Back to School with MOMables 3-Month Menu Subscription GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

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Packing lunches for school can be time consuming and frustrating. I’m always thinking the night before, “What can I pack for my daughter’s lunch tomorrow?” and searching the kitchen for something she will eat. Many times I just pack whatever is most convenient, which often means it’s pre-packaged and processed (so not the healthiest).

I’ve been trying out MOMables, an online subscription service that offers busy parents ideas for fresh school lunches that can be made in 10 minutes or less.  All the menu items are simple and nutritious. The woman who started MOMables is a mom of 3 kids and worked with dozens of other moms, a chef and a nutritionist to create healthy lunch’s kids will actually eat.  

MOMables’ standard plan includes 5 school lunches, a prep-ahead sheet and a shopping list. It’s simple to use as all I did was download a menu (updated weekly by Friday morning), print out the information, shop for the items, and then follow the recipes. Here are some examples of what this week's menu includes:

I liked that each recipe includes a color photo and offers kid-sized portions. A big plus is that I can make most of the recipes ahead of time (usually at night when my daughter is asleep). The recipes use common ingredients, and of course there’s always the option to swap out anything your child does not like. The menus also encourage me to buy healthier food choices at the store not only for my child, but for the whole family.

MOMables says that parents can expect to save between $1-2 per day per lunch versus pre-packaged lunches, and I did see savings by making my own lunches.

Regarding prices, the MOMables subscription is an affordable service at about $0.22 per day. Here’s the breakdown of subscription options:

3 months: $18 ($6/month)

6 months: $33 ($5.50/month)

12 months: $60 ($5/month)

Parents interested in trying the program can sign up for a free week of menus to try it out. For more information, visit MOMables by clicking HERE.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
One lucky reader will win a FREE 3 Months Subscription to MOMables. To enter, please complete the entry form below. All entries will be verified. Giveaway ends at midnight on 8/15/12. Please see terms and conditions in the entry form for additional information.

Bicultural Mama’s ‘Desperately Seeking Western Eyes’ Featured in BonBon Break Magazine

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The most recent issue of BonBon Break magazine, an online parenting publication, released today. Started by two New York moms, the magazine highlights inspirational, entertaining or education blogs.

BonBon Break chose to feature a personal post I had written called, “Desperately Seeking Western Eyes – One Asian’s Story.” 

Below is the introduction from BonBon Break:

Many Asians seek eyes with “double-lined” lids, a trait viewed as ideal that is found in Westerners. Some Asians even undergo surgery to “correct” their Asian eyes. Maria Adcock of BiculturalMama.com shares her own story as a Chinese-American teen growing up in the Midwest and how motherhood changed her perceptions of self-worth.

See the full BonBon Break feature of Bicultural Mama HERE

Thank you to Kathy Radigan and Val Curtis of BonBon Break Media for reaching out to me!

Elevate Dishes with Chulita’s Famous Latin Sofritos and Spices

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Chulita's Grilled Chicken (La Bandera)
Photo: Chulita's Famous

Tired of making the same boring meals? Think making flavorful meals takes too much time? I’ve found the perfect solution: Chulita’s Famous. For busy moms like me, Chulita’s Famous is my secret ingredient to elevate dishes to the next level of deliciousness.

I don’t have much experience cooking Latin food, but I was game to try it with the help of Chulita’s Famous. The Brooklyn-based start-up makes all-natural Latin sofrito and spices seasonings. Sofrito is a blend of herbs, vegetables and spices that create the seasoning based for all Latin food.

The website for Chulita’s Famous offers several recipes that feature its four products: Sofrito Verde, Sofrito con Spices, Adobo Sabroso, and Sazón con Sizzle. The recipes were so easy to follow; many required only four ingredients. For novices like me, these were my kind of recipes. 

Chulita's Famous Sofritos
Photo: Chulita's Famous

Chulita's Famous Spices
Photo: Chulita's Famous

I made the Shrimp a la Sofrito, Eggplant Stew, Spicy Turkey Chili, Chulita’s Grilled Chicken, and experimented with a Latin-Asian fusion stir-fry using the Asian sauces I had in the refrigerator. My husband went for second helpings when I created these meals (otherwise a rare move with my everyday dishes).

Here was my experience making the super simple yet super tasty Chulita’s Grilled Chicken (a.k.a. La Bandera). I used boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast since I had them on hand.

Chulita’s Grilled Chicken
Preparation Time: 25 Minutes
Serves 4

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons of Chulita’s Famous Sofrito con Spices
Vegetable oil or spray (optional)
Salt
Pepper 

1. Spread Chulita’s Famous Sofrito con Spices, salt and/or pepper unto chicken cutlets.

2. Heat non-stick pan or grill to medium temperature.  If necessary, add a little oil or oil spray to prevent from sticking to the pan.

3. Grill for 6-10 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

My chicken came out super tender, moist, and flavorful. I paired it with white rice and green beans, though for a full Latin experience you could pair it with beans, rice and fried sweet plantains like in the photo at the top of this post.

I also appreciated that all of Chulita’s Famous all-natural products have no MSG, modified food starch, textured vegetable protein or other artificial fillers, thickeners or preservatives. It made me feel good to know that I was using healthy ingredients to feed my family.

I would love to see more recipes offered on Chulita's Famous website, as well as recipes sorted by spice/sofrito so that those new to these flavors can know immediately look up how use them without having to open up each recipe. It may also be helpful to list on the products' back labels some quick suggestions on which foods to use them with (poultry, beef, seafood, vegetables, etc.).

For more Latin-inspired recipes using Chulita’s Famous, please visit http://chulitasfamous.com/recipes/. Chulita’s Famous is now available for purchase online at http://chulitasfamous.com/buy-now/ or locally in the New York City area (see Where to Buy). Watch Chulita’s Famous in action at events and demonstrations in New York. www.chulitasfamous.com

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did receive samples to review for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author. Photo credit for photos in recipe portion of post: Maria Adcock.

Radio Disney Back to School Drive for Supplies: Find One Near You

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Radio Disney, the #1 radio network for kids, tweens and families, is holding its first annual "BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE" benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The nationwide initiative invites families this summer to donate school supplies to then be provided to local Boys & Girls Clubs. Items needed include pre-packaged pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk, and more.

The project is in collaboration with Disney Friends for Change, an organization that inspires kids and their families to make a lasting, positive change by helping people, communities, and the planet.

Disney has more than a 50 year history with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Through financial and in-kind contributions, and through the time and talent of its Disney VoluntEARS, the Company supports the Boys and Girls Club mission of helping young people reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

The "Back to School Drive" events will feature music, interactive entertainment and prizes hosted by the local Radio Disney Road Crews. "Back to School Drive" events scheduled for the rest of this summer are as follows*:

Saturday, July 28

Atlanta, Georgia 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Lawn in Stone Mountain Village with AM 590

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Back to School Blast at George Steinbrenner Field with AM 1380

Kansas City, Missouri 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Legends Outlets of Kansas City with AM 1190

Sunday, July 29

Kansas City, Missouri 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Legends Outlets of Kansas City with AM 1190

Friday, August 3

Denver, Colorado 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Adams County Fair with AM 1690

Saturday, August 4

Los Angeles, California 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Galleria at Tyler with AM 1110

Los Angeles, California 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Northridge Fashion Center with AM 1110

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Back to School Celebration at Tyrone Square Mall with AM 1380

Cleveland, Ohio 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Touch-a-Truck at Westgate Mall with AM 1260

St. Louis, Missouri 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

St. Louis Mills with AM 1260

Salt Lake City, Utah 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Utah's Hogle Zoo with AM 910

Tuesday, August 7

Salt Lake City, Utah 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Radio Disney Days at The Gallivan Center with AM 910

Wednesday, August 8

Albany, New York 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Radio Disney's Family Flicks in the Park at Tawasentha Park with AM 1460

Thursday, August 9
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Wisconsin State Fair with AM 1640

Friday, August 10

San Antonio, Texas 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Huebner Oaks Center with AM 1160

Saturday, August 11

Phoenix, Arizona 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Macerich Malls' Superstition Springs Center with AM 1580

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Back to School Bash at Florida State Fairgrounds with AM 1380

Denver, Colorado 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Promenade Shops at Centerra with AM 1690

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Oconomowoc Days at Roosevelt Park with AM 1640

Sunday, August 12

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Back to School Bash at Florida State Fairgrounds with AM 1380

Wednesday, August 15

Albany, New York 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Radio Disney's Family Flicks in the Park at Elms Park with AM 1460

Saturday, August 18

Detroit, Michigan

Westland Shopping Center with AM 910

Phoenix, Arizona 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Macerich Malls' Arrowhead Towne Center with AM 1580

Minneapolis, Minnesota 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Mall of America with AM 1440

Denver, Colorado 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Magic of Healthy Living Festival at Littleton Western Welcome Week in Downtown Littleton with AM 1690

Cleveland, Ohio 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

End of the Summer Party at Parmatown Mall with AM 1260

Wednesday, August 22

Albany, New York 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Radio Disney's Family Flicks in the Park at Clifton Common with AM 1460

Saturday, August 25

Phoenix, Arizona 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Macerich Malls' Paradise Valley Mall with AM 1580

Phoenix, Arizona 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Macerich Malls' Scottsdale Fashion Square with AM 1580

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Macy’s Spelling Bee at Westfield Citrus Park Mall with AM 1380

Minneapolis, Minnesota 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Rosedale Center Back to School Event at Rosedale Center with AM 1440

Denver, Colorado 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Orchard Town Center with AM 1690

Sunday, August 26

Seattle, Washington 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Seattle Storm at Key Arena with AM 1250

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

Richfield Days at Fireman’s Park with AM 1640

Monday, August 27

Minneapolis, Minnesota 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Minnesota State Fair at State Fairgrounds with AM 1440

Wednesday, August 29

Boston, Massachusetts

Kids Night at New England Revolution at Patriot Place with AM 1260

Sunday, September 2

Miami, Florida 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Family Sunday at Marlins Park with AM 990

Saturday, September 8

Phoenix, Arizona 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Macerich Malls' SanTan Village with AM 1580

Sunday, September 9

New York, New York 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Third Ave Street Festival with AM 1560

Saturday, September 15

Phoenix, Arizona 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Macerich Malls' Chandler Fashion Center with AM 1580

Orlando, Florida 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Oviedo Mall with AM 990

About Radio Disney

Radio Disney is the #1, 24-hour radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families. Kids help pick the music that is played and are encouraged to interact via a toll-free phone line to the Radio Disney studio. The network's current playlist, driven by listener requests and representing major record labels, includes recording artists Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Cody Simpson, Mindless Behavior and Adele. The network is available on 31 owned terrestrial radio stations and is also available via RadioDisney.com, Sirius XM satellite radio on channel 79, iTunes Radio Tuner, mobile phones, the Radio Disney iPhone and Android Apps, and the Radio Disney Facebook page.

*Check for events in your community on RadioDisney.com and via Radio Disney’s local Facebook app.

Sesame Street: Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece for Wii and Nintendo DS Launches

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3 year old Jake enjoyed playing
Sesame Street: Elmo's Musical Monsterpiece
Photo: Maria Adcock

For preschoolers who love using game consoles, it’s important to let them play games that are not only fun, but ideally also educational.

One that achieves both is the new Sesame Street: Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece for Wii and Nintendo DS, the newest edition in Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment’s line of award-winning Sesame Street games.

Designed around Sesame Workshop’s early childhood development curriculum, kids will be thrilled to see their favorite characters Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Count von Count and the honkers. 

Sesame Street: Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece engages children through interactive activities and musical education. It encourages music creation, physical and emotional expression through music and dance, exploration of instruments, and introduces basics of music such as mathematics in music (patterns, counting), musical elements, and notation.

The game includes music performed by GRAMMY® award-winning band Ozomatli and includes original songs by the popular Los Angeles-based band. The band’s combination of hip-hop, salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, meringue, Jamaican ragga, and Indian rage musical styles provide upbeat tunes for kids to enjoy.

Three year old Jake K. from Huntington, New York, tested the Wii version of Sesame Street: Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece. With practice he was able to figure out how to use the Wii remote to participate in the games. Jake said he thought it was fun, and even suggested that future versions should include levels for kids to advance to.

 

Sesame Street: Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece for Wii or Nintendo DS is rated ‘EC’ for Early Childhood and can be purchased at retail stores nationwide or via the Sesame Street Online Store for $19.99 (www.SesameStreetVideoGames.com). 

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did receive a copy of the game to review for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author. All images courtesy of 360 Public Relations unless otherwise noted.

Winner Announced - Jake and the Never Land Pirates Ship

Pin It One lucky Bicultural Mama reader has won the Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates Ship Giveaway. Drum roll....and the winner is:

Natasha (@dythia99)

She won by tweeting about the giveaway on July 14th
.

Winner was chosen via Random.org. I will contact the winner via email, and the winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Swedish-Inspired Fashion Retailer Hanna Andersson Grand Opening Event

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Cute and high-quality Back to School outfits
Photo: Maria Adcock

Hanna Andersson, the kids and family fashion retailer inspired by its Swedish heritage, just opened its doors in Long Island at The Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY. The store welcomed parenting bloggers to preview its latest fashions of quality organic clothing and accessories.

The Hanna Andersson new store at Roosevelt Field Mall.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Partnering with the Long Island Children’s Museum as well as The Cupcake Corner to help welcome Hanna Andersson to the community, the event introduced the retailer’s collection of bright, fun, and colorful patterned outfits for children from newborn to 12 years.

Hanna Andersson stores offer clothing for
children sizes 0 months to 12 years.
Photo: Maria Adcock

The new store featured everything from dresses and pants to pajamas and tops. Cute “Back to School” items included backpacks, lunch bags, and of course adorable clothes. 

Bloggers preview the displays and shopped the store.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Customers should note that Hanna Andersson uses European clothing sizes on its tags, but have no fear as conversion charts to U.S. sizes on display throughout the store.

Mingling with parenting bloggers (from left to right):
NYC Single Mom, Raising Three Savvy Ladies,
Everything's Abuzz, and Bicultural Mama.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Check out the new Hanna Andersson store at Roosevelt Field Mall, but if you don’t live nearby, no worries as they have locations nationwide as well as a robust online and catalog presence.  

Hanna Andersson at Roosevelt Field Mall
630 Old Country Rd
Garden City, NY 11530
www.hannaandersson.com

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did attend the Hanna Andersson Roosevelt Field Mall grand opening event and received a gift bag. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Find 10 Free (or Semi-Free) Kids' Activities in New York City

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Whether you live in New York City or are just visiting, everything in Manhattan just seems, well, expensive.

However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll be able to find no-cost or low-cost activities for kids to do in the Big Apple.

I had the opportunity to write about this topic for Care.com, a national caregiver search website, so to read more, just click on this link: 

 

10 Free (of Semi-Free) Kids’ Activites in New York City

Enjoy your summer!

Photo credit: flickr/Rambling Traveler

Casting Call for Show on Unique Parenting Styles – Respond by Monday!

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Ever wanted to be on a television show? Bicultural Mama was contacted by a NYC production company to help find families for a new documentary series on unique styles of parenting. Each episode will feature a different family.

The casting call is nationwide, so if you or someone you know qualifies and is interested in possibly being on the show, please respond immediately. The producer needs to receive all submissions by this Monday, July 23, 2012. See below for submission details.

Casting Call Information from the Production Company:

WHAT'S YOUR PARENTING STYLE?

YOU COULD BE IN A NEW CABLE SERIES

We're looking for moms and dads with unique perspectives on parenting for a new series on a top-rated national cable network.  How do you parent?

• Do you believe in attachment parenting? 
• Or maybe you consider yourself a "Tiger Mom"?  
• Do you practice "free-range parenting"?  
• Or green parenting?  
• Or a style of parenting that's all your own?
• Are you raising a future high achiever?  Or a free spirit?
• Did you have a strong reaction -- positive or negative -- to the cover of Time Magazine's issue with the headline “Are You Mom Enough?”
• Do you find yourself judging -- or being judged by – by other parents?  Is your parenting style radically different from your parents' or friends'?  
• Do you think kids need lots of structure and clear rules?  Or lots of freedom and play time?  
• Do you think kids' schedules should be filled with enriching activities?  Or do you practice "slow" parenting?  
• Do you think parents should be authoritative?  Or indulgent?  
• Should you be strict?  Or permissive?  
• Should you spare no expense for the finest things for your child?  Or keep it simple?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we want to hear from you. We're looking for moms and dads of children ages 0 - 12 who would be willing to share their parenting style in a nationally broadcast series on a major national cable network.

How to Enter the Casting Call
If you're interested, please send your name, your phone number, a brief description of your family and your parenting style and a photo to: casting@punchedinthehead.com by the end of the business day Monday, July 23, 2012 (weekend submissions will be reviewed - feel free to let the producer know you heard about the casting through Bicultural Mama).

Huggies MomInspired $15k Grant for Entrepreneurs

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Have a great idea to solve every day parenting challenges? You now have a chance to make that idea a reality! Huggies is offering a chance for one entrepreneur mom to win $15,000 in seed capital through its Huggies MomInspired Grant.

Now in its third year, the grant strives to recognize the talented community of moms who find innovative ways to make parenting easier.  

• Grant recipients will receive $15,000 in seed capital and business resources to help turn innovative ideas into real-life inventions.
• Applications for the 2012 Huggies MomInspired grant program are currently being accepted through July 31, 2012 (HURRY, ENDS SOON!).
• Grants will be announced and awarded in fall 2012.    

Visit the website www.HuggiesMomInspired.com to read about the stories of past grant recipients and their product ideas, including these previous grant recipients who have developed products such as:

• Nausea relief band to ease pregnancy symptoms
• Magnetic baby clothing for easy diaper changes
• Sleep coaching  

To learn more and submit original, innovative and viable new business and product ideas, go to www.HuggiesMomInspired.com.

A Travel and Culture Children’s Book - ‘Greetings from Kiwi and Pear’ by Joyce Wan

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I had the pleasure of meeting children’s book author/illustrator, Joyce Wan, at the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators conference last month. Though her debut book Greetings from Kiwi and Pear (Blue Apple Books) was released in 2009, I just recently discovered it. I loved its themes of travel and culture, and Wan is also an inspiration to Asian-American authors and illustrators for her impressive work.

The first thing parents will notice when picking up Greetings from Kiwi and Pear is its cute cover depicting two adorable monkeys holding a postcard with the book’s title. The cover art is representative of Wan’s signature style of bold, clean, and colorful art that appeals to children.

Greetings from Kiwi and Pear follows the monkey duo as they travel the globe. The rhyming sentences flow effortlessly, making it fun and easy for children to follow along on Kiwi and Pear’s adventures to South America, Europe, Asia, and more. It’s a great way to introduce world travel to young children.

Greetings from Kiwi and Pear features fold-out pages like
this one depicting a visit to the Great Wall of China.
Photo: Maria Adcock

The book offers many features that will keep readers engaged: a poster-size world map to follow along on Kiwi and Pear’s travels, fold-out pages, and 34 stickers that relate to the story.

According to the publisher, Greetings from Kiwi and Pear is recommended for children 4-8 years old. However, I think parents can still read this book to infants and toddlers as they’ll still be drawn to the intriguing illustrations and rhythmic text (just don’t let them rip the non-board pages).

Since her debut book, Wan has published You Are My Cupcake and We Belong Together (both published by Scholastic/Cartwheel in Fall 2011). In addition to her writing, Wan manages the design studio, Wanart, which she founded in 2003. Fans can purchase greeting cards and gifts there with designs based on her illustrations.  

I recommend Greetings from Kiwi and Pear by Joyce Wan, and think it would make a great gift for any child.

Where to Find Greetings from Kiwi and Pear: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound,  Wanart (signed copies)

Teaching Young Children to Read through Parents (Not Electronic Devices)

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Even children as young as two years old can learn to read.
Photo: Children Learning Reading

Parents always strive to provide their children with the best education possible. Many want to teach their toddlers and preschoolers to read before entering kindergarten. There are a lot of programs that address this, but nowadays most of them seem to require time in front of a television, computer screen, iPad, or some other electronic device. 

While some parents don’t mind having their children in front of a screen, others prefer to limit their children’s time with electronics (especially with the very young).

Children Learning Reading offers a simple and effective, step-by-step program to help parents teach their children how to read through good old fashion interaction between parent and child. The program teaches phonics and phonemic awareness to children between ages of 2 (who can speak) up to 6 or 7 years old. Each lesson requires just a few minutes a day, because we all know that it’s hard for young children to stay focused for longer periods of time.

Jim Yang, father of three, created Children Learning Reading to teach his own kids how to read. He started them on the program at age 2 with success. Others have experienced the similar results, as seen in the video testaments on the program’s website.

Children Learning Reading comes in the form of an e-manual so that parents don’t have to deal with a clunky instructions guide. Parents can easily bring up the lessons on their computers and prepare them before teaching their child. This delivery method also keeps the price down so that the entire Standard Package is only $37 versus the hundreds of dollars required by many other programs.

Unlike the whole language method of teaching reading, teaching by phonics and phonemic awareness uses a sequential order in learning to read:

• The program first teaches alphabet letters and the letter sounds,
• With the limited letters the child has mastered, the program teaches him to "blend" the sounds together to form simple words with the goal of building up on this to eventually decode and read more complicated words.
• Short and simple sentences are slowly introduced into the lessons, making good use of the words the child has learned to read.

Children Learning Reading recommends that parents reinforce a lesson several times a day by showing flashcards and reviewing them with their children (parents can make them on index cards or any piece of paper). The program goes at the pace of the child as parents should only move on to new material when they feel their child has mastered the current lesson.

According to Children Learning Reading, the program “starts off by teaching capital letters and then transitions over to lower-case letters. [It] begins with capital letters because young children's motor skills are not fully developed, and they will have an easier time when tracing capital letters and pronouncing the sounds at first. Furthermore, the transition from capital letters to lower-case letters is a very simple and smooth one, as there are only about ten to twelve of the alphabet letters where there are notable differences between the capital and lower-case representations.”

Children Learning Reading is great for parents who want a hand-on approach in their child’s reading education. It does not require a child to stare at electronic devices, and it really seems to work. It’s also a great value compared to other reading programs on the market.

Some things to consider are that Children Learning Reading requires an involved parent. This means the parent must be self-disciplined enough to review the lessons, make the flashcards, and teach her child. Though the lessons themselves only require a few minutes at a time, parents working long hours may not be able to review the lessons with their child several times a day if they cannot physically be home.

Either, way, at only $37 for the entire standard package, it’s a low investment if it doesn’t work out. For parents where it does work, the gains for their children are invaluable.

For more information or to make a purchase, please visit http://biculture1.1childread.hop.clickbank.net.

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did access the program for free in order to review it for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Bicultural Mama Featured in Saturday Spotlight on Multicultural Families

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Today Bicultural Mama is featured in Musing Momma's Saturday Spotlight on Multicultural Families. Musing Momma interviewed me about our lives as a mixed couple raising a daughter with two cultures.

Excerpt from Musing Momma:

I was really excited when Maria offered share a bit about her family and participate in the Saturday Spotlight. Maria is a Bicultural Mama. Actually, she is the Bicultural Mama, the force behind the blog of the same name! I especially loved hearing about Maria’s approach to raising her daughter in their multiracial/multicultural family. I imagine there are readers who will relate to her concern about not doing “enough” to pass on her Chinese heritage as well as her newfound appreciation for her parents’ decision to send her to Chinese School!

Thank you, Musing Momma, for the honor! READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

 

Disney Junior Launches ‘Doc McStuffins’ and ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ Products – GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

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Releasing now through 2013, Disney Junior’s hit TV series’ Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Doc McStuffins announce their new merchandise collections via Disney Consumer Products.

The new product lines are specifically designed for preschool-aged kids and offer everything from playsets to apparel to encourage creativity and imaginative play.

In 2011 Jake and the Never Land Pirates ranked as the #1 cable TV series for boys age 2-5, a spot it continues to hold.

Since its debut in March, Doc McStuffins has ranked as the #1 preschool series launch in cable TV history among Adults 18-49. The series features six-year-old Doc McStuffins who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. A unique aspect of Doc McStuffins is that she is a character of color in a positive role, something not commonplace in most animated series.

Of the many new products available, highlights include these items below.

Jake's Pirate Ship (Fisher-Price, SRP $44.99, available now at national retailers) – This fun pirate ship brings the animated series to life. Designed after Jake’s ship in the series, Bucky, the ship rocks and rolls as kids push it along a surface. Skully perches on the lookout as pirate-themed phrases and songs add extra fun. Kids can even shoot water out of the cannon or concoct a surprise croc attack. Ages 3+.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Bedding Set (Jay Franco & Sons, SRP $59.99, available now at Toys ‘R Us) – Thrill any Jake fan with this fun and colorful “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” bedding set (comforter, flat and fitted sheets, and pillow case) made of soft microfiber and polycotton.  

"Time for Your Check Up" Doc Doll with Lambie (Just Play, SRP $34.99, available at national retailers in August 2012) – The Doc McStuffins doll comes to life by speaking more than 10 phrases. She can bring her friend Lambie to life by just using her stethoscope which activates with lights and sounds. Kids can sing along to the 'check-up' song with Doc. Ages 3+.

Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag Set (Just Play, SRP $14.99, available now at national retailers) – Little ones can imagine they’re Doc McStuffins helping to heal toys in need. The Doc McStuffin’s Doctor's Bag Playset includes a play thermometer, blood pressure cuff with working gauge, sticker sheet, Doc's magical stethoscope, syringe, otoscope, a bandage cuff. The set lights up and includes 3 - AG13 batteries. Ages 3+.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
One lucky reader will win a FREE Jake’s Pirate Ship. To enter, please complete the entry form below. All entries will be verified. Giveaway ends 7/26/12. Please see terms and conditions in the entry form for additional information.

World’s First 2-in-1 Convertible Sippy to Straw Bottle in Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel

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I’m all for cutting edge kids products that offer multifunctional uses. It makes me feel like I’m getting more value for my money. I also support products that show social responsibility in terms of keeping both children and the environment safe. I’ve met the perfect sippy cup that achieves both: The Safe Sippy 2™.

Produced by Kid Basix, The Safe Sippy 2™ is the world’s first and only 2-in-1 convertible sippy to straw bottle. It’s the sippy cup that grows along with your child when he outgrows the spout.

The body of the cup is wrapped in a protective sleeve made of thermo-plastic rubber to provide insulation and a secure grip for little hands. The cup comes with removable handles and a dust cap to keep the spout clean. The spout is wide and flat to emulate thumb sucking, and when your child is ready for the straw, just insert the straw-shaped spout which is designed specifically for developing palates.

This cup is made from clean, non-leaching food-grade stainless steel which is a natural antimicrobial used in hospitals for its cleanliness and durability. Stainless steel is naturally BPA-free. Another big plus – its dishwasher safe!

Now let’s talk about plastic versus stainless steel. Most sippy cup manufacturers have moved to BPA-free plastic which is a move in the right direction. But beyond both being BPA-free, the similarities between plastic and stainless steel end there.

Stainless steel is stable and durable so it does not interact with the foods and fluids it comes into contact with. Stainless steel is also eco-friendly in that it’s one of the most easily recycled materials on the planet. In a world trying to reduce plastic waste, stainless steel makes sense.

Kid Basix brings up some good points about plastics:

• It took the world 25 years to listen to scientific warnings about BPA, which begs the question: What’s next when it comes to plastic? 
• Parents are becoming much more proactive by learning about a broad range of new endocrine disruptors have been identified in plastics once thought safe.
• Communities and even states are moving to ban plastic bottles from landfills over concerns for the environment.

I highly recommend this cup not only for its superior functionality, but also for its environmental-friendliness.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com ($14) or read the full store list HERE.

For more information: To view the rest of the Safe Sippy product line, please visit www.kid-basix.com.

Disclosure: Images from kid-basix.com. Author was not compensated for this post. Author did receive a sample to assess for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Don’t Assume Readers Want Asian Escort Services Because I’m Asian

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As an active blogger I receive emails daily requesting that I write about a product, a cause, or a service. Sometime I do, but often times I don’t if the request is not a good fit with my site or readership.

Recently I received an email offering an infographic for my site. The man who sent it noted that he enjoyed a previous infographic I had posted called Addicted to Toys Despite Weak Economy. He then offered his own economy-based infographic that contained interesting facts about signs that the economy was improving.

I like infographics because they show numbers in a visual way that’s easily digestible for readers. Plus, I’m sometimes a geek when it comes to data so I often find the information fascinating.

For due diligence, I always check the source of the infographics. Usually they’re created by a college or some other benign organization. For this newly proposed infographic, the source included the word “Asian.” I assumed it must be some Asian-based research organization.

I searched the internet for this Asian group, and to my surprise it was actually an Asian escort service. Seriously? My site’s name and content implies it’s a parenting blog with a cultural and societal angle (The “Mama” in Bicultural Mama should have been a big hint).

I checked the HTML code of the proposed infographic and saw that the website URL for the Asian escort service was embedded. In other words, if I had posted this seemingly innocent infographic on my site and readers had clicked on it, they would have been brought to the escort service site.

The person who sent me this infographic probably just quickly viewed my profile and saw that I was Asian. But in a big Marketing 101 fail, he did not delve deeper to see if my site’s content would bring readers that would match his own.

Needless to say, I declined to post the infographic. I’m Asian, but don’t assume it means my readers will want Asian escort services.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ergonomic Palm Support is a Must When Using Computers

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With computers commonplace at work, school, and home, families spend hours in front of a screen typing away at a keyboard and moving a mouse. Without adequate ergonomic support, wrists can become sore and strained. Some people even develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fortunately many products are available to ensure proper alignment when using a keyboard or mouse. Fellowes, which makes everything from wrist rests to keyboard pads and more, has developed memory foam products that mold to the body in response to pressure and heat to evenly distribute body weight. The memory foam then changes back to its original shape once pressure is removed. It’s similar to what many mattress manufacturers use to give people a good night’s sleep.

I had the opportunity to review two of Fellowes’ products, something I welcomed since as a writer I’m always typing at my computer.

Give love to your wrists!
Photo: Shoplet.com

Fellowes Memory Foam Keyboard Palm Support

This sleek black keyboard palm support is so comfortable due to the memory foam. The padding conforms to the shape of your wrists. It features a patented Health-V Channel in the padding to reduce wrist pressure and includes Microban antimicrobial protection to help keep the pad surface cleaner.

The palm support neatly fits the length of a standard sized keyboard. However, for laptops, the palm support is too long at 18.25”. Plus, with many laptops featuring a touch pad below the keyboard, there’s no place to put a palm support pad without covering the touch pad up.

Overall I would recommend this product for achieving its purpose of providing support and comfort while at the keyboard. However, laptop users should skip this since it seems to be more designed for desktop computer keyboards.

Super sleek and comfy palm support with mouse pad.
Photo: Shoplet.com

Fellowes Memory Foam Gliding Palm Support with Mouse Pad

Moving a mouse around over time can prove taxing on wrists. This item includes both a palm support and a mouse pad. Both come in black with silver accents to provide a sophisticated high-tech look.

The memory foam performs well to add comfort and provide support while moving the mouse. Like the Keyboard Palm Support, the Gliding Palm Support includes a patented Health-V Channel to relieve wrist pressure. It also features Microban antimicrobial protection to keep surfaces clean.

The mouse neatly fits into the concave shape of the mouse pad. An optical mouse-friendly mouse pad ensures high performance and a compact glide works on or off the mouse pad. I would recommend this product for anyone who wants the best in terms of comfort and technology regarding palm support.

For more information, please visit Shoplet.com.

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did receive samples of the products reviewed from Shoplet.com, a website offering supplies, in order to assess them.

Easy July 4th Flag Cake

Pin It We have a July 4th tradition of making a festive and colorful flag cake using fresh berries and whip cream. This is super easy for kids to make as it uses store-bought ingredients, though you can make the cake and frosting from scratch if you wish.

Kids love helping to make this delicious flag cake using fresh berries.
Photo: T. Kuo

Easy July 4th Flag Cake

• Buy cake mix and follow the directions on the box. You can also buy a cake instead.
• Let the cake cook completely before spreading with whip cream (for a lighter texture) or canned vanilla frosting (for a richer texture).
• Use whole fresh blueberries to represent the "stars" area of the flag. 
• Cut strawberries in half and lay flat on the cake to create the "stripes" on the flag.

All done - time to eat. Enjoy and have a Happy Independence Day!