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As we prepare to switch the clocks and “fall back” this November 5, many of us may give up more than an hour of daylight. We may be giving up our good mood. Many people mark the clock change as the start of more darkness, cold weather and anxiety over holiday schedules and holiday shopping and travel. Dr. Saman Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services explains how setting the clocks back is, for many people the start the winter blues and offers tips on how not to slip into a funk.

Set a sleep regimen.

Less daylight affects our mood and the further north you go the more intense it is. Dr. Hafeez explains that around 3 million people are affected by some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s more common in women than in men and it often lingers throughout the entire winter. How to beat it? Dr. Hafeez suggests getting to bed an hour earlier and adding in some time to wind down an hour before bed. “Don’t watch the news before sleep; read a book, write in a journal or meditate. Do something that eases you into a restful state,” she says.

Change up your exercise schedule.

It’s normal for the brain to get thrown off when it gets darker earlier. Less daylight means that the motivation to get outside for that early morning jog may fade. This is normal. “It’s important that you give your brain new stimulation. Try working out after work instead of in the morning or, if possible join a work out app that brings at home exercise routines right to your phone.

Book your calendar.

The more you have to look forward to the better your mood will be. Schedule weekly dinners with family and friends. Wintertime is hibernation time so set up a family movie schedule or game nights. It’s important to have weekends booked up with fun activities to keep the mind looking forward to fun events. “Social withdrawal is common in the winter when temperatures drop. Take turns hosting dinner events and get around people,” Hafeez encourages.

Study up!

Interested in learning a new skill? Use the wintertime to take seminars, attend workshops and commit to learning something new. When you engage the part of your brain responsible for learning you’re more inspired and alert. Even listening to podcasts and participating in interesting webinars on a topic you’re interested in will increase energy, Hafeez says.

Experiment with new recipes.

When the temperatures drop and we enter hibernation mode we tend to crave more comfort foods. According to Dr. Hafeez, a great way to lift our moods and stimulate our brains is through taste. Winter is a great time to explore new foods. With so many fresh food delivery companies out there you can get pre-portioned healthy food options with step-by-step prep instruction delivered to your doorstep. “I really like this idea because it engages the senses which stimulates the brain. You’re releasing positive brain chemicals triggered by excitement, adventure, task execution and enjoyment, plus you’re eating healthy.

About the doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and The Doctors.

Fall is finally here which means it’s time to grab your favorite sweater and enjoy cozy moments with your family and Pine Mountain – the makers of firelogs and firestarters – can help. Picture this fireside moment: kicking back in your fuzzy socks, drinking hot chocolate or tea from a warm mug, relaxing by the fire with your family on a crisp fall day, and watching your favorite shows in your pajamas. Relaxation, happiness, and nostalgia. All feelings Americans say they experience while sitting fireside according to a recent survey from Pine Mountain. This fall, grab the kids and cozy up with Pine Mountain and their specialty fire logs that smell like coffee and Christmas trees. These are amazing!

Pine Mountain® Java-Log® 4-Hour Firelogs

Inspired by nature, with a commitment to sustainability, Pine Mountain Java-Log is the only firelog made from recycled coffee grounds. The Java-Log firelog burns bright, for a brilliant, aromatic fire the whole family can enjoy. Mess free – just light the wrapper and enjoy.

American Home™ by Yankee Candle® Fresh Balsam Fir Firelogs

Enjoy the scent of Fresh Balsam Fir in your home with this fragrant firelog. With its 3-hour burn time you can enjoy the fresh scent any time of the year. Mess free – just light the wrapper and enjoy.

Check out these great ideas! Things I wish I had when my babies were little!

The Beebo

(As seen on Shark Tank!) The Beebo is a hand-free baby bottle holder invented by engineer dad, Martin Hill, so you have a free hand to read to baby while feeding, eat dinner as a family while feeding baby, and more.  

More and more dads are hands-on these days and the Beebo allows dad to help feed baby in the natural position of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms have a free hand and now moms and dads who bottlefeed can too!

www.thebeebo.com

Roshambo Baby Sunglasses

Roshambo Baby shades fits 0-2 years and up depending on baby's head size.The ultra durable, virtually unbreakable, flexible and light material is specially designed with baby in mind and they are also prescription friendly! They offer 100% uva/uvb lens protection and are certified BPA and phthalate free and small parts tested. You will love the matching “mommy & me” pairs!

www.roshambobaby.com

Crescent Womb

Crescent Womb Infant Safety Bed creates the safest environment for your baby, outside of a parent’s arms. This breathable hammock style bed mimics the natural properties of a mother’s embrace offering the optimal conditions to soothe and promote healthy development of babies. There are no dangerous hinges or electronics, just an ergonomic design that naturally replicates your embrace. The breathability of the inner mesh prevents your baby from overheating and keeps their body at a healthy, regulated temperature. 

The company is also giving back by donating beds to babies in Africa who sleep in extremely unsafe, and unsanitary conditions.

www.crescentwomb.com

I wanted to share with you these delicious and HEALTHY recipes for your kids lunches.

These recipes were created by Joanna Parker, mom and founder of Yumble. Yumble is a brand new  meal delivery service for children that delivers affordable and healthy meals that your kids will love eating!

www.yumblekids.com

Turkey and Gouda Pinwheels

Ingredients:

2 slices of Turkey Slices (I love the Applegate line - choose your favorite flavor!)

1 slice of Gouda Cheese

A schmear of Mayonnaise

A schmear of cream cheese

1 Whole Wheat Tortilla (I love the Whole Foods Organic Wrap - all clean and few ingredients!)

DIrections:

1.    Place the wheat tortilla on a flat surface.

2.    Down the center, thinly spread the cream cheese.

3.    Then place the turkey and cheese slices on top.

4.    Spread the mayonnaise on top of the cheese.

5.    Place your hands at each end of the wrap and fold down the sides of the tortilla. Slowly roll the tortilla while using your fingers to keep the fillings in place.

6.    Once fully and tightly wrapped place seal side down and slice into 6 pieces with a sharp knife.

7.    Serve with fresh veggies and fruit.

Homemade Teriyaki Tofu Skewers

Ingredients:

14 ozs of extra firm tofu, cubed (I like the Nasoya Organic Extra Firm)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3 cloves of garlic

1 tsp of cornstarch diluted in water

Directions:

1.    Wrap tofu slices with paper towels to absorb excess water and to let out moisture. It really makes a difference!

2.    In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients for teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, water, honey, maple syrup, and garlic).  Then whisk in diluted cornstarch.

3.    Marinade the tofu in teriyaki sauce for about 20-30 minutes.

4.    Drain the tofu, reserving the marinade in a separate bowl.

5.    Skew three cubes on mini heat-safe skewers.

6.    Heat oil (I like Olive or Avocado oil) in a pan for frying on medium heat.

7.    When oil is hot enough, fry tofu cubes until crispy and golden on all sides. You’ll need to stand by the pan and toss them frequently so they don’t stick.

8.    Enjoy these utensil free yummy cubes on their own or with rice, Asian style noodles, or veggies!

The Lice Preventer Kit and Lice Remover Kit, on your radar as back to school must-haves that parents wouldn’t typically think to have in the house, but can be important when the kids start coming home from school with infestations. Lice Clinics of America is the largest network of urgent care lice treatment clinics in the country, with products that provide an easy, at-home solution for families to quickly and easily eliminate head lice once and for all!

Lice Preventer Kit is an easy to use weekly treatment applied just before shower time.  The Lice Preventer Kit contains a liquid gel that kills any lice that your child may have come in contact with. The gel is easy to apply with the provided applicator, rinses out with normal shampoo, and has a pleasant scent.  Like all Lice Clinics of America products, it is non-toxic and pesticide-free.  When used weekly, lice are eliminated before the egg laying cycle leads to an infestation. The product is currently available on Amazon.com for $24.99.

Lice Remover Kit contains a non-toxic, pesticide-free liquid gel that kills lice, detangles hair and facilitates the removal of lice and eggs—all with no mess and no harsh scent. Unlike other gel products, the gel in the LRK easily washes out of the hair and has a fresh pear-blossom scent. The kit also contains a unique dispenser for applying the gel and controlling the amount of gel, and a sturdy metal lice comb for removing the lice and eggs. With the LRK, ending lice infestations at home is easy—and guaranteed (when used as directed). The Lice Remover Kit is available in select retail locations nationwide, including CVS, Target, Walmart, Giant Eagle, HEB and Safeway for $19.99.

The world’s #1 selling truck tent has a fresh new look!  The Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series assembles in the back of your open-bed pickup truck, creating a comfortable and restful sleeping area for two adults. Featuring more than 5.5' of headroom and a patented sewn-in floor eliminates the need to clean your truck bed prior to use.
 
With eight models to fit virtually every truck on the road, it’s no wonder the Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series is the market leader! The durable tent comes with a full rainfly to keep you dry through the stormy weather, two side vents and two large windows to encourage optimal ventilation.  The tents rear access panel allows for easy accessibility to the trucks cab for added convenience and storage. The 4' x 4' awning provides ample shade and securely fastens to the tailgate, offering extra space for relaxation!
 
The Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series easily packs into an expandable and lightweight carrying bag, ready to travel wherever your truck may take you! Napier Truck Tents are perfect for fishing, hunting, tailgating, off-roading and family camping trips. Join the millions of explorers who have already discovered how Sportz Truck Tents offer campers convenience and flexibility for all of their outdoor adventures.
 

 
NAPIER OUTDOORS Napier Outdoors is the world’s largest developer and distributor of Vehicle Camping Tents. Since 1990, Napier has been changing the way people view camping, by reshaping and merging the automotive and outdoor industries together. We were the first to revolutionize the camping industry with our innovative and exciting vehicle tent concepts.
 
Napier distributes Vehicle Camping Tents to automotive manufacturers and retailers across North America, Europe and Australia. Our vehicle tents are the number one selling Truck and SUV Tents in the World!

August 1 means it’s time for parents and children to start thinking about going back to school. While it’s a time that brings mixed emotions of excitement for some and perhaps fear for others, one thing is for sure: being prepared makes going back to school a lot easier.

Mary Wong, president of the Office Depot Foundation, whose National Backpack Program is now in its 17^th year and has donated more than 4 million backpacks to children around the world, offers these tips to make a smooth transition:

1. Start getting back into the routine. Summer is filled with mornings of sleeping in, hanging by the pool and days of soaking up the sun. Kids enjoy the fun of summer and how it gives them the freedom to roam. It is very difficult for kids to pivot on their rhythm so quickly. They do better if eased into a change. Start to assimilate the school routine back into their lives slowly but surely. It will be easier for you all to wake up early when the first day arrives.

2. Encourage learning as school approaches. Hopefully, you have been encouraging your kids to continue learning over the summer.  Either way, consider a short refresher course before school starts, or look for books or online learning aids to help your children feel more confident for the first day of school.  In addition, help your children fall in love with learning and teach them to investigate their own interests. These days, there is a wealth of resources for them to utilize in their search for information.  Always keep it fun, and sneak in some math and reading if you can.

3. Get a checkup at the doctor. Right before the school year starts is a good time to check in with your family physician. Be sure to check with the school about the mandatory health forms. Sometimes additional vaccines or forms are required, and you need to know this before the first day arrives.

4. Make it fun! There can be a lot of stress associated with the changes a new school year brings. This stress can be on the parents and the children. Show your kids that it is a fun experience to have a new year ahead. Be sure to reinforce positives and not make the unknown fearful. This can be particularly daunting for kindergarteners or those going to school for the first time. Start slow, and attend a tour or orientation with your child before their first day to lessen the anxiety of a new situation and change.

5. Stock up on school supplies. Getting the kids ready to go back to school is easiest if they are excited. Make the activities around going back to school a fun tradition. Include shopping for school supplies as a fun task. They will enjoy preparing a list and finding what items they need around the store. Try consolidating your trip into one catch-all location so you won’t have to scramble to three different locations to get each child the highlighters or cool pencil bag they crave.

6. Develop a meal plan. Save yourself some brainstorming efforts and set a structure for meal plans. Each week, develop a shopping list based on the planned meals for the week. It will allow you to pack your kid’s lunches and have dinner ready with ease. Meal planning can be a fun way to get your kids interested in nutrition and cooking, too. They can make a list of their favorite meals and lunch ideas. If they know how the meal plan process works, they can even pack their own lunches. It will save you a lot of hassle.

7. Facilitate after school arrangements. When August rolls around, it is a good time to start making those calls to the other parents. Organize your car pool for the year and set up after school arrangements. Sometimes it’s is a good time to have a playdate or two and meet up to discuss this with parents in person. Propose a shared digital schedule for all the parents involved to keep everyone in-the-loop and up-to-date on the changes. A group chat is a good way to check in with one another without having to make calls while your toddler hangs off your arm.

Wee Blessing, which is an adorable kid’s clothing subscription box. The package contains 4 outfits in a variety of brands, including Disney, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Gap Kids, Hurley, Roxy and more.

To describe it quickly, parents can build an online style profile and check off their kiddo’s likes/dislikes, sizing, favorite colors, etc. and a package will be delivered to their door step. The cool thing is that you can keep what you like and ship back what you don’t like for free.

It’s definitely geared towards busy moms because you can shop for your kids without leaving the house!

We received the cutest ever samples! Great quality and stylish - give it a try!  The kids get a package in the mail with their name on it and adorable clothes you can keep or return if not interested!

https://www.weeblessing.com/

Just like blockbuster summer movies, new video games are hitting the market right before summer vacation and many parents are struggling to wrench their children’s attention away from iPads, Xboxes, Playstations and all the other devices designed to keep them playing for hours. You know that your kids, pre-teens and teenagers need some outdoor activity time, but how is a parent supposed to compete with endless electronic fun? Vida Health's Head of Nutrition and Coaching Jennifer Gibson has you covered with these tips:

• Get crafty with a homemade scavenger hunt. It doesn’t matter if you live in the city or the country, you can easily whip up a list of items for your child to find or tasks for her to complete. It can be as simple as “a green leaf, a bug, and an interesting rock”, or as complicated as a list of 15 specific items that she must find and take a picture of. For extra fun, get the whole family involved in a competition and choose some high stakes prizes for the winning team: how about the losers make the winners a healthy snack?

• Get old-school with your game choices. When was the last time you played Red Rover? Ghost in the Graveyard? What about a friendly round of Dodgeball? Resurrecting playground games from your own youth can capture your kids’ interest and help them to see you in a whole new light—as the reigning Foursquare champion!

• Get a whole new family hobby. You love to hike, your son lives to collect whatever it is they collect on Roblox. Why not combine the two with geocaching (link https://www.geocaching.com/play), or letterboxing (link http://www.letterboxing.org/), where you use your smartphone to access clues and find secret treasure? These addictive activities are sure to get even the most reluctant gamer out and moving.

• Get wet. Never underestimate the power of water—even the most stoic tween is no match for a parent brandishing it in any form. No need to invest in the newest high-tech automatic water weapon, a good old hose will do just fine. Grin, squirt, run, and don’t be afraid to get silly.

• Get moving inside. Even if it’s just plain too hot to stomach going outside, that doesn’t mean getting some exercise is impossible. Have your gamer try out Just Dance or another movement-driven game, or just do a quick search on YouTube for a fun family workout you can all do together. Worst case scenario, you get really good at doing the Dougie.