Is anyone other than me still full from the turkey dinner? And thinking about all of the Christmas cookies and holiday goodies to come? For many who deal with an eating disorder, either currently or in their past, the holidays can be a difficult time, as they are faced with celebrations revolving around food.

100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa by Dr. Sari Sheppird is a wonderful resource providing more information if you are uncertain exactly what anorexia means and how you might diagnose and treat it, or to help you understand someone who has someone in their life who may struggle with anorexia nervosa.

I think that this would be a great resource for anyone with teenage daughters (although the author states several times that this is not just a “women’s issue.” Young men make up at least 10% of diagnoses, and that number is on the rise). The book would also be a great source of information for teens who almost certainly know someone who has been affected with an eating disorder, or have an unhealthy attitude about food.

Although one might assume that a book with a “Q&A” format is randomly organized and dry reading, nothing is further from the truth in regards to 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa. The questions (and answers) are organized by topics including

• Overview of Anorexia Nervosa
• Weight Loss and other warning signs
• Risk Factors
• Special Considerations (like trying to get pregnant)
• Exercise and Athletes
• Body Image Concerns
• Support for Loved Ones
• Weight Restoration and Healthy Eating
• Treatment and Recovery
• Prevention and Advocacy

In addition to the solid (yet non-jargoned) information that Dr. Shepphird supplies, there are quotes from two women who have recovered from the condition, which puts a real-life face on the medical information provided.

I highly recommend this book. Two of you can win a copy. Just leave a comment here to enter, and check the 5 Minutes for Books column next week to see if you won.

Speaking of winning — our 5 Minutes for Books Gift Guide & Giveaway is in full swing. Enter our giveaways now through December 8.

The winners of the novel This Little Mommy Stayed Home are #14 Buffie and #31 Samantha.

Alright ladies, it’s time to pamper ourselves this Christmas. While it’s fun to surprise the children in our lives with some exciting new toys, we deserve some fun too, right?

If you are like me, you have been spending quite some time scouring the internet for the best deals on toys and gifts and possibly even standing in long lines to get your loved one that special present at a price that can’t be beat. Are you feeling tired? I know I am.

The Nicer Spa Robe will provide you with the luxurious pampering you deserve. Rest your feet in a nice hot bath and then slip into this lusciously soft robe.

It’s perfect for chilly winter mornings and cozy evenings in front of the fire. Made of chenille superfine microfiber, its texture is similar to that of cashmere. Nicer Spa Robes are exquisitely feminine and graciously sized with a double loop belt for a comfortable fit.

They were handed out at the Connected Celebrity Gift Room at the 2009 Academy Awards and are also a celebrity favorite, with Brenda Song, Stacey Keibler, Kimberly Locke and Jennifer Love Hewitt among its Hollywood clientele.

I am not much of a bath person, but when I received my Nicer Spa Robe, I made it a point to light some candles, take a soothing bath and then relax for the evening in my new robe. What a perfect ending to a long day. This is actually the first robe that I have owned, and man, am I spoiled. The Nicer Spa Robe truly is super soft and cozy.

Pampering isn’t complete without chocolate, right? Unwind after a busy day with delectable and exquisite treats from EdibleGiftsPlus.com.

You will definitely want to check out their Christmas selection. Just look at their Winter Edition Belgian Chocolate Oreos. Don’t they look scrumptious? They would definitely make a great stocking stuffer.

I reviewed the Twelve Days of Christmas Cookie box. I have never seen graham crackers look so stunning. I have to tell you that I am not a huge graham cracker fan, but I couldn’t resist taking a nibble. I was in heaven and ended up devouring three cookies in a row.

Covered in white chocolate, sprinkles and the delightfully whimsical designs by Itty Bitty Ink, the Twelve Days of Christmas cookies are a perfect way to count down to December 25th.

EdibleGiftsPlus.Com is also known for their tasty photo treats. For those with a birthday celebration, reunion or baby shower right around the corner, be sure to look over their selection of Rice Krispies Picture Treats. These are the same treats that Tori Spelling ordered for her daughter’s first birthday celebration.

For a Christmas fit for a celebrity, we have one Nicer Spa Robe, retail value 129.95 and one $30.00 gift certificate to EdibleGiftsPlus.com to give away to one lucky reader.

Here is how you can win:

Click Here to Finish Reading

The winter chill is in the air and baby, it’s cold outside. Sadly for my family, it’s cold inside too. Our heater went out last week, so we have been spending a lot of time in the family room huddled close to the fireplace.

I was delighted to receive the Cashmere Blend Throw from Lands’ End. It came just in time. Made from two of nature’s best insulators, wool and cashmere, the throw is “warmth and softness knit into one”.

I have been keeping myself wrapped in its warmth for most of the day, as I sit typing away at my desk, and as I cuddle on the couch with popcorn and a movie. I have also been covering my youngest son with it at night, since the quilt on his bed is a bit thin.

Speaking of thin, I am completely impressed with the warmth the Cashmere Blend Throw provides, especially because it is very lightweight.

The Cashmere Blend Throw retails for $119.50 and comes in 6 great colors. Right now, the throw is on sale at the reduced price of $89.63. For $5.00 extra, you can monogram it, making it a perfect personalized gift.

We want to send some warmth your way. One lucky reader will win a Lands’ End Cashmere Blend Throw in the color of their choice. See below on how to enter to win.

Also, don’t miss out on more prizes from Lands’ End during our Twelve Days of Twitter Kick-off event Monday, November 30th from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. ET. Lands’ End will be giving away 60 prizes in 60 minutes. Click here to get all of the details and R.S.V.P.

Here is how you can enter to win the Cashmere Blend Throw:

Click Here to Finish Reading

Our darling babies grow so fast and it is such fun observing them as they begin to explore the world around them.

The Explore ‘N Grow Collection from Playskool intrigues and delights, “with bright colors, fun patterns, silly faces, and various textures”. The Explore ‘N Grow collection grows with your child and encourages them to explore their world.

This Christmas, we have a Playskool giveaway that is perfect for your little explorer.

First, say hello to CHASE ME CRITTER—the cutest crawler in town. This Critter will help get your little one on the move! Just give its smiley blue head a push and let the delightful crawling and ball-popping action begin. Want to change directions? Just turn the Critter’s head to send it off on a whole new path!

When your little one is young, he’ll love sitting and watching the ball-popping action, and putting the balls back in after they pop out of the Critter’s back. As baby grows, switch to active-mode and CHASE ME CRITTER moves across the floor, popping balls out while playing spirited songs and making silly sound effects. All this action will encourage little ones to get crawling after this active Critter to chase down the fun! Retail Price: $24.99

For those chubby thighs and wobbly legs, we have the STEP START WALK ‘N RIDE.

As a sturdy, stable walker, the newly designed STEP START WALK ‘N RIDE toy helps babies learn to stand, take their first steps, and walk.

It then easily converts to a first ride-on toy, with a locking mechanism that parents can activate. The engaging toy features hands-on busy activities for baby in both modes of play.

It’s the perfect toy for building confidence and independence. Retail Price: $24.99.

We would like to put both of these toys under one lucky reader’s tree this Christmas. Here is how you can win:

Click Here to Finish Reading

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of. This Christmas we have a perfectly sweet Hasbro giveaway for the little girl in your life.

To start off, we have a berry sweet 2009 Family Fun Toy of the Year Award Winner!

The STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY CAFE playset is the most popular hangout in BERRY BITTY CITY – it’s where STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE and her friends can gather for “snacks”, “smoothies”, and fun!

Shaped like a strawberry with opening doors and windows, the two-story cafe also features STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE’s bedroom and includes a three-inch sweet smelling STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE MINI DOLL with removable fashion.

The STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY CAFE playset comes complete with adorable accessories including furniture, pretend food, a spinning smoothie machine, a “flying” bird that STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE or her friends can ride, and more. Retail Price: $34.99

Let your little girl be a sweet mother with a BABY ALIVE WHOOPSIE DOO doll.

This adorable little one loves to “drink” “juice” from her bottle and, when she’s all done “eating,” BABY ALIVE WHOOPSIE DOO “pees” and “poops” just like a real baby! When it’s time to go, she’ll cry out and wriggle her arms and legs to let you know it’s time to change her diaper.

After she’s all clean, BABY ALIVE WHOOPSIE DOO is ready to play with her adorable teddy bear rattle and will make realistic happy cooing sounds like a real baby. Retail Price: $34.99

Finally with the PLAY-DOH BURGER BUILDER, your sweet little chef can create the perfect PLAY-DOH hamburger including tomatoes, lettuce, buns, and more.

In addition, kids can crank out pretend potato or pickle chips with the exciting TWIST-A-CHIP Super Tool.

Super-fun PLAY-DOH set lets kids press, mold, twist and “cook up” a “burger” and “chips” meal that looks almost good enough to “eat”!

Includes 5 56.6g cans of PLAY-DOH compound, molds, press, plate, plastic knife, rolling pin, and TWIST-A-CHIP tool. Retail Value: $14.99

We are giving away all three of these sweet and fun toys to one lucky reader. Here is how you can win:
Click Here to Finish Reading

Welcome to our weekly roundup here at “5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere”.

As you know, you can come back all week and add a post or giveaway to our Mister Linky. Be sure to check back often, as new links will be added daily. You don’t want to miss out on something fun.

Click Here to Finish Reading and get to the Giveaways

Well, it’s that time again. This week we are closing the Intelligent First Aid giveaway.

Please remember to add contests5m4m(AT)gmail(DOT)com to your “Safe Senders” list or address book, to ensure that your notification is not marked as SPAM.

According to OSHA, 5,071 workers died on the job in 2008. “With every one of these fatalities, the lives of a worker’s family members were shattered and forever changed. We can’t forget that fact,” says Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis.

OSHA’s Web site also shares a list of workplace related fatalities. Accidents on the job can range from machinery-related accidents to heart attacks or loss of consciousness at work.
It’s important to be prepared for work-related injuries. All places of employment should have a first aid kit on hand and provide employee training on how to handle work-related injuries and emergencies.

The On The Job Safety Kit by Intelligent First Aid meets OSHA requirements and includes Care Packs for Breathing/CPR, Bleeding, Shock Care, Head & Spine Care, Bone Care, Eye Care, Burn Care, Bites & Stings Care, Basics Care.

Comment Number 199 – Sheree’, will receive an On The Job Safety Kit!

Congratulations! You should have received an email about claiming your prize.

If you haven’t received an email, please send your FULL NAME, SHIPPING ADDRESS, and TELEPHONE NUMBER to contests5m4m(AT)gmail(DOT)com by Wednesday, December 2nd in order to claim your prize. Any prizes unclaimed will be forfeited and new winners will be selected.

You know that nursery rhyme about what little boys are made of? It says frogs and snails and puppy-dogs’ tails is what little boys are made of.

This Christmas we have a perfect Playskool/Hasbro giveaway for the boys in your life, the ones who may also be made of dinosaurs and trucks and running amuck.

We are featuring these fun Playskool/Hasbro toys: TONKA Chuck and Friends, Dino Roars Monty Rex, Nerf-N-Force Sword and Nerf Dart Tag.

For the younger crowd, we have two interactive and fun toys that are sure to amaze your preschooler. (Reviewed by Erica)

TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS CHUCK MY TALKING TRUCK is a preschool boy’s best buddy who always has something to say! This friendly truck featuring sound recognition technology is fully interactive and will roll forward when called!

CHUCK is revving to go with over 40 onboard phrases to encourage play such as “We’ve got work to do!” Toddlers will enjoy rolling the brightly-colored dump truck across the floor, tilting back the dump bed to unload big hauls, and going on adventures with their fun loving pal CHUCK.

Both of my boys love cars and trucks and have LOVED playing with CHUCK. He has received many giggles and smiles and has taken part in many adventures. CHUCK is definitely a well loved toy in our home.

DINO ROARS MONTY REX Dino is sure to delight your preschooler. Standing over 15-inches tall, this lifelike dino not only moves its head, tail, and arms, but also actually walks!

Toddlers can enjoy fun filled adventures with this realistic T-Rex pal that responds to touch, roars back when spoken to, and dances along to four engaging onboard songs.

While he is the king of the dinosaurs and roars like the best of them, MONTY REX is also soft to the touch. I was worried that my youngest would be a little afriad of MONTY REX, but he pets and kisses MONTY REX before roaring away and stomping around the living room with him.

The next two featured toys are a hit for the older crowd, the ones you always have to remind to stop jumping off of the furniture and running crazy throughout the house.

Nothing fits this rowdy crowd better than NERF toys. (Written by Janice)

Nerf N-FORCE MARAUDER LONG SWORD is the second addition to the new NERF N-FORCE line. These swords are both longer and wider than previous N-FORCE Swords to help your son march into any mission feeling confident and cool. They are available in red and black.

Boys and their weapons, right? I am always amazed how a simple sword can provide Jackson with hours of entertainment. I get a kick out of watching him become a knight, ninja warrior or scary villian all with a toy sword and childhood imagination.

When Jackson invites his friends over, I like to get them outdoors. The NERF DART TAG FURYFIRE 2-PLAYER-SET is a great way for boys to burn off some of their energy.

Complete with two new rapid-fire FURYFIRE blasters featuring auto-advance barrels that hold ten darts, two redesigned scoring vests, two sets of VISION GEAR eyewear and 20 DART TAG DARTS, the NERF DART TAG FURYFIRE 2-Player Set inspires engaging, energetic team play.

Each set includes one green and one orange blaster; gather a group and divide teams by color to create an extreme NERF DART TAG environment.

We have each of these toys to give away to one lucky reader. Here is how you can enter to win:

Click Here to Finish Reading

The Danes Know How to Design…

A few weeks ago, I watched Oprah tour homes in Denmark as she interviewed women in the “happiest country in the world.” The living spaces were sleek, small and almost sparse. There was no clutter, no chaos. The designs were clean and inspiring.

So I am not at all surprised that the fabulous, versatile portable high chair – the minui HandySitt – is designed in Denmark and manufactured in Europe.

The HandySitt is ingenius! This portable high chair can serve as your primary high chair at home and also travel easily whenever you need to take a high chair or booster seat along with you.

It is made for children 6 months to 5 years old. When your child is about 3, you can remove the front guard and use it as a booster seat.

Keiki Enterprises, the company who distributes minui products exclusively in North America, sent me a chair this summer to test out with Olivia. I have been using it ever since! It is fantastic.

I love the sleek, European design. It is beautiful — and doesn’t stand out like a bright plastic booster seat. I have used it on numerous chairs, and the adjustable design fit all of them.

It only takes a minute to set up or remove the HandySitt, making its portability even more attractive.

The only problem I had with the minui HandySitt was the front guard. It can sometimes be awkard to slip in your child – especially if your child is refusing to get in her seat with a case of toddler rigor mortis.

BUT, no worries! The company has changed the design for its North American chairs. They now come with a three point harness instead of the front guard. Now, it really is a perfect space-saving, portable high chair.

Minui has also recently developed a chair that transforms the HandySitt into a complete seating system.

“With the introduction of the new Chair, our product is further differentiated from other modern, wooden high chair products. We’re the only one that offer a great looking, eco-friendly freestanding high chair for the home, but that also has a portable seat — which is a high chair in its own right when affixed to an adult chair — that families can take with them on outings.”
– Hardy Mogensen

The only aspect of this high chair that might be a change for some families is that it doesn’t come with a tray. The HandySitt is designed to be pulled up to the table so the child can eat with the rest of the family.

Olivia loves to use her minui HandySitt at our table. She is part of the action!

While I also still occasionally use her older, plastic high chair, (for us, it is helpful to have two seats available since Susan’s daughter Sophia is so often here too,) if Olivia gets her choice, she chooses the HandySitt!

The minui HandySitt has been awarded the influential PTPA Media Seal of Approval for excellence in parenting products in the Green Category.

If you have a child in the high chair or booster seat years, you really need to check out the minui HandySitt website. Those Danes, they know what they are doing!

Keiki Enterprises is providing one minui HandySitt portable high chair to giveaway in our Christmas Giveaway and an additional HandySitt for our Under the Tree program. Thanks Keiki!

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Christmastime is here and Lands’ End is celebrating Twitter style with a Twelve Days of Twitter event.

Kicking off on Monday, November 30th and ending on Friday, December 11th, the Twelve Days of Twitter will take place each day from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. ET.

During this ultimate holiday Twitter gathering, Lands’ End hosts, including Lands’ End Personal Shoppers, will be available to answer holiday shopping questions and the party will feature more than 100 product giveaways (60 on Cyber Monday!). That means that there will be one prize given away every minute! Now THAT is exciting.

5 Minutes for Mom – @5MinutesforMom is thrilled to host the first two parties with Lands’ End on Monday, November 30th and Tuesday, December 1st. We join other hosts, @landsendchat, @LEprAmanda, @LEprAdam. @LandsEndPR.

So why not skip the crowded stores, relax by your computer, sip your hot cocoa, play some Christmas music on Pandora and join us for a merry time? Simply use the hashtag #LandsEnd to join the fun!

The First 2 Days of Twitter

Join us on Monday, November 30th for the kick-off Cyber Monday event. Where Lands’ End will share their St. Nick’s Picks and also provide gift advice from Lands’ End’s Personal Shoppers. And there will be 60 prizes given away!

Then come back on Tuesday, December 1st, when Home for the Holidays is the theme. We will discuss decorating your home for Christmas as well as wonderful gifts for the home that you can find at LandsEnd.com. Of course there will be giveaways as well.

Both days are bound to be much more exciting than two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. We sure do hope to see you there.

R.S.V.P.

Please RSVP for the event by entering your Twitter Handler in the Linky below. This is also a great way to find new twitter friends and followers.

Don’t forget the event takes place on both Monday, November 30th and Tuesday, December 1st, from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. ET (10:00 – 11:00 A.M. PT). Use the hashtag #LandsEnd.

I grew up with DaySpring cards. My mother was a regular at our local Christian bookstore, and the DaySpring logo was on countless cards that passed through our home.

I am happy to report that I still love DaySpring. The company has continued to grow and to develop a wonderful variety of inspirational products.

They have even delved into the blogosphere with a beautiful site called, (in)courage. (I actually guest posted at (in)courage this month.)

I love roaming around DaySpring and (in)courage looking at all of their Christian products. So I was thrilled to review this sweet Christmas collection — Jesus is the Gift, Snowflake Home Collection.

And my two year old daughter, Olivia, was even more excited to don her child sized apron and help me get our tea ready to shoot.

The Jesus is the Gift, Snowflake Home Collection includes a variety of exclusive tableware and fabrics. These ceramics and linens can be treasured and brought out year after year. They just make me feel in the mood for celebrating. I love them!

DaySpring is committed to spreading the message behind their products. This Christmas, they have made a site called Jesus is the Gift. This unique site is created to help Christians reconnect the true meaning of Christmas with the common traditions of giving, decorating, and celebrating.

Thanks to DaySpring, one lucky winner will win:

• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Collection – 16″ Oval Platter (Reg: $24.99 Sale: $19.99)
• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Collection – Teapot (Reg: $19.99 Sale: $14.99)
• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Collection – Mugs (2) (Reg: $9.99 Sale: $4.99)
• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake – Apron (Reg: $19.99 Sale: $15.99)
• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Collection – Child’s Apron (Reg: $12.99 Sale: $10.39)
• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Collection – Set of 2 Tea Towels (Reg: $14.99 Sale: $11.99)
• Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Collection – Oven Mitt and Potholder (Reg: $9.99 Sale: $7.99)

I also have some GREAT news about these fabulous products — not only do you have a chance to win them here at 5 Minutes for Mom, but they are also ON SALE! So, jump on over to DaySpring and stock up for Christmas! No worries if you win too — this collection is perfect for gift giving!

AND we have a coupon code for you for even more savings! Coupon code is DSTENOFF and it is valid for $10 off a Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio OR Jesus is the Gift Large Metal Sign – valid through 12/20/09.

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We are one huge family — this crazy momosphere we call our own.

And like a family, there is laughter, prayer and fellowship, there are hugs, fights and tears. It gets messy. It can even get ugly. But there is a bond and we feel each other’s pain, pray each other’s prayers, and sing each other’s songs.

photo courtesy of Rick Bucich from Tiny Prints

Because of my family online, I have experienced so much more in life than I would have otherwise. I have learned from mothers who have lost their precious babies, mothers who share their special kids, and mothers who fight to stay alive for their children…

I am a better mother because of what my blogging family has taught me.

And I am so very, very grateful.

A year ago, we read in horror about mom blogger Stephanie Nielson’s tragic plane crash. We held our breath and prayed. We hoped and yet we were very afraid. All we could think about was her sweet babies without their incredible mother.

Because of the momosphere, we were able to cheer Stephanie on and watch with joy as she healed and returned to her family. And now, we proudly watch as she shines, beautiful and reunited with her amazing husband and their beloved children.

Stephanie’s blog, The Nie Nie Dialogues, reveals the beauty that can happen when motherhood and the blogosphere intersect. The Nie Nie Dialogues makes us better bloggers, better women, and better mothers.

Yes, Stephanie, you make us better and we thank you!

Stephanie, her husband Christian, and their children were on The Today Show this week. In case you missed it, here are the Nielsons sharing what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Thank you for being such a wonderful family — we love you!

Written by Janice, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom.