March 2011 by Laredo Family Time Magazine

March 2011 Volume 2 Issue 3

Cover Kids Contest Would you want your kid to appear on the cover of our magazine? Laredo Family Time Magazine is looking for six children ages 2-11 and one multiples/parent-child combo to appear on the cover of a future issue of the magazine.

Deadline is May 31, 2011 (entries must be postmarked by this date)

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Contest open to all Laredo and Webb County residents.

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Visit our website to enter contest online or fill out the registration form.

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Each entry requires a $25 registration fee.

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Each entry must be accompanied by a recent quality photo with the following information: child’s name, age, and date photo was taken (photo will not be returned).

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Photos of 5 finalists from each category (35 total) will be displayed on our website at: www.Laredofamilytimemagazine.com.

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A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local children’s charities.

Name of Child:_____________________________________________________ Name of Parent:___________________________________________________ Child’s Age as of Jan 1, 2011 Child’s Date of Birth:________________________ Please mark ONE category you’re entering:

❒ Ages 2-4 yrs.

❒ Ages 5-7 yrs. ❒Ages 8-11 yrs. ❒Multiples/Parent-Child Combo Address:_____________________________________________________

Laredo Family Time Magazine

Kids Cover Contest 2011

City:______________ St:______________ Zip: _____________________ Phone:_______________________________________________________ E-mail:_______________________________________________________ Mail check for $25 per entry to: Laredo P.O. Box 3735, Laredo, TX 78044

Family Time Magazine - Cover Kids PLEASE Print Clearly. One form for each entry. Form may be copied.

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Contents

Departments 4

Editor’s Note

Home & Garden

11 Green Living 15

Kids & Teens

Finances

Food & Entertainment

Health & Beauty

En Español

Articles 5

Critters & Crayons

New Garden Superstars

How Big is your Human Footprint?

Raising Confident Kids

Kids and Food

What’s Your Financial Personality?

Healthy Diet

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Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Dear Friends and Readers,

This month, the third of the year, we focus on health and food. Two things that should not be at odds with each other but somehow are. We all know the importance of eating well and exercising but we seldom do. This month, I invite you to change a small eating habit...cut down on sodas, eat more fruit, reduce your eating portions or any number of things you may want to try. Feeling healthier and with a little more energy is key to a better and more active lifestyle. Remember the most important thing of all, our children follow our lead...and we must therefore lead by example.

We must set the role for them to follow. We should eat healthier if we want them to eat healthier...we must stop drinking in excess if we want them to follow...we must set the example.

For our kids, for our future...be the change you want to happen.

All the best,

Claudia Perez Rivas Editor-in-Chief & Publisher editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

To advertise, call 956.285.8274 or email sales@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

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Written by

Column

Patricia Driscoll

We are always on the lookout for family and children’s activities in Laredo and it is always a fantastic moment when we stumble on a place or activity that is new and intriguing. You might find it interesting that we’re profiling the Laredo Rifle and Pistol Club (LRPC) next to our normal coverage of library story hours, children’s museum craft times and art classes. But, what many people may not realize is that the LRPC, located 1.9 miles east of Loop 20 on Hwy 59, is one more place to consider for family and/or youth activities. Members can practice marksmanship on the LRPC rifle, pistol and shotgun ranges, engage in shooting sports and even learn about firearm safety. The LRPC is an excellent resource for local scouting groups and 4H clubs to utilize. The club averages between 500 and 600 members annually. It is managed by a board of officers led by the club’s President, Steve Garner, a friendly man with an eagle eye. I’ve met several of the board members, all of whom have been gracious and helpful. One in particular, Tom Wade, the LRPC Treasurer, local Laredo photographer and radio personality, who you can listen to Monday through Friday from 7-8 AM on 1090 AM, provided a wealth of information about opportunities available for Laredo families and youth organizations:

Laredo Resident and Mom, Myrna Mendoza, who spent the morning putting lead downrange, following up with a manicure at Q Nails

Patricia Driscoll writes from Laredo, where she lives happily with her husband, two children, two cats, a millipede, three hermit crabs and the occasional domesticated scorpion.

The LRPC issues memberships on the first Saturday of every month and an annual membership costs $75. Members must have a valid driver license from a State of the United States. The LRPC hosts several regular shooting matches, including International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shooting matches, a sporting clay shoot, a .22. caliber rifle shoot, among others. Anyone interested in viewing the upcoming schedule of shooting events can view it on the LRPC website at: http:// laredorifleandpistolclub.org/ . The LRPC does not offer the Texas Concealed Handgun License classes, but the shooting portion of the Concealed Handgun License class occurs at the LRPC.

How did the LRPC capture my attention in the first place? Funny story. A few months ago, I had one of those mom days where the boundless love for my children was losing a battle against my patience. After the 100th iteration of spilled Cheerios amid trying potty training efforts on top of a never-ending “To Do” list, I decided I wanted to take a day off. I wanted to hire a baby-sitter. But, more than anything at all, I wanted to try something different than a shopping trip or a workout. I decided I wanted to go to the range and make the time to finally shoot the firearm my husband had purchased me for my birthday two years earlier. I’d been too pregnant or too nursing to actually go to a range and shoot for the last two years. I had viewed that Glock 9mm, much like Marge Simpson looked at the bowling ball her husband had given her with the name “Homer” inscribed on it.

LRPC Members Assisting Local Boy Scouts On a Rifle Range

My husband carried the sub-compact pistol often because it was small and, therefore, easier to conceal. More than wanting to relieve frustration, which sounds comical, if not a little neurotic, I wanted to become acquainted with, and reclaim, my own personal home protection firearm. I was surprised to find that there were several other mom friends who wanted to do the very same thing. So, we did. We met at the range on a cool morning, received firearm instruction from excellent firearms instructors for whom we had coordinated, and shot lots of bullets downrange. And, then, when the smoke from our hot pistols had cleared revealing speckled targets attesting to our improving marksmanship, we did the next most logical thing. We went to the spa. We drank wine. We ate chocolate. We indulged in decadent pedicures. Is that not how everyone concludes a shooting range?

PHOTOS by Tom Wade The Real Housewives of Laredo at the LRPC 5

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Publisher

Rimar Publishing Group

Editor-in-Chief

Claudia Perez Rivas

Marketing & Public Relations

Juan J. Martinez Jr.

Photographer

Guillermo A. Sosa

Calendar Editor

calendar@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

Sales

Juan J. Martinez Jr. Adriana Jimenez sales@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

Columnists

Patricia Driscoll

Submissions & Letters Laredo Family Time Magazine considers all submissions for publication. Please send us an e-mail with your ideas first. Articles may be edited for length and clarity. Include your contact information. For writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidelines or to submit your ideas e-mail to: editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

To Advertise Call 956.285.8274 for advertising rates, information and closing dates. Email us at sales@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

laredofamilytimemagazine.com Find even more community and sports news as well as links and resources online. Copyright ÂŠ2011 by Rimar Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Laredo Family Time Magazine is not responsible for advertising claims. The opinions and views expressed in the articles contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of Laredo Family Time Magazine.

Feedback Your feedback is important to us. Email editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

Laredo Family Time Magazine is published monthly by Rimar Publishing Group Laredo, Texas

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Home & Garden

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From cool miniature fountains to going native in the garden, spring 2011 promises great plants and products that will help you spruce up your home with pizzazz and ease. "People are clamoring for eco-friendly plants and products that are attractive and perform well," says Susan McCoy, garden writer and trend spotter. McCoy predicts these garden superstars will chase away the winter blahs and get gardeners raring to go outside:

Keep the dog - lose the spots Got pets? McCoy does and has discovered new SpotGone!, an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)-listed organic product that turns those yellow, burned-looking patches where her dog does his "business" into lush, green grass again. The all-natural and easy-to-sprinkle pellets take out the excess salt and nitrogen from the soil, allowing grass to grow back and stay "naturally" green and healthy. It's free from chemicals so it's safe to use around kids and pets. It complements any lawn care system and has no foreign grass seed, so your lawn grows back uniformly and not "patchy." Just shake what you need on pet urine spots, high-traffic areas or lawn damage from de-icers. Look for SpotGone! at www.natraturf.com. Roll out the welcome Looking for an instant, affordable facelift for your home? You can spruce up any doorway with the wide array of eco-friendly, all-natural coir doormats from Imports Unlimited. McCoy's impressed with the new spring Garden Collection that features "Dahlias" in bright, bold colors and stunning "Bamboo," as well as fun and fanciful "Hippie Bird." All 200 selections are by prominent artists and are either 100 percent hand-woven coco-fiber, decorated in richly colored, fade-resistant dyes or all-weather recycled rubber. Choose from formal, classic, contemporary or whimsical to greet guests with a work of art right at your doorstep. Go native Want to see more birds, bees and butterflies in your garden? Attracting wildlife while you beautify your landscape has never been easier. American Beauties Native Plants has a wide array of native shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses and perennials that are perfect for your region. Hand-picked for their beauty, these native charmers will attract and provide shelter and food for wildlife, with minimal need for fertilizer, water and pest control. Plus, you'll be making a contribution to The National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat program. Splish, splash Now you can bring the soothing sight and sounds of fountains onto your terrace or indoors with the new mini fountain collection from Campania International. Their Arabesque fountain, at only 18 inches tall, offers double the pleasure with a basin that makes a great planter and an etched design that will complement any space. Whether you want to decorate your terrace or liven up a room or windowsill in your home or office, adding a mini fountain is an affordable luxury. Spring - and gardening season - will arrive before you know it. Be prepared to spring into action when warm weather arrives by keeping up-to-date on the latest products and trends that can help spruce up your outdoors.

Courtesy of ARA

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With the cold lifting and new spring collections hitting the shelves, it's the perfect time to change up your home and wardrobe with fresh new styles that reflect the joyful mood and bright colors of spring. Glade has partnered with style expert Giuliana Rancic to help women transform their look and surroundings for the new season. Together they are sharing what's in this season and introducing two new limited edition home fragrances - Bring on the Blossoms and Sparkle of Spring. As an entertainment journalist and co-host of E!'s "Fashion Police," Rancic is an expert in today's fashion and aims to inspire women to celebrate the season by updating their look this spring. From home dĂŠcor to wardrobe, Rancic shares firsthand how surroundings, especially in the home, can affect mood. "Spring is my favorite time of year because it's a new awakening in the fashion world. I love exploring all the new trends and updating my surroundings with bright, happy colors that lift my mood," says Rancic. "With a few new accessories and the limited-edition fragrances from Glade, your home will look as fresh as it smells." In order to help other women rejuvenate their look and surroundings, Rancic shares her top five tips to stay on-trend and feel fresh and exhilarated in time for spring: -Reinforce Ruffles. Spring is all about feeling pretty and feminine, and designers are pumping up the volume with ruffles. Whether on a throw pillow, journal or jacket, this season we'll be seeing gorgeous fabrics and textures draped and ruffled into fabulous creations. -Revitalize Home Fragrance. Glade Limited Edition Spring Collection fragrances refresh the home and wipe away the doldrums left behind when winter fades. The Glade Sparkle of Spring Premium Room Spray looks as good as it smells, and the hints of citrus help you create an energized vibe during the day. -Bright Colors, Fresh Look. What's more perfect for spring than bright, cheerful colors? Take advantage of the season's uplifting hues and make lips pop with orangey pink lipstick. -Wake Up Happy. Start the day with colors that awaken your senses. Make your bedroom environment happy with a bright, cheerful new duvet or throw. -Go for Geometric Jewels. Cool, geometric shapes are everywhere this spring. Clean, straight lines and bold color accents make a perfect pair. Added perk? You don't have to spend a lot to achieve this look - Giuliana recently discovered a pair of bold emerald green earrings for just $8! For more information on the Glade Limited Edition Spring Collection, visit www.glade.com.

Giuliana Rancic is an entertainment journalist, television personality, producer and author. As the co-host of E! News alongside Ryan Seacrest and E!'s "Fashion Police" alongside Joan Rivers, Giuliana is always at the forefront of fashion and pop culture. Born in Naples, Italy, Giuliana and her family moved to the United States when she was a little girl. Her love affair with television journalism began before she could even speak English she learned the language by watching TV. She attended the University of Maryland, where she received a B.A. in Journalism and earned her Master's degree in Journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. Giuliana splits her time between Los Angeles and Chicago. She resides in both cities with her husband, entrepreneur and talk show host, Bill Rancic. A true style aficionado, the accessories she can't live without this spring are a long printed scarf and Glade Sparkle of Spring Premium Room Spray.

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Ample inventory, low mortgage rates and motivated sellers - all these key elements are present in real estate markets across the country, indicating it's still a great time to buy a house. If you're thinking of buying a house - whether it's new or existing, your first home or your fifth - you can help ensure you get the best possible deal by doing a few things before you get down to serious shopping. 1. Check your credit You might think that getting pre-approved for a mortgage is your first step in home-shopping, and it is an important one. But before you talk to a potential lender, you should check your credit report and score - because the mortgage company certainly will. Your credit score is a reflection of your credit status, and one that potential lenders will consider when assessing your credit worthiness. Knowing your credit standing can make you better prepared to secure the best possible conditions and rates for a home loan. It's a good idea to monitor your credit for a while before making a move to apply for a mortgage. Websites like freecreditscore.com allow you to access your credit score when you enroll in credit monitoring. By monitoring your credit, you'll be able to see how changes in your credit report can affect your score, and you'll receive credit score alerts whenever your score changes. 2. Capitalize on lender competition When it's time to apply for a mortgage, many people turn to the banks they're used to dealing with on a regular basis. While banks are definitely a familiar source of home financing, they're not the only one. Even after the mortgage crisis, you'll still find many companies in the home loan field. Wading through the plethora of claims from lending companies can be time consuming - but well worth it. Despite the credit crunch - or perhaps because of it - competition is fierce among lenders to work with the best-qualified buyers. That means if your credit score and report are good, you could be in a position to snag the loan terms and interest rates reserved for the most-desirable borrowers. But you'll still have to compare rates and offers from a number of companies. Be sure to thoroughly investigate any lender you're considering applying with; the Internet is a great resource. Check out the Better Business Bureau website to see if the lender has any complaints against them, and type the name into your search engine to see if they've made the news - in a good or bad way. 3. Leverage a Realtor relationship It's true that many would-be homebuyers are now using the Internet to facilitate their search. Yet 79 percent of all buyers last year purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, according to the National Association of Realtors. While it is possible to buy a home without the aid of a Realtor, working with one has several benefits. Realtors strive to be experts about the communities they work in, so a Realtor can provide you with valuable advice on home prices, schools, recreation and businesses, as well as other information about the area you're interested in. Another bonus - as a buyer, you pay the Realtor nothing. He or she will share a percentage of the commission the home sellers pay to their Realtor. Buying a house is a big investment - the biggest most people make in their lives - but with some preparation and smart negotiations, you can ensure you're well positioned to take advantage of the current buyers' market. 10

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Green Living

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Water may not be the renewable resource you think it is. In fact, 36 states anticipate shortages by 2013, according to U.S. government estimates. But the good news is there are multiple ways you can reduce the amount of water you use in the home, which in the end will save you money on your water bill. There are ways to cut back on the waste with every toilet flush, every time the shower runs or each time vegetables are washed in the sink. The Environmental Protection Agency promotes water efficiency and enhances the market for efficient products, programs and practices using the WaterSense label.

Several manufacturers that actively support WaterSense are taking the federal mandate of 1.6 gallons of water per flush to a new level. Kohler Co. has developed toilets which use only one gallon of water, and there are several models available at the 1.28 gallons-per-flush level. Dual flush toilets allow users to choose a level of water -- 0.8 gallons for liquid wastes and 1.6 gallons for solids -- with improved flushing technology, meaning consumers are not going to lose out on performance or design. If the average family of four people changes their old, 3.5 gallons-per-flush toilet for a high efficiency, 1.28 gallons-per-flush toilet, they could save 20,000 gallons of water a year. If every household did the same thing, more than 1 billion gallons of water would be saved. "Homeowners are wanting energy-efficient appliances to save money around the home, and they shouldn't overlook plumbing products," says Master Plumber and Contractor Ed Del Grande, host of "Ed The Plumber" on the Do It Yourself Network. "By replacing toilets with newer models that flush much less water, but still perform to expectations, an average family can save a lot of water. And we know that performance cannot be overstated. What good is a water-saving toilet if you have to flush twice?" But toilets are just the start. The standard rate of water flow in the shower is 2.5 gallons per minute. That can be cut in third by installing a highefficiency showerhead, and many showerheads can be adjusted to get the high-pressure power massage, if wanted. The third water-saving opportunity in every household takes the least amount of work. Faucet aerators are the screens water passes through as it leaves the spout. The replacement of a 2.2-gallons-per-minute aerator with a 1.5-gallons-per-minute aerator reduces water usage by 30 percent. If you are curious about how much water you are using in your home, visit www.savewateramerica.com to take a brief quiz that will help determine usage and identify ways to save water in your home. For each person who takes the quiz, Kohler will donate $1 in water-saving products to Habitat For Humanity for use in their homes.

Courtesy of ARA

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"Children are our future." It's a phrase heard so often, that it's

easy to take for

granted how powerful the sentiment truly is. Today's children are tomorrow's leaders. And just as we want to take simple steps to ensure a healthier planet for generations to come, children today are increasingly passionate about doing their part too. Parents and children alike can take small, simple steps to lead more sustainable lifestyles that save energy, save water and reduce waste both at home and beyond. And P&G Future Friendly, along with the National Geographic Society, are challenging today's children to help lead the charge through an in-school conservation education program called Find Your Footprint. Find Your Footprint helps kids identify -- and reduce -- their environmental footprint through a custom curriculum that focuses on water, waste and energy consumption. Kids can then put this education into action when their class participates in the Find Your Footprint Contest. The classroom with the best submission wins a state-of-art grand prize valued at over $36,000. The prize includes Promethean technologies (five ActivBoards and five sets of ActivExpression); plus $1,000 worth of National Geographic educational materials; and National Geographic Kids magazine subscriptions for every student in the class. All prizes will be presented during a special school ceremony next spring.

Program champion Dr. Mireya Mayor is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, author of the upcoming National Geographic book "Pink Boots and a Machete," and host of Nat Geo WILD's "Wild Nights with Mireya Mayor" on cable TV, as well as a mom of two daughters herself. Having spent years traveling to exotic locations researching rare species, Dr. Mayor understands firsthand the importance of empowering today's children to lead the charge for preserving our environment. "Through my work, I've had the great fortune to explore and experience the beauty of our jungles and rainforests. I've also seen how our actions, big and small, can impact our local communities and our world," said Dr. Mayor. "Find Your Footprint is a wonderful opportunity to empower our children to be ambassadors for change, by helping them understand the link between their environmental footprint and their school, as well as the world around them." To participate in the contest, classrooms will choose to focus on water, waste or energy, and identify their school's environmental footprint. From there, they'll work as a team to brainstorm and develop a unique, step-by-step plan to reduce energy, waste or water consumption at their school in an environmentally responsible way. Teachers and students alike are encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity, and think BIG for this project. Is it a photo essay? A video documentary? A feature television program? A mural? A digital poster? Only the most captivating submissions will make it through the first round of judging. From here, the top six finalists will have their entries posted on a special National Geographic Find Your Footprint website where the general public will vote for their favorite submission. Students and parents can encourage their teachers to participate at www.nationalgeographic.com/findyourfootprint. Here they'll learn about the rules and guidelines, and access the Find Your Footprint Lesson Plan including teacher's guide, student guide and posters for the classroom. Submissions are due by Dec. 3 to be eligible for the grand prize. While you encourage your local schools to participate in the contest, you can start living more sustainably at home today with these simple steps, courtesy of National Geographic and Future Friendly: * Save energy - Keeping your fridge too cold wastes energy. Keep your fridge between 37 F and 40 F and freezers at 5 F. * Save water - If your bathroom fixtures were installed before 1992, replacing your toilet with a more efficient one could save thousands of gallons of water every year, between 14,000 and 25,000 gallons for a family of four. * Reduce waste - More than 80 percent of recyclable bottles end up in landfills each year. Reduce bottle waste and filter your tap water.

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Storm water runoff can be a big problem during heavy thunderstorms. As the water rushes across roofs and driveways, it picks up oil and other pollutants. Municipal storm water treatment plants often can't handle the deluge of water, and in many locations the untreated water ends up in natural waterways. The EPA estimates as much as 70 percent of the pollution in our streams, rivers, and lakes is carried there by storm water. To reduce the excess water runoff, many towns are encouraging businesses and homeowners to install rain gardens in their yards. Rain gardens are specially constructed gardens located in low areas of a yard where storm water can collect. The idea is to have the water naturally funnel to this garden. The rain garden collects water runoff and stores and filters it until it can be slowly absorbed by the soil. Sizing Up a Rain Garden

The rain garden's size and location depends on the yard. If you're the type of person who likes precise measurements, there are guidelines you can follow for estimating the ideal size of a rain garden for your particular situation. For example, you'd want to measure the area of your roof that will be draining into the gutter leading to the rain garden, as well as the size of any paved areas that will be contributing to runoff into the garden. If your soil is sandy (which drains quickly), you'd want your rain garden to be about 20 to 30 percent of the area that will be draining into it (roof plus driveway, etc.) If you have clay soil, your ideal rain garden would be 60 percent of the drainage area. But don't let these numbers intimidate you - any size rain garden is better than none at all.

The ideal place for a rain garden is in a natural depression. You also can funnel water from downspouts or gutters into the garden. The soil should be well drained so the water doesn't sit in the garden for more than two days. A special rain garden soil mix of 50 to 60 percent sand, 20 to 30 percent topsoil, and 20 to 30 percent compost is recommended. You can dig this mixture into the soil to depth of 2 feet before planting.

Choosing Plants The most difficult part of building a rain garden can be plant selection. The plants in a rain garden need to be tolerant of sitting in water now and then, so native plants and wildflowers are good choices because they're so adaptable. You probably already grow many of them - ferns, ornamental grasses, sedges, iris, milkweed, asters, and black-eyed Susans, to name a few. The idea is to create a naturalistic planting that's easy to maintain (no fertilizer needed) and welcoming to butterflies and bees and other creatures.

For more tips and garden information visit www.garden.org.

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Kids & Teens

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It takes confidence to be a kid. Whether going to a new school or stepping up to bat for the first time, kids face a lot of uncharted territory. Naturally, parents want to instill a can-do attitude in their kids so that they'll bravely take on new challenges and, over time, believe in themselves. While each child is a little different, parents can follow some general guidelines to build kids' confidence. Self-confidence rises out of a sense of competence. In other words, kids develop confidence not because parents tell them they're great, but because of their achievements, big and small. Sure, it's good to hear encouraging words from mom and dad. But words of praise mean more when they refer to a child's specific efforts or new abilities. When kids achieve something, whether it's brushing their own teeth or riding a bike, they get a sense of themselves as able and capable, and tap into that high-octane fuel of confidence. Building self-confidence can begin very early. When babies learn to turn the pages of a book or toddlers learn to walk, they are getting the idea "I can do it!" With each new skill and milestone, kids can develop increasing confidence. Parents can help by giving kids lots of opportunities to practice and master their skills, letting kids make mistakes and being there to boost their spirits so they keep trying. Respond with interest and excitement when kids show off a new skill, and reward them with praise when they achieve a goal or make a good effort. With plentiful opportunities, good instruction, and lots of patience from parents, kids can master basic skills — like tying their shoes and making the bed. Then, when other important challenges present themselves, kids can approach them knowing that they have already been successful in other areas. Stay on the Sidelines Of course, supervision is important to ensure that kids stay safe. But to help them really learn a new skill, it's also important not to hover. Give kids the opportunity to try something new, make mistakes, and learn from them. For instance, if your son wants to learn how to make a peanut butter sandwich, demonstrate, set up the ingredients, and let him give it a try. Will he make a bit of a mess? Almost certainly. But don't swoop in the second some jelly hits the countertop. In fact, avoid any criticism that could discourage him from trying again. If you step in to finish the sandwich, your son will think, "Oh well, I guess I can't make sandwiches." But if you have patience for the mess and the time it takes to learn, the payoff will be real. Someday soon he'll be able to say, "I'm hungry for lunch, so I'm going to make my own sandwich." You might even reply, "Great, can you make me one, too?" What a clear sign of your faith in his abilities! Offer Encouragement and Praise Sometimes, kids give up when frustrations arise. Help by encouraging persistence in the midst of setbacks. By trying again, kids learn that obstacles can be overcome. Once kids reach a goal, you'll want to praise not only the end result but also their willingness to stick with it. For instance, after your son has mastered making that peanut butter sandwich you might show your confidence by saying, "Next time, want to learn how to crack an egg?" Sandwich-fixing and egg -cracking might not seem like huge achievements, but they're important steps in the right direction — toward your child's independence. Throughout childhood, parents have chances to prepare kids to take care of themselves. Sure, it's great to feel needed, but as kids steadily gain confidence and independence, their relationship with you can be even richer. You can be bonded, not just by dependence, but by love and shared pride in all they've achieved. Eventually, your grown-up kids just might say thanks for how prepared they feel for the road ahead — a road they can take with confidence.

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It can be shocking and upsetting to learn that your child has gotten in trouble for picking on others or been labeled a bully.

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ents of your child's friends and peers, teachers, guidance counselors, and the school principal. Do other kids bully? What about your child's friends? What kinds of pressures do the kids face at school? Talk to your kids about those relationships and about the pressures to fit in. Get them involved in activities outside of school so that they meet and develop friendships with other kids.

As difficult as it may be to process this news, it's important to deal with it right away. Whether the bullying is physical or verbal, if it's not stopped it can lead to more aggressive antisocial behavior and interfere with your child's success in school and ability to form and sustain friendships. Understanding Bullying Behavior Kids bully for many reasons. Some bully because they feel insecure. Picking on someone who seems emotionally or physically weaker provides a feeling of being more important, popular, or in control. In other cases,kids bully because they simply don't know that it's unacceptable to pick on kids who are different because of size, looks, race, or religion. In some cases bullying is a part of an ongoing pattern of defiant or aggressive behavior. These kids are likely to need help learning to manage anger and hurt, frustration, or other strong emotions. They may not have the skills they need to cooperate with others. Professional counseling can often help them learn to deal with their feelings, curb their bullying, and improve their social skills. Some kids who bully at school and in settings with their peers are copying behavior that they see at home. Kids who are exposed to aggressive and unkind interactions in the family often learn to treat others the same way. And kids who are on the receiving end of taunting learn that bullying can translate into control over children they perceive as weak. Helping Kids Stop Bullying Let your child know that bullying is unacceptable and that there will be serious consequences at home, school, and in the community if it continues. Try to understand the reasons behind your child's behavior. In some cases, kids bully because they have trouble managing strong emotions like anger, frustration, or insecurity. In other cases, kids haven't learned cooperative ways to work out conflicts and understand differences. Tactics to Try : Take bullying seriously. Make sure your kids understand that you will not tolerate bullying at home or anywhere else. Establish rules about bullying and stick to them. If you punish your child by taking away privileges, be sure it's meaningful. For example, if your child bullies other kids via email, text messages, or a social networking site, dock phone or computer privileges for a period of time. If your child acts aggressively at home, with siblings or others, put a stop to it. Teach more appropriate (and nonviolent) ways to react, like walking away.

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Teach kids to treat others with respect and kindness. Teach your child that it is wrong to ridicule differences (i.e., race, religion, appearance, special needs, gender, economic status) and try to instill a sense of empathy for those who are different. Consider getting involved together in a community group where your child can interact with kids who are different. Learn about your child's social life. Look for insight into the factors that may be influencing your child's behavior in the school environment (or wherever the bullying is occurring). 17

(Cont;d) Talk with par-

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Encourage good behavior. Positive reinforcement can be more powerful than negative discipline. Catch your kids being good — and when they handle situations in ways that are constructive or positive, take notice and praise them for it.

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Set a good example. Think carefully about how you talk around your kids and how you handle conflict and problems. If you behave aggressively — toward or in front of your kids — chances are they'll follow your example. Instead, point out positives in others, rather than negatives. And when conflicts arise in your own life, be open about the frustrations you have and how you cope with your feelings.

Starting at Home When looking for the influences on your child's behavior, look first at what's happening at home. Kids who live with yelling, name-calling, putdowns, harsh criticism, or physical anger from a sibling or parent/caregiver may act that out in other settings. It's natural — and common — for kids to fight with their siblings at home. And unless there's a risk of physical violence it's wise not to get involved. But monitor the name-calling and any physical altercations and be sure to talk to each child regularly about what's acceptable and what's not. It's important to keep your own behavior in check too. Watch how you talk to your kids, and how you react to your own strong emotions when they're around. There will be situations that warrant discipline and constructive criticism. But take care not to let that slip into name-calling and accusations. If you're not pleased with your child's behavior, stress that it's the behavior that you'd like your child to change, and you have confidence that he or she can do it. If your family is going through a stressful life event that you feel may have contributed to your child's behavior, reach out for help from the resources at school and in your community. Guidance counselors, pastors, therapists, and your doctor can help. Getting Help To help a child stop bullying, talk with teachers, guidance counselors, and other school officials who can help you identify situations that lead to bullying and provide assistance. Your doctor also might be able to help. If your child has a history of arguing, defiance, and trouble controlling anger, consider an evaluation with a therapist or behavioral health professional. As difficult and frustrating as it can be to help kids stop bullying, remember that bad behavior won't just stop on its own. Think about the success and happiness you want your kids to find in school, work, and relationships throughout life, and know that curbing bullying now is progress toward those goals. © 1995- 2011 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

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An allowance can be a great way to teach kids money management skills. With an allowance, your child can learn how to make decisions, deal with limited resources, and understand the benefits of saving and charitable giving. There's no single correct way to handle allowance. As you decide when to start, how much to give, and whether you want to link the allowance to chores, it's important to make choices that fit your family. Starting an Allowance No particular age is best for every kid, but consider starting an allowance by the time a child is 10 years old. By then, most kids have had experience making thoughtful spending decisions but still look to parents for guidance. How much allowance should you give? It's depends on your financial situation and what kind of commitment you feel that you can comfortably keep. Experts generally recommend that kids get 50 cents to $1 per week for every year of their age — $3.50 to $7 for a 7-year-old, for example. Regardless of how much you choose, give the allowance regularly and increase the amount as your child gets older. Allowance and Chores Should an allowance be tied to chores? Again, it's a personal choice. Some experts think that it's important to make this connection so that kids learn the relationship between work and pay. Others say that kids should have a responsibility to help with housework, above and beyond any financial incentive. Ultimately, you must decide what works best for you. Whatever you decide, be sure that all parties understand the arrangement. If you give an allowance for doing housework, make sure that your kids understand what their responsibilities are and the consequences of not doing them. You might want to involve them in choosing the chores, and then keep a chart posted to remind them what needs to be done. It's important to be consistent. Following through on your promise to give a regular allowance sets a good example for your kids and is incentive for them to honor their end of the bargain. If you don't keep up with the allowance, they might lose that incentive and stop doing the chores.An allowance can be a great way to teach kids money management skills. With an allowance, your child can learn how to make decisions, deal with limited resources, and understand the benefits of saving and charitable giving. There's no single correct way to handle allowance. As you decide when to start, how much to give, and whether you want to link the allowance to chores, it's important to make choices that fit your family. Starting an Allowance No particular age is best for every kid, but consider starting an allowance by the time a child is 10 years old. By then, most kids have had experience making thoughtful spending decisions but still look to parents for guidance. How much allowance should you give? It's depends on your financial situation and what kind of commitment you feel that you can comfortably keep. Experts generally recommend that kids get 50 cents to $1 per week for every year of their age — $3.50 to $7 for a 7-year-old, for example. Regardless of how much you choose, give the allowance regularly and increase the amount as your child gets older. Allowance and Chores Should an allowance be tied to chores? Again, it's a personal choice. Some experts think that it's important to make this connection so that kids learn the relationship between work and pay. Others say that kids should have a responsibility to help with housework, above and beyond any financial incentive. Ultimately, you must decide what works best for you. Whatever you decide, be sure that all parties understand the arrangement. If you give an allowance for doing housework, make sure that your kids understand what their responsibilities are and the consequences of not doing them. You might want to involve them in choosing the chores, and then keep a chart posted to remind them what needs to be done. It's important to be consistent. Following through on your promise to give a regular allowance sets a good example for your kids and is incentive for them to honor their end of the bargain. If you don't keep up with the allowance, they might lose that incentive and stop doing the chores.

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It's no surprise that parents might need some help understanding what it means to eat healthy. From the Food Guide Pyramid to the latest food fad, it can be awfully confusing. The good news is that you don't need a degree in nutrition to raise healthy kids. Following some basic guidelines can help you encourage your kids to eat right and maintain a healthy weight.

Here are 10 key rules to live by: 1.

Parents control the supply lines. You decide which foods to buy and when to serve them. Though kids will pester their parents for less nutritious foods, adults should be in charge when deciding which foods are regularly stocked in the house. Kids won't go hungry. They'll eat what's available in the cupboard and fridge at home. If their favorite snack isn't all that nutritious, you can still buy it once in a while so they don't feel deprived.

From the foods you offer, kids get to choose what they will eat or whether to eat at all. Kids need to have some say in the matter. From the selections you offer, let them choose what to eat and how much of it they want. This may seem like a little too much freedom. But if you follow step 1, your kids will be choosing only from the foods you buy and serve.

Quit the "clean-plate club." Let kids stop eating when they feel they've had enough. Lots of parents grew up under the clean-plate rule, but that approach doesn't help kids listen to their own bodies when they feel full. When kids notice and respond to feelings of fullness, they're less likely to overeat.

Start them young. Food preferences are developed early in life, so offer variety. Likes and dislikes begin forming even when kids are babies. You may need to serve a new food on several different occasions for a child to accept it. Don't force a child to eat, but offer a few bites. With older kids, ask them to try one bite.

Rewrite the kids' menu. Who says kids only want to eat hot dogs, pizza, burgers, and macaroni and cheese? When eating out, let your kids try new foods and they might surprise you with their willingness to experiment. You can start by letting them try a little of whatever you ordered or ordering an appetizer for them to try.

Drink calories count. Soda and other sweetened drinks add extra calories and get in the way of good nutrition. Water and milk are the best drinks for kids. Juice is fine when it's 100%, but kids don't need much of it — 4 to 6 ounces a day is enough for preschoolers.

Put sweets in their place. Occasional sweets are fine, but don't turn dessert into the main reason for eating dinner. When dessert is the prize for eating dinner, kids naturally place more value on the cupcake than the broccoli. Try to stay neutral about foods.

Food is not love. Find better ways to say "I love you." When foods are used to reward kids and show affection, they may start using food to cope with stress or other emotions. Offer hugs, praise, and attention instead of food treats.

Kids do as you do. Be a role model and eat healthy yourself. When trying to teach good eating habits, try to set the best example possible. Choose nutritious snacks, eat at the table, and don't skip meals.

10. Limit TV and computer time. When you do, you'll avoid mindless snacking and encourage activity. Research has shown that kids who cut down on TV-watching also reduced their percentage of body fat. When TV and computer time are limited, they'll find more active things to do. And limiting "screen time" means you'll have more time to be active together.

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If you're the parent of a teen or tween, chances are you've wondered, half -jokingly, if your child hears anything you say. The reality is that there are over 6.5 million American children ages 12 to 19 living with some form of hearing loss - and much of it is preventable. Noise induced hearing loss Every day, we experience sound in our environment - from television and radio, to household appliances and dreaded rush-hour traffic. Normally, we hear these sounds at safe levels that do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise, sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time, sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, resulting in noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise induced hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense "impulse" sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as a too-loud MP3 player. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), long-term exposure to 80 to 85 decibels, or any more than 15 minutes exposure to 100 decibels, can lead to hearing loss. Music players like iPods can top 100 decibels when turned all the way up. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Hear the World, a global initiative by leading hearing system manufacturer Phonak, exposure to high noise levels was found to not only result in gradual hearing loss, but also stress, aggression or insomnia in 73 percent of those surveyed. MP3 players and your teen A study released in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 1 in 5 U.S. teens suffer from some form of hearing loss. Among other culprits named, from nutrition to environmental toxins, the use of the "earbud" style of headphones while listening to high decibel music was found to be one reason for the increase. "It is no surprise that teens and young adults today are listening to music longer and potentially louder than years past," said Dr. Craig Kasper, Chief Audiology Officer of Audio Help Hearing Centers and Hear the World spokesperson. "Ongoing exposure to loud sounds daily, through earphones for example, can have a direct impact on your hearing early in life and not just as you age." How loud is too loud? If an earbud headphone sounds loud to people nearby, it's too loud. If you suspect your child might have hearing loss, contact your local audiologist for a complete hearing screening. For more information on hearing loss and how loud is too loud, as well as an online hearing test, visit www.hear-the-world.com. Reducing the risk The good news is that noise induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. "The impact of noise on hearing is often underestimated because the damage may take place gradually. As a result, many people do little to prevent the process of hearing loss that takes place throughout their lives due to the noise pollution around them," said Dr. Kasper. To protect hearing, Dr. Kasper recommends these tips for teens and tweens: 1. Be mindful of your hearing. Think about the level of noise you're exposed to as well as the duration of time you're in that noise.

2. When attending concerts or loud events, wear hearing protection. Most of us would never think to sunbathe without some form of SPF protection. Using either over-the-counter earplugs or custom-molded hearing protection is like SPF for your ears. 3. When listening to your iPod or other MP3 player, invest in a soundisolating earphone, such as the AudĂŠo PFE by Phonak. This will reduce the amount of environmental sounds and allow you to turn the volume down.

Courtesy of Family Features Top five misconceptions about hearing loss 1. Hearing loss is only for the elderly: Only 35 percent of people with hearing loss are older than age 64. There are over 6.5 million American children ages 12 to 19 living with some form of hearing loss. 2. If my child or I had hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me: Only 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. 3. Your hearing loss cannot be helped: With modern advances in technology, nearly 95 percent of people with a sensorineural hearing loss - a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies in the inner ear - can be helped with hearing aids. 4. Hearing aids are large, clunky and obvious: Many modern hearing aids are nearly invisible to the naked eye and smaller than a quarter. 5. Hearing loss isn't serious enough to treat: Hearing loss can create social and emotional barriers for the individuals living with it, or the families of those it affects. Research shows that when left untreated, hearing loss can lead to reduced earning power, disruptions in family life and can cause a wide range of other psychological problems.

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Finances

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More than 90 percent of people aged 44 to 75 feel the United States is facing a retirement crisis, yet most have a limited understanding of how much money they'll need and fear they'll outlive their income, according to a 2010 survey from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Understanding your financial personality can help you take the appropriate steps to start building a better financial future. Overwhelmed The overwhelmed personality is unsure when - or if - they'll be able to retire. And when they do, they expect to significantly reduce their living expenses and possibly to continue working. 22

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What to do: -Get control of spending. Looking at your expenses over the next month will show you how extra spending begins to add up. -Reduce debt. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling recommends paying at least double the minimum required credit card payment. -Strategize savings and investment. The National Endowment for Financial Education recommends saving money for an emergency fund, money for short-term purchases, and money for long-term goals, such as retirement.

Resilient The resilient personality tends to be in their late 50s and is worried that the U.S. is entering a major economic depression. They know they need to invest for retirement, but might not have time to save enough. What to do: -Reduce spending. Look at what you're spending, particularly on bigger ticket items. Having that money automatically deducted from your paycheck and put into a retirement, savings or investment account now will help you build your nest egg for the future. -Delay Social Security benefits. If you start receiving benefits before your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced. Calculate your benefits at www.ssa.gov. -Invest now. Consulting with a financial planner is a good way to navigate your options and figure out a solid investment strategy.

Distracted This group is the youngest (40s to 50s), generally counts on receiving full Social Security benefits and is relying on 401(k)s more than any other group. While they are worried that their savings won't be adequate for the future, they are content to live for today. What to do: -Evaluate your retirement plans. Use the Ball Park Estimate at www.choosetosave.org to see if your retirement plans fit your budget, or if you need to adjust your plans. -Reexamine investments. Look at all your investments and make sure they are growing. If not, it may be time for a change. -Make changes to secure retirement income. Protecting your assets and guarding against outliving them needs to be a priority. An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. In exchange for your purchase payment, the insurance company provides you income, either immediately or sometime in the future. To find out more about annuities and whether they are a good fit for you, visit www.allianzlife.com. Whatever your age, whatever your financial personality, it's time to give your retirement plans a checkup and take action to secure the nest egg you've worked so hard for.

Retirement Resources -Retirement Nest Egg Calculator - www.aarp.org -Guidebook to Help Late Savers Prepare for Retirement - National Endowment for Financial Education - www.smartaboutmoney.org -Saving on a Tight Budget - www.americasaves.org -Advice on Getting Out of Debt - National Foundation for Credit Counseling - www.debtadvice.org

Courtesy of ARA

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It was hard to miss the news about the 2010 Tax Relief Act that Congress passed and President Obama signed into law at the end of last year. What many Americans probably found easy to miss, however, is how the act will affect them as they prepare to file their 2010 tax returns this April 15. The 2010 Tax Relief Act, in part, continued the lower tax rates created during the presidency of George W. Bush, and removed some near-term planning uncertainty. Consider these immediate action steps that may help you to better position yourself from a financial and retirement planning perspective: Use Social Security tax rate reduction to increase retirement savings. For 2011 the individual Social Security tax rate has been lowered from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. For an individual making $75,000, this 2 percent reduction could mean $1,500 more in his paycheck over the course of the year. In terms of planning, consider using this found money by contributing more to your 401(k) plan or funding a Roth or traditional IRA. Use IRA distributions to make charitable contributions. Prior tax law permitted individuals age 70 1/2 or older to use up to $100,000 per year of IRA distributions to make charitable contributions and avoid paying income tax on that amount. The 2010 Tax Relief Act reinstated it for 2010 and extended the provision through 2011. Consider selling certain capital assets over the next two years. The 2010 Tax Relief Act maintains the top capital gains tax rate of 15 percent as well as the special qualified dividends tax rate of 15 percent. As you consider your investment options over the next two years and whether you want to sell any assets, you should consider how these lower tax rates could benefit you.

Consider deferring tax liability on 2010 Roth IRA conversions to 2011/2012. Earlier changes in tax law eliminated income limits on conversions from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and provided for a special one-time opportunity for 2010 conversions. You can opt to pay the taxes on the conversion entirely on your 2010 return, or defer them and pay half in 2011 and the other half in 2012. Prior to the 2010 Tax Relief Act it seemed like paying the tax in 2011 and 2012 at higher rates would be a bad choice. With the continuation of lower tax rates for 2011 and 2012 most taxpayers should now choose to defer this tax liability. A trap for the unwary here is not planning to pay the conversion tax liability in 2011 and 2012. To avoid this trap you should estimate how much your tax liability will be for both years and then make sure you either adjust your withholding from your employer or make estimated payments so that you have the liability covered when you file your 2011 and 2012 tax returns. Revisit estate planning. Thanks to the 2010 Tax Relief Act the federal estate tax exemption is now $5 million. This means most people won't have to worry about estate planning to minimize or avoid federal estate taxes, though there are many other reasons besides taxes to do estate planning. Also, this provision is only effective for two years and could change after 2012. Estate and inheritance tax rules for a state may be different and generate tax issues at a lower amount than the $5 million federal exemption. Plan for possible higher rates. Traditional tax planning would have you defer a tax liability in order to keep more money in your pocket, earning interest, longer. However, since the 2010 Tax Relief Act only provides for continued lower rates for two years and rates could go up after that, it could make sense to trigger the income tax on an asset sooner and pay tax now. One way to do this is to convert non-Roth assets, which could be in your 401(k) or traditional IRA, into Roth assets. The creation of Roth assets allows you to hedge against increasing future tax rates and have after-tax assets to manage your tax position once in retirement. Of course, you and your tax and financial advisers are in the best position to determine which of these strategies make sense for your personal circumstances. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisers regarding your personal circumstances. Keep in mind that that 2010 Tax Relief Act continues the recent history of an unsettled and uncertain tax environment, and the best way to defend against such uncertainty is to keep your focus on your financial and retirement plan goals and stay in action.

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Food & Entertainment

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Yes, there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's found in each blade of grass growing in Ireland's lush pastures. Small herds of cows graze freely, and the milk, rich in beta-carotene from the grass, produces butter and cheeses of an exceptionally golden hue. Thousands of years before the Irish discovered potatoes, dairy cows, milk and butter were being woven into the fabric of Irish society, according to the Cork Butter Museum in Cork City, Ireland. The Cork Butter Exchange, a market created by the merchants of Cork City in 1769, was in its time, the largest butter market in the world, exporting as far away as Europe and America. Today, dairy products continue to play an important role in Irish cooking. Cooperatives of farmers, creameries and cheesemakers provide delicious Irish butter and cheeses throughout the U.S. under the Kerrygold label. Here are some iconic recipes from some stars of Irish cooking, using Kerrygold cheeses and butter. To learn more about Kerrygold, and for where-tobuy information, visit www.kerrygold.com/usa.

Dubliner Shepherd's Pie Makes 4 to 6 servings "Our family loves a hearty shepherd's pie after a long day working on the farm. Because our cows produce milk to make Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese, we like to add some shredded Dubliner to the potato crust." - Donal Murphy, Kerrygold dairy farmer, Bandon, County Cork, Ireland Potato Topping: 1 1/4

pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

tablespoons Kerrygold Irish Butter

1/3

cup milk

cup shredded Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese

1/2

teaspoon salt

pound lean ground beef

tablespoons Kerrygold Irish Butter

medium onion, chopped

small carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

tablespoons flour

3/4

cup Guinness Stout

3/4

cup beef stock

teaspoon dried thyme

1/2

teaspoon salt

1/2

cup frozen peas, thawed

Filling:

Preheat oven to 375째F and lightly butter an 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Cook potatoes in boiling water for 15 minutes or until very tender; drain well. Mash with butter and milk until smooth, then stir in cheese and salt and set aside. Crumble beef into a medium skillet and cook until no longer pink; remove from skillet and set aside. In same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and carrots; cook for 10 minutes over medium heat to soften, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more. Add Guinness, stock, thyme and salt; cook and stir until mixture is slightly thickened then stir in peas and cooked beef. Spoon into prepared baking dish then spread potato mixture over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

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Roasted Root Vegetable Soup Serves 4 to 6 "You can substitute pumpkin, turnip or celeriac for the swede (rutabaga), or just use a mixture - this is a very flexible recipe." - Neven Maguire, chef/owner of the renowned MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion, County Cavan, Ireland; popular TV cooking star and cookbook author 1

small swede (rutabaga) cut into cubes

carrots, cut into cubes

parsnip, cut into cubes

tablespoons olive oil

tablespoons (1/4 cup) Kerrygold Irish Butter

onion, finely chopped

celery stalks, finely chopped

garlic clove, crushed

teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

quart (4 cups) vegetable stock

1/2

cup single cream (or substitute half and half) Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400Â°F. Place swede, carrots and parsnip on baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season generously and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and tender, shaking baking sheet occasionally to ensure even cooking. Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon olive oil and butter in large heavy-based pot, and add onion, celery, garlic and thyme. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened but not browned, stirring occasionally. Add roasted root vegetables to pan and then pour in stock. Bring gently to boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until completely tender, stirring occasionally. PurĂŠe with a hand blender until completely smooth. To serve, stir cream into soup. Gently heat through and season to taste, then ladle into warmed bowls. Note: You don't have to add the cream if you're watching the calories, but you might need a little extra stock to thin the soup.

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Cheese Toasties Serves 4 to 6 4

tablespoons (1/4 cup) Kerrygold Irish Butter

slices firm, country-style white bread

package (7 ounces) Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese, grated

tablespoon snipped fresh chives Salt and freshly ground black Pepper

Butter bread and arrange cheese over half of the slices, buttered side down. Sprinkle with chives and cover with remaining slices, buttered side up. Preheat a griddle or large non-stick frying pan and cook sandwiches two at a time 2 minutes each side until golden brown and cheese has melted. Keep hot. To serve, cut the cheese toasts into fingers. Brown Soda Bread Makes 2 loaves "This is an all-purpose and relatively foolproof recipe based on several I collected while researching 'The Country Cooking of Ireland.'" - author Colman Andrews, whose Irish cookbook won the 2010 James Beard Foundation award for Best International Cookbook and Cookbook of the Year 3 1/2

cups stone-ground whole wheat flour, preferably Irish or Irish-style

1 1/2

cups unbleached white flour, preferably Irish, or pastry flour, plus more for dusting

3/4

teaspoon baking soda

teaspoon salt

teaspoon softened Kerrygold Irish Butter, plus more for

1 3/4

to 2 cups room-temperature Buttermilk

greasing

Preheat oven to 375째F. Mix wheat flour, white flour, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl. Work butter into mixture with your fingers. Form a well in the middle of flour mixture and pour buttermilk into the well. Form your hand into a rigid claw and stir dough slowly but steadily in a spiral motion, starting in the middle and working outwards. Dough should be soft but not too wet or sticky. (Start with 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, gradually adding, if necessary, to achieve the right consistency.) Turn dough out onto a floured board. Flour your hands lightly, then shape dough into a flat rectangle about 2 inches high. Cut dough in half lengthwise with a wet knife, then gently push each half into a lightly greased glass or foil loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the tops of the loaves are nicely browned. Serve this bread with plenty of Kerrygold Irish Butter. Rhubarb Crumble Serves 6 "Crumbles are the ultimate comfort food. Vary the fruit according to the season." - Darina Allen, founder of the world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland Filling: 1 1/2

pounds rhubarb, cut in 1/2-inch slices

1/2

cup sugar

tablespoons (1/4 cup) Kerrygold Irish Butter

ounces (scant 1 cup) white flour, preferably unbleached

1/4

cup superfine sugar

Crumble:

Preheat oven to 350째F. In bowl, mix filling ingredients; turn into a 1-quart (4 cups) capacity pie dish. Rub butter into flour just until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then stir in sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over rhubarb in the pie dish. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until topping is cooked and golden. Serve with whipped cream and soft brown sugar, or try stirring a little Amaretto into your cream. Recipe adapted from the "Ballymaloe Cookery Course Book" published by Kyle Cathie. 28

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Health & Beauty

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Healthy skin is a Hollywood staple and getting a gorgeous look does not need to take a team of professionals. Instead, the key to looking like a star starts with a healthy lifestyle.

Ninety-two percent of women say living a healthy lifestyle is important and they spend 1.7 hours a week reading or talking about having a healthier lifestyle, according to market research company Mintel.

Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery and Dermatology of NYC, who recently partnered with Dial Lotions, offers simple tips to achieve star-worthy skin and your own healthy glow:

How to care for skin on the inside: * Exposure to smoke, sun and other toxins can result in free radical damage, leaving skin looking dull. To combat this, eat foods rich in antioxidants vitamins A, C and E, such as green tea, blueberries and pomegranates.

* You've probably heard that omega-3 is good for your heart, but did you know it's also essential for skin health as a way to restore your natural glow? Most commonly found in fish, omega-3 also comes from walnuts and flax.

* Amino acids act as an excellent anti-aging source because they help lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated. Look for amino acids in proteins such as eggs and turkey, and in onions and almonds for a healthy dose of this essential building block.

* Plenty of sleep and hydration is also necessary for glowing skin. According to doctors, eight is the magic number - eight hours of sleep and eight glasses of water a day. This helps lower stress and flushes the system of toxins that build up throughout the day.

How to care for skin on the outside: * Damaging UV rays are present year-round. Therefore, it's important to wear sunscreen even in winter when the sun is at its weakest. UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

* Skin craves a daily dose of vitamins to keep it looking healthy. Choose a moisturizing product like Dial NutriSkin Lotion, which is fortified with a unique BioNutrient complex that provides skin with a customized daily dose of nutrition. This complex includes a blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrients tailored to combat different skin needs. The result: healthier skin in three days.

* A daily cleanser is important to remove makeup and any buildup that accumulates throughout the day. Choose a cleanser that is gentle and non-drying. When dealing with breakouts, stay away from spot treatments and using products that contain alcohol and benzoyl peroxide. Instead, use an all-over toner so that you don't create dry patches.

* If you're concerned about the effects of aging, an over-the-counter retinol may help. Apply beneath your moisturizer to decrease signs of aging.

Follow Dial at www.Facebook.com/Dial and via twitter at @DialNutriSkin for a daily dose of mind, body and lifestyle tips.

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Eating right is often easier said than done. You like what you like, so breaking old eating habits is never easy. That's why sometimes it can be easier to slightly modify your diet instead of giving it a complete overhaul.

The good news is subbing in healthier substitutes doesn't have to make your food taste less flavorful. Here are five healthy substitutions to try on your journey to better health:

1. Make things whole. Consider what type of bread, pasta, flour and rice you are regularly eating. Switching to the whole grain versions of these foods not only helps you cut down on calories, but also add nutrition to your diet. Whole grain foods are also packed with fiber, which helps you feel full and aids digestion.

2. Consider beverages. Did you know the average can of soda contains about 150 calories and no nutrients? On the other hand, try opting for tasteful beverages that have a neutral, or even a positive effect on your health. For example, natural teas can provide added health benefits oolong tea can help lower your cholesterol and green tea can help boost your metabolism. Like soda, tea can also be quick, easy and refreshing cold-brewed tea from brands such as Teawan come in packages that can be brewed in minutes.

3. Watch where you start in the kitchen. Cooking more at home is a sure -fire way to reduce the calories you take in, but your cooking methods can be another place to make gains in eating healthier. Instead of using butter, vegetable shortening or lard, consider using olive oil, peanut oil or canola oil, which contain less saturated fat.

4. Creamy substitutes. When a recipe calls for heavy cream, try substituting half and half or milk. Or use yogurt instead of sour cream. These simple substitutions can provide great taste for a fraction of the calories and fat.

5. Modify your meat intake. You don't have to suddenly become a vegetarian, but try a stir fry using only veggies or substitute ground turkey for ground beef in your favorite recipes. By making a similar substitution once a week or more, you'll consume less calories and fat - and possibly discover some tasty variations on your go-to dishes.

You may find that some substitutes actually make your diet more interesting and give you more options for healthy eating. As you work toward eating healthier, you ultimately have to find options you enjoy to achieve sustainable and nutritious diet.

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With a new celebrity fragrance launching in what seems like every month nowadays, it can be hard to determine what fragrance is right for you.

"Wearing fragrance is a deeply personal experience. It says a lot about you, so choosing properly is important," says John Krites, beauty expert for L'Bel, a company known for its luxurious cosmetics and French-produced skin care and fragrances. "Scent can make a first impression, boost your mood and even affect one's alertness and efficiency. The most important part about selecting a fragrance is how it makes you feel. I always advise that women, and men alike, take time to determine if a scent is really the perfect fit for them."

So how does one go about selecting a signature perfume with so many options? Krites shares his top tips.

Follow your nose: Remember to take the time to browse and really select based on what you like instead of what's popular. This way you know it's something you'll be happy wearing for months, or even years.

Mix it up: There's nothing wrong with having more than one signature scent. Fragrances come in five primary categories which include floral, fruity, woody, greens, and oriental. "I recommend having a second scent for special occasions. Maybe it's something with stronger base notes. I love L'Bel's Mithyka fragrance for women in the evening because it's a perfect balance of juicy fruit scents with subtle notes of musk and sandalwood;" says Krites.

Apply properly: It is a common misconception that you should spray fragrance onto your inner wrists and then rub them together. This actually hampers the scent and can cause you to have an improper scent experience. Instead, apply directly to the skin at the neckline, on the interior of the elbow joints and on the inside of the wrists.

Spray, then walk away: The first whiff of a scent is only one impression of how perfume will smell - scents can actually be different on each person because of body chemistry. "I always tell people never make an impulse buy on fragrance," says Krites. When browsing multiple scents, spritz available scent strips and take them with you out of the store. Perfumes need time to settle, and coming back to them after a few hours will help you make a more informed decision.

Finally, remember to always ask questions of sales associates or friends if you're not sure where to start. Oftentimes, personal recommendations can help make the process less overwhelming.

For more information on L'Bel, its line of over 30 fragrances, and other popular skin care and cosmetics, check out www.lbelusa.com.

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En Espa単ol

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¿Sabía usted que los diabéticos son dos veces más propensos a padecer de graves enfermedades de las encías?

Según los Centros para el Control de las Enfermedades (Center for Disease Control, CDC), existe un predominio cada vez mayor de enfermedades de las encías entre los diabéticos, lo cual hace que la salud e higiene oral apropiadas sean un factor clave para los que padecen de diabetes. Por esa razón los odontólogos de todo el país quieren informar a los casi 24 millones de diabéticos que las enfermedades graves de las encías pueden ser una complicación adicional en sus casos.

Los diabéticos corren un mayor riesgo de padecer de enfermedades graves de las encías porque son generalmente más susceptibles a la infección bacteriana, y tienen menos capacidad para combatir las bacterias que invaden las encías.

"En general, la comunidad de diabéticos tiene poco conocimiento de la asociación entre la salud oral y las implicaciones a corto y largo plazo que podrían existir en un plan exitoso e integral de control de la diabetes", expresó el Dr. Víctor Rodríguez, presidente de la Asociación Dental Hispana (Hispanic Dental Association). "Una de las numerosas complicaciones de la diabetes es un mayor riesgo de enfermedades periodónticas".

El Dr. Rodríguez recomienda los siguientes consejos preventivos de salud oral, además de que se debe visitar regularmente al dentista:

* Use el hilo dental al menos una vez por día: el hilo dental contribuye a eliminar el sarro entre los dientes y la línea de las encías.

* Cepíllese por lo menos dos veces al día y use un dentífrico antibacteriano como Colgate Total (R): a diferencia de la pasta dental regular, Colgate Total reduce los gérmenes que causan la gingivitis, forma primaria de enfermedad de las encías, en un 90 por ciento comparada con el dentífrico regular con fluoruro, 12 horas después del cepillado. Además, es la única pasta dental aprobada (Colgate Total está aprobada por un nuevo proceso de solicitud de medicamentos nuevos para la prevención de la gingivitis. Pero no está aprobada para el tratamiento de enfermedades graves de las encías u otros trastornos) por la FDA para evitar la gingivitis, y es el principal dentífrico recomendado por los odontólogos para el cuidado de las encías.

* Busque señales de alerta de enfermedad de las encías: Infórmele a su dentista si detecta cualquier señal de enfermedad de las encías, como enrojecimiento, inflamación y sangramiento de las encías.

* Controle sus niveles de azúcar en sangre: Si sus niveles de glucosa en sangre no se controlan correctamente, será más propenso a contraer enfermedades graves de las encías en comparación con las personas que mantienen esos niveles controlados.

* Recuérdele a su dentista que usted es diabético: Visite a su dentista al menos dos veces al año para hacerse limpiezas profesionales y pídale que le informe acerca de la diabetes y la salud oral.

Los diabéticos corren mayores riesgos, pero con un buen cuidado oral, pueden evitar que esas enfermedades de las encías les ocurran. Para más información acerca de la diabetes y la salud oral, visite www.OralHealthAndDiabetes.com.

Courtesy of ARA

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"¡Cómete los vegetales!" ha sido por espacio de generaciones y generaciones el mantra de los padres frustrados con hijos majaderos a la hora de comer. Y, según una reciente investigación del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer en Bethesda, Maryland, en la actualidad se necesita más estímulo que nunca, pues el 40 por ciento de las calorías consumidas por niños de 2 a 18 años no tenía valor nutritivo ninguno.

Entonces ¿cuál es el secreto para que los niños coman vegetales y sigan el consejo de sus 'madres conocedoras'? Visite el sitio www.ClubMum.net, comunidad para los padres en el Internet que cuenta con cuatro "blogueras" (quienes además son madres) dedicadas a revelar sus secretos y consejos bien guardados acerca de cómo proporcionarles una alimentación saludable a nuestros hijos.

Patrocinado por Chef Boyardeelas cuatro mamás "blogueras" de Club Mum hablan de sus propias luchas y éxitos para incorporar alimentos saludables al menú familiar, así como mantener a los niños activos durante los meses invernales, y buscar proyectos atractivos de servicio comunitario.

"Ser madre es un trabajo arduo, y esta comunidad de Internet es un sitio ideal para aprender consejos y 'trucos' de crianza aportados por otras madres", afirma Jodi Grundig, mamá bloguera y panelista del Club Mum. Grundig trabaja en unión con Laurin Evans, Heather Spohr y Sylvia Martínez (quienes colocan artículos en inglés y español en el blog).

A continuación, algunos de los mejores secretos de los padres que se publican en el sitio Web:

* Ralle manzanas o zanahorias e incorpórelas al clásico sándwich de mantequilla de cacahuate y jalea para aportar una ración de frutas y vegetales (además de sus cualidades crujientes). * Haga un puré de cebollas, pimientos u hongos e incorpórelo a la salsa para pasta o pizza, para añadir sabor y nutrientes. * Para incorporar más granos y vegetales a la dieta de sus hijos, busque productos que les gusten, pero en una versión con granos enteros y vegetales. * En el caso de niños super majaderos para comer, elabore un "menú" con una lista de opciones. Según las madres blogueras, los niños son más propensos a consumir los alimentos en cuya selección participan. * Una forma idónea de lograr lazos más estrechos con sus hijos que trasciendan el vínculo de cocina y alimentos, es la participación en un proyecto de servicio comunitario como trabajar en un refugio para desamparados o la limpieza de un parque público.

Pero las blogueras son sólo la mitad de la historia, pues el sitio Web está buscando madres y padres de todo el país para que revelen sus consejos acerca de cómo lograr una buena alimentación para sus hijos. Puedes participar en la conversación visitando www.facebook.com/ChefBoyardeeClubMum.