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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
5 Minutes for Mom celebrates mothers!
Moms, be sure to check out the 2009 Mother's Day giveaways going on at 5 Minutes for Mom. The moms over there are helping celebrate motherhood with some amazing prizes including handbags, a digital camera and Blu-ray player, and an HP Mini 1000 that I have the perfect name for (and it has a spot already in the side of my diaper bag should I be so lucky!)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Momfit Monday - Week Four/Five
My family has been sick. Not all at the same time, mind you, but rather in a series of overlapping days so that by the time the 5th person is getting over the symptoms of that week, the 1st person is coming down with something new. So, this week has been kind of slow for activity. I'm really ready for nicer weather, healthy kids, and some outdoor activity and sunshine to motivate me to lose this baby weight!
I do really like my Wii Fit. I like the yoga and strength training activities that help me with my form and pacing so that I'm not simply using body momentum to go through the motions. I can feel it after I work on these! And, I got a "yoga master" rating on the screen after doing one the other day. Next time I'll take a picture.
The task this week was to find a way to work out with no equipment at all.
My idea: Use the kids' bathroom step stool as a step for some low-tech stairmaster-type moves. It's nice because it's low to the ground and has a nice no-slip surface. Baby likes to watch and cheer me on from the swing nearby. I'm sure the people walking their dogs past my window are loving it, too. It can't be any worse than I must look while I'm attempting to ski jump on the Wii.
Joining Cat at 3KidsandUs for Momfit Mondays has helped me feel accountable - and it's so helpful to get ideas and inspiration from others. Come and join us!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Green Diapering
Happy Earth Day!
With each child, I've felt a bit more responsibility to do my part in protecting our fragile Earth. I've always been aware of environmental issues...but I can't say it has always been foremost in my mind. Sometimes issues like convenience and budget get in the way. Sometimes, it's hard to navigate all of the options that are out there.
Now that we are diapering two young ones, I'm incredibly conscious of the amount of diaper garbage we put on the curb each week. We're currently trying different ways to "diaper greener."
Here are a few of our top picks for joining the "environmental movement of baby movements."
Favorite cloth diaper option:
We love our BumGenius one-size diapers. When we started cloth-diapering with "Smaller," we really didn't know what we were getting into. Since we weren't sure if they would be used again, we chose to go with a one-size option, so that the diapers would grow with our baby. BumGenius diapers are soft and comfy, with velcro for an easy-as-disposables fit. I hope they keep adding to their color options - we have some of their original pastel colors but the newer, vibrant color choices are really cu
te. Best of all, cloth diapers create no waste at all!
For me, the best part of cloth diapering are the cute wetbags you use to carry them! Check out these fabulous ones, with designer fabrics, from Monkey Foot Designs.
Favorite disposable option:
I've recently tried the Nature Babycare disposables. These diapers are soft and based on natural materials, with no oil-based plastics touching baby's skin. They have a good fit and seem to perform as well as the more traditional diapers. We try to use these when we are traveling and simply can't wash or tote diaper laundry.
Nature Babycare also makes a great, 100% biodegradable baggie for those little messes you need to contain. Re-using plastic bags is okay too, but not using plastic bags at all is the best! We pick these up at our local Target store.
Favorite "hybrid" option:
Hybrids are all the rage these days, and my newest favorite Eco-friendly diapers are a hybrid diaper called gDiapers. If you haven't tried gDiapers, you absolutely need to check these out!
gDiapers consist of a washable, cotton outer pant and a plastic-free flushable refill. That's right - you can flush these! Even if you don't flush, you can feel really good about tossing them (or composting the wet ones) becuase they break down in 50 - 150 days. Regular diapers can be in a landfill for up to 500 years! The gDiapers inserts contain no chlorine, no chemicals, no perfumes, no plastic layer, no inks or dyes, no latex, no garbage and no guilt!
The outer pant is made of a soft, breathable material like sports clothing and comes in the cutest colors and patterns. There is also a stretchy, snap-in liner that holds the flushable insert, and means less washing!
If you're ready to try gDiapers (you won't be sorry!) you can learn more about them and purchase at gDiapers.com. Enter code kiwibaby for 20% off your order until June 30th. I'm headed there to buy some medium little g pants...just as soon as I finally pick my favorite colors.
Amazon.com is also offering some discounts this month on gDiapers. Add gdiapers inserts to your cart, choose subscribe and save to get 15% off (you can cancel this at anytime with a click of your mouse in "my account" tab) and then use code: GRNBB4O9 to save an extra 10%. That's 25% off, folks!
Go save some green while you go green. And while you're at it, get out there and enjoy the green outdoors!
With each child, I've felt a bit more responsibility to do my part in protecting our fragile Earth. I've always been aware of environmental issues...but I can't say it has always been foremost in my mind. Sometimes issues like convenience and budget get in the way. Sometimes, it's hard to navigate all of the options that are out there.
Now that we are diapering two young ones, I'm incredibly conscious of the amount of diaper garbage we put on the curb each week. We're currently trying different ways to "diaper greener."
Here are a few of our top picks for joining the "environmental movement of baby movements."
Favorite cloth diaper option:We love our BumGenius one-size diapers. When we started cloth-diapering with "Smaller," we really didn't know what we were getting into. Since we weren't sure if they would be used again, we chose to go with a one-size option, so that the diapers would grow with our baby. BumGenius diapers are soft and comfy, with velcro for an easy-as-disposables fit. I hope they keep adding to their color options - we have some of their original pastel colors but the newer, vibrant color choices are really cu
te. Best of all, cloth diapers create no waste at all!For me, the best part of cloth diapering are the cute wetbags you use to carry them! Check out these fabulous ones, with designer fabrics, from Monkey Foot Designs.
Favorite disposable option:
I've recently tried the Nature Babycare disposables. These diapers are soft and based on natural materials, with no oil-based plastics touching baby's skin. They have a good fit and seem to perform as well as the more traditional diapers. We try to use these when we are traveling and simply can't wash or tote diaper laundry.
Nature Babycare also makes a great, 100% biodegradable baggie for those little messes you need to contain. Re-using plastic bags is okay too, but not using plastic bags at all is the best! We pick these up at our local Target store.
Favorite "hybrid" option: Hybrids are all the rage these days, and my newest favorite Eco-friendly diapers are a hybrid diaper called gDiapers. If you haven't tried gDiapers, you absolutely need to check these out!
gDiapers consist of a washable, cotton outer pant and a plastic-free flushable refill. That's right - you can flush these! Even if you don't flush, you can feel really good about tossing them (or composting the wet ones) becuase they break down in 50 - 150 days. Regular diapers can be in a landfill for up to 500 years! The gDiapers inserts contain no chlorine, no chemicals, no perfumes, no plastic layer, no inks or dyes, no latex, no garbage and no guilt!
The outer pant is made of a soft, breathable material like sports clothing and comes in the cutest colors and patterns. There is also a stretchy, snap-in liner that holds the flushable insert, and means less washing!
If you're ready to try gDiapers (you won't be sorry!) you can learn more about them and purchase at gDiapers.com. Enter code kiwibaby for 20% off your order until June 30th. I'm headed there to buy some medium little g pants...just as soon as I finally pick my favorite colors.
Amazon.com is also offering some discounts this month on gDiapers. Add gdiapers inserts to your cart, choose subscribe and save to get 15% off (you can cancel this at anytime with a click of your mouse in "my account" tab) and then use code: GRNBB4O9 to save an extra 10%. That's 25% off, folks!
Go save some green while you go green. And while you're at it, get out there and enjoy the green outdoors!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Shi Shu Baby Review/Giveaway
There are quite a few gorgeous baby finds out there. There are even more baby goods that are those practical, must-haves. However, very few baby items fit both the beautiful and practical categories.
Which is why we love our SHI SHU STYLE baby blanket.
These blankets are incredibly soft and handwoven for a beautiful texture and feel. Made of a 60%/40% natural cotton to bamboo blend, they are completely free of unnatural or chemically treated fibers.
SHI SHU STYLE's creator designed these blankets when her own son's favorite microfiber/polyester blanket caused him to break out in a rash.
If you haven't discovered bamboo yet, you will be amazed! Bamboo is soft, has antibacterial properties, and breathes. It is a soft and natural fiber to wrap delicate baby skin in. The 100% bamboo sateen trim on the blanket gives it that wonderful, silky edge that babies love so much. My toddler loves to rub her face against its silky softness.We especially love this blanket's weight and texture, which is warm for winter winter, but also breathes, making it cool enough for use in the warmer months, too.
I'm also really impressed with its generous size.The blanket is 30 by 40 inches, which makes it sufficiently large for swaddling baby or covering a sleeping (and wiggly) toddler. So many traditional baby blankets are outgrown quickly, and many of them are never large enough for the "swaddling-challenged" parent at all. This blanket will easily take us through the infant stage to toddler and beyond!
For those of you who wonder (like I do) why the best blankies are always baby-sized...they make an adult-sized throw too! The SHI SHU HOME throw was even a premier gift at the 66th annual Golden Globes.
Win it!
To enter, leave a comment letting me know who would be the lucky recipient of this snuggler if you won, AND what color you like best!
Extra entries: (Be sure to leave an additional comment for each extra entry!)
*Follow this blog with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
*Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Leave your twitter status link in your comments (1 entry for each tweet)
*Blog about this giveaway, including a link to this post and to SHI SHU STYLE. Leave your post URL in the comment. (3 entries)
Giveaway will end on 4/30/09 at Midnight, Central time. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail and announced on this site. Winner will have 72 hours to claim his or her prize before a new winner is chosen.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Momfit Monday - Week Three
I've joined Momfit Mondays with Cat over at 3KidsandUs. 
This week's task was to find and share a healthy recipe. I'm going to share a recipe I like for homemade salsa - it's healthy and oh-so-satisfying. Oh yeah - you can also almost forget that we're getting a rain/snow mix in mid-April while you're eating it.
Chop: about 8 plum tomatoes
one small onion (or more to taste)
Add: juice of one lime
1 tsp. cilantro
2 finely chopped fresh jalapenos
1 small can black beans
1 cup white corn (I use frozen)
Yum! It's one of those healthy snacks that can actually fill you up. You can also make your own tortilla chips by spraying tortillas (I buy different varieties) with olive oil spray, and baking in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
I also got a Wii Fit yesterday! I've really only done a baseline body test, but I'm looking forward to working with my very own in-home "personal trainer" this week!
Keep thinking spring!
This week's task was to find and share a healthy recipe. I'm going to share a recipe I like for homemade salsa - it's healthy and oh-so-satisfying. Oh yeah - you can also almost forget that we're getting a rain/snow mix in mid-April while you're eating it.
Chop: about 8 plum tomatoes
one small onion (or more to taste)
Add: juice of one lime
1 tsp. cilantro
2 finely chopped fresh jalapenos
1 small can black beans
1 cup white corn (I use frozen)
Yum! It's one of those healthy snacks that can actually fill you up. You can also make your own tortilla chips by spraying tortillas (I buy different varieties) with olive oil spray, and baking in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
I also got a Wii Fit yesterday! I've really only done a baseline body test, but I'm looking forward to working with my very own in-home "personal trainer" this week!
Keep thinking spring!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Happy Family
So...which photo would you include with the birth announcement?
This one?
Or this one?
Or maybe this one?
Someday, somehow, I am sure I will get all of them smiling in one picture!
This one?
Or this one?
Or maybe this one?
Someday, somehow, I am sure I will get all of them smiling in one picture!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Momfit Monday - Week Two
It's Momfit Monday!
So, last week I posted some goals for getting fit. Here's the play-by-play of how week one went:
Tuesday: What goals?
Wednesday: Grabbed one of those cups of tropical fruit for a bedtime snack, instead of the ice cream I really wanted. It was surprisingly satisfying.
Thursday: I put on a pre-natal exercise dvd to see if it had any post-natal benefits. I was interrupted three times by the baby, but I did get through a 20-minute workout eventually. I also ate an apple instead of the chips I was really craving.
Friday: I didn't manage any walking today. I did drink white grape juice/water (see below) and skipped the soda, though.
Saturday: I went to the mall and walked with the baby today. With a forecast of snow, it's way too chilly for an outdoor walk. Walking around the mall with all of my kids (read: carrying one or two of my kids and corralling the third) is bound to strengthen my arms, but is definitely not an aerobic activity!
Sunday: Not so good. I entertained friends, so I didn't get the activity in (unless frantically tidying up for 10 minutes counts!)
Clearly, making changes is going to take some time! Here are a couple of things that I've found are working for me:
I'm nursing, which means I'm thirsty. Really, really thirsty - even in our current stretch of 35 degree weather. I'm finding myself adding variety by drinking more juice. What I didn't realize is that the white grape juice I've been drinking has 160 calories per serving! So, I've added just a splash to a glass of water. It helps me drink as much water as I should, and allows me to save my calorie intake for more worthwhile splurges.
I'm trying to incorporate my kids in my activity. Pushing a stroller is a start, but I'm also using an exercise ball to hold/bounce the baby. I'm hoping it strengthens my core while I soothe my smallest!
I'll continue to give it a go this week. Come join us at 3 Kids and Us. It's way more fun to work out with friends!
So, last week I posted some goals for getting fit. Here's the play-by-play of how week one went:
Tuesday: What goals?
Wednesday: Grabbed one of those cups of tropical fruit for a bedtime snack, instead of the ice cream I really wanted. It was surprisingly satisfying.
Thursday: I put on a pre-natal exercise dvd to see if it had any post-natal benefits. I was interrupted three times by the baby, but I did get through a 20-minute workout eventually. I also ate an apple instead of the chips I was really craving.
Friday: I didn't manage any walking today. I did drink white grape juice/water (see below) and skipped the soda, though.
Saturday: I went to the mall and walked with the baby today. With a forecast of snow, it's way too chilly for an outdoor walk. Walking around the mall with all of my kids (read: carrying one or two of my kids and corralling the third) is bound to strengthen my arms, but is definitely not an aerobic activity!
Sunday: Not so good. I entertained friends, so I didn't get the activity in (unless frantically tidying up for 10 minutes counts!)
Clearly, making changes is going to take some time! Here are a couple of things that I've found are working for me:
I'm nursing, which means I'm thirsty. Really, really thirsty - even in our current stretch of 35 degree weather. I'm finding myself adding variety by drinking more juice. What I didn't realize is that the white grape juice I've been drinking has 160 calories per serving! So, I've added just a splash to a glass of water. It helps me drink as much water as I should, and allows me to save my calorie intake for more worthwhile splurges.
I'm trying to incorporate my kids in my activity. Pushing a stroller is a start, but I'm also using an exercise ball to hold/bounce the baby. I'm hoping it strengthens my core while I soothe my smallest!
I'll continue to give it a go this week. Come join us at 3 Kids and Us. It's way more fun to work out with friends!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Win the Ride of Your Life!
Yes, I've still got it bad for the Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller. It is a thing of beauty. They call it "the ride of your life."
Go win better wheels for your kiddos than you yourself drive over at 3 Kids and Us.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Bloggers beware!
You could suffer from blog smog - a condition resulting in horrendous breath brought on by excessive time spent in front of the computer without opening your mouth. Observe:
Thanks, Dentyne, for telling it to us straight!
Fortunately for me, I'm spending a lot of time cooing at my smallest and she hasn't complained about my breath yet. Just to be safe, I'm off to add Dentyne to my shopping list.
Thanks, Dentyne, for telling it to us straight!
Fortunately for me, I'm spending a lot of time cooing at my smallest and she hasn't complained about my breath yet. Just to be safe, I'm off to add Dentyne to my shopping list.
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