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Learning Disabilities | March 17, 2010

by Jenifer Fox,
Author of Your Child’s Strengths: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

In February 2001, the New York Times published a memorable article about a scientific study by a group of psychologists. The group claimed to have done an “exhaustive” review of Winnie-the-Pooh literature and then catalogued and diagnosed a range of clinical, personality, and psychological disorders among the major characters in the Winnie-the-Pooh books. Their study, called the Pathology in the Hundred Acre Wood: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective on A. A. Milne, was one in which the authors describe the various deficiencies of each character. Pooh, for example, has … Read More »


 

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Michelle Lehman
 

Making School Mornings Run Smoothly | March 16, 2010

When your children have finished their homework after school, ask them to put their folders back into their backpacks so they are ready for the morning.  If your child is allowed to bring a snack to school have them pick out their crackers and put them in the backpack as well.

As your children head up stairs for the night, ask them to “grab” their stuff on the stairs and any items they have left behind downstairs to take up to their rooms.  If they do not “grab” their stuff  you could suggest that it will become your stuff for … Read More »


 

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Allison Empey
 

My Life So Far (In One Hundred Words) | March 15, 2010

I recently came across an article in a year-old issue of Glamour magazine in which several well-known actresses, authoresses and comediennes summarized the secrets of their success in exactly 100 words.  And although I’m not the hallmark of success, it piqued my interest and made me want to bore you all with 100 of my own words.  (I’ll have to admit, I’m crapping cinder blocks over here.  Can I be THAT SUCCINCT?  Me, with my penchant for dictionaries and big words?!)

Here goes.

Born in Belleville to Bob and Mo.  First child, so grew up as peacekeeper between two younger siblings.  Had … Read More »


 

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Allison Empey
 

Best-Ever Brownies | March 11, 2010

I used to think that nothing in the culinary world could be easier than boxed brownie mix.  Open box, add wet ingredients, stir and bake.  Foolproof, yes, but it feels like cheating.  However, I recently came across a brownie recipe that is just as easy, just as affordable and a million times better!  This is a rich, dense brownie that stays moist for days after baking.  It’s also a brownie that just screams for a glass of cold milk.   I’m willing to bet that you already have all the ingredients for these bad boys in your pantry!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 … Read More »


 

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Michelle Lehman
 

Getting Your Finances Organized | March 10, 2010

With the economy in the state it is in, now is the time to get your finances under control.  Start off with a budget; you can utilize several free online services such as:  www.Quicken.Intuit.com, www.mint.com, www.myspendingplan.com, www.BudgetTracker.com along with several others.  Look at their demo’s to see what works best for you.

Now that your budget is established let’s get your bills organized so you can pay them on time and avoid any late payment fees.

1.   Organize your papers in a binder or start with a filing cabinet. Using the hanging folders, separate all of your bills into a to … Read More »


 

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Lauri Rottmayer
 

A Travel Worthy Cake | March 9, 2010

My friend and fellow pageant director, Eddie, is having a birthday in a couple of days. Eddie loves pound cakes and I love baking pound cakes so it’s a friendship made in heaven. Or at least in the kitchen.

The beauty of a pound cake is that it travels really well. It’s a dense sturdy cake that only tastes better as the days go by. It will definitely taste better when it arrives in California that it would if I were to slice into it and eat it now.

First I made sure that my oven rack was positioned in the middle … Read More »


 

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Libby Haynes
 

Do You Decorate AROUND Your TV? | March 8, 2010

C’mon, admit it.  Decorate schmecorate, it is THE focal point of the room.  This fact leaves us spending wads of cash making the television look good in our respective rooms.

At my store, “housing” the television and its components is always a hot topic.  My favorite customers to help with this are couples, because nothing else typifies the gender wars in decorating more.  It usually goes one of two ways:  1) the husband has bought a television roughly the size of a Smart Car which is sitting out in the middle of the room and the wife is on a desperate … Read More »


 

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Allison Empey
 

Baby Essentials That Do Double Duty | March 3, 2010

We all know that lipstick can double as blush and that you can use a piece of pencil eraser for a missing earring back in a pinch, but did you know that there are a multitude of items in your toddler’s diaper bag that can do double duty?  In my last 16 months of mommyhood, I’ve discovered some cool tools in Hayden’s room – baby essentials that moonlight as  grown-up gear!

Baby oil -  If the name doesn’t give it away, it’s most commonly used on your baby’s delicate new skin.   Another use?  Smooth it onto YOUR skin after you get … Read More »


 

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Carrie & Theresa
 
 
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Shelter Dogs Need A Second Chance | March 2, 2010

Several months ago, I found myself making daily trips to the Savannah Chatham County Animal Control in search of my little man, Mr. Bentley.  What I witnessed as I searched for my lost schnauzer was nothing new to anyone who has ever seen an ASPCA commercial, watched Animal Cops on Animal Planet or any number of shows out there now about the homeless pet population that not only this country but many others face.  What I didn’t realize at the time was the amount of diligent hard work, dedication and countless tears that these workers (the “dog catcher” to the … Read More »


 

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Editor
 

Book Giveaway: Latin Grill | March 1, 2010

Latin Grill Sultry and Simple Food By Rafael Palomino with Arlen Gargagliano, photographs by Dan Goldberg

Play with fire without breaking into a sweat. Give them sizzling steaks striped with grill marks, and tropical nectars to sip. End the night with sticky, luscious desserts.  Smile and relax with your little Latin Grill secret: easy prep and effortless execution! GRILL IT! Latin Grill gives you simple, passionate meals cooked over fire.

More than 80 recipes for easy-to-make grilled dishes, cooling ceviches, and cocktails such as Blueberry-Pisco Sours and Grilled Pineapple Mojitos to make an occasion of any meal. Grilling and relaxing at home … Read More »


 

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Allison Empey
 

Skor Apple Dip | March 1, 2010

A co-worker brought this dip in for an office potluck a couple of years ago and it was gone within minutes.  Needless to say, it’s now become her “signature dish” and she’s requested/required to make it for each and every food event we have in our office.

It’s called “Skor Apple Dip”, but any fruit will do.  It’s really great with pear slices or with sliced bananas.  If I use apples, I always choose Granny Smiths – they’re just tart enough to counteract some of the dip’s sweetness.  This is a really rich and creamy dip that will please adults and … Read More »


 

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Beth Anderson
 
 
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Boutique Bedding-It’s in the Bag! | February 26, 2010

Now every mom can afford to give her baby designer bedding!

Designer Jill Solomon recognizes that while women may have lost their budgets, they have not lost their great taste. That’s the inspiration behind her revolutionary new product called ‘Itch to Stitch’. It delivers boutique baby bedding in a bag, ready for moms to sew.

The ‘Itch to Stitch’ line features 6 bedding set: 4 gender specific and 2 non- gender specific.  Each kit contains pre-measured, pre-cut, fabric pieces and easy to follow directions for a mom to make her nursery bedding. Bumper, sheet, and skirt included. Other kits available contain blankets, window … Read More »


 

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Jane Mudgett
 

Finances and Divorce, Part 1 | February 25, 2010

Your Finances…Planing for the Future

In an ideal world, everyone would have time to plan for a divorce.  Why?  When it comes to finances, it takes time to gather information, and it’s helpful to avoid emotional decision-making.  During times of stress, it’s easy to confuse feelings with facts, but you need to get away from emotional reactions so you can plan for your new life.

Try to separate the personal and emotional experience of divorce from the “business” side of divorce.  Take some time to put together a plan.  Ask yourself, “How do I get from where I am now to where … Read More »


 

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Karl Miller
 
 
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Love, Peace and Happiness | February 24, 2010

At the time, I’m sure those 60’s hipsters had no idea that their peace symbol would become such a global icon. And lately, the peace sign and other mid century items have made a big comeback. So why not live the dream and upholster your home furnishings with peace, love and happiness.

I like the basic black and white prints on these upholstered chairs and benches. They are eye catching and would easily match up with other furniture in your home. Don’t underestimate the power of the human conviction!

Who would have thought? Peace

Upholstered Peace Bench

Groovy chairs

Sign language

Love this upholstered peace chair

Peace, … Read More »


 

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A Mom’s Favorite Pasta With Cheese | February 23, 2010

By Lidia Matticchio Bastianich,
Author of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes

There is a natural affinity between pasta and cheese, but they can’t be paired indiscriminately. In Italy, cheese is used with pasta very selectively, judiciously, and with proper timing.

Pasta does not always require cheese. In Italy, cheese is never served with seafood pasta, and it is sometimes omitted when serving game sauces or sauces containing hot pepper.

Cheese should be added to pasta as soon as the pasta is cooked and ready to serve — if extended heat is applied to cheese, … Read More »