Woman Tribune » Family

The Proposal That Made a Boring Thursday Magical

Holly — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:17:44 +0000

Last week I mentioned in a short post that I got engaged in mid-April. After telling both of our immediate families the night of and the day after it happened, my fiance and I took the news online on Facebook only since both of our personal accounts are pretty much locked down and you have to be friends with us to see anything going on there. I didn’t blog about it, other than those few sentences last week, and I have been reluctant to announce the news on any of my personal social media accounts. It isn’t because I’m not happy or excited, it’s because I very much am both of those things. I am extremely happy about it obviously, otherwise I would have said no and I wouldn’t be engaged, but I guess I didn’t want anything to ruin it or attempt to spoil my excitement, so for the most part, I kept the announcement to a controllable minimum. The blogging world is an open forum of public opinion and I wasn’t ready for people to start forming opinions about something as positive and personal in my life as getting married.

I never really had much public blogging drama here on Woman Tribune, which has been appreciated I assure you, but I know that when I publish something under my name here, it follows me. Before I started putting all of my time and attention into this website, I wrote daily on my personal blog, which predominantly deals with progressive liberal feminist issues. I am a great, big, card-carrying feminist and a lot of my audience, online friends, and people who still follow me and what I’m up to on Twitter and other sites are other great, big, card-carrying feminists. When the topic of marriage is put on the table, there is a lot of support, but you also get a lot of people with question marks spewing out of their mouths. I didn’t want to have to answer questions as to why I am choosing to get married to my partner of six and a half years, or how I’m going to get married, what my plans are, what kind of dress I’m going to wear and if it’s going to be white, what I’m going to do with my last name, and so on. I was reluctant to open myself and my personal life up to this specific topic until I was absolutely ready, and now I am ready.

So hey guys, I’m engaged, and we are very happy about it!

Believe it or not, this whole post started out purely as me wanting to share the story of my marriage proposal, but I went off on a bit of a tangent first. So, moving on…

Life is not made up of grand gestures, and my fiance and I have never really been ones for needing something spectacular for it to be meaningful to us. We both have a deep appreciation for the little things in life, and everyday days that contain intimate moments that make us smile whenever we think about them and that we’ll remember throughout our lives. The way we got engaged reflects that perfectly.

In the early evening of April 12th, I was in bed half asleep. I am known to have an odd, off the wall sleeping schedule, so it was pretty much my early morning, and it was one of those times where you can hear life going on around you–cats jumping up onto the bed and back off, my now-fiance was walking through the room–and you just continue to lay there, refusing to give into the whims of others who want you to wake up. So, I’m laying in bed in all of my defiant ‘I am not waking up and you can’t make me’ glory, and suddenly I am being talked to and asked question after question. This is a surefire way to wake me up, but when I do get up, I am going to be in a bad mood. I cannot stand being half-asleep and being asked questions, it’s a pet peeve of mine. Questions make you feel compelled to answer; as if life will indeed stop turning because you didn’t answer someone’s question, and maybe they really needed to know where something was and now they’re just wandering around the house, unable to find the item that they were looking for, which means they are probably making a mess of things that you will find yourself cleaning up and it’s all your fault and you brought that mess you’re going to resent cleaning up all on yourself. That is what being asked questions while I am trying to sleep does to me.

After I don’t know how many questions, he asks me if I want to get married, all nonchalantly and in the same tone of voice he asked all of his previous questions, and because I am a wildly sarcastic human being, I say, “Sure, let’s go,” and proceed to close my eyes again. This is it for him. The seriousness factor of his question registered at about a 1 of 100 for me, and I was going back to sleep, but he was having none of it. He then starts talking about what a nice day it is outside and that I should look out the window. Then the Summoning My Eyes to the Window Event begins. “It’s a beautiful day, look! Look out the window! Look at how nice it is! Will you just look!?” So I look, and on the window sill right next to my side of the bed is a cup of coffee and an opened jewelry box with a piece of paper at the back of the box that he wrote “Good morning, marry me” on, and sitting in the box is a gorgeous engagement ring.

I don’t know how long I laid there staring at what he had set up. I do know that I had tunnel vision for a little while. All I could see was this box and the note and the ring and I don’t know how long it took for me to reach up and get the box, but when I did, I started laughing, I guess because I had no idea what else to do and my brain doesn’t handle ~~surprises~~ complete and utter shock well. So I laughed, until he said, “You know, people usually give an answer.” After saying yes, I put the ring on my finger, took a drink of my coffee (because hello, morning breath) and kissed him.

He was right, it was a beautiful day.

#PhotoaDayMay: Where You Stand

Holly — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:09:53 +0000

This was taken while standing in my dining room, just as soon as you walk into the back door. The area rug desperately needs to be vacuumed, even though as soon as it is, it will just look like this all over again an hour later since it is the frequent sleeping space of my two cats who, I swear, have to shed an additional small cat a day each.

This is Vincent, who was snoozing on my slipper until I went and stood by him and he immediately woke up. Also, yes, those are yellow shoes on my feet while wearing green pants. It’s a good thing I didn’t grace the outside public with my mismatched presence today, but these shoes are seriously one of the most comfortable pairs of sneakers I own. They are Old Navy Laceless Pop Kicks, and I got them right before Easter when they were on sale for $10 and they had a ton of different colors. Now, they’re $16.50 and come in three colors, so they probably won’t be around for too much longer before they just get taken off the site. I should have picked up more pairs of them.

If you want to join in, check out the May Photo a Day Challenge List.

#PhotoaDayMay: A Favorite Place

Holly — Sun, 20 May 2012 05:19:22 +0000

We had our first pool day today! I think we may have opened it a little too early, since it still gets down into the high 40′s to low 50′s at night and we still have three blankets on our bed, but we have had several days of hot and humid weather this past week, and next week’s temperatures are being said to get well into the 80′s. When you live in Pennsylvania, the mention of 80-degree weather doesn’t go over too well and the air conditioners coming out of storage is always a reasonable course of action.

Before today, I had only been swimming once in the past 10 years. This is due to a series of different factors; I have long lived with anxiety and depression issues, I don’t do public places with large crowds of people, especially if those people have any reason to scream or make sudden or abrupt noises, I definitely don’t do public pools, and I especially don’t do bathing suits at public pools. In fact, I still don’t own a bathing suit, and I totally went swimming today in a pair of women’s swim trunks that I found last year at Target and a tank top with a sports bra underneath. The fact that our house has a pool in the backyard has been difficult to wrap my head around, and even dropping over $100 on pool chemicals didn’t seem to make it real to me; not until I was actually in the pool with a huge smile on my face did I really grasp that my life and all of the changes that have occurred this year alone–buying a house, getting engaged–is different now, and it is the best kind of different.

When I was a kid, I loved to swim; you couldn’t get me out of the pool until I had completely exhausted myself and was ready to sleep. Today, that same feeling came flooding back to me, and I can say with absolute certainty that our pool is definitely going to rank as one of my favorite places to be this summer.

This picture, by the way, is of my fiance and his daughters having a blast.

If you want to join in, check out the May Photo a Day Challenge List.

How to Create a Stunning and Safe Nursery on a Budget

Melissa — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:12:43 +0000

Expecting a baby can easily bring on a wide range of emotions, including the obvious…happiness. But let’s be honest for a minute, it can also bring on some anxiety because it will most definitely change your life, but I think I can speak for the majority of parents here in saying the change is well worth it. However, new parents-to-be might also feel a little anxious about finances, because kids do come with a price tag that seems to grow as they do. Not to scare you or anything, but it is reality. If you are a little apprehensive about finances right now, or simply prefer to put more money into their college fund (never too early to start), the tips I am about to share will help ease your mind.

A nursery doesn’t have to cost a million dollars to look and feel like it. Read on to learn how to create a safe, functional, and beautiful nursery for your future bundle of joy.

Skimp on Cost Not Safety

While it’s a great idea to save money on big ticket items, it’s obviously nobody’s intent to forgo safety when it comes to our little ones. The best advice I think I can give you would be to first look at safety guidelines for baby furniture before you even shop for style and design. You can do this by searching online.

Once you know what to look for, such as slats in the crib to be no further apart than 2 3/8 inches, then you can consider the appearance of the pieces. Check out clearance centers at your local stores and online for deals. A great piece of nursery furniture can be safe for your child, look great, and yet not cost a fortune.

You can save money on pieces that you won’t be placing the baby in or on, such as the dresser or armoire. However, make it safe by using wall anchors; these will attach the piece to the wall so it won’t topple over onto the child when they are pulling themselves up on everything.

Secondhand as an Option

You might want to consider buying secondhand furniture. If someone has furniture they want to give you, even on a loan, take advantage of it. If you don’t have to give the furniture back, you can do some wonderful things with secondhand pieces. I will talk about that in a bit. Take a look at the newspaper ads, Craigslist, eBay, and even garage sales. In fact, just as anything else, sometimes the other the piece is, the more valuable it is, even when it comes to safety.

Decorating on a Dime

Perhaps the most fun of creating a nursery is adding the personality, or decorating with color and character. You will want to decide if you want to go with a theme and full-blown decor such as a princess theme with Disney princess wall murals, or transportation theme with planes, trains, and automobiles, or something more sedate like a simple color theme.

Whatever you decide, you can cut costs with the following tips:

Framed photos. You can buy inexpensive frames and fill them with low or no-cost photos you can get online at royalty free image sites. You could also take your own photos or draw something to frame. Wall art does not have to cost a fortune. We had brightly colored walls in yellow, so I found some great black and white photos of babies and toddlers. The contrast was fun and it was inexpensive and easy.
Paint used furniture. Take a piece of used furniture, clean it up, and paint it a fun and bright color. By painting the dresser a colorful hue, it will become a piece of art. Or, leave the natural wood as the base and paint each drawer a different color.
Throw rugs. Use inexpensive and colorful throw rugs, rather than replacing old flooring. Just one or two can add a lot of character to a room.
Stenciling. If you want more pizazz in the room than paint has to offer, try some stenciling. You could stencil characters or a nice quote such as a familar and great one from Dr. Seuss, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Removable decals. Decals that can be easily removed can add a great deal of color and fun to any wall. If you take care of them and remove them carefully, they can be reused or sold in a garage sale.

I just loved adding all the punches of color and personality, and I did it for a lot less than I had budgeted in the first place. One small thing that I did was to change out the plain knobs on the dresser and armoire to colorful ducks, to go with the duck theme we had. It seems minor, but it adds some fun to the room without a lot of cost.

The best thing you can do is to take your time and do some research. I know it’s tempting to do it all right away, but you have time. A little research and shopping can lead to a beautiful and safe place for your baby to lay their head.

This is a guest post by Kathy Barber, who drew inspiration for a series of articles on kid’s rooms from researching Disney Cars wall mural and art for her son’s room. Living in Michigan with her husband and son, she enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, and anything to do with mystery.

Photo by hadzik

#PhotoaDayMay: Love

Holly — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:54:05 +0000

Last month, on April 12th to be exact, my partner of six and a half years proposed to me. I will write out the whole proposal story soon, but for now, I can tell you that it was intimate, simple, and perfect. It was a milestone in our relationship and in our lives that was done in a way that truly exemplifies who both of us are at our core as people. My grandmother has, on several occasions, noted that it is fortunate that we have both found each other because she can’t think of anyone else who would have either of us. I think she’s right.

If you want to join in, check out the May Photo a Day Challenge List.

#PhotoaDayMay: Grass

Holly — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:45:24 +0000

Every spring it seems as if everyone I communicate with retreats to their gardens and post plenty of pictures of the amazing things they have grown. Throughout the past few years, I have been remarkably jealous of these people growing their own vegetables and herbs because I had been living in an apartment with absolutely no outside space to call my own, and indoor container gardening was out because I have two cats who have completely destroyed whatever plants we had the audacity to bring inside. This year I stopped being jealous because I was finally able to start my own garden in the yard of our new house. (If you’re an apartment dweller right now reading this with a grimace on your face because you’ve been wanting to start a garden of our own and don’t have the space, I apologize.)

Anyway, while getting some seeds and starter plants for our garden a few weeks ago, I saw cat grass and catnip seeds and immediately got excited about the prospect of growing these treats for my cats and being able to have an inside plant without worrying about it being eaten by the time I woke up the next day because these plants are there specifically to be feasted on by cats. So here is the cat grass that I grew over the past few weeks. I can’t believe how tall it has gotten in such a small time frame. My older cat Devin, who is about six years old, absolutely loves it and munches on it several times a day; Vincent, however, doesn’t care for it much. I have feeling he will be more excited about the catnip, if it ever comes up.

Here’s a bonus picture of Devin and her cat grass.

If you want to join in, check out the May Photo a Day Challenge List.

#PhotoaDayMay: Mum

Holly — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:37:38 +0000

This whole Photo a Day challenge was created by Fat Mum Slim, who is Australian, so when we see ‘mum,’ we’re talking about moms here, which is naturally expected today since it is Mother’s Day after all. This is actually the one day in the entire month that had me second-guessing whether I should participate in Photo a Day May or wait until next month’s challenge to hop on board. Mother’s Day has always been an especially difficult day for me. I call it my “dark day.” I wasn’t raised by a fit and capable mother. While she has always been very much alive, she was (and maybe still is, I don’t know) an alcoholic and a drug addict; she has not been a welcomed presence in my life or more than 13 years, and she will never have a place in my life again. I have written about the childhood I endured at, quite literally, the hands of my mother at length on my other website, Menstrual Poetry, which I have high hopes of writing for again in the coming weeks, but the Readers Digest version is basically, I was brutally abused while in the care of my mother as a young child. She eventually lost custody of myself and my younger sister, and we were then raised by our father as well as our grandmother and aunt who lived next door.

While Mother’s Day has been a dreaded day in my life for many, many years, I am relieved to be able to say that this year I have progressed past this need to mourn the idea of a mother that I never had, because the truth is, I have had my grandmother and my aunt who are two of the most exceptional, strong, and good human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing, never mind being related to. Neither of them gave birth to me, but they did every other thing that a good mother is supposed to do, and they played an active and influential role in my upbringing and in guiding me to become the woman I am today.

This picture is from a collage that my grandmother recently put together for me full of pictures of my family as well as myself when I was younger. It is hanging in my living room and is such a wonderful presence in the room, able to be looked at and reminisced upon whenever I like.

This is the first Mother’s Day I have had in my life where I never once felt sorry for myself or the least bit bad about my circumstances in life because I know that I have so much and so many people who love me and who are as proud to be in my life as I am to have them in mine. That is what days like these are all about.

If you want to join in, check out the May Photo a Day Challenge List.

#PhotoaDayMay: Something That Makes You Happy

Holly — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:50:38 +0000

My cats, even under the influence of catnip, playing with scratching posts and shoes, with their radioactive eyes and all, can always make me happy. They’re pretty amazing like that; able to bring a smile to my face even while they are merely going about their day full of chilling out, eating, and taking naps. They even manage to make waking up a positive experience, opening my eyes only to find I can’t move my legs because there’s a 10-pound cat between them and another cat trying to scratch their way under the blankets so that they can cuddle up. It is all very cute and endearing, and I am well aware that I have hopelessly fallen into “crazy cat lady” territory.

Also, please don’t mind the random chairs hanging out in the room, which is the dining room. They are chairs to a dining room table that we don’t have in the room yet, so the chairs are just kind of hanging out until we get the room put together.

If you want to join in, check out the May Photo a Day Challenge List.

How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy

Jane — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:01 +0000

One of the difficult realities of dog ownership is that you will likely outlive your dog. But a dog’s environment and diet can heavily affect her life expectancy, so if you want to keep your best friend alive for many years to come, there are several steps you can take.

5 Steps to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Spaying or neutering your dog protects him against a number of cancers and infections, can improve behavior, and eliminates the chances of your dog having complications in childbirth. It also ensures that you will not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem and that your dog’s puppies will not end up living, and maybe even dying, in shelters. Altering your dog also makes it less likely that he or she will run away, which means you don’t have to worry about your best friend being lost or getting hit by a car.
Get Regular Veterinary Care
Dogs who regularly see their vets are less likely to suffer from chronic health problems because vets may notice problems before owners do. Make sure your dog is up to date on shots, and talk to your vet about any behavior problems you encounter with your loyal pal. Make sure that you stay current with periodic treatments for your dog, such as dog Frontline flea and tick applications, and keep your dog brushed and groomed (unless you own a hairless dog!)
Protect Joints and Muscles
Joint and muscle pain are among the biggest problems in older dogs, and can even lead to serious injury. Give your dog a canine glucosamine and chondroitin supplement daily to protect her from the effects of aging, and avoid overexerting her or encouraging rough and tumble play when she starts to slow down. If your dog regularly jumps onto your bed or into your car, consider getting folding pet steps to make the transition easier and to prevent serious injuries.
Train Your Dog
Well-trained dogs are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors that could injure them, and are also less likely to harm people. Similarly, a well-socialized dog will make lots of doggie friends, which can provide you with many more opportunities to keep your dog active and healthy than you might otherwise have.
Microchip Your Dog
A microchip is a tiny device that can be scanned if your dog is lost. Equally important, it also serves as your proof of ownership of your dog if he is ever stolen or ends up at the pound. A microchip requires a quick injection and is usually fairly inexpensive. Make sure you register your dog’s microchip so that it gives information about where to find you, and consider adding a tag to your dog’s collar indicating that he has a microchip.

All of these items listed are beneficial for your dog. It’s our responsibility as pet owners to ensure that our dogs are properly cared for and protected.

Photo by jjgwarren

Healthy Teeth for Life – 7 Tips for Families with Kids

Melissa — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:02:31 +0000

In his famous novel, Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes wrote, “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” And that is so true; good dental health is an invaluable legacy that we can pass onto our children. I see the proof of it every time one of my children flashes a toothy grin or a dazzling smile.

Children brought up without good dental habits are often subject to frequent visits to their dentist later in life, whether it is for extra teeth whitening or other forms of cosmetic dentistry. Some children never visit a dentist until they reach school age, while others spend their entire childhood never stepping foot inside a dentist’s office.

Each of my children had their first visit to the dentist within a few weeks of cutting their first tooth. Dentists agree that around six months of age is a good time to schedule the first visit. Children who visit the dentist from an early age have fewer problems visiting the dentist later in life, especially if they’re required to undergo forms of cosmetic dentistry, like orthodontics to fix crooked teeth.

Here are 7 things you can do to promote good dental hygiene for your own family members:

Dental hygiene begins when the first tooth is cut, and parents can promote good dental hygiene by letting children chew on soft, clean teething toys. Parents can also wipe their children’s teeth with a soft cloth, and begin using a child-sized toothbrush once the molars cut through.
Brush your teeth together. When children see their parents enjoying the act of brushing their teeth, they will learn to enjoy it as well. Be sure to talk about how good it feels to have a clean mouth and how fresh-smelling it leaves their breath after.
Monitor toothpaste use because using too much toothpaste can be as bad as using too little, especially if the toothpaste is fortified with extra fluoride. Fluoride helps make teeth strong and fights cavities, but too much can stain teeth and cause them to break down. Because small children sometimes swallow the toothpaste, only use a dot about half the size of an adult fingernail.
Flossing is difficult for small children because they do not possess the hand dexterity to hold the floss in the proper way. Because of this, sealants are a good option, as they provide a protective coating over baby molars that are hard to reach. A good gauge of when children are ready to try flossing is when they begin writing legibly without assistance. Because children should see the dentist regularly, you can always ask the office’s dental assistant to show your child the proper way to hold floss for use in cleaning teeth.
Select toothpaste for kids, because grown-up toothpastes often have a strong, minty flavor. Even some brands for children cause the inside of the mouth to sting. While it might be trying to go through the trial and error of finding toothpaste that fits the needs of your family, or having several types on-hand for multiple family members, it’s a small price to pay when compared to the value of a healthy set of teeth.
Kid-friendly dentists are imperative when developing your children’s good dental habits. One bad experience during childhood can lead to a lifetime of dental phobia. Avoiding the dentist’s office has potentially serious consequences, especially if a problem arises that isn’t caught in time for proper treatment.
Good eating habits are also part of good dental health. Children taught from an early age to foster a love of fresh fruits and vegetables, almonds, and drinking plenty of water over unhealthy choices such as sugary sweets and soda pop are more likely to have whiter smiles and healthier teeth and gums.

Consult your family’s dentist for more tips about good oral hygiene and ways to naturally brighten your smiles. You may be able to prevent your children from needing cosmetic dentistry later in life. If anyone in your family has pain, sores that refuse to heal, loose adult teeth, gums that bleed, or any kind of growth inside their mouths, then it’s time to pay a call to the dentist as soon as possible.

This is a guest post by Becky James-Muth, a freelance writer whose interest in dental health for families was inspired for her own family’s dental habits. For her current series of articles on kid’s dentistry and healthy dental tips for families, she sought the help of Dr. Diane Bird, a Vancouver BC dentist. Becky also enjoys bowling, traveling, and gardening.

Photo by newsusacontent

Nickelodeon Floam and Gak Review

Holly — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:04:04 +0000

I was a child growing up in the ’90s. I was raised with Nickelodeon programming (commonly referred to as “good Nickelodeon”) and the words ‘slime’ and ‘Gak’ still bring a nostalgic smile to my face. Well, I guess that smile is nostalgic no more because Gak Is Back and this past weekend, I was able to introduce my two stepdaughters to both Gak and new Nickelodeon Floam. We had an absolute ball!

It is particularly difficult to explain what Gak is, other than saying you have to hold it and play with it for a few minutes to fully understand. But because you’re reading this and I can’t just plop a handful of it into your hand, I can explain by saying it is a stretchy, squishy substance of an incredibly unique and unusual texture that can be squeezed, squashed, stretched, twisted, rolled, and bubbled. But most people’s favorite thing about Gak, especially if you’re a child (or an adult with a child-like sense of humor), is the variety of noises Gak makes when you push it back into its container. Hilarious! Easily a half an hour of fun built right into Gak and the air-tight plastic container it comes packaged in.

Gak is available in six colors with very entertaining names: Rebel Red, You Blue It, Yakkity Yellow, Goo Green, Tickled Pink, and Purple Panic.

Floam is a reusable molding compound whose texture and bright colors make molding infinitely more fun. Floam can be squeezed, squashed, flattened, and sculpted by your little artists for hours of fun with endless possibilities for creation. It can also be molded onto household items like picture frames, flower pots, vases, toys, and anything else you would like to transform into a colorful Floam masterpiece. When you’re done using Floam, squish it back into its air-tight container to reuse or you can leave it out overnight to harden so they can be kept forever.

Floam is also available in six different colors: Rockin’ Red, Blazin’ Blue, Electric Yellow, Glimmer Green, Posh Pink, and Purple Power.

We had so much fun playing with Gak and Floam. My 7-year-old stepdaughter was partial to Gak and she had a blast stretching and bouncing it around the kitchen with her dad, and they played with it for about an hour. My 6-year-old stepdaughter, however, took the concept of sculpting with Floam very seriously, as she does with everything involving arts and crafts. She’s an awesome little artist, and while she played with Floam and Gak for the same hour her sister was having fun with it with her, she kept coming back to the kitchen table to create new works of art with Floam throughout the day, which is pretty much a slam dunk as far as toys that can keep kids occupied go.

Nickelodeon Floam and Gak have both been reformulated for a new generation of families, and their new formula is easier to use and less messy than ever before. They are both non-toxic, non-staining, phthalate-free, latex-free, and BPA-free, and are available at Target, Toys R Us, Bed Bath and Beyond, A.C. Moore, and Walgreens, in addition to their websites, and retail for $6.99 each.

I received Nickelodeon Floam and Gak for review. No other compensation was received, and opinions are my own.

$100 Plato Pet Treats Giveaway [Closed]

Holly — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:01:04 +0000

What should you feed your dog? What’s in your dog treats? All dog owners have to face these questions sooner or later.

Dogs are omnivores. They’ll eat anything (including things that, to us, shouldn’t be edible). The good thing about Plato Pet Treats, and say, your favorite pair of slippers, is how they can contribute to your dog’s health.

Thinker Treats

They use only the best all-natural and organic ingredients that will assist in your pet’s nutritional needs, without any artificial preservatives, meat byproducts, or meals. This truly makes THINKERS the smart treat for your pet, with a taste that will have their tails wagging every time they see the bag.

Original Plato Pet Treats

They come in three flavors: Salmon, Chicken, and Duck.

Natural ingredients, fortified with antioxidant vitamins and zinc
No artificial colors, flavors, synthetic preservatives, or GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)
Naturally preserved
Antioxidant vitamins E and C
No meat byproducts or meals

New! Farmers Market Treats, with Pro-Biotics!

Farmers Market treats are all-natural, made from ingredients grown right here in the good ole US of A, and as fresh as if you’d hand-picked them yourself at the local farmers market. No mystery meats. Mo meal or meat byproducts. No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMO’s (short for–shudder–Genetically Modified Organisms). So next time your dog does one of his favorite tricks, reward him with one of theirs: New Farmers Market pet treats.

Find a Store or buy them online!

Want to treat your dog and win $100 Worth of Pet Treats from Plato Pet Treats? Fill out the form below to enter to win!

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Brought to you by Blog It Forward

5 Ways to Nurture Family Relationships Through Your Pets

Jane — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:57:30 +0000

Having a pet in our home is something that enriches our lives in many different ways. Pets in general provide us with a sense of physical as well as emotional well-being. When a pet joins your family, it is not hard for you to realize that a change occurs in the lives of you and your family members, and in most households, pets are treated as part of the family. At least that’s the case at our house.

The Pleasure of Bonding with Your Pet

It is easy to see that pets encourage love and compassion among human beings. Sometimes we tend to be too mechanical in our relationships with other people, and forget the value of them, but our animals do not. We can spend little or no time with our family and friends when we have busy schedules, but when we have a pet that totally depends on us, things will change. Pets rely on us to care for them, and through this dependence, the bonding between your pet and your family begins.

Pets Cherish Relationships

As you care for your pet, providing for their needs can bring you closer together as a family. Sharing responsibilities can create special feelings with your spouse and children. You also make decisions together about your pet, whether it’s determining what is the best diet for the cat, where the litter box should go, or deciding if cleaning the dog’s teeth at home is right for you. Making these kinds of decisions can be educational and fun.

5 Ways Pets Can Nurture Relationships Within Your Family

When you first bring the puppy or kitty cat home, everybody will be excited and want to hold or play with the newest member of the family. Be sure that each person has time with the animal so they can get to know each other. This may be a good time to even ask for volunteers in taking care of certain things that your pet will need: feeding, giving fresh water, cleaning the litter box, or changing puppy pads.
Proper training of your pet is crucial for both the animal and the family. Everyone can share in learning how to puppy pad train a puppy using wee wee pads, or teach them to go outside to potty.
They can also participate in puppy education classes, and learn the important commands and a few tricks. To graduate from our class, our dog had to correctly respond to two commands and then one trick. We all worked with him, and thankfully, Ranger passed. It was fun practicing, or at least it was for Ranger–he got lots of treats!
Walking your dog or going to a dog park is another way to build relationships. We meet people who have similar interests and always enjoy sharing stories about the kids–both 2-legged and 4-legged ones. We have so many small dogs and kids that live on our cul-de-sac, we can’t decide if we are out there to catch up on the children or the critters!
Get outside and exercise as a family as well. Plan fun games or activities that can include the dog, like throwing a Frisbee, kicking a soccer ball, playing chase, or practicing commands like ‘fetch’, ‘drop it’, ‘come’, or ‘roll over.’ Sometimes the kids enjoy the commands as much as the dog. (We constantly work on the ‘come’ command when I am calling them in for the night.)
You can even participate in shows and events that are in the area. Most communities have shelters or pet stores that will sponsor a dog or cat show for good causes. You’ll definitely meet interesting people and their pets, and may even come away with a prize from time to time. That activity could go on the “family bucket list.”

There’s no more special bond than the one between a child and a pet that grow up together. For those of us who love animals, we have special memories of times spent with our pets, sometimes alone and sometimes as a family. I still have pictures of my first dog, Lady, in the backyard sitting next to me in one of those small inflatable kid swimming pools. I tried to get her to get in with me, but she was content to protect me from dry land!

These special relationships are not just in the movies–they are actually real life and we are better people for having loved a pet, and receiving their unconditional love in return.

Photo by jjgwarren

The Top 3 Ways to Get Your Kids to Cook

Melissa — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:24:43 +0000

As a parent, at times it can be nice to entertain the idea of the kids doing the cooking. Especially after having come home from a hard day at work it’s never very nice knowing that you have to cook a meal for your kids, especially if there’s a chance that they will be ungrateful for it.

Unfortunately, though, you can’t really leave the entire meal preparation to the children, at least not until they reach a certain age and are able to cook on their own. What you can do, however, is get your children involved in the process of meal preparation and teach them basic cooking skills.

The Benefits

Why do this, and what are the benefits for you? Here are some quick ways in which getting your kids to help cook can help you:

If your child is a fussy eater, then getting them to help cook will mean they’ll be happier to eat whatever is being prepared, especially if you let them choose some of the ingredients.
It can be a great way to encourage healthy eating. If you ensure that the dishes you prepare contain enough vegetables and healthy foods, it will set a good example.
It can save you time. At first they may be “more of a hindrance than a help,” as the saying goes, but after a while if you are able to trust them with certain parts of cooking, it can really help to speed things up.
You will be teaching your children necessary skills for when they grow up, from a young age.

Teaching Then the Tools of the Trade

What is the best way to get your children to cook? Unless your child has a natural flare for cooking, they may not necessarily enjoy it, so it may seem hard to get them to take part, especially if they are not used to helping out around the house.

This is the first thing you have to change. If you introduce the idea of them helping you in the kitchen, eventually it will become a customary thing and they won’t complain. This is especially try if you make it fun and interesting. By using their curious nature for learning, it shouldn’t be too hard to achieve if you go about it in the right way.

The second way you can do this is to get the right tools. While you can’t necessarily expect your children to figure out how to use certain tools straight away, especially if they are at all unsafe, you can at least introduce them to the tools. If you are using meat slicers, for example, by showing them the chefs choice meat slicer and other high quality products that you own, you can introduce them to the things they will be using in the future to make things easier. As they grow, they will also become more interested in what tools are available to them, and will be invested in knowing that they are using the best meat grinders and the highest quality tools in the kitchen. Through this, they will understand that it is important to use the best in order to make the best.

Increase the Fun

The third way to get your children active in helping to prepare family meals is also fairly simple–increase the fun they have. This may not necessarily be easy, but a good way of doing it is simply including more people in the process. If you have several kids, then this can be an ideal way of going about this. Simply get a child and their siblings together to make a meal. This way it should be more fun, and as we all know, “many hands make light work.”

Even if you only have one child, then this can still be easily done, and maybe even to a better standard, by getting friends involved. If you tell your child that they are allowed to invite a friend over to help cook, then this will make cooking even more fun for them, meaning they’ll be more than happy to help you in the future. All of this will add up, making it a great way to ground them in healthy eating.

Photo by akiko@flickr

Understanding the Process of Using Egg Donation in Fertility Treatment

Holly — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:02:01 +0000

About 1-in-8 couples of childbearing age experience fertility issues; that makes up about 7.3 million people in the United States alone who have tried to become pregnant unsuccessfully or have experienced a miscarriage. For those couples who are seeking a biological bond with their potential future-child, in vitro fertilization, or “IVF”, has become a widely-utilized fertility treatment. However, IVF is not always successful, and for some couples, may never be successful, even after spending years undergoing several cycles of treatment. For these couples, egg donation becomes the next available course of action.

Using eggs supplied by a donor allows women who lack healthy and viable eggs of their own to become pregnant at a high overall success rate. This treatment option is used most often in women who have already undergone several cycles of in vitro fertilization, who have premature ovarian failure, or elevated FSH levels.

If you are considering undergoing treatment using donated eggs, it is crucial that you understand the process that goes into this specific course of treatment. This process is made up of 7 steps, from the initial consultation to embryo transfer and hormonal supplementation.

The initial consultation is the very first step in the process of seeking IVF using donated eggs. This is the time the woman undergoing the treatment, commonly referred to as the “intended mother,” will have various fertility screenings. The intended parents will also have the opportunity to speak with and be counseled by a fertility specialist on treatment using a donor egg.

The second step of the process is what is called a Mock Cycle, where the health of the intended mother is ensured and she can begin taking hormones to prepare her womb for a mock embryo transfer. This is done so that when she proceeds with receiving a donor egg, it is confirmed that the procedure will go as smoothly as possible. Then it is time for the intended parents to work with an egg donation agency and select a donor.

When a suitable donor is chosen and begins working with the intended parents, the donor and the intended mother’s menstrual cycles are synchronized through the use of hormone therapy. The donor undergoes an egg stimulation cycle for egg retrieval, and if that goes smoothly, the donor’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with the intended father’s sperm. Within the next 24 hours of the fifth step of this process, fertilized eggs within the batch can be identified.

The sixth step of the process is when the embryo transfer takes place. After developing for three-to-five days in an IVF dish, the fertilized embryo is transferred to the intended mother’s uterus. Pregnancy can be confirmed within one week of the transfer. If successful, the intended mother will then receive supplemental hormones for the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy.

Many fertility specialists and treatment centers have developed an extensive list of helpful resources for those who are interested in learning more about fertility issues and treatment. Santa Monica Fertility has their own Santa Monica fertility blog that discusses a myriad of fertility issues, from miscarriage and how it can be prevented, legal aspects of egg donation, and even videos of the IVF process, and more.

The decision to begin the process of fertility treatment is an important and deeply personal one. When gathering information about the process and what it entails, be sure to get your information from a variety of different resources and your counseling directly from trusted and respected fertility specialists.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Santa Monica Fertility. Incentive was provided to me, and opinions are my own.

Photo by pattiesolace

Eat, Play, Love — The Essentials of Infant Life

Chris — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 05:00:31 +0000

Most first-time parents have plenty of concerns to fill up their day (and those sleepless nights.) First, the basics–is my baby eating right? Eating enough? Is this BM the right color? More time is consumed playing detective when baby cries. Is this gas? Hunger? Does this fit the description of colic?

It is common for parents to spend most of the early weeks after birth discussing these issues with each other, with their own parents, with friends, with the friendly grocery store clerk (hey, anybody who will listen, right?), and with the baby’s pediatrician.

Somewhere in the midst of this cycle of worrying, sharing, questioning, and figuring out, parents often forget to set time aside for a very important but less-talked-about aspect of babyhood–play! In later months, babies will force the issue by reaching for, grabbing, and responding to everything in their environment; actions which will constitute their version of play. But younger infants need a little help from the adults they love and trust.

Play in all its forms is vital to infant development and the future abilities and skills that children will exhibit. Need extra motivation to find time between feeding, changing, sleeping, and worrying to play? Read on.

Activate the Senses

Just being a baby is the definition of sensory overload. Playing in ways that enhance sensory development can help baby focus and learn from their new sensations. Playing with any bright object or an object with contrasting colors and patterns really engages a baby’s sense of sight.

If that object has an interesting texture, even better–guide baby to touch and feel the fabric or surface at the same time. Rattles and the human voice are excellent ways to employ a baby’s hearing. Move the object to encourage her to follow the sound while playing on her back or tummy.

Boost Brainpower

Parents are the first to notice the ways in which their baby exhibits intelligence, and each new sign of their increasing “smarts” is a serious thrill. Play is such a boon to this kind of development. Toys that teach cause-and-effect, like a toy that makes noise when you pinch or squeeze it, encourages children to see what happens when they take action.

Form Relationships

Most play that young infants are capable of requires a ton of interaction with their caretaker(s). Whether sitting on a blanket with a big sister, hanging out on dad’s lap, or taking a bottle with Grandma, babies start to form relationships early on through play. Making funny faces and interesting, high-pitched sounds will be interpreted by your baby as an invitation to play.

Watch the baby’s reactions for a smile and to see which faces baby starts to try and mimic first. Play peek-a-boo during clothing changes, with pillows at bedtime, and behind stuffed animals, books, or anything else in the nursery. Babies who get to play with their families feel loved and important, which is a bedrock quality in developing relationships in the future.

One thing I myself did was carry my baby around the neighborhood in a baby carrier. When my daughter was old enough to hold her head (about 3 months), I had her face outward (and yes, it was the same carrier made famous by The Hangover!) That way, not only was she able to see everything near my level, she could also interact with adults by watching their faces and reactions, something that’s hard to do in a stroller, where the baby can only see the knees of adults!

Teach Her to Communicate

Language isn’t just learned–it is absorbed. Although many parents make a concentrated effort to teach words and phrases to babies as soon as they can distinguish the first consonant from their little one, some don’t realize how many valuable language lessons can emerge from simple play.

Singing with your baby is a great start. Repeat songs often so that baby comes to recognize and enjoy both the tune and the subject of the music. Remind older siblings that their baby sister or brother loves to hear their voice and wants to know what they are thinking, seeing, and doing. The more people who talk with and engage the baby, the better her exposure to the language will be.

You don’t need the latest gadgets or videos to help your baby learn from the earliest stages. All you need is bright, contrasting objects, having friends and family interact with them, letting them see the outdoor world form your vantage point, and singing to them–these are all the things you’re probably doing anyway. So relax, and let them play!

Photo by jvnunag

Teaching Our Children the Basics of Responsible Dog Ownership

Mikki — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:00:31 +0000

At some point in every child’s life the inevitable question, “Can we get a dog?” will slip through their adorable little mouths. Likely this will come from watching a fun Disney movie with a cute talking dog, or a friend just showed off pictures of their new doggy. Regardless of what brought those words to the forefront of your child’s mind, you, the parent, need to decide if owning a dog is right for your family.

Growing up, I was the child who frequently begged for that doggy in the window, only to have all dreams shot down with one ‘no’ after another. So when my daughter asked for her first puppy, those painful memories came creeping in, likely impacting my reasoning for saying yes! But influenced or not, that yes came with an expectation–she had to learn responsible dog ownership and understand the lifelong commitment that came with it.

And so began my efforts at helping my daughter learn what it meant to have a puppy.

Understanding a puppy’s needs. The first step was to help my daughter understand exactly what a puppy needed to stay healthy and grow strong. As with most parents, we can list off reasons left and right and most of the time our children will even say ‘okay’, but do they really understand?

Instead of “telling” my daughter, I decided to show her through volunteering at our local shelter on the weekends. We were allowed to come in during feeding time and assist with the morning meals, giving puppies baths, and cleaning up the messy kennels. My daughter was given permission to play with the puppies in the outdoor run as a reward for her hard work. After a few weeks of volunteering, I had no doubt that my daughter truly understood the work involved in owning a puppy; including cleaning up those nasty messes!
Understanding how to train in preparation for a dog. The next step, and quite possibly one of the most important things for children to understand, is the importance of properly training your new puppy so it will grow up obedient and friendly. We researched several dog training websites and talked about the various areas our dog would need to be trained.

Then, we sat down with what we learned and decided on rules and what we both expected from a dog in the house. We had learned that everyone needed to have the same expectations if any kind of training was going to be effective. Then we talked about the supplies we would need to have on-hand for teaching our puppy from the very first day of his or her arrival.

My daughter’s active participation in this conversation gave me confidence that she was ready to put forth the effort required to care for a dog through thick and thin.
Selecting the right dog for us. The next thing we did was really break down various characteristics of different dog breeds and what they brought to the table. She mentioned that we liked to sit around the house a lot and maybe shouldn’t get a dog that wants to run all day. I mentioned that she has lots of little toys she treasures so we might want to consider a dog that won’t chew so much after they get older.

Back and forth we outlined traits that fit with our family and traits that did not until we finally narrowed down the breeds that best fit out lifestyle and expectations.
Choosing a training method. The fourth thing we considered was how we planned to train our new puppy. Considering time availability, my daughter’s social skills, and my level of interest in bringing someone to my home, we decided on utilizing dog training forums instead of bringing a person in one-on-one.

In our time volunteering at the local shelter, my daughter had the opportunity to work with the trainers there and we were both very confident in teaching our new puppy all the basics of good manners.
Getting our puppy! We spent about 6 months preparing for this moment, and I have to say, my excitement was just as big as my daughter’s. I had helped her understand how important it was to provide proper care and how to teach her puppy good manners. Now it was time to get our puppy and for us, we knew right where to look–the local shelter!

Teaching our children responsible dog ownership in a way that sticks doesn’t have to be a mind-grilling task. With a little creativity, you can gauge your child’s interest and motivate them to learn.

What are some other ways you can think of for teaching responsible ownership? Perhaps you’ve recently brought home a new pet as well. I’m curious to hear what you think.

Photo by terrie.zeller

What to Know About Platinum Before Your Next Precious Jewelry Purchase

Holly — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:32 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Platinum Guild International USA. All opinions are 100% mine.

When most people think about platinum jewelry, they think of three things: beautiful, elegant, and unaffordable. However, for the first time in recent history, the price of gold per ounce has actually risen higher than that of platinum. This means that when you choose to purchase a piece of precious platinum jewelry, you are receiving something that is of the best possible quality and will therefore last the longest amount of time. The price of platinum, when combined to other precious metals by ounce and value, means that platinum jewelry is now more attainable for more people than ever before.

This news about platinum jewelry should downright delight anyone who is currently in the midst of searching high and low for the perfect engagement ring, anniversary ring, or wedding band. Of course the same is true of any type of platinum jewelry, whether it’s a ring, necklace, bracelet, or even a watch, but I want to focus on engagement and anniversary rings and wedding bands because these are arguably the most treasured and important pieces of jewelry a person will ever own, and because of this significance, you really want to be sure that these pieces will in fact last a lifetime.

My partner and I have discussed the possibility of marriage being in our future on several occasions throughout the past few years. We are planners and it is our shared mindset that everything warrants a lengthy discussion. Throw in an incredibly huge decision like getting married and, well, we have had several discussions spanning over several years. These discussions eventually went on to include browsing a myriad of different websites for ideas on what I would like in an engagement ring, as well as the variety of options that are available for matching, appropriate wedding bands for the both of us. When you begin to look at rings, it is impossible not to take notice of the price tag. You may even choose to browse through a website’s inventory of rings by lowest price first or narrow down your search to eliminate options that aren’t in your preferred price range altogether. When you do this, you will see that gold and white gold rings appear much higher in your search results sporting a cheaper price tag. That is what I have taken away from the experience of looking for engagement ring options online, anyway. That is until I found out what really comes with that lower price.

Did you know that because white gold is created by adding an allow mix to pure yellow gold that removes its yellow color and creates the white look that it eventually needs to be re-dipped to retain that white color? I sure didn’t, until now! In fact, it is said that white gold jewelry could need to be re-dipped up to once or twice a year. Engagement rings and wedding bands are worn every single day throughout the length of a marriage and everyday wear can lead to gold being scratched and slivers of metal being lost. Eventually, these rings may need to be re-shanked or re-tipped to prevent the ring from breaking. That sure is a lot of added expense for a white gold ring that at first had the more attractive price tag.

Platinum is the densest precious metal; it is 40% denser than 18K gold and 60% denser than 14K gold, which makes it the most secure setting for a diamond or any other stone. This precious metal is also naturally white and will never fade or change color. An added benefit of its pure color is that if the ring holds a diamond or colored gemstone, it won’t cast any color onto it or take any attention away from the beauty of that center stone.

If you are searching for that picture perfect ring, or any other gorgeous piece of jewelry that is sure to be beloved, the quality and attributes of platinum will give you the added peace of mind that it will look just as beautiful and be just as strong 50 years from now as it is today. Plus, the incredible value of platinum now doesn’t hurt one bit, either.

5 Ways to Increase Your Chances of a Natural Delivery

Melissa — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:00:37 +0000

There is no doubt that cesarean sections are on the rise. The increased number is rather alarming, even to the medical field. While there are certain circumstances that a C-section is the best option, it isn’t always the case.

There was a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine which shows that at least 1/3 of cesarean sections are carried out before 39 weeks, which is too early. This will put a newborn at a higher risk for health issues.

While there are several C-sections performed for medically sound reasons, this same study found that at least half of them are elective, or optional surgical births. At the very least, some C-sections can be prevented, with a little effort during pregnancy and labor.

So, let’s take a look at what you can do to increase your chances of a natural child birth.

Choose your physician with care.
The doctor you choose to guide you through the pregnancy and delivery of your baby will be a key factor in how your delivery goes. Interview doctors and ask important questions, such as their percentage of natural births compared to C-sections. Anything below 10% is considered a low rate.

Another area of consideration when choosing a provider is where they have privileges at and where you would be delivering the baby. The hospital should also be checked out, as their policies for labor and birth will also affect your experience.

Do some diligent research on the provider, as well as the hospital before making your choice on who you want to trust for the best possible care for both you and your baby.
Utilize various treatments for back pain.
Treating the back pain that often comes with pregnancy can actually increase your chances of having a natural child birth, according to Dr. Elliot Berlin of Berlin Wellness Group. He states that back, hip, and pelvic pain can be a result of tight muscles, or restrictive bone that is not properly adjusting to the pregnancy, which can lead to problems on the day of delivery.

Dr. Berlin goes on to say that various available treatments can open up pelvic bones and relax the pelvic musculature, which can maximize your chance of a natural and safe delivery.

Some of those treatments are:
- Chiropractic Treatments — This can include therapeutic exercises.
- Yoga — Yoga helps to stretch muscles that tighten due to hormonal changes.
- Therapeutic Massage — Massage can help with anxiety, muscle restriction, and circulation.
- Acupuncture — Prenatal acupuncture can help to ease back pain.
When you can ease the pains and tensions that can be associated with pregnancy, it will also help your chances in delivering your new baby naturally. In fact, I am currently working with a chiropractor in Phoenix Arizona on a series of articles on back pain in pregnancy.
Knowledge is power.
Learn as much as you can about pregnancy and child birth, as the “education” you get will be the most powerful tool you have. I personally research everything on the internet, and love the ability to learn so much at my fingertips.

However, there are also classes available, which will place you in touch with others going through the same process, and you just may learn more from their questions. The more you learn, the more armed you will be in making the right choice for you and your baby.
Avoid inducing if possible.
Inducing increases your chances of a C-section, especially if it’s your first delivery. Talk to your physician about avoiding induction to see what your options are, if they are promoting it. Just keep in mind, sometimes it is the best option.

Elective inductions to fit your schedule or your doctor’s schedule should be avoided, especially if you do not want a C-section. You might as well get used to the idea that your schedule won’t ever be your own again and it might as well start with the birth.
Have help during labor.
Having someone in the room with you helping you through the labor process can help relieve some of the anxiety that goes along with labor and delivery. If that can be diminished at all, it will help the entire process to go more smoothly. This could be a loved one or someone professionally trained in labor coaching.

All of the above information can help increase your odds for a natural delivery. However, it is best to consult your physician with any decision or question you might have. They are accustomed to new moms-to-be asking questions and a good doctor should be prepared to answer them all.

In closing, it’s a common belief that natural child birth, in a relatively healthy pregnancy, is less risky than a C-section, both for mom and baby. It’s also an easier recovery period for most women. Of course, there will be exceptions, just as with anything else. However, the steps above might help you deliver in the manner of your choice.

Photo by holding graz

The Staycation: The Cure for the Seasonal Blahs

Karen — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:45 +0000

My sister and her children anxiously await spring and summer vacations every year, counting down the days to freedom from homework, packed lunches, and bus schedules. My sister dreams of the euphoric days she plans to spend with her children, reading, cooking, and crafting together.

Inevitably, though, her dreams fade about two weeks after summer break starts and reality sets in. The kids sleep in until 10, leave bowls of cold cereal all over the kitchen, and spend the days whining that they’re bored.

Last year, she decided to try something new: the staycation. The staycation is not a new concept, especially in recent years as fuel prices have climbed while our wallets have shrunk. But turns out, it was the perfect solution to her mid-summer angst. My sister’s week-long staycation cost less than a weekend away, and her kids are still talking about it.

Think you’d like to try staycationing? Read on for some tips and advice on creating the perfect vacation at home:

Schedule some special events with the neighborhood kids. Host a slumber party or water party in the backyard. These activities don’t require a lot of time or money, but they rank high in a kid’s memory. Buy some water guns, water balloons, and a box of popsicles, and you’ve just created a fabulous afternoon for less than $20.
Don’t forget the food. Great food is a mandatory part of every vacation, including a staycation. Make homemade pizzas and root beer floats one night and fondue the next. Or order Chinese and sit on cushions on the floor to eat it. Eat dinner at an old-fashioned pizzeria, burger joint, or barbecue. Set up a safe outdoor lp gas fire pit with slate top or wood-burning fire pit furniture set and dine al fresco.
Spend the day at the zoo. Or better yet, sign up for classes. Many zoos and museums offer classes for all ages during the summers. Libraries also offer great summer programs, or check out the offerings at your community’s cultural event center.
Put on a play. On one spring break, my siblings and I produced our version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. We spent several weeks devising costumes from odds and ends we found around the house and painted cardboard cutouts for props. We invited the entire neighborhood to our backyard performance.
Dump the technology for a few days. Turn off the computer, television, video games, and iPods, and focus on old-fashioned fun. Play boardgames, bat a few balls at a nearby baseball field, or go for a bike ride.
Remember the “night games?” Many children used to play games outdoors until the last embers of sunlight faded. If your kids have never participated in this childhood ritual, it’s time to introduce them. Try old favorites like “Kick the Can”, “No Bears Out Tonight”, and “Hide and Seek.”
Do nothing. When you’ve had your fill of activity, hang around. Read stories together, take a nap, lay on the grass and watch the clouds. Make some popcorn and watch a movie together on the couch.
Make sure your boss and clients know you’re on vacation. In fact, it’s probably better not to mention that you plan to spend the week at home lounging around the house. The last thing you want is a bunch of frantic emails and phone calls from work. They’ll survive until you get back.

So when spring and summer come around, avoid the long airport lines and expensive hotels, and vacation at home. You’ll make memories without breaking the budget, and find a vacation that is truly relaxing. Your kids will thank you!

Photo by AdrienneMay

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Why Cord Blood Banking? The Pros and Cons of the Important Issue Facing Expecting Parents Today that Could Potentially Save a Child’s Life

Holly — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:03:27 +0000

Expecting parents are positively overwhelmed by information from internet searches, books, pamphlets, research, studies, speculation, and sworn-by testimony regarding anything and everything having to do with the soon-to-be tiny new addition to their household. From the very moment the pregnancy test comes back positive, expecting parents are faced with information overload while having to make crucial decisions regarding their child before they are even brought into the world. As medical advancements continue to be made, parents are expected to be informed, know to request certain information, and ultimately make decisions about a myriad of different issues that will affect their child.

One of the more recent issues facing expecting parents today that has received a ton of press and attention is the option of banking umbilical cord blood. This decision can become a difficult one to make when you begin doing research on the topic, and also must be made well before the child is born.

Umbilical cord blood banking is the preservation of the blood and stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord at the time of birth. It is then stored in a bank for potential future use to treat a variety of different illnesses and diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and metabolic disorders.

Usually when we hear about stem cells being used to treat illnesses, they are debates laced in controversy. We know for a fact that stem cells work in treatment, but just like most other medical advances, it has its critics. However, stem cells that are found in cord blood are considered to be free of controversy since the act of preserving them does not hurt, harm, or pose any threat to the child whatsoever and would in fact be discarded anyway. Many expecting parents have become in-favor of banking their baby’s cord blood, and the reason as to why is really quite simple: anyone would undoubtedly do whatever they could to protect the health of their child.

When a friend of mine was pregnant with her first son, as part of her baby shower registry, she included an option for people to donate to her family’s fund for private cord blood banking. If you plan on banking your baby’s cord blood for future personal or family use, I think it’s really smart to reach out to friends and family as part of your baby shower registry in order to realistically be able to make this investment. The reason for this is because private banks cost money, and it may be more than you’re planning on spending. Typically, private cord blood banks charge a large initial processing fee, which can range from $595 to nearly $2,000. In addition to that fee, you are then charged an annual storage fee which runs around $95 a year.

When you choose to privately bank your baby’s cord blood, you pay an annual fee in order to keep it stored and available for you and your family if your child or a sibling should ever need it to help treat an illness.

Alternatively, you may choose to donate your baby’s cord blood to a public bank where anyone in need of a transplant could use it, or it may be used for research purposes. That isn’t to say that there wouldn’t be compatible cord blood available to your child if they did at some point need a transplant because they would also have access to the public bank.

Cord blood banking and donation is an intensely important and personal decision that every family must carefully weigh the pros and cons of with the help of their team of doctors before the birth of their child. Whether it’s public donation or private banking, we are certainly making tremendous medical strides in using stem cells to eradicate illness and disease in our children.

Photo by cvrcak1

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Planning Chores for Kids: When to Start

Jane — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:51 +0000

I grew up on a farm and chores were not something to be assigned, but rather, an every day part of life. Children in a farm family learn very early on, as my mother says, see what needs to be done and do it. The success or failure of the farm, and ultimately, the survival of the family, depends on everyone working together.

As a mom living in suburbia, though, I’m not always sure at what age to assign chores and which assignments to give. However, I’m learning that even very young children can contribute. I’ve noticed that my young kids, more than anything else, just want to be near me. If I’m dusting the furniture, all I have to do is give them a dust cloth and they’ll “help.” I finally bought a small, functional vacuum that was light enough for my children to use because they always wanted to help vacuum.

As children get older, their enthusiasm for chores wears off, and it’s tempting to let them off the hook. Not a good idea. I used to think it was my duty to give my kids a comfortable, easy life. I’ve since learned that it’s my job to train them to be responsible, contributing adults. As Dear Abby once said, “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some weight on their shoulders.”

A Few Chores Kids (of All Ages) Can Do

Ages 3 to 5

Begin making their bed
Dust the furniture
Feed and water pets (with supervision)
Put away laundry
Take non-breakable dishes to the dishwasher

Ages 5 to 8

Run the vacuum
Rake and bag leaves
Take care of/train the dog (use the best puppy training pads to make house training easier)
Wipe kitchen counters
Put silverware away (take the knives out first)

Ages 9 to 12

Load dishwasher and clean kitchen
Sweep and mop the floor
Walk the dog; help with cleaning the dog’s teeth
Clean bathrooms and toilets
Fold laundry
Clean windows

Ages 12 and up

Cook simple meals
Help with the lawn mower
Do laundry from start to finish
Care for younger siblings

Of course, every child is different and you’ll need to make decisions based on your individual child. Teach children how to accomplish each task and don’t expect perfection for a while. Express your appreciation sincerely, and point out how hard they worked. The goal is to help children develop pride in themselves for a job well done, rather than expecting an external reward.

Photo by jjgwarren

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Giving a Lifelong Gift to Your Children–Music!

Mikki — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:00:59 +0000

If you are like me, you often wonder what the best gift is for your children. I want to give them what they want, but it also needs to be practical. And, if it could be educational, that would be an added bonus.

Personally, I am growing weary of all the commercial stuff that they play with for a few minutes and then set down. Have you ever noticed that when kids are really young, they are often more entranced with the box your gift comes in rather than the toy itself? It’s because they are tapping into their imagination. Children are full of imagination. If they are playing with the box more than the toy, it’s probably because they can and want to create.

They can also do this with music.

The Gift of Music

Music can be a lifelong gift. For instance, if they learn how to play piano, they can play now as they learn and also as an adult to unwind from the daily stresses. The same can’t be said about a toy truck.

Most kids already have an appreciation for music long before we encourage it. I agree with William Stafford who once said, “Kids: They dance before they learn there is anything that isn’t music.”

Before my son could walk or talk, he paid attention to certain commercials when the TV was on. I soon realized it was the music of particular commercials that turned his little head and captivated him. This was true for both of my children, so I know Mr. Stafford is spot on with his assessment.

While it appears that children have a knack for introducing themselves to music, I believe that we have the responsibility to officially introduce them to it, if we want them to learn.

Introducing Music

I have done some research on how to introduce my children to music, because I see the value in it for various reasons, such as:

Improves concentration
Instills discipline and structure
Increases learning skills
Lifelong enjoyment
Stress reliever

Any one of the reasons listed above is enough for me to want to expose my children to music, and encourage them to learn a skill within it.

One way to introduce them to the joys of music is to simply listen to it often. Turn the TV off and put in a CD they would enjoy. This is a great time to do some arts and crafts, something fun that they can relate music to, rather than homework or chores.

You can also dance when you put some fun music on. Just last night my son and I danced together, and he loved it. He started singing while we were dancing, and it all stemmed from turning the music on and taking a break from cleaning up after dinner.

Keeping the Interest Alive

If you want to keep this gift alive, there are some tricks that I believe can work. First, find out what instruments they are drawn to, such as piano, flute, or guitar. If they are preschool age, buy them a toy instrument of whatever is drawing their interest.

Next, try to find a spot in the house that can be a dedicated ‘music room.’ Decorate it in their favorite musical items. For example, if they really like a certain musician, get some posters.

Also, let them play the music they like when practicing. It will help to hold their interest much longer, rather than a song they have no desire to play again.

I recently read something from Mrs. Rufina Gorin, Musical Director of the Gorin School of Music, which I completely agree with. She stated, “Any study requires focus, discipline, and consistent practice, and if a child does not possess these qualities and is not willing to develop them on their own, the result should not be ‘to drop the study’ but to help the child to develop them. These are qualities that will lead to success not just in music but in many other realms of life.”

Choosing the Instrument

If your child is older, then let them choose their own. You could lightly encourage them, but if it’s chosen for them it just might backfire.

However, if the children are young, bring instruments into the house. I am thinking of doing this now, as my kids are still too young to make that choice. So, I am leaning towards a piano, which is something the entire family can use.

I am hoping that as I learn to read piano music and play, they will pick up on it as well. At the very least, it will introduce them to music, as well as an instrument.

The piano is a wonderful instrument for the entire family for the following reasons:

It’s an instrument that can be shared with others
It provides a source for relaxation
The entire family can join in with singing along for parties
Two people can play at the same time
Great introduction to other instruments

Piano happens to be my favorite, so this is an easy choice for me. If my children appreciate it and want to take it up, it’s already there. If they choose something else later on, I will also encourage that.

If you are unsure, just pay attention to what your kids are drawn to and talk to them about it.

I believe that music is very important to a child’s development. So, I hope I have given you some ideas on how to best introduce your child to a wonderful, lifelong gift.

Photo by LauraReaux

Why You Should Consider Adopting a Rescue Dog

Jane — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:35:55 +0000

I have a dear friend in Connecticut that was with me on my last scuba diving trip. It was the first time I had seen her in several years, and we enjoyed catching up. Since I am such an animal lover, she knew the first thing I would want to know about were her dogs. I asked her if I could share her story, because it represents so much of what we all go through when we have pets: joy, routine, heartbreak, and the decision to go through it all again!

Lily’s Story

I had Max, my Shih-Tzu/Maltese mix, for almost 16 years when he passed away. Life felt empty without him following me around the house, barking at people walking down the street, even sleeping next to me on the bed. I was sad.

Initially, I thought I would wait quite a while before getting another dog. Then I thought about what I had with Max. We had bonded. It was then I realized that my love for Max didn’t end when he took his last breath. It was still very much alive and there were thousands of other dogs who deserved loving homes. I wasn’t replacing Max by getting another dog. I was spreading the joy and love he brought into my life.

I decided to get another dog about three weeks after Max passed. I wanted a rescue. As I scanned Petfinder for my new dog, I came across a two-year-old red-headed Sheltie mix named Foxy. She had been rescued by a woman who found her in a shelter, pregnant, and about to be euthanized. The woman had taken her into foster care, helped Foxy have her puppies, and now Foxy was ready for a forever home.

Two weeks later, Foxy rode a pet transport up the East Coast with other dogs who had found families in New England. She was home. The first thing I noticed was she had energy. Compared to Max, who had slowed down considerably in his last few years, Foxy was ready to power a city with all her extra energy!

That first weekend we must have gone on 10 or 12 walks just trying to get her to calm down. One of my friends who had owned a string of Shelties told me she would settle in. She was right. Foxy settled into a routine, but still needed hours of attention playing ball, taking walks–it was as if she was making up for lost time. Pretty soon, it became clear Foxy needed a friend.

Going back to Petfinder’s website, I spotted Murphy, also at a Tennessee rescue. He was blonde, naturally bob-tailed, and I fell in love. Murphy traveled north on the pet transport soon thereafter.

To say Murphy is unique is an understatement. He has scraggly teeth, a slightly under-slung jaw, the ears of a terrier, a blue and pink tongue, and, as the vet said, resembles an ottoman with legs. He also has a heart of gold. He and Foxy have been fast friends ever since they laid eyes on each other that February day four years ago.

Max had been paper-trained, which was convenient for me. I didn’t have to worry about rushing home to take him outside if I was a bit late coming home from work; he would just go on the newspaper we put down.

I had the idea we could train our new dogs the same way. Instead of using newspaper, I would going to buy wee wee pads, which seemed more sanitary with their plastic backing. At first, Foxy and Murphy had other ideas about using the pads–they rarely went on them, preferring to hold it until I got home. Had they been puppies when we adopted them–like Max was–they may have taken to the pads earlier. But I eventually won the battle!

Murphy definitely needed some assistance in the dental department. His teeth were atrocious! Brushing was impossible. Then I saw some Greenies for dogs at the pet supply. “Are Greenies good for dogs?” I wondered, as I looked over the ingredients. As a stop-gap measure–until he would let me actually brush his teeth–I decided to buy a bag. He gobbled it up and wanted more. Murphy loves to eat–anything.

Would I recommend getting a rescue dog instead of buying a dog from a breeder? Absolutely! I am so glad I could save an animal from being euthanized. And the costs were reasonable, especially when the puppy was brought to me. The adoption fee was about $400 each, including transportation, spay and neuter, shots, and a vet check. That was all done before they came home.

Foxy and Murphy are the most loving dogs I have ever met. Foxy loves to sit on my lap, give hugs, and have me kiss the top of her head. I cannot figure out why she ended up in a shelter! Murphy, who turned out to be a Shih Tzu/Australian Shepherd, or “Shihtzulian Shepherd” as I call him, is a natural clown, a dog’s dog who is enjoying the good life. Max would be proud!

Photo by jjgwarren

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Wedding Invitations Don’t Have to Be a Nightmare — Personalize Your Own at Hello!Lucky

Holly — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:50:25 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hello!Lucky. All opinions are 100% mine.

Every time I think of the stress that accompanies finding the perfect wedding invitations and making sure they show up on time and without error, I think of an episode of Gilmore Girls. Granted, I can very well compare most of life’s events to an episode of Gilmore Girls because I am one of those obnoxious fan types, but bear with me here. In this particular episode, Sookie’s wedding invitations arrive at the inn she works at with Lorelai. When Lorelai brings them into the kitchen, Sookie immediately begins to rip open the box, eager to see them while excitedly telling Lorelai how they are pearly white with a beautiful lavender stripe and how she is going to love them. When she sees them, however, her name is misspelled, so it reads that “Susie St. James” is getting married. Sookie’s immediate reaction is to declare “I’m gonna choke somebody by the neck until brains ooze out of their ears.” When she calls the company’s customer service line, she goes completely ballistic, saying “How dare you do this to me! You’re ruining my wedding! It’s the most important day of my life! It’s my life, it’s not Susie St. James, are you listening to me?”

Yeah, that is a whole lot of stress and something no one wants to have to go through, especially when there is practically no time in between the time your wedding invitations arrive and when they need to be sent out to guests.

Avoiding a spelling error is just one of the benefits I see in personalizing your own wedding stationery online. Another great benefit of the right online retailer is the variety. Not everyone is looking for the standard, conventional wedding invitation that can be seen featured by traditional wedding supply retailers, so the fact that online retailers have a mix of classy and contemporary, out-of-the-box styles is only a good thing. Of course, finding the right online retailer can be a challenge.

Hello!Lucky has an awesome selection of unique and memorable cards and stationary for all occasions, especially for weddings, and include save-the-date cards and invitations to your big day. They also carry RSVP cards, place cards for your tables, menu cards, and more.

What I was really happy to see on their website is that Hello!Lucky offers 3 free samples of their invitations. Buying anything online also comes with a certain bargain, one that no bride-to-be is willing to make when it comes to the specifics of her wedding day. You want to know exactly what you are getting, and the fact that you can receive 3 separate samples of stationary to ensure the quality meets your standards is really great.

All of Hello!Lucky’s cards and invitations are customizable, but it’s often difficult to know how to start. For this reason, Hello!Lucky also has a wide range of wedding invitation wording examples regardless of how formal or informal your event is. You can use these examples on your invitations or simply use them as a jumping off point and inspiration for your own words.

If you’re looking for wedding stationary or even greeting cards, birth announcements, birthday cards, thank you cards, or more, check out Hello!Lucky and don’t forget to come back here and tell us what your favorite designs are!

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