What’s really lurking on those shopping carts? Next time you hit the grocery store pack your hand sanitizer. How many times have you tried a taste of something here or a sample there? Yuck! Now think of what you are really putting into your mouth. I’m completely aware that the majority of grocer chains have put sanitizing wipes next to the entrance near the carts, but there is obviously something missing. Check out this story from Fox News and try not to gag.

The next time you head to the grocery store, you might want to arm yourself with some antibacterial wipes, and maybe some disposable gloves before you grab a shopping cart.

That’s because those carts are actually dirtier than a public bathroom, according to researchers at the University of Arizona, who swabbed the handles of 85 carts in four states looking for bacterial contamination, USA Today reported.

In the end, they found 72 percent of the carts had a positive marker for fecal matter, and 50 percent had E. coli.

RELATED: The Germiest Jobs

Researchers said they found more fecal matter on the shopping cart handles than a typical bathroom due to the fact that bathrooms are disinfected more often than these carts.

The lead researcher, professor Charles Gerba, also recommends that shoppers keep a close-eye on those reusable shopping bags because they can become what he calls a “bacterial swamp.”

Click here to read more form USA Today.

Read more: Fox News

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

fecal matter found on 72 percent of grocery carts is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Yoga is favorite pastime for young and old these days. It is an amazing way to release stress, encourage blood flow and aid in flexibility and coordination. Kids can have rough days too. Whether its sports, homework, or other stress yoga can help them focus and work on self-control. Yoga teaches control of breathe that promotes peace and holistic wellness. Before my almost 3 year old even tried Storyland Yoga he has mastered such poses as downward dog and tree pose, just from mimicking me. Therefore these shortened yoga classes that incorporate nature and  teaching lessons are a natural extension from groups, classes and school.

Storyland Yoga is a fun-filled adventure that infuses children with an eco-conscious message.  Two unique stories,  “Save the Whale” and “Condor Trek” engage a child’s imagination through storytelling.  Kid’s learn yoga postures by becoming part of the story and imitating animals. Yoga is great exercise and helps to calm children giving them greater focus and increased clarity.  Storyland Yoga is equally fun for parents and family members who can benefit from yoga, while enjoying ‘organic time’ with their children.

Ages 3 – 8

Condor Trek Run Time: 23:18

Save the Whale Run Time: 18:30

Produced by Playful Planet:

‘Empowering Kids and Their Families to Be Healthy and Live Sustainably.’

100% Recycled Packaging

To purchase one of your own check out amazon.com

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

storyland yoga review is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Germs are everywhere! It can be a big challenge trying to teach our kiddos the reasoning behind safety measures; washing hands often can seem like a never ending task for them. Ever since receiving our Soap Soundz to try my son doesn’t stop washing his hands. After each run to the potty, after every single meal he runs upstairs to his bathroom where is little stool is in place for her 5 minute water session. Soap Soundz developed an amazing concept while integrating music into an otherwise repetitive task. Dane loves to hear what his soap has to say and he now knows how long it takes to properly get his hands rid of germs. (sometimes way longer than necessary!) The music also acts as a timer, playing for 20 seconds, the minimum wash time for effective hand washing (CDC).

Soap Soundz® Musical Hand Soap is a brand new product that is just starting to appear in major retailers.  It might look like an ordinary bottle of liquid hand soap….but when the user pushes the pump down, they are treated to a musical tune or message, emitted from the bottle, as they wash their hands. With sets available for each holiday plus the Hygeiene Heroes collection a Soap Soundz would be a great stocking stuffer that is fun and helpful!

Keep up with new additions through Facebook and Twitter.

This Product Was a Free Review

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

soap soundz stocking stuffers is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Working parents and stay at home moms and dads all have tight schedules. I don’t think that there is any parent out there who really WANTS to give their kids fast food except for a special treat and the convenience of the Happy Meal. Unfortunately our society makes it harder and more expensive to live a healthy lifestyle. Last week I ran across this great list of the top 5 healthiest fast foods restaurants. Don’t feel guilty about having to grab a meal on the go, just make sure that you take advantage of the healthier options.

#1 Panera Bread
Over 1,230 locations nationwide (and in Canada)

This bakery-cafe-based eatery wowed our judges with a comprehensive menu of healthy choices for every meal. “Variety makes it easy for everyone to choose healthy,” praises registered dietitian and panelist Marisa Moore. What does that mean for you? For starters, you can pick from two whole-grain breads for your sandwich and have an apple with it instead of chips (though the chips are fine, too—they can be baked!). Half-size soups, salads, and sandwiches make it a cinch to control portion size. Also, most of the chicken is antibiotic- and hormone-free, a rarity for large chains.

Panera also won top honors for kid fare, dishing out RD-approved crowd-pleasers like squeezable organic yogurt, PB&J (with all-natural peanut butter), and grilled organic cheese on white whole-grain bread.

We love: Delicious, nutrient-packed combos like a half–Turkey Artichoke on focaccia bread with a bowl of black bean or garden vegetable soup.
Danger zone: Sticky buns and cheese danishes are on display at the counter.

#2 Jason’s Deli
206 locations in the West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South

How did this up-and-comer snag second place? Largely because of its devotion to organic food: About one-fifth of all its ingredients are organic, from blue-corn tortilla chips and whole-wheat wraps to field greens and spinach. Plus, its creative salads—like the Nutty Mixed-Up Salad with organic field greens, grapes, chicken breast, feta cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, pumpkinseeds, raisins, and organic apples—make you actually want to order the greens.

Our judges applauded the portion-control option: Reduced sizes of, say, a stuffed baked potato, are $1 less. Jason’s menu also highlights ultrahealthy sandwiches and provides the nutitional info.

We love: Being able to build any sandwich on an organic whole-wheat wrap.
Danger zone: High-sodium counts on some sandwiches; if sodium is a concern, stick to the ultrahealthy choices.

#3 Au Bon Pain
280 locations nationwide

A pioneer in healthy fast food, Au Bon Pain serves up sandwiches, soups, salads, and hot entrees made with whole grains, veggies, and hormone-free chicken.

New this year: Portions, a 14-item menu of nutritious small plates—from appetizers like apples, blue cheese, and cranberries to salads like chickpea and tomato—all of which are less than 200 calories. Another impressive feature: Au Bon Pain provides on-site nutritional information via computer kiosks, so before you even order you know each option’s calories, fat, and sodium. “It’s a great way to empower customers,” praises judge Amy Jamieson-Petonic.

We love: Yummy low-cal soups, from Jamaican Black Bean to Fire Roasted Exotic Grains and Vegetables.
Danger zone: The sodium counts can get high if you don’t pay attention.

#4 Noodles and Company
204 locations in West, Midwest, South

Noodles and Company isn’t your typical greasy Asian food-court joint. In fact, it goes beyond Asian fare and cuts out the grease (only healthy soybean oil is used in sauteing). Here, you choose from three food types: Asian, Mediterranean, or American, then within each style, pick from four noodle bowl options. Lean proteins—hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken, beef, shrimp, and organic tofu—can be added, too.

The result? Tasty combos like Japanese Pan Noodles with broccoli, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, Asian sprouts, and sauteed beef. Also key: “You don’t have to chow down on a giant bowl of noodles. You can opt for a small portion,” says judge Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, Health’s Senior Food and Nutrition Editor. The small Bangkok Curry bowl has just 250 calories.

We love: The whole-grain linguine—usually hard to find when eating out.
Danger zone: The desserts. The only options are two kinds of cookies and a Rice Krispy Treat bar that checks in at 530 calories and 19 grams of fat!

#5 Corner Bakery Cafe
111 locations in West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South

What sets Corner Bakery apart? A fantastic breakfast menu, which is rare in the quick-serve world. We love the Farmer’s Scrambler: eggs scrambled with red and green bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, potatoes, and Cheddar cheese. (It’s only 260 calories when ordered with egg whites.) There’s also Swiss oatmeal, a chilled European breakfast cereal made with rolled oats, green apples, bananas, currants, dried cranberries, low-fat yogurt, and skim milk.

But Corner Bakery also has healthy salads, sandwiches, and soups made with whole grains, fresh, lean meats, and vegetables, as well as great portion-controlled combinations that make limiting calories a no-brainer.

We love: Healthy oven-roasted chicken that comes on most pastas and salads.
Danger zone: You have to go to their Web site to get nutritional info.

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

healthiest fast food restaurants is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

As parents we can relate to the fact that managing the health of our children is no small task. It is hard enough to stay on top of the immunization schedule, and keep appointments straight (especially as your family begins to grow), then you have to make sure you are keeping accurate medical records. One of the largest obstacles I have faced is the fact that my family travels to different cities/countries every 6-9 months–can you imagine keeping medical records organized and in one place? Not easy. After having my second child things got more complicated as I was then faced with keeping up necessary appointments, organizing the proper records in the proper folders and so forth. It seemed almost too good to be true when I learned about Koozala and its services. Can you imagine the convenience of having “your family’s complete health and medical history online in one safe, secure location?” Now, instead of having to organize stacks of paperwork, you can go digital and have everything available at the click of a button 24/7. And don’t forget about little Spot, just because he has four legs and a wet nose, it doesn’t mean his health and records are any less important. The greatest part is the fact that you can access your records via the Internet and this includes the handy dandy phone application that allows Koozala to go mobile.

“iKoozala gives you the security and power to access your personal health care documents when and where you need it most…whether it’s an emergency or a routine doctor visit.”

Available at the App Store

One less thing to worry about…Sign up for Koozala today.

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

koozala | organizing your family medical records is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

So did you know that 1 in 3 teens is considered overweight? Well, neither did I prior to this mornings segment on the Today Show. I knew there was an issue with childhood and teen obesity, but the numbers are staggering. It is an issue that has been prevalent for years, and it is not getting any better with time. In fact, more and more teen girls and young children struggle with their body image. As much as we try to promote a healthy environment for our daughters, we still have a 5 year old the recognizes the pressure society puts on women to stay slim. Once she started preschool at the age of 4, she started to become aware of how she looked to others and whether or not she looked”chubby.” We had the occasional comments that made me cringe and left me wondering how on earth we would address this issue. For example, one day she sat down on the potty and said, “Why do my thighs look fat when I sit down to go potty?” Or this past winter I got her dressed and she said, “This vest makes me look chubby. I can’t wear this, my friends are going to laugh at me.” Seriously?! What am I going to do when she is a teenager? And why does she thinks her friends will laugh at her if she is chubby? Do four year old children already start criticizing their peers based on appearance? Not to mention the fact that my 5 year old is so thin that she still fits into her 2T shorts, can’t wear anything without a drawstring, and wears only pants that have that internal adjustable elastic thing (thank you Target for including those in almost all of your pants). Do your children struggle with body image issues? And as parents, how do we deal with this topic? Check out this video as seen on the Today Show to get a closer look at this growing problem.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

check out http://www.eatright.org/ for more information on eating healthy and finding helpful resources in your area

Are you skinny fat? Al

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

overweight teens and childhood obesity is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

SIMPLE WAYS TO RESIST AGING

By cutting down or avoiding the following, you can help your skin to look younger.

The Sun

It’s the number one reason why our skin ages. Wear sunscreen at all times, and don’t forget protective clothing. Don’t forget that the scalp also needs to be protected from the sun.

Smoking

Early wrinkling occurs due to reduced levels of the oxygen needed to keep skin healthy. Smoking is the prime source of oxygen deprivation. If you are in the process of quitting, drink lots of water.

Alocohol

In excess, alcohol dehydrates the body and robs it of vitamins that keep skin both healthy and glowing. Never have an alcholic drink without a chaser of ice water.

Improper Nutrition

The modern day use of convenience foods encourages the formation of free radicals. These foods are high in processed fats and oils. Protection of the skin is possible by eating foods rich in vitamins A,  and E. Fresh fruits and vegetables are particularly good for keeping the skin youthful. Supplementation may be necessary if you’re not getting these nutrients in your foods.

-The World’s Best-Kept Beauty Secrets by Diane Irons

Photo: Anti-aging

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

anti-aging secrets is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

When you hear Jingle Bells for the first time on the radio each holiday season you know it means several things…diets and healthy eating seem to go flying out the window. When the days come creeping closer, prepare yourself ahead of time, so that those unwanted pounds don’t come creeping either. No one likes to get a pair of Santa’s full, rosey cheeks for Christmas. I know it isn’t fair to post a recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies right next to one that tells you to eat healthy. But, let’s face it, the holidays are typically about overindulging, it just doesn’t have to be that way.

1. By planning ahead, you can put in a few extra minutes per walk and eat healthy meals on before and after a party. Don’t go to a party starving! You’ll grab the first schnitzel you see without thinking about it. If you’re the party host, you can choose serve lighter fare and use smaller plates to help control portion sizes.

2. Mind your p’s and q’s! Drinkable calories still count as calories! If you’re going to imbibe, be aware of what’s in it. Low-cal options include diet soda (with or without a mixer), white wine, or seltzer water with a splash of lemon or lime. Watch out for high-cal counterparts: eggnog, beer, and sugary drinks like punch.

3. Pick healthier options from the menu and spend your extra calories carefully. If Auntie Martha’s homemade truffle cake makes you weep with joy, don’t fill your plate with Uncle Bert’s so-so Bean Dip. You’ll enjoy what you really like instead of what you don’t care much for.

4. Incognito calories – Watch out for healthy foods swimming high-fat sauces, dips and cheeses. Good-for-you celery turns into a caloric nightmare when covered in creamy dip.

5. Watch out for sneak attacks! If your diet is going along great until a giant pile of snicker doodles appears in the break room at work, be sure you have something available to snack on that won’t undo your hard work – some almonds or a small apple will help take the edge off your appetite and curb the cookie panic.

6. Remember, your overall health is determined by your long-term choices throughout the year. The menorah’s packed away and the Christmas tree has become fertilizer, but you don’t want to be left with five or ten pounds of holiday memory around your middle.

Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready for all your upcoming wing dings. Merry Christmas, Mazel Tov, and bon appetit!

Photo courtesy of Zimbio

Tips courtesy of AP

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

healthy holiday eating is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Cleanse, tone, moisturize.  These three products have always been the staple of a good skin care regimen, but now you can add one more product to that list.  Cleanse, tone, antioxidant, moisturize.  There has been a lot of talk lately about how antioxidants can protect your skin from free radicals to keep your skin from premature aging.  Does all this sound like Greek to you?

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Let’s break it down.  To understand how an antioxidant works we have to know what it’s working on.  Head on back to high school science.  Remember atoms, protons, electrons, and molecules?  Well an atom is made up of protons (positive particles).  Then electrons (negative particles) surround the protons.  There has to be the same number of protons and electrons to have a stable atom.   Atoms bond with other atoms creating a molecule.  They can become weak and lose electrons.  When there is an odd number of protons and electrons this is known as free radicals.   This can be due to environmental damage such as pollution, radiation, or cigarette smoke.  When this happens the atom becomes unstable and “attacks” other molecules stealing other electrons.  When a chemical reaction like this starts it can spin out of control.  Causing creeping skin, lines and wrinkles in the skin.   Now with all the science out of the way what we want is to keep our molecules and atoms stable.

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Using an antioxidant on the skin is one way to help stabilize  molecules.  Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E help to neutralize free radicals by giving the atom the electrons it needs to become stable.  When the molecule is stabilized you can start to correct the damage.  Meaning the creeping of the skin and the fine lines and wrinkles will start to fade away.  You may not get rid of all of them, but you can reverse quite a few.   The best way to get antioxidants is eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.  You can also use serums that contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E, but my favorite product is Phloretin CF by Skin Ceuticals

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

martha-marie | antioxidants is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

If it was a perfect world than someone would have already found the Fountain of Youth. Wouldn’t it be lovely to age gracefully, without proof, like wrinkles and age marks?  The woman behind Skin Free and Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio sent these Happy Hour Moms boxes of magic. We had the honor of testing out a handful of samples that all have a toxicity rating of “0″ from the Environmental Working Group. Hands down, my favorite was the Corrective Face Nectar, even though the smell reminded me of a strong tea tree oil. In days, I felt a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin. Plus, one of my best girlfriends struggles with eczema and  Although, the magical cure is still unavailable, we can use high quality products (best, at a reasonable price) that make a difference. Each product is formulated using natural oils and butters to give you the results that they promise. Skin Free offers products that  all natural for delicate, sensitive and very dry and damaged skin. While Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio has organic essential oils and blends that will renew your energy and reliever you from stress and tension. There are so many unanswered questions about skincare and aging, we went ahead and posed a few to this expert and owner, Julie Hilton.

Skin Free Skincare is currently available at specific CVS stores on the east coast and slo in 2500 Walgreens stores.

HHM: Tell us a little bit about the history behind Skin Free and Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio.

All products distributed by Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio™ are designed and formulated by owner and practicing pharmacist, Julie Hilton, who has over 30 years experience in compounding and natural skin care. “I started the Studio in 2000 when my husband and I moved to the Blue Ridge of Virginia. Our friends were calling us “gypsies”, so the name evolved naturally.”

“Working in a typical retail pharmacy setting, I was constantly frustrated when asked to recommend products for patients with difficult skin problems, especially those with fragrance allergies. I recognized a void in the market and knew that I could offer effective and affordable products to fill it. Atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis are life-long conditions and need to be addressed for the long term. Patients with diabetes or renal disease, pregnant women,babies, the elderly, and patients treated with radiation therapy can all benefit from quality natural products. Even people who just have dry, sensitive skin can appreciate wholesome natural skin care products.”

“Since I personally suffer from chronic allergies and eczema, I understand that it is very important for people with these conditions to maintain the integrity of their skin and reduce their exposure to antigens to help prevent acute outbreaks. These diseases can be quite debilitating and cause increase depression, work loss, and pain.”

Naturally occurring vegetable oils and butters contain indigenous nutrients, antioxidants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDS), and antibacterial agents that petroleum-based oils just don’t have. Natural oils absorb into the skin and do not feel greasy. They also come from replenishable sources, which is a great environmental concern.

“I hope that SkinFree™ products will become widely used and be truly helpful to the ever increasing patient population who need products such as these.”

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HHM: In what ways do you believe organic skin care differs from brand names?

I’m not sure you have the right verbage here. Skin Free & BRG are organic, but we are working hard to Brand them nationally. Skin Free is available nationally in 2400 Walgreens stores, on the east coast inabout 300 CVS stores in VA, MD, and DC and the products are on drugstore.com, cvs.com & walgreens.comIn all we have about 3000 retailers across the country.

What makes us different is the care that we take in eliminating toxic ingredients from our formulas and using Fair Trade organics whenever possible.

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HHM: What would you recommend as a MUST-HAVE for Happy Hour Mommies?

The soaps, the Balm for winter skin, the facial scrubs to promote youthful clear complexion.

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HHM: When is the appropriate age to start anti-aging treatments?

This will always vary for individuals. If you have extremely dry skin,begin moisturizing with a great product as soon as possible. Use products specific for your skin condition. Prevention always works better than corRection!

I have to say our Firming Matrix Creme is incredible. I always have my doubts when a new ingredient appears that makes lavish promises. The Matrix in this creme works! My 56 year old face is glad I found it. The Corrective Face Nectar gets a lot of rave reviews from people who need darker spots and scars to fade.

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HHM: How do you spend your happy hour?

I spend my happy hour on my deck with my handsome husband watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I had to give my two cents as well (this is Shannon). I received the Acai Scrub for Sparkling Skin and tried it out tonight. It was awesome. It looked like grainy mud, as though I went in the backyard and collected it myself but is relatively odorless. I massaged it into my skin in circular motions and rinsed with warm water to find my skin silky smooth. I even convinced my hubby to give it a shot (don’t tell anyone!). He asked the same thing,  “What are you having me put on my face? Did you get mud from the backyard?” But ultimately, once he tried it, he was impressed and completely satisfied. I am always a little weary to try new skin products from companies I am not used to, but the scary part is over and I now have a new line of skincare that I can use.

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

hhm review and interview | julie hilton of skin free and blue ridge gypsy studio is a post from: Happy Hour Mom