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Brain-building Strategies for Parents
Mental and physical exercises, as well as brain-enhancing nutrition, can aid parents in nurturing their children’s natural abilities. Parents should keep some important things in mind when choosing activities and foods to help build children’s brainpower.
Moms: Bond With Baby while Keeping Healthy in the Great Outdoors
Fresh air, open space and a natural atmosphere provide an ideal setting for moms to bond with their babies and also to stay active. After all, who knows how to multi-task better than moms?
Parents: Make Time for Healthy Choices
Between soccer practice, piano lessons and homework, more and more parents are discovering that it can be hard to balance a healthy life with a busy one.
Health care professionals, however, are discovering that nutrition- and activity-based habits, when developed early, can make a positive long-term impact.
Parenting: Turning the Page on Tradition?
Reading to your children more often can improve reading skills, math abilities and more.
Parenting: Relate to Your Child With These Easy Tips
If you're part of the working world and also have children, there's a good chance you aren't satisfied with the time that you get to spend with them. Your heart may be in the right place, but hectic schedules can leave little time to stop what you're doing in order to talk to your kids and truly connect with them.
Parenting: Keeping Kids Safe in a Web-Savvy World
In today's age of technology, keeping children safe on the Internet is a must. If you came across an instant message conversation your child was having on your computer and discovered the acronym "PAW," would you know what to make of it?
Parenting: Stay Connected With Your Children. Show Them You Care in Three Easy Ways
When good communication is diminished, parents struggle to find ways to play a more significant role in their children's lives. The good news is that help isn't far away. Here are three ways to "stay connected" with your kids before they grow up too fast.
Parenting: Technology Helps Families Make Time for Togetherness
With the help of technology, families can take control of their hectic schedules and free up more time for togetherness.
Parenting: Tips to Build Reading Success
Children have limitless imaginations. They may dream of time travel and seeing prehistoric creatures up close. Perhaps they want to become mysterious sorcerers who cast binding spells.
Parents can easily accommodate these whimsical wishes by encouraging their children to read.
Parenting: Make a Connection With Your Teen
Talking with teenagers about their health isn't always a parent's or a teen's favorite conversation. But parents have more influence on their teen's health than they think, according to researchers with the Prevention Research Centers (PRC) network.
Joan Lunden Encourages Families to Cook up Some Conversation at Dinner Time During National Eat Dinner Together Week
A nationwide survey conducted confirms the family dinner
is alive and well - in fact, 80 percent of families surveyed reported eating dinner
together at least five times each week. However, for three out of four American families,
the focus is likely to be on the television rather than on talking to each other.
Get in the Habit of Checking Planners Together
One of my goals this year is to check all of our planners, together, every week. This involves all of our family being in the same room at the same...
Make a Beaded Bookmark
Need a school craft for teens? Check out this beaded bookmark! It’s an easy craft to make and looks wonderful – not to mention useful and economic. So economic, in...
Have a Family Competition and Feed the Hungry at the Same Time
I saw this site in the news and was reminded of it by a friend, FreeRice.com. According to the site, its purpose is twofold:
Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free....
How To Talk to Your Teen About Smoking
Starting a conversation about not smoking really isn’t as hard as you may think. Your teen is expecting for you to say something – he/she knows that most parents do....
School Lunch: Does your teen pack or buy? Does he/she eat it?
When I went to high school, everyone bought lunch and these days it seems that they still do. However, there are teens who prefer to pack. I had one of...
What time is bedtime in your home?
My teen and preteen tend to get very quiet when IÂ’m starting my 5-year-oldÂ’s bedtime routine. They seem to think that if they are silent, I will believe that they...
Teen Volunteer Opportunity - Deadline August 31st
Just a reminder, if you haven't done this already: Your teen can help local underprivileged teens in your area by collecting school supplies for DoSomething.org. American Idol 2007 winner,...
Teens Say Prescription Drugs Easier to Buy Than Beer
IÂ’m not sure how to feel about the new CASA(National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse) survey thatÂ’s out. IÂ’m glad to hear that beer is getting harder to buy...
Tips on Setting and Obtaining Goals
The start of the school year is a wonderful time for teens to define their acedemic goals - today is our first day of school. They don't have to be...
The August Edition of the "All About Parenting Blog Carnival"
The Guides in the Family channel at About.com have begun hosting a monthly "All About Parenting Blog Carnival." First, Heather's Baby Products Blog hosted a carnival about road trips. Then,...
About Parenting of Adolescents
Parenting of Adolescents
Back-to-School Shopping Without Fear
I tried to do a little school shopping on Sunday. What a mistake that was. The office-supply store was packed to the rafters with parents stocking up on folders and...
"Go Away" Only Goes One Way
My son's at that age when he wants to be alone. A lot. He shuts his door. He does not welcome visitors. Particularly visitors who do not knock. He dives...
Back to School Is Like a Volleyball Aimed at Your Head
School is starting in just over a week for my kids, and I'm thinking a lot right now about beach volleyball.
Every Olympics, I seem to develop a fascination with a...
Weekly Round-Up: Week of August 18
Here's your weekend round-up of all the articles, blog posts, and site updates you may have missed from the past week in About Parenting Special Needs.
New Articles and Features
Special-Needs...
Making Up Stories, Mapping Mindsets, and More Fun Things to Do
A Saturday "Site of the Day" special: Most days, a single Site of the Day is plenty to keep you occupied. But on Saturday morning, with kids underfoot and a...
From the Department of Depressing Statistics
Two stories in the special-needs news this week point up that while there is much that's inspirational about raising kids with special...
My Son Thinks I Have a "Refresh" Button
Okay, my son doesn't actually know what a "refresh" button is. But the way he asks me the same question, over and over, as though one time he might get...
In the Gray Area Between Intent and Effect
"Say what you mean."
That's advice I've given to parents of children with developmental disabilities and differences, who often don't understand that words...
Our Gold Medalist: Debbie Phelps
Much has been made of Michael Phelps' inspiring Olympic victories -- the records set, the medals won, the dreams achieved. I join with the throngs applauding him. He seems like...
Weekly Round-Up: Week of August 11
Here's your weekend round-up of all the articles, blog posts, and site updates you may have missed from the past week in About Parenting Special Needs.
New Articles and Features
Clear...
About Parenting Special Needs
Parenting Special Needs
Site of the Week for Parenting K-6 Children: August 27, 2008The Science Club
Start planning for this year's Science Fair project with the resources and links at The Science Club web site. While this is a no-frills site, it's full of science fair...
Precursors to Reading
Parents of preschoolers can find lots of opportunities in the family's daily life to lay the foundation for successful reading achievement in kindergarten and early elementary school. See what you...
Printable Fun for K-6 Kids
Need an afternoon project for your son or daughter? You can use a cartridge of color toner in no time with these fun printables....
Site of the Week for Parenting K-6 Children: August 12, 2008Sports Illustrated for Kids
SIKids has been online for a while; but the enhanced content and interactivity have made it a truly great site for kids who are interested in sports. Kids can make...
Learn to Play Olympic Sports Games
My kids really get into the Olympic competitions and we watch many hours of Olympic events on these summer days. Watching Olympic water polo made us think, 'That looks fun;...
Beijing Olympics Party
The Beijing Olympic Games are an opportunity for a unique family or kid party. We had a birthday dinner party with a combination of Chinese and U.S. table decorations. You...
Kindergarten Readiness Is More Than Child Readiness
Parents' natural concerns about children's kindergarten readiness have intensified with the trend toward a more 'academic' kindergarten. Early childhood educators now know that schools need to be ready for the...
Site of the Week for Parenting K-6 Children: August 1, 2008Green Hour
Thanks to National Wildlife Federation for the fantastic new web site, Green Hour. I absolutely love these simple but creative ideas for getting kids outside and connecting with nature. Inspired...
Q&A - My Child Can't Fall Asleep
A parent is concerned because her child can't seem to fall asleep at night and is impossible to wake up in the mornings. She's correct to worry that lack of...
How to Prevent the Harmful Effects of Childhood Cliques
Cliques have always been prominent in the social landscape of middle school, but now they can be seen in grades as young as kindergarten. Cliques can be very destructive, as...
About Parenting of K-6 Children
Parenting of K-6 Children
Twins of the Week: Carl and Charlotte
Photo reprinted with permission of Lynda & Justin Wagoner. Being twins means double the giggles. Carl and Charlotte, are two-and-a-half year old fraternal twins. Share your thoughts, opinions...
Are Your Twins Ready for Restaurants?
My twin daughters have always loved eating out. (I hope that isn't a reflection of my cooking!) They have always enjoyed experiencing different restaurant environments, having a choice of what...
Can Someone Calm Me?
Joady1 says: "I just found out 2 weeks ago that I am having identical twin girls!! (I was 20 weeks at the time!!) Since then I have heard...
Twin Trivia: Take the Quiz
How much do you know about twins and multiples? Do you know the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic? Can you separate the facts from the fiction? Take the Twin Trivia...
Going Their Separate Ways: Back to School with Twins
My twin daughters received their schedules from their middle school this week. In spite of the written request I submitted to the school earlier in the summer, they were not...
Twins of the Week: Deoin and Jordan
Photo reprinted with permission of Quiana. Deoin and Jordan are two year old fraternal twins. Share your thoughts, opinions and advice in our comments section. More Worldless Wednesday...
Q&A: Is it Possible to Breastfeed Triplets?
Q: Is it possible to breastfeed triplets or other higher order multiples like quadruplets or more?
A: A big concern for moms of triplets and other supertwins is how to feed...
Big Births
Some interesting news from around the world this week. While the eyes of the world are on the Olympics in Beijing, two women in the middle east have achieved some...
Save Money on Diapers
All around us, costs are going up, up, up.
Photo reprinted with permission of Stephanie Guinn.
We're paying more for gas, food and everything else. For families with baby...
Do Twins Run in Your Family?
My favorite answer to this question is, "Well, they do now! They run up and down the stairs, and all around the house!" For some reason, people want to be...
About Twins & Multiples
Twins & Multiples
Help -- My Child Won't Go Potty in a Public Bathroom
A mom writes: "My daughter is 3 years old and has been doing great with potty training so far. When we're in public, however, she will scream and cry and...
How to Childproof your Home
If you're about to undergo the task of baby proofing your home, here are some tips and techniques that can help you keep your home safe and secure. You...
When You Need to Take a Break from Potty Training
A mother writes:
"My child is potty training today. We have stuffed her full of drinks and she pees about every 10 to 15 minutes. She has used the potty...
Photo Gallery of Baby Shower Cakes
When I had my baby shower, my cake the pretty standard sheet cake with multi-colored booties of frosting. It was from a place in Oklahoma City that is famous...
Treating Diaper Rash
These diaper rash remedies will give you options when it comes to treating diaper rash. Some remedies are all natural and organic, while others are commercial concoctions that are tried...
Readers Share Their Tips for Treating and Preventing Diaper Rash
Here are some other suggestions for treating diaper rash that have come from readers.
Steve wrote:
"The best remedy I've found is Desitin and cornstarch. When you clean the baby's bottom,...
Books on Potty Training
Savannah Readson the Potty
Photo © RoselleThese books are all geared to help increase your toddler's awareness of using the potty by introducing toileting concepts in a fun, age-appropriate manner. ...
Link Love for the Week of August 10, 2008
Board Skirts RecalledPhoto © CPSC
Here are 15 glowing gems that I happened upon this last week that I found informative, funny, real or otherwise enjoyable that you might also enjoy...
Australian Regulators Considering Label Change on Baby Food
I think this is an interesting story. What's happening is that food regulators are thinking about changing the labels on baby food...
The End of the Baby Borrowers
Well, The Baby Borrowers experiment is over. I'm sure some would say it couldn't have ended soon enough.As I continued watching and thought about how worried everyone was about...
About Babies & Toddlers
Babies & Toddlers
Go Camping This Summer
A family camping trip can be an affordable and fun alternative to the more traditional family vacation this summer. Cooking while camping out can be a bit of a challenge...
Save On Air Conditioning Costs
For people who live in warm climates, the cost to run the air conditioning will be one of the largest expenses during the summer months. You can save some money,...
Summertime Cookout
Summer is almost here and this means it's time for outdoor family barbecues. Here are some outdoor grilling recipes that my family enjoys, including one of my personal favorites,...
Lunch Ideas for Preschoolers
Trying to come up with good and different ideas for lunch is a real challenge for many parents. From our parenting questions and answers, Melinda asked, "Does anyone have any...
Avoid Home Business Scams
Some of you might be considering starting a home-based business so you can earn an income while staying home with your children. There are many wonderful opportunities and success stories...
Money Saving Tips for Your Home
With gasoline costing so much lately, I've been trying to find ways to cut back on other monthly expenses. Here are some money-saving tips our readers have shared for cutting...
Three Step Solution to Cleaning
As usual, we have spent most of this weekend cleaning up and working around the house, so I'm always looking for ways to get things done easier and faster. Christina...
Sleep Problems: Baby
From our Parenting Babies Q & A, Shannon asks, "I have a question: my little one will not eat solids or sleep at night! He is 8 months old. Does...
Save Money on Groceries
After our house payment, groceries and food are always my biggest expenses each month. Here are some simple tips from our readers to help you save money on groceries....
Money Saving Tips: Babies and Toddlers
Feeding, diapering and clothing babies and toddlers can be very expensive, but there are some simple ways you can save money on needed items. From homemade baby wipes to homemade...
About Stay-at-Home Parents
Stay-at-Home Parents
Back-to-School Readiness Checklist
Getting ready to go back to school is about more than new folders, back packs, and lunch boxes. It's also an opportunity for a fresh start, for yourself and...
New Day and Time for TLC's Must Love Kids
Did you notice that TLC's dating show for single moms, called Must Love Kids, has moved to Saturdays at noon? At first I wondered why they moved it. ...
Debbie Phelps: Positive Press for Single Parents Everywhere
I frequently remind my clients, and the single moms and dads who come into our forum, that children do, in fact, pay attention to the sacrifices you're making for them,...
Before You Hire a Family Law Attorney
Think of all the questions you've asked when it comes to your kids' well-being. You've interviewed babysitters, taken the time to get to know the parents of your kids'...
Make Dinner Without Stopping Off at the Store First
One fairly significant way to save money is to cut down on the number of times you go to the grocery store. Instead of stopping by every few days...
Reasons to Join a Single Parent Support Group
I truly believe there is strength in numbers. It's amazing, but something as simple as participating in a single parent support group -- whether it's online or in person...
The Number of Children Currently Living With a Single Parent
Let me ask you a question: Do you consider unmarried parents who are living in the same household, raising their kids together, to be "single parents?" I don't....
2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek is Underway
What are your thoughts on shared parenting? My view is that as long as both parents are fit to raise their children, they should be equally involved. Note,...
Living With Your Parents
Have you ever considered moving in with your mom and dad? Clearly, the thought doesn't sit well with every family, but it's an option that has helped many single...
"Help! My Child Dislikes My Boyfriend."
One quote that stood out to me when I watched last week's episode of Must Love Kids was when Vanessa said she would never date someone her kids...
About Single Parents
Single Parents
A PhD in putting out
An undergrad degree in sexuality studies is yesterday's hot topic. U of T is taking things to the next level with the country's first sex-ed grad school
No real advantage to starting kindergarten later
Holding a child back at home an extra year won't help academics in the long run, says study
The burnout factor
Year-round training and intense pressure to excel seems to be driving young athletes away. Have we taken the fun out of sports?
I left a boring coworker out of a group event
Now she glares at me whenever we encounter each other. Should I apologize?
Marriage survival strategies
Six simple rules add up to 25 years of (mostly) bliss
Stay away from them Catholic girls
I had my heart broken repeatedly, even took a belt buckle across the face. It took me years to learn to stop fighting the hunger for revenge and instead look for a woman who could see beyond my darkness, author Joel Hynes writes
Our daughter asked for money, we said no
Now she won't talk to us. What do we do?
Snoop at your own risk
When the kids find out you've been spying on them - and they often do - they will feel betrayed
My father cheated on my mother
I'm finding it hard to want to mend things with him. What should I do?
Lacing up for love
Our friends warned us that having a baby would mean the end of dinners out, movies and sex. Arrogantly, we thought we were above that fate. Then it happened to us. So we were forced to turn to our first line of defence: date night
The Globe and Mail - News
Canada’s best source for news continuously updated by The Globe and Mail
Cool Word Art Internet-Style
If you've been online for awhile now, you'll remember when ASCII art was prominent. There were no flashy smiley faces, roses and other emoticons to be had. We had to...
Virtual World Explosion
Virtual Worlds Management has recently released an updated list of virtual worlds for kids. According to their research that are more than 150 virtual worlds geared towards kids 18 and...
Sesame Street Launches a New Website Experience
Sesame Workshop has recognized the important role the Internet plays in the entertainment and education of today's preschoolers. Their response was the development of a 14 million dollar website which...
Club Penguin Parental Controls and Building Trust
One of my readers sent me a note to let me know that the much lauded Club Penguin Parental Controls don't seem to be doing what they are intended to...
Dam Webcam!
As environmental concerns rise, there has been much controversy about dams and their impact on local flora and fauna. This month, in the spirit of environmental renewal, New Hampshire says...
All About Parenting Blog Carnival: Back to School Tips?
The All About Parenting Blog Carnival is back on the Family Computing site. This month, we want to get your best blog entries about heading back to school. Do you...
Virtual Worlds for Teens
It seems like every day there's a new virtual world opening up. I've already highlighted some Virtual Worlds for Young Kids and Virtual Worlds for Tweens. Now it's time for...
Saying Goodbye to Dr. Randy Pausch
Today we lost Dr. Randy Pausch, the upbeat Carnegie Mellon professor who gave the infamous "last lecture" that inspired the world. Dr. Pausch delivered the lecture in September, 2007, just...
Another Blow for the Child Online Protection Act
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit agreed today with a 2007 lower court ruling against the Child Online Protection Act (1998). The law, also known as COPA,...
Win Free Software from Brighter Minds Media
Brighter Minds Media is giving away a pack of 5 cool software titles for the whole family, including Dodge That Anvil!, Venture Arctic, Wedding Dash 2, Thomas & Friends and...
About Family Computing
Family Computing
Fernando Cerra's Bird Photos
 Today's FamilyFirst pick is a nice little site that I syumbled upon called Fernando Cerra's Bird Photos.
I love birds, and i love good nature photography.
Both are in plentiful supply at today's FamilyFirst pick.
Cerra has shot a host of photos down in Mexico, and has a great selection of shots of parrots, waders, flycatchers, hummingbirds, and bears.
Bears?
Hey, it's not ALL bird photos. ... [View Site]
Truffles
 Ever heard of truffles?
No, I don't mean the chocolates, although they are pretty scrumptious themselves.
No, I'm referring to the fungus that grows one to three feet underground, on the roots of certain trees.
The mushroom has a unique pungent taste that makwes it a very sought-after delicacy.
In fact, it goes for about $3200 a pound!
So, how do you go about finding truffles, which grow wild all over the world?
The best way is with a trained pig. Really! ... [View Site]
Review: The Open Technology Group Training
 I've been a full-time geek for eight years now. And thanks to my company's wonderful training policy, that means that I've gotten a boatload of schooling on subjects that run the gamut from networking to system security to programming.
I've been to outstandingly good schools, as well as outstandingly bad ones.
So, where does one go to find out the difference?
Well, in the case of finding the BEST training, that would be by visiting the subject of today's FamilyFirst pick: a review of The Open Technology Group Training. ... [View Site]
Review: BigC Dino Lite Pro Digital Microscope
 BigC Dino Lite Pro Digital Microscope model AM-413T
Street price: $349.00
Requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Mac OSX
BigC Products
When I was a kid, I was a big fan of microscopy. I thrilled in seeing tiny life and inanimate objects under the lens magnified hundreds of times.
Thus, I jumped at the chance to review the subject of today's FamilyFirst column: the The Dino Lite Pro digital microscope.
Believe me, there's nothing "Lite" about this sophisticated tool. It's a serious piece of hardware that is suitable for medical or scientific usage.
It's also an intuitive, easy-to-install microscope for the hobbyist. ... [View Site]
How to Get Out of a Cell Phone Contract
 About five years ago, I had an extremely unpleasant experience with Cingular.
I signed what I was led to believe was a two-year contract with the. Two years later, I called to cancel it.
That's when I was informed that I had another year to go.
I know, my fault. I didn't read what I signed. I was instead misled by some slimebag who is probably selling used cars for some pay-by-the-week outfit now. But I had to pay up 150 bucks to stop doing business with them forever.
They are now owned by AT&T. I avoid them, too. As long as the Cingular name continues to exist, I will avoid whatever company owns them. ... [View Site]
What Linux Will Look Like in 2012
 In 2007, Microsoft released Vista amid much hoopla.
Today, over a year later, Vista has been called a triumph by a select few.
It has been reviled by many, many more.
Vista supporters claim that its nbumbers compare very favorably with those of XP a year after its 2001 release.
I was there. I don't recall any "I Hate XP" movements on the web.
Prediiction: Four years from now, barring a massive overhaul of Windows which would turn around users' perceptions of Microsoft's customer service, Linux will be taking a big enough share of home and business users' desktops to have a significant effect on Redmond's dominance. ... [View Site]
Mix Turtle - The Music Search Engine
 In case you hadn't heard, Pandora (a former FamilyFirst pick) is about to close up shop, thanks to exhorbitant licensing fees imposed by the record companies.
They were paying a flat fee. They were turning a profit. We had great streaming music. The record companies were getting paid.
Not good enough, quoth the clueless businessmen.
So another music site goes down, thanks to the RIAA and their faithful record companies.
With that, i present today's FamilyFirst pick: Mix Turtle - The Music Search Engine. ... [View Site]
Pilobolus on Conan O'Brien
 Ever heard of Pilobolus?
I hadn't, but I am now a fan.
Pilobolus is a dance troupe who perform in front of a backlit screen, so that it's their shadows that you see.
And what they make those shadows do is simply amazing.
Today's FamilyFirst pick is a routine performed by Pilobolus on the Conan O'Brien show. ... [View Site]
Search Me!
 Who is the king of search engines? Why Google, of course.
However, someone else was king before Google came along. And it's not written in stone that the big G will always be on top.
So what could be next?
I'll tell you what is NOT next. Cuil. Call me unimpressed.
However, today's FamilyFirst pick certainly caught my eye. it's innovating, it's different, it screams NEW!
It's called Search Me! ... [View Site]
Cream that Egg!
 How do you cream an egg?
I'm talking about a Cadbury Cream Egg.
Creamed, as in smashed to a pulp.
WITHOUT touching the hammer.
If you've ever heard of Rube Goldberg, or ever played the game Mouse trap, you'll relate to today's FamilyFirst pick.
It's called Cream that Egg!, and it's fascinating fun. ... [View Site]
Wikipedia: Cy Young
 Every year, one t6he most coveted major league baseball awards goes to the pitcher in each league who has proven himself head and shoulders above the rest.
Starting pitchers generally have two annual goals: win 20 games, and win a Cy Young award.
Just who was this Cy Young, anyway?
That question was on my mind when I found today's FamilyFirst pick: Wikipedia: Cy Young.
Young set some records that, in the light of how the game is played today, will never be broken. ... [View Site]
The Irena Sendler Project
 Have you ever heard of Irena Sendler?
I hadn't. However, now this remarkable woman is someone I'll never forget, along the same line as Oskar Schindler.
During the Nazi regime, Irena Sendler got herself assigned to work in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumber.
She convinced many, many Jewish parents of the dire situation that faced their children.
She smuggled over 2500 Jewish children out of the ghetto and into Polish families willing to adopt them.
She would take infants out of the ghetto in her toolbox. ... [View Site]
How to Start Guerilla Gardening
 Okay, today's FamilyFirst pick could potentially get you into trouble. So take what is said here with as many grains of salt as necessary.
A while back, we featured a site on guerilla gardening. The concept is simple: take an ugly piece of public land, plant some plants and flowers, and keep it in good shape.
Technically, it is against the law in many locales. However, it is a welcomed practice in many more.
Again, use your own discretion.
But if you'd like to give guerilla gardening a try, then today's FamilyFirst pick is for you. ... [View Site]
Eating Trees
 Have you ever heard of eating trees?
No, I'm not talking about Euell Gibbons.
I'm talking about trees that eat things!
Human things!
Things like motorcycles, fences, Christmas lights, bicycles, signs!
Sound intriguing? Read on... ... [View Site]
Gourmet Salt
 Today's FamilyFirst pick made me scratch my chin and go "Hmmmm..."
I must confess that I'd never heard of gourmet salt before.
But the fact is that the culinary world is blessed with many exotic salts, and today's FamilyFirst pick explores them.
For instance, there is fleur de sel, or flower of salt. Here is the site's description of this exotic salt:
This is the premier condiment salt. This artisan sea salt is comprised of "young" crystals that form naturally on the surface of salt evaporation ponds. They are hand harvested under specific weather conditions by traditional "Paludiers" (salt farmers). True Fleur de Sel comes from the Guérande region of France. Like fine wine regions, different areas within Guérande produce salts with their own unique flavors and aroma profiles. Uses: Ideal for salads, cooked fresh vegetables and grilled meats. ... [View Site]
Family First
My favorite cookbook
Readers share their favorite collection of recipes.
Put your fruit to the fire
Grilling caramelizes a fruit's natural sugars, lending it an outstanding flavor.
Follow your nose to the best fruit
If the aroma of a peach entices as much as its color, you've got a winner.
Experience World War I in 'real time'
Letters from a British soldier posted as a blog have gained a huge following.
Sneaky tactics in the food wars
Dad knew that if he could get my sister to try a new dish, I'd clamor for some, too.
The hunt is on for host families
Hosting a foreign exchange student improves global understanding, but fewer families are volunteering because of the poor economy.
A family stands at Kenya's crossroads
After last year's divisive election, Kenya slipped into chaos. One family's disparate experiences show the cruelty, and courage, of the days that followed.
A reporter's journey through the Olympics
He encounters consistently friendly Chinese volunteers, lamb skewers at 3 a.m., Swedish ping-pong, and the arcane rules of fencing.
What would summer be without the county fair?
Fun, food, and memories at Ohio's Allen County Fair.
A Spanish classic evolves
In Spain, chefs and home cooks love to experiment with the country's favorite cold soup, gazpacho.
Americans love picnics – except when they don't
Our attitudes toward picnicking are usually based on childhood memories.
Throwing the perfect picnic
Instead of going for the usual favorites, try something more exotic.
One school's unusual changes in the hallways and cafeteria
Lunchroom will have ‘judgment-free' seating area and all-access TV will allow parents to monitor whether their kids are wearing ninja clothes to class.
Cheap movies coming soon
Dining out requires too many decisions
We now have to choose among 26 kinds of recently discovered fish and pick a dessert from a six-tier cart pulled by an ox.
The not-so-perfect son
Parenting: A mom worries when her firstborn isn't above average in every way.
Squeezing every drop from a dollar
A one-man crusade to cope with higher energy costs.
A pen, a passport, a mission for Laos
In Laos, where books are a rare commodity, one mystery writer puts the nation in print – and helps put books in the nation.
Traffic stoppers
An increasing number of cities are temporarily closing streets to cars and opening them to pedestrians and cyclists. It fosters a greater sense of community.
Longshoremen drill team presents different image of dockworkers
At parades and other events, members of a local union in San Francisco dazzle crowds with a routine that is part Riverdance, part Marine Corps march.
A green thumbs-up to urban farming
At City Farmers Nursery, Bill Tall tends to visitors, animals, plants – and his mission to get city dwellers to grow their own food.
Relish the fresh flavor
A side dish concocted from what's in the fridge can perk up a summer meal.
Top pops: icy treats for summer heat
Review of 'Pops!" cookbook
Local corn, Italian flavor
Use seasonal staples in recipes that evoke another place.
Players gather in the Santa Cruz Mountains to make music from saws
Devotees of the old art form – including everyone from college professors to vaudeville performers – produce a symphony of sounds that are at once Halloween eerie and songbird sweet.
Christian Science Monitor | Living
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