Feast on Halloween Candy while Avoiding Tooth Decay

Tips from Dr. Margaret Mitchell, DDS 

Halloween is a celebration of make-believe, pumpkins, autumn, and most of all...candy. While kids wait all year for this holiday of endless sugar, it can often be a nightmare for parents. What is a parent to do if they are worried about tooth decay from all this candy consumption? Candy usually contains sugar, which is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria that cause tooth decay. 

Consequently, to avoid future dental problems, it is important to keep two things in mind when eating candy:

1) Avoid excessive consumption of these sugary treats and

2) Lessen the amount of time the sugar is present in the mouth.

Dr. Margaret Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Dental Spa, a dental spa facility in Chicago’s Water Tower Place, would like to offer the following tips to for protecting children’s teeth at Halloween:

·         Examine your child’s candy before he or she digs in to see if it meets your approval.

·         It is okay for your child to eat any candy that you approve of, but to help lessen the chance for tooth decay, have them brush as soon as possible after eating the candy. By brushing right after candy consumption, the impact of the candy on the teeth is minimal.

·         Avoid sticky candy such as taffy, gummy bears, caramel, etc.  Sticky Candy adheres to teeth and leads to decay.

·         Despite popular belief Kids can eat candy ANYTIME, there is not a good time of day/night to eat candy.

·         Prior to Halloween, visit your dentist to have sealants put into the child’s teeth grooves. This protects tooth enamel against corrosion caused by excess sugar.

If brushing soon after eating is not possible, then try the following:

·         Consume the candy with a meal. The increased saliva production while eating will help wash the sweet off the teeth.

·         Rinse the mouth with water.

·         Chew a sugarless gum (especially those containing xylitol) after snacking on candy. The increased saliva from chewing will help wash the sugar off the teeth and xylitol gums help control the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

·         Eat the candy quickly in one sitting to decrease the amount of time it is contact with the teeth. Avoid eating any candy slowly over an extended time or over multiple sittings. Recent studies have shown that length of time eating a sweet can be more harmful than the amount of sweet consumed. This means hard candies, breath mints, etc. (long residence time in the mouth) can actually be worse for your teeth than a chocolate candy bar (shorter residence time in the mouth).

·        Avoid sugary sodas.  They are loaded with sugar (often over 10 teaspoons per 12 ounce serving), are acidic enough to dissolve away tooth enamel and are often sipped for long periods of time, resulting in teeth that are being bathed with sugar and acid almost continuously throughout the day.

About Mitchell Dental Spa

The philosophy of the Mitchell Dental Spa is over-the-top dentistry combined with over-the-top amenities.  Unlike other cosmetic dental offices which only have dental services, the Mitchell Dental Spa is a full-service facility offering dentistry along with massages, facials, and skin rejuvenation. Complimentary 10-15 minute spa treatments are included with every visit and this is offered up along with refreshments, a friendly staff and world-class professional service.  The Mitchell Dental Spa is located at 845 North Michigan Avenue in Suite 922 East in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. For more information, please call (312) 642-1014 or visit http://www.mitchelldentalspa.com.

Top 10 Online Return Policies- I never knew this!

Return policies for some merchants are more complex than income tax laws. Buy online and you'll spend umpteen hours working your way through phone trees and waiting on hold to talk to a customer "service" representative. If you're lucky, you'll get a refund. Otherwise, it's a store credit from a store you may not wish to patronize again.

Humorously, many of these merchants claim to offer "hassle free" returns. Some retailers, on the other hand, genuinely believe in making the process as pain-free as possible. FreeShipping did some research and came up with the following top 10 online return policies.

1. endless.com
The online-only shoe merchant gives shoppers a full 365 days to return unwanted or flawed footwear with guaranteed free shipping both ways on domestic orders. Use the endless.com online returns center for proper processing.


2. L.L.Bean
There's no time limit on returns with L.L. Bean and no authorization is required. Simply download and fill out an online form or use the form printed on your packing slip. Return shipping is free for L.L.Bean Visa Cardmembers; just use a prepaid label for fast and free service.

3. Shoebacca.com
As with endless.com, Shoebacca provides totally free shipping both ways and a 365-day window in which to return or exchange your unwanted, unworn footwear or defective products. Returns must have the original tags still attached and shipped in the original packaging.

4. Lands' End
Want to return a purchase and replace it with a different size or color? Lands' End offers free return shipping with no end date for re-orders. For returns without an exchange, use the Easy Return Label for a flat shipping fee of $6.95. To get the best value, look for Lands' End free shipping codes when you purchase, and return unwanted items to any Sears store to avoid return shipping costs.

5. Zappos
Here's another great shoe deal. Zappos free shipping is good both for purchases and returns. Whether you're unhappy with a purchase or simply change your mind, Zappos will provide a full refund or exchange within 365 days of purchase. Returns must be unworn (unless defective) and shipped in the original packaging.

6. Overland
Use the Overland free shipping label provided online for a free return via FedEx. Purchases made with a credit card are charged back within 24 hours of receipt and refund checks are issued for orders paid for with cash or a check.

7. Macy's
No receipt is necessary when returning a Macy's purchase because the merchant has a program that identifies products in their system. The department store provides a full refund or exchange within 180 days of purchase, except for jewelry, which is limited to 30 days. You can mail the item back or bring your purchase into any Macy's store for a refund.

8. Kohl's
Kohl's free shipping offers come and go, but you can return your purchase any time for any reason. Lost your receipt? They'll let you exchange your purchase for a comparably priced item or give you store credit. No cash back is available, however, without a receipt.

9. Costco
Here's a rare deal for a warehouse store. Costco will not only refund the cost of your purchase but it will also pick up the tab for shipping and handling. Just return the item to any Costco outlet and they'll remit your refund in your original form of payment. Most items may be returned at any time with the original receipts attached and in the original packaging. Most electronics, however, must be returned within 90 days.

10. Toys R Us and Babies R Us
Children change their minds so fast it can make your head spin, so a hassle-free return policy can make all the difference. The "R" Us folks accept returns within 90 days for cash back, if you paid with check or cash. Shipping costs also are refunded, but online purchases must be returned within 30 days and electronics in 45 days. No receipt is necessary if the item was purchased with plastic or from a gift registry. Shipping costs are refunded if the product is defective or damaged.

FreeShipping is the largest resource on the Internet linking shoppers to free-shipping deals offered by more than 4,000 online merchants. Guest article provided with no compensation.

Nine Budgeting Beauty Tips: How to Save on Essentials

When it comes to shaving our budgets, most ladies put beauty products in the "need" category. A study commissioned by Mintel validates this assumption, reporting consumers spent $2.32 billion on shampoo and $1.71 billion on conditioner in 2010 alone.

So what's the best way to save on essentials without resorting to dollar-store cosmetics? Here are nine tips to keep both your beauty and your budget intact.

1. Hair Products
Consider extending the life of your shampoo (and hair color) by using dry shampoo or baby powder in between washes. When using shampoo and conditioner, check out these great tips and best bargain buys from DailyFinance.com.

2. Hand Soap
Foam hand soap is all the rage these days, and one of the easier beauty products to DIY. Refer to EHow.com's recipe for specific instructions, but ultimately all you need is a lot of water, a bit of soap and a few drops of essential oil.

3. Makeup Brushes
In addition to extending the life on pricey makeup applicators, regularly cleaning your brushes is just the sanitary thing to do. And if you really need replacements, consider a tip given to me by a MAC Cosmetics artist; buy art brushes at craft stores for a fraction of the price!

4. Foundation
Whether you're a liquid, powder or mineral foundation girl, you can use less of this beauty staple by applying a base before application. The Magic Perfecting Base by L'Oreal is a favorite among top fashion magazines, and is available for less than $12 from Walmart and Target.

5. Fragrance
Let's be honest -- designer fragrances are among the most expensive beauty purchases, with $80 buying less than 6 ounces of product. If you can't part with your signature Chanel scent, buy gift cards at a discounted rate for retailers selling your fragrance and enjoy immediate savings.

6. Body Lotion
Moisturizing is a must for anyone who wants to avoid the shar pei-look at 50, but lotion gets pricey when you see the words "illuminating," "firming" or "age-defying" on the label. Unless you have a serious skin issue, consistent use of most drugstore moisturizers is sufficient.

7. Hair Color
Prolong your color-treated hair between salon visits using household ingredients. Brunettes can use a strong pot of cooled coffee and blonds can use a lemon juice-water mixture. Apply the treatment after shampooing, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse, condition and style as usual.

8. Hair Accessories
Today's trendy hair accessories can be homemade for a fraction of salon and department store prices. Channel your inner domestic goddess and create one-of-a-kind hair candy with beads, feathers and artificial flowers found in craft stores.

9. Less is More
There's no need to wear your entire cosmetics collection every day of the week. Consider giving your wallet a break by opting for the basics during mellow workdays or lazy weekends. For tips on how to pull off the "au natural" look, refer to Real Simple's step-by-step instructions.


Guest article provided by Andrea Woroch who is a nationally recognized consumers-savings expert.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendsh Bread

Time for Fall which means it is time for baking. We love cooking and baking with pumpkins. One of our favorite pumpkin recipe is this Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread which we add in chocolate chips. If you do not have an Amish Friendship Bread Starter click to get one started.

Mini Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread

Ingredients
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
1/3 cup oil or applesauce
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour
1 small box pumpkin spice instant pudding dry mix
1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2-1 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions
1-Preheat oven to 325° F.
2-In a mixing bowl add ingredients except chocolate chips. Once mixed, add in chocolate chips.
3-Grease two large loaf pans and pour the batter evenly into loaf pans.
4-Bake for one hour or until the bread loosens from the side and a toothpick comes out clean.

I LOVE making this bread for my family. I hope you try it!

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Comment LOVE Friday!

Ok friends time to show some comment love! Do you have a low entry giveaway, a great post with little to no comments or how about a review that you want noticed? What about a cool craft project or a tasty recipe you want to share but no one is stopping in to see it?  If this is you then Comment LOVE Friday is for you! Are you needing more twitter, Facebook or GFC followers? Whatever the case this is your spot.

It is so easy to do.

*Just link up as many post from your blog that needs some comment love.
*Visit as many links as you added and show some comment love back to other bloggers. So if you add one link, visit and comment on one, two then do two.
*If you don't have a blog, join in the comment love and visit the listed pages.
*For this to work, you actually need to commit to linking, visiting and actually leaving a comment.

Each week I'll pick someone who linked up to cohost! Please leave a comment below if you are interested in cohosting. This weeks cohost is Social Studies Momma! Stop over and give her some comment love!

Feel free to spread the Comment Love Friday around so we can help one each other. Up above you can TWEET this out, post it on your Facebook page or make your own blog post. The more we share the more love that gets spread :)


Happy Friday! Go spread some LOVE! I will select one person to cohost with me next week! So leave a comment if you want to be considered!

Conversation with Kermit the Frog

I love Kermit! (Shhhh don't tell Miss Piggy)......How about you?

KERMIT THE FROG (Kermit the Frog) returns to the big screen in 2011 in Disney’s “The Muppets.” With 56 years in show business, he boasts countless credits in television, film, stage and online, including the recent hit viral videos featuring the Muppets’ take on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2009) and “Ode to Joy” (2008)—both Webby winners (an award very dear to Kermit’s heart and feet). He has been honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2002), and his song “Rainbow Connection” was nominated for an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe® in 1979.

Kermit has appeared many times in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He received the Key to the City from Kermit, Texas, in 2005, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Amphibious Letters from the Southampton College at Long Island University. He was the first amphibian to address the prestigious Oxford Union at Oxford University.

Kermit’s film credits include “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) and “Muppets from Space” (1999). He’s also had starring roles in the TV films “Muppets Wizard of Oz” (2005) and “A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa.” In addition to hosting and starring in the international hit phenomenon “The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, Kermit’s small-screen credits include “Muppet Babies” and “Muppets Tonight.” He has appeared on a host of variety shows, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Today” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brian.” Kermit has also been a guest on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Saturday Night Live,” among many others. Kermit’s memoirs—“Look Before You Leap: A Frog’s Eye View of Life’s Greatest Lessons”—were published in 2006.

Kermit resides in a swamp, where he maintains a bachelor pad.

A CONVERSATION WITH KERMIT THE FROG…

Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”?
It’s funny, upbeat and full of laughs for everyone… frogs, pigs, bears… even people.
For new fans, it’s a chance to see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans, it’s a chance to get together with old friends… and get a little crazy together.

What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about?
Well, it’s the story of this incredible Muppet fan named Walter who comes to Hollywood to meet us… and ends up having to get all the Muppets back together to put on a show and save Muppet Studios.

I guess it’s the first Muppet movie that’s really from the point of view of a fan. Jason Segel, who is a really big Muppet fan in real life, co-wrote the movie. He wanted to show what it would be like if the world’s biggest Muppet fan—along with his brother Gary (played by Jason) and friend Mary (played by Amy Adams)—came to Hollywood to meet us.

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets”?
I play me, Kermit the Frog. I’ve played other parts, like Bob Crachit in “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and Captain Smollett in “Muppet Treasure Island,” but I think “me” is my favorite part.

Playing a frog named Kermit might be type casting, but there aren’t a lot of great parts for amphibians, so I was happy to get the part.

In the movie—and in life, really—I’m a humble frog in Hollywood who wants to get back together with his friends and keep entertaining people. 

How does your life differ from the characters you play in the films?
Well, on the big screen. I’m 16 feet tall. But in real life, it’s closer to 18 inches. So, I’d have to say the biggest difference is more height—and better lighting.

Seriously, though, my life on screen and off screen is about the same. In real life and on film, I’m surrounded by chaos, craziness, and romantic pigs—just like any other Hollywood star.

Why did you want to take part in this film?
I understand they considered other actors—George Clooney, Tom Hanks. But in the end, when it comes to playing short, green and amphibious, I’m still Hollywood’s go-to guy. According to director James Bobin, when I read for the role of “me,” I nailed it.

What is the funniest scene in the film?
I like the scene where everything goes crazy and no one knows what to do. It’s total mad chaos…..Hmm, come to think of it, that describes most of the movie.

I can’t pick JUST one scene—all the other scenes would get jealous. But I really do like the big finale. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing… and, I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s happy, too.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?
Jason is not only a great comedian, but as a co-writer of the movie, he’s great to work with. If you forget your lines, he can make up new ones.

Jason’s a swell guy. He really loved the Muppets before we worked together…and he still loves us after. That’s a true fan. And he has such a fantastic sense of humor. He can find funny everywhere… even in Fozzie’s act.

…Chris Cooper?
Chris plays the villain, Tex Richman, yet he’s really the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. That’s an incredible feat: being a good guy and playing a bad guy. When it comes to acting, it’s not that easy being mean.

…Amy Adams?
Amy is incredible. She’s so beautiful and talented and funny. I’d love to make every movie with her…. but Miss Piggy won’t let me.

She’s also a great actress: she can sing and dance, and she has three Academy Award® nominations. I’m hoping she gets an Oscar® for Disney’s “The Muppets.” If not, I’m willing to paint myself gold and stand on her mantle.

…Miss Piggy?
I have to say: working with Miss Piggy is always a pleasure. I have to say that ‘cause she makes me say it.

This was a different kind of movie for us. Normally, Piggy and I are together right from the start. But in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Miss Piggy is over in Paris and we have to go get her. That was challenging for me. France is tough for frogs… with legs.

What’s the deal with you and Miss Piggy? Are you still together?
Miss Piggy and I have a professional relationship. I think we’re professionals; she thinks we’re in a relationship.

Actually, Miss Piggy and I are good friends, but just friends. We like each other a great deal, but we are not romantically involved—despite her best efforts.

Describe director James Bobin.
James has a quirky sense of humor. Just watch his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and you can see this isn’t someone who sees the world like everyone else. Not being normal helps when you work with the Muppets. He’s a consummate professional—and we’re not, so we really needed him.

What is your advice for up-and-coming frogs/actors?
Never say croak.

To make a rainbow connection with Kermit the Frog, check out http://disney.go.com/muppets/portfolio/kermit/videos.html.

ABOUT THE MOVIE
On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011. 

Fresh Baked Recipe Round up with Gooseberry Patch

From Gooseberry Patch: Buttery cloverleaf rolls. Breakfast-ready blueberry muffins.
Spicy pumpkin bread. Your famous banana-nut loaves.

We all have our favorite bread or muffin recipe and whether you bake it in a big round right on the rack or make mini muffins perfect for popping, today's the day we're rounding 'em up! So tell us...

What's YOUR favorite BREAD OR MUFFIN recipe? 
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's one to inspire you from
our Cookbook of the Week !

Scrumptious Pumpkin Bread
Shared with us by frequent contributor, Amy Hunt of Traphill, North Carolina, this recipe is a keeper, especially for this time of year. She writes, "My husband and newphews love pumpkin rolls and this is an easy version of that famous fall treat."

1 c. canned pumpkin
1 c. plus 2 T. sugar,
    divided
1/2 c. brown sugar,
    packed
4 egg whites, divided
1/2 c. fat-free milk
1/4 c. canola oil
2 c. all-purpose flour
2-1/2 t. baking powder
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 t. salt
1 c. walnut pieces
8-oz. pkg. Neufchâtel
    cheese, softened

Combine pumpkin, one cup sugar, brown sugar, 3 egg whites, milk and oil in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt; stir into pumpkin mixture just until moistened. Stir in walnut pieces. Blend together Neufchâtel cheese, remaining sugar and egg white until smooth. Spoon half the pumpkin mixture into a greased 9"x5" loaf pan. Spoon Neufchâtel cheese mixture over pumpkin layer; cover with remaining pumpkin mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove bread from pan to a wire rack to finish cooling. Makes one loaf.

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