Photo by geminisummerz

From the Stay at Home Moms, some of the nice things moms have done for their significant others today:

-- My husband came home from work with a sick stomach, so I mowed the lawn for him.

-- I walked him to the door in the morning, told him I love him, and have a safe ride to work.

-- I took time out of my busy day to call and arrange for his car payment.

-- I put together the magazine rack that HE bought me for Mother's Day.

-- Made him his favorite cookies.

-- Made his favorite dinner: salmon, scalloped potatoes, and baked mac and cheese. Plus I ironed all his Polos.

--I got up at 4 a.m. to make his lunch, and I kissed his stinky self as soon as he got home.

What special or loving gesture did you do for your spouse today? Every day?

According to the Crestview News Bulletin, 20-year-old Autumn Marie Carney allowed her boyfriend, Chris, to smoke pot in the presence of her 16-month-old child. Police reported that the house smelled like pot smoke. She said:

"Chris only smokes weed in the house every once in a while, around the baby. He just smokes a little bit, and I didn't think it was a big problem."

She was arrested for felony child neglect and possession of marijuana. Her boyfriend was also charged with neglect and possession (as well as a host of other offenses that occurred during his arrest).

What do you think of this story and the neglect charge?

My husband and I will be the guardians of my sister's three kids in case something should happen to her and her husband. We will also be the guardians of my brother-in-law's daughter if he and his wife should die.

It's pretty heavy stuff.

I know we should name a guardian for our daughter and that we should definitely put it in writing so there are no questions as to who "gets" her, but thinking about dying and our baby living without us is too depressing.

We've talked about it a little, but we've found it hard to come up with a choice we both feel comfortable with.

Have you named a legal guardian for your baby in the event of your death? How did you make the decision? What kinds of things did you consider?

Photo from FOX/So You Think You Can Dance

Darn reality and contest shows -- I just can't get enough. My latest obsession is FOX's So You Think You Can Dance. Though I wish it wasn't two hours long.

Watching them dance takes me back to when I was around 11 years old learning every move to the Thriller video (RIP Michael Jackson). I sooo wanted to be a professional dancer. My mom thought it would be a hard life and suggested I become a teacher instead. I did neither -- though came close to the latter. And I never stopped dancing.

Granted, I'm not very good. Any professional lessons stopped in high school. Though I still remember my shuffle ball change.

But when I watch So You Think You Can Dance, I get all excited, am dancing along in my head (when I'm really just loafing on the couch).

And...Katie Holmes is going to dance on the show on July 23rd!

Do you watch the show? Does it inspire you to dance?

Photo by 23andMe

Thanks to the today's science and technology, parents can know practically what their child looks like before they're born (sometimes even going as far as designing their own baby). Here are some genetic links I found interesting:

With the #399 pricetag, I'd personally rather wait and see, but this genetic testing kit goes as far as revealing the genetic likelihood of hair color, eye color, etc. — Lil Sugar

Is your child destined to be an all-star quarterback or would he be better at swimming? Apparently, you can find out with this genetic test. — Parent Dish

Want a blonde hair, blue-eyed babe that's funny? You can design your baby through inheritable genetic modification. — Baby Buzz

I sometimes I get stressed out easily, and, according to this article, my poor kids are destined to share this personality trait. — Cookie

Other than for health benefits, would you try any of these genetic tests?

Sleep apnea

Now, a new study suggests that children who are both overweight and wet the bed at night may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Experts recommend that pediatricians should check for sleep apnea in overweight children who wet the bed—"especially when they display other symptoms of OSA or fail to respond to standard bed-wetting treatment programs."

Sleep apnea in children should not be taken lightly. It can lead to daytime attentional and behavioral problems, and, in some extreme instances, even death. If you think your child has sleep apnea, consult your pediatrician immediately.

CafeMoms of children with sleep apnea said their pediatricians recommended the following to diagnose and treat the disorder:

• Sleep studies to determine if it is, in fact, sleep apnea or something else (like acid reflux or allergies).
• Apnea monitors that sound an alarm if the child stops breathing.
• Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Have you ever had to deal with sleep apnea in your children?

Photo from Pia Jane Bijkerk

Photo from Ashley Ann Photography

I love these pallet daybeds via Pia Jane Bijkerk and Ashley Ann. Aren't they great-looking?

More unbelievably cute creative reuse from around the Internet. This time using old pallets — sometimes you end up with some from bulk deliveries or you can go asking for some at local grocery stores, bulk supply stores, industrial sites, or building supply companies.

But in a nutshell, you take a right-sized pallet, sand it down, add wheels, and presto...super-rad daybed!

Pia's pallet daybed, originally shown in her Paris apartment and now residing on her awesome houseboat in Amsterdam, inspired Ashley's project, and Ashley shares on her blog a "how to" on her pallet reading bed for her nursery. She even uses a rustic old door for a headboard on her daybed. Both are so pretty...

What do you think of these pallet daybeds? Do you like them in raw wood or would you paint yours?

Photo from WRAPPED

How adorable are these handmade Mini Mai Tai baby doll carriers from WRAPPED, also known as crafter CafeMom tizzolsen?

What a sweet way for your baby-doll-toting tot to carry dolly along on all your summer adventures. These doll carriers would also make a fun gift for any of the doll-loving toddlers in your life.

These cute handmade carriers are just $13.

See more of my favorite CafeMom-crafted handmades from Etsy on my profile page.

Photo from TableTopics

Isn't it weird — the whole bunch of us former teenagers finding it virtually impossible to talk to teens? Yet it's a very real problem for many parents of teens.

Why not try TableTopics for Teens?

Put an end to silent family dinners and urge your teens to open up beyond, "yup," "mmhmm," and "fine."

Each TableTopics cube comes with 135 conversation starters, including ice breaker questions like:

• What's the best birthday party you can imagine?
• Could you get straight A's next year if you were offered one million dollars?
• For which store would you like to win unlimited free shopping?
• What personal trait has gotten you in the most trouble?
• What car would you love to own?
• What would you most like to protest?

Maybe your family can't stop talking when you're all together. Lucky for you! But this box of questions can still be fun for car rides, parties, and bigger family gatherings too.

And, of course, it's perfect for the family that's conversationally challenged.

There's also a Family Edition of TableTopics.

And remember, when it comes to talking to teens, practice makes perfect (or the best that you can be anyway...)!

What tips do you have for getting teens to open up and talk?

Photo from Casting Keepsakes

Some people do the belly cast, but I really want to do the henna belly. I have tattoos, but none on my tummy. My friend Jenny has a large tattoo on her belly and I have to say it looked beautiful even as her baby grew. And it still looks good even after -- she moisturized...a lot.

I found this chemical-free, all natural Pregnancy Henna Art Kit ($21.95) that I really want. Think about how great the belly shots will look?

My husband thinks it's kind of weird, but I'm into it. I love henna art -- I have a henna-inspired tattoo on my right forearm. People wonder if it's real because it's the same color as henna.

What I also like about henna is that when used during pregnancy, this ancient practice is said to be soothing and calming, and is believed to help bring about an easy birth and healthy child.

This kit is natural, but be sure to check ingredients if using another kit or going to a henna artist. Only natural henna, sugar, lemon juice, and lavender oil are recommended for use during pregnancy. Avoid if you are anemic and if you have any concerns, of course, ask your doctor first.

Would you henna your belly?

Photo by CubsMom0828

Need to make a little cash while you're on unpaid maternity leave? Here are some ideas.

Times are tough, and as much as we don't want to work while on maternity leave, some of us really could use the cash.

While on maternity leave with my first son, I contracted with my employer to do one of my regular projects, a newsletter layout and production project. It was easier for my boss to let me handle the project remotely than to train or burden the other employees who were already working harder in my absence.

I have to say it was nice to keep my hands in work and to have that small reason to stay in contact with the office while I was out. And the extra cash was nice too.

However, the tightly deadlined project did fall a little too soon after my son's birth (within days if I remember correctly), which was, of course, impossible to predict — and he was 10 days early! I might suggest contracting out on a project without a solid deadline, if possible, something more flexible. Also, make sure to test out any technical functions prior to your leave so you can do the work without any computer problems.

In this article "Making money on unpaid maternity leave," the author gives some other good ideas for earning cash while on maternity leave:

• Check Craigslist, Guru, and Elance for job postings that meet your skill set and let you work from home for short-term engagements.  
• Look at the services section of Craigslist: Services can range from making arts and crafts to providing convenience services. 
• Reach out to small businesses and owners: Most small businesses employ a minimal staff to keep costs down, and this means they might be open to contracting out for small short-term projects.
  
• Think outside the box: Click over to read the author's "ouside the box" ideas. 

A few CafeMoms share some other ideas in the Any quick ways to make money why on maternity leave? question in Answers.

Some ideas from CafeMoms:

• nessy1980 suggests: "Babysit, sell stuff on eBay or Craigslist. Have a garage sale."
• rkoloms asks: "Do you have a former employer you could work for remotely? If you have a computer with high-speed internet and Microsoft Office Pro and have at least intermediate MS Office skills, you should be able to find work as a virtual assistant (VA).
  
• usbornebooksdh says: "Sell Avon. You can make money quickly and easily on maternity leave and after."

Don't forget to check with your employer benefits office and tax advisor before making any additional income during your maternity leave. The rules may be different state to state and depending on the additional income source.

And, of course, if you can save in advance or afford *NOT* to work when your maternity leave is unpaid, then by all means...enjoy it! It'll be over before you know it.

Many skin care products—particularly anti-aging products—now contain shiitake extracts because the 'shrooms are thought to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Increase elasticity of the skin
• Exfoliate
• Encourage faster skin renewal
• Provide antioxidants to protect skin
• Block skin aging proteins
• Help fade spotting from the sun and acne

Want in on the benefits of shiitake? Check out BellaSugar's list of beauty projects with shiitake extracts, including Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Cleansing Pads ($8.99 from Walgreens.com).

Do you use any skin care products with shittake extract?

Premier Collection by Rubbermaid

It's a catastrophic mess, like mine, I'm willing to bet. If only because we both have kids.

I keep my collection of Tupperware, Rubbermaid, Glad, and other assorted plastic food containers in a lower cabinet from back when my kids were babies and they were mostly used as stacking toys. I rarely put food in them because with two kids under two I was very much a "seat of my pants" person in the kitchen. It's a miracle any of us ate at all.

But today that shelf still looks like a bomb went off in there and I don't have any excuses. My kids have outgrown the stacking phase and my husband has always refused to put the dishes away, so that leaves just me to blame.

As a gift a couple of years ago, a friend gave me a few pieces from the Rubbermaid Premier Collection -- there's one above. I thought, whoo-wee, problem solved. These containers stack neatly inside one another and the bottoms snap to the lids so you can never lose one as long as you stick to the system.

That's my problem, sticking to the system. For some reason, I still find it easier to frantically shove, balance and squeeze in than to calmly stack and snap.

Maybe I should go back to doing it the way my mom did when I was growing up. Tupperware was the only game in town back then, but it was pricey and my mom did not partake. She'd put leftovers on a plate in the fridge covered with plastic wrap, or leave the soup right in the pot.

Have you found a way to keep your plastic storage containers under control or is that drawer an organizing nightmare? Do your kids still play with them?

Photo from Amazon

Not that you need a reason (other than that it's fun) to have sex, but if you do, here are some ways that sex helps make you healthier according to Women's Health Magazine.

1.Sex works wonders for stress relief

2. Good sex makes you more confident. If you're pleasing your partner you'll feel more powerful in other areas of your life.

3. Regular romps make you happier. In fact, research shows sex makes people happier than having money does.

4. Sex makes you skinny. A thirty minute roll in the hay burns 300 calories.

5. Sex keeps you young. David Weeks, M.D., author of Secrets of the Superyoung, says that an active sex life slows the aging process.

6. Sex can help trigger labor.

Click here for more of the health benefits of having sex.

What's your number-one reason for having sex?

See this video at CafeMom.

The interwebs are still buzzing about Sarah Palin's July 3rd televised resignation as Alaska's governor.

We all heard Palin's speech and what she said were the reasons for the resignation (negative media attention taking her focus away from her job mostly), but lots of people are still speculating about Palin's resignation and wondering if there is a hidden reason behind the resignation, especially 18 months before her term is even up.

What do you think about Palin's resignation? Take our poll.

See this poll at CafeMom.

If you have other ideas, let's here them in the comments below.

Kathleen70 says "Well if it ever quits raining here, I need to paint the outside trim on the house and the doors on the pole barn. I had a painter give me a quote on the house and it was just ridiculous. I guess I will do it myself. Probably take me off and on all summer. Dh is insisting that he would like to get the back patio done too."

ladydeiva says "Just finishing my project on old antique desk. Right now I'm sanding it down and later will paint it black with some red showing underneath.I also have to redo my kitchen and family room and formal living room. So there is a lot to do this summer."

Tell me what home projects you're working on this summer...

I am trying to rinse the twins' conditioner out of my hair (why did I forget to buy any for myself and why, oh why did I choose organic carrot conditioner?), when my eye is caught by a photo on the bathroom shelf. It is the twins, all of eighteen months old, round eyed with awe.

I know they are staring at their "big boy" cousin at his 8th birthday party, as he gleefully pulls out a Happy Meal® toy.  The twins are literally drooling -- they want that toy, really badly.

I fiercely wish that I could rewind time, and spend say, half an hour with those two chubby, edible morsels of humanity. I would really enjoy them jumping up and down, shouting: "Uppy Downy Mommy" as they insisted on being picked up simultaneously. Just for half an hour, then I'd happily return to my two, occasionally eye-rolling, increasingly independent fourth graders.

I have to explain that I come from a deprived childhood. As an ex-pat South African, McDonald's® arrived on our shores when I was in my 20s. My husband and I hopped into our car, drove 30 miles and stood in line for 2 hours to experience the thrill of a Big Mac®, something we'd only ever seen in glamorous American movies and TV shows.

I've watched my children grow up with Happy Meal toys as a part of their childhood, and I've loved seeing them create new memories. Like the time Robin got the Barbie toy she'd been longing for, and was so excited she could not speak (very unusual for my daughter). I'll never forget her in her sunflower yellow dress, giggling helplessly with joy. We are picnicking near a river and in my mind's eye her brother is, as always, smeared from head to toe in ketchup.

It's true that in life, it's the little, simple, silly things that really make a difference. The things that make us smile. And I look forward one day to taking my grandchildren and watching them, misty-eyed, as they eagerly grab their very first Happy Meal toy.

 Happy 30^th Birthday, Happy Meal.

Photo from IMDB

Johnny Depp is notorious for taking on crazy (and sometimes creepy) roles, and the next character we have to look forward to is Depp playing The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland.

And this isn't the happy go-lucky cartoon version either. This one reminds me more of the actual book, dark and twisted.

Lots of moms are eager to see this movie:

Farrah says, "I seriously can't wait to see this. I love Alice in Wonderland and the cast is awesome. I really liked Johnny Depp in Willy Wonka so I am sure he will be equally good in this."

coffeeluvnmom3 says, "I can't wait to see it, I love Johnny Depp, he's awesome in all of his movies. I always thought Alice in Wonderland was kinda freaky for kids though, lol."

I will definitely go see this movie when it comes out, but I have to wonder, will it be too scary for kids? It's not yet rated, so I guess we'll have to see as the date nears. It hits theaters in March 2010.

Are you a Johnny Depp fan? Would you go see this movie? Would you take your kids to see this movie?

Photo by Honii

My son is still a little guy, but growing up with a brother, I know full well what to expect from the mother-son relationship as soon as my boy hits the teen years -- lots of hanging out with friends, parties, girls, going to movies, going to the pool, more girls.

Yeah, my mother didn't get to see my teen-aged brother a whole lot, especially over the very social summers. But there was one thing that brought my mother and brother together without fail almost every week -- sports. Watching the Sunday game, whether it was baseball or football season, was their weekly ritual.

I have incredibly comforting memories of my mom and brother, one on the couch and one in the lounger, cheering on the Mets, Giants, or my brother's favorite college team, the San Diego Chargers. This connection is the reason I feel my mom and brother, now a father himself, still get together on Sundays as often as they can.

I'm not the sports fanatic that my mom was and is, but I can't resist a good movie about sports, especially one with equal parts game and romance (but not too much, if you get my drift). And I'm willing to bet my soccer and basketball loving son won't be too adverse to the idea either 10 years from now.

Because those years will sneak up on me before I know it, I've got my Netflix cue already geared up for what I think are the best mother-and-son bonding movies of all time. (And I've picked ones with the least awkward mushy bedroom scenes ;).

1.       The Natural

2.       Hoosiers

3.       Field of Dreams

4.       Raging Bull

5.       Rocky

6.       Slapshot

7.       Caddyshack

8.       The Hustler

9.       Chariots of Fire

10.     Brian's Song

What movies do you and your teen son enjoy watching together? What's your favorite sports movie of all time?

Photo From StarTribune.com

Most people grill their hot dogs in the summer, but apparently the people in Minneapolis dress theirs up in silly costumes...

The Minneapolis Star Tribune held a hot dog dressing contest in which contestants send in photos of hot dogs wearing outfits. Beside the cool surfer dudes (above), other entries included Harry Potter, Brett Favre, fairies, cowpokes, and several brides.

Check out StarTribune.com to see photos of the two winners: "Dog Gone" (a "dead" hot dog being led away from the scene of a murder on a stretcher) and "Tooth Fairy."

Hilarious, but not quite as good as the Duct Tape Prom contest, eh?

Photo by LuminousMom

Thank you to LuminousMom for sharing her family's favorite recipe for Cilantro Lime Marinated Shrimp Skewers!

Here's what LuminousMom had to say about why her family likes this recipe so much: I started making these when I was 12. My mom let me have the job of cooking dinner every night because she didn't get home from work until 7 or so. She let me have complete creative control, and this became one of our favorites. Now, they have me make it any time I come home!

Cilantro Lime Marinated Shrimp Skewers

2 lbs de-veined shrimp (just use as many as you want per person, so, for example, 8 per person)

3 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped small

Juice of one lime (about 5-6 tablespoons)

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoon chopped jalapeno (optional, we like the heat!)

1 tablespoon canola oil

Soak your skewers overnight if they are wood. Make the marinade by combining garlic, lime juice, honey, canola oil, and jalapeno. Whisk together, then add in cilantro and toss in your shrimp.

You can use precooked shrimp, but they wont get as much flavor. If you use raw shrimp, the lime juice will turn the shrimp white, that's OK, it's just the acid cooking it a bit.

Let the shrimp marinade about an hour, then put 4-5 on each skewer. Barbecue over medium/high, it only takes 2-5 minutes total depending on your grill. I like to squirt a little extra lime juice and cilantro over them before serving, we just pile them on a platter and serve them next to a big bowl of rice or as an appetizer.

Don't miss these past Family Favorite Recipes:

• Mandarose's Meatloaf
• PinkSodaPop's Disappearing Fish Ole!

Send me your favorite family recipe, and I'll post it here next week!

Photo by JayGirlsMom

Toddlers couldn't survive without snacks. Or, I should say, their moms wouldn't survive without giving them snacks.

As Mom401 says in Advice for Moms, "Kids need small portions every three hours. Little tummies empty out fast and it causes pain when they get hungry. They get clingy, fussy, and restless, not knowing how to comfort their tummy."

That's putting it politely. My kids have inherited their father's "need to eat" gene that causes them to shape-shift into bears if their sugar levels drop below a certain level. Snack time is a critical part of any Toddler Moms's day, which is why CafeMoms have been sharing their best schedule and snack suggestions recently.

When CafeMoms give snack

-- At least twice a day if not more, sometime mid morning between breakfast and lunch, and sometime mid afternoon between lunch and dinner;

-- Always after nap;

-- Some moms don't give snacks unless breakfast and lunch is finished

-- Feed them something at least every three hours, including meals

-- A snack after lunch is a very good idea!

What CafeMoms serve for snack

-- Thin apple slices dipped in yogurt

-- Hard-boiled egg dipped in apple sauce

-- Applesauce and piece of bread

-- Cheese and crackers

-- Juice

-- Cereal

-- Cantaloupe slices, fruit

-- Granola or cereal bars

-- Pretzels or tortilla chips

How many times a day do you give your toddler snacks? Do they get to have a snack before bed?

Once upon a time, and what a sweet time it was, my skin was in pretty good shape. I think I was 9 years old. OK, it has looked good after that, but between sun damage, air pollution, and getting older, it's not easy to maintain a good face.

Of course it can be done -- it takes dedication, good products, and drinking lots of water.

But some of the biggest skin complaints are duller complexion, rougher texture, uneven skin tone, loss of luminosity, fine lines, blotchiness, discoloration, and skin that is dry, oily, or a combination.

For me, I believe in washing my face day and night, using products geared for my specific needs, and getting a facial every now and then.

How has your skin changed over time? And what do you like to do to help it stay looking good?

The recommended daily amounts of calcium (in milligrams) are as follows:

• 1 to 3 years old: 500 mg/day (or about 1 servings of food high in calcium)
• 4 to 8 years old: 800 mg/day (about 1.5 servings)
• 9 to 18 years: 1,300 mg/day (about 4 servings)
• 19 to 50 years: 1,000 to 1200 mg/day (about 3-4 servings)
• 51 and over: 1,200 to 1500 mg/day (about 4 servings)

Calcium is, of course, found in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Other foods rich in calcium include beans, oats, calcium-fortified orange juice, leafy greens (broccoli, spinach, kale, collards), as well as some soy milks and tofu.

Also note that Vitamin D should be a part of any healthy diet and lifestyle because it helps to absorb calcium. You can get Vitamin D from supplements and dairy products plus 10 minutes of sunlight per day. Recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is 1,000IUs.

Is your family getting enough calcium each day?

Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breastpump

If you're a mom, you multi-task. So any activity that uses one or both of your hands can be a problem—like pumping. That's why Medela's hands-free breast pump is such a great innovation. You can pump, but you still have two free hands to cook, talk on the phone, surf the Internet, eat bon bons, fold laundry, read a book, or do whatever it is you need to do.

The Medela Freestyle Breastpump (which retails for about $379.99) is the first hands-free breast pump for moms. It's easy to carry if you have to cart it to the office (it weighs less than a pound); it runs on a rechargeable battery; and it uses a technology that's been shown to help moms get more milk faster. Plus, all parts of the Freestyle that come into contact with your breast milk are BPA-free.

Wouldn't you love to have one?

Enter for a chance to win one right here by answering the following question in the comments below:

What would you do with your two free hands if you didn't have to use them when pumping?

One lucky CafeMom member who replies to this post with a comment by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, July 9, 2009, will be chosen at random to receive a Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breastpump*.

You can win only one Medela Freestyle no matter how many times you comment.

*No Purchase Necessary. Starts July 6, 2009 at 7 a.m. (EST) and ends July 9, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Open to U.S. residents, 16 years and older, who are CafeMom members. Void where prohibited. Click here for the Official Rules.

Good luck!

Already a fan of Medela? Fill out the survey at Medela Mom Mavens to see if you qualify to join the group of parents that helps inform others about Medela products; gets a first look at new Medela products; and can share feedback directly with the company. To learn more visit Medela Mom Mavens.