Macaroni Monday - South Of France

Soap. It should be that simple, right? An invaluable ancient invention responsible for the bearableness of crowded car rides, the success of many dates, and overall good first impressions.

But like many things in this day and age, even simple stuff like soap can be complicated. When faced with so many different choices, it’s difficult to be an educated consumer and know which products can deliver safety, performance, and quality. After all, skin is a delicate organ, and what we decide to expose it to on the outside affects us on the inside! Some things present in commercial soaps such as EDTA and parabens, are suspected to have toxic effects including hormone disruption and carcinogenic qualities. Even color and fragrance are produced through a chemical jumble of artificial colorants and petroleum based compounds. In fact, many “soaps” today aren’t even real soaps at all, but rather bar-shaped concoctions of detergents that rely on chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate for their lather!

Well, we have a new sponsor South of France and their products are great! South of France natural soaps don’t agree that soap should be such a dangerous and convoluted choice, which is why we’re dedicated to producing all-natural, affordable, luxurious soaps that deliver on the promise of health and satisfaction. Our soaps will entice you to indulge in a myriad of refreshing scents while the all-natural suds scrub away your troubles. Go ahead and enjoy them worry-free, since all of our soaps are expertly crafted according to traditional French recipes and are free of harsh chemicals, synthetic detergents, and animal-by-products.

But our dedication to safe, natural products doesn’t stop with the soap; we also make all our packaging free of harmful substances like BPA and phthalates. These chemicals have been shown to leak into products overtime, and from there onto people and into the environment. Even non-plastic packaging can be treated with dangerous substances like mold inhibitors, which is why we’ve committed to offering our new twin-pack bar soaps in safe, nontoxic boxes!

There you have it, just clean, refreshing, nourishing natural soap, ready to whisk you away from routine with delicious scents such as moisturizing Shea Butter, relaxing Lavender, and invigorating Lemon Verbena. Look for these fragrances and more now newly available at Wal-Mart, where we will be offering our luscious liquid soaps and convenient twin-pack bar soaps. As always, our fine products will continue to be available at other retailers such as Whole Foods and Rite-Aid. And since we believe that healthy products should be easily available, here’s a **coupon** for a soap of your choice! You can use it to try one of our soaps for yourself, or if you’re feeling generous, they also make great gifts and stocking-stuffers. Show off your good taste by giving South of France soaps to friends and family this holiday season.

Here at Good Health Natural Products and South of France, we’ll keep helping you to become more educated consumers, as well as offering safe, all-natural products that complement a healthy lifestyle. We believe that healthy choices should be available for every facet of your life, and are conscientious of how we affect ourselves and the environment.

For more information visit our website at www.goodhealthnaturalproducts.com

Find South of France on Facebook and follow them on Twitter HERE.

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - National Children's Dental Health Month

As parents we are responsible for the health of our children. That includes their dental health. The World Health Organization considers dental caries (aka cavities) a chronic disease. Yes, you read that right, a disease. On the bright side, cavities are the most preventable disease in the world. As a practicing dental hygienist, the biggest problem I see is the over-consumption of sweetened beverages. With kids, this is usually in the form of juice. Isn't it typical to see a toddler carrying his sippy cup full of juice all day or a child who drinks 1 juice box after another? When I see multiple cavities, parents are surprised my first question to them is how much juice does your child drink - not how much candy do they eat. Why? The answer is simple. We drink more than we eat and with a greater frequency. It is the frequency that teeth are exposed to sugar in the juice that creates an environment favorable for cavity formation.

What can a worried parent do to prevent this over-exposure? If your child is used to drinking a lot of juice you may try decreasing gradually. First, start offering only water between meals. Also, water juice down if possible. For older toddlers and preschoolers, start weaning off of the sippy cups altogether. It may be a battle, but it is a battle that is better to fight at home rather than in the dentist chair while your child is getting cavities filled.

Some additional tips to keep teeth healthy:

Parents should assist children with brushing and flossing until they are about 10 years old. Most children do not have the dexterity to do a thorough job until this age.

Brush at least twice a day in the morning and evening. If you can, brush throughout the day.

Brush for at least 2 minutes. Most children do not even come close to this. Set a timer if necessary.

Floss your child daily.

Visit the dentist twice a year.

Have your child wear a mouth guard while playing sports.

Remember...A Healthy Smile is Always in Style

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Preserve Child's Art

Are you trying to cut-down on clutter as part of your New Year's Resolutions? I know that clutter-busting is always on my list of resolutions but it is easier said then done. I have an especially difficult time getting rid of mementos of childhood that can take up a lot of space in your home. I have been working on limiting what I save to a few special projects per grade and preserve a memory of the rest by creating keepsake albums with pictures of the artwork.

I chose some art projects and then took photos of them. You could do this with trophies, medals or anything that you or your children no longer want or can store. Then I created an album with one of the many online photos processing companies such as Shutterfly or Snapfish. You can also order personalized albums through Costco and other photo developers. I uploaded the photos and created album pages with colorful borders to match. I also added text to the pages just as I would for a typical scrapbook.

These photo books are not inexpensive but you can often find special discounts. You can also make a homemade scrapbook with photos that you print up. Costco sells inexpensive enlargements and you can make your own album with cardstock, a hole punch and ribbon, yarn etc. You can even get your kids to help you and make the project all the more fun and special. You can purchase acid free paper and adhesives at craft stores such as Michael's and Jo-Ann Fabrics & Craft. Acid free products are recommended to prolong the life of your photo mementos. Look for coupons in your newspaper or subscribe to craft store websites for online coupons.

Happy creating!

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Family Time Management

We've all heard the expression, "There just aren't enough hours in the day". Shortly after having our third child only 14 months younger than her new big brother, I recall feeling beyond overwhelmed by the many changes in our daily routine. There were more items on my To Do List with no end it sight or so it seemed at the time.

So what did this Macaroni Mom do? I GOOGLED IT! Yes, I began my web search for the hidden manual on family time management. I felt like the explorer Juan Ponce de Leon as he searched for the Fountain of Youth. After all the research, I wouldn't have been surprised if I would have found both. Needless to say, I did not find neither but frequently came across great advice followed by the common tag line "it will get better". If I had a dime for every time I read or heard this line, all three of my kids would have cushy college funds.

I needed answers and I needed them right then and there! So I gathered the advice and suggestions sent my way, tweaked them and utilized them as needed. The following tips may not apply to everyone but at some point may come in handy. There may be a new parent, a college bound parent, a parent recently making a career move and/or a parent just looking for new ways to get things done and I hope this will shed some light on surviving a hectic day and know that you're not alone.

*Wake up a half hour before your family members and get a jump start on the day. It may be a struggle at first but the benefits are endless.

*Always expect the unexpected. A 'To Do List' is a great tool but nothing is set in stone. Don't be so hard on yourself for not completing it. Life is a journey not a race.

*Take 5! Somewhere during your day especially those hectic ones, give yourself 5 minutes of "me" time. No, you're not being selfish for allowing yourself a few minutes to reflect, refresh & rejuvenate to continue with the hustle & bustle of it all.

*Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! Get more homemade meals on the table by dividing meal portioned veggies & meats and stocking them in your fridge and/or freezer.

*Avoid a hectic morning as well by preparing your belongings the night before. What a time saver this has been for my family.

*Get a support system! We all need that friend, sister and/or group with a shoulder ready for us to cry on when it's just one of them days. Always keep in mind, it will get better!

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Super Easy Valentine's Wreath

Supplies:

Foam heart-shaped wreath, available at hobby stores

Ribbon (1 Spool of 1.5” ribbon and six to ten spools of different colors/patterns)

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Instructions:

Wrap the 1.5 inch ribbon around the wreath form and hot glue (you made need to make some small cuts to get the ribbon around the heart form)

Cut the remaining ribbon into 4 ½ inch sections, it will take approximately 120 pieces

Fold the ribbon pieces in half and hot glue them together at the bottom

Glue the loops on the wreath, using the different colored ribbons equally

Tie a loop on the back of the wreath and hang on a wreath hanger

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is observed for two weeks. The timing varies based on the changes in the track of the new moon, but it generally begins in late January or early February. In the year 2012, the Chinese New Year begins on January 23rd. The New Year's Festival will be celebrated from midnight of January 22nd (Chinese New Year's Eve) to February 6th (Lantern Festival).

Based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2012 is the year of the dragon. The dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is considered to be a symbol of power, success, happiness, and good luck. People born in the year of the dragon are said to be self-assured, passionate, brave, generous, smart, and witty. However, they are also considered to be egotistical and bossy.

The color red, thought to keep evil spirits at bay, is popular during the Chinese New Year Festival. Citizens often wear the color red. In addition, red banners are posted in the cities. Elder family members often offer gifts of money to younger members. Likewise, married couples may offer monetary gifts to single persons. These gifts are offered in small red and gold envelopes called "Lai See". The envelopes are usually filled with small denomination bills (not coins) and it is considered a special show of "extra thoughtfulness" to use only new bills.

Symbolic decorating traditions of the Chinese New Year include decorating the house with plum blossoms, bamboo, and pine; making a "tray of togetherness" filled with candies and sweet treats, such as candied melon, cumquat, red melon seed, lotus seed, peanuts, and coconut; the use of animals to adorn the walls (particularly animals that represent the zodiac sign, thus the dragon would be a prominent adornment in 2012); the use of Chinese lanterns, especially in bright red and golden paper, for decorating ceilings; and the use of red tablecloths and gold napkins for the table setting.

During the first five days of the Chinese New Year Festival, Chinese natives greet each other with "Guo Nian Hao," which means "Happy New Year." People may wish one another Happy New Year by exchanging "good words," sending greeting cards or e-cards, forwarding Chinese New Year "wallpaper," etc. The government wishes its citizens a Happy New Year with fireworks. As mentioned above, it is also common for cities to hang red banners in honor of the New Year.

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Kids Against Bullying

Pacer Centers Kids Against Bullying site is one the best interactive bullying awareness sites we have come across in a while!

With games, a gallery, personal stories and more, Pacer helps kids not only understand what it feels like to be bullied, but lets those who are bullied, know they are not alone.

With mantras like "Speak Up, Reach Out and Be a Friend" and "Spot It, Stop It" kids have the ability to take the anti bullying pledge, kids can make a difference while learning!

http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/

A few statistics about child bullying:

- A child is bullied every seven minutes;

- 1 out of 3 kids is bullied;

- Over 180,000 students miss school daily for fear of being bullied;

- 85% of all bullying cases have NO intervention;

- Since 1981, the suicide rate for kids under 15 has increased by 70%.

The issue of child bullying has received a lot of attention in the media lately, but one thing that often seems to be missing is exactly what actions parents and students need to take now to stop the bullying. Pacer Center offers kids an interactive way!

Some think bullying is a part of growing up and children need to learn how to stick up for themselves. But bullying can leave children feeling lonely, unhappy, and unsafe and think that there must be something wrong with them. NO child deserves to feel this way!

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Family Fun Jar

Often our family wakes on a Saturday wondering “What do we do today?” Do we hop in the car with no destination in site? Do we go to a local park? Do we sit at home and do nothing? Our inspiration led us to create a FAMILY FUN JAR that we will implement this New Year. The concept is simple - we took a glass jar and wrote down 12 family friendly activities; each month we will choose one activity to do - no matter what the activity is, that will be what we do that day.

These are 12 super fun activities our FAMILY has to look forward to this year:

Park and Subway lunch

Bowling

Rollerskating

Swimming

Mini Golf

Children's Museum

Picnic at Park

Nature Trail Hike

Movies

Fishing

Game Day - Board Games/ Wii etc.

Be Spontaneous (on the spot, think something up and do it)

Oh sure, we have more than 12 FAMILY fun days a year (and may draw a second choice on a rainy day), but this jar is meant to jump start a new kind of fun - something exciting to look forward to once a month, pulling out a surprise activity and going for it! Yes, that is our FAMILY mantra this year - to go for it; for us as parents to Stimulate, Entertain and Exhaust our kid.....we know she will thank us for it!

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Macaroni Monday - Couch Potato Cure

We've reached the mid-point, finally! The days of darkness at 4pm are on the wane, and the sunlight will begin brightening our moods earlier and earlier as the season wears on. But unless you are living in warmer climes, it's still Winter for a few more months, and now that we've packed on those few extra holiday pounds, the temptation to hole up on the sofa with the remote control and a bag of chips or cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows can do more than undermine your summer wardrobe--it can be downright dangerous for your family.

Keep your family fit over the next few months by following this advice:

Sign up for indoor sports at your local community gym, or start a walking regimen with your kids a few times a week.

Don't eat in front of the television, when habitual snacking can undermine your diet and add unhealthy weight and cholesterol to your body. Instead, make the sofa a "no-eating" zone, and require all snacks and meals to take place at the kitchen or dining room table. This will promote healthier eating habits and may contribute greatly to your family's social skills, as they re-learn the art of conversation over dinner.

Don't buy sugary snacks or empty calories when grocery shopping. Buy most of your foods from the produce aisle, then purchase your fish, meats (if you eat meat), nuts and dairy items. Desserts and processed foods should be added to your cart last, if at all. You're less likely to impulse purchase these unhealthy items when your cart is already full of good foods.

Cook as often as possible. Not only will you save money by eating at home, you'll save on calories, as well. Most restaurant meals contain more salt, fat and sugar than recipes for home-cooking.

Limit "fast foods" to once a month or less. While these foods may seem convenient and inexpensive, the benefits of eating less processed foods will pay off in the long run--financially, and physically.

Be sure you and your family are drinking at least 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Don't allow your children to drink sugary sodas, juice drinks (unless they are labeled 100 % fruit juice) or artificially sweetened teas, which may trigger their bodies to seek out the glucose it craves after tasting sweet things.

Encourage movement in any way possible. If your family has access to a gaming system, rent or purchase exercise or dance videos or game cartridges that everyone in the family can enjoy together. If it's warm enough where you live, ride bikes with your kids, go jogging or hiking, or play tennis or swim at a membership health club.

For more ways to keep your kids fit this winter, visit: GirlsHealth.gov.

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.