Most Popular Articles

June 2008 Archives

How Do You Save Money?

For our next issue of the MomTalk.com Magazine and for MomTalk.com, we're compiling a list of savings tips from you, our MomTalk visitors:

Given the rising prices of gas, groceries, and overall cost of living, what is your family doing to save money?

Please send your suggestions, tips, advice to editor@momtalk.com. Please include your name and location if you're comfortable having that information printed in the magazine.

An Ex-Ad-Gal-Turned-Mom Spreads Good Chair: Notable Minnesota Moms

By Rey Tabborak

Do you happen to be a parent of a crafty kid who spends all their time dreaming up the next project: cutting, pasting, painting, collaging, pretty much anything that creates a mess? Do you often find yourself buying yet another activity kit, with puzzling instructions, that is, at the end of it all, a big exercise in packaging waste, not to mention dismal outcomes?

I happen to be one such parent of a six-year-old, an ex-advertising executive-turned-mom, who never thought I'd seek my chaotic past in marketing, only to find myself as the marketing engine of a new produc ... Continue reading An Ex-Ad-Gal-Turned-Mom Spreads Good Chair: Notable Minnesota Moms.

Summer Steak Wraps

The intriguing fresh flavors and textures of Tunisian Steak Lettuce Wraps will impress your friends and family. A new take on the classic London Broil recipe, marinated beef top round steak is grilled to medium rare perfection (145 degrees F). Leafy lettuce cups cradle the thin slices of steak and crisp vegetable slaw. Add an accent of the date spread, sprinkle with fresh mint and roll!

Not only is beef top round steak readily available and affordable, it's also one of the 29 cuts of beef that meet government guidelines for lean. Lean beef is a naturally rich source of nine essential nutrients, including protein, ... Continue reading Summer Steak Wraps.

Olympic Cyclist Puts a New Spin on Arthritis Awareness

World Champion cyclist Kristin Armstrong, 34, was diagnosed with osteoarthritis nearly seven years ago. Already an accomplished tri-athlete, slowing down wasn't an option so she turned to cycling as a sport that would be easier on her joints. Through hard work and determination, she is now preparing to compete as a cyclist in the upcoming 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. This year, Armstrong is supporting the Arthritis Foundation's annual Arthritis Walk events and Team TripleFlex by sharing her personal success story.

"I found that cycling was a great way to remain active and keep my joints strong," says ... Continue reading Olympic Cyclist Puts a New Spin on Arthritis Awareness.

You Can Do It!

By Jacqueline Mroz

When Julia Gaspar-Bates' 17-month-old daughter feeds herself, it's not a pretty sight. Food is everywhere -- in the toddler's hair, on her high chair and on the floor. But it's a definite improvement. In the few months since little Talia started spooning out her own yogurt and cereal, she's gotten much better. Sometimes, she even gets most of the food into her mouth, says Gaspar-Bates of Hyattsville, Md. Best of all is the sense of accomplishment that Talia seems to feel when she does feed herself.

"When she first started doing it, the food was all over the place -- it was hard to res ... Continue reading You Can Do It!.

Is Organic Really Better?

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

Ever since my toddler started eating table food, I've fallen prey to the dilemma with which so many modern moms struggle: whether or not to buy organic. Scary headlines about toxins in our food (not to mention the environment) are everywhere I turn, and each time I go grocery shopping -- whether it's at my neighborhood farmer's market or the Wal-Mart across town -- organic offerings beckon. But is organic really better? And can I afford it on my already overstretched grocery budget?

If you've asked yourself these same questions, here are five important insights I've learned a ... Continue reading Is Organic Really Better?.

Turn a Visit to the Mall of America into a Full-on Vacation

By Stephany Wiestling

The trend this summer is to vacation close to home. Make it a long weekend, or extend it out even further by exploring some of the attractions in the surrounding area.

STAY
Radisson located across the highway from the Mall of America. (952-854-8700) Hotel guests are guaranteed entry to the adjacent Water Park of America, a new indoor water park claiming to have the longest water slide in MN.

DO
Inside the Mall of America, visit:
-Underwater Adventures Aquarium is located under the East entrance. (952-883-0202) Discovery' ... Continue reading Turn a Visit to the Mall of America into a Full-on Vacation.

Home for the Summer: Ten Happy, Healthy Ideas for Kids

That last school bell has rung and the kids are back home, enjoying all the pleasures that summer vacation offers. But there's got to be more to life than sleeping until noon and sipping lemonade by the pool. Here are some more ideas to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this summer.



1. Block the sun. Sunlight is great; but too much exposure can be dangerous. Cover the kids with generous amounts of waterproof sunscreen -- SPF of 30 or greater -- 30 minutes prior to any sun exposure. Be sure to reapply it every 30 minutes for maximum protection.



2. Take a hometown vacation ... Continue reading Home for the Summer: Ten Happy, Healthy Ideas for Kids.

Capture Summer Flavors

There is nothing more tantalizing than the sweet tastes of summer's harvest, especially the abundance of juicy, colorful berries bursting with flavor that line the shelves of local grocery stores and farmer markets. Whether eaten as a treat or used in a main dish, ripe summer fruit provides endless possibilities.

Smoothies are a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of summer without spending hours in the kitchen. With a little creativity, a blender, and some fresh ingredients, you can whip up a healthy, refreshing meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Bob Greene, Oprah's personal trainer, s ... Continue reading Capture Summer Flavors.

Eggs & Bacon Candy

by Amanda Formaro

Make this fun treat while on your next camping trip or any old time. It's cute, it's tasty and the kids will love it! This is a fun project for 4H, Scouts or just for a lazy summer day.

What You Need

fruit leather candy
white chocolate for melting
yellow M&Ms
scissors

What you do

Use scissors to cut a piece of fruit leather in to strips.

Lay the strips in a criss cross shape onto a plate.

Melt white chocolate over the campfire in a skillet with a parent's help, or in a microwave.

... Continue reading Eggs & Bacon Candy.