Things I'm Glad I Know

10 Tips on mothering your 0-1 year old

2009-11-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

So here it is! I have successfully accomplished my first year of being a mom, having learned many valuable lessons along the way. I thought I'd share a few with you.

1. You know your baby best.
2. Onesies (or anything-ies) with zippers are your friend .. buttons or snaps once baby is on the move are a nightmare
3. Clear diaper cream is your friend once baby's on the move
4. When nail-clipping becomes an impossible task due to a busy and temper ridden child try it while babe is enjoying a bottle and a little sleepy.
5. Picking out an outfit for yourself the night before will save you from the morning's "Oh I dont care" and then the later that day's "I wish I wasn't dressed like such a bum".
6. You need mom friends and baby needs baby friends. If you dont already have a group start one.
7. Know that not a day will go by where you accomplish everything you wanted (or needed) to
8. Sometimes a car-ride is just what the Dr. ordered
9. A happy mommy = a happy baby
10. Being resourceful is really fun

MacLaren Stroller Recall

2009-11-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Via Health Canada

MacLaren Stroller Recall

Little fingers are being amputated! ;(

Some Wonderful Research Links

2009-10-24T13:13:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Dan Agin (author of More Than Genes: What Science Can Tell Us About Toxic Chemicals, Development, and the Risk To Our Children ), these important research journals have been brought to my attention.

Associations between indoor environmental factors and parental-reported autistic spectrum disorders in children 6-8 years of age.

Environmental Contributions to Disparities in Pregnancy Outcomes.

Schizophrenia susceptibility genes and their neurodevelopmental implications: focus on neuregulin 1.

You will find many more informative links if you follow him on Twitter ~ @danaginzz.

The Girl Effect

2009-09-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

Via GirlEffect.Org

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time ~ Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

2009-09-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

I cannot express how much I loved this book. Usually I try to keep my posts brief, but this story warrants relaying:

From the Three Cups of Tea website:

"In 1993 Mortenson was descending from his failed attempt to reach the peak of K2. Exhausted and disoriented, he wandered away from his group into the most desolate reaches of northern Pakistan. Alone, without food, water, or shelter he stumbled into an impoverished Pakistani village where he was nursed back to health.

While recovering he observed the village’s 84 children sitting outdoors, scratching their lessons in the dirt with sticks. The village was so poor that it could not afford the $1-a-day salary to hire a teacher. When he left the village, he promised that he would return to build them a school. From that rash, heartfelt promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time.

In an early effort to raise money he wrote letters to 580 celebrities, businessmen, and other prominent Americans. His only reply was a $100 check from NBC’s Tom Brokaw. Selling everything he owned, he still only raised $2,400. But his efforts changed when a group of elementary school children in River Falls, Wisconsin, donated $623.40 in pennies, who inspired adults to begin to take action. The 283 foot Braldu Bridge was completed in 1995 and the Korphe School was completed in 1996. Since then, he’s established 78 schools. In pursuit of his goal, Mortenson has survived an armed kidnapping, fatwas issued by enraged mullahs, repeated death threats, and wrenching separations from his wife and children. Yet his success speaks for itself."

You have to know this story.
Also, here is the link to Greg Mortenson's site if you want to better know this humanitarian. You can even follow him on Twitter if you are so inclined.

Pocket Guide to Safer Flea & Tick Treatments

2009-09-01T14:53:00.001-07:00

Via GreenPaws.Org

Here is a handy pocket sized pdf you can download and print to assist in making safer choices for your pet (and the family in contact with the beloved).

Topping the hazards list are:
Amitraz
Fenoxycarb
Permethrin
Propoxur
Tetrachlorvinphos
(TCVP)

(The guide has a complete list)

Also, the dog in the photograph is beloved Domino, who passed away last week because of cancer.

I love you buddy, and wish you endless ball chasing, spooning, pigs ears, and nothing orange in doggie heaven. Goodbye my precious. ~ Love Mommy.

Kiva

2009-08-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

I want to let you know about Kiva, a non-profit organization that allows you to lend as little as $25 to a specific low-income entrepreneur across the globe. You choose who to lend to - whether a baker in Afghanistan, a goat herder in Uganda, a farmer in Peru, a restaurateur in Cambodia, or a tailor in Iraq - and as they repay their loan, you get your money back. It's a powerful and sustainable way to empower someone right now to lift themselves out of poverty.

Candeo Weddings

2009-08-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

I would like to take a moment to brag about my friend Dawn and her stunningly perfect new wedding planning company, Candeo Weddings. We should all be so lucky as to have her on our side for the big day.

Dawn & partner Ashley are there to be your wedding planner, organizer, best friend, mediator, designer and so much more.

These girls are pure talent.

Safety Recalls

2009-08-28T21:21:00.001-07:00

Via Health Canada

eebee's "Have a Ball" Adventures Cloth Book

Safety Recalls

2009-08-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Via Health Canada

Plush Bottle Holders

Wooden Alphabet Puzzle by Day to Day Products

Blob Frog Squeeze Em! Yo-Yo Type Ball
Weight Watchers Hungry Figures and Hungry Magnets Plush Toy

Water Footprint of Beer

2009-08-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Via WWF:

Water footprint of beer more on the farm than in the brewery

"In comparison with other beverages, beer’s water footprint is relatively small, with a recent Pacific Institute study finding that coffee, wine and apple juice all have water footprints more than three times that of beer.

However, the water footprint figure itself does not give the whole picture. More important is the context - where the water is used, what proportion of the area’s total water resource it represents, and whether water scarcity creates risks to the environment, communities and businesses now or in the future.. " (entire article)

First Aid for Clothes: Stain Removal Chart

2009-08-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Via Martha Stewart

A FANTASTIC chart for stain removal. Print and post by your washer, you won't regret it. (Those of you who are extra-over-prepared might also want to stock up on the basic remedies: an eye-dropper, isopropyl alcohol, cheesecloth, soft brush, and a dictionary to look up words like 'tamp')... but seriously, just read the chart.

Interview With Serinda Swan

2009-08-16T15:44:00.001-07:00

Excited about Serinda's upcoming appearance in Tron 2.0, I was eager to interview her and find out as much as possible about this very cool looking movie coming out in the near future. Sadly, her publicist has sworn her to secrecy until a later date, and this is all she could say:

"The basis of the TRON Legacy film is a continuation from the last movie. Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of

Kevin Flynn, looks into his father's disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin's loyal confidant, father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. The rest of the movie is very hush hush, but im sure more will come out about it as it nears its 2011 release... yeah i have to wait till then to see it! "

Also, look for her in the upcoming Percy Jackson starring Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, Rosario Dawson, and more.

Recalls

2009-08-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

via Health Canada

Inflatable Baby Floats by Aqua-Leisure

2009 Burley d'lite ST and Solo ST Bicycle Child Trailer
Clubhouse Swing Set by Little Tikes
8 Piece Link Toy by Dollarama
Toy Workshop Sets and Trucks by Little Tikes

Air Quality Index (BC, Canada)

2009-08-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

British Columbia Air Quality Index (via www.theweathernetwork.com)

Cosmetics Safety Search Engine

2009-08-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is a really amazing search tool where you type in the brand or specific product you are looking for, and are given a risk factor (1-10). Brought to you by the researchers at the Environmental Working Group. Makeup, skin care, hair care, baby care, oral care, and fragrance are all included.

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Kale with Apples & Mustard

2009-08-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Via lifescript.com

Tart apples, grainy mustard, cider vinegar and a touch of brown sugar add sweet-and-sour flavor to sauteed kale.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1-1 1/2 pounds pounds kale, ribs removed, coarsely chopped (see Tip)
2/3 cup water
2 Granny Smith apples, sliced
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
4 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Full Recipe, Instructions, & Nutritional Values

Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners

2009-08-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

via NRDC.org

Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners...

"Over the past few years, air fresheners have become a staple in many American homes and offices, marketed with promises of a clean, healthy and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere. The labels do not mention, however, that many of these products also release potentially hazardous chemicals.

A recent investigation of 14 common air fresheners by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates in 12 products, including some fresheners marketed as "all-natural" and "unscented." None of the air fresheners listed phthalates on their labels..." (read more)

And via Science Daily:

Many Cleaners, Air Fresheners May Pose Health Risks When Used Indoors

Mercury & Fish

2009-08-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a very handy printable wallet-sized guide to fish mercury levels, from the Natural Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.org).

2 kids discover plastic-eating microbes

2009-08-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Via GreenDig....

The implications of plastic-eating bacteria could be monumental, and it started off as a kids' science fair project.

Photo: Samuel Mann/Flickr

"It’s not your average science fair when the 16-year-old winner manages to solve a global waste crisis. But such was the case at last May’s Canadian Science Fair in Waterloo, Ontario, where Daniel Burd, a high school student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute, presented his research on microorganisms that can rapidly biodegrade plastic..."

Read the article here.

The Early Years Conference 2010

2009-08-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Victoria, BC, Canada

February 4th to February 6th, 2010

Conference Description:

The conference will explore early childhood, family and community development through the lens of Child Rights.

The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990) articulates various inherent human rights that should be afforded to children. Policies designed to support and provide general and specific services to children and their families, should reflect these rights in order that all children may reach their full potential in society. Conference participants will have the opportunity to consider research, policy, and practice from a child’s rights perspective in order to further the quality of their work with children, families and communities.

View Brochure Here

In Honor of Shark Week

2009-08-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you who aren't already in the know, I would like to introduce WHITE MIKE. C'mon people, lets save some sharks!

Recalls

2009-08-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Via Health Canada

Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gate (Expansion on Feb 2009 recall)

My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dog by Leapfrog

25 Best Back-to-School Gadgets

2009-07-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

(Via Time Magazine)

Here are the 25 best back to school gadgets (for grownups). My picks are the iPhone 3GS (expect a lengthly post about why I can't live without iPhone soon), and the LiveScribe Pulse Smart Pen (you write your notes on special paper notebooks, which you can then sync to your computer [i know right!?], simultaneously, the pen can record the lecture for you also and both the visible and audible notes are fully searchable). Sadly, the pen is currently not available in Canada.

MacWorld Canada LiveScribe Review

Fresh Start Recycling

2009-07-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Lucky Vancouverites... Fresh Start Recycling helps homeowners, building managers, and contractors rid themselves of unwanted items with a three-step approach: recycle, donate and finally, dispose. View their website here.