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.

    Wednesday, December 7, 2011

    Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments....it's cheap, crafty and fun!

    Cinnamon Applesauce Star Ornaments

    My son and I did this fun activity over the weekend!

    We made homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornaments.

    There are many ways to use the ornaments:
    • Hang cinnamon ornaments from a Christmas tree
    • Decorate packages with the ornaments.
    • String together to make scented garland or as a great holiday gift.
    The recipe listed below makes 12 – 14 medium sized Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments. Please do not eat this ornament once dry because it is technically a paste.

    Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornament Dough

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup cinnamon
    • 3/4 cup applesauce
    • flour (optional 1 or 2 tablespoons) 
    Mixing Cinnamon and Applesauce
    Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

    Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments Recipe:

    1. In a medium bowl, combine cinnamon and applesauce until it forms into a dough (the cinnamon and applesauce combination should form a dough)
    2. Add flour till dough is the consistency you desire (if it does not form properly)  Remember the dough is flat.
    3. Work the dough with your hands for 3 or 4 minutes until dough is smooth and ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
    4. If the dough becomes a little crumbly, add a tablespoon of applesauce at a time to it until it is smooth and a bit sticky.
    5. Roll out dough to 1/3 inch thickness. It will be sticky, so be careful with it. You can use cinnamon like flour on your pin and rolling surface to stop it from sticking.
    6. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Simple shapes like hearts, bells, trees and ginger men are easier to work with than cutters with complicated shapes.
    7. Using straw make small hole in top of ornament.
    8. Put on wire rack to dry. (this can take a couple of days. be sure to flip over to help in the drying process) OR (if you don't want to wait several days)
    9. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 150 degrees for 2 1/2 hours (this is for drying it out so don't increase temperature otherwise you will burn it)
    10. Remove Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments from the cookie sheet and cool on a wire rack.
    11. Loop a ribbon through the top.
    12. You can use acrylic paints to decorate the ornaments once they are dry.
    Note: The consistency of the applesauce you use for this recipe will effect the dough so for best results use a thicker applesauce.

    My son loved this activity so much that were making them as gifts for the whole family!!!!!