A Modest Momma's Musings

The Knocked-Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy by Erica Ziel

2014-07-28T12:49:00.006-07:00

Okay, let's face it----you may not feel like running a marathon, let alone walking up the street right now, but maintaining a regular exercise routine during your pregnancy can help you to stay on a healthy track. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend at least 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day on most if not all days during the week, unless you have a medical and/or pregnancy complication. However, according to research published by the March of Dimes, as many as three quarters of women having a healthy pregnancy don't do enough exercise. The adaption of a daily exercise program, with first consulting with your physician, may even assist with preventing complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. By staying active during your pregnancy through exercise, the March of Dimes also explains that you can reap other numerous health benefits, including:

Backaches, pelvic pain, constipation and fatigue can be reduced.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Help to reduce or prevent depression and improve your self-esteem.
Prepare your body and mind for the demands of labor and birth.
Assist in getting you back into shape after your baby is born.

If you maintained a regular exercise routine before getting pregnant, you should be able to continue your normal activities within moderation, of course. But, avoid attempting to do your exercises on your pre-pregnancy level and instead, do what's most comfortable for you to do, at this new stage. The exercises and advice found in Erica Ziel's The Knocked-Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy (2014) are a great first start to your customizing a workout to fit your specific tolerance levels during each trimester. Ziel, a Master Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, and mother to three children, created this step-by-step resource guide of over 130+ full color pages of 50 exercises, so that moms-to-be will be able to, "focus on some key physical elements, a strong deep core, good posture, and a strong back" so they will ultimately be filled with the, "confidence and energy you need to have the best pregnancy possible."

The Knocked-Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy is filled with photos, diagrams, "Q & A" sections, and lots of facts and statistics. All of the exercises found in Ziel's precisely informative guide are designed to not only be gentle on your body and all of the many changes it is going through, but with careful attention being paid to conditioning and strengthening your growing belly, back and pelvis. I have found that the beauty of all of the exercises found in The Knocked-Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy are that they are flexible, providing you with the most ways to maximize your workout time, especially if time is restrained.

For further information about prenatal fitness expert Erica Ziel, please visit her website at: www.EricaZiel.com or about The Knocked-Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy, please visit www.Knocked-UpFitness.com

The ABC's of Bouncer Seats

2014-07-15T16:49:00.001-07:00

Baby bouncer seats can quite literally be a lifesaver when it comes to calming down a fussy, colicky newborn. Bouncers often provide parents, just as ours did when we brought our baby boy home from the hospital, with a helping hand and a safe, soothing place for baby to keep occupied during those times when you have things to take care of around the house.

But, before and after you decide to purchase either a new or used bouncer seat, there are several things that you should always take into consideration:

Look for a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) which signifies that the product conforms to independent safety standards.
If you are looking to purchase a second hand bouncer, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSA) website to see if the particular bouncer that you are interested in has ever been the subject of a recall.
Be sure to always follow the manufacturers recommend weight and age limits. Many bouncers can be used only until baby weighs 25 pounds (typically around the 6th month of age) and/or can sit up on their own without assistance.
Never place a bouncer seat on either a soft or elevated surface, as your little ones movement could possibly make the bouncer tip.
Always place your newborn the same room that you’re in, and keep a watchful eye out while they’re sitting in their seat.
Look for bouncer models that contain an AC plug-in adapter, as chances are, you are bound to go through a steady stream of batteries to keep baby moving.
Bouncers must have a three (3) point harness to keep baby safe from possibly falling out of the seat. A five (5) point harness, that contains over-the-shoulder straps, provides an additional means of safety.
Between less is more models to those that are completely tricked out with music, vibrations, sounds and toy bars, you'll have plenty of choices to make. Look for toy bars that are removable and interchangeable, so not only will you be able to keep them clean for baby, you can alternate the types of toys that will keep your little one amused.
Consider the portability of it---- chances are that if your bouncer becomes the only thing that soothes your baby, you'll want to be able to take it on the road when visiting friends and family. Make time to check before purchasing if the bouncer can be easily folded up or dismantled for travel.

According to a report filed in January of 2014 by Consumer Reports, of all the bouncer brands currently on the market, nine have received certification from the JPMA for meeting the required safety standards set by the ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials). Of those nine brands, I've given a spotlight to three bouncers below that will be a handy, extremely helpful accessory to you and your family during those precious early days and weeks of your newborns life.

Summer Infant's Fox and Friends Sweet Comfort Musical Bouncer

With four (4) comforting melodies to soothe your little one, Summer Infant's Fox and Friends Sweet Comfort Musical Bouncer contains a removable and washable toy bar featuring three plush, adorable woodland critters, including a red fox, chipmunk and hedgehog, that will amuse your little one. The bouncer seat is made out of soft material that will comfortably cradle your baby. The Summer Infant's Fox and Friends Sweet Comfort Musical Bouncer was very easy to assemble, and I appreciated the fact that the simple warm, woodsy brown colors on the seat would conveniently fit in to any nursery decor.
JPMA certified, the bouncer seat has a three (3) point safety harness with a removable newborn head support. The bouncer seat requires 3 AA batteries (which are not included). For birth up to 25 lbs (pounds). Retailing for $44.99, the Summer Infant's Fox and Friends Sweet Comfort Musical Bouncer can be found in Target, Babies-R-Us and Buy Buy Baby stores nationwide, as well as online. For further information, please visit Summer Infant's website at: www.summerinfant.com

Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer

Soft, snuggly and oh, it's so comfy! With up to 20 minutes of soothing music as well as nature sounds and vibrations to calm your baby to sweet sleep, the Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer is loaded with sensory and motion features. An overhead mobile containing a tiny plush puppy dog and kitten, which will help to captivate your baby's attention, building and strengthening their vision skills. JPMA certfied, the Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer has a neutral colored, soft-head seat shaped in the form of a floppy eared pup, as the mobile (along with the seat pad and insert) is not only removable, but is machine washable, perfect for all those accidental spit ups and other messes that are soon to become all too familiar in your growing family!
A safe and secure three (3) point restraint harness as well as volume control rounds out the bouncer, which is appropriate for use from birth up to 25 lbs (pounds).
Retailing at $60.00, the Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer can be purchased at Toys-R-Us, Babies-R-Us stores nationwide as well as online at Fisher-Price. For further information, please visit Fisher-Price's website at: www.fisher-price.com

TinyLove Gymini Bouncer
If you are on the lookout for a visually stimulating bouncer seat for your newborn, then look now further than TinyLove's Gymini Bouncer. The cushy padded seat is machine washable. The bar arches are adjustable, making it quite simple to position them in multiple ways to place your little one in the seat as well as getting them out. The three hanging toys are designed in bold, bright patterns and colors, which include a smiling crab and starfish that light up and play music, a hippo that rattles, and a leaf teether, perfect for when baby's first teeth start cutting through. I appreciated the fact that the toys that are included with the TinyLove Gymini Bouncer are not only machine washable as well, but they are interchangeable, so you can purchase other kinds of TinyLove bouncer toys to add to the bar.
Calming, rhythmic vibrations, as well as a seat that can be positioned in either a recline or sitting stance, as well as being extremely lightweight to carry around the house, help to make this bouncer an ideal choice as well.
Retailing at $54.99, the TinyLove Gymini Bouncer can be purchased at Toys-R-Us and Wal-Mart stores nationwide, as well as online at TinyLove. For further information, please visit TinyLove's website at: store.tinylove.com

Elks & Angels Cuddle Bear

2014-07-09T12:26:00.003-07:00

It's so easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of nursery accessory choices that you will need to make before your baby arrives. Granted, the major cuteness factor of all things baby makes it extremely tempting for you to want to buy anything that strikes your attention. And, while you're busy stocking up on all the necessary layette items for baby, take a quick moment to think about your choice of a special stuffed animal to welcome you little one home. A classic bear, such as the uniquely designed Cuddle Bear from Elks & Angels, may be the perfect friend to greet your baby upon their arrival.

Cuddles will abound as your little one (and well, let's face it, you too!) will adore this soft, sweet little bear. Created from 100% pure Australian Sheepskin (which has long been known as an extremely durable material that is renowned for it's powerful benefits that help calm and nurture babies), the fiber material will help to keep your baby not only warm and dry during the harsh months of winter, but will keep them cool and comfortable in warmer summer months. The material is surprisingly silky soft (sheepskin contains natural lanolin) and delicate to the touch, as it naturally breathes and contains anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic and flame-retardant properties, making the Elks & Angels Cuddle Bear ideal for babies sensitive skin.
The Elks & Angels Cuddle Bear, measuring 8" x 6" x 1" flat, comes in three colors to choose from: Latte, Buttermilk and Honey. Families will appreciate the fact that the Cuddle Bear's eyes, nose and velvety ribbon are safely sunken into the bear, securely attached. The flatness of the design of the Cuddle Bear helps to make it an ideal pillow pal and/or security friend for your baby as well as for your toddler.
And, when you decide that Cuddle Bear needs to take a bath just like baby, make sure that you hand wash the bear in warm water with wool-approved detergent that contains no enzymes, and lay it flat on a cloth to air dry.
The Elks & Angels Cuddle Bear, available in three colors, can be purchased directly through their website at: Elks & Angles
Durable, silky soft and comforting----The Elks & Angels Cuddle Bear is sure to be adored and loved by your little one for years to come!

Language Development Toys for Your Little Ones

2014-07-01T19:30:00.002-07:00


		A child’s first three years of life are filled with intensive periods of speech and language growth and development. Early language toys can furnish families with an array of educational opportunities that will help set the stage for their child’s language play in meaningful context. “The best toys for development are those that can foster shared attention to an activity with a child and someone else, keeping a child’s interest, as well as allowing for creative interaction in a manner of different ways — toys that inspire children not only to just memorize words, but show them how to use those words in a wide variety of ways,” explains Dr. Christian Nechyba, a pediatrician with Carolina Kids Pediatric Associates in Raleigh. Published research reveals that young children who have strong oral language skills go on to develop strong reading and writing skills. The repetition of simple words and short phrases through exploratory play during the first three years of life will not only help them discover that words have meaning, but foster further cognitive development. How Toys — and Parents — Can Help “Although language development can be attributed to both genetic and environmental factors, a language-rich environment is crucial to support strong language development,” says Jennifer Kern, a pediatric speech language pathologist at Duke University Medical Center. In addition to providing them with appropriate learning toys, parents can support their children’s language development, Kern says, by talking about what is going on around them, connecting new concepts to things the child already knows and engaging in back-and-forth social conversation. Toys to Try Age-appropriate educational language toys, like the ones listed below, are designed to teach little ones key developmental basics — early letter recognition and speech and reading skills — all while they are having fun! 1. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair. This smiling chair contains a light-up remote control and flip book conveniently attached to the chair’s arms; a cushion that, when lifted up, teaches your little one all about letters, numbers and shapes; and technology that gives parents the ability to adjust learning levels manually or automatically to match their child’s age and maturity. The chair offers three levels of play with songs, sounds and phrases that promote language and phonemic skills. The seat can also sense when a child sits or stands. Ages 6-36 months. $39.99, fisher-price.com. 2. Melissa & Doug Alphabet Sound Puzzle. This hand-crafted, wooden puzzle is an excellent way for your little ones to learn to become familiar with letters and the sounds that they make. When children place each of the 26 letters in it's correct space on the puzzle, the letter says it's name, as well as the objects that begin with each. The Melissa & Doug Alphabet Sound Puzzle assists with building phonemic and motor skills development. Ages 3 +up. $19.99, Melissa & Doug. 3. Learning Resources ABC & 123 Electronic Flash Card. This portable, hand-held device, just perfect for your little ones hands, is very easy to use. The buttons and switch on the electronic flash card let you choose between letters and numbers games . Each category comes with two different activities, and your children can explore numerous games, including matching upper and lower case letters; filling in the missing letter in a sequence; to math activities that include finding the missing numbers. An extremely handy feature is a time, and after a minute passes, whatever game your child is working on stops. Little ones will delight in being able to see their progress, as the ABC & 123 Electronic Flash Card uses sound to let them know if they scored correctly. Ages 4+. $17.99, Learning Resources 4. Educational Insights Hot Dots Jr. Getting Ready for School! With the help of Ace-The Talking, Teaching Dog pen, your little one will explore 160 self-checking readiness lessons that reinforces letter, number and shape recognition. With 80 colorfully illustrated, double-sided activity cards (which are self-correcting) that are specifically designed for use with Ace (who makes several sounds when your child answers correctly, as well as sounds when they don't) you will see that your child will begin to strengthen their knowledge of letters, numbers, shapes, & colors in a fun, independent way. Ages 3-6. $39.99. Educational Insights. 5. School Zone Little Scholar Learning Adventure-- The School Zone Little Scholar Learning Adventure is an 8" Android tablet designed specifically for children in grades PreK thru 1st, and is entirely focused on developing educational skills. The tablet comes pre-loaded with over 150+ apps, videos, books and songs. It also features front and rear-facing cameras that your little one can use to take their own photos and/or to create their own home movies. Also, with parental assistance, the Little Scholar tablet has the ability to connect to various WiFi points in order to provide internet access (where you can access the Little Scholar app store to download and purchase more apps and games for the tablet). I appreciated the fact that the tablet also contains a three-leveled series of ebooks; digital editions that include audio voice overs, just perfect for family read alouds, as well as highlighted text as your little one reads along. Ages 3 to 7. $199.00 School Zone

American Academy of Pediatrics Releases New Guidelines on the Importance of Reading to Babies

2014-06-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have always been a staunch believer in the importance of reading stories to babies. When I was pregnant with my son, I read to my growing belly every day, and when he arrived nine months later, my husband and I continued to read to him, as this bonding experience with our little baby meant a great deal to us. And, even though they may not have the capacity to learn to read during this stage in their life, this early exposure to books during their infancy will not only lead them on the path to developing those all-important early speech, language and phonemic skills, but you are helping to open the doors to furthering their imagination through the wonder that only books can bring.
Kudos to Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, medical director of the Wisconsin chapter of Reach Out and Read (a nonprofit literacy group that enlists over thousands of pediatricians throughout the United States to distribute books to low-income families), Too Small to Fail (a joint effort from the nonprofit Next Generation and the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation) and Scholastic for working together on furthering this vital cause.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/24/us/pediatrics-group-t

Summer Safety Tips to Protect Your Little Ones

2014-06-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

The hot, lazy days of summer are once again upon us, and it is time to enjoy all those family favorite warm weather activities. Amidst all of the outdoor fun, be wary of too much exposure and exercise in times of high heat and humidity. Parents and caregivers everywhere should be on the lookout for signs of potentially serious and even life-threatening heat-related illnesses in their children. With this in mind, the AAP has recently issued a series of tips to help keep your little ones safe during this season!

http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips.aspx

Crosse & Blackwell Sauces

2013-12-27T17:04:00.002-08:00

Trying to find sauces that are gluten-free to help with my dietary restrictions, has, needless to say, always been a challenge. Due to my dietary issues, I have attempted to make homemade sauces, like cocktail sauce, on my own, but I have never quite been able to attain the right balance of sweet and heat. However, when our family was recently given the opportunity to try out several Crosse & Blackwell products, including their cocktail sauce, I jumped at the chance to try out their brand for our upcoming Christmas Eve dinner and beyond.

While preparing our seafood dinner this Christmas Eve, I started to assemble the shrimp cocktail, and when I poured the Crosse & Blackwell Seafood Cocktail Sauce into my individual dishes, I noticed right away that the sauce was medium in texture (not too thick, but yet, not watery) . When I took a taste before serving, I found that the tomato base was accented well with vinegar, Worcester sauce, and with just a hint of horseradish, which was to my family’s delight, this slightly sweet , tangy tomato sauce perfectly complemented our freshly cooked shrimp. With the addition of a squirt of fresh organic lemon juice to my appetizers, this sauce will definitely be used again for our annual Christmas Eve dinner of seven fishes (I am half Italian, and this is a tradition in our family).

For dinner at our house this evening I served the Crosse & Blackwell Genuine Major Grey’s Chutney alongside homemade chicken patties, and I was at first, wary of serving it, as my picky husband and son don’t like to eat a lot of condiments. But, I was determined to make them fans, and when my son took a look at the chutney, he decided to give it a try. With a quick taste, the sound of “Umm, this IS good,” coming from my son’s lips, I was astonished! Thick, and full of deliciously vibrant mangoes, sweet, plump raisins, with bold accents of lime and tamarind juice, vinegar and subtle sweetness from sugar, the chutney was a delicious counterpart to our meal.

Crosse & Blackwell products can be found in Whole Foods Markets, The Fresh Market and Publix stores nationwide and online. For further information, please visit their website at: http://www.crosseandblackwell.com/

aden + anais Up, Up and Away Classic Swaddle blanket

2013-12-27T14:49:00.003-08:00

Let’s face it─ whether you’re having your first baby or your third, all moms can agree that their little ones require a lot of clothes and accessories. So, when the time comes to pick out blankets for your baby, you may think that it will be a piece of cake, right? Not necessarily, as the choices you’ll have to make for your little one are plentiful. Between blankets designed specifically for baby’s protection against the harsh elements of weather, receiving and swaddling ones’─ it’s very easy for parents to become overwhelmed with all of the different types of brands and varieties available.

When I recently received a sample set of the new aden + anais® Up, Up and Away classic swaddle blankets, I couldn’t get over the multitude of good uses that this set provided. They work perfectly as a stroller cover on a sunny day; a handy shield for breastfeeding; and if all your burb cloths are in the laundry, they make a perfect substitute. Made from 100% cotton muslin, these four soft swaddle blankets are breathable, helping to reduce the risk of your little one overheating. Their generous size (47” x 47”) makes swaddling very easy (each set also includes written instructions and illustrations on how to safely swaddle your newborn) to attempt. Their durability was a standout, as they easily withstood numerous trips to my washing machine. To my surprise, the more I washed the blankets, the softer they felt, making them an ideal snuggle blanket companion as your baby grows and possibly develops an attachment to the sense of security that a blanket provides.

The aden + anais® Up, Up and Away classic swaddle blanket set features adorable tiny turtles being lifted by umbrellas soft pastel colors of pale and light greens and tans. Other aden + anais® sets are designed with delightful patterns depicting friendly little critters including frogs, bumblebees, caterpillars and fish, in all different colors. They easily combine with all of your baby gear, and they will quickly become an essential addition to your little one’s wardrobe.

Retailing at $49.95, the aden + anais® Up, Up and Away Classic swaddle blanket collection can be purchased at specialty retailers nationwide or online. For further information, please visit their website at: http://www.adenandanais.com/default.aspx

Modest Momma's Annual Holiday Gift & Stocking Stuffer Spotlight- #1-Crayola Photo Mix & Mash

2013-12-09T19:38:00.004-08:00

Finding the best toys and gifts for your children during the holiday season can be, well, let’s face it, extremely rewarding yet overwhelming. So many questions come to mind─ Is this toy going to be fun? Is it safe for my four year-old? Does it help to teach my little one phonics and most importantly, will it last past the holidays?

Modest Momma will once again shine a bright spotlight not only on some of this year’s hottest new ‘must have’s’ but will offer you with unique, creative, educational and fun choices for children of all ages. Hopefully, your family will find some new ideas!

Happy Holiday wishes to you and yours!

Modest Momma’s Musings Holiday Gift/Stocking Stuffer Spotlight#1

Crayola Photo Mix & Mash

Calling all photographers-to-be! Your kids can take their everyday photos and turn them into completely unique, vibrant masterpieces using virtual Crayola-based crayons, markers and pencils. Simply put, you can take photos and change the dimension; stretch it or cut and paste the photo onto a new background) around. It is easy for your kids to print your new designs and/or share their photos with their friends in the digital gallery. Created for Touch Tablets & PCs with Windows 8 capability; iPad/iPad mini; Android Touch Tablets, the Crayola Photo Mix & Mash comes with a digital pen, stamper, morphing took and a handy storage pouch to hold all of these accessories.

Crayola Photo Mix & Mash

For ages 6+up

Retails for $19.99

The Crayola Photo Mix & Mash can be found in Target stores nationwide and online. For further information, please visit Crayola’s website at: http://www.crayola.com/

New Study Reveals that Bedtime Battles May Lead to Behavior Issues

2013-11-11T17:56:00.001-08:00

Bedtime─ For many families, it’s almost like playing a constant game of tug-of-war. Player number one in this ultimate battle of wills is a stubborn, yet adorable little girl who thinks that your bed is far better than her Cinderella bed, and refuses to go to sleep. Player number two, an exhausted mom or dad who is about ready to throw in the towel and seek refuge in the comfy pink ruffles of an uncomfortable toddler bed. This ongoing struggle with maintaining a steady bedtime may leave your little one (and, let’s face it, you too!) feeling tired and cranky during the day. These patterns of inconsistencies at bedtime, according to the results of a new study published in the November edition of the medical journal Pediatrics, has the potential to lead your little ones down a road towards behavioral issues.

Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 children in the UK Millennium Cohort Study, with bedtime data collected with children who were three, five and seven years old, respectively, as well as reviewed reports from the children’s mothers and teachers regarding behavioral issues. The researchers found a distinct pattern as the children moved through their early childhood years without a regular bedtime in place, their behavioral scores deteriorated. However, children who were observed to have switched to a regular bedtime pattern showed remarkable improvements in their behavior. The researchers, led by lead author, Yvonne Kelly, professor of lifecourse epidemiology at University College London, concluded that as the study shows that the effects of inconsistent bedtimes are reversible, pediatric specialists should attempt to inquire about their young patients sleep disruptions as a routine part of a well-child visit.

My Brave Year of Firsts: Tries, Sighs and High Fives by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell

2013-10-21T18:09:00.004-07:00

Those special first moments of our childhood--the first haircut; first day at school; first (and last) time I ate peas; first friends made. During my own experiences reading not only to my son but to my students, it's always been quite apparent to me that young children are almost always drawn to stories that have parallels to their own lives. Stories that make them laugh at the similarities and yet, at the very same time, show them how we all learn from our experiences.

      My Brave Year of Firsts: Tries, Sighs and High Fives marks the tenth collaboration of the New York Times bestselling duo of actress/author Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrator Laura Cornell.
        Curtis adeptly and full of exuberance, spotlights so many of those special first moments during our youth that are filled with excitement, joy and yes, sometimes, are a bit intimidating. Our tale's lively heroine, Frankie learns to ride a bike, tie her shoes by herself, borrows her first book from the library, and, most importantly, sees that by conquering each of these momentous firsts, she is growing up into a brave young girl. My Brave Year of First: Tries, Sighs and High Fives is a tale that is modern, fresh and the illustrations by Curtis' long-time collaborator, Laura Cornell sweetly and whimsically highlight and compliment Curtis' entertainingly enjoyable prose.

My Brave Year of Firsts: Tries, Sighs and High Fives
Written by Jamie Lee Curtis & Illustrated by Laura Cornell
Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website: www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061441554
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 3.2
Retails: $16.99 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 thru 8

Back-to-School with Crayola's Wild Notes Black Notebook

2013-09-09T18:38:00.002-07:00

Butterflies in their stomachs (and well, let's face it, yours too!) are fluttering fast, as your little ones will soon be starting school, some for the very first time. The start of the first week of school is always filled with anticipation, apprehension and excitement. You want to make sure that your little ones have everything that they will not only need to help start the new year off on a good path, but will spark their budding knowledge and creativity.
With this in mind, the folks at Crayola have released several new products designed to get your children on the road to creativity both in and out of the classroom. Our family was privileged to be able to have the opportunity to review one of the newly launched back-to-school products to review.

Designed specifically in mind for children ages 7 and up, Wild Notes Black Notebook provides older children with a unique twist on creating stories and drawings. My twelve year-old son is a budding writer/artist, and no matter where we go, he always carries three things with him---a story book, a small spiral notebook and a few colored pencils for writing and sketching when inspiration strikes! Immediately upon trying out the Wild Notes Black Notebook, he was quick to mention how much he liked the contrasting colors on the pages. The pages throughout this one-subject notebook are solid black with wide-ruled lines. The Wild Notes Metallic Pen, which is included along with the notebook, produce really striking silver/metallic colors on every page that you write on. My son felt that this interesting combination of colors immensely highlighted his creative writing. The Wild Notes Black Notebook is adaptable to use along with all of those upcoming math lessons, social studies, science and creative writing projects.

Crayola Wild Notes Black Notebook
Includes: One 70-sheet, wide-ruled notebook; one Wild Notes Metallic Pen
Retails for: $5.99, and can be found in Target, Wal-Mart and Michael's stores nationwide.
For further information, please visit Crayola's website at: www.crayola.com

Save Those Pennies for the Baby!---Smart, Savvy Savings Tips for Your Maternity Clothes Shopping

2013-07-09T19:31:00.002-07:00

Congratulations! You’ve just discovered that you are expecting, and the shopper in you can’t wait to hit the stores to look for all new clothes for your soon-to-be changing figure. But, even the most enthusiastic shopper can fret at the thought of spending a fortune on clothes that are, let’s face it, worn only for a short amount of time. Before you make your credit cards self-destruct on new maternity outfits, here are some simple tips that will help you to become a smart shopping momma-to-be!

Shop Smart in the Stores
Nationwide retailers from Macy's to J.C. Penney regularly place merchandise into clearance in order to make room for new arrivals. Trips to your clearance aisles are a wonderful way to start building up your maternity wardrobe. Clothes and accessories in clearance are typically marked down anywhere from 20 to 85 percent off the regular price. So, when you take your next trip to your local dress store, resist temptation and keep walking past the beautiful displays in the front of the store and head straight to the back where you will find the clearance section for the best sales. Another good tip-- sign up for your favorite stores mailing or email list (or even become their fan on Facebook) to find out about weekly or monthly sales or to get coupons.

Consignment Shops

Say you have an invitation to your cousin's wedding. You're six month along, and although you know you will need to wear something special, you are hesitant about putting out so much money for a dress that you are only going to wear for a few hours. Well-respected consignment shops may be a great place to find gently used maternity clothes at a fraction of the cost. Consignment shopping provides you with several benefits, including:

●Shoppers find better prices than resale stores.

● The seller or consignor (you) typically gets a better price than if they sold their items to a resale shop. For example, you might get 70% of your sales.

●The variety and quality of items can be a lot better than those purchased at a garage sale.

The World Wide Web of Bargains

When I was pregnant with my first child, the very idea of waddling my way through crowds at my local mall was not my idea of a fun day out! If fighting the crowds at the mall is not your thing either, you can comparison shop and find some fantastic savings online! Carole Henderson, a mother of two from Long Island, New York, saved money by searching online for sales on maternity clothes. "I would just wait until I would see that something that I wanted was on sale, and then I'd buy it online. A lot of the websites that I shopped from home on often had free shopping or half off shipping specials, so that was a huge plus for my budget!"

Have you had your eye on a pair of Lavish by Heidi Klum capri leggings, but you just can't bear to pay the full price? Try eBay! You can bid on new and used clothes and you may get lucky and find a great deal. After your pregnancy, you could consider selling your gently used maternity clothes on the site to get a return investment!

Pink Power Mom Program Looking for Nominating Submissions

2013-06-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

In 2006, Kids II® , the developers of such leading infant product brands including Bright Starts, Taggies and Disney Baby Einstein created, The Pink Power Mom Program, to help join the fight against breast cancer through spotlighting and supporting eight women annually across the nation who have fought back against the disease and are now working to give back to others through charitable work in their local communities. These Pink Power Moms are selected due to the inspiration that they give their families, friends and others battling breast cancer as well as for their resilient spirits and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Each of the eight women selected as a Pink Power Mom receives $5,000 towards the breast cancer charity of her choice, as well as a weekend that will include an educational forum to bond and learn how to enhance their community efforts. Each winner also receives a legacy donation of $1,000 each year for the next four years. Submissions are currently open and will be accepted through Sunday, June 30, 2013. To nominate a deserving Pink Power Mom, please visit the following website: www.pinkpowermom.com

Hello Sunshine! by Thinkfun

2013-06-25T17:15:00.002-07:00

From early infancy to the toddler stage, physical growth and motor development are occurring at their most rapid pace. Between walking, running, climbing and jumping, the toddler years are a time of major development of gross motor skills. While watching our children develop these vital skills is an exciting experience, it also provides us with an important signal that they are on the right track developmentally. But, to master these movement skills, notes pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, author of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) book, The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones (Bantam Dell, 2006), children require lots of practice. Both Altmann and other pediatric experts agree that toddlers can be helped along the way with a variety of gross motor-specific activities and games.
Thinkfun, the creators of the Roll & Play™ (please take a peek at my 2012 review of this lovely, first game for toddlers: http://amodestmommasmusings.blogspot.com/2012/05/thinkfun-roll-play.html) have taken these developmental milestones to heart yet again, and have created a simple, yet amusingly fun game called Hello Sunshine™. The game is ideally played with two or more players, and it contains a stuffed, soft plush sun-shaped toy called Sunshine; 18 double-sided cards with different hiding spots printed on each side (there are a total of 36 hiding spots) and a parents guide.

      To play Hello Sunshine!™, each person reads one of the cards, for example, one card may state, "On top of my head." Player must then hide the sun on the top of their head, and then, they will have to ask, "Where is Sunshine? Sunshine's on top of my head!", and so forth. While playing this game with our neighbors children (ages two and four) during a recent play date, I discovered that the more focused the children are, the longer you can make this game last (which was most definitely the case with these children, as they are huge fans of similar games like, "Hide and Seek" and many of those made up, spur-of-the-moment types of scavenger hunts. The early childhood educator in me appreciates the fact that just as with other Thinkfun products that I have had the pleasure and privilege of playing with my own child over the years, Hello Sunshine!™ playfully introduces little ones to those important positional words that help to promote movement.
     The cards are well made, and extremely durable for little hands to grip and hold on to. The little Velcro pouch located on the bottom of the sun provides you with a handy storage area to keep the cards all together. This charming game will most assuredly have you and your little ones laughing and learning for a long time!
     Hello Sunshine!™ is suitable for children ages 18 months and up, and retails for $19.99. For further information about Thinkfun's line of educational toy products, please visit their website at: www.thinkfun.com

American Academy of Pediatrics Announces Annual Art Contest for Children in Grades 3 through 12

2013-06-18T18:22:00.002-07:00

Calling all young artists everywhere! Although school may be out for summer for many children across our nation, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is putting out a call for little ones to pick up their crayons, colored pencils and brushes to submit creations for their annual art contest. The theme for this year's contest is, "A World Free from Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke" and children in grades 3 through 12 are invited to send in their original artwork for submission. First-place winners in several age categories will receive a $500 cash prize and up to $1,000 in travel expenses for a trip to Orlando, Florida. Entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2013. For more information, please visit http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-Launches-Childrens-Art-Contest.aspx

Thunderphobia---Tips on Helping Children Face Their Fears of the Weather

2013-05-30T19:25:00.003-07:00

Thunderphobia---or the fear of violent storms that are often accompanied by lightning, thunder, heavy rain, powerful winds and even tornado warnings (which, sadly, we've all seen so often across our country these days)--can be stressful for anyone, but severe weather can trigger much more anxiety among children. Worries about the weather can lead to poor concentration in school; while for other children, they must routinely check the weather forecast on television prior to regularly leaving their home.
With anxiety disorders being one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health problems in children, experts led by Stephen Whiteside, PhD., affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Children's Center are helping to shine a spotlight on helping young children and teens to conquer their weather-related fears with some of the following tips:

*Tell children things like thunder won't hurt them. Explain to them that storms are a normal, natural occurrence of nature. Some children may, at first, seem afraid of storms, but they are really interested in learning more about them.

*Help children face their fears of storms by reading about them, or watching videos of storms.

*Be calm and supportive. This step is vital, as, according to Whiteside, "if you get anxious or seem frustrated, that's just going to make things worse. Try to stay calm and help your child to gradually face their fears in a step-by-step fashion."

Immunity Against Pertussis Disappearing After Vaccine Dosage Completed?

2013-04-04T17:06:00.005-07:00

     It's difficult to diagnose. It's potentially lethal, and it's spreading. An infectious disease that, until the introduction of the vaccine, was once the leading cause of childhood illness and death during the first half of the 20th century, is back---despite the high rates of children receiving the vaccine to prevent against the disease.
       Pertussis (more commonly referred to as Whooping Cough) is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs by anyone who happens to be nearby. Once inside a person's airways, the bacteria multiply and produce toxins that interfere with the respiratory tract. The bacteria causes inflammation that narrows the breathing tubes in the lungs, causing uncontrollable coughing.
      When a person becomes infected with pertussis, it takes an estimated three to 12 days for signs and symptoms of the disease to occur. The symptoms are usually mild at first, and may resemble the symptoms of the common cold. They can include:

*Runny nose
*Nasal congestion
*Red, watery eyes
*Mild fever
*Dry cough

     After a week or two, the signs and symptoms will become worse. However, if pertussis is diagnosed early, it can be treated with antibiotics.
     Before a vaccine was available, pertussis claimed the lives of between 5,000 and 10,000 people in the United States each year. The first vaccine was developed in the 1930s and became widely used in the 1940s. According to the March of Dimes, a new vaccine called Tdap was introduced in the early 1990s. But, despite widespread vaccination, there seems to be an unfortunate incidence where immunity is waning.  A study published in the April 2013 edition of the medical journal Pediatrics  set out to determine how long immunity to pertussis lasts after children receive their fifth dosage of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTap) vaccine between the ages of four to six years-old. Joint researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health offices in Oregon and Minnesota tracked the immunization records of children in both states and compared them with pertussis data. Their results were startling, as researchers unveiled an increase in the incidence of pertussis in children in the six years after receiving their fifth dose of DTaP, and the incidence of the disease in children aged 7 to 10 years old in Minnesota increased more than sixfold from 2007 to 2010.
     This study reveals that when matched with similar recent studies, immunity begins to disappear after vaccination, which according to the researchers, "helps to explain the growing incidence of pertussis in 7 to 10 year-olds who previously had a low risk of disease, presumably due to vaccination with whole-cell vaccines rather than the acellular pertussis vaccine now in use."
     The authors maintain that while new vaccines will be introduced in the future, it's, "important to maintain high immunization rates with existing vaccines to protect vulnerable populations as more disease is circulating in the community."

Too Much of a Good Thing Too Soon--- Alarming New Trend in Introducing Solid Food Before Baby May Be Ready

2013-04-03T17:36:00.004-07:00

As your little one grows, introducing a new, wide variety of healthy foods at the proper time is so important for your baby's growth and development. Starting good eating habits at this early stage will help to set healthy eating habits in your baby for life. Normally, pediatricians recommend the introduction of solid foods when your baby is between the ages of four to six months-old. Typical signs to be on the lookout for that your baby may be ready to move onto solid foods can include some of the following:

* He/She can sit up with your support and can hold his/her neck up well.
*Her/His weight from birth has doubled.
*She/He can keep food in their mouth rather than letting it dribble out of his/her mouth.

      However, a new study published in the March 25th online edition of the medical journal Pediatrics, has revealed that many moms are introducing their babies to solid foods earlier than recommended. Researchers examined data taken from an estimated 1, 300 mothers who decided to introduce solid food to their infants during the first year, as well as collected their reasoning's as to why they introduced solid food. According to the study, 40.4 percent of moms started their babies on solid foods before they turned four months-old, with the highest percentage found among formula-fed infants (52.7 percent). The lowest percentage was found in breast-fed infants (24.3) percent.
     Additionally, while the study's researchers mentioned that they were many factors that influenced a mother's belief about infant feeding--mothers who introduced sold food earlier than recommended were found to be more likely to, "be younger, unmarried, have a lower level of education, or be participating in the WIC (Woman, Infants and Children) program."
     Pediatricians across the country are noticeably concerned over this new trend, as the researchers note that, "babies bodies are not yet prepared for these foods, and early introduction may increase the risk of some chronic diseases. It can also mean that the many benefits of breastfeeding are cut short."
      Modest Momma lies on the side of caution--- always follow the advice of your baby's pediatrician before you try to introduce solids to your little ones! :

Simple Ways to Keep Your Hands Looking Healthy

2013-02-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

Although your face is probably the most important feature in determining your age, your hands come in a close second. It is almost impossible for anyone to go through their day without using their hands. From washing, driving, writing, gardening─ our hands are one of our most used body parts. As with anything that is used on a frequent basis, the delicate skin on our hands tends to give off very visible signs of aging and distress. Stop for a moment to take a good look at your hands? Do they look or feel dry? Is the skin thin, wrinkled, spotty or veiny? How can we at least attempt to offset the effects of stress and aging on our hands? Fear not, as there are several simple ways to keep your hands looking radiant, youthful and healthy.

●Exfoliate and moisturize!─ As our hands build up layers of dead, flaky skin, the addition of an exfoliating cream in your daily skin care routine will gently slough off dead skin cells, and go a long way to keep the skin on your hands looking vibrant. There are several worthwhile products on the market that will go a long way to help keep the skin on your hands looking vibrant. I have recently had the privilege of trying two very excellent products, each separately for a four week period to see how well they worked, and the results from both of these products were remarkable.

Moroccanoil Hand Cream─ Filled with antioxidant rich argan oil, containing essential fatty acids and natural tocopherols (Vitamin E), Moroccanoil Hand Cream assists in hydrating and nourishing your hands. As a librarian, my regular hand washing habit has wreaked havoc on my hands, leaving them red, chapped and raw. I found that after using this product for a whole month, the cream quickly disappeared into my skin, without leaving a heavy oily feeling. Moroccanoil Hand Cream is available at Bluemercury and luxury spas nationwide. For further information about the Moroccanoil line of products, please visit their website at: http://www.moroccanoil.com/usa/b_us_en/

While it is marketed specifically for the hands, Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive Healing Hand Cream works just as well on your face (at first, I was a bit hesitant, as I have long suffered from very sensitive skin on my face) and body. Its size made it extremely portable, and fit easily in my purse where I used it throughout the day at school. After four weeks of usage, this product always left my hands feeling soft and supple, without a greasy residue. I also greatly appreciated the fact that it is not highly fragrant, and it has a good thickness but does not make your skin feel heavy in any way. Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive Healing Hand Cream is available at Target and Wal-Mart’s nationwide, and for further information about Gold Bond Ultimate’s line of skin care products, please visit their website at: http://www.goldbondultimate.com/home.html

●Plant an herb garden─ Herbs have long been valued not only for their benefits when taken internally, but also for their healing and beautifying properties when used externally. For example, Lavender’s natural healing properties assist in relieving red, dry and inflamed hands.

●Don’t forget your sunscreen! ─ Sun damage causes hands to develop those dreaded age spots. So, it’s important to remember that after you’ve finished applying sun block to your face and other extremities, don’t forget to apply some to your hands if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time.

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

2012-12-28T15:57:00.002-08:00

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is a simple yet funny retail of the classic fairytale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, by three-time Caldecott Honor winner Mo Willems. After tidying up their home, mommy and daddy dinosaur and a little suitcase carrying dinosaur visiting from Norway, started to feel very, very hungry. So, daddy dinosaur cooks up three bowls of scrumptious chocolate pudding all at different temperatures (one hot, one cold, one, well…you remember…just right!). But, our naughty trio decides that this pudding would taste so much better with the addition of a delicious child! Quickly hatching their plot, the three lay in wait in the nearby woods for an unsuspecting little girl to come by! While trying to not give so much of the tale away, your little readers will always remember the look on Goldilocks face when she is done eating the bowls of pudding, and the “We are natural gas” poster is hilarious (although for your little ‘dinosaurs’ you may need to explain why it’s so funny). Delightfully entertaining from start to finish, your little ones will have you reading this tale over and over again!

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs (2012)

Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

As retold by Mo Willems

Ages 4 and up (or, as the author notes, “For dinosaur ages Triassic to Jurassic”)

ISBN: 978-0-06-210418-2

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)

Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com

Charlie and the Christmas Kitty

2012-12-28T12:20:00.004-08:00

Stories that take children on an adventure that they perhaps may never get a chance to experience in life are those that I am drawn to, both as a mother as well as an elementary school librarian. To see the joy in my child’s as well as my students faces when I share a story with them that they will learn something new brings me great pleasure, which I experienced when I shared Charlie and the Christmas Kitty, Ree Drummond’s delightful follow up to her New York Times best-selling picture book, Charlie the Ranch Dog.

Our tale quickly transports us back out to the Drummond’s Oklahoma ranch, where Charlie, the helpful basset hound’s idyllic life as chief ranch hand and occasional squirrel chaser is quickly turned upside down by the arrival of a new baby kitten. As Charlie soon tries, to no success, in getting the kitten to go away (“Maybe if I take a nice, long nap, it’ll go away”), he realizes that after the little kitten helps to make his back feel better from a hard day’s work on the ranch by scratching his fur, maybe this little addition to the family won’t be so bad after all. With Diane de Groat’s colorfully detailed illustrations, and Drummond’s cheerful prose, this delightful storybook is destined to become a great addition to the list of holiday tales that I will share with both my family as well as my students every year.

Charlie and the Christmas Kitty (2012)

Written by Ree Drummond & Illustrated by Diane deGroat

Retails for: $17.99 (Hardcover)

Ages 4 thru 8

ISBN: 978-0-06-199657-3

Publisher: Harper Collins

Website: www.harpercollins.com

ALEX ®Duct Tape Tote™ kit.

2012-12-28T11:07:00.001-08:00

It may seem funny to us adults, but duct tape has become a unique fashion trend among kids and teens, and your budding fashion accessory designer will find it’s so simple to use to create a one-of-a-kind tote purse with ALEX ® Duct Tape Tote™ kit.

Simply take the plain pre-sewn tote bag (featuring two straps) and either use the clear instructions found in the kit, or go about setting and expressing your own individual style with the six colorful rolls of duct tape and stencil to design your unique purse. You can also add your own stickers, using the tape, stencils as well as paper that are included in the kit.

We found that although the tape was not as sticky as regular duct tape, we completely recommend this great product from ALEX, as it helps to foster girls’ imaginations to create their very own creations.

Perfect for ages 7 and up, the ALEX® Duct Tape Tote™ kit retails for $18.95. To find a retailer near you, please visit the ALEX website at: www.alextoys.com

Santa on the Loose! ─ A Seek and Solve Mystery!

2012-11-27T16:24:00.001-08:00

Santa on the Loose! ─ A Seek and Solve Mystery!
Santa Claus’ sleigh has been checked and is ready to make his annual nighttime trip, except there’s just one (big) problem─ the presents are missing! This colorful and amusing book by author Bruce Hale reminded me of the “Where’s Waldo?” books that were so popular when I was younger. Both you and your little one will have to search among brilliantly bright illustrations to solve the clues. Who hid the presents, you ask? Was it Loki the eyeglass wearing reindeer? Or could it be Emo, Santa’s elf helper? Both you and your little one will have to search among pages of brilliantly bright illustrations by artist Dave Garbot. With so many suspects, your little one will have to do a lot of thinking to crack this case before Christmas comes!

Written by Bruce Hale & Illustrated by Dave Garbot

Retails for: $7.99 (Hardcover)

Ages 4 thru 8

ISBN:978-0-06-202262-2

Publisher: Harper Festival

Website:www.harpercollins.com

Modest Momma's Holiday Gift Spotlight #6-Step 2 Creative Cooks Kitchen

2012-11-23T13:35:00.002-08:00

Step 2 Creative Cooks Kitchen

Your littlest gourmets will play with delight in this bright and colorful kitchen from Step 2 that resembles mommy's grown up kitchen! Realistic features include a farmhouse sink; working shutters, back splash, electronic stove top and microwave create an almost perfect backdrop for hours of imaginative playtime. The kitchen also contains a 39 piece accessory kit, with large storage space in the fridge and freezer, along with cabinets and bins.

The setup and assembly took about 90 minutes altogether, and the kitchen is well built and sturdy enough to handle the task of dealing with the Pre-Ker's in my school! There is plenty of room in this sprawling kitchen. One of my favorite details is the spinning spice rack. The little spices contained in this set, fit nicely in the little carousel that spins around (a nice little feature that I'd like to have in my own 'grown-up' kitchen.

This play kitchen is a great example of a high quality, functional make-believe toy that my family has, for years, turned to Step 2 to provide. It is a toy that is colorful and bright, yet realistically mimics the tools and products that we, moms and adults alike, use in our very own real life 'grown-up' kitchens!

The Step 2 Creative Cooks Kitchen retails for $199.99, and can be found in Target, Wal-Mart and Toys-r-Us stores nationwide and online.