Monday, March 26, 2012

Quotations to inspire mother's

I was looking through my mail and this article got my attention. Quotes to inspire frazzled mother's. Some made me smile and some made me laugh. Here are a few that i loved!!!


29. No one ever died from sleeping in an unmade bed. ~ Erma Bombeck

39. Mother – that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. ~ T. DeWitt Talmage

49. You know you’re a mother when your child throws up and you run to catch it before it hits the rug. ~ Unknown

69. If you have children, the demands made upon you during the first hour of the morning can make the job of an air traffic controller seem like a walk in the park. ~ J. Wurtman

Here is the link to the article http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/69-quotations-to-inspire-frazzled-mothers

Hope you enjoy it as much as i did. Remember we all have our bad days. Don't get discouraged and know that even though you don't see or feel it you are doing the best you can and every mother feels this way from time to time. We as women need to help others through these moments.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Decluttering

 I was doing my annual decluttering of the house this week. There were 3 areas that i found the most clutter. My cupboards, bedroom closets and bookcases. Here are my guidelines for decluttering these areas.

Kitchen cupboards:
- Go through all you kitchen cupboards, one at a time of course, and you will be amazed at what you find that can be thrown out or donate. When I cleaned mine out not too long ago, I  found spices that were expired. This will also help your organization which you can do as you declutter.

Bedroom Closets:
 -  If you haven't worn it in awhile or it doesn't fit get rid of it.    I am always amazed at the clothes I get rid of when I clean out my closets!

Bookcases - I have a tendency to keep books that i read and never read again.  Also, go through knickknacks, papers, magazines, or anything else filling up those bookcases. I also do this with movies and Cd's and get rid of the ones i no longer need.

My rule if I'm not going to read it, watch it, use it, or listen to it, it gets donated!! I give to different organizations near my home. I think it's awesome to help others in need! Another thing i do with my son's old clothes, books, and toys is have swaps with other moms in my area. This a big help and you can get items that you need also!

The rest of the house is a piece of cake once you have decluttered these areas. Once you have everything decluttered and organized, get everyone to keep everything in its place and your home will remain organized.

Monday, February 27, 2012

My weight loss strategy



As the New Year begins people make the resolution to lose weight! This is a resolution that I myself have committed to. I have found several products from The Wellness Company that are helping me with my weight loss goal. I am using these great products to help with my workout routine.

 Attain® with Crave Blocker® Shake —Milk Chocolate
~ Naturally reduces hunger cravings with patent pending Crave Blocker®

~ Blocks cravings by naturally suppressing the hunger signals that come from your stomach and your brain

~ Contains no caffeine, other stimulants or hormones

I use this as a start to my day. Breakfast is hard becaus i'm always on the go so i take this with me.
Access® Exercise Bars – Chocolate Coconut Kraze
~ Access stored body fat faster

~ Increase endurance with less fatigue and soreness

Tastes better than any protein bar i have ever tired. I have so much energy when i use these that my workouts are easier. I feel more energized after my workouts thanks to the kraze bars.

SplasH2O™ - Raspberry
~ A sugar-free, zero-calorie drink mix that’s deliciously light and refreshing

~ A healthy alternative to high-calorie, high-sugar drinks like juice and soda

I love the flavors of this drink ! It is much better than other sports drinks.

I use these products for my everyday eating routine. The whole grains help keep me full and I do less snacking.

Simply Fit™ Crackers —Harvest Grain

~Satisfies your snack attack with a smarter choice

~ Made with 10 whole grains and seeds

~ Made with organic ingredients


Simply Fit™ Microwave Popcorn – Natural Butter 

~ Fresh and delicious gourmet flavor

~ 24 grams of whole grains per serving

~ 100% organic certified

Overall I love these products! They are made from whole grains or are organic. I am trying to also eat healthier and these taste great and are good for you. I have not found one that I haven’t enjoyed.

Octopus Craft




Materials
  • Single glove
  • Needle and thread
  • Dry rice
  • Hot glue
  • Large pom-pom
  • Buttons
  • Wire
  • Ribbon
  • Felt


Instructions
1 .First, tuck the thumb inside the glove and use a needle and thread to sew it shut. Fill the glove with dry rice, or dry beans than tuck the cuff inside.
2. Stitch all along the cuff's edge, then pull the thread tightly to close the top.

3. Sew or hot-glue a large pom-pom to the top of the glove. At the base of the octopus -- where the glove's fingers attach to the palm -- pinch the sides together and sew a few stitches to hold them, as shown. This will help make the body rounder..
4. Attach buttons to the undersides of the four fingers with hot glue. Sew or hot-glue on button eyes and a felt mouth.

Other things you can add are

~Make earrings by threading stacks of buttons onto pieces of wire.

~Tie ribbon around the pom-pom for a head scarf

~Add a felt brim to the pom-pom for a hat.


Monday, February 6, 2012

Toxic Brew Alert - Are YOU causing your baby to be sick?

by Hero Mom
http://www.hero-mom.blogspot.com/

Harmful Household Cleaner Chemicals
I recently watched a video about toxins in our cleaning supplies and I was surprised and appalled at what the video revealed. (see below)


It is amazing to me that so many of the products that manufacturers claim are safe for children are filled with harmful chemicals or pesticides.  My recent article on Bleach No More : A Safer Alternative for Your Bathroom highlights the harmful effects of Clorox.

Toxic Household Products
I have made it my life's mission to find healthier cleaning products and also spread the news about harmful chemicals that affect our children. I decided to do more research on another well known household cleaner that I have used whenever I was sick or my kids were sickIf you have a child with asthma and/or upper respiratory problems please pay attention.


Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 Alert
Did you know that many product manufacturers are now using the CPSIA (CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETYIMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008)!


Ethanolamine
According to wikipedia, CPSIA is a general law that imposes new testing and documentation requirements, and sets new acceptable levels of several substances. As of 2008, manufactures that produce apparel, shoes, personal care products, accessories and jewelry, home furnishings, bedding, toys, electronics and video games, books, school supplies, educational materials and science kits are under stricter guidelines.

The Act also increases fines and specifies jail time for some violations. This includes stricter guidelines on products with high lead content. Although the act focuses more on products for children not cleaning products - because kids do not use cleaning products.

LYSOL
For example, LYSOL® Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner ingredients include: (for full listing click on link) displays the CPSIA on the other domain that lists all the ingredients of their products.

Water, Diluent, Ethanolamine, Phenoxyisopropanol, Lauramine Oxide, Fragrance / Parfum Fragrance Alkyl (67% C12, 25% C14, 7% C16, 1% C8-C10-C18) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides,Dipropylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides,Ethanol.


I will pick one of the ingredients to show YOU that it is not safe (please note, most likely it is stated that the level of Ethanolamine in the product is not strong enough to be toxic.)

According to the Dept. of Labor, Ethanolamine (aka Ethylolamine) could cause irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory system; drowsiness; cough, sore throat, shortness of breath; headache; eye redness, pain, burns; skin redness, pain, severe deep burns; INGES ACUTE: abdominal pain, burning sensation; shock or collapse.

Toxic Brew
Do you know what the ingredients in your cleaning products mean?
The definition of ethanolamine is a clear colorless liquid with an odor resembling that of ammonia. Flash point 185°F. May attack copper, brass, and rubber. Corrosive to tissue. Moderately toxic. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion.

I urge you to watch the Toxic Brew video and I will continue to update you on harmful products and how they affect your environment and the safety of your children. 

I am here to help you. I would be happy to research any of your household products or help you find a safer alternative, please email me at beth_wells608@yahoo.com There is no charge for my help. I am doing this because I care.


Friday, January 13, 2012

Events in Westchester and Manhattan

There are many activities to do for Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend. I was looking and this one i think would be the most fun to do!

Jan 14 2012

A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Central Library
11:30am - 2:30pm
Where: 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica NY
Cost: Free
Contact: 718-990-5114
Website: http://www.queenslibrary.org
Ages: All ages
Add to cal: GoogleYahooiCal/Outlook

Look for more activities at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. They have many different activities for children. They teach many differnt things my son loves theses kind of activities!
January 19th 2012

Tech for Tots: Learning with Sounds
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
1:00pm - 2:30pm
When:Thu, 2012-01-19 13:00 - 14:30
Where: 550 Madison Avenue, New York NY
Cost: Free
Contact: (212) 833-8100
Website: http://sonywondertechlab.com/pe-calendar.html
Ages: 4-6
Add to cal: GoogleYahooiCal/Outlook

Do you hear what I hear? Children explore some of the basic functions of the computer and discover different sounds that they hear every day. 







Monday, January 9, 2012

Activities in the Westchester/Manhattan areas

You should make time to go see the train show at the Botanical Gardens. I loved it! The  buildings and flowers are amazing!


November 19, 2011 - January 16, 2012

Holiday Train Show



Holiday Train Show regular pricing
Adults: $20
Students/Seniors: $18
Children 2-12: $10
Children under 2: Free
Members: Free


This looks like a very fun activity for children. I plan to take my son!
January 12th 2012

Sesame Street: Happy Healthy Monsters Screening
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
12:00pm - 12:45pm
When:Thu, 2012-01-12 12:00 - 12:45
Where: 550 Madison Avenue, New York NY
Cost: Free
Contact: (212) 833-8100
Website: http://sonywondertechlab.com/pe-childrens_screenings.html
Ages: All ages
Add to cal: GoogleYahooiCal/Outlook
Join Elmo, Zoe, Grover and friends as they jump into shape and learn the importance of eating healthy snacks, moving their bodies, and getting plenty of rest. With the help of celebrity guest stars Andy Richter, Fred Willard, Wyclef Jean and India Arie, children learn to be healthy while having fun! Join us after the screening for our Family Workshop: Happy Healthy New Year.


Here is a link to mommy poppins.com
http://mommypoppins.com/

Here is a link to things to do in the Hudson Valley
http://hudsonvalley.ettractions.com/destination/133/

Here is a link to activities in the westchester area just clink on your town!!
http://www.westchestertowns.com/htm/lnk/Link0022.html

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Bleach no more....a safer alternative for your bathroom!

workingmom.com pic
Since I gave birth to my son, I have become more concerned and aware of toxins and chemicals in cleaning products. I am sure all Moms feel the same way I do so I did some research.

I am tired of using products full of chemicals, especially bleach for several reasons, I have to wear gloves, run to a well ventilated room so that I don't breathe in the smell and worry about how it affects me and my son.

Toxic Bathroom Cleaner Cartoon
One of the products I use is Clorox and this is what I discovered on their website:

Clorox Ingredients: The first of many ingredients listed on the Clorox website is Sodium Hypochlorite with a definition from the manufacturer. The same ingredient is listed on the NIH (National Institutes of Health website) and what could or would happen if the product is inhaled (mixed with Ammonia) or swallowed. It is a laundry list of side effects and some are deadly.

Does that make sense to you?

Did you know that Sodium Hypocholorite is also used in swimming pools?

Clorox Safety Statement on their website:
Because of the potential sensitivity of children to the strong odors of bleach and other cleaning products, conduct major cleaning (floors, walls, etc.) when children are not present. Then ventilate the area and allow surfaces to completely dry before allowing access to children. Spot cleaning should be conducted in accordance with label directions.


  • Do not use Clorox® Regular-Bleach full strength for cleaning surface.


  • Always dilute strictly in accordance with label directions.


  • Wear gloves when cleaning for prolonged periods.



  • Well, that Clorox statement got to me...since then I have spent months looking for a bleach free cleaner that fights tough stains and is affordable. I discovered The Wellness Company's Tub and Tile cleaner through a friend of mine.

    At first I was skeptical since I have tried several other products that either don't work well or smell horrible.

    I used the Tub and Tile cleaner several times before I decided to write about it because I wanted to make sure it worked. As instructed, I sprayed the surfaces with the cleaner and left the bathroom for 10 minutes. Then I sprayed water on the tile and most of the dirt disappeared and I noticed no horrible smell I can actually breath.

    I wiped the tile with a soft sponge in the areas with tougher stains and I barely scrubbed. My son takes a bath every night.

    The Wellness Company's tub & Tile Bathroom Cleaner lists all of the ingredients for you and it also warns you that it is an eye irritant (so don't splash it in your eye) and obviously avoid swallowing it.

    For more information on the Wellness Company or the products mentioned in the article, please contact my friend Cynthia via email at cynthia@timeforwhatmatters.com
    Whatever product you choose, please make sure to read the label and review Hero Mom's Health and Safety Tips for handling Cleaning products:

    Retro Hot Bath Tin Sign
    • You have the right to contact the Manufacturer to ask about the ingredients in the product. All manufacturers list their website and most list their phone number. As a busy Mom, I know you probably won't have time to do this but it is an option.
    • You can search for safety information on products and their ingredients by visiting the National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database. (quickest way to find out)

    1968 Print Ad Tomorrow's Lestoil!
    Martian Mom Spacesuit
    • To learn more about common environmental and health claims listed on household cleaning products, click here. (does not have as many listings but still useful)
    • Health Alert: Did you know that people (including children) with heart or lung disease, asthma, upper respiratory problems, chronic allergies and pregnant women should avoid chemical solvents, especially bleach.
    • You should not wear your contact lenses when cleaning with any product (bleach free or not) because your contacts absorb vapors and hold them against the eye, causing eye irritation or eye damage.
    •  All contact wearers should put on eyeglasses before handling such products.
    • If the cleaners you’re using - irritate your nose, eyes and/or lungs, follow
    I hope this was helpful to you. Have a positive day.

    If you want more information on the Wellness Company or the products mentioned in the article, please contact my friend, Victoria at vpfreespirit@gmail.com or respond to me in the comments below.

    Source: Greenerchoices, freedictionary, melaleuca, clorox, NIH.

    Note: My article is based on my experience with bleach cleaners and I have the right to express my views under Article 19 of the Freedom of Speech act.