Momathon Blog

Love Potion in a Tea?

I love tea. When I heard that a new tea boosts your libido, I knew I had to get it. As my kids would tell me: TMI. That's probably true....but at least I admit improving anything in my life--even my sex life--is worth considering. Haven't tried the tea yet. I'll keep you posted.  

Get Passionate tea by The Republic of Tea is a herbal blend crafted from organic rooibos. Includes exotic muira puama bark and ashwagandha root (both said to invigorate a lagging libido), plus Peruvian maca root (revered as an aphrodisiac), plus flirty lemon verbena blended with passionflower and passionfruit. Tea sold in a variety of sizes. $10 for 36 bags.

Looking for other ways tea can improve your life? Here are just a few more premium teas by The Republic of Tea.

Get Happy tea

Caffeine-free herbal brew based on organic rooibos, bright flavors of lemon myrtle and luscious peach, blend of calming lemon balm, St. John's wort and rhodiola. 

Get Gorgeous tea

Organic caffeine-free tea blend with rooibos is brimming with antioxidants - your skin's best friend

Get Charged tea

Caffeine-free herbal tea with high-antioxidant, organic rooibos, includes soothing chaste berry and black cohosh (encourages hormonal harmony and can assist in reducing premenstrual and menopausal annoyances)

Get Clean tea

Caffeine-free herbal detox blend helps the body help itself, stimulates the liver (natural cleansing mechanisms)

Get it Going tea

Caffeine-free herbal tea for constipation is  a blend of organic rooibos and senna leaves to help you "get it going" gently. (Senna is known for its mildly laxative effects)

Get Lost tea

Caffeine-free blend for weight control with organic rooibos, includes tropical banaba leaf, cinnamon and carob (satisfy the appetite)

Get Some Zzz's tea

Caffeine-free herbal blend with organic rooibos, soothing chamomile, passionflower, valerian (mellowing properties)

Time to Start Feeding the Birds

As winter approaches and the temps drop, birds will welcome a meal provided by you. Kids love feeding the birds. You can make a homemade birdfeeder from a pinecone--just cover it with peanut butter and then roll it in birdseed. Or you can hang a traditional feeder and fill it with seeds that the type of birds in your area prefer. Not all birds like the same seeds. As it turns out, squirrels like almost any type of bird seed. At my house the birdfeeders have to be squirrel proof. Although I don't mind giving the squirrels a handout on occassion, I don't like it when one chubby squirrel drains the feeder in ten minutes or less.

Check out the "Feed the Birds" video clip from Reuters below.

More Kids Getting Kidney Stones

According to an article in the NYTimes.com, more kids--even as young as five or six--are getting kidney stones. Why the steep rise in kidney stones? Kids are eating more salt and not drinking enough water.

I think it is a tough sell to convince school-age kids to drink more water. They'll tell you they don't have time to go to the bathroom. However, waiting until you are thirsty to drink could create problems later. Keeping hydrated is important to preventing kidney stones. Kids who play sports or are very active need to pay even more attention to how much water they drink.

Extra salt in the diet is also a problem. Stones form when substances like calcium crystallize in the urine. According to the NYT, "Excess salt has to be excreted through the kidneys, but salt binds to calcium on its way out, creating a greater concentration of calcium in the urine and the kidneys."

Excessive salt is hidden in many foods: chips, french fries, processed foods such as canned meats, soups, packaged meals. Parents and kids need to read the food and drink labels to see the salt concentration. Did you realize even the sport drink Gatorade contains more salt than kids need? Now researchers are also looking into the link between sucrose in sodas and kidney stones.

I used to think dairy foods could be a problem because of the calcium. According to the NYT, "Dairy products have been shown to reduce the risk of stones, because the dietary calcium binds with oxalate before it is absorbed by the body, preventing it from getting into the kidneys."

I also used to think kidney stones was a disease faced only by older people. Obviously the trend is changing. A rise in kidney stones is also happening to younger women in their 20s and 30s.

I am not a doctor or a medical professional, for more information on this topic talk to your doctor. And remember to drink plenty of water and reduce your salt intake.

More Pumpkin Carving Ideas From Martha

Looking for some creative pumpkin carving ideas? Martha Stewart comes to the rescue.

Check out the following jack-o'-lantern links from MarthaStewart.com: 

Celestial Pumpkins

Vulture's Cage

Stained Glass Pumpkins

Translucent Pumpkins

Pumpkin Creatures

Haunted Halloween Village

Stacked Jacks

Some Carter's Labels May Cause A Rash

My kids always ask me to remove the tags in clothes. Tags are itchy. The labels printed directly on the baby and child clothing seems like the perfect solution.

Now the Consumer Product Safety Commision is warning parents that Carter's knit clothing for fall 2007 with tagless labels can cause a rash. The government agency suggests that if your child develops a rash you should discontinue using the product.

Not all children will develop a rash. The fall 2007 clothing became available in retail stores in 2007 and could still be on retail shelves. The solid background on the labels seems to be creating more problems than the stenciled background labels. 

The affected tagless Carter's Inc. clothing includes fall 2007 knit items:

• body suits
• shirts
• pajamas

For more information you can call Carter's Information Line at 888-282-4674 or check out this Carter's link.

Cheap Chic: Add a Skinny Belt

Every morning I look into my closet and see the same tired things. Even when I take everything out, sort the clothes by color and style in neat piles on my bed and then reorganize the closet, the same old stuff hangs out in my closet. Maybe this winter will be so cold and miserable that I can get away with wearing my long black coat everyday--inside and outside.  

Probably not the best solution for the wardrobe doldrums. That's why I love the latest fashion idea for fall and winter: Add a skinny belt, or one that's wider to update your look and define your waist without bulk. You can add a skinny belt to almost anything: a dress, blouse, sweater, even a vest. Look for a belt that is as skinny as 1/2 inch. A thin belt is great for those who are short-waisted. A wider 1-2 inch belt looks great on almost anyone and is perfect accessory for longer blouses and jackets. If you like the look of an even wider belt, wear it higher to give the illusion of longer legs. The wider belt looks better on longer torsos.

I like the look of a skinny belt and a classic white shirt. Or add a cardigan too. Instant update. 

(Photo: Via Spiga Metal Harness Croc Embossed Leather Belt, $58, available at Nordstrom.)

Pumpkin Carving Tips from Apartment Therapy

Loaded with luscious photos, one of my favorite blogs is Apartment Therapy. Check out the October 22nd post for creative ideas for floral motif pumpkin carving techniques. 

Photo below gives you a glimpse of the great post by Apartment Therapy.

Fall Snowfall

It isn't officially winter, but last night the snowing and the blowing gave my neighborhood an early taste of winter.

Photos © Chris Olson

Pumpkin Carving Safety

My kids see the giant wooden crates overflowing with pumpkins outside the grocery and beg for just one more pumpkin. If I would give in each time we see them, we would have a yard full of pumpkins. With over a week to go before Halloween, it's a bit too early to carve your favorite pumpkin. According to my kids it's never too early to find the right pumpkin. Of course the best pumpkins are basking in the sun at the pumpkin patch. I love that pumpkin hunting ritual when I have enough time. Thank goodness you can find some wonderful pumpkins waiting for a good home at local stores too. I love finding the biggest pumpkins, but from experience I've learned that getting one that is easy to hold and has a sturdy stem makes the carving project simpler.

I am pretty crafty, just not with a big knife and a pumpkin. That's why I love the new pumpkin carving kits to carving relatively easy even for me. The tools provided should require less force to pierce the pumpkin. Always make sure the tools are clean and dry to prevent slipping in your hands. Keeping the surface you are working on clean and dry will also prevent the pumpkin from slipping while carving and causing an injury.

As a kid we used a large kitchen knife--or even my dad's power tools--to carve. However, a big knife is not the best carving tool because the thick blade can get stuck in the pumpkin. Plus the long blade could also come out the other side of the pumpkin right where you are holding the pumpkin.

The new poker tools in pumpkin carving kits add an extra step that is worth the time. Just trace the outline of the cuts you want to make on the pumpkin with a pen, then use the poker tool to make a series of small holes. This step makes it easier to cut out the triangle eyes and zig-zig mouth with a knife.

Sccoping out the goop in the middle of the pumpkin should only require a large kitchen spoon. If you select a spoon with a handle that's too long, you will have problems scraping the sides of the pumpkin. Just make sure the handle will not bend under all the pressure. I think even a melon ball scooper or an ice cream scoop works great.

One tip for carving the lid of the pumpkin. Remember to carve at an angle so the lid doesn't just fall down into the pumpkin. 

What's the best part of the project? There are no rules for pumpkin carving design. Just have fun.

A Big Shout Out to Bob's Mom

The most memorable moment from the third and last presidential debate of 2008 with Senators Barack Obama and John McCain might have come from moderator Bob Schieffer: 

Election day on November 4th is fast approaching. So with only days to go, I urge you to read up on the candidates and the ballot issues in your area. 

Like Bob's Mom says, "Go vote now. It will make you feel big and strong."

Me and the Wallabies

Can't tell you exactly why I love these little guys except you gotta admit they are so adorable. And they seem to like me. 

Me and the Bennetts Wallabies at the zoo.

 

 This cute guy tries to kiss my camera.

Sex and Your Health: Link Between HPV and Oral Cancer

We know the sexually transmitted infection HPV (human papillomavirus) is linked to cervical cancer. But did you know that now doctors say there is also a link between oral sex and throat cancer. According to ABC News reports, a study by researchers at John Hopkins shows that patients with oral cancer are getting younger and many have HPV-16 in their biopsy specimen.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 34,000 people in the U.S. have oral cancer and 39% of those cases are related to HPV. Patients with oral cancer include both men and women. Many patients are in their 30s and 40s, non-smokers, and otherwise healthy adults. HPV is transmitted by direct contact, which means you only get the virus in the location it attaches. That means HPV doesn't travel through the bloodstream from someplace else. How does it get in the mouth? There is a link between oral sex and oral cancer. Doctors haven't been able to rule out transmission by saliva through kissing, sharing drinks, etc. You can't wash the HPV out of your mouth. Instead you have to treat the virus with an extensive drug treatment.

Unfortunately there is no oral screening method for HPV through saliva. You have to pay attention to the symptoms: a persistent sore throat accompanied by swollen glands. Men are 35% more likely than women to develop HPV-related oral cancer according to the John Hopkins study.

Now is a great time to talk to your teen about HPV and oral cancer. Because teens tend to think oral sex is relatively safe compared to vaginal sex, they need to be made aware of the link between HPV and oral cancer. 

Are Your Kids Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Yesterday the American Academy of Pediatrics doubled its recommendation for the daily of dose of vitamin D from 200 international units of vitamin D to 400 for children beginning the first few days of life. Breast-fed infants are also urged to receive vitamin D supplements. Now new research shows doubling vitamin D helps keeps bones strong and it also has lifelong health benefits by helping fight off other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

Why are kids more at risk? Kids today are not getting as much time in the sun, one of the best sources of vitamin D. Plus, most kids get vitamin D in milk and kids are eating less. Most milk you buy at the grocery is fortified with vitamin D, but most kids and teens don't drink enough. Kids need to drink 4 cups of milk to get enough vitamin D. Another source of vitamin D is eating oily fish tuna, mackerel and sardines. How much Vitamin D should your child take? Doctors are recommending children take a supplement to reach the desired dose. You should talk to your pediatrician to determine the amount you need to give your children depending on diet.

Dr. Ian Smith explains the new recommendation to Julie Chen on this CBS video clip.

It's So Etsy: Handmade Padded Gadget Cases

These adorable little gadget cases for iPod, cell phone, or camera come in a variety of cute prints. Made by Lulaballou at her Etsy.com shop for handmade bags and accessories. They measure approximately 4 1/2" wide by 6" high and close with a zipper top. I love the strap that makes it easy to attach to your belt loop, purse, or stroller handle.

"Patchwork Blue Red Lotus" padded case. 

$22 

The padded gadget cases range in price from $19.50 to $22. (Product photos from the Lulaballou shop at Etsy.com.)

Etsy.com--the place to buy and sell all things handmade--is a Momathon Fave.

When I Need to Laugh

Can't help but feel a bit depressed lately due to the sluggish economy. Getting outside and running, biking, or walking is a proven strategy to beat the blues. It works for me. But sometimes later in the evening I need to upgrade my attitude too. And sneaking in a caloric snack is not the best option. Instead I try to escape by reading a good book. Just finished Through Thick and Thin by Alison Pace . I also love to watch a silly video on my laptop. You've heard me talk about one of my faves before--In the Motherhood video webisodes written by moms for moms. Jenny McCarthy, Leah Remini, and Chelsea Handler may be celebrities, but the stories on their show are written by real moms. Their laughter is contagious. Check out this webisode below from season 2 "All's Fair in Love, War, & Sibling Rivarly."

 

Of course, I also love The New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS on Wednesdays at 8pm. No worries if you miss the show on Wednesdays, you can watch the complete episodes online anytime. Or just watch this promo clip below...

Yard Party? Prepping the Yard for Fall

The leaves are turning golden. It's time to prep the yard for winter. My brothers and I used to sing crazy songs together as we worked in the yard. I'm not sure my parents appreciated our singing, but it just shows that you can turn working in the yard into a fun family activity. Just bring your iPod with speakers outdoors and crank up the music. Give your kids some garden gloves to prevent blisters as well as kid-sized rakes. You can turn raking into a game. My daughter likes to make it a contest and see who can make the biggest pile of leaves. Of course jumping into the pile is the best part.

Don't worry about raking up every last leaf on the yard. Leave a few leaves on the lawn and mulch them when you mow. When you add a winterizing fertilizer this will help the mulched leaves break down and they both will provide nutrients for your lawn. You can fertilize your lawn with a winterizing fertilizer such as "Scotts Winterizer Fall Lawn Fertilizer."  Winterizers strengthen the roots and help the grass to store more energy. A good fall fertilizer should provide the nitrogen and potassium your lawn nees during fall and winter.

The view from my backyard in the fall and a couple of frisky bucks.

Are Some Small Pets Unhealthy for Young Kids?

I adore animals. As a kid I had so many unusual pets my parents thought I would become a zoo keeper. Of course I had the usual kid-friendly pets like dogs, hamsters, mice, turtles, fish, and small lizards. I'm not sure why I ever adopted an aged snapping turtle. I carried him around in a wheel barrow. He (or maybe she) eventually dug his way out of his pen to freedom. My older brother and I rescued a baby  flying squirrel when his parents were accidentally killed when I nearby home was being built. We fed the flying squirrel with an eye dropper and he grew up to be the most affectionate pet I ever knew.

I believe small pets are a great way to help nurture responsibility in young kids. I was so disappointed when I heard that the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a warning yesterday about the health concerns of certain small pets and children under the age of five. The warning regarding health safety for young children includes the following pets:

hedgehogs
hamsters
baby chicks
lizards
turtles

Obviously pets can carry germs and even disease, but I always thought preventive hygiene (don't kiss the pet) and good hand washing was adequate for young kids. The AAP feels the risks of accidently getting infected by these pets are too high.

As a mom, I know kids under the age of five don't always follow the handwashing routines like they should. Evidently 11% of the salmonella illnesses in children are thought to stem from contact with lizards, turtles, and other reptiles. Even hamsters and baby chicks carry this germ. The hedgehog quills can penetrate the skin and cause infections that can be severe.

Cheap Chic

We all are feeling the budget woes these days. Nice to know that you can replace those worn out jeans or your favorite purse with the broken zipper without breaking the bank. That's why I love the new Bitten line of under-$20 clothes by one of my faves...Sarah Jessica Parker.

Seriously. Under $20.

Check the new Bitten fashions here.

Why do we love and deserve quality and affordable fashion? As Sarah says on her website:

It is every woman's inalienable right to have a pulled-together stylish, confident wardrobe with money left over to live.

Make A Difference: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

This October make Halloween count by Trick-or-Treating with UNICEF.  Participate in one of the many UNICEF activities and you and your kids can help get clean water, education and medicine to the children who need it most.

Fun and easy ways to participate:

• UNICEF Trick-or-Treat Boxes: Order today and get everything you need to Trick-or-Treat for Unicef.
• Trick-or Treat for UNICEF Online: Create your own UNICEF fundraising webpage in just a few easy steps and invite your friends and family to help raise funds for UNICEF.
• Text-or-Treat for UNICEF: Now you can Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF with your mobile phone. Just text the word "TOT" to 864233 (UNICEF) to make a $5 donation and help UNICEF save kids' lives. 
• Host a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Halloween Party 
• Send a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF e-card: Before Halloween let your friends and family know you are fundraising for UNICEF.

Make A Difference: Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Kids

If your kids like art chances are you have a drawer or box full of art supplies. Did you know some of the common art supplies contain ammonia, formaldehyde, or turpentine that emit asthma-inducing chems? According to the go green nonprofit IdealBite.com, "Up to 36 billion pounds of toxic acrylic polymer solvents, found in many traditional art supplies, are produced each year." (If you are looking for more green living tips, Ideal Bite offers easy to do eco-living tips for busy moms and kids).

How safe are your art supplies? To help you decipher the confusing list of ingredients, check out Children's Health Environmental Coalition.

The good news is you can buy non-toxic art supplies for you and your kids. Here is a list of product suggestions I found a IdealBite.com and a few of my faves including art supply recipes from NatureMoms.com.

• Nunu finger paint: These non-toxic crayons and paints are food grade. ($25 for four big finger paint containers including red, blue, yellow, green)
• Stockmar Modeling Beeswax Clay: Non-toxic alternative to polymer clay which contains PVC ($15, 6 colors)
• Prang Soybean Crayons Tuck Box: Non-toxic crayons made from environmentally friendly soybean oil instead of petroleum. (Less than a dollar for a 4-color box)
• EcoArt Works art supplies: Eco-friendly art supplies for kids and adults. 
• Stubby Pencil Studio: Eco products for creative kids.
• NatureMoms.com: Easy recipes for natural play dough, silly putty, and finger paints. 

Make A Difference: Buy Pink, But Do Your Research First

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Seems like almost every company is pushing pink products this month in the name of breast cancer, but not all pink products offer the same philanthropic benefit. StarTribune.com has a great guide to buying pink. Here a few tips:

• Unfamiliar with a specific charity? You can always check out CharityNavigator.com to evaluate a charity dedicated to breast cancer awareness.
• A pink rubber wrist band is just that unless you double-check to make sure the product you buy is officially affiliated with a foundation you want to support. 
• Read the fine print. When a product claims to give a "percentage of the net proceeds," look for a specific figure of the percentage donated.
• Comparison shop. How much of your purchase will go to a charity? A more expensive item does not necessarily give more to a  breast cancer charity than a less expensive item. See the pink tank below.

Pink Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Tank from Avon.com

$20
According to Avon.com: All of the net proceeds from the sale of Avon Walk for Breast Cancer merchandise (65% of the purchase price) are donated to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer