Watch Videos on FoodNetwork.com to Learn About Fun, Healthy Dishes for Kids

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FoodNetwork.com  provides culinary help for momprenurs and dads with an array of healthy, easy, kid-friendly recipes and a new “cooking for kids” video series.

For some cooks, the arrival of fall means trading tomatoes, corn and lemonade for squash, sweet potatoes and apple cider. But for mom and dad cooks, the changing of the leaves means trading the relaxation of summer for harried meal preparation. Luckily, FoodNetwork.com, the top food and cooking site on the Web is here to help, with an array of healthy, easy, kid-friendly recipes.

With FoodNetwork.com’s great ideas, you’ll never have to coax your kids to the table. Start the day off right with Whole Grain Waffles, then spice up your child’s lunchbox with the simple and fun Take-to-School Taco Bar featuring easy and healthy recipes for guacamole and salsa. After school, watch your kids go ape over Frozen Chocolate Bananas, then fill them up at dinner with Mini Meat Loaves with Mac & Three Cheeses.

For more simple kid-meal ideas – with step-by-step instruction to boot – check out FoodNetwork.com’s “Cooking for Kids” videos (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_kids), hosted by kid-food expert Cricket Azima. The food editor for Kiwi Magazine and author of Everybody Eats Lunch, Azima offers the how-to for five great meals and snacks ranging from Breakfast Pizza to Tortellini Totem Poles. Her relaxed style and clear, easy instructions will make you look forward to cooking for the kids.

FoodNetwork.com even helps you make sure your kids are staying healthy with tips from dietician Shirley Fan. Check out some of Shirley’s ideas:

  • Set a good example: Food attitudes of parents are the strongest predictors of food likes and dislikes for children.
  • Create a regular meal schedule: Kids will snack less when there are set meals.
  • Have sit-down meals together. Designate family dinner nights to encourage connectedness and conversation.

For all you busy mompreneurs, next time you’re looking for a meal that will make everyone happy (and healthy!) be sure to consult FoodNetwork.com for all the inspiration and instruction you need in one easy place!

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Elaine H., September 7th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Video

Pre-Order Elmo Live: This Year’s Must Have Christmas Gift

Elmo Live

We’re barely into the month of August and I’m already thinking about finding this year’s “must have” Christmas gift.

Fisher-Price has announced that starting on August 5th, we will have the chance to get a jump on the hottest toy of the holiday season as retailers offer the opportunity to pre-order the already acclaimed new Elmo Live.  This pre-order opportunity offers the best chance of purchasing the Elmo Live doll on October 14th when it goes on sale in stores nationwide.

Just like the phenomena of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996 and TMX Elmo in 2006, there’s already a buzz about the newest Sesame Street sensation. Elmo Live debuted at New York Toy Fair in February – the toy industry’s major event – and instantly became the talk of the show. Video footage featuring a sneak peek of the toy quickly spread throughout the Internet with postings on thousands of blogs and websites. With all of the excitement, top toy retailers are already planning major events to support the toy’s launch on October 14th.

This year, in an attempt to fill the expected crush of consumer demand, Fisher-Price is working with retailers including Wal-Mart, Toys“R”Us, Target, Kmart, amazon.com, eToys.com and more, to offer a special opportunity to pre-order the toy online at their individual websites.

“We would like to see that everyone who wants an Elmo Live will be able to get one,” says Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands. “This pre-order opportunity offers the best chance to those who order now that they will have Elmo Live on October 14th when it goes on sale in stores nationwide.”

This pre-order opportunity helps Fisher-Price and the retailers gauge early consumer demand, while there is still some time to adjust production plans to increase the total number of products to be manufactured. And for those who order now, it is a good bet that product will be available for them, if supply is tight later in the season.

Simply magical best describes the new Elmo Live. In this truly life-like creation, for the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his head moves back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.

This is the most life-like Elmo ever developed, according to Gina Sirard, Fisher-Price vice president of marketing. “With today’s technology, we’ve been able to make the magic between child and toy even more seamless and exciting than ever,” she says. “This Elmo is packed with unprecedented movement and an abundance of creative content, never before featured in a plush product.”

My 18-month old son Aidan has recently discovered Elmo and Sesame Street, I think I may have to pre-order Elmo Live for him.  Elmo Live is recommended for children 18 months and up.  It will retail for approximately $59.99.

~Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

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Elaine H., August 3rd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, News, Uncategorized

Holiday Golightly – Group Travel Planning for Girlfriend Getaways

Holiday Golighty - group travel planning for girlfriend getaways

When it comes to bachelorette parties, today’s savvy ladies are turning to more sophisticated options for the final hurrah. A recent survey* by Holiday Golightly, an online group travel planning service designed specifically for girlfriend getaways, finds an overwhelming 88% of respondents are looking for more upscale options when it comes to bachelorette party themes, leaving the days of strippers and raunchy accessories behind.

One of our most popular features is the new ‘Divvy it Up’ tool, enabling groups to enter and divide moneys owed at the end of the trip. It’s free to use and effectively eliminates the check-splitting headache – which more than 70-percent of survey respondents claimed was a struggle!

In fact, 61% of respondents reported they prefer a bachelorette weekend away with a mix of activities, as opposed to one wild night out in their own town – and more than half (57%) are willing to pay up to $400 for said getaway. However, of those invited to bachelorette events this year, a notable 66% indicated the weakened economy may somewhat impact their bachelorette plans, but another 21% were ready to open their wallets no matter what.

Economy aside, in terms of planning a bachelorette party, respondents cited the scheduling headache that accompanies organizing a big group as the biggest hang-up (37%), followed by dividing and collecting funds (32%) and selecting activities (19%). Helping address these needs, Holiday Golightly offers girlfriend groups in-the-know itineraries to destinations far and near, as well as a number of online tools, ideas and advice to help any frazzled planner.

“Holiday Golightly is designed to be any woman’s first-stop resource when faced with the daunting task of planning a girls’ getaway,” said Kerry Rupp, Holiday Golightly founder. “One of our most popular features is the new ‘Divvy it Up‘ tool, enabling groups to enter and divide moneys owed at the end of the trip. It’s free to use and effectively eliminates the check-splitting headache – which more than 70-percent of survey respondents claimed was a struggle!”

In addition to free planning tools and getaway advice, Holiday Golightly features a range of itineraries available for girlfriend groups to book. Trips are themed to each destination and include optional activities hand-selected by the jet setting Golightly girls to ensure the sophisticated, yet carefree getaway ladies are looking for. Trips even come complete with the insiders Golightly Guide pointing guests to the hottest spots in town.

Perfect for bachelorette parties, Holiday Golightly has packaged one-of-a-kind trips for any bride and her best friends to partake. From spa-inspired getaways to culinary escapades, explore bachelorette party packages at Holiday Golightly’s special “Bachelorette Bidnezz” page, including:

**Vegas – a go-all-out getaway complete with coveted VIP passes, concert tickets, sassy makeovers and even a Botox party!

**Chicago – de-stress in the Midwest with comedy club tickets, cooking classes and private chocolate tasting party (no one sticks to their wedding diet anyway!).

**Martha’s Vineyard - a relaxing hotel, sunset sailing, plus glider flights, horseback riding and more – how spoiled can you get?!

All Holiday Golightly prices are determined by final activity line-up. For more information on the Holiday Golightly packages, online planning tools and in-the-know travel tips, visit www.holidaygolightly.com.

Holiday Golightly is an online group travel planning service and resource designed specifically for girlfriend getaways. On the travel planning and booking side, Holiday Golightly offers several trip destinations itineraries – complete with in-the-know-activity options – to ensure girlfriend groups have a fabulous trip! In addition to its planning services, the Holiday Golightly site is loaded with free destination ideas, insider info, real-life advice and sleek trip tools – including the popular Divvy It Up cash divider and collector feature – to help any frazzled planner.

Kerry Rupp, Founder of Holiday Golightly.  Kerry spent a number of years in Very Important Professional Positions, which is shorthand for “she really knows what she is doing,” in the business sense. She brings over 13 years of strategic planning, marketing, business development and operational management experience from Classmates.com, Jobster, LexisNexis, McKinsey & Company, Sterling Commerce and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).

So what makes Kerry a perfect person to open a travel agency?  Here are the numbers:

  • 45 – The number of States in the U.S.A. she’s been to (although 2 were really just drive-throughs – they still count)
  • 8 – The number of States (in the U.S.A.) she’s lived in
  • 3 – Foreign countries she’s lived in ( Canada – yes, it counts – Germany and Italy)
  • 46 – Foreign countries she’s visited (give or take a few), including 10 in Central America and the Caribbean, 5 in South America, 19 in Europe, 10 in Asia and the Pacific Rim.

For more insight about the company’s founder and Holiday Golightly, follow along at Blogiday Golightly, a lifestyle blog offering witty girlfriend gossip every day of the week.

~Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

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Elaine H., August 2nd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Inspirational Women

Welcome to the World Jack David!

I am proud to announce the birth of the newest addition to our family, Jack David!

Little Jack was born on July 7, 2008 at 12:01 pm.  He weighed in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20 inches.

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Elaine H., July 30th 2008 | Posted in Fun Stuff, News

Must Have Monday: More Fun Stuff

I love these Recycled Industrial Plastic Cuffs from Uncommon Goods.  I’m a big fan of the cuff bracelet and when you can combine your accessories with going green, that’s a win, win situation in my book!

Keep your iPod safe with these adorable Neoprene iPod Cases.  These a definite must have item!

Check out these RECYCLED FLIP FLOP MATS fresh from the Flip-Flop Factory.  What a neat idea to help keep your house clean!

No more burnt fingers with these this Silicone BBQ Glove.  Great for grilling outside or for use indoors during the winter season.

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Elaine H., July 14th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff

Must Have Monday: Baby Themed Items

As you are reading this post, I am most likely at the hospital giving birth to little baby boy #2!  So that is the reason why I’ve chosen baby themed items for today’s “Must Have Monday” segment.

Stroll’r Swivel’rs
Holds purses, diaper bags, shopping bags and more Swivels 360 degrees Great value! 2 hooks included Versatile! Can be used in nursery, bathroom, almost anywhere

Fisher-Price: Crawl-Along Drum Roll
Whether sitting or crawling, baby can make exciting things happen with the Crawl-Along Drum. Sitting babies can tap the bongo drums for fun music, sounds and lights. And when they’re ready to crawl, the fun’s ready to roll! Baby can chase the rolling drum while music, lights and fun rewards encourage movin’ and groovin’. Drum plays four fun songs and features colorful spinners, busy activities and dancing lights to delight baby. Measures 4.6″H x 5.5″W x 11″L. Requires 3 “AA” batteries, included.

Britax Regent Youth Car Seat – Huntington

Designed for larger child passengers, this forward-facing car seat holds up to 80 pounds and is chock full of comfort and safety features. Features: Four shoulder slots for a closer fit Belt holders keep belts aside for boarding Removable, washable fabric cover Belly pad for comfort and protection Mesh storage pouch/cup holder Flexible Latch System Patented Versa-Tether Comfort foam and EPS protective foam Tangle-free, polyester 5-point harness Patented HUGS system One-pull front harness adjustment Forward-facing position For children 1 year and 22 lbs. up to 80 lbs. li

Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller 2007 – SkyBlue

Features: 5-point harness Removable/washable seats Hoods and rain cover included Lockable swivel wheels Ergonomic handles Shoulder pads Carry handle Storage pockets on back of hoods UV treated viewing windows on hoods UV treated sun visor Extendable leg rests Height adjustable Comes standard with boots Comes standard with head huggers Detachable bottle holders.  Suitable from birth. 5 seat position.

crib rail teether

Soft, FDA approved non-toxic material clings to Baby?s crib rail without messy adhesives. Plastic pieces snap easily onto the crib rail. Four 1-foot sections take the bite out of crib teething accidents. Clear plastic material complements all crib finishes. Includes four 12″ sections Made of clear plastic Easily snaps onto rail.

Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

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Elaine H., July 7th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Must Have Mondays

Celebrity Chef and Author Giada De Laurentiis: The Face of a New Italian Gourmet Line

I’m a huge fan of the Food Network. And one of my favorite shows on that network is Everyday Italian with Giada De Laurentiis. Just like the title of her show indicates, Giada demonstrates how to makes simple Italian food that the home cook can easily replicate for their friends and family.

Giada and Academia Barilla, a branch of the Barilla pasta company, recently launched a line of co-branded, specialty food items for distribution in gourmet stores nationwide and in its online store.

This is Barilla’s first-ever gourmet celebrity product line. It offers food connoisseurs an authentic taste of Italy. Products include: Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Sicilian Hand-Harvested Sea Salt with Fresh Lemon Zest, and Giada’s Tuscan Herb Mix. De Laurentiis personally selected all products.

Giada is a very inspiring and hard-working woman on the go. In addition to Giada’s two Food Network shows, she is a co-host of NBC’s Today Show, and author of three New York Times best-selling cookbooks. A fourth cookbook, Giada’s Kitchen, will be in bookstores nationwide in Fall 2008. She is the granddaughter of famed Italian movie producer Dino De Laurentiis and legendary actress Silvana Mangano.

The celebrity chef has also recently added the title of “mother” to her distinguished resume. Giada gave birth to a daughter, Jade Marie De Laurentiis Thompson born on March 29, 2008.

I might have to check out these new products by Barilla. I would love to try the Tuscan Herb Mix. Yum! Which product sounds good to you?

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

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Elaine H., July 2nd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Domestic Diva, Fun Stuff, Inspirational Women

Must Have Monday: Summer Gifts and Must Haves

Now that summer is officially here, I have compliled some great summer gifts and must haves to keep you accessorized till the fall.

For your next outdoor BBQ, check out this Chef’s Choice Custom Apron by Exposures (Miles Kimball Company)
They’ll transfer your Black and White, color or sepia photo directly onto a professional-quality apron as a 6″ x 8″ vignetted image.  Personalize up to 25 characters in black block or script font. The apron is machine-washable and features adjustable neck strap and two pockets to keep utensils within easy reach.

Chef’s Choice Custom Apron, regularly: $29.95 but now only $24.95. If you would like the apron personalized with one line of text add just $5.


The Modular Shoe Box Photo File : This summer I want to go through and organize my boxes and boxes of mixed up mementos from various years. Earlier this week I was doing some organizing and found a box that had pictures and medals from my high school track days mixed in with ticket stubs from my trip to Europe and a happy first Mother’s Day card from last year.  There is no way those memories should be in the same box! 

What better way to keep everything organized than these Shoe Box photo files, art files and magazine files from Exposures. You’ll never have a hard time keeping your newest summer memories organized in these great storage boxes.

The exclusive Shoe Box photo files, art files, and magazine files not only organize and protect, they also simplify your life while enhancing your home. The Library of Congress takes great care in preserving its artifacts…so should you. Exposures has been designing museum-quality storage for twenty years. The beautifully simple colors and textures really pull your home and office together.  These boxes are perfect for safekeeping important documents, memories, photos, magazines and precious children’s art.

These boxes range in price from $19.95 to $24.95.

Turn your those digital images from your latest vacation into a beautiful Travel Memories Book.

Make your vacation memories last a lifetime by creating a personalized book of travel photos and stories. Exposures has partnered with SharedBook to bring you this exclusive keepsake. Create your very own personalized Travel Memories Book ONLINE! Unlike other photo book products, here you can include all of your stories as well as your photos of your trip. You can even include stories and pictures from friends and family and select only the ones you want in your finished book. Professionally-printed book includes 20 full-color pages. Preview Sample of the Travel Memories Book – Black Hardcover
Now this is really cool part…Exposures can create your book for YOU!! It’s called their White Glove Service! Just upload your photos or mail them a digital photo CD and they will make your Travel Memories Book. This great service for an additional $19.95 fee.

Imagine if the book took you 3 hours to create (we all know it would take longer), that’s only$6.65 per hour that they charge for creating the book. It is SO worth it to pay that additional fee on top of the reasonable $39.95 they charge for the beautifully bound book.

Please stay cool in this Summer heat! 

And go Fresno State Bulldogs!  Good luck in the NCAA’s College World Series.  Since Cal State Fullerton was knocked out earlier in the tourney, I’m rooting for my local team.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

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Elaine H., June 23rd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Must Have Mondays

What is BlogTalkRadio?

So I have an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.  I know that many of you are like, “What’s BlogTalk What?” 

Here’s a short interview of the CEO Alan Levy on Fox Money describing BTR.

Enjoy!

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

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Elaine H., June 20th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, News, Video

Mom Inventor Overcomes Fear of Flying to Invent The Worlds Easiest Luggage ID

Like 99.9% of the traveling population (I made this stat up…I’m exaggerating) I own a large black suitcase. There is nothing on it to differentiate it from the next classic yet generic suitcase.

Then along comes the Luggage Hugger, a stretchy luggage tag that wraps around your suitcase. What a great idea this mom had! It makes me think wish I had thought of it myself.

Travel isn’t getting any easier except for one bright spot called a Luggage Hugger. Divorced and left with nothng but optimism, Lucia Burns, inventor and mother of two sons, spotted an opportunity when planning a trip. After buying new black luggage she realized if it was the only bag on the carousel she still wouldn’t recognize it as her own.

Then the inspiration for a wide, colorful, spandex ID band was conceived. Now Luggage Huggers offer the travel world a little bit of fun back and the effortless ability to ID your bags from way across the airport or cruise ship with this innovative new product.

Made from Spandex, Luggage Huggers stretch around your suitcase to add style and function. Luggage Huggers unify group travelers and offer unique advertising opportunities with embroidery or custom print for eye catching world wide repeat visibility! Luggage Huggers are available in ever changing colors and styles.

Developed after overcoming a fear of flying this cheerful product puts a spot of happy back in travel. Lucia Burns and Luggage Huggers were featured on CNBC’s The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch (click the link to watch the video).

For more about Luggage Huggers, please visit www.myluggagehugger.com.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

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Elaine H., June 19th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured Fridays, Fun Stuff, Inspirational Women, Video
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