Choosing to protect the environment’s natural resources for future generations is just as important as a new mother’s choice to breastfeed her baby. Eco-friendly choices are not just about recycling anymore. To sustain our environment ecologically responsible choices must be made in every aspect of our lives. Naturally by Leading Lady® is made from 100% certified organic cotton that is as safe for the environment as it is for mother and baby. Our cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers and manufactured in environmentally safe and socially aware production facilities. Only safe, environmentally-friendly dyes are used, when necessary.

There are so many products on the market that could be misleading to the consumer about what is truly organic. Leading Lady® wanted the entire process from land – to plants – to finished product to be certified organic so that the customer would be assured that the products were the best and purest that could be produced.

“Leading Lady® has been researching the organic process for a number of years, trying to find the very best way to bring awareness of the sustainable environment to the forefront of products for the nursing mother” says Haidee Johnstone, Senior Vice President and Director of Design.

“We feel that Naturally by Leading Lady® nursing products do just that.”

Leading Lady® has developed practices within our organization that are good for the environment – and good for business.

At Leading Lady® we conscientiously:

* Recycle all paper
* Recycle plastics, glass, aluminum and steel
* Recycle computer hardware, cell phones and office equipment
* Use recycled, biodegradable, compostable products whenever possible
* Encourage our suppliers to use recycled, biodegradable, compostable, organic materials whenever possible
* Donate discontinued products to local organizations
* Work towards a paper-less environment
* Encourage our employees to follow eco-friendly practices at home

PURCHASING:

*Naturally by Leading Lady® is available at Macy’s West

*Online: select styles at JCPenney, Target

Success Through Play™ comments:

We are excited to inform our readers that Leading Lady® has launched an organic cotton line of nursing apparel. We applaud Leading Lady® for their initiative and commitment to the environment. The cotton is certified organic by USDA accredited third party certifying organizations, which means that customers can be certain that they are buying the real thing! Please click here for further details.

The line consists of the Organic Nursing Tank, Organic Molded Softcup Nursing Bra and the Organic Molded Underwire Nursing Bra. The organic cotton fabric is a lovely cream color, which is free of dyes and bleach. Organic cotton nursing wear makes perfect sense. By choosing organic cotton, you are ensuring that no toxic chemicals come into contact with yourself or your baby! Organic cotton is the perfect choice for sensitive skins and is ultra soft and luxurious! Many new moms have a heightened awareness of the environment after having a baby and make a pledge to live a “greener lifestyle.” Organic cotton nursing wear is difficult to come. These high quality pieces from Leading Lady® are affordably priced, making them accessible to everyone.

Our nursing panel had the opportunity to test the Organic Nursing Tank and the Organic Molded Softcup Nursing Bra.

Organic Nursing Tank:

• Made of 92% Undyed/ Unbleached Natural Organic Cotton, 8% Spandex.

Unlike other nursing tanks on the market, which do not take into account that most women don’t magically snap back into shape the moment that they give birth, this tank is flattering on post partum moms! The tank has a built-in shelf bra which is very comfortable. When its time to nurse, simply release the drop cup (one handed release) for easy access to the entire breast. This feature makes this nursing tank perfect for moms who are new to breastfeeding! The fabric is breathable, making it the perfect choice for summer and will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long! This tank features a cups with side-slings. The design of this tank is best for small cup sizes!

“This is the first organic cotton garment that I have owned and I am in LOVE. I can’t get over how soft and comfy the fabric is. When I read about all the toxic chemicals that are present in regular cotton products I was truly shocked. With organic cotton apparel, you are assured that you are buying a product that is healthy for you, your baby and the environment. Up until now, I had been using nursing bras routinely, but now that I have experienced the organic nursing tank, I am not going back! My cup size is a C, when nursing, and I find the nursing tank has adequate support with the built-in bra. With this nursing tank, I don’t have to life up my shirt in pubic; I simply pull down the flap and nurse! I usually wear this tank with a cardigan or a denim jacket and jeans and it looks great. The natural color suits my fair skin and doesn’t make my look like a ghost, the way the white does. It has made breastfeeding hassle free and social situations far more comfortable. Thank you!”

*Organic Molded Softcup Nursing Bra

*Nursing bra is organic cotton/spandex.

We are really impressed with the Organic Cotton Molded Soft Cup bra from Leading Lady®, which is very well designed. The Organic Molded Softcup Nursing Bra is a clear panel favorite!

Most nursing bras in this price range are made from synthetic materials or cotton that is stiff and uncomfortable. This nursing bra is made from super soft organic cotton which is also breathable. It is beautifully made and features a pretty scalloped edge below the bust. Usually, a pretty bra means that some comfort must be sacrificed but this is definitely not the case with this bra! Organic cotton nursing bras are quite rare which makes this one a true find!

“This bra is made from super soft organic cotton which feels so wonderful against my tender skin. I like the gentle support that it gives me. This bra is so pretty. I love the lacy pattern beneath the bust which makes me feel very feminine. The beautiful cream colored organic cotton is terrific and a nice change from bleached white! When its time to nurse, I simply unfasten the clasp and I am ready to feed. Up until now, I had been feeling like a milk factory and was in desperate need of a confidence boost. This bra was just the thing that I needed. I was inspired to put away the sweats and find something pretty to wear. I even managed to find the time to put on some make-up and when I headed out on my errands, I felt pretty and confident. Nursing moms deserve something feminine to wear and this bra is the perfect choice! Thank you!”

To see the full range of products available from Leading Lady®, please visit:

www.LeadingLady.com

“At Sage Creek™, we are committed to providing soft, luxurious certified organic baby clothing for our precious little ones. Organic cotton is our specialty and passion. There are no chemicals or pesticides used in our products. Even the snaps are nickel and lead free. It is not good enough for us to be eco-friendly.Our mission is to help affect a change in the world that our children will inherit. We care about you and the environment. Your family is like our family.”

Sage Creek™ Naturals supports the World Wildlife Fund and IFAW as a standing member and ongoing contributor to its efforts. We only support Fair Trade – suppliers and producers, in underdeveloped regions who abide by western standards regarding fair and decent worker’s compensation, positive working conditions and using no child labor.

PURCHASING

*Sage Creek™ products are sold directly on www.sagecreeknaturals.com.

*To find a retailer in your area, please click here.

*Sage Creek™ products are being shipped to Canada, Europe and Australia.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Sage Creek™ offers a wide range of beautiful clothing for infants, toddlers and children. The organic cotton fabric that they use is one of the softest organic cotton fabrics on the market and the quality and designs of the garments are top notch.

The cotton, colors, snaps and zippers are all tested to ensure the absence of contaminants such as nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals. Their cotton is sourced in India and manufactured in India.

Today, we are highlighting the organic cotton play pads from Sage Creek™. Babies are spending far too long in containers (strollers, car seats, bouncers, swings) and parents need to be aware that the best way to stimulate your baby’s development is simply to place him on the floor, with a few toys and play with him! This play pad is the ideal choice for play time and works great for tummy time sessions as well!

This versatile play pad is made with brushed organic, quilted cotton and measures a generous 39 x 27. It is available in pink and blue. Lay the play pad on the floor, select a few of baby’s favorite toys and let the fun begin! While other play mats have busy prints which can easily overwhelm a young baby, this play pad has a solid color which won’t distract or overwhelm baby! Baby will love the ultra soft organic cotton fabric. Folds compactly into a storage bag 10.5 x 7 x 5 for easy travel Organic cotton play pads are extremely difficult to come by and this one from Sage Creek™ is a terrific find!

These play pads sell out FAST, so don’t leave your shopping until the last minute!

The Sage Creek™ website is well designed and lists the full catalog of products that are available, complete with pictures and direct online shopping. Expecting parents can even set up a gift registry by clicking here. Gift Certificates are available here.

To learn more, please visit: www.SageCreekNaturals.com

May 2008, was our busiest month to date! From tech reviews to shoe reviews, we covered a full range of products for the entire family. Here is a list of the articles:

*The New Native Footed Blanket
*Heart Thrive: Nutritious Meals to Go
*Cuddle Cubby™ from Baby Delight®
*Slurp & Burp™ Breastfeeding Cover
*Baking with Agave Nectar
*Kyocera Wild Card Phone from Virgin Mobile USA
*Crocs™ Footwear
*The Native Foods Restaurant Cookbook
*Supernanny: How to Get the Best from your Children
*Simple by Bebe au Lait™: Organic Nursing Covers
*Isabooties™: Soft Soled Baby Shoes
*Belly Baby Prenatal Workout
*Maternityactivewear.com
*Giveaway: Moby™ Wrap with UV Protection

June 2008 promised to be equally exciting. For those readers in North America and Europe, we wish you a wonderful summer!

Sevenseas Apparel designs and produces maternity yoga/exercise clothing. It was founded in 2003 with a simple purpose: to provide high quality and trendy workout clothes for active moms-to-be. The ocean lily and chm brand fall under Sevenseas Apparel.

Maternityactivewear.com was launched in July 2006 in response to numerous requests from frustrated active moms-to-be who could not find high quality maternity workout clothes in stores or do not live near maternity stores that carries maternity yoga/exercise clothing. With the presence of our online store, active moms-to-be can now easily order our clothes from virtually any location with an internet connection.

PURCHASING:

*Directory of Retailers in North America and Canada

*Online at www.maternityactivewear.com

Success Through Play™ comments:

Recent studies indicate that exercising during pregnancy has many benefits, including shorter labor and fewer obstetric interventions.

Regular Exercise During Pregnancy:

*Prevents constipation
*Increases energy, warding off fatigue
*Reduces discomforts of pregnancy including backache
*Improves endurance which is critical for the marathon of labor
*Reduces stress and anxiety
*Promotes restful sleep
*Builds strong muscles and a healthy heart
*Helps you to return to your prepregnany shape faster

Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program. Most pregnant women can safely enjoy walking, swimming and aqua-aerobics, prenatal yoga and other low impact sports. It is very important to stay well hydrated during exercise, to warm up before beginning and follow with a cool down. Please listen to your body and stop and alert your healthcare provider is something does not feel right.

Now that you have discovered a few of the many benefits that exercising during pregnancy can offer, you may be wondering what maternity apparel is available that is comfortable, allows freedom of movement and looks flattering!

Maternityactivewear.com offers of a full range of top quality fitness apparel that will enable you to exercise in comfort and style. Many of their products feature bamboo, which is the ideal choice for fitness apparel. Bamboo helps to keep you cool, is resistant to odor and bacteria feels like silk. The tank tops feature a built in bra for support and comfort during exercise. Their maternity yoga pants are available in 3 inseams: short inseam 30″, regular inseam 32″ and long inseam 34″. which is very hard to find! The maternity bottoms are available in a variety of waists: over belly, mid belly, under belly or low rise.

Our pregnant panel had the opportunity to test a selection of apparel from this company.

MATERNITY YOGA TANK TOPS – MATERNITY SPORT TANKS

Maternity yoga tank tops are one of their specialties. All of the maternity yoga sports tanks have built in Coolmax or a Bamtex sports bra. Coolmax and Bamtex are known for excellent moisture management and it helps to wickaway sweat to keep you dry and cool. The yoga tanks are built for stability and comfort, yet stylish and very fashionable. The selection of high quality maternity yoga tanks come in Supplex/Lycra, Polyester/Spandex and Cotton/Spandex.

*Cross V maternity yoga tank: is made of Bamboo/Cotton/Spandex blend. Built-in sports bra for support. Sports bra is also made of Bamboo/Cotton/Spandex. Racer back for support

*Great for yoga and walking.
*Looks terrific with jeans and doubles as casual wear
*Stetchy material will accommodate your growing belly
*Perfect as transitional wear and beyond
*Racer back is comfortable and allows for maximum range of movements
*66% Bamboo, 28% Cotton and 6% Spandex

*Y racer maternity sports tank:

*Built-in bra for support.
*Provides good support when working out
*Flattering to all shapes
*Racer back is comfortable and allows for maximum range of movements
*66% Bamboo, 28% Cotton and 6% Spandex

JACKETS

*Zip front maternity jacket: 2 slider zipper for easy adjustment. Made of Supplex/ Lycra, moisture wick away.

*Coordinates with tanks and pants
*Easy on and off zipper
*Flattering fit
*Will accommodate your growing belly

MATERNITY YOGA PANTS

Maternityactivewear.com offers a great selection of high quality and stylish maternity yoga pants. The maternity yoga pants are made of high performance fabrics such as Supplex/Lycra, Bamboo/Spandex, Polyester/Lycra with wicking coating. These yoga pants are very comfortable and will last you for the whole 9 months and after. The maternity yoga pants come in 3 inseams: short inseam 30″, regular inseam 32″ and long inseam 34″. Our maternity bottoms are available in a variety of waists: over belly, mid belly, under belly or low rise.

PANEL FAVORITE:

* 3 in 1 waist pant: versatile waist: over belly, mid belly and under belly in one. Good for all terms, especially 3rd trimester. Made of Supplex / Lycra, moisture wickaway and 4 way stretch for ease of movement. This pant is also good for post pregnancy.

*3 in 1 waist pant. for maximum versatility
*Top quality
*Super flattering
*Versatile, grows with you
*Ultra comfy and supportive
*Can be dressed up with a pretty top and accessories
*Available in 3 different lengths to both petite and tall women

*Bamtex underbelly maternity yoga pant: double layer waist band w/ elastic waist, comes in 3 different lengths: short, regular and long inseam.

*Sits under belly
*Lightweight: great for summer
*Perfect for working out or as loungewear
*Easy on and off
*Silky fabric is super comfy
*Flat seams to avoid irritation
*Idea for yoga
*Dries fast
*66% Bamboo, 28% Cotton and 6% Spandex

To view additional products, please visit: www.maternityactivewear.com

Neena & Veena, “The Bellytwins,” have been featured as special guest dancers, choreographers, and actresses on hundreds of national and international stages, films, TV shows, commercials and music videos. The twins are also the founders, artistic directors and choreographers and teachers of their own dance company, which specializes in dances of India and the Middle East.

Belly Baby Prenatal Workout is directed by Veena and stars Neena.

Neena’s love of Middle Eastern and Indian classical and folkloric dances started as a child. She and her twin sister studied dance both in India and Egypt, where they devoted their time perfecting their crafts. She also studied ballet, jazz, and hip hop dances. Neena speaks and write Hindi and can speak some Arabic and Farsi. Neena studied Indian classical singing and western classical singing for many years. She is also a highly skilled graphologist.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

For thousands of years, bellydance has been passed down as a birthing aid for women. In this program, you will learn authentic movements that will prepare your body for labor and delivery, while helping you feel feminine and sexy. Research shows that pregnant women who exercise regularly have shorter and less painful labors. This gentle and safe workout is designed specifically to build strength, stamina and muscle tone for expecting mothers. This exercise program has been approved by doctors, nurses, and midwives. Join Neena as she takes you through this ancient journey in a step-by-step prenatal program. This workout is excellent for any skill level, and is great for all three trimesters!

PURCHASING

*This affordably priced DVD is available now on the bellytwins website.
Available in stores November 2008.

Please note that all Bellytwins videos and DVD’s are made in the NTSC format. This format is used in the United States and Canada. Many other regions of the world use the PAL or SECAM formats, so please check to see what format is used where you live before you place an order for VHS or DVD videos.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Prenatal bellydancing is making its way into Western cultures and more and more pregnant women are turning to Prenatal Bellydancing to help them prepare for labor and delivery. Classes are springing up all across the USA. Instructors teach women how to use bellydance movements when having a contraction which allows one to work with the contraction and relax the pelvic region vs. tensing up. Actively moving through the pain using bellydance movements and adopting upright positions during labor can facilitate the descent of the baby through the birth canal and enable the baby to rotate into the correct position for birth.

A reputable Prenatal bellydance workout such as this DVD, differs from traditional bellydancing in that the movements have been adapted for a pregnant women and thus you will not find sharp hip drops and pops but rather gentle, flowing and sensual movements. The backdrop of DVD is visually stunning and conjures up images of an exotic destination, transporting the viewer to another place and time. The background music is authentic middle eastern music with a gentle and soothing beat.

Neena is an experienced bellydancer and demonstrates the movements in a step by step manner which are easy to follow. If you are new to belly dancing have no fear, because you will pick up the movements with just a little practice and gain confidence while doing so. A narrator with a clear and pleasing voice provides the instructions. The bellydance workout is approximately 40 minutes and afterwards, you feel as if you have done a total body workout!

The workout consists of:

*A gentle warm up to prepare your body

*Gentle cardio to build endurance, strength and flexibility, improve balance and coordination
*Your choice of floor or chair exercises

*Chair version is suitable for all levels and recommended for first use

*The floor version is for early pregnancy or slightly more advanced users where pillows are utilized to facilitate good posture.
*The workout concludes with a cool down and includes stretches.

The routine is very well designed and each movement is carefully selected and adapted for a pregnant women. Kegels exercises are included in the routine. The two members of our pregnant panel thoroughly enjoyed their prenatal bellydance workout and both were pleasantly surprised by the gentle yet effective movements which provided just the right challenge for their body! They admitted that they were expecting a complicated and intricate routine and feared that they wouldn’t be able to keep up, being new to bellydancing. They were pleased to be proven wrong and were able to follow the sequences and enjoyed the dance steps thoroughly. They both felt sexy and confident when performing the sequences outlined in the DVD! They plan to continue their bellydance workout in addition to swimming and prenatal yoga and feel confident that they will have some familiar movements to fall back on during labor.

Special features include the option to play with music only (and no voiceover) and the ability to select a scene for quick reference. A bonus performance by Neena, an interview with Doula Shantell who elaborates on how belly dancing is helpful during labor and offers additional insights into tribal customs and methods to aid labor and recovery. In addition, a pamphlet titled “Neena’s Pregnancy Survival Guide” comes with the DVD, where Neena shares some natural remedies to help combat morning sickness. Bellytwins will be coming out with additional DVD’s related to post pregnancy.

As with any new program, we recommend watching it first before participating. Please consult your health care provider before participating in this or any other exercise program. French & Spanish language tracks are offered.

To view additional products from Neena and Veena, please visit: www.bellytwins.com

ISABOOTIES™

* Super-soft, breathable Ultrasuede® fabric
* Non-slip, durable Toughtek® soles
* Machine-washable, machine-dryable
* Pediatrician – recommended soft-soled shoes
* Stain-resistant
* Easy slip-on design doesn’t slip off
* 100% animal-free
* Made in the USA
*Isabooties™ work great on many outdoor surfaces, including grass and mulch. Please note that IsaBooties are not recommended for heavy pavement use.

PURCHASING:

*Purchase directly from Isabooties™ by clicking here.
*To find a store near you, please click here.

Success Through Play™ comments

Did you know that only 50% of babies are walking independently by their first birthday? Parents are often concerned when their baby’s first birthday arrives and their little one isn’t walking independently. About 75% of babies are walking independently by 13.5 months and approximately 90% by 14 months. Pediatricians typically become concerned when a baby isn’t walking independently by 18 months. Many factors can influence when you baby learns to walk independently. There are many factors that contribute to late walkers for example, babies who are born prematurely can walk later. Some babies are late walkers and do not have any neurological or other impairment. Our panel of physical and occupational therapist feel that if you child is not walking independently by 15 months of age, further investigation is needed, which is in line with the Pathways Awareness Foundation Milestone Chart.

The Pathways Awareness Foundation offers parents guidelines for typical physical development and signs to watch out for which can be accessed here. If you are concerned, discuss your concerns with your baby’s health care provider and take the initiative to request an assessment from the Early Intervention Team (USA) in your area, which is provided at no cost to you. A team of qualified professionals with an evaluation to see if your baby qualifies for State and Federal Funded Early Intervention Services, which are also provided free of charge. Click here for more information.

Shoes

No-one will argue that barefoot is best when it comes to growing feet! There will be times when you need to protect your baby’s feet from the elements, or slippery surfaces and when socks just won’t cut it. Enter Isabooties™, the European style soft-soled baby shoe which has won the hearts of celebrity moms including Brooke Shields.

These gorgeous soft-soled shoes feature European ribbon and come in a variety of super cute styles and sizes to complete your baby’s look! They are formaldehyde-free and proudly made in the USA with fair labor. Baby won’t be able to fling off the shoes (as he does with his socks) because they have a soft elastic-ankle which creates a secure and snug fit. They are designed to “mimic barefoot walking” and boast a flexible non-skid thin sole made from Toughtek®, the same grip fabric used in the booties worn by search and rescue dogs and in high-end mountaineering gear!

For pre-walkers and babies who are learning to walk, experts agree that a soft-soled shoe such as Isabooties™ is the best choice.

From Isabooties™:

“They are made from Ultrasuede®, highly breathable, so your little one’s feet will stay comfy, even in hot weather. And, Ultrasuede® is softer and more flexible than leather products, making it more suitable for baby shoes. Ultrasuede® is even resistant to scuffs, stains and discoloration. Isabooties™ are machine washable and dryable and unlike leather shoes won’t fade, shrink or crack. IsaBooties™ are 100% animal-product free and suitable for vegans.”

Isabooties™ has a well designed website which is easy to navigate. There you can access the FAQ and sizing chart. Isabooties™ offers complimentary eco-friendly gift wrapping!

Giving Back
*Project Happy Feet is a program that provides soft-soled baby shoes to babies and toddlers of families in need. We applaud Isabooties™ for reaching out and giving back to our community.

For more information about Isabooties™, please visit: www.isabooties.com

Tip!

Take your baby to a beach which has smooth sand and allow your baby to walk barefoot on the sand, which will help to build the arches of his feet. Please ensure that you select an appropriate time to do this, when the sand isn’t hot! Going bare feet on the grass is also beneficial. In addition, both sand and grass provide baby with some nice tactile input which he can’t receive when he is wearing his socks!

Once your baby is proficient at walking, he is ready to move up a more structured shoe, which will provide adequate support in rougher terrain. Find a good shoes store and have your baby’s feet measured. Baby’s feet grow VERY rapidly and you will find they outgrows their shoes very fast!

BOOK DETAILS:

# Paperback: 224 pages
# Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (January 12, 2005)
# Language: English
# ISBN-13: 978-1401308100

PURCHASING
*Click here

Success Through Play comments

We first learned about Jo Frost when we stumbled upon the abc hit series Supernanny. Jo is often referred to as the “Modern Day Mary Poppins” and her tried and tested advice is delivered with plenty of praise, encouragement and love.

Jo’s book, Supernanny, published by Hyperion, is visually stunning and has beautiful pictures which enrich the book’s content. This book will equip you with the methods, techniques and tips to implement structure, define boundaries, and help you solve common problems that can cause a disruption to the peace in your home. The information is presented in a simple and clear manner and parents and caregivers will be able to grasp the concepts quickly.

Jo encourages parents to involve their children in as many activities of daily living throughout the day, to keep them focused and engaged. By providing your child with age appropriate tasks and activities, they will thrive! Jo explains the function of rewards charts and teaches parents how to reward positive behaviors. Jo does not believe in spanking and offers effective, alternative means of disciplining your children and equally important, discusses when you shouldn’t discipline your children. Jo has developed unique insights into the minds of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and shares her knowledge with the reader. Jo stresses that it is imperative that parents have a clear understanding of what a baby, toddler or pre-schooler is developmentally capable of, so as to prevent a parent from having unreasonable expectations, which is a common issue with negative consequences. Jo gives babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers a voice by shedding some light on the way that they see the world, what they are capable of and what is above their ability.

Jo presents her Top Ten Rules which form the framework of her philosophy and which is applied to everything from behavior, sleeping, eating, toilet training to spending quality time together as a family. Sections of the book are structured in a problem/solution format so that parents and caregivers can quickly reference a problematic situation and see how to remedy it.

Highlights include:

*The 9 signs of teething and remedies to ease teething.
*How to to ease separation anxiety.
*How to deal effectively with tantrums.
*How to succeed with toilet training.
*Establishing routines, boundaries rules and how to make a timetable.
*Bedtime routine: how to put your child to bed.
*Ensuring success with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, washing, eating
*Jo’s “Involvement Technique” and how to implement it
*How to discipline your child and when NOT to. Breaking the cycle of unacceptable behavior: The Naughty Step technique is explained.

This book and Jo’s show, go hand in hand. The book will provide you with the theory and you can view the theory in action by watching the show!

Pick up a copy to read when you are pregnant or have a young baby so that you can learn Jo’s philosophy ahead of time, to prevent troublesome behaviors. If you are trying to manage troublesome behavior, first seek the advice of your child’s pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues and get a referral to a mental health professional if necessary. This book can be very useful in tandem with professional advice in addressing problematic behaviors.

To view additional books from this publisher, please visit: www.hyperionbooks.com

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When people ask Tanya Petrovna, “Are you a strict vegetarian?” she replies, “No, I’m a fun vegetarian!” As head chef of the popular Native Foods chain of restaurants in Southern California, Tanya treats her customers to a vegan cuisine that is so tasty, satisfying, and hearty that it draws praise from nonvegetarians and vegetarians alike. Tanya is known for creating delicious and satisfying meat substitutes from soy and wheat products such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan. And with signature dishes like her dairy-free cheesecake made from cashew nuts, she proves that healthy, animal-friendly eating can be indulgent and fun. Now, with this book, Tanya’s best recipes can be made at home, including: “Fun Mung Curry,” “Seitan Olé Mole,”
and “Rockin’ Moroccan Skewers.” Plus, there are plenty of outrageous desserts such as “Elephant Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Peanut Butter Topping,” “Sam’s Vegan Cheesecake,” and “Chocolate French Silk Lingerie Pie.”

The Native Foods Restaurant Cookbook also features instructions on basic cooking methods, helpful definitions, nutritional information, and a simple kitchen pantry setup.

Book Details:

# Paperback: 256 pages
# Publisher: Shambhala (November 4, 2003)
# Language: English
# ISBN-13: 978-1590300763

PURCHASING:

*Shambhala

*Available at booksellers nationwide.

Success Through Play™ comments:

A few years ago, we had the great pleasure of eating at the Native Foods Restaurant in Westwood, while on a business trip in L.A. We were pleased with the menu choices and reasonable prices. It was a fairly chilly afternoon and we decided to order two Hot Bowls: The Rasta Pasta Primavera and the Mad Cowboy. While waiting for our meals, we enjoyed the lovely ambiance of the restaurant from the 2nd floor. Our meals arrived quickly and looked delicious! The Rasta Pasta Primavera features organic penne pasta, fresh steamed veggies, marinara, cubed seitan made from scratch and refreshing pesto. This was the first time that we had tasted seitan that was made from scratch and the texture and taste were out of this world. The Mad Cowboy dish was equally impressive with its bbq style tempeh, grilled veggies, baked potato all topped with an excellent ranch dressing. We savored each delectable bite and vowed to return when we were next in town. The Native Foods Restaurant currently has 5 locations and we are confident that they will continue to expand all over the county. The Native Foods Restaurant focuses on healthy and delicious vegetarian and vegan fare and we would highly recommend stopping by one of their locations when are in need of a nutritious and tasty meal.

We were really excited when we found out that the Native Foods Restaurant had published their own cookbook and couldn’t wait to try out some recipes. Tanya Petrovna, head chef and founder of Native Foods, shares that family and friends had initially told her that she wouldn’t be able to succeed in the restaurant business with an all vegetarian restaurant. She was told: “you will have to add chicken and fish or you will go out of business.”

Tanya, the only daughter of European immigrants who had worked in the restaurant business was not phased. Her passion, drive and determination paid off and her outstanding delicious fare has won the hearts of non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike, proving once again that the desire for healthy, great tasting food is universal.

Part one of the book introduces readers includes a glossary of foods, kitchen utensils, and cooking terms, which equip the reader with all the basic knowledge necessary to prepare the recipes. Next up, is Beanery and Grains 101, complete with cooking instructions. The author then teachers us how to make seitan, tempeh, tofu and other meat alternatives from scratch, complete with pictures. This will allow you to create your own healthy meat substitutes without having buy it from the store!

Part two of the book features the recipes which have been influenced by many of the great food cultures of the world. Of particular note are the Eastern European dishes which traditionally are heavily meat based and have been “veganized.”

We tested the following 3 recipes from this book, which were fast and easy to prepare:

Tofu Scrambler

This cholesterol free dish makes the perfect breakfast and which everyone will love.

Fun Mung Curry

This tasty curry is made with mung beans, yams and veggies and is rich and satisfying: the ideal comfort food.

Mr. Weld’s Banana Cream Pie

This delicious dessert will round off any meal perfectly and is made with silken tofu which is a protein packed, cholesterol free alternative to dairy cream. This pie didn’t last very long in our fridge but we will be making it throughout the summer months as a refreshing, potassium rich dessert.

When time allows us, we plan to explore the world of seitan making and hope to recreate the outstanding seitan that we ate at The Native Foods Restaurant.

To learn more about the Native Foods Restaurant, please visit: www.nativefoods.com

To view additional books from Shambhala, please visit: www.shambhala.com

Crocs™ shoes are designed with built-in arch support, circulation nubs, and an orthotic heel cup to support and protect the heel. Crocs™ shoes are the only shoe to be certified by United States Ergonomics. This indicates that Crocs™ shoes are comfortable and beneficial for those standing for long periods of time as they reduce muscle fatigue in the feet and legs. In addition, Crocs™ shoes are ventilated for cooling and filtering purposes.

Distinctive characteristics unique to Crocs™ footwear and the Croslite material include:

– Superior gripping, non marking soles
– A footbed that molds to the feet for ultimate comfort and support
– Anti-microbial in-soles and exterior
– Odor-resistant
– Incredibly lightweight
– Diverse color spectrum

We will be highlighting the following 2 styles today:

BEACH

The original comfort design that kicked off the phenomenon:

* Easy on and off
* Footbed conforms to foot creating a custom fit
* Ventilation ports increase breathability, filter water and debris away from the footbed
* Loose fit allows feet to bend and expand naturally reducing fatigue

ENDEAVOR

* fully enclosed design protects feet from intrusions
* weatherproof design is ideal for all condition performance and stability
* Footbed conforms to foot creating a custom fit
* Ventilation ports increase breathability, filter water and debris away from the footbed
* Loose fit allows feet to bend and expand naturally reducing fatigue

PURCHASING:

Visit www.crocs.com to buy online or to find a retailer near you. Crocs™ shoes are sold in more than 90 countries. Visit www.crocs.com to find a retailer in your country.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Crocs™ are named after crocodiles, robust reptiles who fair equally well in both water and on land. “These qualities and characteristics are inherent to Crocs™ footwear as well, ” says Crocs Inc. Crocs™ are the only branded footwear made from Croslite™, a proprietary closed cell resin that has revolutionized the footwear industry with its unsurpassed comfort and support. There is a selection of Crocs™ shoes for every member of the family from kids to grandparents. Crocs™ also offers a full selection of shoes for working professionals.

The beach model was the original Crocs™ style and Crocs™ has since expanded to offer more than 50 styles, which are available in a range of bold hues.

For the more conservative shoe wearer, neutral colors, and the traditional black, navy and brown are also offered!

The focus of today’s article is on the advantages of wearing Croc shoes when you are pregnant. Many Ob-Gyn’s, who have been wearing Crocs™ in surgery along with other medical professionals including nurses and doctors, are recommending Crocs™ to their pregnant patients because they have some very unique characteristics which make them ideal for the mama-to-be. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts, causing you to feel more unstable. In addition, the weight that you gain during pregnancy puts extra stress and strain on your joints. Bending down can be a real challenge. Swollen feet can make squeezing into your shoes an impossible task. Your body temperature is naturally raised and finding shoes that are airy, light and breeze that are also odor resistant and anti-microbial can be extremely challenging. Enter Crocs™: the unique shoe that helps keep you comfy and active during your pregnancy. The roomy design lends itself perfectly to feet which are prone to swelling. The easy sizing chart makes selecting the correct size simple and quick! Ergonomically certified to significantly reduce fatigue during use, Crocs™ can be a god-send to pregnant women who are dealing with typical aches, pains and loss of energy and stamina. Crocs™ are designed with shock-absorbing properties to minimize load on feet, lower legs, knees, hips and lower back. Crocs™ boast a supportive foot base with a built-in arch support and provides the wearer with an Orthotic heel support and protects the heels. Crocs™ have a specially designed heel strap, to keep the shoe on your foot. The strap can be stretched until it fits your perfectly! You also have the option to roll the strap forward on the clog models, which will make slipping them on even easier-all without bending down. The port holes on many models filter air, sand and water and the ventilation will keep you cool and comfortable. Crocs™ have circulation nubs which stimulate circulation and provide the wearer with a gentle massage. Crocs™ conforms to ASTM slip resistant standards. Crocs™ should not fit like other shoes. Please click here to learn about the crocs fit.

We distributed Crocs™ in the beach and endeavor styles (courtesy of Crocs, Inc.) to 2 pregnant ladies. Here are some comments:

“Being a 7 month pregnant, working professional who is on my feet all day, hasn’t been easy. When me feet started to swell, I was distraught that I could no longer squeeze my feet into most of my work shoes! I really didn’t have the budget to splurge on new shoes, and I was becoming quite desperate and very uncomfortable. During the day, I was distracted from my work, because I my feet were aching! I was excited to receive 2 pairs of crocs to test in the endeavor style. When they arrived, I marveled at how lightweight they were. The endeavor style has a closed toe with ventilation on the sides. I was thrilled to give them a try the very next day! It was SUCH a relief to have a roomy shoe that felt comfortable from the moment that I put it on and accommodated my swollen feet beautifully. The shoes are soft and cushy and oh so comfy! I really liked the fact that they are anti-microbial and odor-resistant, because I sweat a LOT. They are super easy to clean which means it takes me less time to get ready in the morning. I received many compliments from my colleagues who all wanted to buy their own! Bending down is becoming a chore for me and I really love how I can just slip my feet into the crocs, without much effort at all. The straps hold the crocs firmly on my feet and I don’t have to worry about them falling off, as with other clogs on the market. The circulation nubs provide my feet with a massage as I work, which feels heavenly. Carrying an extra 20 plus pounds on my small frame isn’t fun, and my previous work shoes were heavy, adding to the weight. These crocs are so light, I feel like I am walking on a cloud and my husband. Thank you crocs!”

“I have just entered my third trimester and am I pregnant with twins! I am a stay at home mommy to a toddler who is 2. Chasing my toddler while being pregnant with twins isn’t easy! I run out of steam pretty fast The weather has finally warmed up and I was really looking forward to wearing my summer sandals. I was really disappointed when none of sandals fit me anymore! I didn’t experience much feet swelling with my first pregnancy, so this was an unexpected surprise. I was really pleased to be able to test out the beach styles and received 2 pairs in the mail. I had heard about crocs before, but never tried any. I received instructions about how I could customize my shoe by stretching the strap and was able to do this easily. I put my toddler in his stroller and headed out on a short walk around the block. I couldn’t get over how light and airy these shoes felt. I really LOVED the ventilation holes which were on the top of the shoes and the sides of the shoe, keeping me cool. The molded footbed and built-in arch support was fabulous and I felt a renewed sense of energy that I thought was gone forever! The next day we headed to the beach and the Crocs faired just as well on the sand! What a pleasure to be able to run them under the shower at the beach before heading back home.Thank you”

SolesUnited Program

When its time to retire your Crocs™, you can give back your worn-out Crocs™ shoes to be recycled into new shoes and they will be donated to people in need around the world. Did you know there are over 1.2 billion people worldwide that can’t afford shoes and have to walk many miles a day barefoot? The program is called “Soles United” and was launched by Crocs, Inc. in January of 2008. It is the first-of-its-kind recycled footwear donation program. Through the Soles United recycling process, donated Crocs™ shoes are sorted, cleaned, ground into new material, and manufactured into new recycled shoes. We applaud Crocs, Inc. for this program, which will no doubt change the lives of millions of people worldwide. To learn more and few a video detailing this program, please visit: www.solesunited.com

To view the full range of Crocs™ styles, please visit:

www.crocs.com

Virgin Mobile USA’s sleek and stylish Wild Card by Kyocera Wireless “aces” both great functionality and trendsetting design. Among its most notable features are two vibrant color displays. The first on the front face of the phone is for voice calls.

But by turning the phone sideways and giving its face a quick flip, customers have access to the Wild Card’s wide screen – along with a sizeable QWERTY keypad designed for emailing, texting, IMing, gaming or browsing online.

This dual-screen messaging phone is also stacked with Bluetooth® Wireless and a 1.3 megapixel camera, and is the first Virgin Mobile handset with the ability to stream music.

• Large hidden QWERTY keypad
• Dual display screens – External 65k color 128 X 128 pixel; – Internal 65k color 128 X 160 pixel wide screen
• 1.3 megapixel camera with 3x digital zoom and images effects including black and white photos
• Lightweight (just over 4-ounces)
• Integrated speakerphone
• Real music ringtones
• WAP 2.0 Web browser
• Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
• Pre-loaded with Yahoo! and AOL Instant Messaging
• “Headliner” – Virgin Mobile USA’s exclusive mobile music magazine
• Preloaded demo games such as Tetris, PAC-MAN, and Block Breaker Deluxe
• Access to VirginXL, Virgin Mobile’s full suite of diverse mobile content

**A special, limited edition Virgin Mobile Festival Wild Card will be available this Spring / Summer. For full details on the Festival and this special edition phone, please click here.

Virgin Mobile USA continues to show consumers “Who Rules?” with the recent launch of new Monthly and Pay As You Go voice and messaging plans – all without annual contracts. The new plans offer consumers even better value and more flexibility, with popular features such as Roll Forward Minutes, 7PM Unlimited Nights & Weekends, and Unlimited Text & Messaging options. These plans are highly competitive with other prepaid players – as well as with many postpaid (i.e., contract) plans.

With no annual contracts and no fees for termination, Virgin Mobile USA allows its more than 5 million customers to change plans to suit their needs at any time – without hassle. For additional information on Virgin Mobile USA’s host of new voice and messaging offers, please visit click here.

PURCHASING:

Virgin Mobile’s Wild Card by Kyocera Wireless is available at www.virginmobileusa.com and over 40,000 retail locations nationwide including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target and Wal-Mart. To find a Virgin Mobile retailer, visit the Store Locator.

*Customers abroad wishing to purchase the Wild Card can do so by visiting the Virgin Mobile USA website at www.virginmobileusa.com. However please keep in mind that Virgin Mobile USA service works only in the United States and its territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.), so if you are coming here on a vacation, or an extended stay, this is the ideal phone for you, with no commitments.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Virgin Mobile USA offers simple airtime pricing, no hidden fees, no monthly bills and no contracts to sign. This company is committed to the environment, and social causes and has implemented several programs which we would like to highlight.

Recycling

Virgin Mobile USA wants to make sure old phones are disposed of properly, so it offers two easy ways to recycle them:

A) If it’s a working Virgin Mobile phone, they encourage customers to “Pass It On to a friend.”

B) Or, the customer can send it to Virgin Mobile USA to be recycled. In fact, Virgin Mobile provide a self-addressed postage-paid envelope in every new Virgin Mobile phone for just that purpose. They accept ANY wireless handsets for recycling.

All profits from the Virgin Mobile USA recycling program go to the charitable partners of The RE*Generation, Virgin Mobile USA’s pro-social initiative to raise awareness about the crisis of youth homelessness in this country.

*More details on the Virgin Mobile USA recycling program may be found here.

*More details on The RE*Generation may be found here.

Social Awareness

*Virgin Mobile USA first launched the TXT2CLOTHE initiative in 2006 to offer its customers an easy way to help give back to those in need. This is an ongoing program and, to date, has generated more than 94,415 items of clothing donated to homeless youth. This year, Virgin Mobile USA be launching some additional dimensions to the program.

More information on TXT2CLOTHE, and other ways to give back via The RE*Generation, is available here.

GOING GREEN:

The upcoming Virgin Mobile Festival is going GREEN: from using clean energy, using recycled and organic products, promoting mass public transport to running eco-workshops, we applaud Virgin Mobile USA for taking eco-friendly measure. Full details of the festival can be found here.

The Kyocera Wild Card from Virgin Mobile USA.

Weighing it at just 4 ounces, and measuring 3-3/4″ long, just under 2 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick, the ergonomic Kyocera Wild Card is the new messaging handset from Virgin Mobile USA. The handset is well built and feels solid and robust. The number keypad on the outside is used to make and receive calls. Turn the phone on its side and flip it open to reveal the QWERTY keypad for texting. The inner QWERTY keypad is very well designed and the rectangular base allows one to hold the phone in a stable position for texting. The split keyboard takes full advantage of the wide horizontal base. The keys on the QWERTY keypad are well spaced so that both men and women will be able to text with ease! The raised keys enable quick and accurate texting. The QWERTY keypad comes complete with the symbol and shift keys, which allows you to easily utilize caps, numbers and symbols, without having to scroll through the menu.

The left side of the phone has a volume control and a camera button.

The back of the phone houses the camera flash and lens (1.3-megapixel camera) and has a rubber guard to protect against scratches. We were able to take the following images with this camera lens:

Tester Feedback:

Our experience with the Wild Card has been very positive. We have had the opportunity to test it for several months now, courtesy of Virgin Mobile USA. The manual is well laid out and guides you through the many unique functions and features of the phone. While other phones can be very intimidating to operate, the Wild Card excels in its simple-to-operate menu which we found to be very intuitive.

The ergonomic design of this phone is truly exceptional. When making or receiving calls, you won’t have to struggle to hold the phone because at just under 2 inches wide, the Wild Card phone will fit comfortably in your hand, and you won’t have to strain your muscles, ligaments and joints to hold the phone when talking-as is common with many other phones on the market!

The QWERTY keyboard won our testers approval who really liked the design which enabled them to send text messages at record speeds, all while maintaining a good level of comfort. The horizontal placement of the keys allows the texter to simply focus on typing his message, without having to be concerned about stabilizing the phone, as is common with other phones on the market which make use a vertically placed keyboard. If you have been texting on a regular number keypad, you will be THRILLED with this QWERTY keypad which will forever change the way that you send texts messages make texting simple and FUN!

We really love sending text messages (or smsing!). Think of all the times when you need to send someone a short message, but perhaps your current phone has a typical number keypad and the thought of struggling through the typing is just too much, so instead you call, wasting your minutes! Running late and need to let someone know…want to let someone know that you arrived at a destination safely….want to send a quick message to that special someone in your life? How about when you in the movie theater or in a situation where it isn’t socially acceptable to make a call? Thing about the music recitals…school plays…etc In addition, if you have a hearing impairment, texting is the ideal form of communication. With the Wild Card handset, you will be able to text effortlessly and silently. Texting is the way to go. Texting is not just for teenagers! It’s a fun way to communicate your family and friends.

Practise Safe Text!

In 2002, Virgin Mobile (UK) launched the “Practise Safe Text” Campaign, in an effort to educate consumers about how they can text safely: offering them tools and tips. Click here to access a list of exercises/stretches that have been developed in conjunction with a British physical therapist (physiotherapist), to keep your fingers, hands and arms in tip top shape. These exercises are also pertinent to those of us who are glued to our laptops and spend hours each day typing! If you do experience pain from any repetitive motions, please seek medical advice. We applaud VM for educating and providing consumers with these tools.

Call Quality:

We received good reception in the San Francisco Bay Area, where we are based-often with 3 and 4 bars. The phone quality was good with clear audibility from both sides. We liked the hands free option of being able to use the speaker phone when we opened the phone. This allowed us to multi-task!

Features we like:

*Custom settings, including 2 options for your display:

*All the latest Real music ringtones from your favorite artists can be downloaded with ease.

*Address book which is very user friendly.

*Calling use voice commands-this feature worked really well and is ideal for hands free dialing like when you are in the middle of baking or if you are visually impaired or have arthritis.

*We liked the voice memo options and the scheduler to keep track of events and appointments.

*Picture messaging-you can send picture messages to phones that are capable of receiving them (nationally) or to email addresses.

*Option to enable Smart volume which automatically adjusts the volume of the call based on surrounding noise levels.

*Sending and receiving IM’s from your phone.

*Virgin XL-your gateway to media! You can access music, entertainment, and info services from phone. In addition, ringtones, games, wallpapers, screen savers to customize your phone. We were able to access our yahoo email account with ease and were able to stay in touch when we were away from our laptop.

*In addition, the Wild Card has Bluetooth wireless technology that enables wireless connectivity with headsets (must use a Bluetooth wireless technology device)

*If you need to kill some time, you can play some games on the phone and download additional ones.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

When we needed some assistance activating the phone, downloading the ringtones, or just had a question, the Virgin Mobile Customer Service team was ready and waiting to help us. In fact, the Virgin Mobile has ranked “Highest in Customer Service” for the 2nd year in a row by J.D. and Associates. We were helped promptly by their well trained staff and received great service.

The Virgin Mobile USA website is hip, fun and well designed. You can compare phones, plans, download ringtones, access manuals, and so much more!

Virgin Mobile has managed to pack so many features into this compact, stylish and sleek phone, which is truly a bargain at under $100.

For more info, please visit: www.virginmobileusa.com