by Anni Daulter
Author of Organically Raised

Summer is a time for playing outside, running through sprinklers, going to the beach, and picking fresh strawberries! Summer also means enjoying refreshing treats that bring those memorable smiles to our kid’s faces. Surprisingly, these don’t have to include sugar or processed junk; there is a way to create some easy tasty goodies for your kids, without the sugar overload! One thing I have learned from being a parent to four beautiful kids is that they all love treats, but the healthy ones satisfy their desires just as much as the unhealthy ones, so why not keep it good for them. I have also noticed that context matters! There are times when I give my kids something to eat at home at the table and they wont eat it, but given the same thing outside playing with their friends, they gobble it up. This summer have fun playing with some no sugar treat recipes from my Organically raised book and see how your kids respond. You will feel good about it and they will love them just as much.

Check out these fun summer treat recipes!

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by Blythe Lipman

Preschool starts in five more days and you’re already getting those butterflies in your stomach. After all, it’s the first time your “baby” will be spending her days without you. While it’s exciting, you wonder how anyone can do as good a job as you?
Relax… take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for being such great parents! After all, your little one wouldn’t be ready for preschool without all your tender loving care.
The following tips should make this transition easier.

•If preschool starts earlier than little Jody is used to getting up, try and change the schedule a few weeks before school starts. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get a tired, cranky child out the door in the morning.

•Pick out her clothes the night before. If she’s old enough, let her choose.

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by Summer Minor

Does your toddler want a puppy? Sure having a pet can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a lot of hard work. One of the hardest jobs is teaching your toddler how to treat the newest member of the family. If your little one really wants a new pet, here are some tips that you should consider before hand.

Gentle, calm, and toddler are not usually used in the same sentences. Yet when there’s a new puppy in the house, your toddler will need to learn the differences between gentle petting and ear pulling. Some dog breeds are naturally tamer and more relaxed, but even the sweetest dog can lose it’s temper after all day abuse. Before you bring a puppy home, spend time teaching your toddler how to pet gently and speak softy to a pet. Spending time at other people’s houses who have dogs can be a great way to do this.

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If your little one is a Pooh fan (and who isn’t!), you will be excited to view the newest DVD arriving in stores next week!

The DVD includes a “Discovery Mode” Watch and Play” Feature that my daughter just loves!

The DVD focuses on the importance of rest and healthy habits with My Friends Tigger & Pooh. Kids can join Winnie the Pooh and all his pals from the Hundred Acre Wood as they star in a series of adventures from the hit Playhouse Disney series, My Friends Tigger & Pooh. These stories feature themes about staying healthy, getting adequate sleep, building friendships and having fun.

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This week’s giveaway.. 10 winners will receive a $10 gift cards to Schlotzsky’s, a participating Healthy Dining restaurant! To enter, comment here on what you like about Schlotzsky’s! Winners will be chosen on Sunday August 15th.

Since 1971, Schlotzsky’s® has been the home of The Original® toasted sandwich. Over the years, the menu has evolved with customers’ tastes to include quality sandwiches, pizzas, salads and soups. Today, with more than 350 locations worldwide, Schlotzsky’s is the fast-casual choice for a quick, healthful and fresh dining experience. But even with an expanded offering and hundreds of franchises, Schlotzsky’s tastes remain true to their roots, as the restaurant is still using the highest quality ingredients to make the world’s best sandwich. Stop by for The Original®, a toasted wrap, or an individual size pizza — you may be surprised by what you find!

Please visit HealthyDiningFinder.com for a selection of great-tasting, dietitian-approved Healthy Dining menu items from restaurants in your neighborhood or around the country.
Please visit here for more information about Schlotzsky’s® and locations near you.