Loose Tooth Trouble Book Review and Giveaway #review #giveaway @MKowalcyk

June 9, 2016 By Mariella

Loose Tooth Trouble

We can all remember the anticipation of the Tooth Fairy when having a loose tooth. Melissa Bixby’s adorable book, Loose Tooth Trouble reminds us what it’s like to wait for a bothersome loose tooth to finally fall out so the Tooth Fairy can visit. This book with it’s unique storyline finds creative ways to help the main character, Bobby, loose a tooth and comedic predictability that children love. After reading the book to my boys, my five year old seemed to love the illustrations and thought they were hilarious. My seven year old said he “loved all the different ideas, they were super-weird! They’re funny.” Loose Tooth Trouble is now a staple read whenever one of my boys have a loose tooth. Synopsis: Every time Bobby wiggles his loose tooth, it hurts. Journey through this imaginative character’s day, as he receives some hilarious, outrageous, and comical suggestions, on how to remove his troubling tooth. This quirky, fun story, coupled with creative and hilarious illustrations, tackles a universal dilemma that all children are faced with during their childhood, and guides the reader to appreciate that sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. “My young son once spent an entire dinner discussing new and off-the-wall ways to remove his loose teeth,” explains the author. “As a writer at heart, my head got spinning with ideas, and the book was born. But there’s a serious side; I wanted to create something that added some light relief for children who are anxious and scared about their teeth becoming loose and falling out. I was terrified of the idea as a kid – I wish someone had written me a story to make the whole ordeal somewhat funny!”

‘Loose Tooth Trouble’, from Books by Bixby, is available now.

For more information or to order, visit the author’s official website: http://www.booksbybixby.com.

Copies are also available from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NvepLo.

Beautifully illustrated by Adam Barney

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About the Author: Melissa Bixby was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, and grew up in Glenview, IL. For fifteen years, she taught in Schaumburg, IL schools. She taught students with special needs, language arts and social studies, and also served as the library media teacher. Loose Tooth Trouble is her first children’s book.

GIVEAWAY

Would your children love this book? One lucky reader will win a copy! U.S. Only, Ends 6/23.

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**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my opinion of this book. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Mariella

I'm a stay at home mom of three beautiful boys. I'm a former teacher and a recent Florida transplant. I enjoy reading, traveling, and living the salt life.

Getting Back Into Work After You’ve Had A Baby

June 9, 2016 By Anne

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For some mothers, once they have their baby, this becomes their full-time job. However, other mothers wish to or need to return to work. So, how can you make this transition from new mom to working mom a manageable one?

Of course, the most ideal piece of advice you can be given is- Don’t return until you are ready. It makes sense. Being ready, both physically and mentally, is crucial. However, it may be that you have to return to work sooner for financial reasons.

If you’re moving to a new job, make the process as easy as possible. Start applying for jobs in advance of when you want to return. Have a close friend or grandparent look after the baby on interview day, so you can be focused and not covered in baby fluids! Gather together any paperwork you might need. This might be things like references or proof of identification, like a birth certificate. Be upfront and honest about the fact that you have recently had a baby. There is no point trying to hide it, as they will find out eventually! They will appreciate your honesty, also. You never know, the interviewer may have just become a parent themselves! This will give you some common ground, and an air of understanding between you.

If you are returning to your old job, you are in more of a position to negotiate how many hours you will work on your return. The chances are they will be so happy to have you back, they will help accommodate you. A very good way to help make the transition more manageable is to increase your hours over time. Instead of going straight in at five days a week, start off just working one day a week. Increase this to two days, then three, over a number of weeks. Not only will this get you back into work, but it will get you used to being away from you baby. Not to mention, it will get your baby used to being away from you!

It may take a few weeks to adjust, and that’s okay. It’s also very normal. A few wobbles are okay, but try and remain professional when at work. You don’t want your boss or colleagues to think you are too emotional or unreliable.

However, if you are struggling too much when you return to, speak to a Doctor. It could be that you are suffering from postnatal depression. This is a very real illness, and should be taken seriously by you, your loved ones and of course, your employer and colleagues. The earlier you are diagnosed, the faster you can learn how to cope, and the nearer the end will be.

Once you are back at work, be sure to make the rest of your social calendar a tad empty. Your body will need to adjust to working and being a mom, and you could be more tired than usual. Just give yourself time, and you will be balancing work and motherhood like a pro in no time!

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Check out these new clips from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows #TMNT2

June 8, 2016 By Marijean

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES:

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Watch the Turtles in action in these new clips from the film!

“Halloween” Clip

https://youtu.be/QuK0VH2ltiw

“Manhole Covers & Nunchucks” Clip

https://youtu.be/dFvvllISw2c

“Melo” Clip

https://youtu.be/Ce4IFrWagnw

“Take Out the Trash” Clip

https://youtu.be/7nXviuCACDo

“Airplane Jump” Clip

https://youtu.be/nG91gbH8cM0

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS is in-theaters today!

Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael return to theaters this summer to battle bigger, badder villains, alongside April O’Neil (Megan Fox), Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett), and a newcomer: the hockey-masked vigilante Casey Jones (Stephen Amell). After supervillain Shredder (Brian Tee) escapes custody, he joins forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry) and two dimwitted henchmen, Bebop (Gary Anthony Williams) and Rocksteady (WWE Superstar Stephen “Sheamus” Farrelly), to unleash a diabolical plan to take over the world. As the Turtles prepare to take on Shredder and his new crew, they find themselves facing an even greater evil with similar intentions: the notorious Krang.

Official Website

http://www.teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TMNT/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/tmntmovie

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tmntmovie/

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Experience the HydraFacial at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery @PVPSnews

June 7, 2016 By Marijean

I have never had the chance to experience a facial before. I have always wanted one, but never had the chance. When I went to tour Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery’s newest location in Nocatee, I was able to learn about all of the different Skin Care Services they do, and one of them is they HydraFacial.

I was recently asked to try a HydraFacial. It’s a moisturizing facial that’s perfect for all year round, so you can receive the facial at any time during the year. I received a complimentary treatment, and want to share my honest review of the HydraFacial with you. I made my appointment and met with licensed Aesthetician Alison Kuzoian at the Nocatee location here in Ponte Vedra. Since I have never experienced any type of facial or skin care treatment, she really answered all of my questions thoroughly, and put me at ease. If you are thinking of getting a skin care treatment from PVPS, a complimentary consultation is recommended.

My experience with the HydraFacial:

The HydraFacial is ideal for all skin types. If you have dry skin, oily skin or anything in-between, this treatment would work for you. It helps with hyperpigmentation, oily/congested pores, fine lines, wrinkles and acne. I have somewhat large pores on my nose and very dry skin, so I was looking forward to seeing what my results were going to be. I was concerned with my skin being red for a few days, but it is a non-invasive procedure with no downtime, perfect on a lunch break or before work. My skin wasn’t red at all after my facial.

HydroFacial Machine

After the Aesthetician explained everything to me, I laid down and had a super soft plush comforter put on top of me. I was nice and relaxed in low lighting and calming music playing in the background. She started off cleansing my skin of makeup or any lotions and sunscreen. After that she turned the machine on. The machine does have a bit of noise but in all honestly it wasn’t distracting. She explained every step to me of what she was about to do, and I really liked that. She told me the HydraFacial would feel like suction but I would have no pain or discomfort. She was right. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the whole 30 minutes of pampering. The 1st step is exfoliation. The serum used removes dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin. The 2nd step is a vortex peel which didn’t hurt at all, but the suction was a little more intense. I felt a lot of tingling but no pain. The 3rd step is the extractions. The suction cleans out pores and also my Aesthetician did a few manual extractions on me. The last step is a serum that nourishes your skin and protects it.

The whole process took 30 minutes, and Alison handed me a mirror right after so I could see my results. My skin looked hydrated , very moisturized and felt amazing. I also had a “glow” to my skin which I loved seeing. She then showed me the container of liquid with all of my “facial dirt” as I call it floating around. I was happy I was able to see that my skin was unclogged and healthier now.

I asked Alison how many times someone should return for a HydraFacial. She recommends every 6-12 weeks depending on how you take care of your skin. The HydraFacial is not damaging at all, and you can pretty much come back when you feel you will need another treatment.

It has been a week now since I received the HydraFacial. I have been using some sample Skin Care products that Alison had given me and recommended to me. My skin is still super soft and moisturized. It feels silky and looks great. I highly recommend treating yourself to a HydraFacial. This would also be great gift to give a friend/family member.

Here is a list of all of the Skin Care Services that PVPS offers:

Complimentary Consultation: Always advised for new patients. Our licensed Aesthetician will thoroughly examine your skin, discuss your skin care goals, and make precise recommendations for clinical treatment and maximal efficacy. All our products are medical grade in order to achieve optimal skin health and appearance.

Click here to see our licensed medical aestheticians

Facial Treatments: Any of our facial treatments may be fine-tuned by your Aesthetician, or combined with other treatments to meet your individual needs.

Signature Facial : Pamper your skin. Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep facial skin cleanse and steam
neck/shoulder massage
pore extractions
exfoliating treatment
treatment mask
arm/hand massage
moisturizer and sunscreen

Clinical Facial Treatments: Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse
exfoliation with steam
pore extractions
treatment mask
moisturizer and sunscreen
(Want a neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage? Upgrade to the Signature Facial)

Hydrating Facial: Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse with steam
pore extractions
hydrating treatment mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Acne Purifying Facial:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse
Exfoliation with Steam
pore extractions
purifying mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Regenerating Facial:

Individual skin care analysis
All Environ products utilized during this antioxidant facial are very rich in pharmaceutical grade Vitamins A, C and E.
Deep cleanse
clay exfoliation with steam
pore extractions
alginate algae mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Exfoliating Treatments:

Illuminize Peel: a very superficial treatment that produces little to no visible flaking. Addresses mild skin concerns and gently exfoliates at the microscopic level. The perfect pre-event treatment that produces a gorgeous glow. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Rejuvenize Peel: Deeper than the Vitalize Peel, this peel typically produces visible flaking for a few days. Addresses moderate to severe skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Brilliance Peel: The next level in “deep superficial” peels that typically produces visible flaking for several days. Addresses moderate skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Alpha Peel: a superficial peel comprised of glycolic acid or lactic acid. The strength used will be determined during the consultation by your Aesthetician.

Obagi Radiance Peel: a superficial alpha/beta peel that typically produces visible flaking for a few days. Addresses moderate skin concerns.

Epidermal Leveling: a mechanical exfoliation treatment specifically designed to remove dead cells on the surface of your skin, and as an additional benefit, removes the fine velous facial hair (this is temporary and will grow back). This treatment is performed using a specialized surgical steel blade. There is no pain associated with the procedure. This treatment produces an incredibly smooth skin surface texture.

Vitalize Peel: SkinMedica’s mid-strength peel. A superficial peel that typically produces visible flaking and improves moderate skin conditions. Our most popular peel. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Prestige Peel: A true medium depth peel that works in the dermis. A combination of several resurfacing agents deeply exfoliate the skin to produce marked complexion improvement. Produces heavy flaking and peeling. Our practice’s deepest peel, this treatment is predictable and safe.

Enzyme Peel: A very superficial treatment that utilizes fruit acids to gently dissolve surface dead skin. Appropriate for all skin types and ethnicities. Produces a beautiful glow and smooth feel.

Beta Peel: A superficial treatment that utilized salicylic acid to improve texture, acne, and help regulate sebum production. Typically produces some flaking. Strength to be determined by your Aesthetician. Not appropriate for patients with aspirin allergy.

Microdermabrasion: A superficial mechanical exfoliation consisting of suction and light abrasion to reduce surface dead skin. A smoother look and feel is produced after even one treatment. Not appropriate for rosacea skin.

Specialty Treatments:

SkinPen Microneedling Therapy: a minimally invasive, non-ablative clinical treatment. New collagen and elastin is produced over time by creating micro-channels within the skin. Appropriate for most skin types and all ethnicities. Addresses scarring, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and laxity. Topical prescription numbing cream to be applied one hour prior to treatment.

DF Facial: A state-of the-art treatment that utilizes the technology of sound waves and micro current to deliver nutrients deep into the skin and tone facial muscles. This rejuvenating and relaxing facial treatment produces very hydrated, firm, glowing skin. A patient favorite!

CO2 “Blemish Blaster”: A quick treatment that utilizes the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of CO2 to improve existing acne lesions.

Waxing (face only): Temporary facial hair removal utilizing the traditional warm wax application/removal.

Brow and Lash Tinting: a cream solution is applied for a few minutes and then gently removed to enhance the appearance of brows or lashes. Available in shades ranging from dark blonde to black.

Makeup Application Lesson: Our Aestheticians are also talented makeup artists. They will teach you about our Colorescience Mineral Makeup while showing you application methods for a beautiful look.

Permanent Makeup: also referred to as micro-pigmentation. This specialized procedure gives a defined and lasting look to brows, eyeliner, lip liner, or the entire lip. Natural pigment is micro-inserted into the skin by our trained expert, Christine Weber. This is the perfect treatment for those who wish to look polished at all times.

The cost for a HydraFacial at the PVPS Nocatee location is $175. They have an AMAZING special going on right now for the summer! $25 off and you will receive a complimentary travel HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator (I use this and I really love it!) and also choice of Eyebrow Design or Lash Tint. This offer is good until August 31st. To make an appointment please call (904) 273-6200.

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery has many offices, please click here to find the one closest to you!

Connect with Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery: Website Facebook Twitter

Disclosure: I received a complimentary HydraFacial in exchange for my review. All my opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

5 Best Summer Barbecue Recipes

June 7, 2016 By Anne

Summer is well and truly here, and families up and down the country are starting to light those barbecues.

The barbecue is arguably the most enjoyable mealtime of the whole year, filled with delicious food and drinks. That’s not to mention the family company and the music, making it an event that’s memorable for years.

And to make it even more so, the grub must be on point. If you’ve run out of ideas and need a little more inspiration, look no further than here!

Creamy potato salad

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Barbecues are nothing without a healthy supply of side dishes. Sure, you can have a variety of delicious meats, but you need some sides too!

And potato salad is arguably the best side dish of the bunch, and I’d recommend you home-make it. Store bought potato salad usually consists of rock hard potatoes and gone-off mayonnaise, so do it yourself. For your homemade version, make sure the ingredients are as fresh as possible. That’s why store-bought tastes awful – it’s not fresh!

To do it, pre-cook your potatoes the day before and leave them to cool. On the day, mix them with a healthy serving of mayonnaise and some chopped spring onions, to give it a crunchy flavor. Then put it back in the fridge until needed!

The classic cheeseburger

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Ah, the cheeseburger. It’s been a staple of family barbecues for years and years, and with good reason. To get the perfect burger, heat your bun for a few minutes until it’s golden brown. Add the burger, red onions and tomatoes, and slap on some cheddar cheese for that melty look.

In all honesty, you could use pretty much any kind of burger here. Lamb, steak, chicken, beef, etc. In fact, the main problem you’ll face here is finding enough cuts of meat to supply your whole family! Luckily, there are ways to combat this, though. A supplier like Donald Russell allows you to quickly buy meat in bulk, so you can ensure you have enough to go around.

Grilled sausage and apple subs

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Sausage and apple? Preposterous, I hear you say! Well, before you dismiss the idea, give it a go. You’ll be surprised, I guarantee it.

You’ll want to buy some miniature subs, cut them open and butter them. Next, cook your meat and apple on the barbecue to taste, and slot them into the subs. Season with pepper, salt, or anything you desire. And there you have it! A delicious, healthy treat that I bet most of your guests have never tried.

Vegetable pizza

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Another side dish, this vegetable pizza is a good idea for the non-meat eaters in attendance. You can either buy a ready-made pizza base, or make your own. Whatever the case, add some tomato puree and vegetables of your choice.

Think red onions, potatoes, carrots, leeks, and mushrooms. Whack it in the oven until the base has turned brown and crisp. Then serve up!

Buttermilk chicken

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Buttermilk chicken makes the chicken taste ever so juicy, succulent and buttery. You’ll need to buy or make some buttermilk, pour it on the chicken and refrigerate it overnight until it sets. Then preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit, and bake until golden brown.

This usually takes a good 40 minutes, and is a good way to cook food while the barbecue is occupied. This way, you can have a constant supply of things to eat, rather than exclusively grilling things.