Our generation of kids are constantly getting sick. From flus and colds to severe disorders, allergies and ailments. I'm not saying chemicals cause these diseases, but the proof on the negative impact of chemicals in our lives just can't be ignored anymore!! Do chemicals cause these problems? I dont know the answer to that, but I do know that in 20 years - when the facts are common knowledge - I want to be on the side of caution. Company's want to make money, thats their right. But my job as a mom us to be an advocate for my amd my familys health and safety. And a clean smelling house is not worth our health.
My PINterest boards are full of "clean" fresh smelling alternatives. We have already cut out chemicals as cleaning agents, using only vinegar, lemon, and murphys soap for wood. Occasionally for extra tough water stains I use soft scrub - occasionally! When my older son was born I read lots about chemicals due to the rise of autism (in 2005 when he was born rates were a mere 1 in 56 kids) and the possible links. Accordingly I used detergent that was fragrance free and biodegradable. Vinegar goes in the rinse cycle of everything - amd if pooped, peeped and spaghetti sauce stained clothes needed a cleaning boost I use borax and feldspar or coconut based soap. Yes really!! Way pess expensive than oxy and pess toxic. Does it really make a difference? I wont get into my beliefs here, but Id rather err on the side of caution.
We do not use lysol, evah. In that regard, my last sin is coming off the shelves.
Back to fragrance ...
A day after a group of environmental organizations asked the federal government to start assessing the risk of air fresheners, Walgreens has pulled three of its products off store shelves, according to a story by Jane Kay in The San Francisco Chronicle.
An estimated 75 percent of households use air fresheners, a $1.72 billion industry in the U.S. But the scented sprays, gels and plug-ins used to mask odors aren't routinely tested for hazardous chemicals.
When the environmental group the Natural Resources Defense Council analyzed 14 common products, it found 12 contained hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates, which can be dangerous to pregnant women or young children.
"This isn't really just about air fresheners, you know," wrote NRDC senior scientist Gina Solomon on her blog. The real issue here is that hazardous chemicals and endocrine disruptors can be in a wide range of consumer products, and the government has little authority or inclination to do anything about it."
Air fresheners have been linked to breathing difficulties, developmental problems in babies and cancer in laboratory animals, according to the petition to two federal agencies from the NRDC, the Sierra Club, Alliance for Healthy Homes and the National Center for Healthy Housing. The chemicals in the products can also cause problems for asthmatics.
Walgreens told the Chronicle that it plans to have the air fresheners tested independently and that one of its manufacturers was already in the process of reformulating for a non-phthalate air freshener.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Paper Chain Links Project to Help "Count Down" our Return
My husband and I are going on a Once on a Lifetime trip Overseas. I am having major anxiety at the idea of being away from my kids for two weeks. Especially considering I haven't been away from them longer then 1 to 2 nights!! So to help them cope with missing us we are making a "Count the Days" paper link chain. I don't know yet what will help me cope with missing them?
We kept this project super simple, so we don't drag out the longing and missing that will be going on. We kept it positive and used the crafting time to talk about our feelings and the fun things they will be doing at grandmas house.
What you need:
-scrap paper, we used colorful construction paper
-kids scissors, one per child
-markers and crayons
-a ruler
-a pencil
- a glue stick
Mom used the ruler to draw out straight lines on the long side of the paper - roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide pieces. Each child would get a piece and start cutting along the line. My 7 year old son showed me his "creative wave cuts" he learned in art class. The 4 year old cut the same wave lines, however unintentional.
Then my oldest and I wrote "messages" to each other and the things as dictated by my younger son. They each colored "art" onto 1-2 strips as well.
Last we glued the paper strips into loops with the words facing out. Then I explained to the boys that Each day we are away from them they will rip off one loop and read the message.
*Little MATH BONUS *:
- We needed to count on the calendar how many links, or many days, mom and dad will be away.
- Then we started cutting the strips, and half way thru cutting, we "guesstimated how many more we would need."
- I explained that after they rip off one link, they can "count how many days are left until mom and dad return from their trip."
- Another math bonus is the kids started measuring the length of the chain compared to their height.
- Then we estimated how many links it would take to get to their respective heights. It was a wonderful sidebar of learning.
What my kids don't know is I included a fun activity message in two of the strips to encourage they (and grandma) have some extra fun. One strip has a "nature scavenger hunt" (inspired from Pinterest) activity paper clipped in and the other tells them to use there glow sticks that night.
Some of our messages/reminders to each other and include:
"I wonder if mom bought my Japanese Fan and Sumo Wrestler toy yet?"
"Baby girl, don't pull your brothers hair!"
"Mom, we love you!"
"Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt! Mom included your checklist."
"We probably miss our Babcia and Ciocia at home, let's call them and see how they are doing."
"Mom and Dad Love you and Miss You Bunches! We can't wait to see you soon!"
"Go to the beach today. And if you did already/did that yesterday, then go eat ice cream instead."
We kept this project super simple, so we don't drag out the longing and missing that will be going on. We kept it positive and used the crafting time to talk about our feelings and the fun things they will be doing at grandmas house.
What you need:
-scrap paper, we used colorful construction paper
-kids scissors, one per child
-markers and crayons
-a ruler
-a pencil
- a glue stick
Mom used the ruler to draw out straight lines on the long side of the paper - roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide pieces. Each child would get a piece and start cutting along the line. My 7 year old son showed me his "creative wave cuts" he learned in art class. The 4 year old cut the same wave lines, however unintentional.
 |
| areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com cutting our paper strips |
 |
| areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com cutting our paper strips |
Then my oldest and I wrote "messages" to each other and the things as dictated by my younger son. They each colored "art" onto 1-2 strips as well.
 |
| areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com writing our messages |
Last we glued the paper strips into loops with the words facing out. Then I explained to the boys that Each day we are away from them they will rip off one loop and read the message.
*Little MATH BONUS *:
- We needed to count on the calendar how many links, or many days, mom and dad will be away.
- Then we started cutting the strips, and half way thru cutting, we "guesstimated how many more we would need."
- I explained that after they rip off one link, they can "count how many days are left until mom and dad return from their trip."
- Another math bonus is the kids started measuring the length of the chain compared to their height.
 |
| Areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com starting to measure our Paper Chain |
- Then we estimated how many links it would take to get to their respective heights. It was a wonderful sidebar of learning.
What my kids don't know is I included a fun activity message in two of the strips to encourage they (and grandma) have some extra fun. One strip has a "nature scavenger hunt" (inspired from Pinterest) activity paper clipped in and the other tells them to use there glow sticks that night.
Some of our messages/reminders to each other and include:
"I wonder if mom bought my Japanese Fan and Sumo Wrestler toy yet?"
"Baby girl, don't pull your brothers hair!"
"Mom, we love you!"
"Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt! Mom included your checklist."
"We probably miss our Babcia and Ciocia at home, let's call them and see how they are doing."
"Mom and Dad Love you and Miss You Bunches! We can't wait to see you soon!"
"Go to the beach today. And if you did already/did that yesterday, then go eat ice cream instead."
 |
| Areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com Surprisingly a wonderful coincidence, the Paper Chain is as tall as my young son.
I am certain we will all enjoy our time away from each other. And I will certainly enjoy returning home to my darling kids. In the meantime, I think this Paper Chain will keep them remembering a fun project with mom!
"The Days are Long, the Years are Short."
|
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Little Time Savers: organizing the flatware
I truly believe in "Little Time Savers." There's BIG time savers like a dishwasher, or you can wash the dinner dishes for 20 minutes. Laundry machines: or you can find a rock and stream to scrub and rinse your clothes. Ok, a laundry sink and scrub board will do it too. In an hour or two you'll be finished.
There's plenty to say for modern conveniences, and sorting things in simple ways helps a lot too. We sort our flatware by putting large soup spoons head up an small teaspoons head down. I can quickly grab the spoon I need to stir my coffee or serve up a pasta dish quick, no digging required.
Same applies for large and small tine forks, so I can quickly grab which size I need for the kids or the adults.
Granted it sounds like no big deal, but I hate digging to find what I need, and this seems to really work for us.
Happy sorting!
There's plenty to say for modern conveniences, and sorting things in simple ways helps a lot too. We sort our flatware by putting large soup spoons head up an small teaspoons head down. I can quickly grab the spoon I need to stir my coffee or serve up a pasta dish quick, no digging required.
 |
| areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com |
Granted it sounds like no big deal, but I hate digging to find what I need, and this seems to really work for us.
Happy sorting!
 |
| areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com |
Monday, June 10, 2013
Toilet Paper and Telescopes
It's our first day of summer vacation!! I woke up to happy kids watching cartoons and enjoying their self poured cups of apple juice. I needed to change baby girls diaper and I already had her in the changing table but I didn't replace my toilet paper roll. I don't use baby wipes, instead it's a squeeze bottle rinse (read more here) on a few squares of Toilet Paper.
So I asked my older son to fetch me a roll. "Mom when your done, make sure you save me the roll so I can make a telescope." Flashback to two days ago, I was packing a huge mirror gift for my cousins 40th birthday party and used up the remaining roll of wrapping paper. And I didn't toss the inner cardboard roll. I put that in the kitchen near our craft station - knowing we'd need it sooner or later. Little did I know how soon.
I told him where he can find the ideal size telescope roll, and he and his brother felt inspired to create.
I love when these boys make something from their imagination. This telescope will be around for a few days. They usually make a craft, play with it that day, use it the next day, maybe end up outside playing with it, and after 1-2 weeks it'll be found, completely used up :-) To Mom's complete satisfaction too.
"The Days are long, the Years are Short"
So I asked my older son to fetch me a roll. "Mom when your done, make sure you save me the roll so I can make a telescope." Flashback to two days ago, I was packing a huge mirror gift for my cousins 40th birthday party and used up the remaining roll of wrapping paper. And I didn't toss the inner cardboard roll. I put that in the kitchen near our craft station - knowing we'd need it sooner or later. Little did I know how soon.
I told him where he can find the ideal size telescope roll, and he and his brother felt inspired to create.
 |
| areyousureaboutthatblog.blogspot.com |
I love when these boys make something from their imagination. This telescope will be around for a few days. They usually make a craft, play with it that day, use it the next day, maybe end up outside playing with it, and after 1-2 weeks it'll be found, completely used up :-) To Mom's complete satisfaction too.
"The Days are long, the Years are Short"
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Kids Create on the own Inspired Time
One of the BEST pieces of advice I received for my toddlers "creative growth" was to have craft materials be accessible. When kids feel inspired they want to instantly produce what's in their minds eye. My older sons preschool teacher gave us parents a welcome packet with a wonderful article about kids creativity.
So we now have a craft station. This shelf is in out kitchen with he kids art materials fully accessible. When they feel inspired to create the don't have to ask for their paper and crayons. Today, my younger son felt inspired.
Here he is creating and his final art work.
This same preschool teacher had the kids journal every two weeks or so. The kids would either get an alphabet letter they write and then draw things that start with that letter sound or listen to a story they can draw about and retell in their journal. Usually it's their favorite scene or a continuation of the story.
After the drawings completed, kids bring up their art to the teacher who writes a word for the objects the kids point out ". with the story project the kids dictate a story (if applicable) in addition to the object labeling.
Tips:
You art station can be as simple as a basket with paper and crayons that always kid accessible. This is how I Started.
Look around the House, I am certain you have items (pens, pencils, scrap paper) readily available.
Sit with your child the first time they draw. Don't interrupt them in their thoughts. But when their done ask questions like: "this is beautiful, can you tell me what's happening here?" And "what is this scene about?"
Date and sign the art. We have a folder I can sort thru later when we decide what goes into our keepsake folder.
Good luck, an happy crafting!
"The days are long, the years are short."
So we now have a craft station. This shelf is in out kitchen with he kids art materials fully accessible. When they feel inspired to create the don't have to ask for their paper and crayons. Today, my younger son felt inspired.
Here he is creating and his final art work.
This same preschool teacher had the kids journal every two weeks or so. The kids would either get an alphabet letter they write and then draw things that start with that letter sound or listen to a story they can draw about and retell in their journal. Usually it's their favorite scene or a continuation of the story.
After the drawings completed, kids bring up their art to the teacher who writes a word for the objects the kids point out ". with the story project the kids dictate a story (if applicable) in addition to the object labeling.
Tips:
You art station can be as simple as a basket with paper and crayons that always kid accessible. This is how I Started.
Look around the House, I am certain you have items (pens, pencils, scrap paper) readily available.
Sit with your child the first time they draw. Don't interrupt them in their thoughts. But when their done ask questions like: "this is beautiful, can you tell me what's happening here?" And "what is this scene about?"
Date and sign the art. We have a folder I can sort thru later when we decide what goes into our keepsake folder.
Good luck, an happy crafting!
"The days are long, the years are short."
Saturday, June 1, 2013
My baby Girls Sippy Cup is a Weapon
My baby girl gets a cup with milk before bed. Yes, I know that's a big no no, on her teeth. Got it. But this is the way I ween with the least screaming, sorry teeth. I did read tho that the teeth damage is from milk that stays in the mouth too long. Like my cousin who fell asleep with a milk bottle in his mouth only to have front tooth caps at age two, covering his two rotted vampire shaped milk teeth. With our cup she has to really SUCK the milk out, so she's really swallowing most of the milk residue out of her mouth too. Most.
I tried many "leak proof cups" only to find they drip drip drip their contents onto our sheets and bed. Causing a wet spot and a chill under baby's head who wakes up screaming... You get the idea.
But even my favorite sippy, a brick of a strong cup made from recycled milk gallons, is a weapon. When my daughter wakes up in the middle of the night, thankfully I feel her move and grab the cup. That's when I move my hand up to my face, in a hold similar to those creepy hand jewelry stands (you can find a DIY on Pinterest). My fingertips near my forehead and my palm on the tip of my nose. Because our dear leak proof sippy cup is sturdy, and so solid, that as my daughter tossed it when she was finished, it landed on the bridge of my nose. This cups very reliable, even tho not intended to break skin. So my funny "hand face mask" is purely for my protection. It's free, works great, and saves me some skin off my nose!! Literally.
"The days are long, the years are short" Gosh I love my kids!!
I tried many "leak proof cups" only to find they drip drip drip their contents onto our sheets and bed. Causing a wet spot and a chill under baby's head who wakes up screaming... You get the idea.
But even my favorite sippy, a brick of a strong cup made from recycled milk gallons, is a weapon. When my daughter wakes up in the middle of the night, thankfully I feel her move and grab the cup. That's when I move my hand up to my face, in a hold similar to those creepy hand jewelry stands (you can find a DIY on Pinterest). My fingertips near my forehead and my palm on the tip of my nose. Because our dear leak proof sippy cup is sturdy, and so solid, that as my daughter tossed it when she was finished, it landed on the bridge of my nose. This cups very reliable, even tho not intended to break skin. So my funny "hand face mask" is purely for my protection. It's free, works great, and saves me some skin off my nose!! Literally.
"The days are long, the years are short" Gosh I love my kids!!
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