Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to all of our loyal Chester County readers!

Help Graco Help Others in Need

I wanted to share this information about an AWESOME charitable campaign that Graco is doing right now. Check out this information that I received from Graco and GO SIGN UP TODAY! You receive great Graco and partner offers and information, and more importantly, you can help someone in need receive a FREE CAR SEAT! Go sign up right now! What are you waiting for?

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With Halloween here at the end of this week, the holiday season will soon be in full swing (the kids certainly know it’s coming!) which means travel for many, and unfortunately tough times for a few. As part of Graco’s new “Ready for the Road Ahead” campaign, we have created the Ready. Safe. Go! Car Seat Club.

The Car Seat Club gives its members access to car seat resources, special partner offers and e-mail updates and the best part about the club, (we think) is that for every 10 people that join the club 1 car seat will be donated to organizations helping families in need. The holiday season has always been a time to help others and just by joining, you’re able to help organizations distribute donated car seats to families who aren’t able to buy one for themselves.

So help Graco help others -- all while helping yourself!

Martha!.. Here we come!

Woo-hoo! Martha Day is here! The Chesco Mom blog team and 6 fellow bloggers are headed to New York bright and early to see a live taping of The Martha Stewart Show.
We are leaving at 4:45am.. Whew,is that early!
We will be blogging live as we go....
You can follow us by checking back throughout the day or on Twitter: ChescoMoms

Women's Health Series - 3rd Lecture

Join women just like you at the third night in the Women's Wellness Series sponsored by Paoli Hospital and ACAC.

When: October, 29th
Where: ACAC (1130 McDermott Drive, West Chester, PA)
Time: 6:30 - 8:00PM

Topic:
Sensitive Issues
Even the most sensitive of issues need to be discussed. This forum will provide the straight talk every woman needs to hear.

Moderator:
Elizabeth Dimorier - ACAC Exercise Physiologist


Speakers:
Teresa Marlno, MD - Gynecologist
Marc Toglia, MD - Urogynecologist
David Hotlz, MD - Gynecologic Oncologist

This session will run from 6:30PM-8:00PM

* Seminars are FREE but, registration is required. Call 866-CALL-MLH or visit mainlinehealth.org

Not enough time in the day!

"I am exhausted! There just isn't enough time in the day to get all of the things done that I need to do."

Does this sound familiar? Have any advice or stories of your own..? What are you doing to get it all done?
Join the conversation... post a comment or if you are not sure how to post a comment email sarah@chestercountymoms.com and we will post (with your permission) for you.

Talkin' Turkey

When thinking about Thanksgiving turkey, the words “perfect” and “effortless” don’t immediately come to mind. Instead I usually picture either the continual job of monitoring the turkey or the disappointment of pulling out a slightly darker and more dry version than the one I dreamed about the night before. The first year that Thanksgiving was at my house I thought that I could "handle the bird" on my own. Well... the disposable pan leaked and caught fire in the oven. We got the mini fire out but we were smoked out of the house and forced us to open all of the windows to get the smoke smell out. So picture my entire family (12 people) sitting around the perfectly set table ALL wearing coats to keep warm from the bitter November air.
Ahh.. memories..

So now that that you have read my story .. Even if you achieved the perfect turkey, every Mom has a turkey tale to tell. Whether horrifying, funny, or successful, holiday cooking creates many memorable moments to share. Electrolux and Kelly Ripa invite you to share these stories at their website by uploading a photo or video relaying your most memorable turkey tale. The contest will run now through November 14th, and the winning story will receive a new wall oven or range complete with the Perfect Turkey button from Electrolux. Just in time to ensure you have the perfect holiday dinner.

Electrolux makes roasting the perfect turkey practically effortless, with their “Perfect Turkey” button. The luxury home appliances brand innovated their oven to make it easy to use and ensure your holiday meal turns out flawlessly. The Perfect Turkey button uses a temperature probe to precisely control cooking, along with a convection system that gently browns the turkey while sealing in the juices. Perfect turkey, every time.

We would love to hear all of your adventures in holiday cooking, so after you submit your picture, video, or story to www.electroluxappliances.com. Post your story on our blog. We look forward to connecting with you on this great holiday contest and wish you the best of luck in winning your own Electrolux Perfect Turkey oven.

Help for Homeowners...

U.S.A Today featured a story regarding a program aimed to get mortgages under control for homeowners caught in the current financial crunch. If you feel you are facing foreclosure, it’s worth looking into.

The program is called “Hope for Homeowners”, and it’s sponsored by the FHA. If you qualify, you get an instant 10% equity in your home, and they restructure your payment. To qualify, you have to have a mortgage payment that is 31% or more of your monthly income.

Click here to be directed to the USA Today article

Marshallton Ghost Walk

Mark your calendar for the evening of Saturday, October 25, 2008 and the Fall Family Fun Night and Marshallton Ghost Walk.

This years’ event, a collaborative effort of the Township Historical and Recreation Commissions, will have a variety of activities that will interest residents of all ages.

In addition to the cider, donuts, pumpkin painting, scare crow making, hayrides, bonfire and story tellers, a ghost walk and tour of historical Marshallton are planned. Bring the entire family and enjoy a fall evening that is sure to please those of all generations.

Schedule of Events

Parking - Primary parking is available at the Marshallton United Methodist Church and overflow parking is available at the Goddard School .

Food – Marshallton U.M.C.: Family-style roast beef dinner, 4 PM to 6:30 PM, tickets are $5.50 for children and $11 for adults (available at the door). Friends of Martin’s Tavern: light refreshments, e.g. popcorn balls, warm apple cider, hot dogs. Township Recreation Commission: cider & donuts. The Marshallton Inn and Four Dogs Tavern will also have food specials.

Fall Family Fun – 6 PM to 9 PM in the field behind the Four Dogs Tavern and Marshallton Inn. Children’s and Family activities include pumpkin painting, scare crow making, hayrides, a corn maze, bonfire, puppet show and story telling.

Parents may drop their children off at the Goddard School for supervised activities while they visit the Ghost Walk events.

Marshallton Ghost Walk – 6 PM to 9 PM through out the Village.

- Fall Holiday Decoration Contest - $100 first prize & $50 second prize (entry form)

- Guided Village Tours

- Marshallton United Methodist Church & Cemetery Tour

- West Bradford Historical Commission, Township History Scrapbooks & Sales of Township History Book and Paintings

- Marshallton Friends Meeting & Cemetery Tour & History telling

- Martin’s Tavern, live music & historical re-enactors

- West Bradford Fire Company, Antique Fire Equipment Display

- Jeff Stafford’s Cannon Demonstration

Pressed-Leaf Butterflies

From: Martha Stewart Living

Make lovely winged creatures from vivid autumn leaves. Collect just-fallen leaves, and press between the pages of a heavy book for two weeks. Use a small strip of plain paper for base. With a skewer, apply glue to tip of a leaf; secure to base for a bottom wing. Working from bottom to top, glue remaining leaves, which should overlap slightly, to base. Glue two leaf stems to the top of a thin leaf for antennae. Glue thin leaf vertically to white base for the butterfly's body. A mat border and frame give a finished look while protecting the leaves.

Happy Crafting!

Build & Grow Workshop at Lowe's

Halloween is only a week away! Get it started by building this fun Pumpkin Pal at Lowe's
FREE Build & Grow Clinic.

Saturday October 25, 2008
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Please Note: Registration is required! Click here to register online.

Halloween Candy Recalled!

There is a warning put out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.... Sherwood brand "Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins" are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the chemical that has caused several infant deaths in China, and sickened thousands more. These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores! PLEASE make sure to check your childrens' Halloween candy and DO NOT LET THEM EAT THE PIRATE COINS (the ones wrapped in the shiny gold/silver foil) and please let other parents know about this!

You can verify the validity of this information at Snopes.com.

Get your shop on!

Woo-hoo! I am so excited ! HomeGoods in Exton is now open! I drove by today and the parking lot was packed. So, did you go to the Grand Opening Sale? Score any good deals? They are open today (Thursday) until 10PM so, there is still time to get in on the grand opening savings.

HomeGoods
Festival at Exton
(Applebee's Shopping Center)
436 W. Lincoln Hwy
Exton, PA 19341
Phone: 484-875-2980
Hours: Sunday 11am-8PM
Sat-Fri-9:30PM-9:30PM

More on the crib recall...

I received this email this morning from Melissa Winston of Litzky Public Relations


Saw the information about the Delta Recall on your Blog. As you are aware, Delta Enterprise, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced two voluntary recall actions that can affect nearly 1.6 million older versions of its drop-side cribs, after two tragic infant deaths. I know that delivering accurate, timely information is essential to you and those who follow your blog so I wanted to be sure that you had everything you might need to share with your readers.

It is important to note that the recall does not affect any cribs in retail inventory right now. Approximately 985,000 drop-side cribs made from 1995 through 2005, and a single design from 2007, require safety pegs that consumers may have lost during reassembly. Another 600,000 drop-side cribs made during the same time have spring pegs that can, in very rare instances, jam if forced.

It is also important to note that no cribs are being sent to Delta for replacement. Instead, the company is offering replacement safety pegs or spring peg retrofit kits to all consumers who may own one of the cribs in question.

CPSC and Delta urge parents and caregivers to immediately contact Delta to receive a free, easy-to-install repair kit. Call Delta's Recall Hotline toll-free at (800) 816-5304 anytime after 5 pm today or log on www.cribrecallcenter.com to order the free repair kit. For additional information you can also call the CPSC Recall Hotline at (800)638-2772 and view thee CPSC's press releases that were issued today at:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09017.html

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09016.html

Delta Children's Products Crib Recall

This just in... one of our readers ( Thanx Anna!) just emailed this information.

Delta Children's Products has announced two voluntary actions that they are taking related to several of their cribs produced between 1995 and 2007 that use the drop side trigger lock designs. These actions, which do not require consumers to return any of the products, are meant to ensure the safe use, assembly and function of several of the crib models. Please click here to visit the recall information site and read the instructions and descriptions carefully to determine if your crib is part of this effort.

For complete recall information please visit: http://www.cribrecallcenter.com/

Diabetes: Not So Sweet

Diabetes is an increasing topic of interest in the news. This is mainly because it has become an epidemic that is costing our nation billions of dollars a year. However, many people are unaware of exactly what diabetes is. There are actually two different types of diabetes. While they share the same name they are quite different. 

Type II Diabetes is the more common and well known form. While genetics play a role in contributing to Type II, typically the disease develops due to weight gain, inactivity and stress. Changing lifestyle habits can help prevent and in some cases reverse the disease. Our body uses glucose, a type of sugar, from the food we eat to produce energy. Insulin acts like a key which allows the sugar to move from the bloodstream into the body cells. Insulin doesn't work the way in should in Type II Diabetics. After a while they may also become unable to produce enough insulin. The disease is treated with either oral medications or insulin. 

Type I Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type I is a genetic disease, but there is also at least one environmental factor required to trigger the disease. Scientists are still researching exactly what those triggers may be. A major difference between the two types of diabetes is that Type I Diabetics require insulin either given with injections or an insulin pump; oral medications will not suffice. Also, Type I is not reversible. While it is sometimes referred to as Juvenile Diabetes it can not be outgrown. It is crucial to diagnose Type I Diabetes as early as possible. Symptoms to look for include the following:

Excessive thirst

Excessive urination

Weight loss

Fatigue

Flu like symptoms

Fruity breath

All diabetics can have numerous potential health problems including kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and heart disease. These complications can be avoided by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, eating right, exercising and working closely with a diabetes team. 

If you suspect that either yourself or your child has diabetes seek the advice of your doctor immediately. 

Jennifer is the mother of a Type I Diabetic 4 year old boy who was diagnosed at 19 months of age. She works hard to keep her son's blood sugar under control while making sure he has a "normal" childhood. Look for more Diabetes posts from her in the future.  You can feel free to comment or send her an email at Jennifer@chestercountymoms.com

Women's Wellnes Series - Lecture 2

Join women just like you for the second night in the Women's Wellness Series sponsored by Paoli Hospital and ACAC.

When: Wednesday, October, 22nd
Where: ACAC - 1130 McDermott Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
Time: 6:30 - 8:00PM

Topic:
How to be a Heart Healthy Woman
From how to prevent heart disease to how your heart beats and keeping it strong through healthy living.

Moderator:
Debbie Moran, RN - Paoli Hospital Cardiac Rehab


Speakers:
Elizabeth Dimorier - ACAC Exercise Physiologist
Kevin Shinal, MN - Cardiologist
Todd Rudo, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist

This session will run from 6:30PM-8:00PM

* Seminars are FREE but, registration is required. Call 866-CALL-MLH or visit mainlinehealth.org

We heart NY!

The Chesco Moms blogging team and a few friends are headed to The Martha Stewart Show on Tuesday, October 28th. We are all so excited! We are trying to decide if we should drive or take the train... Any suggestions?

Comfy Cozy Give Away

Comfy Cozy Personalized Pillowcases have been "lighting up the night" since 1994 and transforming everyday items into exciting personalized gifts for today and keepsakes for tomorrow.

Comfy Cozy signature Glow in the Dark Pillowcases are unique gifts to give any day of the year. There is a Tooth Fairy Pillowcase and you can make your childs birthday extra special with one of the fun Birthday Pillowcases.

The holidays are just right around the corner.. take a look at the Halloween Pillowcase, Dear Santa Pillowcase, and the Believe in Christmas Pillowcase.

Comfy Cozy Glow in the Dark Pillowcases, Travel/Toddler pillows, and Keepsake Calendars are FUN, FUNCTIONAL, PRACTICAL but NOT PRICEY gifts. You'll find a design for everyone on your list. Add Personalization for a special touch. Gift wrapping & shipping is also available.

Click here to start shopping today! To receive a 1/2 off "BOGO"discount enter code MCBOGO at checkout.

We are giving away 1 Comfy Cozy Pillowcase to a lucky Chester County reader. To enter to win please email contests@chestercountymoms.com before midnight on October 28th and enter Comfy Cozy in the subject line.

The winner will be announced on October 29th via email. The winner MUST be a Chester County resident and is responsible for making arrangements to claim their prize within 10 days of receiving the "You won" email. If the prize is not claimed within 10 days we will choose another winner.

Join the "Mom Panel"

We are looking for fellow Chester County Moms to join our
"Mom Panel". By joining the "Mom Panel" you will help with our blogging team with community events, product reviews, you can also contribute posts, recipes & craft ideas to the blog, and network through "Word of Mom". This isn't a paying gig.. sorry, but that doesn't mean we won't throw some swag your way for your time and contributions.

Who doesn't like a freebie?!

Moms of children all ages welcome!

For more information please email sarah@chestercountymoms.com
Please enter MOM PANEL in the subject line.

Eagles Meet & Greet for Charity

Philadelphia Eagles & Thomas Jefferson University Hospital:
Tackling Breast Cancer Event
Thursday, October 23, 2008
6:30pm-8:30pm
King of Prussia Plaza lower level outside Lord & Taylor

Come meet two Philadelphia Eagles players, some Eagles Cheerleaders and the

Eagles mascot SWOOP!

Purchase an Eagles Tackling Breast Cancer hat and get an Eagles player's autograph between 7:00pm and 8:00pm.

Donations benefit the Jefferson Breast Care Center.