Mandy, Panel Member:

Over the past 2 weeks, I took the opportunity to further explore the Weight Watchers website. The website serves as a terrific resource for Weight Watchers members, particularly those of us who are doing Weight Watchers Online. I really enjoy reading the Q & A Column, which is moderated by a registered dietitian and food editor. I read several interesting articles with titles such as “Defeating the Midnight Munchies” which empowers you to move forward and offers helpful hints and strategies. At the end of the article, I was directed to the related message board for support, which was fantastic. Not to be missed is the section of the website devoted to “Success Stories.” Here members share their Weight Watchers Success Stories which are so inspirational! I stopped by the online Science Center (science of weight management) to learn about new findings so that I can make informed choices. Readers can learn about the Physics of weight loss, the Psychology of weight loss and all about healthy nutrition to equip yourself with essential tools to continue to help you drop the pounds while improving your health in the process through good food choices.

Aside from the articles, I was most impressed with the exercise demos which feature step by step instructions with streaming video for clarification. The exercise demos include Yoga, Pilates and Strength Training so there is something for everyone.

Now onto my Weight Loss! I had a fantastic 2 weeks! I can’t wait to share the great news. Drum roll please……I reached my 10% goal weight!!! My current weight is 135 lbs (lost 2 lbs in the past 2 weeks) which means that I reached my 10% goal (135.9). I am thrilled to say that I am no longer considered overweight and I honestly feel like shouting it from the rooftops. For anyone who is thinking about joining Weight Watchers, I say don’t wait, do it now. You won’t feel deprived, you won’t feel like you are on a diet (because it isn’t) but you will slowly gain your confidence back week by week as I did.

What did I do to celebrate? Why I went shopping of course!!!! I couldn’t get over how great I look in clothes now. I would dread shopping when I was heavy as I didn’t want to face the changing room mirror and the double digit sizes. I will continue to keep up the great work as I make my way toward my goal weight of 120lbs. I am so motivated to continue this journey and urge anyone wanting to drop the excess pounds to join me! I am really looking forward to New Years Eve and I can’t wait to see my transformation continue. My energy levels are through the roof and my self-esteem has been renewed and this translates to me being a better wife and mom. I have a positive outlook on life now and a new and healthy body which is ready to take on the world!

I would like to thank everyone for their support including my family, friends and the Success Through Play Readers. If a busy mom like myself who is short on time can lose weight without depriving herself, YOU CAN. Many of us lead such busy lives that we aren’t able to attend the Weight Watchers Meetings, but with the Online Program, you have the freedom to follow the same plan, but in your own time. Don’t waste another minute!

Maple Landmark, Inc offers beautiful heirloom quality wooden toys which are proudly made in Vermont, USA. They are one of few remaining makers of wooden toys and gifts in America. They offer a full range of toys including a colorful line which features lead-free paint.

Today we will be highlighting our top picks from their Schoolhouse Naturals Collection:

Maple Landmark, Inc:

“With all of the current chemical concerns and growing environmental concerns, we introduce our Schoolhouse Naturals line. At their root, these are simply wood. We use primarily hard maple and no added chemicals other then a little wood glue where needed. Even the detailing is chemical free, it is laser engraved into the wood. A few items, as noted on per our website, are available with an optional finish, either a whey or beeswax/tung oil finish.”

Natural Unfinished Oval Bead Rattle is a truly natural rattle and is made from 100% solid maple wood which is responsibly harvested locally in Vermont. The rattle is 2.5″ long and the oval ends measure 1.5″ X 2.5″. It weighs is at just over 2 ounces, making it lightweight enough for baby to hold. The beads float freely on the pegs for maximum sound and movement providing wonderful auditory and visual stimulation. This heirloom quality rattle is well designed and features a smooth sanded surface for baby’s comfort. Young babies will love grasping the rattle and later shaking and exploring it fully. Older babies will have the opportunity to manipulate the beads which is important for their fine motor development.

The Push N Pull Elephant is an award winning toy that really grows with your child. The elephant is 6″ long and almost 6″ high, weighing in at just under 12 ounces. Made from solid maple with engraved detailing this elephant, this toy is sure to become your baby/child’s beloved friend. Babies who have mastered sitting independently will love pushing the Push N Elephant. The large handle makes it easy to grip! For toddlers who have mastered walking, attach a string to the hole in the Elephant which will allow your toddler to pull it by the string. Pull Along toys are wonderful for encouraging gross motor skills; your toddler will be motivated to walk more. Your toddler will be using many additional skills such as refining his balance skills, using eye hand coordination, motor planning and upper extremity strength and endurance all while having fun! No batteries are required…powered by your toddler!

A set of blocks form the fundamentals of multi-sensory learning. The Natural ABC Blocks blocks are laser etched for added tactile and visual feedback. Solid and robust, they are true heirloom pieces that will be proudly passed down from generation to generation. This very special set is sure to make a memorable 1st birthday gift! The Natural ABC Block Set is truly magnificent and pictures do not do it justice. The set includes 12 solid hard maple 1-3/4″ blocks Blocks. The attention to detail that Maple Landmark pays to their line of wooden toys is showcased in this Block Set. The beautiful designs are laser etched and include both letters, numbers and patterns. A set of educational blocks such as this set is a must have in every home because blocks provide infinite learning opportunities. Blocks encourage fine motor coordination, visual spatial perception, bilateral hand coordination and endless opportunities for creative and imaginative play. This set will continue to grow with your child as she learns the alphabet and begins to spell. This set will be passed down from generation to generation!

The Shape Sorter Bench impressed our panel with its innovative design and stability. Made from solid wood, it measures 4 inches tall, 6 3/4″ long, 4″ wide and weighs in at 1 pound 7 1/4 ounces. The bench is beautifully engraved and labels each of the 4 shapes. It has 4 cut outs: circle, rectangle, triangle, square and includes 12 matching wooden shapes which can be stored below in the included drawstring bag. The wooden shapes also be used independently for building which makes this a great buy!

The Classic School Bus school bus is an exceptionally designed, heirloom quality wooden toy and is our clear top pick from the Schoolhouse Naturals Collection. Measuring 4 3/4″ tall, 9″ long and 4″ wide and weighing in at just over a 3 pounds. The detailed carving is truly exquisite. The roof removes to reveal a bus driver and school children, which are removable for play. The activity of taking the children in and out of the bus is the ideal fine motor activity for children. With the Classic School Bus, there are endless opportunities for play. detail carving exquisite . This is a true heirloom piece that will be passed down from generation to generation and will make the perfect unisex birthday gift or holiday gift.

Toddlers and children will be delighted with the Natural Racer Scoot which boasts impressive carved detailing. It measures 4″ long and 2″ wide and is the perfect size to take along on day trips, ensuring that you child will have something fun to play with.

The Maple Landmark Website is well designed, making it super easy to shop online.
We like the feature where you can shop by age, saving you time! Gift certificates are available and you can even customize your gift for that extra special touch. Shoppers can rest assured because each toy sold is backed by a guarantee.

To learn more about Maple Landmark and view the full product line, please visit:

www.MapleLandmark.net

Kendra and Amy are the the co-founders of Smart Mom, LLC, a company who designs adult jewelry which is safe for baby to teeth on. Their babies love of teething on their jewelry was the inspiration behind the design of their Smart Mom Jewelry line. The Teething Bling line is made from silicone that is phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free. Best of all it is dishwasher-safe; which will allow you to keep it super clean and germ free.

Smart Mom Jewelry a full line of Teething Bling Jewelry including pendants, bangles, gift sets and keychains which are available in assorted shapes, and colors, including solid colors, patterned or metallics to coordinate and flatter any outfit. The designs are modern and clean and will appeal to moms, grandmas and aunts. The Teething Bling line will make a terrific baby shower gift that is functional and stylish at the same time. Purchases arrived beautifully presented in either a box or a tie organza bag.

Check out the Think Pink line in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with 20% of the profits from this line sold during October being donated to Breast Cancer Research

Sarah, a mom from our parent panel tested out the Donut Shaped Pendant and matching bangles. Prior to having access to this line, Sarah’s son Matt would routinely mouth and teethe on her jewelry which made her nervous and anxious:

“Matt was strongly attracted to my jewelry and would mouth them at any opportunity! I was definitely concerned from a safety point of view since jewelry is designed to be pretty and not to be handled or mouthed by babies. What if the jewelry broke while he was mouthing it and what kind of materials are my jewelry made of? I eventually decided to avoid wearing jewelry which was difficult for me, because I LOVE to accessorize. I was really excited to hear about Smart Mom’s line of Teething Jewelry. What a brilliant concept! I really love the simple designs which flatter any outfit. Matt couldn’t wait to teethe on the donut shaped pendant and the bangle and I felt secure and at ease knowing that he was biting down on silicone which is used in many teethes. The bangle is chunky and super cute and I can just pull it off my wrist and I have an instant teether which is always readily available, no matter where I am. Thank you Smart Mom. You have made my life less stressful and more beautiful!”

A percentage of all retail sales of Smart Mom products goes to these worthy organizations:

*Cure Search
*Dress for Success

We applaud Smart Mom, LLC for giving back.

Please note that this is ADULT jewelry and not intended for babies, toddlers or children to wear. To learn more about the Teething Bling line, please visit www.SmartMomJewelry.com

*Giveaway*

We are giving away a Donut Shaped Pendant and matching bangle (Mother of Pearl and Sugar Plum) set to 2 lucky readers, courtesy of Smart Mom, LLC. To enter, please send an email to info[AT]SuccessThroughPlay.com with “Smart Mom Jewelry” in the subject line. Please include your full name and email address and indicate which color choice you would like to win. Enter by midnight PST on October 18, 2008. Good Luck.

Pasta is the perfect comfort food but if you are watching your calorie and or carb intake, it can be a challenge fitting it into your food plan. The Al Dente Pasta Company saves the day with their delicious line of pastas. This small company was founded in 1981 and continues to make pasta the old-fashioned, labor intensive way, which has made a significant difference in the quality of the product.

Monique Deschaine, founder of the Al Dente Pasta Company:

“We start with the best ingredients—100% durum semolina flour. There is only 3/4 of an egg per bag of pasta. Anyone who has ever made pasta knows that it is impossible to make perfect pasta without any egg at all. Then we hand-feed our dough through heavy steel rollers, sheeting it again and again to ensure a light, smooth texture. A slow-drying process dries the pasta uniformly so the AL DENTE pasta is tender but firm pasta that cooks to al dente perfection in just three minutes.”

Today we are highlighting the Whole Wheat Blends and the Carba Nada Reduced Carb line. The Whole Wheat pasta is delicious and nutritious pasta boasts 6 grams of fiber and 390mg of ALA omega 3 yet still has the same amazing home-made, “tender, but firm” texture that has made Al Dente® pasta famous since 1981. It is available in 3 blends. The Carba-Nada pasta has just 140 calories, 1g of fat, 24 g of carbs and 6 g of fiber and 14% iron per 2 ounce serving (dry) and is well suited for diabetics and those who need to reduce the amount of carbs that they eat. This line is available in 4 different flavors. Full nutritional information for all their pasta is available here.

We received samples of the Whole Wheat Blend and the Carb-Nada line to test. Each package of pasta arrives beautifully packaged in a 10 ounce, clear bag with eye catching graphics. The pasta cooks super fast and pairs beautifully with any sauce that you have on hand. We paired the fettuccine with vegetarian meat balls and veggies which made for a delicious and very satisfying meal. We were very impressed with the portion size which was very generous, and filling.

If you are in need of some culinary inspiration, check out the recipe section on the Al Dente website. Readers can shop the online store here.

For more information, please visit: www.AlDentePasta.com

After the struggles that I faced the previous 2 weeks, I decided to make a conscious effort to keep a food diary where I record every bite that goes into my mouth. It really helped me to keep track of my food intake. My routine is back to normal now that the family have left! I am back to a regular exercise routine and amazed at how much my body ached when I wasn’t able to get in my regular daily walk.

Now for my stats!

Current Weight 137 lbs

Lost: 3 lbs (over the past 2 weeks).

I am thrilled with these numbers and I am very proud of myself for now weighing in the 130’s. I haven’t seen the 130’s for quite some time and there is nothing as exciting as seeing this number on the scale. I had lots of fun trying on clothes that I had packed away because they were too small for me. It is a great feeling! I would like to thank everyone for supporting me thus far, including my family, friends, my WW friends, and the Success Through Play Readers. I continue to use the Weight Watchers website regularly. I credit the WW online tools and message boards for helping to keep me focused and informed. I will check in again in 2 weeks time, during which I will be exploring additional features of the WW website and will report back. One last thing, don’t forget about the Weight Watchers Lose for Good Campaign that is going on right now!

Posted by Mandy, Parent Panel Member.

On September 7, Weight Watchers launched Lose for Good, a campaign created to empower people to get healthier while also giving back to others in need. The program addresses two global epidemics – obesity and chronic hunger and malnutrition.

For every pound lost with Weight Watchers during a six-week period, beginning September 7 and ending October 18, Weight Watchers will donate the cost of one pound of food — up to one million dollars. The funds will go to two hunger-fighting organizations: Share Our Strength, which works to make sure no child in America grows up hungry, and Action Against Hunger, which provides immediate and long-term solutions for hunger to people around the world.

As part of the campaign, Lose for Good widgets will be available on Facebook and MySpace for Weight Watchers Members to add to their personal profiles. The widget demonstrates how pounds of weight lost can translate into a benefit to feed those in need. People can currently obtain the MySpace widget, while the Facebook widget will launch on September 10th.

To learn more about the Lose for Good campaign, view exclusive content including a video by the visionary iO Tillett Wright and Overspray, and to get involved, visit the following sites:

*Twitter
*Lose for Good
*My Space Weight Watchers
*My Space Lose for Good
*You Tube
*Blip TV
*KYTE TV
*US Stream TV

We applaud Weight Watchers International for taking a stand against world hunger and for empowering and motivating its members at the same time.

*Giveaway*

Weight Watchers Online is giving away an online subscription to 2 lucky readers! To enter, please send an email to “info[AT]SuccessThroughPlay.com with “Weight Watchers” in the subject line. Please include your full name and email address. Please let us why you would like to win a subscription to Weight Watchers Online. Enter by midnight PST on October 18, 2008. Good Luck.

The contest is now closed. Congratulations to Jacqui C and Stephanie B. All the best with your Weight Loss Journey.

Click here to read our review of the Grande Diaper Bag.

Click to enlarge.

October is National Beast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of this, Boob Maternity & Nursing Wear is proud to present the Think Pink! Nursing T-shirt. This beautiful nursing T-shirt features a motif by the Swedish Artist Jesper Waldersten. The T-shirt will be available throughout the month of October and retails for $65 (Canadian). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Campaign.

Each year, Boob will commission artwork from well-known artists to design a nursing T-shirt to support breast cancer research. We applaud this initiative!

To purchase yours, please click here.

Tiny Love is founded on the belief that “newborns possess the ability to communicate with and be stimulated by their environment.” Their mission is to provide safe, innovative and top quality soft developmental toys that enhance a baby’s developing senses. Tiny Love toys are designed by a team of experts including physicians, developmental specialists, birth educators and parents. Their success lies in their ability to match skill level with the various physical stages of baby’s development. Through reaching, grasping, watching and listening, your baby learns more about his world by interacting with Tiny Love Toys. Consult the Baby Development Booklet from Tiny Love Toys, to learn more about your baby’s development.

Tiny Love produces many award winning toys. In celebration of Gymini’s 15th year Anniversary, we will be reviewing the Gymini Activity Gym today. The Gymini is a top quality soft mat with arches for playtime which allows baby to build gross motor skills and develop eye-hand coordination. The first Gymini to be developed is the Gymini 3-D Activity Gym Black, White, & Red. This Gymini is designed in high contrast to attract newborns and young infants. The soft padded mat features interesting black and white designs which are framed with a bright red border. Two arches attach to the mat and have holes which allow rings to suspend toys. It comes with a mirror, a classic bead rattle and a soft musical flower. Parents can purchase additional toys from Tiny Love as baby grows, to add variety. This is the simplest of all the Gymini models and is perfectly suited for young babies who can so easily become overwhelmed and overloaded by sensory stimuli. This play gym folds flat for easy storage and comes with a carrying case which is perfect for travel.

By month 3 or 4, baby is ready to tackle more advanced and colorful toys, and you may want to introduce one of the colorful Gymini Models. Consider the ActiviTot Developmental Gym Tropic Isle which features 17 fun developmental activities and includes a specially designed tummy-time pillow. The NEW Gymini Monkey Island boasts 18 developmental activities and a take-along monkey. NEW for 2008, Tiny Love will launch their newest Gymini, the Gymini Musical Kick and Discover (pictured to the left) which features a portable kick pad that can be taken anywhere. Experts all agree that babies are spending far too long in “containers” where they sit passively, which rob baby of the opportunity to exercise his muscles actively. For optimal physical development, remove baby from his container (bouncer, swing, etc) and place him on his Gymini mat regularly for some good old fashioned floor time. In the supine (on his back) position, baby will first swipe and then reach for the toys. Add some additional rings (purchased separately) to lower the toys to a level where baby can reach them. Place your baby on his tummy for supervised tummy time sessions which will allow baby to strengthen his neck, back and shoulders and reduce the risk of developing plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). As baby learns to sit independently, remove the arches and allow baby to continue using the mat during play time.

The Tiny Love website is very well designed and offers a wealth of information about your baby’s development. You will find a detailed explanation of each product for sale, as well as the developmental benefits in terms of the senses, gross and fine motor skills, cognition and emotional intelligence. Parents will now be able to see at a glance what each toy offers before purchasing. Tiny Love produces wonderful tips for using a toy at various age ranges, to maximize baby’s development.

Purchase a Gymini at a store near you or directly from the Tiny Love Online Store.

Magellan’s was founded by two travel professionals to provide a single source of unique and useful travel products, supported by well trained travel gear specialists, and backed by a complete 100% guarantee of satisfaction. While working for Pan Am Airways, John and Gloria McManus traveled extensively around the world and were frustrated by the inadequate supply of travel products available to consumers. In 1989 they created Magellan’s catalog, starting with a 32 page black and white catalog of hard-to-find travel products. John’s no-nonsense, detailed descriptions of each item made it clear how each addressed a travel problem, from overseas electrical adapters to third world health and hygiene. Their mission is to make your travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding.

Traveling for business can be stressful enough. You have new people to meet and appointments to keep. Making a great first impression is your top priority and you don’t have the time to iron your clothing prior to every business meeting. People form their first and lasting impression of you in under 3 minutes and how you look is imperative. In the business world, this can mean the difference between closing the deal or not. Enter the Magellan’s line of travel clothing for men and women. Their travel clothing line is designed for the frequent traveler with hidden pockets and compartments to store your airline tickets and other important travel documents. You will save time, energy and frustration not having to dig in your purse to find what you are looking for.

The Wrinkle-free shirt is made from 100% cotton and is a versatile piece that looks terrific paired with a knee length skirt or pants and is a must have staple in your wardrobe. The Travel Lite Pants have a built in tummy panel which creates a slimming silhouette. The pants are lightweight, wrinkle free and super comfy; making traveling a pleasure! They are available in beautiful colors for fall and in addition, are available in petite sizing. The Women’s Travel Blazer is available in black or cocoa and is beautifully tailored and the perfect length to flatter the wearer. This remarkable and stylish blazer will dress up any outfit. Folds for travel and unfolds ready to wear and doesn’t require any ironing. A timeless piece that you will reach for over and over again.

One of the members of our panel had the opportunity to test the Wrinkle-Free Shirt, Travel Lite Knit Pants and the Women’s Travel Blazer courtesy of Magellans, while on a recent business trip:

“As a buyer, I travel frequently and I am always on a very tight schedule. As soon as the plane touches gone, I have to be on my best game. I need to look neat and pulled together from the moment that the plane touches down, often needing to dash directly to meetings straight from the airport. There is no time to iron or change as time is of the essence. I have tried so many apparel items that claim that they are “iron free” however by the end of even a short flight, they are no longer iron free, leaving me in a bind. I was eager to try the Wrinkle-free shirt, women’s travel blazer and Jet Set pants. My first impression was the high quality and cut of the garments. Ideal for business travel and perfect for making that first impression. The real test would be if they survived my rigor schedule. I put on the shirt and pants just prior to heading to the airport, folding the jacket up several times to fit into my carry on. I wore the white shirt and jacket throughout my 2 long flights with a connection in between, finding them very comfortable. After I touched down, I headed straight to the restroom to retrieve the folded jacket and was really shocked that the jacket unfolded beautifully, without one sign of a wrinkle. When I looked in the mirror to inspect the white short and pants I was truly impressed that they looked as fresh and crisp as they had when I had first put them on. I felt confident to be met by a client and have a business dinner with them. I look forward to adding to my collection of no-iron apparel and continuing to make great first impressions.”

Wrinkle free stylish apparel are ideal for any women who wants to put her best foot forward while traveling. Whether you are traveling locally and abroad, these timeless classic pieces will take you from day to night with ease. New for fall, check out the Jet Set Shirt, Jet Set Tank and the Travel Lite Knit Pants. The Anywear Scarf is great way to get lots of different looks from a minimum of wardrobe pieces, and add a bit of color. It can be worn as a shawl.

Browse the full line of travel clothing for women here.