Luna Moms Club - Moms with a Mission - 12 Weeks of Educational Tips - Week 4

With Halloween around the corner, here are a few tricks to save money and reduce waste.

• Use reusable bags or other containers that you don’t have to toss away after using.  Attach or draw some scary pictures to keep with the mood of the season, for example pictures of your children from last Halloween or ghosts, goblins, pumpkins, or witches!
• Reduce emissions of toxins by taking public transportation, using a bicycle or trying to stay close to your own neighborhood.
• Make sure that your children learn not to toss any candy packages or toys on the street as they trick or treat. Tell them to keep their trash in their bag and then help them separate it when you get back home.
• For a truly creative costume, reuse clothing you already have or swap costumes from last year with your friends.

Do you need another stroller? For free?

As most of you know, I have a slight obsession with strollers, baby carriers, and well, diaper bags to an extent.  I would love to have a much larger fleet of strollers, but buying all of the ones I want would probably cost as much as buying a car, so I will be happy with my current line-up.  Unless... I can WIN a new stroller!  Problem solved!  Below are current stroller giveaways that I am entering.  You should definitely check them out.

I am absolutely in love with the styling of the Quinny Zapp.  It is a beautiful stroller.  However, I already have a lightweight stroller, so trying to justify the purchase of another (and a high-end one, at that) just because I like the way it looks is a hard sell.  If I were to win one, though, that would be a completely different story!
I entered the giveaway at MommyPR and you should, too!  It ends October 29, so hurry!

The Britax B-Ready recently came on the market and is one of the single to double models.  I need one of these.  We currently have two A/T strollers to take to Silver Dollar City because it is just too crowded to get through with a side by side double.  Again, if you know me, you know I am a bit of a push snob, so I can't get a traditional tandem because that push would never do!  Enter the Britax B-Ready - it gives me the width of a single, seats for two, and a push of which I can be proud.  Enter at Natural Mommie like I did!

Antioxidants on your sandwich?

We all know that antioxidants offer great benefits, such as increased immunity and preventing infections. Most of us are familiar with foods - like blueberries - that are very rich in antioxidants. Did you know that mustard seeds have more antioxidants than blueberries? Norwegian researchers have discovered that, ounce for ounce, this is true. So, not only is mustard a better choice on your sandwich than mayo due to calories, but you can also boost your antioxidants at lunch!


Information taken from Shape, September 2010

Five Myths about Stroller Strides

Myth 1: I can't go because it is during my baby's naptime. 
The Truth:  I fell prey to this when my first was a baby. I'd feed him breakfast, he'd nap, he'd wake and then it was lunch time, after I got lunch cleaned up, he'd nap again, then it was time to start dinner. I was a prisoner in my own home! Mommies need interaction. Trust me, your baby will adapt, he/she might even surprise you and take a nap in the stroller during class. Mine did!

Myth 2: I can't get a good workout at the mall. 
The Truth:  Trust me, you can! Talk to Stroller Strides moms or, better yet, come check it out yourself. Your legs and arms will burn and you'll break a sweat.

Myth 3: I'd be too embarrassed to workout at the mall. 
The Truth:  Here's the good thing - the only other people there are mall walking, so they are getting their exercise, too! We meet before the stores open. 

Myth 4: I don't know anyone there and would feel awkward. 
The Truth:  Again, the best way to see that this is not true is to come try it! It is a very welcoming group of women and I would bet you will form a special bond with them. It's not like your average fitness class, where you just come in, get your sweat on, and take off. It also provides a support group for you and an instant playgroup for your little one.

Myth 5: It's too expensive. 

The Truth:  I would venture to guess that many of you have your children in gymnastics, swimming, or something similar. The typical monthly rate for those activities in this area is about $45/month. That monthly rate is usually for a 30 minute to 1 hour class one time per week. For just $40/month you get at least 3 hours of exercise (more coming soon!), a few hours of scheduled playgroup (plus the playtime after class), and fun take-home preschool activities each week! Plus, a healthy mom modeling a healthy lifestyle to her child is priceless.

  

Let's be honest

It is something that one in three women deal with while exercising. So, why do we not talk about it? What is it? Urinary incontinence.

What should we do about it? Well, always remember to do your kegels, but beyond that check out these panties to help you deal with it. Stride Femme underwear have a built-in liner made of microfiber that will absorb up to 1 ounce, plus it has deodorizing and wicking properties! Check them out at www.strideeveryday.com

Luna Moms Club - Moms with a Mission - 12 Weeks of Educational Tips - Week 3

Meals on Wheels is a fantastic opportunity to give just a little of your time in a way that will make a world of difference for the program’s recipients. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors or physically challenged people in your community. Search online for a Meals on Wheels program near you.

Prepare to be shocked and sickened

While reading my September 2010 issue of Fitness Magazine, I ran across an article entitled, "What We're Really Eating." It showed the average yearly intake of an American in terms of packaged food versus fresh food.
Here is the breakdown from that article:

Packaged Food:

• 198 lbs - Dairy products
• 97 lbs - Sweeteners (sugar, corn sweeteners, honey, and syrups)
• 78 lbs - Bakery products (bagels, bread, muffins, etc.)
• 54 lbs - Soup, pasta, and canned goods
• 47 lbs - Frozen and dried processed food
• 43 lbs - Snacks and candy
• 43 lbs - Chilled food and ready-to-eat meals
• 16 lbs - Sauces, condiments, and dressings
• 576 lbs per person per year - TOTAL

Fresh Food:

• 124 lbs - Fruits
• 117 lbs - Meat, poultry, and seafood
• 92 lbs - Vegetables
• 30 lbs - Eggs, nuts, and peanuts
• 6 lbs - Legumes
• 369 lbs per person per year - TOTAL 

If you did the math, you would see that is 56% more processed foods than fresh.  Yuck!  Let's make sure we are not the "average American."

Luna Moms Club - Moms with a Mission - 12 Weeks of Educational Tips - Week 2

With budget cuts affecting so many public schools across America, it’s not easy for teachers to do their jobs when they are lacking even the most basic classroom supplies. DonorsChoose is an easy way for you to give teachers exactly what they need. On this web site, teachers submit requests for supplies, volunteers, or whatever they need, in hopes that their requests will be fulfilled. www.donorschoose.org

Luna Moms Club - Moms with a Mission - 12 Weeks of Educational Tips - Week 1

Instead of taking time away from your family to volunteer in the community, look for opportunities the entire family can participate in. Visit a local nursing home or children’s hospital.