Since 2006 for every sweater sold a portion of sales have been donated to charity.  With current economic hard times, for every sweater purchased Sweaters by Lee will donate 100% to Long Island Cares Food Bank, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer & The Red Cross.

Visit the website to see the gifts that give back.

Ingredients
1   bag (10 oz.)  washed salad greens
1   can (15 ¼ oz.)  Whole Kernel Sweet Corn , drained
1   (7 oz.) pouch or 2 (3 oz.) pouches  Tuna, (Chunk Light or Albacore)
1   can (15 oz.)  50% less salt black beans , rinsed and drained
½   cup  low-fat ranch dressing
½   cup   mild or medium salsa

Directions
Place salad greens in large bowl.
Top with black beans, corn, and tuna.
Drizzle with dressing and salsa. Toss before serving.

BLUE CHEESE GREEN BEAN SALAD

Ingredients
1/3 cup blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Cut Green Beans , drained
1 cup red and yellow cherry tomatoes , halved
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions
Mash cheese with oil and vinegar in bowl.
Toss with beans, tomatoes, walnuts and onions.
Serve on a bed of Romaine lettuce, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired

HEALTHY SALAD TIPS for a slimmer summer

• Limit extras like croutons and bacon bits


• Use a variety of greens like spinach, leaf lettuce, arugula, dandelion greens, kale, watercress and basil leaves - full of flavor and nutrition!


• Don't pile on fried meat - use heart healthy tuna -- a quick, easy protein (much lower in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than many other protein choices) that works for lunch or dinner.


• Keep your pantry stocked with salad-friendly canned veggies to add pizzazz (and extra nutrients!) to your salad


• Try squeezing some fresh lemon and olive oil on your salad, or use salsa, instead of drenching your salad with dressing

Women are more educated, earn higher incomes and have a more powerful role in the workplace than women of previous generations. But in spite of this progress, 90 percent of women say they feel financially insecure, according to the 2007 Allianz Women, Money and Power Study. The vast majority of women will need to take financial responsibility at some point in their lives, so it is vital that they have the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial future.

A 2009 report by The Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) says that women are particularly vulnerable going into retirement. The findings in "How Can Women's Income Last as Long as They Do?" show that:
* Women at age 65 are expected to live, on average, another 20 years - four years longer than men. That means they will need to save more for retirement.
* Less than one third of retired women today receive pension income. And less than half of today's working women have access to a pension or retirement savings plan through their jobs.
* For more than 40 percent of older women living alone, Social Security is virtually all that they have. This group is four to five times more likely to be poor than married couples.

"Each stage of life holds events that can shape your financial needs and impact your ability to achieve long-term goals," says Katie Libbe, vice president of Marketing Solutions for Allianz Life. "Divorce and widowhood are two stages that have significant financial impact for women, so they need to learn how to take control of their financial futures."

Here are some tips to help begin the process of starting over.

Gather all the information you need to evaluate your current financial situation. These include:
* Checking and savings account statements
* Credit card information
* Tax returns
* Social Security records
* Investment information - stocks and bonds certificates, mutual fund statements
* Insurance policies - homeowner's, life, auto, health, long-term care
* Retirement assets - 401(k), pension, IRA, ROTH IRA, annuity statements
* Deeds
* Wills and powers of attorney

Evaluate how much money you will need for the next six to 12 months and keep that money in an easily accessible account in your own name.
* Pay Your Bills. Failure to pay your bills can result in bigger problems due to late payment fees, interest charges, and damage to your credit history.
* Take it Slow. Don't make any major purchases or changes right away. Give yourself time to heal emotionally before rushing into major decisions.

If you don't already have a financial advisor, it may be advisable to get one. "A professional financial planner can help you improve your current financial management and help you through these challenging changes," says Libbe. "Their expertise and objective perspective can save you time, and help you invest for your future."

To find a qualified financial advisor, you can ask trusted friends or professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, for references. You can also get references from professional associations such as the Financial Planning Association, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Make sure that you have a support network made up of trusted family, friends and professionals who can give you feedback, go with you to meetings and help you follow up on the actions you need to take.

For more information on finding a financial advisor and to download free financial checklists for the widowed or divorced, visit allianzlife.com/WomenMoneyPower.

Illustration courtesy of Getty Images

Everyday Helper Solutions has created 3 special concierge packages: for the expectant mom, for the brand-new mom and for the working mom. Each package includes services tailored to a mom's needs. One winner will be chosen at random for each package.

Here's how to win:
1. If you're not yet a member, join MomTalk's social network at http://share.momtalk.com
2. Post a status update on your page there telling us that you'd love to win and which package
That's it!

The 3 winners will be chosen (at random, like we said,) on Monday, August 3.

So, what do you get?

The "Wow, I didn't realize I'd need so much stuff" package for the expectant mom
Let EHS go shopping for all those essentials you'll need right from the get-go. The list might include some of the following:
• Diapers
• Desitin
• Powder/Corn Starch
• Baby Oil
• Baby Wash
• Formula
• Baby Bottles
• Bottle Washer
• Pacifiers
• Baby wipes

The "I can't seem to get everything done" package for the new mom
• Express Grocery Shopping - 20 items or less
• Getting Organized - We'll assess your needs and goals and help you plan for this new phase of life.

The "I'm trying to do it all" package for the working mom
• 1 Hour Neighborhood Errands
• 1 Hour Concierge--which could include the following:
⁃ Scheduling appointments and reminders
⁃ Travel & Leisure Arrangements
⁃ Movie & Theatre Tickets
⁃ Meal Planning
⁃ Restaurant Reservations
⁃ Process Subscriptions and Annual Memberships
⁃ Phone calls

Any member of MomTalk's social network is eligible to win--either for yourself, if you're in the service area, or as a gift for a New York metro area friend. Enter now because time's flying.

PS: While this promotion is available only in the New York area specified below, Everyday Helper Solutions offers great virtual services nationwide. Check out their website and see what they can do for you.

*Services available to residents of NY, NJ and surrounding areas including Long Island.

You've survived the up-every-two-hours newborn period, and you're finally slumbering peacefully through the night. Out of nowhere, your toddler starts showing up like an uninvited guest at all hours. "I lost my blankie," she says. "I'm thirsty." "I wanted to give you one more hug." There's a million reasons your merry wanderer may give for crawling out of bed, but there's only one thing you need to know at that time of night: It's critical to get your child back to sleep for the full 12 or so hours she needs.

Families need to make sleep a priority because it affects every aspect of a child's well being -- health, behavior, development and the ability to learn," ...
Jump to full text of this article.

You know staying fit is important, especially if you want to manage your heartburn. But who wants to exercise indoors when it's sunny and warm outside? Fortunately, you don't have to! It's time to try nature's gym for a workout that's just as good, if not better!

1. Instead of a calf machine Hit the hills. With just a slight incline, your calves will get a workout mere calf raises can never match. There's no substitute for outdoor terrain, says Kelli Calabrese, a Texas-based trainer and co-author of Feminine, Firm & Fit (Great Atlantic Publishing Group 2004).
Jump to full text of this article.

It's possible to give kids a fun way to keep up with learning by providing engaging books that feature hands-on activities. Three new books from DK Publishing will help kids of all ages fill their summer with science fun.

"One Million Things: Space" (July 2010). Perfect for backyard sleepovers and camping trips, this book serves up imagery and information about all things cosmic: from planets, moons, and comets, to black holes, nebulae, distant solar systems and more. Young readers won't be able to wait until sunset to start exploring. Elementary-aged kids will:
* Learn about spherical and irregular asteroids by playing a computer game.
* Find out about volcanoes in the solar system by comparing them to firecrackers.
* Explore the universe with stunning photographic galleries.

"I'm a Scientist: Backyard" (July 2010). Part of a new series for younger readers, this book introduces kids to the world of science with a wealth of outdoor experiments. With clear, step-by-step instructions, the book is full of bite-sized experiments that help children absorb science easily. Preschoolers and early elementary students will learn how to:
* Make a sun dial and tell time using the position of the sun.
* Find out a tree's age and then measure its height with just a stick and a piece of string.
* Learn about centrifugal force with a simple bucket of water.

"Big Idea Science Book" (July 2010). A comprehensive guide to key topics in science with a unique difference - an online component with 200 specially created digital assets that provide the opportunity for dynamic, hands-on, interactive learning. Older children can learn from video clips and interactive animations that take them:
* Inside plants.
* Around the human body.
* Deep below the surface of the earth.

Help kids flex their mental muscles during the summer with exciting projects and experiments that make learning fun. For more on these and other summer learning books, visit DK.com.

You can learn more and enter your application for a scholarship to earn an online degree.

What the reviewers say:
Cell Phone Etiquette is a great guide to teach kids the rules for proper cell phone use. Full of common sense principles and entertaining stories, it is a must read for all the teens you know. DR JOE RUBINO, CEO,Center For Personal Reinvention

Cell Phone Etiquette by Michelle Cimino is entertaining, witty and full fo tips on how to use technology to stay connected without sabotaging opportunities to connect fact-to-face. Well worth the read! IVAN MISNER, NY Times Bestselling Author & Founder of BNI and Referral Institute

Michelle's book has been extremely helpful to me as a Mom and also as a journalist. We have called on her time and time again for the morning show...she has terrific take home advice for parents who are sometimes not as up-to-date as we need to be on technology. Natalie Tysdal, KDVR/KWGN Fox 31 Television

Everyone knows about 'mom jeans,' but 'mom hair' is just as prevalent on most blocks. The permanent ponytail that is so easy and convenient, the outdated, frayed scrunchie pulling back unwashed locks or the baseball cap pulled down low to hide another bad hair day.

If you've jettisoned your mom jeans to Goodwill, it's time to show your hair some good will, too, by updating your look. Great hair doesn't have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money - the following tips can help you turn mom hair into a hot hairstyle!

• If you've had the same style, the same color and the same length for as long as you can remember, it's probably time for a change. Ask your stylist for a free consultation and consider trying a conditioning treatment to moisturize, strengthen, add shine and help protect your hair color from the sun.
• To switch up your look, consider a new all-over color or highlights to brighten you up, or try one of the biggest hair trends of the year--bangs.
• Pulling your hair back is not forbidden, but if you always do the same ponytail or the same braid, try a different twist. Pull hair to one side for a side pony or consider a messy bun with some decorative hair pins or combs, a simple French twist or even pig tails. Any of these options are fun ways to uplift your do. Your hair will say thank you, because when hair is frequently pulled back in the same spot, it tends to cause breakage. By moving the position of your ponytail and using fabric-coated binders this will promote healthier hair.
• If you find yourself reaching for a hat to cover up unwashed bed head, instead try lightweight scarf or a stylish headband. There are a number of headband options--leather, fabric, metal--that never go out of style and also help to pull hair back in an updated trendy way.
• Consider adding texture, the newest term for perms, to update your look in a way that requires little maintenance and styling. We are not talking about the perms of yesterday that leave your hair fried. Today's texture treatments actually nourish your hair to make it easier to manage and some are temporary so you don't have to worry about growing it out.

Ultimately, your life as a mom matters more than your hairstyle, but even simple strategies can make your hair look healthy and stylish.



Mary Jo McGinnity is the regional director of education for Fantastic Sams of Minnesota. With more than 100 salons in Minnesota, Fantastic Sams offers affordable hair care for the entire family including cuts, color and texturizing services.

Ingredients
1    can (15 oz.) Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches or Peach Halves
1    ctn. (8 oz.)   low-fat vanilla yogurt
8    (4 oz.)   plastic or paper drink cups
8  wooden sticks or plastic spoons

Directions
1.       Pour undrained fruit into food processor or blender container. Cover and pureé.
2.       Add yogurt; blend until smooth.
3.       Pour into cups; freeze until partially frozen.
4.       Place stick in center of each cup.
5.       Return to freezer and freeze until firm. (several hours/overnight)

Do you feel like the hardest working Parent in America?
Are you a mom or dad who works in a family business, has a hectic schedule, and an interesting story to tell? Then we want to hear from you! A new series on a MAJOR Cable Network wants to spend some time walking in the shoes of the hardest working moms in America and it just might be you! This opportunity could lead to a series of your own!

 Perhaps you own and operate a family BAKERY with four kids.... or maybe you run a DOG BREEDING business with triplets on the way... or maybe you're a woman working in a male dominated field like construction or or steelworker who's adopted 10 special needs children. The tougher the job and the more interesting family the better.

 If you'd like to share your story, please email raptis.michael@gmail.com and tell them a little about yourself. Please include the names and ages of all of the members of your family and contact information, as well as photos of you at work and at home. Please provide contact info and family pics along with your story.