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Need your daily dose of TodaysMama? You'll find it here with fresh, informative, up-to-the-minute links. Whether it's an idea for the weekend or the holiday just around the corner, or perspective for your parenting trial of the day (how did we know?), you'll appreciate what TodaysMama is serving up daily.
Parenting
Kids home alone a big concern for parents, police
As school lets out for the summer, hard times may mean more kids left home alone because parents cannot afford day care or summer day camps.
As school lets out for the summer, hard times may mean more kids left home alone because parents cannot afford day care or summer day camps.
An oxymoron of sorts
Who knew that having a toddler, who wreaks havoc everywhere she goes, is the reason my family functions efficiently and cohesively every day.
Who knew that having a toddler, who wreaks havoc everywhere she goes, is the reason my family functions efficiently and cohesively every day.
Smart Mama: Life lessons from Emma and Benny
Here are a few life lessons, courtesy of Emma, 5 ("and three-quarters"), and Benny, 2.
Here are a few life lessons, courtesy of Emma, 5 ("and three-quarters"), and Benny, 2.
Meet Dr. Vegetable
There comes a time in every person's life when she becomes convinced of something both thrilling and terrifying: That she might, in fact, have outsmarted her parents.
There comes a time in every person's life when she becomes convinced of something both thrilling and terrifying: That she might, in fact, have outsmarted her parents.
Relationships
Looks like we made it
Smart Mama Kara Eberle reflects on how her relationship with her husband has changed during seven years of marriage.
Smart Mama Kara Eberle reflects on how her relationship with her husband has changed during seven years of marriage.
Dating on the Cheap in Washington
Dating is never easy, and the economy isn’t helping romantic matters much, either. How can you impress your true love when you can barely afford a box of macaroni and cheese for dinner? But never fear! We’ve come up with suggestions for free (or super-cheap) date ideas that won’t wear out your wallet.
Dating is never easy, and the economy isn’t helping romantic matters much, either. How can you impress your true love when you can barely afford a box of macaroni and cheese for dinner? But never fear! We’ve come up with suggestions for free (or super-cheap) date ideas that won’t wear out your wallet.
Barack and Michelle: A more perfect union?
First couple-to-be could be relationship role models for nation, experts say
First couple-to-be could be relationship role models for nation, experts say
Holidays
Plenty of Easter Ideas
Arizona moms celebrate Easter the way it was meant to be celebrated, with blue sky, blooming flowers, sunshine . . . and some great Easter ideas that reach way beyond the traditional egg hunt.
Arizona moms celebrate Easter the way it was meant to be celebrated, with blue sky, blooming flowers, sunshine . . . and some great Easter ideas that reach way beyond the traditional egg hunt.
Holiday Newsletters Gone Bad
Readers share most notorious Christmas letters. Holiday missives tell of $5,000 pool tables, surgery and everything between.
Readers share most notorious Christmas letters. Holiday missives tell of $5,000 pool tables, surgery and everything between.
Trends and News
New Way to Rummage Sale
Watch the video of local business owner, Todd Cloutier talk about a new way to rummage sale.
Watch the video of local business owner, Todd Cloutier talk about a new way to rummage sale.
Trying Vegan Cuisine
Angela Kelly of Fox 11 Good Day Wisconsin visits a new restaurant that serve only raw vegan food.
Angela Kelly of Fox 11 Good Day Wisconsin visits a new restaurant that serve only raw vegan food.
Toddler loses fingers in escalator
3-year-old girl lost three fingers in an escalator accident in Anchorage. The accident occurred Saturday at the J.C. Penney store. A store employee confirmed that the girl was injured by the store escalator.
3-year-old girl lost three fingers in an escalator accident in Anchorage. The accident occurred Saturday at the J.C. Penney store. A store employee confirmed that the girl was injured by the store escalator.
Dr. Rick Hodes Helps the Children of Ethiopia
He has devoted his life to helping Ethiopia's most desperate kids-including the five he adopted. His philosophy is simple: "Don't Say No"
He has devoted his life to helping Ethiopia's most desperate kids-including the five he adopted. His philosophy is simple: "Don't Say No"
Business & Career
Cruzin' with Lisa
Lisa Cruz of Red Shoes PR is on the cover on Women's Magazine this month talking about her new business, the economy and juvenile diabetes.
Lisa Cruz of Red Shoes PR is on the cover on Women's Magazine this month talking about her new business, the economy and juvenile diabetes.
Chandler mom gets a home, thanks to local charities
Kovach spent four years taking homeowner education classes and saving money to put toward the home she bought for her sons Tristan, 10, and Eian, 7. She saved $5,000 that was triple-matched by another non-profit.
Kovach spent four years taking homeowner education classes and saving money to put toward the home she bought for her sons Tristan, 10, and Eian, 7. She saved $5,000 that was triple-matched by another non-profit.
Top 5 Shopping Hot Spots in WI
Looking for a different shopping experience? Discover unique finds and year-round charm at these semi-local shopping destinations.
Looking for a different shopping experience? Discover unique finds and year-round charm at these semi-local shopping destinations.
Laughing In the Face of Change
By trading a secure career for his passion, this comic found himself.
By trading a secure career for his passion, this comic found himself.
Companies that will hire you to work at home
In the last few years, working from home has gone from being a rarity to a reality.
In the last few years, working from home has gone from being a rarity to a reality.
Local news
Lead-Off Expierence
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are proud to welcome Gord Ash, Vice-President - Assistant General Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers as the featured guest at the 2009 Lead-Off Experience. The event, formerly known as the Welcome Home Banquet, will feature an interactive interview program hosted by Rattlers radio play-by-play announcer Chris Mehring.
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are proud to welcome Gord Ash, Vice-President - Assistant General Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers as the featured guest at the 2009 Lead-Off Experience. The event, formerly known as the Welcome Home Banquet, will feature an interactive interview program hosted by Rattlers radio play-by-play announcer Chris Mehring.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Recruits for Parent Action Committee
PHOENIX, Ariz. - All across Arizona people have a vital interest in the future of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Moms and dads. Former patients. Non-profit organizations that serve families of kids with special needs. Grandparents. And others who care about our community. Parents have asked us how they can help Phoenix Children’s stand up for better and more comprehensive pediatric healthcare.
PHOENIX, Ariz. - All across Arizona people have a vital interest in the future of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Moms and dads. Former patients. Non-profit organizations that serve families of kids with special needs. Grandparents. And others who care about our community. Parents have asked us how they can help Phoenix Children’s stand up for better and more comprehensive pediatric healthcare.
Head-Shaving Event to Raise Funds for Childhood Cancer
Phoenix, AZ - Men, women and children baldly stand in solidarity with the 160,000 kids diagnosed with cancer each year while raising money to fund pediatric cancer research. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has issued a lofty challenge to everyone who wants to help raise money for childhood cancer research: Be a hero for kids with cancer by shaving your head in return for pledges of financial support from friends and family.
Phoenix, AZ - Men, women and children baldly stand in solidarity with the 160,000 kids diagnosed with cancer each year while raising money to fund pediatric cancer research. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has issued a lofty challenge to everyone who wants to help raise money for childhood cancer research: Be a hero for kids with cancer by shaving your head in return for pledges of financial support from friends and family.
Arizona lawmakers preparing to act on child care
State lawmakers are scrambling to keep thousands of low-income children in day care, just as parents have been notified their day care arrangements could end on Friday.
State lawmakers are scrambling to keep thousands of low-income children in day care, just as parents have been notified their day care arrangements could end on Friday.
A Cherry Good Blossom
Learn more about the Cherry Blossom Festival and peak bloom days with this article from NBCWashington.
Learn more about the Cherry Blossom Festival and peak bloom days with this article from NBCWashington.
Education
Read any good books? Kids need to find just the right page-turner to enjoy reading, teacher/librarian says
Lisa Morris-Wilkey is amazed every day by the beautiful new books that are written for children. "If they say, 'I don't like to read,' I say, 'Well, you just haven't found the right book yet. It's out there.'"
Lisa Morris-Wilkey is amazed every day by the beautiful new books that are written for children. "If they say, 'I don't like to read,' I say, 'Well, you just haven't found the right book yet. It's out there.'"
Chicago School Reform Could Be a U.S. Model
As schools chief executive Arne Duncan heads to Washington, lessons learned will come with him...
As schools chief executive Arne Duncan heads to Washington, lessons learned will come with him...
Qwizzy's World...Where Studying Comes Easy
Local Mom Inspired by Grandmother’s Encouragement and Love of Education: Creates Online Study Site.
Local Mom Inspired by Grandmother’s Encouragement and Love of Education: Creates Online Study Site.
Food for Friends Fridays
A group of 24 first-graders at Red Smith Elementary School in Green Bay is learning lessons about helping others that often can't be taught from a textbook.
A group of 24 first-graders at Red Smith Elementary School in Green Bay is learning lessons about helping others that often can't be taught from a textbook.
Cooking and Nutrition
Answers to questions about the peanut butter recall
Peanut butter is a popular ingredient in snacks. As news unfolds about the nationwide outbreak of salmonella tied to peanut butter and peanut paste, USA TODAY answers questions about how this crisis affects consumers.
Peanut butter is a popular ingredient in snacks. As news unfolds about the nationwide outbreak of salmonella tied to peanut butter and peanut paste, USA TODAY answers questions about how this crisis affects consumers.
Easy Ways to Spend Less at the Grocery Store
Resist the urge to cut corners at the supermarket with these 5 tips.
Resist the urge to cut corners at the supermarket with these 5 tips.
Cook the perfect turkey
Whether you're a pro or a novice this Thanksgiving, you might find this turkey prep guide useful.
Whether you're a pro or a novice this Thanksgiving, you might find this turkey prep guide useful.
Eat healthier
Our 'Smart' team found this yummy Web site that shows how to make 'healthified' recipes. Enjoy!
Our 'Smart' team found this yummy Web site that shows how to make 'healthified' recipes. Enjoy!
Holiday Pies
Here we've rounded up our favorite pies -- both the tried-and-true holiday staples as well as some modern variations that, for us, have become classics in their own right.
Here we've rounded up our favorite pies -- both the tried-and-true holiday staples as well as some modern variations that, for us, have become classics in their own right.
Politics
First Lady Assails Use of Daughters' Images for Dolls
First lady Michelle Obama, who has described herself "first and foremost . . . Malia and Sasha's mom," has defended her daughters' likeness, saying it is not proper for a company that makes the plush Beanie Babies to produce dolls called Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia.
First lady Michelle Obama, who has described herself "first and foremost . . . Malia and Sasha's mom," has defended her daughters' likeness, saying it is not proper for a company that makes the plush Beanie Babies to produce dolls called Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia.
Inauguration Madness: Washingtonian's Guide to the 2009 Inauguration
Coming to town for the inauguration, or just intrigued by all the hoopla? Keep up-to-date on what events to attend, how to get tickets, and lots more with our daily inauguration coverage.
Coming to town for the inauguration, or just intrigued by all the hoopla? Keep up-to-date on what events to attend, how to get tickets, and lots more with our daily inauguration coverage.
Anti-religious sign at state Capitol raises eyebrows
The state capitol in Olympia has three 'holiday' displays this year.
The state capitol in Olympia has three 'holiday' displays this year.
The Rights Of Animals
California voters have put the animal-rights movement squarely in the mainstream. Will we all soon be vegans?
California voters have put the animal-rights movement squarely in the mainstream. Will we all soon be vegans?
Family Finances
Tips to pay off credit cards
Suze Orman: How to get out of the vicious debt cycle in these difficult financial times
Suze Orman: How to get out of the vicious debt cycle in these difficult financial times
How to enjoy good things and still save during the holiday season
Be of good cheer; here’s some skinny on enjoying good things sans sacrifice.
Be of good cheer; here’s some skinny on enjoying good things sans sacrifice.
You can help Arizona's economy by shopping locally online
Several Valley cities are urging you to shop local this holiday season.
Several Valley cities are urging you to shop local this holiday season.
It Is Time To Outlaw Black Friday
While there are many things the world needs now, civility is not a bad start
While there are many things the world needs now, civility is not a bad start
Holiday shoppers watch their spending
Shoppers crowded the malls as usual for Black Friday, but this year, consumers in the Seattle area say they are cutting back on spending.
Shoppers crowded the malls as usual for Black Friday, but this year, consumers in the Seattle area say they are cutting back on spending.
Entertainment
Paper Valley Roller Girls
Appleton’s own Paper Valley Roller Girls (PVRG) will host Toronto Canada’s roller derby team, CN Power, for their season home opener January 17, 2009.
Appleton’s own Paper Valley Roller Girls (PVRG) will host Toronto Canada’s roller derby team, CN Power, for their season home opener January 17, 2009.
Having family fun needn't cost a fortune
There is nothing more basic than fun, friends and family. Children can be taught that you don't have to spend money to have a good time.
There is nothing more basic than fun, friends and family. Children can be taught that you don't have to spend money to have a good time.
Countdown to Digital TV
There's still time left to get on the bandwagon and join the digital revolution. In less than three months, an estimated 14 million television sets will no longer work unless they get upgraded with a digital converter box.
There's still time left to get on the bandwagon and join the digital revolution. In less than three months, an estimated 14 million television sets will no longer work unless they get upgraded with a digital converter box.
Travel and Transportation
What to pay a travelling sitter
The who, what, where, when and why of taking a babysitter along on your next family trip!
The who, what, where, when and why of taking a babysitter along on your next family trip!
What Car Booster Seats Are Effective?
For the first time ever, child booster seats that are used in cars have been put to the test.
For the first time ever, child booster seats that are used in cars have been put to the test.
Washington Tax Exemption for Hybrids
A new sales tax exemption encourages Washington car shoppers to choose hybrids & alternative fuel vehicles.
A new sales tax exemption encourages Washington car shoppers to choose hybrids & alternative fuel vehicles.
36 Hours in San Diego
The NY Times reviews the best places to stay, where to eat, and what to do in our very own backyard!
The NY Times reviews the best places to stay, where to eat, and what to do in our very own backyard!
Health and Fitness
Prenatal Nutrition, Postnatal Allergy Protection
An apple a day while you're pregnant may indeed keep the doctor away. But the real beneficiary could be your unborn child
An apple a day while you're pregnant may indeed keep the doctor away. But the real beneficiary could be your unborn child
Let's get healthy -- a message from PA's acting secretary of health
Everette James, acting secretary of health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, wants to make 2009 a healthy year for Pennsylvanians. Read more and talk about it here!
Everette James, acting secretary of health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, wants to make 2009 a healthy year for Pennsylvanians. Read more and talk about it here!
Help cure childhood cancer
Head to the Smart Mama forums to learn more about the childhood cancer and the people who're trying to find a cure.
Head to the Smart Mama forums to learn more about the childhood cancer and the people who're trying to find a cure.
You Do Have Time to Work Out! Get Motivated.
Trainer Annette Lang to brings you the very best 5-, 15-, 30-, and 45-minute toning routines for your crazy busy schedule.
Trainer Annette Lang to brings you the very best 5-, 15-, 30-, and 45-minute toning routines for your crazy busy schedule.
Style and Beauty
10 Secrets to Brighter, Whiter Teeth
Want brighter, whiter teeth? Know what to do – and what to avoid.
Want brighter, whiter teeth? Know what to do – and what to avoid.
Growing Number of People Using Veggies as Cosmetics
Doctors tell us to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but a growing number of people are rubbing them on their bodies.
Doctors tell us to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but a growing number of people are rubbing them on their bodies.
Turning Your Bath Into a Spa
Your bathroom is your inner sanctum -- a place to unwind, rejuvenate and awaken the senses. Surround yourself with the comforts found in a spa to pamper your troubles away.
Your bathroom is your inner sanctum -- a place to unwind, rejuvenate and awaken the senses. Surround yourself with the comforts found in a spa to pamper your troubles away.
Web exclusives
US Capitol Tree from Montana
Montana ~ and the Bitterroot National Forest ~ have been asked to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree for 2008
Montana ~ and the Bitterroot National Forest ~ have been asked to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree for 2008
Get stuck on cool stickers
You can use these fun templates to make stickers for your lunchboxes or trick-or-treat bags.
You can use these fun templates to make stickers for your lunchboxes or trick-or-treat bags.
Home and Garden
Create a ‘skinny’ house
Everything from the lighting in your dining room to the size of your dinnerware could be making you gain weight
Everything from the lighting in your dining room to the size of your dinnerware could be making you gain weight
From Smart magazine
'Smart' holiday has arrived!
If you haven't gotten a copy of the holiday issue of 'Smart,' check it out here!
If you haven't gotten a copy of the holiday issue of 'Smart,' check it out here!
Sign up for 'Smart' magazine!
Signing up for 'Smart' is easy and FREE. This bi-monthly magazine is for busy women and mothers in southcentral PA. Our next issue comes out in November, so sign up today!
Signing up for 'Smart' is easy and FREE. This bi-monthly magazine is for busy women and mothers in southcentral PA. Our next issue comes out in November, so sign up today!
This 'Smart' woman is driven to succeed
Heather Burns' day job is as a college professor. But on the weekends, she puts on a helmet and gets behind the wheel.
Heather Burns' day job is as a college professor. But on the weekends, she puts on a helmet and gets behind the wheel.
In the mood?
Here are some 'Smart' tips to keep things steamy between the sheets and in your marriage.
Here are some 'Smart' tips to keep things steamy between the sheets and in your marriage.
Keep your kids safe on field trips
Signing that permission slip isn't where your responsibility ends. Ensure your child's safety with tips from "Smart" magazine.
Signing that permission slip isn't where your responsibility ends. Ensure your child's safety with tips from "Smart" magazine.
Calendar
Let people know about your next event!
You have the control! Follow this link and upload your own event information. It's great for letting people know about everything from a Pampered Chef party or a book club meeting!
You have the control! Follow this link and upload your own event information. It's great for letting people know about everything from a Pampered Chef party or a book club meeting!