tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347544692024-03-13T05:21:42.973-04:00The Mommy Spot... a greener, healthier life for you and your little sprouts! Natural cures, home remedies, recipes for baby and the whole family, product reviews, and more. The perfect spot for mommies...Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-55142795707135085662008-02-14T08:21:00.004-05:002008-02-14T09:41:47.857-05:00BIG CHANGES FOR THE MOMMY SPOT!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrtBYekHDXeehz0ub_SWCHfckbH0kcGrgTTux0lhKYd9Nqt84xUe3PYBdVhahffIfcOBGirwsIHH-4AQiyreVHCvDfEdgXRX1KVJZYO33zXYZvHgbR1l7xFb7PxkQShtjGq-s/s1600-h/845109_54108486.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrtBYekHDXeehz0ub_SWCHfckbH0kcGrgTTux0lhKYd9Nqt84xUe3PYBdVhahffIfcOBGirwsIHH-4AQiyreVHCvDfEdgXRX1KVJZYO33zXYZvHgbR1l7xFb7PxkQShtjGq-s/s320/845109_54108486.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166833558314624994" /></a><br />The big day is finally here, and you didn't even know it was coming - The Mommy Spot has officially moved and changed her name to <a href="http://dkmommyspot.com/">dkMommy Spot</a>! All the old posts can still be found at the new site, but bigger and better things are coming down the pike. If you're a subscriber at The Mommy Spot, please subscribe at the new site so you won't miss a thing. And believe me, you won't want to!<br /><br />In honor of the big move, there will be some nice Grand Opening Giveaways! This will all start tomorrow, February 15th, 2008, with a kickoff drawing. (No, I'm not telling you what it is yet.) <br /><br />So please come celebrate with me! I'm thrilled to have finally made the big move to my OWN DOMAIN - <a href="http://dkmommyspot.com/">www.dkmommyspot.com</a>, and I can't wait to share it all with you!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-37440333466770159512008-02-13T15:07:00.005-05:002008-02-13T15:32:56.960-05:00Learning About Herbs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SVILIK1npQNhDTHhcP5n1AHB98cSfvCOzjir6bjdsMKs49pUAoPkl7WYhT78aR-mMy4eoMfNgwEBPM5o3yUM8QNR-QsW9HWlI7FJll83-Ec4oGZMyolPO_-rsk17Fk-aDvBB/s1600-h/816381_herbs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SVILIK1npQNhDTHhcP5n1AHB98cSfvCOzjir6bjdsMKs49pUAoPkl7WYhT78aR-mMy4eoMfNgwEBPM5o3yUM8QNR-QsW9HWlI7FJll83-Ec4oGZMyolPO_-rsk17Fk-aDvBB/s320/816381_herbs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166564792146143186" /></a><br />One of my favorite things to study is herbalism. I love the manuals, the field guides, the recipes. I have several books lined up on my bookshelf, all of which I consult regularly for personal use, as well as for information for sharing with you. <br /><br />But one thing I go back to again and again is a set of podcasts on <a href="http://www.herbaled.org/index.html">Herbal Ed's website</a>. Herbal Ed (Ed Smith) is the guy behind the popular Herb Pharm extracts you see in many health food stores. (You know, the fascinating little brown bottles all lined up and labeled in orange.) I wanted to share the podcasts with you because if you're really looking for some great herb information from a talented teacher, this is the place to go.<br /><br />To listen, go to <a href="http://www.herbaled.org/index.html">Herbal Ed's homepage</a> and click the Education tab on the top. Then knock yourself out! But make sure you have a notebook and a pen handy - there's a lot you'll want to remember!<br /><br />(Note: This is not a paid posting. I just like the guy and his product a whole heap. Ed, if you're out there, feel free to send samples!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-91056881031654773452008-02-08T09:05:00.000-05:002008-02-08T09:31:33.075-05:00Plastic Baby Bottles - To Leach or Not to Leach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A_I-08HCpljgdc5in57N87IdWqYxa_E691L8Jg0VNEbA-e6eyNLDSKQxX3sm951kU7vbbxJ1LZRHGsy1l3NlyiBGG2MMyO5ania30czY2dizXYmXks3444XydK22dIYNzgzW/s1600-h/612627_29010774.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A_I-08HCpljgdc5in57N87IdWqYxa_E691L8Jg0VNEbA-e6eyNLDSKQxX3sm951kU7vbbxJ1LZRHGsy1l3NlyiBGG2MMyO5ania30czY2dizXYmXks3444XydK22dIYNzgzW/s320/612627_29010774.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164616499215336162" /></a><br />Today as I was innocently traversing the web, I ran across an article telling me <a href="http://www.jpma.org/pdfs/PR_JPMASupportsBabyBottles.pdf">plastic baby bottles are <span style="font-style:italic;">good</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">safe</span></a> and all is right in the world.<br /><br />Not 15 minutes later I came across another article. It stated <a href="http://healthychild.org/blog">plastic baby bottles are still <span style="font-style:italic;">bad</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">leachy</span> with Bisphenol-A</a> and can make my child sick.<br /><br />"Were you confused? Panicky?"<br /><br />No.<br /><br />"Why not?"<br /><br />Because I don't care.<br /><br />"You don't <span style="font-style:italic;">care</span>? What do you mean you don't <span style="font-style:italic;">care</span>? What's the whole point of The Mommy Spot if you hang up on us now? You don't care - that's rich. I'm picking up my mouse and..."<br /><br />Wait. Set down your mouse, no clicky-clicky. I don't care about conflicting studies, opinions, rants and general media hoo-ha towards plastic baby bottles because I don't use them. Never have.<br /><br />You see, the key to not panicking when choosing products for our babies and children is to choose the safest, most natural route. Before my son was born, I sat in front of the computer for hours trying to determine things like whether or not plastic baby bottles were safe. (Hence, The Mommy Spot was born with my son.) I can't make these decisions perfectly because I am not a scientist (although some would call my recipes experiments), and quite frankly I'd never stop obsessing if forced to choose a safe plastic. So I go with glass.<br /><br />No one ever accused glass of leaching. The bottles are sturdier than you might think; yes, they're much stronger than your grandma's crystal. I've even dropped a full bottle in a parking lot without a break. (Don't try this at home - they're not indestructible, after all.)<br /><br />I always harp on making more natural choices, and I'll continue to do so for as long as news stories like <a href="http://www.epha.org/a/1690">this</a> and <a href="http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/CosmeticCompanies.html">this</a> prevail. Because you don't have to lose sleep, worry about your family's health, or care one little bit when your choices are natural.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-88310297838358702832008-02-05T10:40:00.000-05:002008-02-05T11:38:34.816-05:00Is Baby Shampoo Dangerous?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP9kDOgu0UgtTJxz7OHs_7pf973fzwtWMQuOjrvHR54zyA37kN14PVPjICpocLAJMS1iNg1QYxyjY5wjwly0jPYnH5k8mnvwMuLMZfCtJTvYh0PTcCn7qWnwBz-SxE-TwhxXG/s1600-h/485957_showertime___and_the_livin_is_easy_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP9kDOgu0UgtTJxz7OHs_7pf973fzwtWMQuOjrvHR54zyA37kN14PVPjICpocLAJMS1iNg1QYxyjY5wjwly0jPYnH5k8mnvwMuLMZfCtJTvYh0PTcCn7qWnwBz-SxE-TwhxXG/s320/485957_showertime___and_the_livin_is_easy_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163523902484906690" border="0" /></a><br />If you've been following the news, then you've heard about the new study that reveals <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22999573/">baby shampoo may contain dangerous</a> chemicals linked to reproductive problems. While this particular study may be new, the issue certainly isn't. In fact, many studies have already shown several chemicals we use every day aren't safe over the long haul. (See <a href="http://the-mommy-spot.blogspot.com/2007/12/exposed-book-on-toxicity-of-everyday.html">my review of the book Exposed</a> if you'd like to study up on this on your own.)<br /><br />So what do we do when faced with facts like this? If you've read The Mommy Spot for very long, you'll know I advocate taking the natural route first. If you do that, you don't have to pay too much attention to news articles like this. My recommendations for a safe baby shampoo alternative are castile soap or a vegetable glycerin. While these are not pretty smelling (Dr. Bronner's castile soap does come with essential oils if you wish), they are all-natural and contain none of the chemicals you're reading about in the news.<br /><br />Castile and glycerin soaps are not only great for shampoo, but they make a healthy alternative to regular soap as well. Use it in the bath, the kitchen, or at the sink. If you want, you can add a couple drops of your own essential oil to customize the scent. (For babies, stick with gentle fragrances like chamomile or one or two drops of rosemary.) Since they're so gentle, you don't have to be concerned with irritating baby's skin either.<br /><br />Once you know the great, old-fashioned alternatives, you don't have to wonder if your baby shampoo, or any other product around the house, is dangerous or not. You already know - it's healthy, it's safe, it's natural.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-72837946392335443652008-02-05T10:18:00.000-05:002008-02-05T10:35:33.902-05:00A Yummy Salad RecipeI asked for salad recipes from my readers, and I'm happy to share the first with you from Jo of <a href="http://vanderploegfamily.blogspot.com">From the Plow</a>. I must admit, it sounds great to me, and I intend to try it. Jo says:<br /><br />"I have a favorite salad for you that Aaron and I eat at least 3x per week. Not sure if it's exactly the healthiest salad - but you could leave some things out to make more healthy.<br /><br />1/2 and 1/2 combo of romaine lettuce and baby spinach<br />green onion<br />cucumbers<br />tomatoes (we like grape best)<br />walnuts<br />craisens<br />garlic bagel chips<br />feta cheese<br /> <br />served with 1:1 ratio of olive oil and pomegranate blush vinegar dressing"<br /><br />Jo claims it's to die for, and I'm thinking I believe her! Thanks for sharing, Jo!<br /><br />Anyone else, feel free to email me your favorite salad recipes to themommyspot(at)gmail(dot)com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-38570309601602894532008-01-31T15:31:00.000-05:002008-01-31T15:53:12.983-05:00Well, Swiffer my Floors and Call me Shirley!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWs7cTXs7p5uU5zrwgBIRKLUywU6a81YgsasWd5UVOk3Cd5iexjrO96OylfueCnSVmcF7y6A5pZ5V4bTPPsEtrABH21gDN0h71ocZft7gGIgi7HnHdGDaWLPc6Dc9j5Z8wyHQ/s1600-h/swiffervac.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWs7cTXs7p5uU5zrwgBIRKLUywU6a81YgsasWd5UVOk3Cd5iexjrO96OylfueCnSVmcF7y6A5pZ5V4bTPPsEtrABH21gDN0h71ocZft7gGIgi7HnHdGDaWLPc6Dc9j5Z8wyHQ/s320/swiffervac.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161746597773181618" /></a><br />Heaven knows why you'd call me Shirley, but my floors are Swiffered! I don't do product reviews very often, but when the Swiffer people asked me if I'd review their Swiffer SweeperVac, I couldn't resist. Images of granola crumbs and onion skins on my kitchen floor sprung to mind, and I couldn't answer "yes" quickly enough when asked if I wanted one. <br /><br />Unlike the Swiffer WetJet, you don't have to spray anything on your floor first, which is a big plus for this chemical-free, vinegar toting mama. The Vac still has one of those Swiffer cloths attached to it, and you go over your floor once with the vacuum off, then go at it again with the vacuum on. I'm a busy mom with lots of corner-cutting experience, so I've forgone that part and had no problem.<br /><br />As long as no one spills an entire bag of flax seed on the floor, this vac should do the job. It's more for the in-between jobs and has a small filter and removable dust catcher, so it's great for getting those little thingies off the floor that toddlers like to pinch at and then store in their cheeks. Oh, and it gets under the fridge and stove where the really big dust bunnies hide.<br /><br />The best part? It's cordless. The Swiffer Vac plugs in to charge and then you're off. I use this thing at least once a day, as I am not the neatest chef on the block. I'll even admit I have fun cleaning with it! (Just don't let my husband know I used "cleaning" and "fun" in the same sentence. He might start calling me Shirley.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-49537016328622121392008-01-27T10:28:00.000-05:002008-01-27T10:42:05.956-05:00How to Get More Greens in Your Diet - Part I<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhPXr25l0kvuOc6dbDvXKdEYHsKmfLy-bMgp_pbQb1Q_DgHo00tyQiLzuzLRHvVzmcThRxn2SC4_pQnUSnj24yG6AEWoBnz6LWtLxcNrJjppxZiIVYHDIh0fZ9mXvjZwqqVSc/s1600-h/801860_healthy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhPXr25l0kvuOc6dbDvXKdEYHsKmfLy-bMgp_pbQb1Q_DgHo00tyQiLzuzLRHvVzmcThRxn2SC4_pQnUSnj24yG6AEWoBnz6LWtLxcNrJjppxZiIVYHDIh0fZ9mXvjZwqqVSc/s320/801860_healthy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160181537460322946" /></a><br />Whether your goal is to shed some pounds or give your family more nutrient-rich food, the first thing you need to do is get more greens on the dinner table. The best way to accomplish this is through vitamin-packed salads; but if this makes you envision a tasteless bowl of iceberg lettuce with carrot curly-cues and no dressing, you're not alone.<br /><br />I was never a fan of the salad. It seemed like a "filler," something used to round out a meal and make it look bigger. Restaurants, wanting to attempt to serve courses, would plunk down that bowl of lettuce and cucumber, and I'd end up picking off the croûtons and leaving the rest.<br /><br />But now I can scarf down a salad with the best of them, because I've learned the trick of variation. It's not all about the iceberg, baby. Here are a couple of my favorite salads:<br /><br />Mix together spring mix greens (I like Earthbound Farms Organic), chopped Campari tomatoes, sliced cucumber, onions, alfalfa sprouts, pomegranate seeds, and chopped walnuts. Dress with balsamic vinegar and a good olive oil.<br /><br />Here's a recipe my friend recently shared with me, and I love it! Mix together baby spinach, orange slices, and pine nuts (my addition). Combine 3 Tbs. honey, 1 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice, 1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil, a pinch of salt, and 1/8 tsp. cumin. Mix well and toss with the greens.<br /><br />You might want to make these salads in size extra large, because they're so good your family will want more! Chop the veggies into a variety of shapes and sizes to entertain the kids as well as yourself! Also, if you have leftovers, these greens tend to keep just fine until the next day, unlike the wilty iceberg. Got a favorite salad recipe you'd like to share? Email it to me at themommyspot(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll post it here!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-37070776719970385462008-01-21T17:26:00.000-05:002008-01-22T08:28:57.955-05:00How to Make Homemade Granola<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVJKcz4BN4PtUkXdbE8iyTsaKHq4qj9sjDySee_OzI3JbpUftOC-72W3-bopyfuSyLNytz3GvNbI2MWjcreBDuzA3kdxBkcAgdNwf6a3sMXMRZF52aspePDACW0JaAszlQmoX/s1600-h/oats_325.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVJKcz4BN4PtUkXdbE8iyTsaKHq4qj9sjDySee_OzI3JbpUftOC-72W3-bopyfuSyLNytz3GvNbI2MWjcreBDuzA3kdxBkcAgdNwf6a3sMXMRZF52aspePDACW0JaAszlQmoX/s320/oats_325.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158292352395127202" /></a><br />I can't believe it! I just made my own granola. I always thought someday I'd learn, and thanks to some inspiration from a book I'll be reviewing soon on my other blog carp(e) libris, I thought I'd look for a recipe. It's so much easier than I thought, and if I'd known, I would have made this long ago. I looked up several recipes and sort of combined what I learned and used what was around my cupboards. Here's what I did, but you can add whatever suits you (or whatever needs to be used up in the cupboard!)<br /><br />First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees.<br /><br />Then mix together these ingredients in a bowl:<br /><br />4 cups oatmeal<br />1/2 cup sunflower seeds (okay, I didn't have this - but I'll add it next time)<br />3/4 cups walnut pieces<br />1/2 cup almond halves<br />1/2 tsp salt<br /><br />Then in another bowl, mix together these wet ingredients:<br /><br />1/2 cup honey<br />1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />1/4 cup canola oil (I used sunflower oil because that's all I had, aside from olive)<br /><br />Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, then put the mixture on a cookie sheet and place in the oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir with a spatula and place back in the oven for another 10 minutes or until it starts to get a little brown and sort of dry. Remove from the oven and mix with:<br /><br />3/4 cups raisins<br />1/4 cup currants (just because I had some!)<br /><br />I am seeing online that some people freeze it; otherwise, it lasts about 2 weeks in a sealed container. <br /><br />I think I stirred mine too well, because it's not in big chunks like I'd like it. Also, don't add more than 1/2 tsp. salt. I put a little more by accident because I'm allergic to measuring instruments. Oops. Next time I'll know, but in the meantime it sure is yummy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-5383997225809579742008-01-18T16:48:00.000-05:002008-01-18T17:19:10.197-05:00How to Lose Weight Naturally - Part Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9_FUN1d4ecrsrTBqnjJYGN2_Kl5wHXtqf44Vz1SX1M60wcEc5cFx2z-EacxQ7PhWvtU1QsKtatzj4hhW-dvSJfbvBjGOkOb7uMAHhCTB836e305C6knFZR24FhYXm9DZZWoS/s1600-h/889136_fresh_veg_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9_FUN1d4ecrsrTBqnjJYGN2_Kl5wHXtqf44Vz1SX1M60wcEc5cFx2z-EacxQ7PhWvtU1QsKtatzj4hhW-dvSJfbvBjGOkOb7uMAHhCTB836e305C6knFZR24FhYXm9DZZWoS/s320/889136_fresh_veg_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156944553002936722" /></a><br />I'm like most of us - as a teen, I could wolf down half a large pizza and two big Cokes and never see the effects on my hips. The scale showed two extra pounds? No problem. I just thought about losing weight and it was gone. But as an adult, no one ever accused me of being too thin. I bounced all over the scale, and my closet had clothes in it covering five different sizes! When I got pregnant, I literally thought this was it for me, goodbye any recognition of a waistline. Thanks to losing weight naturally with fresh, healthy food, that didn't happen.<br /><br />I think one of the most important keys to losing weight is to not deny yourself to the point of feeling resentful. Denying any pleasure in eating is no way to go. Instead, it's a matter of shifting your eating pleasure to other foods. Here's my trick: Cookie in cupboard is calling my name. (I try not to have cookies in the cupboard to begin with, but occasionally they jump into my grocery cart when I'm not looking. Bad, bad cookie.) Cookie in cupboard must be eaten. Alrighty, but first I must eat something really healthy and nutrient-rich before moving on to said cookie. Often (but not always) I don't have a desire to eat the cookie after I've eaten a piece of my favorite fruit, like grapefruit or a banana or both! If I still want the cookie, I figure I've gotten some goodness in me anyway, and I won't be floating along on a nasty sugar buzz. <br /><br />So now you're thinking, "The girl just ate two pieces of fruit <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> a cookie! You can't lose weight that way!" My rule: Never feel guilty about eating fruit and vegetables. Ever. Eat until you explode if you so choose, unless you're drenching your vegetables in cheese. Then we gotta talk. But if they're nice and fresh, eat all you want. Because if you eat all those fresh fruits and vegetables, you <span style="font-style:italic;">will</span> lose weight. There's no way around it. You're filling up on things so full of nutrients that I guarantee that cookie will not feel nearly so enticing once you've worked up a veggie buzz. And yes, my friends, there IS a veggie buzz.<br /><br />More on that later...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-2317387834943788042008-01-15T09:02:00.000-05:002008-01-15T09:36:50.634-05:00How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy and Beyond<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGug2pP6PFYMDYR_YLEKGeQuFfoltTDvrEiyMtHsuMhOK4ea-VxaOz6UHOw7Vy47BlhWxBtc2DhJK72ifKDZf4L906HzgCE0DQmtVUn5XhVdwWhW6v7CgSvC6Wclgp3iQSKYx1/s1600-h/901424_food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGug2pP6PFYMDYR_YLEKGeQuFfoltTDvrEiyMtHsuMhOK4ea-VxaOz6UHOw7Vy47BlhWxBtc2DhJK72ifKDZf4L906HzgCE0DQmtVUn5XhVdwWhW6v7CgSvC6Wclgp3iQSKYx1/s320/901424_food.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155709535156971906" /></a><br />It's January, the month of the diet. Resolutions are made and broken this time of year, and I'll dare say most of them revolve around the waistline. There is so much I could share on this topic that I know it will never fit in one posting. But I'll give you my very best advice in a condensed form, and in later posts I'll expound on some things. If you have weight to lose after your pregnancy, or if you just plain want to get healthier, the most important thing to remember is that what you eat while you're trying to lose weight needs to be something you can comfortably eat for the rest of your life.<br /><br />I have known people to attempt to lose weight through all sorts of extreme eating measures - rice and chicken broth for 6 weeks, cabbage soup at every sitting, or meals made up of nothing more than grapefruit and bacon! While these may work temporarily, who wants to eat only grapefruit and bacon for the rest of your life? The big factor for weight loss is not cutting back on food take - it's increasing the food! Increase the high-nutrient stuff you were meant to eat in the first place. If you can focus as much of your eating attention on fresh fruits and vegetables, you'll be amazed at not only how much weight you lose (and fast!) but at how much better you'll feel.<br /><br />When I found out I was pregnant, I started eating healthier and healthier, including as much large salads, fresh fruit, and raw vegetables as I could. I managed to gain only the needed amount of pregnancy weight. After pregnancy, I continued my healthy eating because I was nursing. Combining nursing with my new eating habits knocked off that post-pregnancy weight in record time. <br /><br /><a href="http://drfuhrman.com/">Dr. Joel Fuhrman</a> gives lots of science-based advice in his books, one of which I have reviewed here. (<a href="http://the-mommy-spot.blogspot.com/2007/03/disease-proof-your-child-dr-fuhrmans.html">Disease-Proof Your Child</a>.) His books, including <a href="http://drfuhrman.com/weightloss/about.aspx">Eat to Live</a> (look for an up-and-coming review on that one), totally changed the way I look at food. I'm not a vegetarian - not completely - and I still eat things I used to, but I eat a lot less of them. In fact, the more I add fresh fruits and vegetables to my meals, the more I crave the healthy stuff! <br /><br />The most fun part of eating like this is you can stuff yourself silly on the days you feel like you want to eat all day. And you can stuff yourself silly on all the other days too. In fact, you <span style="font-style:italic;">should</span>. Keep a big container of cleaned fresh veggies onhand, and grab those first if you feel like reaching for the Ding Dongs. Make big elaborate salads to go with every meal, and eat until your heart's content. Keep big bowls of fruit, with a large variety, cleaned and ready to eat. You'll find the more easily accessible the fresh food is, the more you'll reach for it. And pick up a copy of Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman if you really mean business! (For the record, Dr. Fuhrman isn't paying for or aware of any of my blogging about him - this is strictly based on my own experiences with what I've learned from his books and website.)<br /><br />Whew! This is my "How to Lose Weight" information in a nutshell. I'll cover more over the coming days, so check back! In the meantime, whether you have weight to lose or not, have yourself a salad feast in the coming days. Experiment adding all the goodies you can to it, and eat till your heart's content. <br /><br />To make sure you don't miss any postings of The Mommy Spot, please subscribe in the right-hand column.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-85145094623193642122008-01-10T13:45:00.002-05:002008-02-22T14:22:31.868-05:00Natural Remedies for Lowering a Fever(Note: You can read this article on <a href="http://dkmommyspot.com/?p=155">Lowering a Fever</a> on my new blog, <a href="http://dkmommyspot.com">dkMommy Spot</a>.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKK4ZyJtgfR4k0vIWTretYSFZZ8ury5veOHxA83nGhIKxONV4JVETpHxy42dCdKIk65GWgJFFl4d222-N9bqWzKEYfD7A67kMjYeBnLQV5b21o2NcW64sKYhowqFl4V80Sg-Z/s1600-h/661103_50242696.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKK4ZyJtgfR4k0vIWTretYSFZZ8ury5veOHxA83nGhIKxONV4JVETpHxy42dCdKIk65GWgJFFl4d222-N9bqWzKEYfD7A67kMjYeBnLQV5b21o2NcW64sKYhowqFl4V80Sg-Z/s320/661103_50242696.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153946365182617938" border="0" /></a><br />I recently blogged about <a href="http://the-mommy-spot.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-calm-fever-after-vaccinations.html">how to reduce a fever for your child after vaccinations</a>, but what if your child has a fever due to a cold or flu? There are some great natural remedies to safely lower fevers in those cases too. One of the easiest ways is with herbal tea. <div><br /><br /></div><div>There are several you can try, but one of the most effective would be catnip tea. It's a little bitter, so if your baby is over a year old you can add a little honey. Or make the tea with catnip and lemon balm to make it more palatable. If you're nursing, you can drink the tea yourself and the benefits will pass through the breastmilk shortly after drinking it. I usually steep about a teaspoon of tea in a mug of hot but not boiling water for about 10 - 15 minutes. You can administer a dropperful every 15 minutes until the fever starts to come down, then increase the dosage to 1/4 cup every one to two hours. After the temperature is normal, continue giving 1/4 cup of tea 3 - 4 times a day for a few more days to help support recuperation. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Remember, though, that having a fever is not always a bad thing. It's the body's natural defense against viruses, so you don't always need to fight it. If the fever is 103 degrees or higher, call your doctor right away. But if it's 101 or less, it can often be managed with plenty of fluids. (Warm fluids help to encourage sweating, which also lowers a temperature. Older children may enjoy <a href="http://the-mommy-spot.blogspot.com/search?q=ginger">ginger tea</a>, which although spicy, has a wonderful warming effect.) As always, if anything at all raises the alarm in your parental radar, call your doctor regardless. Don't be afraid of sounding silly or of asking too many questions. A good pediatrician will be more than willing to help you.</div><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--<br />google_ad_client = "pub-7244583654575587";<br />/* 468x60, created 2/22/08 */<br />google_ad_slot = "6747885121";<br />google_ad_width = 468;<br />google_ad_height = 60;<br />google_cpa_choice = ""; // on file<br />//--><br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"<br />src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"><br /></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-86129497907222230272008-01-05T11:36:00.000-05:002008-01-05T12:13:19.102-05:00The Vaccine Book by Robert W. Sears, M.D.,F.A.A.P.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqS30iJbTgYuVGZy9ZiQt8kGcKxm51wZ_m0I410r9l_C0W1eYOCTYlcc54JNvx3jRJbi5SOs75joaULmiQHp7aoCLzPKCl7zrcs8mFQjqxU_J62DdW-PErnsaoPQEExHsObYO/s1600-h/41IpqxqIHFL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqS30iJbTgYuVGZy9ZiQt8kGcKxm51wZ_m0I410r9l_C0W1eYOCTYlcc54JNvx3jRJbi5SOs75joaULmiQHp7aoCLzPKCl7zrcs8mFQjqxU_J62DdW-PErnsaoPQEExHsObYO/s200/41IpqxqIHFL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152041706100631858" /></a><br />What a relief this book was to me. Finally, an impartial view of vaccines and their benefits and side effects. I wish I would have had this on my bookshelf before my son was even born. The Vaccine Book is an invaluable tool filled with facts on everything a parent should know before deciding on a vaccine. The book not only explains the most common vaccines given in the first 12 years of a child's life, but it also delves into those often given for travel and in other special circumstances. <br /><br />The Vaccine Book is a compilation of valuable information in an easy-to-reference format. You can have your answers in just a few quick minutes of reading if you choose, or dive into some statistics, even learn how the vaccines are made. I'd suggest reading a few days ahead about the vaccines your child is about to receive, so if you have any questions, you know exactly what to ask. Take the book with you to the doctor visits. The more informed you are going in, the more easily your doctor will be able to address your concerns. <br /><br />I finished The Vaccine Book feeling like the confusion had lifted. Dr. Sears wrote this book with the parents' interests at heart, and he has no problem openly stating both negative and positive answers. Where there are no answers, he tells you straight out. This book never attempts to answer the question, "Should I vaccinate?" Sears simply gives you the information and allows you to make that decision without feeling judged either way. I highly recommend this book to all parents, and if you have any baby showers to attend soon, this is a great gift idea. I have a feeling you'll be thanked over and over.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-21342496412066439952008-01-03T16:35:00.000-05:002008-01-03T17:09:43.424-05:00How to Calm a Fever After Vaccinations, and Other Hints<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSNjOjvG3f3p1JG3Dmd6oJkvvbsCNyxTP7qeMo0Thok74q2wKzZaln6rSQlLSSm6g9IrNkZDNrIDQUdzGLLtDEpp5jJiLO5vI5Xdn9aDK2vzzmEJZk_p-dpApjLkwKYRZEwls/s1600-h/287378_little_lion_doctor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSNjOjvG3f3p1JG3Dmd6oJkvvbsCNyxTP7qeMo0Thok74q2wKzZaln6rSQlLSSm6g9IrNkZDNrIDQUdzGLLtDEpp5jJiLO5vI5Xdn9aDK2vzzmEJZk_p-dpApjLkwKYRZEwls/s320/287378_little_lion_doctor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151374951082633474" /></a><br />One of the worst parts of getting babies vaccinated is the knowing, or not knowing, what is to follow. Will there be crying? Sleeplessness? Crankiness? And those are just your own side effects! What about baby? Many babies end up feeling like they have a touch of the flu, and it's not uncommon for a baby to run a slight fever. There's one natural remedy that can help ease a baby's fever after vaccinations. Just a couple drops of peppermint or chamomile essential oil in a bath is not only soothing to the discomfort after those shots, but it can get baby through that feverish part a little quicker.<br /><br />If you're like me and you obsess over the side effects and toxins that are sometimes present in vaccines, there is a homeopathic remedy that can be used called Thuja. Get the tablets at 6x strength and administer those two times daily for 2 - 3 weeks after the injections. It is said these tablets help remove the excess toxins from the body. A good health food store should be able to point you towards the correct tablets. Remember, homeopathic tablets just melt under the tongue, so it's nice and easy for little ones! They're usually sweet tasting too.<br /><br />Ask your doctor what side effect to expect, and which ones are serious enough to come back into the office. When babies and young children get their vaccines, they'll sometimes feel achy and feverish for up to 24 hours. This might come across as crabbiness, tiredness, or fussiness. So be extra patient, give lots of cuddles, and plenty of kisses until it's all over. But if anything about your child's behavior raises those parental alarm bells, call your doctor, no matter how silly the concern. It's better to be safe than sorry; and that's one old adage that really stands true for parents.<br /><br />(Note: Look for my up-and-coming review of Dr. Sears' new Vaccine Book.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-11460657409668523642007-12-31T15:59:00.000-05:002007-12-31T16:38:25.930-05:00Wooden Toys and the Christmas Aftermath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqmev9_vxDL8jY8ZLKIDBCCWpMl0dvhs7-_D8V7Q94jIPIeyPGnCP5Qe1X8c7n_MIM-SVWwknftZ_TfsfrbiFT8LOVLGh_We2yHPDEvqz_I0ZfAikGmBBf11e-o8aX-ORnpTJ/s1600-h/melissa_doug_food_groups.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqmev9_vxDL8jY8ZLKIDBCCWpMl0dvhs7-_D8V7Q94jIPIeyPGnCP5Qe1X8c7n_MIM-SVWwknftZ_TfsfrbiFT8LOVLGh_We2yHPDEvqz_I0ZfAikGmBBf11e-o8aX-ORnpTJ/s320/melissa_doug_food_groups.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150248827837491394" /></a><br />Well, I suppose my living room looks just like yours about now. Something like an explosion in Santa's workshop. The toy selection on our floor looks like what you see on nostalgia-inducing Christmas cards. That's because we gave our son lots of wooden toys this year. I've got to say I'm so glad we went that route because these toys have really caught his attention, and I mean for more than the standard five toddler minutes. Unintentionally, all the toys we bought for him were from <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/index.shtml">Melissa & Doug</a>. (They were even sold at our grocery store here.) The Melissa & Doug company didn't ask me to review their stuff, and I'm sure they don't know I exist out here in the blogosphere. But I had to share the Christmas shopping success with you because I'm so happy with the toys, and there was so much toy concern for all of us this year. We didn't have to assemble a single blessed thing. And aside from a little shrinkwrap, there was no monster "unboxing" to be had. Everything smelled like fresh pine when we opened it. What, I ask, is more Christmassy than that? I think the best part is my son plays with his toys instead of him watching battery operated toys doing all the playing for him. <br /><br />Now that all the presents have been opened and kid tested around your house, do you have any that stand out as real winners? What ended up being the favorites?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-11733945166767422592007-12-27T12:45:00.000-05:002007-12-27T12:49:14.758-05:00I'm Having a Giveaway!Hello and Happy Holidays to you all! I hope you've been enjoying lots of great family time, collecting stories for your blogs. I can't wait to read it all!<br /><br />And speaking of reading, I'm giving away a book at my blog <a href="http://carpelibris.blogspot.com/2007/12/rio-san-pedro-by-henry-hollenbaugh-book.html">carp(e) libris</a>. Hop on over there and sign up.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-55100139578185148512007-12-24T15:34:00.000-05:002007-12-24T15:35:37.948-05:00Holly Jolly Christmas to You!!!Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! <br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6aNUm1ePMDs&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6aNUm1ePMDs&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-44052643899402302572007-12-22T15:30:00.000-05:002007-12-22T15:39:23.229-05:00CSPC: "Don't Place Infants on Air Mattresses"I recently received an email from the CSPC urging parents not to place infants to sleep on air mattresses. With the holiday season comes lots of overnight trips, and "when traveling, parents may choose alternative sleeping environments for babies." The CSPC warns even a fully-inflated air mattress is not a good place for an infant to sleep, because the baby can suffocate. To read the full article and to learn about other unsafe sleeping practices, please click <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08137.html">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-87646732263783810672007-12-20T09:05:00.000-05:002007-12-20T09:30:14.380-05:00Natural Remedies for Clearing the Stuffy Nose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY8LHidi5bepsyMTma0xQqKQWork8WWJMi9vylirtvRlpUCGDBiI32hijYyiC-SUTB2cy1I2YxG1Zv_Hbr7JiOcxRqLpVfh6CgdGImob56W2sFeRaJPAzV2ASFN6Z6vGn6cZ4/s1600-h/290373_4443.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY8LHidi5bepsyMTma0xQqKQWork8WWJMi9vylirtvRlpUCGDBiI32hijYyiC-SUTB2cy1I2YxG1Zv_Hbr7JiOcxRqLpVfh6CgdGImob56W2sFeRaJPAzV2ASFN6Z6vGn6cZ4/s400/290373_4443.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146062003523037298" /></a><br />If there's one thing that will keep a child of any age awake, it's the stuffy nose. And if they're awake, you're awake! With over-the-counter medicines being called into question, you're probably wondering how to deal with things like a stuffy nose in a natural and safe way. I've got a few tricks to share with you - some perfect solutions for newborns, and some perfect even for you. <br /><br />One of the most helpful remedies for the stuffy nose is salt water. This can be used for any age, and it doesn't have to be uncomfortable. For older children and adults, a weak solution of about a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of sea salt can be gently sniffed from an eyedropper into each nostril. For infants and toddlers, you can try a product called <a href="http://www.blairex.com/SimplySalineBaby.html">Baby Simply Saline</a>. As the name implies, it is simply water and salt in a container that makes it easy to spray into baby's nostrils. No preservatives, no stinging. <br /><br />If you're nursing a newborn, an unusual but effective technique is to put a few drops of breastmilk into each nostril with an eyedropper. Sounds weird? Well, since the breastmilk has bacteria fighting properties, it's actually a great natural choice. And it's free! I've found this unique remedy in many books on natural baby care.<br /><br />If you didn't get a chance to read my post <a href="http://the-mommy-spot.blogspot.com/2007/12/natural-remedy-for-babys-cough.html">Natural Remedy for Baby's Cough</a>, hop on over to it. Using a humidifier with essential oil can also help a stuffy nose. I give instructions on that post to help you out.<br /><br />Got any of your own remedies you find helpful? Raw onion slices near the bed? A special tea? Share them with us in the Comments section - I'd love to hear more!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-11499811356376258222007-12-17T16:26:00.000-05:002007-12-17T16:31:48.986-05:00A New Blog!Guess what? I've just started a new blog, and I wanted to share it with all my Mommy Spot readers. If you love to read (and I have to assume all bloggers do), then check out my new blog <a href="http://carpelibris.blogspot.com/">carp(e) libris</a>. I'll be doing book reviews and book giveaways from small presses, and posts on independent booksellers. So bookmark <a href="http://carpelibris.blogspot.com/">carp(e) libris</a> and check back frequently, because the reading's just starting!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-49034712589511172612007-12-16T10:08:00.000-05:002007-12-16T10:52:05.874-05:00Exposed - A Book on the Toxicity of Everyday Products<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8tK9p05kxsvYcmLFLIeWPDNKT1ekK-wA9a4fF1BPofqGtiScNWdFZzXxiJybg8LmCqVnDWESzsDvj2mOB_d0r4nwwTvG66pUAPX2p0rBWElWwEchOVKAH-A9Z6m_nvd7G_C5/s1600-h/9781933392158.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8tK9p05kxsvYcmLFLIeWPDNKT1ekK-wA9a4fF1BPofqGtiScNWdFZzXxiJybg8LmCqVnDWESzsDvj2mOB_d0r4nwwTvG66pUAPX2p0rBWElWwEchOVKAH-A9Z6m_nvd7G_C5/s400/9781933392158.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144595955091253346" /></a><br />I was recently listening to an <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16616951">interview with Mark Schapiro on NPR</a>. He was talking about his new book <a href="http://schuler.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Search">Exposed</a>, and I was riveted to the discussion. I knew I had to review the book for The Mommy Spot because it covers so much of what I talk about when it comes to the chemicals present in our everyday lives. <br /><br />But I'm a hard sell. I come by none of my opinions easily, and when I find something of interest, I really dig into it and research every shred of information before jumping on any bandwagon. For me, this book was a fascinating overview of a topic I know I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of. <br /><br /><a href="http://schuler.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Search">Exposed</a> discusses how the U.S. has not stepped up to the plate when it comes to protecting its citizens from chemicals added to everything from plastics to shampoos. While all of Europe and much of the rest of the world struggle to replace harmful chemicals such as lead and formaldehyde, Schapiro tells how the U.S. manufacturers wait for more "convincing" evidence these chemicals are causing us harm. <br /><br />Some books take a small subject and stretch it to fill enough pages for publication. But Schapiro could have filled volumes with what he covered. He managed to expertly crunch everything down to an easy-to-understand journalistic style. He gave me lots of food for thought and a long list of things I plan to look into further.<br /><br />Every page covers daunting information, and although I feel every parent should rush to read this book, I would caution not reading it before bed. Stephen King couldn't come up with some of this stuff. I had a hard time reading about the PCBs present in so many of the toys our little ones chew on, and I could hardly wrap my brain around how those PCBs can effect testicular development in our sons.<br /><br />If you're going to read this book, and I sincerely hope you do, make sure to take pauses and focus on the positive things you can do around your own house. Yes, lead in toys is darned scary. But you can replace questionable toys with safer versions, one at a time. You'll learn about the harmful chemicals in plastic baby bottles, but the good news is they still make glass ones. (No, they won't break that easily - I've dropped them in parking lots with nary a scratch!) Don't look at your dinner plate and fear the chemicals that might be looking back at you. Focus on all the organic and local produce available, and how one step at a time, you can take control over those long lists of nasty chemicals. The good news according to Schapiro is, with all the pressure from other countries, America will have to conform or lose its place in the global market, and I'm confident in time it will conform. In the meantime, learn what you can and take comfort in your own ability to make informed choices. If you choose the natural route, you'll never even have to learn to pronounce things like "phthalates" and "octa brominated diphenyl ether". <br /><br />I plan on making the book <a href="http://schuler.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Search">Exposed</a> only the beginning of my education on America's use of chemicals in manufacturing. I'm going to gather together all the arguments and turn over each one carefully. And as I do, I'll err on the side of being "too natural" as much as I can. Because I have to believe the natural choice is the right choice.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-39593457275297035182007-12-16T09:50:00.000-05:002007-12-16T10:08:15.437-05:00Guacamole Recipe Makes a Great Toddler Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmvRmnY-n07ceJz2Vme117uqi3b7W33iXhVHWpZBI9KpEXG7-Tf6DNavtxvoDA4-d9D0YMKu1GmBZ2nXNMKG3xlmp0GO2hfGMVmiTj0in73C64248jG38dluXw__HTk6jPmtc/s1600-h/204176_6927.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmvRmnY-n07ceJz2Vme117uqi3b7W33iXhVHWpZBI9KpEXG7-Tf6DNavtxvoDA4-d9D0YMKu1GmBZ2nXNMKG3xlmp0GO2hfGMVmiTj0in73C64248jG38dluXw__HTk6jPmtc/s400/204176_6927.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144587451056007250" /></a><br />I make guacamole about once a week, and I've found that my son is especially fond of it. He also loves whole wheat pita bread, so I squish a little guacamole in small pieces of pita to make him his own tiny sandwiches. Fun finger food, and so healthy too. Avocados have the good fats you need, omega 3's, and nearly 20 other essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients! Babies can eat plain smashed avocado from a very early age because it's easy to digest. (I used to mash one with banana when my son was first trying new foods.) And avocados aid in the growth and development of the central nervous system and the brain. My, what a smart food.<br /><br />Here's my favorite way to prepare guacamole. The added ingredients are also wonderful for growing toddlers.<br />2 Haas avocados (I look for slightly soft ones with a reddish color)<br />1 or 2 finely chopped garlic cloves<br />2 - 3 Tbs. finely chopped onion<br />1/2 finely chopped tomato<br />juice of 1/2 lemon<br />fresh chopped cilantro - about 1 - 2 Tbs. <br />sea salt to taste (optional)<br />***For adults, you can add 1/2 finely chopped jalapeño. Naturally, you don't want to add that if children are eating it.<br /><br />Run a knife the long way around an avocado, then twist it. Pop out the pit, scoop out the green stuff, and smash. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-75969125629659629162007-12-13T09:22:00.001-05:002008-02-22T14:24:26.410-05:00Natural Remedy for Baby's Cough(Note: You can now read <a href="http://dkmommyspot.com/?p=144">Natural Remedy for Baby's Cough</a> at the new <a href="http://dkmommyspot.com">dkMommy Spot</a>!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5buKVMjwrFs2FfYbL6BcOZI5_Ndv_xSAHLpzTzimJ7Rq91wX8wjyYBSLzL-eTOxK6NbhEXydSxVTz1cE21enKr_6m7d2NzWV84PyUVM2P5A5_Kax1QG1FQgMuxzY9O1BKfTB/s1600-h/799520_33169295.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5buKVMjwrFs2FfYbL6BcOZI5_Ndv_xSAHLpzTzimJ7Rq91wX8wjyYBSLzL-eTOxK6NbhEXydSxVTz1cE21enKr_6m7d2NzWV84PyUVM2P5A5_Kax1QG1FQgMuxzY9O1BKfTB/s400/799520_33169295.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143470675846140162" /></a><br />I'd like to try and share as many natural cold and flu remedies for babies and young children that I can this season. With parents becoming more reluctant to use over-the-counter medications, the search is on for natural alternatives, and I've got a slew of them up my all-natural sleeves! <br /><br />If you have a baby, owning a humidifier is essential when living in the cooler climates. I'd suggest a humidifier with a small reservoir for inhalants. If you already own one and there isn't an inhalant reservoir, that's alright. I'll show you how to use essential oils in either case.<br /><br />Probably the most common essential oil that comes to most minds for coughs and stuffy noses is eucalyptus, but that's pretty potent stuff for babies, in particular babies under a year old. If it's all you have, you can use a few drops in the humidifier, but stay in the room with your baby while the humidifier is running, and keep the door open a crack. An oil I prefer is rosemary. A good quality rosemary oil requires only a couple of drops in the inhalant reservoir, and the fragrance is calming and pleasant. If you plan on putting your baby to bed while using rosemary in the humidifier, try running the humidifier for a good 30 minutes before bedtime. That way you can check the room for vapor intensity. Keep in mind your baby's sense of smell is much more acute than yours; less is more. After you put your baby to bed, keep the door open a crack just for a little extra ventilation.<br /><br />If your humidifier doesn't have the inhalant reservoir, put a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and place the cotton ball near the steam vent. But make sure you don't block it, or no humidity will get through.<br /><br />Always get the highest quality oils you can afford, because there is a difference between them. If you can, give a whiff of the oil before you buy it. It should definitely smell like what's written on the label! <br /><br />One last piece of advice: I've seen humidifier cleaning solutions out there, as well as additives to put in the water tank to avoid mineral buildups. I'd definitely steer clear of these. We've used humidifiers in our home for years, and if you clean them regularly with water and vinegar, and if they're rinsed out very well, you'll have no problem with buildups. It's important to take apart the entire unit on a regular basis as well, scrubbing out any mineral buildup with an old toothbrush. <br /><br />Check back for more cold and flu natural remedies for your babies and young children. The wonderful thing about natural remedies is you can use several at once without worries. And that's important because when your little one is sick, nothing is better for mom and dad than peace of mind about cold and flu care.<br /><br />(Note: Two other possible oils to use would be thyme or lavender. Follow same precautions.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-63320397958643919882007-12-11T13:02:00.000-05:002007-12-11T13:41:18.494-05:00Baby Jamz Toys - A Smash Hit or a Sour Note?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0R_37Ssrq_tbgbq9K-CSNOr90b7J0idMAxL8-s1o4diMcqWWQZxI1O5OWN-doK_bg-2i6-vFJx4lQBMRiJyitKSnJbne5bYNecjByYSV3GzRXfyxMuxurQRmvfIdAd6jol29/s1600-h/babyjamzdancemat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0R_37Ssrq_tbgbq9K-CSNOr90b7J0idMAxL8-s1o4diMcqWWQZxI1O5OWN-doK_bg-2i6-vFJx4lQBMRiJyitKSnJbne5bYNecjByYSV3GzRXfyxMuxurQRmvfIdAd6jol29/s400/babyjamzdancemat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142785422403997938" /></a><br />Music was a big part of my upbringing. In fact, I have a nice little setup in the basement where I can go plunk around and write my own electronic music. So for me, surrounding my son with various types of music is essential. That's why when I was asked to take a look at a couple Baby Jamz toys created by the father and sister of Beyonce Knowles, I said I would. The toys feature hip hop nursery rhymes sung by Solange Knowles, and are meant to inspire musical creativity. I decided to check out the Baby Jamz dance mat and their mix master chair, the two items they feel will be most popular. <br /><br />The Mix Master Chair claims "kids can create several renditions of each nursery rhyme by pressing three different buttons that light up and provide hours of fun." I have to say I was disappointed to discover the sound effects aren't even in the same key as the songs. For those of you who may not know much about music, this means it hurts your ears to hear them played together. Children can't really "mix" tunes, either. It's really just a matter of pressing sound effect buttons as the song plays. The songs recycle three times each after pressing a button, with two verses each round - that means you hear it six times before the toy turns off. For a tired mom who has listened to lots of discordant noise all day, ouch! <br /><br />The Dance Mat is somewhat better, and my son does like to hop around on it. The sound effects, while they aren't always on key with the songs, seem less offensive to my ears, and it's also not as loud as the chair. I found the songs more catchy on this one too. <br /><br />So are the toys beneficial for teaching your children about music? I would say no to the chair and somewhat to the dance mat. There are three other toys in the line, however, and maybe those prove to be different. But since it turns out the toys are made in China and we've all had quite a scare as of late, I don't feel it's something I'm totally comfortable recommending to my readers. Although the chair has very little paint, the dance mat has quite a bit. However, I happened to get the toys a few days before receiving the Homax lead test kits that I blogged about yesterday, so I thought I'd test the two toys out. They both tested free of lead for the surface paints.<br /><br />Overall, I guess I'm like a lot of parents out there lately - I'm leaning more and more towards the natural toys, and although I still have plastic toys in the house and some are even (gasp) battery operated, I'm getting more and more selective as time progresses. I'm still on the hunt for those musical toys, though, because my electronica may be a little amateurish, but when my BRILLIANT son gets older, I'll need a backup singer who plays the drums. Because mama can't sing, darnit.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-73472897013895219472007-12-10T16:08:00.000-05:002007-12-10T16:12:20.510-05:00Is it the Death of Childhood? The Poisoning of Junk CultureMy husband found <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/12/njunk12.xml">this article</a> in The Daily Telegraph, a British paper. I found this article fascinating, full of food for thought for us parents. IS junk culture poisoning our children? You tell me what you think.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34754469.post-70442165995215375192007-12-10T08:27:00.000-05:002007-12-10T09:49:07.887-05:00Testing Your Own Toys for Lead - So Easy a Clown Could Do It!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R07DSx7s-s3Vv3ciS8dRwuhO7NlhadnWTMIn-mRoBwtHOHHR3FXy_3SsYJBt-Ueopoa4gTa_ViHNg7R2a2qrmUA9FllJSdOqYWFp0D35fcBRo_f9AzRJk-7pxf3vucaj4h7O/s1600-h/clown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R07DSx7s-s3Vv3ciS8dRwuhO7NlhadnWTMIn-mRoBwtHOHHR3FXy_3SsYJBt-Ueopoa4gTa_ViHNg7R2a2qrmUA9FllJSdOqYWFp0D35fcBRo_f9AzRJk-7pxf3vucaj4h7O/s400/clown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142352008664223970" /></a><br />Can you test your own toys for lead at home? That's a common question lately. It's been covered on <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-safety/indoors/kids-and-lead/lead-in-childrens-products-12-07/testing-the-test-kits/testing-the-test-kits.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=3&searchTerm=lead%20tests">Consumer Reports</a>, and there is plenty of discussion bouncing around the blogosphere as to how well home tests actually work. With a new batch of toys coming into most homes this Christmas season, checking them for lead doesn't sound like such a bad idea to me.<br /><br />I myself was really curious about the home tests, so I contacted a company I'd read up on called <a href="http://homaxproducts.com/">Homax</a>. They have an inexpensive test called <a href="http://homaxproducts.com/products/paintaccessories/02/index.html">LeadCheck</a> that did well according to Consumer Reports. Homax enthusiastically agreed to let me review their product. As soon as I got the tests, I lined up several of our toys, including two I'm posting a review on very shortly.<br /><br />The tests were quite simple to use: Two small glass vials are housed in a cigarette-shaped tester. You squeeze the tester until the two vials break, shake it once or twice, and while squeezing the tube, rub the swab directly on the surface you want to test. If the swab turns pink or red, you've got lead. <br /><br />Now, the thing with home tests such as this is you are testing for surface lead. It doesn't equal studies done in a laboratory that would find embedded lead. But if you are concerned as I have been that the paint on a toy could be scraped off by little teeth, then this is a great way to find out whether or not you have to ditch a plaything. <br /><br />So did I find any lead? Yes, but not where you may suspect. All the toys I checked were fine, including the ones I'll share a review with you about. But after reading in the <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-safety/indoors/kids-and-lead/lead-in-childrens-products-12-07/what-we-found/test-findings.htm">Consumer Reports article</a> that lead can be found in brass keys, I checked mine out. One key turned the swab a light pink - not a drastic amount of lead, but enough to let me know it's there. And car keys are a common way to occupy a baby while on an outing. I've never been keen on this form of baby distraction, simply because keys seem like a dirty item to me, but I had no idea they could have lead! Thanks to the Homax test, I'll be telling my friends to keep those keys away from their little ones. <br /><br />Overall, my advice is this: After the Christmas chaos has settled down, get yourself a few inexpensive lead tests like LeadCheck. Take the time to check out your new toys. Don't depend on the results as the final say, however. If you have a gut feeling about a toy that checked out okay, set it aside anyway. And keep an eye on the recalls! Unfortunately, I'm sure we haven't heard the end of them yet. Maybe with the help of some do-it-yourself lead tests, we can not only keep our children safer, we can publicize our findings to help other families stay safe too.<br /><br />(NOTE: Despite my intense dislike for clowns, the above pictured passed the lead test.)<br /><br />(Another note: Here's <a href="http://www.homaxproducts.com/company/news/2007/05/index.html">a helpful article to read</a> by Homax as well.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="<$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed</a></div>Michelle Constantinescuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927443258162528366noreply@blogger.com1