Author: kristencastillo

A monster of a good time

| kristencastillo

This Halloween, we made a dessert that’s all treats, no tricks! 

My kids and I had fun making Monster Chocolate Pops from tinyB Chocolate. The San Francisco based company gifted me the family friendly kit.

We made the chocolate pops at home in our kitchen using everything that was included in the kits: white and dark chocolate for the outside of the pops, two types of brigadeiro (Brazilian truffle filling) one in dark chocolate and the other pumpkin spice; popsicle sticks; and fun toppings including bright sprinkles, googly eyes and mini marshmallows. 

We heated and tempered the chocolate before filling the popsicle mold shell, which is included in the kit. The kids decided to make two vanilla, one chocolate, and one marble pop.

We decorated them with the toppings and placed the pops in the freezer for 30 minutes to set. Then they were ready to eat. 

This was a fun and tasty activity for the kids and it wasn’t very messy. A win-win! Order the pops by October 26 so you can make them for Halloween.

“Hey, That’s Mine”

| kristencastillo

Having a family meal and trying out some dressings and sauces that are made for kids.

This new line of sauces and dressings called “That’s Mine” is making its debut. That’s Mine sent me some samples to try including organic cherry balsamic, organic Italian, organic ketchup, organic lemon-lime, organic mixed berry and organic ranch. The bottles are kids sized and the sauces/dressings are gluten free. 

Our whole family tried the ketchup which has no refined sugars, as well as the Italian dressing.  Both were tasty for the kids and adults. Picky eaters will likely want to try these sauces and dressings. 

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End of an Emmy Era

| kristencastillo

I’m wrapping up my tenure as president of The Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Television Academy (NATASPSW). It’s been an honor to lead this organization during the past four years, including during the pandemic. Previous to this, I served four years as vice president. I received this commemorative Emmy Award statue during our recent awards gala in Palm Springs.

Thank you to my board members past and present, as well as our administrator. I will continue serving on the NATASPSW board and supporting the TV and media professionals in our chapter and beyond.

The crew for the 2022 NATASPSW Emmy Awards in Palm Springs.

Snow cool

| kristencastillo

You know what’s cool for the summer?

The new Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact interactive exhibit at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego. My kids and I got a preview of Snow, which opens today.

The exhibit, which focuses on the global impact of snow on climate and human culture, has 12 interactive learning opportunities.

Ours faves were a digital wall where you can “catch” crystals during different kinds of snowstorms; watching marbles fall down a mountain comparing the impact of rain versus snow and the impact that water has on climate at different times; solving a matching puzzle of snow crystals; making our own paper snowflakes; and building (and knocking over) a snowman. 

The exhibit is open through September 5.

Telehealth and how it’s helping patients manage their mental health, especially during the pandemic

| kristencastillo

It’s Mental Health Awareness month. During the pandemic, there’s been a growing demand for mental health services including telehealth — virtual appointments via technology including video, phones and apps. My Mediaplanet article explains the benefits of this high tech approach to mental health.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Even before the pandemic, getting access to good mental healthcare in a timely manner could be really challenging,” says Dr. Shore, noting patients can wait six to 12 weeks for their first appointment, making it tough for those who want help right away.

Factors impacting the ability to get an appointment can include if the provider has availability, if they’re accepting new patients, or if insurance covers the provider’s services.

Telemedicine may help reduce some patients’ barriers to care, including lack of transportation, convenience if they can’t take time off from work, or if they have family responsibilities.

Read the full article below:

How Telehealth Is Helping Patients Access Mental Health

How to keep pests out of your garden

| kristencastillo

It’s National Gardening Day. My Creators Syndicate article has tips on how to keep pests out of your garden.

Here’s an excerpt:

“‘Garden pests seem to make it their mission to undo all of our hard work,'” says Marjory Wildcraft, the founder and owner of The Grow Network, noting that signs of pests include wilted leaves, black spots, shriveled growth and bumps on fruits.

“Be on the lookout for these garden foes: caterpillars that eat foliage, stems and stalks; mealybugs, which suck the sap and the life out of plants and cause them to develop moldy leaves; and slugs and snails, which prefer low-hanging plants with damp soil in shady areas and eat holes in plant leaves.”

Read the full article below:

https://www.creators.com/special-sections/spring-lawn-and-garden-2022/319755

“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Jackie Goldschneider discusses her eating disorder and shares advice for others

| kristencastillo

“Eating disorders rob you of so much enjoyment and so much comfort and they really can kill you.” That’s the message from “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Jackie Goldschneider.

I interviewed her recently for this Mediaplanet article, in which she describes her decades-long eating disorder and recovery. Here’s an excerpt:

“It is not worth it. Eating disorders rob you of so much enjoyment and so much comfort and they really can kill you. It’s a shame to suffer for so long. I wish I had done this earlier.”

Jackie Goldschneider.

Read the full Q & A article below:

“Real Housewives of New Jersey” Star Jackie Goldschneider on Overcoming Her Eating Disorder

A Tool to Help Parents Manage Kids’ Challenging Behavior

| kristencastillo

Need help managing kids’ challenging behavior? My Mediaplanet article introduces you to an app that uses research-based methods to help families effectively and positively respond to kids ages 3-12.

Here’s an excerpt:

A new collaborative app is helping parents and caregivers use research-based methods to effectively and positively respond to challenging behavior in children ages 3-12.

The Amira app helps foster kids’ skill-building and creates more meaningful and positive interactions for the whole family.

Read the full article here: http://www.modernwellnessguide.com/childhood-wellness/the-app-helping-parents-improve-child-behavior/