Day 31: Make Every Day Breast Cancer Awareness

Just because the month of October is about to end, doesn't mean we should stop promoting breast cancer awareness.  I am not asking you (or even myself) to constantly give out information or to only buy pink ribbon items. 

Volunteer not your money, but your time and mind to a great cause.


 Remember those who have suffered, support survivors of this cruel disease. 

Remember those little moments that are precious and often taken for granted.

Take care of yourself, mentally, physically and spiritually.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Help Avoid Halloween Candy Overload!

74% of moms say their kids are going trick-or-treating this year, which could result in candy overload!  Here are some tips from CafeMom(www.CafeMom.com ) on how to keep the kids from eating too much candy without a battle.

Top 5 CafeMom Tips:
1.       After Halloween night store the candy away someplace the kids can’t reach it and dole it out in portions moving forward- maybe for good behavior or an after dinner treat. Some of our moms even recommend freezing some of the candy – show examples of yummy frozen treats to share later.
2.       Let the kids pick out their favorite pieces and take the rest to the office to share.
3.       Separate the candy into small zip lock baggies and give out the baggies throughout the year. Show the baggies in a lunchbox.
4.       Keep an eye on their bags when you are trick-or-treating and when you feel they have had enough let them know it’s time to head home! – You can avoid the battle- by getting excited with them and mentioning how you can’t wait to get home and see all the good stuff they have!
5.       Give the kids smaller bags to trick or treat with. We can demonstrate the size difference and how less candy looks like more in a smaller bag versus the pillow cases some kids are using.

Source: MomCafe
Enhanced by Zemanta

Ideeli - Daily Designer Deals

Ideeli is the fastest-growing online members-only shopping site in the U.S. Over 3 million members enjoy limited-time sales featuring the most sought-after brands across the categories of apparel, accessories, home, beauty, travel and kids. Each event is designed by Ideeli editors to offer an exclusive shopping opportunity with new brands featured each day at up to 80% off. New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. They also have weekly giveaways. They have a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases). Members are notified by email, Facebook and Twitter each time a new sale starts.

Membership is free. When new members register, they can earn a $25 credit for each person they refer!  Go to Ideeli for more information.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Day 30: “Click for Your Mama” to Give Free Mammograms in Just a Minute

Just found about this.  Better late than never.
On the Leesh Productions is excited to announce the release of “Click for Your Mama”, a new What You Can Do video created in partnership with The Breast Cancer Site. With dancing, music and powerful facts about breast cancer, the video encourages viewers to click to donate free mammograms at The Breast Cancer Site. The site aims to donate 500 mammograms to women in need by October 31 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The video features song “Take Your Mama” by the Scissor Sisters, which was generously donated courtesy of Universal Music, Spirit Music Group and the Scissor Sisters. View “Click for Your Mama” on The Breast Cancer Site's You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BreastCancerSite.
The video is part of What You Can Do, a series spotlighting easy and powerful ways to help solve important issues such as breast cancer, global warming, world hunger and poverty. In 2010, What You Can Do episodes screen online each weekday on the What You Can Do web site and You Tube. To view the series and for more information, visit: http://www.whatyoucando365.com.
On the Leesh Productions is a New York City based company that creates film, web series and corporate video. For more information about On the Leesh, visit: http://www.ontheleesh.com/.
The Breast Cancer Site was founded to help fund free mammograms for women in need — women for whom early detection would not otherwise be possible. Since its launch in October 2000, the site has established itself as a leader in online activism and in the fight to prevent breast cancer deaths. Visit The Breast Cancer Site at: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Shopscotch


Get extra cash back from hundreds of top brands when you buy through Shopscotch. Join free today. Shopscotch is a social cash back shopping site where you can earn cash back for making online purchases. Shopscotch has partnered with hundreds of top brands including eBay, GAP, Staples, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Macy's and Apple. It continues to add new stores every day!

Shopscotch has higher cash back percentages than most other programs. For instance, Shopscotch gives 3% cashback for purchases from Walmart.com compared to other cashback programs that only give 1%!

Here's a good scenario:

LEGO Ultimate Building Set w/ Building Plate Value Bundle - On Rollback for $28 (From $34.87) + Ship-To-Store for Free
Buy it with Shopscotch and get 3% cash back reducing price to $27.16. 

 


Enhanced by Zemanta

Day 29: Study Shows That Peaches and Plums May Help Fight Breast Cancer

A recent study performed at Texas A&M University revealed that peaches and plums may present an even sweeter, juicier treat in their ability to fight breast cancer. According to research scientists Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos and Dr. David Byrne from AgriLife Research at Texas A&M, extracts found in commercial varieties of peaches and plums have been shown to kill breast cancer cells while not harming normal cells.

The AgriLife research scientists identified two phenolic compounds within the Rich Lady peach and Black Splendor plum that are responsible for killing the cancer cells. Phenols are organic compounds that occur in fruits and may affect traits such as aroma, taste or color. Stone fruits such as peaches and plums have especially high levels of phenols.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cancer suppression activity of extracts from a commercial variety of a yellow-fleshed peach and a red-fleshed plum and identify the phenolic fractions that may possess potential as chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic natural compounds. Based on analysis of phenolic compounds, both peach and plum extracts effectively inhibited the proliferation of the estrogen independent MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.

The researchers concluded that the phenolic compounds examined in breast cancer and normal cells (in-vitro studies) and confirmed in mice models (in-vivo studies) have potential as chemopreventive dietary compounds, however, more research is required before understanding this application to humans.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving - Halloween

Halloween means dark streets full of little kids distracted by candy and costumes. That makes it especially important to start planning a safe and sober ride home from whatever fun you'll be having that night - so your evening doesn't turn into a real nightmare.
Whether at a Halloween party, a costume contest at a bar or trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, many of us will be on the road this weekend. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council are reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for your Halloween festivities.
We have a lot of helpful information and tools that would be great to show your readers:
·        Our new Halloween poster (below) - A poster that reminds people that if you drive buzzed on Halloween, your evening could turn into a real nightmare.
·        Designated Driver Drink List - One of the most important things you can do before going out is designate a sober driver. If you're throwing a Halloween party, make sure to offer non-alcoholic drinks for the sober drivers. We've compiled a Facebook tab with 50 non-alcoholic party drink recipes.
·        Alternative Ride Locator - We've created a Facebook tab with a list of nationwide alternative ride programs that can help keep your readers safe.
·        Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving website - Your readers can sign a pledge not to drink and drive; play "Spot the Difference," an interactive game that simulates the effects of buzzed driving; and watch a real-life video about how buzzed driving changed one woman's life.
This Halloween, let's work together to put an end to buzzed driving. Don't  ruin your Halloween with a DUI - or worse. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you begin celebrating. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Day 28: Funny way to Breast Self-Exam by the bOOb Lady Elisabeth Dale

Your Opinion Counts

Crowdtap is a marketing themed social game, integrated with Facebook, that let's members showcase their marketing skills with brands, acquiring points that build their status, and earning cash for gift cards and charity. From answering quick polls, ideating on marketing approaches and evaluating creative to sampling new products and throwing branded parties with their friends, Crowdtap provides a unique blend of online gaming paired with real world challenges. Participation is free, fun and rewarding.

Consumers now expect to have their voice heard and be involved with their favorite brands. Crowdtap is the first platform that allows them to collaborate with brands and be recognized and rewarded for their insight and influence. Recent brands launching actions on Crowdtap include a global tech company, a designer fragrance brand, a popular children's snack food, one of the world's largest restaurant chains and a feminine hygiene brand. Quite a mix!


Members enjoy the competitive game play, VIP access to brands, exclusive samples and the ability to earn cash for gift cards and the charity of their choice.  Crowdtap partner charities include Charity Water, Invisible Children and To Write Love on Her Arms and Crowdtap matches member donations earned to double their impact.

Members can join Crowdtap in seconds with their Facebook login.
Click here to get started in 30 seconds. 



Disclosure: Contains affiliate link.

Home Depot Pro Savings Newsletter


Get special offers, coupons, savings, and other exclusive offers from Home Depot. Choose which newsletter you want:
  • PRO: Exclusive offers and content just for Pros.
  • Promotions: Unadvertised and online only specials, innovative product updates and store promotions.
  • Home Improver Club: Monthly newsletter with New Lower Price product alerts, exclusive savings, and projects and workshops for your local area.
  • Local Ad: Emails when my local store ad is available online.
  • Join the Garden Club: Newsletter emails featuring exclusive offers and timely gardening advice.
  • Do-It-Herself Workshops: Where women learn hands-on home improvement skills in a comfortable group environment.
  • The Home Depot Racing Newsletter: Stay up to date with the latest The Home Depot Racing news, events and activities
Enhanced by Zemanta

Whose Reality? Exposing Gender, Race and Commercial Biases in Reality TV


Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Jennifer L. Pozner
Credit: Care of Jennifer Siebel Newsom Credit: Thomas Lascher

Join the International Museum of Women on November 16th for a noontime conversation between Jennifer Siebel Newsom, filmmaker, Miss Representation and First Lady of San Francisco, and Jennifer L. Pozner, Executive Director of Women in Media & News, media critic and author, Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth About Guilty Pleasure TV. The focus of their discussion is aimed at shedding light on gender and race in entertainment media. Video clips and a short trailer will reveal the sexism, racism and misrepresentations of women and people of color in reality TV. Please join us for this important conversation on media accountability to gender and race in reality TV.
Event Details: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 from 12:00-1:00pm, followed by a book sale and signing by Jennifer L. Pozner. Guests are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch. Located at the Russ Building in San Francisco, 235 Montgomery Street, 12th floor. For more information email events@imow.org or call 415-543-4669 ext. 27.
Special Thanks to the Commission on the Status of Women and the San Francisco Chamber's Women in Business Roundtable program, Perseus Books Group
Enhanced by Zemanta

Day 27: Global Pink Hijab Day Grows Stronger Each Year

Global Pink Hijab Day started three years ago. This time, founder Hend El-Buri is raising the bar and hoping to spread the idea of Pink Hijab Day to more places.
Today, Muslim women, as well as women of other faiths across America and abroad will be observing "Global Pink Hijab Day" by donning pink headscarves. This is a day intended to initiate dialog, promote education about the Islamic headscarf (Hijab), and raise breast cancer awareness.
The Pink Hijab day has also spread to areas all over the world, including South Africa, Egypt, and Qatar.

Although Pink Hijab Day began with a small group of high school girls in the small town of Columbia, Missouri, the event now has thousands of participates all over the world.
Participants in Pink Hijab Day will encourage the curious to ask questions about hijab, as well as promoting breast cancer education, and donating to various Breast Cancer Foundations.
What is the purpose of Pink Hijab Day?
1) To encourage people to ask questions about Hijab, and extinguish stereotypes people may have about hijab 2) To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer foundations across the globe 3) To encourage Muslim women to participate in helping their own communities
Pink Hijab Day is an independent project.
Donations for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation are being collected.  Wear pink Hijabs or scarves today or support this cause.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Day 26: Boobalas: Thinking Outside the Bra

Darryle Pollack, an artist, who interviewed on Connecting Women Radio, is now selling Boobalas, "the ultimate extensiopn of my mosaic art, and as a breast cancer survivor, bring my cancer journey full circle, " Darryle says. 

"Maybe it takes someone  who doesn’t wear one anymore –to think “outside the bra”– to use my experiences to create a unique spin on what we call Breast Awareness. I call Boobalas  “putting the zest in the breast”—combining a little imagination… irreverence…. and inspiration," Darryle continues. 

But after years of selling locally and by commission Darryle is putting her art online.  She also is giving away $100 worth of Amazon gift certificates as a bonus. "I think you will appreciate Boobalas, which range from imaginative to inspirational and to very irreverent," she says.

How awesome is this:  50% of all profits will go to cancer causes.  Visit Darryle's Boobalas

Enhanced by Zemanta

Trick-or-Treating Trends

As costume fads change, safety concerns remain. Kids are still trick-or-treating but with 70% of Moms saying they would never allow their child to go trick-or-treating alone, safer alternatives are becoming the norm!  
To avoid the worries of tainted candy and erratic drivers lots of parents are opting for the alternative Halloween plans. Community events and malls are becoming more and more popular as locations to trick-or-treat.  Some ideas from CafeMom include:
·         Mall trick-or-treating – malls across the country open their stores to trick-or-treaters.  Associated Content reported earlier this year that The Mall of America hosts “The World’s Largest Trick or Treat.” Kids are provided bags and can stop by all the stores for treats. There is also a costume competition and lots of Halloween entertainment!
·         Kids Night on Broadway- kids ages 6-18 can see shows for free! An adult, whose ticket is not free, must accompany the child but that ticket also gets you entry to Madame Tussauds Halloween party as well as restaurant and parking discounts.  Many cities have similar events, so check your local theater listings.
·         Theme parks go all out for Halloween. From 6 Flags Fright Fest to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream there are tons of activities and haunted houses to attend.
·         How about a haunted hay ride? Gather up some families in the neighborhood and pile in. Almost every town offers one of these! You will get many thanks for being the organizer!
Keep a look out for flyers at your church, school and local shopping malls. If you gather a few moms of your kid’s friends it could be something they really look forward to!

Source: CafeMom
Enhanced by Zemanta

Day 25: Aqua Sphere Urges Women to Swim for the Cause

Like a game of tug-o-war, the leaders of the Swim Challenge keep going back and forth. 
 
With over 2,000 participants logging their hours in the pool, ocean or lake each day and exchanging light-hearted barbs via Twitter and Facebook, the Swim Challenge is proving to be the ultimate grudge match between men and women.

"It’s been a phenomenal success with participants joining from all over the world," says Olivier Laguette, Director of Marketing for Aqua Sphere, the sponsor of the Swim Challenge – an event designed to support both breast cancer and prostate cancer research.

Since its launch on April 1, the Swim Challenge has attracted international participation with the majority of swimmers coming from the U.S., but also with participants from 49 other countries such as Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy and Canada. 

The website’s "leader meter," which tracks the total time swam (men vs. women), has shown the lead alternating between each gender. While the ladies started strong with more women swimming fewer hours, the men rallied back to take the lead (for now) with fewer swimmers swimming longer hours.
But what really matters is the "Donation Dashboard."

Rather than simply write a check, Aqua Sphere, the company that promotes comfort and long-lasting performance in the water, has pledged $35,000to be split between the Prostate Cancer Foundation (men) and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (women)– how that money is divided is determined by the cumulative hours swam by each gender. The "Donation Dashboard" displays the current breakdown of those funds.

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is thrilled to be associated with the Swim Challenge because it not only helps fund research for breast cancer, but also aims to empower women and promote a healthy lifestyle," said Robbie Finke Franklin, BCRF Director of Marketing.  "We encourage women everywhere to sign up and start swimming – every minute counts!"

The Swim Challenge will run through November 30; swimmers of all abilities can sign-up and sign on to www.swimchallenge.orgeach day to log their hours (not their laps) in the water.

Aqua Sphere, the originator of the "swim mask," is widely known for their line of comfortable aquatic eyewear including the popular Seal and Vista masks and the Kaiman and Kayenne goggles. Designed for form and function, swimmers can simply fit the frames to their face and forget about them while they enjoy swimming for time, distance, exercise or just fun. 

For more information on the Swim Challenge, visit us on the web at www.swimchallenge.org or join the Swim Challenge Facebook fan site. Twitter users can also follow swim_challenge for the latest updates.

About Aqua Sphere
Aqua Sphere is the worldwide brand of choice for swimming gear, based on the highest industry standards of design and innovation.  Launched in the mid-90s as a division of the diving industry leader Aqua Lung, Aqua Sphere is committed to supplying eye protection for dedicated or casual swimmers, enabling them to feel safe, comfortable and at home in the water.  The company’s numerous innovations include the Seal, the first swim mask featuring 180° vision and Kaiman, the first panoramic goggle.  For more information, call (800) 775-3483, or log on to www.aquasphereswim.com.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF)
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research.  In October 2009, BCRF awarded nearly $28.5 million to 173 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.  Last year, more than 88 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation went directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  And the American Institute of Philanthropyhas awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+.  BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; and is the only cancer organization to currently hold this ranking.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) was founded in 1993 to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Through its unique model for soliciting and selecting promising research programs and rapid deployment of resources, the PCF has funded more than 1,500 programs at nearly 200 research centers in 20 countries around the world. The PCF is a force of HOPE for more than 16 million men and their families around the world who are currently facing the disease. For more information, visit www.prostatecancerfoundation.org

Day 23: Share Video: Breast Cancer Prevention Starts With Us

At a time when 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and only half of cases are tied to traditional risk factors, the Breast Cancer Fund is looking to our environment for risks--and solutions.

Watch and share the video, "Breast Cancer Prevention Starts With Us," to learn more: www.breastcancerfund.org/preventionstartswithus.

Career vs. Paycheck & Other Key Findings that Shape How We Work & Live

To understand how working moms see their shifting roles and how others see them, Working Mother magazine surveyed more than 4,600 people across the country, including working moms, stay-at-home moms, working dads and singles in the workplace. Among our findings: whether making $20,000 or $200,000, moms who view their jobs as a career—rather than just a paycheck—are more satisfied and feel more positive at work and at home. “What Moms Think: The Working Mother Report” offers surprising insights into the perceptions of both sexes. 

“I meet women all the time who think of their jobs as careers, and it doesn’t matter if they’re answering phones in a call center or running a company,” said Carol Evans, President, Working Mother Media. “This research reveals that women who embrace the long-term commitment that a career implies feel more satisfied and positive about every marker that we measured, including being ‘in balance.’ These findings have huge implications for women and the companies who rely on them.”

Among our top findings:
·        Moms who view their work as a career are happier in all aspects the survey measured—with their marriage, kids, friendships, salary, respect they command and choice to work—than women who work primarily for a paycheck;
·        Male managers are big supporters of working moms in the workplace;
·        Though moms value flex as a key benefit, men are more likely than women to have jobs that allow for flexibility;
·        Both men and women feel a deep ambivalence when wives out-earn their husbands.

What contributes to a woman labeling her work as a career versus a paycheck? It’s not her salary. According to The Working Mother Report, women feel they have a career when they:
·        Have opportunities to develop skills and advance;
·        Feel supported and respected;
·        Believe their work fulfills a higher purpose than simply making money.

“The most exciting aspect of The Working Mother Report is how actionable this is,” Evans said. “Women can examine their attitudes and shift toward careerist thinking. Companies can support women in viewing their jobs as careers with training and advancement programs.”

The Working Mother Report coincides with the 25th anniversary of Working Mother 100 Best Companies. It was sponsored by three of the Working Mother 100 Best Companies—Ernst & Young, IBM and Procter & Gamble.

The Importance of a “Career”
Women who identify themselves as having a career are more likely than those who self-identify as working primarily for a paycheck to say that:
·        Their life is ‘in balance’; they are healthy and fulfilled;
·        They are supported in work responsibilities and respected at home;
·        Their spouses contribute more to caring for children and to at-home tasks;
·        Their work fulfills a higher or more meaningful purpose than ‘just making money.’

How Male Managers View Working Moms
The Working Mother Report reveals that male managers view working mothers highly favorably, seeing them in a better light than do working fathers and men without children. Male managers say that working moms are likely to:
·        Take on additional work;
·        Be committed to career advancement;
·        Travel for work;
·        Take stretch assignments;
·        Relocate.

“Male managers—regardless of whether they have kids themselves—are strong allies of working moms. They see how dedicated these women are to their careers,” said Suzanne Riss, Editor in Chief, Working Mother magazine. “Managers praise working moms for the quality of their work, their interest in advancing, and their willingness to take on extra work.”

Flexibility: Not Just for Working Moms Anymore
The moms surveyed said that a flexible schedule is trumped only by stability and security when they look for a new job. Yet The Working Mother Report revealed that men are more likely to have jobs that allow for flexibility, more likely to use flex without fear of retribution, and that they feel they can take time off when necessary.

Among those whose work does allow for flexibility, there is a large gap in the percentage of women (58%) and men (74%) who say flexibility has had a positive impact on their career advancement.  Working mothers are more likely than working fathers to say:
·        Part-time work is a viable option at their company (65% vs. 58% for fathers);
·        They would work part time if they could still have a meaningful career (70% vs. 63% for fathers);
·        Flexibility increases their commitment or loyalty to their organization (77% vs. 73% for fathers).

Mars vs. Venus
Women who earn more than their husbands are more likely to expect men to contribute to cooking, cleaning and caring for the kids:
·        Women surveyed were significantly more likely than men to say that domestic chores should be split down the middle (92%). But fewer than half say their spouses do their fair share. Men, in contrast, reported that they feel they are doing their fair share (68%).

The Working Mother Report revealed a deep ambivalence among both men and women about women earning more.
·        When asked in theory about the idea of their spouse out-earning them, 73% of women and 59% of men said they were comfortable with the idea of their partner earning more.
·        When women actually are the breadwinners, the comfort level drops for men from 59% to 42%.

The iPad Special Digital Edition: Working Mother 100 Best Companies 25th Anniversary, including What Moms Think: The Working Mother Report findings, will be available for free download from the iTunes store. Northern Trust sponsored this special edition.

Methodology
Walker Communications conducted this study using email blasts sent out by Survey Sampling International between June 7 and June 14, 2010 to their opt-in database.  A total of 4,606 individuals across America submitted an online questionnaire developed by Working Mother Media and Ernst & Young with input from IBM and Proctor & Gamble.

All tabulations, percentages and other calculations published in the accompanying report were compiled in accordance with established research standards.

Read the full report, What Moms Think: The Working Mother Report, here.

Coupons--New and Last Chance to Print

Enjoy these coupons, be sure to check out the last chance to print below.

    Last Chance to Print
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Day 22: Edgy New Card Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an edgy new stationery company, Foxy Blunt, developed a card that gives friends, families and caregivers of young women battling breast cancer a new tool-- an opportunity to share a moment of strength and humor with their affected loved ones.
    If you've ever experienced a loved one suffering from any form of cancer, it's often hard to find the right words to tell them how you feel. For some people, "Thinking of You.... as you bitch-slap cancer" might convey just the right sentiment. The artwork created for the card reflects the talented and highly stylish design approach by Foxy Blunt's founders, Jennifer Morrison and Danielle Caro.

    It's a little known fact that every year, approximately 11,000 women in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under. In fact, breast cancer accounts for 26 percent of all cancer in females 15-39 years of age and 39 percent of all cancer in 35-39 year olds.1   However, most research is focused on post- menopausal women, with pre-menopausal women --particularly those in their 20s and 30s -- dramatically under-represented.

    Foxy Blunt and the Young Survival Coalition recently formed a partnership where the central goal is to raise awareness of young women battling breast cancer through the use of a bold greeting card. The new cancer card is blank inside, and retails for $4.95, with 50% of the proceeds going directly to Young Survival Coalition. It is available for purchase online at www.foxyblunt.com.

    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Try Kaplan Tutoring For One Month Exclusive Discount Code!

    From picking out the first day outfit to seeing friends after the summer break, the start of a new school year brings much excitement and anticipation. Now with the routines setting in and homework assignments in full swing, we often look for ways to help our kids stay   motivated with their lessons to get ahead or build more self-confidence with their learning to help them do their best. To augment classroom learning, Kaplan, a trusted educational company, offers a highly innovative online learning tool Online Learning Program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.

    The Kaplan Tutoring Online Learning Program starts with an assessment to determine your child's math and reading levels, then smoothly customizes a learning plan based on these assessment results. As your child progresses through the program, the material continues to adapt, becoming harder on topics your child masters, and easing back to accommodate struggles so that lessons are always challenging and engaging. Fun, interactive characters and the Reward Zone, where kids can redeem points for prizes, help kids stay motivated to continuously come back and push themselves to learn more. As a parent, you'll also have access to online progress reports so you know it's working.

    Become a fan of Kaplan Tutoring on Facebook for access to special offers & discounts.  You can also follow them on Twitter to connect with the brand and other parents about helping your kids reach their academic potential.

    Special Offer
    You have the chance to try Kaplan's online tutoring program for one month at just $9 using this special discount code: FB1MO9.  Click here for more information on how to take advantage of this special offer.  Take advantage of this opportunity and feel free to share it with friends and family!


    Enhanced by Zemanta

    BBB Warning Bed Bugs Moving to Public Locations

    Not satisfied with the comforts of home, bedbugs are migrating to public places like movie theaters and retail stores and then hitching rides on unsuspecting consumers. Not only are bedbugs a growing problem, they are also a hard problem to get rid of. The Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research to find a pest control company you can trust to get the job done efficiently.

    According to a recent survey by the Pest Management Association, 95 percent of exterminators had encountered a bed bug infestation in the previous year—compared to only 25 percent of respondents ten years prior.  While homes are the most common place for infestations, bedbugs also invade hotels, movie theaters, clothing stores and offices. In the past 12 months the BBB has received 8,761 inquires from consumers about pest control companies.

    “When you discover an infestation in your home or business, you want to act quickly and get a professional in there fast,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Despite the urgency of the problem, you still need to do your research and make sure you are enlisting the help of a qualified and trustworthy pest control specialist. To find exterminators you can trust visit www.bbb.org

    When hiring a pest control company, the BBB recommends that home and business owners consider the following:

    Start with the BBB. Always research a business with your BBB first. The BBB maintains reviews on good and bad exterminators across North America.  Go to www.bbb.org to quickly find local companies that uphold the BBB’s standards for ethical business practices.

    Credentials count. Make sure the exterminator has sufficient training and certifications. Ideally, the company will also be a member of a national or local trade association.  Also research the company with your local pest control regulatory board.

    Ask about liability insurance. Find out how the company is covered, and how you will be reimbursed, if they happen to break any of your belongings or damage your home.

    Get educated. Make sure that you completely understand the extent of the infestation as well as the possible remedies and side affects of any chemicals used.  Do your own research into the problem and possible solutions.

    Read the fine print. Always read the find print carefully and don’t just take a representative word for it. Pay close attention to any warrantees or termination fees if entering into an extended contract for monitoring or future services. Never sign a contract that is incomplete or does not include all promises made by the company.

    For more referrals on hiring home maintenance professionals, visit www.bbb.org


    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Day 21: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Initiative

    Support Breast Cancer Awareness with Ralph Lauren


    This month Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony initiative, which raises awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer, celebrates its 10th anniversary. With a focus on breast cancer, Pink Pony supports programs for early diagnosis, education, treatment and research,  and is dedicated to bringing patient navigation and quality cancer care to medically underserved communities. Ten percent of proceeds from Pink Pony products benefits the Pink Pony Fund.

    To mark the 10th Anniversary and support this important cause, Ralph Lauren has partnered with chairtybuzz to auction over 200 unique items and experiences through Thursday, October 21st. Visit the site to bid on items including a portrait by a Ralph Lauren Photographer or for the chance to host your child's birthday at the Ralph Lauren Store in London.
    Or, if you're looking for a smaller way to give back, you can send a $10 donation to the Pink Pony Fund by texting PINKPONY to 501501.
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Things just got easier for Moms with ‘Delicious Days…’

    Delicious Days is Kraft’s new headquarters for all things seasonal. Watch featured videos to learn new recipes that really take advantage of fall’s unique vegetables – even picky eaters will dive right in! There are also tons of classic recipes that are sure crowd pleasers - your family will definitely be asking about your secret recipe stash when you serve them an apple crumble filled with fresh picked apples and fragrant cinnamon!
    The site also features content the whole family will love. Check out fun games, budgeting ideas, and party planning must-haves. If you want to get creative in time for Halloween, Delicious Days also features fun recipes that are spookily delicious, like eyeball cupcakes and the Ghosts in the Graveyard cake, perfect for getting kids to help out in the kitchen! After these recipes, your house is sure to be haunted with delicious candy ghosts! 
    While you’re at Delicious Days don’t forget to enter the AOL Home for the Holidays Sweepstakes* for a chance to win $2,500! It’s the perfect prize to get your family together in time for the holiday season.




    Enhanced by Zemanta

    LinkWithin

    Blog Widget by LinkWithin

    wibiya widget

    Facebook and Twitter