How to Remove Bunchems from Hair

Every year, there is are specific toys that are considered to be the hottest, most popular, Christmas gift for kids. This year, a toy called Bunchems has attracted a lot of attention. The toy inspires creativity, but, unfortunately, also can get stuck in children’s hair. Bunchems is a toy that functions similarly to LEGO. Each Bunchem is a round, colorful, ball that appears to be made out of plastic. Each Bunchem is covered in little hooks that enable it to connect to other Bunchems. The cool thing about this popular toy is that it inspires creativity. Kids can build things … Continue reading

Mommy Secrets Revealed

If you were anywhere near the Internet today, then you likely saw the headliner of the summer courtesy of NBC’s Today show: “Moms Confess Their Deepest, Darkest Secrets.” Ooooooooohhhh! The mere title is enough to raise one’s hair, blood pressure… and more importantly, traffic on the morning show’s website. If you were like millions of curious moms around the world, once you clicked on the “Secrets” link, you learned that the confessions had little to do with tawdry trysts with the neighbor’s pool boy or a panache for pilfering Pina Colada mix from the in-laws. Rather, the top-secret secrets moms … Continue reading

Something Worth Watching

What do you get when you combine a boy with mustard-colored skin and purple hair with the swine flu? The answer: Must-see TV… at least if you have young kids at home. If you’re worried about the H1N1 virus or seasonal flu, don’t have all the facts on vaccinations AND you parent needle-phobic children, then you might consider tuning into PBS’ “Sid the Science Kid” on Monday, October 26, 2009. That’s when a new episode of the popular kiddie series will air. The special show follows 4-year-old Sid as he goes to the doctor to get a flu shot. Those … Continue reading

Saving on Seasonal Stuff

I admit that I complain quite a bit about how the retail stores are constantly rushing the seasons. For example, when did it make it okay to go ahead and put Christmas trees up in September? The holiday season is still months away, and I haven’t full recovered from the chaos of back to school. Heck, I still haven’t fully realized that summer is over. Do you know what I mean? I’m waiting for the eventual moment when the merchandise is pushed so far back in the year that it wraps all of the way around and becomes timely again. … Continue reading

Mario Lopez is Single Again

They said it wouldn’t last… and I agreed. Sources close to Mario Lopez and his flexible former “Dancing with the Stars” pro partner Karina Smirnoff confirm that the dark-haired duo have called it quits. The couple first sparked rumors of a romance when they were partnered during the popular dance competition’s third season. Interestingly, the pair never once publicly acknowledged that they were dating despite being photographed canoodling at dozens of celebrity events. Now it appears Smirnoff is waltzing out of Lopez’s life… and his Los Angeles home—-the place she has reportedly been living for more than a year now. … Continue reading

Families.com 2007 Cookbook ‘A’

The families.com cookbook is organized according to ingredients rather than by type of dish. This way if you have an ingredient on hand, and are wondering what to do with it, or if you want a recipe that uses a specific ingredient, then you can look it up in the cookbook. If you want a certain type of dish. . .use the categories on the right! Acorn Squash Ranchy Breaded Fish and Candied Acorn Squash Adobo seasoning Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Tex Mex Marinade Allspice Chai Spice Cutouts Spicy Mixed Nuts Oatmeal Waffles with Homemade Apple Butter Healthy Pumpkin Brownies … Continue reading

SPA-tastic News For Midwest Travelers

I’ve taken a hit for taking jabs at my new northern home here in Wisconsin (what can I say, I grew up in Hawaii). I’ve attempted to make amends by detailing the incredible attractions the state has to offer in many of my previous blogs and today I have yet another to add to the list. Get ready ladies… this one’s especially for you! Let’s face it; Wisconsin isn’t known around the world (or even the Midwest) for having world-class spas. After all, when someone talks about what made Milwaukee famous the answer is not hot springs and deep-tissue massages. … Continue reading

Enjoy Your Day at the Spa Safely

A day at the spa is the perfect way to relax and let the stress melt away. Most spa treatments are completely safe during labor. However, there are a few that should be avoided. Here’s how to enjoy your day of pampering without worrying about your unborn baby. Before you arrive for your day at the spa, be sure the staff knows you are pregnant. If possible, tell them when you book your appointment. If the day is a gift, call the spa to let them know that you are pregnant. Be sure to mention any other issues, such as … Continue reading

Mother-Daughter Vacations

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a mother-daughter vacation. (For you moms with sons… I will spotlight mother-son vacations in a future blog.) Like all relationships the one between mother and daughter evolves over time. From the adoring younger years to the tricky teenage years to the moment when daughters become mothers themselves and suddenly the relationship takes on new meaning. Here are some vacation ideas tailored to each age group. American Girl Place — Los Angeles, New York, Chicago American Girl Place is a retail and entertainment site. … Continue reading