Children's Defense Fund Stroller Brigade

Join the Children's Defense Fund In Standing Together for Children: Congress is debating health reform legislation that could leave millions of children worse rather than better off and fails to fix bureaucratic, unfair barriers to care. This must be changed now!

What We Are Demanding: Congress and the President must support changes that provide comprehensive, affordable, accessible care for all children no matter where they live. Changes must build on what works in the system and fix what doesn’t work for children now.

Actions You Can Take:

Join children, parents, grandparents and champions for children in a "stroll" to the Nation's Capitol on November 4 or join stroller brigades in cities across the country November 5 through 8 to ensure that our children are not left behind in health care reform. Can't join a stroller brigade in-person? You can also participate in our Virtual Stroller Brigade!

Important Dates and Links:

• November 4th: The Stroller Brigade campaign kicks off in the DC and readers in the DC area can sign up here - http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/childrens-health/health-coverage-for-all-children-campaign/stroller-brigade/join-stroller-brigade/washington-dc.html 
• November 5th through 8th: The Stroller Brigade will travel around the country. Readers can find a location near them here - http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/childrens-health/health-coverage-for-all-children-campaign/stroller-brigade/join-stroller-brigade.html  
• Readers can create a Stroller Brigade in their own neighborhood here: http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/childrens-health/health-coverage-for-all-children-campaign/stroller-brigade/create-your-own-stroller-brigade.html 
• Readers who do not want to join a Stroller Brigade can help by contacting their member of Congress, spreading the word about the campaign, and sharing their own story: http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/childrens-health/health-coverage-for-all-children-campaign/stroller-brigade/take-action.html
• Fact sheets and more: http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/childrens-health/health-coverage-for-all-children-campaign/stroller-brigade/toolkit.html
• The Stroller Brigade in the news: http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/childrens-health/health-coverage-for-all-children-campaign/stroller-brigade/news.html

Blogger Press Conference:
You are invited to participate in a Blogger Press Conference on Twitter this Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. EST for the Children's Defense Fund Stroller Brigade campaign. MaryLee Allen, Director, Child Welfare & Mental Health will be available to discuss health reform for children, the Stroller Brigade, and any questions bloggers have regarding what the Children's Defense Fund works towards in terms of the health and well being of children.
 
To RSVP for this event, please go to: http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/11/blogger-press-conference-childrens.html

You do not have to RSVP to participate. Please follow your moderator, @ResourcefulMom, Director MaryLee Allen, @ChildDefender, and tweet with the hashtag #strollerbrigade

Thanks!

Indoor Air Quality Important to Kids Suffering from Allergies

My two children suffer from allergies with one affected much more severe than the other.  As I've posted before, she's on daily medications for asthma and allergies and with the worries of H1N1, I'm doing everything I can to be proactive in protecting them. 

BzzAgent gave me the opportunity to try out ZYRTEC® PERFECT MEASURE™ and I love it!  Anything to make administering medications easier, safer and quicker is for me.  I know that I always have the right dose for the six year old and don't have to worry about carrying a bulky bottle and spoons around for those unexpected times allergies hit.

While Children’s ZYRTEC® PERFECT MEASURE™ can relieve the symptoms associated with these allergies, I also know there is more I can do to help:

• I change my furnace and air conditioner filters often and have my air conditioner cleaned annually.
• I used a dehumidifier to control mold by keeping my home dry.
• We don't have pets but if you do, try to keep them out of bedrooms and off of furniture.
• I also vacuum frequently and dust with a damp cloth to keep down dust.
• Something that I have not done is to place cheese cloth over heating vents to catch dust particles during winter which is a great idea.

If you would like a $3.00 off coupon, please let me know as I have a couple left. 

HELP BRING A GI IN HARM'S WAY A LITTLE CLOSER TO HIS FAMILY

Excellent program to support your military families!  The USO helps to unite the separated loved ones and you can help with the upcoming holiday season.  I know when my husband was in Iraq three year's ago at Christmas time, he loved every package he received from me.  Not all soldiers are so lucky and some can't afford to send much as the salary of an enlisted soldier isn't much.  My husband is one of the "lucky" ones in which his tours don't normally put him on the streets fighting so he does have the ability to communicate with me frequently.   Each assignment is different so we'll see how next Christmas will be when he's in Kuwait.

See the message from the USO on how you can help this year:

As military deployments tear families apart, United Through Reading helps bring them together. Thanks to this program, GIs who are thousands of miles away from home and loved ones can still read a bedtime story to their kids every night.


In 62 locations around the globe, the USO's United Through Reading volunteers make DVDs of GIs reading children's books – like "Goodnight Moon" or "The Cat In The Hat" – aloud. The DVD and the book are then mailed to the kids back home to show them that mommy or daddy, though far away, is in fact OK.

Program participants tell of children touching the TV screen or talking back to the recorded image of their parent every time the DVD is played. And troops in harm's way will line up for hours just for the chance to make a recording for their kids.

In less than three years, the United Through Reading program has exploded. Over 50,000 recordings have been made this year, and 100,000 are projected for 2010. Your donation will help the USO provide the cameras (many are wearing out from overuse)... the books… the DVDs and mailers... even the boxes of tissues that must be placed in every recording location.

Our men and women in uniform give up so much when they go off to war on our behalf. Please help the USO bring them a little closer to the loved ones left behind by supporting United Through Reading as generously as you can. On behalf of those we serve, Thank You!

Click here to go to the USO site for more information or to donate.

Costume Express Up to 75% Off!

Costume Express is offering an additional 25% off of already reduced prices.  Some costumes are up to 75% off.  What a great deal for next year if you don't need to pre-pick the latest craze!

If you have a certain party theme coming up, there are costume ideas you can use instead of just for Halloween such as Hannah Montana at $19.99 priced normally at $69.99 not including the extra 25% off!

Click for the code:

HauteLook.Com Blue Avocado Reusable Shopping Bag Sale Starts November 5, 2009

Hautelook.com has these great looking reusable bags by Blue Avocado in many series and different prices starting November 5, 2009.

Halloween YouthfulTips Giveaway Winners Announced!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL HALLOWEEN WINNERS!

e-mails have all been sent to the winners picked by random.org.  Special thanks to everyone who entered!

As a reminder, all winners have 48 hours to respond.  No response will reopen to a new winner per random.org.

YouthfulTips 5 Bottles of Infectiguard Hand Sanitizer 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO: Katie, Kngmckellar, Heather, SueE and Tera - SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO lynnmar1e@hotmail.com - SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips Prehistin Anti-Histamine Giveaway 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO AURIETTE - SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips Christian Siriano Fierce Style 5 Copies 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO:
SweetSue, KC, Fancygrlnancy, Belinda and Masonsgranny59! SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips Pur Favor Options Water Filtration System Pitcher 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO GRADSCHOOLMOMMY! SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips $20 GAP and $15 iTunes Giftcards Giveaway 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNJOYCE! SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips Sprout Baby Feeding Set Giveaway 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO LUV TO SAVE - SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

YouthfulTips Leslie Blodgett Perfume Giveaway 10/31/09 - CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO CAROL, FANCYGRLNANCY, KATIE, KIMBERLY & JULIS55 - SEE ORIGINAL POST FOR DETAILS

Happy Halloween!

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Paul Meier & David Henderson Book Review

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain
Uncover the Hidden Potential in Life's Most Common Struggles
By Paul Meier M.D. and David Livingstone Henderson M.D.

Product Details:

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785229221
• ISBN-13: 978-0785229223
  

This book, by two psychologists, take on the topic of finding purpose in our pain by not only utilizing their skillsets as practicing professionals but also by turning to God for comfort.  Their practices are not only based on educational scripts and professional experience but also on taking the Bible, embracing God and understanding pain.

They take our most common life challenges and help the reader to understand how to cope:

1. Injustice
2. Rejection
3. Loneliness
4. Loss
5. Discipline
6. Failure
7. Death

They use practicum experiences, personal experiences and scripture to assist the reader in understanding pain, how to deal with pain and how to overcome pain.  Although the message may not be different from other like books, I found it a great way to connect to the reader and how psychologists could utilize more Biblical teachings and faith to overcome many of life's issues. 

I particularly liked reading the personal experiences such as the one doctor's story of the passing of his ready mother's desire to go home to heaven.  He prayed at the final moment wishing her to awake from her coma to say his final goodbye.  The story was truly touching and exemplified the power of faith and prayer.

This book is good for anyone but particularly, those that are new in finding their faith, those that have doubts in faith and those struggling to overcome any type of pain.  It is well written and easy to understand. It's not overly done in scriptures to where the average person can easily understand while provoking a desire to become a Christian or better yet, a greater Christian.  This is a book that I will retain and read again as well as give as a gift.


This book is available at Amazon:

*I was not paid to provide this review.  I was provided this book by Thomas Nelson in exchange for a personal review.

Great Sales at HauteLook and Beyond The Rack 72 Hours

Hautelook sale going on now!

Thro by Marlo Lorenz Pet Beds at Beyond the Rack.

Arianne Lingerie, Undergarments, Shirts & Dresses on sale too at Beyond the Rack.

I Won! Another Win This Week: Thanks Adorable Baby Clothing!

I've barely won a thing in my life other than the ultimate gift of motherhood which nothing could be better than that!

I submitted this recipe to AdorableBabyClothing.com's Halloween Recipe Contest and won!

Halloween Cream Cheese Chocolate Brownies

Preheat oven to 350
Ingredients

• 1 pkg brownie mix
• 1 pkg cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 egg
• 14 drops yellow food coloring
• 7 drops red food coloring

Instructions:

1. Mix the brownie batter per box directions and pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan or for thicker brownies, use a 9 x 9 inch pan.
2. Beat sugar, cream cheese and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add egg and food colorings. Mix until blended. Pour over the top of the brownie mix, using a knife, run sections up and down and then across to give it a swirl appearance. Be careful to not mix together.
3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes for 13 x 9 inch pan or 45 to 50 minutes for 9 x 9 inch pan or until cream cheese mixture is lightly browned.
4. Allow to cool before cutting.

This was one of my favorites while living at family housing at Ball State University.  I only modify the food coloring to the holiday.  Unfortunately, I can't stop eating it!

Thanks so much Adorable Baby Clothing!!!!

H1N1 More Information

In my e-mail this morning, was a good read by Dr. Mercola who advocates natural medicines and good common sense.  This one focused on H1N1 which is of great concern to me and most others given the heightened media attention and not to mention the escalation of a "national emergency" declaration by our President.  What I found interesting were some references to studies:

A thorough , comparative analysis of several flu pandemics has been published in the prestigious British Medical Journal, that gives evidence that the H1N1 swine flu is of "the same subtype as seasonal H1N1 that has been circulating since 1977."3 The author points out the substantial confusion between the high public attention the present H1N1 scare is receiving and the very low level of scientific certainty that H1N1 is more severe than other seasonal influenza.

For me, this is reassuring in itself as it's not a virus that has mutated into a vicous death squad.

Recent national polls have revealed that 30 to 50% in many communities are not planning to get a swine flu shot. Those who haven't made up their minds yet have lots of questions.

Again, I'm on the fence on this one.  Our county hasn't received the vaccinations yet but I worry about the flu mist variety as it's a live virus and from what I've read, it makes those around vulnerable to catch H1N1 from the vaccination one.  Note that this is the mist as the needle vaccination is not a live virus.

Additionally there was no reference made to the last swine flu epidemic in the US when 50 million people got the swine flu vaccine and more people died from the vaccine than the swine flu itself -- and that's not counting all those that developed permanent neurological damage.

I'm not sure where that statistic came from as there is no reference to show the proof but if true, that speaks a lot.

60 minutes segment acknowledges that many people born before 1950 have antibodies to the new H1N1 influenza and are naturally protected.

There is a new Canadian study that suggests those who have gotten seasonal influenza vaccines in the past may be at greater risk for getting H1N1 swine flu. This information reinforces NVIC's call for a comparison of the long term health outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

There are more interesting facts, opinions and ways to prevent yourself from H1N1.  I think it's important that everyone read both sides of the pro versus con sides of this vaccine and flu.  I myself, am still pondering what to do.

To read more about Dr. Mercola's article, go here.  He has part of the 60 minutes interview, an interview with a vaccine organization person and more.

Old Navy Coupon $10 off of $50: Want It?

I just received a $10 off of $50 purchase from Old Navy that I can gift to a friend.  If interested, let me know.

Use code ONSHIP50 to get free shipping on purchases over $50.

*Offer valid while supplies last on Old Navy merchandise only from 10/30/09 at 12:01 am ET through 11/8/09 at 11:59 pm ET in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) at Old Navy online. Not valid at Old Navy stores, Gap stores, Banana Republic stores, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory stores or Edition by Banana Republic. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only, not value of Gift Cards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes or shipping & handling charges. Offer valid only on standard shipping to your order's first "ship to" address anywhere in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). If you choose express or next-day shipping options, additional charges will apply. Offer limited to one-time use only. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, including Gap Inc. employee discount. Offer is non-transferable without consent from Gap Inc.

Amazon Harvil Air Hocky Special

Great deal at Amazon if your children are into air hockey as mine are!   This is normally $195.44!


Thanks to "Deal"Ectibles Mommies!

Congratulations to the 2009 Military Family of the Year!

Marine Corps Family Named 2009 Military Family of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, VA October 29, 2009—Military families were the stars of the show at the National Military Family Association’s 40th Anniversary Celebration where the Leanes family was named the Association’s 2009 Military Family of the Year. Seven families were recognized, one from each branch of the Uniformed Services, before awarding the Leanes family the top honor of the night. These families embrace their service to the Nation, are role models in their community, and understand that together they are stronger.

The families were presented their award by a high-ranking military leader in their branch of Service. General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife presented the Military Family of the Year award to the Leanes family.

The Leanes Family
Dennis, Kristy, Jordan, Syvannah, Bethany, Marrisa, Emily, and Karianne are committed to serving their country, their community, and each other. Dennis’s commitment to serve his Nation is so strong that he and his family took a leap of faith in 2006 when he decided to leave his civilian job of eight years and reenlist in the Marine Corps. Though this meant taking a pay cut and uprooting the children, they dove in head first and never looked back.

The Leanes family is an integral part of the Camp Lejeune, North Carolina community. Not only do they volunteer at various organizations throughout the base, they’ve embedded volunteering into their daily lifestyle. When they are not running a Scout meeting, volunteering at church, coaching a sports team, or leading a Family Readiness meeting, they find time to reach out to their neighbors on a daily basis.

Kristy puts her abilities to good use by helping a neighbor with a broken down car (she can replace gaskets or install transmissions) or sewing baby clothes for a family in need. Following their parents’ example, the Leanes children reach out and serve their community, too. Jordan fixes broken bikes and donates them to charities. Syvannah organized a “Wounded Warrior Thank You Project” through her church. Bethany volunteers her babysitting services for spouses whose service members are deployed. The younger children bake cookies for various projects and are quick to share their “friendship bread” with neighbors.

This family has grown stronger each day by embracing the challenges of being a military family. Their children have learned that being strong and brave isn’t only about the troops in combat—it’s about overcoming a fear of the dark, standing up to peer pressure, or coping with the stress of having your dad deployed. This family strives to serve in every way possible.

The finalist families were:

Army Family of the Year
CSM Kevin Nolan and Family, Fort Riley, Kansas

Navy Family of the Year
LTJG Joshua Caldwell and Family, Kailua, Hawaii

Air Force Family of the Year
MSgt Wayne and TSgt Thane Ojala and Family, Las Vegas, Nevada

Coast Guard Family of the Year
BM1 Aaron Udland and Family, Juneau, Alaska

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Family of the Year
CDR Shepard Smith and Family, Norfolk, Virginia

Public Health Service Family of the Year
CDR Dana Hall and the Horesh Family, Overland Park, Kansas

About the National Military Family Association
Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 40 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. To learn more, visit http://www.militaryfamily.org/.

Bear Portraits by Jill Greenberg Book Review

Bear Portraits by Jill Greenberg is a delightful book full of glorious, almost unbelievable, portraits of all sorts of bears. I was lucky to receive a copy of this amazing book by Hachette Book Group and my membership with The Product Review Place.

Product Details:

• Hardcover: 104 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316031887
• ISBN-13: 978-0316031882

Jill Greenberg has been an avid photographer since the age of 10 where she would stage photographs and create characters using various mediums.  Jill's ability to take creative, fun, serious, touching and emotional evoking portraits is the secret to her success.

As soon as I opened the box to view the book, I was in awe and immediately ran over to my two girls and sat them down to review it with me.  They were beyond happy and were elated in seeing all these amazing portraits.  Some of the poses were so unreal; they appeared to be more like stuffed animals or drawings.  She truly is an astounding photographer to be able to capture the unique essence of these miraculous animals in various poses.

They both went "ohhhh" and "ahhhhh" over the baby cubs and my two year old particularly loved the cub drinking from a "ba-ba."  I'm not sure what was more fun, seeing the various bears in their most adorable, but some scary poses or watching the girl's obvious fascination and adoration to this great book. 

At first, my two year old was not afraid of the growling bears that are in some of the portraits but later she was.  It wasn't anything I would be concerned with as once I talked to her about it and joked, she came around and wasn't scared. In fact, she started to imitate him. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures today with my six year old since she's in school.

*Picture I took

A special bonus in the back of the book contains all the bear's names which is so cute for little kids to see that each has their own name.

I would highly recommend this book to an animal lover, a photographer, a nature admirer or anyone with kids.  This is a great way to see bears in a completely different light.

* I was not paid for this review.  I received a complimentary copy by Hatchette Book Group in exchange for my honest opinion.