Get Kathy's Slow Cooker Reciepe over at IS THIS REALLY MY LIFE blog

Need a quick meal? Check out Kathy's slow cooker tortilla soup recipe over at IS THIS REALLY MY LIFE blog

http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/2011/03/slow-cooker-anyday-chicken-tortilla-soup/

Zion's Bank features Little Stinker on blog

Little Stinker is featured on the Zion's Bank Blog. You can read the article here:

http://blog.zionsbank.com/community/community-business-spotlight-little-stinker/

Winter Skin Care Tips

During the cold winter months, you might notice that your children gain a “rosy” glow to their faces. The same winter conditions that cause the rosy hue can also bring more serious skin issues, including uncomfortable dryness to their hands, face, and feet. Some adults and children may get skin so dry; it results in flaking or cracking.

In reality, it isn’t just the cold outside that is causing the problem. As soon as you turn homes heating system on, the skin starts to dry out – regardless of how you heat your home (e.g. oil, wood, electricity, gas). So how do you keep you and your children’s skin healthy during the winter? Below are a few simple tricks to keeping skin feeling soft and healthy when it’s cold outside:

1. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. The skin cannot repair itself properly if the body is dehydrated.
2. Consider a humidifier. Adding moisture back to the air is a good way to keep skin from drying. Good humidifiers can be purchased at any major retailer.
3. Use a natural oil-based moisturizer. This will help protect your skin from moisture loss, by creating a barrier. When choosing a moisturizer that will be applied to your face, look for one that contains non-clogging oils, such as avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, or primrose oil. Also look for one that contains humectants, such as glycerin.
4. Use sunscreen. Just because the summer is over, don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen. Before leaving your house, apply a sunscreen with at least a SPF of 15. Also, try to choose a product that combines a sunscreen with a moisturizer.
5. Wear gloves. Choose a quality pair made of materials that do not irritate the skin. If you or your children are allergic to wool, a cotton mitten can be worn underneath. Not only will it keep your hands warm, it also protects them from the harsh elements.
6. Proper nutrition. Foods rich in omega fatty acids are not just good for your skin, but provide other healthy benefits. Antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables are also great for skin health.
7. Don’t lick your lips. I know it’s tempting, but you’ll only chap your lips even more. Keep a lip balm in your purse or diaper bag and apply it as necessary. The Little Stinker™ Natural Nursing Balm is also great for chapped, dry lips.

By following the simple suggestions noted above, you and your kids can spend more time enjoying the winter holidays and less time suffering the effects of dry, chapped skin.

The "Take 10, Tell 10, Shift 10" Campaign

During Buy Local First Week, November 26-December 4th, 2010, Local First Utah is kicking off the "Take 10, Tell 10, Shift 10" campaign to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses this holiday season. The three-faceted campaign works like this:

1. Take 10 - Take 10 minutes to educate yourself on the value of shopping locally. For starters, check out the Top Ten Reasons to Shop Locally in this E-News. When you're thirsty for more, visitwww.localfirst.org for many more informative articles.

2. Tell 10 - Go viral! Tell at least ten of your friends, family members, co-workers or neighbors about what you've learned in regard to shopping locally. Get on Facebook or Twitter, and encourage others to both educate themselves and spread the word.

3. Shift 10 - Here's where the rubber hits the road. After all that you've learned, and what you've shared with the people around you, we ask you to make the "Local Gift Shift." We encourage you to spend at least 10 percent of your holiday shopping budget at local, independent businesses. Already a committed local shopper? Then we encourage you to shift an additional 10 percent of your holiday shopping to local stores. Every dollar counts, and every dollar makes a difference in our community!

In addition to the Take 10, Tell 10, Shift 10 Campaign, the five neighborhood business district of Salt Lake City have joined with Local First offering special discounts to local shoppers. Keep an eye out while you're shopping at the participating businesses of 15th &15th, 9th & 9th, Sugarhouse, Broadway and the West Side, for our Take 10, Tell 10, Shift 10 promotional materials.

Buy Local First Week Calendar of Events

Buy Local First Week kicks into gear on November 26th, the day following Thanksgiving, which is traditionally the busiest shopping season of the year. As the holiday season unfolds, take some time to visit these local, independent retailers, and participate in their events during Buy Local First Week.

Friday, November 26th

• The Old World Christmas Market launches on Friday, November 26th, and will run through December 4th. The Market, which is held at the Union Pacific Depot at The Gateway (400 W. South Temple) is modeled after the Christmas markets of Europe. Visitors can shop for unique, handmade items by local artisans for holiday gift giving. There will be food vendors offering traditional German and Italian flavors of the season including baked goods, candied nuts, spiced cider and hot chocolate. The market is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Saturday, November 27th

• American Express is sponosoring Small Business Saturday. As part of its commitment to supporting small businesses, American Express will give you a $25 statement credit when you make a purchase at your favorite local stores and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. Enroll and use your registered American Express Card. Visit www.americanexpress.com for more details.

Wednesday, December 1

• Wasatch Hollow Community Council will host a neighborhood social and pot luck at the 15th Street Gallery, starting at 7 p.m. Local vendors will speak regarding both the history of, and the future vision for, the 15th & 15th neighborhood. For those eager to implement their goal of an additional 10 percent shift in their holiday spending to local business, the 15th Street Gallery, the King’s English Bookshop and the new Caputo’s on 15th will be offering discounts on all purchases made during the evening. For more information, contact Ronda Landa of ICON Design at 801-631-8150 orrondalanda@icondsgn.com.

Thursday, December 2

• Don't miss The King's English Bookshop's Annual Holiday Party from 5-7 p.m, featuring authors, beverages and hors d'oeuvres! Add an additional 10% to the 10% discount for Buy Local First Week to get 20% off purchases. Many favorite local authors will be on hand to sign copies of their books, including Matthew Kirby, Ann Cannon, Kristin Chandler, Gerald Elias, Ann Torrence, Jacob Paul, Sarah DeFord Williams, and more! Call 801-484-9100 or visit www.kingsenglish.com for more information.

• Tea and Fashion Benefit at Beehive Tearoom located at 12 West Broadway. For more information, visit the Tearoom's Web site.

• “Fall into Winter” the Design by Diamond Winter Line Release party will be held at The Holding Company Loft at 600 South 35 East, starting at 6 p.m. “Fall into Winter,” is an evening to exhibit art of all kinds, with a special focus on the wearable art produced by Design by Diamond owner and artist, Nick D’Amico. The night will merge the visual with the audible, featuring the photography of Kaylee Evenson and Mikey Kunde , and the music of Hayden Henderson, Matt Lee and Steele Croswhite. The central focus of the evening is the debut of the 2010 Winter Line of Design by Diamond.

Friday, December 3

• The Cache Valley Winter Market in Logan shows the work of local artisans. With very strict requirements for admission, the show is a wonderful place to see and purchase some of the finest artisan wares available in Northern Utah. Visit the Ellen Eccles Theater at 45 South Main Street, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, and continuing through the day on Saturday December 4th.

Saturday, December 4

• Stop by The King's English Bookshop at 2 p.m. to celebrate the November 30th publication of "Matched" by Ally Condie. Condie, one of our talented local authors, will read from and sign her new novel for young adults--the first in a highly anticipated trilogy--about Cassia, a 17-year-old girl who's spent her life waiting to learn who "The Society" will select as her ideal mate, only to find herself falling in love with someone else. To arrange an interview, contact Allison Verost at 212-414-3442 orAllison.Verost@us.penguingroup.com.

How to prepare for breastfeeding

* I found this article on my iPhone app from Baby Center and thought I'd share it with you!

Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding even before your baby's born. Talk to nursing moms, read articles to familiarize yourself, and consider calling your local La Leche League International chapter or taking a breastfeeding class (offered by most hospitals) some time in your last trimester. The more you know about how to get started and the benefits of nursing, the better.

Whether you think about it or not, your pregnant body is preparing itself for breastfeeding. That's one reason your breasts get so much bigger during pregnancy – your milk ducts and milk-producing cells are developing, and more blood goes to your breasts than before. (Learn more about how your breasts produce milk.)

But breast size has nothing to do with your ability to nurse successfully: For example, it's not true that smaller-breasted women make less breast milk.

Do I need to toughen my nipples?

No, says Kathleen Huggins, author ofThe Nursing Mother's Companion. The hormonal changes pregnancy brings to your breasts are sufficient preparation for most women. Don't rub or scrub your nipples – this will only hurt you and make breastfeeding difficult. Teaching your baby the right way to latch on to your breast from the beginning is the most effective way to prevent soreness.

What products should I buy?

These products aren't required, by any means, but they can make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient:

Nursing bras: These bras are comfortable and provide the extra support your larger-than-usual breasts need. They come with flaps that you can easily undo at feeding time.

You may want to wait until the last weeks of pregnancy to shop for nursing bras, when your breasts will be closest to their postpartum size. That said, once your milk comes in your breasts will be bigger. They may even grow another size or two! So keep that in mind when buying nursing bras, and when shopping in person look for a salesperson who's knowledgeable about fitting. (You can wait until after you give birth to make this purchase, but in the early days after delivery you probably won't have the time or energy to go bra shopping.)

Nursing tops and camisoles: These tops have convenient flaps that allow you to breastfeed easily and discreetly. Some of the camisoles are very supportive and can function as a bra and top in one.

Nursing pillows: Specially designed to support your baby while you're nursing, these can help you avoid straining your shoulders or neck during feeding sessions. They're more convenient – and better at keeping your baby in position – than regular pillows.

Breast pads: It's normal for your breasts to leak while you're nursing. Another baby's cry or the sight of an infant can also bring on a gush of milk when you least expect it. Disposable breast pads (or reusable, washable ones) will keep you and your shirts nice and dry.

A breast pump: Even if you're not planning to pump regularly, a breast pump can be a useful tool – to help relieve engorgement, for example. Find out more about buying a breast pump.

Other breastfeeding accessories:Lanolin ointment (available in many drugstores) can help relieve sore nipples. And hot/cold gel packs, which fit inside your bra, can soothe swollen or sore breasts.

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