Xtreme Chase: Getting a Great Workout Playing With Your Kids

By: Guest Blogger, Luann Abrams

I am a nature fanatic and I make sure my son and I get outside every day to breathe some fresh air. But somedays it just doesn’t work to stay out very long. Today is a gloomy, rainy, cold winter day, and even my little guy, who is more like a mailman in that neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail will stop him, wants to stay in. And so we were off for a great game of Xtreme Chase.

Xtreme Chase, named because everything sounds more exciting with Xtreme at the beginning, is a fun way to get moving and playing with your kids. We just run back and forth down the hall or through the house chasing each other. If you are one of those fuddy-duddies who doesn't allow running in the house, well, put away the breakables and loosen up! Sound effects are highly encouraged and pretending to be various extinct animals adds a bit of flair for the younger kids; Playing some of your favorite tunes a little louder than normal can add some energy. But you can really turn it into a workout by adding a few sports conditioning moves as you race down the hall:

High Knees–Lift your knees up to hip-level as you bound after your little one

Butt Kicks–Hit your butt with your heels as you run. This is great hamstring (back of your thigh) strengthening.

Jumps–Just jump! But remember to land softly, which means you have to use your muscles to slow the momentum of your lowering body. Add some pillows that you have to jump over - a great way to tone your lower body.

Skip–I have no idea how to explain how to do it! If your child is younger, this is a great opportunity to work on this coordination skill.

Walking Lunges–Step forward with your first leg landing heel first. Lower body by bending both knees until back knee nearly touches the floor. Lift yourself up using both legs and step forward and repeat with the opposite leg.

Stairs–If you have stairs in your house, you have a built-in workout machine. Running up and down the stairs two-at-a-time, sideways, backwards, is great for firming the glutes. You may want to skip this with the younger kids until they are sure-footed.

Drop and Give Me...–Stopping throughout the chase to punch-out 10 push-ups or 10 crunches will ensure you get a full-body workout.

That should get you started on your first Xtreme Chase competition. When your child has completely worn you out, end your game with a few snuggles and some stretches. Be well and have fun!

Luann Abrams is a personal trainer who focuses on family fitness. She maintains her own blog, http://trainingforfun.com/, to encourage family-fitness.

Devotional Stories for Women - Review

As women we lead busy lives – family, careers, kids, home, hobbies. With all this going on we sometimes forget we have to take time for ourselves to unwind and rejuvenate our minds and soul.

Chicken Soup for the Soul – Devotional Stories for Women is 101 short, “cups of comfort, encouragement and inspiration” written by and for women. In addition, this book is broken up into eleven sections that each deal with a specific area of life;

Section 1 – Faith
Section 2 – Motherhood
Section 3 - Life Lessons
Section 4 – Illness
Section 5 – God’s Helpers Section 6 – Parenting
Section 7 – Relationships
Section 8 - Loss
Section 9 - Service to Others
Section 10 – Marriage
Section 11 – Self-Esteem

Plus, after each though-provoking story there’s a small prayer to further your devotions. This book is a wonderful, daily reminder that God is with us and cares for us.

Pick up your copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Devotional Stories for Women at your local retail book store, online at Amazon.com or visit Chicken Soup for the Soul’s official web site at; http://chickensoup.com

The Story Behind the Song - Review

Get the truth behind…

…Freddie Mercury’s, “Bohemian Rhapsody” p.g 30

…How an angry girlfriend fuelled the fire in - ”Stop! In the Name of Love” by Lamont Dozier p.g 89

…Why “Eye of the Tiger” by Jim Peterik was destined to be great, p.g 261

Chicken Soup for the Soul has done it again with “The Story Behind the Song.” This book has 101 of your favourite and well-known songs along with the artists who created them. From serious to fun to just plain silly, each song comes with the exclusive, personal background story along with the full words to each.

I found myself singing the songs I haven’t heard in ages and saying, "Oh! That’s what the words are to…” more than one of my favourites.

Authors, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Jo-Ann Geffen have worked hard to bring you the most comprehensive guide to “The Story Behind the Music.” Plus, the forward is written by singer/song-writer and award-winning creator of the Motown sound, Lamont Dozier. “The Story Behind the Song” is a must have for any music lover and would make a great Valentine’s Day gift.

Look for all Chicken Soup for the Soul books at your local bookstore, online at Amazon.com, or visit their web site at http://www.chickensoup.com/

Wordless Wednesday

How cute is this?!

Picture courtesy of Trace at http://newscoma.com

Chicken Soup For the Soul - Count Your Blessings

As life seems to speed past, sometimes leaving us in a tailspin, it’s nice to know there’s always a source to turn to – Chicken Soup for the Soul. These books are like an old friend you can count on when you need a pick-me-up.

One of Chicken Soup for the Souls newest additions is Count Your Blessings. This book has 101 stories of Gratitude, Fortitude and Silver Linings that may just help you see past your own troubles.

As with all Chicken Soup books, Count Your Blessings is broken up into sections for easy reference. Here is what you have to look forward to:

1 – Expressing Gratitude – stories of folks that were able to see past the tragedy.

2 – Back to Basics – out of work doesn’t have to be a “death sentence.”

3 – Recovering from Adversity – stories of strong wills and perseverance

4 – Silver Linings – things aren’t always has bad has they seem

5 – The Joy of Giving – often, that’s all it takes

6 – Attitude is Everything - laughing in the face of adversity

7 – I’ve Got What I Need – giving thanks for what we already have

8 – Thank My Lucky Stars – survivors tell their stories

9 – A New Perspective – how we look at things can make a difference

10 – Having Faith – we all could use more of this

Count Your Blessings is so full of optimism you can’t help but feel better and feel good about the wonderful things in your own life.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Books are available through your local retailers, Amazon.com or their official web site at; http://www.chickensoup.com

It's Chicken Soup Week!

Oh the weather outside may be fightful, but we have Chicken Soup all week to help warm you on the inside.

We kick off Chicken Soup Week with Company's Coming - Grandma's Chicken Soup Recipe - it's yummy and good for you. One taste of this and you'll never go back to that canned stuff.

Enjoy :)

Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Grandma always could cure whatever ailed you. Whether she used a hug or some of her long-simmered, made-from-scratch chicken soup, you always left her place feeling better about the world.

CHICKEN STOCK

* Bone-in chicken parts (see Note) 4 lbs. 1.8 kg

* Water 10 cups or 2.5 L

* 2 Celery ribs, with leaves, halved

* 1 Large onion, quartered

* 1 Large carrot, halved

* 3 Sprigs of fresh thyme

* 1 Sprig of fresh parsley

* 2 Bay leaves

* 1 Garlic clove

* 12 Whole black peppercorns

SOUP

* Cooking oil 2 tsp. - 10 mL

* Chopped onion 1/2 cup -125 mL

* Chopped carrot 1/2 cup - 125 mL

* Chopped celery 1/2 cup - 125 mL

* Spaghetti, broken into about 3 inch/3 oz. - 85 g (7.5 cm) pieces

* Chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup - 60 mL

* Salt 3/4 tsp. - 4 mL

* Pepper 1/4 tsp. - 1 mL

Chicken Stock: Put chicken and water into Dutch oven or large pot. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes without stirring. Skim and discard foam from side of pot.

Add next 8 ingredients. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and starts to fall off bones.

Remove from heat. Remove chicken and bones to cutting board using slotted spoon. Remove chicken from bones. Discard bones. Chop enough chicken to make 2 cups (500 mL). Reserve remaining chicken for another use. Strain stock through sieve into large bowl. Discard solids. Skim fat from stock. Makes about 6 1/2 cups (1.6 L) stock.

Soup: Heat cooking oil in large saucepan on medium. Add next 3 ingredients. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until onion is softened. Add stock. Bring to a boil.

Add spaghetti. Cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti and vegetables are tender.

Add chicken and remaining 3 ingredients. Heat and stir until chicken is heated through. Makes about 7 1/2 cups (1.9 L).

1 cup (250 mL): 137 Calories; 4.3 g Total Fat (1.8 g Mono, 1.1 g Poly, 0.9 g Sat); 34 mg Cholesterol; 11 g Carbohydrate; 1 g Fibre; 13 g Protein; 287 mg Sodium

Note: Use whichever cuts of chicken you prefer as long as the weight used is equal to that listed.
Reprinted from Soups © Company's Coming Publishing Limited

http://www.companyscoming.com

Cervical Cancer Prevention

By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP – Medical Director of Cinergy Health (http://www.cinergyhealth.com/)

Last year, 11,270 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and another 1.2 million women will develop dysplasia, a condition which left untreated will turn into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignancy that develops in tissues of the cervix: the organ which connects the uterus to the vagina. It is preventable, slow-growing (so that it can be detected and cured early in its course), and is nearly always caused by infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Cause: Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV – a highly contagious virus which can be transmitted easily by skin to skin and sexual contact.
• At least half of all sexually active Americans contract HPV during their lifetimes
• About 20 million Americans between the ages of 15 and 50 carry the virus.
• There are more than 100 types of HPV – of which more than a dozen (termed “high risk types”) can cause cervical cancer.
• Most often, a person’s immune system kills off the virus without intervention
• Exposure to high risk types of HPV is more likely to lead to cancerous changes of the cervix in women who smoke or whose immune system is impaired.

Prevention: Cervical cancer can be prevented by
• Having no intimate contact with either men or other women
• Obtaining the HPV vaccine – which can immunize against two high risk types of HPV (types 16 and 18), which cause about 70% of cervical cancers. It is given as a series of three injections over a period of six months. The vaccine is now FDA-approved for females and males between the ages of 9 and 26, although many physicians recommend the vaccine up to age 50 for sexually active women and men who have sex with men.
• Screening and treatment for early evidence of pre-malignant changes to the cervix

Screening: The “pap smear” (Papanicolaou test) is used to screen for cervical cancer as part of the gynecological examination. It can reveal early, pre-malignant changes to the cervix. It is done by gently scraping the cervix with a wooden or plastic spatula and then by inserting a very small brush into the opening of the cervix. The cells thus obtained are then evaluated by a commercial laboratory. For maximum accuracy, your provider should be submitting a liquid-based preparation (not the old-fashioned smear submitted on glass slides). The same cells can be evaluated for the presence of HPV.

Lately, when and how often to screen has become controversial. Consensus among the various guideline commissions is still pending, but it is likely that recommendations will be as follows:
• The first Pap test should be done at Age 21, then repeated every two years.
• At Age 30, the Pap test and HPV screen (done using the same cells collected for the Pap) should be done; if both are negative and you’ve had at least three consecutive normal Pap smears, screening can be reduced to every three years.

If the Pap is normal but high risk HPV is present, Paps should be repeated at least yearly.
If the Pap is abnormal, further testing is necessary – starting with ‘colposcopy’. This procedure starts like a regular gynecologic examination, with the speculum inserted into the vagina. The doctor then brushes a material on the cervix to highlight any abnormal areas. The ‘colposcope’ – a large microscope positioned about a foot away – shines light into the vagina so the abnormal areas can be seen through the microscope. These areas are then biopsied and evaluated by a special laboratory.

Note: You should continue to see your doctor at least yearly for general gynecologic check-ups, even though the Pap test might be done less frequently.
Of all cancers, cervical cancer is almost unique in that it is preventable. Ask your healthcare provider whether you should consider the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer can be detected early, treated, and cured. Ask your provider how frequently you should be screened.

Your Memoirs - Review

Your Memoirs by Hawley Roddick

“You acquire many treasures in a lifetime, but none is more valuable – or important to people you care about – than your experience…”{ excerpt from ‘Your Memoirs.}

Have you ever thought about writing down your life? The experiences you had, the insight you gained throughout the years can serve as a valuable tool to future generations.

But where do you begin? This task may seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself a “writer.” However, that shouldn’t stop you from leaving a written legacy of your life.

Your Memoirs - Saving the Stories of Your Life and Work by Hawley Roddick may just be what you’re looking for to help get you started. Ms. Roddick’s experience as a personal and corporate biographer lends itself to this wonderful book.

“…if you write your past, you write your future: while you create a map of where you have been, you also sharpen your focus on where you are and where you still want to go. As a bonus, you influence how you are seen now and will be remembered…” {excerpt from Your Memoirs}

Part one of Your Memoirs delves into ‘Strategy and Technique’ of writing your memoirs.
From - Secrets, Expressing Yourself, Engaging Readers and Recalling Your Past to how to write a Business Biography, this comprehensive, yet easy to read and follow section will more than set you on your way. Roddick even guides you through the publishing of your memoirs so you have a lasting, quality book.

Part Two of Your Memoirs, is forty pages of specifically targeted questions to help you review your life and trigger memories that may be buried deep in your subconscious.
This section is sure to be a huge help when laying out a plan for your memoir.

Your Memoirs by Hawley Roddick is a one-stop guide to memoir writing. For more information on Hawley Roddick visit her web site at; http://www.HawleyRoddick.com

This book is also available on Amazon.com; http://www.amazon.com/saving-stories-your-life-work/dp/1430312815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262549514&sr=1-1

The Adventures of Footenbarn - Hot Seat

Warning – Reading this book will lead to much hilarity and laughing out loud. Do not attempt to read in quiet places such as classrooms or church.

What happens to the “other” sock that always gets lost in the dryer? It goes through a worm hole and ends up on a hilarious adventure.

The Adventures of Footenbarn – Hot Seat, by Jeff Gibson and Shahrook Oomer is about one such sock. Whether it’s in his dreams fighting the bad guys, on the bus ride to school falling in love, or in the classroom pulling pranks, Footenbarn’s adventures are sure to keep you entertained.

A full cast of wacky characters come to life among the pages, like Simbu (who grows toe fungus for fun), Flex the bumbling-buddy and Francipants, the foreign exchange pair of pants. Plus, what would a good adventure be without a pretty girl and a villian? Or in this case, a brand new, high quality student err, sock named Filless and a bad-guy-dust-ball named Smackberry. This book has it all.

Footenbarns rules his school with his quick wit, up to date technology (YouTube Sock, Sock Foot Page) and all ‘round fun – think Sponge Bob Square Pants meets Bart Simpson. In addition to being quick-witted and hilarious, the illustrations are bright and bold with lots of detail filling in the background. I found myself looking at the pictures and finding more ‘punny’ remarks that only added to the story. With all this going for it, The Adventures of Footenbarn – Hot Seat can’t help but holler - READ ME!!

This book would make a great addition to any child’s collection or for anyone who has ever wondered…”where did that sock go?”

For more fun and information, please visit their web site at; http://www.footenbarn.com/

Or to purchase a copy of The Adventures of Footenbarn, just click on;
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615325173?ie=UTF8&seller=ASQWIP6RBC4CE&sn=Paper%20Press%20Books

Look who else is reading Footenbarn...
That's right, it's former President Bush and his lovely wife with co-author, Jeff Gibson.

Interview With GumDrop Lane's - Erin Ruane

Tell us about Gum Drop Lane;
Gumdrop Lane is a mommy-owned and operated online boutique featuring new and used apparel, accessories and gifts for girls up to size 6 and boys up to size 4T. We have been in business for two-and-a-half years. We carry new merchandise from names such as Tralala, Knuckleheads, Baby Nay, Kissy Kissy and Punkster and used merchandise from upscale brands as well as mall brands. You can find terrific deals on items starting at $1! We are based in Virginia Beach, Va.

What made you start this unique web site?
I knew there were other parents and grandparents who, like me, enjoyed shopping for both new and used items for the kids in their lives. I had always shopped consignment stores yet I had no problem paying retail for a really unique piece that I knew would be a standout on my daughter. So, I thought the offerings on the web at the time offering either new OR used weren’t offering the kind of one-stop convenience shoppers like me would appreciate. I launched GumdropLane.com as the first online boutique offering both new AND used in one store to better serve this customer base.

Love the name; any significance behind it?
Candy Land was always my favorite game as a kid so I thought it would sort of invoke fun images of childhood and be a natural fit from a marketing standpoint. It’s given me lots of inspiration in terms of the look and feel of both the logo and the site itself.

How do you find the items you sell on the site?
I travel to market several times a year and buy directly from the manufacturers in order to stock the new department. For the used department, I buy directly from parents who are interested in selling their little ones’ clothing and accessories to me. We all have those things that were the wrong size or the wrong season or are still in great condition even though they were worn a few times. Many of the used items on Gumdrop Lane still have the tags on them.

Is it just clothes?
GumdropLane.com sells clothes, accessories such as hair bows and gift items such as blankets and bibs.

Do you ship all over the world?
GumdropLane.com currently ships to the U.S. and Canada.

Any plans for the future of Gum Drop Lane that you can share with us?
Lots of fun things in store, but you’ll have to stay tuned for all the great details.

I noticed you won an award...tell us about that.
We were thrilled when one of our customers nominated us for a “Best Baby Website” and we won!

Anything else you would like to add?

We offer free shipping for orders over $99. We have two BIG sales each year with a minimum of 60% off every item in the store. Our Winter Sale begins this week! We are active on Facebook and Twitter, which are two great places to go for special announcements and coupon codes from GumdropLane.com and you can follow all the latest at our blog; http://GumdropLane.com/blog. Check out GumDrop Lane at; http://www.gumdroplane.com/

Be a Bumple

Want to become an official Bumple? Why not join Bumples Interactive Magazine today?

This month Bumples is going to the Olympics with fun, interactive sports, games, fiction and fact. Plus, Bumples has made it even easier to join the club. For only $2.25 an issue, your kids can have the fun of a paper magazine, with the interactivity of a computer game. Plus, Bumples even has fun facts that relate back to the fiction story so they'll be learning along the way....Shhhh, don't tell them that part.

For the low price of $2.25 an issue, that's less than you'd pay for one of those fast-food kids' meals and, let's face it, a lot healthier - Bumples nourishes the mind and fuels the imagination.

In addition to all this fabulous fun, the first 10 people who sign up for a yearly subscription ($19.95) will receive a FREE Miss Bumples book. Hurry this offer won't last long! Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine at; http://www.bumples.com/

Now on to the winner of our book giveaway, Miss Bumples Moves to Bumplesville...
.....drum roll please...

The winner is Katherine. WOOHOOO CONGRATS!!!!
(Katherine if you could email me your address we'll get your prize right out to you)

Thanks to all who entered and be sure to check back as we have more giveaways planned :)

Bumples Goes to the Olympics

Griffy Giraffe takes off down the hill. His skis slice through the snow as he races towards the jump…

Will Griffy Giraffe win the Bumples Olympic Gold? Find out in Bumples Interactive Magazine (http://www.bumples.com/) where it’s animated animals from around the world vs the animals of Bumpleville.

With the winter Olympics looming, the Bumples gang didn’t want to be left out. So on February 1’st Bumples Interactive Magazine goes to the Olympics. Watch and see if Griffy can take the gold or Bunny can make that winning goal. From figure skating, skiing, snowboarding and hockey, Bumples Olympics is sure to be exciting.

Kids, want to be a part of the Bumples Olympics? No need to grab your winter gear, just get your subscription, log into the magazine and vote for who you think should be the winner. Competitors with the most votes cast will be announced on February 15th.

In addition, Bumples Interactive Magazine will also have some fun and fantastic facts about the Olympic games. What could be more fun then that? Plus, you never have to leave the comfort of your own computer chair.

Don’t miss a minute of these great games, sign up today at; http://www.bumples.com/Subscribe.aspx

Interview with Bumples Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Sheehan

Ms Sheehan was nice enough to stop by and give us an interview. Here are her answers Q/A style so I won't leave anything out...

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

For my first job I was a physical education and team sports instructor.
I was a top athlete in school myself and over the years have helped many girls to achieve their individual goals in their sports. I still coach softball and field hockey today. Most of my life I have worked as an accountant and retired a year ago.

Where did Bumples Interactive Magazine spring from?

Ten years ago I wrote four books based on the Bumple characters. I have always enjoyed telling funny stories to children. Looking at childrens’ magazines a year ago I saw good children’s magazines but not that much fiction. Coverage on the internet involved mostly games. Consequently I identified a niche and decided to show fiction stories with corresponding relevant references supported by games. The most important part was to have interaction. We are the only magazine on the Internet with these three components. Therefore, we feel that we are a ground breaker. Children have wild imaginations and finicky hands so let's do something that will make children happy, keep their attention and get them involved.

Where did your character 'Miss Bumples' originate?

Years ago I created surprise craft ball kits with a stories hidden inside for children. They were mailed all over the country. My main character, Miss Bumples, was developed at that time. The craft balls with funny faces were “bumpy.”

What is Bumples?

Bumples is an interactive magazine for children to enjoy reading - even the ones that don’t like to read. We feel that through making it interactive we can hold the child’s attention and at the same time improve their reading and comprehension. We want to tickle their imagination and creativity. I want them to want to read and learn more. A good teacher, like a good coach, can bring out the best in a child. We hope that this magazine does the same.


Is Bumples a themed Magazine?

Yes we are a theme magazine. Fiction supported by facts and a game relating to the story. No nonfiction.

Are you open to submissions?

Yes we take submissions and expect to be showing literature contributed 80% by outside writers. The illustrators and game designers will be in house.

Are you a Paying Market?

Yes we pay for stories, poems and illustrators. Go to the website for details -
http://www.bumples.com/WritersGuidelines.aspx/

Any plans for the future that you can share?

Yes, moving forward the magazine will be evolving. Animations and sound will be in the future magazines along with stories written by children. This magazine is for children, and we are always open to suggestions to improve it.

Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine online now at http://www.bumples.com/

Remember, the first issue online is FREE, but a new issue will be available this Friday January 15th and you will need a subscription to view it, so sign up today. It makes a great gift or even just an "I Love You" to your wonderful child :)

Book Giveaway

“Miss Bumples Moves to Bumpleville" is a delightful children's book (ages 4 to 8). With well defined animals that exhibit traits children can relate to, the characters work together to overcome all obstacles as they try to solve a mysterious problem in their forest.

The story points out that different animals (or people) have different abilities but by working together they can achieve their goals. With simplistic illustrations, children are immediately drawn into the world of Miss Bumple. It's a delightful book where the text is written at a level that youthful readers can follow, yet the story's paragraphs are involved and detailed enough to help children practice and improve their reading skills.

This heart-warming story of cooperation features friendly animals that help Miss Bumples move and find a new town. Plus, Griffy Giraffe also makes a return appearance.
Miss Bumples Moves To Bumpleville is a positive, uplifting, highly recommended picture book for young children.

In honour of Bumple Week, we’re giving away one Miss Bumples Moves to Bumpleville. What do you have to do? It’s easy. Just leave a comment in any of the Bumples Week Blog Spots and you’re eligible for our random draw on Saturday January 16th.

Good Luck :)

Message from Bumples Editor-in-Chief

Dear Bumple friends,

We at Bumples want to wish everybody a Happy New Years and also thank everybody that has e-mailed us. We have only been on line for one month but the positive response has been overwhelming.

When we decided to write and publish a new interactive children’s magazine, we were not sure how it would go over. The response has shown us that the children and parents like what they see. Going forward the magazine is going to be much better than the sample. We couldn’t do that without all the wonderful stories that we have received. We will be using new illustrators and a lot more animation. Also sounds will be introduced in future issues.

Our first real issue with new writers and illustrators will be out January 15th... Please check it out and tell your friends. Also we are open to any ideas or suggestions.

Happy New Year and we hope that everyone has a wonderful new year.

It's Bumples week!

What's a Bumples?

Bumples is a new interactive magazine for kids ages 4 to 10. It's pages are filled with fantastic fiction, games, puzzles and fun facts. Even if your kids don't enjoy reading, Bumples will have them quickly getting involved in the interactive stories and related games.

Bumples goal is to be a place where a child's imagination can open up and soar. Right now the first issue is FREE. You can check it out at; http://www.bumples.com.

In addition, unlike normal online or print magazines, Bumples will introduce new stories, games and fun two weeks after the new issue - it's like getting a whole new magazine to look forward to. Plus, Bumples has a newsletter for new release information and updates - no more wondering what's going on, it'll come right to your inbox. Don't see something you like or have a great idea? Bumples wants to know about that too. Just use their online contact form and let them know.

So what are you waiting for? Become an official Bumple today. It's fast and easy, plus, be one of the first 10 people to sign up for a subscription and you will receive as a bonus, a free Bumples book. and that's not all, you also have a chance to win a FREE 1 year membership in our monthly drawing.

Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine at http://www.bumples.com. And remember this Friday (January 15th) is the launch of a brand new Bumples interactive issue. Be sure to sign up today and don't miss out.

We Have a Winner!!

Congratulations to Karin who won our random book draw - Parenting by Strengths.

Woohooo way to go!!!!

Thank you to all who entered and be sure to check back as we are getting a Blog Makeover and have tonnes of things planned for the future.

Tomorrow kicks off Bumples Week - Everyday we'll have new pictures, information, interviews and so much more for Bumples Interactive Magazine. Don't miss it :)

Tips on Alleviating Pain and Inflammation - Naturally

Each year, the use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the United States. NSAIDs include: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, and tiaprofenic acid. Researchers are now linking inflammation to an ever-wider array of chronic illnesses such as hay fever, heart disease, depression, diabetes and colon cancer.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Steven Arculeo, DC, suggests cleaning up your kitchen cabinets to help alleviate pain and inflammation without the risky use of NSAIDS.

Foods often found in kitchens that cause inflammation in the body and should be avoided include:

· Hydrogenated or Trans Fats
· Processed foods
· Caffeine
· Red Meat
· Sugar
· Soda
· Alcohol

Instead, fill your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, lean meats and cooking ingredients which can decrease inflammation and rid yourself of sickness and pain:

· Apples & Blueberries: these fruits are packed full of nutrients and are natural anti-inflammatories
· Kale: contains over 80 nutrients per serving
· Fish: one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, fish contains heart healthy and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids. Choose cod, salmon or tilapia instead of the fatty deep water bottom dweller fish such as shrimp or catfish
· Ginger: aids in digestion
· Garlic: lowers hypertension and cholesterol
· Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Turmeric, Thyme, Chili Peppers & Cinnamon: all are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties
· Oil: use cold pressed extra virgin olive oil to aid in decreasing inflammation

For more information visit http://chicagohealers.com/

Tips on Getting Kids Back on a Routine

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER THE HOLIDAY BREAK
By Pam Dyson

Going back to school after a long holiday break is often welcomed by parents and dreaded by children. The first week back can be especially challenging. Here are some suggestions to make it less stressful.

Get Back Into A Routine. During the holiday break your children slept late and went to bed late. Establish a bedtime routine and a morning routine. Lay out clothes and backpacks the night before. Insist your child get enough sleep. Have a schedule of what each child needs to do in the morning. Trace an outline of their hand and write one chore on each finger. Some children will resist getting back into a routine. Be firm and don’t back down and you’ll soon be back into a manageable routine.

Serve Up Healthy Foods. The holidays were full of party foods, cookies and candies. Serve a healthy breakfast; pack a nutritious lunch and offer fruits and veggies for after school snacks. Make family meal time a priority. Enlist your children to help plan and prepare meals. Children are more likely to eat what they’ve helped prepare.

Be Alert To Anxiety. Some children experience head aches and stomach aches when it’s time to return to school. They enjoyed having extra time with you during the holidays and being away from you can cause anxiety. If you find no physical cause for their symptoms then consider your child may be pretending to be ill in order to continue spending time with you. Acknowledge their anxiety. Tell them you feel the same way. Then go to the family calendar and schedule specific times when you can give them some extra attention.

Be Prepared. It’s difficult to do your best at school if you don’t have the proper tools. Take inventory of school supplies that might be broken or missing and purchase replacements. New pencils and a notebook might just be the motivation a child needs to get excited about going back to school.

Going back to school after the holidays is a challenging transition but with a plan it can be manageable and enjoyable.

Visit Pam's sites at; http://www.pamdyson.com/ and http://www.pamdyson.blogspot.com/

Travel Tips by Wendy VanHatten

If you are wondering what to do with your stroller on the next flight, how much your luggage can weigh, or whether an infant seat is allowed...I have a great resource. Check out http://www.smartertravel.com/ for all kinds of good info. They have easy-to-read charts in their Ultimate Guides to help travelers of all types.

Some things you might want to pack…
Bungee Cords have many uses. Use a short bungee cord to wrap around your pant cuffs to deter bugs and mosquitoes from going up your legs. This can be very useful especially in hot summer weather. Or use one to keep luggage together when your hands are full.

Pack a backpack for each child. Add some familiar things along with new items. Include games, toys, books, pajamas for long flights, and hard candy or gum.
To help make your child comfortable in several different hotels, pack his favorite pillow case. Cover the hotel’s pillow with this one and he will feel right at home.

Here are some airline tips…
The US Federal Aviation Administration prohibits children from sitting in the emergency aisles.
You can reserve bassinets that hook into the bulkhead wall for infants up to 6 months old (20 pounds) on a first come first serve basis.

The FAA suggests you dress your children in bright colored shirts so they are easy to spot. Point out airline employees as soon as you arrive so if your kids become separated from you they know who to go to for help.

Use an airline blanket as a catch-all for toys. Wedge one end under you or your child and tuck the other end into the seat pocket in front, forming a hammock. This will reduce the number of times you need to find a toy on the floor.

Visiting museums?
When visiting museums, head to the gift shop first. Buy postcards of the museum’s most famous works. Have the kids treasure hunt for these masterpieces.

Check out Wendy's Blog, Travels and Escapes at; http://www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com.

Parenting by Strengths - Review

Parenting by Strengths – A Parent’s Guide for Challenging Situations, is written by seven different authors, all experts in their fields.

This book gives practical advice and solutions to guide you through everyday situations that arise in every family. In addition, specific web sites are also recommended to help you gain better understanding of yourself, eg – a self-quiz on where your strengths lie.

A summary at the end of each chapter recaps the highlights for quick reference and also gives additional reading recommendations, as well as contact information/web sites for each author.

Contributing Authors;

Cathy A. Rodrigues LCSW, ACSW, CMC – A Certified Mentor Coach;
• Communication and Stress Management
• Exercise
• 5 Positive Principles to Effective Communication

Toni Schutti, MA, LP – National Speaker, Author, Parent Coach and Licensed psychologist.
• Create a Discipline Plan that Works
• Discipline Defined
• 10 Positive Discipline Options – BEAR Problem Solving Format

Sarah Gillen, MA, LMFT, PCC – Parent Coach, Marriage/Family Therapist;
• Parenting Strengths for the Pre-Adolescent and Teen Years

Amy Johnson, MSW – Personal Life/Parent Coach, School Social Worker, Parent Educator, Youth Director;
• Just Say KNOW to Sex
• In the Beginning
• As They Grow
• Do/Don’t
• Safety
• Dealing With Differences
• Preteens/Teens
• Media

Marion C. Bloch, PsyD – School psychologist and coach;
• Positive Parenting and the Special Needs Child
• Principles of Positive Psychology
• Mild-to-Moderate/Moderate-to-Severe Special Needs

Janice Van Buren, PhD – psychologist for over 25 years;
• Parenting Your Multiracial Child
• Developing a Racial Identity
• Talking about Race

Mary Ivory, MA, LCPC, CPC – counselor;
• What 12-Step Programs and Traditions Can Teach Us About Parenting
• Emotion Coaching Skills for All Parents
• Using 12-Step Slogans as Emotional Awareness Tools

This comprehensive book is a must-read for anyone dealing with the stresses of parenthood. Whether you’re a first time parent or a “been there done that,” Parenting by Strengths is sure to bring new ideas and insight.

For more information, please visit; http://www.parentingbystrengths.com/book-.html

Want a copy of this great book? Leave me a comment in this Blog Spot and at the end of next week (January 9th) I will put everyone's name in a hat and draw for it. You can also email me at sandieleem@gmail.com with "book giveaway" in the subject line.

Good Luck :)