This Full House Reviews

The Looneyspoons Collection Cookbook: Featuring Food Network Canada's Janet & Greta Podleski

JanetandGreta.com

I was contacted by Greta Podleski, the author (along with her sister, Janet) of the #1 bestselling cookbook in Canada called “The Looneyspoons Collection,” asking me if I'd be interested in reviewing TLC.

Greta and Janet also host a healthy cooking show on Food Network Canada called Eat, Shrink & Be Merry and, considering I've blogged my desire to look into more healthy-type subjects, I emailed Greta back letting her know:  I think TLC would be a real good fit for This Full House.

I said good fit!  Get it? 

[sound of crickets, chirping]

Aaaaanyway, these awesome ladies were kind enough to send me a copy of their cookbook, noting:

The cookbook is big, 400 pages with 325 recipes and tons of gorgeous food photos, plus hundreds of healthy eating, weight-loss and anti-aging tips thanks to Janet, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.

As a woman of a certain age (no, NOT the stone-age, DAMMIT!) I could certainly use all the anti-aging tips I can get my dish-pan hands on (note to self:  get that stupid dishwasher fixed, already) dammit.

[who let those stupid crickets in the house, anyways?]

Alright, I get it.  It's never too late to try and keep fit, right?  RIGHT?  Riiiiiiiiight. 

Like, in the chapter entitled, "Shrink Your Muffin Top" sharing simple tips of cutting back (by half) my arch-nemesis...sugar...BOO!  HISS!...with the law of diminishing returns:

PBS Sneak Preview: Halloween, Wild Kratts and Science, OH MY!

PBS KIDS CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN WITH NEW EPISODES

Yep, I am one of those parents, who believe in the benefits of good quality television programs -- like, Sesame Street and the original Electric Company with Morgan Freeman -- especially, for families who perhaps lack access to educational resources we tend to take for granted.

For example, first generation American kids, who started kindergarten not being able to read, write, or speak a word of English -- just like my twin brother and me.

PBS KIDS is kicking off Fall with three exciting announcements including upcoming Halloween-themed programming, a new educational iPhone app, SID’s Science Fair and WILD KRATTS “Predator Week” programming!

WILD KRATTS features the Kratt Brothers from Zoboomafoo (now in syndication on PBS) and my kids absolutely LOVED watching this show (me, too!)

You and or your kids into Wildlife?  Dinosaurs?  How about Science?  EXCELLENT!!!

Check this out:

PBS Kids Martha Speaks: Shelter Dog Adoption Episodes

I triple-dog-dare-you to say, "No!" to this face.  Go ahead, I'll wait!

This is our dog.  He's a rescue.  He was found tied to a dumpster, emaciated and suffering from a skin disease which the shelter believed was caused by his being crated his entire life.

It was estimated that he was a little over a year old.

We adopted Doofus-dawg on November 28, 2004 which is also the day we celebrate his birthday and -- although, he is the reason why we continue to use child locks on the cabinet that stores the trash bin -- he is an absolute sweetheart of a dog and considers himself an important member of our family.

Us, too.

This fall, PBS KIDS' Martha Speaks is partnering with The Humane Society of the United States to celebrate the great work done by animal shelters around the country with:

• A week of shelter dog episodes, including the brand new "Carolina Picks a Lily" airing Monday October 3, 2011 on PBS KIDS (check local listings).

• A special "Helping Animals" section on the Martha Speaks website where families can find resources and information about supporting animal shelters, understanding and caring for pets, and responsible pet adoption. Visit the page at http://www.pbs.org/parents/martha/helpinganimals/index.html.

• Opportunities for families that have adopted a shelter animal to share their story on the Martha Speaks Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pbsmarthaspeaks.

We love our Doofus-Dawg and, if you are making that GIANT leap in deciding your family is ready, willing and able to look past the mess (see picture/story above) I really do hope you consider adopting a shelter animal, too.

Oh, and Doofus-Dawg says, "Can I Haz Some?!?"

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Although, I am a PBS Kids THIRTEEN Parent, every pet we've ever adopted, growing up and raising my own family, has been a shelter animal and I took it upon myself to share information about this program.

Kids Club THIRTEEN: Making Summer Fun AND Educational @PBSKids

One of the really, really cool things I get to do, as a Kids Club THIRTEEN Ambassador, is share behind the scenes stuff with families (like mine) who believe in the benefits of good quality children's television programming.

There's lots of good stuff going on with some of our favorite programs, like SUPER WHY!, Cyberchase and Sid the Science Kid.  Also, PBSKids.org is offering great educational resources to teachers, parents and caregivers, this summer:

New Kids Club THIRTEEN Ambassador: PBS Goodies Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU DEBRA (COMMENT #19) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS, THANKS!!!

We live in New Jersey (yes, on purpose!) so, I was very excited to have been invited to the PBS headquarters at WNET.ORG, New York City's flagship public TV station, and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of PBS KIDS most popular shows for preschoolers - SUPER WHY!

Why?

I wanted to learn more about the process that goes into creating children's programming at PBS KIDS and perhaps finally make peace with the fact that...YES!...I allowed my preschoolers to watch television.

Yep, I'm one of those parents who believe in the benefits of good quality television programs (like the ones my brother and I watched growing up with public television) especially, for families who perhaps lack access to educational resources we tend to take for granted.

For example, first generation American kids, who started kindergarten not being able to read, write, or speak a word of English, like my brother...and me.

Today, I am very, very proud to announce my recent partnership with PBS as a new Kids Club THIRTEEN Ambassador!

So, what the heck does that mean and what's in it for you?

Deal Alert: Coupon Code For Big Apple Circus Dance On! at Lincoln Center

The good folks at American Pop have sent along a promotional code to share with our online friends -- because, we roll like that!

The Big Apple Circus is a not–for–profit performing arts and outreach institution committed to invigorating the communities it serves with the joy and wonder of classical circus.

Wanna to see?

How can you purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus?

Online - visit http://bigapplecircus.org/mommy11LC.aspx and submit the code MOMMY11 in the Promotional Codes box in the lower left of the page.

By Phone - call (888) 541-3750 and mention code MOMMY11

Also, this fall, be sure to watch CIRCUS, the multi-part documentary premiering November 3rd, 9–11 PM ET on PBS stations.  It’s an intimate six–hour behind–the–scenes look at the lives of Big Apple Circus artists and staff during the 2008-09 season, produced by the award–winning documentary team Show of Force.

See you at the circus!!!

© 2010 This Full House Blog / This Full House Gone Shopping

The Small Gray-ish Print:  No payment, product, or any consideration, other than a chance to share cool stuff with our online friends, was received for this blog post.

Calling All Pork Grilling Groupies: Win a Trip to NYC Wine & Food Festival!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: We are VERY happy to be sharing this with LAMusing (comment #49) and Sugar2006 (comment #38) please check your email accounts for further instructions!!!

Pork.  It's what's for dinner (at our house, mostly) especially, with only 2 more weekends left before school starts.

[moment of silence]

I've got some great grilling tips to share with you from celebrity chef, Melissa d'Arabian - host of Food Network's Ten Dollar Dinners and winner of the fifth season of The Next Food Network Star.

Download Melissa's Tips for Grilling Pork, here!

Also, if you're REALLY into grilling, you may be interested to learn about the Calling all Grillers with Groupies Contest.  What's in it for you?

The grand prize winner will be awarded a trip to New York City to meet and cook with Melissa  at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival in October.  

Pretty suh-weet ticket for foodies AND foodie-admirers, right?

To help celebrate the last days of grilling season (here in Jersey, anyway) the good folks representing The National Pork Board have kindly offered a great little prize pack to share with one (1) of our online friends, too.

Because, we roll like that!

Netflix Now Available on Nintendo Wii: Complimentary 3 Month Nextflix Membership

[CONGRATULATIONS:  LORI A. (COMMENT #21) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

It's no secret, we love our Wii and I personally have enjoyed working with Nintendo in bringing families (like mine) up to date on the latest and greatest stuff in video gaming.

Why?

In our house, Family Game and Movie Nights are one of the few times we get to spend, doing something we ALL like, together.

Have you heard about the cool new Netflix streaming feature available on the Nintendo Wii system?

PBS KIDS GO!: Design Squad's Trash to Treasure Competition Launches Nationwide April 5, 2010

It's no secret, I am a HUGE fan of PBS (figuratively speaking, of course!) my family and I watch A LOT of public television.

Calling all creative kids and young inventors!

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this April, PBS KIDS GO!'s Design Squad is launching the nationwide 2010 Trash to Treasure competition on April 5th at PBSKIDSGO.org/designsquad/contest.

Kids across the country ages 5-19 are challenged by the award-winning series to recycle, reuse and re-engineer everyday materials into new inventions.

Three young innovators will win a trip to Boston to see their designs built and have the process chronicled for an upcoming episode of the engineering TV series.

Here's last year's winner, Max Wallack, 13, inventor of the "Home Dome," a temporary shelter for homeless people and disaster victims:

Max gives some sound advice to this year's entrants:

"Identify a problem and then try to come up with a solution to it. Be prepared to make several attempts at designing before one design jumps out as the right one."

Why?

Because, nice matters and indifference sucks wet poodle -- way to go, kids -- good luck!

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED, OR CONSIDERATIONS, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO SHARE SOMETHING NICE WITH OTHER FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF PBS KIDS GO!

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010 Review & Giveaway

[FINISHED: CONGRATULATIONS LYNN MATTHEWS (#35) SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO SHARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE STUFF WITH YOU - PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I grew up reading National Geographic Magazine -- his parents had a subscription and I inhaled issues at our local library -- today, our kids are big fans of the National Geographic Channel.

Me, too.

In my opinion, brands like National Geographics Kids (NatGeoKids) helps remind families (like mine) that the world is a whole lot bigger than the folks we encounter in the carpool lanes, at school (almost) so, I was very excited to receive a copy of their new Kids Almanac for 2010.

Take a peek inside:

ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Holiday Giveaway

[FINISHED: CONGRATULATIONS CRYSTAL (#22) WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO BE SHARING SOME OF OUR FAVORITE STUFF WITH YOU - PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR INSTRUCTIONS!!]

I know...I know...there's, like, only 9 more days left until Christmas!

[slams forehead on laptop]

WHAT, where was I?  Oh, yeah.  We are HUGE fans of ABC Family and their 25 Days of Christmas (which can be accessed by clicking on the banner above, linking to their programming guide, with sound) featuring a few of our favorite television Christmas classics.

 

The Year Without a Santa Claus [shown here, with permission] is one of my personal favorites -- remember the Heat Miser and his stepbrother, the Snow Miser?

Disney Pixar Short Films are also featured, like the awesomely adorable Gerri's Game.

Not to mention, it's Harry Potter month -- Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite, because, well, I happen to like bad boys, like Professor Snape!

RAWR!

This Full House is proud to partner with ABC Family in helping to promote family television, by hosting a 25 Days of Christmas Holiday Giveaway.

Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days DVD and Commemorative Book Set

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Sesame Street is turning 40 in November -- Download 40 Years Coloring Sheet!

WOW!  Has it been 40 years, already?  It's hard enough to believe that my oldest daughter is turning 16 (someone, hold me, please!) I mean, it feels like only yesterday, I can still remember her sitting in front of the television, in her Barbie pajamas (don't ask!) eating a bowl of cereal and watching her favorite cartoon, Little Bear.

[sniff]

My middle girl couldn't get enough of Pooh Bear, my son was all about the Power Rangers and my youngest daughter, well, Dora the Explorer was okay -- especially, since she pronounced it, "Do-wuh the Explo-wuh!" -- but, I still cannot seem to wrap my head around the Doodle Bops, who I did NOT link to, only because they've got some really, REALLY LOUD music on their website and, well, mommy's ears are tired.

[shiver]

However, I am proud to admit that all 4 of my children are PBS Kids (me, too) as, I believe there are many benefits to watching good quality television programs -- especially, for families who perhaps lack access to educational resources we take for granted.

My twin brother and I learned to speak English watching children's television shows like, Sesame Street and The Electric Company (My parents immigrated from Hungary during the 1956 Revolution) in fact, these programs were the closest to a preschool education we had, for a lot of kids, too!

Sesame Street is turning 40 (or, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their 29th birthday) with the debut of SESAME STREET: 40 YEARS OF SUNNY DAYS, a two-disc DVD set being released on November 10th from Vivendi Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street.

Suave Mom's Night Out: Jersey Style!

  

Style by Lukaro, dorkified by Liz@thisfullhouse for Glamour Reel Moments 2008 and Suave!

So, you know, my friend, Luke O'Connor (no, really, I swear, he said I could say that!) he owns this super swanky salon and is, in my opinion, the most awesome hair stylist in Beverly Hills (okay, so, like, he's the only one I know, in Beverly Hills, or on the west coast, but, who cares) Luke is, without a doubt, the sweetest, most down-to-earth and famous-type person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, IRL.

The Modern Bob by Luke O'Connor and Suave

Recently, he got this great gig and used Suave Professionals to style actress and Emmy presenter, Kate Walsh (Addison on Private Practice/Grey's Anatomy) and, well, red carpets are meant to be walked by people who, you know, look like her.

Aaaaanyway.

 

This is my hairdresser, IRL.  Her name is Lorrie and she owns Salon Soleil & Nail Spa and, along with her awesome salon team, the woman actually enjoys making moms (like me) happy, by performing little miracles, with hair, every day.

Recently, she got this really great gig and used Suave Professionals to style a bunch of us suburban moms and, well, there wasn't any red carpet, or anything, but we had lots of fun, eating together, laughing at the silly things husbands do (like, you know, agreeing to pretty much anything, just so they could watch football) also, we talked about really annoying people, like, the ones who hog the carpool lanes and stuff.

So, why would Suave want me to host a party like this and did I mention, there was a margarita machine?

Bedtime Tips For Parents & Our Exclusive Telephone Interview With Elmo

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Sesame Street is turning 40! Since 1969, children and adults alike have flocked to the place where multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies residents coexist in harmony.

Raising 4 kids and killer dust bunnies for the last 15 years, I feel it safe to say that our family has dealt with our fair share of bedtime issues.

Lately, my youngest (she's 8) insists that she canNOT sleep in her "big new bed" without her big sister, Holly.

Forget the chance of getting any sleep, on our upcoming vacation, during the myriad of festivities and fireworks, on the 4th of July, right?

Guess what?  It's bedtime on Sesame Street, too.  Aaaand, like my personal in-house muppets, Elmo doesn’t want to go to sleep yet, he wants to play.

We're very excited to have partnered with Sesame Workshop in helping to promote "healthy bedtime habits" and bringing you an exclusive interview with a long-time This Full House favorite bedtime friend, Elmo.

Learning With Super Why and How, Good or Bad, I'm Just a PBS Kid at Heart!

 

Seated left to right are Sandra Sheppard (Director of Children's and Educational Programming, THIRTEEN and Executive Producer of Cyberchase, Franny's Feet and Angelina Ballerina-The Next Steps, coming to PBS Kids in the Fall of 2009) ~  Lesli Rotenberg (Senior Vice President, Children's Media, PBS)  ~ Angela C. Santomero (Creator, Executive Producer and Head Writer of SUPER WHY!)

Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited to PBS headquarters at WNET.ORG, New York City's flagship public TV station, and (along with some of my favorite NYC and New Jersey Mom Bloggers) got a behind-the-scenes look at one of PBS KIDS most popular shows for preschoolers - SUPER WHY!

Why?

These very smart (yet, totally approachable) panel of women creators, producers and writers were speaking about the creation and use of educational media for children.  In turn, PBS KIDS is hosting a series of discussions nationwide with bloggers from Silicon Valley Moms on the role media plays in the lives of their families.

Especially, since parents (like me) have heard (and seen) just about everything BAD there is about children watching television.

Good and bad.

I, for one, wanted to learn more about the process that goes into creating children's programming at PBS KIDS and perhaps finally make peace with the fact that...YES!...I allowed my children to watch television.  A lot of it.  Yep, I'm one of those parents who believe in the benefits of good quality television programs (like the ones the kids and I watched growing up on PBS KIDS) especially, for families who perhaps lack access to educational resources we take for granted.

Like, American-born kids, who started school not being able to read, write, or speak a word of English, like me.