Shopbrazos 07182013

JULY 2013

Preserve your own summer harvest Computer games can kick the ‘summer slide’ Bush Library & Museum features new nationwide exhibit, access/ABILITY

WHAT’S INSIDE

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Jenny Downing (979) 731-4660

Kyrstie Cox (979) 731-4665

Internet Sales Director

Internet Marketing Consultant

jenny.downing@theeagle.com

kyrstie.cox@theeagle.com

Shauna Lewis Editorial shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Eric Aguirre Layout & Design eric.aguirre@eveningpostinteractive.com ON THE WEB

/shopbrazos Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. ©2013 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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These days food preservation is becoming These equir more mainstream, but it requires commitment and equipment.

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A resour resource area provides a quiet place for visitors to learn more about disabilities esources. ces. through books and computer resources.

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Clothing is a gr great thing to borrow or buy secondhand since babies grow so fast and often gently use their clothes.

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EDUCATIONAL GAMES

Thursday, July 18, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Battling ‘summer slide’ Educational computer games can help kids’ brains stay active, challenged

Although video gaming should certainly be supervised, there are good reasons why you should let your kids spend some time online. Here are a few educational websites that bridge learning and entertainment for the betterment of your child: ABC Ya (ABCYa.com): Created by teachers, ABC Ya is aimed at kids in kindergarten through fifth grade and covers concepts in reading, math and other subjects.

Little ones can match upper- and lowercase letters. Older kids can solve Tangagram math puzzles and subject-verb agreement with the Verb Viper.

“Just learning how to play the games can help teach problem solving skills and a sense of discovery.”

Cara Finnegan STOCK.xCHnG PHOTO

By Melissa Erickson Special to The Eagle

A

re today’s gamers the game-changers of tomorrow? Parents might hope so, because kids are spending massive amounts of time playing computer and video games and playing on their smartphones.

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More sites

The average eighth-grade girl spends 12 hours a week playing, while teen boys game 23 hours a week, according to a study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Are these wasted hours? What position will kids be in when they resume school in the fall?

On average, American students lose one month of progress in math and reading per year while out of school during summer months. Low-income students are disproportionately affected, falling behind two months in reading,

according to a study by the RAND Corp.

Can games help?

Experts say that computer games are like books. Some books are mindless page-turners with not much to offer educationally.

Others inspire and challenge the mind to learn new things. Computer games can be the same way, said Cara Finnegan, managing editor of FamilyEducation.com.

“Our site (funbrain.com and funbrainjr.com) was created to be a fun place to learn for kids ages 2 to 6. Games challenge young children in number recognition, addition and subtraction, rhyming, letter sounds, sequencing and more,” Finnegan said.

To combat “summer slide,” boot up the computer and help your child log on to a game with an educational backbone like Won-

deropolis.org, an informational site powered by discovery, creativity, learning and imagination, said Jon Reigelman, National Center for Family Literacy, which runs the site.

“The content aligns to the Common Core State Standards,” expectations created by teachers, parents and community leaders for students at each grade level, “and follows the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) educational quality framework,” Reigelman said.

What else can kids learn from the right kind of games? “Just learning how to play the games can help teach problem solving skills and a sense of discovery, in addition to the academic skills the games and printables address.

They also help kids gain computer literacy skills and practice fine motor skills,” Finnegan said.

Cool Math (coolmath.com): An amusement park of math, Cool Math offers lessons and games from addition to calculus, geometry terms and graphing concepts.

Using clever illustrations to explain concepts, this ultra-bright page features a conversational tone to help kids practice number skills.

PBS Kids (pbskids.org): Simple and safe for preschoolers, PBS Kids features basic learning skills paired with popular characters such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George and Word Girl.

How Stuff Works (howstuffworks.com): This award-winning educational site delves into a diversity of age-appropriate subjects from culture and politics to animals and entertainment, science and money. The site includes games, blogs, videos and up-to-the-minute answers to what’s in the news now.

Time for Kids (timeforkids. com): This supplement to the magazine is a safe and eye-opening place to hang out online for tweens and older.

Discovery Kids (kids.discovery.com): Kids are encouraged to explore the world around them through games, puzzles, quizzes and activities.

National Geographic Kids (kids.nationalgeographic. com): Learn about the world and its inhabitants, geography, nature and the environment, but be aware some scary hunter/prey videos are posted.

THEME PARTY

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It’s time to theme party!

Five ideas to create a kids’ birthday party to remember

By Randall Stokes Special to The Eagle

A child’s birthday often is one of the most anticipated days of the year. Kids’ birthday parties offer an opportunity to share a child’s special day with friends and family.

A theme helps determine the loca-

tion of the party and ties together each party element, such as activities, decorations, invitations, cake style and party favors. It also allows the birthday boy or girl to express personal preferences and share those with the guests.

Consider one of these fun birthday themes for kids’ parties.

Favorite character Most kids have a favorite character. It might be a superhero, a literary character such as Harry Potter, or an animated character from TV or the movies, such as the Wizard of Oz. Centralizing the party theme around the honoree’s favorite character is a great way to involve the child in the party planning.

Allow him or her to suggest decoration ideas, help choose the cake design and select the games. Check for character theme ideas through sites such as Pinterest and PBS.org.

Treat the princess to a tea party, complete with cookies and small sandwiches. STOCK.xCHnG PHOTOS

Sports-themed party Both boys and girls may enjoy a sportsthemed party. Pick whichever sport the birthday honoree loves most, and use it as the basis for each party element. For example, for a softball or baseball party, you may opt for a cake shaped like a ball or one shaped like the infield of a park. Sportsthemed parties can be held inside, in your backyard or at the park, where activities can include sports-themed games.

Tea party The idea of a tea party may conjure images of little girls in frilly dresses eating dainty sandwiches and cookies at a formally decorated table. Some young girls may enjoy a traditional tea party theme, but there are ways to build upon that idea to create a unique birthday party without the frills.

Consider an American Girl tea party where each guest brings her American Girl doll. Another variation is to host a Mad Hatter-style tea party, inspired by the book (or movie) “Alice in Wonderland.” A Mad Hatter tea party can work for a co-ed party.

Zoo party

Mystery party

Many zoos offer kids’ birthday party packages. A zoo theme works great for kids who are in elementary and middle school; plan for at least one adult helper for every two kids.

To plan a zoo party, contact your local zoo and ask for package information and pricing. For example, Brookfield Zoo, outside Chicago, offers Wild Birthday Bash packages that include zoo admission, carousel coupons, a buffet lunch, zoo-themed party favors, a T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl and more.

A party must keep kids engaged and active. Kids 8 and older may love a mystery party where they can be detectives, discovering clues, interviewing suspects and ultimately revealing “who done it.”

Companies such as Party Sleuth provide mystery party packages with everything you need to throw the perfect mystery party.

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SUMMER GARDEN

SUMMER HARVEST

Preserve your

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By Melissa Erickson More Content now

M

ost gardeners can’t wait for the summer harvest to thrive. It will come, and usually all at once and in abundance.

When it comes to gardens, “it is a very common problem — or opportunity — to have an excess.

Most gardeners do have too much of a good thing and are looking for what to do with the extras,” said author and Vermont resident Andrea Chesman. Her many books include “Serving Up The Harvest” and “The Pickled Pantry.”

These days food preservation is becoming more mainstream, but it requires commitment and equipment. “It’s worthwhile, but it’s not for everyone, Chesman said.

Sharing your garden surplus with neighbors is a nice idea, but you can also help the needy by donating produce through organizations such as Ample Harvest (ampleharvest.org) and America’s Grow A Row (americasgrowarow.org).

“One of the best ways is to share the bounty is to donate to a local food pantry,” said Susan Littlefield, horticultural editor for the National Gardening Association.

“Just be sure to check with the food pantry first to make sure they can handle what you have to give.”

Freeze!

Freezing is a great way to preserve your harvest, but be sure to prepare properly, said Linda Larsen, Busy Cooks Guide for

About.com: “Vegetables should be washed well, cut or grated, then most should be blanched for a few minutes to reduce enzyme activity and preserve color. Then pack them in freezer containers, leaving about an inch of headspace. You can also freeze the food in a single layer on a baking sheet. When it’s frozen solid, pack into freezer containers. Label the container and freeze quickly; make sure your freezer is set at 0 degrees F or colder.”

To preserve herbs, you can make them into pesto, dry them or freeze them. Freezing herbs will save money down the road. Simply puree with a little olive oil and freeze in reclosable bags (push out extra air) or a well-covered ice cube tray.

Chesman makes “pounds of pesto” each summer, which is basically basil, olive oil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Feel free to adjust the recipe and stretch the basil with spinach or parsley or substitute expensive pine nuts with almonds or walnuts.

You can also freeze whole basil leaves. “Wash the leaves and put into freezer bags. During the winter, you can just break off some of the leaves and toss them into soups and spaghetti sauce,” said Larsen.

Picking and pickling When cherry tomatoes ripen, “they come in really hard and really fast,” Chesman said. “They need to be picked quickly, too, because if you don’t they’ll split and rot.” Pick and place in a jumbo-size reclosable bag and keep adding as tomatoes ripen.

SUMMER GARDEN

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Zucchini Pineapple Coffee Cake

Makes about 3 cups 3 1/2 cups very thinly sliced cucumbers n 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced n 1 T pickling or fine sea salt n 1 cup distilled white vinegar n 1/4 cup sugar n 1 sprig fresh dill n 1 t dill seeds n 1 bay leaf Combine the cucumbers, garlic and salt in a large bowl. Cover with ice water and set aside for at least two hours, up to six hours.

Then drain, rinse and drain the cucumbers again.

Combine the white vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat.

Heat just enough to dissolve the sugar.

Pour the vinegar mixture over the drained cucumbers and toss well to coat.

Pack the dill, dill seeds and bay leaf into a freezer container. Pack in the cucumbers and vinegar mixture, leaving at least 1 inch headspace. Close tightly and freeze.

Defrost in the refrigerator for at least eight hours before serving. n

– From “The Pickled Pantry”

by Andrea Chesman

After defrosting they’ll be mush, but a delectable mush perfect for making sauces, salsas and as a substitute for canned tomatoes.

Pickling vegetables in another way to make them last. The process can be a bit complicated, but easy recipes and store-bought pickling mixes are available. Easiest of all is to buy a jar

pineapple and vanilla and mix well. Stir in zucchini.

Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and mix just until combined. Fold in the pecans and raisins. Spread evenly in prepared pan.

For the toppinng, mix brown sugar, oats, flour and salt in small bowl; stir in butter until crumbly.

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted

near the center comes out clean. (You can also make this batter into muffins; fill each muffin tin, lined with baking cups, three-quarters full; bake 23-28 minutes until they test done with a toothpick. Or bake in two greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pans for 60-65 minutes.)– From Linda Larsen, Busy Cooks Guide for About.com

Smokin Sausage

Freezer Tomato Salsa Makes about 1 quart n 6 large ripe plum tomatoes or medium salad tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped n 1/2 small onion, finely chopped n 1 to 2 fresh red or green jalapeños, seeded (optional) n 1/2 green or red bell pepper, finely chopped n 2 T finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more as needed n Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons), plus more as needed n Salt and ground black pepper Mix together the tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, bell pepper, cilantro and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Some flavor will be lost in the

of pickles and reuse the brine with your own vegetables, which have been blanched beforehand to soften them up, Chesman said.

To taste summer months in the future, cook dinner now and freeze it, Chesman suggests. “If you’re overwhelmed with eggplants, tomatoes and zucchini, make a ratatouille and

Thursday, July 18, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Freezer Dills

1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup melted butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 2/3 cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained, reserve juice 2 t vanilla 2 1/2 cups grated zucchini (do not drain) 2 3/4 cups flour 1 t baking powder 1 t baking soda 1/2 t salt 1/2 t cinnamon 1/4 t nutmeg 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup golden raisins 2/3 cup packed brown sugar ? cup rolled oats 1/3 cup flour Pinch salt 6 T butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray containing flour; set aside. In large bowl, combine oil, ? cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs,

freezer, so use a bold hand.

Freeze in an airtight plastic bag or container.

Defrost in a colander set over a bowl at room temperature. Transfer the salsa to a small bowl. Return enough of the collected liquid to give the salsa a pleasing texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding additional lime juice, salt or pepper to brighten the flavors.

A handful of chopped fresh cilantro added to the defrosted salsa will brighten up the flavors.

The salsa liquid you do not return to the defrosted salsa can be reserved for soup stock.

– From “The Pickled Pantry” by Andrea Chesman

freeze it,” she said. You can also make soups or a Mediterranean stew.

Larsen advises using prolific vegetables and fruits in unusual ways such as zucchini bread and cake, pole beans in pasta salads, and rhubarb bread or muffins. “Rhubarb can also be cooked in a sauce and served with meat,” said Littlefield.

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BUSH LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

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BUSH LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum holding ‘access/ABILITY’ exhibit Shauna Lewis

about themselves, their accomplishhe George Bush Presiden- ments and how tial Library and Museum they overcome is featuring “access/ challenges in ABLILITY,” an interactive interacti their live li s. A disabilities awareness exhibit, resource area through Sept. 30. provides a The George Bush Presidenquiet place for tial Library and Museum, 1000 visitors to learn George Bush Drive Dri West in more about College Station, began featurdisabilities ing the exhibit on July 15. The through books exhibit is an interactive, interacti yet and computer sensiti disability awareness sensitive resources. exhibit that delive deli rs the mesThis is the sage that people are all more first time the alike than differ dif ent.

George Bush “The exhibit is unique Presidential because it shows people livli Library and ing with disabilities,” said Museum has Will King, spokesman for the featured the George Bush Presidential Litra ling extrave brary and Museum. hibit. “Access/ “V “Visitors will have ha an opABILITY” is portunity to try for themselves produced by the to ride in a wheelchair, hair read hair, Boston ChilPhoto courtesy of the Boston Children’s Children’ Museum Braille and some of the many dren’s Museum other things people with disand sponsored nationally by Boston Children’s Museum, About George Bush Presiabilities do every day to overthe MetLife Foundation and lo- visit their website at www. dential Library and Museum come those challenges and live li cally by the George Bush Presi- BostonChildrensMuseum.org.

The George Bush Presidennormal live li s.” dential Library Foundation.

The access/ABILITY extial Library and Museum is on Other activities acti for visiThe Boston Children’s Muhibit is being held in conjunca 90-acre area of Texas A&M tors include learning phrases seum is a priva pri te, non-profit, tion with the annive anni rsary of Uni rsity’s west campus, and Unive in American Sign Language, educational institution that is the signing of the Americans is part of the George Bush riding a hand-pedaled bike and recognized internationally as with Disabilities Act (ADA) Presidential Library Center, Center participating in a multi-sensoa research and development on July 26, 1990. The ADA was which includes the George ry City Walk. center and pacesetter for chilthe world’s first comprehenBush Presidential Library Throughout the exhibit, My dren’s exhibitions, educational sive si declaration of equality for Foundation, the Bush School of people with disabilities.

Government and Public SerWay kiosks introduce people programs and curriculum. vice and the Annenberg Presiwith disabilities, who talk For more infor inf mation about The Eagl Ea e

T

Photo courtesy of the Boston Children’s Children’ Museum

Photos courtesy of the Bush Library

Photo courtesy of the Boston Children’s Children’ Museum

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dential Conference Center.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is also part of the National Archives and Records Administration’s Presidential Libraries network. or ork.

The site for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum was selected in May 1991, and the groundbreaking was held in November 1994. The museum opened to the public

in November 1997, followed by the opening of The Bush Library and Museum Research Room in January 2008.

The mission of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is to preserve and make available the records and artifacts tif tifacts of George H.W. Bush, the 41st United States president. It promotes civic ci literacy and increased histori-

cal understanding of the national experience, and fosters a community of public service and volunteerism.

To accomplish its mission, the library and museum offers of educational and public programs, museum exhibits and access to its archival holdings. The textual archives contain more than 45 million pages of documents, and the audio-visual archives have ha more than 2 million photographs and thousands of hours of video and audio recordings.

The museum’s core exhibit focuses on the “Life and Times

of George Bush,” and features items including a 1925 film of Bush’s first steps in Kennebunkport, Maine, documents highlighting his service at the CIA and United Nations and records and correspondence from his tenure as president. Other areas feature a TBM Avenger aircraft, a 1947 Studebaker, er er, an ordinance from Operation Desert Storm, a segment of the Ber Berlin Wall, replicas of Bush’s Camp David Da Of Office , Oval Office Of and White House Press Room, and many foreign and domestic gifts. For more infor inf mation on the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and upcoming exhibits, visit http:// bushlibrary.tamu.edu or call 979-691-4000.

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FAMILY

Thursday, July 18, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Find moments to sit back, relax with family

By Melissa Erickson Special to The Eagle

Learning fun

Didn’t fit in summer travel this season? Expose the kids to key concepts related to countries and continents with Stack the Countries, an entertaining and educational app that combines flash card-type questions with a game that requires players to stack countries in a pile without letting them tumble down.

Time to Relax

Aug. 15 is National Relaxation Day, so put your feet up and take it easy. This is your excuse to go get a massage, have a pillow fight or take the day off from gadgets. According to the Mayo Clinic, relaxation slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow, reduces tension and improves concentration.

Teen driving

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attention — a study released

by Ford Motor Co. found that twothirds of teenage drivers say they are distracted behind the wheel by the radio, iPod or MP3 player.

Living longer

Theories Find a favorite spot at a park, in your backyard or a secluded space to retreat to on Thursday, abound August 15, National Relaxation Day. STOCK.xCHnG PHOTO about life expectancy in the future, but was a century ago, according some people predict that scito the U.S. Census Bureau. The ♦ ence is advancing so fast that number of centenarians is pre♦ the first people to live to 150 dicted to increase sixfold in the have already been born. Avernext 40 years. ♦ age life expectancy is 76 years Allow♦

Summer days are among the deadliest for teenage drivers, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Commission. The average number of teenagers who die in accidents doubles during the three months of summer, with one of the deadliest days being the Sunday in August just before universities for men and 81 for women, launch their fall terms. And pay which is 30 years more than it

ances

Want to get the kids helping more around the house?

Consider giving them an allowance. It’s a great way to teach money management skills.

Experts generally recommend that kids get 50 cents to $1 a week for every year of their age.

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BEACH TRIP

Aatday the

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n Coola Classic

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beach

By Danielle Braff Special to The Eagle

There are only a few things you’ll need to have a perfect beach day: a beach, some cute beach shoes, sunscreen and maybe a little T-shirt to cover up the babies.

Then, sprawl out in the sand and relax.

n Mommy’s Beach Babe

(right), $12 at www.Kohls.com

n Therafit By Dr. Lisa

Sandals (right), $65 at www.TheraFitShoe.com

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Indigo (below), $90 at www.Ahnu.com

Get Daily Specials in Your Inbox Visit

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SMOOTHIES

By Margaret Maples More Content now

Thursday, July 18, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Name your event, and a smoothie – usually a friendly avalanche of smoothies in a rainbow of colors and flavors – will want to join you.

These icy thirst-quenchers love celebrations and are limited only by the imagination running the blender. Order a smoothie, and you can get a chilly gulp or a spoonable mound, fruity, spicy or sweet – sometimes even savory. And they can be garnished with as many flounces as you like.

Any flavor Making smoothies opens up lots of delicious possibilities. To make an Easy Pinky, freeze red fruit punch in ice trays, then dump a cup of those cubes plus a peeled, chopped mango into a blender and go for it. You can garnish with a sprig of mint, or drink it plain. Orange and banana also suit the smoothie’s spontaneity. Chocolate and tea offer lovely alternatives. You can make decadent noshables, but great healthy treats are easy, too. Just be mindful of calorie-laden whipped cream and sweeteners. If you’re going low-cal, stick to fresh or unsweetened frozen fruit, low-fat yogurt, and 2 percent or no-fat milk.

Add a little zing to the proceedings with a dash of pepper. Yes! Try ground chipotle with the Mocha Meerkat. Allspice, another rather sharp flavor, gives an edge to a mix of peach and mango. And don’t forget cinnamon, nutmeg and Chinese Five Spice.

Through thick and thin

Keep cool with these tasty frozen treats that use spices, ice and berries

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SuPeR

SMooThieS

Smoothies and milkshakes are close cousins, but smoothies include yogurt as a mixer, in addition to milk or ice cream. And while it’s natural to think of these drinks as summer chillers, thanks to refrigeration and worldwide shipping, you and your family can enjoy them year-round.

For sloshy drinks, toss ice cubes into the blender. For a spoonable, ice cream effect, use orange sections that you’ve frozen. Or try freezing red fruit punch or chocolate soy milk in ice trays, then pop these flavorful cubes into the recipe.

When it’s time to mix, both food processors and blenders are useful. But the texture of a blender smoothie is more velvety.

With a food processor you’re likely to have larger ice particles, which means a slightly rougher mouthfeel.

Either way, your drinks will exude bonhomie and style. So cut loose! You can’t miss.

AN EASY PiNKY, in the photo above, calls for pureeing a cup of frozen red fruit punch cubes and a ripe mango. If you prefer a Slushy Pinky, add ice cubes to the blender.

SMOOTHIES

Fresh fruit and ice cubes are standard summertime supplies. But for these smoothie recipes, you’ll also want frozen orange sections and cubes of milk, chocolate soy milk, red fruit punch and orange juice. Berries, whipped cream and chocolate bits make lovely garnishes.

SuPeR SMooThieS

Purple Sip

Using soy milk instead of dairy turns this into a lactose-free treat.

1 cup blueberries, divided 1/4 to 1/2 cup 2 percent milk, chilled 1/2 cup frozen 2 percent milk cubes 1 medium banana, sliced 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey Garnish: whipped cream, blueberries and mint leaves

1 2 3

Place half the blueberries and the fluid milk into a blender. Puree until the berry skins are tiny flecks. Add milk cubes, banana and maple syrup. Blend smooth.

Divide mixture between two glasses or mugs, add remaining blueberries, retaining a few berries for garnish.

Top each serving with whipped cream, blueberries and mint leaves.

Makes 2 servings.

Mocha Meerkat

MARGARET MAPLES PHOTOS

Pepper in a smoothie? Sure! A little ground chipotle makes the chocolate that much more lovable.

1 3/4 to 2 cups frozen chocolate soy milk cubes 3 tablespoons fluid chocolate soy milk 1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice 1 medium banana, sliced 1 teaspoon instant espresso Dash ground chipotle pepper, to taste Garnish: whipped cream, dark chocolate chips and fresh raspberries

1

Place chocolate soy milk cubes, fluid soy milk, spice powder, banana slices, espresso and ground pepper (if using) into a food processor. Blend until smooth.

2

Divide mixture between two glasses or mugs. Top with whipped cream, chocolate chips and raspberries.

Makes 2 servings.

Thursday, July 18, 2013____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

ingredients

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Cold Gold

Allspice and cinnamon add zest to the gentle personality of peaches and oranges.

2 medium peaches, peeled and chopped 2 cups frozen orange sections 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 cup 2 percent milk 1 cup ice cubes 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste Garnish: berries and orange sections

1 2

Place peaches, orange sections, honey, milk, ice cubes, allspice and cinnamon in a food processor or blender. Puree.

Divide mixture between two glasses or mugs. Top servings with berries and orange sections.

Makes 2 servings.

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14

PARENTING

Safe and

sound

What you can buy used and what must be new for baby

By Melissa Erickson Special to The Eagle

First-time parents want the best for their baby, but some of us like or need to save money. What compromises can be made for secondhand or borrowed items? And what baby gear is important to buy new?

First-time parents can “absolutely” accept hand-me-downs and shop consignment for certain items, said Dr. Jennifer Shu, pediatrician, medical editor of HealthyChildren.org and co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ book “Heading Home With Your Newborn.”

“Clothing is a great thing to borrow or buy secondhand since babies grow so fast and often gently use their clothes,” she said, adding that some clothes will be outgrown with the tags still on them because babies don’t stay the same size for more than a month or two. With used clothes avoid items with drawstrings, check that nothing is unraveling and that the buttons, snaps or closures work well.

Another good way to save would be on “relatively expensive items such as baby carriers like a Baby Bjorn or fancy strollers,” said Shu. The website Priceonomics.com says you can save 37 percent buying a used stroller. Just be sure to check for recalls, in which strollers are taken off the market for two serious reasons: finger amputations and child deaths (when a child’s head gets stuck between the body of the stroller and the tray). To check for a recall, get the stroller’s

model number, visit cpsc.gov and click on recalls.

When used is oK Many other baby items can be bought secondhand, such as “baby monitors, activity stations/saucers, anything that can be easily cleaned such as baby bathtubs or Bumbotype seats, or some high chairs or booster seats,” Shu said. Just be sure to give them a good inspection.

High chairs are required to have cribs are made took effect in June a five-point harness or a three2011, after hundreds of children point harness and a crotch post to were injured and millions of cribs protect a child from climbing out. recalled. Most For playpens, cribs sold before make sure the More tips that date are conitem was made sidered obsolete.

Check out recall information from after 2000 beThe drop-down the Consumer Product Safety cause the last Commission, cpsc.gov. Send crib was deemed safety updates registration cards back to the particularly danmanufacturer whenever you buy were issued in gerous. a product such as a car seat or 1999, according Used cribs “may stroller, and check manufacturer to the Consumer be missing some websites.

Product Safety screws or other Commission. pieces that are There should be no dangling cords, vital for safe use,” Shu said. If afrips or holes larger than a quarter fording a new crib is a problem, inch, and the mattress should fit consider a portable crib or playpen, snuggly. For baby slings and carri- which is less expensive. ers, make sure straps and closures Most women would prefer to buy work properly. new rather than borrow or rent a “New car seats are best, but if breast pump. With used pumps “it you borrow or buy used, make sure may be important to buy new tubit is not older than six or so years,” ing and other parts to avoid getting said Shu. “There should be an exanother person’s germs,” Shu said. piration date stamped on the seat,” “I also recommend buying new she added. bottle/cup nipples and pacifiers.”

A mattress is a must-be-boughtWhat to buy new new item. A used mattress can be Some baby items simply should a contaminated with vomit, urine be bought new, such as a crib. A and feces, making it a breeding new government standard on how ground for bacteria and mold.

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Sully’s Sports Bar & Grill 1037 Texas Ave. College Station Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3 pm - 12 am 69¢ wings & tenders

Los Molcajetes Mexican Food 725 E. Villa Maria Rd., Ste. 100 Mondays, 4 - 9 pm Two enchiladas any style with rice and beans for $5.99

Fox & Hound 505 University Dr. E. College Station Every day, 10 pm - 2 am 7 appetizers under $7

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Casa Rodriguez 300 N. Bryan Ave. Bryan Tuesdays, 5 - 9 pm Kids eat free from kids menu with purchase of adult meal

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 1520 Harvey Rd. College Station Tuesdays, All Day Half off all wines by the bottle or glass

Lakeside Icehouse & Grill 8200 Sandy Point Rd. Bryan Weekends, All Day Kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of adult entrée and drink

Carney’s Pub & Grill 3410 S. College Ave. Bryan Wednesdays, All Day $1.50 wells

Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant 1007 Earl Rudder Frwy.

College Station Tuesdays, All Day Kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of adult entrée

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DRINKS Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill Both College Station locations Wednesdays, All Day $1.75 pints

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