Weekend Morning Interviews and Tips

-----PATRICIA SHIN-----

Not just for children, not just for adults. A new CD called "The Power of One" is for each to enjoy, together. With us this morning is the woman behind it, Patricia Shih. Patricia, the CD has received a gold award from the 2007 National Parenting Publications Awards and a 2007 parents' choice approved award.

  • The CDs empower children to be passionate about learning and feel good about themselves.
  • The CDs are meant to be listened to by parents and children together
  • Patricia (a parent) considers herself very in tune to the needs of children and creates music that speaks in their language.
  • Starting her music career at age 15, Shih has written over 250 songs, both alone and in collaboration with others.

  • www.patriciashih.com

    -----BEST BEDDING-----

    As industry experts are gearing up for the 2008 Las Vegas furniture market-- the leading bedding and furniture show--- we have a sneak peek for you this morning. With us this morning is industry expert, Stan Steinreich with some of the latest trends.

    Kaymed Sleep Spa Gel Mattress
    $2,700 for a queen at 1-866-KAYMED1
    One of the biggest trends you'll see this year is the luxury mattress with "spa-like" features. The Sleep Spa Gel Mattress is the closest thing to getting a massage in your sleep. The gel moves with the sleeper to match body contours in a soft, fluid manner, creating a light massage by gently dispersing pressure.

    Product Details:

  • Soothing gel therapy design
  • Luxury gel layer gently massages pressure points
  • Soothing feel encourages relaxed sleep
  • Top quality visco-elastic layer for optimum support

    Bamboo Dreams Sheets by Zia Sleep
    $220 for queen at ZiaSleep.com

    A trend that is becoming even bigger this year is natural and organic linen. This new line is actually made of bamboo, a unique, organic material that is brand new to bedding.

    Product Details:

  • Environmentally friendly sustainable crop that is grown without pesticides
  • Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial
  • Breathable
  • Soft feel that rivals the comfort of 600 thread count alternatives
  • Four stage process that converts bamboo from its natural form to bed sheets
  • Bamboo grinding, turns it into pulp
  • Pulp is blended, stretched and compressed into bales of bamboo fluff.
  • Fluff is spun and emerges as yarn
  • Yarn is weaved into bamboo fibers for bedding and clothing.

    Stage 3 Adjustable Bed by Dormia
    $1,500 for a queen at Dormia stores and www.Dormia.com

    Technology plays a big factor in today's bedding trends and this motorized, adjustable bed from Dormia is considered a "lifestyle bed" since it can convert from sleep surface to work space and reading chair with a touch of a button.

    Product Details:

  • One-touch flat button and whisper quiet motor adjusts bed into three versatile positions
  • Split Top Mattress allows for "cuddle factor"
  • Can fit in any bed frame
  • 40 percent lighter than standard models

    The Platinum Pillow by Magniflex
    $2,000 at Magniflex at 1-800-EasyBed

    Another big trend is the high-end pillow that offers a superior, hygienic sleep surface. The new Platinum Pillow by Italian bedding manufacturer, Magniflex, is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial as is the entire Platinum line. The platinum fibers in each pillow create a product that is thermo-regulating, anti-bacterial, odor-proof, and anti-stress, and is customized to fit the comfort levels of the consumer.

    BedBarrier by FabricTech2000
    $200 in queen size at Sleepy's

    Mattress covers are "must-have" items for the modern bed. This moderately priced cover features some unique features.

    Product Details:

  • Waterproof design prevents perspiration and moisture from reaching mattress
  • Unique material prevents allergens from reaching mattress
  • Won't alter comfort or temperature-sensing properties (designed for all mattresses including memory foam)
  • Mold, mildew and dust mite resistant
  • Soft, quiet, ultra thin and flexible design - unlike noisy, sticky vinyl.

    -----BEST DIPS-----

    As you're getting ready for your own Super Bowl party, or just a get-together with friends, the folks at "Every Day with Rachel Ray" have figured out the dips and spreads that are must- haves. With us this morning is Tracy Saelinger, the lifestyle editor of "Every Day with Rachel Ray."

    BEST CHEESE: Tostitos medium Salsa Con Quesa ($3.20 for 15.5 oz; at grocery stores)

    -Perfect match for nachos; this smooth blend of Monterey jack and chiles brings on the heat BEST GUACAMOLE: Garden Fresh Gourmet Zesty Guacamole ($4 for 9 oz; 866-725-7239 for stores)

    -Dios mió! Heavenly blend of fresh avocado and spices in a vacuum-sealed container to preserve its authentic taste!

    BEST SPINACH: Whole Food s Market Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($6 for 12 oz, at Whole Foods Market stores)

    -Chunky blend of artichokes and spinach that tastes healthfully delicious. BEST EXOTIC: Classy Delites Pistachio & Roasted Pepper Dip ($6 for 12 oz; classydelites.com)

    -An odd mix - poblano peppers, and crusted pistachios with cilantro and jalapeno - for a flavorsome Latin taste, with just the right amount of kick

    BEST SWEET: Dolci Frutta ($3 for 8 oz; 800-373-7226 for stores)

    -Super-smooth chocolate mixture that HARDENS in room temperature - ideal for home-made chocolate-covered pretzels or strawberries. Mmm Mmm Good!

    www.rachaelraymag.com

    -----FABERGE EGGS-----

    Just before Easter, the famous Faberge eggs will be in New York. With us this morning to show us some of the glamorous works of art is Kathy Kerr with Faberge eggs. She's joined by Violy McCausland, the Nutrir Foundation - An organization benefiting by the sale of the eggs.

    The Nutrir Foundation which was established in December 2005 and is located in Barranquilla, Colombia. Its mission is to improve the well-being and quality of life of Barranquilla's less fortunate children, by helping the families understand the importance or nutrition, and by giving the children nutritiously balanced meals. To view the Fabergé family works visit www.fabeggs.com or Email info at fabeggs.com.

    People can buy Eggs which the proceeds of the sale of each Egg goes to support the activities listed below.

  • $150 will feed a child for 10 months
  • $15 will feed a child for 1 month

    Public Viewing
    37 West 57th
    4th Floor
    Latin Collector
    212-486-4903-Call for dates

    www.nutrirbarranquilla.org

    -----FUNNY BIZ-----

    It's a show of professional comedians and so much more - a show at the Times Square Arts Center tonight -- home of the Laugh Factory New York -- presents "Funny Biz" an opportunity for military men and women to step out of their comfort zone and perform on stage.

    We're joined this morning by the Funny Biz creator and producer, Alycia Lerer, the host of the show, Ryan Reiss and the event coordinator for the reserves, Amee Hernandez.

    Times Square Arts Center located in the heart of Times Square at 42nd and 8th Avenue and Funny Biz Spread the Laughter Comedy Tour is working with MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) of Fort Dix will kick off a National Campaign intended for troops across America & abroad. The purpose of this tour is to "Spread the Laughter" and to raise moral among the troops.

    Times Square Arts Center will be providing comedians to entertain the troops and an opportunity to participate in the upcoming web cast and television show Funny Biz.

    The on going tour represents the energy of Bob Hope's famous USO tour to entertain the troops wherever they are stationed. The shows will include stand up comedy, improvisational skits and an opportunity for service members to compete for the Funny Biz best military comedian award.

    Times Square Arts Center and Funny Biz is providing a welcome for our service members far from home. Funny Biz will show the world that even though they are far from home laughter transcends the miles that, separates them from home and family.

    For more information, go to www.ryanreiss.com

    The show will be video taped and shall be distributed at retail, internet and possibly broadcast.

    -----CHAIR WORKOUT-----

    Get a good workout, at home or the office, no equipment necessary. With us this morning is creator of the newly released fit pack chair workout, celebrity fitness trainer, Joel Harper.

    All exercises can be done seated. While sitting upright-pretend that there is a string pulling you up from the top of your head to your tailbone. Breath normally and while doing the exercises relax your body, so that you shift the tension out of your body instead of to a new location. All stretches should feel good, your massaging your body from the inside out.

    WRIST ROTATIONS-Bring your hands up in front of you in line with your elbows circle your open palms in unison five times in each direction (helps with carpel tunnel and tennis elbow)

    WRIST STRETCH- straighten your left arm shoulder height out in front of you, palm side up slowly pull all your left fingers back simultaneously using your right hand hold for 10 seconds. Don't lock elbow leave slightly bent. Switch sides.

    TORSO ROTATIONS- Interweave your fingers in front of your chest and turn your palms out away from you. Twist from side to side leading with your elbows. Exhale to one side and inhale to the other. Relax into it and go to where it feels good. Resist forcing. (loosens up back and neck)

    SHOULDER SCRUNCHES-Bend elbows to a 90 degree angle with hands in fist in line with your elbows. Scrunch your shoulders up towards your ears and simultaneously tighten your fists. Hold and keep tight for 3 seconds, then relax. Do 5 times. (Increases blood flow into shoulders, arms and neck)

    SHOULDER ROLLS-Keep your arms in 90 degrees from scrunches roll your shoulders forward and back 5 times. Be sure and make full rotations and take notice if you are skipping a certain area and try to relax into it. (Opens and balances out shoulders if you sleep on one side or use one side of your body more)

    PRAYER- Bring hands and elbows up together in front of you-press them flush against each other. With triceps horizontal to the ground-pulse elbows up and down for one minute. (Warms up and strengthens shoulders and arms)

    CHICKEN WING-Take left hand thumb side up and bring it palm side back to your left hip. Take your right hand and clasp your left elbow and slightly pull your elbow around. Take deep breaths into the tightest area and relax it. (Opens up shoulders) Hold for 15 seconds. Switch sides.

    HIP STRETCH-Take left leg up and cross it over your right leg-now left ankle is on right hamstring close to right knee. Take your left elbow and put it on left knee. Lean forward pressing your lower back towards your left calf. To deepen the stretch slightly press your left elbow into your left knee. Even though you are leaning forward keep a straight line from the top of your head to your tailbone. (Opens up hips and lower back-great if sitting a long time.)

    For more information, go to www.fitpackdvd.com

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