Toddler Gift Ideas - Train Table

I know a few friends getting their sons TRAIN Tables this year and I am one of them. I think the investment is worth all the free time it will allow me. :) I will post a pic when we put it together. I know there's a Thomas the Train and Pottery Barn one. There's usually some on Craigslist.com as well.

Toddler Gift Idea - Easel from Ikea

This is a GREAT gift and is only $14.99 at Ikea. My son already has this and LOVES it. One side is a chalkboard and the other is a dry erase or you can buy paper for it at Ikea as well. (appr $5)

This is a MUST for hours of fun and great gift for under the tree with a BOW or Hanakah gift. Your kid will love it!! All my friends have it. :)

**You can buy paints and brushes at Lakeshore or Michaels.

Toddler Gift Idea - Ice Cream Parlor Set by Melissa and Doug

Another great gift idea. My son can play with this at Lakeshore for hours. The scoop has a magnet to pick up all the flavors and place them on the cone. So many things they can learn with this. LOVE IT!!!

This retails for $29.99.

*If you have reviews for any of these toys, please comment below. :)

http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=2609

(Photo courtesy of melissaanddoug.com)

Toddler GIft Idea - Pizza Party by Melissa and Doug

I had to share this with other parents before the holidays. This Pizza Party, I have heard from SEVERAL people, is such a great gift. The kids seem to LOVE IT and play with it for more than 10 minutes. Of course you can get it at Lakeshore for full retail price or the book stores. I just found one at Ross for $15. I AM SO HAPPY!!!

(photo courtesy of melissaanddoug.com)

http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=167

Thanksgiving Sides: Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Thyme

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Thyme
Recipe courtesy Danny Boome

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/danny-boome/roasted-carrots-and-parsnips-with-thyme-recipe/index.html

(Photo courtesy of FoodNetwork.com)

*This looks really healthy. I am going to get this into the weekly rotation because my whole family LOVES carrots.

Ingredients

1 pound carrots
1 pound parsnips (*Sometimes TJ's has these or Gelsons)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey (*I might use Agave?)
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 sprigs fresh thyme
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Peel the carrots and parsnips and cut them in half lengthwise, larger ones can be quartered. Place them on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Drizzle the carrots and parsnips with the olive oil and honey. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Scatter the thyme sprigs on top. Place them in the preheated oven.
After 10 minutes, give the veggies a toss and put back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Serve warm.

Thanksgiving Sides: Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale

Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
Recipe courtesy

Giada De Laurentiis

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/spicy-parmesan-green-beans-and-kale-recipe/index.html

(Photo courtesy of FoodNetwork.com)

*This got 5 out of 5 stars. I am going to try it this year probably without the spice so Baby P can eat it. I am trying to incorporate more of a "VARIETY of VEGETABLES" at our table.

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time: 15 min Level:
Easy Serves:
6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1/4 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered (about 14 mushrooms)
1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed and slice into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bunch kale (1/2 pound), rinsed, stemmed, and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
Directions
Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms, green beans, salt, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add the wine and continue cooking until the green beans are almost tender, about 5 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and the kale and continue cooking until the kale has wilted, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and the Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat and serve immediately.

Thanksgiving Sides: Maple- and Tangerine-Glazed Carrots

Maple- and Tangerine-Glazed Carrots

Bon Appétit November 2002

**This side dish is soooo tasty and so memorable when made. You have to try it sometime this year. ** When I make it again I will post a picture. (You could probably even use Agave Nectar but I don't know how it would turn out?)

Tangerine juice adds an intriguing note to the velvety sauce. Look for the largest possible tangerines to make squeezing easier.

Yield: Makes 8 servings


1 1/4 cups fresh tangerine juice
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated tangerine peel

2 1/2 pounds large carrots (about 12), peeled, cut on diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick ovals (about 6 cups)
Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 large tangerine, seeded
Chopped fresh parsley


Combine first 5 ingredients in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Boil until sauce thickens and coats spoon thickly and is reduced to 2/3 cup, whisking occasionally, about 8 minutes.

Steam carrots until just crisp-tender, about 7 minutes. Mix carrots and cayenne pepper into sauce. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

Simmer carrots in sauce over medium heat until heated through and sauce reduces to thick glaze, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Squeeze juice from tangerine half over. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

House/Pet Sitting Services - LAMommy Referral Spotlight

PetSittingByAshley.com
If you're like me, your pets have become family members. When you can't be home with them, whether because of work, vacation or other obligations, you want them taken care of with the same love and attention you give them. That's exactly what I do!!

I offer a multitude of services for a variety of pets. I can also handle various home services which, by making it appear that your house is occupied, can be a crime deterrent. Depending on the client's request, I do stay overnight as well. I am based in Calabasas, but I service many different cities.

Choose the schedule and services you want, and I
do the rest!!

Pet services include:

Feeding
Walking
Administration of medicine
Litterbox scooping & cleaning
Transportation to vet, groomer, or dog park (if asked)
Overnight & extended stays (if asked)
Spending time with your animal & giving affection
Updates via text messages and pictures

Home services include:

Watering plants
Bringing in newspapers/mail
Turning on/alternating lights
Carrying trash in/out
Cleaning all towels & bedding after use
Cleaning house before I leave

Excellent list of references available upon request!!

Contact Information:
Ashley Alderman
Phone #: (818) 635-8485
Email Address: aalderman@petsittingbyashley.com
*Photo courtesy of petsittingbyashley.com

How many PARABENS do you put on your BODY everyday?

Start of each day -

1. Shampoo



2. Conditioner



3. Body Wash



4. Face Wash



5. Shaving Cream



6. Body Lotion



7. Facial Moisturizer



8. Deodorant



9. Hail Gel or other products

*My son also only uses paraben free products

When I thought about it like this, I realized I was layering my skin with PARBENS almost EVERYDAY so some must be getting absorbed? Whether there is or is not a correlation with PARABENS and CANCER (check out my article some posts below), I was ready to change my habits and products to stay on the safe side.

So, with the help of Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupons and their organic section, I slowly converted all my products.

Cosmetics, Parabens, and Breast Cancer

By~ Organic Consumers Association

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/breastcancer090604.cfm

BREAKING NEWS - TAX CREDIT
EXPANDED AND EXTENDED!


Today it is a great day for our housing market! Just moments ago, President Obama signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

In addition to extending the first time homebuyers credit of up to $8,000, the new bill calls for an incentive for existing homeowners as well. Homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, are now eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

Under additional provisions in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The bill maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.

This truly is exciting news for our industry and a major victory for consumers and REALTORS alike. NAR economists estimate that the current tax credit has contributed approximately $22 billion to the general economy, and approximately 2 million people will take advantage of the tax credit this year.

Now now more than ever we need to take advantage of this opportunity. This is said to be the last tax credit that the government will offer so first time home buyers and move-up buyers should do their best to take complete advantage of it.

~Article courtesy of:

Betty Graham

President and COO Coldwell Banker Greater LA

What To Do With Pumpkins???

The subject of, "What to do with PUMPKINS??" came up in one of the groups I am in and coincidentally, two recipes that seem REALLY HEALTHY and DELICIOUS just came through my email.

This one I got from: hungryvegan.blogspot.com:

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

2 cups So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage (I used Original, but you could use Vanilla, too)
2 tablespoons agave nectar (or sweetener of choice, to taste)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 ripe banana
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice -or- 1/4 tsp ginger and 1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (use 1/4 tsp, if you are using vanilla coconut milk beverage)

Directions:

Blend all together, pour, and enjoy! Makes 2 12-oz servings plus a little extra to enjoy.

_________________
And.. this one I just got from: SimplyRecipes.com

Suzanne's Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients
2 cups of pumpkin pulp purée from a sugar pumpkin* or from canned pumpkin purée
1 1/2 cup heavy cream or 1 12 oz. can of evaporated milk
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs plus the yolk of a third egg
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamon
1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 good crust (see pâte brisée recipe)
* To make pumpkin purée from a sugar pumpkin: start with a small-medium sugar pumpkin, cut out the stem and scrape out the insides, discard (save the seeds, of course). Cut into sections and steam in a saucepan with a couple inches of water at the bottom, until soft. Scoop out the pulp from the skin. Or you can bake whole or halved in a 350°F oven until fork tender. Optional - put pulp through a food mill or chinois to make extra smooth.
Method
1 Preheat oven to 425°F.
2 Mix sugars, salt, and spices, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat the eggs and add to the bowl. Stir in the pumpkin purée. Stir in cream. Whisk all together until well incorporated.
3 Pour into pie shell and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes reduce the temperature to 350°F. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
4 Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours.
Serve with whipped cream. Serves 8.

Quinoa Turkery Burgers - Healthy, Savory & Kid Friendly

These QUINOA TURKEY BURGERS are AMAZING...so tasty and delicious. Thank you to my friend S for giving me this recipe. She is brilliant. :)








Ingredients -

1. Ground Turkey Meat - Trader Joes
2. 1 Tube - Mirepoix - TJ (onions, carrots, celery)
3. 1 Box - Organic Quinoa - TJ
4. 1-2 Organic Eggs
5. Worchestire Sauce
6. Garlic Salt & Pepper & Cumin

• Cook Quinoa according to the package, when finished, set aside to cool (I usually have left over quinoa depending on how many burgers I make)
• Saute Mirepoix in some Evvo until really soft
• Remove from pan and set aside to cool
• Dump turkey meat into a big bowl
• Season turkey meat with a little garlic salt & pepper & cumin & worchestire sauce
• Mix in soft veggies according to your liking
• Add 1-2 eggs for binding
• Form into hamburger patties
• Grill like you would a burger or you can cook on stove top in a pan

*Worchestire Sauce - I know this has HFCS in it so I tried the one from Whole Foods which is HFCS free and just DID NOT taste the same :( so, I stay with the one from Ralphs but only use a little.

*We put Organic Ketchup (TJ) on ours and I always make a few extra for the next couple days.

*I have also broken them up a couple days later (when Baby P has had enough) and put them in pasta sauce

Vitamin D Deficiency common in U.S. Children

CNNHEALTH.com
Article by Denise Mann
HEALTH

A whopping 70 percent of American kids aren't getting enough vitamin D, and such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers, according to two new studies published this week in the journal Pediatrics. Low vitamin D levels also may increase a child's risk of developing heart disease later in life, experts say.

People who drank milk less than once a week were among those most at risk for vitamin-D deficiency, a study found.

"We were astounded at how common it was," says study author Dr. Michal Melamed, an assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology, and population health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx, New York. "There is a lot of data that suggests adults with low vitamin-D levels are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a lot of cancers, and if kids start out with low levels and never increase them, they may be putting themselves at risk for developing all of these diseases at a much earlier age."

Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" because the human body makes it only when exposed to sunlight -- although it only takes 10 to 15 minutes a day to make an adequate amount. Vitamin D, which helps the bones better absorb calcium, is also added to multivitamins and milk.

In Melamed's study, the researchers looked at the vitamin D levels of more than 6,000 people ages 1 to 21. They checked for vitamin-D deficiency, which is defined as less than 15 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL), and vitamin-D insufficiency, which is defined as 15 to 29 ng/mL. Overall, 7.6 million, or 9 percent, of U.S. children were vitamin-D deficient, and another 50.8 million, or 61 percent, had insufficient levels of this important vitamin in their blood.

Children with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have high blood pressure and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol -- two factors that are considered major risk factors for heart disease later in life. Health.com: How cholesterol affects your heart's health

Children with low vitamin-D levels also had higher levels of parathyroid hormone than their counterparts with adequate vitamin D in their blood. Parathyroid hormone is a measure of bone health. When levels are high, it suggests that bones need more calcium to grow. Watch more on kids in the U.S. and low levels of vitamin D »

Overall, those most at risk for a vitamin-D deficiency were older, female, obese, drank milk less than once a week, and spent more than four hours a day watching TV, playing video games, or working on a computer. They were also more likely to be children with darker skin, including non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican-Americans. (Children with darker skin are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D because they have more melanin than their fairer counterparts. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin color, but it may prevent the skin from absorbing enough sunlight to produce an adequate amount of vitamin D.) Health.com: Battle aging with vitamin D

In the second study, a research team led by Jared P. Reis, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, looked at 3,577 adolescents ages 12 to 19. Those with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have high blood pressure, high levels of blood sugar, and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of factors known to increase risk of heart disease) than their counterparts with ample vitamin D in their blood, regardless of how much they weighed.

Exactly how a lack of vitamin D increases the risk of heart disease is an evolving story. In terms of blood pressure, vitamin D helps control renin, a protein that plays a role in regulating blood-pressure levels. Health.com: Why belly fat increases type 2 diabetes risk

The best vitamin-D boosting strategy involves a three-pronged approach, says Melamed. "You can get a little bit from food, but not as much as you need," she says. "Supplements are readily available, and kids like to take Flintstones or gummy-bear multivitamins, which typically contain vitamin D."

Also, parents should help their children get at least 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure daily without sunscreen. "Set your watch and then apply sunscreen after 15 minutes," Melamed says. Some children, including those in high-risk groups, may need to be screened to check for low vitamin-D levels.

Dr. Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., a professor of medicine, physiology, and biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, and the author of "The Vitamin D Solution" (to be released in April 2010), has been sounding an alarm about the dangers of low vitamin-D levels for years. Health.com: Easy food swaps cut cholesterol, not taste

"This is a recipe for serious diseases occurring in our children when they are in their 20s and 30s," he says. Holick was among the first to document the return of rickets--a disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D and other minerals--which can lead to the softening and weakening of the bones. Health.com: How to get vitamin D safely

"[But] rickets is just the tip of the iceberg," Holick says. "Vitamin-D deficiency has insidious, serious long-term health consequences for children that could remain with them throughout their lives," he explains. "[Parents should know] their child is likely to be vitamin-D deficient if the child does not take a supplement of 400 IU vitamin D a day and receive some unprotected sun. It is next to impossible to get enough vitamin D from diet, and the sun-phobic attitude has made the problem much worse."
______________

Another good website on Vitamin D - http://vitamind3world.com

Nature's Way - Sambucus For Kids!! Fight that cold!

I went into VP Health months ago when Baby P wasn't feeling well. I was SO OVER him getting colds I needed HELP!!! Anything but more MOTRIN. They recommended this to me. Baby P would not take it months ago because of the color. I even tested it to make sure it was ok and it's REALLY SWEET!! So, a few weeks ago I reintroduced it and put a little on my finger just to get it on his tongue, VOILA!! He likes it. YAY!

I didn't realize until I was researching onhttp://iherb.com that this stuff seems to REALLY WORK for kids as well as adults. Go read the reviews.

This will be part of my Cold & Flu DEFENSE this year.

*picture courtesy of http://naturesway.com

Organic Flax Plus Waffles - Breakfast for the whole family

Baby P LOVES waffles and considering they are quick and easy in the morning, I began to love them too.

I buy these at Whole Foods and they are yummy. (The first ingredient is NOT enriched flour.:)

Baby P eats them with maple syrup or agave nectar and I even spread almond butter on them with a little agave for lunch. Yummy -Quick- Healthy!!

Drinking Lemon Water vs. Coffee in the morning??

I have been doing a ton of research on drinking lemon water in the morning rather than a cup of coffee. I really like it. All the research I have read says it has MANY health benefits including aiding in weight loss!! (((( SOLD!! :)
P.s. Don't leave the lemons in the water especially if they are not organic. What is on the skin can seep into your water.

Great article from http://energiseforlife.com -

• Apart from being an amazing body alkalizer/alkaliser, lemon water also gives the following health benefits:


• Lemons are antiseptic


• Lemon water has excellent digestive properties and can ease heartburn, bloating and other digestion problems


• Lemon water cleanses and stimulates the liver and kidneys


• Lemon juice contains calcium, magnesium and potassium


• Lemon juice has been known to relieve asthma


• Lemon water (hot) offers relief from cold and flu symptoms while providing some much needed Vitamin C


• Lemon juice is a great skin cleanser

Apart from being an amazing body alkalizer/alkaliser, lemon water also gives the following health benefits:

MOMS Club of WLA - Open House

MOMS Club of West Los Angeles

OPEN HOUSE & FOOD DRIVE
Friday, October 30th - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Westwood Recreation Center, Room C
1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angles, CA 90025
INCLUDES A RAFFLE, REFRESHMENTS AND CRAFTS FOR THE CHILDREN
We will also be collecting non-perishable food and other items
in a drive to benefit the Westside Food Bank of Los Angeles.
Size 4t & 5t Diapers especially needed.
Please check this helpful web page for donation suggestions:
www.westsidefoodbankca.org
Get a raffle ticket for a deluxe prize when you
bring a donation for Westside Food Bank
Dress the kids in costume!
Anyone is welcome, so pass the word & invite friends. Hope to see you there!

Rainbow Acres - Natural Food Store

13208 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 306-8330
http://rainbowacresca.com

I had seen this store many times on my way to Costco and was very curious?? The other day my friend M and I went. My friend M knows soooo much about many of the products which in turn was priceless. It's kinda like you want to "sample" everything before you actually commit to buying it so... by going with someone who is so knowledgeable was awesome!! THANK YOU SO MUCH M for going with me!!! You're the BEST!

This store is like the next level of Whole Foods. They have little carts to put your child in while shopping. Baby P ate almost a whole box of organic crackers and a banana which bought me almost an hour before he said, "Mama,... we go?" (100x)

I can't wait to start sharing all the wonderful products I was introduced to there.

Clean Well Hand Sanitizer - Non Toxic & Safe

My friend Rebecca who blogs at :http://www.sharingmama.com recommended this to me and it is AWESOME!! It is great hand sanitizer and TOTALLY NATURAL. This should come in really handy right about now. You can get this at Whole Foods for approx. $5.

(Picture courtesy of cleanwelltoday.com)

Does cooking with CILANTRO help you excrete TOXIC METALS??

The other day I was at Whole Foods buying salmon and the fish monger and I started chatting about farm raised fish vs wild caught fish. Then, the topic of some fish containing mercury and other toxic metals came up. He suggested cooking fish with CILANTRO to help the body excrete the toxic metals.....interesting, I thought. I happen to LOVE cilantro. :)

I found this article @ http://anaturalcure.com/

Detox Cilantro is Chinese Parsley
Cilantro Quite accidentally, a researcher named Dr. Yoshiaki Omura discovered that some patients were excreting more toxic metals after consuming a Chinese soup containing Cilantro. Cilantro is a common herb whose seed, coriander, is a familiar culinary spice. In China, Cilantro is called Chinese parsley, and it is used in cooking. It is also common in some
Italian dishes. It is a member of the carrot family and has a distinct taste that most people either love or hate. Cilantro can mobilize mercury and other toxic metals rapidly from the CNS. The mobilized mercury appears to be either excreted via the stool, the urine, or translocated into more peripheral tissues. This is a revolutionary discovery and makes Cilantro one
of the first known substances that mobilizes mercury from the CNS. After Cilantro consumption, rapid changes in the brain and spinal chord can be seen when using autonomic response testing, and the appearance of mercury in more peripheral tissues (liver, intestines) becomes evident as a result of mercury mobilization.

Keeping Toddler Hands Clean in Public - Washing vs Hand Sanitizer

Protecting Toddlers from the Swine Flu
Keeping Kids Safe from the H1N1 Virus
© Rachel Lister Read more: http://infant-toddler-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/protecting_toddlers_from_the_swine_flu#ixzz0U4LA7RCw

Public places are the most likely places that infants and toddlers can be exposed to the swine flu. Limit contact with anyone who appears to be sick and be sure and wash your toddler’s hands frequently. Hand sanitizer can be used to prevent the spread of germs while out in public, but it is important to make sure that infants and toddlers do not put their hands in their mouths after using hand sanitizer because many of those products contain ingredients that are toxic if ingested.

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

This is an email I just got from a friend that I feel makes a lot of sense:

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected o ne. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4... Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

The Mosy Amazing Princess Wall Mural!!!

My friend Aimi Edelman is a Kids Muralist and just completed this AMAZING wall mural in her 2 yr old daughter's bedroom. It looks unbelievable when you see it on the wall. It is LIFE SIZE and BEAUTIFUL!!!

Ami is an incredible artist. I would recommend her to anyone looking for something small or large in their children's bedroom.

Aimi Edelman

Makup17@aol.com

Yvonne's Gluten-Free Goodies

We had SUCH a special treat the other day when Yvonne Condes with Yvonne's Gluten-Free Goodies came to our playgroup and brought some of her AMAZING and HEALTHY GF Goodies.
WOW!! These were soooo yummy. She let us sample her Agave Sweetened Mixed Berry Muffins, Pumpkin Apple Muffins, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Thank you so much Yvonne!!

Everyone could not stop talking about how everything tasted so gourmet and was so healthy at the same time.

You are such a talented baker.

I would highly recommend her Goodies for any occasion.

Check out her website : http://yvonnesgfgoodies.com/

Yvonne's Contact Information:

(310) 447-8345

yvonne@yvonnesgfgoodies.com

http://yvonneinla.blogspot.com/

(Above Photo and story courtesy of Yvonne Condes)

Yvonne has always loved cooking, but she didn’t discover gluten-free baking until her husband was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2000. It took almost a year for his doctor to diagnose him and by that point he was very sick. When she found out that a dietary change could make him better she immediately learned all she could about living gluten-free.

After spending so much time going from grocery store to grocery store searching through the small amount of gluten-free baked goods available, she decided it was time to make her own. She started experimenting with whole grain flours and healthy, organic ingredients. She came up with vegan fruit pies, cakes made with rich, organic cocoa, or natural vanilla, and cookies with organic, whole-grain flour and sugars.

As the mother of two active young boys, Yvonne is mindful of what she puts in their bodies. Our gluten-free, casein-free offerings are carefully prepared with attention to finding only the best ingredients.

Thai-Style Halibut with Coconut-Curry Broth : Ellie Krieger Food Network

(Photo coutesy of Foodnetwork.com)
This is such a DELICIOUS and GOURMET way to prepare Halibut. It only takes 10-15 mins of prep time and is so HEALTHY for you. My 2.5 yr old son even loves it. (Make sure you buy boneless halibut if feeding to kids.)

My friend B referred this recipe to me and I have made it a bunch of times ever since. It is sooo good and great way to get in a helping of fish.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/thai-style-halibut-with-coconut-curry-broth-recipe/index.html

Ingredients
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 shallots, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
2 1/2 teaspoons red curry paste*, or 2 teaspoons curry powder (This is REALLY spicy so I only add a tiny bit)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup light coconut milk (I use the Organic Coconut Milk fromWhole Foods)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon, plus more for seasoning
4 (6-ounce) pieces halibut fillet, skin removed (I buy the frozen Halibut from Trader Joe's)
Steamed spinach**
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 scallions, green part only, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cooked brown rice, for serving

Directions
In a large saute pan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until reduced to 2 cups, about 5 minutes.

Season the halibut with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Arrange the fish in the pan and gently shake the pan so the fish is coated with the sauce. Cover and cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 7 minutes.

Arrange a pile of steamed spinach in the bottom of 4 soup plates. Top with the fish fillets. Stir the cilantro, scallions, and lime juice into the sauce and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Ladle the sauce over the fish and serve with rice.

Adobo Chicken - Cooking Light

This is such an EASY and TASTY recipe for weeknights. It only takes about 15mins to prepare and the longer it sits in the pot the better it gets. I have noted my changes below to make the prep even easier and recipe even healthier.

(Photo coutesy of Cookinglite.com)


http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1924726

Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
8 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned (I buy the ORGANIC Boneless thighs from Trader Joe's)
2 cups chopped onion (I buy the already cut onion in the bag from TJ)
5 garlic cloves, minced (I buy the ready-to-mince garlic cloves from TJ)
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons honey (I use the Agave Nectar from TJ)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
**For the Rice to use the 3 Min Brown Rice from TJ
Preparation
1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; sauté 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from pan. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring frequently.

2. Return chicken to pan. Add soy sauce and next 5 ingredients (through bay leaf); bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 12 minutes. Uncover and cook 20 minutes or until chicken is done and sauce thickens. Discard bay leaf. Serve over rice.

Are Peanuts and Peanut Butter really bad for you?

After many years (and wasted jars $) of being told by so many I should switch to ALMOND BUTTER over PEANUT BUTTER, I finally made the switch. I just could not get into Almond Butter for some reason. About a month ago my, soooo, sooo smart friend S gave me the idea to add a little honey or agave nectar to the almond butter which makes it a little more paletable and VOILA!!! IT WORKED!
I went to Trader Joe's and bought the All Natural Almond Butter with Sea Salt put it on a slice of whole wheat bread and yummy. :)

Jorge Cruise, diet and fitness expert, writes:
http://www.lifescript.com/Body/Shape/Fit-tips/Is_Peanut_Butter_Bad_For_You.aspx

It’s America’s most iconic, creamiest, dreamiest snack around. But beware: not all peanut butter is good for you. Most of what you’ll find at your grocery store is loaded with sugar, sodium and hydrogenated oils. Swap regular processed peanut butter for the natural variety with the oil floating on top. It’s a good move because the natural variety doesn’t contain artery-clogging trans fats that the processed types do. Even better, spread on the almond butter instead! Most nuts are good for you, but study after study shows that almonds are rich in omega oils and may help fight heart disease and cancer. And since research shows that peanuts are not as nutritious as once thought, you’ll be doing your body a favor by making a healthier swap. Peanuts are said to be carcinogenic (cancer causing) and contaminated with pesticides. Fungus can also be found growing in the shells, and they have fewer essential omega oils than almonds.

Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - Aluminum Based Compounds?

What are you putting on your skin EVERYDAY?

I'm on the hunt for the BEST "aluminum free" antiperspirant/deodorant??

Does anyone know of one that's tried and true?

• Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport - I heard this one is good?
• Jason Natural Products Fragrance Free Deodorant - I haven't tried this one yet.
• Tom's of Maine's 100% natural deodorant -This is the one I just bought and it's just ok :(

~National Cancer Institute

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/ap-deo

Can antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer?
Articles in the press and on the Internet have warned that underarm antiperspirants (a preparation that reduces underarm sweat) or deodorants (a preparation that destroys or masks unpleasant odors) cause breast cancer (1). The reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Some scientists have also proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast (2, 3).

However, researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates food, cosmetics, medicines, and medical devices, also does not have any evidence or research data that ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer.

What do scientists know about the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants?
Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects (3). Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer (3).

Some research has focused on parabens, which are preservatives used in some deodorants and antiperspirants that have been shown to mimic the activity of estrogen in the body’s cells (4). Although parabens are used in many cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products, according to the FDA, most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants in the United States do not currently contain parabens. Consumers can look at the ingredient label to determine if a deodorant or antiperspirant contains parabens. Parabens are usually easy to identify by name, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben. The National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database also has information about the ingredients used in most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants. This database is available at http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm on the Internet.

The belief that parabens build up in breast tissue was supported by a 2004 study, which found parabens in 18 of 20 samples of tissue from human breast tumors (5). However, this study did not prove that parabens cause breast tumors (4). The authors of this study did not analyze healthy breast tissue or tissues from other areas of the body and did not demonstrate that parabens are found only in cancerous breast tissue (5). Furthermore, this research did not identify the source of the parabens and cannot establish that the buildup of parabens is due to the use of deodorants or antiperspirants.

More research is needed to specifically examine whether the use of deodorants or antiperspirants can cause the buildup of parabens and aluminum-based compounds in breast tissue. Additional research is also necessary to determine whether these chemicals can either alter the DNA in some cells or cause other breast cell changes that may lead to the development of breast cancer.

What have scientists learned about the relationship between antiperspirants or deodorants and breast cancer?
In 2002, the results of a study looking for a relationship between breast cancer and underarm antiperspirants/deodorants were reported (6). This study did not show any increased risk for breast cancer in women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant. The results also showed no increased breast cancer risk for women who reported using a blade (nonelectric) razor and an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant, or for women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant within 1 hour of shaving with a blade razor. These conclusions were based on interviews with 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women with no history of breast cancer.

Findings from a different study examining the frequency of underarm shaving and antiperspirant/deodorant use among 437 breast cancer survivors were released in 2003 (7). This study found that the age of breast cancer diagnosis was significantly earlier in women who used these products and shaved their underarms more frequently. Furthermore, women who began both of these underarm hygiene habits before 16 years of age were diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier age than those who began these habits later. While these results suggest that underarm shaving with the use of antiperspirants/deodorants may be related to breast cancer, it does not demonstrate a conclusive link between these underarm hygiene habits and breast cancer.

In 2006, researchers examined antiperspirant use and other factors among 54 women with breast cancer and 50 women without breast cancer. The study found no association between antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer; however, family history and the use of oral contraceptives were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (8).

Because studies of antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have provided conflicting results, additional research is needed to investigate this relationship and other factors that may be involved.

Where can someone get more information on breast cancer risk?
People who are concerned about their breast cancer risk are encouraged to talk with their doctor. More information about breast cancer risk can be found on the NCI's Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle Web site. This interactive Web site, which includes information about how to reduce breast cancer risk, can be accessed at http://understandingrisk.cancer.gov on the Internet.

U.S. residents may wish to contact the NCI's Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) with any remaining questions or concerns about breast cancer. Inquirers who live outside the United States may wish to contact the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) for information about a resource in their country. The UICC Web site is located at http://www.uicc.org on the Internet. Also, some countries have organizations that offer services similar to those of the U.S. CIS. A list of international cancer information services can be found at http://www.icisg.org/meet_memberslist.htm#full on the Internet.

Inspirational Speech by Dr. Randy Pausch On the Oprah Show

This is one of the BEST speeches I have heard as "newer" parent.

"If you're going to have childhood dreams, I recommend you have good parents."

"Mothers are people who love you even when you pull their hair."

"My parents taught me the importance of people vs things."

~ Dr. Randy Pausch

CUTEST Video ever!!! Boy and his Dog!

I have a yellow Lab and a son and this video made me cry. It is the cutest video EVER!! If you are an animal lover you will love this. :)