Archive for September, 2009

10 tips for Designing a Healthy Nursery

September 30th, 2009

As a new mom, it is easy to get excited about decorating the perfect nursery for your baby’s room.  For just a moment, put the murals, the stuffed animals and the hanging mobiles aside.  One thing to consider is how best to design a healthy and safe haven for your bambino.  When my hubby and I were DINKS, it seemed that some days we came home just to sleep, only to be back out the door early the next morning.  Now that I am a stay at home mama, I spend more time at home than I have before.  Obviously, we go out –but we certainly are home a lot!  Indoor air quality is important and often overlooked.  It is easy to believe that if everything looks clean, it must be safe.

  1. When painting, use low VOC paints.
  2. Hardwood floors are best.  Hard surface floors  are easily cleaned and help prevent allergies.
  3. Throw rugs are more easily cleaned than wall-to-wall carpet that traps allergens.
  4. Use air purifiers or air filtering plants.
  5. Purchase furniture, carpets and paint your nursery early.  Allow the VOCs to off-gas long before the baby arrives home.
  6. Once the baby is home, air out new purchases in another part of the house or let them them air out outside.
  7. Open up the windows and allow fresh air to circulate.
  8. Clean with healthy non-toxic cleaners, or simple soap and hot water.
  9. Wash baby’s linens and clothes before the baby arrives.
  10. Wash baby’s linens often to prevent dust mites.

Mrs. Fields cookies… yummy & free ?

September 29th, 2009
image courtesy of Mrs. Fields

image courtesy of Mrs. Fields

As a stay at home mama, somedays I need to do something different to get us out of our weekly routine.  I can’t stand doing the same thing every week.  It just gets under my skin.  So I just love coming up with silly little adventures for us to do during the week.  Who knew that October was National Cookie Month?

On Oct 1, at participating Mrs Fields cookie stores, they will give out a free Chocolate Chip Cookie between 11 am and 1 pm.  Go Here for more info and call your store to see if they are participating.  Also, when you go, ask for a frequent buyer card.  They suggest that you might be able to get 6 more free cookies throughout October.  We’ll see what they mean by that.

Well, it looks like this Thursday, Bella and I will go off in search of a free cookie.  :) I promise that I’ll take a few laps around the mall.  Does this count as exercise?

Who wants to join us?

Thanks, Amanda, at A Few Short Cuts!

Crispy, Garlic French Fries – at Home and in your Oven!

September 20th, 2009

I love fries.  I try not to eat them often, but I do love them.  My husband learned early on not to mess with my fries.  He knew that I had no shame in going back to the counter or to the waiter to complain about cold fries.  If I am going to eat those calories, they had better be delicious calories.   I would rather have a few amazing fries than a big super-sized pile of cold, limp gummy fries.

Yesterday was cold and rainy.  Bella and I were definitely house bound.   Sometimes, a day at home is really the best.  I told my husband to be ready for burgers and fries for lunch.  I make pretty good burgers, but I haven’t ever been in love with my oven fries.  They are ok, but I thought I should google around and see if I could find a better recipe.  Thank God that I did.   Thank you, Debbie at a Feast for the Eyes and the Purple Foodie!  While I didn’t follow the recipe exactly, what I improvised are now the best fries that I have EVER made at home.  We won’t be eating these every week (or everyday- I wish!) but these will be a family recipe. » Read more: Crispy, Garlic French Fries – at Home and in your Oven!

Is it really time to think about Halloween?

September 16th, 2009

We are six weeks away from Halloween.  I bet you can tell already.  I am sure that your grocery stores and drug stores are selling Halloween candy already like mine are.  I know that I am usually one of the last people to buy Halloween candy to give out to trick or treaters, but really?  Who buys candy to give out six weeks in advance?  I just don’t understand it.

Now, costumes?  That I get.  I love Halloween costumes.  I think the costumes are the best part about the holiday.  Last year, I bought Bella a gorgeous Red Hot Chili Pepper  costume- think vegetable, not the band.  It was adorable.   She was a few weeks away from not fitting into the costume, so we called her our little Stuffed Pepper.

Now that she is walking, I have been trying to decide what would be best for this up coming holiday.  With little ones, there are many details to consider to determine the best outfit for the party.

  • Safety first.  How stable is your little walker?  Are the shoes part of the costume?  Is there any part that might hinder their vision or affect their balance?
  • Is it unisex?  Is this a costume you could use for baby #2 or 3?
  • It is easy to find gorgeous costume to splurge on, but have you checked consignment sales?  Target has adorable costumes too!
  • Where will the baby be wearing it?  Indoor party during the day or a neighborhood party outside?  Will it be warm enough?
  • Do you just LOVE it?  Is it as cute as your baby?  Is it worthy?

Soon enough, these babies will grow up and they won’t allow you to have any say in the costume selection process, so you had better love it and have your fun now!

Go Michelle! @iheartpublix

September 14th, 2009

It boggles my mind that www.iheartpublix.com is only 6 months old.  I’ve been following her for 3 months.  She has only been on Facebook 2 weeks.  But we all love her.  She already has 1,000 friends.  lol.  That must mean something!

image courtesy of www.iheartpublix.com

image courtesy of www.iheartpublix.com

Michelle is now giving away a $50 Publix giftcard.  I would love to win it!