According to the CDC, for important health benefits, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.

- OR -

75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.

- OR –

An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.

So, how many of us actually do it? Take our poll and tell us how you make time for exercise in the comments. Seriously. We’re looking for tips.

Filed under: OH! Says, OH! Wants To Know by My OH! Momma
1 Comment »

My mother taught me LOGIC.
“Because I said so, that’s why.”

My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”

My mother taught me RELIGION.
“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT…
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”

My mother taught me IRONY.
“Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS…
“If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you, would you listen THEN?”

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

My mother taught me to THINK AHEAD…
“If you don’t pass your spelling test, you’ll never get a good job.”

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE…
“If you’re going kill each other, do it outside – I just finished cleaning!”

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
“Just wait until we get home.”

My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
“You are going to get it when you get home!”

My mother taught me about STAMINA…
“You’ll sit there ’till all that spinach is finished.”

My mother taught me HUMOUR.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

My mother taught me GENETICS.
“You’re just like your father.”

My mother taught me WISDOM.
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”

My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

- author unknown

Filed under: OH! Says, OHHHmmm! by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

Parachute Play!

The youngest music and dance students at Melody & Motion School of Performing Arts in Newcomerstown enjoyed some playtime with their teachers at their Valentine Party earlier this month. The event was held for the Tiny Tot, Predance and Kindermusik classes – all of which are designed for kids age 5 and under.

Melody & Motion is truly a one-stop shop for music and movement activities. From tumbling to tap and band instruments to ballet, there’s something for everyone in the family, including jazz, hip hop, cheer, guitar, piano and voice instruction. Oh, and the only licensed Kindermusik program in the area happens to be there, too. You can even rent their historic and newly rennovated facility for birthdays, receptions, dinners and more. Visit their website www.melodyandmotion.com for details.

Do you have a picture to share? Send it to us today!

Filed under: OH! Says, PhOH!tos by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Carrie Kennedy!

I love quotes. If you’ve known me for any significant length of time, I’m certain to have shared one or twenty with you. (It’s my go-to move whenever someone needs advice or a pick-me-up.) There’s something about knowing that someone – and not just any someone, but a noteworthy someone – has felt like I feel and been where I am and came out on the other side successful that makes me feel good. I pay attention to their advice, especially if it gives me hope, affirms a belief, shows me a new view or makes me laugh, which is exactly what “Dance First. Think Later.” does.

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
- Elbert G. Hubbard

“You can’t build a reputation on what you intend to do.”
- Liz Smith

“Don’t carry a grudge. While you’re carrying the grudge, the other guy’s out dancing.”
- Buddy Hackett

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”
-Margaret Mead

The right quote at the right time can change everything. Steve Jobs once read “Stay hungry. Stay foolish” on the back cover of The Whole Earth Catalog, and those four words came to guide his life.

“Dance First. Think Later.” is the perfect timeless gift for recent graduates, newlyweds, new home owners, or anyone looking for a little uplift and direction. And it is available from Workman Publishing in March 2011 for $8.95. Or here for free, if the random number generator smiles upon your entry. Just complete the form below.

Once you’ve entered, you can earn additional entries by reviewing any OH! Go, OH! Knows or OH! Baby listing on our site.

A few giveaway items to note:

• Entries will be received until March 27th at 11:59 p.m.
• The winner will be selected at random and the prize promptly mailed to the address given via the entry form.
• Our entry form is entirely private. Your information will not be shared for any purpose other than awarding your prize. Should you win, the name you provided on your entry form will be shown when we post the results.
• We received this book for free to review and share with our readers and give away. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe our readers would enjoy. No other monetary compensation took place.

Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Carrie Kennedy!

Filed under: OH! Wow by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Robin Griesen!

We all know the wonders of mascara well; in fact, most of us feel naked without it. But breakage, thinning and damaging of the lashes are mascara’s little known drawbacks. Fortunately, EnvyDerm, a groundbreaking new nonprescription formula eyelash growth serum is here for our eyebatting rescue.

“Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and the understanding of a customer’s well-being, EnvyDerm is changing the world of beauty,” says Nadia Smith, President and Founder of EnvyDerm. “At EnvyDerm, we provide consumers with the best eyelash care products to enhance their natural beauty.”

How to Use EnvyDerm?
The EnvyDerm applicator is very similar to a liquid eyeliner applicator. One should apply the stimulating serum once a day before bedtime along the upper and lower lash lines. EnvyDerm does not disrupt the daily application of make-up or other skincare routines. Can be used on brows as well.

What is in EnvyDerm?
EnvyDerm is formulated with active natural ingredients such as bioavailable lipo-oligopeptides that stimulate keratin genes. Powerful SymPeptide technology lengthens and strengthens natural lashes. EnvyDerm uses vitamins, minerals and amino ccids to moisturize and nourish lashes and brows.

When Can I Expect to See Results?
One should begin to see the lash line becoming thicker, fuller and healthier looking in as little as 2 weeks! In a clinical study, users saw a 25 percent increase in eyelash length during this period. EnvyDerm will continue to prove results over time if used on a consistent basis.

Where can I buy EnvyDerm?
EnvyDer is available for purchase at www.envyderm.com, www.drugstore.com, www.Amazon.com and www.overstock.com.

How can I enter to win a free EnvyDerm Product valued at $99.95?
It’s easy! Complete the entry form below.

Once you’ve entered, you can earn additional entries by reviewing any OH! Go, OH! Knows or OH! Baby listing on our site.

A few giveaway items to note:

• Entries will be received until March 27th at 11:59 p.m.
• The winner will be selected at random and the prize promptly mailed to the address given via the entry form.
• Our entry form is entirely private. Your information will not be shared for any purpose other than awarding your prize. Should you win, the name you provided on your entry form will be shown when we post the results.
• We received this product for free to share with our readers and give away. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe our readers would enjoy. No other monetary compensation took place.

Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Robin Griesen!

Filed under: OH! Wow by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

1. Slim Goodbody Bodyology Show: Friday, March 4th at 10 a.m. at the Canton Palace Theatre. The National Bodyology Tour is an exciting new 1 hour theatrical show for Pre-K-8 students, teachers & parents starring PBS’s Slim Goodbody that explores the inner workings of the human body along with the health practices required to care for it. Tickets are $6.50. A performance of Lighten Up! at 11:40 am the day of this show is available for $3 more per ticket. Visit the website to reserve your tickets.
2. Kids Stuff Sale: March 21 – 26th at the Valley Vew Community Center in Sugarcreek. Find great deals on gently used children’s clothes and toys! Visit the website for details.
3. Make It and Take It Crafts: Head to your nearest Tuscarawas County Public Library Branch location to try your hand at a craft the whole family can enjoy! Stop by the Strasburg Library on March 8th; Sugarcreek and Tusky Libraries on March 15th; and the Bolivar Library on March 17th during open hours. Visit the library website or the OH! Fun calendar for specific times.
4. Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic: Saturday, March 12th at 10 a.m. Gear up for March Madness and build your own game of shoot around basketball! Sign up via the website. This event is free!
5. Walker Bros. Circus: Enjoy a show under the big top! The circus will be in Coshocton at the Ohio Army National Guard Readiness Center on March 6 with shows at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and in Dover at the Ohio National Guard Armory on March 7th with shows at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $14 for adults. Two children ages 14 and under admitted free with one paying adult.
6. Bargain Movie Night: All seats are just $2.00 at the Quaker Cinema every Wednesday! You can find showtimes and what’s playing at their website.
7. Teen Tech Week: Mix and Mash @ Your Library. Celebrate Teen Tech Week from March 6th-12th at all Tuscarawas County Public Library locations with prizes and contests throughout the week!
8. Salamanders of Ohio: Saturday, March 19th at 1 p.m. Join naturalist Carrie Elvey for a look at Ohio’s official State Amphibian at The Wilderness Center. Talk about general ecology, behavoir, and identification, as well as TWC’s salamander monitoring efforts. Depending on the weather, you may be able to hike to a vernal pool to look for specimens. All ages are welcome!
9. The Wizard of Oz: See this family musical on Sunday, March 6th at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $46-64.
10. The Wizard of Oz: Your child can audition on March 12th from 11 a.m to 2 p.m to BE in The Little Theatre’s production. Visit the website for details.

Be sure to check the OH! Fun calendar for more local events. And let us know if there’s something we missed. We’ll be sure to add it!

Filed under: OH! Says, OH!s Top Ten by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

We all know kids need to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and ketchup doesn’t count anymore. I turned to Deceptively Delicious and tried, unsuccessfully, to hide some veggies in a grilled cheese sandwich. So what should a parent of a picky kid do?

Here are my suggestions:

• Try hiding vegetables where they actually belong. For example, when you make chili, add diced red and green peppers, onions, tomatoes, the usual veggies. But before you add them to the chili, puree them in the blender! The normal flavor will be there, but without any suspicious chunks. Make your own popsicles out of real fruit and juice. Grate apples or pears into oatmeal. Make pumpkin bread for an afternoon snack. Stir sugar-free applesauce into plain yogurt. Mix grated or pureed cucumber with ranch for a fresh tasting dip. There are all sorts of yummy ways to “sneak” in extra fruits and veggies without resorting to beans in brownies (which I have tried).
• Substitute veggies into your diet. Use tomato paste on pizzas instead of watered-down sauce, make peanut butter and banana sandwiches instead of peanut butter and jelly, serve chips with good quality salsa and hummus (beans are counted as veggies!), you get the point…
• Learn how to make veggies taste good. Your kid won’t eat that can of peas? That’s because it’s gross, nobody wants to eat that. My kids won’t eat steamed or boiled asparagus, but will eat a pound of it if sautéed with butter. Avocado is bland alone, but fantastic with a squirt of lemon juice. A cherry tomato or two may get eaten, but when sliced in half and drizzled with balsamic vinegar, the whole bowl disappears.
• Try it out in a different way. My daughter wouldn’t touch a baked sweet potato with a ten foot pole, but when I cut them into French fry shapes and served with ketchup, she ate a whole plateful. Zucchini became a bestseller when Grandma breaded them. Fruit at my house goes twice as fast if it’s frozen. Prepare the same foods in different ways until you find something your children like.
• Start your meals with a veggie and end with a fruit. Kids are more likely to eat the veggies if they are hungry and dinner won’t be ready for 20 minutes. Make it look pretty (try a pretty platter and lots of different veggie colors), serve them up with a yummy dip, and most kids will try a bite or two. Fruit makes a great dessert! Add a little homemade lightly-sweetened whip cream to a bowl of berries or peaches, and you’re good to go.
• Go ahead and hide your veggies sometimes. Okay, sometimes you really can’t tell the veggie is there when their actually is a noticeable health value. These are few and far between. I have made lots of recipes like this and found only a few actually worth my time. Use your brain when you try out recipes and be prepared to toss some food if it doesn’t work out. But if you find a keeper, let me know!

Filed under: OH! Dont Ya Know, OH! Says by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

Everybody’s tired of the cold, but there are still some fun things you can do in it! Try making some ice art!

Fill an ice cube try with water and let your child color them with food coloring. Place outside to freeze.

When frozen, pour some water into a cake pan and put a cup around the top (this will make a hole where no ice forms). Place outside until cold, but not frozen. Let your child place the ice cube colors wherever she wants.

Keep outside until it freezes, then remove and thread some ribbon through the hole. Your child will be proud of her frozen masterpiece!

Filed under: OH! Kids Grow, OH! Says by My OH! Momma
No Comments »

Kids are notoriously picky eaters, leaving most parents desperate to get a vegetable in their stomachs any way they can. That must be why cookbooks like Deceptively Delicious became so popular, because it sure didn’t become a bestseller on how the food tastes. The food is hideous. If your kid doesn’t hate vegetables already, she will after she tries some of this food.

Honestly, I only made one recipe. Maybe I picked the worst of the bunch. But I can tell you that I’m not going to bother making another.

I tried the grilled cheese, which mixes equal parts pureed sweet potato with cheese, and a touch of butter and salt. It looks like this when you mix it up:

I should have known right then. I triple-checked the recipe at this point, because does that look edible to you??

It sort of looked like grilled cheese after I made it, like if the lights are off and you’re vision impaired. I forgot to get a picture of it, and it’s already in the garbage can, sorry.

The kids took one tiny nibble and said:

Here is what I think about the whole “hidden veggies” thing:

• If you are putting enough veggies in to actually add up to any discernable amount, you can taste it and see it in the food and it will be deemed disgusting.
• To make food edible, you can only put in a small amount, like a tablespoon of sweet potato per sandwich, and at that point why bother? Especially considering the time it takes to cook and puree all this stuff. Just take a vitamin.
• This isn’t going to make kids “get used” to vegetables, because as it is supposedly hidden they don’t know what they are eating, they only know it’s gross.

So what should a parent of a picky kid do? Visit us on Thursday for some suggestions!

Filed under: OH! Says, OH! Yum by My OH! Momma
2 Comments »

Disipline is a complex issue when it comes to our kids.

Do you spank or give time outs? Should you use a reward system or revoke privileges? Is writing sentences effective? Is being sent to bed without dinner too extreme?

Things get even trickier when you’re dealing with someone else’s child. What are the boundaries?

OH! Wants to know what you think. Take the poll and share more in the comments!

Filed under: OH! Says, OH! Wants To Know by My OH! Momma
No Comments »