Parenting

• Most Topular Stories

• Making Excuses for Bad Behavior Encourages it to Continue

  Priceless Parenting Blog

  14 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  Sometimes it seems easier to ignore poor behavior by dismissing it with an excuse. Janet complained bitterly about another mom who let her son get by with hitting Janet’s son. When he hit, she’d just look on saying something like “Oh, he’s such a boy.” She did nothing to stop his hitting.  You give your silent approval to your children’s behavior when you ignore it or excuse it. By ignoring poor behavior, you can expect the behavior to continue and escalate. Excuses parents sometimes give for poor behavior include: It’s just a phase.  Boys will be boys.  Girls are…

• Undoing the Neurobiology of Learned Helplessness

  The Committed Parent

  Mark Brady

  12 May 2012 | 8:40 pm

  When Bodhi the puppy was in the process of being house trained, he spent a lot of time penned up in the kitchen. His bed was there; his food was there, and any exocrine accidents could be easily cleaned up. Gradually Bodhi came to learn however, that most of the real action in the house was happening in the living room, dining room and bedroom, places where the kitties, Archie and Gracie had free rein. So, every chance he got, Bodhi would make a break for the action rooms. Each time he did, I would authoritatively call his name to get his attention, walk over and lead him firmly by the collar…

• Mother's Day Quotes

  Parenting at More4kids

  More4kids

  12 May 2012 | 8:30 am

  Happy Moms Day! Mothers Day is a special day to really let our Moms know how much we love them. Here are a few quotes I found that help express our love for their dedication and influence throughout our lives. After all, what would we be without our Moms? Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love. (Mildred B. Vermont) Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly. (Sarah Malin)…

• Parents beware: If your teens party, you could pay the price

  TODAY.com: Parenting

  16 May 2012 | 8:11 am

  Parents who host teen parties may be on the hook, legally, for any teen drinking that happens at their house – regardless of whether they are super-vigilant or totally clueless. Read up on the laws before you host.

• Plus size swimwear for summer 2012

  BabyCenter Blog

  Denise Cortes

  16 May 2012 | 1:32 pm

  by Denise Cortes posted in Life & Home Since my mind is already on summertime and time spent at the beach, I've been on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit. And not your average swimsuit either. The perfect swimsuit for this plus size, curvy, chunky, what-can-I-tell-you-except-I-gave-birth-six-times body. It's not an easy feat, by any means....... Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.

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  Parenting at More4kids

• Mother's Day Quotes

  More4kids

  12 May 2012 | 8:30 am

  Happy Moms Day! Mothers Day is a special day to really let our Moms know how much we love them. Here are a few quotes I found that help express our love for their dedication and influence throughout our lives. After all, what would we be without our Moms? Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love. (Mildred B. Vermont) Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly. (Sarah Malin)…

• May 13th 2012: The Importance of Mother's Day

  More4kids

  12 May 2012 | 1:33 am

  Lets make sure we tell our moms and the mothers of our children how special they are to us. If you are a dad, it is our job to lead by example and show them how important Mother's Day is. Start from the very moment she wakes up to the the good night kiss. This year for example, I had my 6 year old help make breakfast and serve my wife in bed. The look on her face was amazing! And I have more surprises to come as the day goes on. What I wanted to do today is take a look at Mother's Day. Ask anyone what the most important day of the year is to them and you will get answers ranging…

• Teaching Children The Meaning of Thanksgiving

  More4kids

  23 Nov 2011 | 6:29 am

  by Stacey Schifferdecker "Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day" Robert Caspar Lintner When people ask me what my favorite holiday is, I always say Thanksgiving. I don’t know that deep down Thanksgiving is really my favorite holiday, but I feel sorry for it. There it is, sandwiched between the candy, costumes, and trick-or-treat of Halloween and the gifts, glitz, and glamour of Christmas. How is a simple, mostly non-commercialized holiday like Thanksgiving supposed to compete? Sure, there have been a few attempts to make Thanksgiving more exciting. You can buy…

• Thanksgiving Around The World

  More4kids

  23 Nov 2011 | 1:21 am

  by Stacey Schifferdecker Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, but the idea of an annual celebration to thank God for his bounty stretches back through time and around the world. Here are some ways other cultures celebrate Thanksgiving. Maybe you can find some ideas to enrich your own family’s Thanksgiving celebration this year. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Hebrews, Chinese, and Egyptians all held harvest festivals and thanksgiving celebrations. These celebrations continue today in various forms. Jewish families celebrate with a seven-day autumn harvest festival called Sukkoth.

• Father's Day 2011: The Benefits for the Involved Dad

  More4kids

  19 Jun 2011 | 2:41 am

  Father's Day is a time to celebrate dads, and for fathers, it is a great time to reflect on the relationship you have with your children. Maybe you have a great relationship with your children or maybe you would like to be more involved in your child's life. The role of a father is an important one, and many studies show that having a father that is involved is beneficial to the entire family. Of course, not only will your children benefit from you being involved in their lives, but you'll enjoy great benefits too. This Father's Day, consider the benefits of being an…

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  TODAY.com: Parenting

• Parents beware: If your teens party, you could pay the price

  16 May 2012 | 8:11 am

  Parents who host teen parties may be on the hook, legally, for any teen drinking that happens at their house – regardless of whether they are super-vigilant or totally clueless. Read up on the laws before you host.

• Day care cost hikes derail women's careers

  16 May 2012 | 7:26 am

  Clarissa Doutherd, 30, was able to lift herself out of poverty and climb the ladder of success at a nonprofit. But last year the high cost of child care stalled her ambitions.

• Rossen Reports: Crib products may be deadly, experts say

  16 May 2012 | 6:47 am

  A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more babies are suffocating while sleeping, and warns parents to keep cribs empty — yet bumpers and other accessories continue to be sold. Jeff Rossen goes undercover to investigate.

• Dad's view: It's not a competition, but I'm totally the better parent

  15 May 2012 | 12:27 pm

  One dad makes his case on why he's the better parent (even though his kid probably likes mom more.)

• Video: Hilarious! Teachers prank students in dance video

  15 May 2012 | 7:48 am

  TODAY’s Natalie Morales takes a look at a funny video that shows high school teachers performing dance moves behind their students, who were conned into doing fake interviews. (TODAY)

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  BabyCenter Blog

• Plus size swimwear for summer 2012

  Denise Cortes

  16 May 2012 | 1:32 pm

  by Denise Cortes posted in Life & Home Since my mind is already on summertime and time spent at the beach, I've been on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit. And not your average swimsuit either. The perfect swimsuit for this plus size, curvy, chunky, what-can-I-tell-you-except-I-gave-birth-six-times body. It's not an easy feat, by any means....... Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.

• Top 5 lies about food allergy parents

  Katherine Martin

  16 May 2012 | 1:23 pm

  by Katherine Martin posted in Community Buzz This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week. I’ve talked about my son’s life threatening food allergies a couple times, but thought this week was my opportunity to spread a little awareness. One of the things I’ve noticed when I’ve written or talked about food allergies is that I... Read more » Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.

• 7 things to take to the beach

  Allison Czarnecki

  16 May 2012 | 1:21 pm

  by Allison Czarnecki posted in Products & Prizes There is literally no other place on earth I'd rather be than at the beach. With my kids, by myself, with some girlfriends, alone with my husband, whatever. I don't care who's with me as long as my toes are in the sand next to some crashing... Read more » Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.

• Is 7 some kind of horrible age?

  Joyce Slaton

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 pm

  by Joyce Slaton posted in Mom Stories Ages 3 and 4 are known to be awful; is 7 the same? Because I just had a big back-patting gossip with a bunch of other moms in the parking lot of Vi's school, and all of us agreed that our kids are being awful. Last night Vi... Read more » Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.

• The big ALEX toy sale on Totsy

  Andrea Fellman

  16 May 2012 | 12:36 pm

  by Andrea Fellman posted in Products & Prizes Who doesn't love a good deal on toys?  ALEX toys are great and are the perfect go to birthday present for kids of all ages.  So when I stumbled upon the latest Totsy flash sale going on this week I just had to share!  I say this is... Read more » Want to get the full story? Click on the headline above. And thanks for reading the BabyCenter Blog.

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  Yahoo! News - Latest News & Headlines

• Anger, drama at Ratko Mladic's genocide trial

  16 May 2012 | 1:15 pm

  Ratko Mladic was a shadow of the swaggering general who once "held Sarajevo in the palm of his hand" during Bosnia's 1992-95 war as his long-awaited genocide trial opened Wednesday. Yet he still managed to inflame Bosnia's festering war wounds with the flick of his hand.

• Is this what a run on Greek banks looks like?

  16 May 2012 | 1:01 pm

  In the last few weeks, market analysts have ratcheted up fears about a run on Greek banks. Now, some experts say those fears are beginning to materialize. 

• Manny Pacquiao banned from L.A. mall for gay comments

  16 May 2012 | 12:04 pm

  Manny Pacquiao won't be shopping with the stars ever again, as the homophobic boxing superstar has been banned from Hollywood's ultimate entertainment destination.

• J.Lo topples Gaga to lead Forbes' celeb power list

  16 May 2012 | 12:00 pm

  It used to be enough for a celebrity to act or sing or swing a bat really well. Now for a celeb to be considered a real success he or she needs sell clothes, hawk fragrances, and even invest in technology startups.

• Catholic college dropping health care over Obamacare rule

  16 May 2012 | 11:58 am

  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reiterated its threat to sue the Obama administration over its rule that all employers must offer contraception without a copay in their insurance plans. Churches and other organizations that mainly employ and serve people of one religion are exempt from the rule, but the Bishops say religiously-affiliated hospitals, schools [...]

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  On Parenting

• Google doodle kids and other success stories

  Tracy Grant

  16 May 2012 | 12:30 pm

  When people learn that I’m the KidsPost editor at The Washington Post, the reaction is nearly universal. “That must be the most fun job.” True confession time. It is. I learn something new every day. (Did you know more tornadoes strike the United States than any other nation on Earth?) Read full article >>

• International Spy Museum to host children’s writing program Sunday featuring former CIA operative

  Janice D'Arcy

  16 May 2012 | 11:32 am

  We all keep secrets from our children. Some big, some small, some appropriate, some ill advised. Most of them, in all honesty, are pretty inconsequential, on par with sneaking squash into the tomato sauce. Read full article >>

• Student loan debt, preventing a crushing family burden

  Janice D'Arcy

  16 May 2012 | 6:00 am

  High school seniors are making final plans for next year, imagining a big broad world ahead. But, especially for those going to college, their young adulthood may not be so broad or independent. Students now graduating from college are facing limited job prospects and unprecedented amounts of debt. And, since so many will move back home, their problems will quickly become their parents’. Read full article >>

• Featured Advertiser

  15 May 2012 | 1:17 pm

• Lose the Training Wheels bike camps help kids with special needs

  Mari-Jane Williams

  15 May 2012 | 1:17 pm

  Many activities that typically developing children enjoy can seem too physically or mentally demanding for kids with special needs. Riding a two-wheeled bicycle, however, does not have to be one of those unattainable skills. Read full article >>

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  MedPage Today Pediatrics

• FDA Delays New Sunscreen Labeling Rules

  16 May 2012 | 1:05 pm

  WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The FDA has granted sunscreen manufacturers a 6-month extension to comply with new labeling rules in order to avoid having mislabeled sunscreens on the shelves this summer or a product shortage.

• Parent's Income, Schooling Affect Kids' Health

  15 May 2012 | 11:01 pm

  (MedPage Today) -- A higher income and educational level for the head of a household is associated with a wide range of health improvements for children, according to the CDC's annual report card on the nation's health.

• Asthma Cases Reach New High

  15 May 2012 | 1:59 pm

  (MedPage Today) -- Asthma prevalence reached its highest level ever in 2010 -- 8.4% of the population, up from 7.3% in 2001, according to the CDC.

• 'Spice'-y Party Drugs Can Lead to the ED (CME/CE)

  15 May 2012 | 9:33 am

  (MedPage Today) -- Synthetic marijuana can have serious adverse effects, researchers reported.

• No Laxative Colon Exam Finds Big Lesions (CME/CE)

  14 May 2012 | 4:05 pm

  (MedPage Today) -- Virtual colonoscopy technology that eliminates the need for laxative bowel prep appears similar to the optical method for detecting larger adenomas but seems questionable for smaller lesions, a clinical trial determined.

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  Parents Blog

• Attachment Parenting Controversy

  16 May 2012 | 8:27 am

  Most of us have probably heard about or seen the controversial "Time" magazine cover, in which a mother is breastfeeding her 3 year old son. It has sparked a lot of debate about not only the image displayed on its cover but the idea behind "attachment parenting.

• Revenge of the Lysol Moms

  16 May 2012 | 1:45 am

  Have you heard about the moms who took cleaning to a whole new level? According to reports, two Colorado moms are being accused of spraying Lysol on teens they saw dirty dancing at a local high school prom.

• Mothers: A Sorority of Complainers?

  15 May 2012 | 1:59 am

  (Sweeter than a Dyson.) You are looking at one of the lovely Mother's Day gifts I was presented with yesterday by my adorable daughter.

• Are You Trying to Live through Your Children?

  14 May 2012 | 7:02 am

  Are you a mom who tries to live through her children? I know of a couple of moms like that. It actually makes me sad to see their children having to be and do what their moms want them to be and do. I think there may be a couple of reasons this happens.

• Mother's Day Loot

  13 May 2012 | 1:58 am

  Twas the night before Mother's Day... are you headed to bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head?

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  Daddy Types

• Quick, To The Dadcave

  greg

  16 May 2012 | 11:08 am

  I meant to link to Choire's concerned post about the coming real estatepocalypse in Brooklyn when all the adorably involved dads get divorced, but won't move out of the hard-fought good school boundaries, but I got behind. And a good...

• Parenting Without A Neto

  greg

  15 May 2012 | 5:26 pm

  In New York over the weekend, I went to my friend Tanya Bonakdar's gallery to see my buddy Ernesto Neto's awesome-looking, new, climbable sculptures, and my buddy Ethan, almost literally the first thing out of his mouth when I...

• Avocado + iPhone

  greg

  14 May 2012 | 9:15 pm

  Bkln hipster parents with a (lovely) 6mo old baby on my Paris-JFK flight fed her fresh avocado scooped out w/tiny spoon— Rich Mintz (@richmintz) May 15, 2012 Also when the baby cried they gave her an iPhone to hold and...

• I'd Like To Blame Eloise

  greg

  14 May 2012 | 8:46 pm

  But I'm pretty sure it was her big sister at the end of her rope who taught K2 the phrase she now uses on everyone all the time it's driving us crazy: "Silence, s'il vous plait."...

• Wairforit

  greg

  14 May 2012 | 8:45 pm

  Waitforit would be a pretty awesome middle name.— Guan Yang (@guan) May 15, 2012...

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  Raising Happiness

• How to Keep Your Child Safe (and Happy) Online, Part 1

  Greater Good

  14 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Like a lot of parents, I’ve been struck by how active—though not savvy—my kids and their friends are with social media. It’s a little like we’ve given our kids keys to a new car and said, “Have fun! Be safe!” without actually teaching them to drive. Will they crash? My kids’ friends have Instagram accounts that let them post pictures of themselves and their friends—which they do, innocently—all over the Internet. These photos are often geotagged, making it easier for creepy pedophiles to locate them in the real world. The FBI estimates that there are a half million…

• Gratitude Journal: Thank You, Mom!

  Greater Good

  11 May 2012 | 8:56 am

  Got Gratitude? Share it here! Welcome to our community gratitude journal, open to all who’d like to express their thanks or share a happy thought. I am grateful that my mother gave me the gift of life. Amaya I am so grateful to my Aunt Lulu, who is driving down to help my mom watch my kids for the weekend so that I can attend the funeral of an old friend. gina i am thankful for my mother, for her faith and resilience, her commitment to her family and her attitude of being thankful on a daily basis. Thank you mumma xx Bibstar6633 I am so happy that I found clay!  It’s taken me a…

• Podcast: Forgive and Forget?

  Greater Good

  10 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Is the old adage “forgive and forget” still good advice? Rona and I talk about the relationship between forgiveness and happiness, and we suggest some things we can do with kids that will help teach them the skills they need to forgive and move on. Please check out my podcast with Rona Renner either here on the Greater Good website, or here on iTunes. Happy listening! Become a fan of Raising Happiness on Facebook. Follow Christine Carter on Twitter Subscribe to the Happiness Matters Podcast on iTunes.

• Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Who’s the Best Mom of Them All?

  Greater Good

  7 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Last year, Tiger Mothers were superior. This year, French mommy-hood has been deemed a cut above. Are other mothers generally better than us at producing high-functioning and high-achieving kids? And do they enjoy parenting more than we do? Maybe. Tiger mothers, soccer mothers, French mamas, working mothers, stay-at-home-mothers: We each have our strengths. We don’t have a lot of empirical evidence about what brand of mommy is “best,” but we do have a lot of data about what makes for good parenting. I’ve spent the last 10+ years deep in that research. In honor of Mother’s Day, here…

• Gratitude Journal: Those Who Love Us Just the Way We Are

  Greater Good

  4 May 2012 | 8:15 am

  Got Gratitude? Share it here! Welcome to our community gratitude journal, open to all who’d like to express their thanks or share a happy thought. Mother’s Day is upon us! Let us know why your mom is awesome. What are you thankful for? I am so grateful for my 7-year old daughter.. She is such a strong, confident soul and she inspires me to accept who I am. Britt Reints I’m thankful for guys like my husband who irons my tops when he irons his shirts. I love my octogenarian. Phoebe My husband got a job he’s happy about! And it comes with a free shuttle to help him on his…

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  GoFatherhood®

• How I Clean My Teeth

  Dave Taylor

  14 May 2012 | 10:20 am

  No, really, stick with me on this one. Braun / Oral-B sent me a super complicated smart toothbrush and as part of the campaign, I’m going to write about my existing oral hygiene, then share what it was like to use their device for a month. To get into the spirit of things, I’ve decided to do this first post as a tech unboxing and first impressions piece. Before I do, though, be aware that I have historically used a regular old toothbrush, “soft” bristle, and that I have zero brand loyalty, buying whatever brush is on sale at the supermarket. My belief is that…

• Parents can be jerks at sporting events!

  Dave Taylor

  14 May 2012 | 4:07 am

  My son’s on a local lacrosse team and I think we’re both enjoying it quite a bit. It’s a great sport for boys with lots of running, bashing into other boys, swinging sticks around and general physicality while they all wear padding and helmets to keep them reasonable safe from each other. He’s 12 and more than once he’s told me “I just want to really check some other boy hard!” on the way to practice or a game. Of course, he’s fairly mild-mannered on the field, but I like that he can talk tough and actually do something physical in a safe,…

• “I forgot”: logistics or natural consequences?

  Dave Taylor

  2 May 2012 | 10:00 am

  This morning, prior to going to school, I reminded all of my kids that they weren’t with me tonight (I’m heading into Denver to see The Avengers. Yes!) so they needed to think through what they’d need not just for today but also for tomorrow until we met up after school. With a bit of prodding, my son got all his lacrosse stuff together and put it in the car (well, except for his uniform which needed to be washed), and everyone seemed to understand what I was talking about. Then we get to school and my teen A- informs me that she forgot her new American Eagle shirt and since…

• Field Trip to SeaWorld San Diego!

  Dave Taylor

  24 Apr 2012 | 11:49 am

  My Dad lives in Southern California so we visit the area quite frequently, at least twice annually, and in terms of places with things to do, I don’t know that anywhere beats Southern California. Between Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and, of course, the beaches and a million other places to check out — especially if you’re a film buff — it’s easy to find things to keep us occupied. With all of that, however, one place has emerged as our favorite for its combination of shows and cute animals:…

• Talking to kids about Facebook, privacy and safety

  Dave Taylor

  20 Apr 2012 | 3:21 pm

  This will be the third year in a row that I have been given an opportunity to talk with 9th graders at the local high school about Facebook, privacy, online safety, etc. It’s interesting each year because the kids confirm to me that they are more active than we adults realize and that many of them lie to their parents — or simply sidestep the truth — about their participation in the online world. It’s certainly easier to ask modern 15yo’s to raise their hand if they’re not on Facebook than if they are, that’s for sure. Most of them also now have…

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  Susan Heim on Parenting

• Book Review: Feeding Eden, by Susan Weissman

  16 May 2012 | 12:11 pm

  This week is known as Food Allergy Awareness Week, so it’s appropriate that I just finished reading the book, Feeding Eden: The Trials and Triumphs of a Food Allergy Family, by Susan Weissman. Of course, I knew already that some children have life-threatening allergies to certain foods, but Feeding Eden really opened my eyes about how this condition affects the whole family. Most of us associate food with pleasure, and feeding our families is a way of nurturing them. For families like Eden’s, though, food can be a killer. Imagine being afraid almost every time you feed something to your…

• Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly World (with Linky)

  15 May 2012 | 10:00 pm

  On Mother's Day, I went to a place called Butterfly World with three of my four boys. (The other one was working.) I thought I'd share some photos I took of the beautiful butterflies we saw that day!

• Exclusive Interview with Valerie L.S. Albarda, Author of “Gettin’ Back to Happy”!

  15 May 2012 | 12:55 pm

  What is this book about?Gettin' Back to Happy is about my quest to put myself in a happy place; a state of emotional well-being in terms of my happiness quotient through the use of positive self-affirmations.How did you get the idea for this book?I felt as if too much negativity was creeping into my life and taking over. My thoughts were negative; my words were negative. I didn’t want that sort of pessimism to rule me so I decided to do something about it. Being a creature of social networking, I vowed to post at least one “Happiness is...” thought every day on Facebook to provide a bit…

• Book Tour for Choices, by Liz Schulte: Exclusive Excerpt!

  15 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  I’m pleased to be a stop on the book tour for Choices, by Liz Schulte. Following is an exclusive excerpt from the book. After reading the excerpt, be sure to head over to THIS PAGE to enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift code and 5 autographed print copies! And follow the rest of the blogs on this terrific blog tour!“Quintus, I presume.” A deep, authoritative voice bounced off the walls making it sound like the speaker was everywhere. Sitting at the writing desk not three feet from me a slight man with eyes I had seen before, a curious blue green with a ring of gold, appeared.

• Chicken Soup for the Soul: Here Comes the Bride (GIVEAWAY)

  14 May 2012 | 10:08 am

  About the book:It all starts with a simple question: “Will you marry me?” Oh, it may be a variation on the theme, such as “Will you be my wife (or husband)?” or simply “Let’s get hitched!” but the simplicity of its beginning remains the same. How rarely we realize what a tidal wave those few words will unleash! As soon as the pact is made, the floodgates open, and lives are changed forever. There’s just so much to consider…The Ring -- Will it be a family heirloom or a modern style? Will the bride select the ring or be surprised? The Dress -- Fluffy, lacy or simple? Will it…

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  THE FATHER LIFE

• [OSBURN ON TAP] Q and A with Geoff Dale of Three Heads Brewing Company

  Chris Osburn

  11 May 2012 | 4:59 am

  Whenever possible, I like to highlight small craft breweries that are doing big things. That is especially true when it comes to breweries located in my hometown of Rochester, NY. I’ve already written about the Roc Brewing Company and all the trials and tribulations that led them to where they are today. Rochester is home to the aforementioned Roc, Custom BrewCrafters, Rohrbach Brewing Company, Naked Dove Brewing Company and the behemoth that is the Genesee Brewing Company. But, in the last year, a new brewery has started to take center stage in the Flour City. Three Heads Brewing Company…

• [REVIEW] A-Rated Avengers Amaze!

  Miguel Guadalupe

  9 May 2012 | 6:08 am

  The Avengers (MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference) Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hiddleston Director: Joss Whedon Much was promised. Much was expected. And much was delivered. The Avengers brought it all to the silver screen – action, adventure, intrigue, even a little trip down Psych 101 for our viewing pleasure. This blockbuster, which took $220 million to make, was an ambitious undertaking on multiple fronts, putting together a cast of giants…

• The ABC’s of Saving Money

  The Editors of The Father Life

  23 Apr 2012 | 5:51 am

  Photo Credit: 401K, flickr.com Saving is at the core of a solid financial eduction.  Learning to save is not something that is easy to do in our consumer-oriented culture, however.  Leading by example — and talking about how saving is helping you reach your family’s financial goals — is important.  Creating an environment where kids participate in and ask questions about the saving process is even better.  In honor of Financial Literacy Month, here are some “building blocks” to keep in mind when teaching your kid to S.A.V.E., courtesy TD Bank. Show them ways…

• Fashion 202: Colors and Patterns for Men

  Men's Life Today

  17 Apr 2012 | 11:10 pm

  Photo Credit: Michael Patterson, flickr.com If your daily uniform is a white Oxford shirt and navy suit, it’s time to take your wardrobe to the next level: Colors Ten years ago, men had no choice. If you worked in an office, your shirt was white and your suit was navy. Color belonged on the tie. Today, the rules have changed in even the stuffiest of offices. Light blue shirts are as acceptable as white. Suits no longer have to be dark. You can choose from a range of grays, and during the warmer months, a light or dark khaki suit is comfortable and stylish. As for shirts, pink and light…

• If your kid’s toys could talk

  Howard Ludwig

  16 Apr 2012 | 11:47 am

  Froggy and Buey have their say: Bubba and Peter’s stuffed animals have become brothers by default Buey – “Hello, I’m Buey.” Froggy – “And, I’m Froggy.” Buey – “I’m a six-inch, teddy bear. I’m also 5-year-old Bubba Ludwig’s favorite stuffed animal.” Froggy – “And, I’m 4-year-old Peter Ludwig’s favorite stuffed animal. Though, I’m really more of a blanket-animal combo. I have a head and arms, but my body is made of a soft, silky cloth. Buey – “Indeed. Every night the Ludwig boys take us to bed. This includes overnight trips.

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  Moms & Dads | Sun Sentinel Blogs

• Happy 420 Day, kids! Don't eat those brownies

  20 Apr 2012 | 10:01 am

  I had never heard of 420 Day, also known as "National Smoke Weed Day," until our high school principal robocalled us last night. He warned us that kids were going to be skipping classes and bringing unacceptable foods (pot brownies?) onto the campus that could be confiscated. I had to ask my kids what he was talking about, and they knew exactly. April 20 is a designated date (and time, 4:20) to smoke pot, apparently begun in California in the 1970s. Not sure why anyone who smokes pot would wait for a designated date and time. But the principal's call did open up a conversation with my kids…

• Should college freshmen room with friends?

  12 Apr 2012 | 8:15 am

  A dorm at the University of Florida is about to become an extension of our high school. This is not a good thing. A large group of kids, and probably even more that I haven't heard about, are rooming together and all choosing the same dorm. The dorm has filled up, so kids who got locked out, including my daughter, are picking dorms as nearby as possible. When I went to college, you got placed with a roommate you didn't know, and the school didn't consider whether we would be compatible. Now, kids want to control every aspect of the process, from choosing their roommates in the spring and…

• Is your teen obsessed with One Direction?

  4 Apr 2012 | 9:32 am

  OMG! One Direction is going to be on Saturday Night Live this weekend! Hold everything! My 13-year-old talks about nothing but this group. She saw them perform live on "The Today Show" a few weeks ago and plans to go to their shows this summer when they come to Florida. TBH, as the kids would say, or to be honest, I don't see what the big deal is about this British boy band manufactured by Simon Cowell of "American Idol" fame. They competed on "The X Factor" in England and placed third. Their songs are OK, their dancing is mediocre and they don't have much charisma. I do remember obsessing…

• Zumba: Do dancers know what they're dancing to?

  21 Mar 2012 | 9:50 am

  During a recent zumba class, the instructor told us the song we were dancing to is "Rated XX." I was immediately intrigued and had to find out what it was about. I asked the instructor and he didn't seem comfortable talking about it, so I was on my own. Since I don't know the names of any of the songs, this was a complicated task. I finally found the song, "Ai Si Eu Te Pego," "Oh, If I Could Get My Hands On You," which is in Portuguese. I got a colleague to translate, and it wasn't too offensive. But I started researching other lyrics and found some that were much more risque, especially…

• "Carly's Voice": Autism, from a parent's perspective

  14 Mar 2012 | 2:02 pm

  When we see a parent with a disabled child, we sympathize. But after reading "Carly's Voice," a new book by Arthur Fleischmann and his autistic daughter, Carly, I realized I had no clue about the struggles and agonizing decisions that go on when the rest of us are not looking. I went to college with Arthur and his wife, Tammy, who was my good friend. But we lost touch over the years and until Facebook came along I didn't know their teenage daughter, Carly, had severe autism and is unable to talk. The book describes her frequent crying, constant rocking, sensitivity to noise and inability to…

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  Parent Hacks

• Minimalist decluttering: share your brilliance

  Asha Dornfest

  16 May 2012 | 8:06 am

  Of all the topics we discuss here at Parent Hacks, getting organized is the most popular.  Life is easier when you're organized and your home isn't crammed with stuff. And the good news is you don't have to be super-organized. You can be just a little more organized, and it will get you a long way toward a calmer, clearer life. Christine and I are writing about decluttering as an important part of Minimalist Parenting. But decluttering is a process, not a perfect destination. No one can reasonably expect to live in a zen-like environment perfectly free of clutter while also…

• Offer your kid a 'personal day' off after-school activities to prevent foot-dragging

  Adrienne Jones

  15 May 2012 | 1:24 pm

  Natalie's thoughtful and creative response to her daughter's resistance to after-school activities short-circuits problems before they even occur. A little girl at my daughter's dance class refused to go into the studio. Her dad was unsure how to handle the situation. It reminded me of our struggles when my daughter was between 4 and 6. Too frequently I would sign her up for an activity she enjoyed, but then she would resist going. I couldn't figure out why, but after questions it became apparent that she just didn't want to go. If I forced her to participate, she would…

• "Upgrade" your marble jar with rocks

  Asha Dornfest

  14 May 2012 | 12:04 pm

  via www.deathbygreatwall.com Are you familiar with the idea of using a marble jar as a motivation system for your kids? A marble jar is sort of like a tactile star chart. Each time your kid does the thing you're trying to encourage (anything from chores to positive actions) he gets a marble placed in his jar. Once the jar's full, he gets a reward. Somehow a marble jar is so much more satisfying than stars or check marks on a chart. The fun of playing with marbles, the "plunk" of a marble earned, the simple beauty of jar full of colorful marbles...it all adds up to a great…

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  Tech Savvy Mama

• Intel "What About Me" Social Media Profile and Twitter Party (tomorrow!)

  16 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  Since Digital Summit, I’ve been thinking a lot about my use of social media and what I say through the tools I use to share so I was curious about what Intel’s new What About Me site would say about my digital life.  What About Me is a free site that connects to your Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts to provide a snapshot of your digital life through a tidy infograph.What did my What About Me profile look like?  Click for a larger view in a separate window.It’s not surprising that top three stories that I tell are centered around food (31%), technology (13%), and travel…

• Social Media Trends at Digital Summit 2012

  15 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  Have you ever given thought to the way you share the things you love with friends online? Or how you are being marketed to when on the internet? Sure cookies track the websites you visit but what about your social media presence?  Or the way you use your smartphone?From the things you talk about on Twitter, pin on Pinterest, or like on Facebook, savvy companies are taking notice of the growing digital space and seek to create personal relationships to foster brand awareness and loyalty not only through social media but also through and mobile apps on our smartphones. Last week I…

• Acer Iconia Tab: Windows 7 Tablet PC and Keyboard in a Portable Package

  14 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  Acer Iconia TabPC users who desire a powerful machine with a large screen and other bells and whistles to support multitasking often compromise portability and would do well with the Acer Iconia Tab ($531.08 on Amazon) as a portable computing solution. The Acer Iconia Tab is a two part machine consisting of a touch screen tablet and a keyboard.  The tablet can be used by itself or docked for full access to a keyboard.Docking the tablet into the keyboard feels a little awkward at first.  The tablet portion makes the computer feel a little top heavy once it slides on to the connectors…

• Happy Mother's Day!

  13 May 2012 | 11:00 am

  Happy Mother's Day to all of you incredible mamas out there!  I just happen to love this fantastic video by my amazing client, The Mother Company, because we are all our own mother companies.  May you have a day filled with lots of love today and always!I provide social media strategy to The Mother Company as a consultant but was not paid or required for sharing the above.  I did it out of pure love for the content and my client's message that all moms can identify with.Thanks for reading Tech Savvy Mama through your feed! Original post by Tech Savvy Mama ©2012

• Review: LG Nitro’s Fast Network and Hardware Provide Great User Experience

  11 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  You might not think of LG immediately when you think of cutting-edge Android phones (since that spot typically has gone to HTC or Samsung) but LG has upped the ante with a high end Android at a very competitive price.After using the LG Nitro HD phone running on AT&T’s 4G LTE network. Two words come to mind: Fast (hardware) and fast (network).AT&T’s LG Nitro is a powerhouse of an Android phone running on their latest 4G-LTE network. It sports a gigantic 4.5 inch HD display, compared to 3.5 inches on an iPhone. The larger screen makes it easier to read emails and web pages and…

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  Earnest Parenting

• Pregnancy Supplement – Maintain Your Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy

  Amy LeForge

  14 May 2012 | 9:56 pm

  During pregnancy prenatal supplements have a very important role to play in the development of the fetus and also maintaining the health of the mother. Omega-3 fatty acid is one of the vital components of supplements that are generally prescribed during pregnancy. Studies have revealed that these fatty acids have several health benefits for the mothers and the infants. Coromega plays a crucial role in the development of brain in infants and also in the development of the visual system of the infants. Coromega helps the mothers in managing blood pressure. Owing to so many benefits coromega…

• Celebrate Mother’s Day: Win a Deluxe copy of Pat the Bunny

  Amy LeForge

  13 May 2012 | 5:05 pm

  Happy Mother’s Day, Heroes! Yes, you. I call you a hero because you are one. No, not the mother behind you. You. You gave birth to that child. Or perhaps you opened your home to one (or more!). You make sure the needs are met. You make sure the child is loved. That makes you a hero. It’s that simple. So celebrate today. You are a Mom. That is a big deal. And I am proud of you. If nothing else, have a private moment with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, and maybe a bite of something sweet. Just to remind you that you are special. And, in celebration of Mother’s Day and…

• 10 Parenting Tips for Good Parenting

  Amy LeForge

  12 May 2012 | 11:39 pm

  “What you sow is what you reap”, is a good proverb which clarifies the need for a good nurturing of the child for his glowing future. Small things assisted or educated during childhood play a major role in overcoming the real bitterness of life in the later part. There are teachers and schools for education but the real training, either by heredity or as a patronage, are given by the parents. It’s always true that a father cannot turn his son into his exact clone, but at least he can instill some good manners in his child to make him a good human being. In today’s world of fast…

• How to Choose the Best Mother’s Day Gift

  Amy LeForge

  11 May 2012 | 10:54 am

  Okay, I admit to having a bit of an ulterior motive publishing this infographic. After all, I am a mom looking forward to some loving this Sunday on Mother’s Day. In all fairness though, I’m really expecting the 9 year olds to make me breakfast in bed. Hubby has already been instructed to get them up early enough to cook. They’ve learned how to make scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage recently and they’re mighty proud. So am I. Anyhow, for the rest of the world, here are some great suggestions. Brought to you by Diet Diva. Happy Mother’s Day! Earnest Parenting:…

• The Benefits of Summer Moving

  Felicia

  10 May 2012 | 9:46 pm

  From packing and labeling to turning off utilities and searching for professional moving companies, relocating to a new home is a long and tedious task. Although moving is never easy, the timing of your relocation can significantly impact how much stress you experience during your relocation. By moving during the summer, chances are you can reduce your stress and make the transition into your new home a more pleasant experience. Still not convinced? Here’s why relocating during summer could be the right “move” for you: Pleasant Weather In general, summer weather is notably…

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  Radical Parenting

• “Teenage Parenting”: Teens Who Are Parents to Younger Siblings

  Vanessa Van Petten

  16 May 2012 | 12:05 pm

  Meta Tags- Parenting, parents, role model, siblings, authoritative, teen help, single parents Meta description- Teenagers who pose as parental figures to younger siblings of single parent homes or teens who help out in raising younger siblings filling a void in a parental figure Onyeka is a 16 year old from Orange Park, FL. She loves [...]

• 4 Ways to Cope When Your Teen Gets Their License

  Vanessa Van Petten

  16 May 2012 | 12:02 pm

    Hailee is a 16-year-old student from Pittsgrove, NJ. She enjoys music, going to concerts, and writing. She hopes to major in Marketing (ex. Business and Interactive Media) in college.   Having a teen drive off alone for the first time can be a very scary thing for a parent. Many parents have a hard [...]

• 4 Ways Parents Can Help Teens Relieve Stress

  Vanessa Van Petten

  16 May 2012 | 12:00 pm

  Vatsala is a 16-year-old from Amritsar, India. She enjoys listening to music, reading books, writing, doodling and her favorite subjects are English and Math. She wants to grow up to be a TV Journalist.   Stress is something that everybody has on their minds and, if not catered to properly, can turn out to be [...]

• How to Stop Your Teen From Giving Into Peer Pressure

  Vanessa Van Petten

  12 May 2012 | 10:03 am

  Hailee, a 16-year-old from Pittsgrove, N.J., She enjoys music and spending her free time at concerts. She plans on majoring in Communications in College. Peer pressure? This word can be defined in many different ways. It can be defined as the pressure from one’s peers to behave in a manner similar or acceptable to them. [...]

• Tips for Dealing with Troubled Teens

  Vanessa Van Petten

  12 May 2012 | 10:01 am

  Ara is a 16-year-old from Edmonds, WA. She enjoys blogging, spending time with her family and hopes to somehow incorporate her passion of writing into what she does in the future. Parenting these days can be tough, especially when your teen gets in more trouble or has more behavioral problems than most. It is normal [...]

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  Mommy Daddy Blog

• She {hearts} Loving Naturals

  Drea - Co-Owner

  16 May 2012 | 6:30 am

  If you’ve been a fan of She {hearts} It for a year now – you may have seen our initial reviews on Loving Naturals back in July of 2011. Loving Naturals has been a part of our family ever since. It is a line we will use for as long as they are running! I am so glad I discovered them last year and share their info as often as I can, especially come summer time :) You can read my original reviews on Loving Naturals at the links below: Loving Naturals Body Wash/Lotion Loving Naturals Bug Spray (a must for camping!) Loving Naturals Sun Screen We really do love them :) – I…

• She {hearts} Real {Fast} Food

  Stacey

  15 May 2012 | 7:56 am

  Preparing traditional whole foods meals for our family can be challenging some days. I admit that I will often cut corners and we don’t eat as healthy as I would like to. It all just takes time to prepare, and sometimes I just don’t have that time, or I’m just too lazy to put in the effort. I recently stumbled upon a fabulous blog, written by Trina Holden, called All That Is Good.  She’s really a breath of fresh air, and she has written an excellent eBook called Real {Fast} Food.  This eBook is full of great tips and tricks on how to incorporate healthy whole foods…

• Adding Sweet & Marble Peppers To My “To Grow” List + A Sponsored Video

  Sheena

  14 May 2012 | 10:16 pm

  I am a tad bit infatuated with peppers, even more so with the idea of growing them myself. I only shop for green peppers since the pretty orange, yellow, and red ones are so expensive. Last Saturday, while at Target, I discovered the yummy little peppers in the photo to the left. They were on...

• Create the Right Room

  Guest Benefactor

  14 May 2012 | 1:13 pm

  From the crib age all the way up to big boy and girl beds, children should be getting a healthy amount of sleep. If you aren’t concerned and making sure that your children are tucked in each night and staying in bed for an entire night of shut eye, then now is the time to start. By starting smart sleeping habits, picking out fun kids bedding sets, and nightly clean up, your child can get the sleep that’s needed. Why is the right bedding so important for children? When school aged children don’t get sleep, their teachers notice as it reflects on their attitude and performance. Children…

• Why Gadgets Make Great Gifts

  Guest Benefactor

  14 May 2012 | 1:00 pm

  For various reasons, people give gifts to those people they care about every day. When choosing a gift for someone, there is a wide assortment of items from which a gift can be chosen. One popular type of gift to give is gadgets. Gadgets can be a great gift as often many people do not have them. Also, gadgets can fulfill a number of useful purposes. One neat gadget gift is an LED flashlight. This is a great choice for someone who spends time in the outdoors. LED flashlights are good choices because for one, they are brighter than traditional flashlights. Secondly, LED flashlights are much…

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  Tipps, Tricks, Leben: fastblogger Blog

• Iberostar Fuerteventura: Hotelbewertung und Hoteltest des Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park in Jandia

  admin

  13 May 2012 | 1:37 pm

  Hotelbewertung & Hoteltest vom Iberostar auf Fuerteventura Nach zahlreichen Restaurantbewertungen folgt nun die erste Hotelbewertung. Das Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park in Jandia erfährt hier nun meine Aufwartung. Den Urlaub in dem Hotel, das sich selbst als auf Familien und Paare konzipieretes All-Inclusive-Hotel, beschreibt, haben wir sehr genossen. Gebucht hatten wir einen All-inclusive-Urlaub. Das Hotel hat [...]

• Fuerteventura Strand: Strände von Costa Calma, Jandia bis Morro Jable

  admin

  11 May 2012 | 2:24 am

  Ohne Strand ist ein Urlaub nur halb so schön Für Erwachsene und Kinder ist ein Erholungsurlaub nur halb so schön, wenn kein Strand in der Nähe ist. Am Strand sonnen, Sandburgen bauen oder Beach Volleyball spielen oder einfach nur entspannen. Die schönsten südlichen Strände und Informationen zu den dort liegenden Städten Costa Calma, Jandia und [...]

• Klima und Wetter auf Fuerteventura

  admin

  10 May 2012 | 12:09 pm

  Fuerteventura: Schönes Wetter, das ganze Jahr Die kanarische Insel Fuerteventura, welche sich in der Nähe zum afrikanischen Festland befindet, besticht ganzjährig durch angenehme Temperaturen. Sie ist ein beliebtes Reiseziel für eine große Gruppe von Urlaubern. So erfreuen sich insbesondere Badelustige und Windsurfer in den Sommermonaten an den heißen Temperaturen sowie starken Winden. Von Herbst bis [...]

• Fuerteventura: Urlaub mit Wissen genießen auf der sonnigen Insel

  admin

  9 May 2012 | 5:17 am

  Entstehung, Wetter, Klima, Ausmaße, Hotels, Ausflüge, Touren und Städte Wissenswertes zur Insel Fuerteventura:Entstehung, Klima, Größe, Städte, Lage Die bekannte Urlaubsinsel Fuerteventura gehört zu den Kanarischen Inseln und liegt im Atlantischen Ozean. Mit einer Fläche von rund 1660 Quadratkilometern hat diese Insel einen Anteil von etwa 22 % an der Landfläche der Kanaren. Die Hauptstadt der [...]

• Audi in München kaufen: Autohaus Christl & Schowalter

  admin

  22 Apr 2012 | 10:37 am

  Audi Autohaus & Audi Werkstatt beim Audi Händler Irgendwann ist es soweit und ein neues Auto wird benötigt. Zwischen zahlreichen Marken hat der interessierte Autokäufer die Wahl. In Bayern sind immer Audi und BMW als Marken dominant und so sollte sich jeder Autokäufer auch mal in einem Audi-Autohaus umsehen und beraten lassen. In München ist [...]

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  Blisstree » LIVE

• Mattresses Might Improve Your Sleep; They’ll Probably Ruin Your Sex Life

  Deborah Dunham

  16 May 2012 | 11:20 am

  Which would you rather have: good sleep or good sex? This is the dilemma that many couples are facing when it comes time to buy a new mattress. It seems that sales of those super-plush mattresses are on the rise, and with good reason–we sleep better on them. But, according to a recent Barron’s report, they also have a serious downside–bad sex. New York sex therapist Sari Eckler explained it best to Barron’s: There’s a lack of resistance for the knees and feet. And whoever is on the bottom is sinking into the bed. Or, as an owner of one of these plush mattresses…

• Weight Watchers’ Weigh-Ins Need To Stop

  Deborah Dunham

  16 May 2012 | 9:04 am

  I recently attended a local Weight Watchers meeting to speak about an upcoming charity walk/bike ride. Much to my surprise, when I walked in, the receptionist at the front table asked if I “needed to be weighed.” No, I don’t “need” to be weighed, I told her. No one “needs” to be weighed. To me, weighing people in public is just offensive and humiliating. And it goes against everything I believe in about how to get people healthy. I get that Weight Watchers is all about helping people lose weight. Really, I do. But I don’t believe in scales. As a…

• Afternoon Links: 50 Awesome Pre- And Post-Workout Snacks

  Blisstree Staff

  15 May 2012 | 3:30 pm

  • Fuel your body with these yummy snacks for both before and after your workout (Greatist) • Achieve the perfect lunge with this tutorial (HuffPost Healthy Living) • What’s the favorite clothing line for athletic celebs? Hint: it’s not lululemon (Well & Good) • True or false: the best facial cleansers really sold on drugstore shelves (Vital Juice) • Yes, it’s true–you really do eat more junk food in the wee hours (Grist) • These common running ailments can sideline your workouts–learn more about them to keep yourself healthy (FitSugar) Post from:…

• FDA Pushes Back New Sunscreen Guidelines (So Consumers Will Be Protected…Next Winter)

  Briana Rognlin

  15 May 2012 | 2:59 pm

  Last summer, the FDA gave sunscreen manufacturers a new set of sunscreen label guidelines—which included updates to better protect consumers—but last week, they announced that they’d pushed back the deadline another six months. So labels should be more accurate by…next winter. The new label requirements would require a standardized test for products labelled “broad spectrum,” to indicate that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They would also bar companies from using the terms “sweat-proof” and “waterproof” (to dispell…

• Afternoon Links: Stop Side-Stitches Once And For All

  Blisstree Staff

  14 May 2012 | 3:00 pm

  • Plenty of runners are plagued by side-stitches–here’s how to banish them forever (Runner’s World) • Looking to cut back on your carb intake? Here are 15 fresh ideas for how to go bread-free (FitSugar) • Being eaten up by allergies might mean more than sneezing and wheezing–seasonal allergies could lead to weight gain (Women’s Health) • We know you’re busy, so here are four 4-minute workouts to squeeze in (FitBottomed Girls) • Do vitamins and supplements actually work? HuffPo is on the case (HuffPost Healthy Living) • Prepare food like…

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  FreeRangeKids

• My Vote for Dweebiest Superintendent of the Week

  lskenazy

  16 May 2012 | 8:35 am

  Hi Readers — So here’s the story: Five high school seniors in Indiana went into their school after hours, when it was officially off-limits, and decorated it with 10,000 Post-It notes. They used the notes to create a big, cheery “2012″ on the gym floor, for instance.  They made bright patterns on the doors, and another big “2012″ on some windows. And for this, they were suspended for two days (during finals) and the janitor who supervised them got fired. What kills me most, though, is how the superintendent described the event: “It was just Post-It…

• Come Into this Dark Room With Me, Little Girl

  lskenazy

  15 May 2012 | 4:48 pm

  Hi Folks — Just on a run of “good news” stories. Here’s another! — L (who was something of a rockhound in her youth, too!) Dear Free-Range Kids: Re: ‘the stranger” who offered kids donuts… one of the most awesome memories I have is being taken into a dark room by a “stranger” — wait for it — he was a science teacher who was traveling across the southwest during his summer break collecting mineral samples, as an amateur geologist. He wanted to show me and my sister and brother how different minerals fluoresce under…

• So She Let Her Sons, 5 and 2, Go To the Men’s Room Alone…

  lskenazy

  15 May 2012 | 8:09 am

  Hi Readers! This is from a mom named Becky S: Dear Free-Range Kids: When my sons were 5 and 2 my husband went to Iraq for a year with his Reserve unit. My family lived about 400 miles away from our home and I used to take the boys to visit quite regularly. The first time we went without Daddy, they didn’t want to go in the ladies’ room with me, “Because we’re MEN, mommy!” So I let them go. They’ve been visiting the men’s room by themselves ever since (almost 10 years now). Nothing bad ever happened to them. The older one helped the younger one, and…

• Bathroom Busybodies: Kindly Concern or Mass Psychosis?

  lskenazy

  14 May 2012 | 4:41 pm

  Hi Readers! You’d think that, after a certain point, I would be inured to cultural confoundedness. (Or  at least know how to write a sentence in English.) But in fact it is still amazing to me how wild the public imagination has become and how eager it is to imagine the most extremely unlikely, horrifying scenarios. It really is mass psychosis. And here’s just another instance of it, from Hannah Zuniga, a reader who describes herself as a Common Sense Mom. – L. . Dear Free-Range Kids: I received my first verbal hand slap regarding my child raising. I have 5 year old…

• Guest Post: Warning! Toddler At Play

  lskenazy

  14 May 2012 | 7:40 am

  Hi Folks! Here’s a guest essay from Lisa Baker, who’s trying to be a Free-Range Mom to two kids in Atlanta, Georgia. She writes about her parenting adventures at Organic Baby Atlanta. Enjoy! L. Warning: Toddler at Play by Lisa Baker In the Yequana tribes of South America, parents let toddlers wander near open campfires, playing with knives. In Romania (where I lived for a year), mothers send toddlers alone to the corner store to buy bread and cheese for breakfast. Me? I let my toddler play in the yard. Oh, I know it’s a risk. I wouldn’t have let her when she was…

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  The Imperfect Parent

• Attachment Parenting: New Time magazine cover controversy

  IP staff

  10 May 2012 | 12:27 pm

  Okay, so is this beautiful or disgusting? Great or offensive? Controversial or socially prudent? Also, that kid is only three?? Child lead weaning must create super-giganto kids. Is it just us, or does that kid look like a line backer in the 3rd grade? Lastly, why do mothers think they have to go to "extremes" to be "mom enough", ie; good enough?

• Dear Play Date Parent

  Meredith Bland

  5 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  Dear Play Date Parent, Good evening. If my watch is correct, by now you should be shin-deep in vomit and explosive diarrhea. Expect this to continue for another 8-12 hours before your child slips into a damp, angry, sticky stupor. If you are slightly suspicious of my ability to foreshadow your next 24 hours, you have good reason. Yes, my kid was way, way sick today during our play date. Cooper is patient 0. I know, I know. Total parenting foul. I'm sorry. But, hear me out. So... remember all that rain we had last week? And how chilly it was? Just cold and wet and YUCK, am I right?! Right.

• Consequences of cheating in school

  Jessica

  30 Apr 2012 | 5:40 pm

  Recently, a high school student in Redwood City, California was caught cheating on a homework assignment in one of his sophomore classes. The behavior lead to a disciplinary action his father believes could cost him his future. Along with three other students the unidentified teen was demoted and placed in a lower level English class after it was determined that he and four other students shared their homework and copied off each other. Now the teen's father is suing the Sequoia Union High School District, claiming the school district violated his son's due process. Furthermore, the father…

• Homemaker vs. working mom debate resurrected

  Jessica

  16 Apr 2012 | 6:30 pm

  The latest round of the current stay-at-home-mom vs. working mother debate has been refueled. The latest mom choice scrutiny can be attributed to Hilary Rosen, a Democratic political analyst at CNN. Last week, Rosen said that Mitt Romney's wife, Ann Romney, has "never worked a day in her life." The comment left pundits on the right side of the aisle reeling and some on the left side a little embarrassed. Fox News has been beating the drum of the under-appreciated and persecuted stay-at-home-moms as a way to sway the public towards their ideological divide, claiming the comment was hurtful,…

• A Frog Named French Fry

  Kelly Miller

  11 Apr 2012 | 12:00 am

  With boys, it is inevitable that on any given day, your house will become a museum for the many life forms that have been captured. I have tried to implement the rule that unless pre-approved, no creature is allowed into the sanctuary of our house. Of course, I unfortunately left the loophole that outside the house was fine. With that being said and knowing the inner workings of a boy’s mind -- which revolve around gaming systems, taking things apart, and the ever important, can we create a trap to capture something -- one fine summer day we received a new addition to our family. As the…

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  Graco Heart to Heart Blog

• Happy Mother’s Day!

  Kacie McKee

  11 May 2012 | 3:52 pm

  Here at Graco, moms inspire us to create, design and deliver the best in safety, comfort and convenience in all of our products. As this Mother’s Day approaches, we wanted to take time out to thank our own mother’s for all that they do and did, by noting our favorite childhood memories with our moms. Please enjoy, and Happy Mother’s Day!   One of my favorite childhood memories with my mom: Debra, is our “Sunday Baking Days.” It was back in the 80s—way before there was the huge “foodie” culture that there is now—and every Sunday, starting when I was about 4 years old, my…

• Moms Love FastAction™ Fold Travel System’s One-Second Fold

  Kacie McKee

  9 May 2012 | 2:21 pm

  “So far we absolutely love this travel system. I’ve never seen one that folds down so effortlessly in my life. Not to mention it just seems like it’s made well and I feel comfortable having my newborn in the car as well as out shopping in the stroller.“ –Lindsay, via Babies ‘r Us Graco engineers are master innovators, always dreaming up ways to make normal, everyday things—like running errands in the car, shopping, and going on play dates—simpler, safer and more comfortable for parents and their little ones. With this in mind, we’re happy to announce the Graco ®…

• Graco’s Award Winning Car Seats!

  Melissa Parlaman

  4 May 2012 | 12:32 pm

  Graco is proud to announce that five of its toddler & booster car seats, Smart Seat, TurboBooster, Backless TurboBooster, Argos, Nautilus have all received top honors. The Graco Smart Seat has won a 5 star ease of use rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA tests all car seats in the market based on this criteria: evaluation of instructions, evaluation of labels, vehicle installation features and securing the child. The Graco Smart Seat all-in-one car seat received the coveted 5 star rating from NHTSA. Graco has also received accolades from the…

• Celebrating the Modern Mom

  Megan Roe

  2 May 2012 | 9:21 am

  The month of May must be one of the most perfect times of the year.  The weather is beautiful – sunny days and flowers ready to pop, school is on its way to summer vacation, and the month closes out with a three day weekend.  On top of all that, May is a month that we celebrate moms!  And that is exactly what we are doing this May here on the Graco blog.  But not just any moms…we are celebrating – you!  All this month we will be featuring posts on ‘The Modern Mom’ – what makes her different than those that came before her, and how the products that we develop help her…

• Introducing New Exclusive Fashions from Graco for Buy Buy Baby

  Karen Hartzell

  27 Apr 2012 | 8:55 am

  We get a lot of inquiries from parents looking for details on the latest Graco fashions, so I would love to introduce two new exclusive patterns to Buy Buy Baby. Astoria™ helps keep your little one soothed and amused with its neutral tile print and pops of minty green. We know your confidence as a new parent will grow when you know your newborn is comfy and relaxed in our latest Pack ‘n Play® Playard. This playard features the Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat which is the perfect snuggly nest for your little one. The rocker’s gentle vibration and carrying handles that allow you to…

• 

  UnchartedParent.com

• Social Media Sites for Tweens?

  Tracy Hahn-Burkett

  11 May 2012 | 8:10 am

  Katherine Rosman of the Wall Street Journal wrote an article last week that I found a bit scary.  “Tweens’ Secret Lives Online” discussed the burgeoning use of social media sites aimed at kids.  Sometimes parents know what their children are doing on these sites; other times, they don’t really have a clue. The complexity of being–and [...]

• Highlights and A Few Observations from the Most Magical Place on Earth

  Tracy Hahn-Burkett

  3 May 2012 | 10:55 pm

  We finally did it.  We boarded a plane–a couple of planes, actually–and brought our children to the land of Mouse Ears and all things sparkly: Disney World. My children are now The Happiest Children on Earth.  (This buys me good behavior for at least a month, right?  Right?)  We walked for miles through four theme [...]

• If You’re Fighting the Mommy Wars, You’re Fighting in the Wrong War

  Tracy Hahn-Burkett

  19 Apr 2012 | 7:54 pm

  Ugh.  Another piece about the Mommy Wars.  I KNOW. Someone–and we all know who it was–misspoke, and now the Mommy Wars are back. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think they ever really went away. Stay-at-home moms versus working moms.  Work-outside-the-home moms versus work-at-home moms.  Single moms versus married moms.  Wealthy moms versus low-income [...]

• Sports & Books: A Must-Read Article for Your Kid (And a Book, Too)

  Tracy Hahn-Burkett

  12 Apr 2012 | 8:16 pm

  Got a kid who loves basketball?  Sports in general?  Maybe even looks up to Celtics guard Ray Allen?  Have I got a story for you. We all know that sports figures don’t play 24/7.  What do they do with the rest of their time?  Frequently, the answers to that question make parents cringe.  But look [...]

• Two Pieces on Writing

  Tracy Hahn-Burkett

  10 Apr 2012 | 9:24 am

  I’m thrilled to be guest posting at Beyond the Margins today, where I’m taking on the question of whether fiction and creative non-fiction writers should ever discuss politics in “A Bit of Controversy in Your Platform?”  The prevailing wisdom says no.  I disagree, but if you engage, you must use a great deal of thought [...]

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  Politics to Parenting and Everything in Between

• Happy Mother's Day 2012-What Motherhood Means To Me

  12 May 2012 | 4:19 pm

  Happy Mother's Day 2012 A few thoughts on Mother's Day weekend...What Motherhood Means To MeA Mother's job is never done....you don't get paid with cash or checks,but you are repaid in hugs& kissesSmiles& tears will fill your days,but nothing can replace the importance of a mother's role.Without mothers none of us would exist,without mothers our lives would feel incomplete,without mothers we seek...We seek love,we seek strength, we seek hope.Mothers are the wind in our sails,they pick us up when we fail,Mothers are unconditional love and give us life.Mothers are strong…

• NY Court Rules Viewing Child Pornography Isn't A Crime??!!

  10 May 2012 | 6:16 pm

  I don't know how many of you have heard about this recent outrageous court ruling, but I haven't seen or heard much of it in the national media.  This week a New York Court of Appeals ruled viewing child pornography online isn't a crime! Viewing child pornography online isn't a crime, the New York Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday in the case of a college professor whose work computer was found to have stored more than a hundred illegal images in its Web cache.The court dismissed one of the two counts of promoting a sexual performance of a child and one of the dozens of counts of…

• Petition to STOP Mass. school from using “Electrical Shock” to enforce rules

  6 May 2012 | 3:21 am

  This is insane...another twitter friend, @grumpyelder, sent this to me today. I can't believe something like this is still being done&considered therapy in a school for disabled kids who 'act up'. This is more like punishment and torture, which I thought had been done away with when asylums were closed down?? What makes it even worse is the mother was unaware that his type of 'therapy' would or could be used on her son. It seems many schools are taking their zero tolerance policies a little too far these days, especially in this case with a disabled student!! Mass. school using…

• Do You Know The Power of Words&How They Can Change a Persons Life?

  5 May 2012 | 9:28 pm

  This is a great video! Inspirational and motivating. Gives you a glimpse of how the words you use can make a difference in someone's life and how others respond to you. Make a difference and make someone's day better. & Remember the Golden Rule: "If you have nothing nice to say don't say it at all." Sometimes just a smile is all it takes!Happy Cinco de Mayo! Have a nice weekend! ©2008-2012 Patricia Garza

• Announcing The Conservative Women U.S. Pageant 2012

  5 May 2012 | 6:33 pm

  I received this in a tweet today and wanted to share it. It sounds like a great opportunity to recognize conservative women, moms,&teens who represent what true feminism is today. While the media and the left would like you to believe the conservative, Republican party are creating a 'war on women' by opposing tax funded birth control& abortions, the truth is there has long been a war on conservative women. After all the attacks on conservative women, like Sarah Palin&her daughter Bristol in 2008,&Michelle Bachmann&most recently Anne Romney by the Democratic party and the…

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  Just Spotted in Orange County

• Settlers Park in Irvine

  K & C

  15 May 2012 | 10:07 am

  One of our absolute, most favorite parks in Orange County is Settlers Park in Irvine. Settlers Park is in a quiet setting among the citrus orchards and pepper trees at the edge of the foothills. The playground sports lots of fun for little climbers, plus there’s a creative trike/scooter track that surrounds the play equipment, basketball courts, sand volleyball, and a large grass area/ soccer field. It’s good for birthdays with an adobe-like picnic shelter with arched entrances. See the slideshow and more OC playgrounds and play ideas at Fun Orange County Parks. Settlers Park in…

• What to Do in Orange County

  K & C

  14 May 2012 | 9:36 am

  If you’re tired of doing the same old things, & wondering  “what to do in Orange County,” here’s a list of some of our favorite things to do & places to go in (& sometimes around) Orange County. For ALL the details for each of the following events (& even more fabulous ideas of what to do) check out our Orange County Events calendar. What to do in Orange County Almost Daily: * Orange County Museums * Bowling * Indoor Bounce Houses * Irvine Park Railroad * Orange County Playgrounds & Parks * Orange County Beaches * Farmers’ Markets * Orange County…

• Kids Bowl Free

  K & C

  11 May 2012 | 10:46 am

  If you’re busy making your summer to-do list, just like I am, then you definitely want to add the Kids Bowl Free program the list. This family oriented activity lasts all summer long & have I mentioned that it’s a FREE program? Kids Bowl Free in Orange County: If I haven’t stressed enough already, Kids Bowl Free is seriously an incredible deal! & Luckily for those of us who live in Orange County there are several participating bowling centers: * Anaheim: Concourse Entertainment Center & Linbrook Bowling Center  * Fountain Valley: Fountain Valley Bowl * Irvine:…

• Over the Hump Mountain Bike Race Series

  K & C

  10 May 2012 | 12:46 pm

  In just a few weeks (on Tuesday, May 22nd to be exact) one of my favorite family-friendly summertime events series is scheduled to begin… the Over the Hump Mountain Bike Race Series. I know, I know… you’re probably scratching your head wondering how exactly mountain bike racing could possibly be considered family-friendly?! But trust me, this awesome race series, held for 12 weeks at Irvine Lake, is not only mountain bike racing at it’s best, but it really & truly is totally & completely family-friendly. So grab a mountain bike, & head to Irvine Lake, this…

• Take Me Out to the Ball Game

  K & C

  17 Apr 2012 | 7:38 pm

  Our family LOVES the Angels, & my boys consider going to a game, a special treat. So I’m always looking for deals on tickets, so we can take our family of 5 to a game, without breaking the bank. Angels Family Fun Pack Luckily, I’ve discovered the Family Fun Pack. Bring your friends or family out for a day of baseball, food and fun – for just $56! For just $56 you get four tickets good for View All-Star, Lower View Box, Right Field Pavilion and Right Field Pavilion Wheelchair seating areas. But that’s not all! The package also includes 4 hot dogs & 4 small soft…

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  Crazy Adventures in Parenting

• Invisible Stuff

  Lisa

  16 May 2012 | 9:20 am

  Do you have any stuff that goes missing around your house? Stuff that you absolutely.need.right.then. but it can’t be found anywhere? Even with your part-mom, part-cat-like eyes, with their abilities to spot something from another room, the item/s still can’t be found? Y’know, until sometime later, when, all of a sudden, the item miraculously appears before your very eyes and is laid out in the open, for all to see, not hidden, in plain sight, just THERE and WHY ON EARTH COULD YOU NOT FIND IT!? (Please tell me this doesn’t just happen to me?) When we planted our garden…

• What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

  Lisa

  13 May 2012 | 3:27 pm

  Happy Mother’s Day! Heh. (Am I right?) P.S. What else did I miss? Leave it in the comments below!

• Mother’s Day Magic

  Lisa

  13 May 2012 | 10:20 am

  Two years ago, I had arguably the worst Mother’s Day ever. My husband was away, I was sick, and the kids completely forgot the day altogether. Not only did they forgot about it, they didn’t even bother to help their ailing mother, either. It was so odd in it’s awfulness how it all went down that day. I suppose you could call it the Anti-Mother’s Day. You can imagine that, when I got sick last week, I feared a repeat of two years ago. My husband is, yet again, away for Mother’s Day, and all I could imagine was the same scenario playing out in the same way. God…

• The Evolution of Phrases As A Parent

  Lisa

  11 May 2012 | 1:13 pm

  Have you ever considered the differences in a simple phrase, and the variations of meanings at different ages in your child’s life? Let’s take, for instance, the phrase “Talk to me.” When they’re newborn-small, and they’re making these sweet coo-ing faces at you, and you so desperately want them to continue being animated while looking you in the eye, you sweetly elicit more from them by saying, “Talk to me” in a soft-spoken way, in hopes of continuing on with your babyish conversation. Tack on a couple years to that child’s age, it…

• Out of the Mouth of Babes Part 17, The LMFAO Edition

  Lisa

  10 May 2012 | 12:32 pm

  “Mommy, what do you think of my dress?” She calls to me, spinning in a circle, fluffing her hair just-so. “I love it, baby!” It is one of my favorite dresses she wears, after all. “Yeah, I like this PLAIDERN, too.” (She combined the words PLAID and PATTERN to create her new word, PLAIDERN. I freakin’ love it!) —————————————————— As he’s kissing Baby V, Baby Dude says, “Wet (let) me smell her!” He takes a biiiig sniff of her cheek/neck, and “Ahhhhh’s” afterwards. “Dood…

• 

  Boutique Café

• Lizzy Anne Photography Is Coming To Victoria

  daria

  7 May 2012 | 4:31 pm

  It’s a new era of time where instead of hoofing it over to a photographers studio, many sought after photographers are traveling to your town and coming directly to you! This is now the case with Lizzy Anne Photography, owned by Elizabeth Cranmer from Calgary. Lizzy Anne Photography is set for May 23, 24, and 25th in Victoria BC – that’s right, she’s coming to the island!! Currently a few evening slots are available on those dates for family portraits, senior graduate pictures, or even portrait sessions. Have a baby you want photographed? Need business style photos?

• Sweet Handmade Ideas for Mother’s Day + a FREE Mother’s Day Printable for you!

  daria

  2 May 2012 | 6:01 pm

  Mother’s Day is May 13th (ahem, Gents that means it’s right around the corner). I’ve had a deliciously fun time collecting handmade gift ideas for the sweet Mom, Wife or super woman in your life. Here’s a few great ideas and I’ve included our GIFT to you, a FREE Mother’s Day Printable from Boutique Cafe and our friend Maggie at Honeysuckle Art. Enjoy honouring the beautiful Mom in your life. Polymer Clay Decorative Handmade Pears – on Etsy by SkyeArt Ipad case – padded with retro colorful measuring tape and pocket (don’t forget to buy her…

• Sewing Modkid Style – Book Review and Giveaway! Blog tour in effect

  daria

  23 Apr 2012 | 4:00 am

  Guess what I have in my hot little hands? Why, it’s a copy of Patty Young’s new book Sewing Modkid Style of course!! I happen to know Patty in real life and have featured her many times over the years on Boutique Cafe, so the experience of seeing her book come to fruition is an added thrill for me. However, even if I didn’t know my little firecracker of a friend, I would be racing to the bookstore or Amazon to snag myself a copy of Sewing Modkid Style – Modern Threads for the Cool Girl. That’s exactly what I’m going to recommend for you to do, but first…

• SNAP! The Conference VS. Cold Play VIP

  daria

  22 Apr 2012 | 2:18 pm

  Oh the dilemma! I have not had an easy week, my emotions ranging from anticipation to bummerville, knowing that I would be attending the Cold Play concert in Vancouver with my son and my husband but missing SNAP! The Conference. The Cold Play concert was a Christmas gift to our oldest son this year, and we splurged to get VIP passes with seats on the floor. My only hangup has been having to miss out on what sounds like the BEST conference of my lifetime…SNAP! SNAP! The Conference was to target the best in modern handmade, contemporary craft, mind blowing events and DIY - right up my…

• SNAP! The Conference is This Weekend

  daria

  18 Apr 2012 | 1:30 pm

  While many of you will be indulging in the the “fabulousness” (I know it’s not a word, but oh well) of SNAP! The Conference this weekend, I’ll be attending a Cold Play concert with my hubby and my oldest son. I’m so excited to see this concert after all it is Cold Play, but I’m also bummed that I’m missing out on seeing so many of my dear blog and boutique friends in Utah. I know it’s going to be a phenomenal event, and I will be thinking of all of you. Happily, our Emily is attending and will be there at SNAP! – just watch for the…

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  The Committed Parent

• Undoing the Neurobiology of Learned Helplessness

  Mark Brady

  12 May 2012 | 8:40 pm

  When Bodhi the puppy was in the process of being house trained, he spent a lot of time penned up in the kitchen. His bed was there; his food was there, and any exocrine accidents could be easily cleaned up. Gradually Bodhi came to learn however, that most of the real action in the house was happening in the living room, dining room and bedroom, places where the kitties, Archie and Gracie had free rein. So, every chance he got, Bodhi would make a break for the action rooms. Each time he did, I would authoritatively call his name to get his attention, walk over and lead him firmly by the collar…

• Single Women: The 6th Uncommon Possibility

  Mark Brady

  6 May 2012 | 6:23 am

  One last time: this blog series is in no way intended as a negative judgment of unpartnered women. The central aim has been to offer uncommon possibilities that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that they wish they weren’t. They are all lovely, intelligent, spirited women, thus I found their struggle somewhat surprising. In contemplating their situation, I’ve come up with six possibilities you…

• Single Women: Why Many Remain Unpartnered – Possibility 5

  Mark Brady

  28 Apr 2012 | 6:43 pm

  So again, let me remind you that this blog series is in no way intended as a negative judgment of unpartnered women. Much of what I am offering can just as easily apply to men or women, partnered or unpartnered. The central aim here is to offer some uncommon possibilities that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that they wish they weren’t. They are all lovely, intelligent, spirited women, thus I…

• Single Women: Possibility 4 Why Many Remain Unpartnered

  Mark Brady

  21 Apr 2012 | 7:57 pm

  So again, let me say that this blog series is in no way intended as a negative judgment of unpartnered women. Much of what I am offering can just as easily apply to men or women, partnered or unpartnered. The central aim here is to offer some uncommon possibilities that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that they wish they weren’t. They are all lovely, intelligent, spirited women, thus I found…

• Single Women: Why Many Remain Unpartnered – Possibility 3

  Mark Brady

  14 Apr 2012 | 8:26 pm

  Once again, let me say that while it might seem the height of chutzpah for a married male to write on this topic, it is in no way intended as a negative judgment about unpartnered women. Much of what I am offering can just as easily apply to women or men of either circumstance. The central aim of these pieces is to offer some possibilities to consider that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that…

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  My Home Sweet Home

• The Evolution of Our Instagallery

  Dawn

  15 May 2012 | 10:54 pm

  Last summer I wrote How to Create Your Own Instagallery, the story of a DIY magnetic chalkboard project that became a place to display our Instagram photos. Eleven months later, I thought you might like to see how we continue to use and update it. Periodically I take down some photos and put them in albums and print new ones to take their place. Other odds and ends have joined the mix, such as my autographed Straight No Chaser concert ticket from December, . . . my Help-Portrait volunteers’ group photo, and Smilebooth shots from Relevant. Everyday Moments + Instagram = Memories…

• Is Radical Change Possible?

  Dawn

  15 May 2012 | 10:50 am

  Major changes can be difficult to make and to maintain, just ask anyone who’s tried to lose weight, stop smoking, or quit a bad habit. We’ve all heard the stories; however, there are successes, too, and that’s what I’m interested in examining. What does it take to make a radical change stick? Please join me and read the rest today at (in)courage! Is Radical Change Possible? is a post from: My Home Sweet Home © 2012 My Home Sweet Home | All rights reserved

• Sometimes I Need to Think Small

  Dawn

  14 May 2012 | 12:13 am

  A day devoted—at least in theory—to honoring mom {me} sounded like a good excuse to plan big. Two years ago I requested a family outing to the High Museum and I seriously considered the same this year, until a conversation with a friend on Saturday night made me stop and think . . . Iris asked what we’d planned for Mother’s Day and I told her my big museum idea. Then she pointed to the recliner behind her and said, “I want to sit in that chair and read my book while everyone cleans the house,” and I knew in that moment that she was the wiser. Saturday we’d…

• In Case Mother’s Day Sneaked Up on You

  Dawn

  11 May 2012 | 9:49 pm

  Is it just me, or do birthdays and holidays have a way sneaking up on you? I tried to be ready this year and got our Mother’s Day gifts ready early. Unfortunately, because of work and sleep schedules it took two days to get everyone in the house to sign the cards, and then I forgot to tell my husband (a.k.a. my own personal postman) that they were ready to mail. And then he forgot they were in his car until Friday . . . Even with good intentions, things go wrong. Well, I’ve got good news for you if you’re still searching for a thoughtful gift. Perfect for any day and any…

• Camera Phone Friday: Good Reading and Homemade Body Wash Edition

  Dawn

  11 May 2012 | 10:52 am

  1. Sunny day baseball, 2. Yellow, 3. #cincodemoes @Moes_HQ, 4. Heading to the lake! Life is starting to slow a bit this week now that we’ve wrapped all of our outside classes and one of our two baseball seasons. Yesterday the pollen got the best of me and I felt pretty lousy, so it seemed like a good day to start a new book. I actually restarted a book I bought about a year and a half ago, Saving Leonardo. It’s listed in the new Classical Conversations catalog as optional reading for the class I teach, but I think I’m going to recommend it for summer. The most frugally…

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  Postcards from the Mothership

• Sneak Peek: Porch portraits with the G girls

  DaniGirl

  13 May 2012 | 6:44 am

  When J got in touch for porch portraits, it was early February and deep in the cold heart of winter. How could we been so lucky to have chosen from there the single most lovely day of the spring so far for portraits on the porch? This may have been one of my easiest photography sessions ever – perfect weather, sweet and agreeable girls, and just about perfect light. The girls are having portraits done as a gift for Father’s Day. How sweet is that? And they’ve kept the secret since February, so if you recognize them — shhhh, don’t tell Dad! (That’s why…

• This week in pictures – spectacular spring

  DaniGirl

  12 May 2012 | 7:19 am

  It’s been one of those weeks when I look at the pictures from earlier in week and think, “No way, that wasn’t this week. Surely that has to have been longer ago than just a few days!” It’s been so crazy that I have two full blog posts to write about photographic fun, one about a great porch session with a fun family of five-year-old triplets and one about a fantastic walk I want to tell you about – but I haven’t had a chance to write either one yet. And then there was stuff that I didn’t take any pictures of (gasp, scandalous!), like the…

• Get your 2012 BOLO on!

  DaniGirl

  8 May 2012 | 7:07 am

  If you’ve been reading for a while, you know one of my favourite events of the summer is the annual Blog Out Loud Ottawa event organized by the irrepressible Lynn. She has managed to make this event better every single year since its inception in 2009, and I can’t wait until this year’s edition. We won’t have too long to wait, though, because BOLO has been bumped up from July to a new earlier date this year, with a new location, too. Here’s the skinny on BOLO 2012: What: 20+ bloggers read their favourite post of the year; photo bloggers display their art Who:…

• This week in pictures: drippy and dreamy

  DaniGirl

  6 May 2012 | 6:39 am

  Spring is a photographer’s dream. Everywhere there is colour, contrast, interesting shapes – and it is SO welcome after months of winter’s monochromatic greys and dirty whites. Even the dandelions are beautiful! I like this one of the orange tulips in my garden because I think the orange pops against the green and I like the painterly look of the bokeh (the out of focus parts in the background.) The repeating shapes of the tulip are evocative of an echo, don’t you think? And then in rained. For days, which seemed like weeks. (And my grass grew about two inches this…

• This may be the most excited I’ve ever been about vegetables

  DaniGirl

  4 May 2012 | 6:40 am

  I‘ve been hearing about community supported agriculture (CSA) for quite some time, and meaning to do it for a while. The way it works is that you buy a “share” in a local farm early in the year, and then you get a regular selection of the fruits and/or vegetables harvested from the farm at a lesser price than you’d pay at the farmer’s market or roadside stand. I am a strong believer in buying local food. I’ve blogged before about how much I like the Manotick Butcher for their local, sustainably-raised meat. I will drive out of my way for SunTech cherry…

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  Dinker and Giggles

• Breastfeeding in Public: What is Your Opinion?

  Guest Author

  16 May 2012 | 6:00 am

  The subject of breastfeeding in public is one that really divides opinion. On one side you have those who see breastfeeding as one of the most natural things in the world, something that no mother should be ashamed or afraid of doing no matter where she is. On the other side you have those who [...]Read all of Breastfeeding in Public: What is Your Opinion? on our website.

• Taking the Pinterest Challenge: Eco-Friendly Wall Art

  Guest Author

  14 May 2012 | 6:00 am

  I have been repining on Pinterest all these amazing recipes and crafts.  Only problem it’s been 6 months and I only actually made one recipe and till this post I didn’t make a single craft.  So my dear friends I finally conquered a Pinterest craft and truth be told it was a total success!       [...]Read all of Taking the Pinterest Challenge: Eco-Friendly Wall Art on our website.

• Recall: Bassinets Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fall Hazard

  Karla Bond

  12 May 2012 | 3:00 am

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Kolcraft Tender [...]Read all of Recall: Bassinets Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fall Hazard on our website.

• Saving Energy While Keeping Your Cool

  Guest Author

  11 May 2012 | 6:00 am

  It's not yet summertime and temperatures across the U.S. are already rising. While summer brings fun family trips, barbecuing in the backyard, and nights of catching fireflies—hotter temperatures can also create a spike in your home electricity bills. So, how do you stay cool, green, and cost effective in the warmer months? Here are a [...]Read all of Saving Energy While Keeping Your Cool on our website.

• How to Make Your Own Baby Food

  Emily Steves

  8 May 2012 | 11:45 am

  We all know that breastfeeding is best for baby, but what do we do when our little one is at the age where we need to introduce some solid foods into his or her diet?   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following about when to introduce your baby to [...]Read all of How to Make Your Own Baby Food on our website.

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  PARENTise

• Mother’s Day: Keeping It Real

  Michelle Eisenberg

  13 May 2012 | 8:45 am

  I looked forward to my first Mother’s Day with great anticipation and had planned a getaway with hubby and baby boy to a little B&B on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We left Friday night and carried our sleeping little guy into the room, set up the pack and play, and then… disaster struck. My husband came down with a terrible virus and was in miserable shape… somehow struggled through Saturday but at 7 AM Sunday we were back in the car, with me at the wheel heading home. I spent the rest of that day like any other day, took my son to the park, ran some errands… I knew I was loved…

• Teaching Girls About Science

  Andrea

  26 Apr 2012 | 8:11 pm

  I’m a mom to two girls.  I know that math and science have been considered male subjects for ages.  I don’t want my girls to be afraid of math and science and to be honest, I never want them to know that those subjects are considered to be “male”. This past weekend at the Philadelphia Science Festival there were hundreds of science related tables with projects that kids could work at and learn something new.  My girls created an Easter Egg Submarine, made liquid goo, got an I Am A Girl pin and lanyard, saw a live bee hive, met Brother Bear Berenstein and listened to…

• Kids’ Injuries: When Everyone Has An Opinion, Trust Your Instincts

  Michelle Eisenberg

  22 Apr 2012 | 7:24 pm

  As a parent, when your child is injured you may find yourself wishing not only that you were a doctor (unless you happen to be a doctor!) but also that you were your child, so that you would know exactly what the injury feels like. It can be hard to get unemotional information for your child in the heat of the moment, and, as a recent experience showed me, external opinions are also of little help. We visited extended family for Passover and our older son was playing with his cousins, riding in a push-type car of some sort, and he ended up bending his foot backward and hurting it very badly.

• Maternity Leave: Fantasy, Reality and Surprises

  Michelle Eisenberg

  8 Apr 2012 | 7:15 pm

  The other week I had a post-delivery appointment at my OB/GYN and there was another mother there, also with a newborn. She was impeccably dressed and immaculately groomed, like she just stepped off a runway somewhere. I was lucky to have showered that morning and managed to swipe some lipstick on, was still in maternity clothes, and feeling rather drowsy without my half-caf cup of coffee. Some people really do live the fantasy, I guess. Here are some other fantasies I have had about how I would spend time during both of my maternity leaves, and the actual corresponding realities: Maternity…

• Why I Had to Leave In The Middle Of “The Lorax”

  Andrea

  11 Mar 2012 | 6:56 pm

  I’ve been waiting five years to take my daughter to her first movie.  I love going to movies and I wanted to share the experience of the “big screen” with her.  A few weeks ago her teacher announced that they were planning a field trip for her kindergarten class to go see The Lorax – a book that they had been reading in class. Well, if you’ve read this blog before you may know that our kids don’t watch television.   It was a decision we made 5 years ago when we had our first daughter and we just haven’t changed.  We do allow a few…

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  News Moms Need

• Ambassador Joshua on HSN

  Lindsay

  16 May 2012 | 8:13 am

  2010 National Ambassador Joshua Hoffman, age 9, and his mom Melanie launched HSN’s (Home Shopping Network) new imbornto campaign during a live in-studio interview on May 1. Click here to watch an adorable video of Josh explaining what he was born to do.

• Tweetchat on preeclampsia

  Lindsay

  15 May 2012 | 8:46 am

  May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. We’re very happy to have the Preeclampsia Foundation as our guest in our upcoming online chat. Join us and learn more about this dangerous condition and some of its warning signs. If you have battled with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, share your experience, tell us what helped you get through it, what advice you have for other pregnant women. Meet us on Twitter Thursday, May 17th at 2 PM EST.  Join in the discussion but be sure to use #pregnancychat to participate and see the full conversation.

• National Women’s Health Week

  Lindsay

  14 May 2012 | 2:13 pm

  National Women’s Health Week begins, appropriately, every year on Mother’s Day. Each year during this week, individuals, families, communities, and others work to help women learn how to achieve longer, healthier, and safer lives. This special weeklong health observance is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health.  The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and…

• Every baby is born to…

  Lindsay

  11 May 2012 | 10:23 am

  imbornto  is a new national campaign that benefits March of Dimes. It taps into our collective hopes, dreams and aspirations that we have for our babies and ourselves. The campaign illustrates that every baby is born to do something great, and no matter what you were born to do (dance, cook, build, create, fly!), March of Dimes helped you get there. The imbornto campaign has two major goals: (1) to increase awareness of the mission of the March of Dimes and to teach people how March of Dimes has had an influence on everyone’s life and (2) to raise money for the organization’s…

• Celebrating empowered mothers

  Lindsay

  10 May 2012 | 9:10 am

  May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. Our guest post today is a personal story from Kelly Thomas of the Preeclampsia Foundation. When I became pregnant I was determined to do everything right. I read all the popular books, took vitamins faithfully, and gave up diet soda. Still, it was a difficult pregnancy. At 24 weeks, the swelling began. First it was my feet. Soon, I could no longer wear my wedding rings. Next, elevated blood pressure. My mother, a registered nurse at my OB/GYN‘s office, began to monitor me at home. Every morning and every night she would come to my house to take my blood…

• 

  The Erin Experiment

• perspective

  3 May 2012 | 10:10 am

  Leave it to death to put life into perspective.On April 30, I said goodbye to a friend, a co-worker and a mentor. I use goodbye in a figurative sense because her passing was so quick none of us had the chance to actually tell her what she meant to us.In the days following her death, many of my coworkers took to Facebook to offer posts, pictures and stories about how she impacted our lives. Her brother, who is also our CEO, has sent short emails to the office to let us know how much those posts have meant to his family.I posted at one point, on the evening of her death, that I wasn't sure what…

• filling a void

  29 Apr 2012 | 8:10 am

  Hey, it's me. The Lady of Quiet Desperation Lane. I wish I could say over the past week I found something to be less desperate about. I haven't, but I have determined the source of my quiet desperation: I have a void. Be it emotional, physical or otherwise, there is an empty place in my heart and soul that I believe needs filling. If I were full-fledged single, I'd probably find something to fill up that hole in my heart. However, I'm only geographically single, which means I have my husband's feelings, wants and desires to consider if I want to make a change that may or…

• quiet desperation

  23 Apr 2012 | 4:31 pm

  "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation" ~ Henry David ThoreauI've been thinking a lot about this quote lately. I've loved Thoreau since high school. I grew fond of Thoreau during my sophomore year, when my teacher made us study Dead Poets Society as part of our second quarter grade. We were tested on themes, ironies, and other things, but what stood out the most to me was the quote Robin Williams utters to his students as he encourages them to break free from the shackles of their banker-lawyer futures:Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer…

• Dear Angel Baby

  12 Apr 2012 | 7:50 am

  Today would have been your 5th birthday had you made it to term. Not a day goes by where I don't think about you or what could have been if you'd been born.I like to think you'd be proud of your mom. I enjoy helping other people find peace. I think I do that because I'm often searching for my own inner peace and by sending it out to the world, somehow it will boomerang back to me as well.I envision you as a brown-haired, blue-eyed adorable wonder with a dimple, just like your mom. You'd be caring and kind but with a stubborn streak a mile long. Your favorite activities would be cuddling with…

• Commuter Marriage Confessional: On Being Alone

  27 Mar 2012 | 1:46 pm

  My husband left a few days ago for a 10-day trip to India. When he returns, he'll be back for a few days and then gone again for a few weeks. Nearly everyone I tell this to asks me one single question: How do you feel about him being gone like that?In the beginning of his traveling, I hated it. I think there have been numerous blog posts about how much I didn't like it. There was the loneliness aspect of it; the co-parenting aspect of it; the 'what was the point of getting married if I'm alone' aspect of it. All of that still rumbles around in my head although nowhere near as loudly as…

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  Connect with your Teens through Pop Culture and Technology

• Camping: Bring a Solar Panel for All Your Gadgets

  Jennifer Wagner

  16 May 2012 | 6:30 am

  Guest Post: Going camping? Don't forget your iPad As camping season is quickly approaching, teens and parents alike won’t leave home without their favorite electronics such as iPhone, cell phone, MP3 Player, iPad, Kindle or portable gaming console . Thanks to high-quality portable solar panels, spending a weekend roughing it in the woods doesn’t have to mean spending a weekend in the Stone Age. While some might find dedicating valuable backpack space to portable electronics almost sacrilegious, the light weight, slim form factors and multifunctional nature of these devices make them a…

• 5 Tips for Parents With Digital Teens

  Jennifer Wagner

  14 May 2012 | 6:30 am

  I recently wrote about the Digital Diaries Project published by AVG for the teens age group. Click here to read the findings of the teen digital diary studies. AVG, a leading provider of Internet and online security, also provided me with tips for parents of teens. Tips for parents from AVG 1. Open the lines of communication: Be prepared to have an open and honest conversation with your child. Explain why this is important to them and that you are not attempting to invade their privacy, but rather help them prepare for their future. 2. Address the behaviors: AVG never recommends parents…

• How to Use Smartphone Apps to Take Great Pictures

  Jennifer Wagner

  10 May 2012 | 11:56 am

  Now that smartphones have cameras, most people have given up on using stand alone cameras. Why be burdened with carrying an extra gadget, even if it means slightly lower quality. However, if you use smartphone apps, you may not lose any quality, and you might just get some extra features to boot. A new book was just released, Snapp Shots: How to Take Great Pictures - With - Smartphones and Apps by Adam Bronkhorst. It was published by one of my favorite publishers, Chronicle Books. Why is that important. Because Chronicle Books produces books that are great to look at. Snapp Shots is colorful…

• 15 Mobile Game Apps For Both Teens and Adults

  Jennifer Wagner

  8 May 2012 | 11:33 am

  Bumpy Road I love it when my sons, husband and I have some of the same apps in common on our iPhones and iPads. Even if we don't play against each other, discussing the games gives us another way to connect. Here are 15 of the highest rated games that both teenagers and adults enjoy playing (in alphabetical order): 1. 10 Pin Shuffle Bowling ($3.99, Lite version Free) - Play Shuffleboard, a shuffleboard bowling combination, or a shuffleboard, bowling and poker combination. The lite version contains only the last game, the combo of all three. 2. Angry Birds (Many versions, various prices) - For…

• Nokero Solar Book Light Helps Children Worldwide

  Jennifer Wagner

  7 May 2012 | 10:21 am

  Who would have thought that a little solar book light could do so many things? Yet when Nokero (no kerosene) created Ed™, the world's most affordable solar book light, it had many goals in mind. In addition to the obvious use of being a child-friendly book light to help kids and teens read and study by, two very important goals of the Ed™ light are: Teach students sustainability, inspire environmental stewardship and provide teachers with a tool for teaching about the environment. Funds raised from sales of the solar lights will be used to bring solar lights to schools in areas…

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  Priceless Parenting Blog

• Making Excuses for Bad Behavior Encourages it to Continue

  14 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  Sometimes it seems easier to ignore poor behavior by dismissing it with an excuse. Janet complained bitterly about another mom who let her son get by with hitting Janet’s son. When he hit, she’d just look on saying something like “Oh, he’s such a boy.” She did nothing to stop his hitting.  You give your silent approval to your children’s behavior when you ignore it or excuse it. By ignoring poor behavior, you can expect the behavior to continue and escalate. Excuses parents sometimes give for poor behavior include: It’s just a phase.  Boys will be boys.  Girls are…

• 5 Ways to Avoid Raising Rebellious Children

  10 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  How you parent your children influences how likely they are to act in rebellious ways. The more you try to control your children’s behavior, the more likely they are to rebel in order to exert their own sense of control. Rebellious children need something to rebel against. What types of things do kids like to rebel against? Being treated unfairly or abusively  Rules that are perceived as too strict  Being constrained  Feeling forced to behave in ways that don’t match the child’s desires  Here are five ideas for giving your children enough independence so that they…

• Are You Happy with the Way Your Family is Operating?

  8 May 2012 | 12:30 pm

  Take a moment to think about how your family has been operating in the past week. Consider times when you felt happy and content. Also think about times when you felt frustrated, angry or sad. When you reflect back, what do you see that has gone well? What parts are out of alignment? If you could have your way, how would your family change?  Is your child's behavior a source of stress? The mom of 18-month-old Emma recounted how frustrated she was with her daughter's hitting. When Emma was 9-months-old she started sometimes hitting her mother. Her mom would gently take her hands saying…

• Speaking Softly Carries More Power than Screaming

  3 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  Many parents have told me that yelling is the only thing that really works to get their kids' attention. One mom stated “When I yell, then they know I’m serious.” Have you accidentally taught your kids that it’s fine to ignore you until you’re yelling? Years ago I was in a child care situation where a number of the adults raised their voices at the kids in order to get their attention. One day a leader from a different group came to visit. When she called the children together for circle time, she kept her voice soft. Actually, the kids had to quiet down to hear what she was saying.

• Finding Effective Alternatives to Spanking Your Kids

  30 Apr 2012 | 8:00 am

  When your children misbehave, it's natural to feel angry and frustrated. Your kids learn by experiencing how you handle your anger. If you choose to spank them, they remember that hitting others is a way to express anger. A recent study was published on corporal punishment and discussed in a Deseret News article. "The study, which reviewed two decades of research on spanking, found that physical punishment has no positive long-term effects and many negative effects. According to the report, children who are spanked are more likely to exhibit depression, aggression, anxiety, feelings of…

• 

  Telling It Like It Is

• Lending Money to Adult Children: Is it Asking for Trouble?

  Lin

  16 May 2012 | 8:26 am

  Lending Money to Adult Children: Is it Asking for Trouble? Money is the world’s way of measuring the worth of a person and although learning how to manage it is extremely important, many go through life at its mercy. It’s not just paper currency – it wields tremendous psychological and emotional power. With that in mind, lending money to adult children can be risky. Money Management 101 is not taught in school and money is something that can damage relationships between family members. Loaning it can result in either faithful reimbursement or financial disaster. Whether or not a parent…

• 10 Uses for Lavender

  Lin

  11 May 2012 | 8:09 am

  While lavender has a scent many find appealing, it is not just for use in potpourri. There are many other uses for lavender including relieving pain, soothing irritated skin and flavoring food and beverages. Lavender flowers can be purchased at flower shops and some grocery stores, or you can choose to grow the plant in your garden at home. Lavender oil, which is most commonly used for medicinal and aromatic purposes, can be purchased at health food stores. Check out our favorite 10 uses for lavender oil: 1. Help you fall asleep. Lavender’s ability to sooth and relax people means it can…

• The Many Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

  Lin

  3 May 2012 | 6:15 am

  Coconut oil is a natural source of vitamins and minerals for your body. The benefits of coconut oil can be gained not only by eating the oil, but also by using it directly on your hair and skin. Medicinal Benefits of Coconut Oil Coconut oil has been used as a traditional remedy for constipation, stomach upsets, kidney stones, and nausea for many hundreds of years by people in the tropics. In recent years, scientists have been investigating some of the medicinal claims that have been made about coconut oil, and their studies have produced some very promising findings. The high levels of lauric…

• Where to Have Baby – Natural Childbirth Options and Birthing Plans

  Lin

  30 Apr 2012 | 6:00 am

  Giving birth naturally can be quite an achievement. Natural childbirth is where a pregnant woman experiences labor and delivery without the use of pain medication. A woman’s body is pre-programmed to handle childbirth and the labor pains that come along with it. If women knew all of their options when it comes to giving birth naturally, then maybe the rates at which women receive epidurals would go down. If women were properly educated on the facts of natural childbirth, how they might feel after birth, how their recovery would go, maybe fewer women would be afraid to take this route and…

• Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

  Lin

  23 Apr 2012 | 5:31 pm

  My introduction into the health benefits of coconut oil came while researching dental procedures and treatments while spending time observing how patients are cared for in a holistic dental office. Seeing many books on display in the doctor’s private office and reception area dealing with fluoride, mercury amalgam fillings, root canals, implants etc was not surprising. What did surprise me was the numerous books about coconut oil on display. My first reaction to seeing coconut oil related books was, What in the world does coconut oil have to do with the health and well-being of teeth and…

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  Darryle Pollack | I never signed up for this...

• I am Forbidden

  Darryle Pollack

  8 May 2012 | 12:15 am

  I was 45 years old;  divorced with two children, when I re-married a man who wasn’t Jewish.  My father refused to come to the wedding— and shut me out of his life. Though we were not raised to be strictly observant Jews, he had been raised Orthodox; I knew that Orthodox Jews don’t accept inter–marriage; they even mourn for someone like me who marries out of the religion.  Still I never thought it could happen to me. I never signed up for this….that’s for sure. He was my only parent since my mother died at 41.   I admired and adored him; this experience ripped a…

• Celebrating with love—and laughs

  Darryle Pollack

  3 May 2012 | 6:17 pm

  His birthday is this week; and we were planning an event to celebrate him. Our daughter Alli said she imagined it as a surprise party —and wanted to make sure that he would love everything about it. A couple months have gone by; memories of his pain and suffering have  faded.   Still it can be a challenge to celebrate a life that’s ended—-especially when he asked only that any memorial to him be  ”smiles and laughs”.  So we called it  ”Leave ‘em laughing”  and we wanted it to be fun. You  know how things never go as you expect—one…

• Leave ‘em laughing

  Darryle Pollack

  26 Apr 2012 | 4:04 am

  Pictures tell the stories of our lives—as these do, starting with this one. Not everyone has a photograph to memorialize the moment a love story started.     I do– because Mel Brooks was there  when Howard and I met—and also came along on our first date a few hours later. We spent the whole time laughing—a sign of what was to come.  It was a whirlwind romance,  the kind you see in movies, the kind you read about—ours was in Liz Smith’s syndicated column when thanks to Mel, we got married 3 months after we met. Even without words, our continuing story…

• Behind the scenes under the sea

  Darryle Pollack

  22 Apr 2012 | 4:01 am

  Bubble wrap.  Q-tips.  Coffee filters.    Plastic forks. Not the typical raw materials of an artist. But that’s what we used during a recent craft workshop at Anthropologie. Somehow this was going to turn into Anthropologie’s celebration of Earth Day, a window display of ocean life. Sounded fishy to me—I thought even Martha Stewart couldn’t make something beautiful out of this stuff.  When I stopped by to see the window in progress they had moved on to corrugated cardboard. Just a few days later….. Not every craft project uses an actual craft. The designer…

• Household words on Dancing with the Stars

  Darryle Pollack

  18 Apr 2012 | 3:55 am

  We’re polar opposites in most ways, including our TV habits.  My husband controls the remote—mostly to switch from one sports channel to another.  I don’t watch much TV at all, but when I get my hands on the remote I turn on the news. We meet in the middle— on the dance floor.  It’s date night;  the only show my husband and I faithfully watch together.  We’re both addicted and so is the rest of America. Although I almost was tempted to skip  this season; I’d never heard of half the stars.   I figured they were desperate for new celebrities or I…

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  Kids Stuff World

• Life in an Instant: the littlest bits

  Stacy

  13 May 2012 | 11:35 pm

  Whew, this was a week I almost didn’t want to write about — a week I was in such a hurry to put behind me, I wasn’t sure I wanted to remember at all … but then, there was something more. Those tiny, little almost seemingly insignificant moments. The ones that end up candy coating your day, filling up your heart and giving you that extra little boost you need to keep on going. For every obstacle I faced this week, there are at least 10 of those tiny little wonder full moments to take its place … and when I think about it in those terms, all I can think is:…

• Life in an Instant: Screen Free Week

  Stacy

  6 May 2012 | 9:50 am

  This week was “Screen Free” week, a week where families are encouraged to turn off screens and turn on life. We spent less time watching TV & more time watching things like this … I like to think I don’t let my children watch too much TV anyway, but we watch significantly more when my husband is home. Having the television ON is just commonplace to him. When he’s away, we watch less … but truth be told, this week we found so many more moments to squeeze in all the things I “want” to do with the kids but never seem to be able to find the time…

• on gearing up & winding down

  Stacy

  29 Apr 2012 | 8:00 am

  Oh April, you old stinker you! Somehow you passed me by and I hardly even noticed — all the good months seem to do that don’t they? This month seemed so much faster than the others that I have to keep reminding myself it’s almost gone. We were fortunate to have the Mr. around for a few weeks in a row this time. It’s always harder to let him go again, after we’ve had a chance to feel what “normal” feels like for awhile. The kids have been sensing it, each morning they run into our room like its Christmas, only instead of Santa they are looking for…

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  My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings

• Wednesday’s Hero

  Lisa

  16 May 2012 | 7:30 am

  My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings - A day in the life of a busy mom . . .This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael PhM2 William David Halyburton, Jr. 20 years old from Wilimington, North Carolina 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division August 2, 1924 – May 10, 1945 Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class William Halyburton lost his life in Okinawa, Japan when his unit was under heavy fire and he ran, without thought of his own safety, to help a fallen Marine. As he was shielding the Marines body with his own, while administering aid, PhM2 Halyburton was mortally wounded. For his…

• Wordless Wednesday:

  Lisa

  15 May 2012 | 3:04 pm

  My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings - A day in the life of a busy mom . . . Copyright © 2011 My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact mythoughtsideasandramblings.com @ gmail.com so we can take legal action immediately.

• Underground Q, 87.7 fm, and Alternative Radio in Chicago

  Lisa

  15 May 2012 | 12:32 pm

  My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings - A day in the life of a busy mom . . .We were huge fans of Q101 and were super ticked off when Merlin Media took it off the air, because seriously, Green Bay Wisconsin has better rock and alternative stations than Chicago.  That is sad.  We had been listening to The Mixx (which is pop rock stuff) to replace it.  Trust me, that’s no replacement. We were happily surprised that 87.7 fm is now playing alternative music!  (Though the problem with the label Alternative is that it isn’t defined all that well.  What I consider alternative may not be…

• Inspiration – #NSNation Update – Week 16

  Lisa

  14 May 2012 | 4:38 pm

  My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings - A day in the life of a busy mom . . .Four months.  Can you believe it?  I have been working the Nutrisystem program for 4 months now. I’ll be honest, when I started this program, I didn’t have a lot of faith in myself.  I have never known the correct way to diet.  My high school dieting involved eating as little as possible.  I did try in college some of the other weight loss programs out there, but I was never very successful with them.  Hence, my need now to lose about 100 lbs.  (which is now much less, but I digress). I had something…

• New York, Here We Come

  Lisa

  10 May 2012 | 6:36 am

  My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings - A day in the life of a busy mom . . .If you can believe it (I know I can’t), our trip to New York is right around the corner. We just got a list of hotels together for where to stay while driving there and driving home (We have opted to make the drive a 2 day drive there and a three day drive back with some sightseeing scheduled for the way home). We are still trying to figure out what to do once we get to New York, but our trip is slowly but surely coming together. (I have even checked out a ny carpet cleaning company in case my kids trash the place!

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  Play-Activities.com

• 6 ways to set up a routine around difficult conversations

  Melitsa

  14 May 2012 | 10:01 am

  Children will ask questions at times that make you cringe because the comment is said in earshot and often worse we don’t know a good response right now to the question or statement. It’s terrible. Terrible for us both. Seeing a child or adult with a disability  is no different. I wonder who has heard my child shout that comment. I try to convince myself that it can’t be too many?  Yet I feel I need to say something to cover over his missed statement or question but no good idea comes to mind.  Then there are other times and some questions I’m not ready to answer…

• Friday Finds {11.05.2012}

  Melitsa

  11 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  Guess what?   Friday Finds is the place to unwind, grab yourself a comfy chair and reflect on your past week then plan for the upcoming one. With a little something to make you think, for them to do and for us to listen or watch……. We are putting ideas into action. Challenging ourselves to do a little differently. Be inspired. Enjoy your weekend!   Goodness for the mind: Remembering the Things They Say  :: Picklesbums Activities for the body: An Active Alphabet for Toddlers :: Having fun at home Goodness for the eyes and ears: Family Time And Being Together ::…

• How to make seed paper

  Melitsa

  7 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Have you made seeded paper with the kids? This is one of our favourite projects. It takes a bit of time that we fill with endless questions and answers. We hit problems and discovered solutions together.  There’s something about tearing paper in a group that allows time for those type of conversations. It’s a time involved process that depending on your climate can take days so they get to value patience. I tell you there is something about working so hard and seeing what you’ve done that’s more than the smile on their face but a big memory too. We had made seeded…

• Friday Finds {04.05.2012}

  Melitsa

  4 May 2012 | 8:46 am

  We’ve been busy rotating books this week.It’s one of those activities that we all enjoy…..a little too much. It shouldn’t take so long but we all get stuck into the new books out after being away for sometime. You can’t really tell your children off for reading. I tried to do a bring 5 swap 5 but I didn’t anticipate they would bring 5 and take 10. We’re still trying to wade through books and find shelf space. Good problem to have. Friday Finds is the place to unwind, grab yourself a comfy chair and reflect on your past week then plan for the upcoming…

• Is your pace of life what you want?

  Melitsa

  30 Apr 2012 | 5:28 am

  Being a new mum overseas lead me to learn very quickly. By the time baby and I were ready to go out for the day it was nearly 10:30 and more often 11am. Depending on where we were there wasn’t usually a baby changing room or nursing area. We got used to changing in the car, having a bottle of sanitzer and finding a cute blanket to drape over us so he could nurse. No problem there. You looked around and saw what others were doing and just adapted. This happened a lot. On being a good wife and mother Somehow I believed that to be a good mother and good wife the house needed to be neat,…

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  Bedtime Stories My Kids Love

• Adventures of Man in the Can - Ch 17 - The Great Exodus - The River

  8 May 2012 | 3:21 pm

  The Man in the Can and the animals from the park begin their trip down the river to the safe place found by the scout birds. What will be waiting for them on their journey? MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DEALS FOR LISTENERS! CLICK BELOW Save 10% on all your pet's needs at PetMeds.com Up to 20% off on great athletic gear at Eastbay.com Save 15% on your favorite stuff at Footlocker.com Save 20% on your flower order with FTD Fluerop.com Save $10 off your next order from PetCareRX.com

• Harold - The Daily News

  8 May 2012 | 2:41 pm

  *Click on comic to see larger image. :)

• Harold - The Only Choice

  26 Apr 2012 | 2:28 pm

  *Click on comic to see larger image. :)

• Adventures of Man in the Can - Ch 16 - The Great Exodus - A Call in the Dark

  18 Apr 2012 | 9:01 pm

  The Man in the Can and the squirrels become more and more lost in the sewers. It is becoming dark and about to rain. Will Banty the Mouse and the rescue teams find them in time?Listen in and find out what happens on today's episode of the Adventures of Man in the Can. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DEALS FOR LISTENERS! CLICK BELOWSave 10% on all your pet's needs at PetMeds.com Up to 20% off on great athletic gear at Eastbay.comSave 15% on your favorite stuff at Footlocker.comSave 20% on your flower order with FTD Fluerop.com Save $10 off your next order from PetCareRX.com

• Harold - Washing it Down

  18 Apr 2012 | 8:30 pm

  *Click on comic to see larger image. :)

• 

  Jodifur

• A Scary Mommy Sick Day

  Jodifur

  16 May 2012 | 6:55 am

  Yesterday I did something I never do and I called in sick to work.  Well, I won’t say I never call in sick to work, but I rarely call in sick to work for me, it is normally for Michael  I had a KILLER HEADACHE.  It woke me up at 5 am and I was never able to go back to sleep.  At 6 am I was watching DVRed TV and at 9 am, after walking Michael to school, I was lying in bed groaning watching some Shannen Doherty reality tv about her over the top 3rd wedding where she wanted 3 dresses and cooked to order food and tents and I don’t know what else. By noon my head still hurt and I…

• My Mother’s Day Thank You

  Jodifur

  14 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  I found myself all weepy this Mother’s Day.  I’m not exactly sure why.  In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m not an exceptionally weepy person.  I leave that to my husband who cries at everything. I found myself thinking of Susan, and her boys, and their first Mother’s Day without their mother. I thought of my own mom, who always celebrates Mother’s Day and misses her mom and never mentions it.  I thought of all my friends who wanted a baby, whether it be their first or another on this Mother’s day and didn’t get that. You always…

• Happy Weekend

  Jodifur

  12 May 2012 | 7:47 am

  Jodifur was down for a good portion of yesterday.  My lovely host and designer was having some behind the scene server issues.  I would try to explain it but what I heard was “blah, blah, blah, blah, BLOG DOWN, and I’m working on it. ” It is clearly back up, but in case you missed it, here was my Shoe Friday. My friend Corey featured me on his Follow Friday post yesterday, which was a lovely way to start an incredibly busy weekend.  I’m off to a soccer game and a belt test and off course LET’S GO CAPS. I wish all mother’s everywhere, whether they be…

• Shoe Friday #176

  Jodifur

  11 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  One of the lovely bloggers I met at Disney Social Media Moms, JL, sent me these.

• Today

  Jodifur

  9 May 2012 | 9:07 am

  Today is my birthday.  I don’t tell you this for millions of HAPPY BIRTHDAY comments.  I’m getting those on Facebook and they are lovely.  Your birthday is really the only good day to be on Facebook.  I wasn’t even going to  post today, but I’m sitting on my couch watching last night’s Glee.  Dinosaurs?  Really? So today’s my birthday.  I have a complicated relationship with my birthday.  It always kind of sucks.  Does anyone else have this?  It is so close to Mother’s Day and always kind of gets lost in the Mother’s Day shuffle.

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  Shaman Mother

• Travel Photography

  Shaman Mother

  18 Apr 2012 | 4:46 pm

• Love is a many splendored thing

  Shaman Mother

  10 Feb 2012 | 5:34 pm

  Valentine’s Day scents are in the air with roses, candy, cards, candles and love songs… then why in the world is Adele the British pop singer, the #1 entertainer in the world with her songs about heart break?  Millions of people relate to her sad songs. Is humanity addicted to pain?  As I‘m writing this [...]

• Truth

  Shaman Mother

  8 Oct 2011 | 8:55 pm

  One of my favorite childhood stories was Pinocchio, the toy made by loving hands of Geppetto who created the puppet.  Pinocchio like the prodigal son goes through a series of experiences that hurt and disappoint his Father.  One of the scenes in the Disney movie that stands out is when Pinocchio lies and his nose [...]

• Hurricanes in life are good

  Shaman Mother

  27 Aug 2011 | 7:00 am

  This Blog was written last year at this time…..thought it was appropriate to re-post this Blog. I’m confident that everyone has weathered the storm! _________________________________________________________ Back blogging…..just recently returned from an annual family vacation in Bermuda. I have been in Bermuda the last week in August for over twenty-five years. It’s hurricane season and in [...]

• Expectations…are they good or bad?

  Shaman Mother

  16 Jul 2011 | 10:40 am

  It’s healthy to have dreams, goals and desires in life.The real trick is to accept the outcome realizing that there is good in everything.It’s truly a balancing act! How many of us live life without any expectations?  I know that I don’t.  As a human being I have a perspective of how things SHOULD be [...]

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  Oooh Baby Green Living, Recipes and Parenting Ideas

• Before Giving Birth My Personal Pregnancy Bucket List

  Ooooh Baby

  24 Apr 2012 | 5:34 pm

  Women who have a pregnancy and a baby or two under their belt know that there's lots of stuff to do before giving birth. First-time moms have fun stuff on their to-do list like decorating a nursery for baby, putting together a layette and arranging all those sweet, little baby clothes inside the closet. As a mom that has more than one; I'm here to tell first-timers to go ahead and fold them and put them in the dresser drawers, hang them in the closet or whatever but do not dawdle over this; there are bigger fish to fry and more important things to do right now than making sure the baby's…

• Creating a Baby Safe Sleep Environment

  Ooooh Baby

  19 Apr 2012 | 3:59 pm

  A beautiful, decorated nursery is lovely but creating a baby safe sleep environment should be the first order of business when a newborn is expected. The facts are that while fluffy pillows, quilts and bumper pads are cute but they just aren't safe.Crib bumpers are a hot topic with a lot of moms and while it's true that they continue to be included in most crib set collections; their use is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some moms say that they are worried about their baby's legs slipping through the crib rails during the night. Maybe a sleeper could solve this…

• Get Ready to Mow the Grass on the Roof

  Ooooh Baby

  15 Apr 2012 | 7:22 pm

  Is it time to get ready to mow the grass on the roof! Could it be that very soon when it's time to mow the lawn that we not only need to haul out the trusty lawnmower but drag out a step ladder to climb up on the roof to finish the job after the "lower" lawn has been trimmed? Will we be weed-eating around the edge of the gutters in the near future? This is a trend that I've watched spreading from large American cities on up into Toronto, Canada. In fact, an article published by Crisp Green it was announced that our Canadian friends are introducing a bylaw that requires all industrial…

• Dirty Shopping Malls and Carts

  Ooooh Baby

  20 Nov 2011 | 12:02 pm

  I don't do Black Friday. Dirty shopping malls and carts are just not my thing especially when there's a nasty stomach bug going around; a good friend is puking and pooping clear water as I type. But I also don't like to get up at daylight and rush out the door only to dodge elbows of crazed shoppers trying to get at that (probably one or two at the most in stock) "teaser" product before somebody else does. The crowds suck but the main reason I do my dead level best to avoid shopping malls during cold and flu season is to avoid becoming infected with every virus making its rounds. When it…

• 5 Uses for Breast Milk (Beyond Feeding Babies)

  Ooooh Baby

  16 Nov 2011 | 12:48 pm

  For those of you who produce enough breast milk to spare, here are 5 Uses for Breast Milk beyond feeding babies that are being tossed about on the web which, of course, means that the information may or may not be accurate and I am to be held harmless if you try one of the ideas out only to find that it doesn't work. People are saying that you can use breast milk to: 1. smooth your skin? Word is that a generous squirt or two of liquid gold (what we call breast milk around my house) will moisturize and eliminate ashy-ness leaving your skin smooth as silk. This seems like a huge waste of good…

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  Jolly Mom: Recipes | Crafts | Atlanta Mom Blogger | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews

• Join Me for a Summer Picnics Cooking Connections Class this Thursday!

  Piera Jolly

  15 May 2012 | 11:00 pm

  We are so excited that Summer is almost here! I am already working on our Must Do Summer Activities list, which will include everything that I want us as a family to do together this summer. You know what will definitely be on the list? Picnics. Lots and lots of picnics at the park! Who doesn't love a good summer picnic, right? They are so much fun and they are also fun to plan -- especially the food! I hope that you'll join me along with a group of fabulous bloggers for a Cooking Connections Class with Chef George Duran and The Moherhood this Thursday, May 17th at 1:00 pm ET. Chef George…

• Wordless Wednesday: LOL. #thatisall

  Piera Jolly

  15 May 2012 | 11:00 pm

  LOL. That is all.

• World's Safest & Funnest Trampoline! JumpSport Elite Trampoline (Review)

  Piera Jolly

  15 May 2012 | 3:25 pm

  I think as a parent one of my biggest challenges is trying to find fun, new things for Lucas to do - without having to take him somewhere and spend money. I know many kids would gladly adhere themselves to the TV or some sort of “i” device for hours, but that is not my idea of time well spent. Sometimes yes, but certainly not all the time. It's important that kids and adults alike get up and get moving. Thankfully, Lucas loves to play outside and like most 4 year old's -- he has a bundle of energy to burn. That's why I was beyond thrilled when I got the opportunity to review the JumpSport…

• Are you a sports mom? Get SAFESKIN Kids Sport Wrap (Walmart GC Giveaway)

  Piera Jolly

  15 May 2012 | 2:18 pm

  Lucas will be going on his fourth Peanut baseball season this Fall. This Spring he was on the Texas Rangers Peanut baseball team -- Go Rangers! He loves to play all sports, but if you know kids and sports -- there are bound to be boo-boos. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and sometimes even worst injuries like sprains and strains. Did you know that each year, more than 3.5 million children under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries, with strains and sprains among the most common complaints? That's a lot of boo-boos! Preparation is key though. I have been a co-team mom for all…

• Child Hunger Ends Here + ConAgra Foods = HOPE #childhunger

  Piera Jolly

  14 May 2012 | 1:27 pm

  As you guys know, this is now my third time working with ConAgra Foods on their Child Hunger Ends Here initiative. I am so honored to be working with them on generating awareness about the issue of child hunger in our very own country and actually helping to feed kids who are in need. ConAgra Foods has been at this for several decades - they are very passionate about making a difference. It is evident in the video below...please take a second to watch it (it will make you happy) and take another second to enter a code from one of the participating brands at ChildHungerEndsHere.com. Every code…

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  Parenting Course | Parent Classes | My Mommy Manual

• Babywearing

  Zen Mommy

  14 May 2012 | 10:03 pm

  Wanting to hold your baby is natural and has benefits for both parents AND baby. Babywearing. This is literally the ONLY way I was able to grocery shop with my twins (six months old in this picture.) I wore them in different ways at different ages and I hope this review of the hows and whys encourages you to look into the many different babywearing options there are out there for parents these days. They are two now and our sling is still getting a work out, mostly around the house when I’m cleaning up and with light food prep for dinner these days. Babywearing makes life easier and…

• Go Tell Them All I Did Not Die…

  Zen Mommy

  8 May 2012 | 2:52 pm

  Tears. Puddles. Choking feeling in my throat as I just clicked on this song, written for another mother with an angel baby. Baby Jack. Taken early in his life at just nine days old. The song moves through me. Around me. Lifts me up even as it tears me down. The pain is still there (when I allow it.) This song brings me there. My breath carries me through it. Thank you Spirit for this beautiful reminder today of my babies in heaven. I love you my little angels. Thank you for the gift you are in my life. For watching down on me from the other side. As I prepare to remember you each uniquely on…

• On How I Manipulate My Kids and Wonder Woman

  Zen Mommy

  7 May 2012 | 6:55 am

  ma-nip-u-late [muh-nip-yuh-leyt] verb (used with object) 1.  to manage or influence skillfully. 2. to adapt or change to suit one’s purpose or advantage. ————- I manipulate my kids, especially my youngest two. Why do I do this evil thing? Most likely it’s because, like the definition says, it suits my purpose. I get it sounds selfish, but truly, when I consciously attempt to manipulate my kids, it’s out of love. The unconscious manipulations? That’s a different post entirely. When I act from a conscious place though, I do it to suit my needs…

• Is Attachment Parenting a Feminist Crutch? (My Response)

  Zen Mommy

  30 Apr 2012 | 2:49 pm

  How we parent. It’s a hot topic, full of judgment as evident in the recent TIME Magazine cover article “Are You Mom Enough“. It would seem the media likes this thing called the mommy wars. The controversy sells magazines and books I suppose. But what does it do for us moms? Below is my response to TIME and other’s in the media that wish to judge. How we are mom and WHAT is enough. Nobody gets to answer these questions for us. We, each of us, get to write our own mommy manual. And we don’t have to pick a camp when writing it.  (updated 05/10/2012) Is attachment…

• Hopeful Miscarriage: First Pregnancy Miscarriage

  Zen Mommy

  15 Apr 2012 | 9:28 pm

  This is a place for us to share our stories. Stories of miscarriage, stillbirth and early infant loss. Together we can loosen the grip of pain on our hearts. Together we can be hopeful. The topic of miscarriage and infant loss is close to my heart. I’ve long wanted to make a place for us to share our stories. Because our stories are powerful. Our lives are not our own, they are for us to share. Every few weeks I’ll share a new video message with you from a mother who has experienced pregnancy loss. These stories are real and they are full of wisdom… and hope. This…

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  For Love Or Funny

• Write this for me…

  Lynn

  16 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Check this out: Give me ONE sentence about this picture. Ready…Set…Go!

• Why it’s better if your kids fight

  Lynn

  14 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  It’s not good if your kids like one another. I can give you one good reason why: Above, you’ll see a picture of my oldest daughter. She lives in a lacrosse goal. People throw things at her. It’s terrifying. Her younger sister loves and admires her. Being that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… NOOOOOOOO! That’s my baby in the goal. Why, oh why couldn’t she loathe her sister? In conclusion, it’s much better if your kids DON’T admire one another. This post brought to you by Mothers With Gray Hair. We tell ourselves that gray is the new…

• Get that thing out of your mouth

  Lynn

  11 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  It is ALWAYS in her mouth. My tennis partners are starting to complain. They say playing tennis with a soggy, filthy ball isn’t much fun. I must reclaim the ball if I want to play tennis again. All I have to do is wait for the right moment… Aha! I capture the ball with my foot. Outwitting my canine is sooooo darn easy. Hey, wait a minute! I need that ball. I want to play tennis tomorrow! Golf, anyone?

• I can’t make a sandwich, but I’m laughing too hard to care.

  Lynn

  9 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  You’ll never believe what I found in the pantry. Old bread. Ho hum. Wait. It gets better. Stay with me. You won’t regret it.  I can’t use this for a sandwich, but… OHMYGOSH, do you see it? There’s a smiley face on my bread!!!!!!

• My brother’s new dog looks like a WebKinz

  Lynn

  7 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  We met my brother’s new dog this weekend. Personally, I think he looks like a WebKinz. Look at that fur! He’s a gray dandelion!!! He is an Irish Wolfhound puppy. He eats 6 cups of food each day. Last week, he gained 5 pounds. His daddy weighs 180 pounds. No, that wasn’t a typo! Do you see the white heart on his chest? And those ears!!! I’m in love! The post presented by People Who Steal Their Brother’s Dog. We can’t help it – we can’t resist such cuteness!

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  Harassed Mom

• I need you!

  LauraKim

  9 May 2012 | 11:32 am

  My friend Nicci wrote a few posts about – this one was one of them. Basically she questions why we want/need relationships – I have wanted to write a response post for ages but just can’t really seem to make sense of how I feel about it. I don’t really have a great history with relationships – in fact my track record is a string of very dysfunctional and abusive relationships – except for David. So I am no expert on the subject at all. What I do know is that when you have found that person – that one. The one you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is THE…

• You are ugly! Well your nose is funny.

  LauraKim

  8 May 2012 | 11:38 am

  The kids are fighting A LOT at the moment. They can not be near each other without one of them throwing an insult, pinching, whining or just being down right painful! It is a rather rocky time for everyone. David is away and was away for 8 nights – Cameron doesn’t cope to well with him not being here and Kiara gets anxious at night. Cameron is writing tests and hates studying – so him and I are bumping heads. I am stressed about the op and the shop move and whats happening there so I am a little on edge. Mix all that together and you get sibling fighting like no other. I DO…

• Its the final countdown

  LauraKim

  7 May 2012 | 11:02 am

  This time next week my op will be over. I will be recovering – probably (hopefully) drugged up and sleeping. I am still trying not to think to much about it and focus on the fact that for 6 days I get to just do NOTHING and have people wait on me, bring me tea and food. There is so much happening until then – we moved the shop today – it was supposed to happen on Wednesday but before I knew it they guys were there with a bakkie telling me to unpack the shelves so just like that we moved. We have a Pamper Party this weekend which is very exciting and the bookings are coming…

• Believe in Zero Campaign

  LauraKim

  7 May 2012 | 2:32 am

  I received an email from UNICEF asking if I would be willing to share their “Believe in Zero” campaign. In the email they sent the below stats which I found rather alarming to be honest. About one third of parents report using severe forms of corporal punishment against their children (UNICEF Child Rights and Equity report). Sexual offences made up around half of all crimes reported against children in 2010/2011 (SAPS 2010/2011 report). Sexual offences against children (younger than 18 years) increased by 2,6% in 2010/2011 from 2009/2008 (SAPS 2010/2011 report). Around 30% of…

• Proud Moments

  LauraKim

  5 May 2012 | 12:19 pm

  Starting something new is always scary and you never know until you know that it is going to work but when you believe in something you have to just do it. Ignore the fear and move forward. Nicci and I decided to start this market a little over a month ago I think and it’s been go go go to get people to trust us and to get the word out there. It was not without it’s stressful moments. But today it all came together so nicely and I am insanely proud of how it all went. It was small but it was good. Everyone had a successful day and almost all the stands will be back next month…

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  KidGlue

• scabies

  sarah

  6 May 2012 | 6:54 am

  Groupon’s value soars on first day of trading The Irish Times November 5, 2011 | APRIL DEMBOSKY; TELIS DEMOS GROUPON SHARES jumped 40 per cent on the company’s first day of trading, bringing the online coupon-seller’s valuation to nearly $18 billion ([euro]13.1 billion) and reflecting a surge of excitement for one of the fastest growing and most controversial companies to ever hit the stock exchange. Shares in the company were set at $20 late on Thursday and hit $31.14 in the first few minutes of trading before settling at about $28 by midday in New York. Groupon raised $700…

• Cool Celeb Parent – Obamas

  Christie

  6 May 2012 | 6:52 am

  Health & Fitness Briefs Telegraph – Herald (Dubuque) November 15, 2004 | TH STAFF Holiday nutrition focus of program Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque is offering a free program called “‘Tis the Season for Healthier Eating” for adults age 50 and older at 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Mercy West Education Center, 3505 Stoneman Road. Hy-Vee dietitian Donna Dolan will discuss holiday nutrition. Call 563/583-9842 to register or for more information. Mercy West will host Medic First Aid class Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque will offer a Medic First Aid recertification class from 8 a.m.

• Review: Rockabye Baby! – Lullaby Rendition of Aerosmith

  Aysha Manori

  6 May 2012 | 6:43 am

  This week, I go the chance to listen to “Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Rendition of Aerosmith”. It’s a soundtrack of Aerosmith’s hits done just as it says, in a lullaby fashion. Its intended to lull kids to sleep to a tune that’s enjoyable for kids who don’t know the songs and parents that do. The songs have sweet melodies, and even cutesier with bells, frogs, rattles and other sound effects. There is something eerie though, about playing “Ragdoll” to put your child to sleep, especially when you want to sing along, but the lyrics are “hot tramp, daddy’s little cutie” and so…

• The Top 5 Steps to Having a Social Kid

  Tiffany

  6 May 2012 | 6:05 am

  1. Play Dates Have a friend with a kid? Make a date – especially if your child has never met them before. Putting your child in sometimes awkward social situations will allow them to get past the uncomfortable feeling early on in their life. A 2. Teaching your Kid Manners Learning your “Please” and “Thank yous” go a long way. Not only will your child learn how to get through normal day to day activities – but their manners will make others feel comfortable and more open to meeting them.  No one wants to be around someone rude – teaching them these essential every day little…

• Sexy Mama or No Sex for Mama: "A" is for Aphrodisiac

  Kidglue Team

  6 May 2012 | 5:27 am

  Thursday’s Speakout Press-Telegram December 9, 2009 | Anonymous P-T phone numbers. I am so frustrated that I can’t get hold of anyone at the Press-Telegram. (Editor’s note: Direct phone numbers for Circulation, Editorial and other departments are published in the “A” section of the P-T every day. For newspaper delivery problems, call 562-499-1222.) Chasers. I feel bad for Tiger Woods. No one says anything about these women who chase married men and celebrities. go to website global warming hoax this web site global warming hoax Ruination. Obama is spending money…

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  Charm City Moms

• Entitlement

  Hanah Cho

  1 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: A Texas couple was demonized by the media last week for not giving a souvenir baseball to a little boy at a Rangers baseball game. The 3-year-old started crying when the couple next to him caught the ball. Announcers called the couple heartless. The Rangers team gave him another ball. Later the couple said they didn’t know the boy was so upset and the child’s parents said they had no beef with the couple for not handing over the ball. Good for them. One day a kid thinks he’s entitled to a baseball and the next he’ll think the world…

• Earlier school start

  Hanah Cho

  24 Apr 2012 | 9:13 am

  Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I had to chuckle when I read Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot’s comments last week urging school systems across the state to delay starting classes until after Labor Day. “The chance for families to spend precious time together and to build those lifelong memories during that final, end-of-summer vacation has been lost by the decision to begin school a week, or even 10 days, before Labor Day,” Franchot said. Delaying the start of school would be a boon to the state’s tourist industry, he noted. On that point, I don’t disagree.

• Women and work

  Hanah Cho

  17 Apr 2012 | 2:54 pm

  Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I have a notion to create a bumper sticker that says: “It’s a job, not a choice.” I’m sure you’ve heard about the dustup last week over Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen’s comment that aspirant first lady Ann Romney had “never worked a day in her life.” Romney responded by saying she had “made a choice to stay home and raise five boys” and that was “hard work.” All of us parents know that being a parent is hard work. It is the hardest job I have—lots of overtime and sometimes meager reward. But those other things I…

• Teens and money

  baltimoresun.com

  10 Apr 2012 | 6:00 am

  Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday As the nation slowly recovers from the recession, a new survey from T.Rowe Price finds that tweens want to know more about how to make and save money. And while three quarters of parents say they talk to their kids fairly often about money matters, the survey also finds that parents believe they are lacking as financial role models. Stuart Ritter, a T. Rowe Price senior financial planner and father of three, said in a news release that kids are eager to learn about finances. “If we want to put them on the right financial path, parents need to…

• Bully

  Hanah Cho

  3 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am

  Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Last week, I wrote about the Hunger Games, a film that is hard to avoid. A few days ago a more important film came out, but it will be hard to find. It’s Lee Hirsch’s The Bully Project, which is opened in just a few theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Friday. The documentary tells the story of young kids being harassed and bullied by their peers. The reason you won’t see it, however, is that the Motion Picture Association of America wanted to give the movie an R rating because of the language the kids use. The Weinstein Co. decided…

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  GummyLump.com Blog

• Hand Print Bird Kids Craft

  11 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  by Melinda from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! for GummyLump.com for Ages 18 months and up with Adult Participation and Supervision Since Mother's Day is right in May there is no better way to celebrate than with a sprinkle of handmade Spring crafts. Hand print crafts are precious keepsakes that can be saved for years to hold onto the memories of when your kids were small. Supplies: ½ sheet of cardstock per hand print Fingerpaint, color of bird and yellow for beak Googly eyes Paper bag Child-safe scissors Glue Paintbrushes Time Needed: 20 minutes plus 8 hours total drying time Prep: Cut…

• Mother's Day Kids Crafts: Projects #95

  10 May 2012 | 7:37 am

  Mother's Day Kids Crafts Preschool Crafts for all abilities!    for Ages 3 Years and Up     I realized that many of our previously posted Valentine's Day crafts would make great Mother's Day Gifts as well! Some need minor changes and others are perfect for Mother's Day as is! Mother's Day is Sunday May 13th, 2012! Watercolor Flowers in Vase No modifications needed. Foil Play Food Cupcakes A sweet treat for Mom. No modifications needed :) Brownie Love Pops and Heart Shaped Brownies for Mom! No modifications needed. Delicious homemade treats for Mom! Heart Mosaic Wall…

• Spring Flowers Using Paint Chips: Craft for Kids

  2 Apr 2012 | 12:11 pm

  Spring Paint Chip Flower by Melinda from LookWhatMomFound...and Dad too!  Crafts for all abilities!  Ages 18 Months and Up with Adult Participation and Supervision.I don't know about you but I'm addicted to the beautiful rainbow of colors in the paint section at the Hardware Store.  I get inspired but the different shades and go home with my head spinning from all the ideas.  This one was simple. I picked up 1 card from each color group and thought what a lovely bouqet, voila, a Paint Chip Flower Bouquet. Supplies Needed:Paint Chips in desired colors (don't forget green…

• Easter Eggs Hiding in the Grass: Spring & Easter Preschool Crafts for Kids Project #63

  30 Mar 2012 | 9:50 am

  Easter Eggs Hiding in the GrassSpring & Easter Preschool Crafts for all abilities!    for Ages 3 Years and Up Our completed Easter Eggs hiding in the grass. I love our spaghetti grass! Supplies Needed:Uncooked Spaghetti (10-20 strands) Green Food Coloring Plastic Bag (that seals closed) Rubbing Alcohol Waxed Paper White Glue White Foam Paper or White Construction Paper 3 Different Colors of Construction Paper Scissors Time Needed:   For Spaghetti: 5 minutes plus drying time For Craft: 15 minutes plus drying time What To Do:Break spaghetti into 2-3 inch pieces and put into a…

• Textured Easter Eggs Sensory Art! Kids Easter & Spring Crafts Project #67

  30 Mar 2012 | 6:45 am

  Textured Easter Eggs Sensory ArtEaster & Spring Crafts for Kids of all Abilities!    for Ages 3 Years and Up     Textured Easter Eggs Sensory Art! Beautiful vibrant colors and interesting textures make this Easter craft a sensory dream come true! Supplies Needed:Colored Cotton Balls or Pom Poms White Glue  Double Sided Tape 2  Sheets Yellow Construction Paper or Foam Paper Buttons in Different Colors & Sizes 6 Pipe Cleaners, 2 in each of 3 colors Scissors Newspaper To Keep The Work Area Clean Time Needed:   15-30 Minutes for each textured egg craft…

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  Parenting Help Me

• Is Child Abuse YOUR Problem?

  Karen Kramer

  12 May 2012 | 6:05 pm

  As parents we want to believe the child abuse could never effect someone we love.  Not OUR child, not OUR children’s friends and certainly not in our safe little neighborhood.  We want to believe that ALL the teachers, little league coaches and babysitters we entrust OUR children to would never abuse a child.  However, as [...]

• Is Your House Making Your Baby Sick?

  Parenting Help

  29 Apr 2012 | 3:43 pm

  Is Your House Making Your Baby Sick? I read an article on a national news website this morning about how often people change their bedsheets. Mine get changed every week so I thought I was in the clear. Boy, was I wrong! The article creeped me out so bad, I went on a Google search [...] More Parenting Tips: Stop The Teething Pain NOW Ten Free and Fun Activities For Kids Favorite Family-Friendly Dish Network Channels Are You Ready For Anything?

• Stop The Teething Pain NOW

  Parenting Help

  29 Apr 2012 | 2:46 pm

  Stop The Teething Pain NOW! What’s a Mom to do?  Suddenly, somewhere around that four to seven month mark, your perfect little bundle of joy turns into the spawn of Satan. All those cute little gurglie sounds and happy smiles have turned into ear-piercing banshee screams that could wake the dead. According the Western Dental [...] More Parenting Tips: Stop The Bully Labeling Save A Kid Buy A Trundle

• Favorite Family-Friendly Dish Network Channels

  Parenting Help

  21 Apr 2012 | 7:32 pm

  Favorite Family-Friendly Dish Network Channels Over the past few years, I have noticed a positive trend in programming for kids on Dish Network.  Channels like BabyTV provide age appropriate TV for babies, toddlers and their parents.  With friendly animated characters, bright colors and the music babies love and respond to, Baby TV is Dish’s answer [...] More Parenting Tips: The Best Home Guitar Course On The Planet Stop The Teething Pain NOW Is Your House Making Your Baby Sick? Ten Free and Fun Activities For Kids Ten Years A Herd Of Kids And NO TV

• Great Apps Your Kid’s Will Love This Spring

  Parenting Help

  12 Apr 2012 | 11:03 am

  Great Apps Your Kid’s Will Love This Spring There are some really great apps for kids in the marketplace today. Some of them offer a fun, engaging learning experience that help kids learn to read and keep them engaged in thoughtful stories with unique, patented technology that either reads aloud to them, allows them to [...] More Parenting Tips: It’s Not About Adoption Teaching Kids To Swim In Ten Easy Lessons Great Deals On Kids Clothes Teaching Kids To Swim ~ Lesson Two Ten Free and Fun Activities For Kids

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  The Baby Sleep Site™ - Baby Sleep Help | Toddler Sleep Help | Custom Sleep Help

• How Many Naps Does Your Baby or Toddler Actually Need?

  Emily DeJeu

  15 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Napping is a hot topic around The Baby Sleep Site, and it’s no wonder: most of us count nap time as our favorite time of the day! Of course, naps are essential for the health and development of your baby, but don’t count yourself out — you need a little downtime during the day, too! And naps offer the perfect opportunity for you to get a little breather. One of the most popular questions we get around here (aside from “How can I get my baby to nap longer?”) is “How many naps does my baby/toddler need each day?” All babies are different and your baby will develop at a…

• 3 Important Things To Do On Mother’s Day

  Emily DeJeu

  8 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Here in the U.S., we’re just 5 days away from a holiday beloved by moms everywhere: Mother’s Day! And, if it’s your first, it’s even more special. Some of our international readers may have already celebrated Mother’s Day; others may not be celebrating it for months to come. No matter when you celebrate, however, Mother’s Day is special for moms everywhere: it’s a chance for your adoring family to shower you with love and gifts, to tell you how much they appreciate your many sacrifices, and to generally spoil you rotten. Okay, maybe that’s a bit exaggerated. Maybe all…

• Spoil Mom! A Mother’s Day Giveaway

  Kimberly

  4 May 2012 | 9:28 am

  The love we have for our children and the love we receive from our children are the gifts we are fortunate enough to receive every day. While we all know the love we have for our children is unconditional and flows from us naturally, research also shows that a mother’s love for her child actually helps make parts of their brain grow more, giving them a greater memory capacity and ability to handle life stresses. But we don’t need scientific research studies to tell us about the profound impact of a mother’s love on her child. Mother’s love is peace. It need not be…

• How Moving Homes Can Affect Your Child’s Sleep

  Emily DeJeu

  1 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  For most of us, moving does NOT top our list of things we enjoy. Moving creates a multitude of things to worry about, after all. Once you’ve found a new place to buy or to rent, you’re still not even close to done. What about transferring your mail? Or shutting off your utilities? And if your move is an international one, the list gets even longer — what about work visas and passports? Which possessions should you sell and which should you ship? Moving is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure! But what about our kids? Moving is a stressful event for an adult; is it stressful…

• How Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Affect Sleep

  Emily DeJeu

  24 Apr 2012 | 4:00 am

  Here in the U.S., April marks more than the return of spring flowers and showers — it’s also National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a growing concern not just in the U.S., but around the world: it’s estimated that 1 in 110 children has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). That means that even if you haven’t been personally impacted by autism, you likely know someone who has. A diagnosis of ASD presents numerous challenges to families — challenges related to learning, to physical and social development, and (the number one thing we tend to concern ourselves with around this…

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  Parenting With Duct Tape

• Late Showers & Awesome Nails

  1 May 2012 | 1:22 pm

  I seriously need to update the header up there. The fourth monkey is almost a year and a half now. And she has red hair! Red! Oh so much has happened that I totally want to (but might never get around to) write about. I am the parent of a teenager now. TEENAGER. Clearly this phase is gonna take a lot more duct tape than I had previously imagined. Meanwhile, back at the bat cave, I have found no (legal) method of slowing the cute ones from growing. The baby is walking. Walking. This blows my mind. Along with pop rocks and these cool new nail polish strips my friend Michelle turned me on to. My…

• I Am What I Am

  26 Apr 2011 | 7:53 pm

  I was just at Home Depot (aka: hell). After traversing the whole stupid store, with baby and 3 year old in tow, looking for stucco patch some sales guy wants to sign me up for a "free in-home kitchen remodel estimate." Thinking I would get rid of him, I said, "Ok, but you'll have to follow me up to checkout to get my information." Sadly, he followed me.He handed me the phone to answer a bunch of questions as I pulled up to the self checkout. I proceeded to answer all the questions and give my information while I checked out my items, kept the 3 year old off the scanner, rocked the baby's…

• The Importance of a Family Vacation is….

  10 May 2010 | 6:49 pm

  The reason I'm writing about this is to enter a contest that will give me a chance to vacation by myself in NYC while attending BlogHer. How awesome would that be? Awesome. But what's more awesome than that? The family vacation!I am a HUGE cheerleader for two things: family dinners and family vacations. They bring a family together. Having dinner together makes you touch base once a day. Family dinner can make a family feel more like a team in many ways. A family vacation is that times 100. When you take your family out of their everyday setting and everyday distractions, you make the…

• Potty Training Will Make You A Cripple

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:56 pm

  Go ahead. Read the books. Blah, blah, blah. They'll talk about timing. They'll tell you about how much your therapy bill will be if you push it on them. They'll write about incentives and not disciplining. Whatever. Like I wrote above, blah, blah, blah. Do you think they'd dedicate one single page, forget that, paragraph to perhaps the most important part of potty training?How Not To Become A Cripple: strategies for hefting 25-35 lbs of squirming toddler on & off the crapperYeah, would someone who writes these books please include a little snippet of proper back care? I mean who…

• Before It's Too Late...

  18 Nov 2009 | 11:54 pm

  I don't know. I'm still new in these blogging parts. You all probably get way more emails asking you to sell stuff than I do. I get a few here and there. There's this one for genetic testing that I keep getting. AND they reference the previous email like they are actually keeping track of their attempts to get a hold of me. Whatever. I'm like totally smarter than that. But they tried to get me with this:Our Genetic Test service has been receiving overwhelmingresponse from parents who care about their children'sfuture.What they should know is I don't care as much about my children's future as…

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  Playground Confidential

• The Beaches

  rebecca

  14 May 2012 | 11:31 pm

  Sometimes in the summer the kids and I will pick up Ed from work and then drive right across town to the east-end Beaches for dinner and a stroll on the boardwalk. We do it when it’s easier than facing the throng of late rush hour traffic heading west. I do it when I just [...]

• Off With Their Heads

  rebecca

  11 May 2012 | 3:40 am

  “Mommy? Is my tiara on upside down again?” I let out a long sigh of resignation. “No, sweetie. It’s right side up. And … And it looks lovely.” She skips over to the mirror to admire herself. “I’m being a princess.” “That’s fine, Irene. You can pretend to be a princess if you want.” “I [...]

• On Not Keeping Up At All Oh God Please Help

  rebecca

  8 May 2012 | 12:31 pm

  Life is a complete scramble right now. It’s not just the mad rush to cram lunch in my kids’ faces and pack Colum a snack and get everybody out the door in time to catch the school bus every single day. It’s not just the trying to get a six year old out of a [...]

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  SafeMama.com

• 5K Giveaway-A-Day: Nourish Organics from Good Things Green Things

  SafeMama Kathy

  9 May 2012 | 7:41 am

  Hey! I’m back – had a trip this weekend and some catching up to do but I have 3 more giveaways left and then we can move on to other things (like sunscreen!).  Today you have a chance to win a big pile of Nourish Organics products courtesy of another one of my favorite online shops Good [...]

• 5K Giveaway-A-Day: Motherlove Herbal Company

  SafeMama Kathy

  2 May 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Good morning! Today I have a lovely giveaway from Motherlove Herbal Company!  If you’re not familiar with their company and products, they specialize in really pure products designed for pregnancy, baby, birth and breastfeeding.  They use the simplest ingredients and almost every ingredient is certified organic.  Their salves, oils and balms are designed to soothe [...]

• 5K Giveaway-A-Day: Cate & Levi Toys For Kids

  SafeMama Kathy

  1 May 2012 | 4:53 am

  Up early – Happy May! –  so here is today’s giveaway! I am relatively new to Cate & Levi only having learned of their toys this month.  I wish I had known about them sooner else they would most certainly have made an appearance on last year’s holiday toy guide.  Cate & Levi is a [...]

• 5K Giveaway-A-Day: Re-Play Recycled Kids Dishes

  SafeMama Kathy

  30 Apr 2012 | 7:40 am

  Good morning! Welcome back to the giveaway-a-day fun!  Today’s giveaway is sponsored by Re-Play Recycled Tablewear!  Re-play is a sister company to Dandelion For Baby!  Made completely out of recycled milk jugs and made right here in the USA.   These dishes are BPA free and dishwasher safe.  I’ve run them through a million scenarios [...]

• 5K Giveaway-A-Day: GroVia Products from The Glass Baby Bottle

  SafeMama Kathy

  26 Apr 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Today’s giveaway comes to you courtesy of another one of my amazing sponsors who has been incredibly supportive and kind. In fact I consider them friends now and I love to see their business thrive, The Glass Baby Bottle.  Husband and wife team run their shop with impeccable consciousness of the things around us. They [...]

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  Family Anatomy

• Anatomy of Cliques (Episode 140)

  Dr. Brian MacDonald, C. Psych.

  7 May 2012 | 6:51 pm

  Photo by Karin Vlietstra (via Flickr) Doctors Brian and Giuseppe talk about the pros and cons of cliques, including: Are all cliques necessarily bad? Why do teenagers join cliques? What happens to kids who spend their time with antisocial friends? What can parents do if their child is rejected by a clique, or if they become connected with an inappropriate group? Find out what we think this week! Listen here: … or right click here to save the episode for later. You can also get your free podcast subscription in iTunes. If you use iTunes, you can leave a review! Leave us a comment, or…

• Anatomy of Three Things (Episode 139) | Family

  Dr. Brian MacDonald, C. Psych.

  24 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am

  Doctors Brian and Giuseppe talk about three recent research stories, including: Do the popular people on Facebook have different brains than everyone else? How telling people about your vacation can ruin your fun What can parents do if their children’s friends are a bad influence on them? Find out the latest news this week! Listen here: … or right click here to save the episode for later. You can also get your free podcast subscription in iTunes. If you use iTunes, you can leave a review! Leave us a comment, or you can e-mail suggestions or questions to info@familyanatomy.com.

• How can parents limit their kids' contact with delinquent peers?

  Dr. Brian MacDonald, C. Psych.

  19 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am

  Sinner's Club by Pulp Covers (via Flickr) What should you do if you think your teen is spending time with delinquent friends? Many parents would say, “Don’t let your teen spend time with friends who are a bad influence!” This reaction is understandable, since there’s a lot of evidence linking delinquent friends to negative behaviour. But does forbidding kids from interacting with delinquent friends drive them closer together? A study published in the current issue of Child Development examined whether forbidden friendships become “forbidden fruit” for…

• Anatomy of Life Coaching (Episode 138)

  Dr. Brian MacDonald, C. Psych.

  10 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am

  Photo from UF Digital Collections (via Flickr) Doctors Brian and Giuseppe examine the research behind life coaching and a common technique practiced by coaches, neuro-linguistic programming. What are the typical goals in life coaching? What are the risks involved in the coaching process? What is “neuro-linguistic programming” and does it work? Find out about life coaching and NLP this week! Listen here: … or right click here to save the episode for later. You can also get your free podcast subscription in iTunes. If you use iTunes, you can leave a review! Leave us a…

• Breastfeeding & New Mothers: What They Don’t Tell You

  Guest Post

  5 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am

  Newborn Infant by Linda Cronin (via Flickr) We all know that breast milk is the most perfect food for baby. Despite all of the romanticizing that sometimes goes along with breastfeeding, there is a wealth of things that nobody really ever tells you. These things don’t necessarily keep you from wanting to breastfeed, but they can cause problems if you aren’t aware. The Scoop on Poop Many new moms wonder what their baby’s poop is supposed to look like as well as the frequency. The thing to remember is that when breastfeeding, breast milk is digested very quickly. As a result, bowel…

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  Rave and Review

• 50+ Fun Things To Do on a JumpSport Trampoline

  Leanne

  14 May 2012 | 5:05 pm

  Living in the Pacific Northwest, there’s really only one ingredient you need to make your backyard the coolest one in the neighborhood: a trampoline. Maybe it’s our unpredictable weather or maybe it’s that we just like to get up and get moving, but whatever the reason, the ageless appeal of a trampoline beckons like no other. Don’t believe me? Check out the fun that just arrived in our backyard and look at this happy face jumping on the new JumpSport Elite Trampoline. As a parent, there are a few things I am adamant about, the first of which is that I will teach my kids that getting…

• We Love the DINGaRING Baby Rattle {Review & Giveaway}

  Leanne

  12 May 2012 | 7:16 pm

  It’s no secret that I love funky and fun toys for baby. I particularly like toys that look like they were handmade with love, and even more so if they have a uniqueness about them that just begs people to ask where you found it. My newest obsession was found in Australia, by way of Kentucky, and has all of these qualities and more. I met O.B. Designs back in September at the ABC Kids Expo and I secretly wanted everything that they made. Not one to simply covet from a distance, I jumped at the chance to review one of their unique DINGaRING baby rattles for my little guy and was thrilled when…

• Happy Mother's Day!

  Leanne

  12 May 2012 | 4:05 pm

  Tonight at a party, I spoke to a number of mothers and we discussed our children. Some had newly empty nests, others had just welcomed their first child, some were now grandparents, and one was even preparing a wedding for their oldest next week. Even though this may be their first Mother's Day or their 70th, each one's eyes would light up when you wished them a wonderful Mother's Day. Someone made a comment that Mother's Day, to them, was better than a birthday and everyone one in the conversation nodded. I guess there's no doubt that there is something amazing about celebrating the special…

• Pong Gadget Cases Optimize Reception & Minimize Radiation

  Leanne

  10 May 2012 | 5:22 pm

  When protecting your expensive smart phone, how do you choose which case you will go with? Is it based on looks alone, how it feels in your hand, how well it protects, or is it something else entirely? For me, it has to do with all of the above and more, which is why I love Pong cases. With how expensive smartphones are these days, it’s so important to protect your asset, but for me it also has to be completely functional and attractive as well. With Pong cases, you get all this and more because not only do they protect your phone, they also protect you, optimize your signal, and come in a…

• Do you research online?

  Leanne

  9 May 2012 | 5:59 pm

  Do you remember only a few years back when you didn’t have to worry about your online reputation? While I have mixed feelings about everything you can find on the internet these days and how, with just a few little clicks, you can find out everything there is to know about a person, I do love that there’s some accountability now when it comes to businesses. With so many companies and services to choose from these days, I do really love that I can simply go online and find out reviews, info about the company, and see what kind of track record they have. I guess this isn't that surprising…

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  Being a Mummy

• Our Volvo #V60getaway Weekend

  zooarchaeologist

  16 May 2012 | 1:17 pm

  This weekend I felt like I had won the lottery. A lovely red Volvo V60 D3 was delivered to our front door. We then used it to travel in luxury to North Norfolk for a fabulous much needed weekend away. This was all courtesy of Volvo who are promoting the V60  which is a new family car in the Volvo range.  Next month Volvo are going to be running numerous activities with the Telegraph surrounding the idea of families using the V60 as a weekend get-away car for UK breaks and excursions.We were lucky enough to be the first family to experience the V60 as a weekend…

• Brothers and Sisters

  zooarchaeologist

  11 May 2012 | 4:50 am

  I've been really lucky that both the children have really taken to baby Ned. There is no jealously, they genuinely love playing with him, feeding him and Fifi will also have a really good attempt at changing his nappy. As a third baby Ned is fairly indestructible, in fact there is nothing he likes more than being man-handled by his big brother and sister...

• Review: Slendertone Arms

  zooarchaeologist

  11 May 2012 | 4:12 am

  The husband is very keen on using his Slendertone and I think it has actually really made a difference, that and his attempts at weight loss. I was given some arm pads which help to tone the triceps.  As we all know this is a difficult area in women as they easily become quite sort of well, floppy ( I don't want to use the term Bingo Wings really). In the past I've had really toned arms due to an excessive amount of time digging holes and wielding a mattock in my job as an archaeologist, but in recent years its all gone, so this was a perfect opportunity. I say its a perfect opportunity…

• Review: VUP Baby Kleen Kanteen

  zooarchaeologist

  9 May 2012 | 8:04 am

  VUP baby have a fabulous website full of the best baby products, all free of hazardous chemicals such as BPA. I actually shop there a reasonable amount and I do like their products because not only are they safe, they are also unusual and stylish for the money. Boy was asked what he would like to test and we decided upon a new water bottle for school. The whole school water bottle is a new thing on me, we never had such things when I was at school, a water fountain was sufficient but times change. He was sent a Klean Kanteen bottle. The great thing about the Klean Kanteen bottles is that they…

• Review: Vax Air Reach Vacuum Cleaner

  zooarchaeologist

  8 May 2012 | 5:06 am

  As part of the Vax Voice team I get to try out (and keep) all the best new products from Vax and I have to say, so far I have not been disappointed. Now I am a stay at home mum I do notice the mess and the dirt in our house a lot more and I am quite keen to find ways of tackling it. The Vax  Air Reach is a bagless upright Vacuum Cleaner. The idea is that the multiple cyclonic technology and 200 watts of cleaning power provide the extreme suction needed to get rid of all your dirt easily. Not only that its also very light, in fact it weighs a third less than conventional cleaners. But…

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  Simple Father

• Old Man Simple Father (Get Off My Lawn!)

  scott

  15 May 2012 | 10:00 am

  It’s that time of year again. Birds are chirping, bees buzzing, animals at the zoo are doing inappropriate things to each other, flowers are blooming... and those darn neighborhood kids are on my lawn again. Ah yes, springtime. Spring is the time of year when I get to remind all the neighborhood kiddies exactly how things operate around Old Man Simple’s house. Here are a few easy to understand guidelines (keep in mind my 2 girls are about the only girls on the block): If I don’t know you, and you want to be at my house, I will find out who you are, so don’t try to fly under the radar.

• The S Word

  scott

  8 May 2012 | 10:00 am

  Like many other days, we sat down for dinner and began to reflect back on the day. Much to my horror Princess P said that one of her friends kept saying the dreaded “s word.” She continued by saying that this friend shouldn’t be saying “adult words.” At this point, my wife and I tried to drive home the point that the “s word” wasn’t an “adult word,” but rather a word that just shouldn’t be said, as it wasn’t a pleasant word in the first place. After all, she didn’t hear that word around our house! Then it happened, Princess P exclaimed that she had heard the “s…

• Do Not Withhold Good...

  scott

  1 May 2012 | 10:00 am

  I recently read that you should not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is well within your power to do so, and I started unpacking the ramifications behind such a seemingly simple idea. Do not withhold good What is good? Reading a bedtime story while snuggled up under the covers? Enjoying a bowl of ice cream? Playing hop-scotch? Looking for bugs? Making ridiculous faces and laughing so hard you pee a little? Discipline? Chores? When you don’t take time to slow down, you are withholding good from your children. In this day and age where kids get everything, often the things we…

• Flushable Wipes are Evil

  scott

  24 Apr 2012 | 10:00 am

  I enjoy a good plumbing challenge just as much as the next guy. I view it as one of the more finesse areas of home improvement. Much like a woman, you have to be gentle and take care of the pipes, or they can make your life miserable. I also think that after working in the hardware business for around 6 years that I have a clue, albeit a small one, about fixing the minor stuff around the house. Well... I nearly met my match. This item may start as a fragrant, moist, small square, designed to cleanse the dirtiest of regions, but ends in an unholy nightmare. That’s right, the flushable wipe.

• Do While

  scott

  17 Apr 2012 | 10:00 am

  It's time once again for the world of computer programming to prove it's usefulness by teaching us a thing or two about parenting. How many times have you found yourself repeating something to your children over and over again. Programming has a simple, yet effective solution for this problem. It’s called a “do while loop.” The idea behind a do while loop is fairly straightforward. You do an action, say scrub the floor, while it is dirty. This translates nicely to many parenting situations. For example: do{ cleanYourRoom(); } while (clothes_on_the_floor = true) do{ playOutside(); }…

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  About.com Working Moms

• Happy Mother's Day!

  11 May 2012 | 3:33 am

  Every Mother's Day, my husband's professional association holds its annual conference. No breakfast in bed for me, served by my loving family. But it's not a bad trade to explore a fun city as a tourist! Read Full PostHappy Mother's Day! originally appeared on About.com Working Moms on Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 08:33:37.Permalink | Comment | Email this

• What's Your Definition of a Mentor?

  30 Apr 2012 | 4:51 pm

  Over my career, I've been fortunate enough to have several trusted mentors who supported my career. Sometimes that meant advocating for me to receive a specific assignment or promotion at work, but often it was simply being a confidential advisor whom I could count on to have my best interests at heart. Read Full PostWhat's Your Definition of a Mentor? originally appeared on About.com Working Moms on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 21:51:53.Permalink | Comment | Email this

• Flexible Employee Benefits Improve ... and Slip, Research Finds

  30 Apr 2012 | 4:25 am

  New research paints a mixed picture of the improvement in flexible benefits being offered to employees by U.S. employers in the period of time covering the Great Recession. While more workers can control their hours and location of work, employers are clamping down on longer leaves, career breaks and caregiving time off, according to a employer survey released today by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, which updates a 2005 study. Read Full PostFlexible Employee Benefits Improve ... and Slip, Research Finds originally appeared on About.com Working…

• What Equal Pay Would Mean for You: Another $10,784 a Year

  17 Apr 2012 | 12:00 am

  Could you use another $10,784? If you're a working woman, that's the median amount that your male counterparts earn above and beyond your annual pay, according to new analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families. That's right, American men make nearly 11 grand more just due to their gender. Read Full PostWhat Equal Pay Would Mean for You: Another $10,784 a Year originally appeared on About.com Working Moms on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 05:00:59.Permalink | Comment | Email this

• Why Hilary Rosen's Comment About Ann Romney Fueled the Mommy Wars Fire

  12 Apr 2012 | 10:03 am

  The media world is atwitter with a comment by Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen that Ann Romney can't understand women's economic struggles because she "has actually never worked a day in her life." Read Full PostWhy Hilary Rosen's Comment About Ann Romney Fueled the Mommy Wars Fire originally appeared on About.com Working Moms on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 15:03:42.Permalink | Comment | Email this

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  Sprittibee

• Every Day is Mother’s Day

  Sprittibee

  14 May 2012 | 9:35 pm

  It isn’t too late to thank a good mother just because the national holiday has come and gone. Moms don’t get a day off – and it seems kind of silly to limit the gratitude to one day per year. Trust me. I know first hand (times 4) how much encouragement a mom needs all year. Motherhood is hard. Sticky. Gritty. Taxing. Never-ending. [Sometimes painful.] It’s also wonderful. Amazing. Beautiful. Fulfilling. Fun. It’s hard to explain. A blogging friend of mine decided she wanted to capture the “mess and glory” of motherhood. She gathered the thoughts, experiences, and photographs…

• A Hallmark Mother's Day

  Sprittibee

  12 May 2012 | 12:19 pm

  I know that Mother's Day is tomorrow, and that this video is telling you to get your cards in the mail... but my crazy life prevented me from warning you on time. You can hear the chaos in the background. Just listen for the gleefully mischevious toddler and the little "not-happy-unless-I'm-in-mom's-arms" baby. Don't make fun of me for my first vlog attempt, please. I know I look and sound ridiculous on video. I thought I would share my crazy kids with you for mother's day - and show you the kind of amazing teenage 'tude I'm dealin' with on a regular basis. #pray4me I so enjoyed meeting up…

• Girl Interrupted

  Sprittibee

  6 May 2012 | 6:28 pm

  It's been a while since I shared a random list. Or reviewed my to-do list. Or ate six chocolate chip cookies. No, wait, I just ate six chocolate chip cookies a minute ago. Now, where did I put that glass of milk? TO DO THIS WEEK: bills and checkbook budget for trip in June / email contact for lease / pray hard menu / groceries thank you card for Pop - who paid for my break job (I heart him.) plans for the weekend finalized unpack / laundry homeschool assignment lists for the week 'heart over mind' - part 10 of "accidental unschooling" series back up photos edit bluebonnet pix / review…

• 10 Days of Accidental Unschooling - Day 9: Reading to Succeed

  Sprittibee

  3 May 2012 | 7:49 pm

  NOTE: This is Part 9 of a 10 day series on Accidental Unschooling that is taking me LONGER than 10 days to write (sorry). I have had a little distraction in my life last week (hosting a blogger retreat weekend at my house) and it has been a very busy homeschool week following. If you are OCD and want to start from the introduction or Part 1, hop to the bottom of this post and use the conveniently provided links! Reading is the gateway to all other knowledge. Students who do not learn efficient reading skills are blocked from every other subject in their schooling. ~ (The National Center to…

• 10 Days of Accidental Unschooling - Day 8: Carschooling and Fieldtripping

  Sprittibee

  28 Apr 2012 | 2:10 pm

  NOTE: This is Part 8 of a 10 day series on Accidental Unschooling that is taking me LONGER than 10 days to write (sorry). If you are OCD and want to start from the introduction or Part 1, hop to the bottom of this post and use the conveniently provided links! Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.  ~Seneca A NEW VIEW I talked to an old friend recently who had gone on vacation for the weekend with her spouse. They left the kids behind and traveled a few hours on a short road trip to a nearby town to stay in a bed and breakfast. During that time they went on a "field…

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  Attachment Parenting International Blog

• Normalizing Extended Breastfeeding

  Dionna

  15 May 2012 | 3:08 pm

  The Momosphere is all atwitter over Time Magazine’s cover story: “Are You Mom Enough?” From its “shocking” cover photo to its provocative title, it’s obvious Time was shooting for “mommy war” controversy (something I work hard to stay away from). If I shy away from controversy, why would I ever agree to the possibility of being on the cover of Time? Because I want to normalize breastfeeding past infancy. Extended does not equal extreme. People have said that my son (and moreso Jaime’s son, who is on the cover) will be upset or embarrassed…

• TIME Magazine Shows Attachment Parenting is Going Mainstream, Not Extreme

  Courtney

  14 May 2012 | 8:45 am

  When we, Attachment Parenting International, learned that TIME Magazine decided to take on attachment parenting in its May 21, 2012 issue, we had to ask, “TIME, are you news magazine enough?” Beyond the incendiary attempt to pit mothers against each other asking, “Are you mom enough?,” and a strategic cover contrived to sell copies, what did TIME actually say about attachment parenting? In case you don’t get very far past the cover, here is what TIME happened to acknowledge to the world about attachment parenting: Dr. William Sears, with Martha Sears, deserve…

• Mother: I was desperate for that title

  Megan

  13 May 2012 | 8:08 am

  “Through the blur, I wondered if I was alone or if other parents felt the same way I did – that everything involving our children was painful in some way. The emotions, whether they were joy, sorrow, love or pride, were so deep and sharp that in the end they left you raw, exposed and yes, in pain. The human heart was not designed to beat outside the human body and yet, each child represented just that – a parent’s heart bared, beating forever outside its chest.” -Debra Ginsberg Mother. I was desperate for that title.  I went through years of infertility. I was…

• What Is Attachment Parenting?

  Courtney

  10 May 2012 | 11:02 am

  API invites you to understand what Attachment Parenting is really about, and hear Dr. William Sears (featured in Time magazine) in his own words, along with other experts on the topic of Attachment Parenting, in this two-hour API Live Teleseminar, available for listening online or for download. What is Attachment Parenting? Maybe you never knew there was a name for it – the unique way you raise your child – but it’s in tune with your child’s needs and with your own needs, and your family lives it out daily. Or, perhaps, you do know there is a name for it, with many synonyms…

• Using TV as Sanity-Saving Tool

  Rita Brhel

  10 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  My kids are bugging me a bit today. Yes, I’ve said it: Every parent has moments when they’re discontent with their children. I think that’s important for everyone, especially parents who are new to Attachment Parenting or who are struggling at this moment, to remember – even the long-time, forever AP parents have their moments, or days, or weeks. What are they doing? The usual kid stuff. Pulling all their toys out of their bedroom and then dilly-dallying when it’s clean-up time. Taking a bite out of an apple and then deciding they don’t want to eat it after all. Complaining that…

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  Pancakes and French Fries

• What to Read

  Jules

  15 May 2012 | 1:00 pm

  My greatest achievement over the past two days was the acquisition of a new pair of flats to wear with my skinny jeans. The pair I’ve been wearing for over two years are stretched beyond comfort. They flop when I walk and give me blisters. I bought Minnetonkas, shoes I last wore when I was 8 years old, so I’m not sure if this achievement isn’t in fact a regression. We’ll see how these work out. I have Senioritis. I’m waiting for summer and becoming increasingly overwhelmed with everything on my plate, real and imagined. I knew baseball with two kids would be…

• Mothers

  Jules

  14 May 2012 | 2:00 am

  My mom’s home office heavily inspired our family room. Her room of piles was always my favorite as a child, and while you would think it was all about the books, that wasn’t the only draw. On those shelves, the same shelves that held all her research, all her books on feminism, all her books on politics, all her books on literature and violent crimes (the woman is obsessed) also sat an assortment of really bad gifts. A pinch pot in the shape of a square with a giant M in blue. A plastic, wind-up stained glass “window” with a Bible verse. Cranking the key set off a…

• Happy, Happy

  Jules

  11 May 2012 | 2:00 am

  Here are a few of the things that made me happy this week. I love laughing until I cry, so Sunday was an especially good day. On Monday Nicholas made me a very fancy necklace. I received a Facebook notice on Tuesday. Something about being tagged in a picture. Oh goody, my favorite. I clicked over and found a picture of Mikey and his baseball team, with Mikey looking positively miserable. Full on pouty face with arms crossed! Fabulous. I showed it to him later and asked him what was going on when the coach took the picture. Mikey took one look and winced, then claimed he didn’t know how…

• The Home Library

  Jules

  10 May 2012 | 2:00 am

  In January I detailed the projects I wanted to tackle with The William Morris Project. I had this to say about the family room: Family Room: A cozy, embracing room where bodies sink into stuffed sofas and chairs to read books and watch movies. The lighting is plentiful, flattering, and comfort reigns over form.  I had a laundry list of requirements, but the most pressing to me was changing the color of the walls and finding storage for our books. I couldn’t tolerate that sickly green-yellow one more minute and I had books stored in every room and on every surface. Two weeks ago our…

• Quick Dinner No. 1

  Jules

  9 May 2012 | 2:00 am

  Extra curricular activities can really thwart family dinners. On those days we have late practices and games, I try to come up with dinners that take minutes and require little clean up. This is one of our favorites. I put a large pot of water to poach eggs. (I use this technique.) While the water comes up to temperature, I wash, destem, and chop the kale. Then I place it in a sauté pan drizzled with oil and let it cook over medium-low heat. While the kale sautés, I poach the eggs. The brown rice is the Brown Rice Medley from Trader Joe’s, and I just toss that in the microwave. One…

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  Ziggy's Blog

• Will You Take THE POSITIVE PLEDGE?

  13 May 2012 | 12:46 am

  I don't know about you, but I am so tired of all the negative people.  They are everywhere...family, friends, co-workers, neighbors...everywhere.  And as I've mentioned before, the reality TV shows are so negative.  There's Bad Girls Club, Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious.  In all of these reality TV shows, the girls (and guys) are so angry and bitter and negative.  Not once, when watching one of these shows, have I seen these girls (or guys) encourage each other or be positive. And what kind of influence does this have on our tweens and…

• HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...THE BEST JOB EVER...THE TOUGHEST JOB EVER!

  7 May 2012 | 7:40 pm

  Being a mom has to be the hardest job in the world. But it's also the best job in the world.  In honor of all the mothers in the world, this video says it all. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

• TEEN TRENDS: THEY'RE DRINKING WHAT??

  4 May 2012 | 3:08 pm

  I'm sure most everyone has heard the news this week about teens drinking sanitizer, so I decided to investigate exactly how much alcohol is in a bottle of hand sanitizer. Purell - 62% Ethyl Alcohol New & Inproved Purell - 70% Ethyl Alcohol Germ-X - 63% Ethyl Alcohol Sani-hands Hand Sanitizer Wipes - 65.9% Walgreen's Brand - 65% Ethyl Alcohol "The Los Angeles Times reported some of the teenagers used salt to separate the alcohol from the sanitizer using instructions found online. If a liquid hand sanitizer contains 62 percent ethyl alcohol, that means a "drink" can be as high as 120 proof,…

• OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES!

  23 Apr 2012 | 1:42 am

  I have been blogging on some serious topics, so I decided to lighten it up a bit. I was riding in my car yesterday when I started thinking back to when my girls were younger. When I became a single mom, Hollie was 8 and April was 2. (They are now 21 and 16.) I'm not sure why, but I started thinking about a day when Hollie was 9. The school called me at work saying Hollie was sick and needed to be picked up. So I called my mother-in-law (MIL) to see if she could pick Hollie up for me. (I have always had a good relationship with my MIL, and I still call her my MIL. I mean after 15 years of…

• I PASSED!!!!

  17 Apr 2012 | 6:49 pm

  I passed the PRAXIS II PLT and Content Knowledge, so this fall I will FINALLY be student teaching.  I have been at this for six years!!  And I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know I have neglected you, my dear readers, during this time.  But this week, during  Spring Break, I have been writing and have obtained a few fabulous guests to share with you on a variety of topics. The focus of my blog has been dangerous teen trends, and I plan to keep up with those, but I wanted to shine a positive light on tweens/teens, because as I've said before,…

• 

  icefairy's Treasure Chest

• Today Only: New iPad Giveaway!

  8 May 2012 | 12:51 am

  Cinsay Inc. is giving you the opportunity to win the New iPad for FREE! To enter, just "like"” Cinsay's Facebook page then fill out the entry form. While you are on their page, be sure to check out Cinsay's other offer to create your own Smart store™! Share this contest with your friends on Facebook and you will be rewarded a $20 gift card and another chance to win a New iPad! You need to

• Launching Today: Allergies, and Awesome You

  8 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  Launching Today: Allergies, and Awesome You Do you have a child with allergies? Can you imagine life allergy free? The AmazingAllergist will show you how! Allergies, and Awesome You: Believe You Can Get There Too! This book, through a life story of an allergic child, will empower you and your children. Allergies, and Awesome You” is a part of the AmazingAllergist’s Awesome Series

• Ends today! Win a $200 Whole Foods Gift Card! #DFW

  4 May 2012 | 2:11 pm

  You must feel good if you live in the DFW area because there's another great DFW only giveaway going on today. Dallas Family Medicine is giving away a $200 gift card to Whole Foods Market among their Facebook fans. Follow 2 easy steps to enter here by midnight central today. Good luck!

• Last Day to Win a $100 Visa Gift Card! #DFW

  4 May 2012 | 1:54 pm

  Today is your last chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from California Closets. You could also win the grand prize of a $5000 custom closet. To enter, simply "like" California Closets DFW on Facebook and fill out the entry form by midnight central today. Good luck!

• Pampers Team USA Sweeps & Limited Edition “USA” Diapers and Wipes Prize Pack Giveaway (Ends 5/1)

  20 Apr 2012 | 11:30 pm

  The London 2012 Olympic Games will begin in less than three months. Do you have plans to go "across the pond" and cheer for Team USA? Pampers, the world-renowned brand of baby diapers, has recently launched a Facebook sweepstakes, which offers a grand prize trip for a family of four to attend the London 2012 Olympic Games and the first ever Pampers Playground event alongside Team USA Hopeful,

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  MyBrownBaby

• Speaking of Breastfeeding, Alicia Keys Says No One Told Her About the Pain

  Denene@MyBrownBaby

  16 May 2012 | 8:34 am

  Alicia Keys sat down with Amanda de Cadenet just a few days before Mother’s Day to talk about body image, motherhood and even sex. The usually private Keys opened up on an episode of the new Lifetime... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Halle Berry Wants President Obama To Stop Paparazzi On the School Pick-up Line

  Denene@MyBrownBaby

  16 May 2012 | 8:23 am

  Halle Berry is ticked that paparazzi got way too close to her and her daughter, Nahla, last week while she was picking her child up from school—so much so that she’s thinking about tapping into... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Maternity Leave Laws: The Best and Worst States For Working Moms

  Denene@MyBrownBaby

  16 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  So basically, it sucks to be a working mom in America. That’s according to a new report by The National Partnership for Women & Families, which handed out “F” grades to 18 states for failing to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• What’s In a Baby Name? For Some of Them, No Interview

  Denene@MyBrownBaby

  15 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  By NICK CHILES The Social Security Administration released the list of top baby names for 2011 and as I perused the list, I thought about the oft-repeated line among black parents when it comes to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Jada Pinkett-Smith Explains Willow Smith’s Independence, Quirkiness In Red Table Talk Series

  Denene@MyBrownBaby

  14 May 2012 | 9:17 am

  During my Mother’s Day yesterday, I was taking a much-needed book writing break and tooling around on the internet when I stumbled on Jada Pinkett-Smith’s new Red Table Talk project, a... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• 

  Room to Grow TV

• The Importance of Business Networking

  7 May 2012 | 8:40 pm

  One of the most important elements of a work from home business is networking. Because we do work from home we don’t have interaction that others do so it is crucial that we allow time to network and build relationships. We’ve all heard the saying “It’s not what you know it’s who you know” So today I’m going to be stepping into the networking arena &  joining me is Kellie Anderson, & Larna Pittiglio. We are going to discuss the importance of networking, the traditional methods & the new age networking opportunities. Then we will share some results we’ve…

• Just 5 Minutes

  30 Apr 2012 | 1:33 am

    Do you ever find yourself pulled in a hundred different directions at once, have no time to scratch yourself, let alone take some “time out” as the experts suggest? Ever find yourself screaming “Just five minutes!” Amanda Cox shows us just how you can realistically achieve that rejuvenating time out that all mums NEED!Download podcast here  http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-Just5Minutes416.mp4

• Regional Mums

  23 Apr 2012 | 1:27 am

  Hi! I’m Stefani and welcome to our ‘business mum’ segment. I’m here in the Yarra Valley, a gorgeous wine growing region about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Today, I’m meeting with two inspiring mums to talk about the special challenges they face as working parents in a regional area. Claire runs a thriving creative design business with her husband from their home. Nikki works part time as a heritage interiors consultant for a leading architectural firm in Melbourne. Each has two children at the local primary school. Both Nikki and Claire have worked hard to create successful…

• Toilet Training

  18 Apr 2012 | 3:43 am

  Hi I'm Karen and today we're talking toilet training!! I'm a firm believer that most of the "expert" parenting books on the market should be tossed out the window! Your instincts as a mum, and sharing stories with other mums, is a much better way to go to build your confidence. I've toilet trained both my kids ? thank goodness! ? so I wanted to get together with some other cool mums to swap stories for what we all found did and didn't work when it comes to toilet training.Download podcast here http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-ToiletTraining325.mp4

• Exercise during Pregnancey

  26 Mar 2012 | 4:54 am

  When you become pregnant, your body begins to change in order to accommodate the requirements of a growing baby. As an expectant mum, exercise may offer many physical and emotional benefits; but it's important to respect that your body has a few new limits. It's time to get a new roadmap! Hi, I'm Catherine, and here to navigate us through the new territory, is Snezana Pessin - (or 'Snez') - exercise coach, owner of Sentience Personal Training, and currently expecting, herself!Before starting ANY exercise program, ensure that you seek medical advice first. Discuss your plan with your health…

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  The Mother Huddle

• Colored Vinegar And Baking Soda Activity

  Destri

  16 May 2012 | 8:22 am

  What do you get when you mix food coloring, vinegar, and baking soda – then combine that with two bored kids.  An hour and a half to get something done, that’s what.  I am at a conference this week, and in the days leading up to leaving I knew I would need some “keep them busy” crafts for my kids.  So I jumped onto my Learning Fun pin board to find some fun activities.  I saw this idea and new we had to try it.  The kids loved it, and the total cost was $2 – that’s a win in my book!  Catch me after the jump for the details. Baking Soda And Colored…

• How To Cut A Watermelon

  Destri

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 am

  I love simple techniques that make my life easier, and when I saw how Maria cut her watermelon it was one of those “Oh sheesh, where have you been my whole life?” moments.   It’s the same way I cut my citrus fruit, but I had never thought to use it on a melons.  So much easier for making those pretty cubes that look great in summer salads.  Plus it makes it a cinch to get the seeds out. Catch me after the jump and I’ll show you how she does it and share a few great recipes for watermelon so you can put your new chopping skills to the test! How To Cut A Watermelon…

• School’s Out For Summer Care Packages

  Destri

  14 May 2012 | 12:36 pm

  When you’re a kid, nothing compares to that feeling of the last day of school, do you remember?  It’s like you have a lifetime of Summer before you with mornings of sleeping in, late nights playing, and days spent at the pool or beach.  I thought a Summer Care Package would be a fun way to help make sure kids make the most of it.  Kind of like a stocking is to Christmas, and a basket is to Easter – basically I love filling up anything with fun little things, so really this was right up my alley and a great excuse for a new tradition. You can make the gift for any age…

• Diy Tissue (Kleenex) Flowers

  Destri

  10 May 2012 | 5:26 pm

  I know what your thinking – just when you thought the internet had overdone the tissue paper flower…Destri has to throw in another one.  Would it help if I told you it had sentimental value?  How about keep your kids busy for hours?  Aw, now I have your attention.  You see, when I was little we spent hours making these tissue flowers.  I remember going through three boxes of Kleenex in one weekend at my Grandma’s house.  Just laying on the floor, making flower after flower.  I was fascinated with them! They have stayed in the back of my mind for something to show my…

• Strawberry, Kiwi & Lime Frozen Yogurt

  Suzanne

  9 May 2012 | 11:57 am

  Strawberries are in season and it’s time to get that ice-cream maker out again because I’ve got a great frozen yogurt recipe for you that is healthy and delicious. We love strawberries at our house so I’m constantly thinking of ways to use strawberries as we almost always have them in the refrigerator or freezer.  The idea for this yogurt came from the Food Network show “The Neely’s”.  I made my own strawberry yogurt but adding kiwi and lime gave it a pop of flavor and tang. The result is a light tasting fruity frozen yogurt that is perfect after a heavy meal. If you do decide…

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  Parenting On Track™

• Duct Tape Dragnet: Parenting Articles Worth Reading

  JenniferNault

  15 May 2012 | 10:46 am

  Kids and Money: Okay, I love, love, love this story. 14 Year old Girl, Saves Money and Buys a House. Anyone who knows me, knows that I believe in giving kids money as soon as they are old enough to keep it out of their mouths and that in doing so, we help this next generation of adults develop a healthier relationship with money. If you have any doubts as to the industrious nature of children or their ability to think ahead, to save, and to plan, enjoy this article and rethink your own beliefs around finances and your kids. And here is another, The Best Think I have Done for My Son, which…

• Dare, Dream, Do by Whitney Johnson

  JenniferNault

  15 May 2012 | 10:29 am

  As a woman who followed her dream nearly 25 years ago, I know first-hand that the experience can be both a terrifying and exhilarating process all at the same time. I call it living in the “This AND That” of life. I loved reading Whitney Johnson’s book Dare, Dream, Do, Remarkable Things Happen when You Dare to Dream, not only because it reminded me of my own journey, but is was also a wake-up call for me to continue dreaming. As a result, I took the first step and named a dream that has been percolating in my head for nearly a year now. I had forgotten the power of dreaming and daring…

• Is Discipline the new Punishment?

  JenniferNault

  11 May 2012 | 7:37 am

  Monday night I was on WCAX for a hot second talking about Discipline, what it is, what it isn’t, how to use it with kids and when it crosses over the line into punishment. And here is what I realized – there is a very simple way to check yourself and ascertain whether you are indeed teaching discipline or punishing for a mistake made. Here are my thoughts on the subject, just in case you suspect you just might be parenting in the realm of punishment. 1. Discipline is defined as systematic instruction given to train students in a craft or trade, or any other activity which they are…

• DUCT TAPE DRAGNET: A collection of good stuff

  JenniferNault

  9 May 2012 | 1:52 pm

  Here it is! We’ve compiled some articles that are interesting, opinion-based, science-backed or just plain insightful for your parenting journey. We’re stockpiling a list of good stuff to share, so if you find something, send it our way and maybe we can include it in our weekly roundup. In the event that you missed these articles, here is a sampling of what’s going around the web: (note, we’re going for quality here, so if we post an older article, it’s because we think the message is good. Also, we just like this stuff, we have no affiliations but we do hope to meet many of these…

• Five Most Essential Parenting Questions

  JenniferNault

  4 May 2012 | 11:45 am

  With the sea of information out there. I thought it would be helpful to narrow it down a bit and identify the top 5 questions parents can ask themselves. 1. Who am I doing this for? Believe it or not, when you train your brain to stop and ask “Who am I doing this for?” you can suddenly find yourself faced with a truth that will alter your course of action quickly and decisively. How many times have you made a parenting decision based on someone other than your child? Maybe you started nagging the kids because your spouse can’t stand a messy family room when she comes home from a late…

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  teach mama

• learning during read-alouds: critical thinking, new literacies

  amy

  14 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  I read an extremely interesting article this week that has really left me thinking about how I read with my children. It left me thinking about my expectations for what we discuss and for what my children are capable of gaining from texts. It left me thinking about how deeply we delve into the books we read and whether or not I am helping to prepare Maddy, Owen, and Cora for a ‘new’ literacy–a literacy ‘reconceptualized for the 21st century’. I am fairly confident that during many of our read-alouds, I do my best to sneak in some sort of comprehension strategy,…

• disney social media moms celebration: 5 life lessons learned

  amy

  11 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  I am over the moon to share all that I learned at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, but it just cannot be done in a single post. So today, I’m going big. I’m looking at the big picture, the umbrella ideas, the big take-aways. And it hasn’t been easy to narrow all that awesomeness into a few big ideas, but I’ve tried.  Because I know for me, simpler is better. And with a whole lot of Disney magic, a bit o’ pixie dust, and a spoonful of sugar, I’ve managed to squeeze five full days of Disney awesomeness and an incredible conference into 5 simple life…

• quick trick: how to teach kids to write number 5

  amy

  10 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  Many, many children I know have a difficult time writing number five. Actually many children I know have a difficult time writing many of the numbers because they don’t have many opportunities to write them like they do with letters.  But I think that especially when kiddos turn five–and when they’re ready to head to Kindergarten–it’s important that they know how to write ‘their’ number.  Five is a big year–at least it is in our house.  It means preschool is nearly over.  It means Kindergarten is around the corner.  Five just sounds bigger…

• how to make super-easy, beautiful flower pens

  amy

  8 May 2012 | 8:00 am

  It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, a time I really believe teachers should get a little love, a pat on the back for all of their hard work, effort, and energy. Though my kids’ school has a whole committee who plans a week of total awesomeness for our teachers, the second day of the week is usually reserved for a small note, treat, drawing, or handmade gift from the children.  In the past, Maddy, Owen, and Cora have made sweet fingerprint notecards or little storybooks for their teachers. And we even made some water bottles a little happier--and a whole lot prettier–when it was…

• how to develop language through play

  amy

  7 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  I’m excited to share a few posts I’ve written that focus on developing children’s language through play. Each short article offers parents two teeny little tips that they can easily implement–with just a little bit of focus and effort–to  help their children become more verbal and stronger speakers.  Both pieces were written on the Melissa & Doug blog–which is really a super spot packed with great ideas for learning and play from several strong and creative contributors. Feel free to comment, share, and offer your own ideas for helping develop…

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  A Mothers Ramblings

• The Birthday Boy - Wordless Wednesday

  16 May 2012 | 8:08 am

  Big Boy turned four yesterday This feed comes from A Mothers Ramblings You should follow Pippa on Twitter on her blog, or on her Facebook Page

• Making New Table Mats

  16 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  Big Boy received delivery of his latest Dora The Explorer Little Cooks Magazines this week and with it was a table mat which Big Boy decided to have with his lunch this Sunday. The only problem was he wanted everyone to have a new mat and so Daddy hit upon the idea of making our own table mats and then using my new Laminator to protect the mats against spills. Top Ender created a double sided mat based on hearts and Big Boy drew a boss man (that's what he loves to draw these days as he is convinced we can put them into a computer game) as he didn't want to be left out! Daddy…

• A Mario Birthday Party

  15 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  Or How Much BB loves Mario Party 9! For the last few weeks there has been a big Mario revival in our house, with our Sunday nights gaming mainly revolving around playing Super Mario Party 9. Daddy had brought the game for us a few days after it was first released as he knew that it was going to be a big hit, especially with Big Boy who has a huge obsession with all things Mario! When we were sent a copy of Mario Party 9 (along with lots of things to have a special Mario themed Party) we knew that we had to have a party and as a late Easter gift gave my Sister and her family our duplicate…

• Daddy Date Night Returns!

  14 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  When Top Ender was small, Daddy would take her swimming each week and leave me at home to do whatever I wanted. It was the original Daddy Daughter Date night and had four main benefits, Daddy and Tops got to spend time together, Daddy got a bit of exercise, I got to relax and Top Ender got confident being in the water. When our circumstances changed with Daddy working almost every waking hour, I took over the weekly swimming sessions before circumstances changed again and we found we had to stop. Even date nights have been on a temporary hiatus. Daddy and I were talking during the week and we…

• What We Are Eating This Week (12/05)

  12 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  I had a great meal plan this week with some meals linking in to some bits that Tops was taking part in at School. Then, as seems to always be the way, School had a change of plans (after being offered a great opportunity) and so I thought I would swap the plan around to make more sense to us as a family. Now the meal that we were all going to be looking forward to on Friday is Saturdays meal. We're having a little bit of a problem with BB at the moment as when we are eating our dinner he is not eating the meat, or the vegetables and just sticking with the potatoes or the rice. I'm trying to…

• 

  ginamcclain.com

• The Eric Trap – Book Review

  Gina

  25 Apr 2012 | 6:17 am

  This past week I’ve been reading The Eric Trap.  A kidmin fable written by a few of my favorite people in Children’s ministry. The book is fun, easy read that taps into some common pitfalls in kids ministry.  Here are a few quotes I enjoyed.. “We have a tendency to isolate ourselves in our own world and ministry, and we forget our place.  We’re oon a team.  We’re working together.  We are working for our senior pastor.” “Passion is a powerful force, one that we should ahve.  Without passion, we’re punching clocks until our ttime is up.

• Help or Hinder – Your Child, Their Faith

  Gina

  19 Apr 2012 | 8:13 am

  Our oldest son is in the 6th grade.  He’s close to exiting his pre-teen season and fully embrace the realm of teen-hood.  (This is a great opportunity for you to pray for me.) Over the past year he’s grown into a young man that loves his hair, girls and his own opinion.  In fact, he’s grown increasingly bold about sharing his opinion.  A once relatively passive young boy that rolled with the punches, today he’s more apt to let us know when he disagrees and why.  It’s a new world for us. The most important opinion he will exercise over the next few years is…

• Volunteers: Needed & Known

  Gina

  12 Apr 2012 | 11:23 am

  “We’re thinking of leaving the church,” says the mom on the other end of the phone. “Tell me why?” I reply. “Because we just haven’t been able to connect.  The church is so big.” I can’t argue with that point.  Churches can get big.  And I believe there truly are times when someone is called out to serve in a different capacity within the community.  I’m not one to suggest that there is one church that can meet the needs of an entire community.  In fact, I truly believe that it’s The Church (all church organizations…

• Archives: Volunteers – Are We Asking Too Much? (1 of 2)

  Gina

  28 Mar 2012 | 11:48 am

  I could write a book. But I won’t. If you’ve been in kids ministry for any amount of time, you’ve visited this topic. What level of commitment do we ask from a volunteer? How much is too much? Is a weekly commitment too much to ask? In kids ministry, I’ve swung both ways. once a month every other week whenever you can The manner in which we attempt to work around everyone’s schedule in order to make sure that their volunteer role is in no way a burden to them is comical. Borders on desperate. Don’t misunderstand. I have no issue with making sure that a…

• The Art of Discipline: Making It Helpful

  Gina

  27 Mar 2012 | 10:44 am

  Shepherding the hearts of our kids is one of those daily behaviors that does more to refine and challenge me than anything else in my life.  In my interactions with my kids, God reveals more to me about my own humanity than I care to know.  Particularly in disciplinary situations.   One thing I’ve learned about kids is that I cannot control their actions.  There are times when I try.  There are times I guide, nudge, remind, even harass… yet, in the end, they decide what action they will take.  Not me.   I don’t know about you, but that really gets under my skin.

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  MyGreatKid.com

• Autism Insurance Reform Comes To Michigan!

  Steve

  24 Apr 2012 | 4:00 pm

  Autism Insurance Reform Is Signed Into Law By Lt. Governor Brian Calley! When: April 18th, 2012 Where: The Governor’s Mansion – Lansing, Michigan F.A.Q. Regarding The New Laws The Three New Michigan Autism Insurance Reform Bills S.B. 981 S.B. 414 S.B. 415

• GREAT VIDEO! -The Power Of Facing Your Fear – 4th Grader Style

  Steve

  20 Mar 2012 | 12:42 pm

• All Three Autism Insurance Bills – 414, 415, 981 – Pass The Senate!!!!!

  Steve

  13 Mar 2012 | 12:38 pm

  MIRS BREAKING NEWS: Autism Insurance Reform Package Clears Senate — 1:15 p.m. The Senate today passed a three-bill package on autism insurance coverage championed by both Gov. Rick SNYDER and Senate Majority Leader Randy RICHARDVILLE (R-Monroe). crestor online flomax generic ritalin The bills are SB 0414, SB 0415 and SB 0981. SB 0414 passed 29-9, with all the no votes coming from Republicans. SB 0981 passed 28-10. Sen. John GLEASON (D-Flushing) lauded Lt. Gov. Brian CALLEY, whose daughter has autism, for taking the lead on the effort. “You have become the face of this issue . . .

• Autism Legislation – MI Senator John Gleason Has It Right!

  Steve

  8 Mar 2012 | 5:26 pm

  “We shouldn’t look at this as a mandate, but a moral public responsibility,” - Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing

• Who’s Opposing Autism Insurance Reform In MI?

  Steve

  8 Mar 2012 | 10:24 am

  This afternoon there will be a vote in the Senate Health Policy Committee on the Autism Insurance Reform legislation. Should it pass out of committee the hope is that it will be on the floor of the MI Senate within a week for a full Senate vote before heading over to the House, where the process will start over again. Supporters of the legislation are hopeful while opponents are doing everything they can deny, block or change and weaken the legislation. Which brings up the question I’ve gotten repeatedly the last couple of weeks  ….. “Who the heck wouldn’t want to see…

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  GalTime - Love, Parenting, Beauty, Entertainment, Health, Recipes, Careers

• The Secret Stress of Having a Child With ADHD

  Jennifer Powell-Lunder Psy. D.

  16 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  You remember back to the days when he was toddler. Friends and family laughed when you expressed worry. “He’s just an active boy,” they told you. Even your pediatrician seemed less than concerned. Call it mother’s intuition but somehow you knew he was somehow different. You were, however, forced to suffer in silence, perhaps even your spouse blew it off. When the school years began his constant activity and talking finally began to receive notice.   You realize his young kindergarten teacher meant well when she implied that some redirection and structure at…

• 4 Tips for Dealing with Your Ex and Social Media

  Blank

  16 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  By Allison Pescosolido MA and Andra Brosh PhD, founders of Divorce Detox With just the click of a button, we can "unfriend" people from Facebook, ejecting them from our daily lives without a second thought. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just “unfriend” your ex-husband or ex-boyfriend in real time.. the same way you can on Facebook? As appealing as deleting your ex from your life sounds, it’s often just not possible, especially if you share children together. However there are ways you can alter your “privacy settings” in your life to…

• How To Create A Navy Smoky Eye

  Kerri Winick

  16 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  Camilla Belle has the navy blues! If a black smoky eye is just too basic, but you’re not quite ready for a rainbow pop of color, why not go the sultry route with some navy blue? We’re totally starry-eyed for the look! Celebrity makeup artist Andrea Fairweather gives GalTime the step-by-step for creating a deep blue look that will dazzle. 1.) The best way to achieve a flawless smoky eye is to have the right tools. This mission calls for eyelid primer, a matte navy eyeshadow,  a natural looking, flesh-colored eyeshadow, a concealer brush, an eyeshadow brush, and a volume…

• 6 Tips for Networking Success

  Nellie Akalp

  16 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  Do you groan at the thought of an industry event? Hate all the small talk at cocktail parties? If so, you’re not alone. But whether you’re a business owner or just looking for new opportunities-- both networking and networking events are an indispensable part of the game. If you’re new to the networking scene, or even if you're a seasoned pro, here are six ways to make the most out of each networking opportunity: 6 Tips for Networking Success 1. Be on the lookout for opportunities, everywhere: Savvy entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for their next networking…

• 5 Not-So-Common Allergy Triggers

  Tara Weng

  15 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  As a life-long New Englander allergies have become a part of my life. Seasonally,I try to get by with over-the-counter remedies and avoidance of certain flora and fauna. Unfortunately, I've discovered that my usual trigger list and my home arsenal might just have to be expanded. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), seasonal allergies can also affect those without pollen sensitivities due to some unexpected summer staples. Among the usual culprits, the ACCAI has identified other triggers that allergy and asthma sufferers (and even…

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  Mommys Hangout- Atlanta Georgia Mommy Blogger (Jen Williams)

• Wordless Wednesday 5/16/2012

  admin

  16 May 2012 | 1:12 am

  Jada’s  1st grade award Day 2012~ Jada and her Teacher!

• Princess Jada Rocked First Grade!

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 9:00 pm

      I am so proud of my princess!  Today was our award day! we officially have only 2 more days till summer break!! She won the one and only 1st grade’s Young Georgia Authors Competition award at her school! The annual Young Georgia Authors (YGA) Writing Competition is a state-wide contest that inspires Georgia [...]

• Sweeping Saturday 5/12/2012

  Jen Williams

  11 May 2012 | 11:00 pm

  I Hope all you moms have a HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY!! Do you Have Giveaways? Please Share them here! Every Saturday there is new post with a Mr. Linky for you to list your giveaways. So Please Check weekly To Add yours!  

• Get the best look with the Easy Ponytail Styles

  GuestBlogger

  8 May 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Ponytails are usually simple and the most convenient hair styles for a simple and cute lady. Ponytails are highly versatile and it is the simplest way to achieve a neat, cute-looking hairstyle in a hurry! The best proof is exhibited by celebrities. It is so simple to master the tips and tricks on how to [...]

• Marley Loves the new Cesar Cookie Crunchies

  Jen Williams

  8 May 2012 | 7:37 pm

  If you read my blog you know that our 3 year old pom Marley is SPOILED!  I am sure you have read the many rants and raves over the years. When we first got Marley I admit there were MANY days I would ask “what did I get myself into”. Now I can honestly say [...]

• 

  2 and a half

• Grace rolls a 5-7-10 split

  John Duke

  14 May 2012 | 10:59 pm

  A split like this, also called a Sour Apple or Lily, is a rare occurence. In the world of the pros, it is considered nearly impossible to make a spare here, and the only way to have a chance at doing so is to use a relatively light ball of, say, 10 pounds. Fortunately Grace was using a 5 pound ball but, alas, did not make a spare. However, she managed two strikes during the round which is awesome for a 3-year old bowling her first round ever. (Okay, she had bumpers, but still.)

• Apparently my daughter is writing a book

  John Duke

  12 May 2012 | 6:00 am

  And, apparently she is prepared to fight any monster that comes her way (monsters beware). And, apparently she knows karate. Which is awesome. Chaper 1 is below and appears to be titled 'Tweke and the Monstr [sic]. And the story reads:  '1 [sic] day a monstr [sic] cam [sic] in and I had to croty [sic] chop him.' Audrey, our author, is actually quite a good speller but ostensibly she was either distracted or, more likely, adding a certain literary impact. (Hence the [sic] is not added because I'm being critical (far from it) but because that's how it was written.)…

• Understanding preschool art

  John Duke

  11 May 2012 | 11:00 am

  Grace's preschool held its spring art show last week. I have to say it was a heck of a lot better than many adult art shows I've been to, and not only the quality of the event, but also the quality of the work. Grace contributed a number of pieces to the exhibit, but my favorite was titled: "It bonk on the floor and stick. And it bonk." It's anyone's guess how this piece earned a moniker like that, but I think of all the trials and tribulations a preschooler may have undergone while trying to glue a bunch of unruly round pieces of balsa wood together. They…

• Working hard

  John Duke

  13 Apr 2012 | 2:09 pm

  Audrey visited me at work again, and rarely leaves without a very nice message on my whiteboard.

• Constellations

  John Duke

  13 Apr 2012 | 2:03 pm

  Audrey drew this on a napkin a few days ago. It's Orion. Sure, it doesn't look like the exact thing, but not bad considering it's FROM MEMORY. Clearly she was feeling the love for astronomy since you can make out a heart shape on the other side of the napkin along with "Love Audrey" at the bottom. Here's the real Orion, for those who want to critique. (She's 6.) She also drew the Big Dipper, for good measure. Maybe we have a budding astronomer on our hands.

• 

  FatherMag.com Home Page

• Eleanor Leacock: Deceptions of a Gender Equal Society

  16 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  Exposing the fraudulent claims in Eleanor Leacock's contribution to Becoming Visible, a textbook often used in Womens' History classes.

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  NYC Single Mom | Parenting Tales from NYC :The Good, The Bad and The Funny

• Celebrity Week – Wordless Wednesday LINKY

  NYCSingleMom

  15 May 2012 | 9:04 am

  This week, I had the pleasure of attending a Pampers (my favorite diaper choice when my daughter was a baby) event at Kidville.   Pampers   has partnered with two-time Olympic Games Gold Medalist and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Encouraging Your Child’s Passion

  NYCSingleMom

  15 May 2012 | 4:25 am

  Years ago, the late Steve Jobs gave a commencement speech “You Have to Find What You Love,” which without a doubt is one of the most inspirational speeches you will ever hear. I thought... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Squinkies Marvel Universe Giveaway

  NYCSingleMom

  14 May 2012 | 4:49 am

  Blip Squinkies Marvel Universe (Series 1) features 12  characters (including Thor, Captain America, and Ironman from the Avengers) from Marvel Universe. Squinkies are squishy, squashy 1″... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• The Lion King Diamond Edition Blu-Ray/DVD Giveaway

  NYCSingleMom

  11 May 2012 | 1:27 pm

  The Lion King Diamond Edition Blu-Ray/DVD – The Lion King is one of the most popular movies in the last twenty years and will continue to delight kids of all ages for many years to come.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Miami Inspired Spring Looks at Children’s Place

  NYCSingleMom

  11 May 2012 | 5:59 am

  On a recent visit to my local Children’s Place, viewing  the 2012 Spring Line for girl’s reminded me of a summer in Miami. Filled with  lots of pinks, ocean blue and  turquoise was... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• 

  Little Ones Education and Parenting Resource

• Huge Selection of Mother’s Day Gifts at Amazon.com

  littleones.com

  23 Apr 2012 | 7:49 pm

  Take advantage of Amazon’s superb selection of unique & affordable Mother’s Day gifts. Choose from sentimental Mother's Day jewelry, delicious gourmet gift baskets, relaxing spa gift baskets, beautiful flowers & plants, charming home gifts, bestsellers and more! Perfect for moms, grandmas, new mothers and all the special ladies in your life. These gifts are all available online and are ready for delivery when you are! Skip the trip to the crowded shopping mall by selecting from these quality products offered here at Amazon's competitive prices. As always, free…

• Toy Review: The LeapPad Explorer Learning Pad, the top pick for ages 4-8!

  littleones.com

  10 Mar 2012 | 7:00 pm

  LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Green) The LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet is our top educational toy pick for ages 4-8. This is one of the smartest purchases you'll make for your child since this amazing, interactive product gives pre-readers and early readers a head start on learning! The LeapPad Explorer is a  personalized learning tablet that has a library of 100+ educational games, apps, digital books, videos and flash cards. You can't beat this type of multi-sensory learning that reinforces skills and concepts in reading, math, science, geography, art, music, language…

• Valentine’s Day Gifts Delivered to Your Door- Check Out Amazon’s Valentine’s Store!

  littleones.com

  10 Feb 2012 | 9:32 am

  The Amazon.com Valentine's Day Store has everything you're looking for at prices and convenience you'll love. The Amazon.com Valentine's Day store is full of great suggestions from jewelry, fragrances, chocolates, flowers, apparel, kids gifts, home gifts, power tools, music, eBooks and more! Special promotions are going on now on select Valentine's Day gifts plus free shipping on purchases over $25. In a rush? Get it in 2 days with free shipping when you sign up for Amazon Prime. Visit the  Amazon.com Valentine's Day Store to find the perfect gift for your special…

• Easy Valentine’s Day Crafts & Activities for Kids

  littleones.com

  10 Feb 2012 | 8:55 am

  These simple, fun filled Valentine's activities and crafts come straight from the heart.  Let kids say "I Love You!" in an extra special way by using their creativity. Don't worry about shopping for craft materials since most of these ideas use basic household items.These kid-friendly Valentine's ideas help children express their feelings of love, and are guaranteed to warm hearts and bring a smile to your face. See Little Ones Valentine's Day Special Feature: 10 Creative Ways For Kids To Say "I Love You!"  Also see the Little Ones Valentine's…

• Kindle Fire for Kids: Our 2011 Hot Holiday Pick

  littleones.com

  24 Nov 2011 | 7:09 pm

  Of all the hot holiday picks this year, our #1 choice has to be the Kindle Fire. The Kindle is a very smart purchase for children because of its versatility. Not only is it a top notch color eReader for kids with over 1,000 children's bestselling titles available, it is also an awesome game and entertainment tablet. The beauty of the Kindle Fire is that It offers a variety of kid-friendly features and apps that span the ages from tots to teens, appealing to both boys and girls. The Kindle Fire is a sophisticated device that has the ability to grow with your child, making it a worthwhile…

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  Rage Against the Minivan

• my kids are going to change the world. with war and chicken nuggets.

  14 May 2012 | 6:28 am

  I mentioned last week that we’ve been reading questions from the Table Topics Family Cube each night at dinner. It’s provided us with some interesting perspective on our kids. Some of it is not so flattering. (Like, for example, when Jafta answered the question about whether or not he would go to school if he didn’t have to, and he replied that he would stay home and watch video games every day).  Tonight’s question brought us to a new low.  The question: If you could make one change in this world, what would it be? Perhaps I’ve watched a few too many Miss America…

• that’s what she said: mother’s day edition

  13 May 2012 | 7:26 pm

  Why I Hate Mother’s Day | Anne Lammott I hate the way the holiday makes all non-mothers, and the daughters of dead mothers, and the mothers of dead or severely damaged children, feel the deepest kind of grief and failure. The non-mothers must sit in their churches, temples, mosques, recovery rooms and pretend to feel good about the day while they are excluded from a holiday that benefits no one but Hallmark and See’s. There is no refuge — not at the horse races, movies, malls, museums. Even the turn-off-your-cellphone announcer is going to open by saying, “Happy Mother’s Day!” You…

• what I learned about motherhood by being an adoptive parent

  12 May 2012 | 11:13 pm

  I wrote a guest post for the Huffington Post this weekend.  They are doing a Mother’s Day series, and asked me to write about what I’ve learned by being an adoptive mom.  Here’s an excerpt: My family has been formed in many ways. My first child was adopted from the foster-care system as an infant. My second two children came the old-fashioned way. My last child was adopted at nearly 4 years old from an orphanage in Haiti.  I've been blessed to experience the beauty of childbirth, as well as the joy of meeting an adopted child for the first time.  Each experience was…

• where is the mommy-war for the motherless child?

  11 May 2012 | 12:57 am

  If you watch the trends of media, whether it be print, internet, or tv, you’ve probably noticed that every couple of months there is a new version of the “mommy war” being played out.  Last month’s battle du jour was surrounding moms who work vs. moms who stay at home. Today, a firestorm has ignited over a provocative photo and article in Time magazine about extended breastfeeding and attachment parenting.  These manufactured mommy wars are predictable because they tend to provoke strong reactions from mothers who feel judged, as well as mothers who want to feel superior for…

• what I want you to know: coping with miscarriage

  9 May 2012 | 10:49 pm

  What I Want You to Know is a series of reader submissions. It is an attempt to allow people to tell their personal stories, in the hopes of bringing greater compassion to the unique issues each of us face. If you would like to submit a story to this series, click here. Today’s post is by Melody. For nine short weeks, a tiny thread drew my focus into the future. A tiny life connected the thread to me and extended it beyond my view, beyond my lifetime. From the moment I became aware, every future day changed in my eyes because each of those days now contained another life; a little girl, I…

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  Razing Mayhem

• Marriage Goggles

  Monique

  14 May 2012 | 10:31 am

  There are some mornings where my husband is all like *le rowr* over me, and when I finally look in the mirror I literally ask him if he's drunk, or on drugs, or just a little extra wonky in the head. Has he not seen how my extra curly bangs have built a pyramid in the middle of my head? Did he miss the dry, crusty drool on the side of my face? How did he not notice the completely mismatched socks and backwards shirt? Or the flecks of brightly colored nail polish around my mouth from chomping at my cuticles in my sleep? I should be thrilled that my husband views me as a goddess in any…

• On Mother's Day

  Monique

  13 May 2012 | 12:58 pm

  I was going to turn to my blog for my typical "You unappreciative bastards!!!" holiday rant session, until I found an old picture of my mother and I, and I started crying like a stupid baby. Over the years I have documented the ups and downs in the relationship I have with my mother, and not too long ago I was adamant about not giving her another second of my time. Now, the only thing that separates us is a small dirt road.  Her love, encouragement, and all she has provided me with have gone mostly unnoticed throughout my 28 years of life and now I realize that I am the…

• Making Together Better With The C Squad

  Monique

  9 May 2012 | 9:34 am

  FULL DISCLOSURE!!! I am writing this entry in hopes of winning a sponsorship from Brica to Type A Conference in June. As always, I appreciate your support and think you all rock my knee high socks. Which by the way, are neon and polka dotted today. You should see them, they are pretty incredible. Catch Brica on Facebook and on Twitter, too! I am the proud matriarch of a blended family of six! Together, my husband {Christian} and I have four children; Samara is 8, Caesar is 5, Mercutio is newly 4 and Severus is 1. “Blended” is not a word I use too often to describe us, because we…

• Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge: Green/Grass

  Monique

  7 May 2012 | 8:41 am

  {This is my first time participating!} I have a thing for dandelions. They are so whispically {it's a word} whimsical, so light and fund to photograph. But. I'm not alone in my adoration. Mercutio spent an hour scouring our yard for dandelions on his birthday. He'd pluck them and squeeze his eyes tight, then blow the seeds into the wind, or flick them with his little finger and giggle. I hesitate to mention the cacophony of maniacal screeching he elicited whenever he found an overgrown patch that he could stomp on - but there was some of that too. {There's grass back there, promise.}…

• Four

  Monique

  4 May 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Mercutio, Today you are four years old. Three was tough.  I didn't think we'd make it through with our sanity intact, but we have. I guess we're either stronger than we realize, or we're already too insane to be damaged by a little defiance. Either way, I am looking forward to the changes four will bring, and hope that maybe there's a little more peace, and less crotchety 80 year old involved.  You turned three soon after we pulled into the driveway of our new home in North Carolina. We were exhausted from 6 days of car, music, hotel, road food and hit by an immediate sense of…

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  Creative Mamma

• Free Printable: Mother’s Day Card

  Joy

  4 May 2012 | 11:36 am

      What a wonderful time of the year!  Moms, you know how awesome you are… I hope your day is filled with cupcakes and ice cream. Happy Mother’s Day to you! Special note: To my super awesome, Mom – thank you for everything!  You rock! PS. I can’t believe how fast time is flying!  My [...]

• Surtex is almost here!

  Joy

  1 May 2012 | 9:28 am

    I am so excited about showing my work at Surtex this year!  The picture above is the flyer that I created for my awesome agent Mary Beth of Pink Light Design.  If you will also be at Surtex, come by and say hello… I’ll be around on Monday the 21st.   Ok, just in [...]

• Kokeshi 7 and 8

  Joy

  24 Apr 2012 | 12:07 pm

  Here they are… Kokeshi dolls 7 and 8 Things have been crazy around here! Right now, I’m working on a huge design project and trying to get ready for Surtex at the same time!  So thanks so much for your patience as I try to find my way around the family, job and my new [...]

• What I’m Reading Right Now…

  Joy

  9 Apr 2012 | 7:00 pm

  Books, books and more books – I can’t seem to get enough! I wanted to share with you some of my recent and current reads/listens: Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky (audiobook):  Such a great book and it’s one that I have to listen to again, because it’s that good. On Writing by Stephen King [...]

• Free Printable: Kawaii Easter Card and Egg Holders

  Joy

  1 Apr 2012 | 10:19 pm

  Where did March go?  I can’t believe that it’s April already and Easter is just around the corner!  April is going to be a super busy month in our home since we are in the midst of potty training and my Surtex preparation – lots of long nights and super early mornings! Last year, I [...]

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  Bur Bur & Friends Blog

• Bur Bur Makes New Friends @ Minneapolis Elementary School!

  admin

  23 Apr 2012 | 2:14 pm

    Bur Bur visited children and teachers at the Richard R. Green Central Park Elementary School this past month, making many new friends!  He brought with author JoAnne Pastel, and his buddy William—the “real” Bur Bur!  The children were so excited to meet all of them, and to learn more about writing stories.  They learned [...]

• Jimmy Fallon + Michelle Obama = Laughter for an Important Cause

  Kakie

  8 Feb 2012 | 10:42 pm

  Last night Jimmy Fallon showed this video of his visit to the White House to help Michelle Obama promote her new health initiative to get kids and families active. The program is called; "Let's Move" and is serious business. Since Bur Bur and Friends educates kids about friendship, diversity, sports and active living, it should be no surprise [...]

• Having a Great Marriage – and a Special Needs Child

  admin

  26 Jan 2012 | 5:22 pm

  Just when your world shifts with a life-changing diagnosis for your child, you may also be told to get support as a couple – because according to some stats, the divorce rate for couples with special needs kids hovers around 80 percent.   Okay … so along with significant stress, more monthly appointments than many [...]

• How to Support the Siblings of a Special Needs Child

  admin

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:34 pm

  Just when your world shifts with a life-changing diagnosis for your child, you may also be told to get support as a couple – because according to some stats, the divorce rate for couples with special needs kids hovers around 80 percent.   The makers of Bur Bur and Friends multicultural education materials not only [...]

• Letter Writing Tips When Advocating For Your Special Needs Child

  admin

  12 Jan 2012 | 5:32 pm

  In last week’s blog post, your friends at Bur Bur and Friends multicultural children books pointed out why letter writing is a good way to advocate for your child with special needs within the school environment. (By the way, Bur Bur has been going to school as well – our multicultural education materials are being [...]

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  Lifestyle Design for the Modern Child | Social Skills and Self Confidence Building Tips for Children, Teens, and Parents in New York City -- CharismaticKid

• How to Act Around a Bully = Extreme Friendliness + Dominance

  Anthony

  22 Apr 2012 | 11:56 am

  Anthony Recenello demonstrates how to act around a bully before he begins to harass you.

• How Can Parents Help the Bullying Problem?

  Anthony

  22 Apr 2012 | 11:43 am

  After the episode, Anthony Recenello tells you to ask your bullying questions, and he will answer them all in the next episode.

• The Power of Attention: Killing a Bully’s Power

  Anthony

  27 Mar 2012 | 11:09 am

  Anthony Recenello shows us how the power of attention is a charismatic kid’s greatest asset when leading a group.

• Putting a Bullying into a Straight-Jacket… of Being Nice

  Anthony

  27 Mar 2012 | 11:05 am

  Anthony Recenello shows you a seemingly scary yet simple and effective technique at ending a bully’s wrath.

• Let’s Let Kids Do Something Big… To Stop Bullying

  Anthony

  27 Mar 2012 | 11:00 am

  Anthony shows you how the book Let’s Let Kids Do Something Big can help your child with bullying in a way you wouldn’t expect.

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  4tunate

• Square Foot Gardening: Keeping It Growing

  QuatroMama

  16 May 2012 | 8:59 am

  We’ve commenced our 3rd year in backyard square foot gardening! We still don’t entirely know what we’re doing, but it’s a fun experiment each year.  And while it’s a little work to keep it going, the benefits are well worth the family effort! Fresh organic produce Backyard convenience Learning about plant growth from seed to harvest The accomplishment of growing your own food Family involvement/excitement   So far our peas are looking great and we’ve also added lettuce starters.  Since this picture the green beans are popping up nicely, along with sunflowers, and…

• Rookie Runners

  QuatroMama

  14 May 2012 | 10:01 am

  We have four more runners in our house.  After and during Brad’s mini-marathon training, they’ve been running their hearts out: 3 runs around the block on Sunday, laps around the outside of the house, sprints from one end of the house to another.  {If you can’t tell, they look up to their daddy intensely!} We discovered that part of the 500 Festival in Indianapolis during the month of May includes a non-competitive Rookie Run for kids ages 3-12. It took no convincing to sign these band of brothers up for their first race! Of course, their superhero capes gave them an unfair…

• Motherhood Wanderings…

  QuatroMama

  11 May 2012 | 10:13 am

  The approaching Mother’s Day holiday leaves me not only emotional about the awesome privilege of becoming a mother to these four boys, but an overwhelming gratitude for my own mother’s love. Source: notonthehighstreet.com via Anna Cristina on Pinterest     Our journey to motherhood was a bumpy one, and my heart aches for those who would rather hide under the covers than face another year without a baby to hold in your arms. Others of you are without your mother on this holiday, and I cannot imagine how hard that must be to muster your way through such grief.  Some of you…

• 65 Favorite Read-Aloud Books for Boys: Reader’s Choice

  QuatroMama

  10 May 2012 | 10:11 am

  I asked for you to share your favorite read aloud books for boys and you delivered!  Do you know how excited I am to dig into these pages with my four little dudes? I knew I asked the right source!  Thank you, Friends!  I decided to compile a list with all 65 of our favorites! 1. Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder 2. The Bears of Blue River by Charles Major 3. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary 4. Encyclopedia Brown Series by Donald J. Sobol 5. Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens 6. Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series by James Preller 7. Hank the Cowdog by…

• I Would Run 13.1 Miles, And I Would Run 13.1 More

  QuatroMama

  9 May 2012 | 7:55 am

  Brad completed his 3rd mini marathon (13.1 miles) over the weekend and we were there to cheer him on the sidelines. It was such a sweet moment finding him among the thousands of runners and seeing the boys faces and his face light up.  It was a great emotional and mental encouragement to him at the 6 mile mark.   We’re so proud of you, Babes. Running for two hours is no small feat. This is only one of many things that you continue to push through and accomplish. We continue to root you on in all you do! LOVE Your Five Biggest Fans

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  Family Blog | Family Focus Blog

• Savvy Rest Organic Pillow Review and Giveaway

  Scarlet

  16 May 2012 | 10:25 am

  I was recently contacted by Savvy Rest and offered the opportunity to review one of the Savvy Rest organic pillows.  I naturally checked out the company and found that Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses and Pillows are made of natural Dunlop or Talalay latex rubber, with durable casings of certified organic wool and certified organic cotton.  I love natural mattresses both because they are super comfortable, (I had a latex mattress growing up) and because they are free of the chemicals found in some other mattresses. Savvy Rest Organic Soap Shape Pillow Review: Soap Shape Pillow:  Our lowest…

• NatureBox Healthy Snacks Giveaway

  Scarlet

  15 May 2012 | 10:05 am

  I love to keep healthy snacks around for my kids because they are always hungry between meals.  When I heard about NatureBox, I was excited to give them a try because they source and deliver wholesome alternatives to today’s junk food.  NatureBox products include whole grain granolas, dried fruits, trail mixes, and raw fruit and nut bars, to name a few.  NatureBox offers healthy snacks on a monthly subscription basis.    In other words, you get healthy, yummy snacks in your mailbox each month and they are always different so you can enjoy the variety without the fuss of reading…

• Spring and Summer Shoe Style Tips and Trends

  Scarlet

  15 May 2012 | 6:22 am

  Summer “Go To” Shoe: Think espadrilles. They are the Summer “go to” shoe. They are easy to throw on and run out the door. And…they almost always come in cute colors. Their wedge heel make them stylish but still comfortable. Bright Shoes and Bags are In Fashion For Summer Don’t be afraid of bright colored shoes and bags. They are everywhere this season! A red or yellow pair of flats or handbag are much more versatile than you give them credit for. They will perk up an outfit and add a wow.  Camel Colored Shoes Go With Everything You NEED a pair of camel colored shoes.

• Mom E Mineral Natural Health Products $75 Gift Card Giveaway

  Scarlet

  14 May 2012 | 10:23 am

  I love natural health products!  Mom E Mineral is a great source for natural health products from herbs to skin care!  You can find everything from Woman’s Multivitamins to traditional Chinese formulas to Natural Cosmetics. “Our goal is to empower families and individuals of all ages to educate themselves and to become aware of other healthy alternatives in addition to mainstream medicine.” Mom*E*Mineral is a woman owned company that offers over 10,000 natural health products by 300 Name Brands you Trust!  Mom E Mineral makes shopping easy by breaking their natural health…

• Summer Style Tips For Moms

  Scarlet

  13 May 2012 | 10:19 am

  It’s getting hot out there and it is time to pull out the summer wardrobe. It is always fun to freshen up your wardrobe and check out the hot new summer trends. As moms, it is still fun to be stylish and look great but it is also nice to have age appropriate options. I asked several fashion experts to share some tips with us.  If you didn’t get what you wanted for mother’s day, here is some inspiration for your next shopping trip! Summer Style Tips and Trends for Moms: Summer Style Trends by Sam Russell, TV Wardrobe and Editorial Stylist, The Wardrobe Dept. Vibrant,…

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  Geisha School Dropout

• Working Mom Saves "Toy Story 2" From Extinction

  Julie Kang

  15 May 2012 | 12:32 pm

  Every programmer has a story about how someone on their team (it's never them, of course) typed in "rm *" and deleted the entire code base.  Usually, you strap that person to a post, and everyone takes terms kicking that person in the balls while IT restores the system with back-ups.  You might lose the day's work, but you still can recover fairly quickly. But what if the back-ups were corrupted?  Then you have a fucking situation. "Toy Story 2" almost disappeared from existence due to this worst-case scenario.  Check out this story and french-kiss the next work-from-home mom you meet…

• Mother's Day

  Julie Kang

  14 May 2012 | 7:30 pm

  I don't say it enough, but I really do love hanging out with my kids.  They make me laugh, and their personalities are so vibrant, I can't help but admire them.  But it is getting to be increasingly more difficult to just unplug from all the other responsibilities I have and just enjoy them, undistracted.  On Sunday, I made a conscious effort to "be here now," and hopefully I did right by them.  You never know with kids; their hearts are so big, you can act like any old asshole and they'll love you and make handprint crafts for you anyway. We had Mother's Day brunch at an…

• GIVEAWAY SUNDAY: I Wanna Do Bad Things With You

  Julie Kang

  13 May 2012 | 11:39 am

  Okay, Glamazons!  Today's giveaway is a Tarte for True Blood eye makeup palette: Image from A Brilliant Brunette I bought this a few months ago and although I've opened the box and looked upon it lovingly many times, I actually haven't used it.  So I am giving it away, hopefully to someone who can do it more justice than creepy staring. The palette contains 17 full-size eyeshadows, ranging from everyday natural to glittery fabulous, primer, aqua gel eyeliner, and mascara. Because it was limited edition, it is no longer for sale in retail stores, but right now it's going for about $80 on…

• Sounds of Saturday

  Julie Kang

  12 May 2012 | 8:11 pm

  Tim sent me the "Bad Lip Reading" version of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know": I might even like it better than the original! And bonus sexy presidential stream-of-consciousness beat poetry:

• My Week in Review and GIVEAWAY WINNER

  Julie Kang

  11 May 2012 | 9:12 am

  Congratulations to commenter #4, Dan, who won the polka dot knife set!  His guess was:  You the camel Tim the penguinIsaac the snakeEmma the mouse I actually know Dan "in meatspace" (actually, I knew the large majority of entrants, which made me very happy), so I feel no qualms with ribbing him for getting Emi's name wrong (thanks, Uncle Dan!).  But otherwise, he nailed it, like most of you did. The story behind the animals was: Emi and her bossy nature.  She commissioned, rather demanded, that her daddy draw us this way one day at a Chinese restaurant.  Her inner world is interesting,…

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  Strollerderby

• What Will They Think of Next? There Exists a Tape that Cures the Ails of Quirky Clothes-Wearers

  Meredith Carroll

  16 May 2012 | 1:37 pm

  My older daughter Petunia, 3, is nothing short of glorious. Really. She is quirky and hilarious and picky and whiny and evil and cuddly and I adore her endlessly for all of it, inside and out. She eats, like, three things — total. She belts out the same tunes ad nauseum. She insists my husband [...]

• This 5-Year-Old Girl Can Pick a Lock in Less Than a Minute! (Video)

  SunnyChanel

  16 May 2012 | 1:16 pm

  Our children show different sorts of talents at an early age. Some will be good at art, others will have a talent for a musical instrument like the piano or the violin,  and a few will have a gift for a sport like soccer or T-ball. But this little five-year-old girl? She has a very [...]

• Would You Attend a “50 Shades” Workshop?

  mommyfriend

  16 May 2012 | 11:17 am

  I did it. I devoured the 50 Shades trilogy in record time. I did because all the cool kids were doing it and even though I hated the writing, it wasn’t enough to stop me. I read it for the sex. The naughty, naughty sex between one Anastasia Steele and Mr. Christian Grey. And I’m [...]

• Can and Should Callous, Unemotional Children Be Treated as Psychopaths?

  carolyncastiglia

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  The New York Times magazine published a lengthy feature this weekend on whether or not children who exhibit callous, unemotional behavior should be identified as pre-psychopaths and treated. I don’t mean treated as such (though many in the psychological community fear that once a child is branded a psychopath they will be treated like a [...]

• When a Child with Cancer Decides He’s Ready to Die

  carolyncastiglia

  15 May 2012 | 11:42 pm

  I’ve got several friends who have lost loved ones to cancer, and I’ve heard stories of the patient deciding that after so many treatments they just wouldn’t undergo one more, leaving them resigned to the fate of their illness. I lost my dad to cancer, and one of the reasons I think he died so [...]

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  LACityMom

• Family Getaway – Four Seasons Westlake Village

  leeroseemery

  16 May 2012 | 10:50 am

  One of my favorite things to do with the family is an overnight at hotel.  Even just twenty-four hours a way can feel like a mini-vacation.  It’s hard sometimes to pull off the whole weekend, especially now that my kids are getting into athletics, but if you can do the whole weekend that’s even better.  The key is to choose someplace fabulous and someplace that is nearby. Also if you don’t need to drive very far or fly, you can justify fancier digs. Recently we had a chance to stay at The Four Seasons Westlake Village. First of all you can never go wrong with a Four Seasons as their…

• Tech support for installing husbands

  leeroseemery

  14 May 2012 | 6:10 pm

  This was sent to me by a friend in my e-mail in-box, and if you maybe had a less than stellar Mother’s Day, you might find it amusing. The author is unknown. Wish it had been me. Dear Tech Support, Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as NBA 5.0, NFL…

• Macy’s workout clothing – on the go fashion for Moms

  leeroseemery

  9 May 2012 | 2:42 pm

  I partnered with Gigasavvy recently and had a chance to try some of Macy’s activewear for women. As a busy Mom finding time to work out is never easy, but it is such an  important part of taking care of ourselves. I tend to do yoga or go to the gym in the morning, and on days when I don’t have meetings, have been known to wind up in my workout clothes all day. This usually means an old t-shirt and some ratty yoga pants. But after wearing this cute ensemble of nike workout clothes to yoga and then about town, I felt so much better about myself. I felt put together, and even rather…

• 5 Great songs for a family road trip

  leeroseemery

  2 May 2012 | 4:01 pm

  KCRW radio is one of the best things about living in LA. If you don’t listen to KCRW you really should tune in to the most interesting, informative, and cool programing that you will find on the air waves. My pals over there asked me if I would tell them what our family likes to listen to on road trips: Here’s a section and link to my article there. In LA, of course, we drive all the time, especially if you are a mom with kids to shuttle around. But a drive that has an altogether different vibe is the family road trip. We cover a lot of ground as a family in our car up and down…

• SPARK off ROSE evening of storytelling: SCARS Monday May 7th

  leeroseemery

  27 Apr 2012 | 8:56 pm

  Shameless self promotion here, but I am performing, or really reading a piece I wrote about my daughter as part of the SPARK off ROSE’S monthly storytelling series. These events have a great turn out and make a wonderful date night. I hope my LACityMom readers can attend. The theme of the evening is SCARS. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. This is a PG 13 event in my humble opinion. WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 7th, 7:30 at the Theatre Palisades. with : Teri Bernstein, Lee Rose Emery, Annie Fitzgerald, Anita Holsapple, Michael Leahy, Lyena Strelkoff, Johnny Walker LOCATION &…

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  Lifestyle Design for the Modern Child | Social Skills and Self Confidence Building Tips for Children, Teens, and Parents in New York City -- CharismaticKid

• How to Act Around a Bully = Extreme Friendliness + Dominance

  Anthony

  22 Apr 2012 | 11:56 am

  Anthony Recenello demonstrates how to act around a bully before he begins to harass you.

• How Can Parents Help the Bullying Problem?

  Anthony

  22 Apr 2012 | 11:43 am

  After the episode, Anthony Recenello tells you to ask your bullying questions, and he will answer them all in the next episode.

• The Power of Attention: Killing a Bully’s Power

  Anthony

  27 Mar 2012 | 11:09 am

  Anthony Recenello shows us how the power of attention is a charismatic kid’s greatest asset when leading a group.

• Putting a Bullying into a Straight-Jacket… of Being Nice

  Anthony

  27 Mar 2012 | 11:05 am

  Anthony Recenello shows you a seemingly scary yet simple and effective technique at ending a bully’s wrath.

• Let’s Let Kids Do Something Big… To Stop Bullying

  Anthony

  27 Mar 2012 | 11:00 am

  Anthony shows you how the book Let’s Let Kids Do Something Big can help your child with bullying in a way you wouldn’t expect.

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  theAsianparent.com

• Making time for your family

  Emilie Baldestamon

  10 May 2012 | 3:00 am

  I wake up at 4 am to cook meals for my family and prepare for work. I spend at least 9 hours at work and then go back home to take care of my kids. There were times when I thought of quitting my job in order to stay at home and take care of my children. But when I think of the rising cost of living based on Mercer’s Survey (2008), I cannot afford to be without some source of income. Based on this survey, Singapore is already ranked 5th in the Top 5 cost of living ranking cities by region. The prices of basic commodities are increasing. The rent and the daily transportation expenses also…

• Kids Keep Couples Together

  Mima

  10 May 2012 | 3:00 am

  A research conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed some interesting findings about marriage and having kids. According to the study, married couples last longer than those who just co-habit. But if they want their marriage to last really long, then they should have kids. The study conducted by CDC involved 12, 571 men and women who were in relationships, either married or just co-habiting. They were between 14 and 44 years old. Statistics showed that 78 percent of the married respondents stayed together for longer than five years but only 30 percent of those who were…

• Stop the kids from swearing!

  Seri R.S

  10 May 2012 | 2:45 am

  A recent survey commissioned by Care.com found that 86% of parents agree that children ages two to 12 are cursing more today than when they themselves were children.  Nearly 54% of parents say that their child has cursed in front of them though 20% don’t think the child understood the meaning of the word. Swearing is best known as a way for people (yes, even kids who have learnt it!) to express strong emotions.  While it is often used when angry or frustrated, there are also a variety of other reasons why we swear.  Researchers believe that it helps to relieve stress and is a form of…

• Kids kept in dog cages and fed dog food

  Felicia Chin

  10 May 2012 | 2:30 am

  Your kids are your darling pets, the apple of your eye and you’d do everything in your power to love and protect them. Some parents, also treat their kids like pets, but they cage them up and even feed them dog food. This is a whole new world of parenting. Come on, some of us think that even keeping dogs caged for too long is a sign of cruelty—much less a human child. What’s wrong with these people? Below are three cases of parenting gone atrociously wrong… Caged up in squalor In Nebraska, four suspects were accused of caging their children up in a filthy trailer home. Officials said,…

• 5 ways to turn your man on

  Jaclyn Guna

  9 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Compliment him From his new haircut to his signature bedroom move, compliment your man! If you like what he’s doing and want him to keep going, tell him exactly how he’s making you feel and how excited you are. This is a great psychological ploy to get him to keep doing things you like, without directly asking him to, which works great for men who prefer to be in control. Get in the shower with him Taking a shower together can be a great way to bond and relax after a long day. If you’re feeling particularly cheeky, wait till he’s been in the shower for a few minutes, before dropping…

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  Child Behavior Help

• Anxious Parenting: Do You Worry about Your Child's Behavior?

  4 May 2012 | 10:33 am

  Does your child"s behavior, the choices he makes and fears about how he will turn out weigh you down, making you feel like it"s all somehow a reflection on you? When our kids don"t act in ways we think they should, it"s natural to feel anxious and responsible: we"re only human. But when we do this, we stop seeing the boundary between where we end and where our child begins we become "fused" with them. The danger here is that the more we feel responsible for the choices they make, the more we parent them out of anxiety, which leads to that panicked "out of control" feeling and knee-jerk…

• Scared of Your Defiant Child? Learn How to Get Back Your Parental Control

  30 Apr 2012 | 8:38 am

  Kasey* was a fifteen-year-old girl who arrived at my adolescent treatment center with a rap sheet and an attitude. She was beautiful, she came from a very wealthy family and she was way out of control. When we met, I began to lay down the usual ground rules. Kasey, who towered over me, screamed, "F--- you, you f------- b-----!" and threw every foul word at me she could think of. I knew she was capable of knocking me on my butt. I won"t lie my knees were shaking a little, but I didn"t let her see how scared I was. Instead I said, in as calm of a voice as I could muster, "Great, but you still…

• Defiant Child Behavior: Is Your Child's Bad Behavior Escalating?

  23 Apr 2012 | 10:03 am

  Before you had kids, you probably expected your child to misbehave at times. Children test limits and parents respond with consequences. It comes with the territory of having kids. What you probably didn't expect was that someday despite your best parenting efforts your child would not only refuse to respond to your discipline, but the behavior would actually worsen over time.

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  DScottAngle.com

• In-Flight Mobile Data Soon to be Available on Virgin Airlines [video]

  D. Scott Angle

  16 May 2012 | 8:24 am

  As part of a $106 million upgrade, Richard Branson’s Virgin Airlines will offer in-flight mobile data access on its new Airbus A330. The first flight to receive the service will travel between London and New York.Virgin Airlines to Offer In-Flight Mobile Data on UK Flights

• 3 Steps to Increase Your Business – by Increasing Word-of-Mouth

  D. Scott Angle

  15 May 2012 | 8:34 am

  In the days before social media and the Internet, it wasn’t as easy to listen in on your customers’ conversations about your company. Nor could you easily encourage people to spread the good word about your business through word-of-mouth.When you connect with your customers online, you stop speaking to them and start talking with them. And wonderful things begin to happen. Those golden word-of-mouth moments that happen naturally offline at parties or networking events suddenly begin happening online right in front of your eyes on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and review sites.On social…

• Menu Mondays: Baked Cod with Tomatoes & Home-made Chips

  D. Scott Angle

  14 May 2012 | 4:30 am

  The baked cod with tomatoes was a surprise winner last week. It’s quick to prepare, fairly simple and tasty. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong about the potato, cauliflower and chickpea korma. That was definitely not what we use to introduce curry to the kids. It was absolutely foul and we will never be having it again. In fact it has been stricken from the menu/recipe records, never to be seen again… Long live the cod! On to this week: The Nasi Goreng, Tuesday’s meal, is a long-time family favourite. It’s basically a rice dish, but with a lovely…

• Sometimes it’s better to ease into the weekend [video]

  D. Scott Angle

  11 May 2012 | 12:14 pm

  Be TouchedBe InspiredBe Confident, Optimistic, and love what you’ve gotBut most of all, have a great weekend!!!

• 5 Tactics for Tackling Nutrition Labels

  D. Scott Angle

  9 May 2012 | 10:16 am

  It’s estimated that around 60% of food shoppers now read the nutrition facts table on packaging. Unfortunately, they don’t make it very easy to use that information effectively. Here are five helpful tips to help you cut through the mumbo-jumbo and make the healthiest choices for you and your family.Pay attention to the SERVING SIZE:Most displayed nutrition information is based on the single serving size. Unfortunately, we quite often pick up something, considering it to be one portion, but the manufacturers have it labelled as two or three. Basically, check the serving size…

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  Parenthood in the 21st Century

• 5 Unconventional Films for Mother's Day

  11 May 2012 | 8:34 pm

  Last year I posted 10 Unconventional Films for Father's Day, so it's only fair I post some films for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the film loving mamas out there. 1. Psycho (1960) - Hitchcock The mutha of all horror films about mothers, sons and never taking a shower. 2. Mother (2009) - Bong Joon-ho Korean thriller about a mother whose special needs son is accused of murder. Star Kim Hye-ja gives an outstanding performance of a mother turned detective to clear her son's name. Tragedy ensues when a mother's love and maternal instinct take over. 3. Animal Kingdom (2010) - David…

• BBC Sherlock Season 2

  5 May 2012 | 9:58 pm

  The BBC series Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch premieres Sunday, May 6th on PBS Masterpiece. This BBC series with a modern day Sherlock Holmes solves crimes via text messages, search engines and observational deduction. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance evokes an aspie detective reminiscent of Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Dr. Watson, played by Martin Freeman (The Office, Love Actually, upcoming The Hobbit) is an Afghanistan war vet, Sherlock's sidekick and only friend. "Sherlock" has a dark comic tone similar to Showtime's Dexter minus the gore. I…

• Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Photo Challenge

  25 Apr 2012 | 6:30 pm

• Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Colour Lovers

  25 Apr 2012 | 3:45 pm

  Red is my favorite color but lately I'm feeling green and blue. These sock yarns were impulsive purchases I could not resist. Typically, I go through color phases where I fall in love with a specific color, wear the color, and then I'm done with it. As a native Californian, greens and blues remind me of the California coast and peacocks. Cascade Heritage Sock in Cerulean Knitter's Brewing Sockaholic in Grasshopper Green Handmaiden Casbah in Pansy

• Wordless Wednesday: Detail of 8th Grader's Mobile Bill

  18 Apr 2012 | 1:29 pm

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  I Thought I Knew Mama

• Wordless Wednesday: My 2nd Mother’s Day Weekend (LINKY)

  Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama

  16 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  We started celebrating Mother's Day weekend on Friday afternoon when Baby and I went out for a lunch date. After a fun morning doing art and playing outside at a spring event in our town, I spent time relaxing with my two favorite guys. This is what Baby made for me at the spring event. We went out for a fun dinner with friends at the local airfield cafe where the kids love watching planes on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, Dada and Baby gave me a beautiful homemade card and tomato, basil, and pepper plants. Then we went out for a delicious brunch in Boston at Max Brenner's - a…

• A Special Deal and Giveaway from Stonyfield Organic Yogurt & Tom’s of Maine in Celebration of National Strawberry Month {Ends 6/4}

  Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama

  12 May 2012 | 1:00 pm

  Did you know May is National Strawberry Month? 22 month old Baby and I are huge strawberry fans, so I’m happy to share this great deal and fun giveaway from two of my favorite brands: Stonyfield Organic and Tom’s of Maine. Baby and I strawberry picking last year Stonyfield’s YoKids Greek organic yogurt is teaming up with Tom’s of Maine on Strawberry flavored goodies! Starting May 21st, each tube of children’s toothpaste purchased on their site will come with an on-pack coupon for $1 off YoKids Greek organic yogurt! You can also save 20% on your entire order with…

• Caring for Your Toddler in the Last Weeks of Pregnancy: 7 Things That Work for Me

  Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama

  10 May 2012 | 10:19 am

  When you’re in the last weeks and days of pregnancy, it can be difficult to care for an active toddler. If you’re anything like me you feel big, slow, and tired – very tired – and that can be challenging when you want to make the most of your child’s last days with your undivided attention. Here are a few tactics that have worked for me and 22 month old Baby. I have not been at my best, but I don’t think Baby has been impacted by it, thankfully. The main idea is to make even the littlest parts of your day a special event. 1. Take any opportunity to rest.

• Wordless Wednesday: Kentucky Derby Baby (LINKY)

  Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama

  9 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  PHP Freelancer

• Wordless Wednesday: Family Love (LINKY)

  Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama

  2 May 2012 | 12:00 am

  PHP Freelancer

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  STL Family Life

• Free Your Mind: Mindful Eating Strategies

  Harriette Kraus

  20 Apr 2012 | 11:28 am

  My family and I are self-admitted foodies. While other families go on vacations and bring back glowing descriptions of paintings and churches, we can illustrate every luscious detail of the Paella in Barcelona, the Caprese salad in Florence, or even the amazing carrot cake in Chicago. While watching shows on the Food Network, we love hearing the descriptions of specific flavors and ingredient combinations in the foods they feature. Our restaurant experiences are not just about satisfying hunger, but enjoying the specific flavors in each bite. It might seem contrary that someone who teaches…

• Nourishing Those In Need

  praymond

  13 Apr 2012 | 12:12 pm

  St. Louis is a community known for giving of its time and money to inspire artists, stamp out fearful ailments, and give a helping hand to all segments of the region. “Charity starts at home,” as the saying goes, and St. Louis has built a home for those who know how to give. On April 15, 2012, during its annual “Ye Olde A Tasteful Affair” event, Food Outreach will celebrate and bring awareness to its cause of providing vital nutritional support to low income men, women, and children battling Cancer or HIV/AIDS in the greater St. Louis area. In this recovering economy, Food…

• Lessons Learned From a Mom’s Confession

  admin

  11 Apr 2012 | 1:59 pm

  By Lisa Bertrand I’ll just come right out and say it: I didn’t understand why so many parents spent their week nights and weekends shuttling kids to various sports. I often wondered why these tired-looking people chose to rush from one sporting event (after a day of working within or outside of the home) to the next when they could spend their time unwinding. I thought they were crazy and gluttons for punishment. But now I get it. My son started playing recreational league soccer when he was four years old. The commitment didn’t entail much–just one practice during the…

• Enjoy The Social Aspect of Working Out

  Harriette Kraus

  6 Apr 2012 | 11:54 am

  This morning as I was leaving the gym, a friend from one of my fitness classes said she’d love to get a group of us together over the summer to just talk and spend some time with one another. We see each other in class a few times a week, talk for a few minutes before and after, and we really like getting to know each other. We’re there to work out hard, but we find we enjoy it more when we encourage each other. Although most fitness advice centers on food and exercise, the hidden benefit that we rarely point out is the bond that is formed among those who make health and fitness a…

• Time out: Moms Need Them Too!

  admin

  26 Mar 2012 | 10:25 am

  By Lisa Bertrand Moms need “me time.” That’s no secret. But between kids, careers, romantic relationships, and household tasks, time becomes a precious commodity. But it’s not just that there’s no room left in the schedule. Often moms feel a sense of guilt when doing so, as if taking a step away from the myriad of demands means  putting their family’s needs second. If you’re one of the moms who fall into the latter category, I’m here to tell you to change that attitude. Because “me time” is good for moms. A new survey from Lincoln Financial entitled MOOD of America…

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  Life With Sharon | Texas Mom Blogger / Vlogger Lufkin, Houston, Texas

• Life List Update – I finally flew, Thanks Coca-Cola #cclp

  Sharon

  16 May 2012 | 6:57 am

  This morning I am sitting in the W Hotel in downtown Atlanta getting ready to attend Conversations with Coca-Cola. I am really excited about this conference and cannot wait to learn new things while here. And I thank Coca-Cola for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to attend. I think this is where I squeal, right? Well I did that after being invited but getting here was a whole new adventure for me because even though I am 32 years old, I had never flown anywhere before. EVER! And I had put flying on my life list because I want to travel and knew that someday I would. But I do have to…

• Système 41 Skin Care Test Drive Post 4 and final results

  Sharon

  15 May 2012 | 11:48 am

  This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Système 41 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. So for the last eight weeks I have been using the Système 41 skin care system and can honestly say that I really like it and the results that it has provided me. I love how it made my skin tone more even and even made my face very soft to the touch. It has also made me okay with having my photo taken without makeup on before I would not have even considered it. Some of my favorite things about Système 41 is that the face wash has an apple scent and that all of the other…

• Cruises from New York City

  Sharon

  14 May 2012 | 2:58 pm

  I know that when most of us think of New York City we think of all the different attractions like the landmarks, the museums, the places to eat and Central Park. There are just so may different things to do but I bet a lot of people didn’t know that cruises can be taken out of New York City. That gives families more options to do when they visit New York and even gives New Yorkers something to do that they may have not done before. And of course with cruises we can find New York cruise deals. I know that I would love to go on a cruise myself. And since summer is almost upon us I am…

• Check out Adpropo

  Sharon

  14 May 2012 | 12:29 pm

  Adpropo is a new social and entertainment site that allows consumers to have fun, receive value, and collaborate with brands, which is really cool because having fun while connecting with brands is a great way to spend time. Adpropo feature four key features to the site: PLAY: Live online Treasure Hunts for cash and prizes, games, contests and more. SHARE: Idea Labs encourage consumer interaction and collaboration with brands.  A Message Center allows consumers to sign up for the brands that matter to them and then receive info within a designated on-site Inbox.

• Saving with Coupon Codes

  Sharon

  14 May 2012 | 9:25 am

  I have probably said it a time or two. I love to save money when I shop online with coupon codes. So much so that I usually shop around for the best deal and try to find a code before I make a purchase. Especially if it is something expensive. And I do this because as a parent I want to save all the money that I can. I have college to pay for in the future, electronics to buy, and school clothes. And of course my children are boys and eat way more than I do at the ages of 9 and 10. I guess they are growing. And with all the growing and shopping that I have to do pretty soon my sons will need…

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  Confessions from Householdsix

• Armed Forces Day 2012

  Amanda

  16 May 2012 | 6:09 am

  May is Military Appreciation Month, and it wouldn’t be complete without Armed Forces Day. If you need something to do this weekend in Central PA, there is no lack of activities.   Army Heritage Days 2012 The Army Heritage and Education Center is hosting Army Heritage Days complete with live re-enactors, lectures, and presentations. We’ve gone in years past and it’s been a lot of fun for the whole family. The event runs 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday and is free and open to the public. Armed Forces Day - City Island 2011 Harrisburg City and Ft. Indiantown Gap will once…

• Getting Organized

  Amanda

  14 May 2012 | 6:13 am

  We have the space now, so I’m determined to get organized if it kills us. I thought trying to organize the smaller house was the way to go, but it was just too small. There wasn’t enough space to even try to get a handle on things. In the new house, there’s just no excuse. We have plenty of space and closet space. These are my projects so far: The laundry room as seen from the doorway. The entryway from the stairs. Porch seating area There’s more to come. I tackled the smallest spaces first and the spaces that could mostly be done either with things we already had, or…

• Come On In, The Hiding’s Fine

  Amanda

  11 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  I was thinking about what to post, when I realized, I’s Friday! It’s #SNRyanGosling day! Now that the major things have been taken care of, my days have been filled with the little stuff that crops up and is annoying – finish unpacking, figure out where that pesky address book went so I can mail out the “We Moved!” cards to friends and family, decorate, and still keep up on the every day stuff like cleaning, therapy, etc. Plus the boys added in a day of puke, which also resulted in a morning of phone calls to rearrange appointments for me. Fun times. Fun times.

• Sick Kids

  Amanda

  10 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  Why is it that when a child wakes at 4am puking, he’s fine by 8am. Of course by then, you must call schools and van drivers to let them know that he’s not fit for school consumption that day. Of course also by that point, he’s driving you nuts and you want nothing more than to send said child to school. Of course, when it’s both kids, and you consider maybe, just this once sending them because they seem fine, you know you’ll settle in for an afternoon nap on a raining day and both schools will call. You’ll need to go out in the rain, running to opposite…

• New Found Freedom

  Amanda

  7 May 2012 | 7:09 am

  After waiting almost three years, we are a two car household again. The doctor and therapy appointments just got to be too much for us to continue on with only one car. Behold the husband’s Sonic LTZ. It’s a good little car, and the gas mileage for the weekend we’ve had it has been fantastic, even in the city. We drove it down to commissioning Saturday morning, and with the turbo, I have no fear he can safely get up to speed to get onto Nascar 81 without the V6. The V6 is now all mine (insert evil laughter)! Of course that also means it will sit more. While the Altima gets…

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  Impress Your Kids

• The Story of The Story

  ohAmanda

  16 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  {Michael and me at the Fox Theatre!} A few weeks ago, I got a direct-message on Twitter from my friend, Michael from World Vision. He’s the guy that led us on our blogging trip to the Dominican Republic. He normally leads big-time artists on trips and he’s super well-connected in the Christian Music industry. So, when his direct-message asked if I wanted to go to the Dove Awards with him I was pumped! (OK, giddy might be a better word!) My best friend Staci and I have crashed the Dove Awards twice and we’ve always been Christian Music fans. So, Staci and I got dolled up,…

• Impress Your *SPONSORED* Kids

  ohAmanda

  10 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  *gulp* *blush* *shuffle feet* I’m feeling embarrassed. And ashamed. I say sponsoring a child has changed my life. I tell other people we pray for our sponsored kids regularly, look at their pictures daily and consider them to be family. But the last time I wrote them? Ugh. You don’t want to know. There is a blogging trip to Tanzania that ends today. I’ve been following the bloggers, their posts, tweets, instagrams and more this whole week. And it breaks me. Every time I read a blogging trip with Compassion or World Vision I am reminded anew of the huge role I have in these…

• Make Your Own Newspaper Planter {& some mini Vacation Pics}

  ohAmanda

  7 May 2012 | 1:26 pm

  This weekend my cousin graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. We decided to make a mini vacation out of it and stopped in Chattanooga to hit up Ruby Falls and Rock City. Have you been there? Well, let me put on my tour-guide-Barbie hat and lead you around… Rock City is a giant…I don’t know, rock park! You get to walk through a lush garden with mountains all around you. We went through Fat Man’s Squeeze, investigated tunnels… and cracks in the ground. We went to the top of Lover’s Leap, and even looked out to see 7 states at once! Ruby Falls is an…

• 

  sevenclowncircus.com

• Wordful Wednesday ~ More Riviera Maya

  Angie

  15 May 2012 | 9:00 pm

  Wordful Wednesday 411: Wordful Wednesday is like Wordless Wednesday, except WITH words.  It’s for those of us that just cannot be wordless, no matter how much we try.  Add my Wordful Wednesday badge to your post (right side bar under “WW”) if you really want to make me happy, and then add your post link to the linky below. Easy peasy. I know you all thought I was done talking about our vacation to Riviera Maya.  Um.  I’m not.  :) The Resort The resort we stayed at was nice.  They say it’s a 5 star resort.  I say it’s not.  We booked two rooms.  They were not…

• Claritin® #thedifferenceisclear

  Angie

  15 May 2012 | 2:02 am

  If you are a seasonal allergy sufferer {like me}, then you are going to LOVE the new video Claritin® released starring Brooke Burke-Charvet.  It’s an “over-the-top” look at two versions of one day, with one difference, kind of like these images. One is crisp and clear.  One, is….not.  Which is the difference that Brooke has in her day when she takes Claritin, compared to when she doesn’t.  One day is perfect {wink} and one is…not.  I have a feeling that it’ll resonant with those of us that have had a bad day due to allergies in a big way.

• Happy Mother’s Day 2012!

  Angie

  13 May 2012 | 9:50 am

  Happy Mother’s Day! Hope your day is extra special!

• Coffee Sugar Scrub Recipe {homemade gift idea}

  Angie

  9 May 2012 | 4:00 am

  Coffee sugar scrubs are easy to make, package adorably and are good for your skin!  Homemade scrubs are one of the best gifts ever!  They are my new latest craze and after the recent success of my Lemon Sugar Scrub for Mother’s Day gifts I decided that a Coffee Scrub for Teacher Appreciation was the perfect crafty gift. I found the recipe for this coffee scrub on A Cup of Mo.  The recipe was super simple.  I added nutmeg to my recipe, however.   I can’t stress enough how easy this recipe was to make.     Plus, the sugar scrubs can be used on the hands, feet and body.  I…

• Wordful Wednesday – Parenting By Dummies {guest post}

  Angie

  8 May 2012 | 9:00 pm

  Wordful Wednesday 411: Wordful Wednesday is like Wordless Wednesday, except WITH words.  It’s for those of us that just cannot be wordless, no matter how much we try.  Add my Wordful Wednesday badge to your post (right side bar under “WW”) if you really want to make me happy, and then add your post link to the linky below. Easy peasy. Todays a treat.  At least for me.  It’s a switcher-roo-kinda-day.  I’m at Amanda’s place guest posting, and as you can see, she’s here.  So, be sure to read her post here and then go visit me there.  I have a really good post…

• 

  Ingathered

• Watch: Hamas Minister Admits the REAL Roots of Palestinians

  Leah

  28 Apr 2012 | 1:51 pm

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• The Ethos of Childhood Trauma

  Leah

  22 Apr 2012 | 5:49 am

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• Key-shaped Shlissel Challah

  Leah

  20 Apr 2012 | 8:05 am

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• 4 Ideas to Simplify Next Year’s Passover NOW

  Leah

  16 Apr 2012 | 4:39 am

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• What’s the point of having kids?

  Leah

  8 Apr 2012 | 3:09 pm

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• 

  Our Empty Nest

• Are You in There?

  Nancy

  23 Apr 2012 | 5:22 pm

  We were at Brittany’s for a weekend at the end of March and then left a day later for a week in Mexico so we didn’t see her for Easter this year. This was a first so we tried to participate in each other’s holiday with pictures, lots of phone calls and emails.Brittany is on the social committee of her home owner’s association and told us she would be the Easter Bunny for the neighborhood egg hunt that Saturday. (She never could keep her mouth closed during moments of silence.) I called her after it was over and asked how it went.“The costume was too tall for me so I couldn’t see…

• All it takes is Cool Tools

  Nancy

  3 Mar 2012 | 12:27 pm

  I don’t know about you, but as much as I’ve said I want some people to change I’ve never expected them to.In all her years of growing up Brittany never expressed interest in cleaning, cooking, crafts or yardwork. I blamed it on myself: it was always just easier to clean a room then it was to tell her to do it, show her how, remind her and then check up on her. I could be done in less then half the time.So it WAS my fault. But I always secretly envied other families whose kids did chores. And I worried, because if I wasn’t going to teach her, who was?Apparently…Pinterest! For those…

• Grand Pups?

  Nancy

  2 Feb 2012 | 12:29 pm

  I’m “electronically babysitting” Brittany’s two dogs while she’s on a cruise this week. She has them in Doggie Daycare in Charleston, but sent me a link so I could watch a webcam in their outdoor play area. Kind of like my mom flying in to watch Brittany for us when John and I traveled. But more modern.It’s taking quite a bit of my time. I have the website minimized on my computer, but pull it up every so often to make sure they are ok. If I don’t see both dogs, I’ll watch until I do. Charlie, the Springer, is the smallest dog on the playground, which worries me. Many times…

• Reach Out and Touch

  Nancy

  18 Dec 2011 | 6:35 pm

  A lot of people are a little leery of Craigslist. Not Brittany. She’s not only found jobs through Craigslist, she’s bought and sold things and even found friends.Recently she called me and said she happened to see a posting from a 25 year old girl who had just moved to Charleston and was looking for friends. So Brittany emailed her, inviting she and her husband (and dog) over to a BBQ she was hosting that weekend.When I expressed a bit of concern about inviting someone from Craigslist, Brittany said, “I looked her up on Facebook first. She looked nice.”Oh. Ok. So long as she looked…

• Mini Me?

  Nancy

  23 Oct 2011 | 7:48 pm

  Brittany has a blog now too. It’s called Blondie by the Ocean. She put a link on her Facebook page and one of her friends commented, “Your mom is rubbing off on you!”Really? After years of wondering why we had such opposite interests, (I like being outdoors, she likes being inside. I like walking all over big cities; exploring, she likes lying on the beach) could she be turning into a mini me?I had to go see for myself!John and I drove down to Charleston for Labor Day weekend. She asked us to come straight to her office so we could meet “everybody”. And we did! They all came out…

• 

  Almighty Dad | A stay at home dad blog

• Confidence and Concussions

  Craig Sobel

  11 May 2012 | 6:21 pm

  Today we have a guest post from Craig Sobel from Dadocity. Enjoy! My nine year old son knows more about professional football than you do.  Some of you may be nodding your head in agreement because, frankly, you don’t know – nor care – anything about professional football.  Others of you are shaking your head [...]

• Lipton Loose Tea Isn’t Half Bad

  Keith

  5 May 2012 | 4:17 pm

  It’s going to come as a shock to some of you who know of my tea snobbery but I recently tried Lipton Loose Leaf Tea – and it’s totally drinkable! Oh, and Lipton didn’t pay me to say this either. I was just walking through the tea and coffee isle of Walmart last week, and [...]

• Stuff Every Dad Should Know: A Book Review

  Keith

  14 Apr 2012 | 2:01 pm

  PP I got into reading books from Quirk publishing beginning last year when I picked up Dirty Jokes Every Man Should Know. Then I read just plain Jokes Every Man Should Know. Of course, like many people, I had also read the Worst Case Scenario series, including the one for kids, to my kids. These [...]

• Boulder Rec. Center is Alienating Members

  Keith

  6 Apr 2012 | 10:40 am

  PP The Boulder Parks and Recreation department has been good to me for 4 years. That’s the number of consecutive years in which I’ve purchased yearly memberships at the City of Boulder Recreation facilities. I have felt in each of these past 4 years that I have gotten my money’s worth. I was content, if [...]

• “Boy” Activities With 3 Daughters!

  RadDad

  21 Mar 2012 | 11:54 pm

  Today we have a gust post by Ben from My RadDad. Hello! My name is Ben and I have a blog called MyRadDad (you can check it out if you’d like). I have 3 daughters. I am surrounded by so much pink. Pink isn’t the result of just having girls, all the pink is because [...]

• 

  It Builds Character

• Time For A Blog Vacation

  ChiMomWriter

  13 May 2012 | 3:24 pm

  From all of us at IBC, Happy Mother’s Day!We’re giving ourselves a luxurious gift this year – We’re taking a little blog vacation for the next couple of weeks. (We wish we were heading to the beach. Anyone want to host this crazy group of writers?)We’ll post a couple of our old favorites each week, and we’ll be back ready to roll in June.In the meantime, we wish you and your families well and we hope you enjoy some of our older pieces you may have missed along the way.Make sure you’re subscribed by email and “like” us on Facebook so you…

• Fight cancer: slather on sunscreen (and other tips to keep your kids and yourself safe)

  Betwixt and BeTween

  10 May 2012 | 7:01 pm

  I am one in a million, but I’m certain that you don’t want your child(ren) to be one of this million.More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and I recently found out that I have it. I’m fortunate to have the “good” kind, basal cell carcinoma, and although I’ll have a scar, I’ll be around to watch my beautiful girl grow up. But I certainly didn’t expect this at 35.My parents were great about slathering my brother and me with sunscreen, I just didn’t follow their good example on a few spring breaks. Apparently, not all parents are as vigilant as…

• Walk a Mile (in my sticky, blotchy, cereal-encrusted shoes with bubblegum on top)

  Recovering Type A Mama

  9 May 2012 | 7:01 pm

  A friend of mine, who does not have children, recently posted this poll:“Ok, FB friend..help settle a debate. This is especially directed to parents with young children. Is it rude to tell someone that they or their kids are being too loud in a restaurant, coffeeshop, business,etc.? How would you, as a parent, react if a stranger approached you and asked you and/or your children to be quiet(er)? What would be inappropriate? How would you like being approached? How not?”There were a variety of responses, but what really struck me was the big divide between those with kids and those without…

• What We’re Reading This Week: May 9th

  ChiMomWriter

  8 May 2012 | 7:01 pm

  Join us each Wednesday for a collection of stories, blog posts, and whatever else we’ve found interesting to check out.HUMORNew York Observer: Ice Cream Anti-Social: Slope Parents Fear Playground Popsicle Pusherman Guilty Squid: Ways To Amuse Yourself With Door To Door Salesmen NEWSWashington Post: Best Place To Be A Mother? Not The U.S.THIS AND THATDooce: For JeffKatyDid Cancer: Day 730: 2 Years And CountingConfessions of a Dr. Mom: Lessons Learned During Screen-Free Week: The Good, The Bad, And The Eye-OpeningBaby Rabies: The Ingredients To Grow: Teacher Appreciation DIYMommy Words: 5…

• Good Mothers

  Guest Blogger

  7 May 2012 | 11:51 pm

  Today we welcome back one of our favorites, Risa Nye. Here’s a little about Risa – and when you have a chance, check out her other posts here and on her own site as well. You’ll enjoy the reading!Risa Nye has an MFA from Saint Mary’s College of California.  Her articles and essays have appeared in a number of publications. She’s enjoying her one-year stint as a blogger at www.zerotosixtyinoneyear.com. She is a co-editor of Writin’ on Empty. Her three kids are grown up now and don’t seem to mind when she writes about them.On a Saturday before Mother’s Day, my…

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  Toy Queen | Educational Toys and Games | Babies | Toddlers | Preschoolers | Kids

• Worst Mother’s Day Gift Ever

  Keriannot

  13 May 2012 | 5:48 am

  I just woke up from the weirdest dream ever. I raced across New York City through cabs and elevators to return to the hotel for Gavin’s left over chicken fingers prior to going to Wagamama for dinner. In my dream state, it took 2 hours to get those chicken fingers to Wagamama. Where, in my conscious opinion, we’ve been served some of the best chicken fingers ever. Maybe it’s because today is Mother’s Day.  Even in our subconscious we are sacrificing and thinking about caring for our children. Though I personally don’t think we should need a Hallmark holiday to…

• Lifeproof iPhone Case Review

  Keriannot

  11 May 2012 | 3:27 am

  ©Lifeproof As a multi-tasking adult, my iPhone 4S is the biggest and most expensive toy that I have. Given that I have a 2-year-old and work with kids throughout the school day, often handing over my iPhone to access educational apps, many parents have cringed as I have freely passed over this expensive device without any worries. Initially my iPhone was covered by the Apple warranty. Now my iPhone is protected by the Lifeproof iPhone case. Lifeproof states, “This is a waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and snowproof case. It gives individuals complete freedom to use their iPhone in…

• AllerMates: Allergy Bracelets for Kids

  Keriannot

  7 May 2012 | 12:28 pm

  ©AllerMates Professionally I have seen a HUGE increase in children with life threatening allergies to foods and the environment. My son’s daycare is peanut free, as well as many of the schools that I work in. Signs in the buildings everywhere caution teachers, parents and visitors about peanut allergies, but not all people notice them or are sensitive to the severity of this issue. It is a serious source of stress for the parents of these children because some kids don’t just go into anaphylactic shock from eating this food, others can be so allergic they react from touching a…

• Kids Sunscreen & Sun Safety

  Keriannot

  7 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  I was recently picked to be one of the Coopertone Water MOMS! This program enlists parents and bloggers nationwide to not only spread the name of the Coppertone brand,but learn and share some basic fasts about sun safety. Though it hasn’t been all that warm here in the NorthEast to apply much sunscreen yet, no matter which brand of kids sunscreen you are loyal to, here are some facts and ideas provided to me in a brochure by Coppertone that may be helpful to your family. 1. Follow the Numbers Choose a Broad Spectrum sunscreen SPF 15 or higher whenever you’re outdoors 2. Select…

• Alphabet Smart Blocks

  Keriannot

  5 May 2012 | 6:03 am

  ©Kristins Gifts Learning the letters of the alphabet can be difficult for some and easy for others. Some kids love letters, while others want nothing to do with them, leaving their parents angered and frustrated on how they are going to master this critical life skill for reading and writing. Many parents often tell me how their children don’t like to sit with them and work on pencil and paper tasks but they will with their teachers and other professionals. So my little nugget of information in this area is to find a tool that is not always pencil and paper and combine it with…

• 

  take2mommy - a New York mom's blog

• Mother's Day is all about me. Mostly.

  13 May 2012 | 9:02 pm

  People? It happened.I experienced a Mother's Day today that was all about me. Well, 80% about me, 20% about my mother-in-law. Typically those numbers are reversed.Before I list the ten wondrous ways that my Mother's Day was blissfully different from those past I must explain that a.) the list-of-ten format is so that I may linkity on up with my favorite Monday Listicles meme and b.) my mother-in-law is actually a very nice person. But I'm selfish and I think Mother's Day should be MY day. Damnit.Ten Wondrous Ways That My Mother's Day Was Joyfully Different This Year:1. In years past, Mother's…

• The Chinchilla Chronicles

  10 May 2012 | 6:48 pm

  My friend Ed is back as our guest poster today! Ed's debut post on take2mommy was Lessons of the City. Today, Ed is treating us to Part 1 of The Chinchilla Chronicles. Enjoy!King Solomon had it easy.Gracie, my 11 year old, wanted a chinchilla for her birthday (sort of an over-sized squirrel with big pointy ears). This is the first tale (pun intended) of a chronicle because she didn't get the chinchilla, but she's hardly letting us forget she still wants one.Becky, my 14 year old, has pet allergies. She's allergic to Sammy, our mixed rat terrier-chihuahua and to Timmy and Princess, our two…

• A Great Day to Be a Dog

  7 May 2012 | 8:10 am

  Today kicks off National Pet Week, which they say is about "promoting responsible pet ownership and celebrating the human-animal bond." But I've decided it really means we should spoil our pets with yummy treats.I bought Milo's Kitchen Chicken Jerky snacks for my dog Maisy, aka The Maisonator, at Walmart. Maisy "woofed" them down, of course.I purchased pet snacks, food and toys for our local animal shelter too. The good people at Collective Bias and Del Monte came up with the brilliant idea of asking bloggers to shop at Walmart, buy dog treats and make gift baskets for shelter animals…

• Top 5 Attractions for Kids in Washington DC

  2 May 2012 | 3:50 pm

  During spring break last month, we drove from New York to our nation's capitol to take in the attractions of "George Washington's DC" as my seven-year-old Boo was apt to call it.Lest you think my child is unschooled, know that he did make some astute observations as well. When we exited the highway and approached the downtown DC area, Boo said, "so this is where our taxes go!"Boo is almost eight and his little bro just turned six. We spent 2-1/2 very busy days in Washington DC, dragging the kids from museum to monument to gallery. Thank goodness they were enthusiastic and rarely complained,…

• Hilarious Headlines in The Duane Reader Inspire Be Nice to Husband Night

  27 Apr 2012 | 10:23 am

   You've got to love a drugstore circular that contains headlines like: "Raisin' The Roof" (about yogurt-covered raisins) "Cheaper Than a Flight To Tijuana" (promoting chips and salsa) "Have A Treesome" (buy multiple earth-friendly paper products) This comical copywriting can be found in the Spring Edition of the "Duane Reader," which I accessed online and you can too, right here. It's supermarket-tabloid-meets-smart-shopping-bargain-guide. And it's hilarious.A couple articles in the Duane Reader inspired me to shop for particular products in my local Duane Reade…

• 

  iRant iRave

• Silent Sunday

  Kat

  22 Apr 2012 | 5:59 pm

• Silent Sunday

  Kat

  14 Apr 2012 | 6:00 pm

• GRRR: Shut Up & Get Out Of The Way

  Kat

  13 Apr 2012 | 6:13 pm

  Oooooh been a while since I felt the need for one of these little rants. But even with a teething baby and the general chaos of family life at the moment this needs to be said. The context: This week we were meeting some other home edders at Eureka! In Halifax. Not my idea to meet in the school holidays but as good a reason as any to finally pay for an annual pass. The place was absolutely heaving with families, just as it should be. That I have no problem with. We tried our best to get round everything Wee Man wanted to see. It wasn’t the having to stop to feed and change his brother…

• Silent Sunday

  Kat

  7 Apr 2012 | 7:31 pm

• Sunshine

  Kat

  24 Mar 2012 | 8:18 pm

  Lurgy status: Active Teething status: Extra grumbly Cabin Fever Scale: 6/10 Sometime I refer to our garden as The Pit or That Series of Holes. It’s all been done with good intentions but Moo Boy does have a bad case of ‘Grand plans that I can start but may not have time to complete for a few years’-itus. He does try but between working a ridiculous amount of hours, spending time with family & helping around the house he gets to a point where he needs a bit of time to himself & the plans go out the window. I can’t dig up our garden for toffee (crap soil, huge…

• 

  Look who Found the Marbles

• Food is Not a Privilege

  Jessica

  14 May 2012 | 7:46 pm

  Over 192,000 people have taken the pledge.  A year ago I took the pledge.  Have you?  Have you pledged to add your voice to the national movement of people committed to ending childhood hunger in America? No child in America should go hungry.  Food should be a right, not a privilege.  I have written about this issue before.  Yet one in five children in this country does not have enough to eat and soon that number could get even larger. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP) is formerly the food stamp program.  Contrary to the old myths about people on food…

• In the NICU Daze

  Jessica

  14 May 2012 | 12:24 pm

  Notorious for having lousy birthdays, it was beginning to look like this one would be no different than the last few.  There were just nine weeks to go in my first pregnancy.  Well, not exactly my first, but my first that had made it this far along.  That morning of my birthday, I woke up with a sudden jolt.  My water had broken. They kept me in the hospital on bed rest for four long weeks.  At 35 weeks my son was born and we got to bring him home with us two days later.  With baby number two, I wasn’t as lucky.  That time my water broke at 26 weeks and we lived in fear with each day…

• On Being Mom Enough

  Jessica

  13 May 2012 | 7:03 am

  On the heels of this week’s hoopla about the now infamous Time magazine article, there has been a lot of talk about the various choices women make as mothers.  Motherhood is not about whether we co-parent or not, whether we breastfeed or not, whether we work full time or not.  Motherhood is about giving it our all and loving with all of our hearts.  Motherhood is about being there while: …. an embryo becomes a fetus, growing inside your womb until it is ready to see the world. …. a fetus becomes a newborn; with sleepless nights, poopie diapers and late night phone calls to the…

• #VlogMom: The Today Show, Please!

  Jessica

  10 May 2012 | 12:41 pm

  What show would you like to be guest on?  The question this week comes from Jennifer at MommyBKnowsBest.com.  As for me, I have two answers.  What’s yours?  Leave it in the comments below.  I can’t wait to hear them! Check out the responses from the other #VlogMoms too: Technorati Tags: ESPN, The Today Show, Today's Professionals, vlogmom

• Thoughtful Thursday Blog Hop: Way to go, Facebook!

  Jessica

  9 May 2012 | 3:39 pm

  Facebook has over 845 million active monthly users and it’s users either “like” or “comment” on the site a whopping 2.7 billion times per day.  In the United States alone there over 161 million Facebook users.  With numbers like that, it is fabulous to see that Facebook is taking it’s social responsibility seriously. In case you were unaware, Facebook recently added organ donor status to its Timeline.  Considering the numbers of people around the world in need of an organ transplant, and how many will die waiting for a donation. this change could have an…

• 

  The Post-Divorce Chronicles

• Word For Wednesday: Courage

  Lee Block

  16 May 2012 | 6:49 am

  What’s your word for Wednesday? More article about the road to recovery Post-Divorce:Word for Wednesday: ForgivenessWord for Wednesday: AcceptingWord For Wednesday: Self-ControlThe Last WordThe Scarlet D

• Truth About Diamonds

  Lee Block

  15 May 2012 | 6:15 am

  Everyone has his or her own philosophy on what to do with the ring when you get a divorce. Do you give it back? Do you make it into something else? Do you save it for your son or daughter? Do you sell it? Do you put it away and pull it out when you... [Continue Reading]

• Life Lesson: Knowledge Isn’t Always Power

  Lee Block

  14 May 2012 | 6:59 am

  It has been said that knowledge is power. Knowledge isn’t always power, people. Here’s a life lesson for you – if you don’t want to know the truth, don’t ask the question. Even if you think you already know the answer and aren’t ready to hear the truth said out loud, don’t ask the question. Sometimes... [Continue Reading]

• This Single Mother’s Day

  Lee Block

  11 May 2012 | 6:07 am

  When you are a single mom, every day is mother’s day. And by that I mean that every day you are MOM. Not that you aren’t MOM everyday when you have a spouse or significant other, but at least when you have someone else there, you get a break, and when you don’t, well, you... [Continue Reading]

• Word For Wednesday: Self-Control

  Lee Block

  9 May 2012 | 6:17 am

  What’s your Word for Wednesday? More article about the road to recovery Post-Divorce:Word for Wednesday: ForgivenessWord for Wednesday: AcceptingWord For Wednesday: CourageThe Last WordLife Lessons – Passion

• 

  ParentWonder.com

• One thing world’s most expensive camera can’t do

  Abel Cheng

  16 May 2012 | 1:08 am

  1923 LeicaPop quiz today.“What is the world’s most expensive camera?”Nope, the $100,000 Phantom V1610 doesn’t even come close.The answer is the 1923 Leica with a whopping 2.16 million euros. Or $2.8M.The German-built camera was bought by an anonymous bidder at an auction recently.However expensive the camera, there’s one thing it still can’t do.I remember I read about a professional photographer who shared that to be a successful photographer, it’s 70% photographer and 30% camera.That means even though you own the world’s most expensive camera,…

• Bigger than parenting

  Abel Cheng

  14 May 2012 | 2:21 am

  Photo Credit: D. Sharon PruittNo parenting lesson today.I hope you don’t mind I occasionally talk about something other than parenting.Something hit me and I wanted to share with you.Here goes.It’s human nature.We take things for granted.We neglect things we have – especially those that come easy.We don’t appreciate them and nurture them everyday as we should.We assume those things will be here forever. We only realize it’s not true after we lose them.Little do we know anything can happen and sometimes things can happen at the most unexpected hours.You heard…

• Love is a Four Letter Word

  Abel Cheng

  11 May 2012 | 1:58 am

  Photo Credit: Jackie“Love Is a Four Letter Word” is the title of Jason Mraz’s fourth studio album.It was launched less than a month ago.(BTW, I love “I Won’t Give Up” and “The Freedom Song” from this album.)I was first attracted to Jason when I heard on the radio his song “I’m Yours.”His songs are inspiring, light, upbeat, and easy-going.Love ‘em!But for now, let’s talk about the four letter word.In fact, L-O-V-E is more than a four letter word.Do you know love means different thing to different people?If you use your definition of love onto your child, he might not…

• I am UNSEXY and I know it

  Abel Cheng

  8 May 2012 | 9:28 pm

  Photo Credit: fPat MurrayIt’s true. I’m not lying.If you bump into me, I am just a regular guy with uncombed hair clad in T-shirt and shorts.Sometimes, the shirt is even torn. Or with missing buttons.I am not sure about you but worn-out clothes are the most comfortable thing in the world.And I walk in a pair of beach slippers.My underwear?Of course I wear one but without someone’s name printed on it with big, bold letters. And I don’t purposely wear baggy pants and expose the brand of the underwear to others – like most people do.I told you I am not sexy and I know it.That’s…

• T-Rex in Human’s Clothing

  Abel Cheng

  7 May 2012 | 4:40 am

  Photo Credit: Scott KinmartinI find this statistics interesting… and disturbing too.It’s about meat consumption of the homo sapiens.The data, gathered by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and analyzed by The Economist, indicates that we eat more meat now compared to the last 50 years. From 70m tons to 268m tons in 2007.Let’s take a look at the kings of carnivores of the world as well as countries who consume the least meat.Meat consumption per kg per person, 2007.Top 5 meat eaters:Luxembourg – 136.5 kgUnited States – 125.4Australia – 121.2New Zealand – 115.7Spain…

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  Parenting Tips For Raising Successful Kids | BetterParenting.com

• 3 Things You Don’t Expect When Expecting

  Chris Oldenburg

  16 May 2012 | 7:51 am

  Changes and Challenges During Pregnancy Pregnancy is an amazing time in your life, filled with excitement and anticipation. You might read every book, shop in every baby clothing and supply store, and attend parenting and childbirth classes. However, there are some things moms-to-be just don’t expect while expecting. And there are some things that even your girlfriends might not have experienced (or shared). Varicose Veins Where? Varicose veins are those blue veins you can see just below the surface of the skin. They enlarge due to extra pressure on the circulatory system and the particular…

• Is Your Baby a Talker?

  Chris Oldenburg

  15 May 2012 | 6:45 am

  Measuring Speech and Language Development Is my child on track with speech and language? This was the question I asked as one of my children grew to be a toddler. Something seemed to be blocking his language development, and it was evident in his speech. Speech and language development in children are two separate issues, with many overlapping and contributing factors. Determining the root of the delay or problem is not an easy job (even for the professionals), and due diligence is required by parents and caregivers. It took me years as a parent to sort through the tests, diagnoses, and…

• Breastfeeding Toddlers – Extreme Parenting or Natural Nurtition?

  Chris Oldenburg

  14 May 2012 | 6:42 am

  Is Attachment Parenting and Breastfeeding Extreme Parenting? Have you seen the cover of the May 10th issue of TIME Magazine? It, and the article to which it refers, is sparking controversy and debate over breastfeeding, especially when breastfeeding is associated with attachment parenting and “extreme parenting” as it is being called. The article recently published in TIME discusses Dr. Sears and his promotion of attachment parenting, referring to this as extreme parenting. It almost sets up attachment parenting as a cult-like decision, following this wayward leader in creepy feeding…

• Are Your Kids Bored?

  Chris Oldenburg

  11 May 2012 | 7:02 am

  Why Your Kids Need a New Hobby What hobbies do your kids have? I recently read an article at Better Homes & Gardens where the parents of many kids couldn’t name a hobby their children enjoyed (even though they fondly remember their own from childhood). Between little league and after school clubs and commitments, kids are growing up with more programmed activities than actual hobbies – those things they choose for themselves because they really enjoy them. Why Do Kids Need Hobbies? Child psychologist Kenneth Condrell, Ph.D. claims that children who do not have hobbies or special…

• Challenges of Summer Vacation for Work-at-Home Moms

  Chris Oldenburg

  10 May 2012 | 8:49 am

  School is out for the summer… now what? For children it can be one of their favorite times of year – summer vacation – but for parents it can mean stress over how to keep the kids busy, safe, and away from the video games 8 hours each day. If you’re a work-at-home mom or in a household where both parents work outside of the home, summer vacation for the kids can be challenging to weave into your workload and family responsibilities. Summer Vacation and Work-at-Home Moms How will you get anything done? The kids are out of school and all they want to do is stay up late, swim every day,…

• 

  The Fairly Odd Mother

• Grade level ain’t nothin’ but a number

  Christina

  9 May 2012 | 7:29 am

  “What grade are you in?” When this question is posed to one of my kids, they often glance up at me for guidance. And then I stand there and think for a moment, which must look really ridiculous—Who can’t remember what grade their kid is in, especially when that person is their teacher? The curriculum we use is no help. All three kids are following a middle-school life sciences program, and our history program is written for middle schoolers too. My 1st grade son is doing second-grade math, but also plays math games in a weekly class with kindergarten kids. My oldest is…

• Signs I may be getting old. . .

  Christina

  1 May 2012 | 1:33 pm

  I’m more than a little shocked that I will be turning 45 in a few short months (July, in case you want to start planning a cake). But there are definitely signs that I’m not a spry young thing anymore. * The hands I see at the bottom of my wrists look suspiciously like they belong to an older woman. * I see the scale creep up and, instead of starving myself down to the weight of my 30′s, I buy the next size up in pants. Without apology. * The story of Green Day is being made into a musical. A musical! * I don’t chew ice, nuts, or hard candy with as much abandon because…

• Testing, testing (is this thing on?)

  Christina

  27 Apr 2012 | 9:00 pm

  So. . . how do you like the new site??? We will call the next few months, The Bumpy Months, as it will take me a while to get used to WordPress and all the magic it holds for a little blogger like me. Holy cow: there are spaces on my posting page for Meta Keywords and Custom Canonical URL’s—-I don’t even know what these things are! And I’ve got some work to do to get all the new content and widgets I’ve been dreaming up in my spare time. That may take me a little while to finish up. But I’m so pleased with the shiny new site that Cynthia at NW Designs has…

• Taking the plunge

  Christina

  11 Apr 2012 | 7:05 am

  I’m going dark for a little while as my blog goes through a magical transformation known as a “redesign”. Hopefully, when it’s done, I’ll be on WordPress, with a header that fits across the middle, and all my links, your witty comments and my award-winning photos will still be intact. And then I’ll get to learn how to publish to WordPress. Hold me.In the meantime, enjoy your April and hope to see you on your sites, Facebook, or even in real life! -Christina

• Wordless Wednesday: visiting the Easter Bunny, 1969

  Christina

  4 Apr 2012 | 7:59 am

  still gives me chills—look at those scary eyes!

• 

  Life with Boys

• Selling the Memories

  15 May 2012 | 10:31 am

  It’s that time of year again.  I do a yard sale about once a year, whatever doesnt’ sell...

• 30 Best Things YOU can Do for Your Kids

  14 May 2012 | 10:50 am

  Courtney Cox is Monica Geller.  We all know who she is, ok most of us do, ok a lot of us know who...

• Roy and the two younger boys took me to see this yesterday and...

  14 May 2012 | 10:34 am

  Roy and the two younger boys took me to see this yesterday and yeah, I can see why it’s breaking all kinds of Box Office Records.  I haven’t enjoyed a movie like this in a long time-pure entertainment, pure fun and just a crazy ride.   THIS is what summer movies are all about!

• I know I’m young but if I had to chose her or the...

  14 May 2012 | 10:29 am

  I know I’m young but if I had to chose her or the sun I’d be one nocturnal son of a gun LOVE that lyric!

• 30 Best Things YOU can Do for Your Kids

  10 May 2012 | 9:47 am

  Maya Angelou is an acclaimed poet and author, though perhaps that is putting it mildly.  She has...

• 

  The Young Mommy Life

• Why Do We Say “Moms” When We Mean “Parents”?

  Tara

  16 May 2012 | 6:30 am

                          I was minding my business the other day, watching TV, when I came across what I thought was a funny (albeit stupid) commercial: Haha, “typical dad” can’t get away from his power tools and uses them to drill holes in the chicken. Funny. But then the tagline gave me serious pause. “Ragu – Mom’s Favorite For A Reason.” Um. Wait a minute. The whole commercial was about a dad (and the mom, but primarily about the dad) getting his kids to eat dinner and then you close with…

• Post Mother’s Day Reflection

  Tara

  14 May 2012 | 7:41 am

  I had what was hands-down one of the best Mother’s Days I’ve ever experienced. First off, my kids were with their grandparents on Sunday morning, which meant *drumroll please* I could sleep in! Hallelujah. Then I got breakfast in bed (something I had been asking for for SIX YEARS) and my honey outdid himself by picking some flowers from the backyard to put on my tray. The kids came back around noon and I got some hugs and kisses and then proceeded to go upstairs to the bedroom to twist my hair and paint my nails while watching movies on Netflix. The kids STAYED DOWNSTAIRS. Then,…

• What Comes First – Regular Sex Or A Husband Who’ll Act Right?

  Tara

  14 May 2012 | 6:30 am

  My husband and I have been struggling to get our sex life back on track after baby. Since the “baby” in question is quickly approaching six years old, you’d think we would have figured this out by now. We do great for a while and then it trickles off somewhere in the midst of finals and his hectic summer schedule and the inevitable cold I get out of the blue every twelve weeks. And then we do great for a while and then again it falls and dips in the abyss. I’ve noticed that when our sex life is purring, our house is cleaner. We divide much more of the housework evenly.

• What I Really Want For Mother’s Day – Just One Day Off

  Alicia

  10 May 2012 | 7:05 am

    by Alicia Harper It’s 11:30 on Sunday night. My friend M was visiting and just left to go home. She’s a good friend from high school and since she is away at school right now, we don’t get to see each other often so whenever she’s in town, I try to make time for her. Because I made time for her tonight, I’m going to be up for another couple of hours in an attempt to get things around her together and gear up for the week ahead. There’s a load of laundry that I did this morning that I now need to put away. There are the dishes in the sink that I need to wash. There’s a…

• What I REALLY Want For Mother’s Day

  Tara

  7 May 2012 | 7:16 am

  My husband keeps hounding me about what I want for Mother’s Day (a good problem to have, I think). And I honestly don’t know. Yeah, I’d like breakfast in bed or a new pair of shoes or maybe, just maybe a new purse. But I guess I’ve gotten to the point where Mother’s Day doesn’t mean as much to me as it used to. Perhaps I feel like I’m more aware of my own power as a mom. I’m more aware of when I need those breaks, so I’m not clamoring for a break come the second Sunday in May like I used to. I still love the fact that there’s a day…

• 

  Athena Bee's

• Not Another Time Magazine Post

  Nadja Brocus

  14 May 2012 | 3:55 pm

  There it is. I finally figured out why the Time magazine controversy bothered me so much. It wasn't the age of the child nursing. It wasn't the model-like mother used to sell magazines.It was the comments.But why the comments? This took a few days of soul-searching.I had an epiphany at 14 and stopped caring what people thought. The next day I went to school in a space dress and white go-go boots and never looked back. It's been a fabulous quality that I hope to pass on to my daughters. Be yourselves and be happy. As a mother I suppose I could be described as an "attachment parent." I…

• Wordless Wednesday - Diet Sabotage

  Nadja Brocus

  9 May 2012 | 12:32 pm

• Raw Milk - What's the deal?

  Nadja Brocus

  8 May 2012 | 3:13 pm

  I received this via email from my mom:Founder of the Mayo Foundation used it back in the late 20’s – early 30’s to cure almost everything from psoriasis to heart disease. I’ve also seen articles saying it’s lessened or cured anxiety/depression. http://www.realmilk.com/milkcure.htmlShe has started drinking it to rebuild bone. I gotta tell you, as a certified OCD fearer of all things germ, bacteria, and virus it totally skeeves me out. I'm generally on board with all things natural and healing, but GAH THE BACTERIA!Anyone familiar? Is it legit or snake oil?

• Will you check out my post on BlogHer?

  Nadja Brocus

  2 May 2012 | 6:33 pm

  Will you check out my post on BlogHer? You can also access the sites for Diana (LifeasaSAHM) over on my sidebar.If you ever use Avon, Mark., or Tiny Tillia, buy this time from here.And please, share, share, share these efforts. This mama and her babies have a LONG road in front of them.

• Are you following Diana's (LifeasaSAHM) journey?

  Nadja Brocus

  1 May 2012 | 9:15 am

  I love my Twitter community, and when a part of that community needs something I always want to help if possible.I follow  LifeasaSAHM and when she tweeted that she was losing her twin pregnancy 18.5 weeks in, my heart sank. I couldn't stop thinking about her and all but stalked her Twitter feed. The doctors wanted her to give up, induce the pregnancy, and lose the babies for sure. She has decided to fight for their lives. Follow LifeasaSAHM's, aka Diana,  journey on her blog, Hormonal Imbalances and Facebook. Whether you pray, meditate, or send good vibes, keep them…

• 

  Hecho Para Mamá (Made for Mom)

• Feliz Día de las Madres

  Jessie

  13 May 2012 | 10:01 am

• Happy Mother’s Day!!

  Jessie

  13 May 2012 | 10:00 am

• Guía del regalo para el día de las madres

  Jessie

  8 May 2012 | 4:59 pm

  Si estas en buscas un e-reader o libro electrónico, el Kindle Fire y el Nook Tablet son dos excelentes opciones para la amante de libros en tu vida. Eligiendo el mejor libro electrónico (en mi opinión) depende mucho el cual es tu preferencia. Si a tu mama, tía, madrina, abuela, etc le gusta ver películas y [...]

• 5 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Techie in Your Life

  Jessie

  8 May 2012 | 3:44 pm

  Mother’s Day Gift Guide Looking for an e-reader? Both the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet are both great choices for the bookworm in your life. Choosing the best one will (in my opinion) come down to preference. If your tech-savvy mom prefers to stream tv shows and movies, then the Kindle Fire will be more up [...]

• Convirtiendo memorias en tradiciones este dia de las madres

  Jessie

  27 Apr 2012 | 9:16 am

  El día de las madres en mi casa se celebra dos veces. La primera se celebra el segundo domingo de Mayo (el día tradicional en los Estados Unidos) y la otra el último domingo del mismo mes para celebra el día de las madres dominicana.  Estas tradiciones fueron inculcada en mi desde pequeña.  Esos días [...]

• 

  The Parenting Science News Feed

• May 16, If sugar makes us stupid, can omega-3 fatty acids save us?

  16 May 2012 | 12:21 pm

  The headlines are going around that "sugar makes us stupid." What are they talking about? A new, small study on rats. In today's Science Notes, talk about this intriguing study, and the bottom line for parents.

• May 14, 24 hour daycare? What's happened to family help?

  14 May 2012 | 12:14 pm

  Some thoughts about the opening of a 24-hour daycare center in India.

• May 11, Does the new Time Magazine cover make extended breastfeeding -- and attachment parenting -- seem wacko?

  10 May 2012 | 7:26 pm

  Some thoughts on the latest viral meme on the internet.

• May 9, Are parents to blame for the "terrible twos" ?!

  9 May 2012 | 1:19 pm

  In today's Science Notes, some thoughts about a new study on the effects of parenting style on a toddler's behavior problems...and some cross-cultural perspective on the whole idea of the "terrible twos."

• May 7, Teaching kids to be happy?

  7 May 2012 | 12:34 pm

  Native temperament -- and life circumstances beyond our control -- may have a large influence on our experience of happiness. But it's likely our attitudes and choices play a role as well. In today's Science Notes, some thoughts on a new study, and the implications for helping kids maintain a sense of happiness.

• 

  The Dirty Mommy Club

• Mother's Day

  Stephanie

  25 Apr 2012 | 11:42 am

  This Mother's Day, I'm working with Clever Girls in support of Macy's Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the "trade, not aid" program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.  I grew up in the ‘70’s.  A pretty average childhood really.  My Mom, who quit nursing school to marry my Dad and stay home with my brother and I, my Dad, who was the sole provider for our family, our three bedroom house in a little neighbourhood, our one car, our one television, and my little…

• 'Dem Bones

  Stephanie

  21 Mar 2012 | 3:32 pm

  I have what most would call an 'athletic build'. That's a nice way to say 'she's not skinny'. I have always wanted to be a size six, five foot ten girl, but my gene pool scoffed and said 'keep dreaming'.  Thus, I'm a five foot six girl with some muscle. My daughters had the luck of the genetic draw, pulling mostly my physical attributes. Not my husband's beautiful thick hair, full lips, or fast metabolism.  That, of course, was all saved for our son.   While I don't think there are two more beautiful little girls on the planet, I know, at some point, they will doubt their…

• Sucker? Why Yes I Am

  Stephanie

  14 Mar 2012 | 8:54 am

  Give me any kind of candy, and I will chew it.  Hard candy, chocolate, gummy candy, it doesn't matter.  I'm even that annoying person you can hear chewing a popsicle. Whatever the reason, I'm always the first person done eating my treat, and then spend the next five minutes picking it out of my teeth. My dentist continually reminds me that I have extremely good oral genes, as I do eat a lot of candy and have yet to have a cavity. Easter is coming up, so I have started stocking treats for the bunny to deliver Easter morning.  This poses a bit of a problem.  First, there is…

• I'm Outta Here

  Stephanie

  7 Mar 2012 | 9:48 am

  I did something today that scared the shit out of me and elated my heart simultaneously.  I quit my job. Due to a whole list of circumstances I won't bother you with, the Hubster and I decided that not returning to my job would be in the best interest of our family. So there you have it. Cash donations will now be accepted. Cheers Dirties.

• Unmentionables

  Stephanie

  29 Feb 2012 | 9:36 am

  You'd never know it by the seventeen loads of laundry I do every Saturday, but my kids spend the majority of their time playing at home in only their underwear. Whenever they get a chance, they strip off their clothes and go about their business.   This happens so often, in fact, that we had to implement a couple of rules.  The first rule is that they are not allowed to leave the house without clothing.  The second rule is they must wear clothes in the house when we have company. Yesterday morning we were neither heading out the door, nor expecting company, so naturally my kids…

• 

  The Zen Mom

• Hilarious Video-When Your Love Of Pinterest Goes A Little Too Far!

  zenmom

  16 May 2012 | 1:29 am

  If you’re stuck in a mid week blah and need a little laugh.  You need to check this out!    It is hilarious!  Like!  Repin!  :) OMG! Super Cray…right?   This is just one of the videos on... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more.

• Monday Motivator: The Secret To Success-Plant Your Seeds!

  zenmom

  14 May 2012 | 1:02 am

    I went to the Count Me In Urban Rebound conference on Friday.  I met some amazing entrepreneurs with vision, passion and drive.  I have a lot of insights to share, but today I wanted to focus... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more.

• What Do Moms REALLY Want For Mother’s Day?

  zenmom

  12 May 2012 | 3:49 am

  Happy Mother’s Day weekend!  Even though the day is supposed to be about us, moms don’t always ask for what they want.  So what do moms REALLY want for Mother’s Day.  We headed to... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more.

• The Zen Mom in The Balanced Mom Magazine

  zenmom

  9 May 2012 | 2:38 am

   I’m honored to be the cover story for The Balanced Mom Magazine Summer 2012 issue.  It was fun to be on the other side of the interview.   We talked about the journey to make it in TV News, my... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more.

• Media Training For Entrepreneurs: How To Pitch

  zenmom

  8 May 2012 | 3:11 am

  As a former news anchor/reporter I always get asked a lot of questions about how to get media coverage.  This Friday I will be helping entrepreneurs at The Urban Rebound Business Conference at the... Click on www.thezenmom.com or title for more.

• 

  Raising Great Men™ | For Moms of Boys | Raising Boys | Parenting Boys

• Mighty Fine Blog Tour and Movie Review

  mroker

  16 May 2012 | 11:17 am

    On Thursday May 3rd, I participated in an online movie pre-screening of "Mighty Fine" along with other mom bloggers through Mom Central. I wanted to participate in this online screening for two reasons: 1. I think it's important to support independent films. 2. I think some of you could relate to the subject of the movie. It was interesting to chat live during the movie and express our thoughts about the movie. I am a big fan of Chazz Palminteri so that was a plus for me to watch the movie. The movie is written and directed by Debbie Goodstein and is a…

• The #1 Thing Boys Need

  mroker

  15 May 2012 | 7:39 am

  Photo Courtesy of Flickr I often get asked what do I think that boys need the most. I usually hesitate to answer that question because although collectively boys need support in areas such as education and employment, I believe that individual boys have their own needs. However, if there is one thing I believe that all boys need, it is: Understanding. I'm not going to get into a debate about why boys are falling behind girls but I will shed light on why boys need to be understood. If you do a Google search on boys, you'll find a lot of random stuff, most of it is negative. It seems…

• 

  My Boss is Teething

• My Walmart Commercial!

  Jen

  8 May 2012 | 11:51 am

  I apologize in advance that this post is not parenting-related. Through a very random series of events, I was recently cast in a national Walmart commercial. You may have seen it air and not even known it was the little ol’ writer behind My Boss is Teething. I’ve never been on TV for any reason before, so the whole experience of doing the shoot and actually seeing the finished product on TV has been so surreal. Anyway, I promise that my next post will be back on topic, but for now, here’s the link to the commercial, if you haven’t seen it.

• New Study Links Autism in Children to Obesity in Mothers

  Jen

  17 Apr 2012 | 1:07 pm

  A study released by the University of California, Davis is getting lots of attention. The study aimed to learn more about autism, so the researchers examined 500 children (some with autism, some without) over seven years.  The researchers found that children born to obese mothers were 67 percent more likely to develop autism than children born to normal-weight mothers. The study also looked for other correlations with autism. No link was found between diabetes in mothers and autism in children, though a mother’s diabetes does increase her child’s risk of other developmental…

• NYT Blog: Only 940 Saturdays with Your Child

  Jen

  30 Mar 2012 | 12:35 pm

  I came across a very thought-provoking blog on the New York Times website a few days ago. It’s entitled “Childhood: 940 Saturdays and You’re Done.”  Apparently, one doctor did the math and calculated that there are exactly 940 Saturdays from the time a child is born until he turns 18. And, as the NYT blog mentions, there are only 260 Saturdays from birth to age 5. Ahh! Time already feels like it flies by, but hearing stats like this only makes it worse. Still, it’s a great reminder to savor our time with our children while they are young—especially on weekends when many families…

• Glasses.com Offers Affordable and Stylish Frames

  Jen

  29 Mar 2012 | 1:16 pm

  I’m very lucky not to need any kind of corrective lenses for my eyesight. I never realized just how lucky I am, though, until I started living with my husband. Then, I got to see how much work goes into eye care for people who wear glasses or contacts. I don’t what it’s like to wake up and not be able to see or the pain of forgetting to take your contacts out before going to sleep. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen an eye doctor and my husband has to see one every year or two. I’ve learned through him how difficult it can be to find glasses or contacts that have the look and…

• Guest Post: Lose Those Last Few Frustrating Post-Pregnancy Pounds

  Jen

  26 Mar 2012 | 12:06 pm

  This guest post was provided by Kristin Wells. She is a recent college graduate from the University of Georgia and an aspiring writer. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives through her writing. Kristin also likes competitive cycling, running, and traveling as much as possible. You have been keeping up with your diet. You not only eat the right foods, you also exercise regularly. Even though you have lost quite a bit of weight, you still have a few pounds you want to lose. No matter how hard you try, these last few pounds just do not want to come off. This can be extremely…

• 

  How To Potty Train Boys

• Secrets To Dog Training

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 11:03 pm

  best1stGuide.com – Secrets To Dog Training Dog Training Tips Essentially, dogs are wild animals, so they require some sort of coaching to become accustomed to their surroundings and also the guidelines of one’s house. But dog training isn’t easy job simply because it takes a number of months…

• Bichon First Swim? An accident waiting to happend! ArdyWeb.com

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 9:00 pm

  A customer sent this video showing what can happend if you dog doesn’t how to swim. Rhea, a bichon is excited to see the person behind the camera & takes a plunge into the drink. She didn’t realize she couldn’t walk on water. Rhea now knows how to swim and loves to…

• 5 daughters, 1 potty

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 6:00 pm

  As the mother of five girls, Sheree’s been down the potty training path a few times. But even though the destination is the same, she’s discovered that the journey is different with each child.

• Getting Stuck in a Potty Chair

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 3:00 pm

  My Niece, Teyla getting her foot stuck in her sister’s potty chair and their grandmother laughing like crazy!Video Rating: 5 / 5

• Stopping Dogs Biting – How to Stop Dog Biting Tips | 3 Tips to Ending It Fast !

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 12:00 pm

  ohdogtraining.com – stopping dogs biting If you are looking for any informations, guides and tips about stopping dogs biting, you already found it. Just click on the link at the description and get your stopping dogs biting information and tips.Video Rating: 5 / 5

• 

  Parenting Today Tips

• Parents Alert: The Latest Schoolyard Fads

  Rodney Davis

  10 May 2012 | 2:23 pm

  Disclaimer: The following information is totally anecdotal. It is NOT based on scientific research. In fact, it is based solely on comments made in meetings where counselors and mental health practitioners come together for support, and in two separate “contact group” field research gatherings I have been a part of over the past 2 years. [...]

• Supermoon Blues

  Rodney Davis

  5 May 2012 | 11:04 pm

  Did you get to see it? I did, but it wasn’t any big deal. The brightness and nearness of it should have been impressive, mind you. It’s just that something was missing. It made me nostalgic. Nostalgic for a time when every night was super-something. I’m smelling pan-fied fish that had been jumping at the [...]

• What Are Kids For?

  Rodney Davis

  21 Apr 2012 | 11:10 pm

  Do you think I’m dumb enough to think I’m smart enough to actually have a straight answer to that question? Think again. Show me that lady again who grits her teeth, screws up her face and gets a hold of her 4-year old’s ear and twists it around until the poor child yelps in pain, [...]

• How To Cope With Your Teen’s Pregnancy Without Losing Your Mind

  Rodney Davis

  5 Apr 2012 | 11:19 am

  It’s one of the most devastating pieces of news you can ever get as the parent of a teenager. You feel like you’re experiencing  a hundred different emotions at the same time. You’re worried sick about her. You’re losing sleep.  Is she going to be able to get back on her feet and live even [...]

• Seven Mistakes That Make You Look Dumb When Teaching Your Child About Sex

  Rodney Davis

  23 Mar 2012 | 5:30 am

  Ever wonder if these internet-savvy children today know more about sex than you  do? If your answer to that question is no, there’s a good chance they do. The good news is that there is still a lot you can teach, and what you don’t know, you can find out pretty quickly these days. Preparing  [...]

• 

  Help for Parents - Mindful Mum - News Feed

• Teaching kids how to save money

  Mindful Mum

  16 May 2012 | 8:38 am

  Top tips on teaching children how to save money. Continue reading → You may also like: Advertising

• Crazy baby gadgets – The Roller Buggy

  Mindful Mum

  16 May 2012 | 6:31 am

  The third item in our crazy baby gadgets series is this scooter pram, Roller Buggy. Continue reading → You may also like: Baby Top 100 Baby Names UK About Us

• Special needs education to be given shake up

  Mindful Mum

  15 May 2012 | 6:55 am

  Parents put in charge of a personal care budget for their children with special needs. Continue reading → You may also like: Conceiving 24 weeks pregnant

• Cot death causes and how to protect baby

  Mindful Mum

  15 May 2012 | 6:37 am

  Find out how to reduce your baby's risk of cot death. Continue reading → You may also like: Baby Top 100 Baby Names UK Toddler

• UK public support end to tobacco advertising to children

  Mindful Mum

  14 May 2012 | 9:47 am

  New research from Cancer Research UK finds huge support for ending tobacco marketing to children. Continue reading → You may also like: Advertising Product Reviews Product Recalls

• 

  We Got Kidz!

• “The Houston Family Chronicles”?? Lawd, Say It Ain’t So! – And One Teen Says ‘ADHD Is Not For Me’ | We Got Kidz Celebrity News

  Kesha of We Got Kidz

  16 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  And the saga continues… According to sources, Cissy Houston has been collaborating in efforts to start a Houston family reality show. *blank face Given how tragic Whitney Houston’s death was, and how recently it occurred, I don’t think that this would be such a good idea. Cissy believes that a reality show would bring the family closer together, but we all know that it would inevitably make the family’s situation worse. Would people watch it? I’m sure. But I can bet it would be even more of a train wreck than Whitney and Bobby’s attempt at reality TV back…

• Dunn, Dunn, Dunn… Revolution Looms: Keeping Kids Engaged at the End of the School Year

  Lindsey

  16 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  A very real potential for the moment of revolution exists, palpable in classrooms where the sunshine and fresh air of freedom beckon on the other side of class windows. Without adequate planning by teachers and specific interventions to engage students on a daily — nay, hourly — basis, Lord of the Flies threatens to recreate its story at almost every school in America. Boredom & Busyness Blossom in Spring Unlike the beginning of a school year when the novelty of a new classroom, classmates and teachers provides an almost automatic engagement and interest, the end of an…

• An Off-the-Charts, Whirlwind, Super Micro-Mini Mother’s Day Vacay to Stone Mountain Park [Video]

  Kesha of We Got Kidz

  15 May 2012 | 9:00 am

    So I’m not one to brag, but I just had the coolest Mother’s Day ever! Over the weekend the husband was dope enough to plan and take the family on an overnight trip to Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park – A family friendly destination that boasts 3,200 acres of natural beauty for your camping, hiking, and picnicking enjoyment. The husband booked us a room at the Evergreen Marriott Resort which was on the premises. Let me just say that “impressed” isn’t a word that even begins to encompass how I felt about this impromptu gift from the husband.

• 7 Things I’m Better At Now That I’m a Dad

  Gareth

  14 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  by Gareth Cartman You remember that moment you became a parent? Yeah, you remember that precise moment when the pink screaming thing emerged into the world and you suddenly thought “oh my God, I’m an adult”. That moment. So much changed that day, and it would never be the same – at least until they grow up, leave home, and you can have your second childhood and embarrass your offspring. Again. But something else changed. You became better at certain things. Sure, you became worse at other things, such as staying up past midnight, but all of a sudden, you develop new skills and over…

• Kids On Drugs: Are We Over-Medicating Our Children?

  Karen

  14 May 2012 | 7:00 am

  These days, it seems like there is a pill for everything from headaches and high blood pressure to insomnia and anxiety. And not just for adults. More children are not only taking medication, but taking medication for chronic conditions. This means they often need such medications well into adulthood. Part of the reason for such an alarming trend may have to do with increased obesity in children. As a result, more children are taking some form of diabetes medication because they either are pre-diabetic, borderline diabetic or have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A study in…

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  Life With 4 Boys

• Caption This Kid 5/16

  Kathleen

  16 May 2012 | 7:30 am

  Another hump day is hear and Caption This Kid has arrived to add a little fun to your week. If you have not participated before, it is simple. Just leave a comment below with your best caption for the kid in this week's photo. One comment will be randomly chosen next week and the winner will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card. It's that easy! Our winner from last week was comment 12 from Piper!

• Living Room Makeover Before and After

  Kathleen

  15 May 2012 | 1:25 pm

  A few weeks ago I shared our dining room before and after photos with you and now the living room is ready to reveal. This has been a few months in the making, but we did a complete overhaul and it was well worth the wait. It went from old grungy green carpet to hardwood flooring, from built-in floor to ceiling wallpaper to beautiful paint with bead board and from scratched up furniture and

• Picture Translations for Common Kid Phrases

  Kathleen

  14 May 2012 | 9:44 am

  "You're Mean!" We all know that kids are usually straightforward with what they say. There usually is no interpretation needed. In fact, some common kid phrases can create an instant picture image in our head that says it all. You know that phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words?" Well, in these cases it is completely true. "Oops" "Uh-Oh" "It Wasn't Me" "It Was an Accident

• I've Made It To The Big Time Or So My Son Thinks

  Kathleen

  12 May 2012 | 9:41 am

  Yesterday, Jordan brought me home a Mother's Day card. I have gotten cards from the boys in the past, but they usually just say "Happy Mother's Day" and "I love you." When I read this one, it was too awesome not to share. I guess this is how you know you have been a blogger for a long time and your kids clearly enjoy the perks. I bet you all didn't know that I am one of the best bloggers in

• Get Crafty This Summer with Factory Direct Craft

  Kathleen

  11 May 2012 | 8:53 am

  Summer is quickly approaching. The boys only have a few weeks left before they are out of school and I am nearly 8 months along in this surrogacy. What does that mean? It means this crazy mama is running scared trying to find things that will keep them busy while keeping my home from looking like a tornado hit it. I have also been looking for some great DIY materials to help spruce up the

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  Parent esource

• How Kids Can Start Making Better Grades Now

  Rick and Teena Kamal

  9 May 2012 | 1:44 pm

  3 strategies for more efficient study habits Can students make better grades and spend less time studying? Actually, yes! The key is to help your child plan strategically to make the most of each moment of study time. Here’s how: Strategy 1 – Prioritize If your child feels overwhelmed by school work, the only solution is to prioritize. Talk to your child to help him identify the goals that are most important and pressing and make a practical plan to achieve these goals. Define goals. Short-term goals are most important for managing study time effectively. Establish short-term goals…

• Helping Children Fulfill Their Divine Blueprint

  Sai Maa

  6 Apr 2012 | 8:45 am

  Skills for teaching kids self-mastery from across cultures The highest goal of raising children is teaching them self-mastery, the skills they need and can rely upon to fulfill their highest calling in life. Yet many parents in today’s world find themselves focusing on their child’s outward behavior rather than their inner being. With small children, it is easy to get caught up in matters such as repeatedly telling them to pick up after themselves, or stressing the need for manners when interacting with siblings, friends and adults. This is all well and good, but it does not get…

• Yoga and Youth

  Amy Kelly

  4 Apr 2012 | 1:19 pm

  Nearly 15 million people in the United States practice yoga as a way to deal with the stresses of today’s busy lifestyles.  Corporate marketing executives, graphic designers and computer engineers turn to the mat to relieve stress, increase mental awareness and improve their overall health.  But adults aren’t the only ones striking a pose.  Dozens of programs have popped up in recent years which are designed to bring yoga and meditation to elementary, middle and high school students to help them deal with the stresses that they experience. Yoga for Youngest to Youth Some programs begin…

• Tips for Getting Your Teens Organized

  Allison

  2 Apr 2012 | 3:18 pm

  If you’re constantly telling your teens to pick up their stuff and put it away, you’re not alone. Most teens couldn’t care less about the condition of their bedrooms. Below are five tips for getting your teen on the right track when it comes to organization: Only you can show them how to be organized. It’s not something they are going to learn in school. Understand that they need to be taught these skills. Lead by example. You can’t expect your teen to have a clean room if the rest of your home is in disarray. Don’t clean their rooms for them. This will be a temporary fix and…

• Techy Teens in 2012

  Amy Kelly

  16 Mar 2012 | 8:47 am

  When your teenagers were born, you were probably getting your first cell phone and your computer still greeted you with “You’ve Got Mail.”  It is no surprise that teenagers would rather text than talk, would rather Google than research and rely more Twitter than a newspaper.    By staying on top of the latest technology trends and understanding how your teens use it, you can help guide them as an active part of their online behavior.   New Technology in 2012 Each new year brings new technology it’s either bigger and better, or it’s smaller and faster.  One of the biggest…

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  Very Involved Parents (VIP)

• Help Your Child Develop The Ability To Make Good Decisions

  Very Involved Parents

  14 May 2012 | 10:29 am

  Making good decisions would usually come from bad experience beforehand that becomes a lesson in our life. It’s the responsibility of parents to protect and educate your children to grow as a person with good values and helping your children in developing the ability to make good decisions would certainly help in fulfilling your responsibilities. Although so, no one is perfect and no doubt everyone would make mistakes which make it natural for your children to make mistakes as well. Mistakes is one the ways that would help your children to do better the next time and ensure they would not…

• Help Your Child Get Organized

  Very Involved Parents

  3 May 2012 | 11:22 am

  Being organized is definitely a value that your children should grow up with. This doesn’t only cover their academic but every aspects of their life. As parents, you would need to be their guidance and assistant when they need help. A few things that you would need to first teach them about are being discipline before getting started with being organized. This is where you provide them with a task to complete and ensure they stay focus while learning to ignore distractions. Getting organized means having your children doing what they need to and gathering their supplies/information needed…

• Help Your Child To Make Friends

  Very Involved Parents

  23 Apr 2012 | 9:29 am

  Making friends is always very easy but what make it tough are your personality and the way you bring yourselves around when socializing. This applies as well to your children not only adults as who you are would shine through your skills when making friends. There are lots of ways in teaching your children how to make friends especially when they are about to start pre-schools or first day in primary school. Every children there would have one thing in similar and that’s fear. Since they are afraid of being left alone in school by their parents, its good to advice your children to keep…

• Encourage Your Child To Speak Up

  Very Involved Parents

  20 Apr 2012 | 9:28 am

  Children are generally learners and in life there are always uncertain situation that isn’t absolute. By encouraging them to speak up, your children will not be losing out on lots of opportunities neither would they be easily bullied but they certainly will be someone respected for their bravery and honesty. Explain to your children the situations and polite ways to express the need to speak up. Children will automatically know when to speak up especially when they need help or when they want something. At times, they would feel some strong feelings like afraid/anger or when they prefer not…

• Kids Need To Feel Loved And Accepted

  Very Involved Parents

  13 Apr 2012 | 7:27 pm

  It’s a norm for parents to nag and punish their children when they are in the wrong but most parents didn’t realize that it’s the wrong way of teaching children to learn from their mistakes. This will only make the matter worst for them as its very essential for kids to feel loved and accepted. Ask yourselves why are there plenty of juvenile cases around? Most kids involve came from broken families while some are from influence of peers. However, the reason they ever got involve was due to seeking for more attention or was feeling rejected by their parents. As for kids who are…

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  Hope Coaching with Ronae Jull

• End Bullying Now

  RJ

  15 May 2012 | 9:42 pm

  Protect Your Teens from Bullying There have been a few rather dramatic examples in the media lately of how NOT to treat kids. From the “Cone of Shame” used by the teacher in Florida, to the New Jersey teachers caught on tape while verbally abusing special needs kids, it seems the dramatic stories make the news while thousands of other students struggle daily in a bullying atmosphere. Some kids and parents put up with the bullying behavior by other students or teachers, feeling helpless to effect any real change, while others get angry and start grassroots movements and mobilize…

• Mother’s Day Hope

  RJ

  12 May 2012 | 1:21 pm

  Mother, Daughter Mother. That name conjures a mental image, and a feeling. Sometimes gentle nurturing. Sometimes pain, disappointment, disillusionment, shame. Whatever your relationship with your mother, take time today to reach out. Mother’s Day Hope If your journey through life has been hard, you’re in good company. Reach out, to your own mother, to another mother. Send a message of gentle forgiveness, of understanding of the life forces that have shaped every mother, and the difficulty of breaking generational patterns of pain. Give yourself permission to hold both the good and…

• Reducing Stress by Connecting with Your Teen

  RJ

  10 May 2012 | 4:41 pm

  Stress free kids I met Lori Lite on Twitter, and immediately felt a deep connection. Lori is passionate about helping families in general, and teens in particular, by offering tangible solutions for managing stress. Lori Lite is the Founder of Stress Free Kids, a mom, parenting expert, and award winning author of relaxation books, CDs and lesson plans. Here she shares ten powerful ways to connect with your teen and help reduce stress. Reducing Stress by Connecting With Your Teen Teens are convinced that they are nothing like us and they do not need our time and guidance. But underneath their…

• The Mom in My Head

  RJ

  5 May 2012 | 8:48 pm

  Relationships between moms and daughters can be many things, but one thing is sure: they are complex. Now that you’re an adult with children of your own, you may have a little different perspective on that mom-daughter relationship drama. Whether your relationship with your mother is better or worse than it was while you were growing up, one thing is sure: mom still lives on in your head! The Power of Mom Mothers have an enormous influence on their kids – have you noticed? Obviously some of this comes from the fact that, while growing up, kids are dependent on mom literally for…

• Child Abuse Prevention Month: The Secret from PJ McClure

  RJ

  29 Apr 2012 | 12:07 pm

  How to let go of a painful past.  PJ McClure brings his passion for excellence to the subject of breaking the cycle of child abuse. As the Founder of The Mindset Maven, PJ helps individuals and corporations gain greater productivity while increasing personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Read here PJ’s secret that will help you break the hold of painful past experiences on your life.    Breaking Abuse – PJ McClure They are willing prisoners, though maybe they don’t see it. Able to lay down the shackles and walk free, but unaware of the power they possess. This is what I see…

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  Sweet Memoirs

• Mother's Day 2012 on Instagram

  13 May 2012 | 9:13 pm

  Red Rose taken with InstagramI received this rose from the hubby for Mother's Day. He thanked me for being a great mom to the kids which made me wonder, am I really a great mom? LOL! Mother's Day Card taken with InstagramThen amidst her busyness in reviewing for Chinese and Science exams, Kyla sqeezed in some time to make this awesome mother's day card. I hinted her I don't want to receive a card or gift bought from the bookstore.Mother's Day Message taken with InstagramThis message touched the deepest chamber of my heart. I am loving how Kyla have grown up to be very appreciative and…

• Happy Mother's Day

  11 May 2012 | 8:43 pm

  I can't thank God enough for entrusting these two beautiful children under my care. #MotherhoodRocks"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after painting shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been…

• Sunset Photography at East Coast Park

  10 May 2012 | 8:41 pm

  Sunset at East Coast Park | UneditedEast Coast Park like Changi Beach Park, is one of the best places for sunset photography in Singapore.I have another series of photos for this but I don't have ample time to post them all now so I chose my favorite from the series. SKYWATCH FRIDAYHIMMELSKA PIECE OF HEAVEN

• Black Pepper Crab

  10 May 2012 | 2:12 pm

  Black Pepper Crab | Golden Prawn, BatamThis is a die die, must try from Golden Prawn, Batam Island. If you love cooking, click here for black pepper crab recipe.FOOD FRIDAYFOOD TRIP FRIDAY

• Gardens by the Bay

  10 May 2012 | 12:30 pm

  The Supertrees at Gardens by the BaySpanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, will officially open in June 2012. A showcase of horticulture and garden artistry, the Gardens will bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the World. ~ SOURCESave the date, garden enthusiasts! The Bay South Garden will open to public on the 29th of June 2012.

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  ParentsDesk

• How One Mom Lost 82 lbs of Baby Weight

  ParentsDesk

  15 May 2012 | 10:37 pm

  Being a mom often means putting the needs of others first.  The kids come first.  The laundry comes first.  Making dinner comes first. Everything seems to get top billing and moms’ needs are edged out. There are many stay-at-home dads/single dads who do a valiant job taking care of the kids.  But more often than [...]

• TOP BABY NAMES

  ParentsDesk

  14 May 2012 | 12:03 pm

  Isabella is no longer the top baby girl name in the United States.  The Social Security Administration’s official list has Sophia as the new favorite.   Isabella now ranks number two. On the boy’s side, Jacob was the number one baby boy’s name in 2011.   A surprise choice for number two-  Mason comes in [...]

• Happy Mothers Day! The Many Roles of Mom

  ParentsDesk

  13 May 2012 | 8:19 pm

  Happy Mothers Day to all the moms, step-moms and  grandmothers out there.  One day isn’t long enough to celebrate the hard work that mothers do every day.  We wear different hats as we nurture and raise our children.   In that spirit, I’ve come up a list of the many roles of mom. Detective:  Last [...]

• The Competency Question

  ParentsDesk

  11 May 2012 | 11:11 pm

  Time Magazine has a provocative cover story with a mom nursing a 3-year old child. http://lightbox.time.com/2012/05/10/parenting/#1 Not any 3-year old child, but one who has to be in the 100th percentile for height and weight. He looks more like a 5-year old standing on a chair – which only adds to the shock value. The [...]

• 7 Weird Things about Pregnancy

  ParentsDesk

  9 May 2012 | 2:58 am

  Being pregnant brings on all kinds of changes to woman’s body.   Some of them obvious and others less so.  Here are a few unusual symptoms moms-to-be may notice.  Don’t fret.  For most women these go away after the baby is born.   Excess saliva Some pregnant women may suddenly notice that they have excess [...]

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  Checkin' The Male

• Holier Than Thou

  Tim Gertsch

  24 Apr 2012 | 2:00 pm

  Ok, I've been struggling with finding the right words for this post for quite some time. I've never been one to give much consideration to other peoples' feelings when it comes to my life choices, but considering everything that's happened in the last year or so, I think it's about time for me to clear up a few things. Over recent months you've probably seen me making religious references, posts and the like (if you're friends with me on Facebook). If you've known me for any real amount of time, this would seem pretty out of color to you. If I remember right, I was asked if my profile had…

• Perception... or reality?

  Tim Gertsch

  28 Mar 2012 | 12:43 pm

  Well, it's been a little while since I posted, so I figured it was about time. Life has been crazy, busy, hectic and yet amazingly fulfilling and rewarding. Ultimately, I haven't had the time nor energy to devote to coming up with a topic and then spewing it out onto this page. But over the last couple weeks, my wife and I have been faced with a situation that has presented itself multiple times, in a couple different manifestations, and it's been weighing heavily on us, as we aren't terribly sure how to approach it. As parents, we tend to be pretty blind when it comes to how to raise…

• Read The Ingredients

  Tim Gertsch

  7 Mar 2012 | 1:15 pm

  Well, it's been a while since I posted, so I figured it was about time for another one. Reading the title, you would probably guess this is going to be a post about what I feed my kid, or what things she's not allowed to eat... and you'd be wrong. This discussion is deeper than that. It's about faith and beliefs. I'd like to examine the ingredients in the "mental meals" we prepare for our children. Are they healthy? Will they make your little boy or girl grow up big and strong? Here's hoping. *FOR ANYONE OFFENDED BY RELIGIOUS DISCUSSIONS, STOP READING HERE* A very close friend of ours once…

• Funny Quotes From Our Toddler

  Tim Gertsch

  24 Feb 2012 | 11:39 am

  This post is going to be a fun one. I have always loved that show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things", and I've been trying to compile a good list of things my daughter, and other kids, have said to me, or around me or my wife. Just for laughs. This is a pretty funny list, I think you'll enjoy it. So sit back on this nice relaxing Friday, and enjoy some hilarious quotes from the kids, and even a couple where we the parents get owned by our kids' own simplistic thought patterns. Over the last year or so, my daughter has started to develop a better sense of modesty. She wants her privacy while…

• Hell's Kitchen

  Tim Gertsch

  22 Feb 2012 | 12:42 pm

  Wow... what a couple weeks we've been having. Busy busy busy. Fear not, I have returned. And today's post is going to be more of a journal entry type of post than anything else. For a few weeks now, we've been  having quite the conflict with our daughter about something that's never really been an issue before: food. She's always been pretty open to trying foods, and pretty diligent when it came to eating all her food. She's never been one to pick around the vegetables and eat only a certain portion of her dinner. Well, now we've reached a bit of a road block. She suddenly likes…

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  Kids in Sports | Character Building | JBM Thinks

• Preserving your child’s sports memories: easy as 1-2-3

  Janis

  16 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  How are you preserving your kids sports memories?  There are lots of creative, fun ways to do this. Pick something, please. Don’t let the seasons go by without intentionally remembering them. Someday you will discover that it is so fun to go back and look at visible reminders of all those years of sports: big wins, [...]

• Kids and competition: when should it start?

  Janis

  14 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  When should a child face the pressure of competition? How young is too young? First off, I am not anti-competition. Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile or know anything about me, know that I am sports mom and coach’s wife with competitiveness flowing through my blood. I do believe that [...]

• Kids are not the only ones who need a coach; sometimes parents do too

  Janis

  12 May 2012 | 7:53 am

  I am so excited to bring you a brand new opportunity! JBM Thinks Sports parenting now offers parent life coaching! Because sometimes, kids are not the only ones who need a coach. Parents do too.   You may be asking yourself, what is parent coaching anyway? Parent coaching is not therapy or counseling or a [...]

• Teach your child the 5 characteristics of a team player

  Janis

  11 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  What does it take to make a strong team? Any coach can pull 5 or 9 or 11 players together and execute an offense and a defense. And they will be a team. But will they be a strong team? Last weekend as I was watching The Avengers, I was reminded that pulling 5 people–or [...]

• The mouth guard: can it make your child sick?

  Janis

  9 May 2012 | 5:00 am

  This mouth guard may look clean and will protect your child’s teeth, but the bacteria and fungus it contains could make your young athlete sick. So says a study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting. Mouth guards worn by athletes may harbor harmful microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Pretty frightening info. But the [...]

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  Tales From the Nursery

• WW: Toy Gang!

  Darcy

  16 May 2012 | 9:00 am

  Here we have most of Rissa’s favorite toys! Pony, Dolly, Kitties, Harry the bunny, Scribbles, Blue, Maggie, Coral and Jewel. These are the names she knows them by and calls them. Well, she calls all 3 Lalaloopsy dolls Coral and Harry is just a bunny nose wiggle, but she knows who they are if I call them by name! Not pictured: Watson, Wince, Buckleyboo, Pookie, Stitch, and Pooh. Not sure how we missed adding them to the line up!

• What Will Be the Impact of Baby #2?

  Darcy

  14 May 2012 | 10:39 am

  I must admit I’m relieved to no longer be keeping Baby #2 a secret from all of you. I’ve almost slipped up in a few posts (like talking about car seats!) about the baby on-the-way. I’ve also been very anxious to start blogging about my second pregnancy. I started this blog about halfway through my first pregnancy, but it was mostly for family and there weren’t a lot of exciting posts… Except the biological sex reveal! So this time I definitely want to document the journey more and compare/contrast it to last time. I hear that every pregnancy is different, but I…

• The Odd Life of Timothy Green – New Trailer!

  Darcy

  13 May 2012 | 3:00 pm

  I was able to screen The Odd Life of Timothy Green while I was in NYC for The Avengers Event.  I can’t wait until I can share more of my thoughts about this movie with all of you (as well as the fun chat we had with the director, Peter Hedges, after viewing the film).  I haven’t cried this much throughout a movie in …. I don’t know how long.  It is touching and moving for parents and those wanting to be parents alike.   It’s not all sad though! Anyway, I need to stop before I give too much away!  Here is the new trailer for it and I’ll be sharing my…

• e.p.t. Pregnancy Test Kit Giveaway! (US) Ends 5/27

  Darcy

  13 May 2012 | 10:46 am

  Pregnancy tests can get costly, so you definitely want to use a test you trust.  e.p.t. has been there for both of my pregnancies now – they were the first ones to confirm what my body was trying to tell me!  During the 3 years we tried for my daughter, Rissa, I can’t even tell you HOW many tests I went through.  I would have loved the chance to win a few kits!  Now, you get the chance to win some! Prizes! One US reader will win 4 e.p.t pregnancy kits – 2 digital test (each with 2 tests) and 2 analog tests (each with 2 tests)! Giveaway! Log into the Rafflecopter form either…

• Am I Ready to Do This Mom Thing Again?

  Darcy

  13 May 2012 | 10:12 am

  As many of you know, we started trying for baby #2 a few months ago. I had some checkups done to ensure my blood sugar levels were normal and I started tracking my ovulation using the e.p.t. Ovulation Calendar app since Aunt Flo was right on time for three months in a row. We wondered if it would still take 3 years like it did to concee Rissa or would we be successful sooner? We officially started trying in March which was around the same time I received a few e.p.t. tests to review – the analog (interpret the lines!) and digital ones. e.p.t. is the pregnancy test brand I prefer and it…

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  One Little Mister

• Wordless Wednesday May 2nd

  Rhiana

  2 May 2012 | 3:04 pm

  This is a content summary only. Visit www.onelittlemister.com for full links, other content, and more!

• Texas Caviar Recipe

  Rhiana

  2 May 2012 | 2:08 pm

  Last weekend I had a Ladies Wine Night here at the house. One of my neighbors brought over an appetizer and I just had to get the recipe. I’ve seen variations online for this recipe. Some call... This is a content summary only. Visit www.onelittlemister.com for full links, other content, and more!

• Kalorik Toaster Oven Review and Giveaway

  Rhiana

  30 Apr 2012 | 11:35 am

  Kalorik, first established in 1930 in Belgium, has become know for their fine engineering and unique product development.  They were one of Europe’s first manufacturers of small electric appliances,... This is a content summary only. Visit www.onelittlemister.com for full links, other content, and more!

• April 25: Wordless Wednesday

  Rhiana

  25 Apr 2012 | 11:58 am

  This is a content summary only. Visit www.onelittlemister.com for full links, other content, and more!

• Clorox Presents The Clorox Lounge

  Rhiana

  24 Apr 2012 | 9:58 pm

  Clorox has recently launched a new website, TheCloroxLounge.com. The site was founded January 26, 2012 and is hosted by the famous comedian Sherri Shepherd. The Clorox Lounge has been designed to pay... This is a content summary only. Visit www.onelittlemister.com for full links, other content, and more!

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  Before the Baby Wakes

• Let’s talk about sex

  Alexandria Campbell

  16 May 2012 | 9:17 am

  I have finally cooled down enough from last night to write my original post. I think Shawn is trying to get in touch with Kim Kardashian’s people to see if her engagement ring is for sale as an apology present. Speaking of husbands and marriage & that whole kit & caboodle. Let’s talk about sex. Grandma, In-laws, MOM & family combined look away now. Seriously. Look the freak away. Look away. I don’t usually talk about my sex life on my blog & can only think of one time I broached the subject on my blog because like I mentioned yesterday there are family &…

• What do you do when you want to stab your husband in the leg with your overgrown toenail?

  Alexandria Campbell

  14 May 2012 | 11:46 pm

  Inspiration struck me this afternoon for a post while in the grocery store with my husband trying to figure out dinner-which was super delicious in theory but turned into a mushy mess. Ugh. But I just had a huge fight with my husband & right now I am steaming mad. Like steaming & I can’t even think straight to write a decent post. PLUS the post I was going to write was about my husband & I’m not feeling really lovely towards him now. And the worse part is I wish I could blog about what this particular fight because I’m 90% certain that there is a bunch of you who…

• I can’t think of a better title so read why I’m a chicken & not a feisty bad ass.

  Alexandria Campbell

  10 May 2012 | 9:30 am

  I have always considered myself to be among the “bitchy” sect of women {not like the awful bitches, but the good bitches, because they do exist} who have no problem telling it like it is, getting what they want, & rocking really cute heels all at the same time. Like Miranda with Carrie’s closet. But the truth of the matter is I’m not. I’m not as feisty as I seem inside my head. I’m painfully shy-until you get me talking in which I get a bit socially awkward & tell you about that time my bible school friends & I read articles about finding our…

• Springtime Pasta with Leeks, Bacon & Eggs

  Alexandria Campbell

  26 Apr 2012 | 9:36 am

  When making dinner my first thought was not “ooooh this dinner is going to be so blog worthy.” I thought it was just a little Instagram worthy…until Phoenix gobbled up 3 entire plates of it before I was even done my first. I had picked up leeks & bacon this week at the grocery store to make my favorite Quiche Lorraine & when the TODAY Show teased a cooking segment with leeks I perked up because I knew I’d have two left over. And boy oh boy {as Phoenix would say} am I glad I did. Below is the recipe which can be found on the TODAY Show website along with two…

• Motherhood is a choice you make everyday to not run away or crawl into a ball

  Alexandria Campbell

  23 Apr 2012 | 9:29 am

  Remember how last Monday I was all basking in the morning glow of motherhood. Waxing on about the chirping birds, morning caves, and all that other ra-ra-ra being a mom rocks stuff? But isn’t it just like the Universe of Motherhood to pull the rug from under you when you’re prancing along learning letter & writing with glitter pens to say “Uh hold on a second Mrs. Cleaver, you don’t have this shit quite locked up yet.” This week was a long & trying one. We only have 1 car, which at times is frustrating but considering Shawn works mostly from home it’s…

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  The Potty Diaries

• The Gallery: Morning

  16 May 2012 | 8:09 am

  This post is for Week 99 of Tara's Gallery - click here to see all the other great entries.The prompt this week was 'Morning'.  (I'm intrigued to see which theme she comes up with for Week 100, by the way - no pressure Tara...).  It's hard to capture the split-second timing and controlled chaos of our mornings on a school day here - I suspect they are pretty much like yours - so instead I'm going to show you something completely different.Yesterday morning was the last one of my parents' visit to us, and before they headed off back to the UK my father had expressed a particular wish…

• It's been oh-so-quiet...

  15 May 2012 | 1:07 pm

  It's amazing how quickly you can get out of the habit of doing something that previously seemed second nature.  Like, weighing yourself every week.  Keeping a check of your bank balance (casts guilty look at Husband working away at the other end of the table).  Or writing regular blog posts.I have an excuse, of course I do - my parents have been visiting and I've been busy showing off my current home town to them - but they left today and now... Well, now it's back to reality.  So I plan on posting for Tara's Gallery tomorrow and then having something more interesting…

• I'm not a Photo-Blogger, but...

  10 May 2012 | 12:12 pm

  There's something about taking a photograph with a 'proper' camera.  We're lucky enough to have a fairly decent one (although it is now 4 years old and in my more day-dreamy moments I do imagine replacing it with something more up to date), and I use it quite a lot.  I love the experience of using it.  The weight of it, the satisfying feeling as you press the button.  The fiddling with the lens - to zoom in, or not to zoom in?  To use the flash, or not? But recently I've been experimenting with the Nokia N8-00 which I was sent 18 months back to give me the chance to…

• On being reminded of how to find the lighter side of life

  9 May 2012 | 6:09 am

  As I mentioned in my last post, my parents are staying with us.  This is the perfect way of being reminded that stuff you think of as normal and not particularly funny is, in fact, not everybody's normal and actually, is pretty amusing.  Well, to people who don't live with small boys every day, anyway.This evening was a case in point; we skyped with my sister, and it became clear that my parents had been in touch with her by text and email during their visit here, sharing stories they thought were funny and which I just considered everyday happenings.  The following story -…

• Who said visitors go off in 3 days?

  8 May 2012 | 5:20 am

  My parents are visiting us here in Moscow at the moment. There's nothing like showing people around to reinvigorate your interest in the place that you live, don't you agree?  Since they arrived on Saturday, we have visited the Moscow Botanical Gardens, seen the ecto-plane and submarine berthed not far from where we live, and taken a stroll down the Old Arbat (once upon a time the hangout for the artistic community of Moscow, now a somewhat less glamorous strip of souvenir and coffee shops).  We've taken them to a friends for dinner where they were royally entertained, showed them…

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  Christian Parenting

• Bible Verses for Children

  admin

  15 May 2012 | 12:30 am

  Christian schools and kids’ church programmes are fond of having memory verses as a required task for children. While there is no purpose in mindless memorizing and mumbling of verses, the power of the Word cannot be denied in establishing little hearts in the love of Jesus. Many adults who may not have grown up

• Christian Music for Children Feature: Little Songbirds

  admin

  11 May 2012 | 2:27 am

  Music is a great way not only to help kids relax or let out excess energy through singing and dancing, but Christian music for children, especially, plays a vital role in establishing kids’ identity in Christ. As Christian parents, we may sometimes take music for granted, and just buy the first Sunday school songs CD

• Work at Home Moms: He is For You

  admin

  9 May 2012 | 5:24 am

  The Information Age does not just bombard our families with just about everything in terms of entertainment; it actually also benefits us in terms of finding extra income by working right from the comforts of our own homes. For a working mom, the idea of being able to transform from an eight-to-five employee to be

• Working Mothers are not Second-Class

  admin

  2 May 2012 | 5:18 am

  The world is a funny place: for most of the world, the idea of a stay-at-home mom who does not earn any extra income is not always viewed in a positive light, whereas for those in the church, the thought of working mothers is frowned at, or even disdained, to some degree. Many Christians believe

• Baby Sign Language

  admin

  23 Apr 2012 | 4:47 am

  Our firstborn son was relatively slow at starting to speak clearly. In fact, one of his aunts was already concerned by age 1, although we his parents weren’t too worried, because we could see him communicating in any way he knew how. Of course, I understood his aunt’s concern, as she was an early childhood

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  Positive-Parenting-with-Purpose-Blog

• Kids Can Make Their Own Fun

  11 May 2012 | 1:45 pm

  I was planning for end-of-school-year activities with the parents of one of my kids the other day.  The parents are responsible for bringing in the food and planning the "party" for the last day of school.  All of the parents want it to be a fun event for their kids.  Some of them want it to be really quite special.  They started talking about the different possibilities of things we could plan for them.  The thing is, it actually means "plan," "organize," and then "put it all together." I listened for a while; some of the parents went a little crazy with their ideas…

• Parenting Tips - Installment 1

  4 May 2012 | 8:28 am

  I've been asked, a lot recently, about some key parenting tips. What are some ways to improve the relationship between the parent and the child? There are a number of things that come to mind.  Since there are quite a few, I'll cover them in a couple of different blog posts.  The most general, sort of all-encompassing parenting principle is to: Parent from a place of love.  What does that mean?  It means to think about what you do, what rules you put into place, and how you talk with your kids and make sure you are coming from a place of love... not a place where you just…

• Labeling Your Kids

  29 Apr 2012 | 7:59 am

  I was listening to a seminar the other day that discussed the importance that labels make in a child's life. Parents often label their kids and don't even know that they do it.  I've done it before and not realized it until afterwards.  Heck.  It's very hard not to attach some sort of label to people in general, and parents do it often as a way to describe what their kids do. I think that labeling would be really difficult to completely eliminate.  And I DON'T think that labeling has to be all bad.  I think that it does matter how things are said by adults to and…

• Baby Product Recall

  26 Apr 2012 | 12:26 pm

  Target has just recalled a bunny sippy cup due to concerns that the decoration could potentially poke a child in the eye.  Click this link for more this recall or other baby product recalls, and click here if you'd like to plug in specific items to see if there have been any product recalls.

• Comparing Parenting

  24 Apr 2012 | 11:24 am

  Do you find yourself comparing yourself to other parents? Well, I think you should... and you shouldn't. What? In my opinion, it should be a little of both. Here's how. You shouldn't strictly compare your situation to others. Everyone has a different dynamic in their family that stems from the number of kids, the involvement of both parents, the age of the kids, the financial situation, the individual personalities of the parents and the kids, etc. But I do believe that it is helpful to look around and see what others are doing, and determine if it works well or not. I just call that a using…

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  Missa the Staycation Mama

• Perfection, From the Coffee to the Yellow Brick Wall

  14 May 2012 | 5:25 pm

  The best laid plans...This Mother's Day, I had two conflicting desires: to sleep all day, relinquishing all motherly duties and/or enjoy an action-packed family Sunday funday adventure.The "funday" I had in mind involved a Staycation Mama-inspired outing to Russian Brighton Beach and Coney Island, but when my husband scoffed at how long it would take to get there (an hour and a half!!! ugh the subway is slow...) I decided to abandon my expectations and just go with the flow. 3 hours of traveling wasn't high on my list of things to do. And that relaxed mentality plus uninterrupted quality time…

• Flashback: Mother's Day 2011 {Wordless Wednesday}

  9 May 2012 | 6:51 am

  Last Mother's Day was my first. We spent the entire day in Central Park and my hubby and a kind stranger took the photos below. Such a marked shift from any other beautiful day in Central Park when we would've taken at least ONE photo of the beautiful scenery, flowers, light reflecting on the pond, SOMETHING. Consumed with our little family this time :)Looking forward to more Mommy/Daughter photos this year. I'm planning our outfits now. I think this year I'll be rocking bright yellow.{For those visiting from Monday Mingle, my dress and belt are H&M and my flats are Blowfish. Savvy is…

• DIY Mixology: Godiva Cocktail Recipes

  8 May 2012 | 9:54 pm

  My favorite nights out are to ultra expensive mixology bars. I love a fancy cocktail comprised of more ingredients than my typical meals. Gin, cucumber, lime, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers? Start muddling! Whiskey, orange bitters, honey, lemon and cinnamon? If it's winter, absolutely!I've never made a fancy cocktail at home. I was invited to a Godiva Spirits Mother's Day event but had to decline, missing the opportunity to sample the following cocktails. If anyone wants to make me one of these yummy bevvies this Mother's Day, a lingering kiss will be your reward:Les Femmes CoupeCreated by…

• Huffing Garam Masala and a Mini Recipe

  7 May 2012 | 8:15 am

  Huffing Garam Masala made her eyes cross! Kept calling it a flower and going back for more sniffs. I knew I needed to start cooking more often instead of defaulting to dinner delivery when Savvy ate an entire $14 portion of Chicken Korma from our local Afghani restaurant. This kid's appetite is getting expensive and she loves heavily seasoned, fragrant South Asian food just like I do.So I purchased a bottle of Garam Masala last time I shopped at Fairway. I didn't have any recipes in mind - I'm not patient enough to make my own curry unless it's from a jar - I just knew that the fragrant…

• The Met With Toddlers: Let your kids run free!

  2 May 2012 | 8:45 pm

  Very serious face, enjoying very serious art at The MetThe most important job I have as a parent is encouraging my child to become a citizen of the world. Our mini Upper East Side world consists of avoiding dog poop on the street, staying alert in massive crowds of people, dining out in a way that doesn't disturb other patrons (i.e. no toys or loud distractions at the table), and visiting an occasional museum without wreaking havoc. Before I became a mother I (naively) swore that my life wouldn't change; that I would simply incorporate my child into my life. Well, life changed A LOT but a lot…

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  Parent esource

• How Kids Can Start Making Better Grades Now

  Rick and Teena Kamal

  9 May 2012 | 1:44 pm

  3 strategies for more efficient study habits Can students make better grades and spend less time studying? Actually, yes! The key is to help your child plan strategically to make the most of each moment of study time. Here’s how: Strategy 1 – Prioritize If your child feels overwhelmed by school work, the only solution is to prioritize. Talk to your child to help him identify the goals that are most important and pressing and make a practical plan to achieve these goals. Define goals. Short-term goals are most important for managing study time effectively. Establish short-term goals…

• Helping Children Fulfill Their Divine Blueprint

  Sai Maa

  6 Apr 2012 | 8:45 am

  Skills for teaching kids self-mastery from across cultures The highest goal of raising children is teaching them self-mastery, the skills they need and can rely upon to fulfill their highest calling in life. Yet many parents in today’s world find themselves focusing on their child’s outward behavior rather than their inner being. With small children, it is easy to get caught up in matters such as repeatedly telling them to pick up after themselves, or stressing the need for manners when interacting with siblings, friends and adults. This is all well and good, but it does not get…

• Yoga and Youth

  Amy Kelly

  4 Apr 2012 | 1:19 pm

  Nearly 15 million people in the United States practice yoga as a way to deal with the stresses of today’s busy lifestyles.  Corporate marketing executives, graphic designers and computer engineers turn to the mat to relieve stress, increase mental awareness and improve their overall health.  But adults aren’t the only ones striking a pose.  Dozens of programs have popped up in recent years which are designed to bring yoga and meditation to elementary, middle and high school students to help them deal with the stresses that they experience. Yoga for Youngest to Youth Some programs begin…

• Tips for Getting Your Teens Organized

  Allison

  2 Apr 2012 | 3:18 pm

  If you’re constantly telling your teens to pick up their stuff and put it away, you’re not alone. Most teens couldn’t care less about the condition of their bedrooms. Below are five tips for getting your teen on the right track when it comes to organization: Only you can show them how to be organized. It’s not something they are going to learn in school. Understand that they need to be taught these skills. Lead by example. You can’t expect your teen to have a clean room if the rest of your home is in disarray. Don’t clean their rooms for them. This will be a temporary fix and…

• Techy Teens in 2012

  Amy Kelly

  16 Mar 2012 | 8:47 am

  When your teenagers were born, you were probably getting your first cell phone and your computer still greeted you with “You’ve Got Mail.”  It is no surprise that teenagers would rather text than talk, would rather Google than research and rely more Twitter than a newspaper.    By staying on top of the latest technology trends and understanding how your teens use it, you can help guide them as an active part of their online behavior.   New Technology in 2012 Each new year brings new technology it’s either bigger and better, or it’s smaller and faster.  One of the biggest…

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  Awesomely Awake

• 6 Ways to Encourage Children to Take Risks

  awakeshawn

  15 May 2012 | 9:16 pm

  When my girls were young toddlers, I remember walking on a high bridge that crossed a creek near our home. There was ample, tall metal fencing protecting us from falling into the water. But memories of a news story I wrote as a young journalist of a child that drowned haunted my every thought that day and all I could do was rush my curious toddlers along, sweeping them away from their live-in-the-moment tendancy and rush them to safety far, far away from that raging creek. Sweat formed on my hands. Knots twisted in my stomach. I was anxious and agitated. They could squeeze through those…

• Amaze Yourself & Be Fearless

  awakeshawn

  13 May 2012 | 8:14 pm

  Photo Credit: D Sharon Pruitt via Flicker Sometimes the biggest act of courage is a small one. – Lauren Raffo You play it safe all the time. There’s too many worries, too many things to do. Not enough time. And all of those what-ifs pile up on top of each other, weighing us down. Best to err on the side of caution. Best to play it safe. Best to do what’s right. I have a secret for you. I get tired of never taking any chances. I get tired of worrying. I get tired of always doing what’s best for others. Let’s hook our dreams to the back of a rocket, light it…

• How to Raise a Mother

  awakeshawn

  10 May 2012 | 8:14 pm

  Original Photo Cred: dr_tr via Flickr Earlier this week, the oh-so-familiar book club order came home in the folders. You know the one? It has piles upon piles of books just screaming out “Buy Me! Buy Me!” Our Pinkalicious girls love books, like most children do in kindergarten, and yet despite being very imaginative, being very smart and reading on their own … THEY ALWAYS CHOOSE PINK BOOKS. So, I banned ordering or buying pink books. Last month, I made them buy their own pink books. I guess I get tired of seeing pink. Plus, the writing is rarely good in the pink books. Like…

• A Love Letter to Mothers Everywhere

  awakeshawn

  8 May 2012 | 7:16 pm

  Original Photo Credit: Adam_d_ via Flickr Let us close our eyes and send loving thoughts to all mothers of the world doing their absolute best despite their circumstances. Print this letter. Dear You. Dear wonderful, sweet tired, worn-out You. Sit down. Rest. Clear your mind of all thoughts. Forget the morning’s drama. Forget the battle cries. Forget the way things just didn’t go well this morning. Rest. Let go of the day’s worries and stresses. Just be. Know this. Know just this. You are doing a great job. In the middle of all of what you see as mistakes and failures and…

• The Children are Fine

  awakeshawn

  6 May 2012 | 7:21 pm

  Original Photo Cred: Kindercapes May you, for just a little bit this week, stop worrying. They’re fine. Your children are fine. Truly, they are. May you think back to your own childhood. You survived. You suffered. You turned out Awesome. When your children hit bumps, and they will, hug them. When they run into trouble, guide them. When they face uncertainty, coach them. Each day is a new day. A new day to appreciate how great they are right now. A new day to appreciate how far they’ve come along. A new day to appreciate how independent they are becoming. A new day to appreciate…

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  Your Child Buggy Blog

• Baby Pushchairs - The Facts

  15 May 2012 | 3:15 pm

  Baby Pushchairs and Prams have progressed into incredibly contemporary and lavish styles.  The traditional pushchairs from birth for newborns have been re-designed into pushchairs strollers which are even more comfy and entirely safe, but are a...

• Reading about Adoptions as well as Open Adoptions

  12 May 2012 | 1:12 pm

  Adopting is normally one of the ways in which you could end up being a dad or mum. There are quite a few individuals who wanted to be parents, however for a number of issues ended up being unable to conceive. You will appreciate that the other possi...

• All you need to know about newborn britax prams

  30 Apr 2012 | 3:53 pm

  Babies are a gift to the parents and they really need to be looked after extremely well. In most occasions navigating or else strolling about along with small children while holding their hands will likely be challenging for many dads and mums every...

• Secrets To A Stress Free Bath Time For Babies and Toddlers

  21 Apr 2012 | 7:46 am

  Bath time for toddlers and babies can be trumatic and trying experience if your child is screaming or crying the entire time. However, bath time fun for baby can be yours  by trying any of the solutions below: Playing Games Dur...

• The Top 10 Foods for Nursing Mothers

  11 Apr 2012 | 5:12 pm

    If you’re breastfeeding your child, you have to watch your diet closely. According to Livestrong, women who are breastfeeding need an extra 500 calories daily to guarantee proper nutrition for themselves and their babies. Mere calor...

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  Assistance for Single Mothers

• How to Start a Non-Profit With Limited Resources

  Robin

  16 May 2012 | 8:28 am

  Do you have a passion for a certain cause? Are you thinking of starting a non-profit organization to help raise awareness or possibly make significant changes in society or to certain individual’s lives?In recent years, the number of non-profits has grown significantly. Unfortunately, many people jump right in before laying the proper foundation and planning out the process.If you want to be successful, a non-profit should be treated with the same care and wisdom as the start of any business, –because essentially it is. So, what exactly is a non-profit?Non-profit organizations are…

• Top 3 Careers for Single Mothers

  Marcelina

  14 May 2012 | 10:27 am

  With being a single mother having to work to makes ends meet and still fulfill your responsibilities as a mother, finding work-life balance can seem nearly impossible.You can’t work extended hours because you may not have someone who can care for your children that long, and it’s not the ideal of what you want for your children.The good news is that there are some careers you can transition into that will help you balance your life better.Career #1: TeachingAs a teacher, you will be able to make a difference in the life of children. You will be the one who teaches, supports and encourages…

• How to ask for time off at work

  Marcelina

  13 May 2012 | 1:35 pm

  As a single mother, you need time off more than most people because it’s only you. Sometimes your children become sick, sometimes you have no one to take care of them when they have a day off.Others times, you just need to spend quality time with them by going on a field trip and taking them on a special adventure to show them they are just as important as work.Asking for time off from a boss can be an intimidating process, especially if the work environment is not family-friendly.Some of the mistakes many mothers make when they ask for time off makes them seem as though they are not…

• Free and Inexpensive Fun Things to do With Your Kids

  Robin

  11 May 2012 | 10:57 am

  As a parent, you want to give your child the best, and you want them to have plenty of fond memories when they are older. Sadly, many parents believe this requires spending a lot of money, when in reality, it doesn’t.During my own childhood, my parents would take every opportunity to spend time with my siblings and me. We always had fun, and because my parents didn’t have a lot of extra money at that point in my life, that fun was usually inexpensive or even free.We took one family vacation every summer, which was usually a camping trip to a national park just a few hours away from our…

• Top 10 Reasons Why Being a Single Mom Rocks

  Marcelina

  9 May 2012 | 8:11 am

  We can all sit and list all of the reasons why being a single mom isn’t what we would prefer, but that’s not the way to go about life. Instead, we need to take comfort in all the positives of life.As a single mom, there are many reasons why it’s better than having to deal with being married, especially to someone we can’t stand. Let’s list some of the reasons in this top 10 reasons why being a single mom rocks.The Top Ten List of Positive Aspects of Being a Single MomIf I don’t feel like putting the dishes away after dinner, I don’t have to do it. If the children want cereal…

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  Two Martini Lunch

• Yellow #MAYdailyphoto

  Kim

  16 May 2012 | 12:47 am

  This is a crazy week for me. I am organizing a large silent auction for Brennan & Carter’s annual fundraiser.   The FALA Gala is an fun event with great food, drink and entertainment. But boy is it a lot of work.  My only breather today came when I was watering my garden with my yellow hose nozzle.  Such a nice break in my chaos filled day.  

• Food #MAYdailyphoto

  Kim

  15 May 2012 | 12:56 am

  It seemed silly to me to post a picture of food since my whole weekend was consumed with the Great Food Truck Race.  Hopefully, this will be my last post on the Great Food Truck Race for awhile. It really is time to get back to my real life. I am leaving you with a picture of some wings left over from Momma’s Grizzly Grub.  

• Mother #MAYdailyphoto

  Kim

  13 May 2012 | 10:29 pm

  Celebrating Mother’s Day with my boys.  My greatest accomplishment are these two wonderful beings. Maybe tomorrow I will show you how many pictures it took to get this shot.  

• Every Mother Counts

  Kim

  13 May 2012 | 10:58 am

  As we celebrate the mother’s in our lives, it is important to remember that 1,000 woman will die today because they became a mother.  There is a campaign No Mother’s Day that is asking mom’s to forgo their day and go quiet to bring awareness to the fact that most of the 1000 deaths that will happen today are preventable. I chose to not be quiet today because talking about it will hopefully bring awareness. Here is a moving video talking about the No Mother’s Day. An easy way to help: Starbucks is selling a CD Every Mother Counts 2012,which features new or unreleased…

• Great Food Truck Race – Flagstaff

  Kim

  13 May 2012 | 1:03 am

  Oh what a day!  My day started early with a call that Food Trucks from the Great Food Truck Race (A Food Network Show) were in front of my shop. You have no idea how much this excited me. I (along with others) had been stalking them around town. I love this network, I love this show and I love reality TV. I was in heaven.  When I got to the shop with wet hair and no makeup (there is no way I am missing a thing!), there is not 1 but 4 and soon to be a 5th truck around my store. There are two directly in front (Momma’s Grizzly Grub and Pizza Mikes). Around the corner are Nonna’s…