A Look at Wet Suits for Kids

Other than youth wet suits that contain built-in flotation devices — or the odd, extremely expensive wet suit made for that tiny scuba diver or mini-athlete in the family — these swimsuits for kids are mostly about style.

Yes, they slow down heat loss from the swimmer’s body and yes, even without a built in flotation device, they provide some small measure of buoyancy; but they are mostly about having your little one look good at the beach or in the pool. Made from most of today’s popular swimsuit materials, these wetsuits come in a variety of flashy colors and even flashier designs that look like space age swimming devices.

You’ll see little ones trotting around the beaches in bright red and orange-colored wet suits that are so thin they barely provide protection from the sun, not to mention, the water. In fact, one mother told me she dresses her son in a youth wet suit predominately because she prefers not to slather on the sun goop every time he goes outdoors to swim and because he thinks he looks cool.

There are manufacturers that specialize in professionally made, expertly designed youth wet suits that are most definitely not simply a fashion statement or sun protection. Wet suits made for kids who scuba dive are actually more thermal heat loss resistant than the adult varieties for a few basic reasons.

One is that children’s hearts beat faster. Their body metabolism operates at a higher rate than adults simply because they are still growing. As a result, children will lose body heat faster in the same temperature of water as an adult. Therefore, youth wet suits have to be just a little better at preventing heat loss than the adult versions if a child is to stay submerged for the same time as the adult who is usually accompanying him on a dive.

The second reason is that because the body mass of a growing child is much smaller, and much less dense than an adult — even if the two metabolisms are somehow identical — the child will still lose body heat at a faster rate. And once again, the properly designed youth wet suit will have taken this into account.

Wet Suits Info provides detailed information about triathlon, scuba, and surfing wet suits, as well as wet suits for kids and infants. Wet Suits Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Choosing Birthday Invitations The Most Popular Children’s Themes

Children’s parties are probably the easiest to plan, with birthday invitations and all the birthday supplies surrounding one central theme. Of course, there is the problem of having too many different themes from which to choose. Children have so many different themes and characters they follow that it makes it difficult for a parent or other party planner to decide the theme that the child would like most.

When looking for birthday invitations to go with a central theme for a children’s party, it might be a good idea to ask the child what kind of a party he or she would like to have in order to save time trying to figure out the current favorite theme. Children today have so many themes from which to choose: Blues Clues, SpongeBob, Teletubbies, Winnie the Pooh, Dora the Explorer, and of course a great deal more including the traditional themes that have abounded for years such as Mickey Mouse and Looney Tunes.

The best part of children’s parties is that if you choose to create your own computer-generated invitations, you can usually count on the most popular themes being included in your software package. Even if you don’t have a software package that includes it, an Internet search will bring up online places where you can create and print your own party invitations.

Another good part about children’s party themes is that children are so easy to please. Maybe your child wanted Blue Clues, but you couldn’t find it, so you did SpongeBob or Care Bears depending on the gender; he or she is still happy, and that makes Mom happy, right? Of course, it makes them happier when we use the exact theme they want, but as long as it’s within the scope of something they enjoy, they are quite adaptable little characters.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Party Invitations, etiquette, free party games, party planning tips to help complete your celebration.

The Keith Urban Newsletter - Issue #3

In This Issue (04 Sep 2006)

1. Keith in UnCasville, Conn

2. Mark your calendar - 6th Nov 06

3. Nicole and her demands

4. The CMA Nominations

5. Pregnancy rumors still

6. Keith and the 2 sisters

7. Keith in October

8. The Road To Be Here Video - Part 2

9. Once In A Lifetime debuts

10. Do You Google?

11. A Computer Tip Before We Go

12. Your suggestions

=========================

1.
For those of you in the UnCasville, Conn area, Keith will perform at Mohegan Sun Arena
on 20th Oct 06. If you can still get a ticket that is. They went on sale 1 Sep 06 at Ticketmaster for $65-$85.

2.
Mark your calendar for 6th Nov 06 for the 40th Annual CMA Awards which will be returning to Nashville
this year. If you recall, the event was held last year in NYC. You can catch the show on ABC.

3.
I’m not sure how true this rumor is but supposedly Nicole is trying to persuade Keith to shave off his
facial hair. Apparently she finds it irritating to her face. I wonder if that topic ever came up prior to the marriage. What could be next? Hey, I don’t like the length of your hair … get a haircut!

4.
Here are the four awards Keith is nominated for at this years CMA Awards:

1 - Entertainer of the year:
Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
Keith Urban

2 - Single of the year for artist and producer:
“Believe,” Brooks & Dunn;
“Better Life,” Keith Urban; “Jesus Take the Wheel,” Carrie Underwood;
“Summertime,” Kenny Chesney;
“When I Get Where I’m Going,” Brad Paisley (featuring Dolly Parton).

3 - Song of the year for songwriter and primary publisher:
8th of November, Big Kenny and John Rich;
Believe, Craig Wiseman and Ronnie Dunn;
Jesus Take the Wheel, Hillary Lindsey, Brett James and Gordie Sampson;
Tonight I Wanna Cry, Keith Urban and Monty Powell;
When I Get Where I’m Going, Rivers Rutherford and George Teren.

4 - Male vocalist of the year:
Dierks Bentley
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban

5.
Nicole’s rep, Cathrine Olim is insisting that Kidman is not pregnant, again. What if it turns
out that she is lying? How does one get around that with the press? Olim claims that a recent
pic of Nicole was digitally altered to make her look pregnant. The rep said that Nicole wouldn’t be
“shooting a film, traveling to Rome for another film, then shooting another film if she were”
(pregnant).

If all of the bickering stated above between Nicole and Keith is true, perhaps it’s a good thing if she
is not. And it makes you wonder doesn’t it that if you’ve signed several multi-million dollar film
contracts, why would one pursue trying to get pregnant anyhow? She has 5 movies slated for production in the next few months.

6.
Even a married man can’t resist kissing 2 sisters from outside of Albany. That’s what Keith did at a
recent outdoor concert when he spotted their sign. He replied, “2 sisters, 2 wishes, 2 kisses! … Well,
come on up. I’m not going to miss this opportunity.” Keith has been headlining and selling out several
venues over the past few weeks including the Syracuse State Fair and the Crawford County Fair in
Pennsylvania.

7.
Keith will be returning to Australia in Oct for the Australian Recording Industry Association Awards.
Talk about staying power, “Be Here” from 2004 has sold double platinum in Australia and is still number
3 on the ARIA country charts. And his first 1999 solo “Keith Urban” and 2002’s “Golden Road”, are still
both in the Country Top 20 in Australia.

8.
Here is the link for The Keith Urban Story part 2 of “The Road To Be Here”.
http://www.learn-keith-urban-guitar.com/Keith_Urban_Newsletter_Issue_3.html

9.
And finally, “Once in a Lifetime”, Keith’s new single from his upcoming Nov release, made history on
Billboards 62 year history by debuting at No. 17 … the highest ever. Eddie Rabbit had “Every Which Way
But Loose” debut at No. 18 in 1978 and Garth Brooks also had a No. 18 debut with “Good Ride Cowboy” in
2005.

10.
Do You Google?
Here is a Google Tip - If you’re a World Information hound, the The World Biographical Index
(http://www.saur-wbi.de/) may be for you. This is one of the world’s authorities of information about
people, biographies and other cool facts dating all the way back as far as 1559.

It was free until Sep 2004 and now is only searchable via subscription … but many public libraries
will get you into the database for free .. right from your home. Check with your local library if this
resource would be of interest to you.

11.
A Computer Tip Before We Go … Did you know that the inside of your computer should be cleaned every
few months. How you may ask? With compressed air. Ensure the system is shut down .. unplug the cables … remove the side panel and with the tower standing upright, hold the compressed air can vertically and spray the entire surface of your motherboard and power supply fan and any other USB plugs etc where dust can gather.

It’s important to do this in a well ventilated area such as outside on a balcony or deck. And don’t tip
the compressed air upside down or water will spray out of it (that’s not good). Just keep the can
vertical and blow out the dust, as it causes heat to build up inside your computer. 6-8 good sprays for
5-10 sec each should do it.

12.
That’ll do it for this issue. If wish to comment or have any suggestions, I’m all ears. You can reach me
at my web address.

Til next time.

Kirby Swinemar
Webmaster @
http://www.learn-keith-urban-guitar.com

Kirby Swinemar is an avid Kenny Chesney fan and
hosts a website that teaches people how to play
Kenny Chesney hits on the guitar.

Dog Gone Fun Party Times

Having a dog theme party can be done in two different ways. A dog theme party can be for your dog’s birthday with his dog friends and dog decorations. The other style can be any birthday or celebration party with a dog theme.

Getting your guests to come will require a bone invitation. If your guests will be dogs, include a real small dog bone for enticement. Party supply stores have specialty bone shaped invitations, plates, napkins and party favors. If your party is host to humans, a dog or bone shaped pi

Fun Healthy Snacks for Kids

Kids love snacks. After school, in the late evening, or just about anytime, kids want snacks. You may be struggling with snack ideas for your kids that are healthy and inexpensive.

Here is a list of healthy snacks to give your kids.

Some of the healthy choices for kid’s snacks are unsweetened
applesauce, bottled water, fruit cups or snacks, raisins and other dried fruits, granola bars, low fat or fat free milk, and pure fruit juice.

Meat and Cheese: Low fat lunchmeats such as chicken, turkey, and ham make fun snacks when rolled around a small slice of cheese or on whole wheat bread, cut into finger size sandwiches. Cheese and low fat or fat free crackers served with low-sodium pickles are favorites as well as turkey hot dogs with mustard.

Fresh fruit: Kids love fresh fruit peeled and sliced into bits size pieces with some low-fat yogurt on the side for dipping. Peanut butter sandwiches on whole wheat bread with a little sugar free jelly are great ideas for a healthy snack that your kids will enjoy.

Fresh veggies: Fresh vegetables cut into bite size chunks with some low fat salad dressing are fun snacks that your kids will love and not even notice that they are healthy.

Finding healthy snacks that your kids will actually eat is not
impossible. Give your kids healthy choices and arrange the various food items in a fun, colorful way on their plates as extra incentive to enjoy the healthy foods.

Childhood obesity is a major problem in our society. Make sure your kids eat healthy, fun snacks that give them some nutritional benefits and set an example of healthy eating from a young age.

Angela Tyler would rather spend time doing the things she loves
rather than being stuck in the kitchen. She invites you to
http://www.freequickrecipes.com where you’ll find quick recipes for mothers… and others. And, if you are looking for fun exercise for your kids, check out http://www.funexercisevideos.com/big-kid-exercise.php

Choosing The Perfect Area Rug For Your Child’s Playroom

Are you thinking about putting an area rug in your children’s play area? These rugs can be great fun for kids. Many have fantastic colors and designs on them. Some have games or puzzles that the kids can play. Our favorite are area rugs are the ones with race tracks on them, the kids can race their play cars around the city. When choosing the perfect area rugs for your kids play area keep the following tips in mind.

Kids are more prone to getting the carpet dirty. Of course you already know that! The best way to combat this is to select a carpet with a lower pile. This will help make the carpet easier to clean should it get dirty because the vacuum can get right down there a get all the dirt out. As a general guideline aim for a pile to longer than 1/3 of an inch. An added bonus if a low pile is the increased durability it brings.

Note the fiber the rug is made out of. Is it natural or synthetic? Synthetic fibers such as nylon or polypropylene are made from a type of plastic. We recommend these types of fibers are they are more durable and can help avoid stains.

Also take note of where you are buying it. If you choose to purchase the rug online make sure you check out the merchant before buying. Confirm that they have a return policy in case you are unsatisfied with the rug. Also check their shipping charges, some merchants charge more than others. One final tip is to check weather or not they charge tax, if your buying an expensive rug this can equal substantial savings for you.

Are you thinking of buying a rug online? Be sure to visit Discount Area Rugs to find the best rug retailers on the net.

Easy High Fiber Muffins For Kids To Bake For Mom

mom. mOM. MOM! The echo rings in your head. The voices carry you to a not so distant time and place. The time: early morning, May 14th. The place: your cozy bed. The delicious aroma of baking muffins wafts through the air. You wonder if you are in the wrong house. But wait. What if your lessons about high fiber foods have finally been taken to heart by your kids this Mother’s Day? Could they really be in the kitchen baking your favorite high-fiber carrot bran muffin?

You think about all of the moms in the world at this very moment awaiting the special treats in store for them this day. Many of them will be served a refined flour, sugar-laden breakfast in bed. Many will wish they were at the spa, alone. How many will find their family showering them with love by serving a high fiber menu with lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains?

Throughout the years, as the learning curve widens about the benefits of high fiber foods, smart moms have chosen foods high in fiber for their family’s daily diet. There is an alarming number of today’s children that are overweight. The new Food Guide Pyramid recommends that children consume 1 to 3 servings of whole grains daily. The wise mom serves (but certainly not on Mother’s Day) a variety of healthy fiber-rich foods to keep her kids trim and their digestive tracts running smoothly. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar which is vital to your children’s energy and digestive health. If your little ones are exposed to a diet of foods high in fiber, their instinct will naturally lean towards choosing whole foods throughout their lives.

Fibrous foods tone up your intestines which helps prevent diverticulitis. Cancer-causing toxins speed out of the digestive system more quickly when a high fiber diet is followed. By maintaining proper colon health, the risk of irritable bowel syndrome is dramatically decreased.

Researchers have found that a high-fiber diet significantly reduces blood pressure levels among people with high blood pressure or hypertension. High fiber foods offer vital phytochemicals that we need for a healthy immune system. Fiber-rich foods tend to be higher in vitamins and minerals.

After eating fiber-rich foods, there is a feeling of fullness which helps to control overeating. A fiber-rich meal is processed more slowly. Losing weight is a natural result of eating high fiber foods such as whole grain breads and cereals; fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, unpeeled apples and pears; beans and legumes like kidney beans, lima beans, and lentils; nuts and seeds; vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, swiss chard and peas.

Whatever you do, Mom, don’t go near the kitchen. You know what it looks like. Dads and kids have a different approach to kitchen duty and baking is a messy business. Trust in their high fiber wisdom. (You taught them, after all.) So what if the muffins don’t come out light and moist? With every bite, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts. Enjoy the pampering and the acknowledgment of your family’s adoration of you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Carrot Bran Muffins/Blender Method
yield: 12 Large Muffins

1. Spray muffin pan with no-stick cooking spray

2. In a large mixing bowl thoroughly stir water into bran; stir in raisins, nuts, and carrots; let stand at least 5 minutes:

1 1/2 cups wheat bran (not boxed cereal flakes; just plain bran)
1/2 cup boiling hot water
1/2 cup raisins (soaked in water 5 minutes to soften; drained)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup grated fresh carrot

3. Place in blender; blend at high speed 4 minutes until smooth:

1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1 cup whole wheat pastry grain (not flour)

4. Combine and add all at once to liquid ingredients in blender and blend in briefly, but thoroughly:

1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

5. Pour batter into softened bran mixture; blend all thoroughly, but briefly with rubber spatula or mixing spoon. Do not overmix!

6. Fill muffin cups evenly, each almost full; bake at 350

TV’s Effects On Your Family - Lessons From The Easter Egg Hunt

It was the big Easter Egg Hunt. My friend Christy and I lined up with the other kids. We all gazed greedily at the field of goodies before us. “GO!” yelled the announcer. En masse, we rushed forwards. For some reason, everyone veered to the left. I stopped. I glanced at the untouched feast to my right. I ran right, gleefully scooping the candy before the rest caught on. At the end, I had a bagful of candy. Christy, who had followed the herd, had one piece. I was eight at the time, but I never forgot that day or its lessons.

What did I do differently from the other kids that day? I simply stopped. I stopped, looked around, and analyzed the situation. And I left the herd. I saw quickly that it was to my advantage NOT to follow the herd that day.

Leaving the TV herd

In 2003 I left the herd again in a much bigger way. I got rid of my TV. I am one of those rare few that do not have a TV, by choice. And I am reaping the benefits of being TV-free.

The reason? In 2001, the kids and I were without TV for several months. Like I did when I was little, I stopped. This time I took notice of the changes in my children and myself during the time we did not have a TV. Then when we got it back, I took notice of the changes again. Based on my observations, I decided we were better off without a TV.

Stop and observe YOUR family

But it does not matter what TV does to me or my kids. It does not matter that numerous studies show TV’s links to obesity, illiteracy, consumerism, etc. The real question is: How does TV affect you and your family? Find out by stopping and observing.

Zombie kids

Stop and observe how your body and mind react to TV. Look deeply into your kids zombie-like eyes as they watch TV. Compare that to the look in their eyes as they play outdoors. How do you and your spouse look when watching TV? Take pictures if necessary.

Take note of how your children behave after they have spent the afternoon in front of the TV set. How do they behave after playing with their friends? How well do you behave after watching several hours of TV? Your spouse? You may need to get an outside opinion for accuracy.

Consumers ‘R Us

How do your children behave at the store when confronted with the cool blue gizmo that has been advertised for months on TV commercials? Are they whining and begging and nagging incessantly for that gizmo? How much extra money do you spend chasing the latest fads and fashions, as shown on TV?

Feelin’ Groovy

Observe how much you really remember of that educational program you just saw. How well do you remember the last book you read in comparison? Test yourself. Stop and consider how you feel after watching several hours of television. Do you feel alert, happy, and energetic? Or do you feel lethargic and depressed and ready to turn the TV back on? Keep a diary to get an accurate assessment.

Family Time?

Most importantly, monitor the number of hours you and your family spend in front of the TV per week. Is it 20?…30?…40? The average American spends 28 hours per week in front of a TV set. How much do you watch? Now ask yourself: Is this how you really want to spend your time? Is this how you want your kids to spend their time? By age eighteen the average American will have spent three full years in front of the TV? By age seventy the total is 11.67 years.

Stop and think if this is what you really want out of life. I did, and I got rid of my TV.

Katherine Westphal is the founder of a daring new website, http://TrashYourTV.com, that makes it fun and easy for people to get control of their TV set. Are you addicted to TV? Take our TV Addiction Quiz and find out!

Dating For Others Contribute As Partners

Sometimes dating can be so predictable: dinner, a late night movie, coffee, go home. Once in a while a party or two pops up, but that’s the dating norm. If you and your partner are looking into dating outside the norm, you could try pulling something short of a Brangelina stint. No, I don’t mean adopt kids and fly to Africa. But you could try to do some volunteer work as a team.

Visit an orphanage. You could bond while teaching and playing with kids. Also, this could provide you with an avenue to loosen up and talk about your views on having and raising children.

Visit a nursing home. Alternatively, you can try visiting and cheering up old people. You will be amazed with how much humanity these visits can spur in you, and it will show if you and your partner have your hearts on the same things as well. Helping others together also strengthens emotional bonds, and the shared experience makes you grow as individuals in a relationship.

Plant a tree. Naturalists and environmentalists are not the only ones who have responsibility of preserving nature. Get down on your knees and touch the soil. It is a wonderful opportunity to bond over nature and at the same time give back to mother earth.

Adopt a cause. You and your partner can talk what common cause you care about and commit yourselves to support that cause by volunteering or joining a non-profit organization. This will not only enhance your knowledge regarding the cause that you took up, but is also an investment in your shared interest.

Invariably there are a lot of activities you can do with your partner that at the same time will contribute to the communal good and to your relationship as well. Just remember that you are doing these things as partners; don’t lose yourself in the work and forget all about your relationship. Savor the date, but value the person.

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Piano Pre-Skills Giving Your Kids a Musical Head Start

Just as children need their parents to read to them and teach the alphabet, parents can also teach their young children the foundational “music Language” skills for piano or keyboard. If you can teach your child the alphabet, you can also give them an important foundation at home for learning to read music and understand keyboard theory. Even if your young children are already taking piano lessons, piano teachers don’t have time in a 30 minute weekly lesson to give kids the complete foundation they need to read music easily. But most parents don’t know how easy this is to do because they don’t have the right tools, resources and support from their child’s piano teacher. Sometimes piano teachers even make parents feel stupid when they ask what they can do at home to help. They act as though only a piano teacher with their level of education and experience is qualified to do this. This is not true! Even if you don’t play the piano, you are absolutely qualified to help your child get a great keyboard foundation at home.

When I show parents how easy it is they are so relieved. Their young children taking lessons are able to get the right musical foundation they need to advance much more quickly. Plus they stick with piano because their experience is so positive! I have been showing parents how they can do this for years. It’s a very simple straightforward process. And you can learn it too.

So find a piano teacher who is willing to give you the guidance and support necessary to help your young children get the musical foundation they need to excel in piano. Don’t believe you are unqualified. In fact when it comes to piano pre-skills, parents are the most qualified of all!

For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You’ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f’ree internet newsletter so you can download f’ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions.

These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com