Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment

 

     Well, I guess the time has come to admit it-- I have had a love/hate relationship with my feet for years. When I was in my early 20s, I took meticulously good care of body, from my hair right down to my toes. No pedicure appointment went ignored; my feet were always smooth and healthy, and the bottom of my bedroom closet mirrored my passion for shoes for any occasion and style. Fast forward to my life to today, and you will see a woman not unlike many, quickly approaching her 40s, juggling family, work and everyday stresses and ultimately, something in her life has got to give. And, sadly, that something for me has been my feet.

     Without a doubt, our feet are the most active and overworked part of our body. They also hold the dubious honor of being probably the most neglected part of our anatomy. Between the years of forcing my feet into the restricted confines of the narrow toe box of my favorite pairs of high heels, and the downright lack of care have resulted in dry, painfully cracked heels, and thickened skin that up until recently, always rubbed painfully against my shoes.
     Regular daily foot care is essential for healthy feet, as many of the common foot problems that plague us are caused by little or no maintenance. Between the cold temperatures of the fall and winter months, combined with the hot baths and showers that we tend to take during these seasons, drains away most of the moisture from our feet. 

     So, needless to say, when the kind folks at Aquaphor recently sent a sample of their Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, I jumped at the chance to try to see if their product could bring my feet some well- deserved relief.  Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment is extremely thick, and contains no perfumes or dyes that can irritate the skin, and it healed my chapped heels beautifully after using it daily for over three weeks.  I have found that the best time to use it is before bed.  After slathering the ointment on my heels every evening before bed, the change that I experienced in my heels skin was truly amazing.  

     Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment did a great job of sealing in moisture and restoring and keeping my feet feeling soft and supple. For further information on this, and other Aquaphor products, please visit their website at: http://aquaphorhealing.com/

My Tooth is Loose, Dr. Moose

     For many children, a trip to the dentist is a stressful experience. The sensory environment (the sounds, smells, and lights associated with the clinical setting) can cause anyone’s, most especially a child's anxiety levels to rise.  Author Teresa Johnston helps to ease children’s anxiety with her  picture book debut entitled, My Tooth is Loose, Dr. Moose.  Dr. Moose is the dentist in a town in the country, and even though his patients are of the animal kind, they nevertheless display the same kind of feelings of worry and uncertainty that our children may have. Between the loose teeth of Lily the Leopard and Simon Squirrel to the cleaning of Harriet Hippo’s huge chompers, they each get to experience a little bit of “Moose Magic” from upbeat Dr. Moose. Ms. Johnston’s sweet, appealing story, with delightful illustrations from Brian Sendelbach will captivate your little one’s attention, easing their possible worries about their first visit to the dentist with gentle humor

 

My Tooth Is Loose, Dr. Moose

By:  Teresa Johnston

Illustrated by Brian Sendelbach

ISBN: 978-0-545-28910-8

Retail Price: $3.99

For ages: 3 thru 8

Publisher:  Scholastic

Website:  www.scholastic.com

 

 

Sprout Organic Toddler Meals

     Now that your little one has grown become a squirmy, distracted toddler, you have to work fast on on your toes to get any food past those precious tiny lips.   Think about it─ now that they are far more mobile than they were as a baby, they are far more interested in cruising around and exploring the world around them than sitting still to eat. Then, there’s the issue of getting them to actually eat the food you serve!  To counteract these dilemma’s facing many families, Sprout Foods has recently launched a new line of eight 100% Organic Toddler Meals designed by Co-Founder, Father of three and Food Network star chef Tyler Florence.  They are:

• Pasta, Zucchini & Tomato Sauce with Beef
• Vegetable & Potato Stew with Beef
• Sweet Potato & Apple Risotto with Turkey
• Vegetable & White Bean Stew with Turkey
• Vegetable & Potato Chowder with Chicken
• Vegetable & Barley Stew with Chicken
• Macaroni & Cheese with Butternut Squash
• Vegetable Risotto with Quinoa & Parmesan

 

     Each 6.5 oz., microwavable, BPA-free container meal contains organic ingredients, quality meats, nutritious whole grains, fruits and vegetable free from artificial preservatives.   Florence developed this new line to give parents an option when their time is limited and they want to serve a meal to their little ones that tastes just like homemade. The kind folks from Sprout recently sent us four (Vegetable & Barley Stew with Chicken; Vegetable & Potato Chowder with Chicken; Vegetable Risotto with Quinoa & Parmesan and Sweet Potato & Apple Risotto with Turkey) of these delicious meals to try.  As our family are huge advocates for natural organic foods, which started around the time of the birth of our son, we appreciated the fact that Sprout has taken great care to design each meal with full of variety, loaded with 100% organic vegetables, fruits and whole grains.  

     By far, our favorite was the Vegetable Risotto with Quinoa & Parmesan─ the nuttiness of wholesome Quinoa was accented with flavorful sweet Carrots, Corn and Zucchini with hints of creamy Parmesan cheese. Second place was the Sweet Potato & Apple Risotto with Turkey─ the heartiness of the sweet potato contrasted nicely with the turkey and crisp apple, and was a nice reminder to us that fall will soon be upon us.  Each of the four meals heated well in the microwave (if you prefer, they can be warmed on the stove in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes).  They can be stored covered in your refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.

     Sprout Organic Toddler Meals retail for $3.55, and can be found in Target stores nationwide.  To find a retailer near you, or for further information about these, as well as all of Sprout’s line of infant and toddler stage foods, please visit Sprout’s website at: www.sproutbabyfood.com

First Meals & More─ Your Questions Answered by Annabel Karmel

     Most pediatricians, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend introducing solid foods to babies at between four and six months of age. If your baby is around this age, can sit up well with support, and shows interest in the foods he sees you eating, it’s probably a good time to make your first forays into feeding baby solid food. 

     First Meals & More─Your Questions Answered by bestselling author and children’s food expert Annabel Karmel is filled with all the tools and information that families need to get their infants and toddlers to begin to develop healthy eating habits that will last their lifetime.  The recipes that are included in this book, from Carrot Purees to Lasagna al Forno, are simple and easy to prepare. We have enjoyed all the ones that we’ve tried so far, with the Fish Goujons being one of my family’s favorites.   I appreciated the fact that in between the recipes, Karmel included hundreds of Q & A’s loaded with helpful advice and tips, including developing a balance and variety in their diet, to adding flavors from around the globe.  

      For further information on author Annabel Karmel, please visit her website at: www.annabelkarmel.com.  To learn more about DK Publishing's wide variety of titles, please visit their website at: www.dk.com

 

First Meals & More─ Your Questions Answered

Author: Annabel Karmel

Publisher: DK (Dorling Kindersley Limited)

ISBN: 978-0-75664-284-6

Retails: $22.00

Website:  www.dk.com

Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross

     This summer, a very entertaining and quick read captured my attention, while enjoying the beauty of our trip to the Gulf coast of Florida.  Eyes Wide Open by best-selling New York Times author Andrew Gross takes readers to the scene of what appears to be a tragic suicide of a young man at the base of a rocky cliff in Morrow Bay, on California’s coast.  

     Jay Erlich, a physician, seems to have it all in stark contrast to his older brother Charley.  Charley isn’t what you call a good family man, and his family suffered for it.   His son Evan, had to resort to medication to make his life seem near normal.  One day, Jay receives a phone call from a distressed Charley who had received word that Evan had committed suicide jumping off of a cliff. Charley, in his usual stupor, does not think that Evan could have possibly taken his own life, and pleads with his brother to come to California and help him seek out the truth and justice for his son  Past family secrets remerge throughout, as Goss’ plot is well-crafted.  All of the characters in this thriller feature intriguing insights into the fragility of human nature. 
     I can highly  recommend this book to anyone like me, who enjoys mysteries that leave you on the edge of your seat. Or in my case, on the edge of my beach chair!

       For further information about author Andrew Gross, please visit his website at: http://www.andrewgrossbooks.com.  To learn more about Harper Collins titles, please visit their website at: http://www.harpercollins.com

 

Eyes Wide Open

 

Author: Andrew Gross

 

Publisher: Harper Collins

 

ISBN: 978-0-06-165602-6

 

Retails: $9.99

Website: www.harpercollins.com

 

 

 

Nature's Path Organics

 

     Nature’s Path Organic was started in 1985, and has grown to become one of North America's largest organic cereal brands.  They also sell certified organic breads, cookies, and snack bars in 42 countries around the world.  As my family and I have been fans of their line of granola bars for two years (our favorite, pretty much hands down, is the Peanut Choco Crunch─ a delectable blend of creamy peanut butter studded with dark chocolate chips.  Basically, just imagine eating a Butterfinger candy bar that’s healthy for you!), so we were excited to recently receive some samples from the kind folks at Nature’s Path Organic to try out.

     Love Crunch-Aloha Blend─ Both my husband and son love granola, so we were thrilled to try this product. They both eat as a snack rather than as a cereal, and almost always top their ice cream with it. Of course, according to the label, a serving size is only 1/4 cup, which is quite small for my boys, and that's where the problem comes in! When they first tried the granola, they could have easily finished off half the bag! Both are renowned for their sweet teeth, they basically devoured it.  It has a delicious taste, studded with little bits of pineapple, toasted coconut and tiny chunks of yummy white chocolate. Best of all, for each bag of Love Crunch that you purchase, Nature's Path Organic will donate an equivalent amount of organic food or cash to local food banks across the United States. 

      Pumpkin-n-Spice─ These bars are very appropriate for people who need to avoid foods containing gluten or for individuals suffering from celiac disease, as this is one of the few bars without wheat or malt flavoring. Filled with a warm pumpkin flavor, rich tangy spice notes of nutmeg and cinnamon with heavenly nutty notes all enhance this bar. Great taste and only 150 calories, they have quickly become a staple at our house.

      For further information on where to find Nature’s Path Organic food products near you, please visit their website at:  http://www.naturespath.com/

 

Pure Fiji Skin Care

    Recently, I was privileged to be able to discover Pure Fiji skin care products, the 2011 winner of the Spa Finder Reader’s Choice Awards for Favorite Spa Products.  With exotic and enticing ingredients that reflect the country of their origins, Pure Fiji promises to bring a little taste of paradise into your home. 

     Containing extracts of exotic flowers and coconut milk, the kind people from Pure Fiji sent several of their Mango Infusion products, including the Hydrating Body Lotion, Spa Coconut Sugar Rub and Body Butter.   Both the body lotion and butter were super moisturizing, and instantly revitalized by chronically dry skin.  Containing soy proteins, cold-pressed coconut and drift nut oil, as well as essential oils of mango and coconut, these lotions are so hydrating, and the smells are just absolutely intoxicating, without being overpowering.  The sugar rub immediately made my bathroom smell like the sublimely incredible scent of the South Pacific.  It went on easily, and it left my skin feeling smooth.  After using their products for the past month, I can honestly say that they surely deliver on this promise. It was as if I was able to take a trip to the South Pacific, without even leaving my home!

      From my first use last month, Pure Fiji had me hooked (as I am quite sure you will be too!), and I am so looking forward to purchasing their products on a regular basis.

      For further information on Pure Fiji’s line of skin care products, please visit their website at: http://www.purefiji.com

 

Happy Family-- Healthy, Organic Foods for Infants and Toddlers

    

     HappyFamily was the first premium baby food brand to enter the market in only five small grocery stores in Manhattan.  Last month, the company was recognized as one of the fast growing companies in the US by the Inc. 500 business awards, and is ranked fifth in the nation as one of the fastest growing organic food brands.  As of this writing, they are now sold in over 13,000 stores with nine lines of organic foods from infancy to toddler stages.

     Their product line includes: Happy Bellies Cereals, HappyMunchies, Happy Baby and Tot Pouches to FrozenHappy Bites among others.  Recently, the kind people from HappyFamily graciously sent over samples of their  HappyTot Banana, Peach & Mango Fruit Pouch, Happypuffs Strawberry Puffs (to my delight, they were gluten-free!) as well as their HappyMunchies Baked Organic Cheddar Cheese, Broccoli and Kale snacks. 

     The HappyTot Banana, Peach & Mango fruit pouch contains Salba, an ancient, gluten-free grain that contains healthy omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, iron and other nutrition-rich vitamins and minerals.  We found this blend sweet, but not too sweet, and tastes good either straight from the pouch or chilled in the fridge.  The pouches are portable and easy to use─ simply pop off the cap and your little one can have a delicious serving of organic fruits straight from the pouch.

     The HappyPuffs Strawberry Puffs is sweetened only with 100% organic fruit juice, and contains 25mg of Choline,  a nutrient found in the Vitamin B family, which helps to support brain development in infants.  HappyMunchies Baked Organic Cheddar Cheese, Broccoli and Kale snack are loaded with nutrient-rich kale and broccoli, with a light hint of cheddar cheese.  Our son devoured these, and we found that both the puffs and munchies dissolve very quickly in the mouth, are crunchy and flavorful, and are a great way to help to start and promote your little one on the road to self-feeding.   All HappyPuffs and Happy Munchies contain USDA approved organic, gluten-free (only the Strawberry and Sweet Potato flavors are gluten-free), dairy free ingredients, with no added sugar or harmful preservatives.  We noticed right away when we received these samples that the containers for the puffs and munchies contains more product per container than other competing brands, which is a great benefit.  They are extremely durable and conveniently recyclable.

     For further information on HappyFamily’s line of delicious foods for infants and toddlers, as well as learn where to locate a retailer near you, please visit their website at: http://happybabyfood.com/

 

Good Manners Q & A Hosted by Patch Products

    

     Hold the door open for others. Remember to always say please and thank you. Many of us can recall these words as we grew up, as our parents were teaching us the importance of good manners. Today, many of us try to teach the same thing to our children, as at the heart of good manners is a respect for you and for others.

     September is National Children’s Good Manners Month, which provides a great platform for parents to talk to their children about good behavior and manners. Patch Products is hosting a Manners Q&A on Twitter September 5th with the inventor of our children’s manners game Blunders, etiquette expert Aimee Symington. If you are interested in signing up for this event – during which you can ask Aimee (using hashtag #AskAimee) any question you want – can do so by clicking on this link: http://tinyurl.com/9lzqgon

 

The Gluten-Free Cookbook─What to Eat & What to Cook on a Gluten-Free

     In the fall of 1997, I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Thankfully, over the past five years, my IBS flare ups have become few and far between, with credit to following a gluten-free diet.  For those of you who may be unfamiliar with what exactly gluten is, it is a protein composite that is commonly found in the following types of grains:

●Barley

●Rye

●Wheat

     Gluten is present in numerous foods that we eat on a daily basis.  These types of foods include cereals, breads and other baked goods, and gluten is frequently used as a food additive for a wide variety of products.

     Although, thankfully, I am the only member of my family with a sensitivity to gluten, and while I have had to learn to be creative in the kitchen to cater to everyone’s taste buds, sufficient to say that my family has learned to enjoy a wide variety of foods that they wouldn’t have necessarily had an opportunity to taste had it not been for my condition.  We are always on the lookout for new recipes to try, and when the kind folks at DK Publishing sent over The Gluten-Free Cookbook─What to Eat & What to Cook on a Gluten-Free Diet by nutritional consultant and UK-based author Fiona Hunter, we not only jumped at the chance to have the opportunity to review the book but looked forward to adding some new and delicious foods.

     Featuring colorful photographs throughout, this cookbook is chock full of informative advice on learning how to find hidden gluten in food products, helpful Q&A’s ,and nutritional breakdowns on the gluten-containing products, needless to say, The Gluten-Free Cookbook did not disappoint.  I appreciated the fact that the recipe pages were marked with notes that labeled the recipe as “Great for Kids” and the statistics of each serving (including the amounts of Protein, Fiber, Carbohydrate and Saturated Fats).  

      My family and I look forward to eating our way through the entire book!

 

***Note: Before you decide to place yourself on a form of a restricted diet; seek out professional advice from your physician.

 

The Gluten-Free Cookbook─ What to Eat & What to Cook on a Gluten-Free Diet

Author:  Fiona Hunter

Publisher:  DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley Limited)

ISBN:  978-0-7566-8216-3

Retails:  $25.00

Website: www.dk.com