As a little girl (about age 6), I have fond memories of going to see the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve. The movie had appeal for both young and old and was a box office success.

But what has happened over the past 30 years? The superheroes that we kids looked up to have been turned into adult-oriented, extremely violent stories on the big screen.

I don’t know when it actually started happening (even Tim Burton’s Batman seems tame compared to the most recent Batman Begins series…even though they both carry a PG-13 rating), but as a new mom at the time, I noticed it with Spider-Man with Tobey Maguire as the man in red tights. This was not the fun and safe family entertainment that was common from my childhood. And what’s worse is each sequel produced has become more violent and less appropriate for young children, yet fast food restaurants and toy departments still peddle all the toys to the little ones.

Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy these new style movies and in the past few months, I’ve taken my adult self to Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and will be in line for The Dark Knight next week (Christian Bale…hubba hubba!). I know it’s more about box office numbers than trying for mass appeal…but I still wonder.

Today’s cinematic superheroes are foul-mouthed brutes (think Will Smith as Hancock) while the ones of yesteryear wouldn’t dream of uttering such vulgarities. Even villains of the past had more manners than today’s heroes.

Of course, I’m aware of shows like The Adventures of Shark Boy & Lava Girl and Zoom: Academy for Superheroes but ummm….no comment.

It would be nice to see a big budget producer with a little courage to worry less about special effects and violence…and give us a good story we can share with the whole family. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?

I asked my guest on Natural Moms Talk Radio this week whether the childhood obesity problem was really an “epidemic” as the media is suggesting. As a nutritionist and nurse, her answer was that yes – our kids are getting heavier and heavier at a younger age – and they’re suffering serious health issues as a consequence.

Just the other day I read that the American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending anti-cholesterol drugs for children. They claim the drugs are safe – but isn’t it best to avoid the problem in the first place with good nutrition and eating habits?

Come have a listen as Maggie LaBarbera of Nourish Interactive shares some tips and resources on childhood nutrition available on her site.

Here’s a review of Mrs. Meyers Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner submitted by Marsha of Acworth, Georgia.

Product: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner (Lavendar scent depicted)

Description of Product: This is an aroma therapeutic household cleaner. It’s made with essential oils, they do have great cleaning agents and it comes in different fragrances! I’m using Geranium, come in lavender and lemon too.

It comes concentrated so you dilute it as per directions and use it as is on tough stains.

What do you like about the product?: It does a brilliant job cleaning, I use it as a counter top sprayer, but I clean my bathroom with it, my floors, almost everything and it leaves a great fresh, clean scent behind. Not to mention it a great mood lifter and completely safe to use around the kids.

Where to buy: Click here for more reviews & ordering information

By Aurelia Williams, Author of Understanding Your Teen

Many people suffer from self-esteem issues. Teens are often more effected by esteem issues. They are going through changes, both physically and mentally. This can radically effect how they view them selves and their capabilities – and your ability to understand what they’re going through can help a lot.

Self-esteem is more than how a teen views their appearance. It is how they view themselves as a whole. It could be how they see themselves in academics, sports or performance based activities. Doing well in these areas can build self-esteem, but may not be the case. Many teens that are outstanding in these fields and are judged good looking by their peers can suffer from self-esteem issues. It is in how they view themselves and their performance.

Help a teen improve their self-esteem gradually. Radical highs and lows can result in depression or other problems. Show them that they can feel good about themselves as a whole.

Self-esteem issues may be reflections of how adults around them behave. Think of your own behaviors. If you are constantly brow beating yourself your teen sees this. They notice that you only seem to point out your negatives. They will emulate this learned behavior. Start by having a healthier self-esteem level yourself.

Show them that body image isn’t the key to everything. A teen that has low self-esteem due to looks, weight or other physical features may be resistant to these. The teenage years are one of adjustment. They are learning to be comfortable in their own skins. We live in a society that endorses beauty and thinness as the things to be. Teens, even those that fit this model, struggle with this. Teach teens that difference is what makes the world a more enjoyable place. Show them we don’t all need to look like we belong on the cover of a magazine to be beautiful. It comes from within. This is an issue we all need to get comfortable with, not just today’s youth.

Help them to celebrate their success and forgive their shortcomings. If they do well on a test give them praise. If they don’t do well show them that is ok too, that they can forgive themselves and move on. Consider all areas, not just academic, sports, clubs and other activities, no matter how small should be included. Encourage them to try new things as well. Even if they fail, they are better for trying.

Learning to deal with criticism is part of growing up. Teach your child that constructive criticism is good, but always balance criticism with praise. A growing youth needs to know they do things well. This will help balance out the negative they may be getting.

Most of all be there for your teenager. A teenager with the love and support of family and friends often has higher self-esteem. If they are secure in this area, they are often more secure in other areas. Knowing that you are unconditionally accepted does a lot for a teenager.

Be aware of the signs of low self-esteem in your teen. Low self-esteem can lead to depression, eating disorders, alcoholism or other problems. Making yourself aware will help you know when your teen may need professional help.

Developing a strong sense of self and healthy self-esteem will get a person far in life. Helping your teen develop this is one of the best things that you can provide. Lead by example, give plenty of praise and show them they are wonderful worthwhile person are good first steps.

Need More Help?

Teens don’t come with an instruction manual, but you can certainly find the guidance to help you understand your teen. Click here to find out more about the Real Life Guidance to Understanding Your Teen and get instant access to your practical guide.

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This delicious low-fat pasta is filling and satisfying. The light tomato sauce and beans give it a unique flavor from your every day pasta.

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 14-1/2 oz can no salt added stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 15 oz can low sodium vegetable broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup green pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp basil leaves
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 4 oz uncooked small shell pasta

Place oil in large pot before heating on medium-high until the oil is hot. Then, add the onion and the garlic, cooking them until you can partially see through the onion.

Once that is accomplished, make sure that you stir in the tomatoes, broth, beans, parsley, pepper, seasoning, rosemary and basil, making sure that you leave the liquid with the tomatoes when pouring it in.

Cook everything together until the mixture begins to boil and then cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes. After the ten minutes are up, add the pasta and simmer continually until the pasta is soft and ready to serve.

Staying on a diet is one of the toughest things to do. Especially with all the tempting treats everywhere you look. I have found ten low fat items that I keep in my home at all times. These are staples to my low fat, low calorie diet. Without them, I don’t believe my diet would survive. If you are serious about looking for healthier alternatives in your diet, perhaps you should consider them as well.

•Cary’s Sugar Free Syrup: When you have to have those pancakes, Cary’s Sugar Free Syrup will cut the calories in half and tastes just as yummy as the sugary version.

•Cheerios Cereal: This classic favorite is just as good as it ever was. With very little sugar and fat, it is a great breakfast food for the devout dieter. Cut up a banana or throw in some berries for an added flavor.

•Fat Free Italian Dressing: Fat free Italian Dressing is virtually calorie free as well, allowing you to be fairly liberal in its use. It makes a great marinade for boneless, skinless chicken breast or tossed with fresh vegetables.

•Hostess 100 Calorie Pack Cakes and Muffins: For your inevitable sweet tooth, these tasty mini-morsels give you just enough to curb your craving.

•I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray: This spray butter has zero calories and it tastes just like butter. You can use it on your toast, baked potato, vegetables or whatever you like. It’s a perfect alternative to the fatty butter or margarine.

•Lay’s Light Potato Chips: Here’s another great product with half the calories and fat but all of the flavor. They taste just like regular potato chips.

•Nature’s Own Double Fiber Wheat Bread: If you like wheat bread , then you will love this. The name says it all. It has double the fiber which means it has less fat and calories. It tastes great too.

•Pam Cooking Spray: This should be a staple in your home. Use a few sprays anytime you use the skillet or baking sheet for a light tasty flavor and to keep food from sticking.

•Splenda Sugar Substitute: It tastes just like sugar and is great for anything you would normally use sugar for, even baking.

•Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns: With your extra lean ground beef and these buns, you can make a delicious low fat, low calorie hamburger or Sloppy Joe. Serve it with Lay’s Light Potato Chips and you have the evening covered.

As I mentioned before, these are all staples in my home and maybe they should be in yours if you want to shed those extra pounds. You won’t even notice the changes in your diet, but you will surely notice the changes in your waistline.

For the average woman, less is not more when it comes to what we carry in our purses. Although some women take a minimalist approach to purse contents, for most of us, the more room the better. After all, there are just some things that a girl can’t do without, the stuff we call purse essentials.

We have learned over the years from watching our moms, sisters and friends that you just never know when you might need “stuff.” We’ve learned, in some cases the hard way, that it’s better to have it, than to wish we’d put it in our purse.

Although contents vary depending on your role in life, there are certain things that, well, every girl carries. Here then is the definitive list of purse essentials and it doesn’t matter whether you’re single or married, have children or not.

Number one on our list has to be cosmetics. It’s handy to keep these all together in a make-up case, unless you like the challenge of search and rescue missions in the bottom of your purse. Lipsticks in several shades and lip gloss, along with eyeliner, mascara and an eyebrow pencil are basics. Add in powder and blush, as well as a mirror so you can actually see what you’re doing while you are making emergency makeup repairs during the day. Don’t forget the sunglasses.

Equally important would have to be nail polish and a small file in the event of unexpected chipping. Maybe even a couple of spare nails and nail glue, in case of a major nail crisis. While you’re at it, throw in a tube of lotion to keep your hands soft and your cuticles in good shape.

While we’re concentrating on looking great, it’s important to pack a brush or comb and maybe a few clips, hair elastics, or a band to repair possible wind damage or “hat head.” These also come in handy to alter your look, if at the end of your day you have an unexpected change of plans. You may want to bring along a can of hair spray and some of your favorite perfume to complete the necessities.

Now that the really important stuff has been accounted for, you may want to include a few less essential things. It’s always a good idea to carry a debit card or some cash, to pay for lunch out with friends or for the commute home. A cell phone certainly has a place in today’s purse too.

If you carry a really big purse, you have the luxury of including even more emergency items, like that extra pair of panty hose and a fashion magazine or two. So check your bag. If you don’t have all the purse essentials…maybe you just need a bigger bag!

By Aurelia Williams, author of Getting out of the SuperMom Trap

Do you ever feel guilty when you buy yourself a two dollar bottle of nail polish? How about when you take the long way home from a quick ride to the store just to get some extra quiet time, and when you get home the kids ask, “what took you so long?” does this make you feel like you did something wrong? I am here to tell you that you shouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt and you needn’t put yourself into the SuperMom Trap!

Moms always seem to give, give, and give some more until we’re running on empty. The truth of the matter is; if you don’t take time to yourself on a regular basis, you’re going to end up feeling deprived and downright exhausted. What good are you to yourself, friends and your family if you’re too tired and irritable to do the things you need to do each day?

Here are a few tips to help you overcome feeling guilty for setting aside time for yourself:

• When your family is getting too demanding and starts questioning you as to why you aren’t at their beckon call every second of the day; simply explain to them that you’re taking time out for a bit and that mom’s need time to themselves too. You can do this by setting a day and time do to something nice for yourself and simply explain to your family what your plans are. Let them know when you are leaving and when they can expect you to be back. They will be so happy to have a relaxed, happy mom upon your return.

• Ask your husband, significant other, friend or a trusted sitter to watch your kids for a while ant then schedule a time to go meet call your friend for an afternoon of window shopping, lunch or perhaps a movie. Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty while you’re doing this. Keep in mind that you deserve the time. When you arrive back at home, don’t get all tense and think, “Maybe I should have stayed home and cleaned the toilet instead.” Let your children see how happy you are that you took time out for yourself then reward your children for their behavior while you were away.

• The next time you find yourself feeling guilty when you haven’t done anything wrong, ask yourself, “is this illegal?” or “is this going to hurt someone else?” If the answer is no, then just don’t worry about it and try to enjoy yourself. You’re more than just a mom, you’re still Y-O-U; and you deserve attention too.

• Don’t think you’re being selfish. This is the number one thing that sidetracks a lot of moms. We have no problem going out and getting a little something for the kids, husband, or friends, but when it comes to making a purchase for ourselves, as small as a shirt on the clearance rack for a few dollars, we hesitate and put it back. If you can afford to get yourself a little something then go ahead and do it. Even if all you can purchase is a new tube of lip stick, a new book or a small accessory, it will make you feel better about yourself.

• Be sure you are expressing your true thoughts and feelings to your loved ones. For instance, if you are asked what you want for your birthday and you say, “Well, I don’t really need anything” and secretly, you are expecting your family to read your mind, 9 times out of 10 you’ll end up feeling disappointed in the outcome. When your family is really trying to be nice and do something kind for you, let them! Don’t feel guilty for asking for that shiny new bracelet you saw in the mall, or a trip to a day spa for that massage that you’ve always wanted. You deserve it!

The most important things in a mother’s life, her children, are also the most influential. Children are just like sponges and everything Mom does they will, at some point in time in their lives, mimic and/or reflect upon. If your children see you constantly suppressing your needs and not speaking out and taking the time that you deserve, they will be more inclined to follow those patterns as they grown into adulthood. What you do today can determine the kind of life your child will lead tomorrow.

Life is short and motherhood goes by quickly, enjoy it to the best of your ability. A guilt free mom is a happy mom!

Need More Help?

If you’re looking to raise more independent and self-sufficient children – plus…get yourself out of the SuperMom Trap, grab a copy of this important guide.

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There is little that holds more appeal than a long, relaxing soak in a tub filled to the brim with hot water and maybe even bubbles. Why not use your tub time to indulge yourself even more?

Let’s set the stage.

As you lower yourself into the water, quiet, soothing music plays quietly in the background. The lights are dimmed and there’s a scented candle or two burning. You have a cup of your favorite beverage within easy reach. A huge fluffy towel is set aside just for you. Lean back and rest your head on your bath pillow.

You’re probably thinking, it doesn’t get any better than this. Well, think again because it does. This “me time” can be more than just soothing and relaxing. So far, you’ve taken care of the atmosphere and mentally you’re right into it. You deserve this. In fact, you absolutely love this.

But as the multi-tasking woman you are, admit it, it’s always more satisfying to do more than one thing at a time. You’ve got that covered too, because while you relax, your body is being pampered.

To soothe tired eyes, place a slice of cucumber over each eye. Leave in place for about twenty minutes and your eyes will be rejuvenated.

Aromatherapy is an effective way to relieve stress. Add a few drops of a fragrant essential oil into your bathtub’s hot steamy water and the fragrance will drift up from the water. Breathe deeply to enjoy the restorative properties. Feel the tension in those tied-up-in-knots muscles, release.

There are also a number of things that you can add to the tub that will make your skin soft and glowing. Many of them are easily found right here in your own home.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has been used forever in the bath as an affordable and easy to use beauty treatment. In the bath, it is absorbed through the skin to ease aches and pains and relieve stress.

You could also add several heaping tablespoons of baking soda as you fill the bathtub. Bathing in baking soda will leave your skin feeling smooth and silky. Add an essential oil for a nice fragrance.

Milk baths have been used since Cleopatra’s time because the natural ingredients soothe and nourish the skin. To make your own milk bath, simply combine two cups powdered milk, half cup each of bi-carb soda, Epsom salts and warmed honey, along with a small amount of an essential oil of your choice. Mix well. Toss a small handful into your bath with the water running.

That’s it. All that’s left is to take the time to indulge yourself a little. So what are you waiting for? Shut off your cell phone, lock the door and enjoy!

More Good Stuff: Take care of your skin naturally and economically with Naturally Skinsational Rejuvinating Skincare Recipes

By Aurelia Williams, author of Getting out of the SuperMom Trap

Let’s face it, every mom has had one of “those days”. The baby is feed and dry but very fussy, your child forgot to tell you about a science project that is due tomorrow and hands you a list of 10 things that you must get from the store, you forgot the roast in the oven and now it is dry and your husband just called to say that he is stuck at the office… again!

After a day like this, it can be very hard to keep your stress level low. With each passing minute you may feel your stress and irritability rising, your patience getting shorter and your fuse about to blow! Calgon Take Me Away!!

When you feel the need to escape and take a few minutes to yourself to de-stress, follow some (if not all) of the tips below.

Put yourself in time out: Allow some alone time for yourself. Use this time to focus on you. Find a place in your home that you can go to and find privacy. You can ask your partner or a friend to take the family out for a few hours while you enjoy your alone time. Do nothing, sleep, read, watch a movie, and just enjoy your solitude.

Call a Friend: Rather than yelling at your husband or your children, try picking up the phone and vent to a friend. Be sure not to vent AT her, but rather tell her about your day and get it all out. If she offers you some advice, listen and soak it in. This mini-time out session will leave you feeling heard, de-stressed and you will find that by the end of your call some of you anger will have dissipated.

Play: As adults, we sometimes forget the beneficial value of play. Play stimulates our imagination, encourages our creativity, boosts our energy, and best of all, it is fun. Try a game of tennis, a game of cards online or perhaps invite some friends over for an evening of adult board games.

Meditate: Meditation has been proven to reduce your blood pressure, and helps to dramatically reduce your stress level. Meditation and/or prayer will help you to keep in touch with your spiritual side. Meditation is a very effective method of relaxation. To meditate, quiet your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breath. Find a relaxed comfortable position where Try visualizing good health and peace as you inhale. While you are breathing out breathe out all of your stress. Set aside approximately 20 minutes for this exercise. Upon completion, you will see just how much more relaxed your mind and body is.

Take a nap: Find a quiet, comfortable spot and take a nap. Even a short power nap can leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and more focused. Studies have shown that people who spent 30 minutes each day napping had one third less heart disease than those who didn’t nap.

Eat: Not just anything but certain things. Studies show that certain foods can help reduce stress. Carbohydrates will actually soothe you. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, air-popped popcorn and low-calorie cookies. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in just one baked potato or a cup of spaghetti or white rice, is enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day.

Movie Time: If you don’t have anyone to watch the children for you while you de-stress. Put in one of their favorite movies, supply your children with a few healthy snacks, and have them occupy themselves for a little while so that you can take a breather.

Don’t feel guilty for taking time out to rejuvenate your mind and body. Being a mom is not an easy task and it is a full time job. Take a break when you need it and be sure to ask for help to keep the stress at bay.

Need More Help?

Sometimes removing stress and the overwhelm is easier said than done. Pick up your copy of Real Life Guidance to Getting out of the SuperMom Trap. It includes practical ideas to help you get rid of the guilt, the stress and enjoy your life. Click here to learn more and instantly download your copy.

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