Organic Madre

Stuart Murphy's I See I Learn series of books

2011-04-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest gifts we've given our daughter is a love of books. My husband and I started reading to her shortly after we found out I was pregnant. A Bargain for Frances and Goose Goofs Off were among our favorites. After her birth, we continued to read to her. It warms my heart to see my daughter run to the book section whenever we're at Marshalls or Toys R Us.

Last week my husband and I began reading Stuart Murphy's I See I Learn books to her. The series of eight books teaches kids how to deal with social, emotional, health and safety issues. Each character is a colorful animal who speaks in simple sentences little ones can understand. In Percy Gets Upset, kids learn how to deal with frustration and being grouchy. So far, this title is my daughters favorite of the series. She wants it read to her multiple times a day and enjoys "reading" it to mommy and daddy too!

Personally, my favorite of the series is Percy Plays It Safe. My daughters favorite giraffe is a monster at the playground until a minor accident teaches him to be more careful and respectful of others. What parent and child can't relate to the daredevil at the park who wants to push and knock down everyone else in pursuit of what they think is fun?!

These books remind of the Sweet Pickles series (one of my favorite childhood collections) by Richard Hefter. Every main character got into a "pickle" but ends up learning an important lesson in the end.

You can purchase Stuart Murphy's I See I Learn books from Charlesbridge.com. Hopefully this series will be as big a hit in your home as it is in ours! Enjoy!

New beauty product I just love!

2011-04-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

A friend recommended Tropical Isle Living products to me when I complained about my horribly dry skin. I've tried the Jamaican Black Castor Oil (stinky but moisturizing) and the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo with Shea Butter (really cleanses the hair and leaves a nice fresh scent) but my favorite product in the line is the Khus Khus Body Butter. The consistency is like shea butter, has a light scent and left my skin feeling smooth without feeling greasy.

Visit http://www.tropicisleliving.com/ for more information on this delicious body butter and more!

S'More to Love?

2010-12-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I had a lot of trouble sleeping and stayed up very late watching reruns of Sex and the City and paid programming specials. I just loved the item that "slices, dices and juliennes fries" even if my doubtful husband wasn't impressed. He thinks the Perfect Brownie Pan Set would collect dust in our kitchen. No, I don't make brownies but on the occasion that I might, that pan would be useful! When I told him I wanted the Egg Genie, his response was, "that's just lazy!"

He started singing a different tune when I showed him S'mores to Love, a genius little gadget that lets you make S'mores in your oven or on the grill. The old time favorite usually reserved for a campfire can be made in your apartment. On Friday, I tested out my new S'mores to Love product by making my favorite childhood snack with my daughter. It was so easy and quick. The best part? Other than the chocolate and gooey marshmallow left on the sides of my mouth was the easy clean up. Just a quick wipe with a warm cloth and I was done.

This is definitely an item you'll find useful if you or your children are S'more lovers. If you order from smoretolove.com, you get a free Marshmallow Blaster (only a true Marshmallow fan can understand the greatness of this item) and finger sandwhich cutter! You can also find S'More to Love (without the add ons) at stores like Marshalls. I saw one at my local Marshalls store a couple of weeks ago!

Parenting Real Talk...

2010-12-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

Becoming a parent was one of the best things I've ever done. When I was younger, I was afraid to have children for fear I'd repeat the same parenting mistakes my mother and father made. I don't mean not buying your child a trike for their first birthday but causing them the kind of pain that typically lingers into adulthood making for a cycle of dysfunction. I didn't have the worst childhood but I also didn't have the best.

I grew up feeling very unloved and spent many years of my childhood hurt, angry and resentful and very alone. The pain still exists and sometimes manifests it's way in how I deal with people. Even though I was well-traveled and well-educated but by the time I was 21, I was just an insecure little girl looking and wanting love in all the wrong places and wanting parents who weren't willing and/or capable to fulfill my emotional needs.

Now that I'm a parent to a child I am very careful to not the let cycle of dysfunction that existed in my childhood (and still exists in my family) continue. I want to show my daughter how much she's loved but not smother her to the point of usurping her ability and desire to learn, discover and explore on her own. She's not yet 3 but I do worry about subsconsciously being the kind of mother to her that I don't want to be.

Today, I had a lightbulb moment that some adults from abusive households never have...After coming home from a lunch date with my daughter, we listened to some music and danced in the living room. She came over to me and said, "hold my hand, mommy." I did. We danced and we laughed. I'm not sure what it was but in that moment I realized I am not my mother but the mother of my daughter. It's possible and probable to end a cycle of familial dysfunction.

I can't protect my daughter from all of the ills in life but I can give her, what I think, is the best give in life...loving parents.

eeBoo Learning Puzzle Review and GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about the Holidays this year. I'm not sure if it's because DD is older and starting to articulate what she wants and doesn't want or if it's because I won't have to spend anytime with my mother-in-law. Whatever the reason for my joy, I'll gladly revel in it.

This year my husband and I are getting our daughter a few new things to play with. She's outgrown and is uninterested in many of the things she's had since she was considered an infant. She's even outgrown the Melissa &Doug puzzles she used to love.

I came across Eeboo products while I was searching for a matching game with animals instead of people. I was impressed by their selection of quality children's products and because they're open minded and worldy enough to have games that include children of all shades (way to go eeBoo!). In a time where it's difficult to find items with children of color that don't look like minstrel show characters, this was refreshing.

DD loved the eeBoo Pre-School Animal Matching Game. She matches the cards face up but the game has helped improve her memory skills and increased her vocabulary.

If you're looking for a holiday gift for your toddler that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and fun to play with while teaching your child, our family loves eeBoo's 9 piece Wild Mothers and Babies Learning Puzzle. From bears to lions, it's a nice departure from the four piece puzzles your child has likely outgrown. The puzzle retails for around $13.00 and can be purchased directly at eeBoo.com or my favorite online store, Amazon.com.

Thanks to eeBoo, one Organic Madre reader will win one eeBoo Wild Mothers and Babies Learning Puzzle. Contest details are below.
To Enter: Post what you're most looking forward to this holiday season! DON'T forget your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner. Note: The selected winner must provide an email address and a shipping address located within the 48 contiguous US states – no APOs, PO Boxes or shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or Mexico.

Bonus Entries: (After completing the mandatory entry above, enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!)

-One Entry: Follow my blog.
-Two Entries: Leave a comment on http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/eeBoo/119071888106553?v=wall and tell them Organic Madre sent you.
Two Entries: Reblog about this giveaway (leave a link)

I'd take it to the pole before I'd take it to the 5 train...

2010-11-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

On my way home this evening my husband and I witnessed a woman begging for money. Since I live in New York this isn't surprising. However, I'm not accustomed to people begging with their children in tow. This mother had her toddler with her. Actually, he was holding the "please give me money" sign. She went on and on about being broke and needing money for food.

Am I the only parent who'd drop it like it's hot before I'd subject my child to begging on the New York City subway? I thank god everyday for my blessings...for a roof over our heads and food on the table even if we're having a struggle. I know there are people out there with far less so I try not to complain. However, I don't respect parents who use their children to try and get a dollar. I don't believe in popping out babies you can't take care of. I am aware that financial situations change but never is it okay to use your child as bait to try and get a dollar. I feel bad for the child who has to hold a sign while their capable mother pushes him in a Maclaren stroller and begs for money.

It's shameful. It's shameful for the mother to do this, shameful for the father of the child to allow it...Men make babies and they should take care of them. Mothers choose to push them out and we should take care of them. Part of being a parent is protecting your children from certain things. I may not be able to shield my daughter from all of the ills that exist in this world but I can make sure she's not subject to being a common beggar before she turns five. I can only imagine the damage that does to a childs psyche.

New York City is full of resources...

Our tax dollars for your baby formula?

2010-11-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, it took the cashier on the line I was on, about 10 minutes to process WIC checks for the couple in front of me. I don't mind waiting so no biggie. Having a toddler has taught me patience like you wouldn't believe. While I stopped by daughter from trying to remove every packet up peanuts hanging to the left of us, I oberserved the couple in front of me. Their son was so adorable...

The mother carried an authentic Gucci diaper bag and their son was in a $500 stroller. If a couple can afford an over $600 stroller and a $910 Gucci diaper bag why on earth are they benefiting from a state program meant for low-income mothers and their children? Judgement much? Yes and I don't care.

I'm tired of parents assing up money on what they want to buy so tax payers can contribute to the needs of their children. Frankly, I don't believe a person who cannot afford to provide for the basic needs of their children should have children. I especially don't believe parents capable of supporting their children with the money they bring into their household should be allowed to even apply for programs like WIC.

If you own a Gucci diaper bag and can't afford formula, sell that shit on Craigslist and use the money to provide for the basic needs of your children. I don't respect parents who prefer handouts from the state in lieu of being fiscally responsible for themselves and their children.

I don't have an issue with WIC when people truly need it but the Gucci carrying mama with the Bugaboo Frog needs to fall back. The end.

Ayala's Herbal Water Review and GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

When a friend first told me about Ayala’s Herbal Water, I was intrigued even if I didn't need an extra item to add to my monthly Whole Foods list. Since we still haven’t given our daughter juice a spiced infused water is a nice alternative to the high fructose corn syrup, added sugar and pesky preservatives drinks available.

I was most interested in trying the lavender and mint when I received my sample pack from Ayala. My daughter’s age appropriate shenanigans and tomfoolery sometimes leaves me perplexed so anything that would soothe my nerves and offer some relaxation was appealing. I thought it mght help calm down my near 2.5 year olds “my goal is to drive mommy mad” behavior. While the verdict is still out on whether or not the herbal water is a cure all for two year old-isms, one thing is for sure…the water tastes good!

My daughter loved it as did I. Available in six flavors like ginger and lemon peel (this was perfect post my favorite workout) and cloves, cardamom and cinnamon (a perfect blend of commonly used Indian spices to help warm you on the inside and out), enjoy these zero calorie and free of artificial flavor waters cold. I tried them room temperature but the flavors were most potent to me when the drink was chilled.

Because my household loves these so much, we’re offering you the chance to win a sampler prize pack generously donated by Ayala! The pack will consist of a 16 ounce bottle of each flavor (lemon grass mint vanilla, lavender mint, ginger lemon peel, cinnamon orange peel, cloves cardamom cinnamon and lemon verbena geranium). The giveaway begins today (October 20th) and ends Friday November 5th EST at Noon.

TO ENTER, post here by telling me which flavor you’re looking most forward to trying or the one you like the most. Don’t forget your email address so I can contact you if you win! Note: The selected winner must provide an email address and a shipping address located within the 48 contiguous US states – no APOs, PO Boxes or shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or Mexico. The winner shipment will be sent via FedEx Ground and you will be signed up to receive a FedEx delivery confirmation email.

Bonus Entries: (After completing the mandatory entry above, enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!)

-One Entry: Follow my blog.

-Two Entries: Leave a comment on http://www.facebook.com/HerbalWater and tell them organic madre sent you.

Two Entries: Reblog about this giveaway (leave a link)

One per Tweet: Tweet up to 3X daily, one hour apart (leave a link)

Some Natural Ways to Treat Eczema

2010-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets colder, those with eczema sometimes suffer more especially little ones. My daughter had an issue with eczema when she was younger. I started giving her teaspoon of organic flax meal in her oatmeal before she turned one and eczema is no longer an issue for her. According to the research I found, essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential in treating/healing eczema since they're natural anti-inflammatories. It worked for my daughter...hopefully it will work for your child too. Other great sources of EFA's (these are main staples in our pantry) are pumpkin seeds, walnuts and oily fish. Kids love the crunch of sunflower seeds in their yogurt or cereal.

We also replace peanut butter with raw almond butter (the Maranatha brand is my favorite) and Artisan's organic raw walnut butter. My husband things almond butter is "tasteless" but my daughter and I enjoy it.

Other great foods for eczema include avocado, green leafy veggies, sunflower seeds and sweet potato.

If you've tried a non-steroidal, natural treatment for healing your childs eczema, please share.

Annoying parents and their children. Please teach your child BASIC common courtesy!

2010-09-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

My family and I recently returned from a very relaxing and fun vacation. While I've learned to do my best to ignore parents who let their children run around without correcting them or teach them to have respect for others as long as it doesn't interfere with the safety and comfort of my child. When it does I will say something!

What really irritates me though are parents who refuse to teach their children basic common courtesy and good old-fashioned hygiene. On the return flight home we sat in front of a child who had a very nasty cough (not her fault) but her mom never told her to cover her mouth with her forearm. Every two seconds I heard a hack, hack, hack. This kid exposing all of whatever was going on in her system around. I'm not one of those parents who believes I have to purposely expose my child to germs in order to build up her immune system. We're exposed to plenty living in this germ infested metropolis called New York City.

It's not the first and I know it won't be the last time a parent refuses to teach their child what I consider a basic task but this really bugs me. It's respectful and proper to cover your damn mouth if you sneeze or cough. Yawning too but no one seems to do that anymore.

Aren't planes small and dirty enough already for others to have to be exposed to this kids horrible cough? I always clean the area where we'll be seating but unfortunately, I can't force a mother to teach her child what was considered a basic part of the learning process when I was a child.

Unfortunately, it wasn't just an on airplane either. At a restaurant I kept side-eyeing a mother whose child was hacking all over the place without covering his mouth. First off, if your child is ill and has somethnig catchable why are you bringing him to a restaurant? Feed his behind at home or ask your child to cover their mouth.

Even at my daughter's birthday party I had to insist a mother use a Boogie Wipe to clean her sons runny nose. Yes, I know kids have runny noses (some more frequent than others) but clean it. Who just leaves the snot and liquid to fall down the face and into the mouth? Why on earth would I or any other parent want another kids liquid and snot falling on their floor or their child.

I've come to the conclusion that MANY parents just don't give a damn about other parents and their children. One of my overly sensitive in laws was offended because we asked her to not bring her kids over if they were sick when they wanted to visit with our daughter. She claims she would never bring her sick children over if they weren't feeling well. She might not but a lot of people do and don't care. I've even asked my own mother to stay away when she's not feeling well. I can't control what happens on an airplane or on the subway but I can control what I'm willing to expose my family to in our household. If I visit your home and you ask me to wear a Hazmat suit I will.

If people bothered to use common sense when it comes to spreading "catchable" yuckies perhaps there would have been less fear mongering regarding the H1N1 vaccine.

Traveling with a toddler...

2010-09-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing more gratifying than going on vacation with my husband and daughter. I love being able to explore a new or even familiar city with my two favorite people in the world. While going away always excites me, I always find myself slightly stressed before any kind of adventure. Because I’m a Type A personality with an always full diaper bag of just in case items, I always worry whether whichever city we’re visiting will have DD’s favorite snacks, dye-free acetemenophin just in case we need it and the kind of milk she usually drinks. I don’t feel comfortable unless I bring along these items myself. Something about driving around looking for a drugstore that carries our preferred items doesn’t appeal to me. I rather bring it along and if we don’t use it, save it for the next trip if we haven’t passed the expiry date. This works for me but my adorable husband has grown tired of being the carrier of a bag full of items we almost never use. In spite of him reminding me that DD has never needed dye-free gas drops, I feel safer knowing they’re there just in case. In order to lighten my husbands bag carrying load, we’ve come to a workable compromise. I mail a small box of items to the place we’re visiting ahead of time with my can’t travel without essentials and pack what’s really needed to make DD comfortable and happy. In an effort to do this, I’ve tried out a bunch of essential items to make traveling with a toddler easier and lighter! Your husbands will thank you and your little one will be happy.

If you’re conscious of germs like I am, you’ll appreciate Califone’s Kid Headphones. Do you really want recycled airline headphones anywhere near your childs ear? I don’t! I bring along my own headphones so I wouldn’t allow my daughter to use headphones that likely aren’t sanitized by my standards.

My daughter has fallen in love with her Tiger designed headphones. She’s been walking around our home reminding me that they’re “my headphones”. We haven’t used them on a plane yet but I’ve let her listen to a small amount of music on our computer for her enjoyment. If you want your little one to enjoy airline entertainment or you’re bringing along your own portable DVD player, these headphones are a must have! My husband and I love the nifty external volume control. Also available in a panda and bear design, you can purchase these at amazon.com for around $17.00. I recommend checking out http://www.califone.com/ for more info on their great products!

If you’re child loves to color like my daughter (she recently started drawing her own circles!), you’ll appreciate Giddy Up’s Color-N-Carry activity travelers with markers. With over 100 activities in each mini box, you can choose from an array of characters like Dora, Spider-Man and My Little Pony. Available at stores like Toys R’ Us and my favorite site, amazon.com (around $7.00). If you prefer not to use markers, many come with jumbo crayons instead.

If you’re little one isn’t interested in a coloring book to keep her busy, try Melissa & Doug’s Basic Skills Board. Not as sturdy as the ones I used in pre-school but great for parents who want their children to have some quiet time while learning. Your little one can learn to zip, buckle and snap a smiling teddy bear for around $15 at amazon.com.

See, my travel bag is light already. I’ve even learned not to go overboard with snacks for DD. I always pack her a container full of sliced grapes (her favorite fruit), a sippy cup of milk and an almond butter and no sugar added fruit preserve sandwich just in case there’s a delay.

Last month, I discovered Ella’s Kitchen Organics, an all organic brand of fruit and vegetable purees for the mom on the go. The veggie pouches have come in handy since my daughter’s two year molars are coming in. Her appetite isn’t the best when she’s in pain, but she’s happy to suck down the spinach, apples and rutabaga pouch. Makes me feel better about filling her tummy up when she's not in the moo for chewing.We get ours from Babies R’ Us. For fruit, I recommend the Purple One, a blend of black currants, blueberries, apples and banana. Why travel with red dye #40 crappola when your little one can take along something tasty and healthy?

For me, a vacation isn’t complete without some sweets for mama. Because I’m still getting rid of the weight I gained while I was pregnant, I have to choose my sweets carefully. Instead of Twizzlers, I reach for a FruitaBu Smooshed Fruit (grape is my favorite). They’re meant for kids but I find them a little too sweet for a toddler but just right for an adult.

Finally, once you’ve made sure you’re child has what he/she needs for travel,what about some entertainment for madre? I recommend Eric Jerome Dickey’s Tempted by Trouble. You don’t have to be a fan of his to enjoy this page turner. Complete with twists and turns, there’s enough drama to keep you interested without being too heavy for enjoyment.

Enjoy!

Should you intervene if you feel a parent is abusing their child?

2010-08-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

When a Southwest Airlines flight attendant removed a child from a mother who supposedly slapped her 13 month old on a recent fight, it made me wonder if there's ever a time it's okay to remove a child from their parent. According to what I read, the parents were arguing and the mother kept hitting the child in the face. Other parents complained and the flight attendant, depending on which report you read, removed the child from the parents. The airline claims the flight attendant just offered to bounce the baby around on her lap. The aviation police were called and interviewed the mother and father. After determining the mom's behavior appeared to be an isolated case, the police returned the baby to the parents, who were allowed to continue to their final destination.

I don't slap my toddler but I have witnessed parents discipline their children in ways that are not appropriate in my household. I live in New York City and it's nothing to see a parent tell their child they're a greedy pain in the ass, refer to their son as "my little n*gga" or see a young (and sometimes older) parent spank their child and yes, slap their child on the face. I've witnessed it all but never in a million years would I say something. Why? It's not my child. If I truly believed a child was in danger, I would call the police or CPS not confront the parent which would never end well!

Can you imagine what would occur if I went up to one of these parents and grabbed their child because I believed the mother or father was behaving badly or even criminally? I'd likely get my ass kicked and rightfully so. Is it the job of citizens, even flight attendants to remove a child from their parent?

I don't think so. If the flight attendant truly thought the child was being abused, it was the job of the aviation police to remove the child from the care of the parents not the person who serves pretzels and soda! If some stranger, flight attendant or otherwise tried to physically remove my daughter from the care of myself or her father you'd need a SWAT team to physically remove my foot from his/her ass.

Personally, my husband and I prefer a gentle approach when it comes to disciplining our daughter but what works in our household may not work in another. I don't spank my child. I don't have an issue with parents who spank their children. I think there's a difference between spanking and abuse. It's all subjective depending on the household you live in and how you were raised.

If citizens of this country think it's okay to remove a parent from the child, what's next? If a parent speaks to a child sternly and let's say, uses a couple of curse words, is it okay for the flight attendant to remove the child because they believe the child is frightened? Appropriate ways of disciplining a child are subjective and how I choose to discipline my child, gentle or not is no one else's business especially the person who hands out blankets and headphones.

Great Book on Traveling to Disney World with Kids.

2010-08-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

As my husband and I contemplate whether or not a trip to Disney World is in our reach in 2010, I've been checking out books from the library on traveling to Disney on the cheap. Most of the books I've read don't offer any true money saving techniques or helpful tips for families traveling with children except The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids.

Chock full of tips on reasonably priced hotels, the advantages of staying on and off a Disney owned property and a guide to which rides may or may night frighten your little one, this book is worth a purchase from Amazon.com or your local bookstore.

The book includes "touring plans" for families that give you a step by step guide on which parks to visit first, what time to go and which rides to go on first to avoid long lines. The touring plans may be a little bit too regimented for some but offer helpful tips that can aid a visitor in avoiding an overcrowded park.

The 2011 version of the Unofficial Guide to Traveling with Kids is out in late August.

Helpful Tip: The Unofficial Guides Mini Mickey is a smaller version of the guide that's small enough to fit in your already stuffed diaper bag.

If you really want to save money going to Disney World, I personally recommend staying at a non-Disney property. Disney offers top of the line service but visitors can book a hotel room outside of The World for more than 50% less.

The Real Housewives of D.C.

2010-08-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

As a stay at home mom who doesn't leave her daughter in front of the boob tube all day long, I don't get to watch a lot of television so I end up DVRing a lot of shows and watching them when my daughter is asleep.

This weekend I had displeasure of watching the Real Housewives of D.C. The show is a major snoozefest. The women are all boring, have no substance and nothing to offer in terms of excitement or entertainment. I wanted to really like Stacie but she's such a Black women reality show cliche. She doesn't have to roll her eyes and snap her fingers to feed into the stereotypes that seem to follow Black women on reality television shows (hello loud mouth Nene Leakes!). I couldn't believe she was offended because Cat expressed her dislike for Tyra Banks. Tyra Banks is annoying and Cat isn't the first white or Black woman to feel that way. Differences in opinion aren't always about race.

I can't believe shows like this are on televsion but the original Law & Order franchise was cancelled. I'll take Jack McCoy over this annoying wenches any day of the week!

Judgmental Friday...

2010-07-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

I try (a little bit everyday) to be less judgmental of people especially other parents. I know some people give me the side-eye because my daughter is nearly 2.5 and has never had juice or because we don't let her eat junk food. I don't mind it so much because I give parents who let their toddlers drink soda and have a steady diet of fast and canned food the side-eye too. I guess it goes both ways.

Today, I overheard a woman talking to her friend about how often she bathes her son and daughter. From what I gathered, the son is nearly 3 and the daughter is 4. Said woman said she bathes her children every other day and in the morning. It took everything out of me not to scream, "ewwwww!"

Not bathing children of that age everyday before bedtime is DISGUSTING and judging from the way her son looked (dirt in his toenails and fingernails) bathing him every other day isn't okay. I bathe my daughter everyday before bedtime. Children and adults alike sleep better after a nice warm bath or shower especially in this summer heat! You get to have some quiet time and remove the germs and gunk of the day off of your body.

A bath every other day may work in infancy but not for active toddlers! My daughter refuses to keep shoes or slippers on her feet while she's playing in our home. At the end of the day, the bottom of her feet are dirty. I use a diaper wipe to clean them off BEFORE she gets into the bath tub. Her feet also get wiped off before she's put down for a nap. Excessive? Nope! I don't get into my bed with dirty feet so why would I let my child? Good hygiene, just like good manners should start when a child is young!

After children wipe their noses, put their fingers in their mouths, get crayon markings on their fingers and all of the other things little ones do while they are playing, a warm bath at night is a necessity.

I know some people are under the impression that exposure to dirt and germs boosts your immune system but I call bull! I've even spoken to my daughter's pediatrician about this and she thinks it's silly. I don't believe me or my daughter need to be exposed to any more germs than we are already exposed to in our day to day living. We ride the New York City subway system and buses a few times a week. If that isn't germ exposure to the max then I don't know what is. But exposure to germs and cleanliness are too different things. A man coughs on the street without covering his nasty mouth and we're exposed to germs. We're exposed to millions of germs when we walk out of our homes. What about the germs that exist in our homes?!

Not washing your hands after you use the toilet and not bathing your child in the evening after a long, hot day of sweat and play is just plain old NASTY!

Some people think this makes me germ-phobic. I'm not afraid of germs but I don't want unnecessary contact with people who are nasty. My sister in law once made a seafood salad. Instead of using a spoon to mix the cubes of cheese, she used her hands. I wouldn't touch that salad with a ten foot pole and she gave me a look when I asked her if she wanted me to hand her a spoon. Maybe that's why she doesn't like me...

I don't want to be coughed on, exposed to your mouth saliva when you yawn and don't cover your mouth and I don't want you touching my daughter's fingers or face especially after you've finished wiping your vagina or holding your penis to urinate and didn't bother to wash your hands afterward!

When my husband, daughter and I come home we take off our shoes and then wash our hands. It's what we were taught as children and it's something we both practice today.

I truly feel bad for a child who's walking around stinky and dirty until the next morning because his mother and/or father hasn't bothered to make sure he's clean!

To the parents who don't bathe their children everyday, I say, "SHAME ON YOU!"

Good night.

Finally, a sunscreen I love!

2010-07-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Since I try to feed my daughter a mostly organic and whole food diet, I try and be as vigilant about what goes on her skin as well as in her body. When it comes to shampoo and teeth and gum cleaning products, I haven't had an issue. Sunscreen, however has been a different story. It's been difficult finding a natural sunscreen that doesn't stink to high heaven or coat her with a very unpleasant looking zinc oxide afterglow. Natural sunscreens tend to require more rubbing and longer pre-application time to become effective and frankly, I don't have a lot of extracurricular rubbing time on my hands.

Since titanium dioxide (another popular ingredient used in "natural" suncreens) and zinc oxide don't penetrate the skin as oxybenzone (a common ingredient in most conventional sunscreens), their effectiveness isn't entirely clear. Instead of losing my mind and spending more money on sunscreens that just weren't working for my daughter, I decided to try a product that doesn't market itself as all natural. At the recommendation of my dermatologist, he suggested looking for one that was alcohol free.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked their line of products. They have an entire line of suncare products for little ones with ingredients ranging from zinc oxide to titanium dioxide. I'm also digging their Sunscreen Towelette which is great for reapplication while you're out and about with your little one. Below are our favorites from the Baby Blanket line of suncare products:

* Baby Blanket Faces with SPF 45- This PABA-FREE/Alcohol-Free cream rubbed on my daughter's skin easily with no white afterglow and no stinky smell. Even though it's intended for the face, I also rub it on her arms, legs and bottom of her feet.

* Baby Blanket Convenience Sunscreen Spray Lotion SPF 45+, 2 oz- I love this one. I use it on myself as well. It's small enough to make it past airline security to keep in your carry-on or throw in your everyday diaper bag. It goes on like a light lotion. It's not greasy or smelly and does a good job protecting my daughter from New York's hot summer rays.

You can buy Baby Blanket Suncare products directly from their website, babyblanketsunscare.com. If you decide to purchase Baby Blanket products let me know if they did as good of a job protecting your baby from the sun as it's done for mine.

Helpful Tip: Apply sunscreen products about minutes before you plan on going outside.

Parents, please parent your children if you don't want them to end up like this...

2010-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you enable your children, live vicariously through them and don't do your damn job! No parent is perfect but clearly her mother and father have failed when it came to teaching her values. They may have given her food everyday but I don't believe they nourished her mind or her soul. It's a parents job to supply their children with nourishment for their bodies and minds. But what should we expect with a girl whose mother is an ovbvious star f*cker? How can a parent who's living vicariously through her daughter truly parent her when she's out at the club partying with her? Dina Lohan is no mother of the year. Frankly, she's not even a mother of the moment. Now that she's too old (and untalented) she's counting on her daughters to do what she couldn't.

Sadly, the father (I can't seem to figure out whether he's a looney tune or just desperate) seems to have the most sense of them all. How sad is that considering he's no prize either?

I hope what has happened to this girl is a reminder for parents to not thrust their children into the limelight when they are not mentally prepared. It takes a lot more than talent to survive in Hollywood!

Bitter Baby Mama Bridget Moynahan

2010-07-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

If Mr. Big didn't cheat on her with Carrie on Sex & the City and if she wasn't Tom Brady's baby mama, few people would know who Bridget Moynahan is. She's an attractive woman but a marginal actress who obviously has an ax to grind. When I saw her on the cover of SELF Magazine with the headline, "Tom Brady, Gisele and Me: Bridget Moynahan's Happy-Life Lessons" I instantly felt kind of bad for her. She's on the cover of a magazine but her good looking ex and his beautiful wife are mentioned. Feeling bad for her only lasted a couple of seconds when I read the article. Bridget comes across as jealous and bitter.

She takes a shot at Gisele and the press for presenting motherhood as easy and painless. She goes so far as to say this is "irresponsible." Bridget really needs to get a life or a man to keep her bed warm at night. The birthing process is different for every woman. Not all women feel pain. Gisele seemed to take a very practicle and unusual approach to the birthing process but it was HER experience. She's allowed to share it!

I also think Bridget is irresponsible for not allowing her three year old son to snack during meals. What kind of weird shit is that? He's a child who doesn't appear to be headed to obesity anytime soon so what's the harm in giving healthy snacks between meals?

If my ex was married to Gisele maybe I would feel insecure and perhaps intimidated. The women is beautiful but Bridget isn't bad looking either. She has a healthy son whose father wasn't interested in marrying her. She isn't the first or the last woman a man chose not to wifey up so move on.

When asked how she feels about the paparazzi taking pictures of her and Tom's son with Gisele she takes a dig at her son's step-mother and dad saying she doesn't go out much because she doesn't want to be involved in that.*Rolling My Eyes* Bridget, no one believes you're sitting in your house all day reading your son Dr. Seuss because you don't want him photographed. They don't photograph you with Jack because you're not as relevant as Gisele. The supermodel is also a better photo. I hate to sound mean but seriously. I doubt Gisele and Tom are calling the press to take photos of them. They take photos of them because well...they look cute together and because people like photos of Gisele. Be happy your son has a step-mother who seemes to genuinely care for him.

How sad for her that most of the article seems to be about her ex and his new wife. Instead of being such a brat about it, she should talk about her acting career and leave the baby mama drama on Maury.

Question of the day!

2010-06-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Why does society consider it perfectly okay for a mother-in-law to treat her daughter in law or son-in-law like absolute crap because "that's his/her mother" but the spouse is supposed to sit around and grin and bear it? Shouldn't in laws being expected to treat spouses with the same amount of respect they believe they deserve?

The Ugly Side of Breastfeeding

2010-06-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

The Ugly Side of Breastfeeding

Can I tell you how tired I am hearing about breastfeeding and why it’s best for mothers and their babies? I won’t discount the benefits of breastfeeding (i.e. cheaper than formula, has vitamins and minerals, etc.) but I’m starting to believe the La Leche League’s breastfeeding brigade is a bunch of HOOEY.

Prior to the birth of my daughter, my husband and I went to a breastfeeding class. We also took natural childbirth classes and infant CPR. We wanted to be well prepared before our special arrival. During our breastfeeding class the instructor reminded us how important it is to breastfeed because breastfed babies are “smarter” and “don’t get sick.” What parent wouldn’t want to whip out their tit and let their newborn suck on it at the thought of having a child that doesn’t get sick and is smarter than the other rugrats in their class? The instructor also let us know that breastfeeding is hard but reminded the moms to just “try harder.”

I had every intention of breastfeeding my daughter who I planned to give birth to without the benefit of Pitocin or artificial pain management. I ended up having a C-Section. In the recovery room, a wonderful nurse tried to help my daughter latch on. She didn’t. The next day another nurse tried to help as well. I also tried on my own utilizing all of the tips we learned in the breastfeeding class. My husband even helped. Nothing. When we learned our daughter had jaundice we were told we should give her formula while we tried to get her to latch. In order to bring her bilirubin levels down she needed to poop and she couldn’t without food in her belly. It was heartbreaking watching my baby under those lights but if formula was what she needed then that’s what she was going to get.

The day after my daughter started formula a wonderful lactation consultant took a personal interest in helping me get my daughter to latch. She even brought in a hospital grade breast pump for me to use. Although, pumping barely got an ounce of colostrum, she encouraged me to keep trying. I did. The more I pumped the more milk I should get. I had a $300 breast pump at home and was wanting and willing to continue my every two hours of pumping when I was released. The lactation consultant reminded me to give my daughter whatever bit of colostrums was coming out of my breasts and I did even though it was only a drop here and there.

Before my daughter and I were released from the hospital the lactation consultant gave me her card and told me to call her if I needed any help or tips. When we finally got to bring our baby home, she still wouldn’t latch on. We paid to have a lactation consultant come to our apartment the day after we were released from the hospital and had the help of my mother who breastfed her own five children. I was also pumping every two hours, including getting up in the middle of the night so my daughter would never get sick and naturally, be smart I would be lucky to get two ounces of milk per day. Here I was exhausted, still barely able to walk well, caring for a newborn and still waking up every two hours to pump what was amounting to not enough for half of one feeding. I’d go to bed crying and exhausted. After a week of waking up every two hours to pump, I stopped. Frankly, I was exhausted but I still continued to pump during waking hours still getting what was amounting to a drop of milk here and there. I called the lactation consultant to ask for her advice. Her response, “If you’re not able to wake up every two hours to pump how can you care for your baby?” Before hanging up on her, I told her to never call me again. The lactation consultant at the hospital was also of no help. When she realized I wasn’t producing milk, she couldn’t be bothered. I guess I had breastfeeding pox!

I contacted another lactation consultant and was told we should try CranioSacral therapy, where they would gently massage my daughter’s spine and skull. I wanted to breastfeed but not enough to have someone massaging my daughters skull. I called my daughter’s pediatrician at the time and was told it was time to move on from this and concentrate on enjoying my daughter. I also called my OB/GYN to complain about my breastfeeding woes. She told me it was fine to formula feed my daughter as she’d likely be as smart as her mommy.

While I was able to live with my decision to stop using milk-less breasts to try and feed my daughter other people weren’t so understanding. When folks asked me if I was breastfeeding and I said no, I was given unsolicited advice or a slew of pointless, unhelpful and sometimes inappropriate comments.

• “Breastfeeding was too hard for you, huh?” Hello! I made it through child birth and having a C-Section. I don’t think breastfeeding would be considered too hard after going through that.

• “You never should have let them give your daughter the bottle. It’s nipple confusion. It can take her months to prefer the boob over the bottle.”

• “You just need to find a better lactation consultant.” I guess they forgot how much extra free time they had with their newborn children.

• “Keep trying. It will happen but you have to be determined. Remember, the breast is best!”

• “TRY HARDER!”

• “YOU NEED TO TRY HARDER!”

• “JUST TRY HARDER!”

I was also reminded that my daughter probably didn’t latch on because she was affected by me not being able to hold her immediately after the C-Section. Post C-Section I couldn’t have held an orange let alone a baby. I had to be sewn back up. Forgive me for not being able to whip out my tit and breastfeed my daughter while lying on the cold recovery room table. Almost all comments were pointless not to mention annoying and hurtful. I tried everything in my power to breastfeed my daughter including inviting a lunatic lactation consultant into my home to help me. I had my mother, husband and lactation consultant push, pull and do other unpleasant things to my breasts all so my daughter could breast feed. I woke up every two hours to pump to get almost nothing.

I realized it was time to move on when a lactation consultant (not the looney one) recommended CranialSacral therapy. I wasn’t going to let some stranger massage my daughter’s skull so she could breastfeed and what would have been the point considering my lack of milk?

If someone asks me if I breastfed my daughter I don’t have an issue saying “no.” I don’t feel the need to lie to avoid the judgment of others. The situation is what it is. However, that doesn’t stop the comments about “doing better” when we have another child. What bothers me the most are that most of the comments are unhelpful. A different lactation consultant may have been more useful to me but guess what? My daughter is two. There’s no going back in time to do things differently and if I could, I wouldn’t.

I also get comments about having a C-Section and questions about why I chose not have a mid-wife. I didn’t choose a mid-wife because I had a doctor I trusted. Too many cooks in the kitchen ruin the stew! When I was told I had to have a C-Section I knew it was medically necessary not because my doctor decided I would be part of the C-Section quota for the day. I’ve been told to read books about giving a vaginal birth after having a C-Section. I don’t share with people the details of my medical history because it’s none of their business but the truth is, I have to have a C-Section with baby number 2. I’m okay with that. I don’t believe my strength as a woman and mother is somehow defined by pushing a child out of my vagina. For the record, I pushed for nearly 3.5 hours with my daughter and still ended up having a C-Section!

When my husband and I decide to have child number 2, I won’t breastfeed him or her. Why? I don’t want to be bothered. I’m not spending $300 on a breast pump, don’t want to take the time to pump (even if it’s during waking hours) and want to continue enjoying breasts that look perfectly lifted in a Vanity Fair bra.

Fortunately, my two year old has had one minor cold, never been to an emergency room (knock on wood) and has never had to take antibiotics. She’s healthy, vibrant and isn’t addicted to sugar and red juice. Another mother I know breastfed a son who has frequent ear infections, is always sick and always has a nose runnier than the East River. My point? If a mother chooses to breastfeed her child, it’s her choice. If another mother decided to not breastfeed or can’t breastfeed, her child is not doomed to a life of low immunity, a low I.Q. or meant to end up in prison. It also doesn’t mean the mother in question is some lazy sow afraid of hard work BUT even if she were, so what?

I don’t think women, especially mothers realize how unhelpful their comments are to other women especially first time mothers. When my friend and former coworker asked me how bad my labor pains were I told her they weren’t that bad. I wasn’t honest. Why? My excruciating pain was MY pain. The prospect of childbirth is scary enough. Why intimidate her with my story of having my husband help give me a shower because I was in too much pain to do it on my own? Or having to be taken to labor and delivery in a wheel chair? It would have scared her. Women need to let other women have their own experiences in childbirth. Knowing my pain wasn’t going to lessen her pain.

When I was pregnant, I was told my childbirth classes were pointless and that during my last months of pregnancy, I would wake up with horrible leg cramps. The breathing I learned in my childbirth class helped me get through my pre-epidural labor pain and I never woke up with bad leg cramps. I learned very early to take comments with a grain of salt especially when most of them were negative and almost always from another mother.

Being pregnant and being a mother is hard enough. Unnecessary and pointless comments from women who usually have no idea what they are talking about, is a waste of time. If you want to help another mother who’s pregnant or just had a child, sometimes the best thing you can do is keep your damn mouth shut.

LOVING KINDERVILLE

2010-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

For about a year I've been looking for safe and toxin-free containers to store my daughter's food and a cup that's safe for her to drink from. I wanted a product free of BPA, lead and Phthalates. I found a lot of produts that were BPA free but when I called the company to inquire about lead and Phthalates most customer service reps had no idea what I was talking about. A friend forwarded me the link to Kinderville's website and I was very happy to find storage containers, bowls, cups and even ice pop molds, all made of versatile silicone.

My daughter loved eating her oatmeal out of her new Kinderville bowl. I was afraid there would be permanent blackberry stains in the bowl but it washed easily! The products are also top dishwasher safe.

Since my daughter can't be torn from her sippy cup for now, I've been using the cup and I love it. It'll be perfect for her little girl sized hands when she is ready to use it. If you're interested in products that are safe and anti-bacteria resistant visit http://www.kinder-ville.com/ and purchase these wonderful products for your little one. Prices are reasonable starting at $12.99 for a set of four Little Bites cups. Please let the good folks at Kinderville know madre sent you!

Helpful Tint: Instead of spending money on store bought ices that are usually high in sugar and contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, why not use a Kinderville Ice Mold to make a fruit juice or fruit and yogurt ice mold?

Rockin' Baby Sling

2010-05-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've been a very loyal Ergo user for a little over a year now and really wasn't in the market for a new baby carrier until I had a major fail trying to carry my daughter in the hip position instead of our usual front carry. It just wasn't that comfortable for me and the strap kept digging in my shoulder. Not a good look. When I saw the Rockin' Baby Organic Pouch in a magazine I just had to try it. It was super cute and looked so easy to use.

My daughter loves being carried in a carrier and I love carrying her. Who wants to tote a bulky stroller on New York City transportation just to have some mean so-called "man" knock you aside and then roll his eyes because you're in his way?! Carrying is convenient and for me, fun. Some research suggests baby wearing makes little ones smarter.

I tested the Rockin' Baby Sling Organic Pouch in Love is What You Make It, a bold scarlet color that reverses to yellow with a sunny print. I was amazed by the ease of use. I got my two year old right in and she sat comfortably on my hips.

The price is reasonable at $65.00 and the patterns available are really cool. Rockin' Baby Sling gives moms the opportunity to babywear in style. It doesn't get any better than that.

To buy a Rockin' Baby Pouch or Sling visit rockinbabysling.com. When you place your order, please let me know Madre sent you!

Pedicure Fridays...with my daughter!

2010-05-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today, I joined the club of parents who take their children to places they really have no place being and I did it all in the pursuit of looking good. I can't tell you the last time I've had a pedicure and in spite of this wonderfully warm weather, my feet have been hibernating in my Nike's. I refuse to be one of those women who show off their toes with pride even though their feet are in need of some serious TLC!

Before my husband left for work, I announced I'd be getting a pedicure. His response? "The nail place will be open after you get your hair done?" I told him no. I was planning on taking our dear daughter with us. He was shocked and truthfully, so was I. I'm one of those parents that doesn't want to see children in the hair salon, nail salon or any other place where I am trying to get a moments of relaxtion. I've often turned my nose and whispered snide comments about parents who bring their children to places that are meant for adults. My motto is, "if your child isn't being serviced them leave him/her at home!"

I went to three different nail salons in my area before I found one that does not do acrylics and does not smell like cheap and noxious chemicals. I was the ONLY customer in the scent-free place. I parked DD's stroller right by by seat and gave her a few different sales circulars to peruse (she likes to help be find bargains in the weekly paper). DD said hi to the nail techs, ripped up her sale circulars and quietly ate her crackers while my toes dried.

It was a great experience for me to get some beautifying done without a temper tantrum or having my daughter take off her sneakers and throw them as far as she is able.

I will still turn my nose at the five year old bossing his mother around at the hair salon or the whiny little girl upset her mommy won't her paint her toes red in the nail salon. It felt great getting something done for me that didn't involve making my daughter uncomfortable, annoying strangers and/or me!

The truth is, I prefer getting my toes done alone so I can sit back and read the In Touch magazine I would never pay for but sharing this early morning diversion with a well-behaved toddler was a rare and special treat.

Seriously, Governor Paterson?

2010-04-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm probably one of few New Yorkers who doesn't despise Gov. David Paterson. What I do despise is his proposed tax on sugary sodas which he mistakenly thinks will help curb obesity and recoup some of the billions a year spent on healthcare to treat people with diabetes and other diseases. Uh...this is silly. If people don't limit their sugary drinks for their health why would a few extra cents prevent them from buying crappy beverages for their little ones? I know plenty of people who'd continue to buy their children "quarter waters" and Tropical Island soda in spite of having to pay a tax. He may mean well but he's not going to save children from a lifetime of obesity when it's the parent who let them sit in front of the television eating Doritos and drinking Hawaiin Punch instead of getting them involved in physical activity and letting them sip on a bottle of water.

This is what I find most puzzling...if the state ends up taxing sugary drinks what about the parents who receive WIC? WIC is a supplemental "nutrition" program for women, infants and children. Most women apply for WIC when they're pregnant and the "checks" can be redeemed in most grocery stores for certain brands of cereal, milk and cheese. According to the NY State Department of Health website, moms with a WIC card can purchase any brand of Juicy Juice. One serving of grape Juicy Juice has 130 calories and 28 grams of sugar. The Orange Tangerine variety has a whooping 31 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving.

What's worse? The State letting parents purchase this stuff or the Nestle website recommending parents give their children Juicy Juice between 6 and 8 months of age? I realize Juicy Juice is marketed as 100% Juice which makes a lot of parents think they're giving their kids something good but it really is a diluted mess. I'd much rather cut up a tangerine or orange for my daughter to snack on. If Paterson wants to tax sugary drinks then Juicy Juice should be removed from WICs acceptable food list.

I never applied for WIC while I was pregnant with my dear daughter. I didn't need or want New York State telling me what I should and shouldn't put in my body during and after my pregnancy.

Making time for Madre...and Tonique Fitness

2010-04-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

When my daughter was first born, I would have held her in my arms while I was sleeping if it was safe. I just couldn't get enough of her. In spite of everyone telling me to "nap while she naps," I didn't. When she fell asleep she'd snuggle her little body so close to my chest I couldn't bare to put her down. For the first year of her life, she was in my arms for most of the day- a feeling she and I both enjoyed. However, in doing this I rarely had time to do anything for me. I didn't workout and my regulary scheduled trips to the nail and hair salon were things of the past. While my daughter was always decked out in the cutest clothes (you wouldn't believe how little we pay for her clothes. I should patent my bargain shopping technique), I was walking around in flannel pajamas and trying to remember the last time I washed my hair.

My daughter is nearly two and I am still trying to juggle finding personal time for myself while still being the kind of wife and mommy that I want to be. This past Saturday I was reminded of how easy it is for a mom to neglect herself while taking care of everyone else.

The story? I went to a local nail salon for an underarm wax something I did regularly pre-pregnancy. The technician took one look at my underarms and said, "no wax all winter huh?" and rolled her eyes. It was true. I hadn't waxed my underarms all winter long. "You wait too long it hurts!" she scolded me. While I can do without attitude from the person I'm paying to perform a service for me, it was a painful reminder of how I don't take care of myself the way I used to. It made me realize that, for one, I ain't perfect and never will be but that I also have to make time for myself to enjoy the things I do and to keep myself up. I'm too young and too damn fine to be one of those mothers sitting on the sofa in rollers and complaining about not getting rid of baby weight in spite of having a GROWN child!

This morning I woke up at 7AM (two full hours before my daughter) and worked out. I'd been anxious to try Tonique, an exercise system designed to help develop strong and lean muscle, strengthen your cardiovascular system, and improve your balance. The instructor is a mother of two with a smoking body and cute Polish accent. I'd decided to give myself an hour every morning to do something for my mind and body.

After the 50 minute long DVD (Tonique 2, Disc 1), I was able to take a nice and long hot shower before my daughter woke up. I felt great during and after the workout. I did something to help improve my health (exercise helps combat chronic disease and manage weight) and my mood.

I strongly recommend Tonique workout DVDs especially if you want a cardio sculpting routine that's going to raise your heart rate and make you sweat.

There are three different Tonique DVD's (Tonique, Tonique Mat and Tonique 2 which includes two different DVD workouts) and available as an iPod download. The workouts are also available on Demand if you have Time Warner cable. If you're interested in trying out Tonique, you can purchase the DVD's at http://toniquefitness.com/store.php. Tomorrow, I'm going to try the mat workout.

Helpful Hint: If you can't afford an exercise DVD or don't have time for a 50 minute workout put on a pair of sneakers and walk. Marshalls department store often has exercise DVDs and equipment like weights and yoga mats for affordable prices. Last week I scored a 4 mile Leslie Sansone walk for $4.99.

BornFree Sippy Cups are AWFUL!

2010-03-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Since our experience with BornFree bottles was horrendous (they leaked), I wasn't exactly excited about their sippy cups. However, one of them came in a bottle set we were given at our baby shower so we decided to give it a try. The sippy cup worked great. No leaks. DD loved using it and we were able to take those annoying hand grips off.

We immediately purchased more. Fast forward a year later and we have had to call customer service on a number of occassions regarding the cups. First, the spouts get moldy. Someone in customer service told me to let the spouts dry completely before using them. Duh! This was already common practice for us. After several unanswered emails to customer service, we were sent replacements for the spouts. Months later and the spouts are the least of our issues. I wouldn't be so annoyed if I were the only customer going through this but a few people I know are going through the same thing. The cups have a white film even after the cup has been washed. After my daughter drinks milk from her cup the cup is rinsed in cold water and washed. Even after the cup is completely dry there is a white film. I called customer service, as did a friend of mine to complain about the white film. It looks gross and I still wanted to make sure nothing is leeching from the plastic. The girl in customer service told me a customer sent in several bottles to test and there is no issue. They also let me know they won't replace the sippy cups.

Madre wants to know how a company that tells parents to be "rest assured" can have such horrible customer service and not take this issue with the sippy cups more seriously. How can a white film be safe? I've already started using another sippy cup but the way BornFree has handled this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. This was very disappointing because I was happy to have my daughter using a sippy cup that was BPA, PVC and phthalate free.

More Rotavirus vaccine drama...

2010-03-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

The FDA is recommending doctors temporarily stop giving the Rotarix vaccine to babies because the vaccine contains a benign pig virus (gross!). The FDA claims there's no evidence the vaccine poses a safety risk but want to pull it anyway! Why does the FDA want to pull it if there's nothing wrong with it?

This isn't the first time there have been issues with the Rotavirus vaccine, which allegedly "immunizes" babies against Rotavirus, an illness that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. According to the FDA's press release, Rotavirus is responsible for the deaths of "more than 500,000 infants around the world each year, primarily in low- and middle-income countries." Can someone please tell me the definition of a middle-income country?

The first vaccine was taken off of the market over a decade ago because it was linked to 99 reports of bowel obstruction and the death of at least one infant.

I always thought something was off about this vaccine. When our daughter was first born her first pediatrician, who is very pro-vaccine and turns his nose at any parent who doesn't vaccinate on schedule, skipped this vaccine when "immunizing" his infant patients. When we asked him why we weren't given a straight answer. Technically, it didn't matter since we don't believe in injecting live virus vaccines in the developing immune system of an infant. However, we found it odd that a doctor who thinks the CDC's schedule for vaccinating children is the gospel, wasn't administering this to his patients.

What are your thoughts on the FDA pulling this off of the market and vaccinating children in general? Do you vaccinate your children on an alternate schedule or not at all? If so, why?

Helpful Books and websites if you'd like more information regarding vaccines: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child by Dr. Robert Sears.

Drtenpenny.com is one of my favorite websites for getting helpful vaccine information.

Save a Dollar Tuesday

2010-03-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Green Bee, a really cool site that sells organic baby/toddler clothing is having a wicked clearance sale. I'm going to get my daughter the Amber Doll which is stitched in organic cotton and looks like my daughter would love it for naptime snuggling.

http://www.happygreenbee.com/clearancestore.cfm?PageNum=1

Helpful Tip: All clearance items are final sale. No returns!

5 Ways to Enjoy Butternut Squash

2010-03-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

Butternut Squash is a favorite veggie in our household. October has always been the best time of year for us to find it but I found the peeled and cubed organic kind yesterday. I steamed them, mashed them and added a little bit of cinnamon, cumin and ginger. It was really tasty! Here are four other ways my family enjoys Butternut Squash:

1. A great alternative to potatoes in beef stew or curry chicken recipes.

2. Seasoned with fresh thyme and rosemary, roasted in the oven until tender and then tossed in a mixed green salad.

3. There's nothing better than hot Butternut Squash soup on a cold winter day.

4. Curried with chickpeas and plain yogurt on top.

Helpful Tip: Butternut Squash is rich in Vitamin A and is a good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Save a Dollar Tuesday/Save on Organic Milk

2010-03-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Although Organic Whole Milk is more expensive than the regular stuff (I can get 2 gallons for $5.00 at my local supermarket), it's a worthwhile expense for my household. Organic Milk has a superior taste than the regular stuff and doesn't contain BGH (a known carcinogen). Why would you want your child to drink milk from cows that are given antibiotics and synethic growth hormones? If you won't give your child a teaspoon of pesticide mixed in her cereal, why would you let her drink non-organic milk?

A gallon of Organic Valley Whole Milk (our favorite) is over $5.00 at my local healthfood store. To save money, I go to the companies website to print out a coupon. http://www.organicvalley.coop/coupons/ has coupons for milk, cheese, eggs and more. If Organic Valley isn't your brand of choice, visit the website of the brand you prefer. If you can't download coupons directly from the site, call the customer service number located on the back of your container and request coupons. Most companies are very generous in sending out money saving coupons.

Helpful Tip: Horizon and Stonyfield Farm both allow you print coupons directly from their website.

Don't Be A Strawberry Quik Mommy!

2010-03-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'll never understand parents who spend more time choosing clothing and hair care products for their children than they do choosing what goes into the mouths of their babes. I've grown tired of seeing toddlers guzzling orange, red and other sugary drinks and eating salty chips for breakfast instead of something nutritious, yummy and filling.

I recently saw a woman pour Hawaiian Punch into her child's bottle. Another toddler drank from an 8 ounce bottle of ready made Strawberry Nesquik which has 30 grams of sugar per serving and dyes! If food manufacturers were offering a serving of ADHD in place of your child's morning cereal, would you let him/her have it? How about a serving of hyperactivity in a sugary juice pouch? Seriously, pay attention to what goes into the belly of your little one.

If you spend more time picking out videogames and DVDs for your child and let your kid eat whatever crap you can throw together then you are, sadly, what I call a Strawberry Quik Mom. Instead of choosing a healthier option like a fruit smoothie with fresh strawberries (full of potassium, Vitamin C and folate) mixed in, you choose the quickest and crappiest thing you can find. The high fructose corn syrup, sugar and Red 40 and Blue 1 aren't enough to make you toss this crap in a bottle, then what will? Chances are your child didn't even ask you to get this offensive beverage but you purchased it anyway and now everyone on the subway is giving you the evil eye as your kid bounces up and down in the stroller like a jack rabbit. The powdered version of this stuff is even worse. It contains Copper Gluconate which is sometimes used to treat acne. Some of the side effects can include stomach upset or rash.

My daughter loves Stonyfield Farms' YoBaby Plain Yogurt with sliced fresh fruit or thawed frozen fruit. It's a wonderful snack! If we start feeding our children well at a young age, those healthy habits will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Of course, they may want to eat junk food sometimes but at least it won't dominate their diet.

Madre's Helpful Tip: It's better to buy organic strawberries. When this naturally sweet fruit is out of season, it's usually imported from countries that don't have stringent rules regarding the use of yucky pesticides. Since fresh organic strawberries can be expensive, a bag of frozen organic ones (check the label to make sure there are no added sugars) are a great alternative!

Madre knows all mothers don't have the time to make a fresh fruit smoothie but that doesn't mean fresh should be replaced with crap. Try Lifeway Organics ProBugs Goo-Berry Pie. It's a tasty whole milk kefir drink with ten live and active cultures to help their cute pudgy bellies and immune system stay healthy.

Save A Dollar Tuesday

2010-03-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

I'm frugal and am always looking for ways to save a buck and keep money in my pocket. The other day I realized my daughter has outgrown her onesie undershirts. She can still fit them but she's grown so long that they no longer snap. Instead of running out and buying her new ones, I'm cutting the backs off of the ones she has now. I didn't have to spend a dime and I love it!

Peter Rabbit Organics- Product of the Week!

2010-03-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

I do my best to feed my near 2 year old a healthy,organic diet free of dyes, high fructose corn syrup and the other crap they market as being healthy for children (Chef Boyardee crap in a can anyone?). It saddens me to see parents giving their little ones snack items like Doritos to lick and eat. If it colors your fingers, it's not good for you. Doritos have MSG, three different dyes and a few other ingredients I can't pronounce.

I can relate to wanting your child to have something quick and easy to snack on but why give your child a snack with no nutritional value and dyes such as Yellow 5 and Red 40 which have been linked to hyperactivity, learning difficulties and ADHD? No one wants a kid jacked up on salt and sugar to come over for a playdate.

Instead of a salty snack, why not stick a Peter Rabbit Organics fruit pouch in your bag? I was provided with samples from Peter Rabbit Organics for review and they were a big hit in my home. Available in three tasty varieties of Strawberry and Banana, Mango, Banana and Orange and Apple and Grape (my personal favorite), the BPA free pouches have no added sugar or perservatives! You don't need a spoon and the no-choke cap makes it easy for kids to eat on their own.

They're not just great for kids but parents too. I happen to love Apple and Grape and when there's no time for mommy to stop for a snack, you can have one too!

Go to http://www.peterrabbitorganics/ to find a store near you!