The MOM Podcast

Learn the tricks we use to save $$ shopping on the internet for things like gift certificates Check out City Deals (http://www.citydeals.com/?ref=CDUNjg2OTU) for 50-60 percent off gift certificates.  You can even purchase gift certificates for deals in other cities so if your family lives somewhere else, you can still take advantage of the deals.  Or if you are traveling, check the deals in the location you are going! Restaurant.com (http://www.restaurant.com/) has up to 80 Percent off deals.   Check them out for cities you will be traveling to on vacation too! Pinching Your Pennies and the Screaming Penny: (http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/) This email comes to your box filled with tons of deals.  Even though the Screaming Penny is supposed to be focused on the Western States, they show deals for internet sites.  Somebody there searches and finds the great deals each day (sometimes twice).  I got a Razar RipStick regularly $90 for $19.  Great deal just by checking my mail.  They also include City Deals and Restaurant.com deals so you can see tons of deals at once! The Frugal Girls: (http://www.thefrugalgirls.com/) You can get email or check out their posts in Facebook.  They specialize in finding things that you can get for free.  Great resource. They post coupon deals too! Friend your favorite stores on Facebook for exclusive coupons.  Lowes had 90% off coupons last weekend! Check out Amazon Prime Shipping Free 2-Day Shipping on any order size for a month.  This is great for sending presents to family and friends everywhere--especially when you forget that Cousin Bob! Check out more deals and ideas on the podcast.

As we discussed with Claire, it is important to make time for each child.  We discuss ways this can be done if you have 2 04 9 children and some innovative ideas to make each child feel special.

We talk with Claire Lerner about how computers are invading our families and how to set some guidelines to make sure we spend enough time interacting with more than just our virtual family members.  This show is filled with great ideas on how to deal with the onslaught of media coming at our precious family time. Check out our other show on Digital Nation (http://www.themompodcast.com/2010/04/25/dealing-with-the-digital-nation/) for an insightful discussion on media and the family.

(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/discoveryCove-300x221.jpg)Nancy and her family just returned from Florida. Hear about the trip and what everyone liked best.  There are tips to make your next trip enjoyable.  Also, see the video podcast of Alex at Disney YES (http://www.themompodcast.com/2010/10/16/disney-yes-is-a-dream-come-true/) and see Nancy's other podcasts at www.iseekissimmee.com (http://www.iseekissimmee.com).

You might need to have that talk sooner than you think.  Diana Ruschhaupt of the    Ruth Lilly Health Education Center shares timing, tips and resources for you to make the discussion easier on you and your children.  Also check out the resources she recommends: Books By Lynda Madaras (http://www.amazon.com/Lynda-Madaras/e/B002GOLGOW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1283549274&sr=8-1) Website: KidsHealth.org (http://www.kidshealth.org) Girls: The Care and Keeping of You (http://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-American-Library/dp/1562476661/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283549327&sr=1-1)

Children can be afraid of small things like smoke detectors or the wind.  Claire Lerner explains to Nancy how to help her daughter's fear of the wind and help her learn to work through things when she is afraid.

We talk to Matthew, host of The Dad show (http://www.thedadshow.net/), a podcast by dads discussing parenting topics. Dad Show Topics Include: * Games to play with kids * Waiting for Dad to punish kids * College and money * What kids learn from how Dad treats Mom * Kids, money and chores * Much more . . .

Disneyland and DisneyWorld have an exciting opportunity for families (and a huge discount!).  Listen as we discuss the Youth Education Series with Christine DeMichael, Marketing Manager for Disney Youth Programs. The YES Program allows children from age 5 to Grade 12 participate in an educational experience at a Disney park (ones that are usually reserved only for school groups).  Not only do kids get to participate in a great program, but the participants, parents and other family members get to purchase tickets at the deeply discounted group rates (for us it was a discount of 50% off the regular ticket price and saved us $600). For more information on the individual programs now offered to children who are not attending as a part of a school group, go to http://www.disneyyouth.com/individual-enrollment/. (http://www.disneyyouth.com/individual-enrollment/) UPDATE:  Check out Alex's YES Experience (http://www.themompodcast.com/2010/10/16/disney-yes-is-a-dream-come-true/)

We discuss Stacey's experience home schooling a child and where she has her children now.  She shares her struggle to find the right place for her children and for herself and we discuss how much these decisions affect a child's future.

Amy Eastman, creator of Growing Up Disney (http://www.growingupdisney.com/), shares insights and answers Nancy's questions about DisneyWorld. She shares tips for where to eat and play, how to use Rider Swap and PhotoPass,  and what a Hidden Mickey is.  If you are thinking about going to WDW, listen and learn some great tips. Amy Suggests: * Take a stroller even if your kids already walk because they get tired * Check out Tusker House for a meal in Animal Kingdom * Get reservations for dining months in advance if you can (we can't) * If you can get it, check out the Crystal Palace * Guest Relations at the front of the park is extremely helpful and will be able to tell you if anyone has reservations open * Don't miss the World Showcase * Check out It's Tough to Be a Bug and Turtle Talk with Crush * Go on a morning safari so the animals are out * The Festival of the Lion King is a great show * If you have a car lover, check out Lights, Action, Motors * Look for the Hidden Mickey's all over the park (there is a guide book to help)

Halloween is one of the most Eco-Unfriendly times of the year.  Mom-daughter eco warriors Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson have taken the holiday on with Green Halloween (http://www.greenhalloween.org) and the National Costume Swap Day (http://www.greenhalloween.org/CostumeSwap/index.html).   They are also co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family and founders of the non-profit Green Halloween initiative.  Learn how to make your Halloween fun less harmful for the planet.  Check out the locations (http://www.greenhalloween.org/CostumeSwap/find.html) in your area that might be holding a costume swap or learn how to hold one in your area!

Not found a preschool yet or looking for something more than the ABCs?  Wan(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/slmag.jpg)t your child to be emotionally ready for school? Nationally acclaimed author Linda Eyre discusses how to teach children joy using the Joy School program.  Both Stacey and Nancy have had children in Joy School and found it to be an amazing experience.  Learn why! AND--We were nominated for the Best of Salt Lake 2010 as the Best Resource for info for Moms!  Whooo Hooo! For more information on Joy School, go to JoySchools.com (http://www.joyschools.com/) and for more on Values Parenting programs, go to ValuesParenting.com (http://www.valuesparenting.com/).

(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/minnie-and-mickey-150x150.jpg)Thinking about a trip to Sunny Florida?  We're talking with Jill Martin, Family Travel blogger for VisitFlorida.com (http://bit.ly/9wPgFL ).  You'll learn where to nurse your baby and fun places in addition to Disney World.  We'll even talk about educational opportunities in Orlando and Cape Canaveral (only an hour away)!  Get your bags packed! Don't miss Jill's Blog on VisitFlorida.com (http://bit.ly/9wPgFL) and remember that she is looking for questions from our listeners! Dinosaur World (http://bit.ly/bVhNce) Wonderworks (http://bit.ly/agvrAa)--the Upside Down Amusement Park Princess Makeover (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/?closeDialog=mdvDialog) at Disney

As a parent, it is often a challenge to know if a movie, website, book, song, or app is appropriate for our children at their specific age.  And how do we talk to them about things like Facebook?  We discuss what we find useful to help us choose for our children.   One resource we discuss is Common Sense Media (http://www.commonsensemedia.org).  Others include Squeaky Clean Reads (http://www.squeakycleanreads.com/) and Good Reads (http://www.goodreads.com/)if you have friends you trust who have posted books in their list. You can also check our list of summer reads for Boys Only! http://www.themompodcast.com/2010/06/27/summer-reading-fun/ (http://www.themompodcast.com/2010/06/27/summer-reading-fun/)

We share ideas for how to make nutritious lunches your kids will eat and not throw away as well as ways to keep the environment healthy with less lunch waste including green alternatives to lunch bags and juice boxes as well as fun ways to make your kids interested in lunch! Great containers we LOVE: (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/c-2-01-150x150.jpg) Lunchskins: Reusable sandwich and snack bags made from cute pastry bag fabrics--they saved more than 12 million plastic bags from being in landfills last year.    These can be washed in the dish washer or washing machine. Other options are available from people on Etsy, but they may not be made of food grade materials.(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KlipitLunchCubeAssorted_x-150x150.jpg) KlipIt by Sistema: (http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/foodStorage/leftoversPlastic?productId=10021676&mybuyscid=12988375656) A cool container that holds a sandwich in one place and two sides in the other side.  Available at The Container Store or in Old Navy stores for a limited time.  They also make other cool containers you will want to check out. Recycled Sandwich Wrap (Original idea from Family Fun) * Find a sturdy food grade bag (Large cereal bags, candy bags, cracker bags, Pirate's Booty bag).  The best bags are thick and have some silver lining in them--or(../wp-content/uploads/2010/08/wrap-150x150.jpg) they may be completely silver like the cereal bags inside the Costco Kirkland brand cereal boxes. * Cut the bottom from the bag, open the side seam, and clean the bag. * Cut it into a 10 or 12-inch square. * Attach self-adhesive hook-and-loop dots at two opposite corners of the square, one on the front and the other on the back of the bag. Love Notes for the Lunch Box: (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/LBL1_all_0-150x150.jpg)You can write your own notes for your kids lunches, get some online, or get these totally cute ones with great kid-fun facts along with your note.  We like "Did you Know that a Turtle breathes through is Butt?  OThey are called Lunchbox Love by SayPlease.com (http://www.sayplease.com/). Ideas for Great Lunches: Remember to think power snack instead of full lunch since they don't have time to eat a large meal. * Peanut butter and crackers * Bagel sandwich * Rollup with cucumber, bell pepper and salad dressing * Tortilla, spread with PB, wrapped around a banana—can add a drizzle of honey * Tuna salad and crackers * Quesadilla (just cheese, or add some ground beef) serve with salsa * Hard boiled egg, roll, fruit or veggie * Fruit smoothie: I love this trick—make several smoothies, freeze in 8 oz containers and pop them in your child’s lunch. They will defrost and be ready to stir or spoon up by lunch * Cold pizza * Baked chips (whole grain/healthy versions)—dips or sauces if you like * Pretzel, cheese stick, apple/grapes * Crackers, lunchmeat, cheese (homemade lunchable) * Waffle * Plain tortilla (dip in salsa or spaghetti sauce—or nothing) * Bagel (loads of different flavors), apple * Granola bar and a piece of fruit or a vegetable * Muffins and a fruit smoothie * Soup in a thermos * Pasta. Fun bite sized shapes. Toss with parmesan cheese, include some sauce to dip it in. Eat like chicken nuggets! * Dry cereal (not the sugary stuff—how did that EVER make it to our breakfast tables?) * Biscuits and jam, stick the two sides together. * Cookies: make with smashed beans instead of butter, applesauce for half the sugar, add raisens and nuts. Keep in freezer) If they have a microwave: * left over dinner * Macaroni and cheese (add a little milk in the container so it won’t be dry when reheated) * Soup (homemade or from a can) * Pizza Sides: * Nuts * Cheese sticks/slices * Snap peas * Canned fruit * Carrot sticks * Dried apples * Broccoli and ranch * Cucumbers * Grapes