teresajuan0: September 2012

Sunday, 30 September 2012

Mini Must-Have: Seraphina Affleck’s Adorable Shoe Ribbons

I scream, you scream, we all scream for… ice cream!

While enjoying a sweet treat with her family at the Brentwood Country Mart on Aug. 25, Seraphina Affleck added a little pep to her step with colorful embellishments on her flip flops.

And luckily, we were able to find out who makes them.

The 3½-year-old’s super cute ribbons are The Party One ($14) bows from Hoppers.

From sneakers to sandals, the company’s adorable accessories can be added to any shoe that has straps or laces for an instant mini make-over.

See the full array of colors and styles at myhoppers.com.

– Anya Leon

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/kJoE1Gm8SCY/

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Do you worry about your water breaking?

Water Breaking in Pants

I have to admit that a lot of women, myself included, spent an inordinate amount of time worried about my water breaking with my first baby. I didn't know much about it, except that it had to happen for the baby to come out. I had some random thoughts like:

If I'm using a heating pad and my water breaks, will I get electrocuted?
Should I pack some towels in case my water breaks?
Would skirts be better at pants than hiding broken water?

As you can see, it was quite a wide variety of issues I thought about, none of which ever wound up mattering. Here's what I know on the flip side of eight of my own children and hundreds of other births attended as a doula:

The vast majority of the time, when you leave the amniotic sac alone, it won't break until after 9 centimeters, often while you're pushing will it release.
With the exception of small leaks, nothing really hides broken water except an adult sized diaper. (And even that doesn't hide it for long...)
If your water were to break out in public, no one laughs. They have one of two reactions: Sheer terror or excitement at getting to be even a small part of the miracle of birth.

What worries you about your bag of water?

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Saturday, 29 September 2012

Tanzania: Mothers and Babies Lives Can Be Saved With Proper Care

APPROXIMATELY 51,000 newly born babies die in Tanzania every year as a result of birth complications.Dr Hawa Kawawa who works with the office of the Regional Medical Officer in Dar es Salaam, issued the statistics, in Dar es Salaam, during a campaign to sensitise medical practitioners on the promotion of maternal and child health.

She highlighted reproductive and infant health challenges facing women and babies during and after delivery. She mentioned that there are a lot of causes for women's deaths after delivering a child or during delivery, citing several factors which cause deaths of infants in the country.

"Heavy bleeding, birth epilepsy and abortions are some of the reasons for maternal deaths in our country, while premature births, carelessness and communicable diseases are some of the factors that lead to child deaths," she said.Dr Kawawa attributed delays in attending women during the last stages of labour before delivery as a major challenge.

She stated that sometimes poor infrastructure and wanting services offered by some nurses are causes for these deaths.For his part, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr Saidi Meck Sadiki said that maternal and child health should be closely observed."In developed countries when a woman died in the process of delivering a child it calls for further investigation but in our country it is a normal thing," he lamented.

Mr Sadiki said that expecting a child is not a disease therefore someone should not think that conception is an invitation to death. Health institutes should make sure citizens do not die unnecessarily.Dr Dunstan Bishanga from a local NGOs explained that they are trying to provide education to nurses and doctors on how to handle pregnant women carefully, however the working conditions must be improved to ensure efficiency in hospitals and dispensaries.

"We have tried to give education in different hospitals and dispensaries including the Round Table and Mbagala Rangitatu hospitals, this has been done to reduce the number of mother and child deaths," he said.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201209290322.html

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Ding, dong, the witch is read: nifty 3D bookmarks

From the Wicked Witch's stripey socks to Dorothy's demurely folded socks and famous ruby slippers, MyBOOKmark on Etsy offers dozens of unique and clever three-dimensional bookmarks for bibliophiles with a sense of humor. Each pair of legs pokes two inches or so out of your book. They're hand-crafted of polymer clay, painted, varnished, and attached to an extra-thick cardboard bookmark.

Find More: Books for Adults, Books for Kids, Doodads and Random Bits of Coolness

Source: http://www.coolmompicks.com/2012/09/3d_bookmarks_mybookmark.php

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Two Nasty Chemicals to Purge from Your Bathroom: Triclosan & Phthalates

Blog

Margie Kelly, Communications Manager

A clean bathroom is a beautiful thing. But did you realize that some of the very same toxic chemicals used to clean your tub and toilet are also found in your antiperspirant or perfume? Yuck.

While you may not be able to detoxify your personal care and house cleaning routines overnight, there are toxic chemicals lurking in your bathroom that should be shown to the door immediately.

1. Triclosan

Check your soap; does it contain triclosan? Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that may be contributing to bacterial resistance in the human population, leading to superbugs that can’t be killed by antibiotics. Because triclosan may harm the immune system, there’s a concern it may make people more likely to develop allergies.

But triclosan is not just found in soap. In the personal care product realm, triclosan is present in makeup, toothpaste, anti-perspirants, fragrances, and face cleaners. It’s even in the pet’s shampoo. Actually, you can find triclosan almost anywhere in your home: in sheets, clothing, boots, tile caulk, countertops, sponges, brooms and more.

Both ubiquitous and persistent, triclosan is stored in human body fat. One study found pregnant women had higher levels of triclosan than non-pregnant women the same age.

Bottom line: Ridding your bathroom routine of triclosan may be one of the easiest ways to detoxify your home and body. Just grab some regular soap and you’ll be clean!

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are toxic chemicals used to make plastics soft and are part of the chemical composition of fragrance found in air fresheners, cosmetics, detergents, cleaning products and more. That “shower curtain smell”? It’s a sure sign of phthalates offgassing into your bathroom.

Phthalates are ubiquitous. A body burden study by the Centers for Disease Control found one phthalate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), in all 289 people tested. Long associated with hormone disruption that reduces levels of sex hormones, and may contribute to infertility, phthalates were recently associated with doubling the risk for type 2 diabetes for people age 65 and older. Two other phthalates, diethyl and butylbenzyl phtlatate (DEP and BBzP) are asthma triggers.

Bottom line: It’s not easy to avoid phthalates so look for products labeled “phthalate free.” Ditch the vinyl shower curtain. Stay away from any product listing DBP, DEP or BBzP. Avoid scented products like candles and air fresheners.

What changes have you made to detoxify your bathroom?

Posted by Kara on 09/24/2012 at 01:50 PM

Sara M. - For a natural mold/mildew solution I use white vinegar and a few drops of tea tree eo in a spray bottle. I spray it on, letting it sit for 5-10 mins and wipe w/ a damp cloth. The vinegar smell will fade once it’s dry. Studies have shown white vinegar alone to be over 90% effective on mold and 99.9% effective against bacteria. Adding in the tea tree eo gives the solution an extra antimicrobial & antibacterial punch. Good luck! : )

Posted by Sara M on 09/24/2012 at 03:36 AM

I have ditched the curtain shower for a couple of years now, its funny how we don’t really need one. I also clean with eco-friendly bathroom products, avoid as much as possible the use of bleach, (although I must confess I haven’t found a good replacement for it, for treating mold -any suggestions are welcome!)

We don’t use perfume, all bath care products are organic without any chemicals. We use Urtekram, a Danish company that hasn’t let me down yet!

Of course all of these changes we introduced gradually and there are still some more to go.

Thanks for all your information - Moms are on the right track to making this a safer world for our children!

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/checblog/~3/8LITt9Nzabg/

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New Mom Kristin Cavallari Taking Notes From Kourtney Kardashian?

We already tracked down new mom Kristin Cavallari’s baby swing and now we know what baby stroller she uses. Kristin was recently spotted out and about in L.A. and she looked fab pushing her Orbit Baby G2 stroller.

Kristin joins a long list of celebrity moms who swear by the Orbit Baby G2. Kourtney Kardashian has one, Rachel Zoe has one and Alessandra Ambrosio has one, too.

Want one for yourself? Here’s where you can get Kristin Cavallari’s baby stroller:

Sign up for our newsletter for even more great finds delivered right to your inbox.

Click here to email Jeanine, the author of this post.

Photo © Splash News

Source: http://www.momfinds.com/2012/new-mom-kristin-cavallari-taking-notes-from-kourtney-kardashian/

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Congrats! Malin Akerman Is Pregnant

Congratulations are in order. Actress Malin Akerman just confirmed she’s expecting her first child with her husband, Roberto Zincone.

The couple have been married for five years and Malin most recently appeared in Rock of Ages with Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin.

Congrats to the parents-to-be!

Sign up for our newsletter for even more great finds delivered right to your inbox.

Click here to email Jeanine, the author of this post.

Photo © Splash News

Source: http://www.momfinds.com/2012/congrats-malin-akerman-is-pregnant/

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Friday, 28 September 2012

Picnic Blanket - WATERPROOF Modern Chevron Geometric Teal Green - Portable Outdoors Food Blanket - Couples Wedding Gift Idea by SewnNatural

Here is our new picnic blanket, a waterproof modern chevron beach blanket for outdoor alfresco dining. Big, bold, beautiful print with an eco friendly, non-toxic waterproof backing in yellow. This roomy blanket will soon be an indispensable part of your family. Also makes an original, beautiful baby shower gift, wedding gift or anniversary present.

*** As seen on Home&Garden TV (August 2012)! ***

{ MADE TO ORDER } limited edition

♥ Other "waterproof" picnic blankets are made of toxic PVC or denier polyester that has been chemically treated with dangerous plasticizers like phtathlates and ANTIMONY - a carcinogen and toxic industrial pollutant. Our eco waterproof fabric has been carefully field tested to beautifully withstand numerous machine washes!

What makes our picnic blankets special? Most picnic blankets are only 1 or 2 layers - ours are 3, quilted layers! They are definitely more comfortable over uneven ground.

PHOTO CREDIT: first 3 photos by Raceytay, whose beautiful fine art photography you can find right here: Raceytay.etsy.com
_________________________________

- Back to the shop here - SewnNatural.etsy.com

- Want this picnic blanket with a denim backing instead? No problem!

- Looking for a different picnic blanket or picnic napkins? http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural?section_id=5924925

__________________________________

ITEM DETAILS
*****************
♥ This beautiful and reversible 3-layer quilted picnic blanket is fresh & simple and...

• made of all natural fibers - a soft, absorbent cotton flannel core, with the the chevron canvas weight cotton on the top and a water-based, non toxic coated cotton on the underside

• ROOMY, measuring (132cm x 148cm) size 52" x 58" (about 21 square feet)

• lightweight, becomes a tidy 15" roll with a convenient, buttoned carry strap

• quilted to be durable, sturdy and withstand lots of washes

• beautifully retro to go with your vintage picnicware

• soft enough to put a baby (or two) on

• handmade by us in our synthetic scent, pet and nut-free studio

• cool or warm water wash, air dry

(last photo shows a similar photo with the same yellow waterproof backing, rolled up)

So here you go. And it won't cost the earth. Handcrafted with keen attention to detail. Perfect for a frolicking couple or a whole family, for the:
• beach
• backyard
• park
• pool

It offers you comfort, durability, easy washing and fantastic style.
____________________________________

(Please respect our original, copyrighted design. Thank you.)

◆ This order comes with a little eco GIFT to make you smile!

SHIPPING on this picnic blanket is: expedited with a tracking # + insurance.

We ship internationally and happily combine shipping for multiple items.

Questions about how to buy from Etsy? http://www.etsy.com/help_guide_checkout.php
All photos and items © SewnNatural 2009-2012.
Please see our store policies on your way to checkout.

Thank you for visiting http://www.SewnNatural.etsy.com!

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.

Source: http://www.etsy.com/listing/101872314/picnic-blanket-waterproof-modern-chevron

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Fasting in Pregnancy

As Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, approaches, you may be wondering if you should fast in pregnancy. While it is also wise to ask your own Rabbi, the answer is typically that a pregnant or nursing mother should not fast if it would hurt her or the baby. Probably the best answer is to try to fast some and to avoid "fun" foods, foods that are more luxury than need. An example would be an apple for breakfast as opposed to a doughnut; eating cheese and crackers rather than a bagel and lox, spacing your meals enough to be truly hungry rather than eating by a clock. In the end you need to do what is best for you and baby physically and spiritually. I wish you a meaningful fast.

Source: http://pregnancy.about.com/b/2012/09/25/fasting-in-pregnancy.htm

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Thursday, 27 September 2012

Fasting in Pregnancy

Source: http://pregnancy.about.com/b/2012/09/25/fasting-in-pregnancy.htm

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Around the Web…

"For me, having Bryn later in my 30s was a good thing. I've had more experience and I appreciate it more. I don't think, at 23, I'd have been the same kind of mom I am now."

- Bethenny Frankel, on Bethenny Frankel: Balance Kids and Career the Best You Can

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/mAxxF9apWns/

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Vera Silk Throw PILLOW Cover - Handmade Pillow Sham With Rare Mint 1970s Tribal Vera Silk in Red and Aqua - Home Decor (Ready to Ship) by SewnNatural

Here is a stunning pillow sham cover, handmade with a rare, mint condition 1970s-era vintage Vera silk. A tribal, Cherokee-inspired silk beauty made into a one-of-a-kind throw pillow cushion. Hipster fashion your sofa can wear! Unisex, original gift idea.

{ READY TO SHIP }

• Go back to the shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural?ref=si_shop

• Find more Vera silk pillows here + Marimekko ones too: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural?section_id=5826193

ITEM DETAILS
*******************
• You will receive the pillow sham cover, as photographed here
• It is one-of-a-kind and ready to ship
• A gorgeous, handpainted collectible vintage silk piece from the 1970s, made into a beautiful home decor piece
• The pillow has a red cotton twill back - the front silk is also backed with cotton for strength
• SIZE: 21" x 21"
• Edge zipper closure at the bottom
• Pillow insert not included

♥ Fun and beautiful in every context. A conversation piece, and a collector's item.

Vera Neumann was an iconic midcentury modern silk scarf + fabric designer whose work is collected around the world. This gorgeous Vera scarf is from the era when Warhol, Optical-Art, Escher and mind-blowing geometrics ruled Modern Art. Her original watercolor was silkscreened by hand onto the silk - such care went into each scarf.

***

Lots more vintage Vera silk pillows, Marimekko pillow covers and other home decor items here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural?section_id=5826193

***

We ship internationally and happily combine shipping for multiple items.

Questions about how to buy from Etsy? http://www.etsy.com/help_guide_checkout.php
All photos and items © SewnNatural 2009-2012.
Please see our store policies on your way to checkout.

Thank you for visiting http://www.SewnNatural.etsy.com!

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.

Source: http://www.etsy.com/listing/100730766/vera-silk-throw-pillow-cover-handmade

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Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Fall Coat Drive for Foster Kids

Winters with cold, rainy days make staying dry with raincoats and warm jackets a necessity for Pacific Northwest residents. Unfortunately, the 20,000 foster children who live here often enter the system with only the clothes on their back; having a weather-proof, warm coat with all its buttons, a working zipper and the right fit is not a certainty.

As well, coats can be costly for foster families shopping to keep up with the changing needs of their fast-growing children. Sleep Country USA is hosting its annual "Coat Drive for Foster Kids," now through Sunday, Nov. 4, to help in this endeavor.

Families are encouraged to bring in new and warm, rainproof or rain resistant coats in all sizes (infant through adult) to any Sleep Country location. The donations will be distributed among Sleep Country’s partner foster care organizations. To learn more about this program, visit www.sleepcountry.com/local-foster-kids.aspx.

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Source: http://www.seattleschild.com/article/fall-coat-drive-for-foster-kids1

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Around the Web…

"For me, having Bryn later in my 30s was a good thing. I've had more experience and I appreciate it more. I don't think, at 23, I'd have been the same kind of mom I am now."

- Bethenny Frankel, on Bethenny Frankel: Balance Kids and Career the Best You Can

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/w3PjprUgXU4/

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Display & Costume Opens Store in Issaquah, Offers Celebration Event

Family-favorite party store, Display & Costume, is opening a new location in Issaquah, just in time for Halloween. The ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, Sept. 28, at noon, with fun activities for kids all weekend long.

Families can receive 20 percent of all purchases, a free reusable bag with a $25 purchase, free face painting and animal balloons on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a chance to meet Sammy the Salmon on Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m.

The new store is located at 6000 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. S.E. in Issaquah. To learn more about the store, visit www.displaycostume.com.

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Source: http://www.seattleschild.com/article/display-costume-opens-store-in-issaquah-offers-celebration-event

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Tuesday, 25 September 2012

A DIY kids' craft to brighten up fall

I know it's just a matter of time. Soon, my kids will be bringing home school craft projects made with fading leaves, twigs and pinecones. But I refuse to abandon the bright, bold colors I love just because we've officially hit fall. That's why I love this supersimple DIY kids' craft that even I can pull off.

This craft tutorial for bright paper ornaments takes nothing more than paper, scissors, glue, and some string for hanging. Think snowflakes, only round. Considering how excited my five-year-old gets about wielding her own scissors these days, a project like this will be a special treat. And it doesn't even have a drop of sugar. Bonus!

Just make sure to have the robotic vacuum ready for all those little pieces that will go everywhere. -Liz

Find the paper ornament DIY craft tutorial at beautiful Dutch design blog ing-things.

[h/t kidsdinge on pinterest]

Find More: Art+Decor (Sounds Fancy), Getting crafty

Source: http://www.coolmompicks.com/2012/09/diy_kids_craft_paper_ornaments.php

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Saw the Modern Family Cast Win Their Emmy On Sunday? Score the Exact Tea Collection Dress ‘Lily’ Was Wearing Now!

It’s not very often that us regular moms can put our children in the same clothes celebrity tots wear. And it’s even more unlikely that we can score exact red carpet looks. But thanks to our friends at Tea Collection, we can do just that!

If you tuned into the 2012 Emmys this past Sunday, then you saw Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, the actress who plays Lily on Modern Family, looking adorable in a little purple number. The dress was custom-made by the designers at Tea Collection and for a limited time they’re making the exact same dress available to everyone!

Now there’s no denying this 100% silk dress is amazing and the timing couldn’t be better. It’s the perfect hue if your daughter is in a fall wedding, but even better, it screams holiday card-worthy.

Place your order now because this limited-edition dress is sure to go fast.

Sign up for our newsletter for even more great finds delivered right to your inbox.

Click here to email Jeanine, the author of this post.

Photo © Splash News

Source: http://www.momfinds.com/2012/saw-the-modern-family-cast-win-their-emmy-on-sunday-score-the-exact-tea-collection-dress-lily-was-wearing-now/

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Ricki Lake: I Can Do Anything After Giving Birth

Her babies have turned into big boys — Milo is 15 and Owen is 11 — but Ricki Lake is still reaping the benefits of giving birth.

“That high is something I will never forget. The feeling that, ‘If I can do this, I can do anything,’ has stayed with me through the years,” The Ricki Lake Show host, 44, tells Scholastic Parent & Child in their October issue.

“I’ve gotten through a really difficult divorce, I’ve taken all these steps in my career, and I did Dancing With the Stars, which was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done!”

According to Lake — who went on to film The Business of Being Born, a documentary on natural childbirth — witnessing her body perform after being pushed to its limits was a journey she is forever grateful to have taken.

“Truly, you feel empowered and strong. It’s a gift,” she says. “It’s a gift I was able to give to myself and to my little boy who feels very special that he was brought into the world the way he was.”

Nearly eight years ago, her newfound strength was a necessity; The mother-of-two packed her bags — and her boys — and moved across the country.

“After living through Sept. 11 in Manhattan and having two small children — my kids were 6 and 2 in 2004 — I really felt like I needed to change things up for my mental health,” she explains.

“I ended my marriage and my talk show and in many ways, I started over. It was a real turning point.”

Eventually Lake met and married husband Christian Evans — the two tied the knot in April — and the foursome have had no trouble settling in together as a family.

“My kids love him. He is an angel that has come into our lives, not just for me in that I’ve found this beautiful partner, but also as an amazing role model for my sons,” she explains, adding her three main men “get along beautifully.”

Now with her fresh start, Lake — who returns to television with her new talk show premiering Sept. 10 — is soaking up all the special time she spends with her sons. “I still read with my 11-year-old — I love it,” she shares.

“It’s late at night when he’s going to bed and unfortunately I only get through a few pages before he’s snoring on my shoulder, but it is that quiet time that I really love, and I feel like he is still a baby to me.”

But while he may still feel like her baby boy, Lake is determined Owen — and his brother — learn the ways of the world and the benefits of giving back to others.

“I want them to be in touch with the real world and to be able to see themselves as just two of the billions of people on this planet,” Lake explains.

Over the summer her sons traveled to Malawi where they helped in building a house for a family in need — and the proud mama says the time spent overseas was well worth it.

“Volunteer work is incredible for kids who are growing up rather privileged and need to really get a sense of the world, the big picture,” Lake says.

“Their trip to Africa changed something inside them forever; and they will always carry that experience.”

– Anya Leon

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/W0KV4baq8lE/

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Monday, 24 September 2012

Harry Reid, Pass the Safe Chemicals Act Now!

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by Margie Kelly, Communications Manager, Healthy Child Healthy World

Do you feel sick when you learn 46 kids get cancer every day and seven kids die from it every day? That autism and asthma is increasing in children? That the age of puberty is dropping while rates of infertility are on the rise? And all of these diseases and disorders may be linked to toxic chemicals found in everyday products in your home?

Now is the time for action if you agree there should be a stronger law to protect your kids from toxic chemicals found in your couches, carpets, household cleaners, canned foods, and more.

For years we’ve been talking about passing the Safe Chemicals Act to protect our kids from toxic chemicals. We’ve written letters and emails to Congress, held stroller brigades, blogged about it or found other ways to spread the word to our friends, neighbors, and families.

Polls show overwhelming public support for legislation to make chemicals safer, but Congress still hasn’t passed the Safe Chemicals Act.

There have been important victories along the way. In July, the Safe Chemicals Act passed out of committee . But the bill has no chance of passing the Senate unless Harry Reid schedules a vote before Congress leaves town to campaign for the elections in November (which could be as early as this week).

It goes without saying that if we can’t get a vote on the legislation before the Senate session ends, the bill cannot pass. And while it’s true that even if the Senate passes the Safe Chemicals Act it would not reach the President’s desk this year, it is incredibly important to pass the Senate to give it momentum for the new legislative session that begins in January 2013. (On a related note: have you shown your kids the Schoolhouse Rock video “I’m Just a Bill”? It’s a fun introduction to understanding how a bill becomes a law in Congress)

Senator Harry Reid is the man of the moment for the Safe Chemicals Act. Please send a message to Senator Reid asking him to bring the Safe Chemicals Act to the Senate floor this week!

Here’s how to reach him:

1. Are you on Twitter? Senator Reid is too!

Dear @SenatorReid, I urge you to support @SaferChemicals & bring the #SafeChemicalsAct (S. 847) to the floor this fall!

2. Pick up the phone

You can call the Senator's DC office at 202-224-3542.

If you live in Reid's district and are calling from a 775 or 702 area code, call 1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343).

3. Encourage your friends on Facebook and Twitter to contact Senator Reid!

Thank you for taking action to support the Safe Chemicals Act. Working together we will pass a strong new law for safer chemicals!

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/checblog/~3/-pWZ6SfERZo/

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Woman Gives Birth at NASCAR Track and Baby Scores Free Race Tickets for Life

baby toes A woman in New Hampshire had a birth experience to remember this weekend, as she wound up delivering her baby in the parking lot of a NASCAR track. Shawna Arnold rushed to the hospital with her boyfriend last Friday when she went into labor, but quickly realized they weren't going to make it, so they pulled into the parking lot of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Of her speedy delivery, she said, "He's like, 'I can’t drive any faster. I can't drive any faster,' and I'm like, 'I'm not going to make it. I'm not going to make it.' I had a contraction and I stood up in the back seat on my knees, and I’m not going to make it. My water just broke."

Luckily since there was a race going on that day, there were already ambulances at the track, so Shawna and her boyfriend were able to get help from EMTs right away. They named their new baby girl Katie, and she's doing just fine.

And if it wasn't already a big enough coincidence that Shawna was literally in a race to the hospital when she stumbled upon this NASCAR race and gave birth -- she'll be able to celebrate her little girl's birthdays at the track every year. To commemorate her arrival, the Speedway General Manager has given the baby two tickets to races every year for the rest of her life.

Wow. Can you get over the irony of this whole situation? What are the odds of racing as fast as you can to the hospital to give birth, only to have your baby delivered at a race track? I guess this is one of those birth stores that you just can't make up, and I highly doubt it's one that will be repeated by another pregnant woman anytime soon. But if you do happen to be passing by a Speedway en route to the hospital and need to make a pit stop, at least you can be confident that they're fully equipped to handle a birth.

Have you thought about what you'd do if you went into labor in your car?

Image via Tammra McCauley/Flickr

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cafemom/thestir/pregnancy/~3/fwC6kcQAWcU/woman_gives_birth_at_nascar

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5 Tech Picks You Won't Want to Miss This Week

Find More: Link Roundups, Tech, CMP-Style

Source: http://www.coolmompicks.com/2012/09/5_tech_picks_you_wont_want_to_8.php

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Sunday, 23 September 2012

Non-Toxic Cleaning in the Kitchen – Sanitize Naturally

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by Lisa Thomson, Mom's Green Shopping List

With the recent return of my husband’s cancer I have become even more picky (aka neurotic) about the chemicals that we use in our home. I have slowly been phasing them out despite my husband’s resistance. He seems to think that me using natural everyday items to clean translates into him needing to clean everything over again with a smelly chemical-laden product. I’ve been letting him get away with certain cleaners just because it was easier to keep the peace but all that’s changing. No more Mr (Mrs?) Nice Guy.

One of the places I’ve been wondering about keeping bacteria-free is the kitchen. I’m always worried about making sure that the cutting boards are properly cleaned and the counters sanitized after preparing meat or using raw eggs. The thought of using a toxic chemical cleaner anywhere near where I prepare food has always been totally out of the question. I’ve always just used scalding hot water and hoped it was enough to kill any bacteria left lying around. It always did a good job of burning the skin off my fingers.

I was relieved (and so were my hands) to come across such easy ways to keep a kitchen free from bacteria using natural products. These are all things that are very easy to find at your local grocery store or pharmacy and that many of you probably already have some of them around the house.

1. Grapefruit seed extract, or GSE

According to author and herbal scholar Stephen Harrod Buhner, “GSE has been found to be more powerful as a cleaning disinfectant than standard hospital preparations.” In other words, it works better than the disinfectant the hospitals use. GSE is active against a large number of bacteria. It is even effective against haemophilus influenzae, which causes ear infections, sinusitis, and meningitis. To make a disinfectant spray, add 30 to 40 drops to 1 quart of water and shake.

2. Vinegar

An acidic solution, vinegar kills some germs and microbes and inhibits their growth – if it didn’t, it would not be used to preserve foods like pickles. To make a sanitizing spray from white or apple cider vinegar, mix 1/4 – 1/2 cup vinegar per cup of water. You can add some essential oil of bergamot, orange, or lemon to this solution to make it smell good and also to increase its’ antibacterial properties (bergamot is a citrus fruit and all citrus fruits have disinfectant qualities).

3. Hydrogen peroxide

A 1996 study showed that hydrogen peroxide, when combined with an equal amount of vinegar, is a potent bacteria killer. Salmonella, shigella and e-coli were all vanquished by this solution. You can also spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto countertops, or mix it with an equal amount of water.

4. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is known to be effective against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It definitely works to kill staphylococus, e-coli, shigella, and salmonella. In a spray bottle, combine and shake 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp. liquid soap, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 20 drops of tea tree oil.

5. Neem oil

Neem oil comes from the seeds of a tree that is native to India, and is more than a sanitizer. It is also an insect repellent, and keeping insects at bay is an important component to kitchen cleanliness. It does not dissolve well in water without some sort of emulsifier, such as liquid soap. The best way to make a neem cleaner is to mix the neem oil in a vegetable-based, liquid soap such as castile. Then, use a few drops of this soap to clean your kitchen counters or try mixing the neem-soap mixture with water in a spray bottle. Shake it well.

Bacteria that usually live in kitchens include staphylococcus, salmonella , shigella dysenteriae, and e-coli. These germs tend to proliferate on sponges and cutting boards, but they can be on countertops and other surfaces as well.

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For more DIY household cleaners, check out what our other blogger submissions:

Disinfecting Wipes, by Sarah of Mindfully Frugal Mom
Two Safe Homemade Stain Removers, by Hilary of Accidentally Green
Green Cleaners Made Easy, by Kristina of The Greening of Westford
Laundry Stain Remover, by Kristina of The Greening of Westford
Furniture Polish, by Micaela of Mindful Momma
DIY Household Cleaners, by April of Frugally Green Mom
Carpet Cleaner, by Lori of Groovy Green Livin'
How to Green Cleaning Supplies, by Claire of MomsRising

Thank you everyone for your submissions! Interested in joining our network and submitting your blogs to be featured? Sign-up today!

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy World.

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My Wife Wanted Natural Childbirth and I Freaked Out

Take Charge Routine

One dad talks about his melt down when his wife decided that she didn't want to have an epidural for labor in this first part of a series of his hilarious story. These are the first things that went through his mind and how all he had to go on previously was the other dads telling him to scream "early and often" for an epidural.

What would your guy do if you announced you wanted to forgo the epidural?

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Nia Vardalos’s Blog: Savoring the Last Moments of Summer

Please welcome Nia Vardalos for a one-time celebrity blog!

Best known for her Oscar-nominated role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the actress celebrated her 19th wedding anniversary with her husband, CougarTown star Ian Gomez, earlier this month.

Vardalos, currently starring in For a Good Time, Call, has also added author to her resume, with the upcoming April 2013 release of her new book, Instant Mom, in which she chronicles her journey of adopting a daughter in 2008 with only 14 hours notice.

You can find her on Facebook and @NiaVardalos on Twitter.

In an exclusive blog, Vardalos shares how she is savoring the season’s fleeting moments and learning to cherish each sweet memory with her daughter — especially from the front seat of her car.

It’s fall. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? I mean, when I last looked up it was June.

Ever since I became a parent, time moves far too quickly. My vision always feels like I’m wearing giant kaleidoscope-goggles.

The past three months of summer meld into one colorful blur like a dropped rocket — popsicle melting on the sidewalk. As images whiz by my eyeballs, I see my daughter squealing down a water slide, now running out of art class covered in glow paint, and then kicking her pink ball across the field at soccer camp.

In the time before I was a mom, my summer days were not like this at all. On a film set, the summer work day is long because the director needs to make use of every bit of that long-lasting sunlight.

Afterward, if we’re away on location, many of the cast and crew usually find a place to eat a late dinner together. It sounds exotic and exciting and yep, it is and I’m grateful for it … but still, I used to sit there and wonder if I would ever be a mother.

In an instant, I became a mom and now my summer days are a steady stream of driving my daughter to playdates, stopping to get swim goggles, getting a text from the hostess to pick up cupcakes and extra ice, then hanging in a backyard addictively munching Goldfish crackers and chatting with other parents as we all watch our kids put on a play about fairies or pretend to be tigers/dogs/monsters maniacally chasing each other across the lawn.

I sit in this comfortable lawn chair and marvel at how quickly my life changed … as peals of kids’ belly laughs echo through the air and the sun sets.

My favorite part of any playdate comes later when I get to carry my exhausted and sleeping daughter to the car.

Is there anything more trusting than a sleeping child completely and utterly leaning into your body?

Like a lot of kids, my daughter can pass out anywhere but as I carry this precious cargo, I walk slowly, so very carefully. Her breath is dewy-soft and gentle against my neck and I try not to jolt her awake as I set her into the booster seat.

But I shouldn’t worry — not even the closing car door can jar her from this blissful state of pure-fun exhaustion.

The girl who was belching a made-up tiger song a few hours ago is now bathed in a holy moonlight that makes any child look like a Norman Rockwellian angel. Her cheeks are flushed, her hair is in moist ringlets and her lips are curled into a smile that surely means she’s dreaming of eating chocolate ice cream in bed.

I should start the car but instead I sit in the driver’s seat, looking back at her. With everything moving so fast now, I have to grab this chance to watch her innocently and beautifully breathing in and out.

The night is completely still.

It’s one of these moments when I realize once again … I am a mom. And nothing will ever be the same.

What a relief.

– Nia Vardalos

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/RcGiOPkAXp8/

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Woman Gives Birth at NASCAR Track and Baby Scores Free Race Tickets for Life

Have you thought about what you'd do if you went into labor in your car?

Image via Tammra McCauley/Flickr

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cafemom/thestir/pregnancy/~3/fwC6kcQAWcU/woman_gives_birth_at_nascar

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Saturday, 22 September 2012

DIY Crafts meets toys meets awesome

One of my son's favorite activities is creating DIY roads and parking garages for his collection of Matchbox cars. So when I saw this super easy tutorial, I thought it would be a cool way to take his imaginative play to the next level.

Find More: Free or close to it, Getting crafty, Toys and Other Playthings

Source: http://www.coolmompicks.com/2012/09/diy_crafts_meets_toys_meets_awesome.php

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Advocate for Kids at Candidates Forum

It's time for the candidates to talk about what kids need. You can help make sure they do. Come speak up for kids, and hear from the candidates running to represent you.

Candidates' Forum
Thursday, Sept. 27, 6 to 8 p.m.
Haller Lake United Methodist Church (map)
13055 First Ave. N.E., Seattle

Candidates will attend from the 1st, 32nd, 36th and 46th districts.

If you can be there, Children’s Alliance staff will give you tools to make a difference. Check out these 5 key questions you can ask the candidates and visit the Vote for Kids page for more resources you can use.

Our kids have just one childhood. The decisions voters make on the ballot, and the decisions that candidates make once they walk into office as our legislators, will affect kids for years to come. In a few short weeks, ballots will start arriving in mailboxes. Now is the time to make sure kids' issues are front and center.

If you can attend this candidate forum, please email Pam Johnson, Children's Alliance Elections Organizer, at pam@childrensalliance.org. This event is organized by the Housing Development Consortium and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

P.S. You can speak up to candidates right now. Add your name to the Vote for Kids petition to the candidates for Governor and tell the candidates what kids need: health care to keep them strong, early learning for a great start, nutritious food to help them grow and learn, and equal opportunities to reach their potential. Sign the petition - and then share it with other people who care about kids.

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Source: http://www.seattleschild.com/article/advocate-for-kids-at-candidates-forum

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Spotted! Mariah Carey’s Kissing Cuties…

The idea of birthing two babies at the same time always terrifies me, but when I see pics like this I think having twins might just be worth it.

Those adorable little cuties above are Mariah Carey’s twins, Monroe and Moroccan Cannon. The doting mama shared the sweet snap on Facebook earlier this week along with the caption, “You love me and don’t you forget it.”

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Click here to email Jeanine, the author of this post.

Source: http://www.momfinds.com/2012/spotted-mariah-careys-kissing-cuties/

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Friday, 21 September 2012

Harry Reid, Pass the Safe Chemicals Act Now!

Blog

by Margie Kelly, Communications Manager, Healthy Child Healthy World

Now is the time for action if you agree there should be a stronger law to protect your kids from toxic chemicals found in your couches, carpets, household cleaners, canned foods, and more.

Polls show overwhelming public support for legislation to make chemicals safer, but Congress still hasn’t passed the Safe Chemicals Act.

Senator Harry Reid is the man of the moment for the Safe Chemicals Act. Please send a message to Senator Reid asking him to bring the Safe Chemicals Act to the Senate floor this week!

Here’s how to reach him:

1. Are you on Twitter? Senator Reid is too!

Dear @SenatorReid, I urge you to support @SaferChemicals & bring the #SafeChemicalsAct (S. 847) to the floor this fall!

2. Pick up the phone

You can call the Senator's DC office at 202-224-3542.

If you live in Reid's district and are calling from a 775 or 702 area code, call 1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343).

3. Encourage your friends on Facebook and Twitter to contact Senator Reid!

Thank you for taking action to support the Safe Chemicals Act. Working together we will pass a strong new law for safer chemicals!

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