Find Legal Answers to Your Debt Questions

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Within the last year, I've noticed a steady increase in searches that include terms such as "debt reduction," "pay off debt," and "how to avoid foreclosure."

No doubt this is a result of the current state of the American economy.

As the availability of jobs decreases and more businesses close and/or relocate overseas, more Americans are looking for a way to manage their debt and save their homes.

American Residential Law Group is a blog operated by experienced attorneys and sure to be the much-needed free resource for those searching for the answers to one of life's hardest situations.

Read more...

General Mills Reduces Sugar In Kids Cereals

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

We’re excited to share some great news for cereal lovers. This week General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets.

Other cereal benefits:

  • Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.

  • Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet today.

  • More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.

Right now if you visit General Mills you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals. If you choose to participate we will also provide you with VIP coupons for 4 boxes of General Mills cereal to help your family come together at the breakfast table every morning.

Thank you to General Mills and My Blog Spark for sending me complimentary coupons and allowing me to pass this information on to my readers!

Read more...

Scholastic Printables and Minibooks for Teachers and Parents

Monday, December 28, 2009

If there is any one company that is a school's best, most-trustworthy resource, it has to be Scholastic.

As far back as my first grade year, I can remember Scholastic book clubs - and let's just say that was 30+ years ago.

Long enough to know this is a company that has earned its reputation as being an authority in education.

This innovative leader in learning is now taking a step into the future with Scholastic Printables™.

Offering a full line of teacher printables - also great for the parents (especially those who homeschool!) - for grades pre-K through 8th grade, this is sure to become a popular instructional resource.

Teachers will also find information on economic stimulus funding, classroom magazines and books, a teachers resources store, important classroom health news, and job listings.

There is even a special section dedicated just for Librarians that offers information on ordering Scholastic books, reading counts, book fairs and much more.

At Scholastic Printables™, educators can search for tools by grade and subject or opt to make their own unique schooling instruments; including class homepages, mini-books, rewards, and much more.

Although designed with teachers in mind, this is sure to become a much used website by parents and others wishing to give their children a strong, well-rounded start in education.


- This is a paid advertisement. Please scroll down to the lower portion of this page for full disclosure policy. -

Read more...

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review and Giveaway {CLOSED}

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Every winter, Brian and I suffer horribly dry skin. We have tried many, many lotions with little or no effect.

So I was THRILLED when the makers of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion asked me to try and review their product.

Oh. My. Goodness! This is the best lotion I have EVER applied to my skin!

I've got to be perfectly honest when I tell you that I didn't have high expectations.

Let's face it, every lotion thinks it is the best and makes numerous claims of healing dry skin.

And maybe they do work for others, but never for us. Never.

So imagine my surprise when this lotion actually did as it promised and more!

I have had a patch of dry, scaly skin on my ankle for what seems to be forever - not any more!

I have used lotions, creams, healing ointments, salve, and an assortment of wraps and soaks; all to no avail.

Skin MD Natural is a unique natural ingredients lotion and serves as a replacement (not supplement, so you can toss all those other bottles) to traditional moisturizing lotions.

One of the first things I noticed about Skin MD is how quickly my skin absorbed this (miracle) lotion. Within seconds my skin was dry but moisturized; unlike other lotions that seem to leave a perpetual layer of oil on the skin.

Additionally, being natural, there is no overpowering fragrances; just the subtle, clean smell of Mother Nature.

This will be the ONLY lotion used in our household now. Not only are Brian and I using it, but I'm using on my 11-month-old daughter who has a mild case of eczema; and have already noticed a complete healing of several patches and a lessening in redness of remaining spots.

Don't just take my word for it - try it yourself. Visit Skin MD Natural to learn more about how you can get a free sample.

It'll be the last lotion you ever try!

GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED. WINNER: Missybeez} The makers of Skin MD Natural are generously offering one lucky reader of The Mom Trap a free 4 oz. bottle of this awesome shielding lotion. (An $18 value!)

Here's how to enter:

  • Visit Skin MD Natural then come back here to leave a comment telling me why you want to try Skin MD Natural.

Want extra entries? (Leave 1 comment for each additional entry; i.e., 5 extra entries = 5 comments)

  • Subscribe to The Mom Trap RSS Feed via email through Feedburner (right sidebar): 1 extra entry

  • Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter: 2 extra entries

  • Tweet this giveaway and leave the Tweet URL in your comment (be sure to include @kdcantrell): 3 extra entries

  • Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect (left sidebar): 1 extra entry

  • Add The Mom Trap Button to your blog (found in left sidebar): 3 extra entries

  • Blog about this giveaway and include the post URL in your comment: 5 extra entries.

The Fine Print: Must be 18 or older to enter. Open to U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited. Contest begins December 23, 2009, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. on January 8, 2010; at which time a winner will be randomly chosen using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email within 24 hours and must respond within 48 hours to maintain winner status. Failure to provide a valid email and/or shipping address will result in forfeiture of prize.

Read more...

My Top 10 Ways to Get Fit After The Holidays

Monday, December 21, 2009

Most of us will gain a few (or a lot) pounds this holiday season.

And then we'll celebrate New Year's with a resolution to get them off.

The following is my top ten ways of losing that pinch-(more than)-an-inch from my waistline:

  1. Exercise a minimum of 15 minutes per day/minimum of 5 days per week: A brisk walk, Wii Fit, or other heart-pumping exercise for a minimum of 15 minutes per day will not only shed pounds but keep your body functioning as intended. Allow at least 2 days out of the 7 for your body to rest.

  2. Goodbye whites: White starches are fattening and hard for the body to process. Switching to whole grains - available in breads, pastas, crackers and more - is ideal to maintaining a healthy weight.

  3. Eliminate carbonate: Carbonated drinks offer nothing positive in the way of nutrition, whether regular or diet.

  4. Watch what you eat: In this instance, it's watching your portion sizes. Too often we eat mainly for pleasure, not for survival; which in turn leads to weight issues. While it's not necessary to "eat like a bird" (one of my mother's favorite sayings), portion control is important.

  5. Six small meals versus three large meals: Eating six small meals, strategically spaced throughout the day (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner, and bedtime snack) keeps the body's metabolism on an even keel; resulting in optimal weight loss.

  6. Protein, protein and more protein: Protein helps the body to feel full longer. In addition, protein assists in the breaking down of other foods. Offering larger portions of protein (especially chicken or fish) is ideal for each meal.

  7. Count calories: ...and carbs, proteins, dietary fibers....Visit the USDA website for more on counting for a healthy diet.

  8. One is the lonliest number: Don't go it alone. Find a friend to join in your new health regime, and hold each other accountable. When you buddy-up chances are much less that you'll give up.

  9. Set Goals: Upcoming class reunion? Vacation? Set a date that you'd like to reach your goal and work toward it. Wii Fit offers a goal setting and tracking that I use - and love. Working toward a goal by a certain date increases your chances of success.

  10. Reward yourself: Determine milestones along your goal path. For example, you want to lose 30 pounds; for every ten pounds lost, reward yourself with a treat (new clothes, a triple chocolate brownie, etc.). Rewards are encouragement - and sometimes we need all we can get!


What do you do to get fit after the holidays? Share your ideas atTwitterMoms and you could win a EA SPORTS Active™ Personal Trainer – the highest rated Wii™ fitness product to date for use on the Nintendo Wii system!

Kimmie

Read more...

Mead Johnson, Maker of Enfamil, Loses Multi-Million Dollar False Advertising Case Against Store-Bran

Sunday, December 20, 2009

This is a sponsored guest post written by a Press Release on behalf of PBM Products. Post powered by Sponzai.

GORDONSVILLE, VA., December 2 , 2009PBM Products, LLC, a leading infant formula company that supplies store-brand infant formulas to Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, and other retailers, has received a favorable jury verdict and a $13.5 million damages award in its false advertising lawsuit against Mead Johnson & Co., the operating subsidiary of Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYSE: MJN) (“Mead Johnson”), the makers of the national-brand Enfamil® LIPIL® Infant Formula. Mead Johnson is 83 percent-owned by Bristol-Myers Squibb.



PBM’s lawsuit claimed that Mead Johnson engaged in false and misleading campaigns against PBM’s competing store-brand of infant formulas, suggesting they do not provide the same nutrition as Mead Johnson’s brands. PBM’s store-brand infant formulas cost up to 50 percent less than Enfamil® LIPIL®. The $13.5 million in damages awarded by the jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is one of the largest damages awards ever for a false advertising case.



“This decision by a jury of the people confirms that Mead Johnson’s ads have been false in suggesting that there is a nutritional difference between our store-brand formula products and their products, when in fact the only major difference is price,” said PBM CEO Paul B. Manning. “Despite Mead Johnson’s scare tactics, parents are assured that PBM’s formula products are as high quality and nutritious as Mead Johnson’s.”



U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer issued his written rulings yesterday following the November 10th jury verdict. Judge Spencer’s written rulings permanently enjoined Mead Johnson from making any false statements concerning PBM's infant formula, including the claims Mead Johnson previously made in Enfamil advertising that "It may be tempting to try a less expensive store brand, but only Enfamil LIPIL is clinically proven to improve brain and eye development," and "there are plenty of other ways to save on baby expenses without cutting back on nutrition." The Court also ordered Mead Johnson to retrieve from the public domain all advertising or promotional materials containing these or any other false claims about PBM's store brand infant formula.


The details of the decision and the complaint are posted online in full at:



· http://www.pbmproducts.com/docs/Order_Laches.pdf


· http://www.pbmproducts.com/docs/PBM_Complaint_MJ_III_LIPIL.pdf



The nutritional supplements under examination in the case are two fats, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which Mead Johnson calls “LIPIL®” solely for marketing purposes and touts as promoting infant brain and eye development. PBM’s claim focused on Mead Johnson’s direct mailing to more than 1.6 million parents of an alarming blurry picture of a child’s cartoon duck next to a clear picture of the same image which suggested that anything other than the Enfamil LIPIL® blend of ingredients is inferior and will result in poor eye and brain development. Other parts of the false advertising campaign consist of statements that only Enfamil LIPIL has been proven to confer visual and mental benefits on infants, and store-brand formulas are a “cut-back in nutrition” compared to Enfamil.



PBM successfully argued that these advertisements were false and misleading especially since PBM store- brand infant formulas have the same nutrients at the same levels as Enfamil. PBM infant formulas are formulated to contain DHA and ARA, and are sourced from the same supplier in amounts which equal or exceed the DHA and ARA in Mead Johnson’s Enfamil LIPIL®.



This decision marks the third time PBM Products has sued Mead Johnson for false advertising claims. On the prior occasions Mead Johnson admitted that it made false claims about PBM’s products. It is also the first false advertising case to focus on the issue of DHA and ARA nutritional ingredients in formula, which were introduced into the market in 2003 and have become a staple in recent years by many brands as key components for infant development.



“This jury verdict should send a significant and clear message to Mead Johnson about the way it conducts marketing and advertising for its brands,” said Manning. “This lawsuit also demonstrates our complete commitment to defending our products and the valuable brands of our retail partners.”



“As a parent and supporter of children’s medical research, I take a personal responsibility in assuring our customers that the products we produce are healthy and nutritionally equivalent to brand names like Enfamil® LIPIL®. It is important, especially now, for parents to know that there are lower priced yet highly nutritious store-brand formulas that will provide the same benefit to their children as any national brand name formula product,” Manning added.



The U.S. infant formula market is estimated at $3.4 billion and the global market is estimated at $7.9 billion.



All of PBM’s formulas, and for that matter all of U.S. infant formulas, are subject to the exacting standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pursuant to the Infant Formula Act of 1980. This legislation vested FDA with the authority to ensure that all infant formula products sold in the United States provide the necessary levels of identified nutrients required for the growth of healthy babies. For more information, visit this FDA link.



PBM Products was represented by the law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. Partners from the firm’s advertising practice, Harold P. Weinberger and Jonathan M. Wagner in New York, led the team.



About PBM


PBM is privately owned and based in Gordonsville, VA. PBM companies specialize in manufacturing, distributing, and marketing consumer food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit www.pbmproducts.com.



Enfamil® LIPIL® are registered trademarks of Mead Johnson & Co.



Read more...

Ideas for a Princess Birthday Party?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Princess A's first birthday is less than a month away. I can't believe it!

During this first year, she has really developed any serious "favorites," so I've decided I get to pick the theme. :)

At first I had thought of doing a Minnie Mouse theme since we call her our Disney baby (she was a surprise baby with first symptoms that popped up during our Disney World vacation).

But... to host a MM (or even a Disney Princess) party for the number of people we're inviting would cost an exorbitant amount, I've opted to go instead with a generic princess theme.

I've got the invitations (which are so not a Princess theme but...), ordered a custom birthday tutu set, and picked out the party supplies, but after that I need some great ideas.

After all, this will be the last 1st birthday party I'll get to throw for any of my children, she's my baby, and our only girl.

So it's gotta be good! :)

WHAT'S YOUR IDEAS FOR A 1ST BIRTHDAY PRINCESS PARTY?
(Menu, games, party favors, decorations, etc.)

Kimmie

Join in the Aloha Friday fun at An Island Life

Read more...

Warm and Fuzzy Feelings for Toys for Tots!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Oh yeah, I love those Facebook apps...and 1-800-FLOWERS.com has created a GREAT one...if 10,000 warm fuzzies are sent by December 21st will donate $5,000 to Toys for Tots!

Toys for TotsNow that makes for a warm and fuzzy feeling, huh?

But wait....there's something for you too!

When you send along a little warm fuzzy, you will receive a promo code to get 16% off your next purchase at 1-800-FLOWERS.com.

Now that's a deal! You play, you save.

So what are you waiting for, head over to 1-800-FLOWERS.com Facebook's Secret Santa and get started!



Kimmie

Read more...

I Can't Believe It's Almost Been A Year!

A month today, Princess A will be one year old. Where does the time go?

I created the birthday invite myself (I'm so proud!):


Now on to step 2: party supplies. Oh boy!

Kimmie

Read more...

Coupon Codes and Printable Grocery Coupons from Trimback.com

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Coupon Codes at Trimback.comThere's nothing that I like more than saving money -especially at my favorite online stores!

And there's a new site designed to help me save more without spending hours searching for coupon codes.

Trimback.com is an eye-catching, easy-to-use code sharing site. Visitors will find it is the place to visit to get up-to-date Amazon coupon codes; as well as coupons for Walmart, Victoria's Secret, Kohl's, and many more popular stores.

Deal seekers can search by store name, popular category, or just check out the latest codes submitted.

Looking for printable grocery coupons? Trimback.com has those too!

Talk about one stop savings!

Found a great coupon code? Share it with others with Trimback.com's easy submission form!

Coming soon! Trimback.com's shopping forums are sure to make saving a sociable pastime!

Be sure to follow Trimback.com on Twitter, Fan them on Facebook, or subscribe by email to make sure you don't miss out on the latest savings.

Or, better yet, snag the Trimback.com toolbar that notifies you IMMEDIATELY of any new coupon code submissions.

Saving doesn't get any easier than with Trimback.com's coupon codes. Head on over, check 'em out - it'll be the last place you ever need to go to find the best coupons online!

Read more...

You Might Be A Redneck If: A Different Take On It

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years.

Now it's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.

You might be a redneck if...
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."

You might be a redneck if...
You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if...
You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

You might be a redneck if...
You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if...
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if...
You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if...
You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if....
You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if...
You don't like a person's opinion, but you'd die fighting for their right to speak it.

You might be a redneck if...
You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.


Kimmie

Read more...

5 Tips and Tricks for Getting Your Children to Bed On Time

Monday, December 14, 2009

...and how to get them to stay there!

First things first: training a child to a bedtime routine is most likely going to be work.

I can't explain it; but for some reason most little people hate bed time with a passion.

Personally, I like my sleep. Why can't they?

After four children and almost 18 years of parenting, I found 5 tricks for getting children in bed and helping them stay there:

  1. Bed time at the same time every night. Whether it be 8 p.m. or 11 p.m., a bed time needs to be consistent.

  2. Overtired translates to no sleep. Why is that the more tired a child is, the less likely they are to sleep? Doesn't make much sense, but it's the way it'll be. So try to keep hectic schedules to a minimum; but when that's not possible, make rest/nap times frequent.

  3. One is the loneliest number that you've ever seen. Allowing your child to sleep with a bed time buddy such a teddy bear or favorite blanket makes sleeping a more pleasurable experience.

  4. We'll leave the light on for ya. A child's imagination has a way of conjuring up images of horrible things in the dark (okay, even my adult mind can do that times). A little night light can go a long way in making a little one feel secure about sleeping.

  5. And they lived happily ever after. Not only is reading to a child a great educational activity, but the right book - filled with happy thoughts works a lot like favorite teddy bears and night lights in that it can set the mood about sleep. And fill their precious little minds with sweet dreams!

Each parent is going to find that what works for them, may not work for another. And each bed time routine may need less or even more steps to ensure you tot's good night sleep.

Head over and check out Drama U, you may be able to turn one of your own bed time battle stories into a children’s story.... and help another frazzled parent!

Kimmie

Read more...

Join Robeez and Twitter Moms in Giving Back This Holiday Season!



Christmas is the most wonderful season of the year!

It is a time that everyone opens their hearts and gives back for all of the wonderful blessings in their lives.

And this especially so in 2009, I have seen the kindness of people everywhere!

My own family has joined in this year with donations to food banks and toy drives, along with donating to programs for phone cards for soldiers.

Giving feels so good!

If you and your family have been one of the many blessed throughout this year, I hope you will find it in your heart to give back to those who have not.

Share how you are giving back by participating in the Twittermoms campaign called K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations).

K.I.D.S give to children in need by providing new clothes, shoes, etc. donated by leading manufacturers and retailers.

Now would be a great time to help a child by buying a pair of shoes from Robeez. For every pair of Robeez Soft Sole purchases, Stride Rite will donate that pair to K.I.D.S (Kids In Distressed Situations) through December 23rd.

Please check out Robeez Season of Giving for more information.

Robeez is the only shoes my 11 month old daughter wears. Pediatrician approved, these soft soled shoes are easy to put on, require only very simple maintenance, and come a HUGE assortment of colors and patterns.

(Psst! That's my favorite pair you see there to the right! Aren't they just too adorable?!)

Here's to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kimmie

Read more...

Love Is Child Passenger Safety

Wednesday, December 9, 2009


With the holiday season moving into full swing, families across the country are in the car and on the go. Whether you?re driving across the country to visit family or across town to holiday shop, it is important that your child passengers are riding safely and that child safety seats are used correctly.

AAA estimated that 30 million people travelled this Thanksgiving holiday alone, and for many this is just the beginning of the holiday hustle and bustle. Now is the time to utilize the Child Car Safety tools provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council to learn more about proper car seat use and installation. You will find informative resources that include instructional videos.

Have child passenger safety questions that you need answered before you travel over the river and through the woods to Grandma's? NHTSA is always available to answer your questions online through Facebook and Twitter.

Read more...

Snow Day!

Saturday, December 5, 2009



I know this snow is going to look pathetic to my northern friends, but to have a snow like this in December in Middle Tennessee is a rare thing here.

Bigger and Big Brother was out in it first thing this morning.

I'm a little concerned that Bigger Brother is intent on making what appears to be pretty good snow crop circles. :)

Kimmie

Read more...

It's Okay to be Vain about Veins

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Women work their legs hard. And, as a result, women are most prone to varicose veins.

Unlike twenty, or even ten, years ago, varicose veins can be fixed in a vein clinic rather than at a hospital.

Today's procedures are less invasive and include include ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for spider veins and endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for varicose veins.

If you suffer from venous conditions and need to find a reputable vein doctor, just visit Vein-Treament.com and use the free web-based locator to find a clinic near you.

Read more...

  © Blogger template On The Road by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP