I have finally made the move…I can now be found at http://www.healthyworkingmom.net I am still learning the ropes as far as making my new site look the way I want it to so hang on in there with the aesthetics 
I will continue to post about my adventures in eco-friendly/organic/sanity-saving living. Please add the new URL to your bookmarks and continue the journey with me as I go forth….
Hugs,
Katy xxx
Working full-time means the late afternoons and evenings are taken up with homework, diner and housework. Heading off to the gym is a thing of the past, although I dance once a week (usually) as my ‘escape’. I am, unfortunately, gaining a few pounds lately. The clothes I have managed to somewhat organize in my closet are a little tight. My boobs walk into a room a few seconds before the rest of me. My chin has a twin! You get the idea.
February is also Heart-Health month and my son, Peanut, had been training for Jump-Rope For Heart at school (children asked to be sponsored to jump-rope to raise money for heart disease). He had been jumping rope and was getting quite good. Heart-health is something I take very seriously; my grandfather passed away after a heart-attack and I have a slight murmur. I also know that children are generally not getting the exercise they should in the modern world of driving to school, shortened recess, technological toys and over-scheduled lives. But how could I fit in some more exercise without giving up other things such as time with the family?
Peanut actually came up with a great idea to tackle my desire to exercise more and my need to spend time with him. We would exercise together. He was also learning how to do circuit training in his the Phys. Ed. lessons in fourth grade. Armed with some great exercises, Peanut put together a plan for the pair of us. We started today…gently for Mom…and spent a wonderful hour together. And I really worked up a sweat!
The Plan:
I have to say it was so much fun! I worked on Peanut’s form with some of the movements, and he encouraged me to keep up when I was flagging. The dog thought he was in heaven getting walked so much, although he did want to stop and sniff around which, much to his chagrin, he was was not allowed to do as we were on a mission.
Peanut and I had a bonding session which meant the world to me. Even if we manage to squeeze in a condensed session during the school week, it will give us something to do together which is just for us and helps keep us fit. I am always looking for ways to spend quality time with my sons. Now I can take some pressure off myself as I am also taking care of our health at the same time.
How do you squeeze in time with your children and exercise? Are your schedules as deranged as mine and how do you deal with it all?
Image via Wikipedia
President’s Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February. Though the holiday is intended to celebrate only George Washington’s birthday (his real birthday is February 22), other presidents are often included in the celebration.
Here are some great books for children. I love sharing these with my class and Peanut and Button. All kids love them!
From award-winning author Margaret McNamara and New Yorker artist Barry Blitt comes this partly true and completely funny story of George Washington’s 7th birthday. In this clever approach to history, readers will discover the truths and myths about George Washington. Did George Washington wear a wig? No. Did George Washington cut down a cherry tree? Probably not. Readers young and old who are used to seeing George Washington as an old man, will get a new look at the first president—as a kid. Perfect for classrooms, Presidents’ Day, or as a birthday gift.
A brilliant portrait of two American heroes from the award-winning creators of The Extraordinary Mark Twain
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different.
John Adams was short and stout.
Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean.
John was argumentative and blunt.
Tom was soft-spoken and polite.
John sometimes got along with almost no one.
Tom got along with just about everyone.
But these two very different gentlemen did have two things in common: They both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George.
With their signature wit, impeccable research, and inventive presentation style, award winners Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham masterfully blend biography and history to create a brilliant portrait of two American heroes who bravely set aside their differences to join forces in the fight for our country’s freedom.
This Caldecott Award—winning picture book is now revised and updated to include information about our nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama. A great fit for Presidents’ Day and the 2012 election cycle, this book is perfect for parents, teachers, and librarians who want to talk presidents without talking politics.
Presents an assortment of facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Bill Clinton.
Reading these books is a great way for me to segue into my Government unit at school and also talk to my boys about how the US government was formed. The next month will be filled with discussions and questions about revolution, tea parties and those bad British people…one of whom happens to be me! President’s Day is so much more than a day off for me…I get to open up a wonderful learning experience for my children…all 27 of them!
Huge bargain for skiers this weekend. Click here to be redirected to the website. $60 pass for $18!!!
A great getaway for busy families who love to ski.
Offer Restrictions:
No more than one certificate per person/visit
No cash or credit back on unused amount
Not valid with other discounts/promotions
Valid for one weekend/holiday adult full day (9am to close) lift ticket.
If used for any other value ticket, no cash or credit will be issued for difference in price.
Valid for the 2011-2012 season only
Lift Ticket will expire on 03/31/2012
Tax and gratuity are not included
I am not paid to promote this offer and I am not affiliated in any way with any company. I am just sharing a bargain I discovered myself
Continuing my Oil theme, I want to extol the wonders of my new favorite oil: Coconut Oil. I know many people are on the fence about this natural oil because it is packed with the evil saturated fat!!!
Well, my friends, there is good news. Firstly, take a look at the populations that are the largest consumers of coconut oil and related products (due to the fact they live in an area that provides oodles of coconuts as a natural resource). These populations tend to have much less heart disease or diabetes than North America and many European countries. Then read here to learn more about studies on coconut oil which contains lauric acid which is excellent for heart health. Finally, head off to one of my favorite blogs, Hybrid Rasta Mama where you will find wonderful news about coconut oil and some delicious ideas for its use.
I have found that I cook with coconut oil almost all the time when cooking for the boys. My relationship with this oil began when my son’s nutritionist (when undergoing chemo) helped me create menus that would build up my son from frail waif to superman. She explained that this oil would provide healthy fats which were much needed…this worried me that I would gain weight too, but she assured me that the fats were actually good for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the waistline.
I recently posted about making a protein breakfast with coconut oil used for the scrambled eggs. Delicious! I also use coconut oil when boiling pasta, sautéing vegetables, and making popcorn. Some people use it for baking (I don’t bake so I can’t rave about it personally). There are also several non-culinary ways I use this versatile oil:
1. Lib balm: straight from the tub, scoop a little out and use a finger to rub on lips. Just make sure you don’t lick it off if you love coconut! I have not had chapped lips all winter.
2. Hair treatment: Scoop a quarter-sized scoop from the tub and massage into scalp. Better than any product merely containing coconut oil! I do mix with olive oil also to help the oil massage more easily. I am left with gorgeous smelling, shiny, and healthy hair. I don’t go for trims as often as I don’t get split ends. (I will comb the oils down the shaft of my hair to coat it all over after a lovely scalp massage.
3. Boo boos: Yes, I have spread coconut oil on my kids’ boo boos before. The oil contains anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. it also speeds up the healing time of bruises.
4. Skin softener: a great alternative to olive oil as a moisturizer.skin softener. As I become more worldly about the junk marketed in pretty bottles, I find myself wanting to use only ingredients safe enough to eat on my skin…the largest organ of the body!
5. Dog/Cat coat glosser: Again, just like olive oil, this oil glosses up coats and also lubricates the inner workings of our pets beautifully.
6. Deodorant: don’t look so shocked…it works. I mix with baking soda for even better results.
So that is my little list of great things I do with coconut oil. This list is tiny in comparison to my friend, the true coconut oil expert over at Hybrid Rasta Moma who has 160 uses to date. She is my inspiration and I will be visiting her site to develop my own repertoire of uses. If you haven’t tried coconut oil yet, I suggest you give it a whirl….it’s wonderful!
Having spent most of my life reaching for the Olive Oil ‘just because‘ and trying to find good ‘Virgin’ kind, I have recently branched out and discovered a whole new world! Oil is the latest craze in my house. I have been using it for cooking, moisturizing, calming, massaging, and even for creating science experiments. Oil is everywhere! Today I am focusing on my old standby – olive oil.
Olive Oil:
We should begin with the old school fat of my kitchen. Olive oil consists of monounsaturated fat which is considered healthy dietary fat. It has been associated with lowering risk of heart disease and possibly lowering cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats are also said to normalize blood clotting and the Mayo Clinic suggested that it may also benefit insulin levels.
Olive oil contains some important polyunsaturated fats. Namely, these are an omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid and an omega-6 fatty acid known as linoleic acid. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, such as phenols and tocopherols as well as vitamin E.
Olive oil is still a fat should be used in moderation, but it is a wonderful substitute for butter or margarine but will not make unhealthy food healthy. There are 40 calories in one tablespoon of olive oil. Many nutrition experts extol the virtues of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet, the Mediterranean is often seen as a region with delicious, nutritious and healthful eating. Perhaps the pace at which eating takes place is also beneficial compared to the ‘grab and go’ culture of America.
It is important to select the higher quality olive oils. Extra virgin oil comes from the first pressing of the olives and is the best quality. Storing olive oil the correct way is important. Light and heat affect the nutrients and taste. Storing your olive oil in a dark cabinet is ideal. Once opened, olive oil should be used within six month to a year.
There are many uses for olive oil in addition to the obvious. Here are some things I use it for:
1. Cuticle/hand Softener: yup! I rub it on my cuticles before a DIY manicure to soften them. You can also add the iol to water and soak your hands in it…bliss!
2. Zippers: dab a little on a zipper with a cotton bud and it will lubricate a stuck zipper quicker than you can say “I’m stuck!” – or so I read recently. Have yet to try this one.
3. Shaving: I don’t buy shaving cream for me, ever! I use olive oil - just a tiny drop goes a long way and leave skin soft too! My hubby won’t use it, much to my chagrin…so he has to buy his own shaving cream! (aren’t I a meanie )
4. Hair: My hair is naturally greasy so I don’t do this often, but put a tiny drop of olive oil in the palm of your hand, rub it into palms then smooth over hair to tame fly-aways or frizz.
5. Keep pets healthy: a drip in dog or cat food will help make Fido’s coat silky and shiny and help prevent hairballs in Kitty. Keeps the insides lubed too!
6. Bath oil: Super-soft skin will be yours if you add a few drops to a running bath. I also add a drop of scented oil for a really luxurious experience.
7. Revitalize leather: rub leather item with a cloth damped with olive oil. Leave for at least 30 mins and then wipe off. Hubby uses this for our son’s baseball glove and I tried it on our leather couch too. It worked!
8. Diaper rash: I do not have babies any more but my pediatrician taught me this trick back when my boys were colicky, pooping machines. :)
As you can tell, I am a big fan of olive oil. I believe there are many great brands out there but I actually find the Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Stop and Shop’s own brand range to be very good. It tastes great too.
Whether it’s washing hands while singing happy birthday two times, learning to cough into the crook of an arm, or staying away from other sick kids, you cannot avoid kids getting sick, BUT there are good habits that can help keep the “cooties” away and keep your child happy and healthy.
It is estimated that kids catch about eight colds a year.
Having a conversation with another human being, face to face, is becoming harder to do these days. We text, email, FB, Tweet, blog, and sometimes even call…but how often do we just meet up and talk? I am guilty of favoring a quick email rather than a longer phone conversation…I have things to do. The trouble is, I have so much to do because everyone can email me or text me to tell me what they need from me…so I have to do more and more each day!
Bring back the days when we wrote letters, arranged get-togethers, or even went to visit one another. (Just keep the cell phone for emergencies.) But this wish is unrealistic. I love to blog and read what others have to say. I also text, Tweet and FB all the time. I enjoy “meeting” new people…I “met” a new friend in California a few weeks ago thanks to blogging and technology. Happily, I also spent a good hour at a friend’s house today. We sat and had a cup of tea, chatted, laughed, and planned activities together in the upcoming week. I NEED that contact too. Funny though, I emailed her later about something else!
A school is a place to celebrate any holiday we can get our hands on. Valentine’s Day lends itself to delving deeply into caring for others and being loved ourselves. Today I worked with my class on understanding Lyric Poems. These are poems that have strong rhyming patterns and have a song-like quality. The poem tells about the feelings and emotions of the author, rather than tell a story.
You have probably guessed by now that the theme for our Lyric Poems was love and caring. I taught my students the basic rules for the poem and we shared a couple of sonnets by William Shakespeare, for example,
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature’s changing course untrimmed.”
Once the children had an understanding of the genre, they wrote some drafts and we tweaked and revised until we had something resembling the goal. For some, this came surprising quickly, others may get there eventually. I reiterated several times the importance of demonstrating our feelings about caring for or about others rather than the longings of love an angst ridden teenager might feel. To celebrate our feelings about love and caring, we created a picture on which to present part or all of our poems. The idea was to create Art with a Heart!!
Inspired by a Pinterest picture, I wanted the children to create a piece art that could be framed. I loved the idea of the hand, the child’s own, becoming the stem or trunk, and the hearts being the petals or leaves. I let the children take charge of how they wanted to present their picture and the poem. Some curled the words around the hand, others wrote inside the hearts. Each piece was a unique gift for the family with treasured feelings straight from the heart!
My original inspiration:
Click for Original Source
This picture was taken by me during the summer of 2009. Nana Haze was over from England and we were enjoying three carefree weeks of summertime fun. The bridge is at Binny Park in Greenwich. We call it the Mary Poppins Bridge Park as the bridges are reminiscent of the park in the Disney Movie. Magic happens here. From the time Peanut, my eldest son, was nursing, Nana and I took the children to Binny Park. Each trip evolved into new discoveries: the houses within the bushes; one for Peanut and one for Button (younger son). There was always the heron seated majestically waiting for a catch, The lighting changed depending on the season we visited and the time of day….no two visits were the same. Most special of all is the fact that we would spend hours there with Nana, exploring learning, bonding and enjoying…all in a way I remember doing as a child with my mother also.
When I take the kids there on my own, we last about ten minutes. Nana creates a magical experience which opens up my sons’ eyes to the world around them. I wan to do this, and I try to learn for it, but I concede…it is a Nana thing.
These memories make me smile. They are special on so many levels. Our last visit was with Button in a stroller due to pain in his legs, yet we still stayed a good hour or more…Nana magic! I grew up with my Nana being the creator of all things wondrous and fun…I smile to see my own sons innocence retained for these special moments.
