Playing outside in the hot days of summer will work up a thirst. While water is the best quencher of thirst and should be the first choice you offer your children, sometimes it’s nice to have a sweeter treat to enjoy. Choosing 100 percent real fruit juice for your children is the best choice and diluting it 50 percent with water is recommended.

When shopping for juices, you may notice that high quality, 100 percent juice is expensive. Many companies offer cheaper juices that taste like the real thing, with as much as 95 percent less of the real stuff. They mimic the taste of real juice by adding artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a potent sweetener and an unhealthy ingredient. In fact, in the past few years, a mountain of studies provide evidence of a significant link between HFCS and the increases in obesity. Read the rest »

It’s not your fault you fell off your diet. Your excuse is “I just love to eat!” Of course you do. And because food is such an important part of life, you are entitled to love it. But like any amorous relationship, if your lover is causing you pain, it may be time to re-evaluate the picture.

The truth is you don’t have to stop loving food in order to manage your weight. You just need to alter the ways you view it. Start by making a list of the foods you generally find irresistible. Evaluate the damage level from each of these foods in relation to your weight-loss goals. Then, instead of assuming you have to stop enjoying all of your favorites, consider how you can budget them into your life. Read the rest »

About 2,300 toy grills have been recalled by Target, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The circular ash tray attached to the stainless steel legs of Play Wonder Toy Barbeque Grills could contain sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard.

No incidents or injuries have been reported, according to the CPSC. The grills were sold for about $20 at Target Stores nationwide from December 2006 to February 2007. Consumers should immediately take the toy grills away from children and return them to Target for a full refund.

For more information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or log on to the firm’s Web site www.target.com

Ever since this adorable ‘lightening hero’ shirt and cape set arrived on our doorstep a few days ago, Henry has taken it off only to swim, bathe, and sleep. And every friend, acquaintance and stranger who sees my little super guy wants to find out where to pick up this fun and unique get-up.

The brainchild of best friends Jossamber Shapiro and Jessica Wise, Little Capers are alternative super hero shirts that come with detachable capes. When Jossamber’s son Jacob became obsessed with all things super hero, the two friends decided there had to be a better solution than a clothes pinned dish towel hanging from a shirt or from the back of a pair of pajamas. Read the rest »

Forget Jacob, Michael, Emily and Emma, the most popular baby names in 2006 according to the Social Security Administration. These days, parents want their kids to have names that set them apart from the rest of the pack, and a few are taking it to the extreme by hiring a baby-name consultant. Yes, a baby-name consultant. Read the rest »

Babyfaces: Photo of the Week – Little boy who just doesn’t look innocent enough

Boston Mamas: Little Capers – Little Capers’s detachable cape tees inspire creative play for both girls and boys, while being practicable and comfortable on the playground.

Classy Mommy: Video Review of eBeanstalk – Check out our latest video review highlighting eBeanstalk. The eBeanstalk gift series allows you to send your favorite tot a new toy every 3 months to match their stage of development. Classy Mommy approved! Save 10% and get Free Shipping with code CLASSY.

Coochicoos: Skip Hop Designs New Playmat – Forget those alphabet and number playmats – Skip Hop’s Playspot playmat is the perfect answer

MomFinds: Win a Fabulous Lexie Barnes Darling Diaper Bag – Win this chic, travel-friendly diaper bag just in time for your summer vacation.

One Chic Mama: Nursing Bras from La Leche League – La Leche League launches a new line of nursing bras that are both pretty and affordable.

I’m convinced the little people live in my house. They come out and night and steal things just to annoy me. The things they take that really get me going include: half a pair of socks. (They really do crawl into the dryer to do this.) The backings to my earrings. Little pieces of paper I’ve left around the house with important information jotted on them.

Of course they leave the things I want gone, like my husbands old college tees that he won’t part with, or the photo I just came across of him at 3 am the night of his bachelor party. Now why can’t that go missing? Read the rest »