january/february 2016 - south jersey mom magazine

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JAN/FEB 2016 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: u Researching Summer Camps u Tips for Procrastinating Kids u Academic Struggles? What's next... www.southjerseymom.com 5 DIET MISTAKES for the New Year Big CAMP & EDUCATION EXPOS Moorestown Mall Jan 16th Deptford Mall Jan 17th Riviera Maya, Mexico FANTASTIC FAMILY GETAWAY Cool Ideas for Cold Days—Indoor Fun Special Section Is SOCIAL MEDIA Impacting your Child's Self-Esteem?

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The January/February 2016 issue of South Jersey MOM Magazine

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Page 1: January/February 2016 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

JAN/FEB 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

u Researching Summer Camps

u Tips for Procrastinating Kids

u Academic Struggles? What's next...

www.southjerseymom.com5DIET MISTAKESfor the New Year

Big

CAMP &EDUCATION

EXPOSMoorestown Mall

Jan 16th

Deptford Mall

Jan 17th

Riviera Maya,

Mexico

FantasticFamily Getaway

Cool Ideas for Cold Days—Indoor Fun Special Section

Is

SoCIal

MeDIa

Impacting

your Child's

Self-esteem?

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www.southjerseymom.com January/February 2016 | 3

ContentsJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 mom 2 mom

6 The Love Starts with Yourself

8 My Child is Struggling in School: What Do I Do Next?

moms R women 2

12 The Diet Mistake Most Women Make

know 2 grow

20 Common Culprits of Sneaky Sugar

also in this issue

5 Some of My Faves

10 Social Media & Self-ESteem

10 Ask the Doc

22 Recipe Corner

29 Buying Guide

30 Things to DoBarcelo Occidental Grand Xcaret

features

1614 A Sweet New Way to Learn About Elections

18 Winter Indoor Fun

19 7 Tips for Procrastinating Kids

24 Summer Camp Guide

Page 4: January/February 2016 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

4 | January/February 2016 www.southjerseymom.com

South JerseyMOM

January/February 2016

CEO/PublishEr Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794

[email protected]

ExECutivE EditOr Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280

[email protected]

MarkEting & businEss dEvElOPMEnt sPECialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606

[email protected]

FOr gEnEral advErtising inquiriEs Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089

[email protected]

PrOduCtiOn ManagEr Lisa Celfo

[email protected]

EditOrial intErns Jenna Burke and Jenna Mackiewicz

COntributing WritErs Jenna Burke, Matthew Brenner, Lisa Ann Panzino

DiNunzio, Brie Latini, Sharla Feldscher, Dolores Hoffman, Jenna Machiewicz, Jess Michaels, Patricia Mooneyham,

Tara Pyfrin, Michele Ranard and Erin Taylor

sPECial thanks Occidental Grand Xcaret Barcelo Hotels & Resorts

The Artemis Center for Guidance

subMit CalEndar listing [email protected]

WWW.sOuthjErsEyMOM.COM Created by Markations

Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499

Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it

throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the

authorization of the publisher.

Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC Publisher of South Jersey MOM

P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090

Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524

All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only

Every issue South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090.

On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info.

Yep, this IS KIDFUN. Have you ever tried to teach very young children to break words into syl-

lables. It’s really all about rhythm. Teach your children to speak chop-py. Try the word “rab-bit.” Then ask them to count the syllables with you. Say “rabbit,” slowly — Rab-bit! 2! Then try “pho-to-graph.” You may need to use fingers for counting. (I know what a terrible thing to suggest!) It’s really fun, though, and quite impressive. Okay, how many sylla-bles in hip-po-po-ta-mus? Kids can do it, especially when you make it a KIDFUN game!

Your child will feel brilliant! Try it in the car — while waiting for a doctor, at a restaurant. Challenge each other, too!

Not only a South Jersey Mom, Sharla Feldscheris a proud South Jersey Grandmom (Grammy, as she prefers to becalled). The author of six books on creative ideas to do with young children, including two KIDFUN Activity Books published by HarperCollins, she has a blog at www.kidfunandmore.com with more easy-to-do KIDFUN ideas. Sharla has her own public relations business in Philadelphia. A real kid-believer, she began her career as the first PR Director of the Please Touch Museum and started her own business with Sesame Place as her first account, representing the park for 26 years.

BoysAtticusAsherEzraSilasDeclanWyattOliverHenryMiloJudeLeviJasperLeoKaiJackFinnTheodoreSebastianMilesLiamAustinEliBeckettFelixCalebWilliamEthanTheoBenjaminAndrewOscarElijahThomas

RykerOwenJulianJamesIsaacJosiahSawyerZacharySorenBodhiAxelAlex-anderJacobGraysonLukeLachlanArcherEmmettLucaLucasEverettBeauJaydenRyderRonanSamuelHarrisonDanielHudsonRomanNoahCallumCharlesArthur

GabrielDashiellMaxwellJonahGrahamCharlieHugoRowanJohnLincolnJacksonXavierKnoxMatthewWestonAugustGriffinRhysNathanielZaneSimonLoganTobiasGeorgeNolanWesleyNicholasAryanMaddoxElliotNathanDavidBennett

GirlsCharlotteAmeliaOliviaIslaAvaVioletCoraEleanorLucyPenelopeEvelynAdelineHazelImogenAuroraAliceClaireAdelaideElizabethArabellaKhaleesiScarlettEmmaRoseEvangelineGenevieveIvyLilaNoraBeatriceQuinnCarolineEloise

HarlowGraceLunaEsmeMatildaAriaAureliaMiaEllaClaraEverlyIrisAnnaMaeMilaTheaMaeveIsabellaMayaEllieSeraphinaPoppyHarperClementineEmilySophiaJosephineRubyJaneIsabelWrenChloeElodieHadley

WillaNovaAudreyJuliaStellaEdenElizaJulietHannahCordeliaSiennaLydiaOlivePiperEvieLilySloaneSadieWillowMargaretEmmelineAnnabelleLolaMadelineAdaGemmaElianaDaisyZoeEmiliaFlorenceAbigailMabel

Baby Names 2016: This year’s Trend is liTerary inspired www.provenTricks.com

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www.southjerseymom.com January/February 2016 | 5

A password manager is your key to greater online safety and security. People who don’t use a password manager sometimes misun-derstand what it does. It creates unique pass-words for all the online accounts you use, it remembers those passwords for you, and it types them for you in a secure way.So find a password manager you like and try it out for an hour. As you sign into various online accounts, everything from Facebook to your bank account, the password manag-er will start to collect your logins and pass-

words, and analyze whether they’re strong, weak, reused, or old. Pretty soon, the app will help you identify passwords that you need to change—and you should do just that.LastPass 3.0, free Logmeonce, free Authentic8 Silo, $10 Sticky Pasword Premium, $20 Dashlane 3, $40

Clean Up Your Passwords for The New Year

YoUr sPeCial daY miNi CaleNdar Charm braCeleT Have this mini calendar charm personalized for a date that is special to you. Be it your child’s birthday or a wedding anniversary, this beautiful bracelet is completely custom-

izable. Made of lead free, recycled pewter this is

a great gift to give or to by for yourself! Notjustanyoldday.com; $50

Karen [email protected]

There’s nothing more gratifying as an editor than having readers thank us for publishing a story that touched their life in one way or another. Sometimes it’s our Ask The Doc

(page 10) that inspired them to make health changes to be the best mom they can be. Or our health articles for the entire family, this month we have the kick-start plan to healthy eating habits “The Diet Mistakes Most Women Make” (page 12). Most diets don’t work, at least not in the long term. When life is crazy busy skipping a meal or eating on the go seems like a good idea in the moment, but typically convenience foods don’t keep you feeling full for long. I have allergies and stopping for convenience food can be more trouble than it’s worth in the long run. So leaving for work, I have a full lunch bag with 1 to 2 meals (depending on my schedule for the day), snack and water. My colleagues

poke fun at how organized I am, yes, I am pretty organized, but it’s more about feeling like crap if I eat an allergen on the go. Looking at the bright side of having an allergy, it’s definitely forced me to eat better. My go to food is soup and every week I make a beef or chicken base veggie soup (see our recipes on page 22). That way I have something easy and healthy to reach for on the go. For some reason, when hunger has crept up on me and I hit the hunger wall I am unable to make a logical decision and instead will eat a bag of chips or box of crackers. Yes, I’m an all or nothing gal and can easily go through a box of gluten free Blue Diamond Nut Chips or Pop Chips. In my defense, there is less in the gluten free package, but still it’s the portion for three or more. With busy lives, we like to get away throughout the year to reconnect as a family and decompress from life. This past November, my family traveled to Occidental Grand Xcaret (page 16) that was recently acquired by Barceló Hotel and Resorts. The hotel has undergone the Barceló transformation to make it the ultimate getaway at an all-inclusive family destination. I must say it really is the perfect family destination for a relaxing week of fun in the sun. If you’re like me and you work full-time and you need to think ahead about what your kids will be doing this summer, How To Find The Right Camp For Your Child (page 24) will give you the head start to begin planning.✲Your friend & fellow MOM,

reallYColor PhoTo Card Turn your home photos into coloring pages for your little one! Upload photos of the family pet or a birthday party, your child will be amazed to color an original photo of something they love. One photo dollar credit = one coloring page and you can print it out again and again. reallycolor.com; $4 for 10 photo credits

some of my faves

a letter from the eDITOR

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for great South Jersey MOM giveaways!

silk'N Pedi The Silk’n Pedi is your at-home beauty se-cret to having smooth, touchable feet right at your fingertips. Callused skin is uncomfort-able and unpleasant, and pedicures can add up in time and money. Some users may be uncomfortable having others touch their feet and find getting pedicures painful or ticklish. Now you can wear those high heels and strap on your running shoes without worrying about hard skin build up! This product is worth the small investment! Silkn.com; $29

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mom

2 m

om

Many may have heard the expression to truly love some-one else we need to love ourselves first. While we think we are showing love all the time with doing and

being everything to everyone we think is important to us, we are very often not loving or “filling the emotional tank” for ourselves. I recently did a book club gathering of the “Five Love Languages” and although the original concept was for married couples if you check out the book on Amazon you can see the additional titles that have come as an extension of the concept. We all have a love language and what fills our tanks is as different as we are. So this Valentine’s day in an effort to challenge women to be open to receiving the love that they deserve I want to recommend a few things to help in the self-love department.♥ Ask for what will really make you happy. Whether it is affection,

attention, help with the laundry, flowers once a week or to be told you are beautiful make it easy for those you love to love you back and give you what you need. Tell them. Don’t demand or nag, just communicate your needs.

♥ Schedule a date night even if it is with yourself. It can be a night with your significant other or with your BFF but make it a priority. Just like a dentist appointment for your kids would be. Try to make this at the very minimum a monthly ritual.

♥ Find a Nordstrom and let one of the make-up artists do your make up. It is usually free if you are asking about the product line.

I am not saying we all aren’t beautiful the way we are, but it is fun to have someone do your make up and I like Nordstrom because it reminds me of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

♥ Light some candles, buy a bath fizzy and soak in the tub. Hire a babysitter if you have to but nothing feels like you are loving yourself than to indulge in a little “Calgon Take Me Away” therapy. Make it special and don’t forget to moisturize when you get out of the tub!

♥ Pick something new for your health and do it. Positive focus on an area in our lives creates more positive energy in that area. What better place to create that than our health. So whether it is to drink more water, take a multi vitamin or a yoga class do something for you in this area. It is a great example for your kids and it is good for you which makes it a win-win.

These are not huge things to incorporate in your life. There are min-imal costs involved but the return on the investment in yourself will yield a windfall in return. Once your tank is filled, you will have even more love to give those you love the most!✲Patricia Mooneyham coaches and educates women on personal confidence, wellness and empowerment. You can find other helpful information at her website www.patriciamooneyham.com.

True Love Starts With Yourself

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Feel Strong, Healthy and Energized in 2016Begin a fitness routine to get your year off to a healthy start. We offer everything you need to make 2016 your healthiest year yet. Contact a location near you to learn more.

Voorhees The William G. Rohrer Center for HealthFitness 2309 Evesham Rd. • 856-325-5300

Sewell The Center for HealthFitness – Washington Township 239 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd., Ste. 100 • 856-341-8111

Moorestown The Center for HealthFitness – Moorestown 401 Young Ave. • 856-291-8800

Free Enrollment Save up to $200! Expires 1/31/2016. Monthly dues apply. Not valid with any other offer. Mention this mailer to redeem.

join now

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8 | January/February 2016 www.southjerseymom.com

My Child Is Struggling In School: What Do I Do Next?

The school year is upon us - routines, schedules and homework fill the homes of families throughout the United

States. Parents are watching their children flourish academically, socially and emotional-ly throughout the past few months. However, not all parents experience this jubilation. Over 60% of children K-12 struggle in at least one subject area every year. This struggle can be daunting on families. There are many emo-tions and questions that come to mind but the number one question usually is “What do I do next?” If your child is struggling in school the first step is to stay calm. Understand this is not your fault. Yes, you did everything cor-rect – sent them to preschool, read to your child, played games as well as attending the endless number of overpaid baby music and gym classes. In fact, the struggle is tougher on your child. Every child wants to succeed just like adults and when they notice they do not compare to others it can cause anxiety and withdrawal. CommunicationCommunication is key to success. Be sure you are communicating with your child’s teacher on a consistent basis. Ask questions in regards to where your child is having difficulty and how you can assist your child. Teachers are always willing to show parents how to help their child and give them resources to complement their

strengths and assists with their weaknesses. It is important to also ask the correct questions when communicating with your child’s teach-er. Be clear and honest. If your are witnessing the same problems with your child at home communicate this to your child’s teacher. The more documentation you both have the quicker it will be identify the problem.TutoringIf after a couple of weeks you find your child do still not understand concepts tutoring may-be an option. Be careful when selecting a tutor. You want to be certain the tutor has the quali-fications and expertise in a subject area as well as experience to work with your child. There are many options for tutors however; it can be expensive. Sometimes your child’s school may have a list of tutors who are certified to help. If you choose a private tutor be sure to interview them. Make sure they are reliable. Ask about their initial evaluation process and the cost involved. Sometimes the initial con-sultation and evaluation can be in addition to the quoted price. Most tutors are paid by the hour. The hours should be discussed during the interview as well what types of manipulative and resources maybe used during the sessions to reach your child’s learning needs. school supportEvery school has a program that helps students who struggle academically, socially or emo-tionally. The programs maybe titled differently

according to the school setting. Basic Skills, Targeted Assistance and Response to Interven-tion are some of the titles that are given to these programs. These programs are not classifying your child. These programs are state funded and are available to your child for free. Some-times the additional resources, which are given to your child, may include a pullout or push-in instruction with an additional educator. The ed-ucator could provide assistance with the given work in the classroom or scaffold instruction to meet the needs of your child. Schools will keep data on your child’s progress or regres-sion and should provide you with a type of progress report. ClassificationIf after all resources have been exhausted you or your child’s school may ask to have your child be evaluated by the Special Education team. A letter will be sent to ask your permis-sion for evaluations. It is your decision to pro-ceed with the evaluation or not. You as a par-ent also have the right to request for your child at any time during the school year regardless of the situation to have your child evaluated. The Child Study Team has thirty days to begin the meeting process. The initial meeting is to determine which assessments will be given and who will be implementing the assessments. You will receive a written formal documenta-tion from each person who assesses your child identifying specific areas. Recommendations will also be made to assist the parent, teacher and child. After all assessments are complet-ed a formal meeting will occur to establish if your child is eligible for an Individual Educa-tion Plan (IEP). This plan is used to assist your child to meeting their levels as well as academ-ic standards. In conclusion, remember we have all struggled at one time or another in our life academical-ly, socially or emotionally. It is important as a parent you stay calm and strong throughout the process. You are your child’s number one ad-vocate therefore educate yourself on your op-tions and resources available for your child. In the end, this is not about you but giving every opportunity you can for your child to succeed and feel confident in themselves and their work to be successful in the future.✲ Tara Twente Pyfrin M.ED, MA is a Reading Specialist, Adjunct Professor and Doctorate Student who resides in Hammonton with her husband and two children Connor and Andrew. You can follow Tara on her blog taratwentepyfrin.com.

By Tara Twente Pyfrin, M. Ed.

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A FAMILY DENTIST WHO ESPECIALLY ENJOYS TREATING CHILDREN AND SPECIAL NEEDS PATIENTS OF ALL AGES

• Hospital Dentistry• Family Dentistry• Special Needs Dentistry• Pediatric Dentistry• Crowns and Bridges

• Mouth-Guards• Nutrition Counseling• Root Canal Therapy• Sealants• Teeth Cleanings

CORRIE J. CROWE, DDSGENERAL DENTISTRY

856.258.4025www.drcrowedentistry.com

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Remember, in contact sports it’s really important that the sports players wear mouth

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EVERY

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• Medical Grade Facials• Peels• Skin Care Consultations & Regimens• Laser Hair Removal• IPL Treatments• Cosmetic Tattooing (eyeliner,

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• ZO SkinHealth products• NeoCutis products

2950 College Dr #2h Vineland, NJ 08360

www.americansurgicalarts.com

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Kids these days, just like adults, are drawn to social media like a moth to a flame; like it or not, social media is here to stay. But for all its benefits, there are also drawbacks. So how can we protect

our children’s developing self-esteem in their increasingly online lives? You may have heard of FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. At a time when our kids are trying to figure out just who they are and how they fit into this world, they are especially vulnerable to FOMO. It can hurt when they see their friends’ pictures posted on social media from a party or event that they were not invited to. Can you remember a time when you experienced FOMO upon seeing something on social media to which you were not invited? It hurts, doesn’t it? Kids are no different. From an early age, it is vital to keep the lines of communication open, nourish their self-esteem by giving them freedom to express themselves, to truly see and honor who they are, and support them in discovering their natural talents and then finding ways for them

to use them in the world. Like all of us, children need to feel valuable and needed. These are the best practices we can em-ploy to protect them from the many ways that social media can damage their developing self-esteem. .✲Erin Taylor, MA is a wife, therapist, parent coach, mom to four children ages 7, 9 and 12 and author of Connection and Kindness: The Key to Changing the World Through Parenting. Her oldest daughter died of a heart defect as a baby. Building Connected Communities is a source of inspiration for her work. You can reach her at [email protected].

erin Taylor, ma

Social Media and Self-Esteem

Ask the Doc

Q: Every Fall or early winter, I start to feel “down” or sad and I can’t seem to shake this feeling until Spring. What could be causing this feeling and is there anything I can do about it?

A: Many people each year notice that as the daylight gets shorter and the weather gets colder, typically starting in early Fall, their mood may start to change. They may start to feel more “down”, tired, and irritable. While we may all experience low mood or lack of energy from time to time in the winter, for many this could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder, often times called the “Winter Blues.” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of Major Depression that comes and goes with the seasons, most com-monly in the winter months when there is less daylight and the temperature drops. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:• Irritability

• Low energy or excessive tiredness• Increase in appetite • Weight Gain • Depressed mood for most of the day• Diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities

for most of the day

If you notice that you are experiencing several of the above symptoms for most of the day, almost every day, please talk with your doctor or healthcare professional. Seasonal Affec-tive Disorder affects many people, up to 5% of the popula-tion. Know that you are not alone. There are various different treatments that can help with SAD, including: light therapy, medication, exercise, healthy eating, and talk therapy. Talking with a healthcare professional can help you figure which is the best treatment(s) right for you.

The Artemis Center for Guidance, LLC342 Egg Harbor Road Sewell, NJ 08080389 Harding Highway Elmer, NJ 08318

856-589-3420www.artemisguidance.com

Winter Blues

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Whether it’s just a haircut or for a special occasion we stay up to date with what’s age appropriate for our clients!

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With all the diets on the market and web, it’s easy to become confused on which one is right for you. The truth is most diets don’t keep our interest, partly because they are just too difficult to accomplish for more than a few weeks. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to diets.Don’t DietAlthough we’ve been programmed to believe diets are the only way to lose weight and become healthy, studies have shown most of us, once off the diet, gain our weight back. eat healthier, move moreThere is no magic pill or fast track to losing weight. The best way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume by making healthy eat-ing choices and exercising daily and remember to leave those leftovers at the restaurant when dining out. Otherwise you’re splurging twice. Call it a lifestyle Own it, live it and customize your way of eating healthy and staying active. Preparing food ahead of time might work for some while others may thrive on the thrill of choosing a healthy choice in a pinch. Each one of us has our own way of controlling our eating habits.hiDe the sCaleMost people have divided opinions on this one. My experience has been when I get on the scale too much, it controls the way I feel and leads me down an obsessive path. For the past ten years, I have learned to take a hint from my clothes, meaning, if my clothes start to feel snug, I adjust my eating habits and move more. One more tip, always wear fitted pants instead of elastic waist pants. This helps to keep you in check without being fixated on the scale. think insiDe not outsiDeWhen eating think of what it will do to your heart, liver and internal organs, not your hips and thighs. Continuing to have this mindset will ensure you’ll make the right decisions 90% of the time. It’s fun to splurge now and then but by consistently being mindful of your body’s inside, you’ll soon recognize what’s healthy and what is not. For example, take some icing from a cupcake or dessert, rub it on your fingers and then run it under warm water. You’ll see that it sticks to your fingers and coats it with a greasy film. Just think what it does to your arteries.So remember, ban the word diet from your vocabulary, start with little changes and you’ll be on your way to a healthier you, just give it time.✲

mom

s r

wom

en 2

the Diet Mistake Most WoMen Make

By Dolores hoFFMan

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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FALL 2016

www.staNurserySchool.comRoute 70 – Cherry Hill (next to Ponzio’s Diner)

856-429-4470

Voted Best of South Jersey

The St. Andrew’s Nursery School & Kindergarten admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,

national origin, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational or admission policies or in any school administered programs.

St. Andrew’s Nursery School & Kindergarten

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1600 Chapel Ave W., Suite 200Cherry Hill, NJ 856.438.5321(Ages infants to kindergarten)

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2,3,4, or 5 Day ScheduleOpen Mon.-Fri. 7am–6pm

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HOSPITALSAFETYSCORE®

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Page 14: January/February 2016 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

14 | January/February 2016 www.southjerseymom.com

his past November, as the country was involved in the ushering in of new government officials on Election Day,

Friends School at Mullica Hill hosted their own mock election. Not the typical partisan battle, this election was something of a sweet treat for all involved. Led by teacher Kathy Saia and her sec-ond grade class, students, teachers and parents were invited to vote in a heated, competitive race. This race didn’t involve any party sys-tems or debates but, instead, determined the best flavor of ice cream. Teacher Kathy is a passionate advocate for the vital importance of voting, and feels that you can evoke that same passion in our young learners. Wanting to give her students an early taste for voting, but not wanting to pit them against each other in a personal election, she came up with the idea to use ice cream. Under her guidance, the kids launched a full-on election. There was an ice-cream tast-ing to determine suitable candidates. There were campaign posters created, speeches given by each student, including Noah, age 7, who wrote “eight different sentences” about his frozen candidate and included a celebrity en-dorsement. Eligible voters included the student body of FSMH, as well as their families, who were considered “celebrity voters.” Each voter was required to fill out a form to register, and each registration was vetted by the members of Teacher Kathy’s class. Lainey, age 7, noted that they kept careful record “of who already voted so they don’t come back again to vote. That’s cheating.” On Election Day, voters gathered at the second grade classroom to cast their vote for their favorite ice-cream candidate. Voters were greeted at the door and directed to the prop-

er areas based on registration status (having not previously registered, I was sent to a table captained by a sweet young lady who carefully took my information). Given a ballot, voters were directed to a private booth to cast their choice for favorite ice cream. The fruit of all of this labor was found in speaking with the kids, who showed an amaz-ing understanding of how an election works and how very important it is to exercise the right to vote. Emma, age 7, shared that she learned “that women didn’t always have the right to vote.” When I asked her if she thought it was important for women to vote, she replied “It’s important for everyone to vote.” There, proof that Teacher Kathy has instilled the im-portance of voting in these youngsters (and, perhaps, proof that young Emma could have a career as a public servant someday!) Head of School, Beth Reaves, noted that “the Ice Cream Election is a great way for our students to learn about elections in the United States. Students are able to take part in a fun election while actually experiencing the voting process. They see how important each per-son’s vote is - a great lesson on the civic duty we all have.”

Sixth grade student Braeden echoed that sentiment. “It’s good to vote, because if you don’t vote, what’s the point? If not enough people vote, it won’t reflect a true outcome.” Braeden also mentioned that his Ice Cream election experience would be something he would look back on when he is of age to vote in the elections of our state and country. Teacher Kathy and her second grade class executed an election project that could be a model for schools all over the country, as well as a model of participation as an American. The right to vote is a privilege of our democracy, and instilling the excitement and importance of voting in our youth is vital. I wholeheartedly thank the second graders of Friends School for inviting me to participate!✲ You can learn more about Friends School Mulli-ca Hill by visiting www.friendsmh.org.

FrieNDS SchooL MuLLicA hiLL oPeN houSe: Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 9AMrSVP to 856-478-2908

T

A Sweet New Way to Learn AboutElections Friends School, Mullica Hill Holds Ice Cream Election

By Brie Latini

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Tucked within an ecological and historical preserve, the Riviera Maya resort  Occi-dental Grand Xcaret capti-vates guests with spectacular

grounds, a pristine coastline and un-paralleled service and amenities. This resort is located adjacent to the spec-tacular, breathtaking natural wonder of the eco-archeological Xcaret Park in the heart of Riviera Maya, minutes from Cancun airport.

The Occidental Grand, an all-in-clusive resort, boasts winding river channels, free-form pools and a private beach with powder-soft white sand on a quiet cove. Just a short walk from the resort, at the Xcaret Park, travelers with a taste for eco-touring and adventure can explore the remains of a Mayan village, snorkel through ancient caves and underwater gardens, swim with dolphins, or observe jaguars, butter-flies, tropical birds and other indige-

Occidental Grand XcaretAn All-InclusIve, ecologIcAl oAsIs

FantasticFamily Getaway

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nous species in their natural habitat, all a short distance from the resort. The Occidental Grand Xcaret also features 11 international restaurants, along with a beautiful open-air buffet that has spec-tacular ocean views. There is something to fit every mood and occasion, from a romantic dinner to a lively family meal. Plentiful amenities and breathtaking scenery contribute to the plush comforts you’ll experience as our guest. Elevate your vacation experience with an upgrade to the Royal Club Grand Xcaret, a resort within a resort! By upgrading to the Royal Club, you will have impeccable VIP services and access to the exclu-sive Royal Club Grand Xcaret Restaurant & Lounge and other all-Inclusive amenities such as the exclusive Royal Club pool and beach club within the Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort.

FUN FOR KIDS, GUARANTEED!Occidental Grand Xcaret offers an exceptional vacation expe-rience, ensuring a phenomenal time for kids and teens. Along with beach time and pools, the splendid Mini Club has an en-tertainment program for children ages 4 to 12. There is also a wading pool and outside play area where they can enjoy cas-tles and slides. Babysitting services are also available. Teens can

socialize in our lounge area, complete with foosball, Ping-Pong and gaming center.

FAMILY VACATIONS TO CREATE MEMORIESScuba diving$ (free lesson), snorkeling, water aerobics, miniature golf, fitness center (free trainer), lighted tennis courts, archery, darts, Ping-Pong, giant chess, pool tables, beach volley ball, target shooting, bingo, aqua volley ball and basketball, shuffle board, foam party, steam hut$, spa$, live entertainment, night clubs, open air theatre, mini-club (ages 4-12), and teen area.

PERFECT FOR YOUR FAMILY REUNION AND SPECIAL OCCASIONSIf you are planning a family reunion, a wedding, or a celebration, the Occidental Grand Xcaret can fulfill the needs of a large party. Plan the perfect, affordable getaway for your special event. All in all, The Occidental Grand Xcaret is undoubtedly one of the top all-inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya and the perfect get-away for vacationers in search of both the tranquility of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and the adventurous entertainment for all ages.

Contact your travel agent or visit www.barcelohotels.com

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Just because the weather gets cold does not mean the family fun has to freeze! It is important during the winter months to keep your family active and not let the winter blues take over; however, at times that can seem difficult with winter winds whipping. While it is too cold to play outside, many indoor recreational centers make staying indoors cool!

Not only are indoor recreational centers fun, but there are a various different types of places that each offer a unique experience. Many times in the winter we are envious of those who get to be by the beach and splash in the water. At indoor water pools, such as the YMCA, the family feels the warmth and fun of going to the tropics without the airfare! A good thing to do for your kids to avoid winter blues is to sign them up to take lessons in an athletic activity. Centers that give lessons and teach skills such as Okinawa Kenpo Karate are not only good to get your kids out and active, but teach your kids responsibility and give them self-confidence! Sometimes your kids just need an afternoon to get out, be active and play games. INT Sports is a center that has various activities from skating to arcading that can make any kid happy! For kids who love to bounce around, especially toddlers, Bounce U is a great place to go for fun and sensory reasons. While it is great to run around sometimes families just want to get out and relax and places such as Fahrenheit Ceramics is a great place to paint and bring home your creation to treasure! All of these places are very different from each other but have one thing in common… places where you and your family can make warm memories.

boUNCe U Bounce U is the place “Where birthdays come to life”. We’ve created the perfect party venue with ginormous inflatables, dedicated and friendly party pros who handle all the party details for you. To top it off we are 100% private! We also go beyond birthdays and offer super fun open bounces and special events. 1205 Warren Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 856-429-6400 and Bounce U of Blackwood 1271 Little Gloucester Road Blackwood, NJ 08012

FahreNheiT CeramiC sTUdio We are a walk-in paint-your-own pottery place with a friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, and hundreds of pieces to paint. A great activity for kids and fam-ilies!! KEEP CALM AND PAINT ON! We are located in Pitman. www.FahrenheitCeramicstudio.com; 856-269-4931

iNT sPorTsClean, Safe, Family Fun for all ages! Join us for Lunch and an afternoon of Roller Skating, FunZone and Inflatable Fun! No School, No Problem- we are open when schools are closed for day camp or for a fun filled visit! Visit us online for times and admissions: www.intsports.com

okiNawa keNPo karaTeOur Classes are fast-paced, fun filled, educational and motivational. Kids and parents love martial arts and parents love watching their kids learn and grow in a positive, well disciplined and encouraging atmosphere. www.GloucesterCountykarate.com

Indoor Fun: Cool Ideas For Cold DaysBy Jenna Burke

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All Levels • Privates • Workshops • Restorative • Yin • Community Space2 W. Mantua Ave. • Wenonah, NJ • (856) 442-yoga • anandayogahome.com

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If you live with a tween, it’s likely you have a procrastinator under the roof and an equally likely chance you are now an expert at nag-

ging. a Nasty habitProcrastination may be as much a part of our humanness as eating and sleeping, but adoles-cent kids seem especially vulnerable. In The Procrastinating Child: A Handbook for Adults to Help Children Stop Putting Things Off, Rita Emmett explains procrastination is simply a bad habit we can correct. We fall prey to the behavior when we feel overwhelmed, become distracted or feel helpless. Here’s the rub about their procrastinating and our nagging—are we actually practicing what we preach? Or are we guilty of putting off housework, bill paying and turning in the report before deadline?Perfectionism: Procrastination’s bFFYour child may seem lazy when she is actually overwhelmed. Sometimes the feeling is a result of perfectionism as it goes hand in hand with procrastination. If your child is fearful of fail-ing an exam or a particular task, such anxiety may cause her to stall. She may feel stuck and unable to become mentally mobilized. The bad habit may continue into adulthood, jeopardiz-ing future successes. A consistent fear of failure can lead to a pattern of indecisive behavior author Neil Fio-re notes as a warning sign in The Now Habit. He also identifies low self-esteem and lack of assertiveness as red flags for procrastinating behavior.

TiPs For iNCreased ProdUCTiViTY

1. Trick your brain.There is hope. To combat the tendency to put things off, Fiore suggests transforming the thought “I don’t want to” into “I wonder what will come?” Sounds simple, but the attitude adjustment is powerful. In a sense, that subtle shift tricks the brain into a more productive mode.2. Get comfy with mistakes.Help your child understand how perfectionism stops him from greater productivity. Kids need to learn it’s OK to make mistakes. Explain that “not perfect” is altogether different than “fail.” Plus, a certain comfort level with failure is nec-essary. 3. model a healthy response to errors.One of the best ways to get more comfortable about accepting mistakes is through modeling. Seeing parents acknowledge their own daily errors (and responding with humor and com-passion for the missteps) is both a gift and per-mission for your tween to go for it.4. Think smaller chunks.Emmett recommends helping children break overwhelming tasks into smaller chunks. If your child has an upcoming test and simply cannot get the gears in motion, help her get organized. Look at the task of test prepara-tion as a series of baby steps. Help her make a short list for a plan of attack, such as reread two chapters of the text Monday, study notes Tuesday and Wednesday, and cover vocabulary on Thursday.

5. set expectations for homework completion.Parents can influence their tween’s produc-tivity by setting firm rules at home, offering rewards and making lists. Do not put off mak-ing these rules. The basic rule of “no TV until your homework is done” is an obvious place to begin to curb the procrastination. Screen time may be suspended or offered as rewards for successful time management.6. make lists like a bandit.Make lists for everything so there can be no ex-cuses. Tweens are especially prone to selective memory even when rules are clearly articulat-ed. Notes are more effective than nagging for gentle reminders of chores, appointments and expectations. 7. remove the sTiNG from feeling overwhelmed.A great strategy from Emmett’s book:*select one task you’ve been putting off.*Time yourself and take one hour to

accomplish the task.*ignore everything around you, such as the

phone and other tasks.*No breaks. One hour is realistic for a middle

school student.*Give yourself a reward once the task is

complete.The tween years are an optimal time to help the ones you love most shed bad habits that could trip them up later. It may only take a few months to see positive results and begin cele-brating your more productive child.✲

Michele Ranard is the queen mother of two princes of procrastination. She has a master’s in counseling, a freelance writing career and blogs at cheekychicmama. blogspot.com and hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.

tips for procrastinating kids

Simple suggestions to increase productivity and reduce nagging!

7By Michele Ranard, M.Ed.

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know

2 g

row

When children want a sugary treat, they really turn on the sweetness. Eyes get big, eyebrows raised, innocent smile, hands clenched in a praying position. It’s hard

to say no. But as sweet as your child is, it’s best to cut down on their sugary intake. It’s hard enough to keep up when sugar is available everywhere we go with treats at community events, the supermarket and sports games. But as hard as we try to cut

back on sugar consumption, it somehow sneaks its way back into our diets. Sometimes we don’t even realize it. Added sugar and high fructose corn syrup are lurking in almost every row of the grocery store. It takes a trained eye and exhaustive efforts to limit sugar consumption. However, even the most astute parents are often tripped up by some common pitfalls.the 3 most Common Culprits of sneaky sugar:Juice. Even juices that are 100 percent natural are full of sugar. The empty calories in boxed juice drinks are not just unhealthy for bodies, but are a prime culprit in cavities. Ask any dentist. An alternative is squeezing a lemon in water without adding sugar to it. You can also slice up cucum-bers or strawberries and make fun flavored waters.sweets as treats for active kids. Parents often reward good behavior, including active behavior, with unhealthy treats. However, that’s not how the body works. Exercise doesn’t cancel out all the effects of sugar. Re-warding healthy behavior with unhealthy treats also sends a mixed mes-sage that could lead to wrong choices as children grow up and continue to reward themselves with sugary treats. Healthy activity should be followed by healthy treats.

sugar in branded kids foods. Hidden inside the alluring packaging pitched by any popular cartoon is oodles of extra sugar. In common foods for kids like chicken nuggets, yogurt, cereal, breads and granola bars, the children’s theme on the packaging may even indicate there is more sugar than the alternative on the same shelf. The better choice is to make regular fruits and vegetables into entertaining treats for kids. Turn a cel-ery stick into a boat filled with natural peanut butter. Serve seaweed as mermaid food. Offer avocado piled high as a slime mountain. Use every ounce of creativity to make healthier food more fun. You can even name foods after popular characters, such as a snowman’s nose carrot stick or princess peas.In the end, call sugary treats exactly what they are. They aren’t treats. They are junk food. Re-labeling them in your home and language may help change your child’s perspective and create a better awareness of what they are really eating. Even if a child appears healthy and can eat sugar without gaining weight, it also has other unhealthy impacts over time. Establishing good boundaries now and a healthy appreciation for fruits and vegetables will set a child up for healthier choices in the long run. And perhaps the next time you give in to your child’s request for a super sweet treat, it will be pineapple chunks and grapes.✲Matthew Brenner (Freelance Writer and Instructor at Action Karate. Questions? Call 856-733-0593, or email [email protected])

Common Culprits of Sneaky SugarBy Matthew Brenner

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BEAN & TURKEY BACON SOUP• 7 strips turkey bacon• 1 large carrot, chopped into small pieces• 2 ribs of celery, chopped • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced• 2 (15 ½ oz.) cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed• 2 cups water or low sodium chicken broth• 1 tbs. fresh parsley, chopped (optional)• Sea salt to taste• Black pepper to taste

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, then transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess fat. Let cool, then break into small pieces; set aside. Using the same saucepan, over medium heat, add the carrot to the turkey bacon drippings, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the celery, onion, and garlic, stirring well; cook for 2-3 minutes more or until carrots are fork tender. Add the drained and rinsed beans and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover and, using a potato masher, partially mash the bean mixture until it thickens slightly. Stir in the parsley, sea salt, black pepper and bacon. Serve.

Note: If there is not enough drippings from the turkey bacon to cook the carrots in, add a little extra virgin olive oil to the saucepan.

CROCKPOT BEEF & BARLEY SOUP• 1 pound lean beef cubes• 1 small onion, chopped• 2 ribs celery, sliced• 2 carrots, sliced• 1 cup barley• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced • 1 tsp. dried basil • 4 cups reduced-sodium beef or chicken broth• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes• Sea salt to taste• Black pepper to taste

Place all ingredients into the crockpot. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours. Serve.

Note: Serve any of these soups with whole grain, crusty bread; dinner rolls or cornbread…YUM!

HEARTY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP• 1 small onion, chopped • 2 carrots, chopped• 2 celery ribs, chopped • 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil• 1 garlic clove, finely minced• ½ tsp. dried oregano• ¼ tsp. dried thyme• 2 bay leaves• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed• Sea salt to taste• Black pepper to taste • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast • 2 cups uncooked multi-grain pasta of choice

In a stockpot over medium heat; sauté the onion, carrots and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes or until vegetables are fork tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in oregano, thyme and bay leaves just until blended. Add the broth, potatoes, salt and pepper; and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and sim-mer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Stir in cooked chicken and uncooked pasta; simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Discard bay leaves before serving soup.

As always, Bon Appetit!

reci

pe c

orne

r

Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio is the author of Seasoned With Love, Treasured Recipes & Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II, and author of children’s book, Snicker Learns An Important Lesson. http://lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com/ www.facebook.com/#!/lisaann.panzinodinunzio

Warm Up Your Winter With SoupBy Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio

When winter comes around, it’s the perfect time to make warming and comforting foods like home-made soups. Here are three tasty and healthy soup recipes sure to warm you and your loved ones up as the frigid winter winds blow. May you have a happy, healthy, blessed, safe and tasty New Year!

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in the next 6 months will you be shopping for summer camp for your child/children?

57% Very likely 30% Somewhat likely 13% Not likely at all

what type of camps are you considering for your kids?

46% sports camp 17% theatre/dance 33% building/science 4% Other: religious, swimming, horseback riding

what is your summer camp budget for 2016?

24% up to $250 28% $250 to $500 48% $500 or higher

how many weeks do you plan to enroll your child/children?

34% 2 weeks or less 17% 3 to 5 weeks 48% entire summer

what would you like your child to take away from summer camp experience? More than one answer was allowed & parents/caregivers are most concerned in following order:1. Having fun and making

memories2. Learning new life skills3. Building self-esteem

We asked our readers about Summer Camp

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you’ve made the exciting decision that your child is ready for day or overnight camp. By sending your child to camp, you are giving him or her the opportunity to gain important life skills such as in-

dependence, resilience and confidence all while learning new sports and participating in activities in a nurturing environment. There are many dif-ferent camps to choose from so often times parents don’t know where to begin. Here are some easy ways for families to research a camp and find the right camp program for their child. Call the camp director – Have a camp in mind? One of the best ways for a family to learn about a camp is to get to know the camp director. Call the camp director and ask about the camp’s philosophy and mission. The director should be able to describe it quickly and clearly. Be sure the philosophy matches with your own family’s values. If it doesn’t, it’s not the right camp for your child. Make sure to describe your child and ask if the camp director feels he or she would do well at the camp. Remember, you are forming a partnership with the camp director so be honest about your child and what you are looking for. talk to friends & neighbors – Ask your friends and neighbors what camp their child goes to. While this is a good starting point, keep in mind that the perfect camp for one child isn’t necessarily the right camp for another. Try not to automatically choose the camp because your friend likes it. Do your own research to make sure the camp you choose is a good fit for your child. search online – Take the time to look at camps online. Parents can search for an ACA Accredited day or overnight camp at www.acanynj.org. Once parents do some initial research, look at those websites with your child. Check out the philosophy, program, activities, sample sched-ule, and videos. Looking at a camp’s website will give families a sense of what a particular camp is about and will help parents make an informed camp decision.

Camp tours – When possible, touring a camp the summer before register-ing allows families to see the camp in action and get a true feel for what a camp is about. Camp tours give children the feeling that he or she is part of the process of choosing the camp and the more involved a child feels in the decision making, the more successful the camp experience will be. A tour also allows parents to speak with the camp staff while in the camp environment and ask questions about what you are seeing at the camp. If it’s not possible to tour the camp during the summer, schedule a tour in the off season so you can see the facilities and still get a feel for the camp. Camp fairs & home visits – Camp fairs and home visits are other ways to learn about a camp and to meet the camp director in person. At camp

fairs, you have the opportunity to speak with many camp directors all on the same day which can help narrow down your choices. If you are considering overnight camp, many camp directors will do a home visit where you can sit down in your own living room and learn about the camp program. spring and fall festivals – Many camps have fall festivals and spring open houses which gives families a way to see a camp and meet the camp directors. These open houses and fall festivals are also great ways to in-volve your child in the process of choosing a camp and they are good events for families who aren’t able to tour the camp over the summer when camp is in session. Call the American Camp Association, NY and NJ – Not sure where to start your search? Call the American Camp Association, NY and NJ for free, one-on-one advice in finding the right day or overnight camp for your child.✲

how To Find The righT camp For your child

By Jess Michaels

sum

mer

cam

p gu

ide

“if you are considering overnight camp, many camp directors will

do a home visit where you can sit down in your own living room and

learn about the camp program”

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Great Times Day Camp

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Cherry Hill Robotics ClubSummer Camps • Evening & Saturday Sessions

Our Robotics Club is geared for grade school and middle school boys and girls. We bring “STEM”(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to your child in a fun camp type atmosphere.

2050 Fairfax Avenue • Cherry Hill856.313.8816 • www.cherryhillrobotics.com

The camp is run by NJ Certified teachers

• LEGO, VIRTUAL and VEX Robotics • New Young Engineers for 6-8 year olds• Competition Teams now forming

5 Common mistakes Parents make When Choosing a CamP1. Choosing a camp because your

friend’s child goes there 2. Sending your child to sleep away

camp too soon3. Sending your child to camp with a friend 4. Not seeing the camp before registering

or meeting the camp director5. Picking a camp that doesn’t have

outside review

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YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

Camp OckanickonOvernight Camp for Boys

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Urban Decay Brow Tamer (a) For a more dramatic and “on fleek” brow look, choose from four different shades to fill in and shape your unruly brows, ranging from clear gel to dark brown. This lightweight paraben-free formula leaves brows sculpted without that stiff or sticky feeling, for a com-fortable hold that last all day. Urbandecay.com; $20

2 Kérastase Blowdry Control Creme (b) Make sure no hair goes astray with this heat styling creme for a beautiful, smooth, and controlled look. Tame your look with the help of anti-frizz and a thermo-protec-tive cream shield to help during styling for lasting control of thick hair. Ideal for medium-thick/coarse hair types. Kerastase- usa.com; $37

BooGinHead Varsity PaciGrip (c) Never stress over a pacifier that fell on the dirty, icky floor again! BooGinHead has the perfect solu-tion: a strong yet gentle clasp with a lanyard to attach to your baby’s shirt or onesie. Washable and durable this PaciGrip is your go to for teethers or small toys. Booginhead.com; $6

Be Kool Soft Gel Sheets for Kids (d) These gel sheets give your child immediate cooling relief from fever or discomfort. Applied to the forehead and ready to go, each sheet lasts up to 8 hours. Safe to use with medication and doctor recommended for kids! Walgreens; $5

SleepBelt (e) Skin-to-skin contact is proven to help infants fall asleep which is why this nap wrap allows you to snuggle with your little one while also keeping your hands free. Comfortable and universal this unique 4-way stretch material doesn’t include pesky knots, clips, or buckles that dig into the skin. Sleepbelt.net; $50

New York CityPass Ticket Booklet (f) This pass gives you the ultimate experience with admission to 6 must see attractions in the city. No need to decide now, or be in a rush. Option tickets allow you

to chose when you get to the city and the booklets are valid for nine consecutive days. Skip most ticket lines and save money! Citypass.com; Adult $114, Youth ages 6-17 $89

Teething Bling (g) Teething bling is the original teething jewelry for babies who just love to chew on Mommy’s necklaces and bracelets. These include fashionable necklaces and bracelets that are made of 100% non-toxic material that can be easily washed with soap and wa-ter. Smartmomjewlery.com; $20

Urban Decay Vice 4 (h) Enjoy this limited-edition palette with 20 new shades to complete any look. Unlike the Naked pal-ettes this set includes dark, smoky neutrals and gorgeous mattes. In-cludes a mirror and double-end-ed brush with a sleek travel bag. Urbandecay.com; $60

Dollar Shave Club Box (i) This online subscription is the perfect way to have a fresh, sharp razor every month for one low price. Add on shave butter, casual hair clay, repair serum, or post shave moisturizer for the ultimate experience. Dollarshaveclub.com; $3 a month

Anthony The Essential Traveler Kit (j) No-nonsense travel kit is perfect for a sharp and refreshed look for your guy on the go. This kit con-tains facial cleanser for normal to oily skin, shave cream, invigorating rush hair + body wash, all purpose moisturizer, and advanced formula lip balm SPF 25. Anthony.com; $70

Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool (k) Warm your favorite room this winter and cool it down in the summer. With the programmable temperature gauge you can set to your desired temperature. Blade-less design and no visible heating element are perfect for homes with kids. Sleep timer, touch tilt, tip-over cut off and oscillating. Dyson.com; $450

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Jan/Feb Calendar Log onto www.southjerseymom.com to check out our new complete list of events

Burlington animal kingdom Zoo

Bordentown, nJ Open daily, We have one of the most extensive wild animal collections in New Jersey. Families and friends can view countless endangered species and learn about the importance of preserving the environment and the animals that live there. To learn more about how you can schedule your trip, call 609- 261-7211.

Valenzano Winery Wine tasting Wine lovers will certainly enjoy tastings and tours at Valenzano Winery in Mt. Holly, NJ. Open daily, this winery can be a fun day trip or the location for your next event. For more information about pricing and to book your tour, call 609-267-1796 or visit their website at www.valenzanowine.com

CoCo key Water resort indoor Fun Climb, jump, shoot and cruise at CoCo Key! With a number of water activities to choose from CoCo Key Water Resort is the perfect place for people ages 1 to 100. www.mtlaurelcocokey.com CoCo Key Water Resort At The Hotel ML 915 Route 73 Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054 877-494-2626

Camden adventure aquarium new Year’s eve splas 1 riverside dr., Camden 10 am–6:30 pm Spend the day exploring Adventure Aquarium (still totally decked-out for Christmas with giant decorations and tons of lights!) and its 8,500 animals before celebrating the New Year (a few hours early) with a spectacular fireworks show. Countdown begins at 8 PM so get there as early as you wish to enjoy the hippos and fun. 856-365-3300; www.adventureaquarium.com

First night new Year’s eve downtown haddonfield, haddonfield Head to historic Haddonfield’s Kings Highway for over 15 venues featuring magic, music, comedy, dance and theater shows, plus midnight fireworks

and a Kidzone (specific games and activities for the 9-and-under crowd), all in an alcohol-free environment! Dramatic fireworks are the highlight for New Year’s Eve revelers. Make sure you buy your buttons in advance. www.firstnighthaddonfield.org

midnight at the oasis new Year’s eve sahara sam’s 7 pm–12:30 am 535 N. Rte. 73, West Berlin 856-767-7580; saharasams.com Splash the night away on the countless water slides, dance to live music, win prizes and join a park-wide Congo line before eating tons of food. Also includes a foam party and sparkling cider toast for the kids. $59.95 per person at the door although kids 2 and under are free.

CumBerland new Jersey motorsports Park We are the premier motorsports entertainment complex. The Park includes two world-class road courses: Thunderbolt and Lightning, Tempest Raceway which is considered one of the top outdoor karting complexes in the U.S., a motorsports country club membership

program known as the Drivers Club, Battlegrounds Paintball which features 10 acres of paintball fields, concert and festival space, overnight accommodations, and real estate development opportunities. Also on the property, a clubhouse features meeting space, bar/restaurant and built-in pool. 856-327-7202; www.njmp.com

the levoy theatre Located at the center of Millville’s Glass Arts District, is a first-rate performing arts center that combines a rich history with grand design and modern convenience. Check out our upcoming shows. 856-327-6400; www.levoy.net

glouCester the Broadway theatre Located in the heart of downtown Pitman, the Broadway Theatre is an opulent French Revival theatre that offers a wide range of live entertainment and classic films. A family can enjoy the theater experience at affordable prices. Call 856-384-8381 or visit www.thebroadwaytheatre.org

to submit your event, send an e-mail to [email protected]. entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first-come first-served basis. space is limited.

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Main Fax: 856.344.7920 EHR Fax: 877.774.5358

432 Ganttown Road, Suite 202 Sewell, NJ 08080

856.344.7916 [email protected] www.cavallarofamilypractice.comJoseph Cavallaro III, D.O.

Board Certified in Family MedicineSouth Jersey Magazine Readers’ ChoiceAward Winner, “Top Doc” 2009-2015Kate Meyers CMA–Certified Coolsculpting

Page 32: January/February 2016 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

Cooper Bone and Joint Institute at Inspira Woodbury

Partners in advanced orthopaedic careCooper Bone and Joint Institute, South Jersey’s leading academic orthopaedic center, and their partner Inspira Woodbury, bring experienced doctors to your community.

Patients in Woodbury, Glassboro, West Deptford and surrounding areas have access to the latest in orthopaedic advancements close to home. With a full range of musculoskeletal capabilities including joint replacement, sports medicine, spine, general orthopaedics, and rheumatology — together, our team keeps you moving.

For an appointment, please call 856.848.3500Same/next day appointments available

221 Victoria Street at Rowan Boulevard • Glassboro, NJ 08028 800 Jessup Road • West Deptford, NJ 08086

FREE Patient Parking Follow Victoria Street to Mick Drive and use the lot behind the building.

Newest Location!Glassboro

221 Victoria Street At Rowan Boulevard

Cooperat Inspira.org

220 ROWAN BOULEVARD

Urgent CarePrimary Care

Behavioral WellnessImaging

221 VICTORIA STREET

Bone and Joint

Institute at Inspira

Medical Center Woodbury