Michael's is open from 9am-6PM on New Years Day.

It's time to wish goodbye to 2008 and welcome a new year, full of promise and possibility. It's customary to make resolutions at this time of year -- although not always customary to KEEP them!

This year, we have modest proposals for some resolutions that might be more rewarding (and easier) to keep than trying to lose 30 pounds or keep a balanced checkbook. Check our list and see if there's something here that could make your own New Year a special one.

Have a Green New Year -- Make 2009 a year to take care of the Earth -- it can be easy with a few simple tips to make your daily routine a little greener, from toting your own mug to recycling greeting cards. Keep reading for more "Going Green" tips throughout the year from our "Going Green" blogger, Shannon.

Family Time -- Finding time for family can be tough when we juggle so many commitments. In 2009, resolve to put family front and center, whether it's through a family game night or gathering the gang to make crafts the whole family can enjoy. Time together costs nothing -- but it's a priceless gift to the people you love.

Help Others -- Times may be tight right now for many of us, but there are ways to make a difference that don't cost a dime. A resolution to volunteer more in 2009 can make a difference to lives in your community -- and add warmth and meaning to your year. Reading to children at your local school, wrapping toys for an organization like Toys for Tots, serving meals to the homeless -- there are opportunities right next door, wherever you might be.

Try Something New -- Whether it's the trip you have always dreamed of or a new craft project. Resolve to explore a new experience or two in the New Year.

Have Fun! -- New Year's resolutions don't have to be painful or ambitious. Sometimes the best resolutions are the easiest to keep! A new year gives us 365 opportunities to laugh, explore, and enjoy, so resolve to take advantage of them. Whether it's watching a favorite movie, visiting a place that you've always dreamed of, or just gathering with friends and family, make this year special by doing more of the things that give you joy.

However you choose to spend this sparkling New Year, we wish you health, happiness, and joy in 2009.

Hi Ladies...

One of the CCM "Mom Panel" Moms received this email from a writer from the Philadelphia Inquirer looking to interview moms for an upcoming article. Thought you might be interested.

My name is Jennifer Bails, and I am a freelance health and science writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. I have been assigned a story for the style section of the paper due Jan. 26 exploring which options are available to couples who hope to choose the sex of their babies (e.g. diet, timing, IVF), and I am searching for moms and/or pregnant women in the Philadelphia area who would be willing to discuss this topic with me. I am actually a new mom myself of two girls, and I work from my home in Pittsburgh, which makes it hard to find people in the Philly area -- I came across your blog and thought perhaps you might be willing to talk with me for my story or pass along my contact information to some of your mommy friends?! I can be reached at jennifer.bails@gmail.com

Help Hooked on Phonics Teach those in Need to Read

Hooked on Phonics is asking all parents and childcare providers to add one more New Year's resolution to their list: Helping a child to read!

If you pledge to teach/help a child read in 2009, Hooked on Phonics will donate a Learn to Read kit to FirstBook.org this Holiday season. FirstBook.org is a nonprofit organization that provides new books to children from low-income families who are participating in community-based mentoring, tutoring and literacy programs.

The best part of this resolution is it is FREE!!! It doesn't cost anything, just follow this link to the pledge page and help provide a child in the need find success in reading. What a great way to give back in 2009!

Thanks Hooked on Phonics for all you do to promote reading and learning to our children!

From our family to yours, we wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

May your home be filled with all things joyous and happy.

Holiday Giveaway Winners!!!

Congratulations to the following Chester County Mom's readers and a huge THANK YOU to all of the sponsors of our December Giveaways. We want to wish all our readers a wonderful holiday season and very happy new year. Look for more great giveaways in 2009!

LeapFrog Didj - L. Simpson

LeapFrog Leapster - C. Pamadi

Pump It Up- P. Dungan

The Diaper Bag Wrangler - C. McFadden

Itty Bitty Bookworms - C. Mitchell

Lina Bean Bib - R. Hagan

The Siblings' Busy Book - E. Haak

Hooked on Phonics Discover Reading Kit - Baby Edition - D. Hart

Hooked on Phonics Discover Reading Kit - Toddler Edition - D. Soderland

Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Kit - Pre-K Edition - M. Root

Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Kit - Kindergarten Edition - J. Jordan

Once Upon a Family Photo Album - B. Schierse

CaitiMac "Clingy Cord" - D. Grieco

Wendell August Ornament - T. Thuer

***All winners will be notified via email***

Holiday Give Aways

Thank You for entering the Chester County Moms 2008 Holiday Give Aways. The contests are now closed.
We will announce the winners Monday morning. If you are are a winner we will also notify you via email.

Pump It Up Give Away

540 East Union Street

West Chester, PA 19382

(610) 918-9180

We are super excited about this giveway from Pump It Up, West Chester's newest bounce facility. Enter to win a 8 guest passes for 1 open jump session. How excited will your child be to bounce the day away with 7 of their friends?!? Fun, fun, fun!

The Chesco Mommy bloggers attended Pump It Up's, Grand Opening Celebration in November and we LOVED the facility! Click here to read our review and see pics from our jumping party.

For more information on birthday parties, family fun nights, pop-in play, field trips and lots more please click here or call 610-918-9180

HOLIDAY Family JumpTime Specials

Mon 12/22 10am-12pm

Tue 12/23 10am-12pm

Fri 12/26 10am-12pm

Sat 12/27 10am-12pm

Sun 12/28 10am-12pm

Mon 12/29 10am-12pm

Tue 12/30 10am-12pm

Includes 1 slice of pizza and a soda with each paid admission

New Years Jump Down

Join us on New Years Eve for our very special countdown.

Our event includes Balloons, Noisemakers, Gifts, our very own countdown,

and of course lots and lots of bouncing.

Wednesday, Dec 31st

1:00pm - 4:00pm $9.95 per child, $5.95 per sibling

Space is Limited. Click here to buy you tickets now and guarantee your spot.

***To enter the Pump It Up guest pass giveaway, e-mail contest@chestercountymoms.com, and enter the words “Pump It Up” in the subject line.This contest will end at midnight on December 20th, 2008. The winner will be notified via e-mail and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to respond within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident. ***

CaitiMac Giveaway: "Clingy Cord"

Chester County Moms is proud to announce yet another awesome giveaway – this time, in partnership with CaitiMac Creations. CaitiMac Creations was developed by a stay at home mom of two, and boy does she have some great products! If you are looking for anything from a burp cloth to a shopping cart cover to a “Boo-Boo Kiss”, this is the site for you! Her products are well-made and very mom – and child – friendly.

This giveaway is for one of our absolute favorite CaitiMac products - the “Clingy Cord” – in the bee print. This unique creation is the answer to all of those dropped sippies, snack containers, lovies…we’ve all been there! But, things just got easier! With the Clingy Cord, you can secure your child’s favorite sippy, security blanket, snack container, etc., to high chairs, strollers, car seats, and more. A plastic hook attaches the Clingy Cord to the seat, while an adjustable knot slides up and down to fit the cup. We love this product, and in the words of one of our Chesco Moms, “…it has saved many-a-snack trap!”

Check out her site – it is definitely worth your time! And while you are there, use the coupon code “chescomom” for a 10% discount (good now through Jan 5th, 2009). You still have time to order Holiday gifts, but please be aware that all orders placed after December 20th will not ship until after the New Year.

***To enter this giveaway, e-mail contest@chestercountymoms.com, and enter the words “Clingy Cord” in the subject line. This contest will end at midnight on December 20th, 2008. The winner will be notified via e-mail and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to respond within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident. ***

The Siblings Busy Book Giveaway

Chester County Mom's is very excited to be able to give one of their readers an autographed copy of The Siblings' Busy Book!

The Siblings' Busy Book is a wonderful resource for any parent looking to create a strong sibling bond for their children through educational and fun activities. The book was written by identical twin sisters, Lisa Hanson and Heather Kempskie, who have do everything together since their birth including having children only months apart! As there families grew, they discovered that the same activities that they were doing with their older children could easily be altered to fit the needs of the new members of their family...and The Siblings' Busy Book was born.

Siblings are our first playmates and oldest friends. It is so important for parents to foster a strong sibling relationship with their children and this book does just that. It contains over two hundred fun activities for children of all ages. The ideas are easy to put into action and the fun that your children will share doing them will create awesome memories. I have already implement many of the ideas with my son and daughter. It's really nice to sit down and do the same activity, just adapted for the age difference.

Thank you Lisa and Heather for this wonderful resource and this wonderful giveaway!

To enter this contest please email contests@chestercountymoms.com and enter "The Siblings' Busy Book" in the subject line.

****This contest will end at midnight on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to reply within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident.****

Eagle Chiropractic would like to announce their recent move.

Eagle Chiropractic has been helping families of Chester County obtain their health and wellness objectives for over 15 years. The docs have just moved their office to the Historic Lionville District on North Village Avenue, behind Pizzeria Uno’s.

30 North Village Ave.
Exton PA, 19480
610) 458-7777

http://www.eaglechiropractic.net/

Dr. Cynthia Glendening and Dr. Andrew Gottlieb have been combining their skills and expertise to help parents and their children regain health through various non-drug, non-surgical methods. Treatments are tailored to each individual patient’s needs and desires.

Please click here for more information and directions to one of their 3 Chester County offices.

The Diaper Bag Wrangler Give Away

The Chester County Moms Bloggers are all HUGE fans of Philly's own Diaper Bag Wrangler. We are so happy to share this give away with our readers.

Every Diaper Bag Wrangler item is handmade and the fabric pattern placement varies slightly piece to piece making each one unique.

This give away is for a Midnight Gift Set Collection ($39 value)
The Gift Set includes a Diaper and Wipes Organizer with Link Loop, Terrycloth Changing Pad and Set of 2 Coordinating Burp Cloths.

To enter to win this give away...
email contests@chestercountymoms.com and note The Diaper Bag Wrangler in the subject line. This contest will end at midnight on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to reply within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident.

Itty Bitty Bookworms Giveaway

Chester County Mom's is excited to be able to partner with Tara Rison, founder of Itty Bitty Bookworms for a fabulous giveaway, a year's worth of curriculum on CD (~ $300 value). Itty Bitty Bookworms is a company that provides parents and childcare providers with a literature-based curricula for children in the following age groups: 18-36 months and 3-5 years old.

Tara left a job in the education field to spend more time with her growing family. She decided to open an in-home preschool but was very unimpressed with the curriculum available so she created her own using her years of experience as both an educator and parent! Her students responded so well that she decided to take curriculum to the public through Itty Bitty Bookworms.

I had the opportunity to preview the Itty Bitty Bookworms November curriculum for children between the ages of 18-36 months and I was very impressed. The curriculum is very expansive and would provide a childcare provider with a daily lesson plan and schedule but it can easily be tailored to the needs of the average parent, like myself, who are looking for an occasional activity.

Each month is based on two books, books that your children may already have in their library. In November, we read The Busy Little Squirrel and The Big Fat Hen, both of which my children thoroughly enjoyed. The curriculum content for November was the color brown and the square. The activities focused around the books and curriculum content and were very easy to implement. My children and I had a great time learning together and it was nice to have two books that we really focused on for one month.

The winner of this giveaway will receive a CD of year's worth of curriculum for the age group of their choice, either 18-36 months or 3-5 years old. What a great giveaway for every parent and childcare provider. Thank you Tara and Itty Bitty Bookworms!

To enter this contest please email contests@chestercountymoms.com and enter "Itty Bitty Bookworms" in the subject line.

****This contest will end at midnight on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to reply within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident.****

Lina Bean Bib Giveaway: “Accessorize Your Sprout"

Chester County Moms is excited to partner up with

‘Lina Bean for this holiday giveaway. If you are not familiar with ‘Lina Bean’s products, you have to check them out!

The company was created by a stay at home mom who knows just what our little ones need. Her burp cloths are fantastic (they have stood the test of my little spitter!). The are super absorbent and their unique lima bean shape helps them stay in place. And…did I mention that they are adorable? Her bibs, also super absorbent, are backed with corduroy and have a snap closure. They are stylish, versatile, and best of all, machine washable! Need a super soft lovey or blanket for baby? Check out ‘Lina Bean’s blankies and blankets. They are incredibly soft, made from double sided plush, and trimmed with modern cotton prints. Going green this holiday season? Check out the new Throw & Go blanket – it is perfect to throw in the car and take anywhere, and it is made from recycled bottles and trimmed with a modern bamboo/cotton print. These products are wonderful – and mommy approved!

‘Lina Bean is giving one lucky reader the chance to choose his or her favorite bib from the newly debuted 2009 line.
Thank you to ‘Lina Bean for providing our readers with this awesome giveaway!

To enter this contest, please e-mail contests@chestercountymoms.com and enter “Lina Bean” in the subject line.

Click here to check out the beautiful blankets, bibs, burp cloths, and more. And, as an added bonus, if you place an order between now and December 16th, ‘Lina Bean is offering 25% off everything on the site. Just enter the code “MerryMerry” at checkout!

This contest will end at midnight on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to reply within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident.

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft while Holiday Shopping

Use credit cards instead of debit cards: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, Credit Cards provide consumers protection again fraudulent charges and your liability is limited to $50. You also have the right to dispute charges and withhold payment during investigation. However, debit cards are entirely different. Although they market themselves to deliver the same protection, they are not required to by any law. Bottom line, your liability for fraudulent charges is the entire amount in your checking account as well as the credit line you have been authorized to receive.

Use a single credit card to consolidate your purchasing: The more credit cards open in your name, the greater the risk that a thief will obtain the account information for one (never mind that having numerous cards with big lines of credit can be a bad temptation and can actually drag down your credit score--even if you don't have balances). It's also easier to monitor a single statement for signs of fraud, and you won't incur the annual fees associated with having multiple cards. Make sure to cross-check all your receipts against your statements to see that they match.

Be sure to write "SEE ID" on the back of credit cards: This simple step can help to foil thieves if the card is lost or stolen, and might even help to catch the thief if your card is taken.

Shop on secure sites and be wary!: While the majority of identity fraud occurs offline, identity theft is also a problem online. You must exercise caution when shopping on the web. Stick to sites that you know are legitimate, and if you are trying a new site for the first time, here are a few things to look for: the URL should have "https" in the shopping cart; there should be a lock icon on the bottom right hand side of the window and look for icons that indicate site safety (the Better Business Bureau, VeriSign and Hacker Safe icons).

Watch out for "phishing" and "vishing" scams: These scams can be a real problem, as identity thieves try to play on people's generosity during the holiday season. Phishing emails often take the forms of requests purporting to be from a bank or credit card company; they ask you to "verify" account information such as login and password or they request a donation or assistance for the less fortunate during the holidays. Vishing scams--which involve fraudulent calls—seek to exploit consumer concerns over fraud by seeming to offer fraud prevention assistance. The bottom line: no legitimate vendor will ask for your login and password via email or on the phone.

Be careful when using ATMs: Only use ATMs with monitoring cameras, such as those in bank lobbies. Avoid kiosk ATMs, those freestanding units often do not have cameras and are statistically more likely to be infected by skimmers (electronic devices that allow thieves to record account and PIN numbers). "Shoulder Surfing" can also be a problem at a crowded mall. While you assume that the man behind you is uncomfortably close because of mall crowding, he may actually be looking over your shoulder trying to get your login.

Place fraud alerts to prevent new credit card accounts from being opened: Free fraud alerts placed on your credit report are good for 90 days (if you can demonstrate that you've been an identity theft victim, they can be set for 7 years) and, in combination with other proactive measures, can be used to help to prevent identity theft.

Enter to win a $100 Lands' End Gift Card

Lands' End is one of those companies that really value moms' opinions. Here's a way to have your voice heard and really make a difference when it comes to summer clothing and summer safety.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Lands' End Sun.Life 2008 Survey. The survey consists of 22 multiple-choice questions. Upon completing the survey, your name will be entered to win one of five $100 Lands' End Gift Cards. To be eligible to win, you must complete the survey by midnight (CST) on Friday, December 19th.

Click here to take the survey now.

HUGE Hooked on Phonics Giveaways

Hooked on Phonics has been so kind as to supply Chester County Mom's with not only one...but with FOUR Learn to Read Kits in a variety of age groups to giveaway to it's readers just in time for the Holiday season.

Discover Reading Kit - Baby Edition (~ $65 value)

The Discover Reading Kit - Baby Edition is designed to help stimulate a babies (ages 3 month -18 months) developing vocabulary and memory as well as provide a bonding experience for both baby and parent. The kit includes Hooked on Baby™ Read, Rhyme & Play DVD, 4 sturdy board books, 1 audio CD with 8 enchanting songs, a Milestone poster with stickers, a Hooked on Baby character poster and a Comprehensive parent's resource book.

Discover Reading Kit - Toddler Edition (~ $65 value)

I was very excited to be able to review the Discover Reading Kit - Toddler Edition with my son and daughter at home. The kit is for children between the ages of 18 months - 36 months, which my son falls between. The kit includes 4 sturdy board books, 1 vinyl bath book, 1 audio CD with 8 enchanting songs, 10 large flash cards, Hooked on Baby character poster, Milestone poster with stickers, and a Comprehensive parent's resource book. I can say without a doubt that my son's favorite would be the bath book. There is no more relaxing place to read! Although my daughter is still an infant, she seemed to enjoy the pictures and stories of the board books. I know as she gets older, we will be using this kit to instill the same love of reading and learning that my son has developed from kits like these.

Learn to Read Kit - Pre-K Edition (~ $65 value)

The Learn to Read Kit - Pre-K Edition is for pre-schoolers, ages 3-4 years old and meant to give them a firm foundation as they begin to read. The kit includes 2 interactive CD-ROMs, 1 colorful storybook, 3 workbooks with lessons and activities, 2 sets of letter cards, 140 picture cards, 3 progress posters with stickers, and a Parent's guide.

Learn to Read Kit - Kindergarten Edition (~ $65 value)

The Learn to Read Kit - Kindergarten Edition is for children between the ages of 4-6 years old. The kit helps children build on the reading skills they have already developed to become a reading success. This kit includes 1 workbook with stories and activities, 10 companion books, 14 Hooked on Phonics® storybooks, 3 audio CDs, 1 CD-ROM, 2 progress posters to track learning success, 1 set of fun stickers kids love, 1 Parent's guide, and 5 flash card sets.

Hooked on Phonics is a company devoted to developing not only children's reading skills but it also promotes success in all aspects of childhood learning, including math, spelling, and handwriting skills. I am extremely impressed with the Hooked on Phonics programs and all the support and education that they provide to not only children, but parents who are trying to educate their children and enrich their environment with learning. Thank you Hooked on Phonics!!!

To enter this contest please email contests@chestercountymoms.com and enter "Hooked on Phonics" and the age group for the Hooked on Phonics kit that you would like to win in the subject line, either "Baby", "Toddler", "Pre-K", or "Kindergarten". You may only enter once per age group.

****This contest will end at midnight on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to reply within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident.****

Leap Frog TAG - $3 discount at Leapfrog.com

Inspire a love of reading with Tag™, the amazing touch reading system for kids ages 4-8. Each touch of the Tag Reader brings books to life as words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud! More than 20 interactive children's books and games are available.

Visit LeapFrog online to receive $3 off your next Tag book purchase. Simply enter code HY8CM when you check out.* leapfrog.com


*Offer valid only at online store at leapfrog.com. $3 discount applies to order of Tag books and does not include taxes or shipping fees. Enter promo code HY8CM at checkout. Not valid in combination with any other promotions requiring a promotion code. No adjustments can be made on prior sales. Discount cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. Promotion expires 1/31/09. ©2008 LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Once Upon a Family Photo Album Give Away

I’m Always With You
This is a wonderful way to take a sweet remembrance with you while you’re away on a business trip, weekend with friends or on vacation. You can even give it to Grandma with pictures of the kids so she can share it with all her friends! Or better yet, keep it tucked in your own purse with your favorite family pictures and special notes from your loved ones to look at whenever you need a little pick me up! The I’m Always With You photo album is the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season too!

If you’d like to see more products that help you connect with your loved ones, check out www.yourfamilyisforever.com

To enter this contest please email contests@chestercountymoms.com and enter "OUAF" in the subject line. This contest ends on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and will have 10 days to claim their prize. The winner of this contest must be a resident of Chester County.

Wendell August Ornament Give Away

Main Street at Exton
103 Woodcutter Street
Exton, PA 19341
610-363-2426

We are happy to tell you about the best kept secret in Chester County.... Wendell August Forge at Main Street in Exton. It is a busy moms "go to" for teacher, neighbor, and co-worker gifts! Beautifully hand crafted gifts, incredible prices. You won't be disappointed!

The decades old tradition of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation established throughout Wendell August’s rich history continues with the opening of a retail store and workshop/forge in Main Street at Exton. Located in the historic Ashbridge barn, guests are invited into the workshop to watch the skilled artisans handcraft the finest metal giftware made in America today. The gift shop presents these one-of-a-kind pieces in dramatic fashion, highlighting the Philadelphia-inspired line, stylish design work, and classic mainstays of the Wendell August assortment. We invite you to experience the workshop and showroom and to enjoy the legendary Wendell August Forge customer service!

Personalized engraving is available on most items within 1 hour.

Workshop tours are free to the public and are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Playgroup Alert... Wendell August Forge tours are kid friendly! The kids (and parents) can watch the craftsmen working and get to hammer their very own piece of art. Call for details...

Store hours are: Monday-Saturday, 10am - 9PM and Sunday, 11am - 6PM

We are giving away a Wendell August Wreath Ornamnet. Enter today at contests@chestercountymoms.com. Note "Wendell August" in the subject line.

This contest will end at midnight on December 20th. The winner will be notified via email and has 10 days to respond. If the winner fails to reply within 10 days, another winner will be chosen. The winner of the contest must be a Chester County resident.