Fighting Addiction

My baby is an addict. Yup, a boob addict :) Many breastfeeding mothers know what I mean.

My eldest daughter is an internet addict. Well, she would be if we didn't limit her time online. She has asked if she could have a Facebook account. My answer, a very firm "NO". I told her to wait till she was 16. Hopefully by then, we would have taught her enough to be safe online.

My 2nd son is a "scratch" addict. Every night he will ask me to scratch his back. I blame this on his grandfather who scratched his back when he was toddler to put him to sleep.

My 3rd son is a junk food addict. We made it a rule that to qualify for any junk food, he must first eat "good food". So, after finishing his meals, he will happily declare that he is eligible for ice cream, chocolate or candy. Please don't think that I have a lot of junk food lying around the house. I don't. A lot of times I try to distract him with something healthier like fruits.

My DH is a clean addict. Before I met him, I thought we only needed to mop the house once a week (sometimes once a fortnight). When we were newly married, I mopped the house twice a week. Now, the house is mopped every day.

Me, I'm probably a Facebook addict. Whenever I'm online, I always get this urge to just check if there are new updates. Oh, excuse me while I go check now. Just kidding.

Anyway, the point of this post is that there are so many "addictions" to fight. As parents, we not only fight our own addictions, we also have to fight our children's ones too. My children are still very young and so their "addictions" are not that serious. Serious addictions would be like drugs, gambling, alcohol and pornography. Those types of addiction, the best approach is prevention. We all know how difficult it is to break a bad habit.

So, as a reminder to self and to all parents, get connected with your children. Have discussions on important stuff, even on uncomfortable topics like sex education. Be firm and set rules. Educate them. Understand them. Pray for them. Guide them with love. Don't wait till they fall victim to these serious addictions before we start to do something.

Simple Potato Dish

If you are out of ideas on what to cook, you can try this very simple potato dish. My kids love it.

Recipe:

Potatoes - cut into cubes

Butter

Garlic

Italian seasoning - mixed herbs of thyme, marjoram, rosemary, oregano, basil, sage.

Directions:

Saute garlic in butter.

Put in the potatoes.

Cook till soft (you can put in a little bit of water so the potatoes don't get burnt)

Add in the herbs.

Add salt to taste.

Christmas Gifts Experiment

As I sat down for lunch with my kids this afternoon, we somehow ended up talking about Christmas gifts. K said all she wants for Christmas this year are some stationaries. She's being nice coz' she knows we've spent a lot of money on the house renovation.

Anyway, I said maybe this year we should try some different kinds of Christmas gifts. I proposed that this year the rule would be giving gifts that don't require money. D1 went "Huh? Are there such gifts?" I gave examples like how I could give him 30 minutes of my time to play badminton, playing 1 board game with K, giving daddy a service coupon for 1 car wash etc....

Don't get the wrong idea that I don't have money to get them presents. I can still buy them gifts if I want to but I thought I should run this little experiment to see if my kids can feel better the joy of giving. Maybe Christmas can be more meaningful when we strip away the materialism. Goodness knows my kids need it. There's been too much selfishness in the house lately. Too much of "I want this," "Can you but me that", "Don't take mine", etc....

This year, it is going to be a "What can I give" Christmas and not a "What am I going to get" Christmas. Let's see if I can turn things around.

Need Help To Make Thanksgiving Memorable?

Are you looking for recipes, activities and decoration tips for Thanksgiving? There's an e-book called "Thanksgiving Your Way" that has tips from 15 different bloggers. Golden information to help you make this Thanksgiving a memorable one. Check it out.

Peanut Tong Sui

A long time ago, there used to be a shop in the Seremban wet market, very near the famous beef noodle shop, that sold this white peanut "tong sui" (soupy kind of dessert). I remember it was yummy. They didn't always have it though. I don't know if the shop is still there. I'll have to go back and check.

Anyway, my brother mentioned some time back that he managed to cook it himself. As I was in the grocery store the other day, I saw the white peanuts, already shelled. So tempting I decided to try cooking it too.

The recipe is real simple. All you need to add is rock sugar. The trick is to get the peanuts nice and soft. The best and fastest way is to use a pressure cooker. Unfortunately, I don't have one. So I soaked the peanuts overnight. Then I boiled it in my slow cooker (turned it on high) and let it cook, and cook, and cook till the peanuts were fairly soft. It took about 6 hours.

My DH has never had this dessert before. He is used to eating the other kind of peanut "tong sui" which is brown in color, thick like smooth peanut butter. So when I asked him "How is it?", he answered "How is it suppose to be? It feels like eating peanuts." Sigh! Well, I enjoyed it. But I don't think I'll make it again unless I have a pressure cooker :) Hmmm... excuse to get one?

Chinese Herbs For Sore Eyes

Chinese herbs for sore eyes

I'm so glad that the case of sore eyes is now over for my family. I took the longest to heal. Up to yesterday, the vision in my left eye was blurry. There was no more redness but I was getting headaches due to my imbalanced vision - one side clear, one side blurr.

Anyway, DH also had the case of sore eyes but used chinese herbs to medicate it instead. He said it helped a lot as his infection wasn't as bad and it went away fairly quickly (within the week). Definitely cheaper than seeing the eye doctor. It was RM10 for one packet of those herbs. He bought a total of 8 packets. You put 4 rice bowls of water and boil it on low heat for 1 hour. You'll get the following:


You can get about 3 bowls of concentrated concoction. You don't have to waste the herbs. You can add more water after that and boil some more. It won't be as concentrated. The diluted concoction you drink just like you would drink water. But the real medicated concoction is the concentrated one.

How does it taste? It is not bitter. It is savory with a little bit of sour plum taste. Don't let the black color put you off. It really isn't that bad to drink.

If your infection is just beginning, you may only need 2-3 packets for the sore eyes to heal.

It's funny how as a chinese and with the chinese herb stores nearby, I didn't think to go there for a remedy. Didn't cross my mind that there would be chinese herbs for sore yes. Now I know and now you know.

Making Thanksgiving Memorable For The Family

When it comes to Thanksgiving, most people look forward to a scrumptious dinner. However, some of you moms might be wondering what you can do to make Thanksgiving a little more memorable (besides dinner). Here are some ideas for you:

• Have some together time in the kitchen. Bake some cookies and cut them out into the various shapes such as leaves, acorns and turkeys. Decorate it. Make it more meaningful by giving it away to someone who maybe needs some cheer in their life. It could be a friend going through a tough time, a new neighbor, a family who's struggling or someone who can't be with their family this holiday season.
  
  
  
  
• Besides cookies, you can opt for cupcakes or even do some cake decorating. Here is one on how to decorate a turkey cake.
  
• Play some printable Thanksgiving games such as bingo, word find and turkey trivia.
• Don't just sit in front of the tv, get out and do some sports. Get your blood pumping with some flag football, basketball or frisbee.
• Design together a nice centerpiece for the home. You could do some pumpkin painting, whip out the candles, put leaves in vases, ribbons on gourds and whatever decoration to set the mood in the home.
• For young kids, you can do a simple craft of a Thanksgiving paper chain. Write on pieces of paper the things they are grateful for and then linked them up like a chain. This can then be part of your house decoration. Another idea is to take a tree branch and put it in a vase. Secure the bottom with pebbles or acorns. Cut out paper in the shape of leaves. Write on them the things you are grateful for. Punch a hole at the top and hang them on the branch to make a Thanksgiving Tree.
  
• Write a Thanksgiving letter to each member of the family. These can become keepsakes.

Making Thanksgiving a special occasion is not all that hard. The important ingredient is quality time with family members... and of course good food too.

Keep your holidays merry without the expense

(ARA) - The holidays offer unforgettable experiences of getting together with family, exchanging gifts, sharing meals and laughter. These warm memories will stay with you for the rest of the year. But too often, the expenses you incur celebrating the season can be an unpleasant reminder for months after the festivities end.

Just because the holidays are a special time doesn't mean you need to spend exceptional amounts of money or rack up credit card debt to enjoy the season. By doing things a little differently this year, you can save some cash without turning into a scrooge.

As a mother of two, savings expert Kim Danger is well aware of the expenses that come along with holiday celebrations. The author of "Instant Bargains" recently compiled her best holiday tips in a free e-book, "Year Long Holiday Guide," available at www.UniroyalTires.com. Here are a few of her cost-saving tips for the upcoming holidays:

Fun projects to celebrate and give thanks

* Summon your inner decorator. Make your own napkin rings using brown, orange and purple construction paper and a hot glue gun to construct harvest-themed napkin holders. Also, pick out some small pumpkins that you can use as placeholders with attached nametags for your guests.

* Don't waste money on expensive bakery cupcakes. Make your own festive turkey cupcakes using a chocolate cake mix to make the turkey's body. Frost the cupcakes and dust with chocolate sprinkles. Then add peanut butter cookies to the top for the turkey's head.

* Make an heirloom for your Thanksgiving table. Using a solid color tablecloth, have each dinner guest write something they are thankful for with a permanent marker. Bring the tablecloth out each year to add to it and remember the good things in your life.

Holiday spirit-filled activities

* The month of December means a time to celebrate for many cultures and faiths. Families across the globe celebrate holidays differently from country to country. Visit www.Teacher.Scholastic.com to learn about different holiday traditions around the world.

* Since decorations are so much a part of every holiday season, think of fun and inexpensive ways to make your home more festive. Use graham crackers to create a gingerbread house or make a Kwanzaa candle holder with baby food jars. Or glue flat wooden sticks together and sprinkle with glitter to create a sparkly Star of David.

* For a fun and easy take on hot chocolate, add chocolate candies, marshmallows and a candy cane. You can also package all the ingredients as a thoughtful, but inexpensive, gift.

"No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, remember to focus on the time spent with loved ones, even with all the other distractions," says Danger. "The good times with them will be what you want to remember the most, not the cost."

For the latest information about Uniroyal Tires, visit www.UniroyalTires.com and find Uniroyal on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UniroyalTire.

November's Craft Ideas For Kids

When my kids get rowdy and start doing all sorts of nonsense, it is usually because they don't have anything better to do. Idle minds are a dangerous thing. If you need some activities to keep your kids busy, crafts are usually a good idea. So, here are some links to craft ideas for this month. Have your kids take a break from jumping on the sofa or messing up the house. Offer them some creative down time.

• Raising Olives shares her recipe for salt dough. Give your child a chance to enjoy some molding, sculpting and painting.
  
• Make paper plate sunflowers to brighten up your home. Davinie shares how she does it with her girl.
• Cute turkeys made out of pinecones from FamilyFun. There's even a video to show you how to do it.
• Another turkey craft: A Thanksgiving turkey by Crafts-For-All-Seasons. This one will look great as a centrepiece for your Thanksgiving table. There are step-by-step instructions and pictures too.
• Little Gobbler by Woman's Day. It's decorating a paper cup to look like a turkey. But more than that, you can fill the cup later with treats like popcorn. Yummm... I'm sure the kids will like that.
• Okay, enough of turkeys? How about a fingerprint fall tree craft? Really, really easy to do. Have a look at All Kids Network.

Hope you liked the suggestions. If you have anymore, please share here.
Have fun crafting.

How To Liven Your Home With Window Decorative Film

If you did not know yet, I will be moving house shortly. We have been doing house renovations and my, oh my, what a task it has been. I know in the West, many people DIY their renovations. Although we hire people to do it, it is still quite a headache as we have to decide what we want done and then monitor the contractor to see that it is done properly. Not forgetting, the pain we feel in our pockets.

Anyway, when you have your own home, you want to make it as beautiful and comfy as possible. One way to liven up your home is with window decorative film. Read on for more info.

Decorative Accents For Windows and Glass Doors

Cocoa, FL - When it comes to decorating your home, there are many inexpensive ways to enhance a room. Currently popular are decorative accents for windows and glass doors using adhesive-free window films that look like etched or stained glass. In less than 15 minutes an ordinary window, glass door or mirror can be made to look as if it cost hundreds of dollars.

Adhesive-free static films are the best to use as they are easy to apply, look good and when its time to redecorate, are very easy to remove. EtchArt's Wallpaper For Windows has decorative Centerpiece, Corner and Border designs in a versatile assortment of etched glass and stained glass looks. In addition to windows and glass doors, they can be used on mirrors, glass dining and coffee tables, entertainment center doors, shower enclosures and many other glass surfaces around home or office. (Always try to avoid using decorative window films with adhesive, they are often cheap, can be difficult to apply and are definitely difficult to remove when it is time to redecorate.)

As the name implies, "Centerpiece" designs are used to create a central focal point. Stained Glass "Centerpieces" are primarily used on windows and glass doors. Etched Glass Centerpieces have a timeless look that is subtle and goes with all room decors.

Naples Centerpiece with matching Naples corners. An easy, way to decorate a window without blocking the view.

It's easy to find places to use "Corners". Corners can be used to "frame" a Centerpiece or to give a decorative accent to the corners of windows, glass doors, glass dining and coffee tables, mirrors and many other glass surfaces around the home or office.

Doral Corner – an easy way to dress-up a window, glass door, mirror, glass tables and more.

Etched Glass "Borders" are another way to upgrade the ordinary to the extraordinary. The most common use of "Borders" is across a window or mirror (static films are unaffected by steam and moisture and can be used on bathroom mirrors and shower enclosures). Placed across the middle of the glass, "Borders" are a decorative way to help avoid walking into sliding glass doors.

Eden Border decorating a mirror. Etched glass designs are an excellent way to decorate mirrors.

Decorating your windows, glass doors and mirrors with these decorative window film accents, is an inexpensive way to dress up a room without using table, shelf or wall space. An assortment of decorative accents can be found at www.WallpaperForWindows.com

** Wallpaper For Windows! is manufactured in Cocoa, FL USA by EtchArt, LLC using Made in the USA materials.

83 Cents For One Issue Of Real Simple Magazine

I love to read magazines. Since life became hectic with little children, I only have a little time here and there to enjoy my reading. Magazines fit my reading time perfectly (reading time is usually in the bathroom).

Anyway, I just got word that Real Simple Magazine has a limited offer of 12 issues (1 year) for only USD10.00. That's a fantastic deal and you'll save lots of money since the publisher direct price is USD23.88. The offer ends November 8th, 2010 or while supplies last.

$0.83 for one issue. You gotta agree that is super cheap.

If you like great deals, this is one of them. Take up the offer before it ends.

Real Simple From the publishers of People, Health and Cooking Light. Real Simple is the new magazine for the way you want to live today. You'll find actionable solutions to streamline the way you manage your life. Systems for reducing clutter, saving time, and reducing stress.

New Milk In Town

Did you know that there's a new kind of UHT milk sitting on the store shelves? Yup, say hi to Dutch Lady Kid and School Milk.

My kids have been fortunate to receive a some boxes to sample. As soon as it entered the door, they tore at the plastic and quickly devoured one packet each. If I let them be, they would gladly drink several packets in one day. However the rule of the house is maximum 2 packets per day.

"Let me at it, let me at it quick"

So, what is this new milk by Dutch Lady? Here is a quick overview:

• It is age specific.
  Dutch Lady Kid: Fortified with essential nutrients like magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, calcium and protein, Dutch Lady Kid is designed to meet the rapid physical growth needs of children aged between 1 to 6 years old. This was developed with the understanding that children in their formative years, experience tremendous growth across all areas of development. For example, at the end of their second year, a child’s height can double & quadruple in weight.
  Dutch Lady School: Packed with Omega 3, Omega 6, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6 is customised for children aged 6 to 12 years old.As they begin their years in formal education, children in this age group need all the nutrients they can get to improve their attention span and enhance brain development for optimum academic performance.
  
  
• First-ever innovation for the UHT milk category.
  
  
• 3 flavours: Full Cream, Strawberry and Chocolate.
  
  
• Dutch Lady Kid comes in convenient 125ml packs while Dutch Lady School is offered in
  200ml packs.

Well, my kids don't really care that the milk's nutrients have been engineered to be age specific. What they really care is this:

D1: "Mom, I like the chocolate one the best."
K: Yeah, I like the chocolate one also. But I also like the full cream. It tastes like the real milk.
D2: I like the strawberry one.
D1: Can I take one to school?
D2: Can I drink one more?
K: Not fair-lah, he get to drink so many.

Yeah, with children, how it tastes is important. Being fair is also important; cannot allow one to drink more than the other. Sigh! With parents, value is important. Budget is also very important :)

So, what do I think of this new milk?
It is a good thing if you have children like mine who don't like formula milk. They love UHT milk though. So parents can be assured that their children are getting the right nutrients for their age.

Want to know what I really, honestly think?
What a bummer coz' now my kids won't let me drink their milk. I'm not the right age it seems :(


*I was given these products for free to sample. However I am not paid for this review.

French Beans, Short Beans?

D2 was standing on a stool watching me cut french beans.

D2: Mommy, are you cutting long beans?
Me: No, these are french beans. Long beans are this long (stretching out my hands). See, these ones are short.
D2: Oooh, short beans lah.

Poor kids, who made this world so confusing for them?

Dental danger: How to keep holiday treats from damaging teeth and braces

(ARA) - Millions of Americans will not be smiling this holiday season - and not because they discovered coal in their stockings. They will be the teens and adults whose teeth and/or braces fall victim to the hard, sticky, chewy and gummy treats that make the holidays so yummy . . . and perilous to oral health.

"The week after Halloween is one of the busiest times of year for orthodontists," says Dr. Gib Snow, a Los Angeles-based orthodontist. "Emergency visits spike as we see children, teens and even adults who have suffered dental injury or damaged metal braces as a result of eating candy and other treats. In fact, many treats that we commonly enjoy throughout the holiday season can be harmful to our teeth."

If your overall dental health is good, and you practice good oral hygiene, you can probably safely indulge in some holiday treats as long as you do so in moderation. However, if you have a history of breaking or weak teeth, have a lot of fillings or crowns, or wear metal braces, you may want to take some precautions to protect your teeth this holiday season.

Dr. Snow offers some simple tips:

• Try to avoid treats that are sticky (like taffy), extremely hard (peanut brittle), chewy (caramel) or crunchy (mixed nuts). These can break teeth, pull out fillings and compromise crowns and other forms of dental work.
  
  
• Stick with soft treats that melt in your mouth, such as peanut butter cups, chocolate kisses or - better yet - thinly sliced fruit. As with all high-fat, sugary foods, be sure to practice moderation, and brush and floss teeth after indulging.
  
  
• When you finish your holiday cocktail, or your teen polishes off a soft drink, don't chew on the ice. It can damage tooth enamel and metal braces.
  
  
• After indulging in holiday treats, brush and floss thoroughly. Adults who will be enjoying lots of caffeinated beverages for the holidays may want to consider using a teeth-whitening toothpaste.
  
  
• Consider replacing metal braces with clear, removable braces like Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. These virtually invisible aligners gradually straighten teeth without metal braces, and can make the holidays a bit easier for teens (and adults) because the aligners can be removed to enjoy holiday treats. After eating, wearers brush and floss, then pop the clear aligners back in place.
  

Teens and adults who wear metal braces are particularly at risk during the holidays, Dr. Snow points out. Many of the treats they will enjoy during holiday parties - like caramel apples, popcorn and sticky toffee - don't mix well with metal braces. Parents should consider some additional precautions:

• Candy canes are a holiday tradition, but braces-wearers should really cross them off their holiday list altogether. Biting into this hard candy can spell disaster for metal braces.
  
  
• Replace high-risk treats with safer options, like soft or liquid treats, fresh fruit, smoothies or milkshakes.
  
  
• Be especially vigilant about dental hygiene. Food trapped in, under or behind metal braces can cause staining and tooth decay.
  

Teens and adults considering orthodontic treatment should weigh all the alternatives and look for options that will best suit their lifestyle, Dr. Snow advises. Alternatives to metal braces, like Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, replace traditional wire and brackets and are equally as effective for straightening teeth, according to Snow.

"When weighing treatment options, families need to consider the many impacts of orthodontic care over the entire course of treatment, which averages about a year," says Snow. "Because clear braces are removable, there are no food restrictions and no emergency appointments for broken brackets. These can be significant factors for many families whether it's the holiday season or not. "

For more tips on oral care during the holidays and alternatives to braces, visit invisalignteen.com.

Is There A Way To Get Rid Of Pink Eyes Fast?

I've been looking for a way to get rid of pink eyes (sore eyes or conjunctivitis) fast. And you know what? There is no quick cure. I looked online. Some people say wipe the eyes with honey water. Didn't work. Some said use breastmilk. Tried it and didn't work. Some even recommended lemon juice. Errr... I'm not that crazy. I would think lemon juice would hurt your eyes rather than heal it.

It's been one week since I got pink eyes . My girl got it first and she passed it to the rest of us (the other 3 kids and me). However, baby and me seem to have it really bad. The other 2 boys seem to be recovering already. Doctor said it'll probably be another week for me.

Conclusion: It is really tough to get rid of pink eyes caused by bacterial infection. Even the eye doctor said it is getting tougher to treat them.

Best solution: Go to the eye doctor early and get proper medication. Don't be like me and try to treat it yourself with home remedies and then let it get real bad.
The best thing is... Don't get them in the first place.

Best practices:

• Wash your hands constantly. REALLY! Wash them every hour. Wash them before and after you administer medication. Make everybody in your household wash their hands too. If you're not making more than 10 trips to the sink, you're not washing your hands enough. I thought I was making an effort to wash my hands BUT obviously not enough coz' it spread to almost everyone. Put a timer if you must. March everyone to the bathroom to wash their hands every hour.
  
• Constantly wash the towels and pillow cases. Boo hoo. More laundry.
  
• DON'T TOUCH THE EYES. Wash hands if you do.
  

This is my poor baby with her swollen eyes. I was really worried yesterday when I saw blood dripping from her eyes. Well, it was more like red tears. My DH was calmly wiping it off her face telling me not to panic. DON'T PANIC? She's crying bloody tears. How is a mother not to panic?

This is me looking real good for Halloween.

This is the current medication. Please, please, please work. The ointment really stings my eye. The pain is really sharp like putting acid in my eye. 3 times a day folks.

Doctor said to watch the diet too. That means no eggs, no sea food, no fried and oily stuff. Many people just think about what medication to use to get rid of pink eyes fast, but don't give much thought to making diet adjustments too. Well, doctors orders.

So, today I cooked porridge. First I boiled some chicken breast. After it was cooked, I took it out to cool and shredded it later. The chicken stock I used to boil the rice. Also added ginger, "kiam chye" (preserved vege) for the salty taste, carrot and goji berries (good for eyes), tomato (antioxidant), and long beans .

To make it work, I chanted this magical chant as it cooked:

"Yummy porridge, boiling rice,

Help me heal my sore red eyes,

As I eat your nutritious brew,

Make my eyes as good as new."

Think it'll work?

How To Make Housecleaning Easier

I confess, I am not one who likes to do house cleaning. But yet I do my best coz' I know it is my responsibility. Plus, having a DH that is a clean freak makes it hard for me to ignore the dirt, dust and clutter.

Cleaning house is a never-ending job. I am so happy when I see my laundry basket empty, even if it is only for a few minutes. Getting laundry done is like trying to achieve an elusive dream. Let's not forget the kitchen sink. Somehow, an empty cup or dirty spoon will magically show up there. Oh, the pesky dust never stays away for long. Sometimes it seems that there are just not enough hours in the day to keep the house clean and get everything else done too.

A friend of mine once shared with me her house cleaning routine. I was amazed. It is so true that if you want to stay on top of housecleaning, it is essential for you to have a routine. However, every situation is different, so the routine that works for your mother, sister, or friend may or may not work for you. But we can all create our own routines to make housecleaning easier.

Here are some housecleaning tips that may help:

• Tackle one room at a time. Many of us don't have an entire day to dedicate to house cleaning every week. Doing one room at a time allows us to break the work up into smaller chunks while still accomplishing something noticeable. One or two rooms each day should allow us to get the whole house clean in a week's time.
  
  
• Do one task at a time, but do it for the whole house. This is another effective way to break the work up. For example, you could dust the entire house from end to end and be done with it. Then you could move on to sweeping or vacuuming. Doing things this way will save time by eliminating a lot of the "stop and go" as well.
  
  
• Try grouping certain tasks together to multitask. Chores like doing the laundry do not require constant attention, so we can do other things while we're waiting for the clothes to be washed and dried. Associating another task with it that is more labor-intensive, like dusting or cleaning the kitchen, can increase our productivity. Once the first load is finished, we can fold or iron clothes while waiting for the next load.
  
  
• Break larger tasks up into smaller ones if they become too monotonous. Some of us have rooms that it seems to take forever to clean, or certain chores that we just hate to do. Breaking them up into smaller, more manageable parts might help us get them done. For example, if you despise cleaning the bathroom, you could clean the shower and then go work on something more enjoyable for a while. Then you can come back later and tackle something else, and repeat until the whole bathroom is clean.
  
  
• Put on some upbeat music to keep yourself motivated. Listening to music you love can make any task more pleasant, and something with a good beat will keep you moving. You might even find yourself dancing as you clean.
  
  
• Get your children involved in the routine. Don't pamper your children and exclude them from doing any house chores. Even a child as young as 3 years old can help around. I get my kids to take out the garbage, put away their folded clothes, wash and dry some of the dirty dishes, and sweep and mop the upstairs once a week. You don't have to bribe them. Teach them that keeping the house clean requires team work.
  

Having a routine is a great way to do anything more efficiently. This is especially true for housecleaning.

Do you have a housecleaning routine? What are some ways you make your housecleaning more efficient?

How Often To Nurse a Newborn

The first time I held my baby to breastfeed, I was sooooo worried. The nurse just plopped her in my arms and reminded me to switch breast after 15-20 minutes. I stared at her blankly and asked "how do I do this?" She wasn't very helpful and didn't show me how to get baby to latch on properly. Anyway, I had tried to read as much as I could before baby popped and eventually figured it out.

Many new mothers have been told to breastfeed their baby every 2-3 hours. However, you'll soon find out that newborns have a schedule of their own -- which is no schedule. The first few weeks, you may feel like baby is almost attached to you the whole day because they are constantly crying to be fed.

A common question among new nursing mothers is "should I follow the clock or should I feed on demand?"

Here is some points to answer that question and also to resove some concerns you may have.

• Forget the clock. Feed on demand. During those first few weeks, you need to build up your milk supply.
  
  
  
• Don't worry about fitting into a 2-3 hour schedule those early days. Follow baby's needs and eventually, baby and you will naturally fall into a schedule. This will happen when baby is a couple of months old.
  
  
• Don't forget that baby will go through a growth spurt. So don't hold back on the milk.
  
  
• A newborn's stomach is very small...imagine a walnut. That means they get full quickly. Plus, breastmilk is easily digestable. Hence the reason why they are hungry again so fast.
  
  
• Not all babies are the same. Some will nurse more often than others.
  
  
• Don't worry too much about over-feeding baby (unless baby have GERD). Be more worried of not feeding enough.
  
  
• Don't assume that doctors and nurses know a lot about breastfeeding. You want expert advice, find a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League.
  
  
• They will tell you to count the number of wet diapers to determine if baby is getting enough milk. I never really bothered much with this advice because you can't really tell how many times baby has peed when using disposables. Me, I get my peace of mind when baby is gaining weight as should and there are no signs of dehydration.
  
  
• To wake the baby or not to wake the baby? I say let baby sleep. My friend told me this, "baby grows in 2 ways: drinking milk and sleeping". So don't think that sleep is bad for your baby. Take advantage of that time. Be thankful you have been given time to rest.
• If your baby sleeps pretty well at night, you may find they feed more often in the day. Some mothers do cluster feeding. Feeding time could be every hour and maybe even every 20 minutes (gosh).
  
  
• If baby sleeps after 5 minutes of nursing, tickle their cheek or under the chin. Do whatever to keep them awake. Initial sucking gets them colustrum. Further sucking will get them hind milk which is what they need to fill their hunger. If they don't get the hind milk, they'll remain hungry.
  
  
• I know it gets very tiring to sit down and nurse the whole day. Who said you had to sit down? The best thing I learned was to feed baby lying down. I did that with baby #2 onwards and got so much rest that way.

I hope you found these tips useful.
Happy breastfeeding!

Birthday Party Etiquette Tips

Image via WikipediaKids' birthday parties are lots of fun, but planning them can be somewhat stressful. There are decorations and favors to buy, refreshments to choose, and games to plan. For the guests, there are arrangements to make and gifts to buy. And throughout it all, there are lots of etiquette issues to consider on both sides. Here are some tips to help you get through it all.

When Your Child is the Host

• If you can invite some but not all of the children in your child's class at school, mail the invitations or deliver them to their homes if possible. Doing so will save hurt feelings. If that is not possible, have your child give them to friends as discretely as possible, and tell her to try to avoid talking with them about the party at school.
  
  
• Be as specific as possible on the invitations. If you want the parents to drop the child off, put the child's name on the invitation instead of just "you." If a parent or sibling is welcome to come as well, add the words "and parent" or "and guest."
  
  
• If guests do not RSVP, feel free to call and ask politely if they are coming. It is their responsibility to let you know, but some people just don't. Calling to find out one way or the other will make planning much easier.
  
  
• Talk to your child before the party about his responsibilities as the host. Reinforce his good manners, and encourage him to make sure that all of his guests are having a good time. If he forgets to thank guests for their gifts, a gentle reminder should suffice.
  
  
• Have extra food and favors on hand. An unexpected parent or sibling may show up, even if you were extremely clear about who was invited on the invitations. The best thing you can do is be prepared for this.
  
  
• When the party is over, have your child write thank you notes. If she is too young to write, she can help you by telling you which guest brought which gift or signing the cards herself. The idea is to show her that it's the right thing to do, even if she's not capable of doing it all on her own yet.

When Your Child Is a Guest

• Read the party invitation carefully to see whether the parents should stay or the child should be dropped off, and whether the child is invited to bring a guest. If it is unclear, don't be afraid to call the parents and ask.
  
  
• Get your child to the party on time. If you're dropping him off, be back to pick him up on time too.
  
  
• Refresh you child's memory on the subject of good manners. Even the best mannered child in the world has a lapse every now and then. It doesn't hurt to remind her of the finer points.

You can get more birthday planning tips here. It is a free PDF download:
Mom’s Guide To Fun Easy Kids Birthday Parties

The Top Halloween Costumes for Babies

A Look at the Most Popular Halloween Costumes for 2010

So Halloween is just around the corner! It’s nearly time to have your little ones all dressed up and ready to search for candy. Halloween can be a fun time for children because they can dress up as their favorite characters from TV and the movies; however there is always the question of how to dress your baby for Halloween.

As babies are very small and are obviously unable to support themselves in terms of deciding on a Halloween costume, it is your responsibility as a parent to choose the right baby gear this Halloween. Let’s take a look at some of the top Halloween costumes for babies this year to give you a reference point for your own costume search.

1. Pea in the Pod
A classic costume for your babies is the pea in a pod outfit. Designed to allow the baby to sit inside the costume with only their face and arms exposed, this is an ideal costume for babies living in colder climates as it will work to keep them warm and toasty. As this costume essentially places your baby in a pouch, you will find that your child is much easier to carry as a result of using this costume.

2. Baby Lobster Halloween Costume
Boasting a similar design to the pea in the pod costume, the baby lobster Halloween costume will allow your child to have their hands and face free. Once again your baby will be warm and snug in this cute outfit, but rest assured you’ll never find a cuter lobster! This costume is very festive if you live in a tropical climate or you are having a tropical themed Halloween party.

3. Horton the Elephant from Dr. Seuss
This costume will allow your child more freedom in their limbs, as their legs and arms are able to move freely. This Halloween costume also comes with a hat which is shaped into the head of Horton the Elephant, so as a parent you do not have to worry about your baby suffocating in a mask.

4. Chili Pepper Baby Costume
Similar in design to the pea in the pod and the baby lobster costume, this outfit presents your baby as a delicious vegetable. If you are a chef, vegetarian or simply want to add a splash of red to your Halloween this costume is for your baby!

Well there you go; you now have great costumes ideas for your baby. Hopefully you are able to find the costume you want before the big night! Trick or Treat!

Note: Article courtesy of Suzy from SureBaby.com

p.s. Want to make Halloween fun for your kids? Get your free copy of Mom's Guide To Making Halloween Fun For Kids today.

What To Do With Pink Eye

My daughter K have missed school for about 2 weeks now because of pink eye (also known as sore eyes or conjunctivitis). Actually, the problem with her eyes started more than 2 weeks ago.

Out of the blue one afternoon, she said she felt a pain on her right eye. What I saw gave me a shock of my life. Not only was the eye red, but there was like a bubble on the outer side of her eye. Mind you, not on the eyelids but on her eyeball. The only way I can describe it is like having a blister on your eye. Anyway, DH quickly took her to the Tun Hussein Onn eye hospital. Apparently it was an allergic reaction. As they washed her eye, they found an eyelash. Don't know if that was the culprit. They gave her some drops and ointment. Her eye was looking much better when she came back from the hospital. Anyway, they told her to go back to the hospital 5 days later. By then, her eyes were ok.

4 days after that 2nd hospital appointment, both eyes became red. I wasn't sure if the redness had any connection with what happened to her eyes earlier on. I didn't want to go back to the hospital to wait another 2-3 hours. It looked like pink eye so I told her to keep washing her eyes with cotton. Asked her to put some cool sliced cucumber to relieve the discomfort. I was hoping her eyes would get better in a few days. WRONG!

MAMAS PARENTING TIP: If you suspect your child is having sore eyes, take him/her to a doctor straightaway to get proper medication.

Her eyes were swollen top and bottom. It was such a scary red especially underneath the eyelids, it looked like it was bleeding. When she closed her eyes, you could see like a bruised mark. After 4 days of having sore eyes, I took her to our family GP. He confirmed it was conjunctivitis cause by bacteria. He gave some antibacterial drops and ointment. Said it should clear within 24 - 48 hours. If not, go back to see him.

After 48 hours, I see more white in her eyes but still lots of red underneath the eyelids. Took her back to GP who recommended we see an eye specialist to check it out further.

MAMAS PARENTING TIP: You can see a general doctor for pink eye. But it is better to see an eye specialist.

When I took K to see the eye specialist, he mentioned that sore eyes these days are becoming more difficult to treat as the virus or bacteria is becoming more resistant to medication. That's why the medication given by the GP didn't really work. He gave K another kind of antibacterial drops and ointment PLUS antibiotics to take orally.

Pink eye due to bacterial infection is contagious. I know it can be worrying that your child is missing so many days of school. Try to make it up with some home schooling.

Also, make sure there is no sharing of towels, pillows etc.... Ask the other siblings to stay away as much as possible. Very likely they won't. Hahaha. That's the case with my kids. They just can't stay away from each other. Now my son D1 has one eye that is slightly red. Sigh! Attack of the evil red eye.