BPA - and more...

I'm sure by now, you've heard it all in the news: BPA in bottles. Most of you know it can be harmful (and has shown as such in lab animals), and some of you may even know that companies such as Toys R Us are working towards clearing their shelves of bottles that contain BPA (Good for them). But, what some of you don't realize is - BPA is in WAY more than just bottles. I'm not trying to start a freak out fest, here...but you should know. For example, the plastics you eat off of, the disposable containers you put food in to store in the fridge, your water pipes could all have BPA (depending on what you use). BPA is NOT a new thing. We're just learning about it - our society kind of has this "do now-ask questions later" approach. And now, tests have confirmed that BPA has also been found in....canned foods. As in, your favorite spaghetti sauces and veggies (and more). In general, the more acidic the food is (tomatoes, fruits, etc.), the more BPA it leaches.

In order to not cause a public uproar, the government is taking a very laid back stance on this, saying there is nothing to be concerned about. However, the scientists are not in agreeance - they say that the evidence shows harm in lab animals and it may be the same for humans. But, they aren't positive yet, and neither should the government be, either.

The report is here. You should definitely take a look and decide for yourself.

The good news: There are some companies that use special BPA-free products for your food (like Eden Foods). And then of course, there's always paper cartons and jarred foods.

Babysteps, Motherhood to Career by Diane Lang

Going back to work after having a child can be difficult for any mother - regardless of your child's age. And, if you've been out of school or the workforce for a while, going back can seem daunting. Diane Lang's book BabySteps, Motherhood to Career outlines the things you need to know when re-entering the workforce, from resumes to attire to the transition phase filled with emotions. This book is incredibly comprehensive - and yet to the point.

An Interview with Karen Ehman

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself - an intro, so to speak:
I have a hubby of 22 years and three sometimes argumentive but mostly charming children: Mackenzie-17, Mitchell 13 and Spencer 10. I am a stay-at-home mom who speaks and writes on the side and am a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaking team and a volunteer for Hearts at Home and organization who mission is to help moms love their lives. I love to see my daughter act on stage, watch my boys play sports, hang out with my husband discussing life and read my Bible. I love to cook and organize. I love to write handwritten notes. I hate to clean and can't sew to save my life. I hate to send emails and type as slow as a snail. I also have pitiful, partially finished scrapbooks and no real personal hobbies. In 8 years when Spencer is gone, I'll find one in my "spare time" unless, of course, I'm a Grandma by then!! :-)

2. Please tell us a little about your books and what led you to write them?
My first two Homespun Gifts from the Heart and Homespun Memories for the Heart were co-written with my best friend from college and a dear friend from church. They are designed to provide easy, doable ideas for moms who want to remember their loved ones with creative gifts or make special memories with their kids on holidays, holy days or the every days of life. My first solo book was A Life That Says Welcome and it chronicles my tale of marrying into a family of decorators, cooks and bed and breakfast owners while I myself could barely boil water! It is about 1/3 story driven and biblical hospitality info and 2/3 practical ideas on decorating, cleaning and recipe ideas. It also encourages hospitality on the road--reaching out to those with whom your life naturally intersects. My most recent book is The Complete guide to Getting and Saying Organized. It is an idea driven, practical and doable workbook type volume that walks moms through setting the bar where they want it and crafting their own plan to manage their time and organize their stuff. It definitely is NOT one size fits all!

3. What is one of your favorite "life lessons" that God has taught you thus far?
God is sometimes in the plans, often in the waiting and always in the interruptions!

4. When it comes to cleaning and organizing, I hear a lot of people who are very discouraged and tired. What would you say to them to help them along? Any tips, suggestions, or words of advice?
They need to take into account their particular lifestyle and stage of life and not try to replicate someone else's slick plan. I like to encourage women to learn strategies to take care of the have tos of life in an efficient manner so that they have more time for the want tos of life!!

5. Have a quick organizational and/or cleaning tip you'd like to divulge? Pretty please?
It sounds old fashioned but I have found it to be true--have a place for everything and everything in its place! Grandma was right! I find most women suffer from what I call the "for now" syndrome and it causes great distress in their life. You know all of those piles of "for now"....I'll place this junk mail here..for now. Or I will set this clean laundry over there....for now. Or I'll just lay this junk I don't know what to do with here....for now. Pretty soon we have piles for for now all over the house staring us in the face and making us feel defeated!!!!!!

6. Any tips especially for moms/dads with younger children in the home, regarding life, love, and happiness - and cleaning and organization, of course!?
Get the family on the same team. Your hubby and kids are not the enemy. Satan and his distractions are the enemy. Her wants us to bicker, complain, mess each other up and divide and conquer our family! Don't let him. Have a plan. Work the plan. Work together so that your home stays relatively in order and you can free up time to spend together as a family doing something you love to do!!!

7. And, how about some tips for older parents and grandparents who have trouble parting with their things, and end up feeling so tired and disgusted that they jump ship before they even start?
Enlist the help of someone who is not emotionally attached to your stuff. It is just STUFF!!!! Weeding out and organizing is good for the soul. And maybe some of your stuff can go to help someone else who will actually use it!!! I have an entire chapter on de-junking your house ridding it of items no longer needed. It is one that readers tell me was the most helpful for them. I say away with the junk!!!!


And, because we LOVE participation - we want you, our readers, in on the fun!
Just leave a comment with your best organizational tip when it comes to either managing your time or organizing your stuff. (The two major areas her book covers) And/or tell us your biggest organizational challenge or time management fiasco.

We'll be drawing winners from the comments (which answer our questions) to receive something great! So, be sure to ALSO leave your name and email address as well (in ADDITION to your answers)!!

Getting Organized - And, Staying That Way!

As some of you know, I've taken a challenge for the year 2008 to organize my ENTIRE home. I call it: Project Organization 2008. You can ooh and aah later at the brilliance of that title, but right now...I need you to focus!

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to read The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized by Karen Ehman. And, I have to say - if you were to buy just ONE book to help you regain focus and motivation to clean (without making you feel like the worst mother/Christian ever) THIS book is IT.

In her book, Karen touched my heart with some of the things she had to say:

"They (lists) are no longer my taskmaster and I their slave. Instead, they are my Global Positioning System ... pointing me in the right direction but allowing me to still recieve a call from the Lighthouse asking me to alter my course for a while."

And, how true that statement is! Sometimes, I let my lists take over my day, making me less open to opportunities and people who need me because they wouldn't "fit" with the previous list. But, no more. In Karen's book, she shows how to be organized while still being flexible - and how to do it in the easiest way possible.

Another huge help I've had in organizing not only my home, but my life, was the Hearts at Home Planner (also a product by Karen Ehman). These planners are genius! - With fill-in calendars, menu planners, contacts, notes, and more! They also come in zippered and non zippered!

Next up, an interview (and giveaway!!) with Karen Ehman, herself!

New Group and a Favor!

Today, my post is going to be short and sweet. :) I'm asking a super quick favor of you ALL - whether you are a mom, dad, grandparents, or TTC - please go to: http://www.lilaguide.com/groups/parents
and sign up for my group. If you aren't in lilaguide's system, it'll prompt you to join first (it's free), so please take the 3 minutes to do that and then join my actual group (address above). I'm in a contest, so the more members I get before Aug. 1, the better. I'm aiming at 600! It's all free and you are under no obligation to actually post anything or do anything in the group (unless you want to) - Just join! Please?

Oh yeh. And, as always...if you join, I'll add your name to a drawing and I'll be giving away prizes.

Let's Be....

Here's a name you are going to want to remember: P. K. Hallinan, the author of these lovely books. Each book has watercolor illustrations and great lessons geared for little minds in 200 words or less (in poetry form, no less). They are also board books - meaning they're great to grow up with kids - from 6 mos on up, these little hardy books will stand the test of time and help you to implement some great values and virtues.

I can speak from experience as to how great these little books are. Lorelei's Mimi has made sure that her book shelf is packed with virtuous and fun books. If you're interested in owning your own, you can buy them at www.idealsbooks.com.

My Mommy's Tote

Note: This isn't a repeat post, but I forgot to include the discount code before! Check it out below!!

Imagine a light-weight tote that could hold each of your children's medical documents, important papers, and those magazine pages you ripped out of a parenting magazine 3 months ago. Imagine a place where you knew you could put your children's things...and it wouldn't take up much room - or fuss. Imagine My Mommy's Tote - a lightweight, 9.75"x12.5"x3" tote that could hold it all. And more.

Each tote can hold 200 papers, and comes with pre-printed plastic dividers - which will hold up quite nicely...even to spills. My Mommy's Tote comes in pink/brown or blue/brown.

Wouldn't it be nice to have all of their papers ready at your fingertips whenever you need them? The answer is yes. YES it would.

Discount: 15% off all purchases PLUS 15% off shipping & handling when you enter First Impressions during checkout.

Baby's Vision

Age:

1 week - Focuses on objects approximately 8-12 inches away.
Play idea: Try making frequent eye contact with baby, newborns love looking at familiar faces - especially distinguished features like the eyes and hairline (if you have dark hair) and mouth.

1 month - Notices movement, high-contrast in patterns and colors, and some simple patterns.
Play idea: Try a black and white (or blue and white) mobile with large patterns. Don't want to spend the cash? Make your own patterns on cardstock with paper cut-outs and hang them with string - But, use with caution. Be sure string is secure and out of baby's reach and NOT over the crib (or any place a sibling toddler could get the string).

2 months - Follows moving object with eyes - First from side to side, and then up and down.
Play idea: Move a toy back and forth, and up and down - letting baby follow it with their eyes.

3 months - Begins to pick up on colors more clearly.
Play idea: Offer baby toys in bright colors and name them as you go (Blue block. Red ball.).

The Shape of a Mother

Think you are the only one unhappy with the way your body looks after bringing your little miracle(s) into this world? Think again. Check out The Shape Of A Mother, where Bonnie and hundreds of other women show you how it REALLY is.

Warning. Although these pictures have good intentions, there will be some nudity. So, don't open this at work.

Parenting Weigh-In: Getting your child's hair "did"

As of RIGHT NOW, I'm starting a new series - Parenting Weigh-In(s). Basically, I want to hear your thoughts on certain subjects. So, please, as will ALL of my posts, please feel free to "weigh-in" in the comments area. In fact, I'm begging!

First up: What do you think about little kids getting their hair "did" as little kids. I don't mean hair cuts and rollers for church - I mean: highlights, colors, etc. What's acceptable? What's not? Do you have any personal age limits? And, why do you feel the way you do?

*Please do keep in mind that everyone has a right to their opinion. This won't be a bashing or name-calling fest. I would just love to hear what you think and your reasonings! Ready? Go!

Parenting 101 Part VI

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Kids' Rooms II - Girl Rooms

Games for 3 to 6 Months

Textures. Grab a basket and fill it with things of all textures - cloth, clean sponges, twigs, leaves, etc. And, while supervised, let baby feel each item and describe each feeling as you go (rough, smooth, soft, prickly, etc.) Helps baby develop her sense of touch.

Clink Clunk. Using an empty oatmeal container, place one of baby's small toys inside (while she doesn't see) and close the lid. Shake the container gently and roll it back and forth on the floor to see what noises it makes, saying "What could that be?" Then, while baby is watching, open the can and roll out the toy, saying "Oh! It was you..." Encourages visual and audio tracking, and reinforces the concept that things exist even when baby can't see them.

Tummy Slide. Lay baby on her tummy and place a toy in front of her, just out her reach. Use your hands to press against her feet. She will press her feet against your hands, causing her to slide forward towards her toy. Strengthens baby's upper body and leg muscles and helps prepare her for crawling. Improves problem solving skills.

Talk Back. Use a favorite stuffed toy in front of baby's face, making it dance. When baby begins babbling, with the stuffed animal in front of her face, make the exact same sounds. When baby repeats, use the same sound again and add a few more. For example, if baby says "da!" You might respond "da-da-oh". If baby responds again, be sure to make a big fuss! Encourages baby to vocalize.

Cause and Effect. Puff your cheeks with air and use baby's hands or fingers to press them, blowing air out of your mouth. You can do a variety of things, even adding silly things like having baby grab your finger and sticking out your tongue. Helps baby learn cause and effect.

Wiggle. Turn on some upbeat music and wiggle and shake. Then stop. Wiggle or shake one body at a time, starting with fingertips all the way to your toes. Change the tempo, either speeding things up or slowing things down. Stop, and wiggle your fingers up and down on baby's body. Finish by clapping baby's hands or tapping baby's feet. Improves body awareness and exposes baby to both movement and music.

Ball Play. Using a large inflated ball or exercise ball, put baby on her tummy on the ball. Hold her steady and gently roll the ball slightly backwards and forwards and side to side. Helps develop neck muscles and balance.

Mirror Time. Put baby in front of a mirror and let her play. She won't understand that the baby is her yet, but she'll love that when she does something, so will the baby in the mirror. Helps baby begin to realize what a reflection is.

Games for Birth to 3 months

Expressions. Sit in front of a full-length mirror with baby with a blank look and suddenly change to a smile and say, "Happy!" Then, back to a blank look. Try other expressions, too. Baby won't understand just yet, but he'll love watching you. Benefits include bonding and helps develop eye-tracking abilities.

Tickle Bee. Form a "bee" by placing your thumb and index finger together. Move your bee above baby in swooping circles and then let it swoop down and in a high pitch voice, say "Buzz, buzz, buzz!" and tickle baby. Baby will love the suspense and the gentle tickling. This game will help develop eye-tracking skills and sense of touch.

Tummy Fun. Lie on your back and place baby on your stomach, tummy-side down. With your face just inches away from baby's , make eye contact and sing and talk. Helps baby begin to develop neck and arm strength.

Follow It. Hold a light-weight, brightly colored toy approximately 12 inches from baby's face. Let baby focus and then slowly move the toy side to side and up and down, letting baby track the toy. Helps baby focus and track objects.

Sway time. Hold baby and sway from side to side to music (gently). Enhances baby's awareness of rhythm and melody.

Solana Swaddling Blankets

If you didn't read the title, you may be curious as to what the above pictures are. Well, I'm sure you guessed fabric-somethings...but, what I have to tell you is so much cooler. They're swaddling blankets by Solana Babywear.

Solana makes dozens of swaddling blankets, in any color you need. My personal favorites - the Organic Baby Tree wrap and the Signature Ashley wrap (respectively) - are shown above. The Baby Tree Wrap (top) is made from 100% organic (meaning no pesticides or un-natural chemicals) cotton and is SO SO soft, as well as lightweight. It reminds me of a really really soft t-shirt, actually - and, I'm seriously wondering if I could have some bedsheets (for me) made of this stuff. That's how awesome it is.

And, then, there is the Signature Ashley wrap (second picture). 100% (gauzy) cotton with beatiful eyelets and detail. Oh, how I wish I had this when we were baptizing Lorelei. It's PERFECT for a baby girl or a baby boy, with an understated elegance that really is oh-too-sweet.

And, unlike a lot of the wraps you are seeing around, Solana baby wraps keep your child comfortable and secure (feeling) with soft, luxurious, breathable 100% cotton - meaning you'll both get more rest.

Whole Foods Market - Whole Body

Whole Foods Market is now making some really great podcasts! Tomorrow, they'll be talking about Natural Facial Care for Your Skin Type, so be sure to check it out!

And, while you're at it, be sure to check out their past podcasts over topics such as: Back to School, Natural Cosmetics, Weight Loss, Healthy Hearts, Allergies, Spa Baskets and Aromatherapy (and more!).

Here's the link.

We've added a few things!

You may have noticed a couple of new buttons up on the right hand side? We are now offering Advertising space and reviews by request. So, check it out! Also, take a look at our new search function. Want to find something quick on our site? - Type in a keyword (or two, or three) and find it quickly!

As always, thanks for stopping by. Please email me if there's something you'd like information about, and I'd be glad to do what I can to research and find the information for you!

xoxo
Ashley

Beech Nut Baby Food

And, yet...another reason to shop at Kroger.

Check this out:

Comparable to Gerber baby food...only better: Beech Nut baby food.

"We don't add sugar, salt or harsh spices to our recipes because we believe your baby doesn't need those unnecessary additives."

Why we love them...

• Beech Nut has been in the business of making baby food for over 75 years. So, they know what they're doing!
• All of their produce is tested for pesticide residues that meet their specifications - which are significantly stricter than Federal standards.
• They use fluoridated water.
• They use tree-ripened peaches and hand-peeled bananas.
• They have soy-free cereals (with the exception of DHA plus+ (TM)) - because soy is a potential allergen for babies...
• Features Easy Pour infant cereals and Good Morning and Good Night Foods - to give babies just what they need, when they need it.

In fact, their Good Morning foods are packed full of the perfect amount of carbohydrates from whole grain, protein, vitamins, minerals and no added sugar. The Good Night foods feature a balanced meal that includes:

-ingredients that comfort your baby's digestive system - like Ginger.
-easily digestible, high-quality proteins (like turkey, chicken, or whey protein).
- a prebiotic (inulin - a natural component of chicory) to stimulate the growth of "good" bacteria in baby's digestive system.

Want it now?
If you are local, check out Kroger in downtown Paducah or Kroger in Lone Oak or Murray. Save A Lot in Murray also has this brand.

Click here to find a location near you.

Local Goodness: Baby Fairs

If you live in or around Western KY, be sure to check out the up-coming baby fairs!

17th of May from 10am -2pm at Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, KY

7th of September from 1-4 pm Western Baptist in Paducah, KY

Both will feature local baby/child/mom-related businesses, where you can talk to experts, as well as receive great offers and prizes. They offer free refreshments, and lots of prizes! So, if you are in the area, check it out. And, if you're not - you may want to make the drive!

Parenting 101 Part V

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

What should poo look like?

The seven types of stool are:

• Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
• Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
• Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
• Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
• Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (passed easily)
• Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
• Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces (entirely liquid)

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, with 3 and 4 being the "ideal stools" especially the latter, as they are the easiest to pass. 5-7 being further tending towards diarrhea or cholera.

Source: Wikipedia

Tasty Tuesdays: Easy Parmesan Chicken

Easy Parmesan Chicken - Crockpot style

8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 med onion, cut into thin wedges
1 Tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 26-oz jar pasta sauce
1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded part-skim mozz. cheese
1/4 cup grated Parm. cheese
Hot cooked spaghetti

1. Place mushrooms and onion in slow-cooker
2. Heat oil in large skillet over med-hi heat until hot. Lightly brown chicken on both sides. Place chicken in slow cooker. Pour pasta sauce over chicken; add herbs. Cover; cook on LOW 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH 3 hours or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove and discard bay leaf.
3. Sprinkle chicken with cheeses. Cook, uncoered, on LOW 15-30 min or until cheese are melted. Serve over spaghetti.

Makes 4 servings.

***Other veggies, such as sliced zucchini, cubed eggplant, or broccoli florets can be substituted for the mushroom slices.

Living On A Dime

• Having a hard time doing the things you used to because money just isn't stretching as far?
• Having trouble figuring out what to fix for dinner that you can AFFORD, is healthy, AND will tasted great?
• Feel like you can't look great on your budget?
• Want to know how to clean on a dime?
• Want to get out of debt?
• In need of ideas for holidays and other special occasions that won't break the bank?
• Would you appreciate some new ideas for your low-cost ideas regarding children?
• Want to know how to make the most of your money at the grocery?

If you answered YES, to any of these...check out Living On A Dime and their comprehensive selection of ebooks. These great ebooks can teach you what you need to know about living more frugally - but, without having to give up the things you love - and, how to save money to do the things you've always wanted to do.

With these ebooks and a little careful planning, you could be on your way to living on a dime!

Gifts?

I love the tradition of Mother's (and Father's) Day. --I love that on this day, we celebrate the Mothers in our lives, regardless of whether they are OUR mothers or someone else's.

I've made a list of gifts I think are pretty cool, let me know which of these YOU would like...or what's on your wishlist! (Click on pictures for more info)

A Sleepy Wrap! These are soooo comfy and great for holding babies and toddlers against you while you do WHATEVER. PLUS they are SO adjustable...so they grow with baby...and you...and can be shared between husband and wife...or grandparents...or babysitters ...or anyone!

I thought this spice set was REALLY cool. It comes in a nifty box - and is a complete set of "thai seasonings." HOWEVER, I wouldn't JUST buy this for mom. Try adding some bling, flowers, or something (like thai cooking lessons for 2, you and her...)

This necklace is adorable and just says "motherhood" to me. I love how simple it is...

I love this set! They are all pincushions! One is a ring that is light enough to wear, but you can have easy access to your pins while sewing!

This body scrub is mmm-delicious. In fact, their whole line of products sounds scrum-delicious.


And, then: What I received!:

For some reason, I love cupcakes. Not just eating them, but I think they are adorable! I asked for a cupcake pin cushion, and here is what hubs bought me (and he knows how I adore hand-crafted). LOVE it! (Mine had red/pink pins)

I didn't ask for this book, so it was a (welcomed) complete surprise! I'm so excited to start reading it! (It's actually a compilation of a series of 3 books)

I love learning about natural methods and medicines. I wanted something, though, more focused on children - and this is one of the best books out there!

Another natural medicine book. Did I mention I love reading? This one is a VERY comprehensive guide to different alternative medicines for ailments from A to Z, as well as some more conventional medicines.

What are you hoping for for Mother's Day? And, if you are buying a gift for someone (your wife, your mom, etc.), what are you buying??

How to say "mother" in different languages

Language	Mother
Afrikaans	Moeder, Ma
Albanian	Nënë, Mëmë
Arabic	Ahm
Belarusan	Matka
Bolognese	Mèder
Bosnian/ Bulgarian	Majka
Brazilian/Portuguese	Mãe
Chechen	Nana
Croatian	Mati, Majka
Czech	Abatyse
Danish	Mor
Dutch	Moeder, Moer
English	Mother, Mama, Mom
Finnish	Äiti
French	Mère, Maman
German	Mutter
Greek	Màna
Hawaiian	Makuahine
Hindi	Ma, Maji
Hungarian	Anya, Fu
Icelandic	Móðir
Indonesian	Induk, Ibu, Biang, Nyokap
Irish	Máthair
Italian	Madre, Mamma
Japanese	Okaasan, Haha
Judeo/Spanish	Madre
Latin	Mater
Macedonian	Majka
Marathi	Aayi
Mongolian	`eh
Norwegian	Madre
Persian	Madr, Maman
Polish	Matka, Mama
Portuguese	Mãe
Punjabi	Mai, Mataji, Pabbo
Romanian	Mama, Maica
Russian	Mat'
Serbian	Majka
Slovak	Mama, Matka
Spanish	Madre, Mamá, Mami
Swedish	Mamma, Mor, Morsa
Swiss/German	Mueter
Turkish	Anne, Ana, Valide
Ukrainian	Mati
Urdu	Ammee
Welsh	Mam
Yiddish	Muter
Zeneize	Moæ

Source: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/mothers-day/mother-in-different-languages.html

Teething?

Cranky?
Waking in the middle of the night?
Excessive Drooling?
Red, swollen gums?

Your baby may be teething. Babies generally (but not ALL babies, and it's okay if yours isn't) begin teething between 5 to 8 months. If you look closely at the outside of the gums, you can sometimes see a bit of white before the tooth ever pokes through. Sometimes.

Also, in addition to the symptoms above, some babies even experience runny noses (clear) and a very slight fever (not over 99 degrees, usually). If these symptoms show up, be sure to keep tabs on the fever, and if you are ever in doubt, it's always safest to see your pediatrician.

But, what can you do to help your little one feel better?

Try offering baby a cold teething wring or frozen wet washcloth (you can tie a know in one end for them to chew on). You can also try offering baby cool water in a sippy cup or bottle.

Massage their gums with a clean finger (gently but firmly).

Try a topical pain reliever, or ask your pediatrician about using baby Tylenol or Ibuprofen (if they are 6 months or older).

Distraction. Offer baby toys and play their favorite games with them.

And last, comfort your little one. Warm baths, cuddles, and hugs can work wonders on anyone!

Binktees

Not a fan of plastic clip-on pacifier holders? Cool, us either. Check out the latest from Bink-Tees: cute shirts that make pacifiers (and the holders) PART of the design, rather than an accessory (that, um...gets lost...a lot.)

The shirts are not only cute and functional but they are ALSO e-a-s-y to use. You sandwich the ribbon between the patch and shirt...and voila. All done. It's held with velcro! No more accidentally poking baby with ugly plastic clips, no more trying to scrunch the shirt up to clip, and no more throwing said clip across the room because it wasn't working worth a darn.

Check 'em out. Don't like soccer? No biggie...you can get them in a ton of designs...

HUGE GIVEAWAY

It's time for another giveaway, and this time, it's being held over at paperlicious.

This month, here's what is going on:

"First up... In honor of Mother's Day (May 10), we are giving away a set
of our signature Momager Calling Cards™
AND a box of custom printed Social Stationery. Oh we're not done yet.
The winner will also receive a set of 20 customized Gift Enclosure Tags
for either themselves or one child. "

So, how do you win, you ask? Easy. Go to their website (link below) and simply enter your name, email, and our blog html: http://firstimpressionsbaby.blogspot.com (you probably should just copy and paste that).

So, go now! Because we want you to win...if you win, I win too!

Click HERE to go straight to the giveaway. Good luck and thanks!

Little Pim: Foods and Drinks in French

Raising your children in a multi-lingual environment has been proven to help them not only to be able to excel in language arts as they grow, but also to help them excel in other subjects as well. You may think that your little one wouldn't benefit from some extra language courses, but this is the best time to expose them. Between the ages 0 and 5, your little one's brain is like a little sponge. Although they may not be able to communicate it just yet, they DO know what's going on around them. In fact, between the ages of 0 and 5, your little one can tell the most subtle differences between different languages! Amazing, right?

Little Pim knows this and has a great DVD for all youngsters. Check out their Food and Drink and French.

So, you say... "There are lots of educational language DVDs, what makes Little Pim the one for me?" Little Pim believes that total immersion into a language is the best way to learn. There are optional English subtitles, if you so choose to use them. Personally, I love experiencing the DVD without the subtitles. It moves slow enough for learning to occur but also at a pace that can keep your attention. Also, the DVD is divided up into 5 minute segments, allowing you to pause and interact with you child - or - provides a great stopping point for younger children's shorter attention span.

Want to read more? Go HERE...

Bright and Beyond

Okay, okay... I admit it. Occasionally play-time stumps me. No, really. It may sound horrible, but there are times when I can't think what to do. I'm always on the lookout for new activities to do with my young daughter that will inspire learning, imagination, and creativity...and sometimes, I draw a blank.

Needless to say, when I found Bright and Beyond Activity Cards, I was intrigued. Could there really be a set of cards with creative play ideas for itty bitty kids? Would they have the generic: Go swing. Let baby touch grass. Let baby play in tub with rubber duckies.???

...and then I opened my first deck...

52 cards (available in Baby, Age 1, Age 2, and Preschool -ages 3-5) full of creative ideas - ideas so simple, and yet I'd never thought of before! Making chutes to drop toys down? Genius! So, that's what I can do with those extra paper towel rolls I wanted to recycle...

Each card not only illustrates how to do things, it explains in detail on the back...as well as instructions and any warnings you may need to know upfront (small parts, etc.). AND - get this! - Almost all of the activities show how to make the degree of difficulty either go up or go down. Great, right!?

I'm loving my new deck for Age 1. I love how when I'm pressed for ideas, I can pull out a few cards for the day and know that while I'm playing with my daughter, I'm also teaching her skills (which are listed on each card).

Einstein, watch out.