Suzanne Humphries on Vaccines

Holiday Decorating: Safety Tips with Little Ones in Mind

For those with children around during the holidays, there are many possible hazards contained in a single home.  From holiday decor to festive plants to those beautiful yet breakable ornamental pieces, there are opportunities for accidents lurking around every corner.  But do not dismay, the holidays can still be full of festive décor without putting your children at risk.  With little ones in our home, it is a necessity to take every precaution while decorating for the holidays.  Below are a few safety reminders when preparing your home for the holidays:

• Christmas trees can be dangerous to children who put items in their mouth.  One option is to set up a children’s safety gate around your tree to keep those little ones away from danger.  Another option is if you have a live tree, cut back low hanging branches just enough for an infant’s arm’s reach.  If you have an artificial tree like we do in our home, I suggest folding any low lying branches up away from a tiny, reaching hand.

• Christmas trees can also be dangerous if not sturdy.  We put sand bags all around the base of our tree’s trunk to better secure it.  This doesn’t mean it isn’t still possible for a three year old to pull it over.  Always supervise with children in the room.

• Whether your tree is real or artificial, be sure to keep any pine needles off your floor.  In our home, vacuuming around the tree is adequate from keeping the needles out of a curious mouth.

• Beware of breakable tree ornaments.  Although beautiful, there are a multitude of other options to choose from when decorating your tree.  One option is to choose ornaments made of wood with either a non-toxic stain or paint.  Not only is this safer for your children but will also make for a uniquely decorated tree.

• Tree lights are a staple in most holiday decorative homes but they can be dangerous for children who want to play with them.  I suggest hanging lights towards the tree trunk instead of towards the end of the tree’s branches.  This will keep hands away.  You could also skip lights altogether and choose instead to create popcorn or cranberry strings.  Not only would this be a safer option, it would be beautiful and a fun and creative way for the family to spend quality time together!

• Decorative plants such as poinsettias add beautifully to your home during the holidays.  If you choose to get one, be sure to keep it high enough away from a child’s reach.

• Don’t forget that while many older children may be opening up presents with delight, many of those gifts may contain small parts that are choking hazards to younger children.  Try to keep a keen eye on anything in your children’s environment that could be a danger.

•  And last, but not least, although your grandmother’s eggnog recipe may be a tasty treat for you and your guests, not all eggnog is meant for children.  I suggest including a non-alcoholic version so all can enjoy.

Although with children your holiday preparation may be different than in previous years, they are no less fun.  There is truly nothing better than a holiday celebration full of children’s laughter and good cheer!

Happy holidays!

Mommy Bridget

Eve Organic's Balance Line Giveaway Reminder-ends 11/16

Don't forget to enter this wonderful giveaway!  Eve Organic's balance line is a definite must try for those of you looking for a great, all natural and non-toxic facial product.  To enter the giveaway, click here.

Good luck!

Mommy Bridget

Eve Organic's Balance Line Review and Giveaway-ends 11/16

Eve Organic's "Balance" Line Review and Giveaway-Ends 11/16

I had the opportunity to review some wonderful, organic facial products from Eve Organics.  Eve Organics created a skin care line of pure, mineral makeup and organic skin care that provides products free of toxic ingredients that are harmful to your health.  I was super excited about reviewing their "balance" line following the birth of my second son since I am prone to unbalanced skin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.  And I must say I have had the best experience with Eve Organic's products for my face.

Most facial/beauty products found on market shelves contain toxic ingredients that wreak havoc on your body.  Fortunately, there are companies such as Eve Organics that produces products that are safe.  However, it can be a challenge to find the right product that is effective for your particular skin. Eve Organic's products are free of:

• dyes
• synthetic fragrance
• bismuth oxychloride
• talc
• methylparaben
• propylparaben
• UREA
• sulfates
• phthalates

To those that are unaware, the above ingredients can cause everything from organ damage to cancer/tumors to Fibromyalgia (to name a few).  Fortunately, there are companies out there like Eve Organics that are committed to making safe and effective skin care.  I reviewed their "balance" line for combination skin.

Balance "Rejuv Skin Repair" Cleanser:

• white, green and South African Rooibos tea
• vitamins A, B5, C, E
• therapeutic grade essential oils of Bergomat, Roman and German Chamomile and Tea tree

Renew skin's defenses against oxidative stress and damage from aging.  Rejuv empowers skin to regenerate skin cells and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Expertly blended therapeutic grade essential oils support hormonal balance for a perfect women's formula.

I am undecided on whether I like this cleanser.  It seems to work well and it smells wonderful, but, it doesn't create a lather and I need a lather when washing my skin.  That is my only complaint.  I love the natural ingredients contained in this cleanser that are known to calm skin while cleansing.

Balance "Clear and Fresh Moisturizing" toner:

• organic Aloe Vera
• Rose distillate
• Black Willowbark
• therapeutic grade essential Tea Tree oil

Aloe and rose distillate make this gentle toner perfect for combination skin.

 

I love this toner!  It is a final cleanser following my face wash and does a great job wiping away any excess makeup, dirt or oil while toning my skin.  It makes my face feel fresh and tingles as it dries.  This is a great toner to use nightly following your wash.

Balance "Quantum Quencher" Facial Moisturizer:

• organic Jojoba
• organic Coconut and Avocado oils
• naturally derived DMAE and MSM
• therapeutic grade essential oils of Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Rose

This monumental moisturizing lotion has quantum qualities.  Aloe & South African Rooibos Tea soothe skin with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.  Naturally derived MSM feeds the formation of collagen and helps eliminate brown spots and wrinkles.  Naturally derived DMAE protects cell walls from free radicals and is known to tighten pores and reduce visible signs of aging.  With daily use, a cumulative skin tightening effect will be noticable.  Expertly blended therapeutic grade essential oils support hormonal balance for a perfect womens' formula.

 

You've got to try this moisturizer for any of you with combination skin!  I've been searching for a good moisturizer that wouldn't make my skin oily yet would bring the moisture to my face that it so desperately needs (from living in a dry environment).  And this is it!  It really works great.  My skin hasn't looked better since before I was pregnant with my first son.  I highly recommend this product to anyone.

I want to thank Eve Organics for the opportunity to review their balance line for skin care.  I appreciate your creative effort in making products that are safe and effective for use.

Buy it:

You can purchase Eve Organic products online here or at any participating retail store found here. 

Win it:

Eve Organics is graciously giving away their balance line skin care set to one lucky winner on The Curious Case of Mommyhood! Open to US residents only.

To Enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me what skin care line you currently use.  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• grab my blog button and share (please post link)  
• tell me what you currently use as facial products and if you are satisfied with them
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Eve Organics on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• tell me something else about Eve Organics
• subscribe to the Eve Organic's blog 

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until November 16th at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 


Eve Organics Balance Line was provided to me by Eve Organics for review.  All opinions on the products are purely my own (please see my disclosure on my "Reviews" page for more information).  

Madii & Dyl Toddlers Comfort Pillow and Luxe Wipe Review

Madii & Dyl Toddlers Comfort Pillow and Luxe Wipe Review

We often times wonder as parents what type of pillow is right for our little ones to use as part of their bedding.  What size is appropriate?  How soft or firm should they be and what materials are safe for our babies to lay on?  Madii Dylan Australia carries the perfect solution: pillows created specially for first time pillow users.  Madii Dylan Australia is a company that created products by a mother who was in search of the right pillows and cleaning cloths for her own children.  We had the opportunity to review her Teenii Tot pillow as well as her Luxe Wipe on our little one for his first time pillow use and as a replacement cleansing cloth for his tender, baby skin.

Teenii Tot Pillow

Toddlers Comfort Pillow | 18 months +
Measures: 42 x 25 cms
For first time pillow users

Made for toddlers and walkers, our distinctive wave design conforms to the child's head offering proper neck support and spine alignment. Self-ventilating cores provide maximum air flow, keeping the child cool and comfortable. Perfect for allergy sufferers, it is the only pillow that can be washed and never change its shape: Lasts for 5yrs+.

For first time pillow users, this comfort pillow is designed to support the child's head while in any position, is hypoallergenic and antibacterial and because of its 100% certified organic latex material, never loses it's supportive shape.  

We love this pillow.  Not only did our son sleep soundly while resting his head and neck on it, it's comforting to know that its hypoallergenic and antibacterial materials keep him safe.  I also love that I can wash it over and over again and know that it won't lose its proper support.  The pillow also comes with a pillow protector and cotton case...something our family can appreciate since we like to have all of our pillows protected.

The Teenii Tot pillow is the perfect size and perfect introduction to your little one's bedding.  It is comfortable, lightweight and safe to use.  You can purchase the Teenii Tot Pillow for around $50 from Madii & Dyl online here.  For a pillow that lasts 5+ years, you know you are making a great investment with this choice!  Madii & Dyl carries a variety of pillows to fit your children's needs, including the Sooki Babe for infant head support and the Mini Me for your 4 year old and older.


Luxe Cleansing Flannel Cloth

 
Measures: 23 x 23cms
Super-soft when wet, its silky texture and high absorbency is perfect on delicate areas. It cleans without wetting or scratching fragile skin and dries without stripping moisture. Safe on babies' peeling skin or soft skull, it is ideal for eczema, cradle cap and other problem skin conditions. Works hand in hand with cosmetic treatments as it cleanses the skin without wetting the bandages or spoiling the bruised areas which are sore to touch.

Made from eco-friendly materials, the flannel is air-spun and porous free. To clean, the flannel can be hand washed in warm soapy water or in a machine at 40°. Hardens when dry to prevent bacteria but regains its silky soft feel when wet.
 

I absolutely love Maddi & Dyl's Luxe Cleansing Flannel Cloth for both of my sons.  This cloth is so unbelievably soft and silky, I wish I would have had it sooner!  I feel so comfortable using it on my baby's skin, including the most delicate parts around his face.  I can also use it to clean to most tough of messes on my toddler's face and hands and rest assured I'm not hurting his skin.  It does dry in a quite peculiar way, however, so don't be alarmed when your wet, super soft cloth turns dry and hard.  It is totally normal.  You will love this cleansing cloth...and adults can use it too!  It is definitely a must have item for cleaning your children.  The cost is around $15 and can be purchased online here.


You can also find Madii Dylan Australia socially on Facebook and on Twitter (under the name Kids Day Out).


I want to thank Madii Dylan Australia for the wonderful opportunity for my family to review a few of their great products.  We love them!


Bridget James

The Teenii Tot pillow and Luxe Cleaning Cloth were sent to me by Madii Dylan Australia for review.  All opinions on the products above are purely my own (please see my full disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information).

Newman's Own Organics Giveaway- ending this week (low entries)

Hi everyone!  There is only a few more days to enter the Newman's Own Organics giveaway and entries are low so your chances are great.  The giveaway includes:

• Fig Newmans/low fat
• Newman-O's Chocolate Creme Filled Chocolate Cookies
• Alphabet Cookies-Cinnamon Graham
• Berry Blend Dried Fruit

And they are SO yummy!!!  So enter here if you want some mouth savoring treats made with pure organic ingredients.

Mommy Bridget

Preschooling It and Our 6 Month Old

Life just seems to be flying by these days.  It's hard to believe my baby is already 6 months old and my little Park man is now in preschool.  I feel so fortunate as life continues to be falling into place for my family and things just keep getting better and better.  I am so proud of how far we have all come, how we continue to move forward and pinch myself often to make sure I'm not dreaming.  Life is grand!

It is coming to end, our summer that is, and fall is approaching.  I can tell by the way the wind blows in the late evening and early mornings, and by the ten degree drop in average daily temperature.  Although it is still warm and sunny, mostly in the 80's during the days, it is still a huge relief from the high 90's we experience in Utah for most of the summer.  I love the fall, school begins for so many of our youngsters and days for me feel more relaxed.  I always joke that we wait all year for summer to come but end up so busy in the summer with house projects, gardening, weeding and taking trips that it's not the least bit relaxing.  I suppose someday when I feel we've done everything to our house we want to do and when someone comes up with an earth friendly anti-weed product that actually works, I will finally feel relaxed:)

Our little Jude is growing up so fast.  He is now 6 1/2 months old and doing so much.  I can't even begin to tell you how fast that went!  Jude reminds me so much of his big brother in so many ways while at the same time is so much the opposite.  (Isn't it great how unique our kiddos are?!)  He is now sitting up with some support, he talks SO much that I swear he says "mama" already (Mom, no teasin'.  He is a genius;)  But really, when he is crying for me in another room he often times makes the sounds "mamama" and so I think...

Jude began teething a while ago.  He isn't drooling quite as much but we've had a few nights of discomfort that only lasted for a few minutes.  Let's just hope he teethes as well as Park did.  That was a breeze!  He loves to stand, with assistance of course, and thoroughly enjoys any toy, bouncer or even his car seat.  He even gets super mad when his brother takes a toy away from him.  I figure that's a good thing since he is going to need a strong will with an older brother like Park.  He is quite friendly and engaging with others as long as mommy or daddy are holding him but does NOT like being in anyone else's arms. Park was the exact same way.

Park, on the other hand, is Mr. Social these days.  He loves loves LOVES to go places, see new things and play with his "fwends".  He lets me leave him at friend's or cousin's houses without hesitancy and gives hugs and kisses often to each and every one.  I can't tell you how many times a day he asks to go in the car to go play with his buddies.  It's cute...it really is...and I am so proud to have such an outgoing little man.  BUT, it isn't easy.  He is definitely continuing to keep me on my toes!

Park is still delayed at speaking but continues to get better and better.  We figure it will take a few years for his language to be at an average level.  He is doing well with it, and we are proud of him.

Park also began Montessori preschool in August.  After finishing up with his services from Early Intervention it was recommended that we put him through the school system's preschool program.  After careful consideration, we declined thinking a few things:

(1) He is on the right track already
(2) He is only 3
(3) He would have a difficult time being forced to learn something he doesn't want to learn/sitting at desks, etc
(4) We want him to be in a normal setting classroom, not one that pulls kids aside for an hour a day away from his classmates to work with his language skills.  

Which is why we chose Montessori.  Montessori is learning through play and just what we felt he needed.  And so far, we were right.  He absolutely loves it!  For the energetic and charismatic little man Park is, Montessori a few mornings a week have been nothing but positive for him.  He came home with a compass that he made with a paper plate, construction paper and a screw and told me all about how it works.  Yes, I could have made it at home with him and done the same.  But, the proud look on his face when he was showing me his craft was priceless.  We do art projects here and there at home but he isn't half as excited about them with me and Marshall as he is about the ones he does at school.  Park's school has t.v. screens that you can watch each classroom on.  I always watch it after I drop him off or before I pick him up for a few minutes to see what he is up to and it really is the sweetest.  Never in a million years would we have thought our little Park would be sitting in a circle reading books, passing along a teddy bear for others to hug or dancing along with his friends and teachers.  And to top it off, one of his teachers is a speech therapist:)  Score!!!

We are so thankful for the opportunity to have Park in such a great environment twice a week, feeding his heart, mind and soul as an addition to what he has at home.  Montessori is so great for him, despite the cost out of our pockets.  Oh, did I mention that I drive 2 hours a days to take him for a 3 hour class?  Yup, that's LOVE:)  My husband and I are trying to work it out so he drops him off and I pick him up to reduce gas, drive time and emissions.  We actually did that today and it was really nice.  I'm just thinking that I hope we can put him in something else for next year as I would much rather have him in preschool closer to home.  I wonder if Jude will be the opposite of his brother???  He may be a homebody who would rather be at home with his mommy, helping bake banana bread and coloring in books.  Hey, it would be a lot cheaper if he were!

Wow, life goes really fast when you have children.  And what a reminder to take it slow and enjoy yourself, even the difficult stuff.  I am told all the time that it gets harder as they get older.  Well, I'm sure they are right but right now I find sleep deprivation and the scare of autism to be pretty high on the difficulty charts.  Other than that, I feel life as a Mom now to pretty amazing.  I love being a mom, and I love being Park and Jude's Mom.

I hope you are all enjoying the rest of your summer and look forward to the fall of the leaves and change of colors.  May you all be well!

Mommy Bridget