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Little Miracles readers can all enter, even if you’ve entered in other giveaways. Check out the rules and information and find out more about this great bag HERE on empoweredmommies. Winner will be chosen at random.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hurray, it’s a Giveaway!
Today’s giveaway is being listed on www.empoweredmommies.com – check it out! It’s a designer diaper bag by KristiG worth $99 from Little Miracles!
Little Miracles readers can all enter, even if you’ve entered in other giveaways. Check out the rules and information and find out more about this great bag HERE on empoweredmommies. Winner will be chosen at random.
Little Miracles readers can all enter, even if you’ve entered in other giveaways. Check out the rules and information and find out more about this great bag HERE on empoweredmommies. Winner will be chosen at random.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Low Serotonin Levels Linked to SIDS
from http://www.lilsugar.com/
Could an end be in sight for new parents fearing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)? After decades of research and thousands of unexplained deaths, researchers believe to have found a definite link between low levels of serotonin in the brain and babies who died of SIDS.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists found that serotonin – a chemical in the brain that responds to carbon-dioxide levels to regulate sleep, heart rate and breathing in babies – levels were 26 percent lower in wee ones deemed to have succumbed to the syndrome. When serotonin levels are low, tots' brains do not detect high carbon dioxide levels and wake them to shift their position and get more oxygen.
Doctors are lauding the study, suggesting that a test could be performed at birth to determine serotonin levels and courses of treatment can then be determined for those babies deemed at risk. In the meantime, doctors are still reminding parents to place babies on their backs to sleep and to follow other preventative tips designed to keep carbon dioxide levels low around infants. Will the identification of a cause of SIDS allow you to rest easier at night?
Source: Jupiter Images
Could an end be in sight for new parents fearing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)? After decades of research and thousands of unexplained deaths, researchers believe to have found a definite link between low levels of serotonin in the brain and babies who died of SIDS.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists found that serotonin – a chemical in the brain that responds to carbon-dioxide levels to regulate sleep, heart rate and breathing in babies – levels were 26 percent lower in wee ones deemed to have succumbed to the syndrome. When serotonin levels are low, tots' brains do not detect high carbon dioxide levels and wake them to shift their position and get more oxygen.
Doctors are lauding the study, suggesting that a test could be performed at birth to determine serotonin levels and courses of treatment can then be determined for those babies deemed at risk. In the meantime, doctors are still reminding parents to place babies on their backs to sleep and to follow other preventative tips designed to keep carbon dioxide levels low around infants. Will the identification of a cause of SIDS allow you to rest easier at night?
Source: Jupiter Images
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Organics on a Budget: What Matters Most
from www.smartfamilytips.com, by Beth
Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget to buy organic foods. While some prices on organic products have come down, for a variety of reasons, organics still command a premium price. This is one of the reasons we decided to grow our own organic vegetable garden last year, and why we’ll do it again this summer. I’ve written before about where to find coupons on organic products. Recently, I’ve learned that Mambo Sprouts is a good place to try, too.
But, for day to day shopping, when you want to avoid as many pesticides and growth hormones and antibiotics as you can, where can you get the safest food for your dollar? Based on my own research, not scientific fact, the list below is where I’ve decided to concentrate my own organic dollars. I hope it’s helpful to some of you.
Chicken
I buy organic, free-range chicken which means that the feed the chickens eat is free from pesticides and the chickens themselves are given no antibiotics. Farmers are not allowed to give chickens growth hormones, so while some packaging claims “hormone-free” chicken, that really is a given. I buy organic eggs for the same reasons.
Beef
Aside from the animal cruelty associated with CAFOs (watch Food, Inc. for more information), and the negative environmental impacts they create, I’m extremely concerned about the hormones and antibiotics given to cows and then eaten by us.
I buy only grass-fed/grass-finished beef that is hormone and antibiotic free. I used to watch for it to go on sale in the store, or cook beef less often to help with the budget. This year, we bought a bulk order of grass-fed beef from a local farm which really saved us a lot of money.
Milk
We drink cow’s milk and just like the beef from cows, milk is loaded with hormones and antibiotics. To avoid these, I buy only organic milk and dairy products. This is one that’s very important to me.
One benefit of buying fewer canned goods is that alternatives can be less expensive. I buy many of our vegetables frozen if I can’t find them fresh. I stock up when there are sales and use coupons when I can. We also eat a lot of beans and there’s almost nothing less expensive than dried beans. It just takes a little bit more planning on my part to remember to soak the beans the night before I want to cook them.
It’s a work in progress, though. As was evident in the photos of my pantry, I do have quite a few canned goods (even tomatoes). But as I’ve become more aware of BPA, I’m slowly but surely working to reduce the number of foods we eat from cans.
To wrap up, in a nifty little list, here are the things I focus on buying organic. I buy other things that are organic when I can, but I rarely compromise on these. It’s worth it to me to sacrifice some things in order to feel better about what we put in our bodies. For us, cutting back on sugary soft drinks and expensive packaged foods has left more room in our budget for organics.
, why is it that we are so willing to spend money on all sorts of things, but the main place we want to cut corners is on the food we put in our mouths?
Photo Credit: jekrub
Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget to buy organic foods. While some prices on organic products have come down, for a variety of reasons, organics still command a premium price. This is one of the reasons we decided to grow our own organic vegetable garden last year, and why we’ll do it again this summer. I’ve written before about where to find coupons on organic products. Recently, I’ve learned that Mambo Sprouts is a good place to try, too.
But, for day to day shopping, when you want to avoid as many pesticides and growth hormones and antibiotics as you can, where can you get the safest food for your dollar? Based on my own research, not scientific fact, the list below is where I’ve decided to concentrate my own organic dollars. I hope it’s helpful to some of you.
Produce
For produce, I stick with the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. They list the “Dirty Dozen” and suggest buying these organic:- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Grapes (Imported)
- Carrots
- Pears
Meat
I’ll say upfront that I don’t skimp on meat. If that means I have to buy less of it, or bulk up meat-based meals with beans or other ingredients, I will. I believe it’s best to know where your meat comes from. If you can buy it locally, from a farmer in your area, all the better. The easiest way to locate sources is through farmers markets and visiting localharvest.org to find local farms and CSAs.Chicken
I buy organic, free-range chicken which means that the feed the chickens eat is free from pesticides and the chickens themselves are given no antibiotics. Farmers are not allowed to give chickens growth hormones, so while some packaging claims “hormone-free” chicken, that really is a given. I buy organic eggs for the same reasons.
Beef
Aside from the animal cruelty associated with CAFOs (watch Food, Inc. for more information), and the negative environmental impacts they create, I’m extremely concerned about the hormones and antibiotics given to cows and then eaten by us.
I buy only grass-fed/grass-finished beef that is hormone and antibiotic free. I used to watch for it to go on sale in the store, or cook beef less often to help with the budget. This year, we bought a bulk order of grass-fed beef from a local farm which really saved us a lot of money.
Milk
We drink cow’s milk and just like the beef from cows, milk is loaded with hormones and antibiotics. To avoid these, I buy only organic milk and dairy products. This is one that’s very important to me.
Canned Goods
I’m working to avoid these whenever possible. Soon I’ll be writing about BPA and why it’s a problem, but for now, be aware that nearly all cans are lined with it and it’s not good for you. The worst product to buy in cans, because of their acidity, is tomatoes. Unfortunately, there are few alternatives. Some companies (Trader Joe’s, for one) are starting to sell tomato products in Tetra Paks, which are a safe alternative, but they can be difficult to find.One benefit of buying fewer canned goods is that alternatives can be less expensive. I buy many of our vegetables frozen if I can’t find them fresh. I stock up when there are sales and use coupons when I can. We also eat a lot of beans and there’s almost nothing less expensive than dried beans. It just takes a little bit more planning on my part to remember to soak the beans the night before I want to cook them.
It’s a work in progress, though. As was evident in the photos of my pantry, I do have quite a few canned goods (even tomatoes). But as I’ve become more aware of BPA, I’m slowly but surely working to reduce the number of foods we eat from cans.
To wrap up, in a nifty little list, here are the things I focus on buying organic. I buy other things that are organic when I can, but I rarely compromise on these. It’s worth it to me to sacrifice some things in order to feel better about what we put in our bodies. For us, cutting back on sugary soft drinks and expensive packaged foods has left more room in our budget for organics.
Buy These Organic
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Grapes (Imported)
- Carrots
- Pears
- Milk & Dairy products
- Meat (Chicken, Beef, Poultry)
- Eggs
- Canned goods (best if organic, but try to avoid canned goods altogether — buy frozen or dried)
, why is it that we are so willing to spend money on all sorts of things, but the main place we want to cut corners is on the food we put in our mouths?Photo Credit: jekrub
Friday, February 5, 2010
thinkbaby Bottles - Product Review and Giveaway!
I received the thinkbaby 9oz polypropylene (#5 recycle code) bottles in the mail yesterday and I have to say I was very excited to give them a try. I have tried the thinkbaby feeding bowl, which is made of food grade stainless steel and free of BPA, phthalates, nitrosamines, lead, PVC, and Melamine, and I think it is great. I have read lots of great reviews about the thinkbaby sippy cup as well, so I was eager to give these a try.
First let me just say that thinkbaby has a wonderful company philosophy. On their website they state: “thinkbaby operates with the singular purpose of protecting children during their most fragile developmental stages through extensive product testing and working with leading scientists globally.” Doesn’t get much better than that!
Back to the bottle. The first thing I noticed is that the lid on the bottle has an extra piece that fits around the nipple to stop leaks. It works too, so no more worrying about spilled formula or breast milk in your diaper bag. The second thing I noticed is that the bottle only consists of the twist on cap, the nipple, and the bottle – no extra flow valves or pieces to deal with. thinkbaby says that their bottles have a patented venting system that reduces gas, spit up, and even ear infections. And did I mention no extra pieces to scrub? Bravo.
The thinkbaby polypropylene bottle has a silicone nipple and there are seven different styles and flows to choose from. Another thing I love about this bottle is that it truly did not leak. You almost don’t need the lid! It fits very nicely in my hand and is nice and light.
One other fabulous feature about this bottle is that it very easily converts into a sippy cup. I happened to be out at a baby store yesterday and picked up the conversion kit, which includes one handle and two spouts. At first try my 19 month old absolutely loved this sippy cup!
I will admit that I have bought sippy cups like most women buy shoes. We have tried nearly every BPA free cup out there. I can’t say it enough about this cup: no leaking, no leaking, no leaking! Even when held upside down, this cup did not leak. The lid also fits on the cup which is essential for me when I throw it in my bag.
Green factor (from the thinkbaby website):
The thinkbaby Conversion Kit is the ultimate in green. Instead of having to toss out 8 to 16 baby bottles after year one, simply transform the bottle into our award winning Sippy Cup and extend the life of your baby bottles. what better way to to save money and eliminate excess environmental waste.
Summary:
I <heart> the bottle, I <heart> the sippy cup, but even more, I LOVE that I don’t have to worry because all of thinkbaby’s products are free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phtalates, Nitrosamines, PVC, Lead, Melamine, and toxic chemicals. Other bottle and sippy cup manufactures have “some” products that are BPA free but not their entire line, or their older product line may not be BPA free, but if you buy thinkbaby you can be assured you are buying a safe product for your baby. And if all that isn’t enough, a portion of every purchase benefits the nonprofit organization Healthy Child Healthy World. I <heart> thinkbaby!
You can buy thinkbaby at Amazon:
THE GIVEAWAY!
To be eligible to win a two pack of 9oz thinkbaby bottles, you must do one of the following:1. Become a fan of thinkbaby on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/thinkbaby/133989121661?ref=nf
OR
2. Follow thinkbaby on Twitter: @thinkbaby_sport
(if you’re already a fan of thinkbaby or following them on twitter you can still enter, just skip to #3)
AND
3. Go to http://www.littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com/ and click on “join this mailing list” on the lower left column. If you are already receiving emails you will not receive double emails, but everyone needs to submit their email address for the random drawing for each prize. The winner will be notified via email and the bottles will be shipped directly to him/her.
The contest ends Sunday, Feb. 7th at 9pm.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Buy Buy Baby
I have to say if you have a Buy Buy Baby store in your area you should check it out! They recently opened up a store here in Charlotte and I visited it yesterday and was more than pleasantly surprised at everything they had to offer. They carried a lot of organic products, including some of my favorites like Aden & Anais swaddle blankets, Plan Toys, Boon, Ergo Baby carriers, and Avalon Baby Organics lotions and shampoos. They had a huge assortment of strollers and car seats, carrying great brands such as BOB, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, and UPPA Baby. They pretty much carry the biggest selection of everything baby under one roof; you have to see it to believe it. And the best part is that Buy Buy Baby is part of the Bed, Bath & Beyond franchise so you can use your 20% off coupons there! One per item you buy (as long as it’s not expired) – fabulous!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Is it Safe to Wash Plastic Bottles and Dishes in the Dishwasher? 02/1/2010 By: The Soft Landing
from www.thesoftlanding.com
Have you ever wondered if it's okay to wash plastic food containers in the dishwasher, even if they are BPA-free? That's a great question that requires a two-part answer, because not all plastic containers the same . . .
Most Reusable Bottles and Dishes are Dishwasher Safe
Many plastic containers are specifically intended for reuse and are usually clearly marked. The dishes in this category come from two main categories:
Heavy duty everyday reusables (dishware, utensils, baby bottles, sippy cups, etc.) are dishwasher safe and will withstand heat and detergents for many years. Some examples would be Frostware and Preserve Everyday Tableware
Take and toss style reusables are dishwasher safe but don't stand up well in the long run, so keep an eye on them and recycle them when they begin to warp. Some examples would be Nuby Wash or Toss and Gladware Food Storage
Some Food Containers from Grocery Stores are Not Dishwasher Safe
Most yogurt, cream cheese or peanut butter containers are made from polypropylene (#5) which is great in regard to the absence of toxic chemicals. But many are made with very thin plastic walls that just won't hold up when exposed to dishwasher heat and detergents. You'll have to be the judge: if the plastic container is too flimsy and ends up warped, it’s probably not meant to be reused.
Also be careful to check your take out containers, as most are made from a firm polystyrene plastic (#6) that looks and feels an awful lot like polypropylene. You'll never want to reuse these containers and you should even consider using your own on-the-go containers instead. An easy way to check for polystyrene is to look for a lack flexibility in the container. Polypropylene will be slightly cloudy and squeezable.
Don't Forget to Wash Them on the Top Rack
Always place plastic dishes on the top rack to reduce heat exposure and hand wash large dishes that won't fit up top. And while we're on the topic of heat and plastics, we don't recommend microwaving plastic at all either.
Have you ever wondered if it's okay to wash plastic food containers in the dishwasher, even if they are BPA-free? That's a great question that requires a two-part answer, because not all plastic containers the same . . .
Most Reusable Bottles and Dishes are Dishwasher Safe
Many plastic containers are specifically intended for reuse and are usually clearly marked. The dishes in this category come from two main categories:
Some Food Containers from Grocery Stores are Not Dishwasher Safe
Most yogurt, cream cheese or peanut butter containers are made from polypropylene (#5) which is great in regard to the absence of toxic chemicals. But many are made with very thin plastic walls that just won't hold up when exposed to dishwasher heat and detergents. You'll have to be the judge: if the plastic container is too flimsy and ends up warped, it’s probably not meant to be reused.
Also be careful to check your take out containers, as most are made from a firm polystyrene plastic (#6) that looks and feels an awful lot like polypropylene. You'll never want to reuse these containers and you should even consider using your own on-the-go containers instead. An easy way to check for polystyrene is to look for a lack flexibility in the container. Polypropylene will be slightly cloudy and squeezable.
Don't Forget to Wash Them on the Top Rack
Always place plastic dishes on the top rack to reduce heat exposure and hand wash large dishes that won't fit up top. And while we're on the topic of heat and plastics, we don't recommend microwaving plastic at all either.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Hurray, It’s a Giveaway!
I am happy to announce a giveaway contest for a FABULOUS item for all you expecting mommies or new mommies out there!
“© Copyright 2010 Glamourmom LLC
These tops are absolutely wonderful! I bought one last summer when my baby was born and it was perfect to wear around the house all the time, and when I was out I often wore it under a button down shirt or zip up sweater for easier access. They are super functional (which is key when you are nursing ten times a day), but then they are also cute and comfy, which is a serious bonus when it comes to nursing wear. I was surprised I could actually wear this shirt without a bra, given the size of my nursing breasts, but this tank has a built in bra that offers great support.
Glamourmom tank tops come in two lengths – the longer tops provide more coverage for your post-partum belly. All the tops have a discreet clasp that you can truly open and close with only one hand. I have tried both the nursing tank and the nursing top and the top is definitely better for post-partum and for the first few months of nursing, when you need more support (the tops basically just have a slightly wider strap than the tanks). The tanks are great for when the belly starts to disappear and you want a more fitted cut. Both the tank and top allowed me to use nursing pads very easily, which is definitely a necessity.
“© Copyright 2010 Glamourmom LLC
A Green Factor! From the Glamourmom website:
About the Cotton We Use
Our cotton incorporates environmentally conscious methods from start to finish to reduce pollution as much as possible while still producing one of the highest quality cottons available today. Carefully picked and harvested, purification and monitoring systems insure a cleaner cotton. The end result is a healthier planet for us all and a soft fabric which gives our products a lasting durability and beauty for a comfortable and fashionable nursing experience.
The contest will end on Wednesday, February 3rd at 9pm est. The winner will get to choose the color and size of top they want and then the top will be shipped directly to them. Glamourmom has provided a free Nursing Bra Tank for the purpose of this review. Go to www.glamourmom.com to view their entire product line.
Glamourmom Nursing Tops
“© Copyright 2010 Glamourmom LLC
These tops are absolutely wonderful! I bought one last summer when my baby was born and it was perfect to wear around the house all the time, and when I was out I often wore it under a button down shirt or zip up sweater for easier access. They are super functional (which is key when you are nursing ten times a day), but then they are also cute and comfy, which is a serious bonus when it comes to nursing wear. I was surprised I could actually wear this shirt without a bra, given the size of my nursing breasts, but this tank has a built in bra that offers great support.
Glamourmom tank tops come in two lengths – the longer tops provide more coverage for your post-partum belly. All the tops have a discreet clasp that you can truly open and close with only one hand. I have tried both the nursing tank and the nursing top and the top is definitely better for post-partum and for the first few months of nursing, when you need more support (the tops basically just have a slightly wider strap than the tanks). The tanks are great for when the belly starts to disappear and you want a more fitted cut. Both the tank and top allowed me to use nursing pads very easily, which is definitely a necessity.
“© Copyright 2010 Glamourmom LLC
A Green Factor! From the Glamourmom website:
About the Cotton We Use
Our cotton incorporates environmentally conscious methods from start to finish to reduce pollution as much as possible while still producing one of the highest quality cottons available today. Carefully picked and harvested, purification and monitoring systems insure a cleaner cotton. The end result is a healthier planet for us all and a soft fabric which gives our products a lasting durability and beauty for a comfortable and fashionable nursing experience.
Contest Rules
In order to be eligible to win a Glamourmom tank top (your choice of any regular length Nursing Bra Tank or regular length Nursing Bra Top!) just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com for this entry with your name and email address. This is how I will be able to contact you if you win and you will automatically be signed up to receive email alerts from the Little Miracles blog. The winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.The contest will end on Wednesday, February 3rd at 9pm est. The winner will get to choose the color and size of top they want and then the top will be shipped directly to them. Glamourmom has provided a free Nursing Bra Tank for the purpose of this review. Go to www.glamourmom.com to view their entire product line.
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