U&me Magazine Issue 1

A Family Bond

Magazine Adding a Little Spice to Your Holidays Family Vacations in a

WINTER WONDERLAND Amazing Amusements for Traveling with Tots and Teens Hidden Danger

PVC in Toys

GIFTING GUIDE

Fall / Winter FASHION TRENDS

Those little

MOMENTS are the ones that count

WWW.UANDMEMAG.COM NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE 1

The power of “THANK YOU” Teaching Kids to be Grateful The True Meaning of the

HOLIDAYS PLUS * Hottest Toys

of the Season

CONTENTS

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

18

32

36

Features 14

The Power of “Thank You”

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Two Very Different Families Share a Love for Meaningful Holidays

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Enhancing Your Child's Life by Adopting a Pet

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Amazing Amusements When Traveling with Tots and Teens

Teaching kids to be grateful.

A pet can fill a home with love and fun… as well as provide valuable life lessons for the children.

Are we there yet?

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The Rise of Social Networking

Rising numbers of social sites and applications increase worries among parents

Seasonal 22

Sweet Treats

24

Gifting

28

Hottest Toys of the Season

Making Cake Pops

Rocking with Style, Organic Heaven, Wooden Wonders

The top 15 toys for the holidays

Photography: Francisco Aguila Hair & Make up: Alexandra Mazorra Model: Runways The Talent Group

Cover Story

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Those Little Moments

Bonding with your child is not about the big events, but those very special times together…

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

40 Family Getaways 40

Vacations in a Winter Wonderland

66

43

Green Corner 68

Spend your holidays in the true spirit of winter in one of these family friendly snowy white paradises…

Dreaming of a Green Christmas or Hanukkah Green gifting Ideas

Parents 66

Top Five Ways to Add Spice to Your Holidays

If your idea of a little holiday romance this year is hoping to catch your partner under the mistletoe, it’s time to add a little spice to your holiday plans.

Well-Being 58

Hidden Dangers

60

Treating Acne When Breastfeeding

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PVC in Toys

Know which acne medications, herbal ingredients and topical products are safe and which must be avoided.

You Are what You Eat, so is Your Unborn Baby Things you should know about nutrition during pregnancy

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Healthy Twist to Your Holiday Recipes

Guilt free meals that would leave you savoring every last bite.

Resources 70

Books are My Pals Multimedia Calendar of Events Photography: Francisco Aguila, Anja Mousawel Art Direction: Mauricio Mendoza Styling: Gladys Valladares Hair & Make up: Alexandra Mazorra Models: Cathy Company www.cathycompany.com

Fashion 48

Season trends

50

Winter Classics

� Vintage Fashion Layers � Uptown Girl Keep your kids feeling warm and looking cool throughout the winter season.

Two Very Different Families

Share a Love for Meaningful

Holidays

By Margaret Kessler Schorr

A

t first glance, Cynthia Brasington, Hannah Rabinowitz and Fran Moore don’t seem to have much in common.

Brasington was raised by devout Baptists, mostly in the Deep South; Rabinowitz grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home in Pennsylvania, and Moore was raised in South Florida by her very traditional Catholic Italian mother. Brasington is a Reverend whose father and husband both chose military careers; Rabinowitz holds a Master’s degree in nursing and is married to a consumer goods sales rep; Moore is a graphic designer whose late husband worked in construction. The women are more than a generation apart. And yet all three have found ways to instill in their families a genuine appreciation and love for the holidays, despite the fact that gift giving has always been –and will most certainly continue to be– a major aspect of the winter holidays.

All of the women take pride in the fact that they’ve succeeded in keeping the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day stress-free by focusing on the simple joy of spending time with family.

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“As a kid, the presents were important,” said Rev. Brasington. “But the real focus of the holiday was always on the worship service.”

Over the years, the meaning of the holidays hasn’t changed much for Brasington, but the logistics certainly have.

As a mother to two grown children and a stepmom to two more, Brasington and her husband, Captain Steve Brasington MD, USN, have found that the biggest challenge around the holidays usually involves getting the entire family together to celebrate.

“Now that all of our kids are grown, a typical present has become having Steve and I provide plane and train tickets so that we can all be together for the holidays.”

To keep the holidays meaningful, Brasington recommends that families concentrate on making gift-giving meaningful, as opposed to expensive.

“I try to make sure that every gift I give is precious, which has absolutely nothing to do with its cost.” For some families that might be the passing down of a treasured family heirloom to a child.

For others, it’s a family vacation, with “staycations” (which means exactly what is sounds like: an at-home vacation) as a popular way to keep them affordable.

For Fran Moore, it’s always been creating elaborate baskets of scrumptious home baked goodies, custom-tailored to each recipient’s tastes and dietary restrictions. “So much of my mom’s holiday preparation was done in the kitchen,” recalls Moore. “As my mother got older, it was just natural for me to step into that role because I love cooking and baking so much.”

This time of year, Moore even gives homemade doggie treats to her pets and to the pets of friends and relatives.

“Great food really brings families together and my dogs are totally a part of my family. Doesn’t everyone feel that way about their pets?”

A self-proclaimed crafts enthusiast, Moore also thoroughly enjoys fussing over holiday decorations. “This is a special season and I love making every room in the house festive.” For the Moores, gifts are exchanged on Decem-

STORY

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“We still don’t know where we’ll be this year for the holidays,” she concedes. “Steve might not even have leave, and if he does, it’s not likely to be for more than a few days. So getting everyone together during that time is sure to be a real challenge.”

For the Rabinowitz family, the holidays are also challenging and meaningful… but in a very different way.

“Thankfully, my husband and I are consistent and in complete agreement that Hanukkah is NOT just about presents,” said Hannah Rabinowitz.

The eldest of six children from a small town in Pennsylvania, Rabinowitz was raised to genuinely appreciate the joy of the holiday. “It was about being together as a family: lighting candles, making latkes, playing dreidle,” she recalled. “We’d even have contests to see who could make the best jelly doughnuts!”

Each night of the eight-night festival, Rabinowitz’s parents would give out small gifts to each child.

“But we always had one big party with all of our friends and family,” she said. “And everyone had to bring a present to donate to charity.”

“It’s not the things that you have. It’s the quality of the time you spend together.” ber 24th, right after a lovingly-prepared family dinner.

Brasington has brought to her own family a favorite Christmas day activity from her childhood: an early morning trip to the beach.

“There are usually not many people at the beach that day and it’s not commercialized at all,” said Brasington.

Brasington’s eyes well up with tears when she recalls the most precious gift she ever received: a real-life version of a made-for-TV movie.

“In 1965 my dad was a Captain in 20

U&me Magazine

the Army stationed in Vietnam. On November 7th that year the helicopter he was piloting came under fire and he was severely wounded. He came back to the states for cranial facial surgery at Walter Reed, but we didn’t know if he would survive, and if he did, what the extent of his injuries would be beyond losing his left eye. But my dad made it home for Christmas that year and that was the best gift I could have ever received.”

Though her life as a military brat and spouse most assuredly presents challenges around the holidays, Brasington is philosophical about it.

A transplant from Johannesburg, South Africa, Rabinowitz’s husband, Jonathan, was actually surprised to see that Hanukkah was considered a major holiday in the US. “They don’t stress presents there,” she said. “It’s about the meaning of the holiday and the importance of being with family.”

Having both grown up focusing on the holidays as a time for being with family, it’s been natural for Hannah and Jonathan to instill those same values in their three young boys. “Sure my kids ask for all kinds of presents,” she said.

“But we discuss the pros and cons of buying presents. And then we talk about the things that are more important.”

And for the Rabinowitz family, what’s important is being together. “It’s not the things that you have; it’s the quality of the time you spend together.”

Rocking with

STYLE

Yellow Label Kids Knitted Bird Rattle Set

ORGANIC HEAVEN

Rock And Ride Rocking Horse

Kids are full of energy, and these toys will keep your kids moving! This collection of seesaw toys will let your young ones exert their fun in the form of movement and excitement. You can expect many smiles, laughs, and uncontrollable giggling as your child rocks back and forth on these new interpretations of classic rocking toys.

Organic Guardian Angel Tine Doll

Encourage the creative growth of your child while teaching them about the importance of protecting the environment.

This collection of organic plush dolls and furry friends will activate the natural and wondrous world of your child’s imagination. Aside from protecting the planet, organic toys are safer for kids, as they do not contain any harmful chemicals and only use natural dyes as well as cotton fibers that are safe for children. These toys are safe, easily washable, durable, and of course, extremely fun to play with!

bObles Tumbling Elephant

Bilibo Red

Olga Rocker

Yellow Label Kids Knitted Bird Rattle Set

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Hut Hut By Kalon Studios

GIFTING

WOODEN

WONDERS Plan Toys Turboprop Airplane

Share the experience of the classic wooden toy with your child and let his imagination do the rest. Aside from being a safer alternative to plastic toys that may contain toxins or chemicals, wooden toys are environmentally friendly and promote a clean and healthy planet. Inspire your child’s creativity by providing them with the classic playtime!

Sakrada Blocks

Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Star Doll – Harmony B. Sharp ™

Moover Dump Truck Natural All Season Dollhouse (Furnished) Automoblox C9 Sports Car Red

Caramel Pull Toy

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Sibis Villa Doll House

Amazing Amusements for

TRAVELING with Tots to Teens “Are we there yet -- are we there yet -- are we there yet...?”

By Steve Goodman

W

hat parent is not familiar with this ever-present anthem of the family road trip? It seems like kids from tots to teens know how to use this phrase to irritating proportions! Keeping a kid quiet and entertained on an airplane for a few hours can be difficult enough, but in these tough economic times, more and more families may be opting for ground transportation come this Holiday season. Lets face it, traveling with little ones is never easy, and it is that much more difficult by car, train, or bus.

I know of at least one set of parents that insists on loading their kid up on antihistamines before any trip of a few hours or more to make him sleep. Perhaps that works for them, but there are many far more creative, and healthy ways to make traveling with your tots not only bearable but even fun!

How to best keep your kids calm and also keep your cool while traveling will depend on their age. However, most experts agree that one of the best things you can do for kids of any age is to get

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them actively involved in the trip before you leave. That means make the time to discuss all of your travel plans with them, show them the route on a map, talk about the interesting things you may pass along the way, even ask them for some suggestions of where to stop.

Empower your kids by letting them pack their own bags.

Think about making a “Vacation Book” before you leave to fill with photos and other memories along the way.

For kids between the ages of 6-10, appoint them “official trip photographer.”

Inexpensive digital cameras can be purchased for less than $50.00 and these provide hours and hours of entertainment as your little reporter documents your travels. Most of these cameras take stills and videos, and have features that allow editing and special effects, that provide a lot of amusement as budding filmmakers create funny movies and pictures to share with friends and family alike.

Like any major undertaking, if you want to keep your kids calm and entertained while traveling, you need to do some pre-planning. Whether you are

traveling by plane, train or automobile, pack a small bag of favorite books, games, treats and distractions for each of your children. This bag should contain their most favorite comfort items, maybe even that extra special jaw breaker, or other sweet-treat you would not let them have under any other circumstance!

Keep it Simple OK, you have done just about everything you can beforehand to try to make sure your road trip doesn’t turn into the next installment of Chevy Chase’s “Vacation” Movies. So now that you are rolling down the highway, what can you do to keep everyone sane? Believe it or not, experts agree that many of the tried and true low-tech games still work well for children (and parents) of all ages. “I Spy” or “Find That State’s License Plate” can entertain a child on a road trip for miles and miles. For older kids, new spins can be made on these games, such as using that low-cost digital camera to capture images of specific things you ask them to “Spy” – or see if they know the capital of a given state found on a license plate.

Story games are always good, such

AS WE GROW

37

send – at least until the batteries wear out! My own 9-year old daughter whose use of technology other than for homework is severely limited at other times – will not travel without “Tabby” – her Tablet Computer. Portable DVD players, game consoles, MP3 Players, even a smartphone, can all provide hours and hours of not necessarily mindless entertainment for your kids while traveling.

See the Side Bar for some recommended on-the-go gizmos and apps.

It’s the Journey

as a “tag” story game, where one person starts the story, and the next picks it up and so, on and so on. We have been doing this game with our daughter in the car since she was five, and at nine she still loves it, and we love seeing how her creativity and story telling skills have grown.

Any parent knows kids from eight to eighteen love to ask questions, and when our daughter is in the car her natural curiosity seems to go into overdrive, and it’s just one question after another. So use that, with the Old Favorite – Twenty Questions. If your kids do not already know this game, don’t worry they will be a natural at it. Another License Plate game is have the kids see how many words they can make from the letters on the plates they see, one plate at a time.

When the games give up the ghost, don’t forget about the art of conversation. If you are like most families, the time you have during the rest of the year to just all be together, without other things to do, and just talk to one another, is limited. Well 5-10 hours in a car driving to grandma’s house, gives you a captive audience! Talk about what you would like to do and see when you arrive at your destination. If you have typically non-talkative teens, do your

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research before you go, and really try to find out about some of the things they are interested in, and use this time to really just talk – and not lecture!

Plan Interesting Stops You are going to have to stop a number of times on any road trip for food, potty and sanity breaks. Make the most of them. Try having a picnic at a scenic or historic spot, instead of just gunning through a drive thru. This again is something that can go into your pre-trip planing and that you can get your kids interested in. Google search “Americas Best Roadside Attractions” and you will be directed to some really interesting and bizarre “must see” sites along your route such as “The World’s Largest Peanut Monument,” in Georgia, or the “World’s Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota.” Make a list of the ones you and your kids want to visit.

Don’t Neglect the Tech A lot of kids today are tech savvy and use computers and video games all day long. Other parents have resisted the allure of such gadgets, and restrict or limit their kids’ exposure to technology and media. Not to make a value judgment on either lifestyle, but the truth is, when traveling high-tech toys can be a god-

American Author Greg Anderson is often attributed with the quote, “... Joy is found in the Journey, and not the Destination.” Admittedly, I am sure he did not have his 8-year old with him in the backseat when he said that! But, with patience and creativity, a dab of tradition, and some high-tech help, parents can make “getting there” so much better this Holiday Season.

On-the-Go Gizmos and Gadgets PC Magazine recommends you have one or more of the following Gadgets available for a more enjoyable Road trip: A Tablet Computer – This does not have to be a 500.00 – 600.00 iPad, The Kindle or The Nook both have models for around 200.00 that can provide hours and hours of entertainment.

An iPod Touch –The iPod Touch is sort of a hybrid between a tablet and an ordinary MP3 player. Its great for smaller hands such as 6- 9 year old, and allows them to do more then just listen to music, such as play games, and view videos, and use various other “apps”.

For younger kids (3- 7) not quite old enough for actual mobile devices, Leap Frog makes a number of electronics that look, and function like mommy and daddy’s.

Two are the Leap Pad and the Leap Frog Tag Reading System. PC Magazine also recommends several similar devices made

by Vtech For gaming systems both the Nintendo DS and the Sony PlayStation Vita are recommended.

There are literally hundreds of Apps that can be downloaded onto a smartphone or other mobile devices to occupy your kids of all ages while traveling – a complete list sorted by age and category can be found at bestkidsapps.com

The rise of

SOCIAL NETWORKING

By Andres Duarte

A Cautionary Tale Meet Catherine Wayne, a 15 year old girl known as ‘Boxxy’ within online communities. Boxxy regularly posted videos of herself talking to a camera in her room.

While her monologues were representative of most young girls her age, her videos began getting attention on the website 4chan. Soon, Boxxy became an Internet sensation beyond her control.

Her videos were re-posted all across the Internet with commenters giving their volatile responses to her words, also known as ‘trolling’- the act of posting highly inflammatory comments to incite negative reactions and cause anger. Yes, people actually do this. Just check on the ‘comments’ section underneath YouTube videos to understand the severity of trolling.

The notoriety became unbearable for the young girl, who to this day is defined by a collection of videos she posted in the “safety” of her own bedroom. She may have been seeking attention, but she got more than she bargained for.

This story is only one of MANY that involve children gaining notoriety for videos they posted online. The list stretches on and on, and it is up to par42

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ents to be sure their children do not end up as cautionary tales.

A Virtual World Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Skype provide services where people from all across the globe can connect to share stories and ideas. Kids also frequent these sites to stay in touch with friends and exchange their own personal messages.

While these websites have become integrated with the lifestyles of today’s youth, parents must exercise diligence in monitoring online activity to ensure our children are interacting within a safe environment.

It is important to take note that social networking sites provide outlets for kids seeking acceptance and attention.

Many kids go a step beyond just chatting and upload videos of themselves or their friends onto the Internet. Often kids are excited to display themselves online, and many film themselves in the comfort and “privacy” of their rooms, talking about music they like, feelings they have, and use webcams as a journal of sorts. The activity itself can be harmless, but the videos that end up circulating can lead to unwanted attention.

According to a 2011 Consumer Report, 38% of Facebook users in the past year were under the age of 13, and more than 25% were under the age of 10. These numbers illustrate the growing trend of young children taking part in online activities.

Here’s what is truly worrisome: In 2010, the Journal of Adolescent Health reported that 29% of Internet sex crime relationships were initiated on social networking sites. Sexual predators exist, and so parents MUST regulate their children’s online activity to ensure they are not connecting with anyone they do not know.

Learn the Rules The first step to playing this game is learning the rules. Your kids will not forfeit their online activity without a fight, as it would be harmful to their reputations (I have been told) as well as disrupt their own social order. It would be wise to not try and diminish the importance of your child’s social life. Remember back to when you were a kid and exercise some empathy, understanding that to a child, the most important moments are the ones they are currently experiencing.

YOUTH

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most of their ‘play time’ obsessing over their phones and downloading new applications, games, and searching the web. They are constantly posting pictures and showing each other things they have discovered online.”

While your children may be eager to explore the Internet with their friends, parents must set and enforce boundaries. Social networking sites may be fun, but they can be a dangerous place for vulnerable children.

Keeping Our Kids Safe The Internet is a vast world of its own, and protecting our children online is not unlike protecting them in everyday life.

Unfortunately, parents cannot monitor everything our children do at every moment. However, just as in life, we must teach our kids lessons and follow up on our messages to ensure they understand the correct way of conducting themselves.

Protecting our children online is not unlike protecting them in everyday life.

Kids are not much into foresight and need you to protect them (even if they may not appreciate it now). In this new age of YouTube and video chatting, it is critical that parents make an asserted effort to learn about the world your kids navigate in and how to be sure they are safe from harm.

Know The Facts There is no shortage of online communities where kids can get together, with numerous new websites popping up every day.

Aside from Facebook and Twitter (the most popular social networking sites), there are message boards and chat rooms scattered across the internet such as 4chan, Reddit, and Chatroulette, all places where people (not just kids) can go to exchange ideas, pictures, music, and news from across the web.

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There are also specialty chat rooms dedicated to all types of special interests from movies to sports and video games. Most of these sites lack regulation and can be dangerous for young children to visit. The more popular sites, such as Facebook, have privacy settings that can be adjusted to protect kids from unwanted solicitors; however, do not expect these websites to protect your children on your behalf.

Marta Oliva, a veteran teacher with over 20 years of experience with children, has witnessed the evolution of social media first hand. As a second grade teacher at Henry M. Flagler Elementary in Miami, Florida, she understands how significant a role social networking plays in kids lives today.

“Most of my students not only have smart phones, but they are experts in navigating the Internet. They spend

§§ Most computers allow for parents to implement restrictions on what kinds of websites can be visited, while blocking those that are deemed unsafe for children. Parents should also learn how to monitor their kid’s online activity by checking what websites they are viewing. §§ If your child has a phone equipped with Internet access, be sure to keep tabs on what kind of applications your child might be downloading, including video chatting apps (most phones today come with a video camera already attached). §§ Install an administrative password to ensure your children cannot log on to the Internet without you knowing.

When they do go online, be sure to monitor them. This can also be an effective way of learning about your children’s interests. §§ Talk to your kids about online safety.

Let them know the dangers of posting pictures and videos, and make sure they understand how to avoid any unsolicited contact from strangers. By setting and enforcing parameters, your child will be safe to enjoy the fun and excitement of connecting with friends online.

FASHION

VINTAGE FASHION LAYERS

Boy’s Grey Felt and Knitted Hat - Ted Baker

Tailored waist Coat - Zara

Suit Blazer - Zara

Double Collar Shirt - Zara Boy’s Red Skinny Jeans -Ted Baker

Military Wool Jacket - Zara London T-shirt - Zara

Rock Plimsoll

Regular-Fit-Jeans with Braces - Zara

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Converse Kids Chuck Taylor All Star Easy Slip

WINTER

CLASSICS Keep your kids feeling warm and looking cool throughout the winter season.

Photography by: Francisco Aguila Anja Mousawel Art Directon by: Mauricio Mendoza Models by: Cathy Company www.cathycopany.com Styling by: Gladys Valladares Hair & Make up by: Alexandra Mazorra Special Thanks: Peter Cuellar Richards Peters

Girls can layer up against the cold while still showing off with style.

A fashionable wool zipsweater and cotton knit hat complements a classic simple dress.

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YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

AND SO IS YOUR UNBORN BABY

By Margaret Kessler Schorr

I

t seems as though not a day goes by without a new study being published proving that making wise food choices throughout our lives has an unending list of long term benefits. Of course, pregnant women and those trying to conceive have twice as many reasons to carefully monitor everything they eat.

“The growth and development of the fetus is directly related to the nutritional health of the mother,” said Lucille Beseler, MS, RD, LD, a South Florida-based Registered Dietitian, author, and founder of The Family Nutrition Center of South Florida. This is especially important for women who are trying to conceive, because many of us do not yet know we are

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pregnant during the first weeks of gestation when the fetus is going through an especially critical developmental stage.

“A well balanced diet is essential; no fad diets allowed,” admonished Beseler, who frequently refers her clients to www. myplate.gov for easy-to-follow, scientifically valid nutritional advice on what foods to choose and in what amounts.

Beleser’s recommendation for all her clients is to be sure you’re eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fortified whole grains, all of which are loaded with nutrients, including folic acid (B9) – a musthave for pregnant women and those trying to conceive. Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as in orange juice and

enriched grains. Numerous studies have shown that getting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily prior to and during pregnancy reduces by up to 70 percent the risk that your baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect such as spina bifida (an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column), anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain) and encephalocele (when brain tissue protrudes through an abnormal opening in the skull). Folic acid consumption has also been shown to reduce the risk of premature delivery.

While it’s important for pregnant women to make wise food choices, it’s equally important to stay hydrated.

“Good fluid intake prevents dehydra-

nancy weight can safely gain 25-35 lbs., which can be accomplished by an increase of 300 calories per day throughout the pregnancy. §§ Underweight women are urged to gain 28-40 lbs., which requires 500 extra calories per day. §§ Overweight women may gain 15-25 lbs. and increase their caloric intake by 200 calories per day. §§ Obese women should gain only 11-20 lbs. and add just 125 calories per day.

After delivery, breastfeeding requires more fluid and 500 additional calories per day.

tion, constipation and reduces blood loss at delivery,” notes Beseler, adding that pregnant women should drink eight to 12 cups of water each day. The good news for pregnant coffee-holics is that a morning cup of joe is still okay, but limit your daily caffeine consumption to 200 mgs. or about 12 ounces of coffee.

Fiber, nature’s laxative, becomes even more critical prior to and during pregnancy because pre-natal vitamins are high in iron and tend to behave in the digestive track a bit like intestinal glue.

Beseler additionally cautions wouldbe moms to limit fat intake. This can be easily accomplished by shying away from fried foods, which are not only highly caloric but also increase the risk of heartburn and reflux. Bear in mind, though, that dietary fat is important because it is a valuable source of energy for your cells and also helps you feel fuller longer, so you’re less inclined to overeat.

But choose the healthier polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil versus saturated fat and the utterly unacceptable transfat.

Weighing in on Weight Gain “Women need to break out of the ‘I’m eating for two’ mentality,” urges Beseler.

She advises women to follow the weight gain guidelines set forth by the March of Dimes: §§ Women who are at a normal pre-preg-

Beseler recommends making these extra calories count by avoiding calorie dense foods in favor of foods that are nutrient dense such as yogurt, low fat cheese and skim milk, all of which are good sources of vitamin D and calcium.

Given that we all live in the real world, sometimes there’s no getting around the need to grab a meal on the go. Beseler’s advice for dining out is simple enough: “Grilled chicken is usually a good option, accompanied by brown rice or a sweet potato and vegetable.” A wise choice for lunch might be a whole grain sandwich or wrap that contains grilled meat. And while she’s always a cheerleader for salads, Beseler cautions that raw fruits and vegetables must be carefully handled to avoid contamination, so they should only be purchased from reputable vendors.

In general, a well-rounded diet should always include the following: §§ Complex high fiber carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and baked goods, brown rice, whole wheat cereal and pasta, sweet potatoes, legumes (alfalfa, beans, lentils, carob, soy, and peanuts), and quinoa. §§ Fresh fruit. NOTE: berries are the richest source of antioxidants and oranges the best source of folic acid. §§ Fresh or frozen vegetables. NOTE: leafy dark greens such as spinach, broccoli and kale are best. §§ 12 oz. per week of lean protein, such as lean beef, poultry, fish, eggs (espe-

cially egg whites, which are where the protein is), and cheese. §§ 3 daily servings of low fat dairy products to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D.

Managing Dietary Restrictions Women should never hesitate to ask their OB/GYN for a referral to a registered dietitian, especially if they are diabetic or have conditions like Celiac Disease or Crohn’s.

If you’re a vegetarian, and especially if you’re vegan, be sure to consume adequate protein, as well as B12 and B6.

This will mean eating plenty of soy, tofu, and beans and rice. And lactose intolerant moms-to-be can rest assured that you may safely use lactase enzymes during your pregnancy.

Foods to avoid: §§ Processed meats, which are typically loaded with cancer-causing nitrates. §§ Fish with a high mercury content, such as swordfish, mackerel, tilefish, shark. §§ Sugar can be consumed in small amounts, limit yourself to one sweet treat per week. §§ Foods with a high risk for bacterial contamination: §§ Raw foods (soft cooked eggs, sushi, raw shellfish) §§ Cheese with mold (Bleu, Camembert, Brie, Roquefort) and other unpasteurized cheeses §§ Undercooked meats, meat spreads and pates The bottom line for women who are expecting – and for those expecting to be expecting – is that everything you consume will ultimately make its way into your unborn child’s body. Or to put it another way, you and your baby are what you eat. So eat wisely!

Nurturing with Nutrition

By Melanie Bazarte Comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information focusing on these important issuesEverything You Need to Know about Feeding Infants and Toddlers

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Healthy Twist to Your

HOLIDAY RECIPES Tomato Bruschetta Ingredients

Directions Toast the bread in a toaster or oven until it is very brown.

4 slices rustic country-style or sourdough bread, sliced thick 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup virgin olive oil, best available 1/4 cup fresh basil, stems discarded, leaves chopped 3 tomatoes, sliced thinly (ideally yellow and red tomatoes) Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Immediately after removing the bread from the toaster, rub a garlic clove over the entire surface of 1 side. Each slice should use up about 1/4 to 1/3 of a clove. (Be careful, when the garlic meets the toast’s hot surface, it will create fumes that sting your eyes—just like an onion.)

Generously drizzle olive oil over each slice. Sprinkle basil over top, then top with tomato slices. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Slice into 1-inch strips, or quarters, and serve immediately.

Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Herbs and Cheese Ingredients 3 zucchini (about 1/2 pound each), sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/8 teaspoon salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat soft goat’s cheese 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley leaves

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1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 2 cups baby spinach leaves 1/3 cup basil leaves

Directions Discard the outermost slices of zucchini and brush the rest of the slices with the oil on both sides.

Season with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated grill or grill pan for about 4 minutes on each side, or until tender.

In a small bowl combine the goat cheese, parsley leaves and lemon juice, mashing with a fork.

Put 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture about 1/2inch from the end of a zucchini slice. Top with a few spinach leaves and 1 small, or half of a large basil leaf.

Roll up and place seam side down on a platter.

Repeat with the rest of the zucchini slices.

Eve Fav ryone’s orit e

Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque Ingredients

Directions

2 large sweet potatoes (1012 ounces each)

Prick sweet potatoes in several places with a fork.

Microwave on High until just cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes.

Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more.

Stir in juice, green chiles, ginger and allspice. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes and chop into bite-size pieces. Add half to the pot. Place the other half in a food processor or blender along with broth and peanut butter. Puree until completely smooth.

Add the puree to the pot and stir well to combine.

Thin the bisque with water, if desired. Season with pepper. Heat until hot. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

1 tablespoon canola oil 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 large clove garlic, minced 3 cups reduced-sodium tomato-vegetable juice blend or tomato juice 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles, preferably hot, drained 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 15-ounce can vegetable broth 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter Freshly ground pepper to taste Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Flourless Chocolate Cake Ingredients Original recipe makes 1 - 8 inch round cake 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 3 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Check All Add to Shopping List

Directions Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch round cake pan, and dust with cocoa powder.

In the top of a double boiler over lightly simmering water, melt chocolate and butter.

Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Slices can also be reheated for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before serving.

65

BOOKS ARE MY PALS

Babies and Toddlers Santas Christmas

By Richard Dungworth & Kate Daubney Ladybird It’s Christmas Eve and Father Christmas must fly all around the world in his sleigh, delivering presents to all the children. With just one night to do such a big job, the race is on! But Santa can’t resist stopping off to eat all the lovely snacks that are left out for him along the way - from croissants and sushi to barbeque ribs and mince pies!

Guess How Much I Love You

By Sam McBratney

“Guess how much I love you,” says Little Nutbrown Hare. Little Nutbrown Hare shows his daddy how much he loves him: as wide as he can reach and as far as he can hop. But Big Nutbrown Hare, who can reach farther and hop higher, loves him back just as much. Well, then Little Nutbrown Hare loves him right up to the moon, but that’s just halfway to Big Nutbrown Hare’s love for him.

Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

By Karen Katz

Karen Katz’s adorable babies play peekaboo in this delightful interactive book. The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share.

“Where are Baby’s hands? Under the bubbles!”

“Where are baby’s eyes? Under her hat!”

70

U&me Magazine

Picture Books

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

Penguin & Pinecone

‘Twas the day before Christmas and Santa was ill.

In the cold winter wind he had caught a bad chill.

Will Christmas be canceled?

Will it come to that?

“Never!” cried Santa.

“Let’s call Pete the Cat!” In this rockin’ new spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

By Salina Yoon Bloomsbury When Penguin finds a lost pinecone one day, an unlikely friendship blooms. But Grandpa reminds Penguin that pinecones can’t live in the snow, they belong in the warm forest, far away. Though he will miss his friend, Penguin returns Pinecone to his home, dreaming of the day they can reunite. And when he finally returns to the forest to check on his friend, Penguin discovers that love only grows over time, and so do little pinecones!

Father Christmas Needs a Wee!

By Nicholas Allan

At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him.

Before long he really, really, really needs a wee. So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind.

But he dashes back, delivers all the “pressies” and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarrassing accident . There’s just one tiny problem . . . he’s lost his house key!

By Eric Litwin

Llama Llama Time to Share

By Anna Dewdney

Llama has a sharing drama!

‘Build a tower. Make a moat.

Nelly’s dolly sails a boat.

What can Llama Llama add?

Maybe sharing’s not so bad.’

Fun to read aloud and helpful to children and parents alike, Llama Llama Time to Share is for any child who needs a little encouragement in sharing.

Season Favorite

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

By Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tom Lichtenheld

As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they’ll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play!

The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit

By Emma Thompson

Celebrate 110 years of Peter Rabbit with a new, original tale written by Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson and based on the original tales by Beatrix Potter. In this story, Peter’s adventures take him beyond the boundaries of Mr. McGregor’s garden and all the way to Scotland!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

By Dr. Seuss

When he spies the citizens of Who-ville enjoying their Christmas preparations, the Grinch comes down from his cave and makes a dastardly attempt to take all the joy out of the occasion by actually stealing Christmas. With hilarious rhymes and distinctive, original illustrations, this classic seasonal story has become a favorite for good reason and teaches readers the true meaning of Christmas.

Early Readers The Snow Bear

By Holly Webb

As the snow begins to fall just days before Christmas, Grandad helps Sara build an igloo in the garden, and Sara sculpts a small polar bear to watch over it. But when Sara awakes in the middle of the night, she finds the igloo is no longer in the garden but lost in a world of ice and her snow bear has transformed into a real live polar bear cub!

The Polar Express

Giving Tree

By Chris Van Allsburg

By Shel Silverstein

For twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. To commemorate this special anniversary, this heirloom gift edition has been created. The slipcase holds a cloth copy of the book, which includes a distinctive bookplate designed by author Chris Van Allsburg exclusively for this edition.

A perfect keepsake for any family, this beautiful edition can be handed down to each new generation of readers.

‘Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy.’

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk... and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

Healthy Sleeps Habits, Happy Child

By Marc Weissbluth , M.D.

One of the country’s leading researchers updates his revolutionary approach to solving--and preventing--your children’s sleep problems Here Dr. Marc Weissbluth, a distinguished pediatrician and father of four, offers his groundbreaking program to ensure the best sleep for your child. In Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, he explains with authority and reassurance his step-by-step regime for instituting beneficial habits within the framework of your child’s natural sleep cycles.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer

By Tracy Hogg with Melinda Blau

The

Youth & Teens The Hunger Games

Parents

By Suzane

By Rachel Renee Russell

Dork Diaries

House of Night

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games,” a fight to the death on live TV.

Dork Diaries follows eighth grader Nikki Maxwell as she chronicles through text and sketches her move to a snooty new school; her epic battle with her mom for an iPhone; her enthusiasm for drawing and art; and a love/hate fascination with the new school’s queen bee, a girl named Mackenzie, who becomes Nikki’s rival in a school wide art competition

The House of Night series is an international phenomenon, reaching #1 on U.S., German, and UK bestseller lists, and remaining a fixture on the New York Times Children’s Series bestseller list for more than 140 weeks and counting. With nearly 12 million copies in print, rights sold in thirtyeight countries to date, and relatable, addictive characters, this series is unstoppable. Now in Hidden, the tenth installment of the series, the stakes are higher than ever before.

By P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

When Tracy Hogg’s Secrets of the Baby Whisperer was first published, it soared onto bestseller lists across the country. Parents everywhere became “whisperers” to their newborns, amazed that they could actually communicate with their baby within weeks of their child’s birth.

The Happiest Baby on the Block

by Harvey Karp M.D.

Dr. Harvey Karp is famous for his brilliant insights into centuries-old parenting problems and for discovering breakthrough solutions that are simple, practical, and fast working. In The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep, he works his magic once again on the #1 complaint of new parents.

71

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