The Benefits of Sports for Children

By Guest Blogger Heather Bjork

September – school starting back and the start of soccer and football season. Fans of both sports are passionate in their love of these games. One does not have to look very far to spot people wearing football or soccer apparel around the Triad. Sports are an important part of most people’s lives, and they are commonly discussed at home, with friends, in the workplace, in cyber space and through any form of media that we come in contact with on a daily basis. As such, it seems we would be doing our children a disservice to not expose them to different sports and give them an opportunity to experience playing different sports. If you have not yet provided your child with the chance to get involved in a sport, think again. Even if you are not a “sports” person yourself, there are multiple benefits to allowing your child to play sports.

•Physical activity - With the rising rate of childhood obesity in today’s generation of children, this takes on additional significance. Research shows that children that consistently participate in sports are less likely to be overweight. Children that receive regular exercise are more likely to continue this practice in adulthood. Additionally physical activity improves mood and releases “endorphins” which make us feel good.

•Enhanced social skills -Your child will practice sharing, supporting, befriending, and helping others. All of these are important skills needed to establish and build healthy relationships with other people.

•Increased self confidence -Research also shows that children that play sports, especially girls, are more likely to have higher self-esteem and a better body image.

•Improved self-discipline skills -Children need to commit to attending practice, being a “good team player” which means sometimes having to put their needs and interests at a lower priority than their teammates and it requires hard work to achieve one’s goals.

•More effective time management skills -Children learn how to manage their schedules so that they can complete their homework, attend practices and games and still have discretionary time to spend as they would like.

•Better teamwork skills -Children begin to understand the part that each person plays in the team’s success/failure while learning how to effectively communicate with a wide variety of other children with styles different from their own.

•“Life skills” -It’s never too early to learn that sometimes things work out the way you want in life. How you play the game is even more important than winning or losing. Character and behavior count and matter, especially when it comes to relationships.

•Academic success -Research shows that children involved in sports tend to perform better in school than children not involved in sports, possibly because of self-discipline and time management skills.

•Refined problem solving skills -Sports frequently require strategy and there are obstacles to one’s goals given the nature of competition. Thus, children need to figure out how to deal with challenges that arise within the framework that exists.

•Better flexibility -The changing nature of most sports requires children to learn how to adapt and respond quickly to new situations. As a result, children become better able to anticipate change and quickly determine the best course of action.

•FUN -With the high importance placed on achievement, particularly academic accomplishments, it’s important for children to have the chance to just be in the moment and enjoy themselves. As long as there is not overriding pressure and an emphasis on winning, children will enjoy the experience they have playing sports and being part of a team.

Don’t miss out on the chance to get your child involved today. There are lots of great options out there – martial arts, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, swimming, tennis, and many, many more. Ask your child what he/she enjoys and help your child match his/her interest to a sport. If your child loves to be in the water, swimming or diving would be an excellent choice. Does your have good eye-hand coordination or even need to develop it more? Then baseball, tennis, golf, or tennis might be a great starting point. Does your child love to catch? Consider lacrosse. It is not too late to sign up for these activites. If you missed the blog on SoccerTots, this is a great option for young children and they you can enroll at any time. There may also be spots left in your school's Girls On the Run Program. The options are plentiful and the Internet is a great resource to identify different options available to your child.

By helping your child experience sports in a “safe and non-judgmental” environment, you will be providing many great benefits to your child. Who knows, your child could end up becoming the next Tiger Woods!

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Smarty Find: "Screw Cancer, Eat Cake!"

By Rachel H

Former Smarty mom, Jennifer Fussell, has taken on a new adventure along with her sister, Leslie, launching back into business and starting their own company!! These women were extremely affected by their mother’s second diagnosis with Fallopian Tube Cancer earlier this year. They chose to honor their mom, and any other women fighting this horrible disease, by developing a T-shirt simply saying “Screw Cancer, Eat Cake!” One T-shirt turned into 5, then 10...

Unfortunately, this hits home all too well for me, as my own mom is currently undergoing her fourth round of chemo in 10 years for ovarian cancer. As soon as I found out that Jennifer had started this, I logged on to her blog and ordered the cutest T-shirt for my mom. There are also adorable totes and ballcaps that will let anyone fighting cancer know you are thinking of them.

Since launching SCEC, Jennifer and Leslie have realized that we are all touched by cancer in some way. As sad as it is to admit, almost all of us have a relative or friend who has battled this terrible disease. For this reason, I wanted to make all of you aware of Jennifer’s Mompreneurship! She and her sister will launch their official website in 2010, but until then you can visit their blog here or contact them at screwcancerinfo@gmail.com. I hope you will check out their blog and show your Smarty Support!

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Got a Ladystache?

By Rachel H

So today we are going to get up close and personal with our readers to talk about something no one wants to talk about – the Ladystache, as I call it. Whether you have a fine dusting of blonde hair above your lips, or a pitch black moustache, help is here!

If you read my “Is it just me??” post, you may have seen this Sonic commercial I attached. YOU HAVE to watch this! It always makes me laugh because it is sad, but true.

My mom told me about this Lumina Finishing Touch Hair Remover last year. I tried hers and loved it. I went straight to Bed Bath and Beyond, used my 20% off coupon and bought one for myself for I think $14. I told some of my girlfriends about it and they instantly replied, “The one on the infomercial???” I had never seen the infomercial, but evidentially every else in the world had. Well guess what? This thing really works. You can get rid of your ladystache in just seconds. I have also found that it works like a charm for my son’s uni-brow! Poor kid. His eyebrows run together just a tad, so I can zap him with the Lumina and he is good to go.

There are numerous uses – hairy toes, nose hairs, little hairs on your chin … the list goes on and on. Zap em with this thing. Does it hurt? No way! I am the biggest wimp and I can tell you that you will feel nothing. (Although my nameless friend says she thinks it hurts just a tad. Whatever.)

So ladies, check out the Lumina here. I hope you will appreciate the fact that I just humiliated myself by sharing the ladystache story with all of the Triad. A little pain for me, but big gain for the rest of you who may need some help. I guess all my friends will now be checking out my upper lip.

You can order online or stop by Bed Bath and Beyond (don’t forget your coupon). I also saw that it was available on Amazon. You won’t be sorry!

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Smarty Alert: Creative Containers Sale is coming soon!

By Rachel H

We posted a blog about this sale in the spring, and it was one of our top blogs to date. We guess you Smarty Moms really like a bargain! So, mark your calendars because this Manufacturers Warehouse Sale is almost upon us once again. Mark your calendars for October 15-24th, 2009. They have a new location this year, 300 Highway 68 in Greensboro. It is right off I-40, so it's an easy trip.

If you've never heard of this sale, you can read our last blog here to find out the scoop! We'll send more info out with dates and times as the sale nears. In the meantime, start making those gift lists because there will be plenty of good bargains here!

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Smarty Scoop on Weekend Events

By Katie M

Happy Wednesday, Smarties! Who says there is nothing to do now that summer is over? That's certainly not the case in the Triad! Be sure to check out all the great family events below, and of course, more consignment sales galore!

Also, tickets for the Nutcracker will be available soon! I took my daughter to a performance last year and she STILL talks about it, dances to all the music, and is asking about this year's outting! Take note: A special Nutcracker Box Office Opening Kick-Off event will take place this Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Stevens Center in downtown Winston-Salem. Those who purchase tickets during the event will be among the first to choose seats and are eligible to receive a $5 discount off each ticket (cannot be combined with any other discount). The $5 off per ticket is eligible for walk-up sales to the Stevens Center Box Office on 9/19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ONLY and is limited to ten tickets per person per performance. The Kick-Off event also will feature a variety of FREE fun activities for the whole family including holiday crafts, holiday refreshments and a chance to have a free photo taken with characters from The Nutcracker! Tickets for The Nutcracker will go on sale to the public officially on Monday, September 21.

For the rest of the Smarty scoop, keep reading!

Old Salem's Home School Days
Friday, September 18 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
600 S. Main St., WS
Learn how faith and fellowship played roles in the lives of settlers of Historic Salem. A wide array of activities are planned, including creating a hand-sewn autograph book, painting a book plate and writing a Bible verse with a quill pen. Educators will describe preparations for the Moravian Lovefeast, Singing Sisters will perform and storyteller Donald Davis will be giving two performances. Call for tickets. Phone: (336) 721-7350

Mt Tabor UMC Fall/Winter Clothing Exchange
Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, W-S
Sale runs Sept 17-19, with hours as follows:
Thursday Sept 17 - 9:00am 1:00pm; 4:00pm 8:00pm
Friday Sept 18 - 9:00am 1:00pm
Saturday Sept 19 - 8:00am 12 noon
*** Red Tag Items Only—1/2 price on Saturday ***

St. John’s Fall Carnival
Fri, Sept. 18 from 5:30 – 8 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Silas Creek Pkwy, WS
Carnival games, inflatables, great food, crafts, dunking booth, silent auction, bake sale, horse rides, tractor rides and more.

Storytelling by Donald Davis
Fri, Sept. 18 at 11 am and 1 pm
Historic St. Philips African American Church, 911 S. Church Street in Old Salem, WS
Donald Davis is one of the most popular storytellers today and an Old Salem favorite. Free.

Rock the Block
Fri, Sept. 18 at 6 pm
4th St. Downtown Winston-Salem
Call 336.747.7361 for more information, or email eddiejm@cityofws.org.

Kernersville Wesleyan Preschool Academy Consignment Sale
Friday,Sept 18 from 9:00am-7pm and Saturday, Sept 19th from 8:00am-Noon with most items half-price on Saturday.
930 Main Street, K'ville.
Call 992-3000 for more information.

Dining for Donations
Fri, Sept 19
New Town Bistro, Jonestown Road, W-S
Help celebrate the Ronald McDonald House's 25th birthday by Dining for Donations. Area eateries are welcoming patrons and donating a percentage of their receipts to the House. All you have to do is eat, and don't forget to order dessert! Please tell your server that you are celebrating the Ronald McDonald House's 25th!

111th Annual Central Carolina Fair
Friday, Sept. 11 5-1 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 12 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 13 1-11 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 14–Friday, Sept. 18 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 20 1-6 p.m.
Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Lee St., GSO.
Featuring spectacular rides, carnival food and games, thousands of exhibits brought to you by local 4H groups, the Carolina Feather Fanciers poultry show, Sandhills Rabbit Fanciers rabbit show and wholesome family entertainment and attractions for everyone. Adults, $5; children 10 and under, free. Single ride tickets $1. Phone: 336-373-4386.

Chatham Kids Consignment Sale
Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-5p.m. and Sunday10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chatham Crossing Shopping Center, US Hwy 15/501 at Manns Chapel Road, Chapel Hill
Selling gently used kids' clothing, toys, equipment and other items.

Fountain of Life Lutheran Preschool Consignment Sale
Thursday, 5-8 p.m. (Free child care while you shop); Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-1 p.m. ( Half Price Sale and Free Child Care while you Shop).
Fountain of Life Lutheran Preschool, 323 Hopkins Road, Kernersville
Phone: 336-993-4447.

Guilford Native American Pow Wow
Friday, September 18 from 10 am to 9 pm
Country Park, 3902 Nathaneal Green Drive, GSO.
Enjoy an exciting festival of Native American culture. Free. 336-373-3648.

Harvest Festival
Saturday, Sept 19 at 10 am
Downtown Yadkinville
Annual arts and music festival. Free. Call 336-679-2941 for more information.

Best of Lewisville Festival
Sat, Sept 19 at 11 am
Lewisville Town Square, Lewisville
A time for our town to show its pride and come together around food, fun and entertainment, it will feature local resident's entries. Call 336-945-0206 for more information.

"Mama’s Night Out"
Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 pm
The Stevens Center of the U.N.C. School of the Arts, 405 West Fourth St., W-S.
A trio of female comedians featuring a southerner, a sassy Brit and a native New Yorker in an eclectic blend of stand-up comedy. $24, $28. Phone: 336-721-1945.

27th N.C. Chili Championship and Rubber Duck Regatta
Saturday, September 19 from 11 am to 5 pm
Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
More than 100 chili cooks from across the country will gather at Tanglewood, providing samples of their top secret recipes for attendees. Kids Korral pony rides, inflatables, Mad Science activities, crafts and face painting as well as the virutal duck race. Entertainment for the day will include Hip Pocket and the Dallas Reese Band and will conclude with a performance by country singer-songwriter Darryl Worley. All proceeds benefit March of Dimes of N.C. Adults, $10 advance/$12 at gate; ages 7-12, $5; ages 6 and under, free. Phone: 336-723-4386.

39th Annual Day in the Park
Saturday, September 19 from 11 am to 5 pm
High Point City Lake Park, 602 W. Main St., Jamestown
Come to High Point City Lake Park for a day-long family festival featuring entertainment, crafts, food and more. Children’s Adventure Island will feature cultural-themed make-and-take art project. All-day ride tickets, which include the train, carousel, miniature golf, inflatables and the rock-climbing wall are only $6. Free admission. Phone: 336-889-2787.

Apple Fest '09
Saturday, September 19 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Historic Bethabara Park, 2147 Bethabara Road, W-S.
Come and celebrate the harvest at Apple Festival 2009. Unique crafts, traditional music and food fill Historic Bethabara Park. Local orchards, handicraft demonstrations and colonial re-enactors highlight this festival, as do horse-drawn wagon rides and colonial games. Free. Phone: 336-924-8191.

Burlington Carousel Festival
Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m.
Burlington City Park, 1333 Overbrook Road, Burlington
A day of fun for the whole family centered around the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel. Artists Alley, an area where fine artists and craft exhibitors display and exhibit their work features original Carousel wood carvers as well as paintings and much more. The Children’s area offers families the opportunity to take a ride on the Carousel or one of the other amusement activities that are permanently located in the park. Music by national, regional and local artists will take place throughout the weekend. Free.

Friedberg Moravian Fall Children's Consignment Sale
Friday 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-noon with half-price sale noon-2 p.m.
Friedberg Moravian Church, Family Life Center, 2178 Friedberg Church Road, W-S
Items sold will include all Fall children's clothing, Maternity clothing, baby gear and toys.

Honey Bee Festival
Saturday, September 19 from 10 am to 6 pm
Fourth of July Park, 702 W. Mountain St., Kernersville
The place to “bee” for a free family festival sponsored by Moses Cone Health System featuring live musical entertainment, authentic handcrafted items, local artists and fun kids stuff. The Tot Lot is brought to you this year by Chick-fil-A of Kernersville...there may be some cow sightings! Free. Phone: 336-996-3062.

Play Ball! Sports and Music
Saturday, September 19 with pre-concert activities beginning at 1 pm
K.R. Williams Auditorium, 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, W-S
The Winston-Salem Symphony comes to bat at this concert just for kids ages 4 - 13. Members of local sports teams join the Symphony for college fight songs, Casey at the Bat and a sportscaster's guide to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Phone: 336-464-0145. Adults, $9; children, $5.

The N.C. Shakespeare Festival’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave.,HP.
One of Shakespear's most popular plays will be performed by the N.C. Shakespeare Festival. This classic romantic comedy portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke of Athens, Theseus, the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, and with the fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. $10-$31. Performance times vary per day - please see Web site for full schedule. Phone: 336-887-3001.

One Hundred Chances to Checkmate
Sunday, September 20 from 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Bryan Family YMCA , GSO
One hundred young players will have the chance to take on the Triad’s best chess experts at the fifth-annual simultaneous chess exhibition. Open to chess players of all skill levels between the ages of 6 and 21. Pre-registration required. Free. Phone: 336-335-5456.

What else did we forget? Add your events in the comments below!

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Moms - Take Care of Yourself

By Chrissy McCullough, Physical Therapist at Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates

Chrissy is a physical therapist specializing in the field of Women's Health. She received her Master's degree in physical therapy from Texas Woman's University in Dallas, Texas, and shortly after graduation, she opened a successful practice in the Dallas area where she treated women with chronic whole body and pelvic pain, prenatal and postpartum pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and more.

Along with her husband, Heath, and 2-year-old daughter, Eva, she relocated to Winston-Salem in July of 2008 in order for Heath to complete a residency in Radiology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. They are currently expecting another little girl, Zoe, in mid-November. She recently began treating patients at Lyndhurst OB/GYN and is absolutely loving it! She has shared some fantastic tips today for moms when we need to take some time for ourselves.

When you’re a mom, the days are long and the nights are short. You rarely take time for yourself and often that time might mean hiding in a corner to quickly eat a cookie before your 2-year-old catches you crying “Want some!”. Here are a few tips to get you through those crazy days and to help you get back to the pre-baby calm, cool and collected diva you once were:

BREATHE: When we’re busy finding lost binkies, cleaning high chairs, planning meals and intellectually stimulating growing minds as creatively as possible we often don’t take a moment to breathe. Breathing for relaxation (the most common technique is called diaphragmatic breathing) has a profound impact on the body by reducing our anxiety and tension. This type of breathing relaxes muscles, increases blood flow and helps us to regain the focus and strength needed to continue to face the day. Make a daily appointment with yourself to practice this for 5 minutes. Good times to schedule this mini relaxation are as soon as nap time begins or right before you gear up for “second shift” (i.e. after afternoon snack, before dinner plans commence).

Lie on your back in a comfortable, supported position. You may want to rest in a recliner or on a bed with pillows under your head, arms and legs. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Close your eyes. Inhale through your nose letting your belly rise into your hand while your chest remains still. Gently exhale through your nose or mouth letting your belly fall. Repeat for 5 minutes. To make sure you devote adequate time to unwinding and re-energizing, you may want to set a timer for those 5 minutes (a kitchen timer or the “time out” timer work perfectly).

LOOSEN UP: Months of cooking dinner for your family with a toddler on one hip and a phone crammed between your ear and shoulder wreaks havoc on your body. A few simple stretches can help reverse these painful positions we often find ourselves in. A great time to fit these in is when you’re in the shower, your body is warm and no-one is hanging on you.

Shoulder Blade Squeeze: Stand with your weight evenly distributed on your feet and clasp your hands together behind your bottom. Let your shoulders fall away from your ears and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Imagine your chest opening and your shoulder blades sliding across your back. Hold for 3 seconds, repeat 3 times.

Ironing Board: Stand with your hands on a counter top or, if you tend to be on the less flexible side, on a wall at shoulder height. Walk your feet back as you tilt your bottom toward the ceiling. Continue walking backward and hinging at your hips until your head, arms and back are in a straight line (“ironing board”), you will feel a pull in your calves and/or hamstrings. Hold this stretch for 5 deep breaths then walk back toward the wall to come out of it.

Standing Back Bend: Stand with your weight evenly distributed on your feet and place your hands on your bottom as if putting your hands in back pockets. Gently and slightly press your hips forward as you arch your low back and, if comfortable, look up letting your head fall back. Hold for 3 seconds, repeat 3 times.

STRETCH YOUR LEGS AND GET SOME FRESH AIR: With the beautiful fall season creeping upon us, plan at least one daily activity that takes you and your little ones outside. A great idea to get you moving is to go on a nature walk around your neighborhood. For older children try to find items that start with a letter or color of your choosing, for younger children see how many dogs, cats, birds, etc. you can find. This exercise is a great soul refresher for you and will help your children to appreciate the world around them!

So, the next time you find yourself painstakingly planning organic, all-natural, balanced yet tasty meals and snacks for your children while you dig in your purse on the way to gymnastics realizing you forgot to eat breakfast and hoping that the fruit snacks you find have some sort of nutritional value to them, remember the simple exercises above. Your mind and your body will thank you.

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Smarty Alert: Are You Getting Our Newsletter?

Signing up for the Triad Smarty Pants newsletter is a cinch, but it's also a two-step process. Once you add your email address in the box in the top right corner of our site, you will receive an email asking you to complete your newletter subscription to Triad Smarty Pants. Sometimes these emails go to spam folders or in your "trash" in your email account. Be sure to keep an eye out for this email. Once you get the email, all you have to do is click on the link it provides to be fully subscribed to our newsletter.

We have noticed - and have heard - that a lot of readers never received that email to complete the subscription process. If you are one of them, then just email us here, tell us that you would like to recieve our newsletter, and we'll get you fully signed up. We apologize for any confusion this two-step process may have created, but we can get it fixed quickly and simply! Don't forget: Only fully subscribed newsletter subscribers are eligible to participate in our monthly give-aways AND all newsletter subscribers receive extra Smarty scoop in their emailboxes every Thursday - stuff we don't always share on our site! So, email us today if you are not receiving your Triad Smarty Pants newsletter!

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Fall TV Line-up - Set Your DVRs!

By Katie M

Aww, yeah! I am so excited to get some TV back this fall! And if you're just as ready as me, then be sure to read the full TV line-up below! Lots of new shows have already debuted but the majority start tonight though later this month, so the timing of this blog is all good. I tuned in last week to watch the premier of Melrose Place. I was a HUGE fan of the original series and I have high hopes for this season's show, but I have to admit the jury is still out. A few actors from the original cast did cameos and have - what looks like - promising re-ocurring roles - but I'm just not sure it will stand up to the original. We shall see. I am one who likes to pick a few shows each season and that's that. But, if Melrose pans out, then I may have to use my DVR more than the norm. Our house is also a huge fan of HBO shows like Big Love (me and my husband) and Entourage (my husband). I understand the series for Entourage is almost over, and I've been trying to figure out when Big Love starts up again - but no luck. If anyone knows, please share!

And, if you are a reality-show junkie like Rachel H, then be sure to scroll to the bottom of the list. All the returning reality shows - and new ones - are listed below. And, my all-time-favorite American Idol doesn't start until January, as usual. But, how excited are we to have Ellen replace Paula? I don't know about you, but I am! Keep reading to get the full scoop for fall TV, and be sure to pull out your calendars!

Monday, September 14
Gossip Girl - The CW
One Tree Hill - The CW

Wednesday, September 16
Glee - Fox
The Beautiful Life - The CW

Thursday, September 17
Bones - Fox
Fringe - Fox
The Office - NBC

Friday, September 18
Dollhouse - Fox

Monday, September 21
Castle - ABC
CSI: Miami - CBS
Heroes - NBC
House (two-hours) - Fox

Tuesday, September 22
NCIS - CBS
NCIS: Los Angeles - CBS
The Good Wife - CBS
The Forgotten (new series) - ABC

Wednesday, September 23
Criminal Minds - CBS
CSI: NY - CBS
Eastwick - ABC
Mercy - NBC
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - NBC

Thursday, September 24
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - CBS
The Mentalist - CBS
Flash Forward (new series) - ABC
Grey's Anatomy - ABC

Friday, September 25
Ghost Whisperer - CBS
Medium - CBS
Numb3rs - CBS
Law & Order - NBC
Southland - NBC
Smallville - The CW

Sunday, September 27
Brothers & Sisters - ABC
Cold Case - CBS
Desperate Housewives - ABC

Monday, September 28
Lie to Me - Fox
Trauma - NBC

Thursday, October 1
Private Practice - ABC

Sunday, October 4
Three Rivers - CBS

Friday, October 9
Ugly Betty (two-hours) - ABC

Sunday, January 17, 2010
24 (two-hours) - Fox

Reality Shows

• Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke [VH1, Sept. 14, Mondays at 10]
• The Biggest Loser 8 news [NBC, Sept. 15, Tuesdays at 8]
• Launch My Line [Bravo, Sept. 16, Wednesdays at 10]
• Survivor Samoa [CBS, Sept. 17, Thursdays at 8]
• Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin [Food Network, September 17, Thursdays at 9]
• Alone in the Wild [National Geographic Channel, Sept. 19, Sundays at 10]
• Dancing with the Stars 9 [ABC, Sept. 21, Mondays at 8, Tuesdays at 9]
• Brick City [Sundance Channel, Sept. 21 to 25 at 10 p.m.]
• The Naughty Kitchen [Oxygen, Sept. 22, Tuesdays at 10]
• Rescue Ink Unleashed [National Geographic Channel, Sept. 25, Fridays at 10]
• The Amazing Race 15 [CBS, Sept. 27, Sundays at 8]
• Extreme Makeover: Home Edition [ABC, Sept. 27, Sundays at 8]
• My Fair Wedding [WEtv, Sept. 27, Sundays at 10]
• The Hills [MTV, Sept. 29, Tuesdays at 10]
• So You Think You Can Dance 6 [FOX, Sept. 29, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8]
• King of the Crown [TLC, Sept. 30, Wednesdays at 9]
• Bank of Mom and Dad [SOAPnet, Sept. 30, Wednesdays at 10]
• First In [BET, Oct. 2, Fridays at 10]
• Wedded to Perfection [TLC, Oct. 2, Fridays at 10]
• Bartender Wars [Fine Living Network, Oct. 2, Fridays at 10:30]
• Superfetch [Animal Planet, Oct. 3, Saturdays at 8]
• Next Iron Chef 2 [Food Network, Oct. 4, Sundays at 9]
• Gone Too Far [MTV, Oct. 5, Mondays at 10]
• Dirty Jobs [Discovery, Oct. 6, Tuesdays at 9]
• Man Shops Globe [Sundance Channel, Oct. 7, Wednesdays at 10 p.m.]
• Alaska State Troopers [National Geographic Channel, Oct. 7, Wednesdays at 10]
• Design Squad [PBS, Oct. 7]
• I’m Alive [Animal Planet, Oct. 9, Fridays at 10]
• Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan [National Geographic Channel, Oct. 9, Fridays at 9]
• Girls Next Door [E!, Oct. 11, Sundays]
• Leave it to Lamas [E!, Oct. 11, Sundays at 10]
• Million Dollar Listing [Bravo, Oct. 12 at 11, Mondays at 10]
• The 100 Mile Challenge [Planet Green, Oct. 12]
• Living with Ed [Planet Green, Oct. 21]
• The Academy: Orange County Fire [FOX Reality, Oct. 24, Saturdays at 9]
• Monica [BET, Oct. 27, Tuesdays at 10]
• Inside DTP [BET, Oct. 27, Tuesdays at 10:30]
• Ghost Adventures Live [Travel Channel, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.]
• Storm Chasers [Discovery Channel, October]
• Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew [VH1, Nov. 1, Sundays at 10]
• Steven Seagal: Lawman [A&E, December]
• Alchemy Reality [Travel Channel]
• American Ninja Warrior [G4]
• Architecture School 2 [Sundance Channel]
• Arranged Marriage [CBS, midseason]
• Bad Girls Club 4 [Oxygen, 2009]
• Be Good Johnny Weir [Sundance Channel]
• Buffalo Warriors [Planet Green, fourth quarter 2009]
• The Buried Life [MTV, December 2009]
• Celebrity Rehab 3 [VH1, fall] news
• Creature [Animal Planet]
• Ghost Lab [Discovery Channel]
• The Girls [Oxygen]
• High School Reunion 6 [TV Land, third quarter 2009]
• Hogs & Heifers [Oxygen]
• Jingles [CBS, constantly delayed]
• Kitchen Nightmares [Fox] news
• Lady and the Champ [Oxygen]
• Untitled Larry Birkhead series [E!, 2009]
• Lock ‘N Load [Showtime, 2009]
• Make My Day [TV Land]
• Monster Garage: Motor City [Discovery]
• Paranormal Cops [A&E, late 2009]
• Red Summer [Sundance Channel]
• Runaway Squad [A&E]
• Shear Genius 3 [Bravo] news
• Someone’s Gotta Go [Travel Channel]
• Southern Belles [SoapNet]
• Thunder Road [CBS]
• Toddlers and Tiaras [TLC]
• Top City Artist with Justin Bua [Sundance Channel]
• Untitled Tony Robbins show [NBC]
• Undercover Boss [CBS, midseason]
• Way Out [Showtime]
• When Women Rule the World [FOX, future uncertain]
• WWII in HD [History, 2009, fourth quarter]
• American Idol 9 [Fox, January, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8]
• Seducing Cindy [FOX Reality, Jan. 30, Saturdays at 9]
• The Streets of America: The Search for America’s Worst Driver [Travel Channel, 2010, first quarter]
• Worst Cooks in America [Food Network, January 2010]
• The Entertainer of Love [VH1, 2010]
• Jilted [WEtv, 2010]
• Girl Meets Gown [WEtv, 2010]
• Little Miss Perfect 2 [WEtv, 2010]
• The Locator [WEtv, 2010]
• The Price of Beauty [VH1, 2010]
• Untitled Pepa series [VH1, 2010]
• Untitled Chili series [VH1, 2010]
• The Next Food Network Star 6 [Food Network, summer 2010]
• Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House 2 [VH1, 2010]
• Circus [PBS, fall 2010]
• Worldwide Tribe [Travel Channel, 2010, first quarter]
• High School Confidential 2 [WEtv, 2013]

What are you looking forward to this fall? And what are your takes on some shows that have already premiered?

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Coping with Childhood Anxiety

By Guest Blogger Kurt L. Klinepeter, M.D. Pediatric Behavioral Medicine Specialist

From our adult perspective, we typically think about childhood as a care-free time without significant worry or anxiety. Certain situations may cause children and adolescents to be acutely anxious -- but not for long and not in a chronic, life-changing way. However, childhood anxiety is more common than most people think and if it is sustained for longer periods of time should be addressed.

Many children and adolescents, just like adults, can have situational anxiety – or become nervous in a situation that makes them uncomfortable. For example, speaking in public or going to a party in a new neighborhood where you know no one. However, many people experience significant behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms that affect their day-to-day lives. Anxiety disorders are estimated to occur in 5-10% of children. Children with anxiety disorders will panic when placed in an uncomfortable situation. The child will appear to “freeze” or become paralyzed.

Some anxiety symptoms are the same for children/adolescents and adults, but some symptoms are unique to children and adolescents. The age of the child/adolescent and their developmental stage are major determining factors in how they express anxiety. In general, adults are able to identify the sources of their anxiety. Children and adolescents, however, may react to anxiety by crying, throwing tantrums, participating in other disruptive behaviors, develop sleep difficulties, or by withdrawing from everyday activities. This makes anxiety disorders more difficult to diagnose in children. Often parents will attribute it to a “phase” that the child is going through. In addition, it is not unusual to have a mixture of different anxiety subtypes - separation, social, obsessive, and generalized anxiety – and overlap with other childhood behavior disorders. However, if a child experiences extreme behavior in a particular situation more times than not, parents need to discuss the situation with their pediatrician.

Social anxiety can occur at the individual relationship level or as a reaction to group social settings. Some children respond by obsessing or “stressing” before going to group social functions. Other children go to the extreme and shut down altogether. For example, selective mutism is a rare type of social anxiety in childhood. Affected children do not talk in some social settings while being perfectly able to talk with parents or other family members at home.

Obsessive anxiety may be paired with compulsive rituals, such as washing your hands over and over, and may occur with or without other types of anxiety disorders. Social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors may be part of other conditions such as autism spectrum disorders. It is not unusual for these types of anxiety disorders to overlap and for children to have more than one type of anxiety disorder.

Anxiety and depression are common in teenagers and often go undiagnosed and unrecognized by their parents. Depressed teenagers rarely act out and parents often think their teenager is “going through a phase” or having trouble with a boyfriend/girlfriend. In fact, teenagers often self-report their anxiety and depression before a parent.

Treatment strategies are generally split into two categories: non-medical and medical. The challenge from a non-medical standpoint is that children and young adolescents do not recognize the dysfunctional nature of their anxiety and the effects that it has on them and others. Therefore, individual counseling is rarely an effective treatment strategy until the individual (usually in adolescence) can identify his or her own anxiousness and actively participate in treatment. Until that developmental stage, non-medical treatment is really about parents, teachers, and others who supervise a child’s daily life to avoid known anxiety triggers. The ability to “read” one’s child and respond proactively before an acute episode occurs or be able to effectively moderate acute anxiety is the mainstay of treatment for young children. This requires a great deal of understanding on the part of parents and others. Behavioral-emotional symptoms in children can be indicators of a real and significant behavioral health disorder.

Medication management for anxiety is popular in treating adults and many different types of FDA-approved medications are available. But, response rates to medication management in children and, to some extent, adolescents are much less predictable. Only a small group of anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective and even with that, not all of them are approved for use for all ages. Nevertheless, in extreme situations, medication management may be used along with non-medication treatment techniques in an attempt to improve the lives of children/adolescents and their families.

Childhood anxiety can be stressful for both parents and the child, but help is available. If you think your child is experiencing more than episodic anxiety, talk with your pediatrician about what resources are available to your family. Recognizing the issue is the first step in successful treatment.

Visit www.brennerchildrens.org for more info on childhood anxiety.

Thank you, Dr. Klinepeter, for this wealth of information. To any moms out there who may have children or teens struggling with the issues above - we hope this has helped. If you and your pediatrician do decide to seek some sort of counseling for your child, we have a mom-recommended list here that will help.

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Smarty Mom: Dee Priddy

By Rachel H

When I think of the Priddy family, the first thing that comes to my mind is FUN! I met Dee and her husband, Jeff, about six years ago. As soon as we found ourselves side-by-side jamming to Usher’s “Yeah” at the annual church Valentine’s Dance, I knew we’d be friends!

Jeff and Dee have lived in the Triad for 15 years. They have three children, Paige (15), Jacob (11) and Lauren (10). These kids are so well-mannered and also FUN! My children think they all hung the moon.

Dee has spent many of her mom years volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, coaching cheerleaders, and leading Girl Scouts. She has also been active in the Junior League and St. Leo’s church. Dee is also a great artist and has begun taking classes again over the past few years. On top of all this, she somehow fits in a full-time job. Dee is a realtor at Coldwell Banker’s Stratford Office and truly loves what she does. In her spare time, she also enjoys playing tennis, golfing, and boating.

I am excited for you to read Dee’s smarty answers …

Between your full-time job, volunteer positions, art classes, and three kids with a plethora of after-school activities, you obviously have great time management. Tell us your best tips for juggling all of this.
My best tip for juggling a busy life is to stay organized from the very beginning of each new endeavor and keep a family calendar up to date. I also couldn’t live without sticky notes!!!

Which volunteer organization has been the most rewarding for you?
My most rewarding was with the Forsyth County Broncos Pop Warner Little League. I coached cheerleading to 7 and 8 year olds. It was great watching them learn how to be team players and showing them how if they all work together the reward will be great. They had a non-competitive competition at the coliseum. I was proud to have been a part of it and loved seeing the smiling faces of the kids, as well as their parents.

Since you have lived in the Triad for 15 years, it must be great to show off our area to prospective clients. As a realtor, what is your favorite thing to show new clients?
My favorite thing to show new clients is our downtown. It has come such a long way in the 15 years I’ve been here. Between the history, the arts, the dining and entertainment, we are very lucky to have this as a part of our city.

What has been the biggest challenge of being a mom to three kids in their tweens and teens?
Definitely juggling their activities. It’s hard as parents when we have to split up for different activities and I’m not able to see one of my child’s games.

What is the smartiest way you save money?
Planning meals ahead of time. Sometimes the days get so crazy and it’s so easy to stop and pick up a meal, where I usually end up spending a lot more for it.

What is your favorite family activity?
We love going out on our boat. We keep it at Oak Island and love tubing, skiing and visiting different islands.

Favorite “me-time” activity?
My favorite me-time activity would be to work on an art project without any interruptions.

Favorite place to eat dinner as a family?
The Filling Station

Favorite date night spot?
Any restaurant downtown with some outdoor seating and live music.

Favorite book you have read?
My favorite genre of books are romance murder mysteries.

Best place to eat lunch with the kids?
A Mexican restaurant where there is always Tostito chips for them to snack on.

Favorite place to shop for children’s clothes?
Any one- stop shopping which is where they want to shop and don’t feel a need to go to ten different stores. Our latest is Sand and Surf Shops and Outdoor Provision types.

What is the best birthday party you have attended?
My own 40th birthday party that my husband threw for me. We had an acoustic guitar player, a martini bar and a fire performer. Wow, what fun!

What is your favorite mom’s must have item for around the house?
The Swiffer mops - wet and dry. They make my life so much easier. Broom, bucket, mop … way too much work.

Mini-van or SUV? SUV, but I’m ready for car.

Favorite park in the Triad? Tanglewood

Favorite or most helpful blog you have read on Triad Smarty Pants thus far?
My favorite blogs are “weekend events” it is so easy to see what’s going on around town for the family.

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
We are close to the beach and the mountains.

I could not live without my... Lowes Foods to Go

I wish someone had told me sooner about … I wish someone had told me that when choosing what to volunteer with when your child starts school, choose something where you’ll be with your child, because as they get older they won’t want you in their classrooms and that’s when you could volunteer in other areas.

Thank you, Dee, for all of your great advice. Let us know when you have some extra seats on that boat for us! :)

TSP readers - if you know someone who is a Smarty Mom or Dad, email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com and send us your nomination.

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Smarty Birthday Party Directory

Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem -There is no better place to enjoy “stepping into a story” than the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, particularly on your birthday! Let us help you plan an exciting birthday for the child in your life. The museum offers a variety of packages for every budget. All parties include use of a private party room, full day of admission to the museum for your guests, and a museum party assistant for one hour. Packages range from a “Do it Yourself” package to “We Do it All” parties that include Pirate, Princess, Penguin and Mrs. Cottontail presents Beatrix Potter Bunny themes. From Sept. 26- Jan. 3, party with the biggest, sweetest, red dog in town, Clifford! Mention Triad Smarty Pants for a 10 percent discount on your next party. (Discount not valid for current members.) 336-723-9111


Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem Make your child a STAR on their Birthday! It’s the most unique birthday party in town! Make your child the star of the show with a birthday party at the Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem. Parties are held at the Arts Council Theatre and are creatively designed to give your child and guests a rare “behind-the-scenes experience” of live theatre. Party options may include a tour of the stage and costume shop and more. Customize your party to include improv skits, scene games and a live performance, directed by a Children's Theatre acting instructor. 336.725.4531



SciWorks - Birthday Parties are a BLAST at SciWorks – and the best value in town! Learn about science while having fun in our spacious hands-on exhibit galleries, see the animals in the barnyard and a public Planetarium Show! Bring your cake and goodies into FoodWorks and celebrate! Lots of guests? No problem! We will give you the “group rate”. Members are always FREE! Just be sure they bring their card. It’s best to let us know you’re coming so that we can reserve 3 tables (only if you’re a member.) Please contact Tiffany Weisner – 714-7105 or tweisner@sciworks.org.

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Smarty Sponsor: Martha Nichols, Travel Consultant for Aladdin Travel

By Rachel H

It is no wonder why so many moms planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World are overwhelmed! WDW is 54 square miles consisting of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 25 Resorts, 4 golf courses, and over 500 different types of dining experiences. If you are like me, I opened the planning guide, flipped through a few pages and put it back down. I had no idea where to begin. The more I asked for advice from others, the more confused I became. Have no fear! Triad Smarty Pants has your answer to a Disney Vacation that can be planned stress-free. Let me introduce Martha Nichols, who is an Independent Travel Consultant specializing in Disney Destinations.

Martha is a mom herself, who lives right here in the Triad. She provides a concierge style service for no additional fee that includes resort & travel reservations; vacation and itinerary planning services; and dining, tours and recreation reservations. Because the quotes come directly from Disney, they are the same prices that you would be given if you booked the vacation yourself!

Martha monitors Disney’s Special Offers to maximize your vacation dollars, saving you money. Martha has specialized knowledge of Disney Destinations Travel from Disney’s College of Knowledge and onsite Agent Education Programs for Walt Disney World® Resorts and Disney Cruise Line®. She is with Aladdin’s Magical Journeys, an Affiliate of Aladdin Travel & Meeting Planners. Aladdin Travel is designated by Disney Destinations Travel as an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” agency. Aladdin Travel is a locally owned and operated travel company that has been in business for over 35 years.

One of our TSP readers, Karen C., had this to say about her experience with Martha and her trip to Walt Disney World®. "Earlier this year, my husband and I decided we would surprise our girls (ages 5 & 3) with a trip to Walt Disney World®. We had been a couple of years ago, but this time, we enlisted Martha to help us plan our trip. We couldn’t have been more pleased! An experienced Disney traveler & Mom herself, Martha was full of great ideas and suggestions that really fit our family’s needs. She handled all of our accommodation and dinner reservations ahead of time, suggesting fun character meals and shows that my girls would like. Before our trip, she worked with us to provide a basic “itinerary” of our week with helpful information and tips for our days at the various parks. Planning with Martha, we were definitely able to maximize our family’s experience without overwhelming our little ones. She took care of every detail, making this one of the easiest and most pleasant vacations ever! Our time at Walt Disney World® was truly magical…we made priceless memories with our girls. We hope to go back one day – and, when we do, we’ll certainly call Martha again!"

Martha has such a grand knowledge of Walt Disney World®, and she has even provided us with some spectacular Smarty Tips that you will no doubt need to keep at your fingertips.
• If you are traveling with a child 5 years or younger, plan on using a stroller. You can expect to walk 5 to 10 miles a day and this can be hard on little feet and legs. You can bring your own stroller, rent one at the parks, or arrange to rent one through a local rental agency.
• The toilets at Walt Disney World® are the automatic flush types. If you have a little one that is terrified of the toilet flushing while they are sitting on it, bring a pack of post-it notes in your backpack and put one over the sensor when you enter the stall. This will keep the toilet from flushing until the post-it is removed.
• Try to keep to your child’s schedule while on vacation. Plan meals during their usual eating times, and take a midday break. This will help to minimize tired melt downs that can ruin everyone’s mood.
• Locate the Baby Care Center is at each of the parks if you are traveling with little ones. This is an air conditioned oasis that is equipped with changing tables, rockers, highchairs, private nursing areas, and bathrooms. In addition to having a stock of diapers, wipes, and baby food, they have children’s Tylenol and Motrin. The cast members are welcoming to children of all ages (even my 6 year old who had a headache and needed Tylenol).
• Don’t want to go all the way back to your resort for a break? Hop over to one of the resorts close to the park. Get something cold to drink from one of the quick service restaurants, sit in the lobby, enjoy the AC, and explore the resort. It will be quieter and less crowded than the parks, offering you a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Often the resorts offer activities in the afternoon for little ones. Check with the concierge desk for a list of activities. You do not have to be a resort guest to participate and they are often free of charge.
• Because of show schedules and crowds, it is difficult to do and see everything that a park has to offer in 1 day. Understand that you cannot do and see everything that Disney has to offer in one vacation. Prioritize each family member’s want-to-do list and focus on enjoying the magical moments that happen at Walt Disney World®.
• If you desire to dine at a sit down restaurant, make Advanced Dining Reservations well in advance. Because of the popularity of Disney’s Dining Plans, many restaurants book up well in advance and cannot accommodate guests without a reservation. Currently Disney has a 90 day window for making those reservations, but is planning to extend that window to a 180 day window in October 2009. For those guests that are staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort, you can make all of your dining reservations 90 days in advance of your check in date. Now you can make your ADRs online or over the phone.
• Want to get pictures with and autographs of the characters? Character Dining Experiences are a great way to do so and allows you to avoid standing in line at the parks to see the characters.
• At each of the parks, there is a Character Breakfast at a restaurant that opens before the parks operating hours. Try to schedule your meal for a time before the parks open. If you can get a reservation time at 8 AM, you should be finishing your meal and time with the characters close to the park opening time. You will already be in the park and closer to the attractions that you want to experience.
• The crowds at Walt Disney World® start to pick up between 11 AM and 1 PM. Plan to arrive at the parks when they open so that you can enjoy the attractions with less crowds. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort, take advantage of the Early Extra Magic Hour and get into the park an hour before it opens to the general public.
• Consider getting the Hopper Option added to your park passes. This will allow you access to more than 1 park a day. Each of the parks tend to be more crowded on the days of Extra Magic Hours. The Hopper Option allows you to take advantage of the EMHs, but leave when the crowds pick up and hop on over to a less crowded park. It also allows you to spend the morning at one park, leave for a midday break, and return to a different park for dinner and the nighttime activities.
• Traveling with little ones that do not meet the height requirements? Disney offers “Parent Rider Switch” which allows one parent to ride, while the other parent stays with the smaller child. A cast member will give you a pass that will allow the second parent to avoid standing in the stand by line. This is great if you have an older child, because the pass will allow you to take the older child on the ride for a second time!

If these tips were helpful to you, keep in mind that this is just the beginning of what Martha can offer you in advice and planning. Contact Martha Nichols at Martha.nichols@aladdintravel.com or 336-671-1995 for more information or a free quote for travel to Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disneyland® Resort, Adventures By Disney, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, or Disney’s Hilton Head Resort. Then just sit back, relax, and wait for your vacation day to arrive!

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Smarty Scoop on Weekend Events

By Rachel H and Katie M

‘Tis the season for consignment sales! We have a great list below of all the Triad sales going on this weekend, but first off, we want to focus on our Smarty Sponsor, the Children’s Boutique Resale. Start gathering your clothes now to prepare to consign at this one-of-a-kind event! This is a semi-annual sale that is now preparing for the sale of fall/winter items. This year you can also buy and sell boutique maternity clothing as well as Halloween costumes. CBR has a very unique shopping experience where you will find beautiful children's gently worn designer, boutique and smocked clothing at fantastic prices! CBR’s motto is “Wear it. Love it. Pass it on!”

The Children’s Boutique Resale prides itself on making selling convenient and profitable for busy moms. There are no admission fees or registration fees. You keep 60% of your profit! They do not have a 1/2 price sale day, so the price you list is the price you will receive! You are not required to volunteer to work a shift. You will simply tag your items (or use their tagging service) and drop them off on Thursday, October 1st between 9am-4pm. As a consignor, you are invited to shop a preview sale that night from 6-8pm. The sale will be open to the public Oct. 2-3.

The sale keeps growing and is happy to announce that this year’s new location will be 1214-C Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem (formerly If It's Paper location). If you have a unique kid-friendly business that you would like to promote at the sale, you can do so with a booth this year. Limited spaces are available, so call Kari at 765-4975 to secure your spot. For all the details concerning CBR, please visit the website here, or email Kari Allison at emmaafter@yahoo.com. Register now to consign! Whether you are a consignor or a shopper, you will love, love, love this sale!

As for the rest of Smarty scoop, read on and on. There is lots going on!

Friendly Avenue Baptist Church Consignment Sale
Friday, Sept 11 9:00 a.m. - 8:00p.m, and Saturday, Sept 12 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, 4800 W. Friendly Ave., GSO
336-292-3578

First Presbyterian Church Consignment Sale
Friday, Sept. 11 from 9:30 am to 7 pm, Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 am to Noon (half-price sale on Saturday)
First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro
336-373-0445

First Christian Academy & Preschool Consignment Sale
Thurs, Sept 10 from 6-8; Fri, Sept 11 from 8-2 & 5-7; Sat, Sept 12 from 8-12 (Half price sale on most items)
1130 North Main St. in Kernersville (on NC 150 between Oak Ridge and Kernersville)
Cash, checks, Mastercard & Visa accepted. 336-996-7388

KidShare’s Fall & Winter Sale
Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th.
Neil Bolton Home and Garden Building, LJVM Coliseum/Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, W-S
If you would like to make 65% profit on your gently used baby and kids items please e-mail us at kidshare@triad.rr.com and let us know that you are interested. You can use the same consignor number that you have in the past, so that it is easier for you to tag items as you pack them away. We do still have a few volunteer shifts available and would love to have you help. All volunteers are invited to our pre-sale on Thursday, September 10th from 5-8 p.m. Thank you in advance for your consideration as our event would not be successful if it were not for our Consignors & Volunteers!!(336) 723-7211

111th Annual Central Carolina Fair
See dates and times below
Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Lee St., GSO
Featuring spectacular rides, carnival food and games, thousands of exhibits brought to you by local 4H groups, the Carolina Feather Fanciers poultry show, Sandhills Rabbit Fanciers rabbit show and wholesome family entertainment and attractions for everyone. Adults, $5; children 10 and under, free. Single ride tickets $1. Friday, Sept. 11 5-1 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 12 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 13 1-11 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 14–Friday, Sept. 18 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 20 1-6 p.m. Phone: 336-373-4386.

SciWorks’ Fall Laser Shows
Friday, September 11
SciWorks, 400 W. Hanes Mill Road, W-S
Showing laser shows each night featuring "The Beatles in Laser" 7 p.m., "Pink Floyd –The Best of Echoes" 8 p.m., "Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon" 9:15 p.m. and Led Zepplin 10:30 p.m. $6 per show or $10 for two shows on same night. Phone: 336-767-6730.

St. Paul's Church Kids Consignment Sale
Friday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, GSO
Shop the sale for quality fall/winter clothing sizes infant through 20), toys, games, books, bikes, baby equipment, furniture, strollers, gently worn shoes, car seats, in-season maternity wear and much more. Phone: 336-294-4696 ext 250.

Twin City Mother of Multiples Consignment Sale
Saturday, September 12th, 7am - Noon
Parkway Presbyterian Church, on Silas-Creek Pwy at Yorkshire Rd, W-S
It's that time of year again...our club is having another HUGE sale which will include FALL and WINTER clothing, (for infants, toddlers and children of all ages), maternity clothing, toys, books, equipment...the list goes on. It is open to the public so be there early - we usually have a large crowd.

Lewisville United Methodist Church Clothing Exchange
Saturday Sept. 12th from 8am – 1pm
Lewisville United Methodist Preschool, at the intersection of Lewisville-Vienna Rd and Shallowford Rd, W-S
Half-price sale on Monday Sept. 14th from 9:30am – 11am and 5pm-8pm.

Christ Community Consignment Sale
Sat Sept 12 ONLY from 8 am to Noon, and from 1 - 4 pm
Christ Community, 369 Air Harbor Rd., GSO
336-288-2365

Character Meet and Greet
Saturday, September 12 at 11 am
Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St., W-S
Meet a beloved storybook character during one of our Character Meet and Greets. You will hear a story about the character, play some games, and do a craft activity. Parents, bring your camera! Free with museum admission, $7. Phone: 336-723-9111.

Cookie Mouse at Greensboro Children's Museum
Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO
The loveable character Cookie Mouse will be visiting GCM this weekend. Appearances throughout the day. Come see what happens if you give a mouse a cookie! Free with museum admission, Saturday, $6 and Sunday, $3. Phone: 336-574-2898.

BOOKMARKS Festival of Books
Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Downtown Arts District, Sixth and Trade Streets, W-S
Fifth annual book festival featuring a mix of local, regional and nationally renowned authors encompassing the range of literary genres, performers, reading-related exhibitors, plus a variety of food vendors. Young Readers Corral features kids book-related activities and guest authors. Free.

Corn Shuck Doll Making
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.
High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., HP
Phone: 336-885-1859.
Discover how Native Americans and early Quaker settlers used things from the natural environment to make toys. Costumed interpreters will show you how to make your own corn shuck doll to take home. $1 per doll.

Early Expressions - Sign with Your Baby Workshop
Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
O’Baby Organics, 33 Miller St., W-S
Discover the real secret to communicating with your baby. This workshop is based on the award-winning Sign with your Baby® program. Parents and children are invited to attend this interactive time of learning, signing, and singing. Expectant parents, as well as parents and caregivers of newborns through 3 years old are encouraged to participate in this workshop with their children. Registration required. $35 includes workshop and "Sign with your Baby" book. Phone: 336-624-8723.

Healthy Kids, Happy Smiles
Saturday, September 12 from 10 am - 2 pm
Lake Jeanette Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry , 3901 N. Elm St., GSO
Join the Triad Smarty Pants team at this community health event featuring registered dieticians from UNCG, Eagle Physicians Pediatricians, American Cancer Society, Greensboro Children's Museum, YMCA, Greensboro Fire Safety Education with fire truck and a bounce house. All proceeds benefit Guilford Interfaith Hospitality Network. Free refreshments, games and activities as well as door prizes including a Wii family game set. Free. Phone: 336-286-0200.

N.C. Literary Festival
Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, outside Bynum Hall and South Building, Chapel Hill
Children’s activities and authors will be featured as well as 13 children’s storytellers, authors and illustrators will take the children’s main stage. The fun will begin with the Kids Character Parade at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, led by character mascots and children's authors. Children are invited to dress as their favorite book characters and join the procession. Recommended for kids 12 and under. Free. Phone: 919-962-8589

Our Lady of Mercy School Rummage Sale
Saturday, September 12 from 8 am to 2 pm
Our Lady of Mercy School, 1730 Link Road, W-S
Community rummage sale to raise money for new computers for the school. Great buys on gently used and new household goods, tools, toys, games, small appliances, holiday items, Halloween costumes, baby equipment, sporting goods, exercise equipment, ladies accessories, and books. From noon to 2 p.m. you can come and fill a paper grocery bag for just $5. There will be a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes too. Free admission.

The Pregnant Pause
Saturday, September 12 from 11 am to 2 pm
Oak Hollow Mall, HP
This fun and interactive event includes a Diaper Derby, Fashion Show, Mommy Mixer, raffles and giveaways all led by Fox 8's Julie Luck. Registration required for the Diaper Derby. Free food and beverages. Free. Phone: 336-883-0650 x230.

The Winston-Salem Air Show
Saturday, September 12 from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Smith Reynolds Airport, 3801 N Liberty St., W-S
The annual Air Show offers a weekend of family activities and displays such as aerial demonstrations, live music, simulators, helicopter and airplane rides, children's activities, static display aircraft, food and beverages, souvenirs, historic aircraft and much more. $11 advance/$15 gate; 12 and under, free; Military: $6 advance/$10 gate. Phone: 866-728-4200.

Pooches in the Pool
Sunday, September 13 from 4 pm to 7 pm
Dave's Mountain Tennis and Swim Club, 1988 Berkley Lane, Asheboro
Let your dogs get wet and wild to celebrate the end of summer with Ruff Love Dog Rescue's canine and people party. Doggie swimsuit contest is at 5 p.m. Entry fee is $5 per person (dogs free!) and includes a sandwich, chips and drink. Dogs get to go in the pool! All proceeds benefit Ruff Love, which finds homes for homeless dogs. Phone: 336-880-5431.

And for all you consignment sale junkies, a TSP reader wrote us to say she started a web site with her mom to map and sort all of the sales this season! Please take a look at her site and be sure to bookmark it! It's http://consignmentmommies.com.

What else did we forget? Let us know in the comments below!

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Seeds of Love for Errol

By Guest Blogger Jonathan Milner and Katie M.

In a certain sense we all start dying as soon as we are born, but with the birth of our son, Errol Milner Clifford, death came to take him immediately.

The first sound a healthy newborn makes is a loud cry. From the moment of his delivery we waited for this sharp wail of life. It did not come. The midwife patted his back to force the cry. It did not come. The nurse suctioned his lungs. It did not come. The midwife gave him oxygen. The cry did not come.

Through our tears of joy and exhaustion and excitement we realized that something was wrong with our child. He would not cry. Something was keeping him from this world. Something was terribly wrong.

This was not the arrival we had anticipated. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but we had assumed that the prenatal yoga, vitamins, sobriety, child birthing classes, and good humor we kept would protect us from danger, fear, death, this.

After the heat lamp failed to increase his pulse rate and after the oxygen mask was unable to sustain his breathing we rushed to the hospital ten minutes away. Errol was fading from the new life he had just begun. - JM

Errol lives down the street from me, and while I knew he and his family have been bravely battling a host of challenges, I never fully realized their struggles until I read the articles that have been running in Forsyth Family magazine. It’s an unbelievable story that not only moves you, but stays with you.

The introduction to today’s post is the first in a series of blogs that Errol’s dad, Jonathan, has been writing since Errol’s birth. Beautifully written, these entries detail the journey that parents Jonathan and Cary (and their five-year-old son Owen) have endured for the past three years.

You can follow Jonathan’s blog by clicking here. And not only does the family chronicle their story, but they – along with a community of friends and family – have started Seeds of Love for Errol - a series of fundraising events to help cover the medical costs of Errol who suffers from a rare heart defect called Pulmonary Atresia (Errol just recently endured his third open heart surgery), as well as other problems – terrible vision, mental retardation, low muscle tone, and poor bones and teeth. Yet despite all this, Errol is one of the happiest kids and has a wonderful personality.

The culmination of Seeds of Love for Errol is a community dinner and raffle. On September 19 at 6:30 pm at the Vintage Theatre (on Vintage Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood of Winston-Salem), the event will include a dinner, wine tasting, live music and a raffle. The meal will be prepared by local chefs using the food locally grown in the gardens in and around the Washington Park neighborhood. Neighbors have banded together to grow produce specifically for this event, many of whom have never planted a garden before. The idea is to create a low carbon footprint meal; therefore, helping the environment as much as the event helps Errol. John LeBlanc, a filmmaker, and his students from the North Carolina School of the Arts are filming a documentary about the fundraiser and the neighborhood coming together for the common good. Winston-Salem Mayor Joines will open the event.

Any one can attend, and all are encouraged to do so. Tickets are $40 each, and you can email Eddie Ingle at eingle@unifi.com or call him at 336-816-7333 to purchase your tickets. In addition, the event will feature a raffle (click here to see the amazing items being raffled off), and you can purchase raffle tickets in advance through Cathy Cooper 336-575-7146 or Eddie Ingle at 336-816-7333.

Leading up to this dinner event, Seeds of Love for Errol has been holding multiple fundraising activities throughout the summer, including Children’s Heart Awareness Day in late August, as well as bake sales and lemonade stands.

You can learn more about sweet Errol, his amazing family, and this wonderful community event by visiting the web site www.SeedsofLoveforErrol. We hope you can attend and support Errol! - KM

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Smarty Alert: Flubber + Hair = Catastrophe

By Rachel H

OK, so remember our post about Flubber? Well, it is a great craft and tons of fun, but I thought I'd give you a warning that it does not mix well with hair!

My son, Jake, decided to put a huge clump of Flubber on his head this weekend. At first, I will admit, it was actually pretty funny, as he looked like Medusa. But then when he went to take the Flubber off his head, it was stuck all over. As you can tell from pictures above, it was GROSS! He was smiling here, but not when I tried to comb this stuff out!

First we just put him in the shower and tried to wash it out. No luck. Then we put ice on it, no luck again. We tried to comb it out and heard nothing but screams from Jake. My husband claimed he was done and headed upstairs to get the electric razor and give Jake a crew cut. Of course I was not wanting the shaved head and I was really not wanting to pull out the peanut butter, so googled, "How do I get glue out of hair?" and they suggested Baby Oil. I poured it all over his head, let it sit for about 20 minutes and then slowly but surely, it came out!

We got one of my daughter's Barbie combs since it had smaller teeth and it worked like a charm! It took a long time, but we got most out and then he jumped in the shower to wash out the remainder. All is now back to normal and I am prepared for the next "something is stuck in my hair" episode.

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Smarty Day Trip Series: Childress Vineyards

By Rachel H




Although summer is coming to an end, there are many weekends ahead to take advantage of some of our Smarty Day Trip ideas. Today I would like to tell you more about Childress Vineyards. I know that it does not sound like the type of place that you would normally take children, but we spent an afternoon there with our kids and it was fantastic. Childress Vineyards is located in Lexington, which is less than 20 minutes from the I-40/US-52 intersection. Just take 52 south and you are there in no time!

I would recommend taking your family here any weekend from May-October because they offer Music in the Vineyards during these months from 11am-3pm. These performances are free, and so much fun. We visited when a beach music group was playing and we loved sitting on the lawn listening to music for the afternoon. I will admit that I am not usually a wine-drinking gal, (sorry Mr. Childress) but I did have a glass of one of their signature wines that afternoon and it was excellent.

The kids loved the nearby pond and dancing around on the lawn. My favorite part of the day was the delicious lunch we had on the balcony. The weather was perfect for an outdoor lunch, and I swear it was the best chicken salad sandwich I had ever eaten! The building itself is gorgeous and makes you feel like you are visiting a Tuscan villa!

The winery also has free tours and tasting rooms during the week and on weekends. (Please check the website for exact times.) On Friday, September 18th, the vineyards are hosting a Harvest Party from 7-10pm with wine, food, music, and the annual grape stomp, so this might be a good time to line up a sitter and have a date night!

Another date that caught my eye on their website was Wednesday, November 11th. From 10am-8pm, they are hosting a Christmas Open House with discounts on all wine. They will have hourly drawings along with wine, cheese, bread and fruit to enjoy while shopping. Live music will be from 5-8 p.m. Sounds like a fun day with the ladies to me.

There is also a shopping center next to the vineyards that I think only has two stores presently in it, but one is Mike Helsabeck’s gallery. Mike is a local artist from High Point, who is an Appalachian State Graduate (Go App! It’s great to be a Mountaineer!) Definitely check out the gallery if it is open and if your children can enter without destroying anything!

Visit the website for more details. I hope you enjoy Childress Vineyards as much as we did!

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