Moms Buzz Tips for Busy Moms

Oprah's Latest Book Club News for Those Fans!

2009-11-06T13:18:57-05:00

As you know, Oprah's lastest book club pick was Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan. If you are a fan or follower of Oprah's Book Club, you will be happy to know that CNN and Oprah's Book Club are teaming up to bring you a discussion of "Say You're One of Them," a book of short stories about African children who face the unimaginable.

You're invited to join Oprah and Say You're One of Them author Uwem Akpan for an in-depth discussion simulcast LIVE from Oprah.com, CNN.com and Facebook on Monday, November 9, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. CNN's Anderson Cooper will be joining the conversation...so why not you?

RSVP now and you'll be able to download the entire first story in Say You're One of Them for free!

To register and join the live discussion, please click here!

- The Moms Buzz

Recall Alert: Children’s Art Easels Due Violation of Lead Paint

2009-11-06T12:21:48-05:00

Busy moms, here are the quick and dirty details of this recall on Children’s Art Easels Recalled by MacPherson’s Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard:

Name of Product: Young Artist Easels

Units: About 10,000

Manufacturer: MacPherson’s, of Emeryville, Calif.

Hazard: The chalkboard surface coating contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a children’s art easel which has a chalkboard surface on one side and a white board surface on the other side. The item number is AA13301 and the UPC number is 082435133010 which can be found on the original packaging.

Sold at: Art supply stores nationwide and online from July 2004 through June 2009 for about $75.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should immediately take these recalled easels away from children and contact the firm to receive a free replacement chalkboard panel.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MacPherson’s at (866) 319-5335 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s Web site at www.art-alternatives.com/recall or send email to recall@macphersonart.co

10 Questions to Ask Your Child About His School Day

2009-11-05T23:14:49-05:00

Most kids are excited to get home after school, but often time they do not feel like telling you everything about their day at school. On the other hand, moms are eager to find out how they did on school, and love to hear the details. To break the ice and engage smoothly into a conversation, here are 10 questions to ask your child about his day at school that I find extremely helpful. Not only that, these 10 questions can be used as guidelines; you can make up yours, modify according to your child's age, or even apply them to any of your child's after-school activities:

Tell me about the best part of your day.
What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
Did any of your classmates do anything funny?
Tell me about what you read in class.
Who did you play with today? What did you play?
Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?
What's the biggest difference between this year and last year?
What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they're fair?
Who did you sit with at lunch?
Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.scholastic.com

Deal of the Week: HalloweenCostumes.com - Up to 90% Off

2009-11-05T22:23:58-05:00

As they say, it's never too early to start thinking about next Halloween. HalloweenCostumes.com provides a great selection of sale costumes you are sure to find something for next year at an unbeatable price. Now, all of previously discounted items, some even up to 90% off, aPublishre an additional 20% off. Also don't forget to shop sale accessories for just the right items to complete your outfit. There is no better time to buy than now!

Clearance items are for a limited time so get them while they last. You won't find costumes as cheap as these anywhere else.

The Moms Buzz

Scarf Tying 101 - How to Tie Scarfs Plus Video

2009-11-04T07:05:21-05:00

I love scarfs! They make a wonderful accessory plus give you the protection you need around your neck in those chilly days. Although, now scarfs are used all year round! They come in different lengths and fabrics to go with the season and fashion, of course, and the tying of scarfs has now become almost a little science - there are so many ways of doing it that you need a guide or watch a video: To learn how to tie your scarf in many different ways, here is a wonderful guide by Labellush.com:

http://www.labellush.com/scarf-tying-how-to-tie-scarves.html

Or watch this wonderful video:

- The Moms Buzz

Holiday Positions Available at Gymboree

2009-11-04T06:48:05-05:00

Gymboree, the children's retail store, is looing for poeple to join their team for the holidays. If you want some extra cash for the holiday season, which comes in handy, you may want to give a thought.

If you love kids, fashion and delivering great customer services plus a generous 40% off employee discounts (whoohoo!!) and have fun in a dynamic environment with flexible hours (just what we need), contact Gymboree to apply.

- The Moms Buzz

Jordin Sparks Hosts Charitable Online Event for Teen Girls!

2009-11-03T23:31:48-05:00

This post is targeted to those busy moms with teen girls. Your teen daughter(s) may enjoy knowing that Jordin Sparks, American Idol winner, is hosting a charitable event for teen girls, "America's Biggest Sleepover."

America's Biggest Sleepover is an event created to bring together teen girls from across the country. The nationwide, online event will be hosted on November 7 on beinggirl.com, a site by Always and Tampax.

"America's Biggest Sleepover" will feature:
- An exclusive performance from Jordin Sparks
- Q&A with Jordin from beinggirl.com members
- Sleepover party tips including recipes, fun games and hairstyles

For every girl that signs up to participate on beinggirl.com, Always will donate $1 to the Protecting Futures program, which helps girls in developing regions stay in school, up to $25,000.

- The Moms Buzz

Math Apprentice for those Little & Middle Thinkers

2009-11-02T09:19:00-05:00

Math Apprentice is a new free website, meant to show students how math is used in the real world. It is like a reality math site. Kids are like apprentices in different basic real world companies like a bakery, a bicycle store. There are games for all grade elementary levels.

When you go in, click the button on the the home page of the site that says "Explore the Math". Then choose your character, and you'll be on the main street of the different available optional companies where kids can go in and apply their math skills to real life situations.

The site is mostly targeted to kids on elementary and middle school. Many of the exercises may not be easy for children in the early grades. So, have your child try and play at their heart content.

Math Apprentice requires the latest Flash Player. Best viewed with Firefox or Safari.

This site is also great to use in home schooling!

- The Moms Buzz

Deal of the Week: BCBG Max Azria - Take Additional 30% Off

2009-10-30T12:27:12-04:00

This is one of those sale that is worth looking into what they have for sale because you can really get a very good deal. Even though, BCBG Max Azria can be pricey, they do give out good deals once in a while. So, take your chances, you never know...you may find that chic sweater you've been wanting for so long... Take additional 30% off of already marked down items. There is no coupon as it is automatically reflected at checkout. This promotion ends Nov 2, 2009. Here are the pieces on sale.

- The Moms Buzz

How To Choose Glasses to Suit Your Face Shape

2009-10-29T17:29:04-04:00

Below are three main tips you need to remember consider when choosing your sunglasses or your reading glasses according to The Vision Council:

Eyewear should repeat your personal best feature (such as a blue frame to match blue eyes).
The frame shape should contrast with your face shape.
The frame size should be in scale with your face size.

I also I recommend that you watch a video which I find very informational when choosing your glasses.

- The Moms Buzz

Recall Alert: Halloween Flashlights Sold Exclusively at Target

2009-10-29T11:53:37-04:00

Halloween Flashlights Sold Exclusively at Target Recalled Due to Burn Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported yesterday a nationwide recall of Halloween flashlights sold exclusively at Target due to burn hazard. Below are the details:
Name of Product: Halloween Flashlights

Units: About 610,000

Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Manufacturer: DGI LLC, of Warren, N.J. and Tien Hsing, of Wanchai, Hong Kong

Hazard: The halloween flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received eight reports of flashlights overheating and melting, including one report of burns to the hand.

Description: This recall involves two types of Halloween-themed flashlights: the mini flashlights and flashlights sold with stencils.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from August 2009 through September 2009 for $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for the flashlights with stencils.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should immediately stop using the flashlights and return the product to any Target store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.target.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10026.html

- The Moms Buzz

Flossing 101: Proper Technique for Flossing Your Teeth

2009-10-28T12:44:57-04:00

Here are some great tips by the The American Dental Hygienists’ Association on the proper technique to floss your teeth and it only involves four simple steps:

Wind: Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one- to two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.
Guide: Keep a one- to two-inch length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
Glide: Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. DO NOT SNAP FLOSS BETWEEN YOUR TEETH. Contour floss around the side of the tooth.
Slide: Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.

This technique applies to any type of floss: waxed, unwaxed, spongy floss or dental tape.

For additional information on flossing 101, click here.

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.oralb.com

Wake Up With Al Roker and Enter to Win $100 Dunkin' Donuts Gift Card

2009-10-28T12:36:22-04:00

The Weather Channel and Dunkin' Donuts are teaming up to keep you running. Grab your favorite Dunkin' Donuts coffee and tune-into Wake Up With Al. Get the weather and news you need to start your day right! Join the fun as Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams give you daily weather updates, breaking news and celebrity interviews. Don't forget to fuel up with Dunkin' Donuts and watch Wake Up With Al weekday mornings at 6 AM ET.

Click here to enter the WakeUp with Al Sweepstake for a daily chance to win a $100 Dunkin' Donuts gift card!

- The Moms Buzz

source: The Weather Channel

Which Yoga is the Right One for You? Yoga Types

2009-10-27T22:41:55-04:00

People who do Yoga, they always tell you "you have to take Yoga, it is the best thing for your body." But, which Yoga is the right one for you? Before you decide on sticking to one Yoga type, it would be a good idea to try all of the most popular styles. Here are the most popular Yoga types and what they encompass:

Hatha Yoga: it encompass many types of Yoga and it's said to be the mother of all Yogas. These classes are slow-paced anf gentle. Hatha Yoga is great for beginners as they have time to learn all the poses, and also pregnant women who want to keep fit without the streneous cardiovascular o weight workouts.

Vinyasa Yoga: it is based on a series of poses called sun salutations in which movement is closely coordinated with breathing. Vinyasa Yoga tends to be vigorous and require more experiece as coordinating breathing while holding a pose and transitioning to another can be challenging.

Ashtanga and Power Yoga: these can be physically demanding because they require constant and rapid movement from one pose to the other with no breaks in between.

Kundalini Yoga: it requires to hold poses for longer periods of time, and uses rapid and repetitive movements while emphasizing breathing control as well. This Yoga can be very meditative and usually involves a call-and-response chanting between the instructor and participants.

Bikram Yoga: this Yoga is always 90 minutes long in 95-100 degrees acclimated roomand high humidity.. A series of 26 poses is always done in the same order. The highly heated room and the order of the 26 poses help loosen tight muscles while cleansing the body with profuse sweating.

I personally love Bikram Yoga because after a class you feel such harmony between your mind, body and spirit, plus it is an amazing workout. However, as mentioned earlier, before sticking to one Yoga type, try them all and then decide. Usually, the best place to take good true Yoga is at a Yoga Studio.

- The Moms Buzz

Tips on Pitting Multiple Olives at Once

2009-10-26T15:21:46-04:00

This is a cooking tip busy moms will absolutely love: an easy way to pitting a lot of olives at the same time for your favorite recipe:

Place many olives under a small skillet. Use the small skillet apply pressure with the bottom of the pan until the olives split open. It will expose the pit enough to pluck it away by hand.

You can now crack more than one olive at a time!

- The Moms Buzz

Tips to Make Your Mammogram Experience a Positive One

2009-10-26T15:14:48-04:00

When going to get your mammogram, consider these tips to make your mammogram experience a positive one, especially, if this will be your first time:

Before your appointment, get a presription form from your referring physician and remember to bring it with you.
If possible, choose a facility that specializes in breast health and performs many mammograms and other breast care examinations every day.
If you are still menstruating, schedule your mammogram for the week or two after your period, when your are the least sensitive.
If you have prior images from another imaging center, bring them with you.
Refrain from using any powders, deodorant, lotions and perfumes before your test. The chemicas in these products can show up as calcifications that will require further testing.
Understand the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. A screening mammogram is a routine exam when no symptoms are present. A diagnostic mammogram is prescribed if something is flagged in the screening mammogram, or if you have symptoms.
Bring someone with you for moral support if you need it.

- The Moms Buzz

Braces-Friendly Halloween Treats

2009-10-23T06:55:30-04:00

Kids with braces get bummed out because they feel they cannot have the same "fun" Halloween treats as those kids who do not wear braces. However, there are only a few candies and foods that people who wear braces in general should avoid whether consumed on their own or as in recipe ingredients according to Orthodontists:

Nuts
Popcorn
Tortilla chips
Hard candy
Jelly beans
Licorice
Taffy
Caramel and other chewy candies

If you want to read the full article on braces-safe Halloween treats, please click here.

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.parents.com

Heidi Klum's Top 10 Halloween Costume Ideas

2009-10-23T06:42:52-04:00

Wondering what to wear for Halloween if you are one of those moms who share the fun all the way? Well, here are some great costumes ideas by celebrity mom Heidi Klum. When it comes to dressing up on Halloween mom of four Heidi Klum really goes for it. Read the following article on Heidi Klum's top Halloween costume ideas for parents.

Also, exclusively on MSN Lifestyle Heidi Klum runs through makeup tips and costume ideas for this year’s ghoulish holiday, including:

Vampire – ask your dentist to make you some fangs
Bride of Frankenstein – singe the veil a little bit and rip the dress so you really look like you come from the dead
Spray Painted Body Art – it’s a tough one to pull off and could be a little chilly in October, but when done right, it's spectacular
Flapper – the best thing to do here is go to a thrift store and find a dress

- The Moms Buzz

Another Great Deal: 30% off at Adidas on All Hearwear!

2009-10-22T18:56:00-04:00

I thought of sharing another great deal with you, especially those close to an Adidas Outlet. Adidas is offering 30% off on all headwear at their outlet stores. Present this coupon at the store. The offer ends 10/31/2009. Headwear is a great gift idea!

- The Moms Buzz

Deal of the Week: 20% Off at Stride Rite!

2009-10-22T13:37:30-04:00

Get those little feet in style with fashionable boots for your children at Stride Rite this Fall. Stride Rite is offering at 20% off coupon on your entire purchase online and in-store. When buying online use coupon code FALL20 and for the in-store coupon, click here to print and go! Offer ends Nov 15, 2009.

- The Moms Buzz