How Safe Are Gift Cards?

Gift cards have become popular ways of allowing consumers to buy something they really want. But, this holiday season gift cards have been in the news for other reasons.  We have heard so many stories about using caution with gift cards due to store going out of business that we ask ourselves how safe are gift cards these days?  With just a little bit of precaution and some common sense, gift cards should still be a safe gift this holiday season and always. Our friends from Retrevo.com, a blog about gadgets and electronics, give us some tips on how to make the best out of the gift cards we receive or are about to give as presents.  

Don't Become an Unsecured Creditor 
This year there is an added caution; if you buy a gift card from a retailer that goes on to file for bankruptcy (like Sharper Image and Circuit City) you could be left holding a worthless plastic card. The best advice is to use the card as soon as possible. Bank gift cards can be a safer bet however they tack on extra fees and charges. 

Beware of Gift Card Scams
There have been reports of gift card scammers collecting gift card numbers off gift cards like a Best Buy gift card or a Starbucks gift card in racks at supermarkets, When you purchase the card at the local Safeway or anywhere else, your ID becomes active and now the scammers can use the card number online and drain the funds.

Staying Safe in Parking Lots and Garages

We have heard of so many stories about being robbed or cars broken into in parking lots or garages that we thought it would be a good idea to share some safety tips on how to stay safe in parking lots and garage to keep in mind for the rest of the holiday season and always.

 

1. Identify entrances and exits when entering a parking facility.
2. If possible, park next to entrances or in open and well-lit areas.
3. Always roll up windows, close the sunroof and lock the doors before leaving your car.
4. Avoid leaving valuables in your car.  And, don't leave your cell phone plugged in the cigarette lighter and in plain view.
5. When returning to your car, keep your keys in hand walk with a purpose.
6. Trust your instinct. If you do not feel comfortable, ask a security officer to escort you to your vehicle.
7. Immediately report any suspicious activity to security.
8. Do not linger around your car.  Prepare to enter your car quickly and drive away.
9. Keep doors locked and windows up until you have excited the facility.

Be safe and check your surroundings always to stay safe in parking lots or garages.

- The Moms Buzz

source: Washington Family Magazine December 2008 edition.

Chanukah Potato Latkas Recipes for the Holidays

This is a new recipe we just received from a site you will love to know about, www.delawaremarket.com because it has fantastic recipes to try.  They highly recommended us to share this wonderful recipe of Chanukah Potato Latkas for your dinner tables this holiday season if you follow the Jewish traditions.  If you don't, it is still a delicious dish to try!

Chanukah Potato Latkas Recipes for the Holidays
by Chef Kim Katz Alvarez
owner, Delaware Market House,Gladwyne, PA
www.delawaremarket.com

What you'll need:

4 Idaho potatoes, peeled and shredded on grater
1 lg sweet onion, grated
3 eggs, beaten
2t Salt
1t pepper to taste
Canola oil as needed

Here's how:

1. Combine grated potatoes and onions in a bowl.
2. Add eggs.
3. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. You may want more salt depending on your taste.
4. In a deep saute pan place about 1 inch of oil.
5. When oil is hot enough, carefully place 1/4 cup of the potato mixture formed like a pancake in the oil followed by 3 more.
6. Lightly fry until golden brown on one side gently turn over and continue to fry on other side until golden brown.
7. Drain onto paper towels.
8. Continue until mixture is finished.
9. Serve hot with a dollop of applesauce or sour cream.

Did You Know The Story Behind Latkas

How to Keep Kids from Holiday Meltdown

Here is nice article that Moms Buzz wants to share with you about keeping kids from holiday meltdown, something so typical for us to experience before, during and after the holidays.  Read and get ideas on how to deal with those infamous "holiday meltdowns" during this holiday season.

How to Keep Kids from Holiday Meltdown
by Sandra Kallio—Wisconsin State Journal

The 4-year-old tore open a Christmas gift from his Grandma. Realizing it was a pair of pajamas, he screamed "No! I don't want any stupid clothes!" and threw the PJs onto the floor. The problem? Grandma was sitting in the room.

"I can still remember this scene when it happened," says Thomas Phelan, a psychologist and author of several parenting books, including 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12. The gift giver was Phelan's mother and the rude recipient was his son, now 36. "The incident shocked me, and it probably almost killed her."

The family all survived that Christmas, but the episode may have something to do with Phelan's attitude to this day. "Big Christmas get-togethers are a bit of a chore," he says.

Chore or not, they are often unavoidable, so Phelan offers parents advice in minimizing children's meltdowns.

“First, try to keep the kids on their regular sleeping and eating schedules," he says. If, for example, your children usually eat lunch at noon, feed them something then—even if a meal with company isn't until 2 or 3 p.m.

"Second, keep your discipline the same," he adds. His 1-2-3-Magic discipline program for misbehavior involves two warnings followed by a time-out or rest period if the warnings don’t
do the trick.

How to Care for a Poinsettia

As they say, "the poinsettia is the plant you love to hate. It wouldn't be Christmas without the poinsettias..." But, these little house guests may not last the whole holiday season because often times we do not know how to care for them.  Here are a few tips on how to care for a poinsettia:

1. Place your poinsettia in a sunny window. These plants require bright light - the more, the better.
2. Keep soil evenly moist at all times. Even a day without adequate moisture is enough to make poinsettias drop their leaves.
3. Provide a constant source of humidity by filling the overflow saucer with gravel. Water seeping through the pot will evaporate from the gravel.
4. Turn up the heat. Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where it is hot during the winter.
5. Keep the temperature as close to constant as you can, day and night. Decreasing temperatures cause leaves to drop.
6. Fertilize weekly with half-strength liquid houseplant fertilizer, or use a slow-release food when you first bring your poinsettia home.

Happy holidays and keep those Poinsettias happy too!

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.ehow.com

 

Reminder of all 3 Holiday Giveaways!! Hurry to Win!!

This is a friendly reminder that Moms Buzz has 3 wonderful holiday giveaways going on until today, December 18, 2008.  Hurry to win!!

1. The Christmas DVD Collection Giveaway! Christmas DVDs given away for FIVE winners! Click here to win!

2. The Harry Potter Holiday Giveaway! The winner receives The Tales of Beedle and The Bard, AND the complete Harry Potter Box Set as shown in the image!!  Clickhere to win!

3. The Klutz Holiday Fun Pack Giveaway! The lucky winner will get a pack of 5 activity books from the Klutz bookshelf wrapped in holiday packaging valued at $100! To win click here!

Holiday Editor's Pick #6 - VACCARI Royal Classic Photo Frame

Our hot editor's pick for this holiday season is the sterling silver VACCARI Royal Classic photo frame 4x6 or 8x10. Frame with your love when giving this holiday season with a VACCARI sterling silver photo frame.

 VACCARI photo frames as well as all of its home and jewelry lines are handmade in Peru. VACCARI lines are 100% sterling silver or above (950 or 980, which means less copper in the alloy.)

VACCARI Royal Classic Photo Frame is a classic and beautiful picture frame handcrafted in sterling silver. The frame is mounted on fine mahogany wood. It may be used vertically or horizontally depending on picture. $175 for 4x6 and $375.00 for 8x10 available only at www.vaccari.biz.

Top 5 Manners Your Kid Needs the Most This Holiday Season

Kids with manners wow us whenever we hear a "please", "thank you" or "may I help you."  During the holiday season, children may have to interact more with the outside world and thus it would be nice if we teach them or refresh their minds about some basic manners. The top 5 manners your kid needs the most this holiday season are: 

1. Remember to use the magic words with everyone.
2. Wait patiently in lines.
3. Take turns opening presents.
4. Say "Thank you" for each gift you receive.
5. Smile!

Let's help them to put them to practice!

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.emilypost.com

Holiday Editor's Pick #5 - Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™

Our next holiday editor's pick is the incomparable Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide™.  You will see why we love the lasted electric toothbruth in the market.

 

Oral-B’s most technologically advanced toothbrush—Triumph with SmartGuide—provides extraordinary cleaning and improves brushing habits. Its innovative wireless display provides while-you-brush feedback to promote optimal brushing habits. 

• Improves gum health: Helps prevent and reverse gingivitis
• Provides ultimate plaque removal
• Delivers superior teeth whitening and polishing action in 21 days*
• Penetrates between teeth to sweep away plaque for a floss-like clean**
• Helps reduce excessive brushing force, which can lead to gum recession, by up to 88% in only 30 days†
• Guaranteed better checkups, or your money back
• Helps you brush for two minutes
• $149.99 but it is now on sale at www.amazon.com, www.walmart.com and www.bestbuy.com.  Your local drugstore may also carry it.

You may also be interested in knowing Triumph outperformed Sonicare's Flexcare electric toothbrush in two recent studies. http://www.oralb.com/en-US/products/whytriumph. 

 

 

Making the Holidays Less Materialistic

This time of the year we are bombarded with tons of emails trying to sell us and our kids "things" for the holidays.  It is hard to ignore the commercial side of the holiday season, but if we put a little effort in teaching our children that this season is not about "things" to buy, but about giving and traditions, it can go a long way.  The holidays are about giving and traditions.

We found this great article by KidsHealth.org about how to make the holidays less materialistic.  Below are some pointers, and we highly recommend you take 2 minutes of your time to read it all and incorporate some of these ideas in your holiday day-to-day living. 

Here are five ways to curb materialism in your kids and reinforce the real reason for the season:

1. Teach Kids to Question Marketing Messages
2. Focus on Family Traditions
3. Teach Kids to Give of Themselves - Volunteerism.
4. Give Gifts With Meaning
5. Be a Good Holiday Role Model - show your kids that the holidays can be joyous and not a marathon to shopping malls.  

Starting early your shopping can make a difference on how you enjoy your holiday season, leaving more time to spend with the family, visit meaningful places, events and friends.

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.kidshealth.org

Holiday Editor's Pick #4 - Start Talking - A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever"

This time our 4th Editor's Pick is a book called "Start Talking - A Girl's Guide for You  and Mom about Health, Sex or Whatever" by Mary Jo RApini, MD and Janine J. Sherman, an OBGYN nurse practitioner.  We are sure some of you moms may have girls in their teens with whom you may want to have some serious chats. The wonderful Q&A format of the book is easy and nice for girls and moms to  talk and ponder, and be on the same page!

Start Talking contains more than 113 questions and answers girls usually ask: periods, sex, relationships, guys, eating, exercising, and much more.   The questions ae also great ways to get mom involved making this book a fresh start for both.  "The truth is, daughters want to talk to their mothers, and moms can learn how to listen - from their daughters. Start Talking is the place to start!"  $14.95. Available at online at www.amazon.com or www.starttalkingbook.com.

- The Moms Buzz

Holiday Editor's Pick #3 - Kids-Tee-Off Polo Shirt

Our 3rd holiday pick is a boy's collar to mock, zip front golf polo shirt by Kids-Tee-Off.com.  If you kid plays golf, this is a great gift and protection too!! Read why below.

Kids-Tee-Off specializes in children's golf apparel that are 100% cotton pique so that they provide breathability, and  UV-SUN® protection to guard young skin.  Also, they have Cool Comfort® moisture-wicking to keep you dry & comfortable. The collar can convert to mock neck. It ismachine washable. Available various colors and sizes, prices start at $27.00. www.kids-tee-off.com.

2008 HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Image by VACCARI Photography

 It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. You’ve got parties, decorations and shopping on your mind—but that’s all the more reason to be aware and keep alert of any potential dangers. Below are some safety guidelines by the American Academic of Pediatrics to keep in mind this holiday season.

Holiday Editor's Pick #2 - Busy Body Book Planners

For that mommy friend or family member who is busy like a bee, you may want consider a family planner by BusyBodyBook.com.

BusyBodyBook Planners

With BusyBodyBook planners for the family, time management is a breeze! BusyBodyBook family planners and calendars provide each family member with their own column to organize and track their schedules and activities while coordinating with each other side by side. www.busybodybook.com. $17.95.

Check out our Holiday Editor's Pick #1 here.

- The Moms Buzz

Holiday Editor's Pick #1 - Disney Fairies Clickables™

For the holiday season, Moms Buzz Editor's Pick will come one by one in a series of 10 posts instead of a single traditional post containing all 10 best picks.  These picks are holiday gift ideas we think you will find fun, unique and you many want to consider them in your gift list.  You can also use these picks as a holiday gift guide.

 

Disney Fairies Clickables™ Fairy Charms Starter Set

Our first pick is Disney Fairies Clickables™ Fairy Charms Starter Set. Clickables is a new technology that Magically connects toys with Disney virtual worlds. The Magical jewelry box enables her to create her own fairy and experience life as a fairy in PixieHollow.com. $39.95 at the Disney Store.

Can you guess what are next pick will be?  Check out our Holiday Gifts - Editor's Pick #2.

- The Moms Buzz

1-700-CALL-SANTA Program by Vonage

Just in time for the holidays, Vonage is adding another location to its list of free calls; Santa’s workshop at the North Pole!

Vonage is bringing Santa to life for its customers once again with its annual 1-700-CALL-SANTA program. Moms and Dads can help their children call and leave a message for Santa, and the recorded message will be sent to their e-mail address so they know exactly what their child asked Jolly Old St. Nick to bring them. Additionally, for ten randomly selected children, Vonage will grant their special Christmas wish, delivering a toy from their list in Santa’s name. 

More information can be found by visiting http://www.vonage.com/santa/.

Making Holiday Stockings

Moms Buzz loves the Martha Stewart website because it is filled with wonderful ideas for every occassion, and more so for the holidays.  Our pick for this season is making nice looking stockings that you can bring out and update every Christmas, year after year, as your kids grow older.

 

They are quite easy to make.  Only the stocking requires sewing; the designs are glued on, for easy updating. For letters and numbers, enlarge a font from your computer and trace. Draw other shapes or photocopy and trace an existing image; attach with fabric glue. Keep the basic shape simple, then add details with felt, yarn, or marker. The snowflake's cutouts were made with a craft punch; the drum is embellished with embroidery floss.

To make the ones shown above in the image, go to Keepsake Stocking How-To using Martha Stewart's  stocking templates and cut felt pieces.

1. Pin a cuff to each stocking piece, lining up top edges. Trim long edges of loop with pinking shears; fold, and place between one cuff-and-stocking pair as shown (line up top edges). Sew along top edges. 2. Flip cuffs up, and stack stocking pieces (raw seams out); pin. Sew around stocking (use 1/4-inch seam allowance), including sides of cuff; leave top open. Pink sewn edges. Fold cuff down; iron to crease.

Happy crafting!

- The Moms Buzz

source and image: www.marthastewart.com

B.O.W. The Best of the Web Weekly Round-Up

Today, Moms Buzz is happy to bring you B.O.W. - the Best Of the Web in a weekly roundup of posts from fine blogs and sites featuring fashion, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and much more.

Style, Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Health

Fashion Pulse
Fashion Pulse Tells You How to Get Holiday Party Perfect at Target for Under $20!

Glam Spirit: A Homemade Gift for the Holidays
Learn how to make your own scented soaps from scratch!

Moms Buzz: Cyber Monday Deals and Beyond at Fine Boutiques Online!
Moms Buzz brings you this special post today Cyber Monday because these are fine boutiques where you will find truly unique gifts this holiday season to wow every member of your family. What you will find in these fine online boutiques, you will not find in your typical department store. So, take the time to get to know these boutiques and take advantage of their fabulous discounts!

Couture in the City - Haute Winter Trend: Colored Tights
I must admit, I’ve never been a big fan of tights. Living in Florida, I can have bare legs pretty much year-round. However, this winter has been unusually cold, leaving me looking for a warmer alternatives.

Best Way to Shop for A Gift - Tips

Here are some basic tips to keep in mind when shopping for a gift.  Moms Buzz finds these tips very useful and a good way to be organized and prepared when giving a gift.

Shop year-round. Store stocks tend to be picked over by December, and deadlines can hamper creativity. Keep your eyes open for gifts all year, and stash them away until the holidays.

Make it personal. When giving someone a relatively generic gift, such as a picture frame, put a photograph inside or “something humorous, an inside joke.” Write a meaningful message on the inside flap of a book. Add a personal touch to robes, towels, and jewelry by having them monogrammed or engraved.

Do your research. When buying a gift in a recipient’s field of expertise, such as a camera for a photography buff, read product reviews and talk extensively to experts at the store.

Consider a yearlong gift. Subscriptions to favorite magazines or food-of-the-month clubs will remind the recipient of you on a
regular basis.

Happy shopping!

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.theweekdaily.com

Cyber Monday Deals and Beyond at Fine Boutiques Online!

Moms Buzz brings you this special post today Cyber Monday because these are fine boutiques where you will find truly unique gifts this holiday season to wow every member of your family. What you will find in these fine online boutiques, you will not find in your typical department store.  So, take the time to get to know these boutiques and take advantage of their fabulous discounts!  - The Moms Buzz.

Boutique	Website	Deal & Coupons	Expiration
Kids-Tee-Off	www.kids-tee-off.com	enjoy 20% off on all KTO apparel & accessories when you make a minimum purchase of $75. Enter discount code ktbf-08.	12/02/2008
CCC Gifts	www.cccgifts.com	10% off on your purchase.  Use coupon HOLIDAY.	12/02/2008
Mason + Matisse	www.mason+matisse.com	FREE shipping with code CYBER08 and if you spend $50 or more you will receive a free Barefoot Books Activity Book when you enter the words "Barefoot Books" in the comment box during checkout.	12/01/2008
HodgePodge Papers & Gifts	www.hppapers.com	$5.00 off each pad set of From the Mom of note pads.	12/03/2008
Psi Bands	www.longs.com	Psi Bands are on sale. $1 of every Cherry Blossom Psi Bands set sold goes to support Fertile Hope, a national nonprofit providing information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.	12/31/2008
NYC Subway LINE	www.nycsubwayline.com	NYC Subway Line has lots of fashion forward tees, bags, backpacks and other accessories  for Moms, Dads and Kids – even matching tees for all in their own sizes! Enter discount code “Moms” for a 10% discount on all items which are not on sale.	12/30/2008
Georgie Designs	www.georgiedesigns.etsy.com	Buy 2 jewelry items from my Etsy store and get 1 item FREE!  Third item must be of equal or lessor value than your lowest priced item.  See store announcement for details!	12/01/2008
Charming Cards	www.charmingcards.com	Coupon: MOMSBUZZ - 15% off.	12/01/2008
A.B. Baby Boutique	www.abbabyboutique.com	10% off your order storewide. Shop for baby, child & Mom all in one place!  Please use coupon code: buzz08	12/07/2008
Yogoco!	www.yogoco.com	25% off. Customers need to write “Cyber08” in the checkout comments to get 25% off for any Yogoco Yoga bag. An automatic rebate will be processed.	12/05/2008
Lyn Gaylord Accessories	www.lyngaylord.com	Sterling silver buckles inspired by antiques and collectibles including dogs, horses, whimsical, romantic and sporting motifs. 50% off buckles.  All croco embossed italian straps $50 while supplies last.	12/24/2008
Michele Grady Designs	www.MicheleGrady.com	20% off total purchase with coupon code MOMSBUZZ08	12/05/2008
Bella Baby Carriers	www.bellebabycarriers.com	20% off and free shipping of your purchase when you use coupon code 'mommies'	12/05/2008
Peggi Li Creations	www.peggyli.com	20% off Peggy Li Creations handmade jewelry with coupon code "holiday20".  Feminine, unique jewelry as seen in Oprah magazine and more.	12/02/2008
Le Petit Garage	www.lepetitgarage.com	20% off any order with coupon code MamasRock.	12/05/2008
Petite Posh	www.petiteposh.com	10% off all orders with coupon code buzz	12/15/2008
Crazy For That	www.crazyforthat.com	20% off designer handbags, jewelry, fashion accessories and more, free shipping and no sales tax.  Enter code “MOMSBUZZ20” at checkout.	12/05/2008
Sofia Bean	www.sofiabean.com	Buzz15 code to get 15% off one order of $50 or more	12/05/2008
Starring...! Fragrances	www.starringfragrances.com	Mom's Bliss Sale - 20% Off everything in our store!  Treat yourself or a loved one this busy holiday season with any of our eco-friendly and natural bath and body products.  Code: momsbuzz	12/05/2008
Big Paw Designs	www.bigpawdesigns.com	Save 15% off online orders!  Enter coupon code CMM08 at checkout.	12/05/2008
Doctor T's Supergoop! Skincare Collection with Sun Protection	www.Supergoop.com	Free "Single" of Supergoop! SPF 30 daily moisturizing lotion with orders over $25.	12/01/2008
Bonitas International	www.BooJeeBeads.com	Free Shipping with code SHIP.	12/15/2008
JuneBee Baby	www.junebeebaby.com	25% discount on our entire stock including items on sale: HOLIDAY08.	12/31/2008
Doce Vida Fitness Inc	www.docevidafitness.com	Enter code: SWEETLIFE at checkout for 20% off your purchase	12/15/2008
Jaybird Designs	www.jaybird-designs.com	Free gift with purchase.	12/1/2008
Art Stream Studios	www.artstreamstudios.com	20% off one order from our gallery shop! code: winter08.	12/20/2008
PassionSpice Maternity and Nursing Wear	www.PassionSpice.com	15% off every order, plus an additional 5% on orders over $50, 10% on orders over $100, and 15% on orders over $150 - No code necessary.	12/1/2008