Banner adz

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Tanya

BABIES!

First off NO, I'm not expecting! But I wonder have you been keeping up with Molly the Barn owl from San Marcos, CA and her 5 owlets! Or did you LOVE the movie March of the Penguins? BABIES is a visually stunning and joyful new film that simultaneously chronicles the life of four of the world's newest human inhabitants - in Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco, and Tokyo, respectively -- from first breath to first steps, on a journey at once universal and amazingly original.
Bayar from Bayanchandmani, Mongolia
Bayarjargal, who lives in Mongolia with his family, is one of four babies followed from birth to first steps in Thomas Balmes' BABIES, a Focus Features release. Photo credit: Focus Features


Hattie from San Francisco, California
Hattie, who lives in the United States with her family, is one of four babies followed from birth to first steps in Thomas Balmes' BABIES, a Focus Features release. Photo credit: Focus Features
Mari from Tokyo, Japan
Mari, who lives in Japan with her family, is one of four babies followed from birth to first steps in Thomas Balmes' BABIES, a Focus Features release. Photo credit: Focus Features
Ponijao from Opuwo, Namibia
Ponijao, who lives in Namibia with her family, is one of four babies followed from birth to first steps in Thomas Balmes' BABIES, a Focus Features release. Photo credit: Focus Features



I'm a BzzAgent!

Read More

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tanya

RECALL - SlingRider Baby Slings; Three Infant Deaths Reported

Infantino Recalls to Replace SlingRider Baby Slings; Three Infant Deaths Reported
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), in cooperation with Infantino LLC, of San Diego, Calif. are announcing a free replacement program for the Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” infant slings. One million of these infant slings are being recalled in the United States and 15,000 are being recalled in Canada. CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using these slings for infants younger than four months of age due to a risk of suffocation and contact Infantino for a free replacement product.
CPSC is aware of three reports of deaths that occurred in these slings in 2009; a 7-week-old infant in Philadelphia, Pa.; a 6-day-old infant in Salem, Ore.; and a 3-month-old infant in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Infantino “SlingRider,” is a soft fabric baby carrier with a padded shoulder strap that is worn by parents and caregivers to carry an infant weighing up to 20 lbs. “Infantino” is printed on the plastic slider located on the strap. “Infantino,” “SlingRider” and the item number are printed on the instruction/warning label inside the baby sling carrier. “Wendy Bellissimo” branded sling carriers were sold exclusively at Babies “R” Us and have a sewn-in label on the inside of the sling strap that says in part "Wendy Bellissimo Media, Inc." and lists Item numbers 3937500H7 and 3937501H7.
Infantino LLC sold the slings in the United States and Canada from January 2003 through March 2010 at Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Babies “R” Us, BJ’s Wholesale, various baby and children’s stores and other retailers nationwide, and on the Web at Amazon.com, for between $25 and $30.
The product was manufactured in China and Thailand.
Consumers should stop using the recalled slings immediately and contact Infantino to receive a free replacement product, with a choice of a Wrap & Tie infant carrier, or a 2 in 1 Shopping Cart Cover, or a 3 in 1 Grow & Play Activity Gym. A Jittery Pals Rattle will also be provided. Contact Infantino toll-free at (866) 860-1361 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://service.infantino.com/UnitedStatesRecalls.html
Do not attempt to fix these carriers.
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1001
Read More
Tanya

Evenflo Recalls Top-of-Stair Plus Wood Gates Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Evenflo Top-of-Stair™ Plus Wood Gates
Units: About 150,000 in the United States and 33,000 in Canada
Manufacturer: Evenflo Co. Inc. of Miamisburg, Ohio
Hazard: The slats on the gate can break or detach, posing a fall hazard to children.
Incidents/Injuries: Evenflo has received 142 reports of slats breaking and/or detaching from the gate. Three children gained access to stairs. One of those children fell through the gate and down five steps; another fell down one step. Injuries included four children who sustained bumps and bruises to the head and seven children who sustained minor injuries including scratches, scrapes and bruises.
Description: The recall involves Evenflo models 10502 and 10512 Top-of-Stair Plus Wood Gates made from October 2007 through July 2009. The model number can be found on the bottom rail. No other Evenflo model numbers or gates are affected by this recall.
Sold at: Toys “R” Us, Burlington Baby Depot, Kmart and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide in the U.S. and Canada, and on the Web at Amazon.com and other online retailers from October 2007 through March 2010 for about $40.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled gate and contact Evenflo to obtain a free newer model 10503 or 10513 Top-of-Stair™ Plus Wood replacement gate.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Evenflo toll-free at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at safety.evenflo.com
Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=9592185

Read More
Tanya

Connect with other MOMS!

Join our online community and connect with other moms!
Join here! http://247moms.ning.com/
Read More

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Tanya

FREEBIE! - BLOCKBUSTER Express™ kiosks

How many times in your life has a DVD saved the day? From entertaining fidgety kids on long trips to curing the rainy day blues, I think we can all agree that renting a DVD can be a busy Mom's secret weapon.

As a busy Mom, I know that there isn't always time to even rent a DVD. Taking the whole family down to your local movie rental store can end up being an hour long ordeal. By the time you get home you're too tired to even watch the movie and what seemed like a great idea ended up being quite a chore. Luckily, I've found the perfect solution!

Moms, here is your newest secret weapon: BLOCKBUSTER Express™ kiosks. They make renting DVDs fast, easy, and affordable! You can rent DVDs online for only $1 per night at blockbusterexpress.com and you don't even need a membership to do it.

Through the rent online feature at blockbusterexpress.com, you can create a favorites list, browse available movies at your preferred kiosk, complete the rental of up to three movies at once online and then pick up the DVDs from the kiosk at your convenience. Now you can spend less time renting and more time enjoying your DVDs with your family. Start planning your next movie night tonight! BLOCKBUSTER Express offered a special Rent One Get One Free coupon code to use and share with all of your friends, family and followers. The coupon code is 555G13B.

When you rent a movie at the regular price using the code in the banner above*, you'll receive the first night's rental on the second movie FREE. This offer expires on 3/31 so make sure to take advantage of it soon and encourage your friends to do the same!

This review was posted to enter to win a gift certificate from Blockbuster through MomSelect!
Read More

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Tanya

Egg Hunts and Family Fun at Free Community Festivals

Read More

Friday, March 19, 2010

Tanya

Ragu's Recipe for a Good Start Contest

So I've been cooking from my freezer and pantry all week. And my favorite simple recipe that comes from the pantry and freezer is Ravioli's. I could not make it without my Ragu Sauce!!

As Moms, we all have our own recipes for giving our kids the best possible childhood and a great start in life. Whether those ingredients include encouraging our kids to try their hardest or promoting their imagination and creativity, our hope is that our children will grow up to be happy and well-adjusted adults. Family time is an undoubtedly important part of that recipe, and making sure the family sits together at the dinner table at least once a week is a great, but challenging way to fit it in.

Ragú® offers moms hundreds of nutritious, convenient, delicious and affordable meal ideas- perfect for busy families on the go. From making sure the kids get their veggies (Ragú® red sauces contain more than a full serving of veggies in every half cup of sauce) to skip-a-step recipes like No Boiling Lasagna and No Frying Chicken Parmesan, Ragú® understands your hectic lifestyle and desire to feed your family quality meals at a great value.

Now, Ragú® is teaming up with actress and mom Molly Ringwald to promote the Recipe for a Good Start Contest asking moms to share their recipes for a good start for a chance to win a $5,000 college scholarship. By visiting www.recipeforagoodstart.com, you'll have a chance to submit your recipe for a good start in life and your original Ragú® recipe that has the family running to the dinner table! Three first prize winners will be awarded a family trip to New York City where they will compete in a nationally televised Ragú® Recipe Challenge for the chance to win the ultimate prize of a $5,000 college scholarship.

Here is the recipe that I am entering! Don't steal it now! (well you can make it just don't enter it!)

1 package of frozen cheese ravioli's
1 jar of your favorite Ragu spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 container cottage cheese

Put the frozen ravioli's in a 9x13 pan. Cover with cottage cheese and cheese. Pour sauce over the top and cover with foil. Bake at 350 for about 50 minutes until bubbly! Enjoy!
Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Ragú® family package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.
Read More

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Tanya

Turn You Children's Stories Into Books

I review my share of products, each unique in its own way. This has to be one of my FAVORITES so far! I found two things you can do with this service.

First, Peter Weck and Blake Williams are two dads who created this wonderful online program where children can turn their stories into printed books! This is such a great way to encourage children to be creative and write! Then once you get the book they are more encouraged to read it to others!

The second use I found for this book and I am not sure if Blake considered this perspective on it, but I found it was great for me to create stories FOR my kids ABOUT my kids. There are unnamed companies out there that sell products that you can create basically online scrapbooks and have them printed. They run about $50 EACH. Storyjumper offered the same type of service for only $25. I hope to create a book for each of my children for their birthdays every year.


I used Storyjumper to create a personalized book for Ashlee for her first birthday called, VIP (Very Important Person). I compiled pictures and stories from our family and put it all into one book to tell her what a VERY IMPORTANT PERSON she is!
Storyjumper.com has tons of props and scenes for you to use in your book. With the ability to upload your own photos and text the creation possibilities are endless. Other ideas include a graduation gift and new baby gift!
I want to thank Blake and StoryJumper for giving me the opportunity to review their product and sending me a free copy of the book I created for my daughter. When she reads it she points at all the pictures and says "baby!"
Join now for free and start your creation online. You can email your book to other and print paper copies. And ordering a hard copy is simple and inexpensive! Visit http://www.storyjumper.com/ today!
Read More

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Tanya

2010 Cenus and why you should fill it out!

I'm sure we all have our own opinions on the Census and why we should or should not fill it out.

Here is my take. I used to spend HOURS online and at the public library researching my family history. Much of that information cane from Censuses.

If anything fill it out so we can learn about our heritage many years from now!

Thanks!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch
Read More
Tanya

Happy St. Patrick's Day


Read More

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Tanya

Recipes for St. Patty's Day

from allrecipes.com

Irish Soda Bread I
By: Arlene Costello/Agnes Walters
"This recipe was given to me by my mother, Agnes Walters. It is made with sour cream and always comes out moist and keeps for several days."
Servings: 20

Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 pint sour cream
1 cup raisins
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two 8x4 inch loaf pans.
Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, sour cream and raisins and mix until just combined. Distribute batter evenly between the two pans.
Bake loaves at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1 hour.

Diane's Colcannon
By: DianeF
"While Colcannon seems to be associated with St. Patrick's Day, I love the combination of potatoes, cabbage, onion and bacon all through the cooler months of Fall and Winter! I attend an annual St. Patty's Day party and this is the dish I'm always asked to bring... and I'm happy to say that the bowl comes home empty every time!"
Servings: 8

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 slices bacon
1/2 small head cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions
Place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving drippings, crumble and set aside. In the reserved drippings, saute the cabbage and onion until soft and translucent. Putting a lid on the pan helps the vegetables cook faster.
Drain the cooked potatoes, mash with milk and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the bacon, cabbage, and onions, then transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Make a well in the center, and pour in the melted butter. Serve immediately.

Corned Beef and Cabbage I
By: Laria Tabul
"What's more Irish than a traditional recipe for corned beef and cabbage? Serve with mustard or horseradish if desired."
Servings: 5

Ingredients
3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
10 small red potatoes
5 carrots, peeled and julienned
1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges

Directions
Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound or until tender.
Add whole potatoes and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.
Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain.
Read More

Monday, March 15, 2010

Tanya

The History of St. Patrick's Day

from history.com

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The First Parade
The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.
Over the next 35 years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, prompting the rise of so-called "Irish Aid" societies like the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the Hibernian Society. Each group would hold annual parades featuring bagpipes (which actually first became popular in the Scottish and British armies) and drums.
In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies decided to unite their parades to form one New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. Today, that parade is the world 's oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants.

Each year, nearly three million people line the 1.5-mile parade route to watch the procession, which takes more than five hours. Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Savannah also celebrate the day with parades involving between 10,000 and 20,000 participants.

No Irish Need Apply
Up until the mid-19th century, most Irish immigrants in America were members of the Protestant middle class. When the Great Potato Famine hit Ireland in 1845, close to a million poor and uneducated Irish Catholics began pouring into America to escape starvation. Despised for their religious beliefs and funny accents by the American Protestant majority, the immigrants had trouble finding even menial jobs. When Irish Americans in the country's cities took to the streets on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate their heritage, newspapers portrayed them in cartoons as drunk, violent monkeys.

However, the Irish soon began to realize that their great numbers endowed them with a political power that had yet to be exploited. They started to organize, and their voting block, known as the "green machine," became an important swing vote for political hopefuls. Suddenly, annual St. Patrick's Day parades became a show of strength for Irish Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a slew of political candidates. In 1948, President Truman attended New York City 's St. Patrick's Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find acceptance in America.

Wearing of the Green Goes Global
Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia.
In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland 's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows.

The Chicago River
Chicago is famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event: dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river—enough to keep it green for a week!
Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours. Although Chicago historians claim their city's idea for a river of green was original, some Savannah natives believe the idea originated in their town. They point out that, in 1961, Savannah mayor Tom Woolley had plans for a green river. Due to rough waters on March 17, the experiment failed, and Savannah never attempted to dye its river again.
Read More

Friday, March 12, 2010

Tanya

Living From my Pantry & Freezer

So when we moved I was told if we ever had a natural disaster my whole block would be at my house eating from my pantry. This is an inherited trait. Spending a lot of time at my grandmother's who had 6 children she always had 10 loves of bread on hand (no I don't have that many, but we do always have two!), and just a packed kitchen. So over the years I have accumulated food.

We have a stand up deep freezer and our regular fridge freezer packed.

So I am taking on a challenge to myself. To see how long I can live from my freezer and pantry. Now I obviously am going to have to purchase milk, dairy and baby food but I am going to try my hardest to not go to the grocery store. I think this would be an easier task if it was summer and my veggies were already growing BUT I do have tons of frozen veggies.

So while I do this I will be adding up my grocery bill and compare it with the last 30 days of grocery bills. I think I can last 4 weeks. The real question is can my husband last that long. He does not like anything I cook so this will be nothing new for him I guess!! This will include our eating out totals too!

Wish me luck and feel free to join in and save some "dough"!
Read More
Tanya

Bracelets with High Levels of Cadmium RECALLED




CPSC Issues Warning on Children’s Winter and Holiday-Themed Charm Bracelets with High Levels of Cadmium
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using the products immediately.
Name of Product: Children’s Metal Charm Bracelets
Units: Unknown
Importer: Buy-Rite Designs, of Freehold, N.J. (The firm is no longer in business.)
Hazard: The bracelets contain high levels of cadmium. Laboratory analysis determined that following a 24-hour incubation in simulated stomach acid, over 20,000 micrograms of cadmium were released from the snowman alone. Cadmium can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This warning involves Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brand children’s Christmas and winter-themed bracelets. The two styles involved in this notice are the Bumble Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The bracelets were sold with winter and Christmas-themed charms including a snowman, Christmas tree, candy cane and snowflake.
Sold at: Discount and dollar-type stores nationwide between 2006 and March 2009 for about $1.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these charm bracelets away from children and dispose of the jewelry.
Read More

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Tanya

St. Patty's Day Fun

Here are some GREAT printables from 24/7 MOMS for St. Patty's Day Fun!

Clover Cash, HIDE for you children or spouse and let them redeem them for prizes you get to choose! Could be fun "spark" for your relationship!

Ideas on where to hide them:
Lunch Box
Shoes
Pockets
Under toothbrush
Briefcase
In the car, tape to the inside of window
Tape to back of TV remote
In drawers
Under their pillow
In socks


St. Patrick's Day Goodie Basket, make this basket and fill with gold chocolate coins or green M&M's!
Or you can download a blank basket and decorate as you wish!

St. Patty's Day Word Scramble
Get the Word Scramble here:

And the answers here:


Read More

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tanya

Outback Steakhouse - Thanks for Giving!

For 20 years, Outback has been supporting our troops Outback employee volunteers have traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Kuwait and aboard naval vessels to serve a taste of home, including steaks and Bloomin' Onions, to over 150,000 deployed men and women during Operation Feeding Freedom. This year, they're increasing their efforts in support of the troops and their families. And now they invite you to join them. Order off our limited time Red, White and Bloomin' menu in the month of March and help us donate $1 Million to Operation Homefront.

Order off their limited time Red,White and Bloomin' menu in the month of March and help us donate $1,000,000 to Operation Homefront. Select from their two new steak and shrimp combinations: the Outback Special® or the Victoria's Filet® & your choice of shrimp (Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp, or Shrimp Scampi) as well as many of our signature items.
Click here for our Red, White & Bloomin' menu

Operation Homefront


Operation Homefront provides assistance for our troops, their families, and wounded warriors when they return home.






For more information please visit: http://www.outback.com/companyinfo/thanksforgiving.aspx
Thank you Outback for Supporting Our Troops!
Read More

Monday, March 8, 2010

Tanya

Win $1000 by designing your best 3-pack of socks!

about the contest
Project Sock is back and better than ever! With even more prizes at stake, Project Sock: Season 2 is destined to be bigger, bolder and highlight the best talent from all around!
The nationwide design contest presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for fans to reveal their "socktastic" artistic abilities by designing a 3-pack of non-matching socks to become part of a 2010 LittleMissMatched collection. All ages and levels of experience are encouraged to enter - the only requirement is creativity!
This year, Project Sock will award six (6) designers with the chance of a lifetime. Not only will the winning socks be sold to the public as part of the 2010 LittleMissMatched collection but cash prizes, socks, and of course, fame, will be up for grabs.
Think you've got what it takes to be the next Project Sock winner? If so, come on and show the world how you'd rock your socks!
prizes
One (1) Fan Favorite Prize winning design chosen by fans just like YOU will go into production to become part of the 2010 LittleMissMatched holiday collection for sale to public. PLUS, the winner gets a $1,000 cash prize and TEN packs of their winning socks!
Five (5) Favorite Prize winning designs chosen by a panel of judges will also go into production to become part of the 2010 LittleMissMatched holiday collection for sale to public. These five winners will each also receive a cash price of $250 and TEN packs of their winning socks!

how to enter
1. Design your original 3-pack of non-matching socks using the PROJECT SOCK template. You can either print this form and design your socks on paper or import the template into your favorite design program and rock out there (as long as you don't change the template sizing). Whatever you choose, be sure your design is on 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.
2. Fill out your ENTRY FORM and if you’re under 18, be sure to have your parent/guardian sign your entry form too!
3. Mail your design and entry form to:

Project Sock
c/o LittleMissMatched
307 7th Avenue, Suite 501
New York, NY 10001
All mailed submissions must be received by 6pm EST on April 15, 2010. In-store submissions must be received by 5pm EST on April 13, 2010. To learn how to submit in-stores, see Official Rules.
Need Inspiration? Click here to see samples of the latest packs of 3 single socks!
Read More

Friday, March 5, 2010

Tanya

Early Potty Training

When is it the "right" time. every child is different. For my son it was around 3. When he could tell me, "I'm going potty." We actually held off until 3 1/2 for our convenience with a trip to Disneyland, potty training in an amusement park did not sound like fun! So when is the "right" time? I found a great article at Connect With Kids.

from www.connectwithkids.com, Emily Halevy CWK Producer

I would suggest meeting with someone who had done it successfully, visiting websites that might offer information, and having a very open mind. Realizing that it may not be the perfect answer in every family, but in some families this may be something worth trying.”
– Karen Dewling, M.D., pediatrician

It's one of the great questions of the ages: when should you begin to potty train your toddler? Researchers at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital have narrowed the window down to between 24 and 32 months of age. But this hasn't stopped some parents from attempting to train their babies even younger ... much younger.

It seems that for the Young family it's working. "Psss. You need to go bud? Do you need to go?" Diana asks her seven-month-old son, Dorian, while he's sitting on his infant potty seat.
When he has to go, Diana taught him to make a sign. "See," she points, "now he's doing the potty sign. Do you see his right hand there like that?"

But is he really potty trained?

"Children, when they're toilet trained as young infants are not truly toilet trained," explains pediatrician Dr. Karen Dewling, "Their parents become trained, their caregivers become trained to recognize the infants cues that they need to void or defecate."

She explains that the biggest problem is young babies can't do very much. "Toilet training is a very complex skill that requires the child to recognize the need to go, to control the need to go, to be able to get to the bathroom, remove their clothing, do what they need to do, flush, wash their hands, very complicated language and motor skills are required for the true process."

So, should you try to potty train a child before the age or two or three? She says it may not work, but there's no harm in trying. "I think that a caregiver who's able to recognize a baby's cues is very in tune with that baby, and that's probably a very good thing."

"My friend's say, 'I have never seen a happier baby,' and I think it's because he knows that I'll meet his needs," says Diana, "He doesn't need to cry to get my attention, cause he has my attention all the time."

All that attention may seem like a lot of work, but Diana says it's worth it. "The biggest benefit has been the connection between us. I just feel like I'm a good mother. I feel like I'm doing something for him that he appreciates, and that he needs, and it's the right thing."

On average, children begin potty training around age 2, and girls generally potty train faster than boys. Experts at Southern Cloth Baby recommend looking for the following signs that may mean your child is ready to begin potty training:
  • Able to stay dry for an hour or two
  • Awareness of bodily functions
  • Interest in being clean and dry
  • Able to understand and follow simple instructions
  • Interest in wearing training pants instead of diapers
  • Simple self-dressing
  • Interest or curiosity about bathroom habits

However, the experts recommend not to start potty training if the child will be experiencing big changes in the near future such as:

  • A new baby in the family
  • Moving to a new house or school
  • A parent starting work
  • The holiday season

Tips for Parents
Potty training can be one of the most daunting tasks faced by you and your child during the early years. Dr. Claire Albright, psychologist and parenting coach, offers the following tips that may make the transition easier:

  • Dress your child in underwear at about 28 months of age when the child is at home. Today's disposable diapers provide almost no feedback to the child about when they are wet. Your child will feel uncomfortable in their "big kid" pants when they are wet and may therefore feel motivated to try using the toilet.
  • Allow your child to run around naked when you are at home. Having to deal with the urge to eliminate will be much more noticeable to your child when there is nothing to catch it in but the potty-seat.
  • Look for signs of potty training readiness in your child. These signs of readiness may include telling you when they are using the bathroom in their diaper, requesting that you change a messy diaper, keeping their diaper dry for hours at a time, showing enthusiasm after going to the bathroom, etc.
  • Begin potty training at an appropriate age. Potty training becomes less difficult as your child gets older. Potty training prematurely can make a child feel misunderstood, alone and rebellious. It is often best to wait until the child is three years old to focus on potty training.
  • Make potty training fun by giving your child little rewards for sitting on the toilet with no diaper

You could use stickers, crackers, small, inexpensive toys, etc. Using candy could produce sugar cravings and tooth decay, however.

  • Purchase a couple of potty training videos designed for toddler viewing. The research shows that the best way to teach any behavior is to have role models demonstrating the behavior. (Live models are more effective than video modeling.)
  • Pour cheerios or crackers into the toilet for little boys to take 'aim' at. This challenge taps into a little boy's natural interest in hitting targets.
  • Purchase several toddler-level books about children being potty trained. Potty training feels more natural and less stressful to a child who has been exposed to the process at "storybook time."
  • Consider allowing other trusted adults to help you to potty train your child. Many preschoolers respond more quickly to input from grandparents, aunts and trusted babysitters than they do to input from their parents in the area of potty training. Some parents report that a grandparent was able to potty train their child during one weekend away.
  • Make potty training a top priority on a consistent basis when you have the emotional and physical energy to do it.

References
Southern Cloth Baby
Shemrock International
About Potty Training Your Toddler

Read More

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tanya

Hooded Sweatshirt Recall - Sold at Burlington Coat Factory

Boys’ Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Ten West Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold at Burlington Coat Factory

Name of Product: Boys’ Hooded Jackets
Units: About 75
Importer: Ten West Apparel, of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: The children’s jackets have drawstrings through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves Ten 1 West boys’ jackets with a drawstring through the hood. They were sold in size 10/12 and are black cotton with a white fleece lining. “TEN 1 WEST” is printed on a hang tag on the center of the back neck.
Sold exclusively at: Burlington Coat Factory stores nationwide from November 2006 through September 2009 for about $12.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstring from the jacket to eliminate the hazard or return the garment to Burlington Coat Factory or to Ten West Apparel for a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ten West Apparel collect at (212) 564-1007 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Burlington Coat Factory’s Web site www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com

Read More
Tanya

Disabilites-parents please read

I have a very dear frined who I often refer to as my sister because that is how close we are. She is in a wheel chair. I don't notice it. But I notice people looking a her and she notices them looking too.

I taught my kids if someone has a disability it is not polite to stare but that it is ok to ask them about it. Many disabled people don't mind answeing questions and would rather you ask then stare.

She is the strongest woman I know. It broke my heart to hear a little girl who ran out in front of her car told her she should not be driving be cause she is "paralyzed". One, who brought this child up? Two, she is a person just like you and me.

We are all different whether it be our skin color, hair color, or the way we walk.

Parents please talk to your children and let them know rude comments are not ok and questions are good. And don't be a hypocrites Don't stare, ask questions and be kind. We all have feelings and are all turely unique and kind people.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch
Read More
Tanya

HELP! Do you have kids living at home?

If so follow this linke and see if you live in one of the states listed. If so would you like to join our Post Card Swap? It only costs you about $20 for postage and postcards!
http://gapcswap.blogspot.com/2010/02/states-still-needed.html
Read More

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Tanya

Stroller Recalls


Britax Recalls Strollers Due to Risk of Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Britax “Blink” Umbrella Strollers
Units: About 14,000 in the United States and 900 in Canada
Importer: Britax Child Safety, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.
Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves all Britax “Blink” single umbrella strollers. “Blink” is printed on the metal frame on both sides of the stroller, below the hand grips. The recalled “Blink” strollers have model numbers U261813, U261814, U261815, U261816, U261817, U271813, U271817 and U271815 and were manufactured between May 2009 and September 2009. The model number and manufacturing date can be found on a white label on the stroller frame, near the bottom of the stroller basket.
Sold at: Buy Buy Baby and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide in the U.S. and Canada and on the Web at www.Amazon.com, www.babiesrus.com, www.Target.com and www.Diapers.com from July 2009 through February 2010 for about $150.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Britax to receive free stroller hinge covers.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Britax toll-free at (888) 427-4829 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.blinkrecall.com/
Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=971
Read More
Tanya

I'm a PROUD Juicy Rewards Insider Ambassador #TropicanaOJ

I our house we have nothing but LOVE for Tropicana Orange Juice (we buy the 4 pack at Costco!0! So I jumped at the chance to become a Juicy Rewards Insider Ambassador through Mom Central!
First we joined the rewards club! And you can too by going here!
Now we are earning Juicy Reward points towards GREAT local retailers!
Follow Tropicana today on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Tropicana
And Twitter at: http://twitter.com/TropicanaOJ
Get a bonus point!
* To get your bonus point:
2. Set-up your Tropicana Juicy Rewards account (just take a minute!)
3. Visit the "Enter Codes" page within the site and get started with MOMCE-NTRAL
*This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY. Must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account.
I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.
Read More

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Tanya

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!

Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to the world as the beloved Dr. Seuss, was born in March 2, 1904.

Here are some great ideas from http://www.childfun.com/ to celebrate!

We read one of Dr. Seuss' books emphasizing the rhyming. Then we create our own book which we call "Look Out Dr. Seuss, Our Poems are on the Loose." In circle time I suggest several words that can be rhymed easily and the children make their own rhymes and illustrate them. Examples from last year: The flower took a shower, the man on the floor walked out the door and my favorite, I played in the mud and got full of crud. I make a large drawing of Dr. Seuss that all the children take turns coloring and we display their drawings around it. Copies of the drawings are put together as a book for the children to take home.

Make a Dr. Seuss hat from a paper bag. Just fold up the top of the bag and paint it red and white stripped. Add yarn around the folded part to help it stay on the childs head.
Another Seuss Hat. We took a paper plate and cut out the center. We then took strips (any size you choose) of white and red construction paper. We just used scotch tape to put the strips together. And use the center of the paper plate for the top of the hat.

Dr. Suess Books

Read More
Tanya

Wisk® "Pimp My Laundry Room" Video Contest

I am SO entering this! I am partnering with BSM Media for a Wisk contest with product giveaway.

If there is one chore that Moms are familiar with, it's laundry. For many of us, it's a daily occurrence that gives new meaning to the phrase "spin cycle!" That's why it's not surprising that laundry rooms are among the most frequented areas of the house for Mom....unfortunately, they tend to also be some of the most uninspired rooms in the home when it comes to design. Luckily, Wisk® Laundry Detergent understands and wants to help!

If your laundry room is plain and boring or a downright dungeon, you just might be in desperate need of a laundry room makeover. Wisk® Laundry Detergent is teaming up with TV's Designing Spaces to pimp-out one laundry room in dire need of a face-lift as part of the Wisk® Pimp My Laundry Room video contest.

Just enter a short video from March 1 to March 29, 2010 at www.LaundryHE.com explaining why you deserve a laundry room makeover and Wisk® could be on your doorstep with their partners-in-design, Whirlpool's DreamLaundry® Solutions team led by Bill Thomas and Emily Johnston, owner of the interior design firm EJ Interiors and founder of Materials Girls Blog. Together, they'll take your laundry room from drab to fab in no time thanks to a laundry room makeover complete with a new Whirlpool® High Efficiency (HE) washer/dryer set and a year's worth of Wisk® HE Laundry Detergent. Even better, she'll get to star in her very own episode of Designing Spaces!

The top Finalists will be featured on LaundryHE.com from April 12 - 19 and the Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by popular ballot so be sure to get your friends and family online and voting! Even better, a vote is an automatic entry to a sweepstakes for a year's supply of Wisk HE Laundry Detergent.

Read More

Monday, March 1, 2010

Tanya

Did You Know?

Medela now offers Easy Expression™ Hands-Free Pumping Bra (I wish I had one of these while pumping!)
Building on its line of breastpump accessories, Medela acquired Easy Expression Products Inc., maker of the Easy Expression™ Hands-Free Pumping Bra. The acquisition will help further Medela’s goal to provide moms with breastfeeding solutions that meet their lifestyle needs and help them successfully breastfeed longer.
Developed in 1996 with the working mom in mind, the Easy Expression Hands-Free Pumping Bra holds a breastpump’s breastshields in place, allowing mom to pump breastmilk — and keep her hands free to type, read or eat. The Easy Expression Bra also enables a mom with a premature infant to hold her baby while pumping, which can facilitate milk production and let-down. It can be worn over a regular nursing bra and is available in a Bustier and a Halter style.
Medela shares Easy Expression’s mission to offer products that meet the diverse needs of nursing moms. These include the Pump In Style® Advanced, a daily use breastpump designed for moms who pump several times a day, and the Freestyle®, the first truly mobile, hands-free, double-electric pump. The Easy Expression Hands-Free Pumping Bra is compatible with most Medela breastpumps, including the Symphony®, Freestyle, Pump In Style Advanced and Swing™.
The pumping bra will join Medela’s extensive line of breastpump accessories, such as PersonalFit™ breastshields and pump cleaning products. In addition to breastpumps and pumping accessories, Medela’s product offerings also include breast care products; breastmilk collection, storage and feeding products; and nursing intimate apparel.
The Easy Expression Hands-free Pumping Bra will continue to be sold at national and specialty retailers. For more information about Medela’s products, please call Medela customer service at 1-800-435-8316 or visit www.medelabreastfeedingus.com.
Read More