Idina Menzel Concert and Contest!

Have you heard of Idina Menzel yet? If not, trust me...you will! Idina will melt your heart...
First, she played Maureen in the off-Broadway and film version of Rent. Then, she was the amazing green girl, "Elphaba", in her Tony award winning performance in Wicked. Now, she is lighting up the music scene with a fabulous CD, "I Stand", of her original songs! Talk about a TRIPLE THREAT!

I had an amazing opportunity to see Idina on tour this week at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Tampa, Florida. She brought such an energy of excitement and intimacy to the stage! She was comfortable and elegant...funny and real. She shared about her "wedding singer" roots beginning at age 15 - it was hysterical to see her create the persona of a big-haired, sequined gowned teen adrift in the loung-lizard sea of NY! I can't encourage you enough to catch her when ever possible - and certainly invest in the new CD! See my contest below...

Songs to pay particular attention to include my favorites "Better to Have Loved", "I Stand", and "Defying Gravity". She's such a warm and lovely person on stage - her stage presence and connection with the audience was amazing! She reaches into her soul and captures the essence of love, loss, and adventure....and takes a stand for individuality...WOW!

LINKS:
Stand Amazon.com link to buy: javascript:ol('http://www.amazon.com/I-Stand-Idina-Menzel/dp/B000Z8R2VW/ref%3dpd_bbs_sr_1?ie%3dUTF8%26amp;s%3dmusic%26amp;qid%3d1217285724%26amp;sr%3d8-1');
“Brave” video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjzlt0tdS0A
Idina Widget: http://www.clearspring.com/widgets/48583b018da8aa42



CONTEST:
WIN A COPY OF "I STAND" CD AND ONE IDINA MENZEL TOTE ($29.99 VALUE)
Post a comment on my blog about how you TAKE A STAND to enter. One entry per person. Be sure to include contact email information. I will select one winner from a random drawing of all eligible posts at midnight on Sunday, August 2, 2008. Winner will be notified promptly. The contest sponsor is One2One Network and they will mail the prize package to the winner.

Daily Tips Link

Click on this link for daily tips from SC Johnson Company!

I'm Berry Passionate!

Summer months provide wonderful opportunities for BBQs, picnics, and gatherings~
there's nothing better than a fun, festive potluck to celebrate graduations, weddings, birthdays, Independence Day, Labor Day, and family reunions!

Strawberry season brings forth glorious visions of succulent, rosy sweetness dripping with sunshine! Why not create a fantastic STRAWBERRY creation to treat your guests?

Visit www.calstrawberry.com to find out more information about those luscious berries?
Also drop by www.strawberryville.com to check out great kid-friendly berry joy! This is a great interactive site that parents and kids can enjoy and learn together.

Here are some of my Best Berry Recipes to share - feel free to post your favorite in the comments section. One lucky winning entry drawn at random from recipes/comments received will receive a strawberry scented lotion! Winner will be selected at random from all entries received by Saturday, 7/14/08 12 Midnight EST. Winner will be notified. Good luck and enjoy those BERRIES!


STRAWBERRIES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR AND MINT
A lovely and light accompaniment for a "ladies lunch" or picnic!

Ingredients:
3 lbs. fresh California Strawberries, hulled and quartered
4 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
5 Tbs. sugar
2 Tbs. fresh mint leaves, chopped fine

Preparation:
Place the strawberries in a large bowl and add remaining ingredients over top. Stir well to incorporate flavors. Marinate for at least 1 hour, stirring well every 20 minutes.

The vinegar, berry juice, and sugar will combine to create a thick syrup. Try them alone or on top of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with a mint sprig!

Summer Tips

Summer is upon us and that means lots of warm weather fun...accompanied by a host of warm weather challenges. That includes the occasional tummy thing...rash...bug bites...sunburn...dehydration...sandy itch...etc.

I've discovered a great resource for ALL SEASON pediatric questions!

Visit www.mommydocs.com

It's practical pediatric information for moms from moms that are doctors!

This great website was created by two pediatricians - moms with kids and families - that offer some very relevant and easy to access info!


Five Simple Summer Safety Tips from the MommyDocs
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Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
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Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
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Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
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High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
•
Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.

Mommydocs.com is an educational resource and not a substitute for medical attention. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your medical professional.

WonderFALL Promotion at Beaches Resorts

Well, we're approaching the Independence Day holiday and my thoughts are already turning to the fall season and the possibility of some R&R with the hubby and kids! Summer is a very hectic season for us, so we generally plan a family escape in the fall season instead. This is a great opportunity to explore some new offerings during off-season and save some dollars in this more cost-conscious times....I have recently learned about the WonderFALL promotion being offered by Beaches Resorts. These resort properties were rated as a "Top Ten" family beach resort by Parents Magazine. There are four all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, all featuring fabularous white sand beaches in Turks & Caicos and jamaica. By planning a vacation now and booking for selected dates in September and October, vacationers can realize significant savings for this amazing, all-inclusive resort! You get to enjoy everything these outstanding properties have to offer and SAVE up to 45% off** published rates and get 2 Nights Free** (on stays of 7 nights or more). The fall season will also feature special events and activities - including a special celebration for Grandparents (maybe a nice family reunion is in order this year???)~

Here's a link to explore this outstanding value for your own WonderFALL at Beaches Resorts:

http://www.beaches.com/promos/wonderfall/?channel%3dcj1%26WT.mc_id%3dcj.com%26AID%3d10554870%26PID%3d3061926

My 9-year old daughter and 16-year old son are absolutely drooling over the kid and teen-friendly amenities. I'm lovin' the idea of warm sand and cool drinks! The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa features 5 pools, Pirates Island Waterpark, The French Village, an XBOX 360 Game Garage, speciality restaurants, 12 bars serving unlimited premium drinks, and supervised kids camps. Sesame Street and Crayola have partnered with Beaches to add to the fun and activity value as well...It will be a dream come true for our family - lots of fun and relaxation while top-notch service staff attend to our every need. Wow, just want a frazzled, frantic, and befuddled mom can use by the time fall rolls around!

Traveling with a teen can be something of a challenge to keep them engaged and not focus on electronics or moping! Beaches Resorts has the XBOX 360 Garage (video game center), Pirates Island Water Park, swim-up soda bar, and a teen disco for them to connect and "get their groove on"!

Here's some tips I've gathered for vacation nation:

* Snorkeling activities are available to enjoy local underwater sealife (may wish to bring own equipment to minimize wait times and access). Diving is also available - skills certification will be required.

* Kids Clubs: Bring passport/birth certificate to register child

* Be sure to take advantage of an Orientation Tour to get the scoop on your property and added value opportunties.

* Don't forget to ask for a refrig

Kit Kittredge: American Girl Movie Launch on July 1st

My daughter Kristen is 9 years old and an avid American Girl collector! She has personified what "word of mouth" marketing can accomplish. She received her first doll in Kindergarten and began sharing her love of the dolls and historical aspects of the collection. Friends and family became fascinated by her passion and began exploring the dolls, collectibles, and web site/magazine for themselves. Her bedroom is filled with all-things American Girl. Coconut the pup has been her friend for several years. Kristen has insisted on every birthday party to be themed with American Girl partyware and activities! Every girl in her third grade class has now obtained at least one AG doll. We recently held an American Girl spa party at our home with all the decorations, party ware, and doll/girl spa activities and crafts! Now that the Kit Kittredge movie release is upon us, Kristen has begun the planning for a Girl Scout troop activity for the girls to attend the movie with their dolls! Our family adores the AG concept of reaching for the stars and inside beauty. Their products are first rate and help us to instill important personal qualities in our sweet little girl as she becomes a lovely young lady.

Freebie Hunter Tip

For those of you who enjoy the elusive "Hunt for the Freebie" - here's a great tip:

Check out the neatest little website for Freebies, Coupons, and Contests -

www.spoofee.com

It's a wonderful community of folks interested in sharing info they gather on up-to-the-minute freebie offerings, great coupon deals, bargins, and contests. There is always something new and interested - I joined in late October 2007 and I can't begin to recount the extensive list of goodies that my USPS, UPS, and Fed Ex carriers have delivered to our door! Every day can be like Christmas!