What does compassion have to do with having an easier time as a teenager? What can parents do to encourage and teach to our children to be more compassionate when there are so many other distractions and role models distracting them from learning these lessons?
“Over the River and through the woods…”
Well, you know the rest, don’t you? Gone are the days of congenial drives in the family car to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Did those days ever really exist? Today, our little singer would rather don a pair of earphones and spend time staring at a screen (computer, gaming system, DVD player etc.) than participate in a family sing-a-long in the car. But, if like us and you feel that allowing your child to completely disconnect from the rest of the family is just plain unacceptable, there is a solution. TravelKiddy, a company that specializes in keeping your kids entertained on long car, plane or train rides without the need of an electronic screen is just a mouse click away.
Halloween is my family’s favorite holiday. We go crazy decorating the outside of our house with pumpkins, screaming skeletons, witches and spiders. When we’re done. we love to curl up on the couch together and watch Halloween movies.
Here’s a list (by age group) of some of our favorite Halloween movies. (All of them can be ordered through amazon.com.)
Ages 3 and Older
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie: It’s Halloween in the Hundred Acre Wood. Roo’s best new pal, Lumpy, is excited to trick-or-treat for the first time … until Tigger warns them about the dreaded “Gobloon.” It’s a tame movie with a great message about the importance of friendship.
Tom and Jerry: Tricks and Treats : I grew up watching Tom and Jerry cartoons and after watching this DVD, I understand why these cartoons are perfect for smaller children: there is a lot of action and the scenes aren’t too scary. Even the frightening looking witch in the Flying Sorceress, who I thought would be a bit too much for younger children, didn’t cause too much commotion or hiding by the littlest ones. Disclosure: I received this DVD for review purposes only. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review.
Casper: Three words to describe this movie: Fun, Wholesome & Entertaining (for the whole family). The movie is based on the old “Casper” comic book series about a lonely (but friendly) ghost who lives in an old, abandoned and dilapidated house with three other, less friendly, uncles (who are also ghosts): Stretch”, “Stinky” and “Fatso”. When a ghost psychiatrist and his lonely daughter move in attempt to tame the “Uncles” a fun and great story of friendship unfolds. One word of warning: This movie is rated PG. There is some mild language and elements that could be considered questionable for young children. That said, our family loves this movie & our list won’t be complete if we did not mention it. (Yes, even the 9 year old sits still during MOST of the 1½ hours.).
Ages 5-7
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: It’s a classic and suitable for the whole family. We never get tired of watching it. Although I do feel bad for Linus, who waits with Sally in a pumpkin patch for the great, mythical creature to arrive as well as for Charlie Brown, whose receives only rocks in his bag, the overall movie is hilarious and deemed a classic for a reason.
The great Debbie Reynolds stars as Grandmother Aggie in this Disney Classic. The premise is based on the concept that witches, ghouls and other “creatures of the night” live in a place called Halloweentown, an alternate world. When Grandmother Aggie visits her grand-daughter, Marnie, she reveals that Marnie’s mother, Gwen, has been hiding a secret: the children all possess supernatural powers. Once Marnie turns thirteen, her grandmother informs her that she must begin her training as a witch or lose her powers forever. Of course, a brewing crisis between good and evil in Halloweentown causes the entire family to be pulled through a portal and into an intense battle against ghouls, goblins and a warlock. This is good Disney Halloween fun with a wholesome message about the power of family, cooperation and perseverance. The ghouls are creepy looking but aren’t likely to cause nightmares in younger family members.
This is a fun, light hearted film about three witches that the whole family can enjoy. The setting and decoration is perfect and has that great Halloweeny feel. The film is a wonderful family treat that will delight and entertain the whole family. (Okay, one word of warning: Part of the premise is the witches need to find a “virgin” to sacrifice. I wasn’t too comfortable going into a complete explanation of the word with my, then, 7 year old. I was afraid it would ruin the flow of the movie if she asked and I just wasn’t up to it.)
Some other “Oldies But Goodies” that we are “dying” to watch this year include:
Finally, if your kids are like mine and in need of some new scares and thrills, these are a few of our stand-by Halloween favoirites:
Hopefully, you found a few titles that peak your curiosity. Did I miss your favorite Halloween movie? Are there other titles that I should add to my family’s collection? We’re dying to know what we missed!
Renee Keats is the US Content Editor and a writer for UrbanMommies Media. When not checking homework or carpooling to extra-curricular activities, Renee is often found scouring the internet, specifically Pinterest, for the latest in culinary & fashion adventures.
It goes without saying that being pregnant places demands on your wardrobe that your existing clothes likely can’t meet. Dressing your pregnant belly shouldn’t be dreaded or seen as something that’s difficult but should be embraced as an opportunity to rise to the challenge of dressing your new shape. Pregnancy in the summer may be seen as easier to dress with maxi dresses and loose t-shirts but believe it or not, there are some easy tricks and trends to implement for fall pregnancy wear. This fall, there are some key maternity trends and modified runway trends to keep you and your belly always looking stylish. Here are the UrbanMommies pregnancy fall winter fashion trends.
Tailored pieces. Though it may seem easier to hide your belly under loose sweaters and baggy pants, that can actually make you look bulkier. It definitely doesn’t make you feel as pretty as a nicely tailored pair of jeans or jacket will either. If staying fashionable is super important to you, you could go for a pair of maternity jeans that hits below your belly, though these will be a little more uncomfortable. If you’re OK with wearing real maternity jeans, find a pair that fit you perfectly and have a nice tailored look. If you can’t find a pair that fit you exactly right, get the pair that fits your belly best and then get the pants tailored at a seamstress. Jackets for maternity wear this fall should also have a structured look to them. Jackets are often the item that gets overlooked during a fall pregnancy but with the tailored trend this fall, the maternity jackets look great on everyone. The jacket trend for this fall in maternity wear combines timeless and classic cuts to create a tailored jacket that will keep you warm and flatter your growing belly. Just remember—get one size bigger than you need if you’re buying before the third trimester!
Colored Condiments. If you’re a fan of colors but like to stay in earth toned hues, then you will love the color trend for maternity wear this fall. Olive greens, mustard yellows and brick red (like ketchup!). These colors really match the fall colors that surround you and generally look good when mixed together and with most skin tones.
Leather pieces. This is one fall runway trend that can be taken into maternity wear! Even though pregnancy might not allow you to wear leather pants or a skirt, you can wear tops with leather pieces. Leggings now come in stretch leather which would look great with a structured jacket or mustard sweater. Keep in mind whenever you’re buying something with leather, to try it on, make sure it’s comfortable and that it will expand with your belly.
Prints and Details. Another trend that was translated from the runway to maternity trends for this fall is prints and details on different pieces. Matching prints is the thing right now but if you feel that draws too much attention to your bump, then add just a splash of print to an outfit for some interest. Details added to clothing such as appliques, zippers or beaded detail adds great emphasis to an empire waist.
Use these fall maternity trends as inspiration to spice up your maternity wardrobe this fall but always remember to invest in pieces that are stylish and comfortable!
Allie Samborn is a freelance writer based in Vancouver, BC. She has covered a wide range of topics from fly fishing destinations to annual makeup trends. She has her BA in English Literature and a diploma in Fashion Merchandising.
See also:
Fall Fashion Trends in Pregnancy
Sexy and Pregnant: Hot Mamas to Be
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The Lunch Warmer comes in purple, blue, black, red. It has a 20 oz capacity making it perfect for an individual sized meal!
No time in the morning to pack a warm meal for yourself or your children? Enjoy a comforting meal with the Crock-Pot Lunch Warmer. It warms food on the go, while still staying cool to the touch outside for safety. It’s easy to clean-just stick the removable food storage container in the dishwasher! You can even leave the warming base at work/school and use the detachable food container to transport meals back and forth. How about packing last night’s leftovers of Slow Cooker Lasagna for a nutritious lunch? Crock-Pot
Let’s face it: motherhood is wonderful, fulfilling, and beautiful…but sexy? Rarely. I recall those early, exhausted, blurry post-partum weeks, where engorged, sore breasts and puffy faces and bloated bellies were par for the course, and how very un-sexy I felt. Every new mom feels that way, despite what the celebrity gossip mags say. You may be feeling as sexy and sexual as a wet dishrag right now, but there will come a point where you realize how cute your partner looks in those jeans again, and you’ll want to do something about that…believe me. Here are some ways to get your mojo back and how to feel sexy after baby. The two things are NOT mutually exclusive!
Be Good to Yourself–Splurge and Pamper Yourself a Little! Sure, you might be a bigger pants size than you were pre-pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have something to flaunt. You’re a mom now, and your body is different, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as good as it was before–or even better! Treat yourself to a few new clothes that flatter your body: play up those fuller hips and more generous bust, or even better, some new lingerie! Buy a cute new purse (you won’t be hauling a diaper bag around ALL the time, after all), or a pair of cute new shoes or earrings. Get a massage, have your nails done or your hair cut and styled, take long bubble baths (enlist Dad’s help to nail down time for that!), or do whatever it takes to help you start to feel beautiful and desirable again. When you love yourself and feel sexy, it’s hard for others to disagree!
Take Your Body Back. No, you may never be exactly the same after pregnancy as you were before, but you can do something about getting fit, strong, and toned again. Exercise boosts energy levels, pumps you full of feel-good endorphins, and increases levels of hormones that make you feel and look better, so get moving! Take a yoga, pilates, dance, or martial arts class to make you feel strong, limber, and have better endurance. Those qualities will definitely help you in the bedroom!
Get Your Brain Working Again. All new moms know how easy it is to allow your brain to turn to oatmeal after having a new baby: the demands on your body and time are mind-numbing and not conducive to adult conversation, much less “adult interaction.” Wake yourself up! Read a novel, see a good movie, develop a new or existing hobby, get out with friends! Anything to get that brain working on something beyond feeding schedules and dirty diaper duty. Since the brain is the body’s primary sexual organ, once it’s revved up and ready to go, the rest of you won’t be far behind.
Have Some “Me Time”. This is not a date night for you and the hubby–get away from him and the baby, and spend some time by yourself or with your girlfriends. Remembering you’re not “just” a mom and spouse is important; decompress a little, let your hair down, and enjoy some independence. You’ll go home feeling lighter, freer, and will appreciate your kid(s) and your partner more, so you can be a sexy mommy.
Although there are always exceptions to every rule, the majority of children are born with kind hearts and enjoy doing good things and helping people. Sure, they have their moments of selfishness, clamoring after their own and other kids’ toys, but most kids are good people that like making the world a better place. The benefits of actively fostering children’s charitable impulses are enormous. Besides helping counter the overdeveloped “gimme” impulse, it gives kids a powerful boost in self-esteem to realize they can make a difference in someone’s life. Here are some tips on kids and charity, and how to encourage a giving spirit.
One of the biggest nutritious hits in our family are zucchini muffins: they’re tasty and nutritious. If your kids find the spice levels in this recipe aren’t appealing, adjust as needed. Your kids can help in preparing these zippy zucchini muffins from beginning to end, from measuring both dry and wet ingredients, stirring, pouring the muffin mix into the pans…and of course, eating them! You can also try this recipe with grated carrots, too.
Almost every child goes through a picky eater stage…and some seem like they will never come out of it. How do you get a nutritious diet into a kid who won’t eat anything green or white, or who refuses to eat anything except chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese? Nearly two thirds of parents describe at least one problem with their child’s eating, according to a study in Contemporary Pediatrics, so you are definitely not alone here–millions of parents feel your pain. There’s more to this dilemma than just tempting a picky eater, but that is a great way to start. Here are some practical solutions to helping your kid get the nutrition they need, without the wailing and gnashing of teeth.
If you have ever been to a Meditterannean restaurant, you have likely tried cucumber sauce, also commonly called tzatziki sauce, and loved it. This low-fat, ultra-tasty sauce makes a fantastic sandwich topper, salad dressing, dip for snacks, and topping for grilled meats like chicken, lamb, and beef. It’s also very simple to make and stores well. Here is my personal recipe for the best quick and easy cucumber sauce.
