Liz's Point Blog

New Jersey Afterschool Directory

2008-07-25T10:16:00.000-04:00

We now have a new tool to find programs to keep our kids occupied and cared for when they're not in school. The New Jersey Afterschool Directory allows parents to look up programs for children in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The programs are aimed at watching over children before school, after school, and during the summer. Go to njafterschool.org

Highest Paid Actors

2008-07-23T10:30:00.001-04:00

Forbes Magazine is out with a list of the highest paid actors for the year:

Will Smith earned $80 million, the most of any actor. Johnny Depp isn't too far behind with $72 million. "Shrek" co-stars Eddie Murphy and Mike Myers each pulled in $55 million for the year. Leonardo DiCaprio has been working on movies that will be released in the future, earning him $45 million. Bruce Willis, Ben Stiller, Nicolas Cage, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler round out the top ten of Best-Paid Actors.

As for actresses in Hollywood, the latest info shows Reese Witherspoon makes the most, at $20 million a film, followed by Angelina Jolie, then Cameron Diaz and Katherine Heigel.

(Five out of the top paid men in Hollywood are funny guys....and five are the hot ones! Just like in real life for many women, two of the top attributes of being attracted to a guy: they're really cute OR really funny!)

10 Minute Workouts

2008-07-21T09:33:00.000-04:00

If you simply can't squeeze in 45 minutes of exercise a day, even though you know you need it, experts say 10-minute workouts can be your best friend!

One study shows that women who do ten-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day lose nearly a third more weight than those who exercise in one 30- to 40-minute chunk three times a week. Other studies show that all it takes is accumulating an hour of walking a week. You can do that!

Multiple short workouts are also more effective at lowering the blood fat that increases your heart attack risk and raising 'good' cholesterol than a continuous 30-minute bout. Some research shows women who squeeze in three 10-minute walks most days of the week lose nearly twice as many inches off their waistlines as those who do single 30-minute sessions.

And experts say men and women who do two 15-minute workouts 4 days a week improve their cardiovascular endurance twice as much as those who work out in a single 30-minute routine 4 days a week. Mini-workouts deliver such powerful results because you're more likely to do them!

The Number One Weight Loss Secret

2008-07-18T09:48:00.000-04:00

When all else fails and you can't find that miracle diet, experts say the number one weight loss secret is: be kind to yourself and accept yourself the way you are.

Geneen Roth, the author of "When Food Is Love" says: Instead of threatening yourself and berating yourself and depriving yourself all in the name of dieting, you need to change your behavior.

Believing that you shouldn't be buying and eating the food you really want will actually cause you to eventually binge and regain any weight you have been struggling to lose.

Don't call your efforts hopeless. Don't feel ashamed if you don't look like those size 2 celebrities. Eating can be an emotional reaction to not giving yourself enough love and attention.

Don't think that if you accept and love yourself the way you are that it means you'll always remain overweight. The opposite is true. The self-acceptance will in fact help you to relax and feel the love and attention you've been craving so that you don't have to fill that empty void inside you with food.

You have to learn to trust yourself. Treat yourself to kindness. Declare it 'Be Kind to Me' day, and start treating yourself as if you deserve every good thing. Because, in fact, you do.

One-Minute weight loss secrets

2008-07-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

Prevention magazine offers One-Minute weight loss secrets. Here are some of them:

- Combine half of your favorite juice with plain or sparkling water so that you're not consuming as many calories.
- Researchers have discovered that chewing sugar-free gum all day increases your metabolic rate by 20%, which could burn off more than ten pounds a year.
- Any time someone offers you a food treat and you accept, pay a dollar to your kids or your bank account. When you pay for treats, you're more likely to say 'no thanks'.
- Sip green tea before you walk. The caffeine frees fatty acids so that you burn fat more easily. And the antioxidant compounds in green tea increase calorie burn.
- Forget diet shakes. The cut calories are only temporary; you just eat more later.
- Dip your bread in olive oil in place of spreading butter. It's healthier and less calories.
- Sprinkle flax on your cereal. High-fiber, ground flaxseed can help curb your appetite and eliminate calories. Or add it to yogurt.
- Schedule a blood test to see if you have an underactive thyroid, which can slow down your metabolism.
- Low-fat milk fills your stomach and contains carbs so you eat less.
- If you already jog, speed up to a sprint once in a while. The brief intervals allow you to burn more fat and calories without lengthening your workout. Plus, the increased impact actually helps make your bones stronger!
- Before you take a spoonful of ice cream or another dessert, make yourself do ten sit-ups or pushups to put you back in touch with your body and your goals.
- When you really want those fresh-baked goods, take 30 seconds to indulge in the smell, then place a small piece on the tip of your tongue for 30 seconds. Savoring the smell and taste can help you stop at just one cookie.
- Blot the fat. You can dab off about a teaspoon of oil (about 4.5 grams of fat) from two slices of pizza.

And, finally, (we all know this even if we don't do it) DRINK MORE WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting Your Doctor To Remember You

2008-07-14T08:52:00.000-04:00

It's hard enough getting a doctor's appointment that works with your schedule. Sometimes you have to wait weeks or even months for a slot. And you're sometimes stuck waiting for hours in a lobby for your five minutes of face time with the actual doctor. And even then you have to hope it's your actual doctor and that he or she actually treats you like they KNOW you.

30% of those who responded to a nationwide survey say the person they have chosen to entrust with care for their health and well-being doesn't even remember their first name. Yet 82% agree that a person's doctor should at least REMEMBER them. 95% of respondents say being addressed by their name makes them feel more comfortable and puts them at ease.

Experts say bedside manner is highly important in helping you get the most out of your doctors and that you should search for one that takes the time to adhere to the basics of at least knowing your name before they walk in the room to greet you. Here's some advice they give for helping your doctor remember you:

- Interview your doctor even if you have to pay for an initial meeting.
- schedule a regular checkup so that the doctor sees you at least once a year.
- Ask questions during your appointment instead of just nodding your head and going along with the doctor's quick schedule
- Research your doctor instead of just picking a name out of a phone book.

Removing Temporary Tattoos

2008-07-09T10:16:00.000-04:00

My kids love putting tattoos on their arms. The problem for me is, once they start to come off, they look awful. It looks like I don't bathe my kids sometimes because they have an old tattoo. And since they like to shower these days, there's not enough soaking of the arm going on in the bathtub like there used to be.

So I'll take a washcloth and scrub at it and that only irritates their skin. Silly me.....I'm still learning! A listener has sent in what should be an obvious tip on tattoo removal. But I figure that if I didn't know it, maybe some of you didn't either, so here it is:

Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.

Duh!

Waiting For The Sequel

2008-07-07T09:42:00.002-04:00

We all know how quickly our kids grow up, but this is one particular instance where I wish they'd stay little for just a few years longer.

I mentioned recently that "Toy Story 3" will be out in a couple of years......but now my kids' favorite childhood Disney/Pixar movie is coming out with a sequel. "Cars 2" will feature Lightning McQueen and Mater taking their adventure overseas. The film is set for summer...of 2012!

My boys will be 9 and 11.....think they'll still be interested, perhaps for old time's sake?

Staycation Destination: Jenkinson's Breakwater Beach

2008-07-02T09:55:00.002-04:00

If you weren't one of the lucky ones that won tickets to our Listener Appreciation Night at Jenkinson's Breakwater Beach in Seaside, I want to give you a heads-up that this is a wonderful place to spend a day with your family.

I was truly and pleasantly surprised and amazed by this incredible water park just off the boardwalk. It is spectacular and there is something for everyone from your little ones to your teenagers and for the parents, too. It's clean and safe, with plenty of lifeguards on hand. Also, if you combine this with a walk across Ocean Avenue to some of the great kiddie and adult rides on the Seaside boardwalk it makes for a fantastic day and night without having to travel far.

This is a day trip my kids and their friends will get to experience many times and reminds me of what living at the Jersey Shore is all about.

Hersheypark Here We Come

2008-06-30T10:17:00.002-04:00

What a great trip to Hershey, PA the boys and I had!

I can't say enough good things about Hershey Lodge. It was absolutely beautiful, family-friendly, and just a great experience. From all the chocolate handed to you to the children's hotel check-in area and Reese's giant chocolate bar walking around shaking kids' hands, to the indoor and outdoor pools and all the activities available, to the coffee/bakery and fabulous restaurants (and even S'mores cookouts!) we really had a great time at the hotel. I loved the chocolate ketchup for dipping my fries!

The room we stayed in was absolutely gorgeous with great amenities. The hotel staff was really friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. The best part to me of staying at that hotel (or Hotel Hershey) is the free, convenient, and quick shuttle service back and forth to Hershey Park.

As for Hershey Park, we needed two days and could've done three: one for the rides, one for the water park (Hershey Boardwalk) and a third for the zoo and entertainment. The kids' favorite part had to be the wave pool....I couldn't get them out of there! The Park was so clean and a really nice, safe, and wonderful place to take children. All in all, I'd highly recommend this road trip (approximately three hours by car) as a great family destination for fun times and great memories!

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees

2008-06-25T09:44:00.001-04:00

From the book "Let's Get Real About Money!" by Eric Tyson, here are ways to teach kids that money doesn't grow on trees (especially right now!) :

- Realize that kids learn what they live. When you ring up a load of credit card debt and fail to save anything, that's what your kids come to see as normal.
- De-program your kids. Let them know that it's not a good idea to run up debt just so that it's easy to 'buy now'.
- An allowance is a great teaching tool. Teach them how to earn money and be responsible with saving, investing, and spending it. Experts say a great time to start is in the five-to-seven age range. You can even teach them about mutual funds and picking stocks.
- Reduce their exposure to commercials. Enough said.
- Find entertaining ways to teach good money habits. One recommended book for younger kids is "The Berenstein Bears Get the Gimmies". For late elementary school-aged kids there's the book "Quest for the Pillars of Wealth" by J.J. Pritchard. It's a chapter book that teaches personal finance concepts through an engaging adventure story. You could also get them a subscription to "Zillions", a kids' magazine from the publishers of Consumer Reports.
- Teach them how to shop wisely. Comparison shop and use coupons in front of them.
- And, finally, encourage older kids to get a job. Even if it's a paper route or yard/lawn work.

"Spit Germs"

2008-06-24T10:53:00.001-04:00

So here's one I never thought of until this past weekend when I had a birthday party for my boys. Someone brought it to my attention, so I'll pass it along to you as a simple question and let you ponder the implications:

Have you ever stopped to think about how many spit germs are spread out over a birthday cake when the candles are blown out?

Excellence In Customer Service

2008-06-21T19:43:00.001-04:00

I want to thank Greg from Shop Rite for going above and beyond when it comes to customer service.

In case you missed us talking about this on the air this week, I had a 'bright idea' yesterday while walking around Shop Rite. The kids were playing in the childcare center there so I had time to leisurely shop, and I saw a sign in the bakery about getting a picture scanned on a birthday cake, and I thought that would be a great idea for my kids' party. Problem is, I had to do it by that day since the party's this weekend and they need a few days' notice.

So, not having my camera on me, I went over to the photo department and asked the guy behind the counter if he could possibly help me do something a little 'unusual'. I asked him if he had a camera on him (he had his cell phone camera) and if he could help me take some Webkinz out of the case and 'pose' them for a portrait. He very graciously spent time with me asking the Webkinz to smile for the camera (ha!) until he got the right shot, then edited it and printed it for me to take over to the bakery to place the cake order in time. How's that for someone going the extra mile for a customer he never met? So, thanks again, Greg! The boys will be thrilled to see their Webkinz on their birthday cake.

SIte For Kids

2008-06-21T19:41:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for family entertainment.....anything from indoor playgrounds to where the have your kids' birthday parties....check out gokidsnj.com. You'll find events from all over our state. The website was started by a Jackson electronics engineer when he and his wife became parents and started looking for things to do for kids.

Riding In A Pedicab

2008-06-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

I've seen them all over Manhattan in the past few years, but not locally. So the boys and I were thrilled this weekend when we decided to take a long walk at the beach and lake and then realized we were too tired to get where we were going but too tired to make it home in the muggy heat. That's when a 'pedicab' pulled up and we hopped in!

It was a guy on a bike pulling a little shaded carriage for the three of us to ride in and the kids got the biggest kick out of it! I hope this idea catches on, 'cause there are always those times when you can't park close to the beach and you'd give anything not to have to hike two miles with the children! W

hat a great way to get across town, too, especially if you'd like a drink or two during one of those summer celebrations and don't want to drive! Thanks to Kevin and Diving Duck Cab Co. I wasn't stranded with my kids!

Hottest Celebrity Dads

2008-06-11T09:29:00.001-04:00

Just in time for Father's Day, here's a list of the Hottest Celebrity Dads, based on both sex appeal and how hands-on they are:

Mark Consuelos
Tobey Maguire
Tom Cruise
Gavin Rossdale
Patrick Dempsey
Seal
Joel Madden
Ben Afflek
Ryan Phillipe
Matt Damon
Will Smith
Johnny Depp
David Beckham
and....number one...Brad Pitt

Cleaning Safety Tips

2008-06-09T11:27:00.000-04:00

The New Jersey Poison Information and Education System has issued some cleaning safety tips. Even if you think you know better, there are some interesting ideas on this list, especially the last one.

- Good ventilation is key in getting harsh fumes from cleaning products out of the house. Simply opening a window is not enough to eliminate dangerous fumes or odors. An exhaust fan can help eliminate the fumes and circulate fresh air.

- Read the labels on household cleaning products. DO NOT mix products

- two products combined can produce toxic results and put you in the hospital before you know it.

- Try to clean when kids and pets are NOT present. Keep products locked up and clean up all spills immediately and thoroughly. Common cleaning products that can be poisonous include furniture polish, oven cleaner, and window cleaner.

- Try to use natural cleaners to limit air pollution in your home. Try vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

- Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they're working. Change your batteries twice a year.

- Make sure to throw away medicines that are not being used. Check expiration dates frequently on all over-the-counter and prescription medications. Combine expired or leftover medicines with used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or something else bad-tasting to children and animals. Place this in a coffee can with a lid, and discard with your household trash.

Constantine Maroulis Visit

2008-06-06T11:28:00.002-04:00

We had a great time having Constantine Maroulis on our morning show. He's even better now than he was on American Idol! His voice is amazing, he looks hotter than ever, and he grew up doing theatre here. He's now back for a limited run in "Jesus Christ Superstar" here in Monmouth County. In fact, check our website for info on how you can hear Constantine's interview and win tickets to see him at the Henderson Theater. If you'd like to get tickets now, go to premiertheatre.com or call 732-774-STAR. The Henderson Theatre is on rt. 520 (Newman Springs Rd.) in Lincroft. (Parkway exit 109, or one turn off rts. 35, 34, 18, or 9! Show dates for "Jesus Christ Superstar" are Fri. and Sat. June 13 & 14, Thurs. - Sun. June 19 - 22, and Thurs. - Sat. June 26 - 28. All performances are at 8 pm, with matinees at 2 pm Sun. the 21st and Sat. the 28th.

premiertheatre.com/

The Next Survivor...

2008-06-04T09:53:00.002-04:00

This is a great email sent to me from a listener:

The next Survivor Series will be about six married men dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for 6 weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music, dance, or swim lessons.
There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids, keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment, and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient stop per child as well, possibly for a bathroom break or even an emergency-room visit.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a school function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside, and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails and toenails polished and eyebrows groomed, spray tan, wax when necessary, and find time to exercise.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once slow down from their duties.

They must hold down a job, attend PTO meetings and find time at least once a week to spend the afternoon at the park with the kids.

They will need to read a book a night, or more, to the kids and in the morning feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7 a.m.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size, and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear, and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote the dads off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

The winner gets to play the game over and over again for the next 18 - 25 years eventually earning the right to be called "Mother".

Getting Beach Ready For The Summer

2008-06-02T10:36:00.001-04:00

Seems like common sense, but worth repeating.

Here's advice from doctors at Meridian on getting your family 'Beach-Ready' this summer.

-Think about packing these items:- sandals to protect the bottom of your feet- hats, sunglasses, and SPF 15 sunscreen (or higher, even on cloudy days)
- an umbrella or canopy for shade- bottles of water to stay cool and hydrated
- loose-fitting clothing
- a cooler with ice packs to keep cold foods at or below 40 degrees F
- moist towelettes to clean handsTo avoid mishaps:- stay only where there's a lifeguard on duty
- look for warning flags in case it's not safe to swim
- keep little ones no more than an arm's length away
- if you get stuck in a current or riptide, don't try to swim against it, but across it.
- toss perishable food if it has sat out for more than two hours
- teach the kids not to touch crabs, jellyfish, etc.
- keep the beach clean!

Experts also remind you that if you're planning to be on a boat:
- make sure the operator is not drinking alcohol
- check the weather forecast first
- make sure everyone on the boat wears life jackets
- keep a first-aid kit aboard- only boat with an experienced operator
- make sure there's a radio or cell phone to call for help

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Animals In Need Of Better Homes

2008-05-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

Here's a fundraiser that will be fun for you AND the kids. It's the "Animals In Need Of Better Homes" bowling event Sunday, June 8th, at Strathmore Lanes on Route 34 in Aberdeen. It runs from 2 - 5 pm. The cost is $15 per person and includes 3 games, a pitcher of soda, and a bucket of popcorn per lane. The proceeds benefit the Monmouth County SPCA. You may even see me there with my boys, who just love to bowl! Let's all do our part to help the helpless animals in need of 'forever homes' who are currently being cared for by the amazing people at the Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown. Stop by and see them sometime!

Wrong Window Opens At Brookdale

2008-05-27T10:22:00.001-04:00

went to opening night of "Wrong Window" this past Friday at Brookdale Community College's Performing Arts Center and it was even better than my expectations. If you crave a good laugh, you must see this show. In fact, I laughed so hard that I cried. We're talking mascara-running-down-my-face crying.

This show was written by and stars Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore and does not disappoint. Billy is hilarious and so is his "neighbor" Glen Jones. The two of them and their zany physical comedy and funny lines will have you laughing so loud and hard that you'll have trouble catching your breath. Jeff Babey is disgustingly funny, Art Neill is downright creepy in a crazy-funny way. Jane Milmore and Susan Travers reminded me of Lucy and Ethel at their best! Billy and Jane - I don't know how you keep topping yourselves and writing funnier and funnier comedies each spring!

Mark Fleming is a great director, and this show is just tremendous. Oh, and a note to Jennifer Bukovec...I never would've thought that 'playing dead' could be so funny! Wrong Window runs through June 7th, so treat yourself to a night of fun. You can call 732-224-2411 for tickets. And you may see me there because I'll surely be going back again!

Top Ten Tips for affordable family vacations this summer:

2008-05-24T08:19:00.002-04:00

Mike Messina of Willow Valley Resort offers the Top Ten Tips for affordable family vacations this summer:

1. Book lodging that offers free meals or allows kids to stay for free.

2. Choose accommodations with extra amenities and free kid-friendly activities.

3. Ask about discounted tickets for local attractions.

4. Contact the local visitors bureau to find out about free community events and activities.

5. Plan an itinerary before arrival to reduce needless travel and expenses.

6. If available, take advantage of free transportation provided by the hotel.

7. Look into cost savings by booking a trip mid-week.

8. Make a checklist when packing to avoid unnecessary purchases at your destination (sun block, over-the-counter medicines, bathing suite, etc.)

9. Stock the hotel room fridge with your own snacks and beverages.

10. Set a budget for gift shop purchases and stick to it.

Wherever you're headed this summer.....have fun and be safe!!!

Bad Reasons To Buy A Home

2008-05-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

I just read an interesting article by Liz Pulliam Weston at MSN Money on bad reasons to buy a home. And, on this topic, I happen to agree that you shouldn't be judged on whether or not you own a home.

The article says: "Lots of people feel like they have to follow the American Dream of owning a home, even when it's not something they really want or need and definitely not something they can afford. For some people, renting is cheaper than owning. For some people, it's a choice between renting an affordable place in a great location versus straining to buy a less desirable home in a place requiring a long commute or in a neighborhood you're not crazy about." I happen to agree!

Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore's Comedy

2008-05-19T22:16:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year.....when Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore write and star in an original comedy that they present at Brookdale Community College's Performing Arts Center.

If you've seen one of Billy and Jane's comedies, then I'm sure you've already purchased your tickets for this year's show. If you HAVEN'T yet seen one of their shows, I highly recommend that you plan to see this one. Billy and Jane are Hollywood and Broadway writers and actors and their shows are hysterical!!!!!!!!! In fact, the whole cast is always amazing. This is truly a great evening out and you won't be disappointed.

The show opens this Friday, May 23rd, and runs through June 7th. The name of the show is "Wrong Window" and you can call 732-224-2411 for tickets. I'll be there opening night and would love to meet you in the lobby before the show!