Published on Monday, February 21, 2011 by caryn
I'm sitting here at home, a bit rundown from a busy weekend, hoping this tickle in the back of my throat is an allergy and not something worse. Despite the fact that I actively strive to keep our family well, it's winter and illness is widespread. I have two small children, the oldest of which is in preschool and constantly exposed to germs.
I'm always looking ... Read More »
Published on Monday, February 21, 2011 by caryn
I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't save our "good stuff" for the "right time." My son has several outfits and pairs of shoes he only wore a handful of times because I was saving them for a special time. That special time is now and whether he's going to school or we're hanging out at Disneyland, he's going to wear those adorable outfits we purchased and rec... Read More »
Published on Sunday, February 20, 2011 by caryn
As a nurse and a mom, I have a wealth of experience with illness. This year, we've had our share of colds and other annoyances, but are thankful that we've managed to avoid the flu, particularly because neither of my children are candidates for the immunization. Of all my tips on staying healthy during cold and flu season, I still maintain that hand washing is the m... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 18, 2011 by caryn
As I look back on the drama of cliques and"he loves me, he loves me not", I realize that high school plays a significant part in shaping a young person's life. Fortunately, I managed to escape relatively unscathed. In a society where some version of high school lives on via Facebook, comes a story about Marnie, who is forced to come face to face with her former high... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 18, 2011 by caryn
Earlier this week, I offered to serve as a panelist for a discussion about kids and technology. We talked a lot about screen time...how much time is spent in front of the computer, television, smart phone, or other hand-held gaming/learning device. I came away from the discussion with a renewed commitment to use screen time for my son's benefit.
I'm very carefu... Read More »
Published on Thursday, February 17, 2011 by caryn
Sometimes I think I take the suggestion to eat "small, frequent meals" too literally and use it as an excuse to snack. While I should be snacking on raw veggies and hummus, sometimes I want something sweet or salty.
I was first introduced to popchips last year at the Natural Products Expo. These all-natural "popped" chips are made from wholesome potatoes with a... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by caryn
One of my goals this year is to prepare a majority of our meals at home Not only is it more affordable than our expensive taste in restaurants, it's healthier, since I am in control of the ingredients. As part of our focus on wellness, we're also aiming to get in the recommended amounts of fruits and veggies. All four of us struggle with consistent consumption o... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by caryn
Last year, we sailed smoothly through cold and flu season, most likely due to the fact that my son was not in preschool. My daughter was an infant and I was worried about such a tiny baby being exposed to preschool germs. While we've managed to escape the flu this year, our entire household has been hit hard with colds, coughs, and the like.
[caption id="attachme... Read More »
Published on Sunday, February 13, 2011 by caryn
My husband and I have owned 3 strollers in the 3+ years since we've become parents. The first stroller we owned was a travel system. I chose the system primarily for the car seat which, at the time, was rated as the safest on the market. Unfortunately that meant settling for a mediocre stroller. When my son was a baby, I won a luxury stroller, retiring the for... Read More »
Published on Sunday, February 13, 2011 by caryn
I vaguely remember when sleeping for 8 or even 9 hours straight was the norm. These days, I'm happy if I can collectively get 6 or 7 hours of sleep. One co-sleeping, nursing baby who's yet to sleep through the night plus one 3 year old who sneaks into our bed around midnight equals chronic sleep interruption. Did I mention that my husband snores? Yes, I'm very... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 11, 2011 by caryn
This Monday, adults and children across the country will exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts. Being that I'm very much a chocoholic, I wasn't surprised to learn that chocolate is the number one candy gifted on Valentine's Day and is preferred over flowers and jewelry.
The Hershey Company recently introduced an entire collection of heart-shaped, pink, p... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 11, 2011 by caryn
As a child, my parents celebrated each birthday and holiday and ensured that they were special and memorable. Even as a 30+ year old woman, I have to celebrate my birthday with an ice cream cake. If you're looking for a sweet way to celebrate with your loved ones, Baskin-Robbins introduced three new signature ice cream cakes including Chocolate Dipped Strawberry C... Read More »
Published on Thursday, February 10, 2011 by caryn
I don't typically expect to eat a gourmet meal at a theme park. I'm ok eating pizza and sandwiches because I know that this is what's to be expected. But more and more theme parks are recognizing that visitors desire a wide variety of food options, including creative, healthy, and ethnically diverse meals. And given the fact that I tend to be somewhat of a foodie,... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 4, 2011 by caryn
Shapewear became an inevitable part of my wardrobe with the birth of my now 3 year old son. No matter how much weight I lose or how much physical activity I engage in, there is still a reminder that my body has housed two children.
Last fall, I was introduced to The Girls, a fitness brand offering fashionable active wear for women. The company offers three coll... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 by caryn
Every time I receive a skin care consultation, I am asked about my regimen. As a busy, working mom, I'm lucky if I'm awake enough to remember to remove my makeup. My saving grace is that I have good genes. Both of my parents have aged gracefully and I seem to be following suit. Despite my lack of a routine, I understand the importance of cleansing, exfoliating... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 by caryn
With Valentine's Day just 12 days away, you might be thinking of the type of card or gift you'd like to give that loved one in your life. Last year, I introduced you to a uniquely creative way to send 3D personalized cards and gifts. Snapily, an innovator in print products and photo, wants to help you celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way with their animated ph... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 27, 2011 by caryn
Children who follow the adventures of Koko, Wilson, and Brewster will be delighted to learn that they will now be able to interact with their favorite trains in a brand new way. Learning Curve, a well-respected company that designs and manufactures products and toys for children, will introduce the Chuggington Interactive Railway Set this Spring. You may remembe... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 27, 2011 by caryn
Last week, PBS Kids began airing brand new episodes of the Parents’ Choice Recommended TV series Dinosaur Train. Coincidentally, it timed out perfectly with dinosaur week at my son's preschool. Not only did he tell me all about the names of the dinosaurs he learned, he proceeded to roar around the house in his new Dinosaur Train Striped Footed Pajamas.
Childr... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 by caryn
I don't have time to watch a lot of television. There is so much beauty to explore...new places to discover. I'm busy and I prefer it that way. But on those evenings when the kids have actually managed to go to sleep at a decent hour and I just want to relax and do nothing, I turn on Glee.
The show is really one of the best I've seen in a long time...and I'm ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 by caryn
The new year is a time when I think about some of the things I'd like to change in my life. If you can believe it, I have not purchased many articles of clothing for myself since my first pregnancy. I told myself that I wanted to wait until I had shed the baby weight and celebrate with a few new outfits. Combine that with the fact that I work from home part-time, an... Read More »