Friday, November 13, 2009

10 Tips on mothering your 0-1 year old

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




Via Health Canada

MacLaren Stroller Recall

Little fingers are being amputated! ;(

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Girl Effect

Via GirlEffect.Org



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



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.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Pocket Guide to Safer Flea & Tick Treatments


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.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Kiva



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.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Candeo Weddings




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

Via Health Canada
eebee's "Have a Ball" Adventures Cloth Book

Monday, August 17, 2009

Water Footprint of Beer


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


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.


Sunday, August 16, 2009

Interview With Serinda Swan



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






















Monday, August 10, 2009

Air Quality Index (BC, Canada)

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

Cosmetics Safety Search Engine

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.

Kale with Apples & Mustard

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

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners


via NRDC.org

"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


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

Saturday, August 8, 2009

2 kids discover plastic-eating microbes

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.

Friday, August 7, 2009

The Early Years Conference 2010


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


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



Via Health Canada

Friday, July 31, 2009

25 Best Back-to-School Gadgets



(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.

Fresh Start Recycling


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.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Tundra Buggy Polar Bear Tours & Live HD Polar Cams




These tours look incredible, and if I had an extra $10,000 I would certainly be booked on one.
Check them here.

Or, try my at-home version. Read Jake MacDonald's Grizzlyville then watch some live feed from one of the tundra buggies, like this video here.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Children's Health in the Environment

Dr. Bruce Lanphear, currently a professor at SFU, offers the most useful, interesting, and up to date course I have ever taken, called Children's Health in the Environment. It is this course that has taken my life long interest to the next level, inspired this blog, and been the catalyst for my current endeavor into a second degree, a bachelors of science in nursing. Thank you Bruce! If you are at SFU, do yourself a favor and get a seat in his class.

Buying Safe Plastic Toys

From the National Geographic Green Guide:

With mounting concerns over lead in toys, added to worries about hormone-disrupting chemicals in plastic, parents are understandably questioning the seemingly innocent toys they use to educate and entertain their kids...plastics made with vinyl usually have a plasticky smell, similar to that of a new shower curtain... When in doubt, smell it! Toxic softeners in plastics can give them that new smell.


The worst plastic used in children's toys, including teethers, bath toys and dolls, is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which creates dioxins in production and often contains phthalates, chemical softeners used to make the plastic soft and pliable. Considered "hormone disruptors" and linked with asthma and respiratory problems, phthalates can migrate out of toys and onto the hands (and into the mouths) of children. Fortunately, many companies are removing phthalates, and several states, including California and Maine, are initiating legislation that would ban the sale of any children's products containing these problem chemicals.

Another additive to PVC, lead has been cropping up in toys with unrelenting frequency. Hundreds of thousands toys, including Barbie dolls, Fisher-Price locomotives and Thomas the Tank Engines have been recalled due to violations of lead paint standards. Lead is also found in the paint of some old wood and metal toys, especially in imports. Lead is associated with a host of learning disabilities and behavior disorders, and even low exposures can carry lifelong effects.

Lead has also been found in other children's toys. In July 2004, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled all metal toy jewelry sold in vending machines—150 million pieces—that was imported by AA Global Industries Inc., Brand Imports, Cardinal Distributing Co. and L.M. Becker and Co. Inc. after it was found to contain lead and one young child was poisoned. In this instance, the toys were recalled before more children were affected, but government can react slowly to protect children, often not moving until after harm has been done.


More:

Europe to Ban PVC Toys

Canada: PVC Toys Pulled From Toys "R" Us Shelves (Greenpeace Archives)

And for a list of safe teething options visit Health Canada.


Saturday, July 25, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer


How exciting! Maurice Sendak's cherished children's book is now movie-ified. The trailer is here, complete with track by Arcade Fire. Enjoy! The movie is out October 16th, 2009.

Sustainable Sushi Guide


From David Suzuki's Website, I present to you the sustainable sushi guide (download here). It also includes health advisories for fish high in heavy metals.

"Use the power of your consumer choice at the sushi counter and help keep our oceans and communities healthy for years to come..."


You also might want to double think that all-you-can-eat sushi buffet this weekend.

More on honey


... a continuation from a couple earlier posts about honey: it is an antibacterial, that's why it never goes bad, and thats why it should go into things even more than usual when you are sick.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

as promised, something you may want to peek at is here. cant say much more than that as im pretty sure its not supposed to be out yet. winkwink.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Jewel's Lullaby CD


I downloaded this on my iPhone when stuck in some serious traffic with my daughter in the car to help calm her, and it worked. And I cannot lie, I listen to it myself sometimes too. I heart iTunes.

Nuby teether recall


Thanks to Parenting.com we now know that all Nuby gel filled teethers have been recalled. The article and specifics are here.

Farmers Market


Still trying to get there? Find yours here.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland




The trailer was posted on the internet 15 minutes ago and has already been taken down. It is officially released tomorrow and I will post the link then, but for now get your fix here. It looks as though I may have a new favourite movie.