Latest News from the Health Staff
Okay, the TalkingShopping gals aren't intentionally trying to gross y'all out with this one but we need to talk about it! You've heard people say that shopping-cart handles have more germs than public restrooms?! Well, we were very pleased when stores around the country took action and began offering free sanitary wipes next to the carts! We wonder though, are these wipes enough?! If those handles truly are less sanitary than a toilet in a public restroom, then we should take our cleaning measures up a notch, agreed?!
In a recent ABC News report about the unsanitary carts customers admitted their children would gnaw on the cart handles! Holy sickness! The story also noted that the sanitizing devices that many supermarkets are offering are guaranteed to kill 99% of germs like E. coli and salmonella. But not every store offers them, often the dispensers are empty and many people don't even see them when they pick up their cart! The TS gals end up using our sweaters as a germ shield! Poor sweaters!
Thankfully, Kmart has stepped up and taken things to a whole new level of clean. It has introduced a new bio-degradable and recyclable shopping cart handle cover that's designed to protect against viruses and bacteria that can be harbored on the handle. Just like the wipes, the handle covers are dispensed through a container alongside the shopping carts and are easily applied and removed! We trust that they will keep your hands and your little ones a whole lot cleaner!
Want to take things a step further?! Check out the soft carrier (Pictured Above) that we found at Kmart.
Disney Delux Shop N' Dine Soft Carrier
$29.99 at Kmart.com
As if finding a partner for life wasn't already high enough on your list of priorities... Turns out sharing your bed could save your brain.
A Scandinavian study supports that people who live with their better-half by the time they are in their 40s are less likely to develop dementia. People with partners at midlife were 50 percent less likely to be cognitively impaired as they got older compared to widows, singles, divorcees, and those separated! So is the old song true? Is love really all you need?
"Cognitive and intellectual stimulation has been reported to be protective against dementia in general," said study author Krister Hakansson, of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. "Living in a couple means that you are confronted with other ideas, perspectives and needs. You have to compromise, make decisions and solve problems together with someone else, which is more complicated and challenging. It is probably easier to get stuck in your own habits and routines if you live by yourself."
Whether you now consider your brain to be on the endangered organ list or are relieved that you have already found your personal guard against mental deterioration, TalkingShopping has something in mind that will help keep your mind intellectually active.
Cranium-WOW, $29.99: If you've never played Cranium, your brain is really missing out! This is not your grandma's game of charades, pictionary, or even trivial pursuit. This edition has brand new cards with tons more challenges to act, sculpt, hum, and solve. Plus, they designed new movers with interchangeable hats and hairdos--okay, so the TS gals admit we don't think those are a huge selling point for adults, but why not add a little oddity to the mix, yeah? Not to mention, you'll get all the fresh necessities like pre-sharpened pencils, pads of paper, and new purple clay for you to show off your quick-sculpt skills (oh yeah, make 'em jealous!). This game will surely fit the bill and stretch your brain! This way you don't have to share the blankets to save your brain.
A Scandinavian study supports that people who live with their better-half by the time they are in their 40s are less likely to develop dementia. People with partners at midlife were 50 percent less likely to be cognitively impaired as they got older compared to widows, singles, divorcees, and those separated! So is the old song true? Is love really all you need?
"Cognitive and intellectual stimulation has been reported to be protective against dementia in general," said study author Krister Hakansson, of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. "Living in a couple means that you are confronted with other ideas, perspectives and needs. You have to compromise, make decisions and solve problems together with someone else, which is more complicated and challenging. It is probably easier to get stuck in your own habits and routines if you live by yourself."
Whether you now consider your brain to be on the endangered organ list or are relieved that you have already found your personal guard against mental deterioration, TalkingShopping has something in mind that will help keep your mind intellectually active. Cranium-WOW, $29.99: If you've never played Cranium, your brain is really missing out! This is not your grandma's game of charades, pictionary, or even trivial pursuit. This edition has brand new cards with tons more challenges to act, sculpt, hum, and solve. Plus, they designed new movers with interchangeable hats and hairdos--okay, so the TS gals admit we don't think those are a huge selling point for adults, but why not add a little oddity to the mix, yeah? Not to mention, you'll get all the fresh necessities like pre-sharpened pencils, pads of paper, and new purple clay for you to show off your quick-sculpt skills (oh yeah, make 'em jealous!). This game will surely fit the bill and stretch your brain! This way you don't have to share the blankets to save your brain.
Traveling, especially over the busy holiday season, gives you so much to look forward to: celebrating with family and friends, gift exchanges, time off of work and the chance to just get out of town--whether you are jetting off to a snowy destination or a sunny getaway.
But before all the fun and festivities, you dread having to face the stress of packing, long lines at security, public bathrooms, the inevitable neck-crampage from falling asleep on the plane, and making sure that your all liquids and gels pass through TSA's strict regulations. So much stress can't be healthy, can it?
Health has done some investigating and has come up with the healthiest airports in America. Topping the list: Phoenix Sky Harbor International. To see where your airport fit in the ranks, check it out here.
Luckily, you don't have to be traveling in the healthiest airports in America in order to be prepared to maintain your own mental and physical health. TalkingShopping is here to offer a few shopping buys that will help make your traveling a little better.
Giraffe at Home 'Luxe' Throw & Pillow Travel Set (left), Nordstrom, $118.90: The TS girls thought it looked SO cozy! Heck, even if you aren't traveling this season, you probably wouldn't mind getting this snuggly set from Santa!
Best of Korres Set, Sephora, $25.00 ($35.00 value!): A sampling of the Korres brand in sizes that comply with TSA guidelines. Just don't be fooled if they try to 'confiscate' these goodies for themselves!
Dubai Duffle, TUMI, $395 now $229: Whether you cannot 'travel light' to save your life, or always keep your packing for the night before you leave, packing is a chore we hate. This discontinued color reminds us of homemade pumpkin pie and might even make us a little more merry about jamming everything we need for holiday travels in a duffle.
But before all the fun and festivities, you dread having to face the stress of packing, long lines at security, public bathrooms, the inevitable neck-crampage from falling asleep on the plane, and making sure that your all liquids and gels pass through TSA's strict regulations. So much stress can't be healthy, can it?
Health has done some investigating and has come up with the healthiest airports in America. Topping the list: Phoenix Sky Harbor International. To see where your airport fit in the ranks, check it out here.Luckily, you don't have to be traveling in the healthiest airports in America in order to be prepared to maintain your own mental and physical health. TalkingShopping is here to offer a few shopping buys that will help make your traveling a little better.
Giraffe at Home 'Luxe' Throw & Pillow Travel Set (left), Nordstrom, $118.90: The TS girls thought it looked SO cozy! Heck, even if you aren't traveling this season, you probably wouldn't mind getting this snuggly set from Santa!
Best of Korres Set, Sephora, $25.00 ($35.00 value!): A sampling of the Korres brand in sizes that comply with TSA guidelines. Just don't be fooled if they try to 'confiscate' these goodies for themselves! Dubai Duffle, TUMI, $
TalkingShopping.com has yet another handy dandy sale code for you, fit shoppers!Apply code HOLIDAY2008 when buying an Annual Membership at MapMyFitness.com and get 50% off the Premium Membership. With the Premium Membership, you get access to printable maps, personalized training plans and overall advanced site features.
And even if you aren't a fit shopper yet, with the Premium Membership, you will be taking the first step to tracking your fitness and reaching your training goals. Empower yourself soon because this offer is only happening through December 31, 2008.
Happy Trails!
'One of bakesale's most sought after items, this bark is so "h"eavenly,
it's guaranteed to be the "h"it of every gathering! Graham cracker
crust, layered with our very own toffee and chocolate concoction.' -BakeSaleOnline.com
Bakesale, a baked-goods gem in Los Angeles, is now shipping their popular H Bark nationwide. If you got a hankering for some chocolate covered graham crackers, with
the option of sprinkling them with nuts or sweets like Oreos, Heath, or
Reese's, these delightful yum-yums can be sent right to you!H Bark-Chocolate (Original), $18.00
-White Chocolate, $20.00
-Original or White, with nuts, $20.00
-Original or White, with special toppings, $20.00
*Each order is about 2 lbs.
Unfortunately, you still have to pick up any other goodies you order from their bakery in L.A., but hey, it's still some pretty sweet news from your diligent and sweet-toothed gals at TalkingShopping.
Why is it that veggies seem to get the short end of the shish-kabob stick?
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research supports that Western cultures associate meat with power and veggie substitutes with weakness. When was the last time you looked at a broccoli and thought it was weak? Okay, so that broccoli-loving-kitten is pretty darn cute, but weak? Really?
Well, TalkingShopping has found a few veggie alternatives that we think more people should give a try, maybe even develop a weakness for. After all, when all the holiday feasting has come and gone, something new would be appreciated after enduring all those sandwiches made from turkey leftovers! Oh, you might miss the tryptophan induced naps, but enough is enough!
Meat-free options are great for your health, and eating them doesn't mean you have to be a vegetarian (but you knew that!). Brands like Quorn and and Lightlife create meatless products that are low in fat and calories, a great source of protein and fiber, and have no cholesterol. Most natural food stores like Whole Foods carry these meat-free meals, but check out the store locators to find the nearest retailer near you: Quorn Store Locator and Light Life Store Locator.
TS pics for veggie-power:
Quorn Southwestern Chik'n Wings
LightLife Smart Stuffers, Chick'n Broccoli Melt
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research supports that Western cultures associate meat with power and veggie substitutes with weakness. When was the last time you looked at a broccoli and thought it was weak? Okay, so that broccoli-loving-kitten is pretty darn cute, but weak? Really?
Well, TalkingShopping has found a few veggie alternatives that we think more people should give a try, maybe even develop a weakness for. After all, when all the holiday feasting has come and gone, something new would be appreciated after enduring all those sandwiches made from turkey leftovers! Oh, you might miss the tryptophan induced naps, but enough is enough!
Meat-free options are great for your health, and eating them doesn't mean you have to be a vegetarian (but you knew that!). Brands like Quorn and and Lightlife create meatless products that are low in fat and calories, a great source of protein and fiber, and have no cholesterol. Most natural food stores like Whole Foods carry these meat-free meals, but check out the store locators to find the nearest retailer near you: Quorn Store Locator and Light Life Store Locator.
TS pics for veggie-power:
Quorn Southwestern Chik'n Wings
LightLife Smart Stuffers, Chick'n Broccoli Melt
Title Nine is having an online only and only for Wednesday special. Web Only Wednesday really does spell WOW! (No, seriously, we don't just make this stuff up).Today's featured sale is the Lana Long-Sleeve, $
And TalkingShopping reminds you that Title Nine will honor their product guarantee. Don't like the fit? Change your mind on color? Decide you'd rather have your money back? No problemos. The hassle-free return policy lets you return purchases for any reason for full refund or exchange.
So don't forget the WOW mid-week! The TS team is happy to remind you, too.
We know opinions are like noses...everybody has one! But this time TalkingShopping has the perfect occasion for you to put yours to good use.Check out KRAFT First Taste, once you sign up to be a member, you are part of the KRAFT First Taste community and can vote, rant, or rave about the newest Kraft concoctions. Plus, you can create your own profile and even have the chance to be featured on the website in the 'monthly member spotlight'.
An opportunity to be a judge and in the spotlight?? The odds are in your favor! Especially over your American Idol dreams... We joke because we love! Currently, First Taste has Jell-O Singles Instant Pudding Mix and Triscuit Thin Crisps as Most Recommended.
Would you add these snacks to your shopping cart? Follow Twitter for TalkingShopping and sound off. Who knows, you could be in the TS spotlight in a story update!
That's right, chocoholics! The day you have all been waiting for! It's National Brownie Day! Naturally, we at TalkingShopping would like to observe this most sacred of days. And we do mean naturally.
We aren't sure who made this the official day for brownies, but like we are gonna question such an occasion! Instead of reaching for any brownie to celebrate, TS brings you the best natural brownie mixes.
Got a sweet spot in your tummy for some new alternatives to brownie bites? Keep reading!
Read the Full Story
Ever wanted to give someone a gift of health, without feeling like you're saying, 'Isn't it about time you hit the gym, jiggle-bear'?
Or been ready to do something crazy, armed the sharpened end of a candy cane, if one more person gifted you another basket of tempting baked goods?
This season TalkingShopping is on the never-ending quest to find you gifts of wellness that are both nice to give and receive, without making it too obvious that you are trying to be health contentious.
Today we got a few ideas from dietitian Joy Bauer on the Today Show that we thought our shoppers, their waistlines, and their friends on the gift-list would appreciate.
Microwave Popcorn Popper, Sur la Table, $20.00: Make popcorn, an uber healthy snack, now without oil! Easy to make in your microwave in under three minutes. And clean up is easy, pop that contraption in the dishwasher! Pour, pop, yum!
Yoga-Pilates Toe Sox with non-slip sole, ToeSox.com, $13.00: Calling themselves a Foot Revolution, Toe Sox are designed to help liberate your feet and help you get "Yoga Toes" without having an instructor come around and move those lil' piggies for you. With non-slip soles, Toe Sox are a great gift for yoga, pilates, or martial arts enthusiasts! And now made with 100% organic cotton.
Wii Fit Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009, Amazon, $36.99: First time a celebrity fitness trainer and Wii Fit have teamed up to bring you the latest in in-home fitness. With customizable interval, weight loss, strength training, and hill climb settings, you can be the 'biggest loser' on the block--and you know that is a good thing! But you don't have to be alone, this is a one or two-player game. Despite the recommendation from the Today Show, the top reviews on Amazon expressed serious disappointment. Wii-ait a minute! Is this game a health-gift shopping scam? After all, Jillian Michaels trains the contestants of The Biggest Loser, which airs on NBC, just like the Today Show, which raved about this new game in the first place... Verrry curious.
If you have given Jillian Michaels on Wii Fit a try, follow TalkingShopping on Twitter and let us know what you think! We'd love to post some of your responses.
See the entire list from the Today Show here.
Or been ready to do something crazy, armed the sharpened end of a candy cane, if one more person gifted you another basket of tempting baked goods?
This season TalkingShopping is on the never-ending quest to find you gifts of wellness that are both nice to give and receive, without making it too obvious that you are trying to be health contentious.
Today we got a few ideas from dietitian Joy Bauer on the Today Show that we thought our shoppers, their waistlines, and their friends on the gift-list would appreciate.Microwave Popcorn Popper, Sur la Table, $20.00: Make popcorn, an uber healthy snack, now without oil! Easy to make in your microwave in under three minutes. And clean up is easy, pop that contraption in the dishwasher! Pour, pop, yum!
Yoga-Pilates Toe Sox with non-slip sole, ToeSox.com, $13.00: Calling themselves a Foot Revolution, Toe Sox are designed to help liberate your feet and help you get "Yoga Toes" without having an instructor come around and move those lil' piggies for you. With non-slip soles, Toe Sox are a great gift for yoga, pilates, or martial arts enthusiasts! And now made with 100% organic cotton.
Wii Fit Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009, Amazon, $36.99: First time a celebrity fitness trainer and Wii Fit have teamed up to bring you the latest in in-home fitness. With customizable interval, weight loss, strength training, and hill climb settings, you can be the 'biggest loser' on the block--and you know that is a good thing! But you don't have to be alone, this is a one or two-player game. Despite the recommendation from the Today Show, the top reviews on Amazon expressed serious disappointment. Wii-ait a minute! Is this game a health-gift shopping scam? After all, Jillian Michaels trains the contestants of The Biggest Loser, which airs on NBC, just like the Today Show, which raved about this new game in the first place... Verrry curious.If you have given Jillian Michaels on Wii Fit a try, follow TalkingShopping on Twitter and let us know what you think! We'd love to post some of your responses.
See the entire list from the Today Show here.
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