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The holidays are just around the corner. My kids are already getting excited about Santa, Jesus' birthday and of course all the delicious holiday goodies. This year you can make the holidays fun and healthy for your children. Below are a few recipes for healthy holiday snacks you can make with your kids.

It is a lot of fun to make your snacks colorful especially if you include the festive red and green.

Red and Green Fruit Platter

What you need: Green fruits:

kiwis
green grapes
green apples
gooseberries (canned)
honeydew melon (fresh or frozen)

Red fruits:

strawberries
cherries (canned or dried)
red grapes
cranberries (dried)
pomegranates
red apples

Simple directions: Wash, peel, and cut fruits as needed. Arrange on a platter in the shape of a wreath. Tips for preschoolers: Adults can cut fruits into triangles and squares. Talk about the colors and shapes of the fruit while arranging. Your child can help arrange the fruits by color, kind, and shape. Tips for older children: Encourage your child's artistic expression in arranging the fruits. Creative ideas include concentric circles, wedges, pictures, or something a little more abstract.

Stuffed Dates

What you need:

whole dates (pits removed)
walnut halves
granulated or powdered sugar (optional)

Simple directions: Slide walnut halves into the slits on each date. Squeeze the date flesh around the nut. Roll in granulated or powdered sugar or leave plain. Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving plate.

Roasted chestnuts

You can find fresh roasted chestnuts during the cold winter months at your local grocery store in America. Chestnuts are relatively low in fat and calories, which makes them a healthy snack. Keep in mind that fresh chestnuts are perishable, so store them in the refrigerator and keep them covered to prevent them from drying out. This is a quick and easy snack to make but cutting the tough outer shell does require a sturdy adult hand. You can ask your kids to peel off the brittle shells with their fingers, after baking.

What you need:
fresh chestnuts

Simple directions: Preheat oven to 425 F. Cut criss-cross slits through the shiny brown outer shell. This lets steam escape and prevents the chestnuts from exploding. (If the cut is deep enough it also makes peeling off the shells easier). Put in a shallow pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes or long enough to handle. Be sure to peel away both the outer shell and the bitter inner husk. Enjoy the sweet nutmeats inside. Note: Instead of baking chestnuts in an oven, try cooking them over an open fire. Avoid putting them directly in the flames or they will scorch.


Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, manages Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store, and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge.

Dr. McDougall's already popular vegan soup line has added five new organic flavors; Lentil Vegetable, Tortilla, Lower Sodium Vegetable, Lower Sodium Chunky Tomato and Lower Sodium Black Bean.

These delicious soups are ready to serve. All you need to do is heat them up in either your microwave or stove top. Each contain 2 servings per box and three of the organic soups contain only 290mg of sodium per serving. A cup of Dr. McDougall's organic soup along with a grilled cheese sandwich with natural cheese and whole grain bread makes a delicious and nutritious lunch for you or your kids.

"We believe a delicious soup should be satisfying and good for you," says Dr. McDougall's right Foods co-owner Rita Vinnicombe. "These great-tasting flavors cater to those who love soup and want to enjoy it free of pesticides and without the hidden calories from cream, butter, cheese or oil."

When the weather gets cold I love serving delicious hot foods with my meals. Dr. McDougall's organic soups make the perfect addition to my family's dinner. The wide variety of flavors please even the pickiest eaters at my dining room table. Dr. McDougall's Lower Sodium Black Bean soup is tomato free and my son who is allergic to tomatoes loves it.

These soups are also packaged in paper-based BPA-free packaging sourced exclusively from certified sustainable managed forests. You can find Dr. McDougall's Right Foods Organic Vegan Ready to Serve Soups in the natural food section of select traditional grocery stores, as well as in many natural food stores and online at www.rightfoods.com.

*Disclosure: I received one box of each of the flavors of Dr. McDougall's Right Foods Organic Vegan Ready to Serve Soups in exchange for this review. All opinions are accurate and 100% mine.


Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, manages Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store, and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge.

The Christmas Shop is now open at Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store and today only customers can get free shipping on EVERYTHING by using discount code cybermonday at the checkout.

Mom's Natural Health and Wellness carries everything from Natural Herbal Supplements from Native Remedies to Fitness gear for your home gym.

Are you looking for a unique gift for the natural health nut in your family? Here are a few suggestions from Mom's Natural Health and Wellness.

Ecco Bella cosmetics make a great gift. All Ecco Bella foundations are only $15.99.

Mom's Natural Health and Wellness also has great deals on Natural Bath and Body Care, and everything you will need for Pregnancy and Baby. Don't forget to check out the Christmas Shop for unique gifts, home decor and novelty items to help make the season bright.

About This Author


Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, manages Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store, and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge.

A good handbag can stop you in your tracks. You could be feverishly searching for handbags online, and there it is, shimmering in all its glory -- the perfect handbag. It can be an art to find a purse to match every outfit, but when the right handbag comes along, you know it.

There is no such thing as everyday handbags. Who carries the same bag all day? A working mom might need a huge hobo bag for driving the kids to daycare, a selection of smart handbags for the office, a gym bag for her afternoon workout, and a practical handbag for a trip to the supermarket before dinner. The so-called everyday handbag needs to perform many functions, and that's why it's so hard to find the perfect one.

Let's start small and consider the petite statement purses that are so hot right now. Whether the occasion is a black-tie affair or a jog in the park, every girl needs a selection of tiny handbags to hold a cell phone, credit card, lipstick, and other little essentials. It's easy to find a selection of diminutive handbags online, many with smart features like side-zip pouches and clip-on straps.

On the other end of the spectrum are the enormous leather handbags currently carried by fashionable celebrity types. Voluminous handbags resembling luggage can hold everything necessary for the super mom on the run, or even an unexpected overnight trip. Among the selection of huge handbags are luxurious jungle cat patterns, sexy suede, and sleek snakeskin designs.

Handbags for the office are taking a no-nonsense approach, with boxy construction that looks a lot like envelopes and briefcases. Hand-held clutch purses are in, with handy wrist straps that make the bags easier to carry. Hounds-tooth checks and simple plaid designs add retro workplace flair to this season's handbags for the office.

When searching for the perfect handbag, definitely consider the hottest styles for the season. Currently in vogue are extremely tiny and outrageously oversized bags. Leather handbags with animal fur or snakeskin motifs are trending too. Outlandish embellishments, like oversized zippers, spun metal straps, glittering studs and dangling chains, are adding to this season's handbag selection. In short, designers are promoting a funky fashion sense that makes it more fun than ever to shop for handbags online.

Melissa Davis is chief in editor at http://facetwister.com, young but fearsome lady with painfully good sense of fashion and fashion streams. Melissa previously worked for number of print magazines as leading stylist and fashion adviser. Her idea is to introduce her audience to the latest fashion trends and to offer advice that will help every woman to fell as beautiful and glamorous as she possibly can.Also loves to write about beauty and health topics.

Kids say the funniest things. Visit The Zoo to find out what Goose, Kitty, Parrot, Monkey and Little Bear are saying today.


What is the funniest thing that your children have said? I would love to hear your stories.

Shapes are everywhere! From clovers in your backyard to the octagon on the stop sign, shapes are something your child likely sees every day. You can help your child appreciate these sights by ensuring he knows the proper name for each shape and can easily identify each shape. Also, by learning to draw each shape your child will be able to express himself clearly through drawings.


Fortunately, teaching children about the shapes is fun and easy since shapes are really all around us!


For example, start with the first meal of the day: breakfast! You can cut your child's toast or pancakes into a certain shape and make that shape the "shape of the day." For example, cut your child's toast into a large heart and discuss the shape while your child eats. Then, give your child a "love letter" on a heart-shaped piece of paper by writing a little "I love you" or "I think you are special" or another fun little phrase. You could also give your child some pink or red clothing to wear to further celebrate "heart day."

Fullbar the popular weight loss bars, created by bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Snyder has introduced a new and improved product line featuring better taste along with Slendesta a clinically-proven fullness ingredient.

How Does Fullbar with all-natural Sledesta work?

These new weight loss bars keep you full in two different ways. A lot like bariatric surgery, Fullbar works with your body to stimulate your nervous system and your hormones so that you feel full and you eat less. After eating a Fullbar the upper part of your stomach gets stretched out and tells your brain that you are full. All natural Slendesta is designed to promote the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) in your digestive track to make you fuller, longer. A lot of dieters quit their diets prematurely because they are hungry still after a meal. The new and improved Fullbars prevent this from happening.

I had the opportunity to try these delicious new and improved Fullbars myself and I was impressed with the results. Even though I am more interested in maintaining my weight instead of losing weight eating the right amount of calories and curbing sweet cravings are very important to me. I like to snack throughout the day and eat small meals. This helps me keep my metabolism in check. But when it is snack time sometimes I crave something sweet. Chocolate is my biggest temptation. I know it isn't very good for me, but if I have something chocolate in the house I tend to gravitate toward it. Eating a delicious double chocolate Fullbar meats this craving without the guilt.

After eating a Fullbar along with a glass of water I noticed that I no longer craved anything sweet and was not hungry again for another three to four hours. Fullbars are made with brown rice and soy protein. They also contain 5g of fiber and only 4g of fat so I know I am getting a healthy snack with a Fullbar.

The new and improved Fullbars come in five delicious flavors: Double Chocolate Cocoa Chip, Peanut Butter Crunch, Chocolate Caramel, Cranberry Almond and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

If you are trying to lose weight or just need something to help you maintain your weight and curb your cravings, eating two Fullbars per day along with a glass of water will help you with your goals.

The newly-formulated line of Fullbar's will be available to consumers nationwide in January 2012. For more information on Fullbar please visit fullbar.com. You can also follow Fullbar on Twitter and Facebook.

*Disclosure: I received a box of Chocolate Peanut Butter Fullbars with Slendesta and a box of Double Chocolate Cocoa Chip Fullbars with Slendesta in exchange for this review. All opinions are accurate and 100% mine.


Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, manages Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store, and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge.

It’s happening again. An ornament exchange. From your family to another family.

Last year’s ornament exchange was a success. And now Michelle over at Hi Mamma wants you to help spread some cheer!

Welcome to this year’s ornament exchange.

Please read my sister’s blog post over at Hi Mamma Designs regarding this sweet, inexpensive tradition she has started.

She needs to know if you are interested by December 2, 2011!

When I heard that there is a product that can get stinky smelly deodorant stains out of t-shirts that have been there for years I had to try it out for myself.

Deo-Go is a new formula designed to be 100% effective in removing hardened, build up stains which appear on the armpits of clothing.

All you need to do is spray it on the under arms of your stained shirts and let it soak for 20 minutes. Then throw the garment separate from your regular laundry in your washing machine. If the stain doesn't come out the first time you can repeat the process.

I don't normally wear pink, however about twelve years ago I purchased a pink t-shirt and it is the most comfortable t-shirt I own. The stains under the armpits are so bad that the shirt now has an offensive odor. When I applied Deo-go to the stains and followed the directions on the bottle I was surprised at the results.

After letting the shirt soak in Deo-go for 20 minutes and washing it all by itself, the stains still did not come out. But once I treated it again, this time letting it soak overnight they came right out. This product does work, but if your stains are really ground in like mine it might take a couple of tries.

The lighting isn't very good in these photos so you may not see the stain, but if you look close it is there.

Is Deo-go worth the investment?

You can purchase a bottle of Deo-go online for $11.49 and it will treat up to 15 shirts. They also have a money back guarantee. If their product doesn't get the stains out then you can get your money back. The average price of a t-shirt is around $10-15 so if you throw away 15 t-shirts because they have stains on them you are throwing away $150-225. If you value your t-shirts then that is a hug chunk of change and yes, Deo-go is worth the investment.

To learn more about Deo-go and purchase a bottle visit getdeogo.com.

*Disclosure: I received a bottle of Deo-go in exchange for this review. All opinions are accurate and 100% mine.


Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, manages Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store, and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge

Children are by nature egocentric - in other words, their world revolves around them. They are particularly tuned into what they want and what they believe they need, and for the first years of their lives parents tend to most of their desires.

One great way to add a bit of drama or flair to an outfit is to add coordinating accessories that enhance the overall look. The trendiest, most fashionable accessories are glittery ones that add a splash of fun and color to anyone's look. The top 5 glittery fashion accessories of the season can work with just about any fashion choice.

Handbags
Glittery handbags are extremely popular right now, and you can pair them with almost anything. Gorgeous glittery handbags come in a variety of colors like red, black, silver, or gold. They really add a bit of playfulness to any look. A big glittery handbook can coordinate with basic denim jeans while a small silver or gold handbag can look great standing in contrast to a black dress. Use the glittery handbag to add the perfect punch of color to your wardrobe.

Wristbands
Glittery wristbands and wristbands with glittery rhinestones really make a cute fashion statement. These neat accessory items are eye-catching and come in many different designs. Some are covered in glitter while others have glittery images or designs printed on them. One cute wristband design spells the wearer's name in glitter on the band. You can even get wristbands customized using glitter. Think of glitter wristbands as sparkle for the wrists.

Clips
Another glittery accessory is the hair clip. Hair clips can be worn on top of the head or on the sides of the head to pull the hair back and away from the face. A glittery hair clip can add an interesting detail in the hair and draw attention to the head. These cute clips tend to catch the light, which makes them shine and sparkle even more. For girls who want an accessory that has a function and has style, the glittery clip is the answer. It can also coordinate well with other glittery accessories like the wristband or the handbag. Just be careful not to overdo the amount of glitter. Glittery accessories should complement a look without overpowering it.

Watches
Cool, glittery watches are very trendy. These glamorous accessories can feature glitter in one of three ways. Some watch bands are glittery. Other watches have glitter around the watch's face. Then, there are super glittery watches that have glitter around the face of the watch and on the band. These sparkly accessories are fully functional and give off a fun vibe. Any girl who lifts her sleeve to see the time will surely smile when she sees this adorable watch.

Sunglasses
Think of sunglasses as accessories for the face. One new trend in sunglasses is glitter. The glitter gives off a shiny look that can look great against the skin and make-up. Even when the sunglasses are worn on top of the head or hung on the collar of the shirt, the glittery glasses will still add a bit of color and glamor to an outfit.

If you are looking for new fashion accessories to buy, look for glitter, and go for the glam.



Melissa Davis is chief in editor at http://facetwister.com, young but fearsome lady with painfully good sense of fashion and fashion streams. Melissa previously worked for number of print magazines as leading stylist and fashion adviser. Her idea is to introduce her audience to the latest fashion trends and to offer advice that will help every woman to fell as beautiful and glamorous as she possibly can.Also loves to write about beauty and health topics.

Many women, and even some men, are affected by cellulite -- the lumpy, bumpy skin that is often found on the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, and upper arms. Although the term “cellulite” implies a medical condition, cellulite is really nothing more than fat beneath the skin.

Cellulite’s dimpled appearance results from under-the-skin fat that pushes against connective tissue. This pushing causes the skin to pucker. Cellulite is not a harmful condition, but it can be an aesthetics issue. Many women are self-conscious and embarrassed about their cellulite, and they will try almost anything to remove it.

Many cellulite treatments promise amazing results. But are they really effective for treating lumpy, dimpled skin? And are cellulite treatments safe? This overview compares six popular treatment methods.

Topical Creams And Lotions

Topical treatments are the easiest and least expensive approach to the cellulite problem. They are designed to stimulate fat cells, melt fat, and remove toxins. Lotions and creams are safe for hydrating and softening skin, but most are ineffective for removing cellulite. Retinol creams, or lotions that contain methylxanthines (caffeine), have been shown to improve skin appearance over time.

Weight Loss And Diet

Cellulite is a skin problem, not a fat problem. So dieting alone will not remove cellulite. But weight loss is still a safe and beneficial cellulite treatment. Losing excess pounds and improving muscle tone can enhance the skin’s appearance. And diets that are rich in skin-healthy nutrients -- lecithin, antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids -- help to prevent fat from migrating to the skin’s surface.

Light And Laser Therapy

Light therapy is one of the most promising medical treatments for cellulite removal. The system use light, radio frequencies, and lasers to treat the problem on a cellular level. Although this treatment method is expensive, studies have shown it effective in more than 80 percent of patients. It is a safe and long-lasting cellulite treatment.

Liposuction Surgery

While many women turn to liposuction for cosmetic reasons, it is not an effective cellulite treatment. As surgery, it is also riskier than other treatment methods. Complications can result from any surgery. Best known for reshaping a woman’s body, liposuction has little effect on the removal of cellulite. In fact, it may actually worsen the skin dimples.

Mechanical Massage Therapy

Endermologie, a high-tech mechanical massage, is another treatment option for cellulite. It combines suction and rollers to alter the connective tissue beneath the skin. The procedure is safe, and it makes a noticeable impact on cellulite. But the results are temporary and short-lived. Endermologie treatments are costly, too, and the best results require several treatments.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a new and controversial cellulite treatment. It blends several FDA-approved medicines (approved for other purposes) with vitamins and herbs. The treatment is formulated to dissolve fat cells and septa bands in connective tissue. Doctors administer the medicine by injection, and several treatments are required for long-term results. The safety of mesotherapy has been called into question, as the “medication cocktail” is experimental. Experts believe it could negatively affect the liver and other parts of the body.

Melissa Davis is chief in editor at http://facetwister.com, young but fearsome lady with painfully good sense of fashion and fashion streams. Melissa previously worked for number of print magazines as leading stylist and fashion adviser. Her idea is to introduce her audience to the latest fashion trends and to offer advice that will help every woman to fell as beautiful and glamorous as she possibly can.Also loves to write about beauty and health topics.

It’s that time of year and the email requests and phone calls from mamas on how to boost the immune systems of their youngsters are coming in. For the record, this is not medical advice, rather what I have seen work from experience supporting families via nutrition and coaching for more than a decade.

Babies get their primary nutrient support from breast milk while exclusive breastfeeding is happening. In this case it’s up to mama to work the best foods and supplements into her own diet to sustain herself and baby. Our girls got probiotics from only weeks old, and I gave it to them by spoon, and as it was such a novelty it was always a hit. I do recommend beginning a cod liver oil regimen for baby after 3 months, at ½ tsp a day.

For babies a powder multivitamin/mineral is great. The one I use is NOT to replace formula if you are formula feeding, but is meant to work with preventing and supporting the baby who may have food sensitivities or allergies. It’s got about 8 grams of rice based protein and can be mixed with water, rice milk or breast milk (I don’t recommend juice at this age).

Toddlers are in a species category of their own, aren’t they? Some are picky eaters and some eat everything you hand them. Mostly I find that toddlers will eat anything you eat, and will eat anything they help to prepare. They will also eat, without issue, that which has been introduced from early on.

Enter in the conversation of cod liver oil. Yes, the stuff your grandma talks about taking when she was a child. Probably your grandmother’s cod liver oil wasn’t flavored with lemon to cut the taste of fish, and today we have those options. Cod liver oil is such a great way to boost immunity. It can be used in treatment of chronic and infectious disease, improves brain function and memory, can prevent cavities, can reverse and prevent diabetes and the list goes on. Introducing a daily teaspoon of this now will have them familiar with this routine versus attempting to introduce it when the child is older, has a stronger will and may win that battle.

A multivitamin/mineral is important and the powder based product I mentioned for babies is applicable here. It’s easy, can be blended with frozen berries into smoothies or straight up in milk or water, shaken and consumed that way. There are also great chewable and liquid multi forms available. Daily probiotics are also recommended as most children these days have been treated with antibiotics at some point and the delicate balance of intestinal flora is likely compromised.

Probiotics will help to support the immune system and promote healthy
digestion. Cod liver oil is a must, though unless your kids are comfortable swallowing a gel capsule, liquid is the preferred form. If they won’t take it as a liquid, you can give them an EPA/DHA Omega 3 supplement and those can typically be found in chewable form.

The multivitamin/mineral product mentioned for babies and tots is also applicable here. This is especially true if your child is working with food sensitivities and allergies. If this doesn’t fit your lifestyle or interest you could use a multivitamin/mineral chewable.

Vitamin D supplementation is also something you in the least want on hand at home if your child isn’t taking it daily. To fight off flu and work with the common cold and whatever else is going around school.

These are just the basics of what one can do to support their babies, tots and kids in being healthy. I have found the supplements one can purchase in the stores aren’t a nutraceutical grade. You can purchase a higher quality product typically through your chiropractor, naturopath, homeopath or someone such as myself.

About the Author

Nichi Hirsch Kuechle supports mom from Preconception through Early Childhood as a Parent Coach, out of Minneapolis. She publishes a bi-monthly e-zine called Natural Family, which offers tips, ideas and resources for naturally raising your children. She also teaches a variety of live and virtual workshops. She has a special bonus for you, the New Parent Tool Kit, which you can get for FREE by logging onto www.myhealthybeginning.com

When Sabrina LaBow had her baby girl in August of 2010, as a new mom she learned that babies love movement. Her newborn enjoyed dancing around with her mom and it soothed her to sleep. Sabrina thought that it would be a wonderful idea to offer dance classes for moms and their babies. In November, 2010 she started Sling and Dance.

These fun and unique classes are offered in several locations in and around Los Angeles, CA. Recently, The Healthy Moms Magazine had the chance to ask Sabrina a few questions about her dance classes.

When did you start Sling and Dance?
I started it at my neighbor's house with a few moms in my neighborhood in November 2010. Then I expanded it to different locations in April 2011.

Why did you decide to offer this program?
I really wanted to come up with a business venture that would involve my daughter. Also, there were no Mommy and Me classes where moms could get together socially and bond with their babies and actually get a good workout.

From watching the video on your website it looks like your classes are a lot of fun. What have your students said about Sling and Dance class?
One mom described it best. She said it's like Mommy and Me meets Zumba.

What kind of music do you dance to in your classes?
Fun, pop music. The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez.

I also noticed that your classes are offered all over the LA area and you have professional dancers and personal fitness trainers that work for you. What does the future look like for Sling and Dance? Do you think you will expand further than L.A.?
My ultimate goal for Sling and Dance is to create a lifestyle brand. Yes, I'd like to expand and possibly franchise the classes across the country, produce a DVD as well as a Sling and Dance carrier. And ultimately I'd love to do a daytime talk show for moms.

What can moms expect to get out of the Sling and Dance program?
A chance to bond with their babies, burn some calories and socialize with other moms. At the end of the day, ultimately, I hope they walk away and say they had a really good time.

Do you have any advice for new moms who are trying to lose that extra baby weight?
Come sign up for the class! Try to stay active, whether it's going for a walk or dancing with your baby in your living room. It's really about exercising, eating well, and drinking a lot of water.

How can moms sign up for a class and where are they offered?
They can go to my website at www.slinganddance.com to see the different locations all over L.A. and for more information.

The Healthy Moms Magazine encourages moms in the greater L.A. area to check out these wonderful classes. One lucky Healthy Moms Magazine reader can win a Sling and Dance class. You must reside in the greater L.A. area in order to enter. All you need to do is like Sling and Dance on Facebook and follow Sling and Dance on Twitter. Then leave us a comment.

This contest is open to greater L.A. residents only and ends on November 28, 2011 at 8am PST.

For extra entries:
Subscribe to our Healthy Living Newsletter

Follow Me on Twitter

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E mail the link to our site or this contest to a friend (make sure you BCC talbertcascia @ yahoo dot com so I have proof of the e mail)

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Add The Healthy Moms Magazine to your blogroll.

Blog about this contest. Make sure you include a link back.

For every entry including extra entries please leave a separate comment. Winners will be chosen randomly from the comments and e mails that I receive. The contest ends on November 28 , 2011 at 8am PST and is open to anyone in the Greater L.A. area. Please leave your e mail address in your comments. All comments without e mail addresses will be disqualified.



Cascia Talbert is a busy blogger, publisher, freelance writer, online merchant and mother of five children, living in The Pacific Northwest. With a B.A. in history and law and a passion for writing and staying healthy, she started The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007. The Healthy Moms Magazine is currently ranked the top health blog for moms and features several health expert writers and mom bloggers. Ms. Talbert believes that if mothers are well educated on health issues and how to stay healthy, they can pass that information down to their children and reverse the childhood obesity statistics in the U.S.

Ms. Talbert is a featured health blogger at Wellsphere.com and her articles can also be found on ezinearticles.com. She also runs the Healthy Moms Social Network on Ning, manages Mom's Natural Health and Wellness Store, and is on the Social Media Advisory Board for America's Wellness Challenge.