By Sharon Nolfi, M.A.

D

uring the holidays it can feel difficult to meet those wish lists with the dollars designated for holiday shopping. Some frugal families accept it at as challenge and rather than being turned off by the buying season, they look forward to it. Consider these money-saving tips for a fun, but frugal, holiday.

1

Share Baking Chores and Expenses. If you want to end up with a variety of sweets, holiday baking can require the purchase of many seldom used, expensive ingredients.

Avoid purchasing them all by organizing a baking exchange.

Each participant agrees to prepare several batches of just one baked treat. Bakers then meet to exchange sweets so that each person goes home with several varieties.

2

Organize Potlucks. People like to gather to celebrate the holidays, and most gatherings include food and drink.

Many people would love to get together but can’t afford the entire bill for a party. Share the expense and the fun by organizing a party where each family is assigned a particular item to bring. Plan the menu ahead and make each contribution roughly equal in cost so you will end up with everything needed for the party.

3

Exchange Babysitting. Shopping with children in tow is slow, frustrating and potentially expensive if you make purchases just to gain the children’s cooperation. In addition, shopping can only add to your children’s lists of things they want! Offer to babysit for a friend so she can shop more quickly and efficiently, then let her return the favor.

4

Shop Resale. The world of previously owned items includes both new and used merchandise, all available at a deep discount. Sources range from Goodwill and other thrift shops, to eBay and craigslist online. Even gift cards can be purchased online for less than face value. Choose thrift shops in wealthier neighborhoods because donations are often local.

5

Shop Online. Gasoline is expensive and your time is valuable. Group purchases together so you can take advantage of free shipping offered with minimum purchases.

6

Avoid Malls. Shopping malls have displays of tantalizing items for a reason – to get you to make impulse purchases. Malls are also time-wasters with prices generally higher than those you can obtain elsewhere. Besides the usual discount stores, try shops not usually associated with gift buying – office supply and hardware stores, nurseries, kitchen supply outlets.

7

Shop with a plan. Wherever you decide to shop, save time and money by thinking about what to buy before you shop.

Use a list and stick to it, unless some amazing bargain presents itself.

8

Give homemade presents. The most traditional are baked goods and handcrafted items, but consider more creative gifts. If you have a special skill, like sewing, gardening or cooking, give your services. Promise to alter clothes, plant a flower garden, or prepare meals for a busy family.

9

Decorate and wrap for less. Children of all ages like to make decorations that are usually cheaper than storebought. Save and reuse wrapping paper and ribbon from year to year – it’s better for the environment, as well as your budget. Try fabric and yarn scraps as gift coverings, or let the wrappings be part of the gifts. An inexpensive kitchen, bath or personal item becomes a more generous gift when wrapped in a colorful towel or scarf. If you must buy readymade wrappings, buy them at after-Christmas sales.

10

Shop and stockpile all year. The best time to purchase gifts and holiday items is between December 26 and November 30. Take advantage of sales as they occur, and avoid spending too much at the last minute. Consider re-gifting presents you receive that do not suit your style. One of these items may make a perfect gift for someone else.

Your family can enjoy abundance during the holidays at very little cost. Try the suggestions above to make it happen. Save money and concentrate on the joy of spending time with loved ones. That is truly the best gift of the season. Happy Holidays!✲

14 | December 2014

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Winterland Ice Skating Rink C

By M.B. Sanok

ity sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style…” By sight and sound, these familiar holiday song lyrics may echo in your head when skating around a veritable winter wonderland called the Winterland Ice Skating Rink in Glassboro, it is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in all of South Jersey. Open daily from November 28, 2014–February 16, 2015, the Winterland offers old-fashioned holiday charm with their outdoor ice skating rink, cozy concession stand, live entertainment and visits from sports figures and celebrities, ideal for wholesome family fun. Owner Al Bartolomeo describes it as “a family destination for the holiday season that brings the community together to enjoy the aesthetics and beauty of an outdoor ice skating rink with the stars sparkling above.” Their holiday wish is to “give people and children something to remember and memories to cherish and treasure.”

To start, don’t miss their opening Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, December 5, at 7pm, where they welcome Santa and a lively host of decorated fire trucks parade by. Then the children are gathered for a Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long. Skate with Santa or stop by on Frozen Fridays for photo ops and skating with fan favorite Elsa! Ask how you can host a party or other festive event with special guest Elsa! Skate buddies are available to beginners or those who need assistance. You can also contact their Winterland Skating Academy for lessons.

Spending a day out on the ice requires warming up, so their heated concession stand serves delicious comfort foods and plenty of hot cocoa to do just that! Also, take advantage of their indoor VIP heated room available for private parties. Book soon -- availability going fast! While you’re taking a break from skating, be sure to catch a show starring talented, local performers at no extra cost. Add this activity to your family’s winter bucket list!

In the spirit of the season and snuggled close to Winterland’s heart is giving back to the community. Called the Winterland Festival of Charities, Bartolomeo explains, “[Last year], we chose eight random charities and gave them each a week to expose what their charity is doing and to raise money for their organization and to raise awareness. We donate 5% of the gross proceeds from their special evening to the charity. Our goal for this year is to raise $100,000.” Throughout the week, the charity will be promoted and snowflakes benefiting the charity will be available for purchase.

One of the main reasons he “created and developed this particular program” is to help others with their charitable endeavors through his holiday-themed venue. After participating in the Gloucester County Dancing with the Stars event which benefited several charities, it struck

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business spotlight

A Winter Wonderland --

Bartolomeo that he wanted to do more for others and could use his own business to help support this benevolent goal. With their assistance, your organization can gain much needed publicity and financial support to really make a difference. What better way to celebrate the season of giving than showing support to those who need it most?

When asked for a sneak peek of surprises in store for 2014, Bartolomeo is comically cryptic. “Big plans, so just keep an eye on Winterland,” but he won’t reveal them just yet!

However, he does have his own Christmas wish list. “I’d like the Flyers to show up for future charitable events,” he says. In the near future, he intends to extend the brand across the country and says, “We hope to bring Winterland North to northern NJ.” For now, though, upon the suggestion of his wife, he’s “focusing on doing this one really well and offering the people what they want to see…” says Bartolomeo, especially by bringing the holiday spirit and old-fashioned charm to the area.

A very busy man, Bartolomeo also owns and operates Bogey’s Club and Café in Sewell, www.bogeysclubandcafe.com; the ice cream parlor, Scoops Café in Glassboro, www.scoopscafenj.com; and, for 29 years, his wife has owned and successfully run Let’s Dance Studio which recently relocated to the Academy of Performing Art in Glassboro www.letsdancestudio.net.✲ For more information about Winterland, visit their website www.winterlandiceskatingrink.com, e-mail info@winterlandiceskatingrink.com or call (856) 723-9069.

December 2014 | 15

2014 Holiday GiftGuide Broadway Theatre of Pitman Frosty the Snowman is a jolly, happy soul made of snow and coal - and an old magicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat that brings him to life! Come see this holiday musical perfect for the whole family from December 13-21! www.thebroadwaytheatre.org; (856)-384-8381 Thirty One Gifts Personal gifts, fun food storage & stylish totes.

Thirty-One has just what you need this season!

Want to make a few bucks before the holidays?

We can help with that, too! Call to hear our specials or to book a party! Stacy Santiago www.mythirtyone.com/stacysmiles; 609-707-0748

16 | December 2014

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S

imple Christmas craft ideas that are perfect for your toddlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small hands and are easy to follow. Young kids love crafting too, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come up with 5 toddler-friendly creative projects that little ones will love. As with most toddler projects, help may be needed, but let your kids take the reins and shine this holiday season.

Paper Plate Angel

Paper Bag Rudolph

Popsicle Stick Rudolph

Snowflake Pine Cone Christmas Tree with Pom Poms www.southjerseymom.com

December 2014 | 17

sea-quarium Incubate the included eggs and grow an underwater adventure and watch through the magnifying portholes. ($30; dunecraft.com)

Games/Toys Nano Falcon The world’s smallest remote control helicopter certified

by Guiness World Records.

It’s smaller than the average adult hand, great for the flying enthusiast on your shopping list. ($40; silverlit.com)

Feelings In the Wild Bingo Take Bingo to a new emotional level with this fun family game. ($28; brightspotsgames.com)

sorry Classic game to slide, collide and score. Kids never get tired of the fun. ($10; hasbrotoyshop. com)

simon swipe Swipe the lights to conquer the colors in this challenging game.

To be the champion swiper, just tap when the light comes on. ($20; hasbrotoyshop.com)

bash ball This flexible ball has 3 handy wholes so you can grip it and whip it in any game of fun. Play all your favorite sports at a new level! ($13; hasbrotoyshop.com)

pig pile The Jigs up and the pig squealed in Pig Pile! There are over 39 pigs stuffed into the box for family fun. ($22; rnrgames.com)

18 | December 2014

Feelings In the Wild matching game Every kid loves the matching game and this version has added fun to get kids to share feelings. It’s fun for children all ages. ($28; amazon.com)

Jishaku Strategy is required to overpower the magnetic force. Feel the power! ($20; Barnes & Noble)

wuzzits A fun match-up game for your little monsters this holiday!

Watch as Wuzzits morph into another character. ($13; www.fatbraintoys.com)

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suspend Balance and strategy are key with Melissa & Doug family game, which features challenging game play for one or four players. ($18; kohls.com)

Fractiles Mind bender magnets that use angles based on the number 7, a unique tile game allows kids to design patterns.

The ideas are endless! ($30; Fractiles.com)

attraction The reactive interplay between magnets is what gives AttrAction a spark for family fun. ($16; rnrgames.com)

find it dinosaurs edition Kids, and adults, are mesmerized by the clear cylinder, full of plastic pellets, conceals 40 dinosaur-themed items to find. ($19; fatbraintoys.com)

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids A playful game to introduce mutual respect, promotes positive social interaction and character development. ($20; toysrus.com)

precision target set Line up your shot with the light beam and fire the darts at the target to sharpen your dart-blasting skills. ($13; toysrus.com;)

Stocking Stuffers knot genie Magically removes knows from all hair types. It works on real and synthetic hair! (knotgeniestore.com; $15)

molecule madness The young scientist on your list can make squishy gel beads to learn about the molecular structure of polymers. ($12; onlinesciencemall.com)

too many cooks A crazy cookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; card game where each player is racing to make a secret soup. Too many cooks can spoil the soup! ($10; rnrgames.com)

For Baby nanoblock tower bridge Great for the construction enthusiast, this is a micro-sized building block system of the Tower Bridge that crosses the Thames River in London, England. ($27; world-of-toys.com)

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air plane design studio For the flying enthusiast that loves to build your own flying machines. ($28; guillow.com)

feed the hungry pelican A cuddly plush pelican has an empty belly . . . and a big appetite for fun! Young children can open the pelicanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big bill (which squeaks when squeezed!) to drop four mini plush animals into his open mouth. ($21, target.com) December 2014 | 19

DVD’s/CD’s

Kidz Bop 26 Dream big and sing loud with Let it Go from Frozen and Happy! ($12; walmart.com)

Sabor! Spanish Learning Songs Your kids will love learning Spanish as they sing and dance. ($15; whistlefritz.com)

For Toddlers

CATCH & COUNT FISHING GAME The interactive game teaches sorting, counting and colors. ($25; melissaanddoug.com)

SNACK & PLAY TRAVEL TRAY A tray that attaches easily to most car booster seats and provides sturdy play surface for toys and coloring. ($28; starkidsproducts.com)

PRESS ‘N PLAY ZOOM ZOOM BUGGY A classic toy encourages walking and crawling. Perfect for eye-hand coordination and teaches cause and effect.

B kids will donate a portion of its toy proceeds from specialty retail partners. Help us spread the word! Learn more at www.care.bkidsfun.com. ($14; bkidsfun.com) Creation Station A toddler table with interlocking blocks bricks and building surface. The blocks are interactive, teaching the alphabet and songs. ($65; bkidsfun.com)

BABY ALIVE BRUSHY BRUSHY BABY The baby doll that brings love and joy to life! The doll drinks from a bottle and wets her diaper, and a spinney toothbrush is included to take care of the doll’s teeth. ($25; hasbrotoyshop.com)

For Anyone

InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Anyone who is serious about improving her or his total health and fitness. The monitors measure weight, body fat%, body water %, daily caloric intake, bone mass and metabolic age. ($90; thecompetitiveedge.com)

vine bottle stopper No more rolling wine bottles around the refrigerator with the bottle stopper and stabilizer.

Perfect for the person that has everything! ($8; quirky.com)

Interchangeable Magnetic Cookie Jar A ceramic cookie jar that comes with a dry-erase marker and you can order decorative magnets for different occasions. ($57 cookie jar & magnets $15; shop.placetile.com) 20 | December 2014

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By Jennifer Lacey

moms R women 2

Stress-Busting Strategies for the Holidays

habits. High-fat, high-salt foods may provide temporary relief, but overindulgence will only come back to haunt you in the end. A season abundant with calorie-filled goodies can spell disaster for your health and well-being.

Nutritionists agree that a balanced, healthful diet will increase your body’s ability to ward off the effects of stress. The key is eating in moderation: eat one cookie instead of a handful. If you attend a holiday party that features an elaborate, delectable buffet, make one trip, fill a small plate, and then step away from the buffet! Avoid eating on the run and limit impulse snacking.

T

he holidays are a time of joy, family gatherings, and high-energy fun… Oh, really? Stress takes its toll on many women, especially moms, during this time of year. Hard to enjoy silver bells and last minute shopping when you are tense and exhausted!

Let’s take a look at some strategies to help you slow down and create calm so you can enjoy the holidays with your family.

Spread the Cheer—And the Jobs!

During the holidays we tend to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we forget to delegate. Learn to share the responsibilities for shopping, baking, and planning with loved ones. By meting out certain chores, you and your kids may benefit from a new life lesson.

For many moms, a challenge can become a reward when we allow others to participate in their own way and when we recognize that the outcome may not always be our ideal. In the end, we’ve helped others feel as if they are important contributors in the celebration. www.southjerseymom.com

Maintain Realistic Expectations Is this the year that Uncle Joe and Grandpa will end their annual holiday argument over who gets the turkey leg? Will your holiday finally turn out like one of those peaceful Norman Rockwell portraits or will it continue to look more like the Griswold Family Christmas?

High expectations for the holidays can have a detrimental impact if you are being unrealistic.

Make a list of all the activities and invitations that you accepted. Try to apply emotional connections to each one: if it was a pleasant, happy, or stressful experience. After clearly defining your most pleasant experiences, attempt to decrease this list by one third. Don’t be afraid to say “No”. Avoid scheduling too many activities and visits with friends by committing only to events that you really want to attend.

Find Time for Yourself Let’s hear it for some well-deserved pampering. Try to set aside private time each week to lounge on the couch with a great book and a favorite cup of tea. Difficult to do, but the payoff is quite effective. Another way to ward off stress and recharge your immune system is to get regular exercise. The National Women’s Health Resource Center in Red Bank, New Jersey, states that the addition of a regular exercise program will keep your body fit and strengthen its ability to withstand stress. Take a walk for at least 30 minutes each day and the health benefits are impressive. In addition to reducing stress hormone levels, exercise boosts your immune system helping to ward off the viruses that make the rounds with the increase in holiday hugs and handshakes. Peace and good will to all…Ladies, isn’t that what we need to cope with the approaching hectic holidays? Share your to-do list, grab a book and put your feet up, or strap on your walking shoes and keep the holidays healthy.✲ About the Author Jennifer Lacey is a freelance journalist/editor specializing in pregnancy and parenting. Her work has been featured in numerous national and regional publications and websites. Recently, she is proud to have debuted two blogs combining her decades-long experience and love for all things baby and children’s literature, for a new audience, and she invites you to visit A Modest Momma’s Musings for Little Readers and A Modest Momma’s Musings

Re-Examine Your Eating Habits Often when a woman suffers from stress, she finds herself falling into unhealthy eating December 2014 | 21

know 2 grow

Internet Safety: 5 Ways to Keep Your Child In Line While Online

I

was in 5th grade at the time. I had a project to present to the class about the Presidents and the White House.

Like any good student, I figured my best bet was to start my research online, and find out as much information as I can without having to leave my parent’s computer and search for a book. How did I begin my search? Well, I typed in Whitehouse.com. That would surely have information that would help me with my school project. As you may have guessed, this website had absolutely nothing to do with men wearing American flag pins or the chief executive; rather, my reasonable search directed me to a website that I’m glad today my parents weren’t behind me to notice. This brings us to our subject today, with the ever-present Internet in the Age of Information, how can we keep our children in line while online? Here are 5 ways to help keep your child safe.

While the federal government does prevent websites from obtaining information from children online (without parental consent) with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), there is only so much you can do to protect your child’s eyes online. One technique parents like to use is to have the house computer in a public room. This, of course, makes it less likely for your child to stumble upon websites he/she knows that you wouldn’t approve of. That fear of you or anyone else in the family walking in at any time is sometimes enough to quell the wandering imagination of a child, even with the most powerful tool on earth at his or her fingertips.

Nevertheless, you cannot always be there. With the popularity of tablets and smart phones, it would be nearly impossible to stay on top of your child’s Internet activity without some help. One way to stop on top of things is to regularly check the browser’s history. Simple right? Sure, but many children may know how to get around this. If the recent history is cleared or there are no new websites up there since your last search, then you can assume that your child is using an “incognito” browser. This type of browsing method allows your child to search on your computer with anonymity. Thus, a lack of browsing history is also a tell tale sign of something to hide.

The third way to keep your child in line while online is to share an email address and check the correspondence. Many websites require an email and password to login, so this is a great way to stay on top of websites your child may visit regularly. Of course, make sure to check this email’s inbox frequently.

While you do want to know where your child has been online, one of the best preventative measures is to utilize child safety tools. A simple

22 | December 2014

Google search will give you many resources, including McAfee Family Protection program and Netgear Parental controls. It’s up to you which one best fits your needs.

Lastly, there is no better protection for your child stumbling upon inappropriate material online than you. Be an active parent online, make sure that you have good computer literacy or at least know someone who does. Make sure your child’s favorite websites are bookmarked or starred, making it less likely for them to just search randomly for something online that they like. Be clear with your child that ANYTHING they post online can be seen by the whole world, even private messages. There is nothing online that is truly private, so do not put any information online that you would not want the whole world to see. Ultimately, open communication between you and your child is key to keeping him or her in line while online.✲

www.southjerseymom.com

SAVE THE DATE! South Jersey MOM Magazine Hosts Our 4th Annual

2015

MAGAZINE

FREE Admission and Parking

January 25, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 11am to 4pm Moorestown Mall

Join Us For a Great Family Day! Have fun visiting vendor tables and getting lots of free stuff and information about various camp and school programs!

Now is the time to start to plan!

Win Prizes, Free Face Painting, Magic Show, Live Dance & Karate Demonstrations!

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December 2014 | 23

Deadly Diseases You Should Be More Concerned About Than Ebola

E

bola has been one of the top headlines in the nation in the second half of 2014, resulting in much discussion among government leaders, community leaders and health-care officials as they determine how to test for and treat the disease on U.S. soil.

What many of these headlines are missing are the other deadly superbugs already prevalent in hospitals, health care and daycare settings across the country - as well as many communities. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other bacteria are found in many public locations and are often resistant to antibiotics. In the United States, 23,000 deaths are attributed to health care-associated infections annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Zenosense, Inc. (OTCQB: ZENO) is developing a health care and medical diagnostic tool using scent-detection technology inspired by NASA to help health-care staff quickly identify early signs of MRSA and other deadly bacteria. This technology - using scent to identify the bacteria in a room - can help prevent vulnerable patients from being exposed to the bacteria.

This public company is also working on a device that will help detect early signs of lung cancer, following the same concept. The anticipated device will be able to smell signs of cancer when a patient blows into it.

24 | December 2014

Staph bacteria is found on the skin or in the noses of many Americans, but it isn’t harmful or resistant to antibiotics. Only about 2 percent of the American population has MRSA staph bacteria on the skin. It becomes deadly, however, when this bacterium is able to enter the body via a wound and attack a person’s already-weakened immune system.

MRSA and other superbugs become resistant to antibiotics due to the high exposure they have to antibiotics. The CDC advises doctors should only prescribe antibiotics when a patient is suffering from an infection.

The plan is for Zenosense’s device to help medical staff determine whether MRSA and other superbugs are present in a room by embedding the device on ID badges or name badges, which are already worn by hospital staff. A warning beep or blinking light will alert the staff member, who can then contact a cleaning crew to remove the bacteria before it could potentially infect a patient.

These devices using scent technology to detect bacteria and lung cancer are still under development. Investors have the opportunity to become involved in supporting the development of this latest medical breakthrough, as Zenosense is a publicly traded company.

Ebola is capturing media attention, but Americans shouldn’t forget there are plenty of other deadly diseases people are exposed to in their communities.✲ Article written by Brandpoint www.southjerseymom.com

“There are no small parts, only small actors.”

–Konstantin Stanislavisky

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December 2014 | 25

Cultural Sensitivity

By Cheryl Lynne Potter

R

acism ... Prejudice ... Discrimination.

Unfortunately, these words still resonate in our society. Parents think their children are growing-up in a world free of bigotry and biases. Regretfully, that’s not the case.

Experts say, kids as young as 2 years old, can tell the difference between race, gender, ethnicity and disability. They are also aware of positive attitudes and negative biases attached to each of these identities, as taught to them by their own family members.

During the preschool years, family members have a lot of influence, which can help to determine how they will accept or comfortably interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult and sometimes uncomfortable for parents to talk about cultural diversity. Parents need to be “open minded and listen, and then have an open discussion with their kids,” said Vineland High School

26 | December 2014

Teacher, Terry Kuhnreich, who teaches a popular class called, “Search for Conscious,” that has its roots in the holocaust. In Kuhnreich’s class, students talk about issues dealing with race and bigotry all of the time. Kuhnreich motivates her students to talk about these issues by bringing in such guests as a Ku Klux Klan member, survivors of the holocaust and even a person who is transgender. Classroom discussions are “very emotional and powerful for the kids,” she said.

Retired elementary school teacher, Marion Blakeman, knows this scenario all too well. She can recall how she taught her third grade students lessons from the holocaust, as part of her social studies curriculum. Blakeman, has 38 years of teaching experience and retired several years ago from Vineland Public Schools. Her program, she said, taught students such lessons as good and bad decision-making, compassion and even bullying.

Children are never too young or too old for parents to discuss culture diversity. The challenge for parents is finding the right way to talk about cultural diversity, based on their youngster’s age. It’s important for parents and children to be proud of their heritage, but they also need to be open-minded, so that they can learn about other cultures, as well, said Miguel Lopez, a counselor at the Teen Center at Bridgeton High School, and an advisor to the school’s Latin-American Club.

Parents should remember that “they are their children’s first and most important teacher,” said Dr. Piera Gravenor, Superintendent of Elk Township and Delsea Regional Public Schools. “What happens in their homes changes lives,” she said. “A home that is sensitive, accepting, and open to all cultures will produce a open-minded student who is sensitive, accepting, and open to all cultures.”✲

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Take Care of Your Skin this Holiday Season

Call for a consultation

856.362.8898

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2950 College Dr #2h Vineland, NJ 08360

Considering a hysterectomy?

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What conditions would cause a woman to have a hysterectomy?

A woman may have a hysterectomy for many different reasons, including endometriosis, fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic organ prolapse.

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How is Single-Site Robotic Hysterectomy different from traditional and laparoscopic hysterectomy and what are the benefits?

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December 2014 | 27

Simple Ways to

Bust Winter Blues S

horter days, colder weather, icy roads, and less sunshine - winter can be a serious downer. It’s not just in your head, either; 14 percent of Americans suffer from the winter blues and 6 percent have the more serious form of doldrums known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to research published in the journal Psychiatry.

The blues may make you cut back on social interaction, sleep more and engage in comfort eating - all actions that can make your depression worse. Instead, try busting winter blues by engaging with others and taking part in activities that exercise and soothe all five senses.

Scent As A Pick-Me-Up Apple pie, a holiday meal, vanilla or roses - almost everyone has at least one scent they associate with comfort and positive feelings. While humans’ sense of smell isn’t nearly as acute as that of other mammals, research suggests that smell is directly tied to mood. In fact, at least one study published in the online journal Chemosensory Perception links poor olfactory function to mental disorders. And the ability of scent to positively influence mood is well documented.

Using scent to combat winter blues can be as simple as adding mineral salts to your bathwater. You can also use essential oils to cheer the atmosphere in your home or office. Aromatherapy expert Aura Cacia offers a recipe for a bright, uplifting citrus air freshener you can easily make at home using their essential oils. Citrus is thought to dispel feelings of lethargy, and the clove and cinnamon are both stimulating and comforting.

Citrus and Spice Aromatherapy Air Freshener Ingredients: • 32 ounces of water • 1/2 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil • 1/2 teaspoon clove bud essential oil • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon essential oil Directions: Mix oils and water in a 32-ounce mister bottle. Shake well and use to mist the air throughout your home. For more winter time oil information, visit www.auracacia.com.

Let The Sun Shine In A lack of natural light during winter is closely associated with depression and SAD. Get outdoors and in the sun as much as possible. When inside, open curtains and blinds to admit sunlight and sit next to windows as much as possible. If you live in an area that just doesn’t get much 28 | December 2014

sunshine during the winter, or have an office without windows, consider using full-spectrum lights that mimic natural light.

Surround yourself with colors and visuals that are uplifting. For example, if you love the tropics but a winter vacation isn’t in the cards, set the screensaver on your PC or your smartphone’s home screen to a tropical scene. Put a brightly colored comforter or quilt on your bed. Treat yourself to fresh flowers for your home or office - they’ll have the added bonus of stimulating your sense of smell as well.

Sound Advice The link between music and mood is well known. Surround yourself with uplifting sounds. While playing upbeat, summer-themed music is a good tactic, don’t overlook other sources of positive sound.

Schedule a weekly phone chat with your BFF, rather than just texting. Consider using an alarm clock that wakes you with natural sounds, such as birds chirping, a babbling stream, or even a thunderstorm. Try to fit in time each day to just enjoy silence. If your home or office is always an active place, break out the noise-cancelling headphones you use on a plane to give yourself some peace and quiet.

A Taste For Happiness Over-eating and weight gain are commonly associated with SAD and milder winter blues. While over-indulging will only make you feel worse in the long run, it is possible to use taste to boost your mood without packing on the pounds.

Researchers have found evidence that chemicals in certain foods, such as chocolate, some berries and teas, have a positive impact on mood, according to a report presented to the American Chemical Society. Fortunately, you don’t need to increase your intake of chocolate to feel better about winter. Simply add some of these flavors to foods you already eat.

Toss a handful of blueberries into your morning oatmeal, snack on trail mix that includes dried berries and some chocolate, and substitute tea for your afternoon coffee.

Touch Sensitive Scientists believe the sense of touch is the first to develop in the womb, and it’s one of our most powerful, comforting senses. You can nourish your sense of touch in many ways, from choosing clothing that is soft, breathable and comfortable to spending quiet time stroking your pet’s fur.

Nourishing your sense of touch is also a great way to indulge in affirming human contact. Indulging in regular hugs with those you love will be a mood-booster for both of you.✲ Article written by Brandpoint www.southjerseymom.com

For a complete list of events, log onto www.southjerseymom.com

To submit your event, send an e-mail to michelle@superiorgx.com.

Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited.

ATLANTIC COUNTY Into the Woods December 3 – December 6 The Eagle Theatre Hammonton, NJ 08037 The Eagle Theatre presents Into the Woods December 3, 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. The forests are not always what they seem in Sondheim’s romantic and brilliant INTO THE WOODS. Weaving everyone’s favorite fairy tales together, this delightful and witty musical conjures up dazzling lyrics, sumptuous melodies and a deliciously wicked plot that begs the question… What happens after happily ever after?

With humorous twists and turns around every bend, you won’t want to miss our re-imagined production, full of whimsy and theatrical invention in a mystical world brought to life on the Eagle Theatre stage! The Eagle Theatre is located at 208 Vine Street in downtown Hammonton. For more information, call 609-704-5012 or go to theeagetheatre.com.

The Towne of Historic Smithville and The Village Greene Smithville’s Christmas Tree Light Show Now through January 6, 2015 If your family loves Christmas light shows, mark a day on your calendar to attend Smithville’s Christmas Tree Light Show. The annual show takes place from now through January 6, 2015 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can enjoy holiday

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songs, lights, and 120 dancing trees from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There is free admission for the show. The Towne of Historic Smithville and The Village Greene is located at 615 East Moss Mill Road in Smithville. For more information, call 609-748-8999, see Facebook, or visit www. historicsmithvillenj.com

CAMDEN COUNTY Mainstage Holiday Concert & Family Festival December 20 and 21 Lincoln Hall and the Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ Get in the Holiday Mood with Mainstage Holiday Concert & Family Festival. This treat for the entire family comes complete with hot chocolate, a visit with Santa, and a joyful holiday concert featuring Mainstage Center for the Arts’ professionally-staged and choreographed show choirs, Harmony and Encore; its School of Dance Companies; and more.

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m., December 20, and 2 p.m., December 21, in Lincoln Hall and the Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. . Doors will open for festival activities one hour before each show time. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12/senior citizens. For nominal additional fees, those attending can participate in an ornament-making station and a cookie fundraiser to benefit Harmony’s summer performance tour. To purchase tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091. The Holiday Concert & Family Festival is sponsored by Comegno Law Group, P.C.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Medford Dickens Festival December 6 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Be one of the 10,000 visitors who come to Downtown Medford for the annual Dickens Festival.

Celebrating 25 years in 2014, this free family festival will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The festival includes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, magic shows, balloon art, and ice carving. There also will be carolers, porch musicians, a live nativity, jugglers, and stilt walkers. Don’t miss the guest appearance of three surprise costumed characters. For more information on the Burlington County festival, see Medford Sunrise Rotary on Facebook or visit their website at www. medfordsunriserotary.org.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY Deptford Mall Visit Santa’s Magical Workshop & Observatory, presented by HGTV - for photos and family activities, located at Center Court. Capture memorable photos with family & friends, scan yourself at the Naughty or Nice O’Meter, Snap an “Elfie” and star in your own video, experience Elf-Ray Vision in Santa’s Observatory and much more! More Holiday. Less Hassle.

Make your reservation to see Santa, reserve your space online. www.santa-hq.com.

Kids & Family Events Mullica Hill Branch Free Check out this link for the full schedule of events for kids and families to enjoy! www.gcls.org/calendar/ childrens-programs/mullica-hill Gloucester County Library

System/Mullica Hill Branch 389 Wolfert Station Road Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 856-223-6028

things 2 do

December Calendar

CUMBERLAND COUNTY Book Club Meeting December 2, 6pm Cumberland County Library Join us at the Cumberland County Library Tuesday December 2, 6pm, Upstairs conference room.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. For more information leave a message 609-334-7082.

The Ellison School Parent Teacher Organization in partnership with the Levoy Theater presents THE POLAR EXPRESS MOVIE The Levoy Theatre December 6, 2014 11:00 a.m The Ellison-Parent Teacher Organization (EPTO) will be partnering with The Levoy Theatre to bring the special holiday showing of Warner Brother’s The Polar Express at the Levoy Theatre, 126-130 North High Street in Millville, New Jersey on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. In the spirit of the movie, children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and slippers to watch this holiday classic. Tickets are $7.00 for children and $12.00 for adults and can be purchased by contacting jenklotz@aol.com. Children one and under are free. For more information contact Jennifer Klotz at (856) 696-8141. Please bring a canned or non-perishable food item to benefit a local food bank or family in need for a chance to win a train toy. All proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the children of the Ellison School, Vineland, NJ.

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recipe corner

Tis’ the Season for all Things Festive!

I

n this month’s Recipe Corner I’m sharing three recipes that you can bake, and bring to family gatherings, parties or to share with co-workers, neighbors or friends. Be sure to let your children help with age appropriate tasks in the kitchen, it’s important to let them learn through hands-on experience, they feel so proud of their culinary accomplishments! From my home to yours, may you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Festive Cranberry Upside Down Cake • 1/2 cup butter 1 cup packed organic brown sugar • 1 (12 oz.) bag fresh or frozen cranberries • 1 box yellow cake mix or organic cake mix Heat oven to 350°. In large bowl, prepare cake mix as directed on package, set aside. In a 13x9-inch pan, melt butter in oven. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over butter. Add cranberries on top of brown sugar.

Pour cake batter over cranberries and bake per directions on cake mix package or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Immediately run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Let cake cool for a minute then place serving plate upside down onto cake pan and turn plate and pan over. Leave pan over cake for a minute if needed, so brown sugar topping can drizzle over cake, give a gentle tap and remove pan.Cool 30 minutes. Serve Spritz Cookies • 1 cup butter, softened • 2/3 cup raw sugar • 3 egg yolks • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp. almond extract • 1/2 tsp. sea salt • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large bowl combine butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extracts, and salt. Stir in the flour just until mixed. Pack some of the dough into a cookie press and fit the press with the desired disk. Press the dough out onto a lightly greased or parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Sprinkle each cookie with sprinkles, if desired. Bake 8-10 minutes or until cookies are slightly golden around the edges. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container.

Gingerbread Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting • 1 stick butter • 1 cup unsulfured black strap molasses • 1 cup sour cream • 1 1/2 tsp. grated orange zest • 2 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 3/4 tsp. non-aluminum baking soda • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves • 1/2 tsp. sea salt Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Place butter and molasses in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cool for 5 minutes, then mix in the sour cream and orange zest. Meanwhile, sift flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together into a small bowl. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture and mix only until smooth. Divide the batter among a 12-cup muffin pan and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.

Frosting: • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature • 1 stick butter, softened • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1/2 pound organic confectioners’ sugar, sifted Mix cream cheese, butter and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until just combined. Add the sugar and mix until smooth. When the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously and decorate as desired.

As always, Bon Appetit!

Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio is the author of “Seasoned With Love, Treasured Recipes” & “Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II”, and the children’s book, “Snicker Learns An Important Lesson.” Visit her blog http://lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com/ or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935347501 30 | December 2014

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