Momathon Blog

Daily doodle: The hardest part of moving forward...

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Daily doodle: snow globe

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Snow day

Weather never takes a vacation, but it might give you a day off.

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Daily doodle: Give joy

“First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie-dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.” ~ Buddy the Elf (Elf, movie)

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Simply brilliant: Cut paper animated Christmas video

Gorgeous holiday video from papercut artist & Chronicle author Rob Ryan. Watch it below.

Seasons Greetings from Rob Ryan from MR. ROBERT RYAN on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas in stop motion

Are you looking for a cool activity to do with your kids? Have some fun with your camera and try creating a stop motion video. Check out the amazing Vimeo video below by Trent Bailey Photography for ideas.

 

Merry Christmas in Stop Motion from Trent Bailey Photography on Vimeo.

(Photo above: screenshot from the Trent Bailey video)

Dreaming of a puppy Christmas...

Bringing a new dog or cat home on Christmas may seem like a great idea, but new pets need lots of extra TLC when you first bring them home. Holiday festivities can make helping a new pet adjust very difficult. Instead, consider making your own "pet adoption gift card" that promises your children you will go to a local shelter after the holidays and pick out the perfect pet to adopt.

If you already have a dog or cat, don't forget to pet-proof your house during the holidays. Holiday decorations and food and even new holiday toys are very tempting chew toys for pets just like they are for children. And we tend to put the holiday items in places dogs and other pets can reach easily. We might remember to baby-proof our house if we have young children, but we also can use the same concept for pet-proofing the house for the holidays. For tips on how to make your dog and cat safe, check out these holiday safety tips for pets.

Photo: Chris Olson © 2010

Daily doodle: O Christmas Penguin, O Christmas Penguin

 

 

O Christmas penguin, O Christmas penguin,

Much pleasure dost thou bring me!

For ev’ry year the Christmas penguin,

Brings to us all both joy and glee.

O Christmas penguin, O Christmas penguin,

Much pleasure dost thou bring me!

(Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.)

 

Daily doodle: kiss my mutt

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
~ Roger Caras

I have three shelter dogs and they remind me that many of their buddies are waiting in shelters to find forever homes. Your support of animal shelters saves lives. Please consider donating supplies or money to your local shelter this holiday season.

If you are looking to adopt a dog or cat, check out PetFinder.com, an online service that can help you find the perfect shelter pet for your family.


Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Blog for Digs: My childhood bedroom was...

My blog post today is part of Blog for Digs--a great charity blogging event for the non-profit Dwell with Dignity. This non-profit group of interior designers and volunteers is dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty". Learn how you can help make a difference, click here.

My childhood bedroom was...

If I close my eyes and imagine playing on the floor with my dolls in my childhood bedroom, I can almost feel the warm summer breeze coming in through the windows, hear the crickets chirping in the meadow grass outside and taste the sugar cookies baking in the always busy kitchen oven. I loved looking outside and my windows were a favorite feature of my tiny corner room. In the winter I would fall asleep warm and cozy under my pillowy comforter while listening to the snow machines rumbling as they magically blew man-made snow across the runs at the ski resort down the street.

Although my super organized parents might disagree, my childhood bedroom was very neat. Every toy, gadget, and doll had a special box, shelf, or drawer to call home. On one wall my parents added shelves to create a large dollhouse. In my closet they built another shelving system to house my other toys. My desk, my bed, my dresser and my chair were all antiques passed down through the generations. As a child I always wanted a bean bag chair, but when I grew up I realized the beauty of restored wood and handsewn cushions.

I will always be grateful that my parents neatly boxed up and saved many of my toys when I went to college. Here are just a few of my favorite childhood things that I photographed in my studio yesterday:

  

More childhood bedroom posts to come!

Sending special MOMMY HUGS to Claudia and Beth who organized this event and, of course, to everyone at Dwell with Dignity.

If you can, please donate so that we can help create special memories for some great and deserving children.

A talented group of bloggers will post about their childhood bedrooms and one decor item they wished they had. Claudia's Blog for Digs schedule over at StoneHouseLove features a few bloggers for each day.  

Passing the blogger keyboard over to blogger Emily at Notorious MLE. She will be posting her stories about childhood bedrooms tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all of the posts of blog for digs over the next few weeks. You can see the entire schedule for bloggers here.

 

Me and some reindeer

I found these friendly reindeer in my studio. I think even they were surprised by my new hair color. No worries. They told me Santa promises he will help me get my blond hair back.

Illustration: Chris Olson

When bad hair dye happens to good people

I am one of those moms who can speak up for her kids when something goes wrong, but for myself--silence. Even worse, I have been known to say thank you for really bad service.

Last week I went to the salon for partial highlights. Somehow the partial highlights turned into full. The "a few brown highlights here and there" idea ended up making my naturally blond hair turn an ashy brown with a few blond highlights.

I think after the unveiling in front of the mirror at the end of the appointment, if the stylist had looked at my eyes with my total deer-in-the-headlight look instead of my awkward smile, she may have realized that something had gone terribly wrong.

Bad hair dye and hair cuts happen all the time. Figuring out what to say to your stylist is the tricky part. According to Susan Wagner in a BlogHer post, how you communicate your concern is key: 

Call the salon as soon as possible; be specific about what exactly isn't right about your cut or color, but keep your cool. It won't help to yell or cry, even though you might feel like doing both. If you need to, make a list of things you would like the stylist to fix and take that with you to your appointment. It's important that you communicate clearly with your stylist in order to prevent a second mishap.

Is my new hair color worth a do-over? Evidently using highlights to completely change your hair color is a no-no. According to 10 Tips For Beautiful Dyed Hair From Oprah's Hair Expert, Rita Hazan says: The highlights are an accent to the color, not a color themselves.

And my new haggard look isn't just a normal mommy condition. My new ashy hair color could be the problem. According to Hazan, "Colors that are too beige or ashy don't complement skin tones." Gold or warm tones give the skin a more youthful, healthy glow.

Well, enough about me. Evidently lots of moms feel guilty about going to the salon and then complaining later. 

Over at the blog The Laughing Stork, Candy says:

I was expecting to relax and revel in a much-needed ego boost from my fabulous new style. Instead, I sat down in the chair, and the stylist (whom we’ll randomly call Dick) tilted his head and pursed his lips at me. “Can we talk about your color?  It is SO DINGY,” Dick clucked.

Yep. We have all heard our stylists complain about our hair. And we just sit there and take the abuse because heaven forbid we make a scene.

Fortunately, good dye (and good cuts) can happen to good people. All it takes is good communication between you and your stylist. As Candy says at the end of her post:

The point is (yes, I DO have one, thankyouverymuch), when you are in customer service, you do not greet a new client by insulting her hair.  Everyone knows you’re supposed to start off by insulting something small, like lipstick color, then work your way up to hair color.  Customer Service 101. Duh...

I don't love my new hair color. However, I DO like my hair stylist. This episode is just a fluke event. So, what should I do? My good friend and mentor for all things style says I need to put on my big girl pants and tell my stylist that my new hair color is not what I asked for and ask her to fix it.

Sigh. Sounds easy enough. Three days later and I am still working up the nerve to do this. And I'm remembering my mom's advice, "even a bad haircut grows out."

Wonder how those blond roots growing in will look? 

Holiday safety tips for pets

Holiday decorations and food and even new holiday toys are very tempting chew toys for pets just like they are for children. And we tend to put the holiday items in places dogs and other pets can reach easily. We might remember to baby-proof our house if we have young children, but we also can use the same concept for dog-proofing the house for the holidays. 

Toys (and holiday decorations) that are not designed for dogs are not safe for pets. Small parts--even the squeaky part inside a child's or dog's toy--can spell trouble if your pup chews up the toy and swallows the choking hazard. Instead give your dog indestructible toys to keep him occupied like a "Kong" dog toy filled with dog treats. 

Some types of "people food" can be toxic to your dog. I know it's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Especially during the holidays. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even healthy foods such as grapes or raisins--can harm or kill your pet. 

We know chocolate and candy is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill from greasy foods. Also, you should avoid any candy or other item sweetened with xylitol. See my list below for foods to avoid. Plus, for more information on pet safety during the holidays, check out the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.

 

 

Common signs of poisoning include:

• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling
• Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
• Swelling and bleeding

 

Foods to avoid

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Here's a quick overview of just a few people foods dogs and other pets should not eat according to the ASPCA.

• Avocados
• Alcohol
• Greasy foods like turkey skin
• Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
• Chocolate
• Candy or anything containing the sweetener Xylitol
• Coffee and Caffeine
• Grapes or Raisins
• Onions, Garlic, Chives
• Human Medicine
• Yeast Dough
• Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
• Milk
• Salt

 

Plants to avoid

Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA: 17 Common Poisonous Plants

Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:

• Lilies
• Marijuana
• Sago Palm
• Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
• Azalea/Rhododendron
• Oleander
• Castor Bean 
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe
• Yew
• Amaryllis 
• Autumn Crocus 
• Chrysanthemum 
• English Ivy 
• Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) 
• Pothos 
• Schefflera

 

Illustration by me, Chris Olson.

Photo image by digital_image_fan

(You might notice that a version of this post is familiar, you can read it also here.)

 

 

Photo doodle: Grab your markers, pens, paints, and SING!

No more excuses.
Time to have some fun.
Grab your markers, pens, and paints.
And sing!

 

hugs xxoo
Chris

 

Photo doodle above features my messy-creative drawing table with a holiday watercolor image I painted and one of my favorite creativity quotes.

You can find more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Mommy deal of the day: Tiny Prints holiday cards

You can design personalized cards for the holidays at one of my faves, Tiny Prints. New card designs by artists around the globe are added to the store so you can make a unique card that fits your style. Be sure to check out the special promos featured on their website. 

Today TinyPrints offers a special shopping promo via Jill's Steals and Deals featured on the TODAY Show: 

Tiny Prints Celebrity Holiday Card Promotion offers 10 Celebrity Ornament Cards for $5!

Here's how to take advantage of the promo:

1. Go to the Tiny Prints Celebrity Holiday Card Promo link.
2. Click on the type of card you want, and then follow the directions carefully to personalize your card.
3. Enter the promo card at check out. Code: TODAYCARDS. Code expires at 9:00 am (PT) tomorrow (12/18/10) 

Tiny Prints offers other special holiday promos on their website too including today's promo: 10% off holiday cards and invites.

NOTE to my readers: I feature unique products I like on my blog. I do not receive compensation for featuring these products. 

Mommy news: food allergies, youth sports, and mommy thumb

The editors of the Personal Journal Section of the WSJ today have three articles you don't want to miss:

New Rules for Food Allergies: "New guidelines for diagnosing and treating food allergies say that blood or skin tests alone aren't sufficient when making a diagnosis." Plus this WSJ article includes an audio version.

Youth Team Sports Don't Provide Recommended 60 Minutes of Exercise: "The majority of children participating in organized team-sports don't meet the federal recommendation of 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, according to a study released Monday."

The Baby May Be Giving You Mommy Thumb: "Mommy thumb--an inflammation of tendons below the thumb--is affecting more women because of heavier children, older new mothers, and frequent scrolling on smartphones."

(Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography)

Photo doodle: Believing in Christmas magic

 

Believing is not just for children. I think my dog senses a little Christmas magic in the cold winter air on our evening walks.  We have lots of mule deer in my neighborhood, but on the night I took this photo my pup was certain he had discovered tracks from Santa's reindeer on the hillside.

Friday, Dec. 10, is National Believe Day. As part of Macy's Believe campaign, children can mail letters to Santa using the Santa Mail Letterbox - $1 for each letter is donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million.

You can celebrate the spirit of generosity and goodwill and spread the holiday season's message of joy and kindheartedness toward all. Locate a Santa Mail Letterbox here.

(I took this photo when the fresh snow had a lovely blue color under the evening sky. Photo doodle by me, Chris Olson. A 5x7 fine art print of photo is available at my Etsy store: Luna Blue Studio.)

 

Why a cup of tea makes you feel better

Different types of tea have hidden health benefits according to The Dr. Oz Show. 

Migraines: Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties and blocks prostagladins that cause migraines. Drink the ginger tea as soon as you feel the headache symptoms.

Weight loss: Oolong helps you burn fat faster because it boosts metabolism.

Libido: Ginseng tea helps both men and women improve their libido by boosting sexual arousal and combating erectile dysfunction.

 

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Five tips for selecting a Christmas tree

Picking out the best Christmas tree for your home seems easy until you arrive at the tree lot and the choices are endless. Here are a few tips I follow from the National Christmas Tree Association:

-- Know what size (height and width) you need before you go shopping.
-- Check out the NCTA or Martha Stewart Holidays links to identify which tree variety will be best for your family.
-- Don't shop in the dark. Find a tree lot that is well-lit. A lot that stores trees in a shaded area is even better.
-- Ask retailer when the trees arrived. Some trees are only delivered once at the beginning of the season. Other tree lots get several shipments during the season.
-- Test for freshness depends on type of tree. 

Fir trees: Green needles on fresh fir trees break crisply like a carrot when bent sharply with the fingers. 

Pines: Needles on firs are fibrous compared to firs. Needles on fresh pines do NOT break, unless they are very dry.

Photo: GIRLintheCAFE

Daily doodle: Be part of the cure on World AIDS Day

Approximately 2.6 million people each year become infected with HIV worldwide. 56,000 become infected each year in the U.S. Today is World AIDS Day 2010 and the perfect time to be part of the cure.

"Eight million people die every year for the price of going out with your friends to the movies and buying an ice cream. Literally for about $30 a head per year, you could save 8 million lives. Isn't that extraordinary? Preventable disease - not calamity, not famine, nothing like that. Preventable disease - just for the lack of medicines. That is cheap, that is a bargain."

~ Bono

 

 

(you) RED

Product (RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise both awareness and money to help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. The parenthesis is "the embrace." When companies become Product (RED) Partners they put their logo/name in the embrace--elevated to the power of red. You can be (RED) too.

The World AIDS Day 2010 illustration above by me, Chris Olson.

 

 

Blog Red, Buy Red, and Support World AIDS Day

 

Last week the NIH announced a major advancement in HIV prevention research: A daily pill that treats HIV also apprears to help prevent HIV infection. A new vaginal gel shows promise in preventing HIV infection in women.

Research studies like this are key to helping save lives. Approximately 2.6 million people each year become infected with HIV worldwide. 56,000 become infected each year in the U.S. Today is World AIDS Day 2010 and the perfect time to be part of the cure.

Blog Red

Bloggers and Tweeters check out (BLOG) RED to find out how you can turn the World (RED) here. You can turn your profile picture red too.

Tweeting ideas from (BLOG) RED:

Dec 1 is World AIDS Day @joinred fact: 430,000 babies born with HIV last yr. By 2015 that could be 0. #turnred www.joinred.com 

Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Tell the world that an AIDS Free Generation is due in 2015. #turnred to map it. @joinred www.joinred.com 

Tweet #turnred & turn this map of the world (RED). Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Join @joinred www.joinred.com  

 

Buy Red

When you buy (PRODUCT)RED™ items, up to 50% of the profits go directly to those who need it. Some of the (PRODUCT) RED Partners include American Express, Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, GAP, Hallmark, NIKE, Penguin Classics, and Starbucks. Product Red Partners support the global fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Here are just a few examples of how the Partners are helping:

NIKE: 100% of the profits from every pair of Nike RED laces you buy go to help fight AIDS in Africa. 

GAP: 50% of profits from the sale of all (GAP)RED (GAP)RED products go to help eliminate AIDS in Africa

APPLE: Buy the Apple (PRODUCT)RED™  iPod nano and Apple donates portion of the purchase price to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. 

STARBUCKS: The (STARBUCKS)RED Ceramic To-Go Cup contributes $1US/L3/E3 from the sale of each Cup to the Global Fund. (STARBUCKS)RED Jonathan Adler Card. The (STARBUCKS) RED Card generates 5c/5p for the Global Fund every time it is used. 

Many more companies are involved in Buy (Red). Check out the link to see the many other companies are involved in BUY(RED).