Momathon Blog

Pinteresting Pools

I'm so excited to have warm weather return. And spending an afternoon or an ev ening poolside is my version of paradise. Imagine taking a dip in one of these lovely pools. You can find more pools like this on my Pinterest bard Decks and Patios.

1) Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects; 2) Cornerstone Architects; 3) EcoHouse; 4) Faust Construction.

You can find more pools like this on my Pinterest bard Decks and Patios. Check out the links above for details on the pools and their designers/architects.

When Life Gets Complicated {Reasons to Ride}

How is your week shaping up? Hope today is a day you can hop on your bike and go for a ride. Whether you crave climbing the steeps or gliding down the hills, life is always a bit sweeter on two wheels. 

 

Images: Photo above by Eric Olson with design and photo editing by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

A Few California Essentials {Pinterest}

Is it summer yet? The sun is shining in my windows and sitting at my desk doesn't make much sense today. I'm feeling the call of the beach...

 

1) Grab your surfboard and drive to the coast... I could live in the Sherpani website. 2) She's wearing a designer suit and carrying a surfboard. Enough said. CHANEL surf accessories. 3) I want both the pillow and the van—Big Sur Needlepoint Pillow by Jonathan Adler. 4) In case you forgot how to find California, check out the "I heart California" print by Evivart on Etsy.

You can find this summery mood board on my Pinterest board Dreaming of summer.

Go Green: Cool Urban Bike Gear

It's almost the weekend. I'm thinking today is a perfect time to hop on my bike for a ride and maybe even a picnic. Here are a few of my favorite bikes and accessories for making that happen.

BIKES

Cashmere bike: Divine Bikes by New Amsterdam Bicycle Company

Love this ultra-modern upgrade with all the best features: three gears, roller brakes, key lock, bicycle pump, back carrier with bungee, and auto-activating lights for safe city riding.

Green bike: Dutchi 3 City Bike by Linus Bikes

A classic Dutch bike, with a sweeping curved frame. Features a refined upright posture to make it the elegant choice for trips to the market or just riding down the boulevard.

A few other great bikes to consider: 

• PUBLIC C7 Polka Dot
• Dutch bikes by Republic Bikes
• Sonnet Bliss by Pashley Cycles

ACCESSORIES

Orange Fremonster flap pannier

This versatile bag can be carried on your shoulder or you can use the simple clips to attach it to your bike rack. The front pocket is perfect for a U-lock, and the zippered flap design plus water-repellant fabrics provide an extra bit of resistance to the elements.

Headlamp

Ultra bright. With its vintage tear drop shape, this headlamp is the perfect compliment to any bike. 

Canvas market bag

Rugged waxed canvas with oil skin leather and solid brass hardware. This bag is tough, but with looks to match. Perfect for the market or a sleep over. Carry it in with a shoulder strap or roll up the sides when not in use. D-ring's add the option of locking bag to rack. 

Asungtaba basket

When you buy a product from House of Talents you are helping crafters in developing countries. Created by talented artisans, the Asungtaba bicycle basket is woven from veta vera grass in the Northern region of Ghana. 

Nantucket oval basket

This is a solid Rattan basket with leather straps, medium sized and good for items like a hand bag or sweater. 

 

California Dreaming...

I'm feeling some serious spring fever. Are you? Check out these lovely sun-drenched beach themed photos by Meg at her Etsy shop SeptemberWren.

Here are the links: 

1. Quarters Only (Santa Cruz) by SeptemberWren,16"x24". 
2. Pacifica (San Francisco pier) by SeptemberWren, 
   8"x8". 
3. Seabright (Santa Cruz) by SeptemberWren, 8"x12". 

 

 

Why I Like This Space

The sun is shining here in Colorado and I'm thinking of summer—at least until the snow comes on the weekend.

As a former lifeguard I have spent countless hours on pool decks and the stunning landscaping designed by Steve Taylor's firm C.O.S. Design caught my eye for several reasons. I love how both the geometric shape of the pool and the stone pavers complements the lines and color scheme of the house. Imagine how wonderful it would be to make dinner in the alfresco pool house. The large outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining—plus it offers weather protection when rain or cooler weather invades. I'm already there sipping a maragarita in my dreams...

IMAGE: The graphic above is by me and features an outdoor living area designed by C.O.S. Design and photographed by Tim Turner Photography.

 

A Walk on the Beach

 

One of my favorite places to go is the beach. A warm sandy beach is always lovely, but a rock beach is a real adventure. I grew up in Minnesota and I scavenged for agates and other childhood treasures along the rocky  shore of Lake Superior. The beaches in Oregon and Washington have a similar feel but with larger rocks—some in familiar shapes like hearts or loaves of French bread. 

Images: ROCK BEACH images by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

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A Pinterest Picnic (Recipes and Party Ideas for the Long Weekend)

Source: toryburch.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

What are you doing for the last long weekend of summer? I've got a Pinterest picnic with recipes, drinks, and summer-y party styles to make the big weekend festive and fun.

Here Comes the Sun

 

I'm thinking of my friends in the path of the Hurricane Isaac today. Praying for the sunshine to come soon. xo Chris

Below are two music video versions of the song Here Comes the Sun—plus one more favorite sunny song by Zooey Deschanel -- She & Him.

A Fragrance Essential: Kai

You might say I am kind of obsessed with Kai products. And here's why: Even if it's dreary and raining outside, the heavenly scent reminds me of sunny beaches and Hawaii. The fragrance is a light tropical blend of gardenia wrapped in white exotics. I just bought a bottle of the perfume last weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel Spa—yes, I did go crazy and indulge in some little luxuries for our 21st anniversary weekend getaway. Totally worth it!

If you are not going to the Four Seasons, you can also find Kai eau de parfum online at KaiFragrance.com or look for Kai at fine stores like Nordstroms Spa or Barneys. The Kai product line includes their lovely fragrance plus a variety of refreshing bath, body and home care products. I like eco-friendly beauty products and the Kai fragrance line is paraben, sulfate, phthalate and phosphate free—and cruelty free. Kai products are a favorite of Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Lily Collins, Kate Bosworth, Naomi Watts, and Charlize Theron.

Image: KAI FRAGRANCE graphic above is a  hand-tinted photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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A Few Things...

A few things I'm thinking about as summer winds down...

KITES

In Colorado the weather changes quickly. Plenty of sunshine is the norm, but the winds can kick up in the afternoon bringing in clouds and thunderstorms. And I won't complain because we need rain here. Is it windy near your house today? If it is, how about making a kite. Check out a great tutorial that shows you how here.

SIDEWALK PAINT

Creating chalk drawings outside on the sidewalk or a driveway is a favorite summer activity. Today feels like the perfect day to decorate the sidewalk. You can even make your own sidewalk paint—find my post on making the paint and other summer crafts with kids here. And if you want to get uber creative, try out some of the fancy chalk lettering ideas here by the talented Dana Tanamachi.

YOGA FOR KIDS

Nothing helps me calm down and feel better like yoga breathing exercises. I'm hoping my kids can take a few yoga class too. Here's the scoop on why yoga can be great for kids of all ages.

A PHOTO A DAY

Do you like to get outside and run? I love to go for a spin on my bike in the morning. Of course the exercise is wonderful, but getting outside is amazing for the mind too. Photographer and blogger Maura runs every morning and she shares some amazing things she sees on those runs on her Tumblr blog Found Thing.

Image: GIRLS RULE graphic above is by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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Hello, August!

Oh my! It's hard to believe August is here already! At my house, August signals a change in routine. The kids go back to school. Days at the pool are numbered. I'll be sure to savor the leisurely pace before homework and stuffy classrooms take over.

Do you have special plans for August?

Of course, I will be watching the Olympics. Missy Franklin is from my home state of Colorado so I absolutely have to read and watch everything about her. She rocks! And I am kinda addicted to London. You can read more about my fascination with London here: Flower Drama in London and London Calling and The Story of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" Poster—or on my Facebook page.

Many of my blogging friends--and Martha Stewart!--are at BlogHer12 this week in NYC. I wish I was there, but thanks to Laurie at BlogHer at Home you can hear the scoop on the conference and make new BlogHer connections right at home. So cool. Hang out with awesome bloggers via @BlogHerAtHome on Twitter. And you can grab a BlogHerAtHome badge here. (And maybe Martha will blog about BlogHer here.)

 

Image: HELLO, AUGUST! photo graphic above is by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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I Heart Some Flower Drama: Roses

This little lovely is a favorite on my deck. Can you believe the blossom variety on one rose bush? I heart some flower drama :)

Image: I HEART SOME FLOWER DRAMA photo graphic above are by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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Currently Watching

White Collar, USA Network

I love a good cop show, but it was the unlikely partnership of a con artist Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) and FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) that first hooked me. And of course, Neal is easy on the eyes too. You can find out the series details and read the episode guide here.  The show airs Tuesdays at 9/8C. White Collar episodes available online here. I am so obsessed with this show I wrote about White Collar inspiration on Pinterest here.

The Newsroom, HBO

Back when I was in college I interned at a CBS newsroom in Minneapolis and that experience is a major reason why I wanted The Newsroom, a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a nightly cable-news program, to be good. So far the series by Aaron Sorkin, creator of The West Wing and screenwriter of The Social Network and Moneyball, lives up to my expectations. The story is not a documentary about how a news show is put together. It focuses on a fictional newsroom and what happens when their ratings take a dive and the newsroom has to learn how to make the news show excellent again. Of course the personal dynamics of the players on and off camera adds an extra dimension. The series features Will (Jeff Daniels), a popular network anchor who is now struggling to keep his approval ratings up, as well as the people around him in the newsroom: his new executive producer (Emily Mortimer), the newsroom staff (John Gallagher, Jr., Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski, Olivia Munn, Dev Patel) and their boss (Sam Waterston). You can watch it on Sundays at 10.

 

New Girl, FOX

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes, the series features the simply adorkable Jess (Zooey Deschanel), a quirky "new girl" who moves into an apartment loft with three single men. The series is about hitting those twenty-something milestones with a healthy dose of awkwardness. The second season began July 19th, Thursday, 9/8C. You can watch full episodes here.

Perception, TNT

In this brand new TNT show that premiered this month, Eric McCormack plays Dr. Daniel Pierce, an eccentric neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Catch the show Mondays at 10/9C.

Top Gear, BBC America

Time to hit road with Top Gear episodes this summer. I prefer the British Top Gear, but an American version is fun to watch too. Top Gear (BBC) airs on Mondays at 9/8C.

Selling London, Home & Garden Television

Ever dream of buying a luxury home in London? Find out how the pros sell London on Thursdays at 9:30pm/8:30cC on HGTV.

Antiques Roadshow, PBS

I am rarely good at guessing the price for valued antiques, but the concept of Antique Roadshow lures me back every season.

Chuck, NBC

This spring the Chuck series ended and I hated to say goodbye to my favorite spy—as well as the gang at the Buy More, Chuck's big sis Ellie and her Captain Awesome. That said, my summer  howmework is watching the reruns of the amazing Chuck episodes available online here—and on DVD.

 

Date night

A sheer chiffon sleeveless blouse (pair it with a lacy cami), lots of gold bangles, and a short ruffled tango skirt—perfect for date night.

Details: 

• My Sheer-ona Sheer Mint Top, LuLu's 
• Desert Stone Bangle, Kate Spade
• Barcelona Skirt, Garnet Hill 

Image by me, Chris Olson, featuring LuLu's, Kate Spade, Garnet Hill. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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Lazy Summer Afternoons

Weekends and lazy summer afternoons. Even the flamingos are resting this time of day. A halter top seems like the perfect antidote to the heat. I've added neon Fringe Halter Top at Free People Clothing Boutique to my list. $73

Images: What to Wear photos: 1) Halter top via Free People Clothing Boutique. 2) Flamingos photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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It's so Etsy: Reversible Rose Floral and Red Headband

 

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Summer accessories that make your hair look chic and help you stay cool are always on my must-have list. The boho chic is irresistible in the reversible Rose Floral and Red Headband by Cindy at her Etsy shop Bglorified Boutique. It's the perfect multi-tasking headband to pack for a summer holiday and transitioning into fall. Cindy's shop sells a variety of accessories including heart cut shirts and dresses including knitted headbands, jersey knit headbands and crocheted slouch hats. $19

Photo by Dana Ann Photography. 

Summery Pinspiration: Bikes, Boards, and Boats

Here are a few of my faves this week from Pinterest...

You can find these items on my Pinterest board: Dreaming of Summer. Are you a blogger too? Why not add post your fave Pinterest picks and send me a link so I can tweet it! 

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Image: Graphic image above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Summery Decisions

A narrow dirt road with long stretches of washboard bumps wraps around the lake. At the southwest corner is a sign. Which way would you turn?  Left to the cabin?  Or right to the lake?

•  •  •

Image: I love vintage signs. Here's my take on a popular sign I often see "up north." Sign graphic created by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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What to Pack: Summer Beach Wear that Multi Tasks

 

 

Summer beach gear is my fave—even when I am not at the beach. I love a dress that can multi-task. The Elevator 2-In-1 Dress goes from the beach to something you can wear out shopping or for dinner. I also think the Impossible Bikini top is smart—it's a comfy swim top that offers the support of a halter and without the pain that comes from cranking down the neck tie. 

Enjoy the sunshine in these comfy things:

1) Elevator 2-In-1 Dress $62

2) Lux Leather Flip $90
3) Diamonds Necklace $99

4) Three Little Bears Hoody $65

5) Bare Necessities Bag $45

6) Bronwen Bracelet $39 (on SALE now)

7) Everyday Essentials Daypack $75

8) Impossible Bikini top $49, Bottom $44

All items are available at Title Nine

(Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photos via Title Nine) 

You may recognize this post from a post earlier in this spring. Due to the wildfires in my area I have been busy helping with social media for local animal shelters and I am focusing my energy there. For this reason I am reposting some of my popular posts.

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Color Crush: Sea Glass

 

Viscid Watch {Anthropologie} & Prize Rose Blouse {Sundance}

Because I have summer vacay and beaches on my mind... My color crush today is sea glass. Love the bright gummy strap with some serious gold hardware on the Viscid Watch. Pair the watch with the silk chiffon Prize Rose Blouse.

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Image: Photo and graphics above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Hello, Summer!

Summer officiall kicks off today! In the Northern Hemisphere the longest day and shortest night of the year occur today—the summer solstice—and this makes it the first day of summer. Today in the Northern Hemispher the North Pole is tipped more toward the sun than on any other day in 2012.

For a few days before and after the solstice, have you ever noticed that the sun at noon appears to stay in the same spot in the sky? That's because the noontime elevation of the sun does not appear to change very much during this period. At the time of summer solstice the sun is directly overhead at noon along the Tropic of Cancer—an imaginary line that circles the planet at about the latitude of Cuba.

Here's the solstice scoop according National Geographic.com:

This year's summer solstice takes place a day earlier than it's been for the past three years, due to the fact that 2012 is a leap year—this February got an extra day, to keep our calendar year of 365 days in sync with the astronomical year, which is about 365.24 days.

I plan on enjoying the longest day outside—including a late dinner on the deck. Do you have any solstice plans?

 

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Image: Photo and graphics above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Books: A Story of Family, Love, Honesty…and Baked Goods

How far would you travel to solve a family secret? In the novel The Sweetness of Forgetting, Hope McKenna-Smith has her hands full as a divorced mom of a not-quite-teenage girl and owner of a bakery on Cape Cod. Hope's aging grandmother has kept a family secret for nearly 70 years and sends her granddaughter on a journey of discovery that takes her to a synagogue and a mosque in Paris, to a history buried in the Holocaust, and to a long-lost love with secrets of his own.

There is something magical about the characters in each of her books, long after you've read the books you remember the characters. No wonder Kristin has be called a combo of Bridget Jones and Carrie Bradshaw.

Her book Italian for Beginners is one of my faves. It's a Roman Holiday-meets-Bridget Jones’s Diary tale of a woman who travels to Rome in search of love and winds up finding herself instead. Her other novels are wonderful too. Check out all of her books here: 

• The Sweetness of Forgetting
• After
• Italian for Beginners
• The Art of French Kissing
• When You Wish
• The Blonde Theory
• How to Sleep with a Movie Star

Kristin Harmel's new book will be in bookstores August 7th. You can pre-order her book published by Simon & Schuster at Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com. You can follow @kristinharmel on Twitter. 

Want to attend the upcoming Orlando Book Launch Party for The Sweetness of Forgetting? Check out the book launch details here.

 

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Image: Graphic above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Vintage Finds: Retro Beach Radio Speaker Box for iPhone or iPod

Place your iPhone or iPod inside this retro AM/FM speaker box when you want to play tunes on the beach or poolside. The case with speakers keeps your gadget free of sand and salt and sunblock. The water-resistant plastic cover on the Swansea Beach Radio snaps tight, keeping your tech toys safe and sound. Speakers by SunnyLIFE and available at Anthropologie.com. Perfect for Father's Day. $39.99

For more Father's Day gift ideas, check out Father's Day Gift Guide—Summer Styles, Gadgets, and Fun.

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(The graphic above was created by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!)

Three Ways to Add Some Sizzle This Summer

The temps are soaring here. I'm thinking a nice lounge chair by the pool on Lake Como would be a slice of heaven... Of course, I need to wear this retro one-piece with a twist front bandeau. The only thing missing is George Clooney.

Details:

1) Chesapeake Steamer Chaise with Cherry Red Cushions at Pottery Barn is on sale $339.00 – $399.00

2) Glamour + sexy in this Retro One-piece with twist front bandeau by Carmen Marc Valvo® at Victoria's Secret, priced at $154.

3) Take me away to the Villa d'Este a luxury hotel in Lake Como, Cernobbio, Italy. Why? It's beautiful and Clooney has a villa nearby.

Image created by Chris Olson features Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret, and Villa d'Este.

Hello, Summer!

Does it feel like summer at your house? The sky is blue and the heat is sizzling here. Happy Summer!

The June floral pattern above by me, Chris Olson.

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Exotic Places to Go: Travel to Mexico BoutiqueHomes.com

 

If you are looking for an exotic luxury vacation with a private home in the lush Mexican jungle, check out boutique-homes.com. I haven't visited this vacation paradise, but the nearby whale-watching, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking are on my list. Staying at one of these nine vacation homes must be a perfect getaway. 

Photos featured in my graphic above from boutique-homes.com.

California Dreamin'

Is it summer yet? I'm feeling the call of the beach...

1) I could live in the Sherpani website. 2) Imagine. Enough said. CHANEL surf accessories. 3) I want both the pillow and the van—Big Sur Needlepoint Pillow by Jonathan Adler. 4) I heart California by Evivart on Etsy.

5 Summer Styles for Girls at J.Crew

Here are 5 summer styles your kids will love—and so will you. Candy-colored hues in super soft cotton that's both comfy and cute. My fave is the adorable dog sketch on the tee. Shop now for all the styles at J.Crew.

~5 Summer Fun Styles for Girls at J.Crew~ 
Clockwise: Sailor Girl stripe rollerneck sweater and sunglasses, Puppy Love dog tee and sailor short, Ooh La La Trompe L'Oleil tee and toothpick jean, Fun Frock poplin shift dress and stripe capris, Cool Camper safari vest and garden floral short.

Summer styles graphic above by Chris Olson. Images by J.Crew.

Wear This: Spring Break Style

Daffodils are blooming and spring break is in full swing. Time to soak up some Vitamin D outdoors! I try to pack light for a vacation and that is exactly why I love a dress that can multi-task—the Elevator 2-In-1 Dress  goes from beach wear to something you can wear out shopping or for dinner. I also think the Impossible Bikini top is so smart—it's a comfy swim top that offers the support of a halter and without the pain that comes from cranking down the neck tie.

Enjoy the sunshine!

1) Elevator 2-In-1 Dress $62

2) Lux Leather Flip $90
3) Diamonds Necklace $99

4) Three Little Bears Hoody $65

5) Bare Necessities Bag $45

6) Bronwen Bracelet $39 (on SALE now)

7) Everyday Essentials Daypack $75

8) Impossible Bikini top $49, Bottom $44

All items are available at Title Nine

(Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photos via Title Nine)

Sand between my toes

The summer heat wave is here. Time hit the beach, sit back, and relax.  

Doodle above by me, Chris Olson. You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Let the sun shine

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, but they make the most of everything.

Collage by me, Chris Olson.

Daily doodle: Summer is here to stay

 

 

Doodle by me, Chris Olson.

Seeking sunshine after a thunderstorm

 

Sunshine after a big storm always makes me smile.

 

Photos by me, Chris Olson.

 

A little summer magic

Find me some summer sun...

(Photo by jurvetson)

 

Summer reflections...

(Photo by RichardO)

 

Kayaks waiting for summer fun...

(Photo by Zevotron)

 

Oh summer...

(Photo by bark)

 

Why Jennifer Weiner makes me laugh and cry about the choices women make

 

The choices women make--both the good and the bad--and how women judge each other are familiar themes in books by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner. In her new book, Fly Away Home, Weiner reminds us that even though we think we know what's going on in a friend's break-up, no one really knows what is going on inside a marriage except the couple themselves. 

In her new book, 57-year-old Sylvie is mistreated by her cheater-cheater-pumpkin-eater politician husband. The book is not about a victim of infidelity who goes and hides in her bedroom in self pity. It's about a woman who picks herself up, trades her designer suits for yoga outfits, and makes the choice to spend time with her grown children even though her life seems to be falling apart around her. And maybe because of the chaos in her life, she finally takes the time to really find out what's best for her.

What does Weiner think about when writing a book? Watch Jennifer Weiner's interview in the B&N video clip below.

For more great reads, check out my reading list on Momathon books.

I want to go to there...

 

 

Lifeguard stand in Miami.

Photo by [le]doo.

 

 

Garden hose spraying up into the summer sky.

Photo by D. Sharon Pruitt

 

Penmaenmawr beach.

Photo by RichardO.

 

A cafe somewhere near Montmartre. 

Photo by Suvodeb.

Embrace your inner celebrity and wear sunglasses

Chances are you will remember to slather on the sunscreen if you are going to spend time outdoors. Did you know that your eyes can suffer from too much sun too? 

July is UV Safety Month. The same UV-A and UV-B rays that damage your skin can harm your eyes as well. Too much UV exposure can lead to eye health problems similar to a sunburn on the surface of the eye. Conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration can also be caused by too much exposure to UV exposure. 

Simple ways to protect your eyes
Next time you or your kids go outside wear sunglasses that block at least 99% UV-A and UV-B rays. Add a wide brimmed had and your eyes will appreciate the comfort and protection. Watch out for over exposure during midday as well as when the sun reflects the off water or snow. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

What to do if you find a deer tick

 

 

What to do if you find a deer tick 

The sooner you can remove a deer tick the better. To prevent lyme disease do DAILY tick checks because you want the deer tick to embed your skin for less than 24-48 hours.

• If you find a tick on you or your pets, use a thin-bladed pair of tweezers. 
• Grab the tick by the head or the mouth as close to the skin as possible and remove attached tick slowly and gently. 
• Do NOT use the ineffective remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polishes, or burning matches.
• Save the tick for testing/diagnosis: Put tick in a small jar to give your health practitioner as soon as possible. 
• An effective history of exposure is helpful for treatment. You can take a photo of the tick or the rash and email it to your doctor for clarification. 
• You can't effectively wash ticks out of clothing, but you can get rid of them by putting clothing in the dryer for a cycle. 

Diagnosis
Because the disease has symptoms that mimic other diseases, diagnosis is often difficult. If you suspect you have been bitten, go to a doctor immediately. A physical exam and blood test may be done. But a blood test is not always conclusive. Early recognition of signs and an awareness of history of possible exposure areas is critical. Fortunately, the disease can be treated with anitbiotics. However, the earlier the diagnosis is made the better the recovery. 

To reduce deer tick population near your house: Keep lawn mowed, brush trimmed, and leaf litter away from home. Clear vegetation on paths and trails. 

Early symptoms
Symptoms that appear 3 to 30 days after the bite according to the deer tick study by the Minnesota Dept. of Health. A person may have all or just some of these symptoms. The symptoms can resemble the flu. 

• Red rash resembling a bulls-eye may be present in some case. This rash is present in 60 to 80 percent of the Lyme disease cases. 
• Fever 
• Chills 
• Headache 
• Muscle and joint pain 
• Fatigue 

Symptoms that can appear later
Symptoms days to weeks after the bite according to the Minnesota Dept. of Health. A person may have all or just some of these symptoms.

• Multiple rashes 
• Facial paralysis 
• Fever - Stiff neck 
• Headache 
• Weakness, numbness, pain in arms 
• Irregular heart beat 
• Weakness or fatigue Long-term symptoms of untreated Lyme disease include arthritis, problems with the nervous system, weakness, fatigue. 

(Photo above of a female deer tick by jkirkhart35 on Flickr)

Eight tips to prevent lyme disease

 

 

Eight tips

1. Avoid wooded brushy areas with high grass and lots of leaf "litter" because ticks love this habitat. If possible, avoid sitting on the ground in these areas. 
2. Make it easier to spot the tiny bugs on clothing: When outdoors in grassy or wooded areas wear light colored clothing to help you see ticks. 
3. Create a tick barrier: Tuck pants into socks or boots when walking in deer tick areas. 
4. Keep long hair pulled back or in a hat to prevent tick attachment when sitting on the ground. 
5. Deer tick repellant for clothing should include Permethrin. 
6. If you apply repellant to the skin it should contain DEET. Don't apply DEET to the face. Read the directions carefully. Also talk to your doctor about the health precautions for repellants and children. (The CDC recommends adults using repellants with 20-30% DEET on exposed skin to prevent bites.) 
7. Daily Tick Checks: At the end of the deer have someone do a tick check. The tick must be attached for at least 24-48 hours to transmit the bacteria. 
8. Check your pets too: Check your pets for ticks each day. (There is a vaccine for pets to prevent Lyme disease, but it won't stop the ticks from hitching a ride on your pet and entering your house.) There are some topical topical repellants available for pets. 

For tips on how to remove a deer tick go to this lyme disease link.

Photo above of an adult female deer tick by Dendroica cerulea.

Island cooking with easy breezy fish tacos

Fish tacos is a meal we all love at my house. Simple to make. Only few ingredients. Best of all, kids can assemble their own tacos and get exactly the taco combo they want.

Giada De Laurentiis on The Today Show shares a yummy tiki-themed meal in the video below.

Giada's fish tacos

taco filling
tilapia filets baby arugula
avocado olive oil
mango kosher salt
green onions pepper

dressing
olive oil
lime juice
kosher salt

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ABC's of Summer Skin Health

Summer is the time when we might think more about getting a tan than checking our skin for problem spots. And UV rays are the strongest in the summer. Even when it's overcast.

So how can learning the ABCDE's help? You can follow the ABCDE detection tips below for skin cancer detection of a suspected mole lesion. NOTE: Remember to always consult your doctor if you are concerned about your skin. Do not rely on this tip list as medical advice.

ABCDE's of detection:

A: Assymetrical mole or lesion shape. The two sides of a suspected lesion or mole do not match.

B: Borders are jagged, irregular, uneven or blurred.

C: Color is suspicious or varies.

D: Diameter is greater than 6mm (approx. the size of a pencil eraser).

E:  Evolving, elevated, or unEven. If your mole or lesion looks different from others or is changing in shape, size or color.

For more information on detecting skin cancer: 

• The ABCDE's of Skin Cancer, this site offers photo examples of what to look for in moles and lesions
• Skin cancer prevention — knowing your ABCDE’s, Dayton Daily News
• What Your Body Is Telling You - WSJ.com

Remember, if you have any questions about a mole or lesion, contact your doctor. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. with approximately 1 million cases diagnosed yearly.

Garden Quilt

Flowers make me smile. This garden of pink peonies and giant red poppies reminds me of a colorful crazy quilt. I want to sit on my deck and wrap the flower quilt around me

Real-Life Positive Parenting Ideas Online

 

Parenting is a time of rewards, laughter, and love. But we all know it can also be a time of challenges. It's one tough job.

OneToughJob.org sponsored by the Children's Trust Fund of Massachusetts has been an online source of positive parenting advice since 2006.

The CTFs OneToughJob.org  offers parents information on a variety of parenting topics from birth to age 18 including:

• positive parenting
• school and child care
• nurturing your family
• health and safety
• growth and development
• parenting tips  

Summer fun

Many of the OTJ articles focus on summer topics such as selecting a summer day camp, getting your kids to help out around the house, age-specific personal safety tips, and creative activites to do with your kids.
  

Internet safety

If your kids love technology, then check out the OTJ Technology Articles including:

• helpful internet safety websites
• how to report an incident of internet crime
• internet safety--what parents should know
• internet safety--what parents can do
• my teen and myspace
• television and video games
• the cell phone dilemma
• TV and your tot

Love and Romance in Colorado

I love Colorado. It's my home partly because the Rockies are also home to some amazing animals. This time of year the majestic elk are looking for love in Estes Park, Colorado.

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Summer Vacation: Packing Your Bags (And Baggies)

If you travel by air, then you probably know what it's like to have the neatly organized contents of your checked bags or even your carry-on bags disorganized during security checks. I won't complain about the minor inconvenience due to security checks because I support TSA security efforts at airports. 

The good news is you can minimize the disruption to your bag by placing related items such as clothing (folded), toys, and gadgets in quart, gallon and larger baggies. When your bag is examined, the baggies make it easier to keep related items together. If you travel with kids, placing toys and clothes in baggies makes it easy to control clutter when they pack. On a recent trip when we forgot to use the baggies system, my son's carry-on bag was so "overloaded" that when he was asked to remove all items at a security checkpoint he was unable to get all his things back into his bag! Since we have adopted using the baggie packing system, it's much easier to keep the bags organized. Remember to recycle your baggies on your next trip.

Happy travels!