Advice for Planning Play Dates, from family experts:
1. Choose a location that allows for active play, so that the kids don't have to sit and be quiet. A home or park is a good place to start, rather than a movie, show, or book store.
2. Limit the number of children. The more kids, the greater the noise and chance of squabbling.
3. Check assumptions with the other parents. Many moms and dads have different opinions about supervision, appropriate activities, and what's acceptable to snack on. Parents also differ on discipline and acceptable words and activities.
4. Schedule only an hour or two for the play date. This gives them adequate time to warm up to each other and play. After more than an hour even the children who are best at sharing can tire of it.
5. Put away special toys before the playmates arrive. These are the toys that you know your child will not want to share.
6. Have multiples of the 'cool' toys. Toys that have multiple units, like trains, blocks, instruments, tool sets, or stuffed animals can help alleviate arguments over who gets to have the toy.
7. Establish a sick policy. If runny noses aren't welcome, make that clear when you set up the play date.
8. Let children play at their own pace. Accept that some children may choose to play independently.
9. Supervise closely, but stand back. Try to let kids work out their differences themselves as long as they aren't hurting each other. Don't jump in at the first sign of trouble. If the conflict escalates, step in calmly and coach the kids on coming up with a compromise or move them to another activity.
10. Have a simple project ready in case you need to switch gears, like making hot chocolate or having story time.
11. Give an ample good-bye warning. The old five-minute warning helps with a smooth transition. Give a longer warning if you want everyone to help clean up
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Top TV Comedy Catch Phrases:
The Top TV Comedy Catch Phrases:
5. "We are two wild and crazy guys!" from Saturday Night Live
4. "Ayyy" from Happy Days
3. "How you doin'?" from Friends
2. "D'oh!" from The Simpsons
1. "Yada yada yada" from Seinfeld
And my personal favorite, from Saturday Night Live: "Jane, you ignorant s--t" Ha!
Friday, May 22, 2009
How To Stay Healthy Year Round
Some tips for women on how to stay healthy year-round:
- Get a massage. Most studies show that massage can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. Lowering these is likely to cause your stress level to drop, which is one key to building immunity.
- Take a cold shower. Some say this helps with low energy, migraines, circulation, and pain reduction, in addition to helping women age gracefully. In fact, some say cold showers are even the secret to firm breasts!
- Treat stomach problems 'gingerly.' For centuries, ginger has been the go-to root for a wide range of stomach issues. Researchers believe its compounds stimulate digestive secretions, improve intestinal muscle tone, and help move food through the gastrointestinal tract.
- Wash your hands...a lot. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention says hand-washing is the number one action you can take to dodge getting sick and keep yourself free of bacterias that can cause foodborne illnesses like E. coli and salmonella. Wash with regular soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, vigorousoly scrub all parts of your hands, not just your palms, and check your fingernails for trapped dirt.
- Try a health cocktail. Although taking vitamin C and zinc for cold prevention isn't proven to work, some studies show that C is especially helpful for people who are under extreme stress, and that zinc can prevent viruses from multiplying. Some experts think there's no harm in trying...and that just believing these remedies work may help, too.
- Eat more garlic. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that boost immunity and fight inflammation. That means the herb, in addition to boosting defenses against everyday illness, probably helps to stave off cancer and boost heart health.
- Stay positive. In one study, participants who had heightened activity in a region of the brain associated with a positive attitude produced greater amounts of flu antibodies. Another study showed that people with sunny dispositions churned out more intibodies in response to vaccinations.
- Get a massage. Most studies show that massage can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. Lowering these is likely to cause your stress level to drop, which is one key to building immunity.
- Take a cold shower. Some say this helps with low energy, migraines, circulation, and pain reduction, in addition to helping women age gracefully. In fact, some say cold showers are even the secret to firm breasts!
- Treat stomach problems 'gingerly.' For centuries, ginger has been the go-to root for a wide range of stomach issues. Researchers believe its compounds stimulate digestive secretions, improve intestinal muscle tone, and help move food through the gastrointestinal tract.
- Wash your hands...a lot. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention says hand-washing is the number one action you can take to dodge getting sick and keep yourself free of bacterias that can cause foodborne illnesses like E. coli and salmonella. Wash with regular soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, vigorousoly scrub all parts of your hands, not just your palms, and check your fingernails for trapped dirt.
- Try a health cocktail. Although taking vitamin C and zinc for cold prevention isn't proven to work, some studies show that C is especially helpful for people who are under extreme stress, and that zinc can prevent viruses from multiplying. Some experts think there's no harm in trying...and that just believing these remedies work may help, too.
- Eat more garlic. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that boost immunity and fight inflammation. That means the herb, in addition to boosting defenses against everyday illness, probably helps to stave off cancer and boost heart health.
- Stay positive. In one study, participants who had heightened activity in a region of the brain associated with a positive attitude produced greater amounts of flu antibodies. Another study showed that people with sunny dispositions churned out more intibodies in response to vaccinations.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Less Worry In Two Areas
I went to Dr. Lombardi's (Doctors of Cosmetic Surgery in Eatontown) yesterday to finish up the laser hair removal on my bikini line. It's been working so well that I'm starting my armpits! Now there are two places on my body I'll never have to worry about again! Yay! I am so done with razors!!! In the fall I'll have my legs done and then I will be finished with shaving and waxing for good!!! Doctor Lombardi and everyone that works with him in his office is the best!!! You can call him at 732-460-9555. Next up: Botox time : )
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ten Practical Parenting Suggestions
Ten Practical Parenting suggestions from the experts:
1. Say yes more: to spending time and doing things together.
2. Say no more: to I want, I need, everyone has it, and everyone does it.
3. Worry less: about all the large and small highly sensationalized harm that exists out there. The overwhelming odds are with you.
4. Listen more; talk at less: ask what do you think? What are you feeling? Tell me about it. What would you do?
5. Negotiate less; explain more: our kids deserve to know the thinking behind our decisions and expectations, but should not be equal partners at the bargaining table. We are the parents.
6. Read a little more: to your child, with your child, and in front of your child - books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
7. Write a little more: notes of love, recognition, encouragement, responsibility, and daily appreciation of life.
8. Expect a little more: good behavior, responsibility, manners, kindness, and all of the goodness that lies within our children.
9. Expect a little less: constant scheduling and enrichment filled days. Slow down and don't move so fast. Children need a lot of slow to grow.
10. Connect more: to family, friends, the community, those less fortunate, and the natural world.
1. Say yes more: to spending time and doing things together.
2. Say no more: to I want, I need, everyone has it, and everyone does it.
3. Worry less: about all the large and small highly sensationalized harm that exists out there. The overwhelming odds are with you.
4. Listen more; talk at less: ask what do you think? What are you feeling? Tell me about it. What would you do?
5. Negotiate less; explain more: our kids deserve to know the thinking behind our decisions and expectations, but should not be equal partners at the bargaining table. We are the parents.
6. Read a little more: to your child, with your child, and in front of your child - books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
7. Write a little more: notes of love, recognition, encouragement, responsibility, and daily appreciation of life.
8. Expect a little more: good behavior, responsibility, manners, kindness, and all of the goodness that lies within our children.
9. Expect a little less: constant scheduling and enrichment filled days. Slow down and don't move so fast. Children need a lot of slow to grow.
10. Connect more: to family, friends, the community, those less fortunate, and the natural world.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Top 10 Worst Foods
According to women's health experts, here are ten of the top worst foods you can eat:
1. Potato Chips. One ounce has 152 calories and 10 grams of fat, 3 saturated. If you eat just three ounces a week, in one year you'll have added seven pounds to your waistline.
2. Non-Dairy Toppings. These are mostly corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable oil - stuff that you don't want floating in your arteries.
3. Donuts. White flour, vegetable shortening, white sugar and deep fried. An old-fashioned cake donut has 300 calories, 28 grams of carbs and 19 grams of fat, including 5 of saturated and 4 of trans fat.
4. Fettuccine Alfredo. Pasta drenched with butter, cream, and parmesan. A serving the size of your fist has 543 calories and 33 grams of fat, 19 saturated.
5. Sausage. A health hazard. A single pork link has 217 calories and 20 grams of fat.
6. Fried Chicken. A fried breast has 400 calories and 22 grams of fat.
7. Imitation Cheese in a Can. The amount you'd put on two crackers packs 276 calories and a whopping 21 grams of fat, 13 saturated.
8. French Fries. One 6 ounce order of fast-food fries contains 570 calories, half of which are from fat! If you include a large hamburger tack on 670 calories and 39 grams of fat.
9. Soft White Bread. You may as well have a candy bar. A slice of white bread is all white flour, a simple and rapidly digested carb that causes your blood sugar to rise and crash.
10. Fried Wontons. Often filled with meat or cream cheese, deep fried. Just four have 311 calories and 19 grams of fat. Too greasy to keep you fit.
1. Potato Chips. One ounce has 152 calories and 10 grams of fat, 3 saturated. If you eat just three ounces a week, in one year you'll have added seven pounds to your waistline.
2. Non-Dairy Toppings. These are mostly corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable oil - stuff that you don't want floating in your arteries.
3. Donuts. White flour, vegetable shortening, white sugar and deep fried. An old-fashioned cake donut has 300 calories, 28 grams of carbs and 19 grams of fat, including 5 of saturated and 4 of trans fat.
4. Fettuccine Alfredo. Pasta drenched with butter, cream, and parmesan. A serving the size of your fist has 543 calories and 33 grams of fat, 19 saturated.
5. Sausage. A health hazard. A single pork link has 217 calories and 20 grams of fat.
6. Fried Chicken. A fried breast has 400 calories and 22 grams of fat.
7. Imitation Cheese in a Can. The amount you'd put on two crackers packs 276 calories and a whopping 21 grams of fat, 13 saturated.
8. French Fries. One 6 ounce order of fast-food fries contains 570 calories, half of which are from fat! If you include a large hamburger tack on 670 calories and 39 grams of fat.
9. Soft White Bread. You may as well have a candy bar. A slice of white bread is all white flour, a simple and rapidly digested carb that causes your blood sugar to rise and crash.
10. Fried Wontons. Often filled with meat or cream cheese, deep fried. Just four have 311 calories and 19 grams of fat. Too greasy to keep you fit.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Top 10 Pet Plant Poisoning Claims
In case you have pets, I came across this list that you might want to check out.
A veterinary Pet Insurance Company did this analysis of the over 400 claims it received last year for toxic plant ingestions to find which plants and plant products were most likely to poison pets. Top Ten Pet Plant (or plant product) Poisoning Claims of 2008:
1. Raisins/grapes
2. Mushrooms
3. Marijuana
4. Lily
5. Walnuts
6. Onion
7. Sago Palm
8. Macadamia nuts
9. Azalea
10. Hydrangea
A veterinary Pet Insurance Company did this analysis of the over 400 claims it received last year for toxic plant ingestions to find which plants and plant products were most likely to poison pets. Top Ten Pet Plant (or plant product) Poisoning Claims of 2008:
1. Raisins/grapes
2. Mushrooms
3. Marijuana
4. Lily
5. Walnuts
6. Onion
7. Sago Palm
8. Macadamia nuts
9. Azalea
10. Hydrangea
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Knocking Down Myths
Just read a funny book called "Don't Swallow Your Gum!" by Dr. Aaron Carroll and Dr. Rachel Vreeman about some of the myths we've believed all these years. Here are some of the 'fun facts'. Did you know:
- If you shave your hair it will NOT grow back faster and thicker.
- Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc will NOT help you prevent getting a cold.
- Walkers do NOT help your baby learn how to walk faster.
- Sugar does NOT make kids hyper.
- If you pick up food within five seconds of hitting the floor, it IS NOT safe.
- You do NOT have to wait an hour after you eat before swimming.
Monday, May 4, 2009
New Jersey Hall of Fame Second Annual Induction Ceremony
It was my honor to attend the New Jersey Hall of Fame Second Annual Induction Ceremony at NJPAC.
This year Jon Bon Jovi was inducted, along with Bud Abbott (from Asbury Park) and Lou Costello, Phil Rizzuto and more. You can check it out on njhalloffame.org to see not only this year's inductees but the first class as well, which included Bruce Springsteen.
It was great to spend some time with Jon Bon Jovi and so many other great people from our state. We'll be posting some pictures taken by Gary Gellman from Gellman Images (the official NJ Hall of Fame photographer) on our website soon. You can also visit GellmanImages.com to see some amazing pictures of the event.
You'll be hearing more on our show in the upcoming days about the Unsung Hero Award which went to 1st Lt. Brian Brennan who touched all of our hearts last night.
This year Jon Bon Jovi was inducted, along with Bud Abbott (from Asbury Park) and Lou Costello, Phil Rizzuto and more. You can check it out on njhalloffame.org to see not only this year's inductees but the first class as well, which included Bruce Springsteen.
It was great to spend some time with Jon Bon Jovi and so many other great people from our state. We'll be posting some pictures taken by Gary Gellman from Gellman Images (the official NJ Hall of Fame photographer) on our website soon. You can also visit GellmanImages.com to see some amazing pictures of the event.
You'll be hearing more on our show in the upcoming days about the Unsung Hero Award which went to 1st Lt. Brian Brennan who touched all of our hearts last night.
Friday, May 1, 2009
5 Risks Every Gutsy Girl Must Take
Sex And The City advice, from Candace Bushnell, author of the columns that became the book that became the tv show and the movie. She has some great advice for women, like these five risks every gutsy girl must take:
1. Fall really deeply in love. Even if it doesn't last, it's how you learn who you are.
2. Be yourself, especially in relationships. Women often twist themselves into what they think a man wants. Put yourself first and you're more likely to find the right guy.
3. Move out of your comfort zone. Make a plan for moving forward and stick to it.
4. Try everything you find interesting, even if it's odd. That goes for everything from tap dancing to playing the drums.
5. Dare to ask "What's my purpose?" You might not be able to answer the question, but you'll learn a lot when you try.
1. Fall really deeply in love. Even if it doesn't last, it's how you learn who you are.
2. Be yourself, especially in relationships. Women often twist themselves into what they think a man wants. Put yourself first and you're more likely to find the right guy.
3. Move out of your comfort zone. Make a plan for moving forward and stick to it.
4. Try everything you find interesting, even if it's odd. That goes for everything from tap dancing to playing the drums.
5. Dare to ask "What's my purpose?" You might not be able to answer the question, but you'll learn a lot when you try.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
