Cuisine to Go is HIRING Mobil Waiters.

Mobile Waiter – Cash every shift (Exton/West Chester/Downingtown) Cuisine to Go, a Busy Restaurant Delivery Service is looking for drivers.

Cuisine to Go has partnered with over 25 local Chester County restaurants to deliver their food to local residences, corporate offices and hotels. Cuisine to Go is looking for dinner and lunch shift drivers. Drivers must be located in the Exton area and must have knowledge of Exton, West Chester and Downingtown. Also need a cell phone with unlimited texting and a GPS. Drivers create their own schedules each week and receive cash at the end of each shift! Check out the Cuisine to Go website at http://www.cuisinetogo.net to see the restaurants we currently deliver for.

 Apply Here

Requirements:
 ****Must be 21****
– Must have own vehicle with valid insurance
– Must be willing to wear a Cuisine To Go polo or vest with Black or Khaki pants
– Knowledge of the Exton, Downingtown, West Chester area a must
– Person also needs to be RELIABLE
– Must have good driving record, we are required to background checks
– Flexible schedule, 4 hour shift max
– Paid cash at the end of every shift!!!

Shutterfly Cards: Your Go To Site For The Holiday Season ($50 Gift Card Giveaway Opportunity)

Shutterfly has sponsored this post, and because of that, we are so lucky to benefit from a Win-It-Wednesday for one lucky reader!  Our giveaway is a code for $50 off your total order (plus free shipping) at Shutterfly.com!  Isn’t that awesome?  

I’ve been perusing the website, a bit obsessively, to pick the cards I love most.  I can’t seem to narrow it down beyond these.  My top 5 holiday cards are:

The “Shine So Bright” Hanukkah card looks so sharp with a B&W photo.  And the trendy chevron design makes it really sharp!

Ah, one of my favorite sayings! And I have 3 cherubs, so it showcases them well. I also like that it’s respectful of the different holidays.

Ain’t that the truth! And it opens so you can write a personalized message to family and friends.

I love how many photo spots this one holds. And I think a square card looks so classy.

The Geometric Border card is great because you can create your own greeting. At first glance, this one just looks so classy! Plus, you can customize it to add 1 to 5 photos. I should also mention that there are new card design styles for 2013 – 5×7 folded tri-fold & back of card designs: Classic: Traditional colors, iconic illustrations, aspirational sentiments, snowflakes, monogramo   Contemporary: trend forward colors, texture and layering, water color techniques, shine, glitter, Instagram pictures are perfect for this styleo   Whimsy: humor and nostalgia meet, fun sentimentso   Merry and Bright: all about color and having funo   Religious: metallic type treatments, incorporated story ideaso   Photo Basics: multiple colors, vertical type, family name highlights

For $50 you can really purchase a LOT of holiday cards, or just pick out the right amount and use the rest of that money to buy some holiday photo gifts!  Here are two of my favorites:

This iPad Case is great for a loved one who may be getting an iPad for a gift!

There are Dry Erase Decals!  And their uses are endless. I would change “Notes” to say “Menu” and this makes the perfect gift for my Mommy friends!

Need some more inspiration?  Mark your calendar for October 16th at 8pm ET and then head over to @ResourcefulMom Pinterest Party ™ #PhotosYouLove.  Make sure you RSVP to follow live!

And finally, the giveaway for a $50 off total order (plus free shipping) code at Shutterfly…. Giveaway ends on Sunday, October 13th, so click here to enter right away!  

Disclosure:  Shutterfly sponsored this ad.  Though I did not receive payment, they did give me a credit to receive free Shutterfly cards or photo gifts for this holiday season.  Which is great, since we typically order our holiday card from Shutterfly.com anyway! Wahoo! – Melissa

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NEW Delicious Dessert from Weight Watchers that is under 100 calories

I hate diet food, and I have no tolerance for fake flavors, so when I was presented with the opportunity to try bakery style brownies that were calorie conscious, I was doubtful. Can you really have bakery style brownies on a calorie budget? Not possible, right? Well, I was proven wrong.

I had the opportunity to sample Weight Watchers Brownie Bliss, the latest addition to their Sweet Baked Goods line of products that satisfied the cravings of this chocoholic. I have to say that they were really good.

These bite-sized diet buddies were packed with high quality chocolaty flavor, and the best part is that they come in two flavors: Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss and Triple Chocolate Brownie Bliss.

Let’s start with the Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss. Imagine a chocolate brownie, topped with a layer of peanut butter, then dipped in another layer of chocolate, and drizzled with more peanut butter. These were so good that my husband, and friend, Kathi, were totally sold in a blind taste test. At only 2 points, and 90 calories each, this indulgence won’t crash your diet or fill you with guilt.

And, if that does not sound good enough, they also offer Triple Chocolate Brownie Bliss. These brownies are layered with real chocolate ganache, and drizzled with a third layer of chocolate. These were my absolute favorite! They are also only 2 points and a measly 80 calories!! SCORE!

So, Weight Watchers Brownie Bliss snacks are perfect to enjoy whenever a craving hits. They do not taste “diet”, and because they are individually wrapped, they are portable and mess free. I was happy to tuck a box into the pantry at home, and into my desk at work. So, if you’re a chocoholic, like me, look for them on the shelves of your favorite stores, and give into your sweet tooth without feeling bad about it.

 Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network.  All opinions are my own.  

It’s Time To Go Back To Baby Basics With RETRO BABY!

 New AAP Book, Retro Baby, Encourages Parents to Return to the Baby Basics – Emphasizes the Importance of One-on-One Play with Children in 

Their Early Stages of Life and Recommends Over 100 Time-Tested Activities

While bouncers, walkers, carriers, electronic toys, and “educational” videos are intended to make parents’ lives easier and children smarter, according to a new book published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should consider reducing their baby’s time spent with gadgets and bond the old fashioned way by going back to basics.

Leading pediatric occupational therapist and child development specialist Anne Zachry, PhD, OTR/L is the author of Retro Baby: Cut Back on All the Gear and Boost Your Baby’s Development With More Than 100 Time-Tested Activities (American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2013), a new book intended to help parents and caregivers understand the importance of one-on-one play with children during the early stages of life. With over 20 years experience, Zachry understands that each family and baby have different needs and in her book, she offers many flexible strategies and suggestions for playtime that provide lots of opportunities to spend valuable time with baby, creating that special bond that with last a lifetime.

Incorporating the latest recommendations from the AAP with extensive research by Zachry and other experts in her field, Retro Baby covers how an infant’s brain, body, motor and sensory skills develop, explain the negative impacts of overusing certain baby gear, and provide specific instructions for play positions and activities that are appropriate for each developmental stage, giving parents both a starting point and guidelines to help them properly invest in their child’s development and future.

Packed with more than 100 wonderful activities based on modern day research, Retro Baby is a comprehensive guide that will help parents and caregivers:
             · Learn how crucial connections are formed between a child’s brain and muscles                        during the first year of life.
             · Discover how the over use of some products can hinder infant exploration.
             · Observe how good old-fashioned play affects your baby’s development in a 
             · Try a variety of ideas that enhance baby’s ability to learn.
             · See how to make traditional, handmade toys using common household items.

Retro Baby also includes chapters on keeping your sleeping baby safe, practicing tummy time and preventing positional skull deformities.

“I’ve discovered that many parents do not understand of the dangers of extended equipment use and overexposure to technology,” said Zachry.  She adds, “All of the information in ‘Retro Baby’ will help parents play a role in building a solid foundation for their child’s future skills in school and in life. When you use this authoritative up-to-date source, you’ll be faithfully supporting- but not rushing- your baby’s mastery of developmental milestones.”

Retro Baby is currently available for pre-order through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com, and will be available this fall at bookstores nationwide.

About the Author:
Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and child development specialist with more than 20 years experience. Her research on this subject has been published in national peer-reviewed journals and her profession’s trade magazines as well as a number of parenting magazines. She cites and extensively supports AAP policy and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and has lectured at the University of Memphis and is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center. Her blog, “Pediatric Occupational Therapy Tips: 
(www.drzachryspedsottips.blogspot.com) averages 30,000 hits monthly.

Product Details:
Author: Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L
Publication Date: October 2013
Price: $16.95
Available through Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and bookstores nationwide

Recap:
Retro Baby arms parents and caregivers of children birth to 24 months with important advice including:

• Activities, tips (and even homemade toy suggestions) for building a solid sensory motor foundations throughout various stages of a child’s development;
• The proper and healthy daily amount of time to use various types of baby gear; certain baby gear to avoid;
• Tips for practicing Tummy Time;
• Preventing Positional Skull Deformities. 

**Be the first to get your own book by entering our giveaway here!**

Disclaimer:  I was sent a free copy of this book for my personal reading pleasure in exchange for posting this information.

Chester County Day is on October 5, 2013. Tickets are still available!

Purchase Chester County Day tickets >

Learn more about the Chester County Day House Tour > 

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There must be something about this crisp fall weather that really brings us back to our roots. As the leaves change color and the daytime hours stay cooler, our thoughts turn toward those comforts of the season – cozy sweaters, slow-cooked Sunday meals and pick-your-own specials at Chester County’s local farms. October brings that desire to tap into family traditions and return to familiar places. 

 
Chester County Day, an October tradition in its 73^rdyear, complements that desire to return to familiar comforts. This Saturday – October 5 – 27 locations will open their doors to Chester County Day ticket holders to tour and enjoy for the day. Guests will be welcomed into private homes they’ve seen in their travels around the county that have left them wondering what they must look like inside.

Original landmarks, restored farms, historically significant homes and some new beauties with stunning décor and beautiful grounds are awaiting your arrival. The 2013 house tour will feature homes along quintessential country roads in the northwest quadrant of Chester County and a walking tour of historic homes in West Chester Borough.

There are three distinct “loops” on the tour featuring 18 homes and 9 historic landmarks. With your ticket, you are welcome to see them all.

1. Historic Walking Tour of West Chester Borough – Centered around Marshall Square Park on East Marshall Street, the seven homes on this part of the tour will show you why West Chester was listed among This Old House magazine’s “Best Old House Neighborhood” in 2012.
2. Coatesville Historic District – The public landmarks of one the country’s oldest iron and steel cities are the focus of this section of Chester County Day. You’ll get to know historic importance of Lukens Steel, visit the home of a renowned architect, and tour a farm that has been in the same family for nine generations.
3. Ironmaster’s Country – Located in the northwest countryside of Chester County, Isabella Furnace, now a private residence, will be among the featured homes. Another home will display more than 200 Bonsai trees. And touring the beautiful barn and grounds of Wyebrook Farm, which has been farmed continuously for the past 200 years, will introduce budding “agritourists” to the concept of sustainable farming.

Tickets cost $40 each and will be sold up until the day of the event, with a limited number available at each house for those who decide the morning of the event. Due to the nature of this event, all children must be over the age of 12 to attend. (Sorry, no babes in arms.)

So moms – call the babysitter, grab a friend and make a day of “the Day”!

The architecture, artistry and antiques of these Chester County landmarks await you. Please attend Chester County Day – the nation’s oldest house tour – and help support the Chester County Hospital.

The Steve Harvey Show is Coming to Philadelphia – Casting Notice

The Steve Harvey Show is looking for to feature Philadelphia people on the show. Producers are looking for a broad range of topics.

•  Having issues with your kids? 
•  Has your family been arguing over the family business? 
•  Family divided because siblings aren’t getting along? 
•  Does your group of girlfriends need help with guys? 
• Are you a single girl who wants help finding a man? 
• Need help introducing your new boyfriend to your parents? 

If you have an issue and would like to get Steve Harvey’s help… Contact Michelle at 312-836-4831 or email michelle.barnard@steveharveytv.com

Interested or know someone that might be interested? Filming will be in Philly the weekend of October 18th.
(If you get on the show, make sure to let us know so we can watch for you!)

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in the heart of Dutch Country, PA

I’ve lived in Chester County for 3.5 years and somehow this past week was my first adventure to Cherry Crest!  What is wrong with me?!?!?!  Do not, I repeat, do NOT, allow yourself to miss out on this place like I did!  What a fabulous time for children, and adults, of all ages!

Discovery Barn and the yard of animals. Including the “goat bridge”.

We arrived at 10:00am when they opened, and went to the Discovery Barn where there were baby chicks, and incubator with eggs where we saw one chick pecking through, butter being made, a train table, videos, and a yard full of farm friends like rabbits, pigs, and goats.  The kid goats ran wild and were super friendly.  There was a cool bridge that the goats stood on and you could feed them by buying food pellets, putting them in a blue cup attached to a belt, and turning a wheel that moved the belt up to deliver the food to the goats.  The children thought this was super cool.

Then we took the 25 min (approx) tractor ride around the farm where Mr. Bob told us all about the farm, the history of the area, and the animals that live on it.  Cherry Crest is a working farm, not just an entertainment farm!  The tractor dropped us off in the “Barnyard” area where we played for 3 hours!  Seriously, there is so so so much to do it’s ridiculous.  Some examples of things we did were:  Giant Slinger, Giant Hay Chute Slide, Lil’ Farmers Playland which had things like the Coloring Coop, sandbox, slide.  We also did the Straw Bale Tunnel, Corn Hole, and relaxed in the Air Chairs.  The highlight for the children was the Jump Pillow, especially when the Strasburg Steam Train went on the railroad tracks right behind them!

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is known for their Amazing Maize Maze.  This years theme is “High Seas Adventure”.  On average, it takes 2 hours to get through the corn maze.  There’s even a cafe and restrooms in the maze!  With two 4.5 year old kids, a 3 year old, and two 17 month old toddlers, my friend and I knew that corn maze was an adventure we couldn’t tackle.  BUT, the Simon Says Corn Maze was perfect for us!  It took about 8 minutes to get through and along the way there were dead end paths with a spinning wheel.  The children spun it and it told them something to do.  Their favorite was “growl like a bear and give a hug”.  So cute.

We bought lunch there.  For about $6 I got a combo meal that my girls shared.  It was 2 chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and an applesauce or yogurt.  Then I had their famous farm fresh roasted sweet corn on the cob. 

We figured the kiddos would want to head out after lunch, seeing as we had been there 3 hours at that point.  Nope, back to it we went!  There was so much to see and do still and they weren’t ready to call it quits.  We didn’t end up leaving until 3pm, and even after our 5 hour day there, we still didn’t see and do everything Cherry Crest has to offer!  I can’t wait to go back and tackle more.

And a shout out of kudos to Cherry Crest for being a GREEN operation too!  They have solar panels out to wazoo and have conservation programs.

VISITOR TIPS:
*  Bring a stroller with rubber wheels, or even a wagon, since there’s a lot of grass or dirt.  (You can rent a wagon too for about $20.)  You can even put these right onto the tractor ride, child in it and all.
*  You can pack a lunch and drinks to save time and money.
*  If possible, check out their website for hours of operation (they fluctuate) and go during the week.  We went on a Thursday and it was empty.  The downside was that some of the food vendors weren’t open, but really that was worth it to feel like we had the farm to ourselves.
*  Wear/Bring sunscreen and/or a hat.  There’s not much shade.  They do have great shade coverings over some of the activities (such as the pillow jump), but there’s a lot of open space that is uncovered.
*  Parking is free!  🙂
*  There are super friendly employees at every attraction.  Ask questions, get help, learn, be friendly, enjoy!
*  The restrooms are super clean and kid friendly.  There’s even an awesome baby changing and nursing room in the front of the farm- equipped with some spare diapers and wipes should you need them.  Talk about family friendly, right???
*  Plan for a 5 hour trip, don’t rush through it, stay longer if you can!
*  Don’t forget to treat yourself to the popcorn, homemade fudge, and corn!  🙂

Goddess Garden lotion

I received this product for free as part of a review and giveaway opportunity with Bookieboo, LLC. The opinions in my review are honest and my own.

September is such a fun month.  Some days it’s still hot enough out to wear shorts, sunblock and even play in the water.  Other days it’s cold and my skin gets so dry!  So no matter what, I lotion daily.  Last week, I was sent Goddess Garden’s tangerine lavender lotion and asked to try it out.  I love that it’s 91% organic, therefore being the highest certified organic content body lotion with SPF available on the market right now!  The SPF 15 has UVA/UVB coverage, even without nasty chemicals.  I have no issues putting this on my 3 daughters!  Not only does it have the SPF, it’s a moisturizing lotion that’s dermatologist recommended.  

I’ve used it for the past 8 days and have really enjoyed it!  I even had friends test it out when we were together in the sun this weekend.  Everyone agrees that it goes on similar to sunblock, though less greasy, and dries like a moisturizer, with a nice sheer and smooth quality.  

The lotion comes in 3 fragrances:  lavender mint, grapefruit bergamot, and tangerine lavender.  The tangerine one has a very light scent, nothing too overpowering.

Eager to try your own natural daily lotion?  We’re teaming with Bookieboo, LLC and Goddess Garden to give one lucky reader their own 8oz bottle of lotion.  You can even choose your own scent!  

**CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY**

 

LeapReader™ "Ready, Set, Read & Write" Party

I have yet to enter a home with children that does not have at least one LeapFrog product.  I find it’s a trusted brand, reasonably priced, fun, and educational.  The newest product, released in July 2013, is the LeapReader.  The LeapReader is the complete learn-to-read-and-write solution. You read that right, WRITE!  Using imaginative stories with lively character voices, this new product builds vocabulary skills and reading comprehension skills. Interactive handwriting guidance helps children learn to write on special mess-free paper. Plus, LeapReader helps develop listening comprehension skills with audio books.  I realize it sounds like a wealth of capability inside one package, but it’s legit.  We tested it at a LeapReader Party on Friday, September 20th!

I received this LeapReader, and other free LeapFrog products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsorered MommyParty.  At this party,  I had twelve children between the ages of 4 and 7 test out the products that were mailed to me. 

First thing I have to mention, I am not a preschool teacher, nor will I ever be one, this I promise.  When the group first gathered, I had some snacks ready for them, recipes courtesy of the friends at MomSelect.  Once the children ate and mingled, we moved into the living room for a reading circle.  This is where they were called up one at a time to interact with the LeapReader.  Then we played a Flashcard Mash-Up game that helped with letter recognition, sounds, and early reading site words.  We did a few other things with the items that were provided, but the biggest hit was probably the Story in Motion activity using the LeapFrog Monsters University book and 3D glasses that each child wore.  Aside from a fun story, it also  allowed children to create their own scare technique by pairing nouns with a verb.

This new LeapReader Reading and Writing System (MSRP $49.99) is geared for ages 4 to 8.  Using the LeapReader, kids will sound out words and read sentences, learn to write letters with interactive guidance, and listen to audio books, music and more.  And it’s so convenient to have on the go!  It also includes a USB rechargeable battery, is available in green and pink, and a sampler book and four apps are included with the purchase (a $20 value).

Again, I received free LeapFrog products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsoered MommyParty. The opinions expressed here are my own. Be sure to “Like” LeapFrog on Facebook for the latest products and sales!

The Basics of Breast Health at Every Age

This healthy post was provided by Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital. Visit us online to learn more about Breast Health.

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If you’re like most moms, I’m sure you’ll agree that there isn’t a second to worry about yourself until you’ve taken care of your family. Putting ourselves last is something we all do, but it’s not too late to make some small changes. We’re encouraging all moms to take time every day to monitor their breast health.

In this post, we’re sharing the simple steps you can work into your everyday routine to minimize your risk of breast cancer. You hear a lot about breast health, but what are the main things you need to know?

Every woman should understand her risk, adopt healthy lifestyle changes and perform the ABC’s of early detection. Use this information to educate not only yourself, but also your mother, sisters, or daughters about the importance of breast health.

Understanding Your Risk

The most significant risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and getting older, two things we cannot control. One in eight women will develop breast cancer over her lifetime.

Here is how the risk looks broken down by age:

• Women in their 30s…1 in 233
• Women in their 40s…1 in 69
• Women in their 50s…1 in 38
• Women in their 60s…1 in 27

Other uncontrollable risk factors include:

• Genetic risk factors
• Older age of giving birth or never having children
•  Late menopause
•  Family history of breast cancer
• Treatment with radiation to the chest
• Earlier abnormal breast biopsy
• Race

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

The best thing you can do to minimize your risk is to look at your current lifestyle and see how you can tweak it to fit these guidelines – the best defense is an early offense.

• Maintain a healthy diet…low fat/increased folic acid
• Alcohol consumption…less than one drink per day
• Exercise regularly…30 minutes at least 5 days per week
• Maintain a healthy weight…body mass index (BMI) less than 25
• Know your family (and your own) health history

ABC’s of Early Detection

Early detection is still the best defense against breast cancer – make these practices part of your routine.

Annual Mammograms

• Start at age 40 unless you have a family history of a first-degree relative
• Mammograms can detect about 85% of all breast cancers

Breast Awareness

• Report any noted changes to your healthcare provider right away
• Normal nodularity vs. unusual changes (keep a record of your normal pattern for your breasts)

Clinical Breast Exams

• Every 3 years while in your 20s-30s
• Every year over 40 years of age

Self-Breast Exams

• Perform monthly and develop a routine
• Perform lying down and standing in front of a mirror
• Report any changes to your healthcare provider right away

Cancer Genetics Counseling and Testing

It is not uncommon to find a family history of multiple cancers afflicting both men and women in patients diagnosed with breast and/or ovarian cancer. It is estimated that approximately 5-10% of women that develop breast cancer and approximately 10% of women that develop ovarian cancer have inherited an alteration, or mutation, in one of their genes that predisposes to these cancers. The most common genes that predispose to breast and ovarian cancer are the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes.

Kim McGreevy, MS, CGC is a certified genetic counselor within the Women’s Specialty Center of The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Individuals concerned about their personal and/or family history of cancer may benefit from cancer genetic counseling. The following are indications for cancer genetic counseling:

• Individuals diagnosed with cancer at an early age (younger than 50)
• Women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age
• Individuals with two or more close relatives on the same side of the family with the same or related types of cancer (for instance breast and ovarian cancer or colon and uterine cancer)
• Individuals who have had more than one primary type of cancer (bilateral breast cancer or women with both breast and ovarian cancer)
• Individuals who have a family member who has been found to carry a mutation in a cancer predisposition gene
• Individuals of ethnicities that are known to have a higher risk to carry mutations in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes (for example Ashkenazi Jewish)

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a genetic counselor to discuss your personal and/or family history of cancer and the option of genetic testing, you can contact Kim McGreevy, MS, CGC at 610.732.6739.

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