July, 2011

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
8
Jul 11

Maclaren Baby Review – Maclaren Volo

The Maclaren Volo Baby Stroller is another much preferred stroller of parents. It is so simple and uncomplicated to use you can take it anywhere and anytime. It is ultra lightweight, easy to fold, easy to push and compact in design.

The Pros

The Volo is a nippy buggy stroller that handles well on pavements, kerbs, and surprisingly, even on bumpy ground. It’s easy peasy to change direction with it, too.

You can fold it with one hand, no hassle at all. Its small size when folded, allows you to fit it almost anywhere.

This baby pushchair is so light, you can haul and carry it up and down the stairs. It’s equipped with a carrying strap so you can bring it without any sweat. And because of it’s compact size, you can go through doors and commute trouble-free.

There are two words to describe this stroller: “easy” and “simple”.

Everything about it is easy it’s easy to fold, unfold, manoeuvre, carry, push, clean, and store away.

Other Pros worthy to note:

  • Perfect for city residents and to bring on holidays
  • Very convenient to take when commuting
  • Comes with ample sized storage basket.

Maclaren Volo Buggy Stroller: The Cons

The Volo’s unique feature are the brakes. These are controlled by a lever clicked side to side and not up and down. This will help prevent it from getting caught in the stairs.

The Maclaran Volo’s seat has only one position as the back is not adjustable. In terms of your child’s comfort level, this is one consideration you have to think of. Some parents find this model “too basic”. If you’re the person who likes luxurious and fancy features, then the Volo Stroller may not be for you.

Conclusion

The Maclaren Volo Buggy Stroller is a fun little performer that’s so easy to steer. It has remained a favourite pushchair because of it’s a lightweight, compact, basic stroller that’s perfect for a quick nip outside, great for city use, provides ample storage space, and convenient to take with you on a holiday.

pregnancy — Comments Off
7
Jul 11

Pregnancy Preparation: Who is a Baby Whisperer?

A baby whisper is a Dr. Mommy who inspires and instructs new Moms on building strong connections with their babies.

By learning a practice of simple and effective techniques, Moms can learn to whisper relaxing phrases to their babies before birth as the baby grows, and during and after delivery.

Why is this Practice Important?

Scientific research shows that when Mom is stessed before or after the birth the baby is stress as well. When Mom has higher level of stress hormones, the fetus heart beats faster. In other words, when Mom feels stress, the baby in the womb feels stress.

Infants also pick up on Mom’s anxiety. When levels of stress hormones become too high for extended periods mental or physical health can suffer. Again, when Mom feels anxiety, the infant feels anxiety.

And the opposite is true as well.

When Mom is relaxed, the baby in the womb is relaxed. When Mom is peaceful, the infant is peaceful too.

How and Why I Learned to Do This

“In 1973 I decided to do natural childbirth. Although I found the Lamaze techniques quite helpful, I needed more. I wish I had headphones and a tape with a soothing and familiar voice that talked me through a relaxation sequence. When I took Christopher Brett home I was a bundle of nerves and would have welcomed a comforting voice for both of us! Over the years I have worked successfully with new Moms using these techniques. One Mom laughed that the nurses were very curious about her headgear during labor.”

Practice Makes Perfect

When Mom learns to soothe herself, of “self-soothe,” the baby learns how to “self-soothe” both in the womb and after delivery.

The more a mom learns how to relax and be peaceful, the baby will feel relaxed and peaceful. This is crucial, because according to Neuroscientist Wayne Drevets, MD observes, in the brain, “Practice makes permanent.”

Crafts-Hobbies — Comments Off
7
Jul 11

Creating Your Own Model Railway Trains Scenery

Many people have a memory of building a model railway trains around the Christmas tree every year. The worst part is always at the end of the season when you have to put the train away. The good news is, you do not have to ever put up the train if you create your own scenery in which your model train can travel through. With all the different options available for you to use, your options are only limited by your imagination and creativity.

The first thing you will need when creating permanent scenery for your model railroad train is what is known as a benchwork. This resembles a small table, but not quite as thick as a regular table you would eat from. While you can set up a model railroad on a kitchen table, it is less expensive to buy benchwork. It is also a better idea to buy benchwork because the price is far less than having to buy a new table for your meals. Kits are available for purchase at most retailers who sell model railway trains for hobbyists.

For those looking for ultimate customization, you can build your own benchwork. The process of building your own is a bit more complicated than simply buying a kit. Since most people who get involved in being a model train railroader are very detail oriented, it is no surprise this is a very popular option. By building your own table, you will be able to create the exact shape and size, which will suit the needs of the model railway trains you will be using the scenery for. If you are unsure how to get started on such an endeavor, there are many different blueprints you can look up online. While these may not tell you exactly how to build the scenery you are looking for, they can provide an outline to help you to get started. Take into consideration such things as height and portability when creating your design. If you plan to take your scenery apart for transportation to a show, you will want to be able to separate your scenery into pieces. This is accomplished by building the table as interlocking pieces.

Once you have your base, it is time to create the actual scenery. It is possible to create a topographical landscape by using styrofoam. Hobby shops sell preformed mountain landscapes as well as valleys, lakes and rolling plains. Those looking for absolute control will use new styrofoam and cut it into the shapes they want. This allows you to create the exact scenery you want for your train railroad to travel through. Creating a drawing ahead of time will help you to put every mountain and lake in exactly the right place before you commit anything to a permanent setting. Once you have the form in place, you can cover with moss or paint to accomplish the look and texture you is looking for. Trees and buildings can be purchased or built depending on your skill level in order to add a sense of realism to the landscape you have created. Lakes are accomplished by pouring colored polyurethane into a depression and allowing it to set. Since scenery is such an important part of model railroading, you will end up spending a lot of time creating the one which is just right for you.

Creating realism is in the details. In order to make those looking at your scenery feel as if they are looking upon actual scenery in real life, there are certain tricks you can use. You can use larger materials such as trees and houses in the foreground of the landscape while using smaller material in the back. This creates the feeling as if the mountains in the back of the landscape are much farther away than they actually are. You may also want to use more detail in items up close while details farther away are more obscure. This causes the viewer to believe the back of the landscape is too far away to make out the details.

Above all else, you want to have fun in what you are doing. Showing off your talents and creativity should be something which brings you pleasure. Make sure you invite friends over to see what you have created soon, and have fun!

Gardening — Comments Off
7
Jul 11

How to Prevent Weeds From Invading Your Garden

One of the biggest pet peeves for the garden enthusiast is weeds. And unfortunately, these nasty growths cannot be completely avoided – in fact, you could probably ask any gardener out there and he or she will tell you many stories about horrible weeds growing in the garden. However, there is, of course, a way of getting rid of weeds. This is a guide on how to prevent weeds from destroying the plants in your garden.

First of all, if you are already experiencing the fast growth of weeds in your current garden, get rid of them first! There is no point trying to destroy new weeds if there are already fast-growing ones invading your garden in the first place. Whether you end up digging them up, chopping them, or hoeing them, you’ll have to do whatever it takes to take out the root cause of the problem.

The second thing you have to do if you want to learn how to prevent weeds is to come up with material called “mulch”, which is basically anything that can cover the topmost layer of soil – this can include things of nature such as ground bark and leaves, and even the most unlikely suspects such as newspapers, or even an unused carpet. By covering the soil and keeping it under shade, you are able to prevent any other weeds from growing in it. Try to cover your soil with up to three to four inches of mulch for maximum effect.

If you have shrubs, use these plants to your advantage! Let them grow to their maximum size as they will be able to keep soil cool under their height and prevent weeds from growing by choking them even before they can cause any trouble to your soil, garden, and other growing plants. You can do this by fertilizing the soil where your shrubs are very well during the growing season.

If you must, use ground covers that can spread fast so that weeds won’t even get the chance to grow and develop in the soil. Some of these ground covers include vinca or hypericum. Foliage makes it hard to feeds to grow to their full potential.

Finally, pull out weeds regularly – this is the key to a weed-free garden. Be consistent and check your garden constantly for any signs of weed growth. Do not wait for them to grow before you pull them out. Pull them out as you first spot them! This is the most important thing to remember to ensure that your garden is free of any damaging weeds.

pregnancy — Comments Off
7
Jul 11

How to Induce Labor the Natural Way

Pregnancy can be the most exciting and at the same time, painful part of a woman’s life. This is mainly because of one thing: labor. Labor is equal to pain, and no pregnancy becomes successful without having to go through the most excruciating pain you can imagine. For those who have not yet experienced getting pregnant, labor is similar to having cramps when your period is almost up, except imagine the pain as ten times more intense! There would be times that when you experience the pain, you would need to stop doing whatever you’re doing for a few minutes and let the pain come in heaps; however, you should just remember that no amount of pain can ever replace the bundle of joy that you’re about to experience once your little one has finally been born.

Inducing labor the natural way is what most pregnant women would prefer especially if they are experiencing false labor or if they are not experiencing labor yet at all even during their baby’s 37th to 40th gestational week. There are natural ways which make use of things that can be bought in your local grocery store. Castor oil has been said to induce labor naturally by stimulating the bowels and triggering contractions in the uterus. Use castor oil by eating or drinking one large glass of orange juice containing castor oil or using it to rub the belly gently. Because the effect of castor oil can somehow aggravate the uterus into having contractions, this is not very advisable unless you check with your physician first before trying this method.

Natural herbal ingredients are also said to have some effect at inducing labor naturally. Evening primrose oil is usually recommended by midwives to be taken orally during the 34th gestational week, and then applied to the cervix during the full-term or the 36th week of pregnancy. However, no scientific evidence proves that the evening primrose does anything that the body doesn’t already do on its own. Another herbal ingredient used is the red raspberry leaf which is made into a tea, and used to tone the uterus, getting it ready for childbirth. Aromatherapy, along with applying or drinking teas with herbal ingredients that naturally induce labor, can also trigger contractions and allow the uterus to relax. Aromatherapy reduces the toxins in the body which in turn eliminates stress, fatigue, muscle tension, and other problems which may be causing false labor or for labor not to come at all.

There are other natural ways of inducing labor naturally. They say that sex and orgasm helps stimulate the uterus in order to have contractions which can lead to actual labor; however, remember to perform sexual intercourse by being mindful of the baby in the womb and doing the position that will not put any physical pressure at all on the belly of the mommy. Female orgasm stimulates uterine contractions and male semen produces Prostaglandin which helps in making the cervix ripe for childbirth. During or after bath, nipple stimulation is also encouraged because this method naturally stimulates the production of oxytocin which is a hormone that naturally induces labor in pregnant women.

Aside from having sex and other labor inducing methods during pregnancy, the most common way known to help induce labor naturally is to do continuous walking and other forms of non-strenuous exercises can also help in inducing labor naturally. This is because exercise helps contract the uterus which in turn leads to normal contractions and labor.

Crafts-Hobbies — Comments Off
7
Jul 11

Collecting Seashells

So let’s start off with where and how you locate seashells. Verify the rules regarding shell collecting in the areas that you are interested in. Some places don’t allow collecting or allow it only during certain times of year. Some require authorization. The local park service is a good place to start looking for information. Beachcombing is the most common method of collecting seashells. The best time to find them is low tide. Look for bubbling holes in the wet sand. This indicates animal burrows, which means there should be abandoned shells nearby. Collect only “dead” shells – those without live creatures using them as homes. Walking along the beach after a storm is a great time to collect seashells. Many have been washed up on shore from the storm.

Mud flats are another great place for collecting seashells. Again this is done at low tide. You may have to dig a bit to find them. This is where a small garden rake comes in handy. Look for tracks in the mud left by crawling or digging mollusks.

If you are into diving and snorkeling, the open waters is a great place for seashell collecting. All you need is a snorkel, mask and flippers.

Dredging is another method used by seashell collectors. When dredging, you use a special net which is pulled by a boat that drags on the sea bottom. This is one of the quicker ways to collect a large amount of seashells.

One important tip when collecting seashells is to find a quiet beach with little people. There are fewer people there so you are more likely to find shells. Try to spot where the highest waves stop when they come upon the beach. This area usually comes up with shells brought about by the waves. Another good spot would be where the smaller waves break before rolling onto the beach. A lot of the best specimens can be found here.

Once you collect your seashells, wash them carefully with soap and water in a bowl and then set them on a towel to dry. You can use silicone grease if they appear dull. This will bring the natural color out. Just apply with your finger and buff with a soft cloth or towel. If for some reason your seashells start to smell after you wash them, this means that there were animal remains in the shell. In this case, soak the shell in water twice a day. After a few days you can shake the shell and the animal rot will come out.

Crafts-Hobbies — Comments Off
7
Jul 11

The Birds Are Coming!

Spring is almost upon us, and so are the birds. If your yard is not showing the signs of our fine feathered friends then you had better start working on attracting them to your yard. Providing sources of interest to birds is what gets them to your yard and helps keep them there.

Food, bird feeders and the type of birdhouse selection is a factor. Certain types of seed used will attract or detract certain bird species. The seed you use in the feeders makes a difference too. If you have a yard that can handle natural food sources, then that is a plus.

Certain trees, shrubs and bushes attract birds to your yard. For example, the hummingbird will more likely stay in your yard and use your hummingbird feeder if you also have flowers that attract them. If find it a lot more enjoyable to have them stay around than to have them just fly threw. Berry producing trees and shrubs also attract certain birds. We have cedars that produce a blue colored berry; this attracts waxwings and other types of birds.

Birdhouses also are a factor. If you want blue birds then a blue would be a good idea. Now this does not mean you will definably have them but it sure helps. If there are outdoor, cats around chances are birds will not visit as much. These are things to think about.

Remember spring is almost here; if you want to enjoy Mother Nature’s wild birds then entice them.

Parties — Comments Off
6
Jul 11

40th Birthday Party Ideas – Top 8 Dos and Don’ts to Make it a Milestone to Remember

Do you want to throw a 40th birthday party that truly celebrates the life of the guest of honor? Then it’s time to focus on that special person and make this a happy occasion. Here are the top dos and don’ts to help get you there.

1. DON’T procrastinate. Get started right away. Give yourself enough time to come up with ideas, do the planning, and order anything custom or personalized. Make sure all the details come together with time to spare.

2. DO send out great invitations. The right invites will grab your guest’s attention, set the tone for the party and generate excitement for the upcoming festivities. One good choice is photo birthday invitations with multiple pictures of the celebrant at different ages. Or, you could select a design that ties into your theme, highlights your guest of honor’s interests, is funny or nostalgic. Just make sure it communicates that this is an occasion that can’t be missed.

3. DO ask guests to contribute photos and stories about the guest of honor. Collect them all and put them in a memory book as a gift for the celebrant. Or, you could compile them into a PowerPoint presentation to be shown at the birthday party.

4. DON’T skip the birthday party favors. It’s a nice gesture to give your guests a little parting thank you gift for sharing this happy occasion. Look for something inexpensive, useful, unique and personalized; maybe even with a photo of the celebrant. This kind of keepsake serves as a nice reminder of the wonderful celebration to all who attended.

5. DON’T make fun of the fact that he or she is turning 40. An over the hill party, complete with Grim Reaper decorations and wrinkle cream gag gifts, may seem like a good idea, but some celebrants may be uncomfortable with the joke.

According to a recent study conducted by MetLife, 65% of the population wish they were under forty. So, instead of teasing him or her about this milestone, make this a celebration of another year of growth. Why not throw a party commemorating the 19th anniversary of their 21st birthday. Unless you are absolutely sure he or she has no qualms about their age, stay away from the jabs.

6. DO look into alternatives to traditional settings for this milestone. A 40th birthday party at a restaurant, rented hall or even at home can be wonderful. But if you’re looking for something unique, you might have the celebration at the zoo, botanical gardens, amusement park, ski lodge or beach. How about inviting guests to join you for a tour of a winery, day at the spa, or a hot air balloon ride? If there’s something that the guest of honor loves to do or has always wanted to try, think about building your plans around that activity.

7. DON’T rule out a smaller celebration. Take into consideration the guest of honor’s preferences. Would he or she love to be the center of attention at a big bash? Or is the celebrant the quiet type, who would enjoy a less crowded venue? You don’t have to go over the top to make this 40th birthday party memorable. Plan a dinner cruise with a few close friends or an all night movie marathon featuring his or her favorite movies. You can emphasize the quality over the quantity.

8. DO consider a theme party. Invite your guests to a fiesta for the celebrant who is spicy at 40, and they will anticipate a fun-filled occasion. This celebration could be a tropical luau, retro 70’s dance party complete with a spinning disco ball or a costume party where guests dress up as their true inner selves. Whatever direction you choose, everyone will imagine a lively night before they even get there. Going with a theme will help break the ice when guests arrive and will keep them talking long after the event is over.

So, plan in advance. Send out eye-catching, personalized invitations. Ask the guests to share pictures and memories, then send them home with cool party favors. Build the festivities around the celebrant’s personality and interests. Make it unique. And give that special person a 40th birthday party they will never forget.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
6
Jul 11

Babies and Toddlers – How to Succeed – Part 2

Development

An infant between 12 months and 36 months old exhibits a number of changes that form part of its process of development. The following series of observations focuses on that particular time span, and highlights those changes that may be classified as a “milestone.” It will consider what may be defined as an average child covering specific time periods within this development phase.

Age – 12 to 15 Months

Physical

Able to stand erect without any help and without having to hold onto anything.

Is just about able to drink from a cup, but without the sense of fully controlling the action, such as accompanied by a certain amount of spillage.

Has the ability to turn the pages of a book, a few at a time, when given a suitable prompt.

Is able to participate in basic games, such as rolling a ball or possibly even throwing it in a random fashion.

In relation to the context of learning and recreation, the act of play is usually associated with a variety of props, such as animals and toys.

Mental

Is able to use words involving four to six letters, such as ball and spoons.

Ability to follow a simple instruction accompanied by an appropriate hand gesture, such as fetching an object, having first pointed to it, and asking the child to collect it.

The ability to realise that an object still exists even when it is out of view to the child, such as placing a toy in a box and closing the lid.

Jean Piaget, a well known child psychologist, conducted object permanence experiments with infants. His results reflected the fact that such awareness was particularly evident at the age of eight to nine months. Such experiments may lead one to understand why infants younger than about nine months do not exhibit a tendency to cry when their mothers are no longer there, viz. “out of sight, out of mind.” This concept can lead to “A not B” errors, where an infant looks for an object in a place where it should not be.

Emotional

Using words or gestures that the child will understand to signify particular objects, such as pointing at a toy and raising the arms to indicate picking up the toy, or alternatively, saying the word cup using an exaggerated movement of the mouth with the intention of receiving the cup from the child.

To use actions that will entertain the child, such as covering your eyes with your hands, and then removing the hands again, whilst playing the game peek-a-boo.

This game further demonstrates the inability of some infants to understand object permanence, which is regarded as an important stage in the development of a child’s intelligence.

Babies and Toddlers – How To Succeed

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
6
Jul 11

Advantages of a Schwinn Double Jogging Stroller

Having kids early in marriage and with lesser age difference has its own advantages and disadvantages. This is entirely for you to decide if you can handle a toddler and an infant at the same time. The biggest advantage is that you quickly complete your family and both kids have almost similar age related requirements. Same is the case with having twins. Although you may not be at liberty to choose if you want to have two babies together but they are great at giving company to each other and seeking less of your time. But this again differs from case to case.

The fact remains that many families have a toddler and an infant at the same time. This could have been an issue if it was not for Schwinn double jogging stroller. Most parents prefer to take all the kids out to the park when they go out for a jog. It is not always possible to leave one unattended while you run or jog. So the most convenient thing to have is a Schwinn double jogging stroller.

You can easily fit in both of the kids easily and comfortably in a Schwinn double jogging stroller. This way you can have them with you at all times. Previously when the double jogger strollers were not introduced, people had to cramp up their kids in one seat which was not very comfortable and eventually moms would give up their fitness for the sake of their children’s comfort.

Now a single parent or a couple can conveniently handle both the young ones single handedly in a much more secure and comfortable way. If you and your spouse are planning to have more than one kid but still have only one, even then it is sensible to go for a Schwinn double jogging stroller. This can be great for carrying your stuff when you go shopping and when the second child comes, you are already prepared.

You should realize that strollers are not cheap. So if you are planning to have more than one baby then opting for a Schwinn double jogging stroller would be a sensible decision as handling two strollers will always require two people, but having a Schwinn double jogging stroller would mean one person can handle both the kids while the other parent is at liberty to shop or exercise freely.

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