How to know when to change a diaper

Tell me I'm not the only mom who lets it get this bad. She can't even walk!!

Friday Giveaway: Diapers.com Loot & Inspired by Jenna sweet baby diaper clutch

This week we have a bounty of "essentials" for the mama of a wee one.

Here is one of our favorite products for mamas with kiddos in diapers - the Sweet Baby Creations Diaper Bag and Diaper clutch.
Leave it to a seasoned Mama to develop one of the best diaper bags we have ever seen. Jenna, a mom, took all the features she liked about her 6 diaper bags, and combined them into one bag that is stylish, extremely functional and a breath of fresh air for us mamas who know that when we are out at a park or other outing with our kids, we really want to be able to find what we need in our bag (that is why it is in there, right?) quickly and without having to set it on the floor to sort its entire contents (how many times have you done that?). The Sweet Baby Creations "mommy bag" is "the ultimate diaper bag to keep you organized and in style".

And when you don’t need a diaper bag anymore, it’s the perfect large purse, beach bag, book bag for students, or craft tote for those ladies craft nights.

Check this out:

{this is what the interior of the bag looks like}

{here is another view}

We love that this is hand-made by a fellow mama. Visit the "inspired by Jenna" etsy store to see her other amazing creations, and shop for this bag!

We happen to love her diaper clutch creation almost as much as the diaper bag itself! It is the perfect size to hold 2-3 diapers and a travel pack of wipes. Stash that in your Mommy Bag and you will be set. Or, take it with you on the go in your purse (when you do not want to carry the whole shebang). Oh, the joy of being lightly loaded.

AND, to help you fill your new diaper bag with all the essentials, we have a bounty of great feeding products and baby-proofing products from diapers.com.

Green to Grow BPA Free Regular Neck Bottle - 5 oz
Green to Grow 5 oz regular neck baby bottles are made from PES plastic, which gives them a natural golden color. They are free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A – a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical used in polycarbonate plastic, from which most baby bottles are made.

Safety 1st Cord Shortener

Use this cord shortener to help keep dangling power cords out of your child’s reach.
-Stores up to 4' (122 cm) of excess cord
-Accommodates most power cords

Safety 1st Temp Guard Rubber Ducky
Use the TempGuard™ Rubber Ducky to make sure your child's bath water isn't too hot!

Safety 1st Oven Front Lock
Helps keep children from opening the oven door.
-Updated universal design-Durable and heat-resistant

Gerber Safety Fork & Spoon - 2 pk
Fun and functional utensils with durable, easy-to-grip handles build self feeding skills.

To be entered to win this great bundle of baby gear (Sweet baby creations diaper bag, diaper clutch, nursing cover & Diapers.com loot), please leave us a comment answering the following:

"On a scale of 1-10, are you a baby-proofer?"

[This contest will be closed on Thursday, March 5th @ 10 PM pst]

How to Get Extra Entries:
***When you enter an extra entry you must post a *separate comment* for each entry, sorry but we can’t keep track of extra entries unless you do this. ***
1 digg and 1 stumble by clicking on the article at this link and submitting the buttons at the bottom for digg and stumble
2 join our Mama Memo mailing list by clicking here
3 join our facebook network by clicking here
4 put our blog in your blogroll or link list and leave a comment with the link

The lucky winner of the Boon loot is:
{{{{Leah}}}}


Shoot us an email and we will hook you up!

Table Rules for Little Folks

I bought The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories years ago, back when I was a grad student and children were just a faint idea in a distant future. I loved this collection of classic stories, and recently as I was going through my books, I rediscovered it and thought it would be great to introduce it to my kids. We have started reading portions of it to the kids at night, and at mealtimes. I could go on and on about this book, and a part of me is tempted to just stop writing altogether, and just post one of the selections here every day. It's that good. Read excerpts here.

What I love about it:

1) it introduces kids to some of the great authors, philosophers, and poets of past and present

2) the stories are all very brief, in kid-sized nuggets

3) the language is difficult, but this kind of reading is so beneficial to developing a child's vocabulary (and one of the reasons Jafta now uses words like, "perhaps", "therefore", "wondrous", and "I've soiled my hands".

4) the chapters are organized by different virtues, so if there is a particular character issue that needs a little tweaking in your home, it's easy to find a story that fits, fromself-discipline, and compassion to friendship and honesty

5) this book is a literature geek's goldmine

This past month, we've started reading the following poem before every meal. Now, at first glance, I admit this poem seems a bit, how shall we say . . . stodgy and strict. (Yes, that age-old goodie "children should be seen and heard" is from this very poem). But I like the values that it teaches about how kids should compose themselves at meals. Now - since reading this, do my meals look like the one described here? Mwaahahahahahahah. No. But we are moving in the right direction, and the kids can now recite most of the poem, explain what it means, and THE BEST PART: catch themselves (or more likely, each other) when they are not being appropriate.

Table Rules for Little Folks
In which we learn how to take our daily bread.

In silence I must take my seat,

And give God thanks before I eat;

Must for my food in patience wait,

Till I am asked to hand my plate;

I must not scold, nor whine, nor pout,

Nor move my chair nor plate about;

With knife, or fork, or napkin ring,

I must not play, nor must I sing.

I must not speak a useless word,

For children should be seen, not heard;

I must not talk about my food,

Nor fret if I don't think it good;

I must not say, "The bread is old,"

"The tea is hot," "The coffee's cold";

My mouth with food I must not crowd,

Nor while I'm eating speak aloud;

Must turn my head to cough or sneeze,

And when I ask, say "If you please";

The tablecloth I must not spoil,

Nor with my food my fingers soil;

Must keep my seat when I have done,

Nor round the table sport or run;

When told to rise, then I must put

My chair away with noiseless foot;

And lift my heart to God above,

In praise for all his wondrous love.

Here's a little video of India reading the book, which she called the "pom pom" book. Can you tell what virtue Miss Sassypants is working on right now??

The Perils of Being Cool

Going to IKEA puts me in a good mood. There are truly inexpensive storage containers there. And I really like to organize and store things. Like little boy's shoes, games, puzzles, blankets, clothes, winter items, socks, books, toys, towels, outdoor toys...

So yeah. I was in a good mood after a trip there today. I was loading the boys in the car and doing what I normally do. Rapping. What mother doesn't rap while trying to persuade her children to do things they don't feel like doing?

If I had the ability to vlog (is that what it's called?) I would totally share this rap with you, since it works wonders. Or if I wanted to have myself seen on video over the internet, then I would show you via YouTube. But that isn't going to happen. So instead you'll just have to rap this in your head while imagining me trying to keep Miles from climbing all over the car:

Put your butt in the seat.
Put your butt in the seat.
Baby.
Butt in the seat.
Yes, put it in the seat. (say that last line like rapid fire...for effect.)

That's it. You have to keep it simple, people. These are small children. They like simple.

My boys giggle every time I get down wit' it and roll with my homies as a means to getting what I want. And it works. Miles giggles and submits, putting his butt in his seat, rapid fire style.

But today, in all my IKEA-giddiness, I got a little carried away. I was buckling Asher, rapping to Miles and bouncing my very own butt a little while bending into the back seat. I finished with Asher and backed up (all that junk in my trunk, moving slowly away from the car) and stood and turned to go around and buckle Miles.

Just then I came face to face with my audience.

A nice young man was patiently waiting to get to his car door. He had parked right next to me. So while I hitched up the five-point harness on Asher, he stood and listened to a thirty-something mother rapping her face off, and bouncing to the beat in her head.

He smirked. I sheepishly said, "Excuse me." He said, "It's no problem."

Was he stifling a laugh? I choose to think not. I'm going to believe he simply thought I was a cool, hip young Mom, working wonders on the monkey children in the car.

TALK BACK: all night long

How old was your child the first time they spent the night away from you? What were your feelings about it? How did it go? How often does your child spend the night away now? How does it work out?

And most importantly, if you do get the occasional night to yourself, what do you do???

Also, a big congratulations to the winner of our {Shabby Apple} dress contest:

((((((Debra P))))))

Shoot us an email to claim your dress! We loved hearing all of your date ideas. Keep coming back for more great giveaways this month

Healthy Banana Bread

{Click on the recipe to enlarge it and print.}

who says TV is bad for kids?

I know that there has been some recent research suggesting that there is no benefit to kids watching television, even when the shows are educational. But I beg to differ. My daughter is two years old, and I have never worked on the ABC's with her. Ever. I'm not one of those moms who does a lot of academic training with the kids. At this age, I try to stick to teaching them more practical things. Like how to give me a pedicure, or how to fetch mommy's box of Chardonnay from the fridge. But look at what India showed me she can do! This is all thanks to Sesame Street:

Friday Giveaway: Over the Moon for Boon

When we saw the company "boon" and their tagline "innovations for modern parents", we knew we have to investigate. What we have learned is that is a company that is creating some fun and innovative stuff for parents to use with their kids. They are also working hard to create products that are safer for our kids, and we are big fans of safer stuff in our kids' world!

We are excited to offer two cute Boon products for our giveaway this week:

• The Catch Bowl is a toddler bowl with a built in spill catcher attached.
  The extends toward the child, funneling runaway food back into the bowl. Made from easy-to-clean soft material, the food catcher flexes when bumped. To help avoid bigger spills, a suction cup bottom keeps the Catch Bowl firmly in place. Unlike many of the other "suction bowls" on the market, this one actually stays put through the entire meal in my home. I have been thrilled with the fact that my son can now shovel apple sauce, tomato soup and cereal w/ milk into his mouth without creating a work of modern art on his t-shirt. This product is also BPA, phthalate and PVC free!

The Bender Utensils are a perfect set for beginners. When first-time eaters start using utensils, their motor skills are not fully developed. Benders adaptable utensils were designed to help make the transition to regular utensils a little easier. Parents can position the adjustable end to the perfect angle to accommodate the child's grip. As motor skills develop, you can adjust little by little, until straightened.

How to Get Extra Entries:
***When you enter an extra entry you must post a *separate comment* for each entry, sorry but we can’t keep track of extra entries unless you do this. ***
1 digg and 1 stumble by clicking on this article and submitting the buttons at the bottom for digg and stumble
2 join our Mama Memo mailing list by clicking here
3 join our facebook network by clicking here
4 put our blog in your blogroll or link list and leave a comment with the link to your blog

[this giveaway will be closed on Thursday, February 28th at 11 PM, & the winner will be announced next Friday!]

And the winner of the Lychee Line purse is:

((((( Megan M )))))

Please email us in the next 2 weeks to claim your prize!

Kid's busy box

Have any of you heard of Kid's Busy Box?  What a brilliant idea!  These moms have created 20 high-quality crafts for each season that are pre-prepped and come with instructions for the busy mom, dad, grandma or grandpa so that you can sit your children down to do a great craft without having to seek out the idea, the instructions and the supplies.  Yes, it may cost more to have it prepped for you, but sometimes these are precisely the luxuries worth paying for.  Especially for the mama who wants to be crafty, but just does not have the crafty gene.  These crafts are ideal for kids ages 3-7.

Here is another super-fabulous feature they offer :: you can order a busy box and have it sent to your vacation destination (Grandma's house?) to cut down on your traveling load!  That just may be the best $24.99 you have ever spent!

The Kid's Busy Box team has offered our mama readers a discount...

enter this coupon code at checkout to get 10% off: manifesto10

[this discount code is valid until 2/25/09]

Taking Family Photos Like a Pro

We are excited to have an amazing professional photographer, Andre Neising, share some "secrets of the trade" with us for taking great shots of our kids. First, he shares about finding the right camera, and then about capturing the best shot. Enjoy!




Lets get it straight here ladies, as a professional photographer and a quasi-shameless self promoter nothing will compare to photos of your kids taken by a pro. BUT that doesn’t mean your own snap shots have to be poor quality, awfully lit and out of focus. With point and shoot cameras, we’ll call them PASs, getting better with higher image quality with more user –friendly functions, and with SLRs getting cheaper and easier to use, everyone should be able to take a good picture.

I get asked a lot of questions about my photography, my style, my gear, etc. But lately, new moms are always asking me about their first camera purchase. “What camera should I get?” “How much should I spend?” Which lenses do I need to buy?”

There are clearly two ways to go. Point and shoot, or SLR. (SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex and refers to the big cameras with detachable lenses and big fancy buttons and dials. (Great examples are the Canon Rebel or Canon 40D.) I am of course referring to digital cameras here only. Unless you are a purist or nostalgic, its pretty much archaic to shoot a roll of film these days. Now there are some hybrid cameras out there that are PASs with SLR capabilities, but don’t let them fool you. You will never get the same depth of field, flexibility, versatility or speed with a PAS. Some examples are the canon G series, which are great for on the go, “wish I had my camera with me” convenience. With these you have manual exposure mode and flash hot shoes.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to get a SLR, you can still use your PAS to get great shots and memories of your kids. I personally love the Canon SD series cameras.

I have owned three of them, and the only reason I needed to replace them is because I dropped a few of them on their lenses. Don’t get me wrong, they are tough little suckers, but can’t withhold direct impact on concrete with the lens open. Overall they ARE light, compact, built strong, and easy to use. Not to mention excellent in image and true color quality. These days don’t’ settle on anything less than 10.0 mega pixels and at least a 2.5” screen.

One of the main setbacks on PAS’ is the shutter lag. I know we have ALL experienced it. You try to shoot something quick like a laugh or giggle, or even a naked baby running down the hall, and sure enough that shutter lag causes you to miss the real moment. Train your finger to focus before you shoot. On almost all cameras, you have to push the shutter button down halfway to allow the camera to focus on the subject. In many cases, it can take up to 3 seconds from when you hold down the shutter button, to when the actual photo is taken. From now on, focus on your subject immediately by holding it down half way, and then when you are ready to capture a moment, push it all the way down, and BAM! you’ll catch your moment.

Now there’s the flash. A lot of people are terrified to shoot in anything but fully automatic mode. And that means that unless you are shooting into the sun, the flash will fire. I dare you, nay, URGE you to try shooting with the flash off, especially in bright situations. Flash is great and fill light can enhance all your subjects detail, but sometimes you want that natural, earthy look. Try it and see what happens. You’ll definitely have to deal with the occasional blur, but its worth it to get that one great shot.

When you’re ready to take the plunge into the SLR world, get yourself a camera with good resolution, (high mega-pixel count), and a giant LCD screen (don’t’ settle for less than 3 inches. If you’re not shooting at a professional level, you needn’t worry about ISO, or dual-card writing, or any of that. Shutter speed might be of interest to you if you want to shoot your children in action or playing sports. Most new SLRs come equipped ready to shoot 4 or more frames per second.

My two recommendations, depending on budget are the Canon EOS D40, ($1100 with no lens) and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (about $600 for a kit). Both have high pixel counts, 3 inch LCD screens, great image quality and all the flexibility you’ll need capture any moment. The 40 D is more durable with a larger, magnesium body, where the Rebel is a hard plastic. The 40D will take twice as many pictures per second, 6.5 fps for the 40D and 3.5 for the Rebel. Now like I aid earlier, 3.5 is plenty if you are not planning on shooting at a pro level.

Lets talk glass. Lenses come in all shapes and sizes. Not to mention prices as well. They range anywhere from $100-$3000 for the average consumer. When you buy the Rebel it will come with a kit lens. Usually a less expensive wide to mid-range zoom level. This is a great starter lens. I would recommend in addition to that purchasing a telephoto lens. Something that zooms to at least 200mm. The canon 75-300mm lens is great for portraits and less than $600. This will allow you to step back from your subject and get great depth of field. With the 40D however, you have to buy all lenses separately and that can be a whirlwind of confusion to the novice.
Honestly what good is it to have a expensive competent camera, if you don’t even use it to its potential? (I know…it makes you look like a hotshot at parties.) Don’t always pose your children or wait for them to look at the camera. Some of the best shots I have taken are completely candid when a child is, well, being a child. Pretend you camera is an extension of your eye, and just follow them with it. Remember, its digital! So it doesn’t cost you a penny to shoot quickly and randomly. Catch them in the moment, i.e. being mesmerized by the blue sky, or chasing a puppy.



Zoom, zoom, and then zoom some more. Don’t always think you have to see their whole entire body, and even face in the frame for that matter. Zoom in and catch their facial expressions. Even in the middle of action. Example: if your little guy is swinging a bat at a tee-ball, don’t just zoom out and shoot his entire body. Get in there and get the details like his face or his grip on the bat.

Like I said before, A professional is trained at capturing moments and dialing in perfect exposure and color balance. However all of the above is great advice for someone who wants to take better pictures of their kids either around the house, at Disneyland, or running around on the beach. There is no reason to settle for boring blah photos you yourself wouldn’t be proud of. Hopefully after reading this, the photos you will take will capture the moments in your children’s lives you’ll want to remember forever.

Andre Niesing is a professional photographer in Newport Beach, CA
http://www.anphotographer.com/
www.theanblog.blogspot.com

TALK BACK: Why is it . . .

That some things taste so much better when somebody else makes it for you?

Jason woke me up this morning as his mom was on the way to our house and took me on a little date to get pancakes. We went to Original Pancake House (don't go thinking it was IHOP... ewww) and I ordered my most favorite Buckwheat Pancakes. Whole grain happiness. I found a recipe here if you would like to make your own. I might give it a try, but I fear they won't measure up to what I will likely dream about for weeks.

What are the foods that although you try and try to make yourself, are worth a trip out for?

Leaving a legacy.

Meet the McClenahans.

They are walking a road that no one should have to walk.

Their sweet daughter lost her brave yet quick battle to cancer last week.

Just shy of her first birthday.

Although I have never met this amazing family, their story,

their pain,

their faith,

inspired me to do something.

Anything to help.

When the situation is helpless.

When there are no words.

So I went to my sewing machine.  

My comfort.  

I sewed.  

And sewed.

I thought I could make a few flower pins and headbands and give the 

proceeds to the playground they are building in her honor.

What I didn't expect was the overwhelming response.

The amount of people who wanted to help. 

To create something.

Handmade.

Special.

In Cora's honor.

So we banded together.  

An army of moms.

Of crafters.

To serve a cause bigger than ourselves.

To use our talents in a small way to make a big difference.

Today is the launch of The Cora Playground Etsy project.

Over fifty shops donating their time, their love, their creations.

To help a sweet family who many of us have never met, 

but have changed our lives and our hearts forever.

Please take a look here to see the listings.

Know that your purchase will send love to Kansas.

It will help build a legacy.

A playground for generations of children to enjoy.

A legacy for a beautiful girl who's time on earth was too short.

Sweet Potato & Lentil Stew

This hearty stew is packed full of vitamins and protein, and it has a sweeter taste that kids enjoy. I made it in the crockpot, but if you are pressed for time, it can cook up in a boiling stockpot in about an hour.

Ingredients:

3 cups lentils (either canned or soaked overnight)

3 cups cubed sweet potatoes

4 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup diced celery

3 tbsp agave

3 tbsp orange juice

2 tsp parsley

olive oil

salt

First, sweat the onion, celery, and carrots in a pan on high heat, with a little olive oil. Let it simmer until the onions are clear (or longer if your little ones are averse to vegetable textures). When they look done, add the sweet potatoes and a splash of the chicken stock, and cook for another 10 minutes.

Add the mixture, and all the other ingredients, to your crockpot. Cook on high for 3 hours, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

MAMA PICKS: best maternity clothes

I have been reminded many times this pregnancy of the scant availability of cute maternity clothes. However, with a little searching (and online shopping), I have found some new favorites that are outfitting expecting moms with fashion, fit, AND comfort. If you've got your own bundle cooking, check these out:

{Best All-Around}

Pure T is the place to go for luxuriously soft and cute maternity clothes. Made of organic cotton with vegetable dyes, their shirts are cozy and designed for real life. They are so soft and flattering that I wear them nearly every day. The t-shirts have great detailing, like smocking, welted seams, or cap sleeves, that set them above the typical tee. Plus, they plant a tree for every shirt purchased. We love that! I have a feeling I will be wearing these t-shirts long after the baby is born.

BOOB Maternity is the best maternity wear you've never heard of. Despite the funny name, this company has some seriously cute clothes - think H&M for pregnant moms. What's even better, they are made of all-organic cotton. They carry everything, from leggings, to skirts, to jeans, to nursing tops. You can tell that someone with pregnancy experience has designed their clothing, because they have thought of everything. Their maternity pants sit below the waist, but have a panel you can leave under the tummy or pull above for extra coverage. Their nursing tops are nothig short of genius. BOOB is a one-stop shop for working moms and stay-at-home moms alike.

Amon Maternity is a line of supportive undies that are unlike anything I've seen. I tend to carry my babies big and out in front, and by the 8th month my back is screaming. During my first pregnancy I wore a hideous maternity belt for support. It was effective, but it was unsightly and dug into my skin. Amon has creative underwear and support bands that offer the same support, but in a fabric like something you would expect at an upscale lingerie shop. And it's actually pretty! The support band gives the baby support, but also smoothes out the tummy (and any other bulges) under your clothes. They also have a post-pregnancy body shaper that I can't wait to try.

{Best Dresses}

Shabby Apple has a new line called Mama Apple. We've long been a fan of their body-friendly dresses, and their maternity line does not disappoint. Mama Apple is a complete line of maternity dresses that let expecting women both look good and feel good. The dresses are made of jersey knits and stretch cotton poplins and stay in the $60-$70 price range. Their dresses remind us of anthropologie - perfect for making you feel pretty as that bump grows. An added benefit: Shabby Apple is a is dedicated to giving a portion of the proceeds to help other working women throughout the world by extending micro-credit loans to mothers in less-wealthy countries.

{Best Undies}

Bella Materna has created a lingerie line to awaken your inner sexy, even as your body changes. Their products are made from high quality nylon/lycra for the perfect comfortable stretch, and trimmed with french lace. Their panties fit just under the belly, and are oh-so-sexy, but their collection also includes nursing bras, camisoles, and sleepwear. We also love that all of Bella Materna’s items are manufactured within the United States and are always produced under safe, healthy conditions!

{Best Tees}

Belly9 carries a line of fun, hip maternity tees and tanks with messages for every taste. We love the "Buddha Belly" tee. Their shirts are made of soft, form fitted stretchy 100% cotton, but my favorite part is the length - they are extra long to make sure that bump is covered the whole 9 months!


Mollyana offers trendy and stylish 100% organic pregnancy tees and green maternity clothing so you can feel good about wearing luxuriously soft, environmentally sustainable organic cotton. They are one-size-fits-all, so our only complaint is that they run a bit small.


{Best Splurge}


Childish Maternity makes clothes that are well-made, fashionable, very soft, and with a rock-star sensibility. Their jeans are super sexy and have a cleverly concealed low-cut elastic instead of a panel. They seem perfect for postpartum wear, too. But my favorite part of Childish's line is their comfy cotton dresses, which are bohemian and flirty, and a perfect wardrobe staple for pregnancy.

Isabella Olivier's tag line is "for pregnant women who love clothes" . . . and we agree. Their signature style is the "wrap" - both shirts and dresses that can be adjusted to fit over the growing bump. Their line is based on classic lines and neutral colors, so mixing and matching is easy.

{Best Workout Clothes}

Okay, we realize the term "workout" may be a stretch by the time you hit that final month, but who doesn't want some comfy, breathable clothes throughout their pregnancy? Zobha is the perfect solution, for yoga or walking or just lazing about. Their camisoles are perfect for layering, and you will want to live in their yoga pants - whether you are practicing tree pose or running errands, these are sure to be a favorite in your maternity wardrobe.

{Best Stretch Mark Cream}

Kimberly Parry launched in 1999 with a vision: to create beauty and bath products that are all natural, healthy, organic, and preservative free. All products are made fresh to order with the best natural ingredients. Their BELLY BUTTER is an excellent emollient for pregnant bellies. It helps prevent stretch marks and soothes growing skin with jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, and unfiltered beeswax.

{Best Skin Care}

Mama Mio's skincare line has developed a ‘No Nasties’ ban: a promise that you will never find synthetic fragrance, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, sodium laureth sulfate, animal ingredients and parabens in their products. Mama Mio products are primarily designed for one thing: increasing skin elasticity. You’re gonna grow, you’re gonna shrink; and your skin may suffer – but it’s a battle that their products are built to fight! Their secret weapon is the of omega 3, 6 and 9 - also known as Essential Fatty Acids - known for keeping skin supple.

{Best Post-Partum Care}

If you are pregnant and not familiar with Earth Mama Angel Baby, it's time to get acquianted! They have a product for every stage of pregnancy and beyond. They use the highest-quality, certified-organic herbs and oils for teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils. Products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. Earth Mama Angel Baby utilizes natural and herbal remedies and plant medicine. We love all of their products, but the Postpartum Recovery Kit is a must for delicate bottom during the weeks after birth. It addresses all the unpleasantries a new mama might be experiencing, from baby blues to achy bottom, and even has a delicious, comforting and soothing tea to jumpstart recuperation. It's the perfect gift for a new mama!

Support the Safe Kids Act

The nation’s toxic chemical regulatory law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is in drastic need of reform. Passed in 1976 and never amended since, it doesn't address much of the knowledge we have about chemicals today. We think it's time for a new law! The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act was first introduced to Congress in 2005, and it has been reintroduced in 2008. This promising legislation would update a 30 year old law that has allowed thousands of chemicals to be used in countless everyday products from baby lotions, shampoos, cosmetics and toothpastes with no research or testing of their safety.

Let's get this ball rolling, mamas. Sign The Declaration to add your voice to the thousand of others around the country who are saying no to pre-polluted babies, no to toxic baby bottles (and everything else on the shelves), and yes to the Kid-safe Chemicals Act.

There is another bill that was passed this month: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). While the safety regulations of this new law are important, there has been a backlash from the local, handmade craft community. It is a bummer that the opportunities for work at home mothers and responsible, handmade toy makers are being threatened. The toxic toy issue deserves a response, but many small, responsible companies and crafters will end up paying the price for the mistakes made by Chinese manufacturers. If you would like to support the handmade toy alliance and others have put forward solutions that will enhance safety in the marketplace without eliminating craft-industries and small and mid-sized enterprises from store shelves. A proposal to modify the CPSIA is at change.org. If you want to cntact your congressional delegation, a form letter and contact information may be found here.

Friday Giveaway: Lychee Line Madeline Bag

 Do you ever want to carry a diaper bag that holds the essentials, but still looks like a purse?

I am happy to say that it exists! Lychee Line now has a line of diaper bags and other baby products (blankets and beautiful hand made sweaters) that are perfect for the mom who does not need to carry her entire nursery with her! Actually, they feel more like a purse than a diaper bag, but offer some pretty nifty storage options that make it a great bag for mom to tote while out and about with baby!

Lychee Line is known for making sleek totes, handbags, wristlets and clutches. But, with the Madeline bag, they have introduced their first diaper bag that is incognito.

{this is the Madeline bag in Key Lime}

{here is the removable divider, and a view of the fresh fabric that lines the Key Lime bag}

{the back of the key lime bag, notice the two side pockets offering handy storage}

• each bag is handmade with high quality custom faux leather
• the bags are lined and accented with vibrant fabric (you can even order a super soft blanket trimmed with the same fabric)
• two straps allow you to tote the bag like a purse, not slung over your shoulder or body...it just feels sexy!
• bags come with a removable bag divider - a brilliant way to set up compartments for diapers and wipes, or to remove the compartment for one space
• inner and outer pockets keep smaller items stable and easy to grab and offer a spot for cell phones, lip gloss, and, um, well, pacifiers
• there is a clip-on key chain just inside the bag (gone are the days of digging through my bag while shouting my kids names so that they are not mowed down by speedy drivers in the parking lot) allowing you to find your keys quickly
• it has protective metal studs on the bottom (I like to call this "my flair")
• it also has a stretchy pocket on the outside that holds a bottle (water bottle, baby bottle, sippy cup, or coffee cup)
• it comes in chocolate, black licorice, key lime, green apple, blueberry, and raspberry
  
• one of the things we love the most about this bag is that after the baby stage is long gone, this will still be a bag that you will want to tote! We call that "responsible consumerism".

You can find this lovely article at Lychee Line's website here.

But, one lucky Mama Manifesto reader will get to choose her own Madeline bag for free!  Leave us a comment telling us what the most random thing is in your diaper bag or purse right now!

[this giveaway will be closed on Thursday, 2/19/09 @ 11 PM pacific time]

How to Get Extra Entries:
***When you enter an extra entry you must post a *separate comment* for each entry, sorry but we can’t keep track of extra entries unless you do this. ***
1 digg and 1 stumble by clicking on this link and submitting the buttons at the bottom for digg and stumble
2 join our Mama Memo mailing list by clicking here
3 join our facebook network by clicking here
4 put our blog in your blogroll or link list and leave a comment with the link


Congratulations to the winner of our Crayola Tadoodles Ta-doodler:

{{{{ jenn N. }}}}

Shoot us an email in the next two weeks to claim your prize! If you did not win this week, keep checking back because we have more fabulous giveaways lined up.
Thank you and good luck to you all!

Salvaging Leftover Night

A couple months ago, we highlighted an idea we had seen on several other mommy blogs: Muffin Tin Monday. Many of you shared your photos and ideas for this fun mealtime treat, and I found another great use for that muffin tin: leftover salvage.

Last week, we had one of those nights where the fridge was full of single-serving leftovers that needed to be eaten. We had a half-full box of takeout, a couple of previous nights's meals in tupperware, and a few perishable items that just needed to be eaten asap. Lots of food, and yet none of it was enough to stretch out for the whole family. However, I knew that no matter how much I strategized, if each of us was eating a seperate meal around the dinner table, there would be trouble. My kids are notorious for coveting the food on someone else's place, and a single-serving leftover night seemed like a recipe for disaster. Enter the muffin tin equalizer.

Rather than casting lots for each individual meal, I used our muffin tins to create equal portions of the leftovers we had. Each kid got a bit of mexican lasagna, shredded chicken, sweet potato stew, chinese fried rice takeout, and some fruit and corn chips. A mish-mosh of a meal? YES. But . . . the kids were thrilled. They thought this was the coolest dinner ever. Jafta was so excited that he asked me numerous times, "Mommy, how did you do this???" They could have cared less that they were eating random bits of cuisine that didn't necessarily go together. And there was no fighting. Just two full kids and an empty fridge. And that makes mama happy.

Have you seen my hat?

I was all proud of myself this morning. Because I took a shower.

Miles was at school and I gave Asher a snack and turned on Clifford, thinking "I can do this, I'll just take a super-fast-only-sort-of get-clean kind of shower" (the kind that leaves my hair less greasy but doesn't really mean the bottoms of my feet were scrubbed. That kind.).

I got out of the shower and rushed to get clothes, thinking about how quietly Asher was watching the Big Red Dog. I'm an idiot, so I was pleased by his silence.

I was in the shower for approximately three minutes and dressing for about thirty seconds. I kid you not.

And just yesterday my friend and I were talking about how much we love Curious George, even if he does get into all that trouble. We blamed the Man with the Yellow Hat for George's antics because anyone knows you shouldn't leave a monkey alone so much. Especially not to "watch over the store" or all alone in a country cabin. I mean, he IS a city monkey after all. He's sure to spill grape juice and then fill the place with water and suds trying to clean it up. (Don't ask WHY we were having this conversation. I simply do not know.)

But I digress...

My point? I AM THE MAN WITH THE YELLOW HAT.

I came walking back (and I was smiling because remember, I'm an idiot) to the living room, expecting to see Asher sitting with his pacifier and blanket, eyes on Clifford. But no...

He was paying no mind to that big red dog. He had taken my coffee from the end table (THAT I TOTALLY FORGOT WAS THERE WHEN I WENT TO TAKE A SHOWER), and his own cereal snack, and mixed them together. He had also opened my CLOSED LAPTOP (clicking over the little claspy thing and everything), and was taking his chubby little hand, dipping it in the coffee/cereal mixture and throwing it all over the keyboard. There were little puddles and splashes and pieces of raisin covering the computer.

"GEEEOOOOORGE!"

He grins at me.

Three minutes. Thirty seconds. Ryan (Daddy) is going to kill me.

And there sat our very own big red dog, cozy on the couch, watching the whole thing unfold, expressionless. I was repeating, "No, no no no no no you didn't.... NO NO NO....Asher, noooooo" and then I turned to the dog and scolded her too. "How could you let this happen???"

Her ears went back and she put on her pout. It was then that I remembered she couldn't have stopped the madness. She has no thumbs. How was she to grab the coffee cup?

She's just an animal.

I. Am the Man with the Yellow Hat.

Talk Back: The perfect date in the perfect dress

In honor of Valentine's Day we have a love-inspired talk back with a super sassy giveaway attached.  We recently discovered "Shabby Apple", an online store that has the most amazing dresses that are actually made to fit YOUR body type.  Get started here to see what dresses may be perfect for you.  It is so refreshing to see clothing that is made for women who have real curves!

Here is the deal on this giveaway, Mamas!  Take a look at the women's dresses from Shabby Apple.  Find your favorite style.  We want to know which Shabby Apple dress you would choose to wear on your dream Valentine's date with your valentine.  And, we want to know where you would wear that dress. The sky is the limit!  You can go to the theatre, you can fly to San Fran to enjoy hot chocolate in Ghiradelli Square, you can venture out in NYC for a night on the town and end up at The Plaza for a romantic night.  

My favorite dress is the Martha's Vineyard Brown Wrap Dress, and I think I would wear it out with my hubby to see Martin Sexton (our favorite musician) perform in Vermont, and then we would spend a couple of relaxing nights at a cozy B & B!

We want to know what your dream dress is and what your dream date would be.  Leave us a comment sharing your thoughts to get one entry, and if you blog about your dream dress/dream date, you will get a 2 additional entries, but we need to see the link in another comment!  The gals over at Shabby Apple are going to choose a winner and give that winner the dress of her dreams!  making the date of your dreams happen is up to you.

[This contest will be closed on Monday, February 23rd @ 10 pm PST.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 24th!]

Make sure you check out the super cute maternity options & little girls' dresses from Shabby Apple.  Here is another thing we love about Shabby Apple - each dress purchased supports a micro business loan for a woman in need.  

{We love this company!}

Quinoa and Spinach Soup

This is a great, healthy recipe I stole from Jamie's blog. It's vegetarian, but quinoa is actually a grain that is a perfect protein!

1 med onion (diced 1 1/4 cups)
3 cups low sodium veggie broth
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and organo
10oz spinach leaves

1. Coat large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over med heat. Add onion, and saute 5 min, or until soft. Stir in broth and 4 cups water, and bring to boil. Add quinoa, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 15 min.
2. Stir in tomatoes and spinach leaves. Simmer 5 minutes, uncovered, or until spinach and quinoa are tender. Season with salt and pepper, if desired and serve immediately.

If your kids are averse to spinach or tomato textures, try using a stick blender and creating a puree.

MAMA PICKS: valentine's gifts

K-Y Yours & Mine is the first intimacy enhancing product for couples – a gift that keeps on giving! There is a vial for him, and a vial for her, and when combined, the sparks will fly!

Happy Mama Spray is an uplifting aromatherapy spray from Earth Mama Angel Baby. It's made only with pure essential oils and flower essences for on-edge new mamas as well as more seasoned, patience-tested ones. We think it's the perfect thing to spray on your bed linens, to de-stress your mind at the end of the day!

Mint Herbal Lip Balm is made with organic calendula, organic St. John's wort and shea butter in an organic olive oil base. This delicious, toxin-free lip balm is cruelty-free and artificial preservative-free — NO parabens! It's the perfect way to get your lips kissibly soft for your sweetie.

SMOOTH Body Oil from Kimberly Parry Organicsi is a great massage oil. It is naturally high in vitamin e and essential fatty acids, and it absorbs quickly and easily. It's made of olive oil infused with st. johns wort, rosehip oil, safflower oil, and a custom blend of organic essential oils.

LifeStyles Excite Stimulating Sensual Gel is forumulated with L-Arginine, an amino acid that boosts the body's production of nitric oxide (NO), relaxing and dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to sensitive areas. In a recent consumer study, 94% of women reported an improved ability to reach climax after multiple uses. 'Nuff said.

Friday Giveaway: Crayola Tadoodles

We are big fans of all things crayola around here! I find that there is nothing better at de-stressing me than sitting down to a box of crayons and a blank sheet of paper and coloring along side of my kids. It is cathartic. Free therapy.


This week we are giving away a Crayola Beginnings Ta-doodles Ta-doodler.
Scribble, Sing, Shine and Then... Wipe It Off and Start Again! This snuggly little bear buddy becomes a palette for your kiddo's imagination. They can scribble away anywhere on the light up tummy or on the washable bear. The 3 crayon buddies can be stored right inside of the Ta-doodler.


To be entered in this giveaway, leave us a comment answering the following question:

Are you the kind of gal who enjoys coloring in a coloring book or on a clean, white piece of paper?


[this giveaway will be closed on Thursday, 2/12/09 @ 11 PM pacific time]

How to Get Extra Entries:
***When you enter an extra entry you must post a *separate comment* for each entry, sorry but we can’t keep track of extra entries unless you do this. ***
1 digg and 1 stumble by clicking on this link and submitting the buttons at the bottom for digg and stumble
2 join our Mama Memo mailing list by clicking here
3 join our facebook network by clicking here
4 put our blog in your blogroll or link list and leave a comment with the link


Congratulations to the winner of our super fab, and super green running shoes from Brooks:

{{{{ Troy & Tara }}}}

Shoot us an email in the next two weeks to claim your prize! If you did not win this week, keep checking back because we have more fabulous giveaways lined up.
Thank you and good luck to you all!

Talking to Children About Conflict

This is a great article from the Foreign Policy Association about how to talk to our children about global issues:

Talking to our children about violence and war is difficult in its own right, as no parent wants to bring their child into the harsh reality that is our globalized world. And while yes, sheltering children from violence is ideal, it is not an option that holds feasibility for long. Soon children will catch a glimpse of the destruction the fills our evening news, see the images of death on the cover of the morning newspaper; hear something at school about a child in his class that was abused, etc. The reality of life is that most children two thirds of the worlds children live in violent conflict, making violence are part of everyday life. Helping children who live in environments of peace understand violence and conflict, and that children across the globe do not all live as they do, does not only help to be more prepared should they ever be faced with such situations, it also works to help prevent instances of violence and conflict. Children undoubtedly have a clearer understanding of human nature than adults tend to realize, and they tend to see past the political polarization that so often muddles’ the peace process.

So how do you talk to children about violence and conflict, with out leaving them daunted and distressed, but leave them empowered for peace? Start with letting them know that everyone does both good and bad things sometimes, but violence based on someone’s race, religion or gender is never ok. Work with them to see that real war and violence isn’t a black and white issue, there is no good guys versus the bad guys, and regardless of how gray the areas between the two sides are, atrocities such as ethnic cleansing and genocide, are never ok. Helping children to brake down the barriers between fantasy war and real war, by highlighting the realness of the victims, who are disproportionately children, lets them know that life and conflict do not always end with a storybook ending…that people die and lives are uprooted, and once peace comes there is still much to be done to help people rebuild their lives and maintain peace.

Help your children understand the world better and take time out once a week to learn a about a new culture, show them what a child’s life is life for someone their age in Brazil, China, India, Kosovo, Spain, Zambia… Why not have your child pick a country which they feel the most connected to, and work with them to find a way to give back; collecting clothing, donating their allowance, donate books to a school, etc. You and your child will not only have fun learning together, but you will be helping your child develop into a more cultured and tolerant person, and possibly even a future leader for peace! Peace begins with social responsibility and teaching our children that it is the only way forward is the only way to ever move towards sustainable peace.

One Little Word

One of the mamas that we love is Ali Edwards, an amazing artist! She blogged awhile ago about choosing "one little word", a word to focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life.

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?

Ali Edwards says:

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.

What is your word, mamas? Find a place to display it to be reminded daily of what this could mean for 2009! If you blog about it, share the link in the comments so we can watch our journey unfold...

Talk Back: A good belly laugh

Tonight, while reading a bedtime story, my husband and 2 kids had a rip roaring belly laugh session going on. Nothing was particularly funny. I think the trigger was the word "ladybug". But, every time "ladybug" was said, the laughing started until there were nearly tears because of the intensity of it. There was a ladybug on every page so you can only imagine. It is such a great reminder of how beautiful the sound of laughter is, and what that belly laugh feeling does for you. -A natural high, for sure. My kids laugh like this all the time together. But, you can see it on their countenance when we are engaging in the laughter, in the joy, in the fun with them.

When was the last time you witnessed a great belly laugh? Do you remember what triggered it?

If it has been awhile, make it your goal to be giddy with your kids today! Moonwalk for them while bringing dinner to the table, it does the trick every time.

Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Raw veggies are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. You may have heard of Raw Food eating - the concept that dramatic health benefits are derived by eating a vegan diet in which food is never heated above 118 degrees. Raw Food is all about living longer by preventing (and even reversing) disease. You don't have to jump in with both feet and turn to an "Raw" lifestyle to reap some great benefits. Baby steps are a great way to start. Kristen Suzanne, noted chef and author of some amazing cookbooks, has provided us with a great recipe incorporating fresh, organic, whole foods to help us dip our foot in the water of Raw eating. For more great recipes, check out Kristen's blog or website.

Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Yield approximately 1 cup

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked

1 - 2 hours in enough water just to cover, reserve soak water

1/2 cup fresh basil, packed

1/4 cup pine nuts

1 teaspoon garlic, pressed

1 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a food processor, fitted with the "S" blade, combine all of the ingredients except the olive oil, adding a little of the sun-dried tomato "soak" water, if necessary. While the mixture is pureeing, add the olive oil. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions:
~ Dip zucchini slices into this delicious pesto for a fast and easy treat

~ Stuff 1/2 of a seeded tomato or bell pepper (yellow or orange are especially beautiful) with 1/4 cup of pesto, topped with fresh sprouts

~ Serve on top of zucchini angel hair pasta for a great Raw meal

This is a recipe from Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Sides & Snacks.