If you log onto NJ.com today, the top story which is difficult to comprehend is of a home in Chester which was found to be housing 93 cats in very very dangerous conditions. Most adults understand that when you have too many cats or dogs in one home and they are not "fixed", they are bound to multiply. And when you have a condition that is a clear health code violation, it becomes a legal issue. However, it may not be as clear to children who think lots of cats or dogs are cute. By pure coincidence, the latest issue of Legal Eagle, a newspaper about law for kids, is dedicated to Animal Law and the top story just happens to read "Too Many Puppies and Kittens?"
Legal Eagle, which was started in 1996 by the New Jersey Sate Bar Foundation, produces three issues a year and is popular among elementary, middle and high school students. It's a free newspaper that can be found in your local library. With a nameplate of primary colors and miscellaneous fonts, Legal Eagle is an easy eye-catcher.
Other stories in the Animal Law double issue touch on current issues relating to popular animals like: steroid abuse in horse racing, polar bear protection, a debate on live mascots, a threat to shut down the NYC carriage industry and an in depth look at dog fighting and violence against animals. A glossary is featured at the back page to help kids understand legal terminology relating to animals and general legal matters.
The Legal Eagle is published through funding from the IOLTA Fund in New Jersey which "is dedicated to providing legal representation and assistance to the poor, improvements in the administration of justice, and legal education to the public."
Legal newspaper for your little Esquires at home
Fairway Market Grand Opening in Paramus, NJ: The Recap
This may sound a little odd, but I just love new supermarkets. BIG and NEW supermarkets with catchy logos and colorful abundant produce sections at the entrance. I'm in no way a foodie by any means (to save money we've been having boiled chicken and a variety of frozen veggies for dinner), but I love to look at it!
Upon entrance to the MASSIVE 50,000 sq ft store were towers of colorful fruit and vegetables with happy cartoon-like signs above them. My first jaw-dropping moment was when I spotted apples for $.69/lb! Since I was stuck within a mass of eager shoppers flowing in a one-way direction, I continued on past the bakery, deli, "cheeses from around the world" counter, human-size coffee grinder, an organic section to rival Trader Joes, almost an entire aisle of olive oil and more. As the slogan states: "It's like no other market."
Joining Howie and Dan Glickberg, the 3rd and 4th generation owners, were local political figures and special guest Gov. Corzine who thanked the Glickberg's for bringing nearly 350 jobs to Paramus. Mayor James Tedesco called Fairway a "bright shining light" and a business about the people who care about people, price and product.
Identity Theft Seminar to be Hosted by Center for Business Forensics
This event is open to the public
RSVP by e-mailing Sallie Gordon at sgordon@rider.edu by Friday, March 27, 2009.
Rider University’s Center for Business Forensics is hosting a free interactive presentation on Identity Theft focusing on the major issues surrounding identity theft and fraud, and offering to the community insight into the widespread, varying and serious nature of identity theft. Topics include:
• What is identity theft, and what forms does it take?
• Who is at risk?
• How can you protect yourself from it?
• What steps should you take if you are a victim of identity theft?
The event will feature a panel of experts from law enforcement, banking and health care; a Q&A session will follow the presentation, so please bring your questions. An informative handout will be available as well.
The Identity Theft Presentation is led by Dr. J. Drew Procaccino, associate professor of Computer Information Systems, who has researched identity theft, biometrics and smart card technologies. He is a co-author of an extensive survey of smart-card technologies published by Elsevier/Academic Press in Advances in Computers, Volume 60: Information Security.
Rider University's Center for Business Forensics (CBF) strives to help create a competent workforce and a robust knowledge base that can meet the challenges of dealing with corporate fraud and the many forms of computer crime. Located in the College of Business Administration, the CBF takes a multidisciplinary approach in providing instruction to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as in professional development programming for corporate, law enforcement and government organizations. For more information on Rider’s Center for Business Forensics, visit us on the web at http://www.rider.edu/cbf.
Family Estate Planning: Making sure your affairs are in order
The world was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of actress Natasha Richardson last week. A seemingly minor injury resulting in death reminds us how fragile life is. Unfortunately, it takes tragedies to raise awareness and motivate people to organize their own affairs. But what steps do we take to prepare for the worst-case-scenario? What do we need? A Will? A Trust? Answering those questions is local Estate Planning attorney (and my husband), Robert Morris from the Brennan Law Firm in Cranbury, NJ. Mr. Morris, who is also a new father, emphasizes the importance for newlyweds and new families to provide for loved ones now instead of waiting until it's too late.
Q: What should families have in place in order to plan for the worst case scenario?
A: There are lots of things they should consider, but at a minimum they should have a Will and Power of Attorney. The P-o-A appoints someone to manage your assets and finances in the event that you are disabled or incapacitated.
Q: Is there a recommended time when families should get a Will?
A: As soon as you are married, you should consider having a Power of Attorney and a Will. After the birth of adoption of a child, you should consider appointing a guardian in the Will, and possibly a Trust for your child/children.
Q: Should all families have a Trust?
A: Every situation is different so families should consult their own attorney. There are costs and administrative burdens that go along with Trusts. But, one big advantage to setting up a Trust is protecting children that cannot manage their finances due to age or otherwise. Other Trust benefits include protection from creditors in some instances, tax benefits depending on the Trust structure and increased control over assets by the parents who create the Trust.
Q: What happens when a spouse suddenly passes away before adjusting the Will to include children?
A: In New Jersey, there is a statute that provides for after-born children (meaning they were born after the Will which was never revised) in certain circumstances. The rules are complex and depend on the bequests made to other children, if any, and the family structure. Bottom line: the statutory scheme may not be how you would like to provide for your kids so this situation should be avoided by updating your Will with every child and/or change in family structure.
Q: When do you see people getting their Will done?
A: Believe it or not, a family vacation is one the main motivators for people to get their Wills done. You would think a vacation evokes thoughts of joy, but many people plan for the worst case scenario. We recommend getting the Wills done soon after marriage and/or the arrival of a new child.
Brennan Law Firm, 73 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512, (609) 395-5533
Mrs Mo's Shopping Local Guide: Fairway Supermarket Grand Opening
"The Finest, Freshest and most Fabulous Food Market" opens its Paramus doors tomorrow, March 25th 2009 and I will be there to capture all of the glory!
Located at the Fashion Center on Rt 17, Fairway Paramus brings the legendary NYC foodstore and its eclectic collection of specialty and traditional foods to NJ residents.
- Sells more than 85,000 pounds of handmade mozzarella a year,
15,000 liters of olive oil every week.
seven tons of coffee every week.
8,000 pints of strawberries every week.
almost 60,000 pounds of bananas every week.
30,000 bagels every week. - Has the first deli to offer guanciale (Tuscan-style cured pork cheek), lardo (Tuscan-style cured pork belly), wild boar prosciutto and smoked hams from rare breed hogs such as the six-spotted Norwich and the red-wattled Kansas.
- Carry foodstuffs from fifteen European countries, six countries from the Far East, ten from Central and South America, Russia and Mongolia.
- Is first to offer wild salmon, Gulf of Mexico red shrimps, Maine pink shrimps, farmed Indonesian tiger shrimps, geoduck clams, razor clams, Olympia oysters, Kumamoto oysters, fresh eels and branzino (Mediterranean sea bass).
- Import cheeses upwards of three hundred varieties and is the industry leader for the world of cheese for more than two decades
- Provide quality, hard to come by items of produce -- such as radicchio di Treviso, sorrel, celery root, salsify, haricots verts, white-tipped radishes, heirloom baby beets, squash and heirloom tomatoes.
Fairway Paramus will be open from 8 am to 11 pm seven days a week. Please call (201) 444 5455 or go to www.DiscoverFairway.com for more information.
Fun Facts and logo courtesy of Dan Klores Communications
Cupcakes and Cafeteria in NYC
This past weekend, I took Maddy for her first train trip into NYC to visit her Great Aunt. It was a day trip with my siblings that was long overdue. The main goal was to a) check out some cute baby shops and b) savor a NYC cupcake. Mission accomplished.
I've put together a map of the 3 stops we made. Simply click on the map and it'll give you all of the details with name, location and website.
First Stop: Lucky Wangs- Adorable Asian inspired clothing like Kimono dresses and tops, dresses, bottoms, booties and toys. Reasonable prices and available for online shopping.
Lunch Break: Cafeteria- An upscale eatery open 24-7 that is favored by celebrities. We got seated after only a 20-minute wait and had quick service. Started with the Mac 'n' Cheese Spring Rolls with Gouda Dipping Sauce. Since I'm a Weight Watcher (and was saving my calories for the cupcake), I only took a bite, but boy was it yummy! It tasted kind of what you would expect a spring roll with cheese inside would. The best styled mac 'n' cheese ever! The 4 of us ordered either salad or sandwich, all of which were under $15 and provided plenty of food (sometimes the upscale lunch dining in NY=a dot of food on a plate):
My brother got the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich complete with an Avocado Blue Cheese Sour Cream.- My sister got the Veggie Burger which was 100% Vegan. Unlike veggie burgers that are a thin patty, this had a consistency of a thick potato pancake. A true 'from scratch' burger. Served with hummus and sprouts.
- My Aunt got a very large Cobb Salad complete with avocado, blue cheese, bacon, egg and grilled chicken for an extra $3.
- My salad was so amazing. It was the Autumn Greens Salad. What sold me was the butternut squash. How often does a salad come with that topping? I threw on chicken for an extra $6. It was such a great, fresh salad.
The Finale: Cupcake Cafe & Books of Wonder-We didn't have to walk far for our dessert finale. Cucpake Cafe is the pastry side of the nearly 30 year old Books of Wonder children's book store (where my Aunt bought all of our picture/story books when we were little). The glass front cupcake counter was like a confection gallery. Chocolate, vanilla or maple walnut cake with chocolate, vanilla or mocha frosting donned with a variety of floral designs. From small to large, there was cupcake for all appetites. 
And these weren't your from-the-box cupcakes. They were moist without falling apart in your hands. The icing was fresh and light and not a sugar-high waiting to happen. Of course we had to take pictures to preserve the detail in the design. High-Five Cupcake Cafe! While we ate, we could easily peruse the shelves of books from Classics like Wizard of Oz and Peter Rabbit to modern picture books like Fancy Nancy, the Miss Nelson series and off-beat titles like Bad Baby by Ross McDonald. Since B-o-W hosts numerous book signing events, plenty of autographed titles were available. Random Trivia: Books of Wonder was the inspiration for Meg Ryan's bookstore in You've Got Mail.Time flew so fast; it was difficult to say goodbye. But now we know an area of NY where we can grab lunch and dessert, browse fun books and enjoy a few hours in the city.
NJ Easter Brunch locations
Here is a sprinkling of Easter Brunches around the state:
Amanda's in Hoboken
Braddock's Tavern in Medford
Branches in Long Branch
Casa Dante in Jersey City
Copeland in Morristown
Engleside at LBI
Growth Restaurants in Somerset and Morris Counties (members include: The Store, Famished Frog, and Bamboo Grille)
Grand Colonial in Perryville
Hamilton Park Hotel in Florham Park
Julia's in Atlantic Highlands
Lawrenceville Inn in Lawrenceville
Linwood Middle School in North Brunswick (Breakfast with Easter Bunny)
Nassau Inn in Princeton
Old Mill Inn in Basking Ridge
Palazzo in Montclair
Outside of NJ:
Philadelphia area participating restaurants
New York City locations
$2 Coupon for new Snuggle Creme Softener
How often does a laundry product come along that you want to drink? Not often right?
Snuggle fabric softener has unveiled it's new line of Creme Softeners in two deliciously fabulous scents: Sweet Almond Essence and Jojoba Essence. The branding is so genius: like a laundry cafe drink! But the treat is for your senses and not your belly...don't try that at home kids!
For a limited time only, Mrs Mo's readers are being treated to a $2 off coupon if you register at the Snuggle Creme site. The Snuggle Creme is available in liquid concentrate and sheets. I mean come on people, how adorable is that bear! How can you say "No Thanks" to that cuddly little guy!
Memorable First Birthday Gift
Yesterday was the first birthday party for one of my best friends' baby girl who will hopefully be a great friend of Maddy's as they get older.
For special events like a first birthday party, I didn't want to get something standard like a Spring outfit or a book. I wanted to give something special and meaningful to both Sophia (Maddy's friend) and Mara (My friend, Sophia's Mommy) and that would last for years to come. My gift for Sophia was a memory book just for her and Maddy to add to as they grow up together. This is a wonderful gift to give a best friend or a sibling and their children.
Materials:
- 1 Martha Stewart (or any brand) Scrapbook Kit (I got mine at Walmart)
- 2-3 photos of your child with the recipient (I printed my photos at FedEx Kinkos)
- 1 roll of 1-1.5 inch Grosgrain ribbon in a contrasting color
- 1 piece of white craft paper to write inscription inside album
- 1 package "friend" stickers (opt)
- 1 package "friends" vellum quote pack
- 1 package Glue Dots Sheets
The instructions I will leave up to you to decide how you want to decorate, but the basic idea of how to put this memory book together is rather simple:
Decorate the first page of the memory book with the 2-3 photos. Sophia's book "from Maddy" has pictures from their first playdate.- Using the inscription paper, write a message for the recipient about the purpose of the book and sign it "from your child" or from the entire family.
- Decorate the inscription cover with stickers for more color (optional)
- Run the ribbon behind the front cover of the album and tie a Martha Stewart Favorite Bow (it's really easy) long ways so that the bow is vertical.
Lastly, using the Glue Dots sheets, attach a quote from your "friends" pack to a piece of white craft paper roughly the same size as the quote. Using a piece of string or ribbon, attach the quote to the Martha bow.
The finished product is not only personal, but it's different, unique and meaningful. And if you're budget conscious, it only costs about $25.
Mrs Mo's Pretty Picks: Nail Color for Spring/Summer
Spring is upon us. This weekend, we cross over into the season of flowers, sunny days, and happy feelings. Celebrate Spring Fever with my favorite nail color by OPI: Cajun Shrimp. This color brings back memories of my Honeymoon cruise in July, but there's no reason we can't start looking like summer now!
A hand sporting this hot-peppery pink hue will tell people that you are fun but not out-of-control, stylish without being overly trendy, outgoing but not aggressive and love the girlie things in life!
How Irish Are You?
"Joe's Irish Quiz Says that I am True Irishwoman"
| How Irish Are You? Your Result: True Irishman (or woman) You are truely irish, you support and love your country. You are the kind of person who would put Ireland before anything else. You like to eat corned beef, and drink beer, but you are not the stereotype of a drunk irishman. You would fit in just fine in a bar in Dublin or Cork. | |
| Irish But Lacking | |
| No doubt, you are Irish | |
| Not true Irish, but close enough | |
| Fake, Fake, Fake | |
| How Irish Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
Mrs Mo's Reviews: Skinny Bitch Bootcamp
Remember those girls in high school who played field hockey or lacrosse, but really did it for the short skirt and the boys' attention?
That's who I thought I was watching during the 20 minute "boot camp" workout by the Skinny Bitch authors, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. Don't get me wrong: they put out a New York Times National Best Selling book that is a hilarious and in your face guide to healthy eating. But leave the fitness to the experts.
I tried out the video from my OnDemand Exercise TV menu because I was looking for a quick intense workout. Since the title included "Boot Camp" I was hooked. I was more curious to see how they could bring the funny to a workout. And the funny was there-throwing out lines like "It's on bitches" and Rory slapping Kim's butt during the calf stretches-but the intensity was NOT.
It wasn't just the lack of intense training that was the problem; it lacked in transition between moves making the strength intervals sloppy rather than smooth. Instead of watching the hosts, I followed the girls behind them for form and speed. Freedman and Barnouin seemed to treat the workout as just a funny thing between friends.
Instead of putting out a mediocre fitness series, the Skinny Bitch franchise should expand on the cookbook and put out a magazine or an organic food collection. However, if you are a beginner to working out, give this video a try. You'll break into a sweat, but you will need to incorporate an additional strength workout for complete interval training.
If you're like me and serious about interval training in half the time, I would suggest doing the Fat Burn video by Cindy Whitmarsh.
"Iced" Coffee Mug
The bad news: Bucks County Coffee(which was my favorite next to Green Mountain and Gevalia) was bought out by Saxbys Coffee.
The GOOD news: Saxbys Coffee is selling blinged out travel coffee mugs in various colors like green, red and pink!
Coffee and Rhinestones: these are a few of my favorite things...
Serena & Lily Book Signing and Trunk Show
When stunning textiles meet hip and trendy baby products, what do you get? Serena & Lily.
With baby, children and adult bedding and furniture, Serena & Lily maintain a consistent design goal of crisp, clean and classic elements. As a parent who designed a sophisticated baby nursery with toile and dark wood, S&L speaks directly to my creative heart.
So you can imagine my disappointment when I received an invitation to attend Fit Pregnancy and Serena & Lily's book signing for their new book, Nursery Style, at Bloomingdale's in NYC when I already had plans with my family! So if I can't meet and greet the authors in person, I'm sharing the excitement with all of you. Here are the details:
WHEN: Saturday March 14, 2009
2:00 -4:00 PM
WHERE: Bloomingdale’s 59th Street
1000 Third Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY
RSVP mary@serenaandlily.com
We Irish are so great, we get our own cupcake
WARNING: The image on the computer appears to be edible, but do not attempt to lick or bite the screen. All you will get is lick and bite marks on your screen.
The Sweet Avenue Bakeshop is one of those heaven-on-earth places that I've dreamed of ever since the cupcake craze hit NYC. And here they are in NJ and I'm so far away (making a trip up from Princeton with a 10 month old is not as easy as it sounds)! But when I opened my e-newsletter today and saw this cupcake saying "Hey you Irish girl, eat me!", I just had to share it with my other Irish-lovin' readers...especially when St Patty's day is around the corner.
As you can see, the Irish Cream cupcake is a chocolate Guinness cake with Irish cream whiskey frosting. Available every Wednesday and Friday for the month of March and not to forget: Tuesday March 17th, St Patrick's Day!
For more goodies from SAB, follow them @Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
Sweet Avenue Bakeshop is a gourmet vegan bakery and is 100% dairy, egg and cholesterol-free.
Show off your pet with Pledge!
Disclaimer: I have been a baaaad blogger and forgot to list this contest when it started (2/21) and now that it is nearing the closing date (3/21) and kicking myself for slacking!
Most pets have a spot-whether it's a couch, a rug or right in the middle of your bed-that he or she just love to lounge in. Forget the fact that their hair is left all over the place for you to clean! But have you seen the new Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair? It solves all of those problems quicker than a vacuum would and if you don't believe me, watch my vlog about it. Let's face it pet parents, even though our cuddly little buddies leave clumps and layers of hair all over, they are still incredibly adorable and take great photos too! That's why Pledge is giving you all an opportunity to show off your pet in the Show Off Your Shedder contest where 2 lucky first prize winners will win a 1-year supply of Pledge Fabric Sweeper and the GRAND PRIZE winner gets $5000!
The contest is simple. Simply visit the contest site, upload a photo and that's it!
Just remember that you have until March 21st to enter. That's 2 weeks! Get moving. Think of how much pet food $5000 will buy for you!
Newark students get fit and healthy with the NFL
From my experience as a middle school student and teacher, I found that some of the best motivators for kids are professional athletes. Whether it's the "awe" factor of a "celebrity", the fear of someone that large not being happy if you slack off, or just the individual dreams to be like them someday, an athlete is inspiring. That's why I love coming across stories about professional athletes "paying it forward" with kids, hoping to inspire health, fitness and a desire to motivate others:
One hundred lucky students from 10 Newark schools have been chosen to be health and fitness ambassadors and who better to teach and motivate them than NFL players ( I know I wouldn't want to slack off with them around!)
As part of a Fuel Up to Play initiative with the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council(ADADC), the NFL is hoping to encourage youth to take charge of their own health by getting exercise and eating right. Giants’ defensive tackle Barry Cofield and Jets’ wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery took students through physical fitness training at Giant's Stadium and also had them try different healthy school lunch options including string cheese and yogurt.
The Fuel Up to Play program is hoping that teachers, parents and local businesses will come together in community outreach as well. One of the long term goals is to set up a playground at West Side Park in Newark, sponsored by the Jets.
For more information on the Fuel Up to Play and ADADC initiative, contact Brenda Beltram, American Dairy Association
Photo courtesy of The Graubard Group
PHOTO CAPTION: Jerricho Cotchery, wide receiver for the New York Jets, helps teach Newark, N.J. middle-school students football exercises at Giants Stadium as part of a nation-wide kick-off for "Fuel Up to Play," a joint initiative of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council and the National Football League. The 100 students in attendance represent ten schools, with Newark being one of four cities chosen as pilot markets for this program.
Label shopping at Canal's Liquors
When I buy wine, I usually have a specific grape in mind: Riesling, Cab-Sav, etc. Tonight, however, I just felt like shopping by first impression. There are so many great label designs that shopping for wine is sometimes like finding the best accessory to go with an outfit. I decided to let the label speak for itself.
Upon entry to Canal's Discount Liquors in Hamilton, the cutest graphic caught my eye: a bumble bee. And the name was childish yet catchy: "Fuzzy Buzzy". The price didn't hurt either: $7.99. I was in the mood for red and luckily, there was a Shiraz. My search was done!
According to the description, Fuzzy Buzzy Shiraz 2004 "delivers red berry aromas with plum and spice. Warm raisin, prune and pepper flavors and a savory finish." However, when I took a whiff, I swear I caught a hint of chocolate mixed with...(and this is really odd) Strawberry Shortcake figurines. Sooo weird. But that's what came to me. It's a good thing though. Really!
The taste was soft, warm and delicate. Made me feel...fuzzy.
Order now from Shop-Rite liquors and only pay $4.99 a bottle!
Sugarloaf Craft Festival coming to NJ
UPDATE: CLICK HERE FOR THE OCTOBER 2009 EVENT DETAILS
Jewelry, glass, metal, pottery, paintings, photography and more all under one roof!
The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is coming to the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset from March 13-15th and will feature an eclectic array of crafts, food and demonstrations from some of the top artisans and emerging artists in the country.
With pieces that have come from fine galleries and museums, the festival is ideal for the avid collector. You will find jewelry by designers like Jacques Hemsi who has been showing his hand-crafted gold and silver 
jewelry at prestigious juried craft fairs sine 1976. For home decor, there is glass artist, Jason Ryner who started his career as a flame worker and now has pieces featured on television from his hometown in Lancaster where he has been a prized glass designer. The goal of the Sugarloaf festival is to offer something for everyone and the general consumer and craft lover will find items that are high quality at a more affordable price.
In addition to shopping, visitors can learn about the artist's process through demonstrations like: wheel thrown pottery, shaker box making and metal spinning. Children can act out their favorite fantasy with interactive fairytales narrated by performers from the Middle Earth Studio.
Enhance your viewing pleasure at the festival by sampling a variety of gourmet foods from the area like Captain Marriner's Seafood of Narberth, PA, Pretzelphoria of Lancaster and The Toffee House of Washington, PA.
Whatever your pleasure, there's something for everyone at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. If you miss the New Jersey tour, it will be coming to the Phildalpehia area March 20-22th.
The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ
Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 15
10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Adults $7 online purchase, $8 at the door
FREE for children under 12
Admission is good for all three day
FREE on-site parking
For more information about the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, directions, or to purchase discount admission tickets visit www.SugarloafCrafts.com or call (800) 210-9900.
Children's Clothing Warehouse Sales
KidsClothingSale.com: The largest off-price children's clothing wholesaler in THE COUNTRY!
Recent Posts
