I may be pregnant but I can still party!

Since I have been pregnant I have been trying out a lot of non-alcoholic drinks. I want to have fun, party and be festive while still being smart and responsible.

My current favorite MOCKtail is Safe Sex on the Beach:
1 part orange juice
1 part cranberry juice
1 oz peach nectar
1 tbsp grenadine syrup

Mix equal parts of orange juice and cranberry juice, add nectar, and pour over ice. Sink the grenadine, garnish with a pineapple wedge, and serve.

Here are some other good recipes also:

FLYING FAIRBROTHER

2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Cranberry juice
1 tsp. Honey
3 oz. Ginger Ale

Drink Recipe Instruction In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the grapefruit juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and honey. Shake well. Strain into a collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Top with the ginger ale. Stir well.

UNFUZZY NAVEL
3 oz. Orange Juice
3 oz. Peach Nectar
1 tbs. Lemon Juice
2 dashes Grenadine
Orange Slice
Shake liquids with ice and strain into a collins glass. Garnish with orange slice.

BORA BORA
3.38 oz Pineapple juice
2 oz Passion fruit juice
0.33 oz Lemon juice
0.33 oz Grenadine syrup
Prepare in a blender or shaker, serve in a long drink glass on the
rocks. Garnish with 1 slice of pineapple and one cherry.

And I think they all taste better if they have an umbrella!

Monsters vs. Aliens Movie Night

My niece (kirsten8or) joined us for our Monsters vs. Aliens Movie Night this week which was a special treat for all 3 kids.


I made B.O.B. out of blue jello (I used the Jello Jiggler recipe). I cut the B.O.B.s out with a gingerbread girl cookie cutter, used a tiny dollop of whip cream and a red M&M for his eye. The kids thought these treats were some of the coolest treats we have had. Yay for Jello Jigglers!

I was also able to pick up some "growing monsters" from the $1 bin in Target. The kids had fun watching the monsters grow in the water.

And to end the night, they each got 3 monster pencils (again, courtesy of the Target $1 bin)!


This movie was pretty good - especially for an animated movie. The kids all really liked it and even Mike and I laughed at a lot of parts.

Race to Witch Mountain and Narnia Movie Nights

A few weeks ago we were able to fit 2 movie nights into 1 weekend!

On Friday, we watched Race to Witch Mountain. The movie was actually pretty good! The kids thought it was interesting and fun, my husband like the action and adventure and I liked... THE ROCK!!! LOL! He could probably make a documentary about slow growing plants worth watching.

For the treats, we made giant UFO cookies. We made the flat base part of the UFOs out of sugar cookies. Against my better judgment, I used store bought dough (never as good in my opinion, but so much quicker and easier). For the dome in the center, we used snowballs which were are biggest challenge. We drove ALL OVER TOWN before we were able to find 2 packages (4 snowballs total). But after an hour of driving and running into convenience stores, Walgreens and supermarkets we were successful! For the lights, we cut Mike and Ike's in half.

We each decorated our own and the kids had a lot of fun helping make and decorate their PUFOs (Personal Unidentified Flying Objects as K-man called them).

You can probably tell which PUFOs are the kids'. They are lit up a lot more than Mike and I's!

The PUFOs were so big it took us all weekend to eat them.

On Sunday night, we watched The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

I bought bean bag chairs for the bonus room and the kids were looking for any reason possible to pull them downstairs and use them.

We have all seen Narnia before but we have never had a movie night with it and this seemed like as good as time as any.

Our treats were Turkish Delight (I used sugared fruit chews) wrapped up in white tissue paper and green ribbon.

Inkheart Movie Night

We have been so busy lately that we haven't been able to fit in a movie night every week. And when we have, I haven't been very good about posting about it.

We watched Inkheart about 6 weeks ago. I like to have the kids help me come up with treat ideas, when possible, because I know their imagination is much better than mine. And they are usually SO proud when the treats turn out good.

K-man thought of the treat for Inkheart all on his own except that he wanted red icing on the brownies. We decided that chocolate icing would taste the best, and it would be hard to make it red, so he and V-girl came up with the idea of using chocolate icing but adding something red on top. So we hit the grocery store. Red sprinkles almost won the contest until they settled on red sour patch pieces. V-girl was insistent on these which is really funny because she didn't like them and picked them all off.

The final result:

The movie was "OK". The kids didn't LOVE it and neither did we but it was entertaining and as always, we enjoyed watching it together as a family!

Like I needed another reason!

As many of you may know, I am a BIG Chris Daughtry fan. From his very first audition I just loved him. I loved his voice! And I loved his back story. Being a step parent myself, I appreciated his obvious love for his stepkids. I cheered for him from that night on and all through the season. I (and V-girl) cried when he was voted off.

As crazy as it sounds (and yes, I know it sounds crazy!!) I almost feel like I know him somehow. Not personally of course, but his voice resonates with me. It is familiar and comforting to me. And really, I just love it.

Although his first album wasn't as stellar as I had hoped (his second is much better in my opinion - I love the song Life After You), I remain a loyal fan.

And although I don't need any more reasons to like him, here is one more. Nothing against Lady Gaga but I like this version much better:

Here are a couple of my other favorites from when he was on American Idol:

Like I needed another reason!

As many of you may know, I am a BIG Chris Daughtry fan. From his very first audition I just loved him. I loved his voice! And I loved his back story. Being a step parent myself, I appreciated his obvious love for his stepkids. I cheered for him from that night on and all through the season. I (and V-girl) cried when he was voted off.

As crazy as it sounds (and yes, I know it sounds crazy!!) I almost feel like I know him somehow. Not personally of course, but his voice resonates with me. It is familiar and comforting to me. And really, I just love it.

Although his first album wasn't as stellar as I had hoped (his second is much better in my opinion - I love the song Life After You), I remain a loyal fan.

And although I don't need any more reasons to like him, here is one more. Nothing against Lady Gaga but I like this version much better:

Here are a couple of my other favorites from when he was on American Idol:

What is more dangerous? The Swine Flu or The Vaccine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D.

I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:

1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

What is more dangerous? The Swine Flu or The Vaccine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D.

I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:

1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

Easy-peasy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

I was just turned on to this recipe by my friend Staci (you can find her here: twitter, blog) and it looks really good AND really easy! My favorite combination!!

Only 3 ingredients and no eggs - so pregnant mamas like me can eat the dough, which honestly, is my favorite part!

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix
1 small can Pumpkin
1 bag Chocolate Chips

THAT'S IT! Just mix together and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-19 minutes.

When I was searching for a picture of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, I came across this picture:


Do they not look completely heavenly?! The picture led me to this blogCake... or Death! and this wonderful frosting recipe:

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup marshmallow cream or fluff
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract, or to taste
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp cream

Cream the butter, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff together in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix until very light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla, maple extract, and cinnamon, and beat until combined.
On low speed, beat in half of the powdered sugar. Scrape the bowl and beat in the remaining sugar, added the cream (or more as needed) until the frosting is nice and fluffy. Add more maple extract or cinnamon to taste, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The frosting is not as simple as the cookies but may be good for special occasions or when you really want to knock someone's socks off. They also list a a great recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies if you want to go the gourmet route.

I am SOOOO ready for fall and for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!

And remember, you can always substitute in organic ingredients to make the cookies a wee bit healthier for you!

Easy-peasy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

I was just turned on to this recipe by my friend Staci (you can find her here: twitter, blog) and it looks really good AND really easy! My favorite combination!!

Only 3 ingredients and no eggs - so pregnant mamas like me can eat the dough, which honestly, is my favorite part!

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix
1 small can Pumpkin
1 bag Chocolate Chips

THAT'S IT! Just mix together and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-19 minutes.

When I was searching for a picture of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, I came across this picture:


Do they not look completely heavenly?! The picture led me to this blogCake... or Death! and this wonderful frosting recipe:

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup marshmallow cream or fluff
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract, or to taste
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp cream

Cream the butter, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff together in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix until very light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla, maple extract, and cinnamon, and beat until combined.
On low speed, beat in half of the powdered sugar. Scrape the bowl and beat in the remaining sugar, added the cream (or more as needed) until the frosting is nice and fluffy. Add more maple extract or cinnamon to taste, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The frosting is not as simple as the cookies but may be good for special occasions or when you really want to knock someone's socks off. They also list a a great recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies if you want to go the gourmet route.

I am SOOOO ready for fall and for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!

And remember, you can always substitute in organic ingredients to make the cookies a wee bit healthier for you!

09.09.09

If you remember my odometer number post then you probably understand why I am excited about today...

It is 09/09/09!!!! This will only happen once in 1000 years! How cool is that? Well, it is VERY cool.

Happy 09/09/09 Everybody!

09.09.09

If you remember my odometer number post then you probably understand why I am excited about today...

It is 09/09/09!!!! This will only happen once in 1000 years! How cool is that? Well, it is VERY cool.

Happy 09/09/09 Everybody!

When you have an "I Hate my Job" day

I received this email and although I don't know if the information is accurate, it made me chuckle and helps to put things in perspective. I know we all have "I hate my job" days so I wanted to pass it on...

When you have an "I Hate My Job day", try this out:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, "I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson".

HAVE A NICE DAY! AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

When you have an "I Hate my Job" day

I received this email and although I don't know if the information is accurate, it made me chuckle and helps to put things in perspective. I know we all have "I hate my job" days so I wanted to pass it on...

When you have an "I Hate My Job day", try this out:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, "I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson".

HAVE A NICE DAY! AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

What are your MUST READ pregnancy books?

I have been engulfing information since I have been pregnant. Websites, books, magazines, etc - if it talks about being pregnant or babies, I am convinced I need to read it.

Some information has been much more useful to me then others. Here is my list of MUST READ books. Don't laugh, it is only 2... so far:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy - this book is so candid and real and talks about a lot of things you won't find anywhere else. I am so glad that I read the chapter called "Blue Twinkies" or I would be totally freaked out by the current looks of my va-jay-jay.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Epstien and Jaques Moritz - This amazing and powerful book is all about letting you know the possible different scenarios that can play out with your birth. It helps to inform you of your choices and your options so you can pick what you feel is best for you. This book is geared towards natural birth (which I thought was great) but is an absolute must read for anybody who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant regardless of your plan for birth.

I know some people will be surprised that I didn't include What to Expect when you are Expecting. Although I think it is a great book full of a lot of information (and the first book I purchased), to me it isn't a must read. I get daily, weekly and monthly emails charting my pregnancy as it progresses. With the age of the internet, so much information is at our fingertips. With that said though, if you do use the internet as a source for information - from weekly updates to specific concerns - make sure you are getting it from a reputable website and not from Yahoo Answers or another website where anybody can just respond with their opinion.

What are your must read pregnancy books?

What are your MUST READ pregnancy books?

I have been engulfing information since I have been pregnant. Websites, books, magazines, etc - if it talks about being pregnant or babies, I am convinced I need to read it.

Some information has been much more useful to me then others. Here is my list of MUST READ books. Don't laugh, it is only 2... so far:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy - this book is so candid and real and talks about a lot of things you won't find anywhere else. I am so glad that I read the chapter called "Blue Twinkies" or I would be totally freaked out by the current looks of my va-jay-jay.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Epstien and Jaques Moritz - This amazing and powerful book is all about letting you know the possible different scenarios that can play out with your birth. It helps to inform you of your choices and your options so you can pick what you feel is best for you. This book is geared towards natural birth (which I thought was great) but is an absolute must read for anybody who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant regardless of your plan for birth.

I know some people will be surprised that I didn't include What to Expect when you are Expecting. Although I think it is a great book full of a lot of information (and the first book I purchased), to me it isn't a must read. I get daily, weekly and monthly emails charting my pregnancy as it progresses. With the age of the internet, so much information is at our fingertips. With that said though, if you do use the internet as a source for information - from weekly updates to specific concerns - make sure you are getting it from a reputable website and not from Yahoo Answers or another website where anybody can just respond with their opinion.

What are your must read pregnancy books?

I missed the big milestone

I think it is really cool when number line up on a clock. Like when it is 1:11 or 10:10. It is kind of like my own little surprise when I see this and it puts a smile on my face. Don't get me wrong, I don't stare at the clock until these "special" times happen. Nor do I plan activities based on the these certain times. But if I happen to look at the clock as I am going about my busy day and it says "12:12" or "3:33" I think to myself, "That is kind of cool" and then keep moving.

I do it with dates - if I was to have a baby on October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) or November 11, 2011 (11/11/11) that would be pretty cool! - and with addresses too.

But one of the "lineups" that gives the most thrill is my odometer. Probably because unlike the time, it only happens once. I have a pretty old car - 10 years old - and I have owned it most of the at time. Over the time I have had it, I have put around 70,000 miles on it. So needless to say, although these "milestones" only happen once, I have had a lot of them. I have noticed MOST every time it turned a 10,000. And I have noticed the cool little lineups in between such as "50,505" and "81,521" (my zip code) and "77,777".

Over the last few months I have gotten closer and closer to the infamous "100,000" mile mark. The mark that makes my car go from old to older, the mark that the dealer keeps telling my husband and I when we look at cars that we should trade the car in by. That 6 number mark would probably be disappointing to most people but to me, I felt honored to be coming up on such a milestone with my car. It has been a very good car to me - yes, it does that weird transmission thing (but really I blame myself for that - it was fine before I blew the motor because I let it run out of oil). And yes, the back passenger door does not open from the inside and the passenger front door lock no longer works with the automatic locks. Yes, the trunk latch is broken (although it could probably be fixed if I knew how to do that) and the automatic one touch window roll down on the driver side door quit working two days ago. But all in all, it has been a good car.

I knew that today was the day. When I pulled into my garage last night, the odometer read "99,980". I knew it would probably turn on my way to work but if not, it would do it in the next drive after that. So, I had it planned. I had my phone turned on camera mode and I would take a picture at "99,999" and at "100,000"! How exciting! The monumental odometer milestone!!

As I pulled into my parking spot this morning, it read, "99,998". Only 2 miles to go. I just had to remember that the next time I went I had to be diligent and watch it closely so I didn't forget. I could do that. How exciting! The monumental odometer milestone!!

I left work to run an errand this morning and as I was part way there, the odometer caught my eye. It read, "100,001". I missed it! I missed the 999 and 000. My car, that has never left me stranded, had a monumental milestone and I missed it. I didn't celebrate with it. :( I was so upset, that I forgot to take a picture. So as lame as a picture at "100,001" is, I did even better...

Another Reason Breast is Best

Not all women have a choice to breastfeed or not. But if you have a choice, although it is a very personal choice, more research has come out about the benefits of breastfeeding. On top of the already valuable list of reasons, a new study shows that breastfeeding actually helps to protect women who have a family history of breast cancer. Not only is that good news but the amount of time you breastfeed doesn't seem to be a big factor. According to the study, only 3 months worth of breastfeeding (and it doesn't have to be all at once, it can be split between babies) offers this protection!

Here is the full article:

http://www.typeamom.net/breastfeeding-protects-women-with-family-history-of-breast-cancer.html

Breastfeeding Protects Women with Family History of Breast Cancer

Written by Jodi Cleghorn

A new study into the link between breast cancer and breastfeeding provides new evidence as to why breastfeeding is especially important for women with a family history of breast cancer.

The study by Dr. Alison Stuebe and colleagues at the University of North Carolina found women with a family history of breast cancer radically reduced their risk of developing invasive premenapausal breast cancer by breastfeeding. The effect was comparable to taking an anti-estrogen drug such as Tamoxifen for five years. Unlike Tamoxifen, breastfeeding has advantages for both mother and child.

Previous studies have been mixed regarding the protective effect of breastfeeding. Dr Stuebe believes these studies may be flawed due to cancer patients being asked to recall their breastfeeding history after diagnosis.

Using a prospective study model Dr Stuebe and colleagues looked to collect information on breastfeeding and breast cancer before diagnosis. They drew their information from the Nurses' Health Study II using the data of 60,000 women who reported giving birth in 1997.

Women were asked also to describe their breastfeeding practises. They were also asked if there was a family history of breast cancer and if they had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

They followed the cohort through to 2005 to see how many developed cancer in that time. At the end of the study 608 cases of invasive premenopausal breast cancer were identified. The average age at diagnosis was 46.

Women with a mother or a sister with breast cancer were found to have reduced their risk of developing cancer by 59% as a result of breastfeeding. There was no difference found in women who did not have a family history of breast cancer.

"This could be because there's something about genetically caused breast cancer that's affected by breastfeeding," said Dr Stuebe, "or it could be because rates of breast cancer were so low in women without a family history that we couldn't see an association in this data set."

The good news is protection is not dependent on the length of time a woman breastfeeds. The important point in question is whether a woman breastfeeds or not. The protective effect is apparent with just three months of breastfeeding - which may be accumulated from one child to the next. This means a mother breastfeeding each of her two children for six weeks will still gain the benefit. There was also no difference in women who exclusively breastfed compared with women who breastfed and supplemented. (1)

There is still no answer as to why breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. The researchers suspect when women do not breastfeed, inflammation and engorgement shortly after birth causes changes in breast tissue that may increase the risk for breast cancer. This inflammation may be prevented by breastfeeding and weaning.

A recent study by the Centre for Disease Control found half the women gave up breastfeeding before they wanted to. "Mothers and babies need supportive hospital policies, paid maternity leave, and workplace accommodations so that they can meet their breastfeeding goals," Dr Stuebe says. "Public health begins with breastfeeding."

One wonders in an era of public health policy which asks us to stop smoking, limit our alcohol consumption, eat better and exercise more, all of which attack big business profits and advocate no profit activities, if there should not be more room to aggressively promote breastfeeding on the same platform.

References

Based on the Chapel Hill School of Medicine Press Release at Media NewsWire

Alison M. Stuebe; Walter C. Willett; Fei Xue; Karin B. Michels. Lactation and Incidence of Premenopausal Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Study. Arch Intern Med., 2009; 169 (15)

(1) Breastfeeding May Cut Breast Cancer Risk Kathleen Doheny at EmedicineHealth

Jodi Cleghorn is a Brisbane mother, writer, lactivist and natural birth advocate. When she's not writing breastfeeding articles she is working on her fiction stories including a new novella and a new publishing project Chinese Whisperings. Her new blog Writing in Black and White chronicles her journey as a writer, editor and publisher. This week she's enjoying a quiet house for the first time in two weeks!

The beginning of the harvest

One of my favorite things about our backyard (besides the waterfall and pond) is the garden than my husband built for me.  I only get to use it for about 5 months but it is SO worth it.  This year, I planted 4 types of tomatoes: Champion, Super Fantastic, Roma and Yellow Pear.  So far, I like all of them A LOT except for the Roma tomatoes.  The Roma's are good - way better than store bought Roma's but compared to the Champions and Super Fantastics they are very bland and dry.  I also planted two squash plants, which I unfortunately lost to evil squash bugs, a Sweet Banana Pepper and a green Bell Pepper.

Around the yard, we also have grapes, blackberries, strawberries, a red delicious apple tree, a golden delicious apple tree and blueberries. All are producing fruit this year, their second year, except the blueberries which we just planted this spring.

Most of the produce is not ready yet but we have been able to start enjoying the tomatoes and this weekend, grapes! We were all excited about the grapes.

I will post more pictures of the garden and the yard but to start, here are some pictures of my first big harvest this year!

All of produce is grown organically - no pesticides or toxins at our house!

It is World Breastfeeding Week!

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week and helps to remind us how important breastfeeding is for all babies across the globe. For information on why the breast is best, you can go here and here.

Here are a few great breastfeeding resources:

WABA Website

Best for Babes which includes tips on how to avoid Breastfeeding Booby Traps

Le Leche League International

Breastfeeding.com

Earth Mama Angel Baby wants to help you with breastfeeding.  They are offering 15% off Natural Nipple Butter, Milkmaid Tea and Booby Tubes for the entire month of August. Coupon Code: BoobyTubes04.

I fully plan on breastfeeding, for as long as possible, and I know that I need to start reading and researching so I can be prepared and have a better understanding what I need to do and what I can do to avoid "booby traps".

What are your tips, tricks and stories for successful breastfeeding or the trials and tribulations you had while trying to breastfeed? Did you enjoy it? Was it worth it? What would you do differently?

That was my reaction when my alarm went off at 6am this morning and the very first thing I heard was a broadcaster saying, "So bad, in fact, that

That was my reaction when my alarm went off at 6am this morning and the very first thing I heard was a broadcaster saying, "So bad, in fact, that the risk of cancer could increase by 75%".  The information shocked me so much that I ALMOST didn't hit the snooze button one last time.

How scary! Personally, I have not used a tanning bed very many times - usually only out of necessity - you know, like Prom.  Not because I don't like it - I do - but because my Mom complained about it every single time I went and reminded me how bad it was for me to go.  So, thanks Mom!  If it wasn't for your nagging comments I may have gone more often. Ps. To my Mom - this in no way indicates that you were right about everything. ;p

Here is the full article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32187497/ns/health-cancer/

Tues., July 28, 2009

LONDON - International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.

For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan."

Most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation, which cause skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic was disputed by Kathy Banks, chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators.

"The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer," Banks said in a statement. She said most users of tanning beds use them less than 20 times a year.

But as use of tanning beds has increased among people under 30, doctors have seen a parallel rise in the numbers of young people with skin cancer. In Britain, melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. Normally, skin cancer rates are highest in people over 75.

Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to get melanoma than people who have never used them. In the past, WHO warned people younger than 18 to stay away from tanning beds.

Cogliano cautioned that ultravoilet radiation is not healthy, whether it comes from a tanning bed or from the sun. The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams instead of tanning beds.

So what do we do now? Well, we can't go back in time and delete any of our 15 minute tanning bed sessions so we just have to move forward and be smart and safe. Don't go to tanning beds - even if you have a vacation in Mexico coming up (Not that "I" have ever done that, of course) and wear sunscreen that is safe for you when you are outdoors. For information on sunscreens that are safe for you and your family, go here.

A Tent with Breats

I am trying to figure out why the common maternity style is to make pregnant women look like a tent. In searching for clothes to fit my ever expanding belly, I continue to be shocked at the lack of fitted clothing. So many of the clothes hide pregnant ladies beautiful shape under a curtain of material.

It is funny really, or ironic, that I used to walk by the maternity store/section and think all the clothes were so cute. Well, they still are... on the mannequin. On me, well, I look like a tent with breasts.

Great family, outdoor entertainment just got cheaper! Over 100 National Parks that usually charge an entrance fee are waiving the fee this weekend

Great family, outdoor entertainment just got cheaper! Over 100 National Parks that usually charge an entrance fee are waiving the fee this weekend!

For a list of National Parks that are waiving their fee this weekend (listed by State), go here.

For a list of other dates when fees will be waived, go here.

My Dancing Baby

I always joke that the baby is in my belly rockin' out (this started long before I ever felt him moving - I am just sure he is a party animal). To demonstrate, I usually do a variety of moves that include the "making a pizza" move from Hitch, the "spanking the air" dance move and a move where I act like he grabs the umbilical cord and swings it over his head.

I am not sure why I envision him this way. Maybe because a dark, wet, prenatal living room doesn't seem that exciting... or maybe I just think my womb is really cool and has a disco ball...

I thought about demonstrating my dancing moves, but I think the below video pretty much sums it up (without causing any embarrassment to myself or others!). "Go baby! Go Baby! It's your Birthday, have a party!"  

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jrEhZab1HM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1]

One thing is for sure, he likes music... and sugar. I think we will get along just fine!

Pregosaur

As I was playing around online, I stumbled on the neatest website: http://www.pregosaur.com/

It is a blog written by 12 women who are all in the process of TTC, are expecting or are Moms. All of them have unique stories and situations but they all offer posts with useful information and lighthearted flair - something that is hard to find but so important!

Check it out! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

http://www.pregosaur.com/

Suffering from 'Pregnancy Brain'

I have been on a completely different wavelength than a normal person lately. I am forgetful, I don't always follow stories or jokes and I jump from one thought to another with out letting anyone else know the connection. It has gotten so bad that my patient husband leaned over to me the other day and said, "Hi, my name is Mike, it is nice to meet you".

I have been on a completely different wavelength than a normal person lately. I am forgetful, I don't always follow stories or jokes and I jump from one thought to another with out letting anyone else know the connection. It has gotten so bad that my patient husband leaned over to me the other day and said, "Hi, my name is Mike, it is nice to meet you".

...that is what little boys are made of! hint hint... Yep, that is right, we are having a boy! Both Mike and I had the feeling that it was go

...that is what little boys are made of! hint hint...

Yep, that is right, we are having a boy!  Both Mike and I had the feeling that it was going to be a boy and amazingly, we were right!

Although I didn't have a preference either way, now that I know, I am SO excited! It seems even more real now! Life has been so hectic since we found out that I haven't even had a chance to buy my first 'boy' item.  It seems like it should be something special, something very 'boy-ish'... maybe a pet frog or a dump truck.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Announces All Products Score Zero on Skin Deep Rating

EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY ANNOUNCES SKIN DEEP RATING
OF ALL PRODUCTS IS NOW ZERO

June 23, 2009 - Clackamas, OR - As women become more concerned about the ingredients in the personal care products they use while pregnant, and on their children, Earth Mama Angel Baby has set a new standard for truly toxin-free, natural products. All Earth Mama Angel Baby products are now rated a "zero" on the Skin Deep database (www.cosmeticdatabase.com), a guide to cosmetics and personal care products from the Environmental Working Group. (Earth Mama Angel Baby's USDA Certified 100% Organic line of teas is not listed in the Skin Deep database, which is only for personal care items. The teas are regulated by the USDA.)

"We know of no other company that manufactures products for pregnancy or baby care with an entire product line rated a zero," said Melinda Olson, CEO and Founder of Earth Mama Angel Baby. "We continually source new raw materials and work on formulations of products that can replace current ingredients with newer, safer ingredients as they become available," she added.

Olson explains that science and chemistry have only begun to catch up with the demand for toxin-free products. Because ingredients that preserve and emulsify the products are necessary to prevent bacteria and mold growth, finding safe, organic raw materials that solve these issues is a constant challenge.

"Preserving products for shelf-life is obviously necessary, and we are not satisfied unless the chemistry used is as safe as possible," she explains. "In some cases, certified organic ingredients are just not available, so we change our formulations as they become available, or as better alternatives are found."

"I'm proud to have come this far," said Olson. "It has been a long process, but we will continue to keep sourcing and working with the best new materials available, and our goal is a 100% certified organic product line, certified to the highest standard now available, the USDA NOP."

Earth Mama Angel Baby is currently working in tandem with the Organic Trade Association and the American Herbal Products Association to create a version of the NOP standards appropriate for personal care products. The USDA NOP was developed to certify organic food, making some personal care products impossible to certify with this standard.

A Gold Member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and one of the earliest signers, Earth Mama Angel Baby is fully compliant with all phases of the compact, which include registration of all applicable products in the Skin Deep database with detailed ingredient information.  Users who search the database can find independent ratings on the ingredients used in products of both compact signers and non-signers as well as see the status of companies as compliant or non-compliant with the Campaign's standards.

To use the database, simply go to www.cosmeticdatabase.com and type in the type of product you wish to search, or a company name. Searches and information are free.

About Earth Mama Angel Baby^®:

Earth Mama Angel Baby was founded by nurse, herbalist, and concerned mother Melinda Olson. Her mission is to treat the common symptoms of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care with pure, safe herbal remedies. Her knowledge of traditional herb medicine combines with evidence based research to help soothe and comfort mamas and babies naturally. All Earth Mama Angel Baby® products and teas are formulated without harsh chemicals, toxins or preservatives, and have the best safety ratings in the exceptional Skin Deep toxicity database. Proudly pure, Earth Mama Angel Baby® products are made only with worry-free ingredients: no 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, or toxins of any kind. That's Mama's Promise^TM.

Contact: Sheri Wallace, prmama@earthmamaangelbaby.com for interviews, photos or samples.

9866 SE Empire Court

Clackamas, OR 97015

503-607-0607

www.EarthMamaAngelBaby.com

www.BabyLossComfort.com

Toothfairy pillows from Skiptomylue

I am really excited about one of my newest purchases that I just received in the mail yesterday!

I bought these adorable toothfairy pillows - shaped like a tooth and have a tooth pocket in the back - from a new etsy store called "Skiptomylue".

The pictures really don't do them justice but you still get an idea of how cute they are. I knew that K-man would love the baseball pillow and the owner, Danielle Lue, let me pick out the fabric for V-girl's pillow.

No more plastic ziplock bags for my kids, they now have a special pillow! I wonder if that will impress the tooth fairy? I think it is a pretty good possibility!

There are a lot of other great items in her shop, like these adorable bibs and burpies:

Only 1.5 weeks more and I find out what we are having! These are already on my list!

Thanks Danielle, I love my pillows! http://www.skiptomylue.etsy.com

City of Ember

Sadly, I can not take credit for the great treat idea I used for City of Ember. All credit goes to Heather Ann Melzer.

Since food is scarce in the City of Ember, they eat out of the cans the food comes in.  Since kids are rarely excited about green beans, I emptied out the cans and filled them with ice cream sundaes.

The treats were a big hit!  I think Mike and I liked the movie more than the kids but they still seemed to enjoy it.  I am not sure if they were a little young or if maybe they just prefer gross, gas humor. :)

Bedtime Stories Movie Night

Although we saw Bedtime Stories in the theater, the kids wanted to do a movie night at home. It was kind of an impromptu decision - we were sitting there Monday (Memorial Day) evening and K-man said, "I thought we were going to do a movie night". We made a mad dash to the video store and the convenience store and were lucky that I was able to find treats.

Based on this scene, we knew that gumballs were a must!

Luckily, I was also able to find "s'more" moon pies to go along with the scene where they camp out on the balcony and make s'mores.

New Choices for Glass Baby Bottles

Glass baby bottles are making a big comeback.  They are the safest option for your baby as they do not contain chemicals (no BPA or any other dangerous chemicals that have been or are yet to be discovered).  Glass bottles are easy to clean and sterilize.  They retain their heat longer than plastic and last longer. And if that wasn't enough, glass bottles are environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

The biggest complaint about glass bottles is that they are heavy and are breakable. Which is true, but glass bottles have come a long way.  All of the glass baby bottle options below come with a protective sleeve.  Most of the sleeves are silicone (1 is thermal) and all of the sleeves help protect your baby, the bottle and your floors.

Here are some different choices for Glass bottles:

BornFree Glass Bottles come in 5 oz and 9oz sizes and offer a silicone sleeve.  According to their website, "with the new innovative air vent that helps eliminate colic symptoms". These are the same great bottles BornFree has been known for making for years but now in glass.

Wee*go Glass Baby Bottles are 9 oz bottles that come in the colors seen above. They offer a silicone sleeve and all parts of the bottle are "food grade, FDA approved and recyclable."

Munchkin: Mighty Grip Glass Bottles are available in 4 oz or 8 oz sizes and in pink, green or blue.  According to the Munchkin website, "made with sturdy, natural glass for worry-free feeding, Munchkin's bottles include sleek lines, easy-to-grip sides and a vented nipple system that helps prevent gas and colic."  The silcone sleeves are sold separately and also available on the Munchkin website.

Evenflow Glass Baby Bottles available in 4 oz and 8 oz size and in a variety of colors. Another bottle standard that has been proven for years but now available in glass!

Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottles are offered in 5 oz and9 oz with a variety of colored covers.  Both safe and stylish!

Skiliskin Glass Baby Bottles an 8oz bottle available in aqua, pink, gray and white.

Coddletime Borosilicate Glass Baby Bottles are available in 9 oz and come green or oranage. "Our signature nipple is wide, soft, stretchy, and easier for baby to latch onto. It mimics breastfeeding action, and prevents nipple confusions".

Momo Glass (quartz) Baby Bottles are available in 4 oz, 5 oz and 8 oz sizes.  With every 3 pack of bottles you buy, you get one thermal cover.

Medela also offers a version of their baby bottle in glass. Unfortunately though, for now, they do not offer any type of protective sleeve.

For more information on the chemicals found in many plastic baby bottles, check out this report.

Although I plan on breastfeeding my babies there are times when breastfeeding is not an option.  It is so nice that there are such great choices out there now.