Looking for fun GRAMS for your family to make this holiday season?

Every year we rack our brains to find a easy, inexpensive and QUICK treat for family, friends, school related parties, etc. Candy grams are SO fun to make and those who receive one, love the idea! Candy grams can be done in bags with creative tags, on a poster board, in a box or a bag, or use your creativity!

Christmas Candy Gram

Shepherds used their staffs (candy cane) to guide the sheep, as a tiny newborn baby (baby ruth bar) lay fast asleep. A bright shiny star (starburst candy) led the wise men to his humble abode. With them they carried gifts, one of which was gold (gold wrapped chocolate coins). This baby became our Savior (life savers candy) to lead us on our way, Remember this great miracle, as you celebrate Christmas Day.

A Candy Gram for the Nurses

Nurses are a joy (almond joy bar) to have around when you are feeling under the weather. They work nutty (a bag or can of nuts) hours to see that our loved ones are taken care of good and plenty (a box of good and plenty) and helped on their way (milky way bar) to recovery.
They soothe away red hot fevers (red hots) with just a gentle touch, and show mounds (mounds bar) of kindness to their patients each day. They never forget that sometimes a little snicker (snickers bar) is the best medicine. They have to remain calm, and can never have butterfingers. (butterfinger bar)
Nurses are worth a mint (mints) They are truly lifesavers (a roll of lifesavers) and deserve hugs and kisses (hershey's hugs and kisses) every day.


Merry Christmas Candy Gram for your Sweetheart

My Dearest Sugar Baby (a bag of sugar babys)
I hope this brings you a snicker (snickers bar) as you read my message. It will not make you chunky (chunky bar) and I am not playing tricks (twix bar) on you. You are my bit of honey (bit-o-honey bar). I am nuts (bag or can of nuts) about you. You are always there for me in a crunch (nestle's crunch bar). We have a good and plenty (box of good-n'-plenty) life together, and I love you from here to mars. (mars bar)I wish you mounds (mounds bar) of joy (almond joy bar) for this Christmas
HUGS and KISSES, (hershey's hugs and kisses)

Merry Christmas Candy Gram for a Friend

I know there is a special reason (box of raisins) you are my friend.
When life has given me a rocky road (rock candy or rocky road ice cream), I can count on you to be my lifesaver (lifesavers)! Even when I have mounds (mounds bar) of trouble or when I've been a dum-dum (dumdum pop), you hardly ever snicker (snickers bar). You will always have a big chunk (chunky) of my heart because you are such a treasure (gold wrapped chocolate coins) to me.
I look forward to skittles (skittles) of fun continuing to learn from you. You are such a sweetheart (sweet tarts). There aren't enough stars in the milky way (milky way bar) and around mars (mars bar) to outshine you.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
HUGS & KISSES (Hershey's hugs and kisses)


Christmas Candy Gram

Shepherds used their staffs (candy cane) to guide the sheep, as a tiny newborn baby (baby ruth bar) lay fast asleep. A bright shiny star (starburst candy) led the wise men to his humble abode. With them they carried gifts, one of which was gold (gold wrapped chocolate coins). This baby became our Savior (life savers candy) to lead us on our way, Remember this great miracle, as you celebrate Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas Candy Gram for a Friend

I know there is a special reason (box of raisins) you are my friend.
When life has given me a rocky road (rock candy or rocky road ice cream), I can count on you to be my lifesaver (lifesavers)! Even when I have mounds (mounds bar) of trouble or when I've been a dum-dum (dumdum pop), you hardly ever snicker (snickers bar). You will always have a big chunk (chunky) of my heart because you are such a treasure (gold wrapped chocolate coins) to me.
I look forward to skittles (skittles) of fun continuing to learn from you. You are such a sweetheart (sweet tarts). There aren't enough stars in the milky way (milky way bar) and around mars (mars bar) to outshine you.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
HUGS & KISSES (Hershey's hugs and kisses)


Happy Holidays! Enjoy your IMAGINATION and don't forget to count your blessings!

My website! TAKE A LOOK

Body Rocks Program is ready for you to VIEW! As we were recently feautured on the Today Show http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40119397/ns/today-books/

For those of you who don't already know, my website is now up and running. Check it out!
http://www.annmarieperone.com/


Body Rocks is off the ground and ready to roll! Spread the word to your friends about our program. More information can be found on our website. I look forward to the exciting future of opportunity!

Body Rocks -Doing Bigger and BODYIMAGEBETTER things!

As many of you know, several years ago I created a school club that promotes positive body image and self esteem awareness. Body Rocks The Purpose of Body Rocksis to promote positive body image and eating disorders awareness. BODY ROCKS is a Peer Education Group devoted to promoting positive body image and eating disorders awareness in our schools and community. BODY ROCKS-IT ONLY GETS BETTER EVERY YEAR!

Our Objectives:
1. To encourage students and other members of the school and our community to respect themselves and their bodies.
2. To increase public awareness of the prevalence of body image disturbances and eating disorders.
3. To provide reliable resources available on school campus for treatment and
recovery from disordered eating or body image.
4. To provide education about the health risks, getting help, and how to have
accepting attitudes toward any body size.
5. To provide education of eating disorders and methods of treatment
BODY ROCKS offers our students an opportunity to get involved and to take on new leadership roles. Students will learn effective public speaking, how to facilitate effective discussions, how to handle sensitive topics, and how to effectively work in a group and be a team player.
Through the years, the club has grown from all girls, to boys, students with different walks of life, students who want to make a difference. I am amazed to see the kids want to be involved.

BR Members made T-Shirts that said "Looking for the Perfect Girl. Go Buy Yourself a BARBIE!"



BARBIE-OUTTA LOOK LIKE US!

Halloween-"The Nerd Team". The idea? Make fun of us (if you dare) so we can educate you on how bullying or teasing someone because they look different can change their life. Accept people for who they are!

What many don't realize is not all of our members suffer from an Eating Disorder or Body Image issue. Many want to be in the club to make a difference in the lives of others. I have spent numerous hours researching, trying to find ways to help students who are suffering. Taking time to raise awareness. Some days longer than others because I have the need to continue trying to find a solution to these life threatening disorders. This year, our club has grown by 23 members. This excites me. We also started discussions of these disorders at meetings by using artwork to express how we feel. I am so excited of what is to come. Body Rocks has come a long way. We started in 2006 with NEDAW (National Eating Disorders Awareness Week), implemented LOVE YOUR BODY DAY every year after, and now Make-Up Free Monday AND End Fat Talk Day.

End Fat Talk Day just so happens to have taken place this week and I am so excited to share our photos. End Fat Talk Day educated students on the importance of ENDING FAT TALK, using the "F" word, and/or calling others FAT. We took the initiative to educate the students with handouts and the opportunity to write their own positive affirmations and sign the pledge to END FAT TALK!






BODY ROCKS MEMBER SHARE THEIR BULLETIN BOARD MADE FOR THE 1ST GRADE CLASS AFTER READING MOLLY LOU MELLON,"STAND TALL". ALL OF THE ARTWORK ON THIS BULLETIN BOARD WAS MADE BY THE STUDENTS. WHAT MAKES YOU STAND TALL?
Body Rocks has been in the classrooms of K-8TH grade schools reading self esteem books or creating media literacy lessons to inspire students to be amazing students and individuals and stop comparing themselves to the media. This alone is fulfilling to all of us.

MY DAUGHTER EMILEE SHOWING HER SUPPORT FOR BODY ROCKS BY SPORTING HER BODY ROCKS T-SHIRT!

In October, 2010, Dr. Robyn Silverman, Good Girls Don’t Get Fat: How Weight Obsession Is Messing Up Our Girls & How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It. published this amazing book. I had spoken with Dr. Silverman prior to having any knowledge she was writing a book. She was so caring and helpful and had so much interest in what Body Rocks did in the school. Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child development specialist, body image expert, sought-after speaker and award-winning writer. She is known for her no-nonsense yet positive approach to helping young people and their families thrive. Her ground-breaking research at Tufts University on young women and plus-sized models is the foundation for her book,Good Girls Don’t Get Fat: How Weight Obsession Is Messing Up Our Girls & How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It from Harlequin Books as part of their Fall non-fiction adult line.

Dr. Silverman has been a featured expert on Good Morning America, Nightline, The Tyra Show, NBC’s LXtv, Fox News, NPR, The Santita Jackson Show and the Dr. Drew Pinsky’s Radio Show. She has been quoted in the Washington Post, The Daily News, Parenting Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Marie Claire, InTouch Weekly, Women First, SELF, on hundreds of popular websites like Aol.com and U.S. News and World Report and on award-winning blogs such as Junkfood Science and BlogHer. She has also been the body image and teen development expert for 18 books, including 113 Things to Do By 13 and 16 middle school trade books (The Strong, Beautiful Girls Series & The Guy’s Guide Series) for the middle school girls’ and boys’ market. She is also the expert in appearance discrimination and body esteem development for the Applied Developmental Science Encyclopedia, a handbook for psychologists. Dr. Silverman serves as an Advisory Board Member for Shaping Youth, a consortium of media and marketing professionals concerned about harmful messages to children, and serves as their Body Image and Character Impact Expert. Dr. Silverman also founded Sassy Sisterhood Circle, a program for young adolescent girls that explores issues that affect body esteem and self-image. It is designed to foster self-awareness, challenge stereotypes, counter trends toward self-doubt, and enable genuine self-expression through verbal sharing and creative activity. Dr. Silverman is amazing!
Her website can be found at http://www.drrobynsilverman.com/


So how has Body Rocks got BODYIMAGE BETTER?

Dr. Silverman asked me to share my insight and experiences for her book on body image issues in our schools and now, after reading it, I am so grateful I did. I not only learned more about body image and its effects with not just my students, but parents, family and friends. The smallest of words can scar ones body image for life. Just read the book. You will see.

On top of this great book being published, Body Rocks will be featured on the Today Show November 11th with Dr. Silverman and her new MUST HAVE BODY IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM book that can and will change the way you think about BODY IMAGE! Inspire and educate yourself, read the book!
For details on this book, see http://www.facebook.com/DrRobynSilverman?ref=mf#!/pages/Good-Girls-Dont-Get-Fat-by-Dr-Robyn-Silverman/112642638758233


Body Rocks is a supporter of this book and all the programs Dr. Silverman has to offer. She is like the parenting bible! Thank you Dr. Robyn for finally publishing a book ANYONE can understand and relate to!

To my Body Rocks, you are best kids in the world. You inspire me, make me who I am (for helping you) and most of all, the most AMAZING kids in this world. Keep the awareness going!

Using Jars for gifts-Personal, creative and memorable!

I was at a garage sale this weekend and picked up at least 200 assorted GLASS and PLASTIC jars along with several metal containers. $5 bucks! I knew I could do alot

with these if I just did some research. So I will share with you that any type of jar, container, etc. can make a gift someone will not forget. Fill with favorite items from a trip to display as a keepsake, "Honey-Do" list, crayons or colored


pencils, a mini album with memories from a trip or of a special person, and much more! The example above was made for me by my sister and I love this. It seriously made my year as a gift like this takes thought and alot of love!




LOVE JARS



Love jars are uniquely decorated jars (glass, plastic, metal, etc) filled with loving affirmations for the receiver to "pull from" when he or she needs a boost. Making a Love Jar will be one of the most rewarding projects you will create. While Love Jars are intended for gifts for others, you can also make a Love Jar for yourself.

1. If you are making this jar for someone specific, write or collect affirmations or inspirational quotes that pertain to her or him. The more affirmations you include in the jar, the better, so you might want to search "affirmations" for ideas. Th e best way is using your computer.
2. Cut out your printed or written affirmations or inspirational quotes into individual strips or shapes so that each statement is on its own separate piece of paper, much like a fortune cookie.
3. Fold, crinkle or decorate each strip and set them aside while you decorate the jar.

Use any craft items to decorate the jar. Remember, you want to close the jar so be sure whatever decor you place on or around the jar you are still able to close the jar. If you are using rub-ons, be sure that the surface is completely clean and dry before applying your rub-on.

"THANKFUL"
My favorite jar that I will be making for Thanksgiving with my students at school is a THANKFUL jar, similar to the THANKFUL tree I just made for Mom's birthday... cherished memories.


Here is my example for Thanksgiving and this will be so much fun!


Take a look at some more inpsirations below.






Chalkboard decals can be found at: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=121019

Addicted to Starbucks.....

Starbucks, it can become an ADDICTION!

I love my Starbucks...But, my bank account doesn't! The average Starbucks visit is at least $5.oo. I came across some awesome coffee drinks. So instead of paying STARBUCKS prices, check these out!

Starbucks Chai Tea Ingredients:

• 3 cups water
• 3 cups milk (I use skim)
• 6-8 black or decaf black tea bags
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (I use less because I don't like too strong a clove taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or a mashed small chunk of fresh)
  

Cooking Directions:

Bring water and milk to a boil. Add other ingredients, return to boil. Turn off heat and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags then filter through fine strainer. Good hot or cold. (you can keep it in the refrigerator and microwave it if you want it hot.)


Starbucks Carmel Macchiato Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Starbucks' Vanilla Syrup
• 1/2 cup fresh brewed espresso
• 8 ounces steamed milk
• 3 to 4 tablespoons Starbucks' Caramel Sauce
  

Cooking Directions:

Add vanilla syrup to 16oz glass. Add steamed milk and caramel sauce and stir well.

Starbucks Java Chocolate Chip
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• 4 tablespoon chocolate chips
• 4 cups double-strength freshly brewed dark roast coffee
• Chopped or crushed ice
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate syrup (for drizzle, optional)
  

Cooking Directions:

Fill blender half full with chopped or crushed ice. Add all ingredients (except whipped cream) and blend until thick and still icy. Pour into 4 tall glasses, top with whipping cream and drizzle chocolate over the whipped cream.

Drink up!

7 Things Parents Say that Cause Eating and Weight Problems in Kids

From: Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Blog Carnival

7 Things Parents Say that Cause Eating and Weight Problems in Kids

When it comes to obesity, we’re barking up the wrong tree. Thanks to the food industry and many nutrition professionals, we are convinced that its calories that count. Its simply not that simple! This law of thermodynamics does not apply in the human body, which is a complex system. The food industry loves to talk about ”energy balance” and play along with this calories in/ calories out concept. This calorie mythology enables them to reduce calorie content by shifting portion sizes and adding more questionable chemicals into our food and drink that enhance flavor without additional calories. Ingredients matter more than calories do. After all, 100 calories of dog poop is still dog poop!For more information check out http://www.betterschoolfood.com/realitycheck/


7 Things Parents Say that Cause Eating and Weight Problems in Kids (and what to say instead)

As parents, we sometimes forget that we are raising adults, not children. The goal is to provide them with the skills and increasing responsibility for managing their lives without our constant vigilance. One key life skill is the ability to navigate our abundant food environment while maintaining optimal health.

Here are seven things that well-meaning parents commonly say that may have unintended consequences--and some ideas for for things you could say instead:

1.You are such a good eater! Children want nothing more than to please their parents. While mealtime should be a pleasant time to connect with your children, eating should remain intrinsically driven to meet the child's fuel needs, NOT to earn your praise. (Read my previous post You're Not the Boss of My Body!)

What you could say instead: You must have been really hungry today! Or, I love spending time with you while we have dinner.

2. You are such a picky eater! All children (and adults) have some foods they just don't like. Some children are highly taste and/or texture sensitive but most will outgrow it. Picky eating becomes an entrenched behavior when we berate, beg, bribe--or worse, feed kids only what they say they'll eat.

What you could say instead: I know you didn't like it last time; tell me what you think about it today after you take one polite bite. Or, Did you know your taste buds grow up just like you do? I wonder if you like this big kid food yet?

3.Clean your plate; there are starving children in _______ (third world country). Avoid teaching children scarcity eating behaviors in our abundant food environment.

What you could say instead: It is important not to be wasteful so please only take as much as you think you need. Or, If you're full, we can save the rest for later.

4.You have to eat all your vegetables or there will be no dessert. Kids are smart. When you bribe them for eating certain foods, they quickly realize those foods must be yucky and that dessert is the reward. They also learn to hold out until a reward is offered.

What you could say instead: I love all kinds of different foods--some that make me healthy and strong and some that are just for fun. What kinds of foods do you like? Or, Enjoy your dinner. We'll be having dessert in a couple of hours.

5.Eat all your dinner or you don't get dessert. This variation on the threat above translates to “you must overeat so I will reward you by giving you more to eat!” Children naturally love sweet foods so they can learn to override their fullness signals. As an adult they'll order a 1200 calorie salad to earn a 800 calorie piece of cheesecake.

What you could say instead: Save room for dessert tonight!

6.I was so bad at lunch today! Now I have to spend an extra hour on the treadmill. Children are born to move. They naturally love exploring their environment, challenging themselves, and playing actively. Unfortunately, the messages they get from adults teaches them that exercise is punishment for eating.

What you could say instead: I ate more than I needed and now I feel too full and uncomfortable. I think a walk would help me feel better. Want to join me? Or, Anybody for a bike ride?!

7.I am so gross and fat! (Or, I can't believe ____ has let herself go!) Kids learn from us even when we think they aren't listening. Statements like this teach kids that it's OK to put yourself and others down and judge people for their weight or other physical attributes. Perhaps they also secretly wonder what you really think about them.

What you could say instead: I'm not perfect but I do my best to make healthy choices. AND, I love you just the way you are!


AND, just to show you that YES, kids at ANY age can have Eating Disorders, read this article. It will shock you! http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/woman/real_life/1914250/Anorexic-and-starving-at-six.html?print=yes


Teach your kids to love themselves, and most importantly, teach your kids that you love them regardless of what they look like...

Halloween Snacks! Get Ready for some great ideas!

My favorite time of year, Halloween and the smell of Fall. Here are some great snacks I found for Halloween! I love baking, but most of all, I love creativity! Enjoy!

Quick Spooky Snack
Combine a package of Chex Party Mix with candy corn and black and orange M&M's. Found at Parents.com




Monster Mash-Mallows
from Parents.com

Ingredients
•1/4 cupgreen melting wafers
•1 cuporange melting wafers
•1 cuppurple melting wafers
•Lollipop sticks
•24 largemarshmallows
•Sprinkles, candy corn, and candy icing decorations
•1/4 cupchocolate chips, melted

Directions

1. Place melting wafers in separte small bowls. Microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Insert one end of lollipop sticks into melted green wafers. Push green-colored end of each stick into a marshmallow. Let set 3 minutes.

2. Dunk marshmallows into orange or purple melted wafers, shaking off any excess coating. Place on a sheet of wax paper, and top with assorted sprinkles or decorations.

3. To make faces, place melted chocolate in a resealable plastic bag, and snip off one tiny corner. Pipe face designs onto marshmallows.

Choking Hazard Alert: Remove any decorations or small pieces of candy before giving treats to children 3 years old or younger.





Wicked Witch Cupcakes
from: Martha Stewart



These great-tasting, ghoulish-looking cupcakes are a wickedly easy treat for a Halloween party! Our trick: Keep kids antsy for the festivities happily busy by letting them help with the simple decorations.

Ingredients
Makes 12

•24 brown mini M&Ms plus , more for filling (optional)
•Hershey's Chocolate Cupcakes
•Dirty Green Simple Buttercream
•12 chocolate sugar cones
•1 pound black licorice laces, cut into 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch and 2-inch lengths
•12 candy corns

Directions
1.Using a melon baller, scoop out the center of each cupcake, and fill with mini M&Ms, if desired.
2.Cover the tops of each cupcake with a generous mound (about 1/3 cup) of buttercream. Insert one candy corn into each cupcake to form a nose. Using brown mini M&Ms, insert two into each cupcake to form eyes. Place two short lengths of licorice above the eyes to form eyebrows for the witch. Place the shorter licorice lengths above the eyebrows to form bangs. Place an inverted cone on top of bangs, pressing gently into buttercream to adhere. Place the longer licorice lengths under the cone hat to form the hair.


Say "boo" to ordinary fare by packing this school lunch for your child. Familyfun.com



Ingredients
Sandwich
Red pepper
Clementine
Green fruit leather

Instructions
Use a paring knife to cut a sandwich into a skull or bite-size fingers, as shown. For the latter, add red pepper nails. To turn a clementine into a jack-o'-lantern, press on green fruit leather shapes.

Ghost Sticks


These inexpensive treats are great fun to make with your any age child! They're a new twist on the chocolate covered pretzel. They're fairly simple, and you can munch them as soon as you make them, or use them to add a touch of fun to any Halloween display. Check out the other ideas section below for more ways your preschooler can help you use these Ghost Sticks for Halloween fun and giving.

How To Make It
Step 1:
Melt the white chocolate or white chocolate bar in a bowl in the microwave, or on the stove with a double boiler. Follow the instructions on the chocolate package for best results. If you are using a double boiler be extremely cautious with your preschooler around the boiler. An adult should do the melting and dipping portion of the project.

Step 2:
Dip the pretzel into the melted chocolate, and lay on aluminum foil, or wax paper to cool.

Step 3:
While the chocolate is still soft let your children help you insert two chocolate sprinkles for eyes, and a mini chocolate chip for a mouth.

Brain Power Cupcakes

Here's a treat to put you in a Halloween mind-set. Add brain power with these creepy cupcakes.

Ingredients
12 Cupcakes (Classic Cupcake Recipe)
Buttercream Frosting
Food Coloring



Instructions
Bake a batch of classic cupcakes.

Spread a coat of light orange icing (we stirred drops of yellow and pink food coloring, and just a touch of green, into 2 cups of buttercream frosting until we had a hue we liked) on a dozen cupcakes.

Use a pastry bag fitted with a number 10 round tip to top them with fat zigzags. It works best to first pipe two zigzags down the middle and then fill in the sides