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

The Jolie-Pitt Foundation Pledges $200,000 to “Women for Women International” Program in Iraq


Of the recently reported $1 million donated by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation to help those affected by war, I was happy to see a pledge of $200,000 going to the Women for Women International’s program in Iraq.  This money will benefit 300 women, and more than 1,000 children in Iraq.  The donation will allow women to invest in the health, education and nutrition of their children.We all remember when Angelina visited Iraq twice in the past year.  All the media was concerned about her going to a war zone and being possibly pregnant, and in fact she was.  On these trips  she learned that, “…educational support programs for children of conflict are the best way to help them heal,” said Ms. Jolie.

As a former teacher and an optimist, I know that with education anything is possible. Teaching children how to read can help them escape their harsh realities by immersing themselves in the fantasy world of a book.

Women for Women International was founded in 1993 to help women overcome the horrors of war and civil strife in ways that can help them rebuild their lives, families, and communities. Since 2003, its Iraq program has provided immediate and long term economic solutions to more than 4,000 women and works with organizations and governing bodies from the grassroots up to the highest levels of leadership to address the needs of Iraqi women and families.

According to a Women for Women International report on Iraq released earlier this year, over 70% of the 1,500 Iraqi women interviewed said their family cannot afford to pay for the necessities of daily life. One Iraqi mother said, “If I was the president of the country, I would make filling the stomachs of the people as my utmost priority.”

A Women for Women International-Iraq representative said, “This generous donation will help these women who suffered to get a better life for them and for their families and will ensure that their children will have a better future. We believe that stronger women build stronger nations. The support we are receiving from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will save lives and help us to build a strong future for the children of Iraq.”

The donation to Women for Women International is part of a $1 million commitment to support the education of 8,000 young people from both the United States and Iraq impacted by the recent conflict.

Learn more about Women for Women, please check out the video and for more information on how to help the women of Iraq please go to: http://www.WomenforWomen.org

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 27th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women, News, Video

Inspirational Book “Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned”

 

I came across this newly-release book called Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned (Wiley, $19.99, hardcover) by Cathy Scott.  This seems like an interesting summer read for the pet lover that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. 

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina led to the largest animal rescue effort in history, with approximately 15,000 pets saved. Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned choronicles Katrina’s four-legged vicitims. 

Pet owners had to make the heart-wrenching choice to abandon their pets in the floodwaters and leave them behind to fend for themselves.  Cathy also follows the stories of many pets from rescue, to rehab, then reunited with their familes.  She also writes about selfless efforts of strangers and as well as inspirational pet adoptions.

Cathy, an accomplished writer, traveled to New Orleans at the request of Best Friends Animal Society Magazine to document the plight of pets displaced by Hurricane Katrina. She quickly became a rescuer as well as a reporter.

More than two years after the levees broke, the world is still drawn to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and its impact. This horrific event caused the people of New Orleans to lose everything imaginable, from family and friends to possessions and pets. However, in such dire times, the best in human nature often prevails.

Check out this inspirational read!

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 25th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Authors, Inspirational Women

Featured Fridays – Q&A with Pink Loves Brown Owner Nicole

Pink Loves brown I came across Nicole and her business “Pink Loves Brown” and fell in love with her stationery designs and products. As I looked through Nicole’s websites and blog, I discovered this very hip businesswoman is a woman of many talents and would be perfect inspiration for my Featured Friday Segment on HerBigIdea.com.

Here is our interview, please enjoy!

1. Tell me a little bit about your business Pink Loves Brown.
I design stationery and other lovely goods. The business is run out of my home, in which I have a dedicated office and studio space. Everything I create is fun, colorful, graphic, and decidedly feminine!

2. From your website you sound like a woman of many talents. I love your website! It’s simple and understated. You designed your website, correct? How did you get started in web and graphic design?
Thank you! Yes, I designed my website. I’m self-taught. I’ve always been interested in art and math, and I’ve been playing around with coding web sites and doing graphic design since I was a teenager. I consider it fun – digging in to the code, learning new tricks, and producing something beautiful.

3. When did you get interested in selling stationery on your website Pink Love Brown?
I started my business in January 2005, and I think I created my website just a few months later. Since I do know web design, it felt like a natural extension to go ahead and create the site.

4. You recently attended the National Stationery Show, how was it and what did you learn?
It was a fantastic experience. I’ve done craft shows before (like the Renegade Craft Fair), but the National Stationery Show was just so much bigger. It felt incredible to be surrounded by so many talented designers, and to have my own 10×10 space with all of the products I’ve designed!

5. I love the color combination of pink and brown. How did you come up with the name Pink Loves Brown?
When I started my business, I was doing a lot of wedding invitations. Pink and brown are two of my favorite colors, and I liked the idea of “(blank) loves (blank)” because of the wedding aspect. I also wanted something that didn’t directly reference what I was making because I knew that I wanted to have some flexibility to expand into other areas.

6. What products you sell on Pink Loves Brown? And how can a person purchase them?
I create and sell cards, stationery, bookplates, pins, magnets, and pocket mirrors. Everything is available on the website, and we will be adding a listing of stores that will be carrying our goods soon!

7. When did you start your blog, Making it Lovely? What do you enjoy most about blogging?
I started blogging on Making it Lovely in February 2007. I love the sense of community that blogging has. It seems like we all ‘know’ each other, even though most of us have never met! It’s amazing. Each post is like the start of a new conversation.

8. You’re a very busy gal, with your businesses and advertising co-op, how do you find time for yourself, friends and family?
I don’t sleep! Ha. Actually, I’ve become more balanced than I used to be. I’ve spent days upon days working from the time I wake up until I go to sleep. Now I schedule less for myself during busy times with my shop. I only take new web and graphic design clients during the shop’s slower periods. I also try to take more breaks now and spend time away from the computer or the studio. Sometimes I have to force myself to go out instead of staying in and working more, even if it’s just to go for a walk or run errands. I need to get out at least once in a while to maintain my sanity!

9. What advice would you give a woman who wanted to start a business of her own?
Be prepared to put in a LOT of work, and make sure you’re working on something you love. When it comes time to put in the long hours and do the less fun tasks, you don’t want it to be for something you’re only so-so about!

10. You are part of an advertising co-op called Indie Finds. What exactly is Indie Finds and how did you get involved?
We came up with the idea a few years ago. It’s hard for small businesses to afford advertising in magazines and on big online sites, so we decided to band together. All of the businesses on Indie Finds are independently owned and operated, and most have a crafty/handmade aspect. By splitting the cost of a full page in a magazine between 15-20 spots, the ad becomes much more affordable. I handled the graphic design and created an instantly recognizable “Indie Finds” look for the ads. As we did more and more, people were able to spot our ads because of that look. The ads sent traffic to each business’ website and also to the main Indie Finds site. It was a pretty innovative idea, and we’re all pretty proud of it!

11. What are a few of your favorite websites?
I read so many blogs these days, so I’d have to say Google Reader is pretty fantastic. I like to catch up on some of my favorite bloggers, like Pancakes & French Fries, decor8, and This Young House.

12. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for having me!

Thank you Nicole for your insightful answers. Please Technorati and StumbleUpon Nicole’s online stationery shop, Pink Loves Brown and blog, Making it Lovely.

And remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.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.

1 Comment

Elaine H., May 30th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured Fridays, Fun Stuff, Inspirational Women, Interviews

Grandmother Proves That Age Is Just An Attitude

 This week’s Featured Friday Female is Corline from the Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique. 

I first met and discovered Corline’s amazing work when I first joined the Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network.  Looking at her profile photo I noticed she was a bit older than the average Posh Mama.  I was immediately intrigued so I went on to view Corline’s full profile. She is truely an inspiring woman!

The Mommy and Me Boutique’s specialty is beautiful handmade adult and toddler aprons. Some are updated and trendy, others are traditional. For each of her products Corline uses designer fabrics and ribbons.  You can tell from her pictures that she  takes pride in her sewing and workmanship.

Corline’s not only an online social networker and Etsy Store owner but she’s also a blogger too!  Check out all Corline’s beautiful products at the Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique or read about her life and business on her Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

Here is our question and answer session. I hope you are inspired as much as I was!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your Etsy store?
I have been happily married for 50 years, have 2 grown sons, and 4 grandchildren. I am convinced that age is an “attitude”.  As for myself, I think young, enjoy people of all ages and applaud the uniqueness and talent of each individual.

I enjoy working with designer fabrics and ribbons because of the quality of the fabrics, the designs, and the feel; I want the best for the customer.

When did you start sewing?
Actually, I did not start sewing until about 12 years ago. It started out making small Barbie size doll furniture (beds, chaise lounges, tea sets).  I attended several craft shows, had great success and decided this was kind of fun.  From there I moved to the larger size furniture which fit the American Girl Doll.  I was fortunate to sell my doll beds in several children’s boutiques.  This led to making American Girl Doll clothes for about 8 years and also sold them in boutiques.

One day while watching the Oprah Winfrey show, a lady was showing her new line of aprons. I thought, I can do that and maybe even a bit better, or at least as good! So, the aprons were born, sold them in boutiques and they have become my specialty. The first year I sold over 100 aprons. I was definitely encouraged and “on a roll!”

When did you open your Etsy store? And where else can someone you find your work?
The Etsy store was opened about 1 year ago.  My aprons and 3 Piece Japanese Baby Footsie Sets are sold in a very lovely, upscale boutique in Yuba City, California.

What has been the most challenging part of creating an online presence?
The most challenging part of crating an online presence for me is being consistent in my presence and keeping up with new merchandise.  It is a challenge just keeping up with the boutique sales.

Why did you start your blog and do you enjoy blogging?
There is a lot of emphasis in the Etsy forums about the necessity of having a blog. So, I thought, why not? I was not sure what a blog was all about but I find it fun to do and enjoy featuring other artists.  It gives them support and exposure and allows me the opportunity of learning about a lot of talented artists.

What is your favorite piece or pieces you’ve created?
There is one particular hostess apron that I designed that I loved and kept it for myself. It is a black, a flocked dotted 5 tier nylon apron with black satin band and sash that can be tied in the back or in the front., It just make you feel happy, sassy, and ready for a great evening of entertaining.

What do your family and friends think of your online business?
My family and friends give me great encouragement and applaud me for my online endeavor. My husband and sons cheer me on and say “Way to go, Mom!”

What are some of your favorite websites for business or pleasure?
I try to keep up with Craft boom. They have a lot of good, practical information.

Also, I check in with the Etsy forums to see what is going on and what changes are taking place.

And of course, Posh Mom (PoshMama.com) … This is a unique, creative site and I admire how quickly it has grown and the entire staff of dedicated, talented young women who are behind it and work hard to create such a successful community.

Do you have any words of advice for anyone who is thinking about selling online?
I would encourage anyone who has something that they love doing to just plunge right in and do it! The details come later and you soon find where your focus has to be. Allow yourself to keep changing, embrace the mistakes, learn from them and keep moving forward. This is not an exact science and there is no concrete formula. Success follows passion!

Corline’s story is all about growing and the continual process of learning to keep up with the changing time.  She is truly an inspiration.  Please remember to visit Corline’s Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique and read her blog Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

And remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.com.

Elaine of Her Big Idea, writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

7 Comments

Elaine H., May 23rd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured Fridays, Inspirational Women, Interviews

Senior Entrepreneur Invents Exercise Product to Help Grandma Stay Independent Longer

 
This story is an inspirational story of a woman in her “golden years” finding a need and then creating a product to fit that need. 

A new exercise system from BigBand Fitness provides a convenient, effective, and affordable product designed to improve the strength and flexibility older Americans need to get up and down stairs, hold grandchildren, carry packages, dress, and perform other activities of daily living.

The BigBand is the invention of a grandmother for those who wanted to maintain an independent lifestyle by improving her fitness level.  Best of all this invention is convenient, effective, and affordable.  It is designed to improve the strength and flexibility needed to get up and down stairs, hold grandchildren , carry packages, dress and perform other activities of daily living.

More than 80% of older Americans (over 40 million people age 65+ or older) get no regular exercise (Newsweek, March 2007). Yet many in this age group fear losing their mobility and independence.    

“The fitness industry tends to focus products on the already exercise-conscious active older adult’ and overlooks the majority of seniors – those who still resist exercising because of conditions such as arthritis and lack of established habit,” says BigBand Fitness Founder Deborah Blank.

Blank is a retired corporate trainer, entrepreneur and grandmother, she observed that many of her friends lacked the strength and flexibility to enjoy activities with grandchildren.

By investigating this problem further, she found that a large numbers of older people living on their own struggle with daily activities, are concerned about further physical decline and find traditional “gym” equipment intimidating and difficult to use.

Blank approached Carol Levy, a certified senior fitness trainer to learn more about senior fitness. Levy, who teaches fitness classes to people in their 70’s and 80’s, expressed frustration with uncomfortable and unwieldy exercise aids such as latex resistance bands, weights and balls that she used in her classes. The two women saw a market opportunity for a comfortable and affordable fitness program that could help the less active older adult preserve independent living.

To find out more about The Big Band Fitness System please go to: www.bigbandfitness.com.

And remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.com.

Elaine of Her Big Idea, writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

4 Comments

Elaine H., May 21st 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women