Tips For Empowering Your Daughters

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Strange MagicCapable, strong and confident women are in the news with increasing frequency these days-from politicians and movie stars to women making strides in sports, business and the military. Parents are becoming more aware that helping their children—particularly girls—build skills that lead to empowerment is important for success in life. But many parents may be wondering just how to go about it.

Child and adolescent psychotherapist Katie Hurley, a parenting expert and author of the upcoming book “The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World,” notes that empowerment begins at home with day-to-day activities.

Here are some easy tips Hurley recommends as effective in helping your daughter to be her best self.

• Communicate, communicate, communicate. One of the most important things parents can do is open the lines of communication. Listen before you respond. Allow your child to vent and articulate her emotions, while letting her know you’ll just listen, without judgment. Showing empathy is important (“I hear you” and “How can I help?”). Give lots of love, acceptance and support. This will help her know that what she thinks and how she feels is important and that she is a priority for you.

• Help identify good models. Watch what she’s watching and discuss it together. Kids today are often plugged into their own world and tuned out to their parents. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and remain in the dark. Watch her—or your—favorite shows or movies together. The subtle lessons in a film can be the impetus for discussing issues and providing role models. One such film is “Strange Magic,” Touchstone’s newest animated tale from George Lucas, now on DVD. A key character is Marianne, a female whose journey to empowerment includes learning to see people not for how they look, but for who they really are. George Lucas notes, “The point of the film is that everyone deserves to be loved and true love goes much deeper than just infatuation or looks…It’s about finding true beauty in someone’s soul regardless of how they look.”

• Encourage girls to aim high. Remind them that hard work and dedication are part of what it takes to reach goals and dreams. The key to building girls up is to help identify and then support their strengths so you can encourage them to reach their goals.

• Resist jumping in to “fix” things. Rather than solving your daughter’s problems, try stepping back so she can work through conflicts and find solutions on her own. When you empower your daughter to problem-solve, you show her you have confidence in her ability to handle her life. This allows her to enlist your participation in a discussion and show your support through the process.

• Success is a team sport. Healthy competition is good. When young girls learn to stick together and lift each other up, they internalize the valuable lesson of teamwork. Whether your daughter is athletically, artistically and/or academically inclined, help her find ways to join with others and learn how to be a team player. Let her know it’s OK to compete by using her strengths to the best of her ability.

• Build empathy by volunteering together. Helping others is a great way to spend quality time together and learn to focus on other’s needs, which is a great leadership skill. Search for monthly volunteer opportunities and choose one that appeals to both of you. Spend some time doing good to feel good together.

Learn More

For more tips from Katie Hurley, visit http://practicalkatie.com.

• Disney’s “Strange Magic,” http://strangemagicmovie.com, on DVD and Digital HD.

• Pre-order Hurley’s “The Happy Kid Handbook” on Amazon.

*Article and image courtesy of NAPS.*

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Let Your Little Ones Wear their Stars & Stripes this Independence Day

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classic swaddle single radiant red product

When your little ones are too young to wave a flag on the 4th of July, show their love for the good ol’ USA with gorgeous stars & stripes patterns from aden + anais! From their signature muslin swaddles to blankets, towels, and bibs, aden + anais offers so many great ways for babies and kids to welcome Independence Day.

“Mom” has been a fan of this line of swaddles, blankets, bibs & burp cloths and more since her first child was born. Their breathable 100% cotton muslin swaddles, bamboo swaddles, and merino wool swaddles are a must-have for any new or expectant momma, and will quickly become a family favorite. For snuggles, naps, playtime and long rides in the car – taking along a treasured blanket from aden + anais will ensure your child is comfy and cozy, anywhere!

classic swaddle 4 pack twinkle

To provide your little one with an extra layer as they take in the fireworks for the first time this year, the various stars and stripes patterns from aden + anais will definitely add to the festivities! Easy to place over a stroller to provide a light, breathable cover or underneath tiny bottoms on the grass, the swaddles are so versatile! Available in a wide variety of patterns and designs, for the 4th of July we are especially fond of Radiant Red, Brilliant Blue or Twinkle Pink in the Classic Swaddle. You can see all of the designs and products for babies and children at aden + anais.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article.*

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Elotes Asados | Roasted Corn Cobs on a Stick

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ID-100185486A common street food and one of the simplest and most delicious corn-based snacks is the elote asado or en vaso. It is corn grilled in its husks, spread with butter or mayonnaise, sprinkled with queso Cotija, chili powder and a few drops of lime juice.The same ingredients are also served off the cob and layered in a plastic cup. These two items are usually sold from the same puesto, or stall. Instead of butter or mayonnaise, try using crema Mexicana for a tangier taste. This recipe is best done on an outside grill, but you can recreate it indoors with the help of a cast iron skillet.

American dream chaser (and finder), Hugo Ortega is a decorated chef whose culinary influence adds a tasty Mexican twist to Texas cuisine.

Elotes Asados | Roasted Corn Cobs on a Stick

Ingredients

2 dried guajillo peppers, stemmed, toasted

1 dried chile de árbol pepper, stemmed, toasted

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp table salt

4 ears of corn with husks

4 long wood skewers

2 Persian limes

¼ cup crema Mexicana or mayonnaise (“Mom” prefers Vegenaise)

½ cup queso Cotija, crumbled

Preparation

Place dried peppers in blender or spice grinder and process until a powder is achieved. Transfer to a bowl and add paprika and table salt. Mix to combine. Set aside.

Place cast iron skillet over medium to high heat, preheat 5 minutes or prepare an outdoor grill. Place corn and roast for 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes. Remove from heat and pull back the husks. Remove and discard the silk. Carefully insert the sharp end of the skewer into the end of the corn. Over each elote asado, squeeze half a lime, spread 1 tablespoon crema, sprinkle 2 teaspoons cheese and finish with a pinch to ¼ teaspoon of the chili mixture.

Serves 4.

*Recipe courtesy of Houston-based celebrity chef Hugo Ortega. Image courtesy of Stoonn at FreeDigitalPhotos.*

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Blueberry Turkey Burgers with Blueberry Ketchup

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Blueberry-Turkey-Burger 1Yes – we are loving blueberries this week! Blueberries in the warm months of summer are always sweeter and so much juicier, aren’t they? For a very unique and tasty spin on both the traditional burger and ketchup, try this fantastic turkey burger made with, you guessed it, blueberries!

Blueberry Turkey Burgers with Blueberry Ketchup

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
3/4 cup fresh or frozen (unthawed) blueberries
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced lemongrass (optional)*
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 poppy seed hamburger buns
Lettuce and sliced red onion, optional
Blueberry Ketchup (recipe follows)

*Peel away woody outer layer from the bottom portion of the lemongrass stalk; mince inner flesh.

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine turkey, blueberries, ginger, lemongrass and black pepper; mix well.
Form mixture into 4 patties.
Brush soy sauce on both sides of burgers.
In an oiled skillet over medium-high heat, grill patties until cooked thoroughly, about 4 minutes each side.
Serve on buns with lettuce, sliced red onion and blueberry ketchup.

Serves 4.

Blueberry Ketchup

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen (unthawed) blueberries
1/2 cup minced onion
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pickled ginger (gari) or minced fresh ginger

Preparation

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, onion, vinegar, sugar, ginger and salt.
Bring to a simmer; cook about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Remove to blender or food processor; whirl until smooth.
Refrigerate until ready to use.

*Recipe and image courtesy of the Blueberry Council.*

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Get Into The Swing Of Summer Safety

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Summer SafetyA few precautions can help your children enjoy warm weather fun in safety and good health. Known as “trauma season” among public health and medical professionals, summer is a time when serious injuries and unintentional deaths increase dramatically among children. Statistics show that 40 percent of all injury-related emergency room visits happen between the months of May and August. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented with a few simple precautions.

“Sustaining a serious injury can be a life-altering event for a child,” said Dale Stauss, chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children®. “We see patients every day with injuries caused by accidents, and we are committed to raising awareness about how to stay safe this summer.”

As experts in the treatment of pediatric orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burns, Shriners Hospitals for Children provides critical, surgical and rehabilitative care to children, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.

Shriners Hospitals encourages families to take these simple precautions to enjoy a safe, injury-free summer.

Playground 101

• Choose playgrounds that are appropriate for their age and offer shock-absorbing surfaces.

• Teach children that pushing and shoving can result in accidents and injuries.

• Remind kids to use the slide one at a time and to wait until it’s completely clear before taking their turn. Teach them to always face forward with their legs straight in front of them and to never slide down headfirst.

• Remind children to swing sitting down. Encourage them to wait until the swing stops before getting off and to be careful when walking in front of moving swings.

Make A Safe Splash

• Teach children to never swim alone or go near water without an adult present.

• Give children your undivided attention when they are swimming or are near any body of water.

• Always jump in feet first to check the depth before diving into any body of water.

• Never dive in the shallow end of the pool or into above-ground pools.

Fun On The Water

• Always have children wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted life jacket while on a boat, around an open body of water or when participating in water sports.

• Educate yourself. According to the Coast Guard, 86 percent of boating accident deaths involve boaters who have not completed a safety course.

• Always check water conditions and forecasts before going out on the water.

Mowing Matters

• Teach children to never play on or around a lawn mower, even when it is not in use. They should never be permitted to walk beside, in front of or behind a moving mower.

• Children under 6 years of age should be kept inside the home while you are mowing.

• Children should be at least 12 years of age before operating a push lawn mower and at least 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.

Fire Safety Simplified

• Teach kids to never play with matches, gasoline, lighter fluid or lighters. Make a habit of placing these items up and away from young children.

• Do not leave children unattended near grills, campfires, fire pits or bonfires. Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.

• Take your child to a doctor or hospital immediately if he or she is injured in a fire or by fireworks.

Should an injury occur, the physicians and staff of Shriners Hospitals can help. To find out more about the treatments available, visit www.ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org.

Visit www.ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org/SafeSummer to find more tips for preventing injuries this season.

*Article and image courtesy of NAPS.*

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Blueberry Pineapple Salsa

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Blueberry Pineapple Salsa 1Summer is almost officially upon us, and that means it is time for creating fresh recipes for summer entertaining! This delightful salsa from the Blueberry Council showcases both blueberries and pineapple beautifully, and will be a huge hit at any summer gathering!

Blueberry Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and membrane removed, minced
2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
Kosher salt, as needed

Preparation

Combine blueberries, pineapple, jalapeño, 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, lime zest, cilantro and red onion.
Season with salt and additional lime juice as needed.
Serve with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to fish or chicken.

Serves 7.

*Recipe and image courtesy of the Blueberry Council.*

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Natural Energy Smoothie

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Positive Energy SmoothieWhether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast ritual or satisfying summer refreshment, fruit and veggie smoothies are always a hit. Now consider your smoothie with an extra all-natural surge of energy – here’s a gluten-free recipe with Positive Energy OJ that is bound to give you a much-needed boost, at any time of the day!

Natural Energy Smoothie

Ingredients

1/3 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

1/3 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

1 cup chopped kale

1 cup spinach

1 banana

1/2 cup Positive Energy Orange Juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (“Mom” prefers organic)

1/2 cup ice

Preparation

Blend ingredients together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serve immediately.
Makes 3 cups.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Positive Energy.*

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DeDe Lingerie Makes its’ Debut in Time for Summer

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DeDe Lingerie 2Just in time to keep you cool underneath it all this summer, DeDe Lingerie introduces  a luxurious organic intimates collection, made out of ultra-soft organic cotton with a classic comfortable cut. This chemical-free, pesticide-free, and organic cotton line will be a favorite for any woman who likes to care of herself as well as the environment!

DeDe Lingerie

The new line includes elegant camisoles with matching underpants. The soft organic cotton fabric makes a perfect second skin, keeping you refreshed and cool throughout the day. “Mom” loves how this cute set looks and feels! The Spring ’15 collection has five adorable patterns to choose from, including Fern, Black Polka Dot, Green Polka Dot, Stripe and White. The camis and panties can be purchased separately or as a set. To view the entire collection, visit www.dedelingerie.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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