Personally, I’m okay with adding a “soften” filter to an image that’s being printed, editing out a scar that distracts from the pictures impact, or erasing a few pimples. However, I’m NOT okay with much of the dramatic altering that’s taking place. I’m not alone on this. Celebrities themselves are taking offense. Jennifer Hudson recently spoke out about being completely shocked at the sight of her heavily photo-retouched 2008 album cover. See for yourself below:

Jennifer shared her disappointment on NBC’s Dateline,

“It’s like, ‘Where’s the rest of me?’ They Photoshopped me probably to the size I am now on that cover, when we all know I was nowhere near that. “

She adds, “It did not send out a good message. And it did not represent me well…” to her January 2012 interview. (Read the story in the NY Daily News here)

I give tremendous credit to Jennifer for expressing her outrage. The album cover was obviously not just a “touch up” and went way over the line of what’s acceptable- by anyone’s standards. I can only hope more celebrities like her stand up and voice their opinion. Our girls need to hear these confessions and realize these distortions are NOT examples of physical beauty to aspire to. They are nothing more than computer generated images-a far cry from the perfection God created in each one of us.

I’m excited about the progress the students at Dartmouth have made and I think its important that we share these images with our young girls. Sure we can tell them “those girls aren’t really that perfect”, but teenage girls don’t necessarily have a reputation for listening to their mothers. In this situation, a picture is really worth a thousand words. If you’re looking for an entertaining, yet informative way to discuss this with your girls, just press play below!

Play—especially active physical play, like roughhousing—makes kids smart, emotionally intelligent, lovable and likable, ethical, physically fit, and joyful.

I for one couldn’t agree more. I’ve been roughhousing with my littles since they were babies. I’m a firm believer in being physical with your kids. My kids and I are the “touchy-feely” type and our affection for each other isn’t expressed only through hugs -but with pile drivers, tickle fests, and flying leaps off random objects. While I think boys benefit most from this type of love language, my daughter is a huge fan as well. Whenever I’m out and about with my kiddos I hear, “wow, you’re so active and affectionate with your kids!” followed by, “wow, your kids are so loving and confident!” Coincidence? I think not.

Harry Harlow 1958 Nature of Love study

I first encountered some of the research referenced in the book during college as I was pursuing my degree in Neuropsychology. Harry Harlow’s work with rhesus monkeys is well-known and had stuck with me years later when I was navigating those early years of motherhood.

Physical touch isn’t just a bonus for children, it’s a necessity.

Read his 1958 The Nature of Love study here.

The Art of Roughhousing defines several more benefits of roughhousing that deserve mentioning:

• Roughhousing is good for learning because it provides an opportunity for making mistakes without fear of punishment (Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce).
• Play trains mammals to cope with the unpredictable; it makes their brains more behaviorally flexible and increases their learning capacities (Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce).
• Emotional intelligence improves with roughhousing; children practice revving up and calming down, which helps them learn how to manage strong emotions (Anthony DeBenedet and Lawrence Cohen).
• Physical play releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is like fertilizer for our brains.  It helps stimulate neuron growth within the cortex and hippocampus, both of which are vital to higher learning, memory, and advanced behavior such as language and logic (Margot Sunderland).

So what if you’re convinced about the benefits of roughhousing, but don’t know where to start? What are the “rules”? Don’t worry, the authors have included over 150 pages of roughhousing activities complete with diagrams, age appropriateness, and essential skills required. There’s also a quick rundown of “do’s” and “don’ts” in the beginning to help ease you in. For example, a “don’t” is “obnoxious tickling like your big brother did.” Now you know.

What are your thoughts on roughhousing?

Do you use this type of play with your kids?

Our efforts to save a couple bucks with relentless budget cuts are depriving our children opportunities for growth as innovators, creators, and intellectuals. Instead of encouraging and inspiring our next generation to free-think, we are teaching them to memorize data and regurgitate facts. Hardly an atmosphere for nurturing the next Steve Jobs, Einstein, or Mark Zuckerburg.

So what’s a parent to do? Quite frankly, we must do what our schools won’t.

We must challenge and inspire our children to fight convention, dream the impossible, and question authority.

As Einstein once proclaimed, “There’s no great talent without an element of madness.” Tape those words to your fridge and let them serve as a daily reminder to spark a little madness in your child.

Only when children are permitted to stop mindlessly following leaders, are they able to BECOME leaders.

As parents, it’s our duty to give them that permission. Below you’ll find some great tips for taking those small steps towards raising creative kids.

Encourage Them To Answer Their Own Questions

Nothing is easier than “googling” answers these days, but where’s the challenge in that? The next time your child asks a question, let THEM create the answer before handing over the facts. For example, “Mommy, how do we see?” You: “Great question sweetie! We use our brain and our eyes to see, why don’t you draw me a picture of how you think all that works? What do YOU think happens behind our eyes that allows us to see?” Grab paper and pencil and then let their imagination run wild. You might be amazed at what they come up with? Once they’ve completed and explained their theory, you can then seek out the real answer. Were they close? Help explain the correct answer and point out any similarities. For example, did they draw a big mirror inside the brain? If so, you can compare that image to how our eyes “reflect” light. By exploring these “connections” you can help them retain more information from these learning adventures.

Ask THEM Why

Kids are notorious for asking the “Why” question relentlessly. Any parent who’s attempted a road trip has fallen victim to this never-ending line of questioning. In all fairness, why not turn the tables on them? Ask them “why” they are doing a particular activity, drawing, movement, etc. For example, if they’ve been doodling circles for 15 minutes straight, ask them “Why is it fun to draw circles like that?” Depending on their answer, you can ask another question. The goal is to get them to explore the reasoning behind their own behaviors. Teaching them to be introspective about their thoughts and behaviors strengthens their problem-solving skills. They learn to not just “accept” events, but to uncover the underlying motives, thoughts, and feelings. This free-thinking exercise will pay dividends when problem-solving more complex situations.

Find Strategy in Everyday Tasks

Every day life takes strategy. If you don’t believe me, think back to the last time you navigated through a construction site, figured out how to save an extra 20% on your daughter’s birthday present by joining a reward program, or salvaged the homemade noodles when you realized you were one egg short halfway through the recipe. Whether you realize it or not, all those feats took creative thinking, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. Successful completion of those activities were threatened to be derailed by unforeseen circumstances that required strategic thinking to overcome. Why not let your kids do the strategic thinking next time? Explain to them the situation and let them talk through with you potential solutions. This exercise not only teaches them resiliency, but it trains them to think strategically. They won’t just see obstacles in life, they will see options. Overcoming setbacks isn’t an overwhelming task anymore, but a fun exercise for flexing their brain power.

What are your thoughts? How do you encourage creativity in your kids? Chime in below…

The Picnic….

Great for weekends when you WANT to do something fun, but nothing too crazy.  Either grab some goodies already in the fridge or head to the store for yummy picnic items.  This might include cold cuts, cheese, bread, chips, drinks, etc. Or you can take a different -and more playful- approach? Remember, there are NO RULES to having a picnic! The more unconventional the better.

Examples:

• Pack only orange colored foods
• Foods that are petite or mini-sized
• Pick a cuisine theme such as Asian, Irish, or Italian.
• Focus on counting, pack only “8” of each item and then have your tot count and pack each one. Once there, add and subtract the items for additional math fun.
• Bake a cake to celebrate a milestone, imaginary friends birthday, good grades in school, you name it!

The Extreme…

Now here’s the fun part, deciding where to picnic! Make this playful parenting activity even more exciting by adding a dose of adventure. Instead of heading to the same park you visit every weekend, let chance guide your way.

Examples:

• Let the kids chose direction (North, South, East, or West) and then the distance (5-30 miles) You then drive North 18 miles (whatever they chose) and find a nearby spot to lay out the blanket and enjoy your feast.

• Write down a couple of predetermined places and drop them into a hat. Let the kids “draw” the winning picnic location.

• Break out a local map (or print one from mapquest.com) and blindfold your child. In classic “pin the tale on the donkey” style, let them put a pin on the picnic location.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a “extreme picnicking” activity that’s just right for your family.  Embrace the moment, take pictures, and cherish those adventurous smiles. Shoot me an email about your playful parenting moment and we might just feature you in our next newsletter!

I. Healthy Moms are Happy Moms

We exercise and eat healthy to nurture our heart, soul and being. It gives us the stamina to run our kids to school, to shine during a hectic day, and still have energy left for an impromptu game of tag before bedtime. We eat healthy to ensure our bodies have the fuel it needs to keep our immune systems strong, our energy high, and body ready and willing for whatever challenge it might face. When we nurture our bodies, they nurture us back. It blesses us with tight tummies, muscular curves, and a swimsuit-worthy body that loves the thought of a pool party. When we love our bodies and are proud of its accomplishments, we have the confidence to be the outgoing playful mom we were meant to be.

II. Role Model to Our Children

We respect and value that we are our children’s role models. Actions speak louder than words and we do more than preach the joys of being active – we show them. Family activities are more like team sports that include bike rides, fun runs, and soccer games. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is not just for our benefit, but for the sake of our children. Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last thirty years and moms are the first line of defense for reversing this dangerous trend. We have the power to make a difference by stocking our pantries with nutritious snacks, putting healthy food on the table, and instilling in our children a passion for fitness.

III. Value Self-Love & Respect

Our greatest enemy is often our own reflection in the mirror. We stress over every flaw, no matter how small they might be. Being glamaFIT is about letting go of all those insecurities and self-limiting behaviors that stand in the way of our happiness. We eliminate the negative self-talk and focus only on the positive. It’s sometimes the little shifts in our thoughts that make the biggest differences. For example, instead of thinking “I could never finish that race”, try telling yourself:

“I CAN run that race. I will DO MY BEST.”

In the end, it’s not the results that matter but how we feel about those results. Be proud of the fact that you showed up, gave it your all, and can go home with your head held high -with or without a medal. You’ve already won the race just by believing in yourself.

IV. Strive For Progress Not Perfection

Being glamaFIT is more of a journey than a destination. We are constantly evolving, changing, and growing along with our bodies. It’s about transforming physically, mentally, and psychologically -not a quick fix or fad diet. Our goal is a lifestyle of well-being which includes not just strong bodies, but strong minds and hearts as well. As we move along our fitness journey, we realize there may be setbacks. Mornings where we’re shocked by the scale, birthday parties that blow our diet, and days that we just aren’t motivated to exercise. That is OKAY! What matters is that we reflect on those stumbling blocks, learn from them, and come back with renewed focus and inspiration. It’s not how many times we get knocked down that count, but how many times we get back up.

V. Achieve Well-being Not Weight-loss:

well-be·ing (wlbng) n. : The state of being healthy, happy, or prosperous; welfare.

The very definition of well-being reminds us that it’s far more than just a number on the scale. It’s possible for weight loss to exist without happiness, and for happiness to exist without health.

We must approach our health with an attitude of well-being that addresses all the issues, not just the physical ones. This includes yoga and meditation for stress relief, sleep strategies that truly restore our bodies, and maintaining positive relationships that provide emotional support. All these aspects of our lives are intertwined in a delicate balance. To achieve well-being, you must strive to achieve them all.

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VI. Know Thyself to Heal Thyself:

Our bodies offer all the secrets to health if we just listen. Sometimes the signals are simple and easy to understand, like hunger pangs when we’ve missed lunch. Others are a little harder to recognize. One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the gift of education. Understanding the how and why of our bodies is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For example, a diet heavy with saturated fats is more than just “bad.” It’s unhealthy because it hardens your arteries which in turn drains your energy, drastically increases your risk for heart disease, and has been linked to cancer and diabetes. When we understand the real and tangible effects of our behaviors, we’re more likely to change them. The next time we reach for the butter we won’t think, “oh I shouldn’t.” We will know, “I shouldn’t because this will increase my chance of a heart attack which also increases my chances of not living to see my daughter get married.” It’s easier to improve bad behavior when we know the severity of its consequences.

VII. You Get What You Give:

If you want 100% from your body, you must be willing to give 100%. There is no magic pill, quick fix, or gimmick that can make you healthy overnight. However, with every minute you exercise, hour you sleep, and nutritious food you eat, you are making an investment in your body’s overall health and well-being. In the end it will pay dividends with a stronger immune system, longer life expectancy, and better quality of life. Being glamaFIT is a lifelong mission, not a fad.

I challenge you to:

Embrace life and live each day to the fullest.

Get inspired and take time each day to celebrate your victories.

Be glama and make big memories out of the little things.

glamaLOVE,

When people first find out that I have epilepsy, they often reply, “Wow, you would never know.” This is true of course, unless I’m having a seizure. Which makes me think about all the places where I’ve woken up after a seizure: in the street (literally), in a conference room at work (that was delightful), and the list goes on and on. To make matters worse, my seizures are the big ugly convulsions that you see in movies.

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and you may be surprised to learn that more than 3 Million Americans and 70 Million children and adults worldwide are living with epilepsy. That’s more people than were living with HIV/AIDS in 2008. You should also know that epilepsy is as prevalent and as deadly as breast cancer; yet epilepsy receives 1/5 the federal funding for research when compared to breast cancer.

So, in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month and the 70 Million of us out there, here is a primer to help answer a few FAQs:

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder with many possible causes. Causes include illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development, however 70% of people with epilepsy have no known cause. A little research money would go a long way toward reducing that 70%.

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain for a short time, similar to just before a light bulb blows out. Seizures can cause strange sensations, emotions, and behavior. Seizures can also cause convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.

Can kids get it?

Yes, more than 200,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US each year and more than 20% are children under the age of 15. That’s more than 40,000 kids newly diagnosed each year–enough to fill Michie Stadium at West Point.

Can you die from epilepsy?

Yes, in fact each year more than 45,000 people die from seizure related deaths. Some of these deaths are caused by SUDEP (Sudden Death in Epilepsy).

Is there more than one type of seizure?

Yep, it is estimated that there are more than 40 types of seizures. They do not all cause convulsions which makes epilepsy that much more difficult to diagnose, especially in children.

Does everyone who has a seizure have epilepsy?

Having a seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has recurring uncontrolled seizures.

How do you know if you’ve had a seizure?

In my case, you know because suddenly you are on the floor when previously you were not. Oh, and you can’t explain how you got there. But seriously, EEG and MRI are used to diagnose epilepsy.

What do you do if someone is having a seizure?

No compressions–they are not having a heart attack, and please don’t put any dirty old wallets (or anything else for that matter) in the person’s mouth. Just try to remember the 4 C’s of seizure first aid: stay Calm, Clear the area, Comfort the person, and Call 911.

Does epilepsy have a ribbon or a color?

Yes, the color for epilepsy awareness is purple. To get your own epilepsy awareness gear for Epilepsy Awareness Month, visit at Living Well Gear Shop.

So this November, watch for epilepsy awareness events in your area. And ask around, you might be surprised at how many people you know have epilepsy. If you are interested in more information, visit LivingWellWithEpilepsy.com.

The statistics cited here are available via the Epilepsy Foundation of America and UNAID, WHO, NINDS and Komen Foundation.

Jessica Keenan Smith is founder of Living Well With Epilepsy. She is a writer, a blogger, and an expert in niche marketing. She has lived with epilepsy for more than 25 years and her site Living Well has become resource to the more than 70 million people worldwide affected by epilepsy. Her writing can be found at livingwellwithepilepsy.com, Feministing.com, Disaboom.com and other news outlets. Her original epilepsy awareness designs can be found at Living Well Gear Shop. To connect across social media you can find her on @jessicaksmith, Facebook.com, and LinkedIn.com. Reach out, she will be happy to connect!

While it’s easier said than done, there are things you can do before bed to maximize the overnight skin-renewal process and help your skin look its best come morning.

Make-up

First and foremost, always remove makeup before bed since it’s that very makeup, plus the dirt and grime that collect on skin during the day, that increases a pore’s likelihood of getting clogged.

Exfoliate and moisturize

Exfoliation helps rid of dead skin-cells. However exfoliate with caution. Moisturizers seal moisture into the skin. Some call it the saran wrap effect. So boost your skin’s moisture with a hydrating gel moisturizer or cream.

Regular exercise

The revitalizing and energizing benefits of exercise (and the circulation boost it provides the entire body) are certainly good for your overall well-being–not to mention the healthy glow it gives your skin.

Stress relief

When we’re under pressure, we tend to let our good habits lapse. For instance, we crave foods higher in fat and sugar; we sleep less or poorly; we react to situations more emotionally and get angry more easily–all thanks to the hormone, cortisol, that’s released during times of tension. Since cortisol itself can trigger acne by causing inflammation, neglecting good habits creates a double whammy for our complexion.

A balanced diet

There are many myths about what we eat. One thing is certain, however: Eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables- is the best way to stay healthy and have clear skin.
Get your nutrients. A healthy diet is rich in minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamins A, C and E, which are critical for smooth, clear skin. Nutritionally, vitamin A is found in foods like broccoli, cantaloupe, cod, red peppers, spinach and watercress.

Stay hydrated

No sadly coffee doesn’t count. Drink at least 11 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Water is essential for life, and drinking it is important for every organ system, including the skin (it makes it more supple and resilient). Besides thirst, signs of dehydration include fatigue and loss of skin tone (the skin sags more and loses its glow).

Don’t SKIMP on SPF

Sunscreen is a year-round necessity. Ultraviolet rays will replace your natural glow with discoloration, dryness, and eventually, wrinkles. Wear sunscreen every day; no matter what your age, ethnicity, or the weather. Believe it or not but you can get sunburn even when it’s raining.

Take a bath

Get a book, sit back and relax, don’t forget to lock the door. However as tempting as it may be, don’t turn up the heat in the tub or shower. Hot water is dehydrating, adding that warm water is skin safe. Get more moisture-boosting benefits by coating skin with an essential oil immediately after soaking and towel-blotting.

When all else fails after a few sleepless nights, keep in mind that a little mineral foundation and lip-gloss can go a long way.

Special thanks to our guest author:

Over the course of seven years devoted to teaching in the aesthetics field, Jennifer developed governmental teaching programs in Canada and worked as a national trainer for aesthetics professionals. Her expertise lies in the physiology of the skin, product research and development and market intelligence.Ms Brodeur is also known for her knowledge in the field of light therapy for the aesthetics industry. Her career includes many years of valuable experience with a large aesthetics manufacturer, where she was in charge of concept development.

 Ms Brodeur co-founded Max LED Technologies in 2003, and serves as director of market intelligence and head of market research, training and worldwide seminars.  Ms Brodeur founded Bella Clinique in 2009. Admired for its elegance, results oriented treatments, Bella guests enjoy relaxing and chatting at the skin bar.  Bella features anti-aging therapies using cosmeceuticals and LED technology. In early 2012 Bella will open a second location down town Montreal.

You can find Jennifer at Twitter.com/jenniferbrodeur, www.bellaclinique.ca, www.maxledtechnologies.com and of course Beauty Connexion.

If you know me, then you know I have a love affair with leopard print. Yes, it can be trashy (and not so classy), BUT I love that too. I think flirting with that fun and playful line between the two makes it very rocker, and very chic. I’m not alone on this one either. For yest another year straight, animal skins are the hot accessory for Fall. Top picks include leopard print heels, cropped cardigans, and minis with black tights to tame the print down a bit.

Hollywood has been quick to jump on this trend, and even pop superstar Ke$ha is on board. To help express her “wild side” (her words- not mine!), she’s partnered with Baby-G to launch some hip new watches that are officially on my must-have list for this fall.

Judging from this footage from the photo shoot, she had quite a bit of fun with it too!

Now here’s where its gets interesting… Yes, the watches are available at Tourneau, Nordstrom, select Macy’s stores and fashion boutiques, with an MSRP of $120 for the BGA200KS-1E and $99 for the BG5600KS-7. (You can can check out the collection on baby-g.com for more information.)

BUT…if you can’t snag one of those for yourself, you can sign up to WIN one of the other Baby-G watches for FREE during their sweepstakes. How cool is that? The deets are here: Baby-G sweepstakes

(…and click here for rules: contest rules)

Best of luck and let me know which one is YOUR fav?

Zoodles

This website offers features such as a “kid safe mode”, the ability to “remove characters” that are particularly annoying, and you can even “block ads” from being displayed. There are games available for kids 2-8 and can be sorted by subject, age, or activity. One of my favorite features is the “parental report” which shows your child’s progress on each game. This is handy when paired with the “educational settings” tab. For example, if you find a subject that’s troublesome for your tot, you can increase the games that are available focusing on that specific topic. Every child’s needs are different, so the ability to customize their learning experience is a huge bonus!

 Starfall

Popular with parents and teachers alike, Starfall is a one-stop shop for all things reading.  Specifically geared towards elementary school children, or “emerging readers”, the site offers ABC games, beginner phonics games, and interactive activities for more advanced readers. As an added feature, there are mobile apps available so you can access the site anytime with your phone. The holiday themed learning games are always a hit with little ones!

 PBS Kids

Backed by the powerhouse PBS, PBSKids is the online homework help home to such celebrities as Curious George, Clifford, and Sesame Street. The site is best for preschool aged learners, but offers more advanced games as well. The characters are the great bonus for this site since they are so easily recognizable to younger fans. The learning games can be sorted by topic and character, but not by age. I found this to be a bit annoying when trying to find age appropriate games for my little ones to play. Also, there isn’t the customization and parental feedback available as with the other sites.

Discovery Kids

I’ve always been a big fan of the Discovery Channel and the Discovery Kids site lives up to its name. The site has your basic learning games, BUT adds in some Discovery flair with science activities, animal education games, and even a “secret agent” strategy game. The games are geared more towards the K-3rd grade set and promise to keep them entertained day after day. They add new topics regularly with their latest being “Puterbugs”, a game for teaching kids technology.  My sons and I absolutely adore the science and social studies focus of Discovery Kids! It’s a great compliment to the other learning sites available.