I love recipes with five ingredients or less, so I was really interested when I saw a peanut butter cookie recipe in the October issue of Parents magazine. I had to try it!

I made the cookies and they (the ones that didn’t stick to the pan!) were actually really tasty. Both of my kids loved them. (I don’t blame the recipe for the cookies sticking…I just need to get a better cookie sheet!)

I don’t see the recipe on the Parents website. So, I’ll just say let you know that the three ingredients are peanut butter, sugar and an egg. You can pick up the October Parents magazine to get the full recipe. (It’s on page 208.)

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Free Credit Scores
In the September issue of Money magazine, I read about this free offer. It turns out that if you had a credit card within the past 20 years, you can get free credit monitoring for six months from TransUnion as part of a class action suit settlement. The usual cost is $60, but you can get it for free by visiting listclassaction.com or by calling 866-416-3470 by September 24th.

Beeper Charity
Recently, my husband and I were having dinner with another couple. The husband mentioned that he had five beepers at home that he didn’t know what to do with. I did a little research and found a place to donate the extra beepers while helping charities at the same time. So, if you’re looking to get rid of spare mobile phones, pagers or PDAs, you can do so at CollectiveGood.

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In the August issue of Parents magazine, there is a great article called “Adoption Diaries” that you can find here. The article shares various family stories (various degrees of open adoption; foster-care and international adoption). Afterwards, important details are provided regarding each option (domestic, international and foster care adoptions).

This article really made me think. Although, I definitely don’t want to have any more biological children, I’ve always wanted to adopt. I’m not sure if I will or won’t due to time, energy and financial constraints. Right now, two kids take up all of the energy that my husband and I have but who knows what the future holds when they’re both in school? In any event, if we ever do adopt, I’m leaning towards adopting a little girl from Ethiopia (for a variety of reasons that wouldn’t come out “right” in writing)…

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As I run across information that I find useful in preparing for my son to go to pre-school, I’ll be sharing it with you. This week’s focus is “getting ready for pre-k” books.

-I read a really great article in the August Time Out New York Kids magazine, called “Favorite back-to-school books“. In the article, NYC librarians share some of the best school-themed books that will help kids get excited about going to school. You can find the article online here. (I’ve put some of the books on hold at my local library and I will be checking local bookstores to see what they have in stock.)

And

-I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a “flash card mama”. I prefer to teach my kids in a more natural way. At the same time though, I want to make sure that my son is set up to win in preschool. The workbook that we’re using to make sure that the general bases are covered is Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills, Preschool. It’s pretty thick (almost 550) pages but very user-friendly. The four sections are: Basic Concepts and Skills; Writing Readiness; Reading Readiness and Mathematics Readiness. The writing sections are the ones that I find particularly helpful (those are the most challenging for my “want to get everything right the first time” left-handed boy). As an incentive, we give my son Michael a “check” every time that he completes a page. When every page has a check, he gets to pick out a special prize. (He’s already claimed his victor’s prize – a Wall.E. video game.)

The BIG Book

(To see what other moms around the web are “tackling” today visit Tackle it Tuesday).

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Michael will be going to preschool next month (yikes - where has the time gone?!). As such, I found the following two articles particularly useful:

-In the August issue of Real Simple, on page 122 they have an article on “how to save on school supplies”. The tips that especially apply to the preschool set are: take advantage of tax-free weekends (to see if your state participates, visit the Sales Tax Holidays site); wait for discounts (which typically occur in mid-August); and buy a backpack with a warranty.

And

-In the August issue of Parenting, on page 49 they have a section on “How to…shop smart for school”. It shares about what to buy now (the basics i.e. the teacher’s supply list) and what to buy later (things that kids often change their minds about i.e. lunch boxes).

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-Recently, Congress agreed on an act to restrict phthalates from toys and children’s products. This ban (if not vetoed by the White House) would take effect in six months. Read about it in this msnbc article.

-There always seems to be some controversy or another in the parenting area. Recently, a BabyTalk article, Breastfeeding Controversy: Milk Sharing, is creating quite a stir. The question posed was “Would you nurse another mom’s baby?” Then real moms and “experts” shared their opinions. I say “to each their own (within reason)”. As for me personally, I say “No thanks. That’s not my cup of tea!”

-If you are looking for more online reading pleasure, view this Top 100 Parenting and Child Rearing Blogs list that was compiled by X-Ray Technician Schools. (I have NO idea what the link is between x-ray technician schools and parenting, but I like a lot of the blogs on the list.)

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The July issue of Parents magazine was especially great. (There’s still a few days left to pick it up if you like.) I especially liked the following three articles:

-Read Your Child’s Mind (page 44): This is a really informative article about focusing on your kid’s feelings as a major part of your parenting discipline. The techniques are broken down by age (babies, toddlers, preschoolers, ages 5 to 8 and ages 9 to 12). I couldn’t find an online excerpt.

-What your doctor, babysitter, preschool teacher, and all the other pros in your life really wish you knew — but wouldn’t dare say to your face! (page 90): This cover story has a lot of useful advice. I especially liked the input from the preschool teacher since Michael will be starting preschool in the fall. I intend on doing what she advised and asking his teacher for a list of things she would like for the classroom — it shows that you care about the whole class, not just your child. (This article is online as a slideshow.)

And

-Carnival Party (page 106): I like to plan ahead. At the end of Michael’s “Pirates & Princesses” birthday party in March, I started thinking about whether or not he would get a big one next year. This year was fine, because Sean didn’t really understand the concept of parties, but there’s no way that we’re throwing two big parties two months in a row (Sean has a February birthday). So, I was thinking that if we do have something big, it would have to be a combined party that both the kids and their respective friends would enjoy. I started thinking of a “Coleman Family Carnival” type get-together. So, I was especially happy to see these fantastic “Carnival Party” birthday ideas. Of course, I’ll have to alter some of the ideas (due to city space limits) but they’re very cute. On a totally irrelevant note, it just so happens that the little boy whose party is featured in the magazine is named Michael too… (This article is online as a slideshow.)

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In my “quest” to be my physical best (while still having a life/enjoying an occasional dessert/etc.), I’ve come across a variety of books, magazines, DVDs, etc. One of those magazines that I really like is Women’s Health Magazine. The July/August issue is a really great mix of articles. My favorites:

-Take Your Licks is about the best “icy treats” (ice cream, fruit bars, sorbets, etc.) that are 160 calories or less. You can also see the winners online here.

-On the environmental side, Deforest Your Life gives 22 things to do in order to recycle your unwanted items (the proper way!) that you can read here.

-Women’s Health is also holding an “Ultimate Beauty” daily giveaway contest throughout July and August with prizes from MAC, Goody, Aveda and more.

And lastly,

-If you live in the NYC or the Chicago areas, you might want to check out their (free admission/open to the public) “Are Your Game” events. There will be workouts, fashion, beauty makeovers and more. They’re coming to NYC on 7/12 (this Saturday) and Chicago on 7/19/08. See their site for the full details.

(On another note, I was starting to wonder how magazines stay in business when so many of their articles are available online for free. I guess, it’s because of people like me – reading online is great but I don’t want to lug my computer with me everywhere that I read — the subway, the bathroom, wherever I can get a few free moments….).

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In the June issue of Real Simple (one of my favorite non-parenting magazines), they have a great article about sunglasses on page 215. They divide 15 pairs of shades into three categories: Best Neutral Tone Sunglasses, Best Metal Frame Sunglasses, and Best Colored Frame Sunglasses. The thing that I especially like is the variety. There’s something for everyone style-wise and price-wise (prices range from $17 to $395). Personally, I never spend a lot of money on sunglasses. (Like umbrellas, I lose them too easily and I don’t want to be upset with myself for throwing away money.) This article has several wonderful options wherever you fall on the price range. (You can also see this article online here).

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Today (June 19th) is Juneteenth. Starting back in 1865, it is currently one of the oldest celebrations commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. (It was on June 19th that Union soldiers brought the news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over/that the slaves were free.) For more information about the holiday and to find events near you that focus on bringing all people together, visit this site.

The June issue of Hallmark Magazine has a great article about celebrating this moment in American history along with some yummy ”Juneteenth Barbecue” recipes. You can also find it online here. (On a side note, I have no idea who bought me a subscription to this magazine, but I like it. Thanks!)

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