Author: Julie Meyers Pron

This week’s Celebrity Apprentice introduced a term that not all of America is familiar with: Advertorial. It’s especially relevant with many current conversations regarding how to get paid in blogging. So, totally upfront, here are a few opportunities in blogging. Advertorial This is a paid advertisement but written in the style of the publication. In a magazine sense (as should have been done in episode 3 of the 2010 season of The Celebrity Apprentice), it’s an ad that blends so well into its’ magazine’s pages that the reader would think it was written by the staff of the magazine for the…

After all the hours I spent planning out the “perfect” dining plan for my family in the form of ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations), one would think I wouldn’t allow for a change of plans. Not so, not so at all. On our very first night, Monday, we made changes. We skipped the Whispering Canyon Cafe and opted for counter service at Cosmic Rays so that we could casually enjoy the beautiful weather, lack of lines, excitement of being there, and the fireworks at 8 pm at the Magic Kingdom. (when at Disney, you don’t have to cancel your ADRs unless they verbally told…

For a while, I’ve recognized the importance of all-around wellness. We all know that to have a healthy, balanced life, we need to start the day with a healthy breakfast, continue through two more well-rounded meals and a healthy snack, or two, during the day, and get fair amounts of exercise. And, if you’re an active reader of my blog, you also know that I’m a firm believer of me-time equaling wellness. Oh my goodness. Reading through that list and knowing that’s just the edge of all a busy mom needs to do to be well and balanced makes life seem rather…

Recently, I learned just how intense back to school is for moms. It’s not just a transition for the student; it’s also one for the parents. We adjust to new schedules. We meet teachers and make friends and lunches and breakfasts. We’re running from soccer to scouts to swim lessons and shuffling homework and family time and playdates. You know what’s usually forgotten? The mom. The MOM. The mom who makes lunch and breakfast and drives the carpool and prepares a snack for all 8 kids that came to her home after the school bus dropped off the kids, not…

We were invited out for breakfast Saturday morning, but, knowing how my kids would much prefer a laid-back Saturday morning at the house, I offered to host a brunch. I had been sent a sampler pack of Udi’s Gluten Free Bread loaves and searched for a recipe that I could prepare the night before, using their bread. I finally combined a few recipes and came up with my own: Gluten Free French Toast Bake, a make-ahead breakfast casserole. This recipe can be prepared Gluten Free by using Gluten Free breads and flour, or “regular” using whole wheat flour and a loaf of your favorite…

So, in last week’s Fashion Friday post, I mentioned that stripes are in style this coming spring, and then I walked through Target with Little yesterday, and WOW! There are stripes everywhere! Here are a few tips for wearing stripes. Pick one striped item and keep the rest solid or close to solid Stripes may be everywhere in the stores, but they shouldn’t be everywhere on your body. Too many stripes, and you’ll get an A Bad Case of Stripes [Paperback] … Keep stripes slimming For the longest time, I stayed away from stripes because they’re widening when worn wrong, and, honestly,…

I love taking my kids to the bookstore or library. There are so many shiny new choices out there for kids to get excited about! But just as exciting as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Captain Underpants are the books that made me fall in love with reading. Take the time to share some of your classic favorites with your kids and help them see what made you fall in love with reading. Classic Chapter Books to Read with Your Kids Stuart Little When I first introduced my kids to the adventures of this cute little mouse, they doubted me: Really, Mom?…

Today, I attended my first Just Between Friends Consignment Sale. It was a media preview (and I was given a gift card to use as I experienced the sale.) I had no idea what to expect and, wow! It’s enormous! You’ll find everything from baby to tween clothing (and maternity), baby gear, strollers, toys toys toys, books, games, puzzles, dolls… If it’s for kids, you’ll find it–and at great prices! Check out my finds at the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in the Western Philadelphia Suburbs More information on the Just Between Friends Western Mainline sale The Just Between Friends sale officially…

This appetizer, Shrimp Avocado Crostini, created by Christina Dimacali, chef and owner of Clean Your Plate, is one to print or bookmark for your next night of entertaining. Earlier this summer, Whitney, Zareen and a few other friends, and I were whisked away to her home for a private cooking party sponsored by P&G. At the event, we learned of several P&G self-care products. Christina kept our cooking skills and taste likes in mind and created a several-course menu for all of us to cook together. It was SO much fun to cook with friends and guidance from a pro. So so so much…

Tacos are a staple around here. I learned to make them before I was married and for several years made them at least once a week. Because they were easy. Back then, I used a kit, which likely wasted a little money and didn’t allow for much experimentation or adjustments to make them yummy for me. Recently, I realized that if I drop the premade taco sauce or powder, I could add a little extra of what I like and leave out what I don’t. Making your own tacos is as simple as figuring out which salsa is your favorite.…