Southern Child Magazine - Holiday Issue 2010 by Southern Child Magazine

Holiday Issue 2010

southernchildmagazine.com

features Holiday Traditions 9 Holiday Gift Guide 21 Host a Holiday Cookie Swap 51

departments Mommy Magic 6 Fashion : Just Ducky 9 Sweet Funky Vintage 44 Books & DVDs 42 Hoof & Paw : Top Ten Celebrity Pet Gifts 60 Working Moms : Edible Art 69 Seeing the South : Jingle All the Way to Charlotte 73 Zoos, Aquariums& Museums : Sea World San Antonio

79 Craft : Make A Christmas Card with Ornament 81 Food : Our Favorite Holiday Recipes 87 P is for Party : How to Plan a Princess Party 93 Going Green : Cloth Diapers? Really? 104 Moms Speak Out : Bullying in Kindergarten 111 Moment By Moment : Smoothing Out My Feathers 122

For advertising info, contact advertising@southernchildmagazine.com. Media kit available at www.southernchildmagazine.com graphic designer: Aimee Roberts

web design: Kelly Keefe & Paul Flowers

cover photo & page 21 photo by: Jesse Guardiani, tuxedo shirt by Hannah Kate 3

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preggersnproud.com Daddy & Mommy Tees & Gifts 4

editor’s letter Dear Santa, I’m writing to let you know that I have been a very good mom this year. I was able to get my homeschooled son through the first grade while entertaining my ever so active toddler. I navigated through stomach viruses, many colds, some kind of rash and a gall bladder and appendix removal. I have become very skillful at detecting half full juice cups left in mysterious places, fishing small toys out of the toilet, getting bubble gum out of hair, and hiding happy meal toys under the trash in the garbage can. I have learned how to put a band-aid on the boo-boo of my older son while changing a diaper on a moving target and how to make boats out of apples so that I can get my child to eat a nutritious snack. All of that...and today, I’ve even showered. In return for my good mom behavior, I would like to order a self-cleaning bathroom. I could send you the design if it would help the elves. This bathroom would be completely covered in tile and would have a drain right in the middle. Instead of only the toilet flushing (which never happens at my house) the whole room would flush. It is imperative that the drain be made at very specific measurements of 4x6 inches. This would ensure easy disposal of the hundreds of tiny toys that have invaded my bathroom and the globs of toilet paper that have resulted from the developmental milestone I celebrated when my toddler learned how to unroll a brand new roll in one fluid motion. Also, these dimensions would guarantee that I won’t accidentally “throw the baby out with the bath water.” I realize that even Santa has a budget and will have an even tighter one once you receive my kids’ Christmas wish list but...hey, a mom can dream right? If this is too large of an order, I would settle for good health and blessings to my fellow hardworking moms who have also merited a selfcleaning bathroom. Southernly yours, Amy

mommy magic

Mommyhood Makeover for the New Year By Mary Susan Buhner

www.Mommy-Magic.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, the holidays mean a lot of work for moms. The shopping on top of already crazy schedules, the wrapping of gifts after the little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are tucked in bed, the holiday baking and keeping up with the never-ending holiday card list. All of the magic that we as moms create for the season is fun and yes, magical, but it is also exhausting. So with the holidays now behind us, I claim the New Year the perfect time to reclaim yourself and most importantly, make time for YOU! One of the best ways to start this process is to actually get out of your house and go somewhere quiet. A library, a coffee house, wherever you want that you can find some peace for a short amount of time. The first few minutes just enjoy the silence and the fact that your kids are not there to crying, screaming or bickering. Take a few deep breathes and grab a pen and paper and jot down the things outside of motherhood that YOU want to pursue this year. It could be read a certain book, join a Zumba Class, get a totally new hairstyle, volunteer or work for a specific organization, or take an art class. Whatever it is, identify it and write it down. Going up a level in a Gymboree class does NOT count neither does trying out a new grocery store in town or buying Christmas decorations for 50% off for next year. Instead, give yourself permission to explore your goals and dreams while still being a mom. If there has been something lingering in the back of your mind that you have wanted to try and do make this year the year you go for it! In the 6

long run it will make you happier and a better mom overall. Next step, when go home, share your goal that you have written down with your kids. Tell them what it is you want to do and why it is important to you (filling your husband in on it is always a good thing too). Let them ask questions and reinforce that being their mommy is super important to you, but you want and need to do a few things outside of Mommyhood too. Although you are staking claim to do something for yourself, you can still involve

your kids in the process. When I did this a few years ago, my middle daughter taped the piece of paper I had written my goal down on to our refrigerator. Every day it was there staring at me waiting for me to actually do what I had written down. My oldest daughter then started to ask me when I was going to actually start doing it. Having my own kids encouraging me was not something I planned on, but I quickly realized that they were excited for me and even proud that I was trying something new out side of being their Mom. Final step of the Mommyhood Makeover for the New Year, OWN IT!!! Nike has figured it out. Their motto, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just Do Itâ&#x20AC;? says it all. We as moms deserve it. It will make us better and stronger in the end. Motherhood is not a sprint;

it is in fact a marathon. Such a long marathon in fact, that stopping for water breaks along the way is imperative for us in finishing the race with our sanity. So with that, it is fairly simple. Identify your goal, own your new goal and thenâ&#x20AC;Ś just do it! Not only will you feel inspired and energized in the New Year, you will have claimed something of your own that makes you not only a better mom in the long run, but a more interesting and stronger person as well. Your kids will learn an important and invaluable lesson along the way too. You will be leading by example and showing them how to set a goal, own it and finally, how to pursue it. A win-win for everyone! Best of all, you will find that you probably have a cheering section along the way!

by Leslie Garisto Pfaff

Holiday Traditions Most kids crave novelty--the newest video game, the wildest CD-ROM, the latest, greatest . . . well, you know the drill. But, at the holidays, they’re transformed from thrill seekers to traditionalists. If your family has done it before, your kids will want to do it again. There’s something reassuring about pulling the top off the old ornament box or polishing the menorah your grandmother polished before you. In a world where nearly everything’s disposable, traditions remind us that some things were meant to last. Here are a few traditions that do everything from bring together faraway relatives to kindle the spirit of giving. So, this year, if you’re shopping for the perfect gift, why not try a new tradition? Unlike most presents, they’re inexpensive, need no wrapping and will last nearly forever. 9

Remember the Animals Legend has it that on Christmas Eve, all animals are granted the ability to speak until daybreak. While the following tradition doesn’t guarantee you a verbal thank-you from the neighborhood wildlife, it’s a nice way to treat your animal friends when food is scarce. You don’t need to be elaborate--putting out birdseed or peanut-butter sandwiches for the squirrels will suffice. But for a truly lovely twist, you can take a cue from the Waterman family of St. Charles, Missouri. Inspired by Eve Bunting’s book, Night Tree, the Watermans get together each year with friends and family and trek into the woods to decorate a tree for the animals. The evening begins at home, with the preparation of appropriate goodies: pinecones rolled in peanut butter and birdseed, popcorn and cranberry garlands, orange and apple slices suspended from pipe cleaners. Once the feast is complete, the assembled throng bundles up and heads out into the night. Tree-decking is followed by sharing hot chocolate, holiday cookies and Christmas carols. Read a Holiday Story Every Night What better way to invent a new tradition than to combine two old ones? In this case, we’ve melded the classic Advent calendar-- perennially popular with kids and adults--with another favorite family pastime: holiday reading. Begin by collecting a stack of holiday and winter books and picking a date to start reading (December 1 is an obvious choice). Choose a title for each night you’ll be reading, and write each title on a scrap of paper. (For longer works like A Christmas Carol, select an individual chapter.) Then stash all your scraps in a jar, and at the appointed reading hour let each family member take a turn picking the night’s literary fare (no peeking, please, to maintain that Advent calendar element of surprise). You can also take turns reading; preliterate family members get to choose a designated reader. • Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore • A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens • The New Testament • The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg • Seven Candles For Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney • Inside-Out Grandma by Joan Rothenberg • How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Create a Photo Ornament For most families, ornaments are more than dec-

orations; they’re memories in miniature. Especially the homemade creations, whose cockeyed charm so perfectly captures the creativity of your child at a particular moment in time. This year, why not take the idea a step further and let your kids put a little bit of themselves into the decorations–literally. Each child gets to choose a photo of himself or herself to incorporate into an ornament, which can be as simple as a Popsiclestick frame or as sophisticated as a decoupaged Styrofoam ball. The only requirement is that the finished product reflect the personality of its maker (and include the year in which it was made). Your kids will have fun comparing their faces over the years, and you’ll love seeing your tree transformed into a virtual family album. Celebrate the Solstice It’s no wonder that lights are part of every winter celebration. Twinkling against the backdrop of winter’s darker days, they stand out as festive and cheery, especially on the longest night of the year--the winter solstice (December 22). Marking this day with a simple celebration of light is not only a nice way to teach your kids about the seasons, but it can also be a calming break from the hectic holiday pace.   Keep your celebration down to earth–a candlelit dinner or trip into the backyard to stargaze is ideal. But to really banish the darkness, set aside an hour or so to make luminarias–decorative paper bags filled with sand and small candles. To make one, decorate a brown paper lunch bag by tracing a simple pattern in pencil on one side, then punching out your design with a hole punch. Fill each luminaria with about 2 inches of sand and sink a votive candle or tea light in the center. Place the luminarias along a walk, patio or deck, light them (a grown-up’s job) and bask in the glow. Start a Toy Workshop Here’s a tradition that will put your little elves to work and, in the process, redirect their preholiday energy toward giving as well as getting. Set aside a day during the holidays to transform your playroom into Santa’s workshop. Unlike the original at the North Pole, yours won’t be turning out new toys but recycling old ones--all those outgrown, no-longer-beloved playthings. Have each of your kids select a few old toys to rejuvenate and give to a needy child. They won’t be doing any major surgery; truly broken toys should be given a solemn farewell and tossed in

the trash. But for the rest, have on hand a damp dust rag (for spiffing up grimy plastic), a bottle of white glue (for attaching googly eyes to a puppet or severed arms to an injured nutcracker) and a hairbrush and ribbons (for dressing up old dolls). Using zip-top bags, your kids can collect small items like doll clothes and action figures and even assemble special themed packages, such as an outer space set made up of miniature aliens, toy rocket ships and glow-in-the-dark stars or a rain forest pack of plastic jungle animals.  When all the toys are groomed and ready to go, arrange to donate them to kids in need. Contact local shelters, church groups and civic organizations to find out how. Your kids will take pride in a good deed well done and you’ll marvel at all that extra storage space, at least for a few weeks. Light a Rememberance Candle Gone for most of us are the days when the entire family assembled for the holidays at Grandma’s. Today, Grandma is just as likely to live across two time zones, as are uncles, aunts and cousins. So, how do you bring loved ones together? The Console family of Malden, Missouri, inspired us with a tradition they devised: Each year on December 12 (a birthday shared by a grandmother and two cousins), family members get together in spirit by lighting a candle and wishing one another a longdistance happy holiday. To make the tradition your own, set a date for the big event and send invitations to all involved. Ask that everyone light a candle and send out wishes at an appointed hour (take time zones into account). To add resonance to the candle lighting, play some favorite holiday music and pass around mugs of hot cider. Send Off a Holiday Box When the Hampson family moved to Round Rock, Texas, several years ago, they suddenly faced a 2,000-mile gap between themselves and their cousins. Their Christmas box--the Hampsons’ clever way of bridging the distance during the holidays--became an instant tradition, one that just might bring comfort and joy to your family, as well.

can fill with things that tell a story about where they live and the lives they lead there: seashells, pressed flowers, pinecones, postcards with a local theme, edible items, trading cards, ticket stubs--anything that says “me” and “mine.” (Don’t forget drawings and photos.) The idea is to make the box a reciprocal affair--while your kids are assembling one for their cousins upstate, their cousins will be putting together a similar box for them. After the boxes have been exchanged, ask your kids which was more fun: making one or receiving one. They’ll probably be hard-pressed to choose--and isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Surprise a Public Servant It may shock your kids to learn that not everyone gets to take time off around the holidays. Firefighters, police officers and many other public servants give up their holidays to make sure that ours are safe and happy. The Kelner family of Muskegon, Michigan, decided to give back something to all these good-hearted folks, so for the past several years they’ve gathered holiday cookies and other treats to bring to the local fire station on Christmas Eve. The first year, they were surprised to find only one firefighter on duty; he was so thrilled to see them, he invited them in to share the feast. For the Kelners, that one small act of generosity turned out to be the highlight of the Christmas season. If your family would like to play Surprise Santa, start by contacting someone in local government (town hall is usually a good place to begin) to find out where to go. But make sure your visit stays a secret--the element of stealth adds a little extra zip to your act of holiday charity.

Unlike your average holiday parcel, the Christmas box is short on glitz and requires minimal assembly. It’s just a cardboard box your kids 11

Make a Global Wish List Last December, it became apparent to me that my daughter’s holiday wish list was beginning to rival the Congressional Record in length and complexity. And while I’m as eager as any parent to satisfy my child’s deepest desires, I began to feel that the act of list making had become an exercise in--I hesitate to use the word in reference to the apple of my eye, but, well--greed. So my husband and I devised a different kind of list, one that we thought truly reflected the holiday spirit: a wish list for the world. To make your own global wish list, ask each family member to contribute at least one idea that would make the world a better place. (Don’t worry if the ideas seem overly optimistic--that’s the point.) After you’ve made your list, choose one (or more) that you can actually help to implement. For example, if your kids want to save the rain forests, you might make a contribution to the Rainforest Action Network; to help end world hunger, you could volunteer at a soup kitchen. Okay, so you may not save the world, at least not all of it, but you’ll be teaching your family a lesson in giving. And I guarantee you’ll find your own misplaced holiday spirit in the process.

Cure the Post-holiday Blues If my daughter ran the world, it would be illegal to take down the Christmas tree before summer. And while I sometimes greet the end of the holidays with relief, I can’t help feeling a little sad when that last ornament is packed away. So, I was thrilled when a friend shared her family’s method for banishing the post-holiday blues. Every year, usually on January 6 (the Feast of the Epiphany and the end of the traditional 12 days of Christmas), her family has a quiet supper before taking down the tree. Beside each plate is a small package holding a single button, which has been chosen for its significance to the recipient: a flower button for a gardener, an anchor for a sailing fan and so on. Each person sews the new button on his or her stocking before packing it away until next year. My friend marvels that her kids are as excited to unwrap their buttons as they are to tear through the packages on Christmas. TIP: For unusual buttons, try thrift shops or specialty suppliers, as well as www.dressitup.com.

This article originally appeared in FAMILYFUN Magazine.

Just Ducky’s Verry Merry COLLECTION

W W W. JU ST D U C K YO R I G I N A LS. C O M 15

PREVIOUS PAGE: Girls’ white scoop neck tee with appliqué tree has ruffling on sleeve edges for a bit of flair. Sizes 2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10,12,14 $31.95 (add $15 for appliqué) Chartreuse dot skort features a gathered circle skirt over built-in shorts and tiny hot pink ricrac trim. Back waist is elastic for comfy fit. Sizes 3,4,5,6,7,8,10 $49.95 Chartreuse dot peasant blouse features ¾ length sleeves and elastic neckline. Add a curlz monogram to make it your own! Sizes 3,4,5,67,8,10,12,14 $36.95 (add $10 for monogram) Elastic-waist pull-on pants feature a funky Christmas tree print with a chartreuse dot ruffle that completes the look. Sizes 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 $39.95 White longsleeve basic tee is heavy-weight 100% cotton knit and features our holiday pickup appliqué. A best-seller for boys! Sizes 2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10 $22.95 (add $15 for appliqué) Pistachio corduroy elastic-waist pull-on pant have a full elastic waist for easy fit. Sizes 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 $34.95

ABOVE: Sweet a-line jumper is shown in festive green gingham with green corduroy contrast trim and straps. Add our best-selling scalloped appliqué with fancy monogram to make it your own! Sizes 9m,12m,18m,24m,2t,3t,4t $46.95 (add $15 for appliqué) Shown with our girls’ white lettuce-edge turtleneck. Sizes 9m,12m, 18m,2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10,12,14 $28.95 RIGHT: Hot pink cardigan with embroidered Christmas trees. This really cute cardigan adds a festive look to any wardrobe! Sizes 2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10 $57.95 Ruffled neck knit blouse is 100% cotton interlock and has a sweet ruffled collar. Sizes 12m,18m,2,3,4,5,6,6x $26.95 Funky Christmas tree skort features a gathered circle skirt over built-in shorts and tiny velvet ricrac trim. Back waist is elastic for comfy fit. Sizes 3,4,5,6,7,8,10 $49.95 16

RIGHT: REVERSIBLE! This festive girls’ jumper is fully reversible. Side one is 100% cotton red corduroy with green satin ties and tiered appliqué tree. Side two features a funky Christmas tree print. One outfit, two great holiday looks! Sizes 12m,18m,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 $63.95 (add $15 for appliqué) Shown with our girls’ white lettuce-edge turtleneck. Sizes 9m,12m,18m,2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10,12,14 $28.95

ABOVE: These very cute and comfy 100% cotton flannel lounge pants come with their own drawstring bag that’s just big enough for sleep-over gear! Available in four flannel prints for boys and girls. Sizes 2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10/12,14 $32.95 RIGHT: Adorable red corduroy contrast overall features festive green contrast trim on yoke and cuff. Personalize it with a block monogram to make it your own! Sizes 6m,9m,12m,18m,24m,2t,3t $46.95 (add $10 for monogram) Shown with our boys’ basic white turtleneck. Sizes 9m,12m,18m,2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10 $28.95 17

TOP LEFT: Adorable festive green gingham overall features green corduroy constrast trim and straps. Add a circle appliqué with diamond monogram to coordinate with our girls’ jumper! Sizes 6m,9m,12m,18m,24m,2t,3t $46.95 (add $15 for appliqué) Shown with our boys’ basic white turtleneck. Sizes 9m,12m,18m,2/3,4/5,6/6x,7/8,10 $28.95

BOTTOM LEFT: Adorable holiday stockings are the perfect keepsake! Choose a red and green stocking for boy or girl featuring exclusive Just Ducky designs. Designs include our holiday pickup applique or reindeer embroidery for boys, and Christmas tree appliqué or ornament embroidery for girls. White piping or pompoms add that special touch. Just $25 (includes design and name!) 18

Southern Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual

holiday gift guide

Bloco Construction Toy The new Blocoâ&#x201E;˘ construction toy is a one of a kind patented concept that uses high density foam designed in unique shapes with specialized plastic connectors. Pieces link together and rotate at any angle.You can build easy flat models like snakes or stack the pieces to create fantastic 3D creatures like dragons and lions. Build the illustrated designs or let your imagination run wild and create your own creatures. Sets can be combined to allow the creation of even more interesting creatures.

CitiBlocs High quality wooden construction blocks which inspire both traditional building and modern design. The secret behind Citblocs is that every piece is exactly the same shape and size. Each block is precisely cut from Grade A Radiata Pine from certified renewable forests in New Zealand. Citiblocs Building requires no glue, no snaps, no connectors and no magnets: just gravity, balance and imagination 22

E-Z Bat Kids Can Swing Away with the New E-Z Bat from Monkey Business Sports. “We’re always encouraging children to get outside and play, but some skills and sports can be downright frustrating to learn. The E-Z Bat holds the ball, and kids fling it off. The better the swing, the further the ball sails!”

The Shox Scooter Prepare to be “shocked” by the Shox Scooter®, the firstever active shock absorber scooter that allows riders to perform higher, faster, more awesome tricks!

The Shred Sled Get ‘on board’ with The Shred Sled, the next generation caster board that combines the movements of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding all into one unique experience! The Shred Sled is the first 4-wheel inline, dual-deck board that makes it smoother and easier for kids and adults to ride.

Educo - My Crea

Wow - this set is s beginning cook a chef alike! Compl utensils, and even one unit will have a delicious play m afterward. Include through door), cu cooktop, sink, and with wooden vegg ing pot and frying & pepper shakers - easy-to-follow in included www.h

Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kits Looking to have some fun with your kids and teach them the joy of cooking? The Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kits will help you tap into your kids’ eagerness to help in the kitchen. These kids cooking kits provide the nutritional know-how, kid-sized cooking tools, and fun recipes you’ll need to get your little one cooking! We can’t think of a better Chocolate Cake Moment than to have fun in the kitchen making Chocolate Mountain Lava Cakes (recipe included in kit.)

Wooden Food Groups Making it easy to plan a well balanced diet, this wooden set features items from the five food groups, plus oil. Includes watermelon, corn, milk, cheese, cereal, fish, egg and much more! Recommended Ages: 3+ years www.abccreativelearning.com 24

ative Cookery Club

sure to please the and accomplished play lete with cookware, n food, this all-ine children preparing meal and cleaning up es an oven (with seeupboard/refrigerator, d utensil rack along gies and bread, cookg pan, utensils, and salt s. Requires assembly nstructions and tools hazelnutkids.com

Olive Kids Personalized Mealtime Plate Sets are the perfect holiday gift at only $29.99. Our delicious line of coordinating plate/placemat sets feature classic and colorful designs that both kids and parents will eat right up! We have 34 fun design for girls, boy and all holidays www.olivekids.com 25

Sumo Ham Slam from Gamewright Step into the ring and get your wrestle on with four famous heavyweight hamster Sumo in Sumo Ham Slam! Using a magnetic wand, maneuver your Sumo hamster in a furry and fierce full-contact match to knock your opponent straight out of the ring. Train your hamsters by feeding them pellets between rounds to add weight and give them an edge. The first Sumo to knock his rodent opponent out of the wrestling ring 5 times wins the title of Sumo Ham Slam Grand Champ!

Dweebies from Gamewright Meet the Dweebies! These uniquely colorful characters are out to capture your heart, but you must capture them first! Round up Dweebies by matching cards on both ends of any row. Seems simple at first... but Dweebies can be tricky, and some will disappear before they’ve met their match! Collect the most cards and consider yourself the Dweebie-in-Chief!

Rory’s Story Cubes from Gamewright Rory’s Story Cubes is a pocket-sized creative story generator, providing hours of imaginative play for all ages. With Rory’s Story Cubes, anyone can become a great storyteller and there are no wrong answers. Simply roll the cubes and let the pictures spark your imagination! There are infinite ways to play with Rory’s Story Cubes. You can play solitaire or with others. 26

Forbidden Island from Gamewright Dare to discover Forbidden Island! Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-ordie mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise. Your team will have to work together and make some pulse-pounding maneuvers, as the island will sink beneath every step! Race to collect the treasures and make a triumphant escape before you are swallowed into the watery abyss! The latest creation by cooperative game master, Matt Leacock who created the best seller Pandemic.

American Art Ditto Play memory games with a new twist! Discover Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest artists as you match up pairs of art tiles. Then collect your winnings on 8 art collecting cards that show the beauty and grandeur of life in America - in the city, on the farm, in the great outdoors, and more. BirdCagePress.com

Superstructsâ&#x201E;˘ Custom Kits, an online service for customers to design and personalize their own building sets. Created entirely in-house, the Custom Kits system is the first of its kind to combine award-winning toy designs with user personalization to make the perfect gift for as little as $10.

Som only bec he r play ing stim 5-

The Wits & Wagers by all ages; featuring player writes down a ers try to score point to the right answer. N Each player writes a and then proceed to ing confident? Pick knows better? Pick t bling element of the less down time and i ages 8 and up.150 q boards, 5 dry erase p ples, 1 dry erase sco

ummyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure

mewhere in Egypt lies buried the precious treasure of the pharoahs! But y the most clever treasure hunter, with a bit of luck with the dice will come the biggest discoverer of all times. The more matching symbols rolls on the dice, the more valuable the treasure he can take. The first yer to cover his excavation site completely with treasures wins this excitgame. An adventurous dice game for 2-4 treasure hunters. This game mulates: Logical Reasoning/Tactical Thinking Recommended for ages 99. From HABA.

s Family Edition can be enjoyed g 300 kid friendly questions, each a guess to a fun question, then playts by choosing which guess is closest Not a trivia buff? It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter! guess to a silly kid friendly question o choose who has the best one. Feelyour own guess. Think someone else theirs! With the removal of the game first edition, the family edition has is more portable.For 3 - 10 players, question cards, 5 dry erase answer pens, 5 large Meeples, 5 small Meeore board and instructions.

100% organic cotton hats of all sizes for boys and girls- big and small! you choose your colors and embellishments! www.tactiledesignandpress.com

Fall in love with this Leopard Ruffled Top Santa Outfit! This little number is too cute for words and will look even CUTER on your little angel! Estimated Shipping 2-3 Weeks, so now is the time to order! Available sizes newborn-7. If you need something bigger please contact us for a quote. www.prissyinpink.com

Eco-Felt Sparrow Pouch Use this pouch to carry your pencils, carry your make up or organize all your bits and pieces. This pouch is made from eco-felt which is an eco-friendly felt that uses recycled plastic soda bottles to make the felt. www.tactiledesignandpress.com

Stella Sola brings you this adorable three tiered Christmas dress for your precious little girl. Perfect for visiting Santa, family photos or for your Christmas celebration, this little outfit is made from two different fabrics from the Robert Kaufman “Sparkle All the Way” line and Michael Miller’s Ta Dot in “Pink”. The sleeves & bottom tier are made from the vivid green & pink “Poinsettia” fabric. The middle tier and front & back bodice sections are made from Ta Dot. The upper tier is made with “Christmas Fun Tree”.

Mim-Pi Pink Ruffled Socks These socks will compliment every outfit in the Mim-Pi line plus more~ Adorned with ruffles and bows at the cuff, your girly girl will love these accessories! www.rueclerboutique.com 31

The Moo and Baa Pacifier Chain will keep that binkie within babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach! Your child will enjoy exploring the various beads on this pixie themed chain. A cow, carrot and shamrock are all available for youngsters to examine. Lovingly designed by Ines Fromelt for Haba. Pacifier can be attached at the blue, looped end while the durable clasp can be used to fasten to stroller, crib, or other wellsecured object.

This sweet monkey can be adopted at TheMonkeyShop.etsy.com. 32

The Jingle Train Clutching Toy by HABA is a wonderful clutching toy made of beech wood and maple, threaded over a sturdy, cloth-covered red band. The wooden segments of the train make wonderful teething pieces, while a bell at the bottom is sure to keep your little one occupied and working those early motor skills!

The Flower Trio Clutching Toy by HABA is made of beech wood, with parts threaded over a sturdy, clothcovered red band. Looking rather like a tiny flower pot, the three little flower buds can spin and move about engagingly, while the base is easy to grasp and perfectly sized for little hands.

Green Start: Little Panda Storybook and Plush Adopt this cuddly little panda and keep him safe at home with you! Read the book to learn all about what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to be a panda living in China. This adorable line of plush & book sets includes a huggable, snuggable, 100% earth-friendly, plush animal and an illustrated 22-page storybook. Read the book to learn all about these amazing endangered creatures. Plush made from 100% organic cotton and 100% polyester fiber filling made from recycled water bottles. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good for your child and good for the world. 33

Snowman Booties Our booties are all hand-made and packaged in a cute felt box. Our onesies are 100% cotton and feature hand-made felt appliquĂŠs. Our size range for both is newborn to infant www.bestofchums.com

stocki

Good For You GIrls: The Complete Skin Care Kit Compete Kit has

everything you need to put your best face forward. The simple, three-step process of cleansing, toning and moisturizing will effectively clean skin of impurities, balance pH, and help to protect from the elements leaving only clean, luminous, naturally beautiful skin. These three products are designed to compliment each other and work together harmoniously. www.goodforyougirls.com

Sniffle Buddies are high quality, ecofriendly, bamboo velour wristbands invented to assist allergy-prone toddlers during playtime. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also handy for special needs and sports! Mom invented & hand assembled here in the USA! Available in 3 sizes and up to 11 color options ranging from $7.99 - $9.99. Shop at www.snifflebuddies.com

Flower Power Gift Set Piggy Paint™ is specially formulated from God’s natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone. Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals and hello to Piggy Paint™…it’s as Natural as Mud! www.mybabysgreen.com

ing stuffers Jessie & LuLu Reusable Bag Envirosax® designer reusable bags are spreading the eco-friendly message with style! Chic, inexpensive and compact, Envirosax® carry the message of re-use to a world ready for a brighter ecological future. www.mybabysgreen.com

No more snaps, no more buttons, no more tears. Magnificent Baby has the perfect solution, magnets!! The fabric quality of these little gowns is impeccable, so plush and thick. Literally you fold baby in and go! The perfect baby gift! 35

Personalized Note Cards

Super cute Folded Note Cards...perfect fo you note or a quick note to someone! Card personalized any way you wish with any in you would like and in any color combinati would like...itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all up to you! Folded Note sold as a set of 10 cards and envelopes fo www.whimsicalpaper.com

gifts for Polka Dot Apron These super cute aprons are 100% Cotton with ties at the neck and back. They have one front pocket. Available in 4 colors: Black with Red trim, Teal with Hot Pink trim, Hot Pink with Chocolate Brown trim and Lime Green with Orange trim. These can be personalized with names or monograms across the chest area or on the pocket. MainlyMonogramming.com

or a thank ds can be nformation ion you Cards are or $10.00.

mom The Mamma Java Select from hundreds of graphic patterns to create your own custom mug! Each order is handcrafted using your choice of pattern, font, font color, and (optional) icon and frames! www.whimsicalpaper.com

Christmas Lights Rimmed Platter $50 This fun and festive serving platter is the perfect addition for your holiday table setting or the perfect gift for under the tree. This 16” platter is microwave, dishwasher and food safe. Choose personalization around the rim (The Welch’s shown) or any phrase in the center (Merry Christmas shown), it’s your choice for both www.etsy.com/shop/magnoliacreative 37

gifts for the

other

Planet Dog Wood Chuck® engineered with sustainable bamboo & reused cork scraps. Throws the distance. naturally. A sleek take on other ball-tossing devices, Wood Chuck® bamboo core offers strength and maximum chuck-ability with an ergonomic cork handle for comfort and grip-ability throw, after throw, after throw. Wood Chuck’s® 4-pronged claw coupled with the pliant nature of our Orbee-Tuff® products make it a cinch to grab and throw.

Holiday Dog Santa Suit Detailed with a festive belt, buttons and more. Easy on/off velcro closures for easy dressing. Soft plush material that will keep your pooch warm. Includes Santa hat with elastic strap www.petco.com

r kids Snuggie for Dogs in Blue As Seen on TV Keep your pet completely

warm in the chilly air. Warm, super-soft fleece is ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Adjustable velcro tabs ensure the perfect fit. The Snuggie blanket is machine washable for your convenience. Keeps dogs warm and paws free.

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DOG-e-walk Ultrasonic Remote Dog Trainer Versatile trainer uses ultra sonic sound only your dog can hear. Attach to your dog’s collar and leash to halt pulling. Use as a hand-held remote trainer. Ideal for every breed. The humane, harmonic way to train your dog www.petco.com

don’t forget grandpa!

These custom grandpa shirts make the perfect special Holiday gift for dad or grandpa. Make grandpa feel special while he proudly wears his kiddos names on this cool GRANDPA t-shirt! Perfect gift for the cool and hip pop. Can also be customized for grandpa, dad, papa, whatever you like for the wording and kid’s names. We can fit many names on this shirt so don’t worry if grandpa has a small or big brood! www.zoeyspersonalizedgifts.com 39

Have yourself a perfectly posh Christmas! Gift a gift from Prissy in Pink Custom, Classy Couture for babies, children and mommies.

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books & dvd’s Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday Judy Moody is making a list and checking it twice, but all her brother, Stink, wants this year is snow. It hasn’t snowed on Christmas in Virginia in more than a hundred years, however, so what are the chances that that will change? Enter the new mailman, Mr. Jack Frost, who not only looks like a jolly old elf but also seems to know a lot about weather patterns, has a fondness for the cold, and works looooooong hours during the holiday season. Plus it’s the best time of the year, when strange packages and lots of surprises are swirling around, so isn’t it possible that Stink might get his wish? Fans who curl up with this new Moody comedy can be sure that their bellies will shake like a bowlful of jelly.

Judy Moody: Girl Detective Judy Moody has been reading too many Nancy Drew novels. She is looking for a mystery to solve when Officer Kopp visits the school with his police dog. When the dog goes missing a few days later, Judy pulls together her brother and friends to form a detective club and save the day. Judy is an endearing mix of precocious and familiar with just the right amount of exaggeration.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Save the Animals Did you know that a giant panda likes to do somersaults? That a black rhinoceros can run faster than an Olympic sprinter? That a monarch butterfly flies up to eighty miles a day? All of these animals -- and many more, from tigers to elephants to polar bears, orangutans to dolphins, penguins to sea turtles -- are disappearing, threatened by deforestation, poaching, fishing nets, global warming, and more. After enjoying the bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye-catching, dramatic format, kids can follow the simple suggestions offered to help save the animals.

Angelina Ballerina: The Nutcracker Sweet Angelina Ballerina questions whether she will be able to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the holiday showcase after eating too many sweets, and comes to a realization about the value of sharing. DVD

Families of Afghanistan In Families of Afghanistan, meet Zamora, 13, who lives in the country with her parents, three sisters, two brothers and two uncles. An early riser, Zamora has chores to complete before breakfast, including tending to the cows and chickens. She shows us how the homes in her village are built around a common courtyard to help protect them and their vegetable gardens from the elements. At meals, she often helps feed her uncle, who lost his arms and eyesight to a land mine. She attends religion class, where she studies the Koran, and performs her daily prayers (five times a day). DVD 43

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PREVIOUS PAGES: Seated, left, model is wearing our popular Hope tee dress, available in sizes 6-12m to 6. $45. Seated, right, model is wearing our brand new Caroline knit dress, available in sizes 2,4, and 6. $45. Standing, model is wearing our new tee style, the Audrey, available in sizes 2-12 ($32) , and our 3 tier peasant skirt, Lily, available in sizes 3-14 ($34-38) ABOVE: Audrey tee with bias tie embellishment at neckline, available in sizes 2-12 ($32) 48

TOP: Hope tee dress, available in sizes 6-12m to 6, $45.. Audrey tee, available in sizes 2-12 ($32), 3 tier Lily skirt, available in size 3-14 ($34-38). Morgan embroidered tee, available in a variety of embroidery styles in sizes 2-12 ($32), Banded Camille skirt, available in sizes 2-12 ($32-36). Caroline knit dress, available in apple green or fuchsia in sizes 2,4 and 6 ($45) BOTTOM LEFT: Rachel ruffled tuxedo dress, available in sizes 6-12m to 10, $40-45. BOTTOM RIGHT: Gracie dress, available in sizes 6-12m to 10, $40-45.

TOP: Left model is wearing a Morgan embroidered tee, available in a variety of embroidery styles in sizes 2-12 ($32) and Banded Camille Skirt available in sizes 2-12 ($32-36) Model on right is wearing a Morgan embroidered tee ($32) and 3 tier Lily skirt, available in sizes 3-14 ($34-38) BOTTOM: Left: Audrey Tee, available in sizes 2-12 ($32) Right: Morgan embroidered Tee, available in sizes 2-12 ($32) 50

PediaCareÂŽ

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Use as directed.

Care when you need itâ&#x201E;˘ 51

Host a Holiday Cookie Swap At a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cookie swap partyâ&#x20AC;?, all the guests bring several dozen holiday cookies to share with everyone else. For example, you come with 6 dozen of your own handmade cookies, and leave with a dozen each of 6 different kinds of cookies that your friends made. This is a really fun excuse to get together with friends, and a great way to get a tasty assortment of Christmas cookies for your family. 53

How To Host a Cookie Party by Jenny / ChicaAndJo.com 1 Cookie parties work best when you know the number of people coming before the party. Either invite people you know will mostly attend and inform the invitees of the number on the invitation, or send an email before the party letting everyone know the final count of attendees.

They’ll be ineligible for prizes, but since a lot of the people invited will be working moms of young children and this is the holiday season, that may be all that some people can do. Just be sure to tell people what you expect them to bring (a dozen cookies per person, at least four cookies per person, etc.).

2 Try to send your invitations quite far in advance. If you’re doing this at the holidays, people’s schedules book really fast.

5 Encourage people to pre-pack their cookies in containers for others to take home. Otherwise, this is a very time-consuming (and messy!) task. We’d rather be chatting than working.

3 Consider a non-traditional day/time for a cookie party in your social circle – my friends have kids, so we’re usually booked during the day on the weekends. This year, we’re moving the party to Friday night to try to accommodate everyone. 4 Send the rules of your cookie party with your invitations, but don’t be a slave to someone else’s rules. Some websites would have you believe there’s only one way to host a cookie party, but you know your friends best – change the rules as you see fit. For me, it’s really all about taking a break from the craziness and gathering with my friends; cookies are just a bonus. So for my party this year, I’m even going to allow store-bought cookies.

6 Don’t forget the food – savory snacks or a meal will nicely balance the sweet cookies. 7 Don’t forget to tell everyone to bring extra cookies for the judging if you’re going to have contests. I’ve done that both years, and it’s been really fun. The first year we had prizes for “Tastiest Cookie” and “Prettiest Cookie.” Last year we added “Prettiest Packaging” as a contest. Offering cookie-themed prizes like cookie cutters, cookbooks, or aprons is a nice touch. But most importantly, just relax and have fun!

host a healthy cookie swap

Celebrations mean food—lots of it! But if you, your family, or your friends are among the ever-growing millions of people eating vegan, you might be wondering: How can I make classic holiday and party fare—without milk, cheese, eggs, or meat? This cookbook answers that question! New Year’s Eve • Valentine’s Day • Game Day • Mardi Gras • St. Patrick’s Day • Easter • Cinco de Mayo • Independence Day • Halloween • Thanksgiving • Hanukkah • Christmas • Kwanzaa • . . . Plus Birthday Sweets! Vegan Celebrations takes the guesswork out of get-togethers, so all you have to do is send out those invitations—and enjoy the vegan cooking, partying . . . and eating! See cookie recipes from Vegan Celebrations on pgs 54

how to make Cookie Swap Party

invitations

contributed by ChicaAndJo.com

1 To make your own cookie swap invites, start by downloading our customizable Microsoft Word template: www. chicaandjo.com/2009/11/30/cookie-swap-party-invitation The template has three pages. The first page says “Cookie Swap” and will be the front of your invitation. The third page shows the backs of cookies and will be used as the back of your invitation, which will make a really fun surprise when the invites are flipped over. These two pages require no customization and are ready to print as they are. 2 The second page — the one with all the party details — will need to be customized. Here’s where you can make the invite look professional with custom text and save yourself some aches from too much handwriting! Just click on the default text in the template, which will put you in edit mode. Then edit the text as desired (including font and color if you want) with your party information. (Tip: If you find that you can’t fit all your info/rules on one page, you can make two or three different “second pages” to hold all the info.) 3 Once you’ve printed the pages onto white cardstock, cut the cookie designs out with scissors. 4 Then grab some quart-sized food storage bags (one per invitation) and cut the zip-top off. 5 Now take the front of the invitation and stack it, face up, on top of the second page, which is also face up. Then stack those together on top of the third page (the back of the cookies), which is face down. Having the cookie backs showing on the back of the invitation will make it so cute from both sides! 6 Slip the stack of pieces into the bag. It’s almost totally cute. Can you tell how close we are? 7 Bunch the top of the bag up and tie it with a piece of light blue ribbon (try to match the blue on the cookies if you can). 8 Maximum cuteness reached! The invite is ready to tuck into a standard 5 3/4″ x 8 3/4″ envelope and put in the mail.

Recipes for the Swap! Recipes from Vegan Celebrations cookbook by Alicia Simpson (see page 52)

Crunchy Cornflake Cookies Makes 2 dozen cookies Making a big batch of Crunchy Cornflake Cookies is as easy to pulling together a hodge-podge of left over pantry items like cornflakes, quick-oats and pecans to create buttery, soft yet crunchy cookies. Crushing the cornflakes is half the fun! 1/2 cup nonhydrogenated margarine 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup loosely packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 cup chopped pecans Preheat the oven to 350oF. Cream the margarine, shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and applesauce together with an electric mixer. Fold in remaining ingredients in the order listed, one at a time. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Flatten with the teeth of a fork. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on desired texture. The longer you bake the cookies the crispier the texture will get. 56

Pecan Fudge Makes 2 pounds What could Santa want more than soft, velvety chocolate fudge. Don’t feel confined to using just pecans in your fudge. Experiment with chopped hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts if you’d like. 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese 1/2 cup nonhydrogenated margarine, softened 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup chopped pecans Line an 8-inch square pan with wax paper. In a food processor, blend the cream cheese and margarine until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder, processing until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and work in the nuts. Press the fudge into the pan, using a knife or metal spatula to spread it evenly. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours. Pull wax paper out of the pan. Cut the fudge into bite-size pieces. Store, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to a week.

Meet Montel - Age 15 Explore Adoption # 11931946

Montel is an extremely active young man! He loves sports, especially football and basketball, and he's been known to sink a few hoops himself. Although Montel likes to be outside, he also enjoys video games and will play as long as you let him. Montel is very much into music, particularly rap and R&B. He writes his own music and has a CD of his songs. Along with composing and performing, Montel loves to dance. Although Montel will test your limits and patience, he thrives on praise and other positive reinforcement. Montel is very close to his older brother and would like to continue contact with him after he is adopted. The ideal home for Montel would provide structure, support, appropriate guidance and lots of love. For more information on bringing Montel into your family, please call (561) 868-4343. Montel is one of the children whose picture is displayed at Heart Gallery exhibits. The Heart Gallery of Palm Beach County, a program of the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Society of Florida, partners with local photographers who donate their time and talent to tell the story of one young person through photos. This traveling exhibit of photographs offers prospective families a glimpse of children in foster care available for adoption in Palm Beach County. There are other Heart Galleries in the state that also help connect children in foster care with loving homes http://www.heartgalleryflorida.org/. Many children have been adopted by families who viewed the Heart Gallery exhibit. For more information on how you can start the adoption process, visit Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Society of Florida at www.chsfl.org. To see the children available for adoption visit the Heart Gallery of Palm Beach County at http://www.chsfl.org/Locations/South-Coastal/Heart-Gallery.

Priceless Gifts to Give Your Child

Unconditional love. Love you child unconditionally and teach your child to love others regardless of their faults. Though you may not agree with another’s actions, we are instructed to love all of God’s children and leave the correcting to Him. Irresponsible actions typically stem from a lack of feeling loved, think about it. Read to your child daily. Visit the library often, it’s FREE! Play. Explore. Be adventurous. There is no rule that says because you are a parent or caregiver that you aren’t allowed to have fun. Chase a ball in the backyard, build a sandcastle on the beach, go to the park and swing, set up a treasure hunt, opportunities are endless. Take of the cover up and dive in the pool with you child for a change!

Space. Children need their own space as grown ups do. If your children share a room, set up a comfy chair or even a corner stacked with pillows to give each child a place of refuge. Nutritional knowledge. Childhood obesity is out of control in our country, obese children suffer not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Visit a dietitian to learn more about your child’s nutritional needs. Take care of yourself. As parents and caregivers, we often feel it is selfish to do something for ourselves, however after doing such we often feel rejuvenated and energized, your child will benefit from your renewed sense of vitality.

Teach your child to give. Tis the season for getting gifts, seek out a volunteer opportunity to do with your child and allow them to experience the gift of giving.

sweet southern smiles

Little Southern beauty, Isabella Rose of Louisiana, celebrates the big number 1!

Texas gal, Iliana, sporting her Toy Story ensemble from Silly Ili’s Tutus and More, and her lil dog, Kugo.

Hunter spends a day at the park in Irmo, South Carolina. 59

Learning More Than Just the Lyrics What do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and that partridge sitting in the pear tree really have to do with Christmas? For close to thirty years I have belted out the tune and today I finally learned the true meaning of The12 Days of Christmas. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote the catchy little carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It had the surface meaning as well as the hidden meaning known only to their church members. Each element in the carol contained a code word easy for the children to remember.

A partridge in the pear tree, Jesus.

Two turtle doves, the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens, faith, hope and love.

Four calling birds, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Five (go ahead sing it loud) golden rings, the Torah or the Law, the first five books of the Old and New Testament.

Six geese a-laying, six days of creation.

Seven swans a swimming, the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. (read this one again.)

Eight maids a-milking, the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing, the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

Ten lords a-leaping, the ten commandments.

Eleven pipers piping, eleven faithful disciples.

Twelve drummers drumming, the twelve points of the Apostlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Creed.

hoof & paw

The Top Ten

Celebrity Holida for P

Forecasted by Pet Lifestyle Author and Expert, Sandy Robins

Celebrity pets are almost as primped and pampered as their famous parents, so you can only begin to imagine what kind of holiday gifts celebs will bestow on their furry, four-legged friends. As the holidays inch closer, pet-lifestyle expert and author of “Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat,” Sandy Robins, has announced her picks for the Top Ten Celebrity Pet Presents for the season bringing new meaning to the phrase, “You lucky dog!”

ay Presents Pets 1 The Bush’s: Mr. Jinx using the toilet in Meet the Parents may not be just Hollywood magic. Enter the Litter Kwitter, a cat toilet training system that will eradicate the use of litter and a litter box altogether, allowing your cat to help decrease it’s carbon “pawprint.” Don’t be surprised if former President George W. Bush gifts his cat Willie with the Litter Kwitter so he can use the royal throne. Robins says, “Cats are really smart. With “purr”severance and the help of this DVD you can train fluffy to flush.” 2 Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon: These two have been spotted in Aspen with their pup during the holidays, but how can hound stay hot like his momma in the freezing temperatures? The Pet ZZZ Pad is a safe heating pad for animals. “This is a wonderfully functional gift for your cat or dog,” says Robins. “All pets love to snuggle, and a heating pad will not only give them a warm snooze zone, but will help eradicate painful arthritis and joint issues that are further exacerbated by cold weather.” 3 Simon Cowell: Not all celebs flock to a Fido or feline. Believe it or not, Simon Cowell is a huge hamster fan and had 18 while growing up. He even trained them to do tricks. Robins says, “Avoid the traditional and celebrate the holidays by adding a furry or scaly friend to the mix.” PETCO carries “My First Home Hamster Kits” and “My First Home Reptile Kits” that donate a percentage of proceeds to the Tree of Hope Fundraiser benefitting local animal welfare groups. Robins cautions, “both hamsters and

reptiles require a commitment, so make sure your family is ready for a pet before buying one.” 4 Lindsay Lohan: Based on her recent behavior, it seems Lindsay might be in greater need of a short leash than her maltese, but the Patento Dog-e Walk is an incredible training device for dogs that shouldn’t go overlooked. It automatically pulls on the leash when the dog tries to lead. Robins says, “This is the first time it has hit the U.S. shelves and can only be found at PETCO, so I’d grab one before it sells out.” 5 Adam Sandler: If your pooch is a big eater like Matzo ball, Adam Sandler’s brawny bulldog, Robins suggests the Thanksgiving Kit & Holiday Sampler from Merrick. “People food is for people, but this kit will give your dog his own turkey dinner packed with wholesome ingredients that won’t ruin his diet so your dog can be a true part of the family dinner.” 6 Ron Burgundy: Celebrity news anchor, Ron Burgundy, loves wearing matching PJs with his dog Baxter and why not? Robins suggests having a little fun and getting your doggie his or her own set. “Many dogs with short coats really feel the cold. Fashion meets function with these pet pajamas that are ideal for home wear and smart enough for a casual outing to the store.” 7 Rosie O’Donnell: Talk show hosts like Rosie often battle it out for air time with their cohosts. At least now she doesn’t have to share 63

the airspace with her pooch. Barkoff, an ultrasonic bark deterrent, trains your dog to not bark without reason. “This no-pain training aid is perfect for noisy dogs and has no wires or cords so you can take it with you anywhere, meaning your dog is always welcome,” says Robins. 8 Matt Lauer: Even though he swore he would never wear a Snuggie, Matt Lauer sported one on The Today Show... will his dog be next? Robins states, “I love my Snuggie and now they are making a pup-sized version. This is the perfect gift for you and your pet to curl up together and spend some quality time on the couch.” 9 Drew Barrymore: This starlet recently exclaimed on The Letterman Show that her mixed breed rescue dog is “the best cuddler in the world.” She’s sure to miss her cuddle buddy when she travels to film a movie, so Robins suggests buying a Pillow Pet for those lonely nights. “They are an ideal accessory for car travel for both kids and pets and useful at your destination too,” says Robins. The pet-themed animals unbutton to create a pillow for the perfect cuddle. 10 Betty White: During interviews Betty White has called her cats “brilliant conversationalists” and gushes about what great companions they are, so it’s easy to picture her feline friends all decked out for the holidays in this adorable Elf Costume complete with elf boots. “Cats as a rule don’t like to dress up but perhaps your cat will oblige and wear one of these fun costumes just long enough for you to take a happy holidays photograph to amuse your friends. Remember to give it a treat after the photo session!”

About Sandy Robins As one of the country’s leading multi-media pet lifestyle experts and author, Sandy Robins, documents the wonderful relationship that we have with our pets highlighting trends and innovative ideas as they happen. Sandy documents this industry every step of the way. Her award-winning work is very visible on many of the country’s leading pet platforms such as MSNBC.com. She is also the lead lifestyle writer on MSN’s dog-centric website DogCentral.MSN.com and a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national publications such as Dog Fancy, Mod64

ern Dog and Cat Fancy. Sandy is an avid campaigner for no-kill animal shelters and law that protect animals everywhere. About PETCO PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $60 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

Shelby’s Grace

by Joe Dwyer

Shelby’s Grace is the story of an abused, battered and abandoned pit bull, agonizing in a shelter near death, until rescued by a caring family man and animal rights advocate. In dire need of immediate surgery she endured months of painful post-op therapy to heal the consequences of an almost certain devastating mistreatment, that practically destroyed her hind legs. Shelby’s amazing nature unravels as the tide turns when she offers healing, comfort and solidarity to her adoptive “Dad” during a potentially tragic episode during which his anxiety and depression took on an overpowering spin. Shelby continued her journey as a trained and certified therapy dog, committed to serving men, women and children dealing with physical and emotional challenges. Though a victim of breed stereotyping and profiling and ostracized from an organization as a result of false labeling which identified her as violent, unpredictable and thus unsuited to serve, she did not falter in her mission. Instead with her unwavering loyalty and passion to help she demonstrated that ignorance is the nucleus of unfair judgment. Sadly in Shelby’s case many needy individuals were deprived of her love and compassion—solace and solidarity. But prejudice often penalizes not only the object of bias

but the many innocent ‘bystanders.’ Shelby’s incredible love for and dedication to Jeff Rizzuto, great nephew of Yankee Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Rizzutto, testified to her very special healing personality. Faithful and compassionate, Shelby accompanied Jeff through his terrifying cancer diagnosis, treatment and final days. Upon his passing, she brought succor and consolation to his mourning widow and two sons in tender age, assuming the role of bereavement dog. Warming the hearts of all who encounter her, the sweet Pit Bull pup teaches unconditional love, and the ability to extract inner strength, using it as weapon to defeat personal adversities. Most notable is Shelby’s display of forgiveness towards humans for neglecting, allegedly exploiting and making of her an object of cruel maltreatment. However, gallantly and graciously accepting her fate, she is valorous, turning her tribulations into valuable life lessons. In so doing she becomes a model of spiritual growth and courage a special therapy dog with the ability to say thank you for salvation by giving back. How?—through her phenomenal fervor and dedication to save others

A Great Christmas Gift For You Buy Job Security For Less Than A New Car “We pamper them. We take them wherever we go. We spoil them with gifts and treats. They even get presents for holidays, birthdays and special occasions. They are our pets!” (APPA Pet Product Trend Report 2009). 71.4 Million Americans have a pet – that’s 62% of American households. 38.2 million Americans own cats and 45 million Americans own dogs. Financial analysts at a meeting of industry experts held in 2008 discussed how the pet industry may be resilient to the economic downturn. And it appears they were correct. Not only are more households pet owners but owners are spending increasingly more on their furry critters. In 2009, 45 billion dollars will be spent across the US Pet Industry, a 2 Billion dollar increase from 2008. The expenditure in pet products and services is no longer restricted to the necessities such as food and veterinary visits. Owners are now investing in high-end pet products, state of the art services and designer clothing. The trends in pet ownership in America coupled with the increase in what pet owners are willing to spend makes it the right time to join the exploding pet industry. Join The DogSmith, the only pet Industry franchise in the United States that offers five businesses under one business model. There are multiple streams of income from each of these five and a premium range of retail supplies such as dog toys, training products and apparel.

About Us-The DogSmith Founded in 1998 by Niki Tudge, a leading proponent of positive animal training techniques, The DogSmith was always an organization destined to lead the pack. Long recognized as an expert in America and the U.K., Niki was one of the first to recognize the disconnect between the needs of today’s pet-loving American families and the confusing, sometimes overwhelming and often misguided options provided by many unregulated dog training and pet care companies. Niki watched as, time and time again, dog lovers struggled to live comfortably with their pets. Niki has used her unique combination of “people” teaching expertise and dog training skills to create a proprietary system of education known as ARRF©.

DogSmith Revenue Generation Areas DogSmith Dog Training – Private Lessons – Group Lessons – Retail Sales of toys, training aids and apparel DogSmith Dog Walking – Private Walks – Dog Park Romps DogSmith Pet Sitting – Home Alone Visits - Lunch and Dinner Breaks – Canine Slumber Parties

DogSmith Pet Nutrition Partnership – Dog and Cat Food – Treats – Supplements DogSmith Pet Waste Cleanup – Residential Accounts – Commercial Accounts – Retail Sales and service of Pet Waste Stations and Supplies Why refer your clients to your competition?

Steps to Becoming a DogSmith 1 Initial Phone Call: The president and founder of The DogSmith will explain The DogSmith training and business philosophy with you and answer any of your questions. 2 DogSmith Franchise Profile and Application: Our profile and application form is designed to help us get to know you and will provide us with information on your background, experience and skills. This information indicates whether you will potentially qualify for a DogSmith franchise. This form also gives us the opportunity to understand your goals and concerns. 3 Second Phone Interview; A second discussion will take place with the Franchise Development Manager to review your Franchise Application form and your eligibility to join The DogSmith. 4 Franchise Disclosure: We will review the Franchise Documents with you. The Franchise Disclosure addresses the legal and technical aspects of owning a DogSmith business. We will also provide you with information about The DogSmith Franchise Services head office and your relationship as an independent business owner. 5 Due Diligence: By talking to current DogSmith Franchise Owners you will gain valuable firsthand perspective on our business. You will be welcome to speak with as many DogSmiths as you like. 6 Territory Selection: Using demographic data, we will work with you to determine the exact boundaries of your exclusive DogSmith territory. 7 Systems: You will learn more about the tools and techniques The DogSmith uses to operate their business from marketing to finances. Our Franchise Development Manager will explain the training program and the comprehensive pre-work required prior to training. 8 Discovery: You are welcome to visit the DogSmith Training Center and learn more about our training program, philosophy and observe DogSmith Dog Training methods. Decision and Acceptance: After the steps above, you will know if The DogSmith is the right business for your future, and we will know if you are DogSmith material. Together, we can make a decision about the business FREE consultation and No obligation – 1-888-Dog-Smith Call us Today! www.dogsmithfranchise.com 69

Our Boutique will help you pamper your pet with dog carriers/dog slings, dog Halloween costumes, NFL dogs, Bowser Pet Beds, luxury pet beds, pet tutus. Our dog greeting cards and gifts are great for all dog lovers.

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Edible Art Dallas, Texas, native, Farrah Heathcote, has always loved baking and art. When her first daughter, Paris turned 1, she wanted a really great cake for her first birthday, but everything she found just wasn’t what she had in mind. “I decided to make her one myself,” she said. “ At that point I realized that, WOW, I can do this!”

She is thankful for her supportive husband, Josh, and we are thankful she was willing to share her cakes with us! If you in the Dallas area, look her up on Facebook!

She started practicing and researching techniques. “I had another child, my youngest daughter Ava, so that was even more birthday cake practice for me!” After five years of trial and error, Farrah is confident that edible art is her calling. Right now she makes cakes for family, friends, friends or friends, and, well, anyone else who asks! Her dream is to own a family bakery for her girls to run when they get older. “They both LOVE that I make cakes. They already have a real interest in learning about how I do things.” 71

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‘Tis the season to celebrate, and Charlotte, NC is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays with your family. North Carolina’s biggest city has decked the halls with plenty of Christmas cheer, hosting light shows, live nativities, concerts, and more.

The sounds of the season come to the Queen City with one of Charlotte’s long-standing holiday traditions, the Singing Christmas Tree. In its 56th season, the performance includes seasonal favorites and some rockin’ arrangements sung by Carolina Voices’ MainStage Choir, with the singers arranged into a living Christmas tree set. Special kids’ performances include sing-a-longs and puppetry. For another iconic Christmas activity, lace up your skates and head to The Green in Center City for a spin on the WBT Holiday on Ice skating rink. Bring your own skates or rent a pair while the rink is open, November 24 to early January. Lights and decorations are another core component of a good holiday experience. Get your fill at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Caro75

lina Christmas, a spectacular 2.5-mile drivethrough twinkle light park and village located on the track and infield of the legendary superspeedway. Or take in the more than 600,000 lights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, where Holiday Lights at the Garden celebrates the season with old fashioned trains, visits from Santa Claus, carriage rides, and holiday carols in addition to the light display. Billy Graham Library’s Christmas at the Library offers your child a glimpse into the awe of the first Christmas night with a live nativity complete with animals and carriage rides, story time for kids, and exclusive holiday ornaments. Iconic Christmas tunes bring the holidays to life in Charlotte. Don’t miss Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, taking the stage at Oven’s Auditorium with some of the greatest songs ever written. NC Dance Theatre brings the beloved Christmas classic, Nutcracker, to life at the Belk Theater. Or treat your ears to classic Christmas

melodies at Charlotte Symphony’s POPS: Magic of Christmas concert, where conductor AlbertGeorge Schram returns to lead the Symphony, Oratorio Singers, and an array of spectacular guests in this festive celebration of the holiday. Charlotte is also the perfect place to peruse some of the most coveted shopping destinations the region has to offer. Head to SouthPark Mall, Concord Mills or any of the countless specialty boutiques around town to cross those names off your list. There is too much to see in one day, so take advantage of great promotions at Charlotte hotels, with discounted rates and special holiday packages, and make a weekend of it. If your Christmas list includes some quality fun with the family, make sure a trip to Charlotte is on the agenda. For more holiday fun, check the calendar of events at charlottesgotalot.com, and plan to celebrate the season in Queen City style.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer AT CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS!

Christmas is in the air at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta! Preparations for its new upcoming holiday show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, have been in the works since earlier this year. Adapted and directed by the Center’s Artistic Director, Jon Ludwig, the production is based on the beloved 1964 stop-motion animated special, and provides the audience with the opportunity to experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and his misfit friends in a whole new way: live on stage! Opening on November 18, Ludwig’s adaptation for the puppet stage faithfully embraces the original and will include all of the beloved characters such as Hermey, the elf who is an aspiring dentist, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster. The Center is honored to work with Character Arts LLC to debut the first licensed stage production of this holiday classic. “The story of Rudolph has endured because it talks of self-acceptance, which everyone is looking for,” says Ludwig on the universal appeal of this story. “It’s a classic tale of self-discovery and a true growing-up story. Rudolph and Hermey are misfits among misfits, but in the end, their non-conformities are what make them so valuable. I know that just as I was touched so deeply by the original production back in 1964, we can reach many, young and old, through the magic of this great story told within the imaginative medium of live puppet theater.” The Center’s production team is heading up the monumental task of recreating one of the world’s most treasured holiday classics. The Puppet Building Shop has become a veritable “Santa’s Workshop, as the team works to design and build the approximately 60 puppets that will appear on stage. Adapting such memorable characters to the puppet stage is not some-

thing the team takes lightly; Rudolph is already being recognized as the most measured”show the Center has ever produced, as meticulous attention is paid to details such as replicating appropriate scale in the production. In order to be as true to the original as possible, Resident Puppet Designer/Builder Jason von Hinezmeyer has watched the original 1964 movie more than 200 times, much of it frame by frame. As Rudolph production flies along, the excitement at the Center continues to build as the timeless tale comes to life. Dedicated management of Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer™and The Island of Misfit Toys has always been at the core of Character Arts operations,””said Jonathan Flom, the principal of Character Arts LLC who manages the rights of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brand. “We can think of no better stewards than the Center for Puppetry Arts and are thrilled to have them help us bring this beloved story to a whole new audience. We are extremely excited by the Center’s production and can’t wait to see this story come to life.” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will run November 18 - January 2, 2011. Create-A-Puppet Workshop is included in the ticket cost is admission to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop, where visitors can experience the thrill of puppetry by creating their own Flying Rudolph Rod Puppet or pick up a Create-APuppet To-Go Kit to continue the fun at home! Tickets for patrons two and older are $16.00 ($14.82 + tax) and include admission to the performance, Create-A-Puppet Workshop (or Create-A-Puppet To-Go Kit), and all museum exhibits.

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zoos, aquariums & museums Seaworld’s New Year Twilight Celebration SeaWorld San Antonio turns into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Several special holiday shows help create the magical atmosphere of “SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.” Guests can bring in the New Year with SeaWorld’s “New Year’s Eve Twilight Party,” including a spectacular fireworks extravaganza that begins at 9 p.m. at Ski Lake. Guests interested in reserved seating for the fireworks show can attend the park’s “New Year’s Eve Twilight Party VIP Picnic” at Penguin Plaza. This includes an exclusive all-you-care-to-eat buffet and reserved seats lakeside as SeaWorld lights up the sky with a fabulous fireworks display. Package cost is $44.99 plus tax for adults and $39.99 plus tax for children ages 3-9. Guests also receive a complimentary SeaWorld blanket with the purchase of an adult VIP ticket. Park admission is required, but not included. Adults and children of all ages require a reservation, which can be done online at www.seaworld.com or by calling (800) 700-7786. SeaWorld’s Sea Star Theater features The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience, where guests take part in the thrilling Christmas adventure through a multi-sensory experience. Shamu takes the stage in “Shamu’s Christmas—Miracles.” This returning holiday favorite reminds guests that celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with peace, hope and even miracles. Featured in their holiday themed show, “Clyde and Seamore’s Christmas Countdown” is sure to warm your hearts and cause even the biggest Grinch to laugh! Returning to the Nautilus Amphitheater will be our Sesame Street friends in “A Sesame Street Christmas.” Guests can join Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and friends as they help teach Abby Cadabby the meaning of Christmas. The moment guests arrive at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, they will be immersed in the holiday spirit. Carols fill the air and a sea of Christmas lights sparkle around the park. In the wintery, watery wonderland, guests can explore the wonders of The Polar Express 4-D Experience, share a smile with a sea lion, and enjoy a breath-taking fireworks display to bring in the New Year. From elves to Elmo, and from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made. Guests are invited to start the year off right with SeaWorld San Antonio, as the park is open through January 2, 2011!

LISTINGS Central Florida Zoo Sanford, Florida December 4 Members’ Only Wild Night December 11 Breakfast or Brunch with Santa December 11 2nd Annual Green Holiday Game Swap Tennessee Aquarium Chattanooga, Tennessee November 19 – January 2 Tropical Holiday Adventure November 19 – January 2 Holiday Films at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater December 27 Family Critter Cruise – “Tails” on the River December 31 New Year’s Eve Sleep in the Deep Creative Discovery Museum Chattanooga, Tennessee November 20 - January 17 Winter Wonders Exhibit December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18 Gingerbread Workshop Children’s Museum of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee December 1 Around the World Through January 2 Tales from the Land of Gulla

Thankfulfor our many Blessings

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Make your own Christmas Cards with removable ornament contributed by ChicaAndJo.com

I decided to try to go “green” and create cards with minimal waste and maximum re-usability. ornament christmas card. These may be small efforts, but everything counts when working towards an eco-friendly Christmas! I minimized waste by making the cards small and postcard-style (there is no fold). I maximized re-usability by making the main feature of the card be a removable ornament to be hung on the tree.

Print and cut the ornaments The first thing to do is make the ornaments that will serve as the focal point of your card. I noodled around on my computer and sketched a design that I really liked. I used a classic teardrop ornament shape and colored it with fun swirled lines of red, green, and white. I’ve made this part easy for you by creating templates you can print out. Just print these pages on your color printer onto white card stock and cut them out. Go to this link to download the template from my original red/green/white version as well as a few other color themes that I had fun with: http://www.chicaandjo.com/2008/11/25/ make-christmas-cards-with-a-removableornament/ Once you’ve got the ornaments printed and cut out (a job that’s MUCH easier if you’ve got some handy-dandy Cutter Bee scissors), go ahead

and use a hole punch to put a small hole at the top of the ornament. Emboss the ornaments What we have now is pretty, but if do some embossing, we’ll add a glossy effect which really makes the ornament pop. To do this, use a clear embossing ink pad to coat the entire front of the ornament, then sprinkle on some clear embossing powder. Gently shake off the excess and move the ornament to a clean surface, then heat the powder with an embossing heat tool. (I don’t care how many times I do this, it’s still so fascinating to watch!)

Once cooled, you’ll have a really nice glossy finish on your ornament. If you add more coats of embossing, the gloss will be smoother and shinier. The photo on the right shows it after two coats. You could continue with a third if you like, but I found two coats to be just right for me. Add ribbon If this is going to be an ornament, it will need something to hang by! Get some very thin satin ribbon that matches your ornament and feed it through the hole in the top. Make a loop, tie a knot, and trim off the excess. Then take some wider satin ribbon (about 1/2” inch) and tie it into a bow. We’ll be adding this to the top of the ornament a little bit later. Make the card

Now we need a card to put our ornament on. The easiest way to do this is to start with some 8.5” x 11” green card stock and cut it in half, then in half again, leaving you with four pieces that are 4.25” x 5.5” in size. For an extra touch, use a Creative Memories corner rounder (I love this thing!) to round out the corners. Then take a green ink pad icon and lightly rub it along the edges, creating an aged effect. Add the ornament to the card You need to make two tiny slits in the card so that your ornament can fit inside. For the bottom slit, measure about a half inch up from the bottom of the card and find the center. Then use a craft knife to make a slit that’s just wide enough for the bottom tip of the ornament to slip into (about 1/4 inch). Go ahead and tuck the bottom of the ornament into this slit.

Now look at where the top sits. Using the knife again, cut a tiny slit about 1/8” down from the top end of the ornament. Tuck the top end into the slit. If the ornament doesn’t lay flat, you may need to make your slits a little wider. Now you’re ready to add the ribbon bow onto the ornament. The easiest way to do this is to get a little glue dot (ZOTS is my favorite brand) and stick it to the bow, then stick that onto the ornament. Make sure the bow only sticks to the ornament, and not the card. You should be able to easily remove the ornament and it’s ready to put right on the tree, which is hopefully what your friends will do when they receive your card! Sign the card

Don’t forget to sign the card! There’s plenty of room on the back of the card to write a message and sign it. You can also write something on the back of the ornament. Jo suggested that I write my husband’s and my name on the back of the ornament, along with the year, so people can remember who it came from. What a great idea!

Decorate the envelopes A card this pretty deserves to be in a nice envelope, too. Now even though I’m writing about the envelopes last, make sure you buy your envelopes first, before you make your cards. You need to make sure they’ll fit before you spend all that time on the cards! Fortunately, it’s really easy to find regular, white invitation envelopes that are perfectly sized for a quarter-sheet of card stock. For this simple and effective design, start by laying the envelope open (face up) onto a piece of scrap paper. Then take another piece of paper and cover the envelope part, leaving only the flap exposed (gum side down). Take a large “background” rubber stamp in a Christmas or holiday theme and ink it with a coordinating color, then stamp over the entire flap. Remove your mask layer and you have a really fun result! 84

Recycle Your Christmas Cards contributed by ChicaAndJo.com

Most of these projects are perfect for the kids to do during the time between Christmas and the start of school. My daughter helped me design her new Christmas place mat and older kids could easily complete any of the other projects. Remember: These ideas can be used for any type of greeting card, not just Christmas! Make note pads out of them either in a matchstick way by following this tutorial or by using our padding compound. Use the designs and sayings on the cards as gift tags for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presents by either using the entire front of the card or using a tag-shaped punch to punch out part of the design. Donate them to your local church or pre-school. The teachers can let the kids cut them out to make collages or ornaments. Make place mats for the kid table by arranging some on construction paper and then laminating them. This is also a good way to use any drawings that your child might have done this Christmas season. For a personal touch, use your Cricut machine or letter stickers to put each kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name on his or her place mat. I received a beautiful card from our friends in the Netherlands a few years ago. I loved the classic styling of the Santa on the front so much that I had if professionally framed. Now, I enjoy it every year when I bring it out to decorate my wall for the holidays. Make bookmarks to give along with a book next year. Simply cut out a long and narrow rectangle from the front of your card, round off the corners, punch a hole in the top, and tie a ribbon through it. My grandmother uses the backs of the front of the card to write her Christmas cookie or candy recipes on to share. When she sends a plate of goodies, she always includes the recipe. Follow my tutorial on creating a simple scrapbook out of your cards to remember this Christmas. http://www.chicaandjo.com/2008/12/04/christmas-cards-into-a-scrapbook/ Speaking of scrapbooking, Christmas cards are a great way to embellish your pages. Use the pictures and sayings to decorate a page. Or, you can even put the card, intact with pictures of the sender on the same page. Use them as decorative placecards on your table or buffet. Create small gift boxes. Follow this tutorial to make small gift boxes with sayings inside. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Gift-Box-out-of-a-Greeting-Card

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Ethan, age 12 South Dakota Ethan is an exceptionally gifted athlete! He rarely misses a basket, and outshines his teammates in all sports - from basketball, football and baseball to wrestling, golf and track! Some of his favorite teams are the NY Mets, LA Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, and NY Giants. This big-hearted preteen has a soft spot for animals and those who are less fortunate than he. To relax he likes to watch scary movies, as well as movies that make fun of scary movies! All of Ethan's great qualities add up to his dream for the future which is to become a Marine. An intelligent fifth grader, Ethan especially excels at math. He has compassion for "the underdog" and often sticks up for smaller children who need help. He benefits from counseling, which may need to continue after placement. Ethan is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, and has an older sister with whom he would like to remain in contact. Ethan's caseworker prefers a single-male or two-parent family; however, all family types will be considered. Caring parents who will support and guide him to find success on and off the sports field are needed. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. For South Dakota children, only homestudied families from all states are encouraged to inquire. For more information about Ethan or other waiting children like him, please contact The Adoption Exchange at 800-451-5246 or visit www.adoptex.org.

food

Our Favorite Holiday Dishes Favorite Plum Pie Ingredients

Butter for dotting pie

2 (15 ounce) cans Oregon Whole Purple Plums

1 box Pillsbury Pie Crusts

in Heavy Syrup

1 egg white

1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1/3 cup flour

1. Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees. Set out a 9 inch Pyrex pie plate.

Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon almond extract

contributed by TheCookingPhotographer.com

2. Strain the juice from the plums into a large saucepan. Cut the plums in half, then half again pitting as you go. Set plums aside. 89

3. Mix together the sugar, flour and salt in a bowl. Do not skip this step or you’ll have flour lumps. Pour the mixtures into the saucepan with the plum juice. Cook the mixture over medium heat stirring often and first, and constantly as the mixture heats. Cook and stir scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoons until the mixture is very thick and gooey. 4. Turn off the heat from under the sauce pan. Add the almond extract and sliced plums and stir to combine. Set aside. 5. Gently Roll out the pie crusts between sheets of wax paper. Stretch the dough an inch or more if you can for the bottom layer. Place the dough into the pie dish and brush lightly with egg

white. 6. Next, pour the hot filling into the pie dish arranging the plums around if needed. *Don’t overfill the pie. Leave out a little of the juice if it gets too full.* Dot with butter and top with the top crust. Flute and cut vents into the dough. 7. Place a pie shield over the crust and bake pie for 30 minutes. Then remove the pie shield and bake for about 10 more minutes, or until golden brown and done on the bottom. 8. Remove from the oven and cool on a cooling rack for several hours or overnight.

“Sit Back and Relax” Black Bean Spinach Enchiladas Ingredients

10 to 12 small flour or corn tortillas 10 oz package chopped spinach, thawed (I do this in the microwave) 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles and spices, drained 3/4 cup scallions, chopped 19 oz can green chile enchilada sauce 8 oz sour cream 3 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese Garlic powder and onion powder Salt and pepper Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and get out a 9x13 inch Pyrex baking dish. 2. In a colander, squeeze out as much water from the spinach as you can by pressing the spinach with the back of a spoon. Place the spinach in a large bowl. Add the rinsed beans, 90

drained tomatoes, most of the scallions, and dash of garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 3. Mix together the sour cream and green chile enchilada sauce. Spread about 1/3 of the sauce mixture into the 9x13 inch dish. 4. On a plate, place a tortilla and top with some of the spinach mixture and a small amount of pepper jack cheese. Roll into cigar shape and place into the baking dish seam side down. Repeat until the dish is full. 5. Spread the rest of the sauce on top of the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheese and scallions. Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Wait a few minutes and serve.

Refried Bean Vegetarian Chili Ingredients 1 medium sized onion 1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans 1 (15 ounce) can black beans 2 (15 ounce) cans chili beans in chili sauce 1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian refried beans 1 (7 ounce) can fire roasted mild diced green chilies 1 (16 ounce) jar chunky salsa, mild 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos 1 cup beer, amber or darker 1/3 cup brewed coffee

1 teaspoon onion powder Olive oil for brushing slow cooker

Instructions 1. Brush a large slow cooker crock with olive oil. Dice the onion and place it in the crock. 2. Place the kidney beans and black beans in a strainer over the sink. Rinse the beans in cold water until foam is gone. Do not strain the chili beans. Add all the beans to the crock. 3. Add the rest of the ingredients, placing the refried beans on top and stir together. Cook on low for 5 to 7 hours stirring every couple hours so the refried beans do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

2 Tablespoons olive oil

4. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar or diced tamed jalapenos and salt and pepper to taste.

1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder

5. Serve with desired toppings.

2 teaspoons ground cumin 91

Szechuan Green Beans and Hope Ingredients

Instructions

1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen green beans

1. If using fresh beans wash the beans, drain thoroughly, and trim the tops and bottoms.

1 1/2 Tablespoons chopped garlic 2 teaspoons chopped ginger 1/2 bunch scallions, chopped 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or chili sauce 3 Tablespoons soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt Fresh ground pepper, to taste 3 Tablespoons peanut oil

2. Heat 2 Tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add the beans and stir-fry until they start to shrivel and turn brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the beans and drain in a colander or on paper towels. 3. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in the wok on high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and scallions. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the chili paste and stirfry for a few more seconds until aromatic. Add the beans and the remaining ingredients. Mix together and serve.

Natalie Fenwick

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contributed by www.danaelaineellis.blogspot.com I am proud to say that I stayed pretty close to my $150 budget.. Mainly, because I have awesome friends and family that were willing to contribute to our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happily Ever Afterâ&#x20AC;? night.. But still, there was some resourcefulness on my part, if I do say so myself... I ordered the satin chair covers, organza chair bows and the organza table scarf from Table Cloth Factory. The chair covers were $3.49 , the bows were $.69 and the scarf was $2.49... Score! The table scarf was simply laid over a white sheet. The hot pink cloth napkins were actually dish towels from the Dollar Tree.

Emma and I had an unforgettable time making the Cake Pops. Go to, http://danaelaineellis.blogspot.com/2010/06/cakepops-we-did-it.html for directions on making those from a previous post. We displayed the cake pops in a piece of Styrofoam that we encircled with a Burger King Crown painted pink and finished with silver glitter paint and rhinestone brads.. The castle didn’t really factor into this budget because I had it from a “Happily Ever After Girls Retreat” that I organized during our time in youth ministry. But, I wanted to include it because it’s unusual origins. It is a castle for a giant fish tank. Found at a pet store. I spray painted it white with pink tips and finished off with silver glitter paint. The biggest how to questions have been about my tulle canopy so I have given it it’s own instructional post found HERE:http://danaelaineellis.blogspot.com/2010/06/howto-princess-tulle-chandelier.html Building the canopy was a delicate learning process but I think that I narrowed it down to a science that could keep the next mother that tries it from breaking her neck.

The floating candles were also left over from the girls retreat but can be found at any craft store and were essential in my eyes for our blowing out candle festivities since cake pops don’t have candles. I sat them up on a cake server to give them some height. Party dresses monogrammed by Aunt Jan– Tutorial for Princess skirt found HERE: http://danaelaineellis.blogspot. com/2010/06/how-to-make-princessparty-skirt.html The girls were also supplied with a luxurious satin bag filled with princess accessories supplied, largely, by Nana.. And by luxurious satin bag, I mean, a wine bag from the Dollar Tree. More photos and details available at www.danaelaineellis.blogspot.com

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Birthday Blessings

Birthday Blessings was founded in 2005 by Amy and John Cervantes, a couple who wanted to share a love of volunteerism with their young children. Because birthdays were so special to the Cervantes family and because they had a heart for serving the needy, they decided that celebrating the lives of homeless children would become their family service project.

and John is the vice-chair of the board of directors. Their volunteer staff of more than twenty helps operate three core programs: Shelter Parties, Student Birthdays, and Blessing Baskets. The organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2,400 square-foot facility (of largely donated space) serves as the nonprofitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters for office administration, donation storage, and volunteer work space.

What began as one monthly birthday party at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Charlotte, North Carolina, has grown into a thriving nonprofit that serves thousands of homeless children and families across multiple counties in the greater Charlotte region. Amy leads the organization as volunteer executive director,

In summer 2009, Birthday Blessings established a national expansion model. Today, there are pilot affiliate chapters organizing in northeast Indiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and southwest Ohio. The Birthday Blessings National Affiliate Network has already received more than 300 affiliate chapter requests for cities and communities all across the country. In February 2010 Birthday Blessings proudly announced its first major milestone of more than 1,000 birthdays celebrated for local homeless children and their families. 99

The three programs operated by Birthday Blessings provide positive emotional experiences for needy children and their families by lifting spirits, promoting self-worth, broadening horizons, and supporting basic needs. Shelter Parties - Birthday celebrations are held monthly at shelters and housing/program facilities serving homeless children and their families. All residents are invited to the parties, and those with birthdays in that month are celebrated as the guests of honor. Student Birthdays – This anonymous program serves homeless youth living in transient situations such as motels and campgrounds. Homeless elementary students receive birthday snack bags and treats to celebrate at school with classmates. Homeless middle school students receive Party-In-A-Bag kits with supplies, snacks, beverages, and a small cake to share with family members. Blessing Baskets – These beautifully wrapped laundry baskets are filled with baby-care essentials, clothing, and gifts to celebrate the arrival of homeless babies, while supplementing their basic needs. Birthday Blessings co-founders John and Amy Cervantes live in Mint Hill, North Carolina. John is 38, and is Sr. VP, Investments, Triune Capital Advisors triunecapital. com He actively serves in leadership roles at his church, and for the Charlotte-based nonprofit LifeSpan Services. John also serves as President of the Charlotte Alumni Chapter for The Lawrenceville School, and coaches for his sons’ sports teams. Amy Cervantes is 37, and is an at-home mom of three. In addition to her volunteer role as executive director for Birthday Blessings, she serves as an Elder at her church while also serving in teaching and leadership roles with the children’s ministry. John and Amy have three sons: Alex, 8 years; Eli, 5 years; Adam, 3 years.

Birthday Blessings is a 501c(3) non-profit organization bringing birthday joy and support to homeless children and their families. We operate on the belief that every child’s life deserves to be celebrated, regardless of circumstance. BirthdayBlessings.org

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FACTS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS The National Center on Family Homelessness reports: • Families make up more than 40% of the country’s homeless population. • 29% of homeless adults in families are working. • 42% of homeless children are under the age of six. • Homeless children have three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems compared to nonhomeless children. • North Carolina rates 44 (1=best; 50=worst) in Overall Rank for Child Homelessness. The Family Housing Fund reports: • 92% of homeless mothers have experienced severe physical and/or sexual abuse. • 35% of women coming into homeless shelters are pregnant. • The difficult surroundings [of homeless shelters] often affect the mother’s feelings of adequacy and can interfere with critical maternal-child bonding.

PARTY PROGRAMS WISH LIST New items only Unwrapped birthday gifts for boys and girls of all ages (1-18) Large gift bags & jumbo gift sacks Individually wrapped, snack-size bags of cookies Juice/Capri Sun pouches Packages of small, snack-size plates Grocery store gift cards Current greatest needs: Hand-held electronic games Sports ball caps Tween/Teen favor bags, boys & girls Jewelry & beauty sets for girls, ages 10+ Gift cards: Wal-Mart, Target, Dollar Tree

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Operation: Save the Dolls!

Before I had children I dreamed of being a mother that would encourage ingenuity in my children by not getting freaked out over things like this. My six year old wrote the names of her dolls on their foreheads so that she could remember their names while she was playing school with them. She probably would have gotten off pretty easy as it was really an honest mistake in which she stated that she thought it would wash off easily. She would have gotten off easy.... But, the shrug of her shoulders when I told her that ink from an ink pen didn’t wash off of dolls landed her owing me the amount of work around the house that it would take to earn the money that these dolls are worth.. My windows have never been so clean! When I called my mother exasperated at my

daughter’s response to ruining over a hundred dollars of dolls. This is how that conversation went.. Me: Mom! I’m so frustrated with Emma.. She wrote on nine of her dolls with an ink pen! NINE dolls.. She said she was playing school with them and wanted to remember their names. I asked her if she had ever heard of NAME TAGS.. And when I told her that ink doesn’t wash off of dolls she just shrugged her shoulders.. DOES SHE THINK MONEY GROWS ON TREES? She now owes me seventeen hours of work so she will know how much work it took for the people that bought her those dolls to earn the money to do so.. And that really isn’t even giving her the real picture because I went with current value, not replacement value.. “How can a kid so smart do things so dumb”? Mom: (laughs) I remember a smart kid that did

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some really dumb things around my house... Me: I know, I’m so sorry you had to put up with Denise (my sister) all those years (laugh). Mom: But, it all makes sense now. That’s what Chloe was doing.. Me: What? No, not Chloe, Emma did this...You know, the six year old that should be past writing on things other than paper! Mom: No, I wasn’t going to tell you this because I didn’t want you to be upset but when the girls visited on your anniversary, Chloe drew all over the face of my doll from when I was a kid... Me: WHAT!!! YOU MEAN THE DOLL THAT’S OVER 50 YEARS OLD? THE DOLL THAT YOU PROTECTED FROM US WHEN WE WERE KIDS? Mom: Well, it’s really my fault, I never should have let them play with it. It’s okay.. Really, it’s not a big deal... Me: You’ve saved a doll for over 50 years and it’s not a big deal that my kids ruined it? It’s a big deal to me! I bring you the antique that my mom has cherished for over 50 years. The ONLY doll my mom had as a child. The one that her parents really couldn’t afford and probably sold a kidney for.. I think I remember a story about someone walking three miles in the snow up hill both ways to get this doll! And so began... OPERATION SAVE THE DOLLS!!! Have you ever tried to remove ink from a doll? It is a task that I previously thought impossible... CLOROX BLEACH PEN– NOPE MAGIC ERASER- NADA RUBBING ALCOHOL– NO DICE FINGER NAIL POLISH REMOVER– UH-UH TURPENTINE – NOT A THING GRAFFITY REMOVER – NO MA’AM

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But do not be disheartened my friend, I’ve discovered a miracle!! How did this miracle occur? I have given a many a dolly hairdo but I never anticipated treating a doll with acne cream. But, lo-and-behold, it worked! So, the nitty gritty on how to use this: 1 Pull back the doll’s hair and remove any clothing that is near to avoid bleaching it.. 2 Liberally apply 10% benzoyl peroxide acne treatment cream to any areas with ink. Be careful to avoid eyebrows.. We now have a Barbie without eyebrows... So much for Barbie being perfect. After removing one doll’s eyebrows, I began to use a q-tip to make sure I avoided any areas that I didn’t want to be bleached. 3 Lay the doll in the sun...Emma’s dolls took two applications to completely remove the ink. My mom’s took four since Chloe had skillfully and repeatedly scribbled in one spot and it had sat on the doll longer. Just keep reapplying until the ink is completely gone. And, just as it did when I was a teenager, Clearasil saved the day and my mother’s childhood memories! Read more of Dana’s tricks and tips at DanaElaineEllis.blogspot.com.

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going green

Cloth Diapers? Really? My name is Veronica and I am a cloth-diapering addict. This may sound like a joke, but it is the truth. Cloth diapering has turned into somewhat of an obsession for me. When people come to my house, I proudly march them into the nursery to show off my collection of cloth diapers or as I call it, my “diaper stash”. I am fairly new to the world of cloth diapering, it all started about 18 months ago during my second pregnancy. Like many expecting moms, I joined an online forum for expecting moms. This group of several hundred “Expecting in January” mommies became a great source of knowledge and friendship for me both during and after my pregnancy. It was on this forum that I stumbled across the idea of cloth diapering. This was an idea that had never even crossed my mind. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know that people still did that! I think the title of the particular thread that I stumbled across was “Cloth Diapering Mommas, what is your favorite brand?”. I was intrigued.. brands??? Cloth diapers came in different brands? When I thought of cloth diapers, I pictured the old fashioned white piece of fabric folded and secured with a diaper pin. So, I clicked on that thread and started reading and a whole new world opened before me. It turns out that cloth diapering is making a comeback and modern cloth diapers are nothing like the diapers your grandma used! There’s not a pin to be found in most cloth diapering households. These days, most cloth diapers are secured with Velcro or snaps and long gone are the plastic, un-breathable diaper covers. And forget about soaking the diapers in a pail and washing by hand…that is so last century! I spent about 4 months researching the ins and outs, the hows and 106

whys and came to the conclusion that this was something I wanted to do for my new baby. There are four main reasons that I decided that cloth diapering was for me. The first reason is that I felt it was healthier for my baby to wear cloth diapers as opposed to disposables. I was shocked to learn that many of the chemicals used in the disposable diaper manufacturing process are either untested for safety and/ or deemed to be unsafe for human use. With all the modern “advances” in disposable diapering, there have been no long term studies to determine the safety of many of the chemicals used in the diapers. You can read more about this at www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts , but here are a couple of key points. • Disposable diapers contain trace amounts of dioxin, a toxic by-product of the bleaching process. It is carcinogenic chemical that is classified by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer linked chemicals. It is

banned in most countries. • Disposable diapers contain Tributyl-tin. This is a toxin known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals. • Disposable diapers are not eco-friendly. • The “cute” factor played a small role. Reason number two was a simple matter of economics and convenience. The cost savings of using cloth diapers was easy to figure. The cost of using disposable diapers for one child, for two years, is approximately $1,600-$2,000. The cost of using cloth diapers for that same period will range from $300 for the most basic set-up (pre-folds and covers) to about $1,000 (top of the line All-In-Ones). And never again will I have to worry about running out of diapers and making a midnight run to the store for a pack of Pampers. Reason number three was for the “Green” aspect. No one really knows how long a disposable diaper will remain in a landfill, but it is estimated to be between 250-500 years. Common sense dictates that using cloth diapers is going to be better for the environment than using disposables. Now, I do not classify myself as a radical tree hugger but I am a person who will try to “go green” if it is easy enough and cost effective to do so. In the case of cloth diapering, it was both just as easy (if not easier) as disposables and much, much cheaper. A winwin for the green team.

Types of Cloth Diapers There are a variety of different types of cloth diapers. I have tried every type and most brands of each type as well. Every cloth diapering momma has her personal preference when it comes to type and brand, but this is a basic guide to the types of cloth diapers. Pre-Folds- A rectangular piece of cloth that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They often have 2-4 layers of material on each side and 6-8 layers in the middle. These must be used in conjunction with a waterproof cover. This is the least expensive method of cloth diapering but in my opinion, also requires the most work. Prices for Pre-Folds start as low as $1 per diaper and go up depending on size and type. Fitted Diapers- These are fabric diapers are already shaped like a diaper and fasten with either Velcro or snaps. These must also be used in conjunction with a waterproof cover. Fitted diapers prices range from $9-$15. Popular brands include: Kissaluvs, Thirsties, Tiny Tush, and Happy Heinys. Diaper Covers – These waterproof covers are used over pre-folds or fitted diapers. They come in a variety of colors, styles and shapes. They are available in different sizes or One-Sized (which grow with your baby, use them from

And, now my final reason. It’s not nearly as compelling as the previous three, but, it was important to me. Cloth diapers are just so darned cute. I’ve never once looked at a disposable diaper and though “oh, how adorable!”, but that very thought crosses my mind every time I see my daughter decked

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birth to potty). These can be used multiple times between washings. Diaper covers range in price from $6-$18. Popular brands include: Thirsties, Bumkins, Swaddlebees, and Tiny Tush. All-In-Ones (AIOs) – These are by far the most convenient (in my opinion) method of cloth diapering. The diaper and cover are one unit. The entire diaper is washed after each use. These are as easy as disposables…take the dirty one off and put a clean one on. These come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes and are also available as One-Size Diapers (birth to potty). AIO’s have a wide range in prices, with most being between $15-$35. Popular brands include: Bumgenius, Thirsties, Tweedlebugs, and FuzziBunz. Hybrid Diapers – This is a relatively new concept in cloth diapering. Hybrid diapers combine cloth and disposable diapers into one. Most of them offer a cloth shell with a plastic liner. A disposable insert is fitted into that liner. The insert is either thrown away or flushed after it is used and a fresh liner is inserted into the shell. While more expensive than most types of cloth diapering, it may be a great option for parents

who aren’t quite ready to go 100% cloth and for use while on the go. Two of the most popular brands are g-Diapers and Flip diapers. It was during my journey into the cloth diapering world that I discovered the lack of resources available for local moms wanting to cloth diaper their babies. I was never able to see or feel any diapers before I purchased them online nor was I able to talk with a real person and ask for guidance. Everything for me was trial and error, which was the driving force behind my plan to open a local baby store specializing in cloth diapers. In early 2010, I launched Baby Booty Cloth Diaper Co. (www.babybootydiapers.com). I have stocked the store with all of my tried and true cloth diapering favorites as well as a variety of other items for mom and baby. New products are being added all the time and I am constantly on the look-out for new and better products. Business has been steadily increasing and while most of my business is conducted online, I have started servicing many local moms as well. I offer free Cloth 101 classes as well as in person consultations by appointment. Feel free to contact me with any questions that you have regarding cloth diapering!

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Is your family buried in kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stuff?

too expensive? too much clutter?

TradingCradles.com 110

Earn Easy Money for the Holidays by Trading Cradles Has kid’s stuff taken over your life? Are you doing yoga poses to navigate through your closet of outgrown strollers, car seats and high chairs? Does the toy chest have a foundation of toys that your kids are “too old” for? Is it finally time to trade that crib for a “big boy” bed? The holidays are coming fast. And, that means more stuff! How are you ever going to make room? You could give it all away. But, some of this stuff is expensive. Actually, together is worth much more than $2,000 dollars. If only, there was a place to trade this stuff for cash so you could prepare for the holiday season… Guess what? There is… A new website called TradingCradles.com is the perfect solution. Started by parents, the site is a classified marketplace that is designed specifically for parents. Maybe this is why the company’s focus is to the point – to help parents save time and money. You can post a product to sell in less than 30 seconds! And, it’s free to use. Here’s how you sell something: Go to www.tradingcradles.com, click on the city closest to you, and then click on “post a free ad”. It’s pretty easy from here. Just upload one photo and type a quick description of what you want to sell (you are limited to 250 characters) and enter your email address and hit submit. 30 seconds and your off to the races. No logins, credit cards, registrations or hassles… Are you looking for a hot deal? It’s just as easy. Go to www.tradingcradles.com, click on the city that you want to shop in, click on “start shopping”. Product postings look more like Facebook posts or tweets than they do Ebay or Craigslist ads. And, there’s a reason for that. Product posts are designed to be shared across your group of friends. Just find an item you like and contact the seller or hit the Facebook logo to share it with your friends. Make a deal and meet up at a safe public place for an offline handover! Don’t forget to sign up for deal alerts and follow them at Facebook.com/TradingCradles to get notifications on things like their “Deal of the Day” and special offers that are only available on TradingCradles.com. Seems like a good deal to us. From here on out, we are “trading cradles”, are you?

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moms speak out

Bullying in Kindergarten by Vickie White As kindergarten approached we were excited about sending our first child off to school. We had everything ready to go and had made the trip to meet the teacher and see her classroom. Everything was as it should be and the schoolyear started off with a bang! At the first (and only) parent teacher conference we were told that our daughter was ahead of the class and was doing very well in every subject and that she was making friends.As the school year went on we started to hear things here and there. First our neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son told us that there were kids pushing our daughter on the playground. Well kids will be kids we thought and tried to talk to her about what to do when that happens. When I asked the teacher about it she told me that she had her lunch during recess and that it was another teacher that was outside with the kids. So we did nothing and bandage the scraps and iced the bruises and went on.

Our child would come home and say that the kids were calling her names and would purposely step on her to make her cry then start teasing her. Again we talked to the teacher about it and the response was that she was a sensitive child and that they had not seen anything happen. A little upset but not sure who to believe at this point, was our daughter making things up or was there really something going on that we were not being told about. The year went on this way, cuts here, bruises there, a bite mark or two and days where she would come home in tears. Each time the nurse would call us it was always that she tripped on the stairs (again our neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s child said that she was pushed) or that the child that hit her in the eye was rambunctious and that they have a hard time getting him to sit still, it was just an accident. I agree that accidents happen but how often to one child.

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ten class and if the other teacher was out then they would combine the classrooms to make a total of almost 40 six year olds to one adult and no discipline. Makes me wonder how my child was able to learn anything.

With some research, abate too late, we find that the school can only discipline “with love”. They can tell the child in the wrong that they are disappointed in their behavior or that they need to apologize to whomever they have hurt but can do no more then that. The child can not be taken out of any of the school activities for any type of time out i.e. no removal from recess for any length of time and no sitting out of classroom activities. There were 19 kids in this kindergar-

As a parent I am disappointed in myself for not taking my child more seriously throughout the year. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that in Kindergarten I would have to face the worries of having my child bullied by classmates. It saddens me that this is what my child experienced in her first year of school. I only ask that more parents be aware of what is going on at their child’s school. It can certainly happen at any school and to any child, apparently of any age.

The end of the year came around and Kindergarten graduation came upon us. At this point we had spent the whole year telling our daughter that she needed to stand up for herself or we would just not say anything because the school was telling us that nothing more then a clumsy child was having some accidents. As I am standing in the classroom for the graduation party I have the teacher’s aide come up and ask me who my child was, she then proceeds to tell me that she is a sensitive child and that the kids would tease her when she would cry over things. Towards the end of this event another parent comes up and says that she noticed that Emmy was getting teased by the boys in the class when she had volunteered. So then we start to think and wonder how much of what our child said was really going on here.

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I am certainly not saying that our daughter is perfect and there were times when she would get disciplined at home if we found out something at school was her fault. We choose not to send our child back to this school and have started her in a Charter School for her first grade year. She has already had 2 bites this year, but both children were disciplined in a fashion appropriate for their age. So far our child is excited about going to school everyday and had said nothing about being called names or having any of the events from last year repeated.

Bullies Out

by Linda James

Bullying is a worldwide concern that occurs around us everyday and everywhere. Many people experience bullying in some form at some point throughout their lives, whether they are the bullied, the bully or the bystander. Bullying and bullying behaviours are recognised as one of the more contributing factors in cases of non or diminished attendance at school. The stresses placed on the targets of bullying have far reaching effects on the emotional health and wellbeing, educational successes and subsequent life chances. Identifying bullying behaviour is not easy. When we think of bullying, the easily identifiable physical and verbal harassment comes to mind, including teasing, taunting, threatening, and hitting. Indirect bullying (cyber, rumours, gossip, ignoring) is more covert and difficult for adults to observe and identify. Children who bully through indirect means socially isolate their victims by intentionally excluding them or spreading rumours about them. Bullying then refers to physical or psychological intimidation that occurs repeatedly, is intended to inflict injury or discomfort on the bullied, and creates an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse. Bullying behaviour is like a drip, drip effect; it can start with a snide comment or a nasty remark disguised as a joke and escalate into a torment that makes the target powerless to defend themselves. Bullying is an intent to harm; a repeated negative behaviour which occurs over time and is directed at a specific individual(s) and carried out by one or several people. Bullying behaviour causes embarrassment, pain, and/or discomfort to another person. It is an abuse of power that can either be planned or unintentional. In bullying, there is a clear

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>> continued

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imbalance of power. It is important to be able to identify bullying from other forms of misbehaviour. Many people can easily label an isolated incident as bullying which in fact could otherwise be described as relational conflict. Conflict is described as an argument or disagreement, sometimes accidental, between two parties of equal power. Conflict is not always dysfunctional for the relationship within which it occurs; often, conflict is necessary to maintain such a relationship. An incident of conflict can be constructive and can strengthen a relationship whilst restoring equality. Conflict is usually remorseful and can be solved by finding mutually acceptable solutions. Bullying is not a normal part of growing up. Those who are bullied suffer psychological and sometimes physical scars that can last a lifetime. Sufferers report greater fear and anxiety, feel less accepted, suffer from more health problems, and score lower on measures of academic achievement and self-esteem than students who are not bullied. The bullied often turn their anger inward, which may lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide. However, it is not just the bullied that are hurt by bullying. Bullies fail to learn how to cope, manage their emotions, and communicate effectively - skills that are vital to success in the adult world. Without intervention, bullies suffer stunted emotional growth and fail to develop empathy. Since bullies are accustomed to achieving their immediate goals by intimidating others, they don’t learn how to have genuine relationships with other people. Instead, they blame others for their problems, never taking responsibility, nor learning how to care for another’s needs. Bullies who do not learn other ways of getting what they want can develop into adult bullies who are more likely to experience criminal troubles, be abusive toward their spouses, and have more aggressive children, perhaps continuing the cycle of bullying into the next generation. Witnessing bullying can be traumatic and studies have shown that 85% of bullying incidents take place with bystanders present. However, many do not ask for help to stop the bullying. Reasons for not seeking assistance are varied and include a fear of being bullied themselves, fear of being labelled a ‘grass’ and feeling it was none of their business. Most bystanders feel very uncomfortable but very few know what to do to stop it. Bullying has long been clouded by a fog of silence, and a ‘culture of telling’ needs to be created. It is important that children, young people, parents and staff work together to develop a whole-school/community approach that ensures bullying incidents are dealt with effectively and appropriately. If you are concerned about bullying, BulliesOut Online Mentors are available daily. Chat to them online or post a message in one of our forums. www.bulliesout.com

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4 Ways to Have a Successful Playdate Do thoughts of playdates make you cringe? Would you rather be the voice of Polly Pocket or Buzz Lightyear for 42 consecutive hours than deal with bickering and tattling between playmates? If you are experiencing playdate burnout, here are some simple suggestions for making play fun again:

1 Set Realistic Expectations for the Kids Prior to a planned playdate, park trip, or pool visit, talk to the kids about rules for their behavior. “No arguing” may not be a realistic expectation, but providing them with a few quick tips on what to do when a disagreement occurs can keep emotions in check while building valuable life skills in getting along and conflict resolution. If your child has a particular problem area, such as whining or tattling, make a game plan ahead of time for how they can avoid the undesired behavior. For example, if your child tends to tattle, try prepping him with “When you feel upset about what a friend is doing, I want you to walk away from the situation and count slowly to 20. If you still feel like tattling after that, count to 20 once more. The only reason to tattle is if you

see that someone’s behavior is dangerous.” It is more effective to specify for kids what you do want to see in their behavior than to harp on what you will not tolerate. 2 Be OK with Bickering In other words, set realistic expectations for yourself! At some point during a playdate, kids are going to argue. Between heat, hunger, tiredness, and nature’s way of never having quite enough rainbow-colored bubble blowers to go around, disagreements are bound to occur. Despite what your rising blood pressure tells you, bickering among kids is not necessarily a bad thing. Children gain invaluable experience in negotiation, compromise, and sensitivity when they experience conflict and successfully work through it. The life lesson for Moms: endure it. Bear it. As long as no one is getting

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hurt, minor disagreements are an important part of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social and emotional development. 3 Decrease Competition Competition is great in a free market economy and on the World Cup stage, but when it comes to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendships and playtime, intense competition most often leads to jealousy, gloating, blaming, worry, tears, and all of the things that make your head spin when it comes to planning a playdate. Play is the work of childhood and is inherently a learning experience, but it is also meant to be enjoyable. Children will benefit most when play is structured to emphasize constructive goals such as learning new rules, getting good exercise, spending time with friends, and just plain having fun. 4 Encourage Cooperation Rather than teaching kids that there has to be a winner and a loser in all things, emphasize cooperation and compromise as preferred methods of interaction and solving disagreements. Give praise for flexibility and attend to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to negotiate, share, and find win-win solutions.

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Cooperative activities and games teach children important life-lessons and skills about working together towards a common goal. They prioritize planning and coordination over one-upping and defeat and give kids the opportunity to experience successes as a group, which bonds them in their ongoing play activities. Who ever knew that it could be so much work to have fun? Though gathering together is a part of human nature, getting along is a learned process. By giving your child experiences playing with others, they learn invaluable lifelong skills for conflict resolution, negotiation, compromise and cooperation.

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Nicole

Age 16

To learn more about Nicole or other waiting children like her, please contact The Adoption Exchange 800-451-5246 www.adoptex.org

Nicole is one active teenager! With an array of creative interests, she bounds through her days writing poetry, playing the violin, singing, and enjoying arts and crafts. Dancing is one activity she hopes to add to this list someday! Happy and outgoing, she almost always boasts a big smile. This young woman enjoys taking long walks or engaging in other activities that help her relax, such as watching movies and attending church. Her nurturing spirit is evident by the many pets she has rescued in the past, and she hopes to someday have pets of her own. Experimenting with makeup and trendy fashions demonstrate her pride in her appearance. Although content staying in and enjoying a home cooked meal, she always looks forward to going out for her favorite pizza. A ninth grader, Nicole does well with structure. Making new friends is very important to her, and this teen flourishes when she is praised. She benefits from counseling, which will need to continue after placement. Nicole is searching for a loving and attentive family who can appreciate her resiliency, sensitivity and heart. She may want to maintain contact with her biological sister. Her caseworker prefers a two-parent family; however, all family types will be considered. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. For New Mexico children, both homestudied and non-homestudied New Mexico families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.

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Raising Olivia

It’s Christmas day and I’ve got a few minutes when everyone at our house is busy. I have a soon-to-be twelve year-old stepdaughter and I’m enjoying raising her and having the opportunity to influence her in so many positive ways. I’ve been Olivia’s step dad since she was 8 years old. My own children are grown and all in their twenties, leading productive lives. I’m getting to do it all over again and I love it.The Christmas gift that seems to have been the biggest hit was the knee-high sneakers we got her. You know, those black canvas things with the white rubber soles. She’s got them all laced up and has had them on since we opened gifts this morning (they looked the best with her pajamas and bathrobe). It’s been wonderful this morning, watching her be a little girl once again, a nice break from the regular hormonal rages and her regular disdain for wanting to be with her mother and I. 122

It seems like just yesterday, she was 9 and collecting Webkins. No more. One day back then, she approached us and asked if she could have some legos. We gladly complied with her request because it was something that wasn’t electronic or had a video screen attached to it, and required her to use her creative self. But it didn’t take long before I would notice her building a castle with legos one minute and then trying on dresses in front of her mirror a few minutes later. She’ll be twelve in just a few weeks and the legos are long gone. Instead, her room has been repainted to a lime-green and purple color scheme and she now dons clothing that could have been worn by a character in one of Tim Burton’s movies (Beetle Juice, Edward Scissor Hands, or Nightmare Before Christmas). My favorite (not) is her ”truck driver” look; jeans, moonwalker boots, a guitar hero t-shirt, a vest,

sunglasses, and one of the cheap, mesh baseball caps that you usually see the work TEAMSTERS airbrushed on it. Her mother and I continue to bite our tongue as she develops her identity and we continue to give our business to the local thrift clothing stores.

to do that just as a refresher. I don’t expect to get much response except quiet acknowledgements from the boys and rolling eyes from Olivia. Someone once said that raising teenagers is like trying to nail jello to a tree. The secret is your patience when it slips to the ground.

Her two older brothers will be here soon (18 and 22), arriving from their father’s apartment for an overnight visit. Soon after that, my wife and I will begin to hear the groans of victory and defeat coming from the rec room downstairs as the three of them practice their eye-hand coordination with Mario on the Wii. My wife and I will also notice a familiar transformation; Olivia’s voice will change slightly, she will talk to us differently, and her mannerisms will morph as she emulates her brothers. It’s her way of bonding and connecting with them. We have learned to ignore it and not take this temporary change personal. It’s been a while since I went over the “house rules” with all three of them to help the boys transition to our home, so I’ll make a note

Bill Corbett is the author of the book Love, Limits, & Lessons® and the founder and president of Cooperative Kids, a national network of parent educators. He provides parent education courses to parents and professionals, and certifies instructors around the country. Bill is a professional speaker and writer whose syndicated column on discipline appears in parenting publications in many states across the country, and he was the creator and host of the talk radio show “Parent Talk” on the Clear Channel network. He has 3 grown children, 2 grandchildren, and lives with his wife Elizabeth and Stepdaughter Olivia near Hartford, CT. See him at http://www.CooperativeKids.com

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moment by moment Smoothing Out My Feathers by Monica Hawkins I have a confession to make. My feathers get ruffled very easily. It seems I spend a great deal of time smoothing them out. They get ruffled when everything on my list of to do’s doesn’t get done. They get ruffled when circumstances go one way in my mind and then another way in reality. They get ruffled when the rest of the world can’t understand how wonderful my ideas are. My feathers get very ruffled when someone messes with my children or my husband. Sometimes I think it would be better to walk around as a naked bird than one whose feathers continually stay ruffled. I have been trying for over a week now to smooth out my feathers. Something happened last Sunday afternoon that ruffled me like I had never be ruffled before. I will spare you the details, but let’s just say when you are helping someone who has asked for help and you become the victim it is easy to have your feathers ruffled. I’ll be honest...I’m having trouble getting over it. It seems that just about the time I think I have calmed down something else happens to ruffle my feathers and this bird is squawking again. I have been reminded daily of the verse in Proverbs 19:11 “A man’s wisdom gives him patience, it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” I am so thankful for this verse. I am thankful that wisdom is found in His word. I am thankful that patience is a fruit of the spirit and I am thankful that through the power of the Holy Spirit we have the ability to forgive and let go of wrongs done to us. (Even when we don’t want to.) That has been my problem this week. I don’t want to get over it. I don’t want to walk around with ruffles feathers, but somehow I feel like getting over it would let the offender off the hook. I have even thought this week that by “overlooking” this offense I would be offering forgiveness when what was really needed was justice. This person was wrong. The words they chose were wrong. Their attitude was wrong, but guess what? I am then reminded that God does not punish me according to what I deserve. He sent a substitution to pay the price for me and for the one who ruffled my feathers. How dare I sit in judgement when He came to give His life in forgiveness? He has called us to do the same. So as I sit here today smoothing out my feathers I pray that God would continue to teach me how to be quick to forgive and slow to become angry. I pray that you would do the same.

Monica Hawkins is available for speaking engagements, MonicaHawkins.com. 124

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