Before
After
A recent study shows 77 percent of D.C. parents believe maintaining a healthy body weight is important to ensuring their child's health.
As parents strive to make smart food choices, nearly all (97 percent) agree it's important for their children to eat breakfast, with four out five (86 percent) saying cereal is a healthy breakfast choice.
I took part in this video, because cereal is a part of my children's diet.
Watch and see what D.C. area moms are looking for when choosing cereal for their family here:
Learn more at www.cerealbenefits.com and spread the word to your friends and family that cereal is good and good for you!
This information was provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark
Photo Credit: Smart Coupon Deals
My eyes are itching, watering, and burning as I type. My tongue has a mind of it's own and it keeps folding up to scratch the roof of my mouth, even when I'm not conscious of it.
That's the effect allergens have on me.
Having two small kids and going to the park a lot means being given weeds as "flowers" and returning home covered in pollen and allergens.
What's your story?
Are you constantly itching, scratching, sneezing, coughing, covered in rashes and blotches, or something worse? Shortness of breath?
Allergies are so common!
Many of us, regardless of how severe the issues with allergens we have are, do experience some type of uncomfortable reaction.
Fortunately, there are several things we can to to help minimize these problems. No matter what your allergy triggers are, the best strategy for preventing symptoms is to try to avoid exposure to the allergens themselves.
Here on Thursday, May 19 at 3pm EST, Dr. Laura Jana (nationally acclaimed pediatrician and mother of 3) will be answering your questions about Fighting Spring Allergens and Allergen-Triggered Asthma.
By participating in this live video chat, you will learn how to fight allergens in your home and possibly be able to prevent severe allergy reactions.
I will also be giving away a $50 AmEx gift card (courtesy of Lysol) to one lucky participant!
If you can't make the video chat, you can still ask questions by going to the Facebook page and leaving your questions in advance (and getting a chance to win a gift card)
Then be sure to tune in on your own time to watch Dr. Jana answer your questions.
You can also visit the Lysol Facebook page to share your own tips and learn what works for others. (I always find that helpful)
CONGRATS TO GINA CULLEN
FOR WINNING THE $50 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!
FOR WINNING THE $50 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!
To enter to win the $50 AmEx gift card here, please do the following:
1. Submit an allergy related question for Dr. Jana – either on the official Lysol Facebook page or the Lysol.com – Ask an Expert page
2. Return to The Chatty Momma and post the question you asked in my comments area below to be entered to win.
Have you ever thrown a party and wanted to provide the best of everything to impress your guests?
It's not easy.
The best decor, theme, food, punch, grab bags, etc... it's all out there, but not always easy to find.
Well, recently I was introduced to a really unique and fun product that is sure to keep guests talking and anticipating your next party...
Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves!
Much cuter than boring cakes and plain cupcakes served, the Roundabouts invented by a busy mom of two, are so unique and fun! By adding toppings easily found at a grocery or local party supply store, Roundabouts can be used to enhance a variety of themed events.
They are available in over 70 designs/themes! Here are some of my top choices:
Hamburgers and Fries, an All-American favorite.
They're even better hiding cupcakes inside!
Ebony and Ivory side by side, is bound to get guests
enjoying the melody of any party!
enjoying the melody of any party!
Ace any party theme with a fun night of games!
Winner takes all!
These golfer sleeves are sure to be on par for any golf lovers special occasion.
Thinking of having an Asian inspired theme?
Choose the sushi sleeves and have everyone rolling.
A touch of elegance is always nice and goes a long way for
unthemed events. These sleeves are perfect for
showers, engagement parties, "Ladies Night" and more.
Roundabouts has been featured on Rachel Ray Magazine, and they are proud winners of the Most Innovative Exhibitor Award at the 2010 July CA Gift Show in Los Angeles.
For more design options and pricing, please check out the Roundabouts website.
To set the theme for your next event, win some here:
Enter my "Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeve" Giveaway
Start May 15
End May 29
To enter (do any or all of the following for more chances to win):
- Follow my blog, and let me know.
- Follow The Chatty Momma Twitter (@thechattymomma), and let me know.
- Like The Chatty Momma on Facebook, and let me know.
- Follow Roundabouts on Twitter (@RoundaboutWraps), and let me know.
- Like Roundabouts on Facebook, and let me know.
Bonus Entry:
- Tweet the following and leave the link as a comment: "I'm going to dress up my naked cupcakes by winning the Roundabout Cupcake Sleeve Giveaway from www.TheChattyMomma.com #tcmcupcakes #theme #fun #party"
Note:
The winner will be chosen by random.org
and will be notified by email
So, please include your email in your comment!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure. Sponsored by Tomoson.com
Recently, I made a batch of macaroons for Mother's Day. I don't know why, but I was bent on making them. I'm pretty sure that I didn't even get around to it until close to midnight.
I'm very glad I did.
These macaroons were D-lish, mmmmkai. (trust me)
Hubby and the girls got their hands on them, and by the next day there were only two left.
So, naturally I have decided to make more and more; and since I received such an interest in the recipe on Facebook and Twitter yesterday, I have decided to post it for all of my mommy friends!
For Yummy Mommy Macaroons:
Gather these Yummies:
- 2 2/3 cups coconut flakes
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate melted (if desired)
Next:
Heat oven to 350.
Combine coconut, milk, and vanilla in a bowl.
Drop teaspoonfuls of mixture onto (sprayed) baking sheets an inch apart.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 min. or until edges turn golden brown.
Remove from wax paper immediately and cool cookies on wire racks.
(If desired) Dip cookies into melted chocolate or use a plastic bag and drizzle chocolate over the cookies. I prefer the drizzle, because as you can see, it's so cute!
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for all of the good loving you may receive after serving these macaroons. All I'm saying is EXTRA bonus points may be awarded to you for surprising your honey with this yummy deliciousness! My hubby's response to this batch of macaroons was very positive. Just sayin'...
and baby sister (in training)
You're pregnant!
Although the diagnosis stays the same, each woman's experience is very unique.
That is why having a copy of "What To Expect When You're Expecting" is so important!
If you don't know already, this book has been referred to as "the Bible of pregnancy."
It truly is!
When I was expecting my girls, I was religiously glued to the pages. My pregnancy was "high risk" and I was very sick with hyperemesis gravidarum and ptyalism. I was so nauseous, I could barely open my eyes at times. I spent all of my pregnancy being treated by my OB and trying to learn "what to expect" next from this book.
When I was too sick to read it, my husband did.
(I highly recommend that all expecting fathers and caretakers read this book!)
Knowing what is going to happen and when, or even why it's happening makes a confusing time very understandable.
I needed to know what my body was going through and what my baby was doing nearly every moment of my pregnancy.
Some women have such a perfect experience with pregnancy and ease right through it, others not so much. Whatever the case, this book addresses every aspect of the development process and is written for everyone.
"Written by Heidi Murkoff, the idea for "What to Expect When You're Expecting" was conceived during her first pregnancy, when she couldn’t find answers to her questions or reassurance for her worries in the books she’d turned to for much-needed advice."
whattoexpect.com
During pregnancy, we all have questions, fears, excitement, and concerns!
Our bodies are made in a perfectly amazing way. "What To Expect When You're Expecting" details the many changes and functions we experience as our babies develop inside.
- Back pain during the fifth month, is most likely due to the joints of your pelvis loosing up for an easier delivery!
- The bloody staining or spotting instead of your period the first month is probably implantation.
- The baby powder craving? Oh, that's called "pica." (I had that myself)
I could go on and on. This book covers all of that! If you want to know what to expect during pregnancy, you need a copy of this book!
"What To Expect When You're Expecting," is a perfect resource to keep or give as a gift to anyone expecting!
"Dubbed the “pregnancy bible,” the iconic New York Times bestseller
is now in its all-new fourth edition, with over 17 million copies in print,
and according to USA Today, is read by 93 percent of women who
read a pregnancy book."
whattoexpect.com
I couldn't thank Heidi enough for writing such a great book to guide me through my pregnancies. She has recently been named on Time Magazine's list of the top 100 most influential people of 2011!
Congratulations, Heidi!
Enter my "What To Expect While Expecting" Giveaway
Starts May 9
Ends May 23
To enter (do any or all of the following for more chances to win):
- Follow my blog, and let me know.
- Follow The Chatty Momma Twitter. (@thechattymomma)
- Follow What To Expect on Twitter. (@What_To_Expect)
Bonus Entry:
- Tweet the following and leave the link as a comment: "I just entered the What To Expect When You're Expecting Giveaway from www.TheChattyMomma.com #tcmwte #pregnancy #motherhood #resource #book"
Note:
The winner will be chosen by random.org
and will be notified by email
So, please include your email in your comment!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for the purpose of doing this giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
photo credit: wte.com
My Mother Kept a Garden
Author Unknown
Author Unknown
My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it's start.
She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem...
And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough-
But not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love reflected back from me.
Happy Mother's Day,
to all of the wonderful moms
who have planted a garden to foster,
nurture, protect, and love!
to all of the wonderful moms
who have planted a garden to foster,
nurture, protect, and love!
Photo Credit: edmooreflorist.ws
The problem is the selection of reusable bags that we see on sale the most is not very exciting.
The bags are ugly! Yes, I said it, "UGLY!"
I don't know about you, but I cringe at the thought of spending $2-$4 on these hideous faux multi-functional purses.
Yes, I said that too. "Multi-functional purses" See, in this life and every other I may or may not have lived, I am a bag lady. I carry so much stuff with me everywhere I go. If I or anyone near me ever have a need (ex. toilet paper, thumb tacks, sippy cups, maps, bows, sale papers, Jujyfruit), trust me, I can meet it! *smile*
"Plastic bags aren’t biodegradable. They actually go through a process called photodegradation—breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic particles that contaminate both soil and water, and end up entering the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them."
Paper, Plastic, or Something Better?
By Larry West, About.com Guide
So, knowing that my effort to save the planet will also be my everyday fashion statement as I lug around my booty, at least I could make a statement with my bags.
Fortunately, this is not a problem any longer. I have gone online to find some of the most fashionable bags and brands that are eco friendly and perfect for any fashionista who wants to "go green."
- Envirosax "Botanical 5" Bag $8.95
- I'm Not a Plastic Bag by Disney $19.99
- Ballard Designs "Go Green" Reusable Tote $12.00
- Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon Bag $7.97
- Harlow Bags "Crete" Reusable Grocery Bag $10.00
- Envirosax "Paris" Bag $8.95
- Harlow Bags "Ava" Reusable Grocery Bag $10.00
- Envirosax "Midnight Safari" Bag $8.95
- Green Girl World Reversible Eco Tote $55.00
Help raise money for the National Wildlife Foundation when you
By clicking this link, Scott Naturals will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Foundation!
Enter to win a Ford Fusion!
Between April 4 and September 30, go to Scott Naturals and pledge to participate in the Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive Program. While taking the pledge, you can enter for a chance to win a Ford Fusion hybrid sedan.
Congratulations to Jim Charries,
for winning the Scott Naturals Kit from The Chatty Momma on May 5th
Enter my "Scott Naturals Kit" Giveaway
(drawing May 11)
Each week in April ONE* random giveaway winner
will receive a box of ALL of the Scott Naturals products.
One Scott Naturals Kit includes:
- Scott Naturals Tissue
- Scott Naturals Towels
- Scott Naturals Napkins
- Scott Naturals Flushable Moist Wipes
*Limit one prize per person per week in the sweepstakes regardless of the number of entries submitted.
*One person can win up to four times during the four weeks of the sweepstakes, but only one time each week.
To enter (do any or all of the following for more chances to win):
- Follow my blog, and let me know!
- Follow me on Twitter, and let me know!
- Use this link to visit Scott Naturals 4 Week Test Drive, and let me know!
Bonus Entry:
- Tweet the following: "I took the #ScottNaturals Pledge & entered to win a Ford Fusion on www.TheChattyMomma.com #tcmgreen"
Note:
The winner will be chosen by random.org
and will be notified by email
So, please include your email in your comment!
Post sponsored by TheMotherhood and Scott Naturals. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for the purpose of doing this giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Photo credit: envirosax.com, reusablebagdepot.com, harlowbags.com, greengirlworld.com, amazon.com
Sneezing, itching, coughing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, are all signs that spring is here.
Who doesn't experience at least one or more of these symptoms? (not raising my hand)
If it's you, then you're lucky!
In my household, spring is a beautiful season to see, but it's tough on my family. We have no shortage of allergy medication. This season although pretty, is not easy! As you can see, we also have many other aids on hand to try to minimize the effects of allergy season on us.
Together, Lysol Microbiologist Joe Rubino and nationally-renowned Pediatrician Dr. Laura Jana have joined together to create this interactive tour of a real home, as they show you some of the most important places where you can take action to reduce allergies in your home.
Enter my "Lysol Allergen Reducer" Giveaway
Starts: May 4
Ends: May 24
One Lysol Allergen Reducer Giveaway winner will receive:
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipes: Dual Action
- Allergy Defense Pillow Protector
- Dust Pan and Brush
To enter (do any or all of the following for more chances to win):
- Follow my blog, and let me know.
- Follow me on Twitter.
- Watch the embedded Lysol video and leave a comment about reducing allergies in the home.
Bonus Entry:
- Tweet the following: "I plan to reduce allergens by winning the Lysol Allergen Reducer Giveaway from www.TheChattyMomma.com #tcmallergies"
Note:
The winner will be chosen by random.org
and will be notified by email
So, please include your email in your comment!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for the purpose of doing this giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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