Tips to create and preserve back-to-school memories

(ARA) - It's back-to-school time again, which means new teachers, new classrooms and new routines. As the long summer days are coming to an end, fall schedules start and families get back into the swing of the school year. To help kids make the transition, it's important to create a healthy balance of school duties and family time, while maintaining the summer energy and fun.

Here are some tips to help your family create and preserve cherished memories during this back-to-school season.

Digitally preserve school memories
School artwork, important documents and first day photos are special reminders of your child's time spent in school. Keeping physical copies of these items can be cumbersome, with fragile pieces of artwork often ending up damaged or lost.

• Skip storing items in a dusty basement box and create a digital scrapbook the whole family can enjoy.
• Preserve special memories by taking photos of your kids' artwork and uploading the images to a CD or flash drive with other important documents and photos.
•  Create digital scrapbooks or online photo albums, a fun activity that makes these items easily accessible for out-of-town family.
•  Involve the whole family to inspire imagination and create lasting memories.

Create musical moments
Master morning chores, homework assignments and after-school errands with the help of family-friendly playlists.

• Create an upbeat playlist to help get kids through the morning routine of brushing teeth, eating breakfast and getting out the door.
• Lullabies and classical music have been known to help people absorb more information and de-stress.
• Use music to support after-school study sessions and keep kids on task.
• Make car time fun by letting your kids pick the playlist.
• Let them include some favorite sing-along tunes to help travel time fly by.

Schedule time for family
It's easy for family moments to get lost in the shuffle of everyday routines. Just as you would schedule a practice or work meeting, consider scheduling regular family time.

• Choose any type of game (video, board, sports) that is team-oriented to bring the family together.
• Turn daily chores into family fun by hosting a cooking competition or a high-speed room cleaning contest.
• Taking time to be together will improve communication, build a solid support system at home and create more meaningful family time.

Memorex offers a full line of products that help families create and preserve lasting memories. The Memorex Signature Audio Series offers six stylish iPod and iPhone compatible audio products to help families groove together at home or on the go. The Memorex line of video game accessories will reinvent your family game night with Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 3 compatible accessories.


For more information, visit the Memorex Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/MemorexFans or Memorex.com.

Save 90% With This Special Summer Bundle

Menu Planning Central is offering this deal until 26th July 2011. Yeah, not much time so don't take too long to think about it.

Here's my affiliate link if you want to go straight to their deal page: SPECIAL SUMMER BUNDLE

WHAT'S THE DEAL ABOUT?
Up for grabs is 9 wonderful products for a low price of USD10.00. If bought individually, all these products would amount to USD100.57. 

1. Kid Approved Meals
   Included are 13 weeks of breakfast and lunch menus that will please your kid. Comes with grocery shopping lists.
2. Entertaining Made Easy
   Six complete Entertaining Menus (with shopping lists) to make your entertaining meal preparation a snap. Host a party without stressing out.
3. Weekend Family Brunch Recipes
   A mini recipe book with 50 brunch recipes. Whip up some delicious meals for the family on the weekends.
4. Fun With Food E-book
   Edible play-dough recipes to keep kids busy. Also lunch recipes and craft ideas. Everything to keep your kids happy.
5. A Year of Snacks
   Kids are always game for snacks. Now you won't run out of ideas.
6. Summer Time Smoothie Recipes
   Good way to cool of this summer. And it is nutritious too. This ebook gives you 40 tasty smoothie recipes.
7. Easy Breakfast Ideas & Recipes
   30 breakfast recipes to make mornings a little easier for you.
8. Summer Stress Relief Pack
   Keep sane during summer vacation with Kid Summer Activity Ideas, Family Friendly Summer Recipes & Summer Exercise Tips for Mom.
9. My Favorite Forms & Checklists
   Forms and checklists to help you get things done faster and easier. You've got recipe organization, menu planning, grocery shopping etc....

  ALL THAT FOR USD10.00! 

Remember, don't wait too long. This deal will disappear in a few days time.

Click my affiliate link to qualify for this deal:

I WANT TO SAVE MONEY

WITH THIS SPECIAL SUMMER BUNDLE

* Tell your friends about this great deal by tweeting this post or putting it on your Facebook. Very easy to do. Just use the social buttons below.

Win Chef Jeff's New Cookbook: Dinnerevolution

Cooking for the family takes up a big chunk of my time. Some days I am hardworking and cook dishes that require a bit more effort and some days I just opt for simple stuff. Deciding what to cook can be quite a headache. Most of the time, what ends up on the table depends on my mood.

I was recently given the chance by Chef Jeff to have a look at his new cookbook called Dinnerevolution. All I can say is "WOW". It has at your fingertips over 200 recipes... all healthy and tasty. If you're a busy mom who don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen, than this cookbook can help you. His recipes all require less than 10 ingredients and you'll only need about 30 minutes to prepare each dish.

Want recipe examples? Chef Jeff said I could share one with you. So, here's from a page of his cookbook that I thought you might like.

CITRUS BASIL CHICKEN

The citrus cooked down with the onions creates a great tasting topping for the chicken breast.

Serves 4
Cook time: 25 minutes

1 pound Chicken Breast
1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 cups Orange juice
2 sliced Onions
1 tablespoon All Purpose Seasoning, no salt
1 tablespoon cumin
2 Limes
1/4 cup chopped Basil Leaves

Heat skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides in the olive oil. Stir in the onions, orange juice, cumin, and seasoning. Cover, and cook for 8 minutes or so until the chicken is cooked through. Squeeze the lime over, and remove the chicken to a plate. Bring heat to high, and cook down the onion mixture until thickened. Add the basil and chicken back to the skillet to coat.

per serving: 309 calories; 25.5 gram protein; 14.5 grams total fat; 1 gram fi ber; 5.5 gram saturated fat; 21.5 grams carbohydrates; 72 mgs cholesterol; 75 mgs sodium


Yeah, so imagine 210 pages of that. You even get the complete nutritional breakdown.

Since I'm Asian, I cooked mostly Asian types food. So I was happy to see quite a number of recipes with "oyster sauce" as part of the ingredient. I used that a lot in my cooking. So, if you're Asian, like me, this cookbook has recipes for you. I was quite impressed with that. Not many cookbooks written by a caucasian guy includes recipes I'm comfortable trying.

HOW TO GET THIS BOOK?
Right now, all you have to do is follow my link below and enter your name for Chef Jeff's raffle. He is looking for 6 winners. So, put your name in and then tell your friend so she can put her name in too. Healthy food for the family, cooking quick but yummy dishes, reduce buying outside food that is expensive and not fresh... You really don't have to think twice. Click the link!

YES, I WANT
CHEF JEFF'S DINNEREVOLUTION  COOKBOOK

* Disclaimer: I was given the cookbook to review for free. I received no payments for my opinions or this post. 

Discount to Tint Your Car

Are your car windows tinted? We didn't tint our car windows until we bought our current car. It really does make a difference. It is still quite hot when you initially get in the car (after parking in the sun) but it cools down fairly quickly.

I remember driving back to Bukit Mertajam during the Chinese New Year, my arms and legs would get so hot. I felt like I was being baked in the oven. But now that the windows are tinted, the journey is not so torturous.

Here are some tips I learned when looking to tint my car windows:

• Find a reputable company to do it. It is better to go to a shop that specializes in tinting and not an accessories shop.
• Make sure it is JPJ compliant. The last thing you want is to have JPJ pull you over and have you tear it off. I believe the guideline is this: At least 70% of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for the front windscreen and a minimum of 50% for the sides and rear windscreen
• A security film will keep the windows intact and not shatter to pieces when broken. This means more safety for you.
• The higher the percentage of Infra-red heat rejection (IR), the cooler your car will be.

When I tinted my car windows, it was very heavy on the wallet. I think it was close to RM1000 and that was a discounted price already. But then, mine is an MPV, so it usually cost more than a sedan.My DH chose to go with Raytech.

Well, if you are looking to tint your car windows, there is a very fantastic deal available by Solar Tintshop. Here is what they are offering:
RM245 instead of RM980 for Standard Saloon Car Tinting with 2mil High Performance Solar UV Film.

That's a RM735 savings! 75% discount.

It is JPJ compliant and you'll have 7 years warranty. Pretty sweet deal. You can get this deal in 5 locations. If you want to know where, just click this link for more information.
SOLAR TINTSHOP BEST DEAL

A few things you should know about this deal:

• Complimentary Golf Umbrella OR Touch 'n Go Card for the first 50 Purchasers for each location.
• Redemption Period: 22 July 2011 - 31 December 2011. Not valid on 22 August 2011 – 6 September 2011
• RM80 charge for removal of old tint, if applicable
• This deal price is for Category A, Standard Size Saloon Cars. Additional charges apply for other types of cars. 
• The film they used is imported from United States ( I hear Korea ones are not durable). 

To get the voucher and to know more details, click my link below:

I WANT TO TINT MY CAR WINDOWS
AND SAVE MONEY TOO

* I will be compensated if you take up their offer. Consider it my recommendation fees. Thanks.

Young Kids Should Be Banned From

I was on twitter and saw an interesting trend called #youngkidsshouldbebannedfrom.

That got me thinking, if I were to make a list of things young kids should be banned from, what would I write? Well, here are my thoughts.

Young kids should be banned from...

• eating junk food. 
• having a facebook account until they finish school.
• having a PSP or whatever electronic gadget that warps them into another dimension.
• having a mobile handphone. And when they are old enough to have one, it shouldn't cost more than what mommy or daddy is having.
• watching cartoons the whole day.
• throwing tantrums.
• calling other people names and swearing.
• listening to music that teach bad values.
• blaming other people when they are in the wrong (applies to adults too).
• calling their mother fat.
• asking their mother to have another baby... and then changing their mind when the baby is born.
• sitting and tumbling on dirty floors.
• changing their clothes more than 2 times a day.
• using the mouse more than they do a pencil.
• spitting out food onto their mother's plate.
• wasting food.
• being lazy (this one is my daughter's suggestion).
• looking over their mother's shoulder when she is typing on the computer (and ranting about the kids).
• from eating the last bit of dessert. We all know mom deserves it right?
• fighting over where to sit in the car.
• jumping on the bed and climbing over house furniture.
• staying awake past 9:00pm.

Okay, I think my list is long enough. I think this is interesting enough to make into a meme. You can make your list as short or long as you want. Tag however many people you want. Free and easy to do. But do leave your link in the comments section coz' I want to read what you write.

So, first up, I'm tagging the following people:

1. Mamapumpkin
2. Blog With Yan
3. Aloha Molly
4. SashaBlaBlaBla
5. Mumsgather

If you're not tagged but want to contribute your thoughts, please do so too.

Playdoh For A Rainy Day

My daughter was bugging me to make her some playdoh. So happened it was raining that day and I thought "okay, why not". I ended up making 4 "balls" of playdoh. I couldn't make a lot of colors because I threw out most of my food coloring since they were expired. So I made green, pink, red and white. If you need the recipe and directions on how to make them, you can get it here from my previous post: PLAYDOH RECIPE

This is the first time babyK has seen playdoh. She was scared to touch it at first. D1 doesn't like the smell of it, so he chose to play with plasticine instead. I know there's a recipe that uses KoolAid. I'm sure that smells better but unfortunately, we don't have KoolAid here.

Here are some of the playdoh creations done by my older girl. 

Mamas Parenting Tip

• If you need an activity for a rainy day, make some playdoh. 
• Store up cookie cutters of a variety of shapes. It'll provide loads of fun when playing playdoh.

Family travel: Big city survival advice

(ARA) - Americans are done with the "staycation." In fact, more than 80 percent of consumers surveyed by Orbitz.com, a consumer-travel website, said they plan on taking a vacation this summer. For families that means loading up the car or rolling through the airport to head somewhere fun, educational and family-friendly before the kids head back to school.

Here's how families can navigate summer's top destinations with the kiddos in tow:

Chicago
With two major airports, solid public transportation, five pro-sports teams, and a lakefront with ample water activities, families can choose from a wide variety of Chicago vacations. Millennium Park's famous "Bean" is a must-see on the way to the waterfront and Navy Pier. The Chicago Children's Museum is close to the pier and has many family activities - from riding the Ferris wheel to catching movies at the IMAX theater. Meanwhile, Mom can slip away to the Magnificent Mile shopping district while Dad and the kids check out the breathtaking views from the top of the John Hancock Building and the skydeck at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.  


Washington, D.C.

According to Away.com's D.C. Family Travel Survival Guide, the District is the perfect place for a big-city family getaway. Divided into four manageable quadrants and home to one of the cleanest subway systems in the country, Washington, D.C., makes it easy to have a fun (and even slightly educational) summer break. Nearly everything is open to tour, from the Capitol building in the heart of the city to the National Cathedral in Glover Park. The Washington Monument offers an elevator ride that can whisk the whole family up over 555 feet where they can view panoramic scenes spanning 30 miles, and the Kennedy Center rooftop terrace offers a bird's-eye view of Georgetown, Arlington and the east side of the National Mall. Greenscapes such as Rock Creek Park and Alexandria's Founders Park allow a retreat into nature and are just steps from the city. But perhaps the best thing about a trip to D.C. is that there are plenty of free things to do, thanks in large part to the Smithsonian's 20 properties, including the National Zoo (which are all free).


New York

To a tourist, New York City can seem overwhelming. But with a map and a little bit of planning, the Big Apple can be conquered without losing sanity or the family. One of the keys to exploring NYC is to take it in bite-size sections (or neighborhoods). Thankfully, New York has one of the best public-transportation systems in the world. It takes more than 3.5 million people to and from the office each day, and subway lines run up and down the East and West sides of the island, across town, and even down to Nathan's hot dogs in Coney Island. Must-see landmarks include the New York Public Library, Union Station, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Times Square, Ground Zero, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, and, if timed right, a Yankees game in the team's new stadium. A trip to NYC also offers nearly every type of food a palette can desire - from corned beef and pastrami sandwiches in Times Square to greasy gyros from street vendors.

Making "Suey Kau" Dumplings

I learned how to make this from my DH. If you're out of ideas on what to cook, try this. Compliments well with  soup (or dry) noodles, but you can have it with rice too.

This is how you do it.

 I bought RM8 worth of minced pork. I can make around 40+ dumplings. I added in chopped up carrots, big onion, garlic and shitake mushrooms. Seasoned with salt, sugar, soy sauce and oyster sauce. I bought the "suey kau" skin wrappers at the wet market.

Very easy to do. Just hold the "suey kau" skin on the palm of one hand. Scoop some meat and plop it onto the center of the skin. Don't put too much coz' when you fold the skin, it will tear. You'll have to experiment yourself to see how much meat is ideal.

 

Dap water all around the edges of the skin and then fold it over. Press the edges together so they stick.

When you're done wrapping the meat, boil them in hot water until cooked.

Best to put them in soup. If not, they will end up sticking to one another. Even more "sedap" (delicious) if you have your favorite chili to eat them with.

Tips: Once you finish wrapping the "suey kau", cook them immediately. Don't leave them thinking you'll cook them a few hours later. It will get wet (from the meat) and the skin will stick to your plate, causing it to tear as you pick them up. So for example, don't wrap 40 dumplings thinking you'll cook 20 for lunch, and the other  20 you'll leave for dinner. If you're gonna cook 20 for lunch, just wrap 20.

Happy cooking!

One Way To Become A Millionaire

A mom didn't like all the baby carriers she tried. So, she designed one herself and guess what? Now she is a millionaire. Karin Frost invented the famous Ergo Baby carrier and last year, she sold her business for USD91 million. You can read all about it here: Baby Carrier Makes Maui Mom Multimillionaire

I wanted to share her story here because it is an inspiration. You want a successful business, you have to come up with a workable solution that solves people's problem. Know what people want, what frustrates them and what will change their life for the better. Not an easy task I would say. But you never know when you might hit the jackpot like Karin Frost.

Another good lesson to learn here is... DON'T underestimate the talents and potential of ordinary mothers.

If you are looking for a good baby carrier, do check out the Ergo. You can read my review here: ERGOBABY BABY CARRIER

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer: Good or Bad?

What is your take on children learning from electronic gadgets and devices?

Personally, I'm not too eager on the idea. I am totally against my kids staring mindlessly at an electronic screen for hours on end. That is why I refuse to buy a PSP for my kids despite their numerous pestering. I think it is rude and detrimental for children to disengage from everyone and everything around them while immersing themselves totally in a little handheld device. I've seen how a child sits at a dinner table with their parents but their eyes are fixated on that little gadget. Even at social gatherings, I would see a bunch of kids huddled together; one would be playing and the others just watching like they've been hypnotized.

I don't deny there are some benefits to these gadgets. It doesn't have to be mindless games all the time. Some learning activities can be included. Plus, we cannot run away from the fact that being gadget savvy and electronically competent is part of their generation's culture. If we do not give them opportunities to learn and develop those skills, they will be at the disadvantage when they enter the working world.

I give my children time to use the computer but there are limitations. They can only use it in on Fridays and Saturdays. They are given a maximum time of 1 1/2 hours each. Another rule I just imposed is that whatever games they play must not involve violence or destruction. I encourage games that teach them to think, build and create.

I saw on the internet that LeapFrog is going to launch their LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids 25th August 2011. They are now taking pre-orders. To a kid, this looks very interesting. My kids are definitely oogling it. They are going ga-ga that there are over 100 downloadable apps. They are bought on the idea that it is fun to shake it, turn it and flip the pages with the touch screen. Oh, and there is a stylus pen to write with. Take a look and tell me what you think of it.



The learning tablet is targetted for kids ages 4-9. If you have a kid who is unmotivated to learn, I'm sure this will jumpstart their desire. I like how the activities are all learning activities. You can fill up their spare time with spelling, phonics skills, mathematics, science, music, geography, and more. Plus there is a camera and video recorder. It is a valueable skill these days to learn how to create online videos and do photo editing. Plus, if your kid keeps hijacking your iPad, it might be a good idea get them their own. Rather than letting them handle your pricey iPad, let them play with a USD99 kids version of it.

The LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer looks like a good investment to your kids education. BUT I would still make rules before you get it. I'm still thinking whether I should or should not get it. I foresee lots of trouble coz' definitely my kids will all fight to play with it.

What do you think? Is this something you would get your children?

Avoiding summer brain drain in your kids

(ARA) - The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are here and for kids that means time out of the classroom and out of doors. While school may be out for summer, you don't have to succumb to the summer brain drain that affects children each year.

Research shows that many students may lose as much as a few months' worth of learning in the summer. A 2007 study by the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University found a direct link between summer learning loss and the achievement gap.

"Typically, teachers spend the first week to the first two months of the school year trying to bring student knowledge up to a specific level in order to advance their learning," says Debra Hill, associate professor in the College of Education at Argosy University, Chicago and president-elect of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. "This is found most commonly in math, where review can last through the first full semester in some grade levels."

So when all your kids want is down time, how do you keep their minds tuned up?


While proactive summer learning can certainly improve a child's retention rate, the way that they learn in the summer may be different from how they learn while in the classroom. "Learning is an ongoing, lifelong activity," says Hill. "A mental break for your kids in the summer should occur not based on learning, but based on the activities students engage in related to learning. Summer should be about more reading for fun, exploration, communication and application of what they have learned.


"Since students do not often practice by doing or by teaching others, it would follow that the application of what they have learned in school through hands-on activities in the summer will assist in retention in the fall," says Hill. "Hands-on experiences, conversation, physical activity will help kids continue to be mentally active." Providing students with opportunities to participate in activities they consider fun will not lessen the learning.


"The more you can keep your students accessing previously learned knowledge in a new and practical way, the more it is likely to get implanted and permanently ingrained in their brains," says Kevin Yeoman, an instructor in the Game Art & Design program at The Art Institute of Fort Worth.


Family meals, trips to the store, collecting shells on the beach, heading to sports camp and most any other activity can have a learning component if parents engage in conversation with their kids about the activity. "Learning a new skill, or about a new place, or a different way of doing something, or meeting new people are ways of studying. There will not be a test, yet the new information contributes to the overall mental growth of the individual," says Hill.


"Keep your students actively engaged in the world," says Yeoman. The more they can apply their book knowledge to new experiences and activities they enjoy, the more learning will take place."


"You don't want to create a resistance to learning by forcing your child into the same types of activities they do during the year," says Yeoman. "Instead, take the lessons they've learned in school and apply them to everyday situations. Whether it's having your child map out the route to the grocery store or use basic geometry to create a sandcastle, you're providing them the opportunity to apply their book knowledge in a new way."


And that can even hold true with video games. "There are excellent technology tools such as video games and online projects that are educational and engaging," says Hill. "The key is balance and not encouraging kids to focus most of their time on their electronic toys."


"Ask kids what they like and want to do," encourages Hill. "As an adult, examine what learning can take place when your child gets to select the activities they participate in. Talk to your kids, ask questions, provide problems to be solved, give them opportunities to explore and model what it's like to be a life-long learner."

Moments That Matter Most

I totally LOVE this video and heart the message. Hope it awakens your senses like it did mine.
Click here to discover the 4 key relationships regarding things that matter most.
OF THINGS THAT MATTER MOST

Crochet A Headband With Flower

My mom bought some yarn and crochet needles for my girl to learn. We found on YouTube a simple project for her to do - a 3 strand headband. She did okay crocheting the basic chain but got frustrated doing the slip stitch. This girl of mine gives up easily. So, I made it into a "duet" project: She did all the basic chain and I did all the rest.

She was very happy when it was completed. I also was very happy coz' I learned something new too. I can now crochet a flower. Woohoo!

I was just thinking to myself, how lucky we are these days with the internet. Before, I would have to go to the yarn shop to look for somebody to teach me. Now, all I have to do is turn on my computer.

Anyway, if you are looking for a simple crochet project, you can try this first. Here are the 2 videos to show you how:
Part 1 http://youtu.be/L3ctJeez3tk
Part 2 http://youtu.be/Clq3zTgWHy8

Safe sleep for babies: What every parent needs to know

(ARA) - Safety is a top priority for every parent. When it comes to sleep, giving your baby a safe sleep environment is extremely important, but even the best caregivers can overlook small things that can have serious risks.

Whether you're a first-time parent or you've faced these questions before, here are some safety guidelines to keep in mind so you can provide your baby with the ideal sleep environment:


Mattress and sheets - Place your baby in a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress. When selecting a mattress for the crib, a firmer option is preferred over one that is too soft and flexible. Make sure that the mattress fits securely in the crib. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib side. A quality, firm mattress will help keep your child sleeping safely and comfortably.


Bonus tip: Before purchasing a crib, visit www.cpsc.gov to make sure the crib you selected has not been recalled.


In addition to a firm mattress, the crib sheet should fit snug so it stays put when your baby is in the crib. A sheet that is too loose may be a suffocation hazard.


Crib bumper safety  - A crib bumper that wraps around the inside of the crib will help protect your baby's arms and legs from becoming caught between crib slats possibly resulting in bruised or broken limbs, or the development of neuropathy. A traditional crib bumper that is plush, pillowy and made with non-breathable fabrics increases the risks of suffocation.  While it might seem parents are forced to choose between suffocation or entanglement risks, there is a safer alternative that addresses both concerns.


BreathableBaby's Breathable Mesh Crib Bumper is a safer alternative to traditional crib bumpers. Their award-winning mesh crib bumper will keep your baby's arms and legs inside the crib and has been evaluated, tested and recommended by pediatricians. It incorporates A.C.T. (Air Channel Technology) which promotes continuous air access and helps reduce the risks of suffocation, and rebreathing carbon dioxide - risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). BreathableBaby's mesh crib bumper is sold online and at stores nationwide for under $30. Visit www.breathablebaby.com for a list of stores.


"We want parents to do everything they can to keep their baby safe," say pediatricians Dr. Joel Clingenpeel and Dr. Jim Schmidt, founders of Child Safety House Calls. "This product addresses many of the risks we know are associated with traditional bumpers."


Keep clutter out of crib - For most parents, all those cute stuffed animals and soft blankets might seem a natural fit for the crib, but unfortunately they all pose suffocation risks.


Toys and stuffed animals are best saved for interactive play time. As for blankets, consider a wearable blanket that zips around your baby and can't ride up over her face reducing the risks of suffocation. However, when using a wearable blanket, dress your baby lightly to avoid her getting too hot.


Bonus tip: Set the room at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.


Safe sleep position -The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend placing babies to sleep on their backs during naps and nighttime.


Tummy-time play is important to strengthen neck, chest, shoulder and arm muscles. Placing a baby on her belly should be done when she is awake and closely supervised.  When your baby is in the care of a sitter, family member or friend, remind them to put her to sleep on her back, as they may not realize its importance.


By following these easy and important tips you'll be able keep your baby safer when you put her to sleep, helping you both rest a bit easier.

Bizarre Thoughts of a 4 Year Old

We were in the car on the way to pick up my older 2 kids from school. I asked D2, who was tagging along, what did he want to be when he grow up? Here's the conversation:

Me: D2, what do you want to be when you grow up?
D2: When I grow up, I will be ready.
Me: What? You will be what?
D2: I will be ready.
Me: Ready? Ready for what?
D2: Ready to serve a mission.*
Me: Oh, I see. No, I mean what do you want to do when you grow up? What kind of work do you want to do?
D2: Hmmm... I want to sell popcorn.
Me: Huh? You want to sell popcorn?
D2: Yeah, I want to sell popcorn in that library (pointing to the library in front of us).
Daddy: What? You want to sell popcorn in the library? Okay, how are you going to market your popcorn? What are you going to do to make lots of money from selling popcorn? Do you have a marketing plan or not?
D2: Yes. I have 4 ways.
Daddy: Okay, tell me what is the 1st way.
D2: I will make bluff money.
Daddy: You cannot make bluff money. The police will catch you.
D2: If they catch me ah, I will kill the police.
Mommy: You cannot kill the police. You'll end up in jail. Ok, ok, why don't you tell us what is your 2nd way.
D2: I will make real money.
Mommy: Oh, now you make REAL money.
Daddy: What is the 3rd way?
D2: I make a BIG car.
Daddy: What does a big car have to do with selling popcorn? You know what we are talking about or not?
D2: Yes. Put the big, yummy popcorn in the BIG car and then eat lah.
Mommy: Ok, nevermind. What is the 4th way?
D2: I sell money.
Mommy: How to sell money?
D2: I sell RM1, RM1, RM1, RM1....
Mommy: How much are you going to sell your RM1?
D1: RM10.

Sometimes, talking to D2 can get REAL bizarre.

* We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Boys usually serve a 2 year mission when they turn 19 years old. We were discussing during our Family Home Evening, how the 2 boys need to prepare themselves early so they will be ready when it is time for them to go on a mission. That is why when asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?", D2 answered "I want to be ready." He was remembering back to our discussion the night before.

Baby Hawk Carrier: Oh Snap Review

When it comes to comfortable soft structured carriers, the Baby Hawk Oh Snap is a popular choice. Initially, the Baby Hawk was a Mei Tai type of sling. But now, they have it with snaps and buckles too (which is the Oh Snap).

Wondering if the Baby Hawk Oh Snap is right for you? Here's a quick review to help you decide.

Price Range
$140

Baby's age/weight
15 to 45 pounds.
Ideal for older babies and toddlers.

Back Support
You won't feel your back hurting because the weight distribution is fantastic. Many mothers say they can barely feel their baby's weight. You can wear baby for a long time and feel no pain.

Crotch Dangler?
No. Babywearing experts will give it a thumbs up as baby sits in a correct position. You can tell because your baby's knees are higher than the butt. They are not dangling.

Carry Positions
Front carry, back carry

Ease of Use
You can quickly put baby in and out. It is easy to use.

Nursing
Yes. Convenient for nursing.

Head Support
It has a headrest that can be folded down.

Hands Free
Yes. Baby is well supported and is not flopping around.

Accessories
None.

Plus Points

• Top and bottom straps are very well padded. You will feel comfortable wearing it.
• Beautiful designs. You can expect many compliments to come your way.
• The length of the carrier is higher than most other carriers. Therefore it gives excellent back support, especially for older and taller babies.You don't have to worry about them leaning out of the carrier.
• Adjustable to fit you and your spouse. 
• If you are petite, you can adjust both the waist belt and top strap to help fit you better.

Bad Points

• Pricey
• No pockets
• When you carry baby in front, you have to take off the chest strap. If you don't keep it properly, you might lose it. 
• Not suitable for newborns and small babies. Best used for babies about 6 months and up.
• Does not have a hood to hold babies head when sleeping, but some mothers say you don't need a hood. The carrier's high back and head rest is good enough.

Videos
Putting baby in the front carry position (video is a bit blurr though):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqRYKwVqpjk

If you appreciate my review and would like to get a Baby Hawk Oh Snap, please do so through my affiliate link. Thanks.
I LOVE THE BABY HAWK.

Beco Carrier Review

The Beco carrier is a very stylish baby carrier. You will love the beautiful prints. It is one of the best soft structured carriers and many mothers give it a thumbs up.

Click this affiliate link to view the different kinds of Beco Carriers.
I WANT TO SEE SOME BECO CARRIERS.

Here is a quick review on the Beco carrier.

Price Range
$119- $139

Baby's age/weight
From newborns till toddlers.
Suitable for 7-45 lbs.

Back Support
It is ergonomical design provides excellent lumbar support. The shoulder straps and adjustable belt are wide and padded. You won't strain your back or shoulders with this carrier.

Crotch Dangler?
No. Baby sits rather than dangle. Good support for spine and hips.
With the Beco Gemini, you can fold the bottom part of the body to make it narrower. This is ideal for very young babies who can't straddle yet. This way baby can sit in a correct position which is the knees above the butt. When baby gets older, you can unfold the body to make it wider. 

Carry Positions
Depends which type of Beco you choose:
Beco Butterfly II: Front front facing in and back carry.
Beco Gemini: Frong facing in, facing out, hip carry and back carry.

Ease of Use
Very easy to use whether carrying baby in the front or back.
Adjustable to fit someone who is 5'1" or 5'10".

Nursing
Can be done but not easy for some. It depends on the build of your body. Some mothers find it easier than others. One tip is to loosen the straps to get baby down lower to a level where you can feed. The extra piece of fabric (inside panel) between you and baby may get in your way.
It is easy to feed with the Beco Gemini because it doesn't have that extra panel.

Head Support
Good head and neck support for baby. The Beco Gemini has a foldable headrest. The Beco Butterfly 2 has a hoody that you can snap on to the carrier to protect babe's head while sleeping.

Hands Free
Yes, baby is well secured.

Accessories
Drooling pads to attach to the straps so baby can drool away.

Plus Points

• The inside panel is a unique feature of the Beco. You can secure baby in the carrier before putting it on yourself. It also allows you to pass the baby to your spouse or another person without having to take baby out. You can also feel safe when you unbuckle the straps knowing baby will not fall out.
• During warm weather, the fabric between baby and you helps to separate your sweaty body from baby and vice versa.
• The Beco butterfly comes with a removable infant insert. The Gemini doesn't but you can fold the bottom to make it narrower to support your small baby better. So you don't have to buy extra accessories for a newborn.
• The leg openings are padded so baby's legs won't get chaffed.
• You can cross the straps if you want.
• Can be folded down to a small size for easy storage and portability.
• Very stylish.
• Slim fitting. Not bulky.

Bad Points
No pocket.

Videos
How to put a newborn into the Beco:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVEyiSCcCiQ

How To Nurse with the Beco: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LjVxRxiYVc

BECO BUTTERFLY II VS BECO GEMINI
There are 2 types of Beco: Beco Butterfly II and Beco Gemini
There are a few differences between the two.

Choose Beco Butterfly II if:

• you want to transfer the baby carrier to another person without having to unbuckle the baby. You can't do that with the Gemini. 
• you like the idea of strapping baby into the carrier before putting it on. This may feel more secure to you.
• you prefer the detachable sleeping hood.

Choose the Beco Gemini if:

• you want the extra option of carrying baby front facing out and on the hips.
• you would rather a simple buckle carrier (don't really fancy the safety harness feature of Beco Butterfly II), then Gemini is your choice. 
• you like to cross the straps. 
• you prefer a headrest that can snap up or down as oppose to a sleeping hood.

If you appreciate my review and would like to get your hands on a Beco Carrier, please use my affiliate link below.
I LOVE THE BECO.

Should You Choose the ErgoBaby Baby Carrier?

The last thing you want to do is buy a baby carrier that hurts your back or don't function like you need it to. You've probably heard about the ErgoBaby baby carrier. I'm not surprised you are checking it out because it is one of the best in the market.

Here is a review to help you make a smart decision.

Price Range
$115 - $148

Baby's age/weight
From birth until not more than 40 pounds (18 Kilograms). Well, that is the website's recommendation. However, it can carry up to about 90 pounds (41 Kilograms). Many mothers are in favor of the Ergo because they can use it for a long time, even up to preschool years.

Back Support
Many mothers like it because there is no stress on the back and shoulders. Straps go over both shoulders and there's a belt that goes around the waist. The design makes it possible for baby's weight to be distributed evenly. It is very comfortable to wear and you can carry baby for long periods of time, even if you have a heavy baby. Ideal for shopping, traveling and hiking.

Crotch Dangler?
No. Provides good support to baby's hip and spine. Baby is in a natural sitting position.

Carry Positions
Front (inward facing only), back and hip position

Ease of Use
You can get baby in and out without much hassle. The back carry takes some practice though.

Nursing
Yes.

Head Support
Baby is well supported even when you bend forward and are moving around. Keeps the baby's head steady.

Hands Free
Yes. Baby is snugged inside. You can easily move about and do what you need to do.

Accessories

• It has an infant insert caled Heart to Heart. It is padded and uniquely shaped to secure your newborn in the right position when held in the carrier. As you know, a new born can't sit upright yet, so this insert supports your baby's head, neck, spine and hips.
• Sucking pads so you don't have to wash the whole carrier when baby sucks on the straps.
• Ergo baby weather cover to keep baby warm and dry when it's not so nice out there.
• Extension belt, matching pouch and also a back pack.

Plus Points

• Has a sleeping hood to support your sleeping baby's head. Also good to use as a cover when nursing your baby.
• Easy to get baby in and out, although some say it takes a bit of practice to do the back carry.
• When you roll it up, it is small enough to fit under your stroller or inside your diaper bag.
• It looks great on the dads too.
• It has a little pocket where you can fit in a couple of diapers, wipes,your key and some money. If you need more room, you can buy a detachable front pouch.

Bad Points

• Some mothers say they felt a bit warm as the material was too thick. You might want to get the Ergo Sport which has better ventilation.
• The body at the back is also a little short and some mothers commented that their older and taller kids were arching out.
• You may find the straps a bit bulky.

Videos
How to get baby into the 3 positions: http://youtu.be/xh5tQLMw4RI
How To Nurse with the Ergo:  http://youtu.be/opRXOABwfxw

If you find this review helpful and would like to check out some ERGObaby carriers, please click on my affiliate link below:

Ergo Baby Carrier

Father's Day Project For Kids

Father's Day is next week. You can use thIS theme to get your kids busy on something.

If you're not sure what to do, download this Father's Day kit that I put together some time ago. It's a Father's Day booklet where your children can insert some of their drawings, art and craft and photographs to make it special for dad (or grandpa).

Click here to have a better idea of what is in the Father's Day kit and also the link to download it.
FATHER'S DAY IDEA KIT

P.S. If you want something really nice from Tiny Prints, you can get a free Father's Day card with this code: FREEFD. But you'll want to hurry coz' it expires 6/13/2011.

Get your free card thought my affiliate link:

FREE FATHER'S DAY CARD FROM TINY PRINTS

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Book it: Stimulating summer reading ideas for all ages

(ARA) - The warm summer days with cool breezes flowing across your patio or beach chair create the perfect environment to relax with a good book. Whether it's a list of great summer reads or a pile of books you've been eager to dive into, each book promises an engaging story within.

But perhaps the best part of a great read is sharing it with someone else - a friend, co-worker, kids or grandkids. Below are tips to work reading into summer activities and to share the goodness of reading with others.


* Join or establish a book club - Book clubs can uncover authors and genres you might not normally read. Find a book club that expands your interests - for example, fiction versus nonfiction, historical versus fantasy, romance versus mystery or even poetry versus prose. Or establish a book club with a group of friends. It's a great excuse to get together once a month and share a couple of desserts like your favorite flavors of Archway cookies. These cookies smell, look and taste so much like homemade cookies and will create a great tradition at your book club meetings.


Have children in the house? Start a children's book club during the summer months to prevent them suffering from the "summer slide." Studies have shown that a long summer break can cause student learning to slip anywhere from one to 2.6 months if the student doesn't receive educational stimulation during the summer break. The summer slide often is worse for children from low-income families. Let your children lead the club, but have parents also be involved to help guide discussions or connections if needed.


* Trade books - Instead of discussing just one book, consider arranging a meeting once a month with friends to trade and recommend books. This will help uncover great books you may not have explored while also cutting down on book costs. Plan the meeting around a lunch or even an afternoon snack of Archway's shortbread, peanut butter or triple chocolate cookies. Hold the meeting in your backyard to enjoy the summer weather.


* Plan a reading afternoon - Gather the kids or grandkids and head to a local park for an afternoon of reading. Sit in a circle and read the stories out loud, or spread out a couple of blankets so each person can comfortably immerse themselves in their own story.


* Join the local library's summer reading program - Many programs are often geared toward children to prevent the summer slide, so make sure to bring kids, grandchildren, nieces or nephews along. No kids at home but still want to share the joy of reading? Volunteer to read at the library, or plan a program at the library involving the books the children will be reading this summer.


To help children keep up their reading during summer vacation, Archway is partnering with First Book on the Share the Goodness Literacy Campaign that promotes the goodness of reading by putting new books in the hands of children from low-income families. Archway will be donating a portion of proceeds from sales to First Book this summer, with the goal of donating 10,000 new books to children in need across the country.