February 2008

Take a deep breath, and change your focus from those wet or dirty diapers to a whole new routine for your two year old, potty time.

• The right age is two, or just a couple of months before or after. (By 2 ½ they love to say NO!) Start by getting a good potty book your child…

• Get a potty timer, a loud timer that you keep in the bathroom to set for 1 to 2 hours as a reminder for potty time. The timer, not you, is interrupting your child to announce that it is time for the potty.

• Buy really cool underwear or cloth training pants for your toddler. Getting wet is important physical feedback when your child starts to pee, so use diapers or pull ups only for naps and bedtime, never daytime.

• The bathroom is the happening place. No more changing table, bed or floor for changing wet or soiled clothes. Have your child sit on the potty while you get him cleaned up. Talk about how the pee got his clothes wet, and how he’ll stay nice and clean when the pee or poop goes in the potty.

• Praise, praise, praise and reward the effort each time he sits on the potty. Your child may pee in his pants just two minutes after potty time, but remember that this is a learned skill. It takes time to learn to relax those muscles on command. Accidents are a necessary part of the learning process.

• Be prepared. Try to spend more time at home the first week and keep any outings super short. Watch the clock (or keep the timer in your purse) and stop for bathroom breaks on schedule. Carry multiple changes of clean clothes and line the car seat with an absorbent pad, but DO NOT put your child in a diaper if you need to go out. You will be saying that it is OK to wet in your pants when it is not convenient to use a toilet.

• Keep the routine going. Once your child gets the idea, don’t assume he will tell you when he needs to use the bathroom. It will be important to keep potty breaks first thing in the morning, before and after every meal, nap, outing, etc.

Look to other moms for encouragement and keep a sense of humor about potty training. Soon you and your child will be celebrating your success!

Happiness is…no more diapers!

Did you know that nearly every minute of every day a baby is born with HIV? Gwyneth Paltrow knows, and she’s doing something about it.

Gwyneth is involved with UNICEF’s new Born Free from HIV campaign, The Gift, so-called because HIV is a gift no mother wants to give her child, but a gift of medication (or funding for the medication) can help the situation. Right now, only one in five mothers receive the medication that will prevent HIV from being passed to her baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These babies, once delivered, are unlikely to see their second birthday without proper treatment.

The thing that makes this unbearable is that it can be stopped. An effective treatment exists and costs less than $2.00. Seriously — there is an inexpensive treatment available that will keep 98% of mothers from passing HIV to their children.

To learn more about The Gift or to see how you can help, visit their website.

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

Happiness is getting e-mailed an adorable picture of your nephew (and brother)!

Picture of Joel Smith with son Byrd Oliver.

Spring is on our heels and so is that time of year when we begin the search for the “picture perfect” dress or ensemble for our little darlings. It may be a first birthday, a baptism, or an important wedding and your sweet girl has been carefully chosen as the tiniest of bridesmaids or flower girl!

In most cases we are all looking for the same thing however, not literally! We all wish for uniqueness, knee weakening frocks with dazzle and charmed to perfection. Why wouldn’t we? I mean our little princesses are exactly that… petite royal highnesses and must look the part for every photo opportunity.

When I think of posh and precious I think of a few special designers; today I will highlight one that has been one of my favorites since the early 2000′s. The designer is named Heidi Schwarck and the name of her company is Luna Luna of Copenhagen.

Luna Luna is comprised of not only stunning show-stopping dresses but gorgeous layette and accessories for newborn and infant girls. Each season Heidi designs a memory making dress for her clientele. Each year Luna Luna’s party dress is a retail success. It is historically the best selling dress in its category and by far the most unique. This combination is no easy feat, but for Heidi it was a consistent accomplishment. Heidi was a New York women’s designer for design houses such as Jones of New York, Bill Blass and Tahari. She then started a family and left the fashion industry until she had her third baby, a baby girl named Luna.

Luna was born and like most sweet baby girls, she had no hair. Heidi designed a whimsical baby hat with beauty and detail. It was important to her the hat projected femininity, as Luna was often mistaken for a boy. She received several comments and inquiries and the rest is as they say history. Heidi began Luna Luna in the early 2000′s and today her clothing line is represented in several specialty stores across the country. The best way to describe Heidi’s style is a Californian lifestyle meets elegant European flair. Luna Luna consists of two-piece sets, gorgeous take-me-home layette sets, diaper covers, hats and booties and the ever popular party dresses. This dress is worth more than each dollar you spend! The compliments and the smiles on your baby girl’s face will be worth more than the retail total of your purchase.

So, as you begin to ponder through all those catalogs you receive in the mail or wander through the same websites, take a moment and stroll through Luna Luna of Copenhagen.  You will be very happy you did!

Earlier this month, Bon Jovi headlined a concert to raise funds for cancer research. The concert benefited Stand Up For A Cure, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending lung cancer.

The band dedicated the concert to Richie Sambora‘s father, who died of cancer just last year. To honor him, Richie opened with a solo. The show took place on February 12 and was already sold out about a week ahead of time, at which point it had already raised $1 million to fund two mobile hospice units for low-income New York neighborhoods. Stand Up For A Cure announced on its website that the two state of the art units will be named the “Adam and Joan Sambora Mobile Care Units.”

Other celebrities planning to perform for the cause are Jerry Seinfeld, Brian Wilson, and Andrea Bocelli. All performances will take place throughout the year in the New York City area as part of the inaugural Stand Up For A Cure concert series.

Photo courtesy of dailymail.co.uk

Last week was the first in a series on bullying. Both subtle and overt forms of bullying occur every day in our schools that can have a devastating effect on our children. The first step in stopping this behavior is the school taking a stand, a “No Bullying” policy. This policy must then manifest itself into a belief that all members in the school, administrators, teachers, counselors, yard supervisors, student and parents, stand up and follow. At school, we frequently talk about bullying at our assemblies and in our classrooms so that children know what to do to protect themselves. If you have not heard your child talking about anti-bullying practices at school, it may be a good idea to speak with your child’s teacher and/or principal. Once you have discovered school policies, here are some strategies to teach your child when being bullied:

1. Stand up for yourself. Verbally express that you do not like what is happening. Using “I” statements are great, such as, “I feel ___ when you talk to me like that. Please don’t do it again.” Many young bullies will leave a child alone once he/she is stood up to by the child. Also, we as a society need to stand up to this poor behavior if it is to change. Far too many bullies have been allowed to hide, making the behavior seem acceptable. Encourage your child to come home from school and talk to you about it.

2. If it happens again, immediately have your child tell the teacher or a yard supervisor. Give an adult at school the opportunity to learn about the situation and make appropriate consequences. Again, encourage your child to tell you about it.

3. If the bullying behavior continues, set up an appointment to met with your child’s teacher. It is important that your child feel supported and safe throughout the process.

By Sarah Skarda 

There is a wonderful make-up line called “tarte” that is so fashionable with its packaging, tempting colors and product selection, not to mention the remarkable vitamin-enriched formulas!

“Tarte” is the talk among Hollywood Stars and can make you feel as glamorous as a star! Not to mention, it’s affordable! Tarte is one of my TOP picks for adding to your everyday look to make you feel gorgeous and chic! Every fashion forward gal has the top fabulous beauty products in her make-up bag so here is one from “Tarte” to add to your bag!

I recommend the airplane friendly Cheekstains ($28), which has 8 shades to choose from so you are “tickled” pink everyday! I love using the color “flush” for a natural sun kissed or bashful blushed look. Perfect for a fresh, new look especially with spring and summer around the corner. With cheekstains there is an alternative for applying blush, which does not require a brush.

Putting Cheekstains on is a self explanatory, virtually effortless application process, especially for an on-the-go beauty!

Happiness is looking beautiful everyday from “tarte” to finish!

I am a little bit in love with Katie Holmes these days. She is single-handedly bring old school Hollywood glamour back into style with her sharp bob and smoky eyes and sleek black wardrobe. At the same time, though, her look is entirely modern and fashion-forward, with just enough edge to make us sit up and pay attention. And she always — ALWAYS — looks fantastic.

What I love the most about Holmes, though, is not her couture wardrobe, but the way that she incorporates her fashion magazine look into her everyday life as a wife and mother. And yes, it probably is easier to do this when your husband is Tom Cruise, but the idea that becoming a mom isn’t the end of being an It Girl is incredibly appealing.

Too often, women give birth and give up. We give ourselves over entirely to our children and their needs, and we forget to take care of ourselves. And then one day we look in the closet and realize that all we own are sweat pants and tee shirts with stains on them. To see Holmes toting her daughter while wearing an impeccably fitted little black dress is inspiring. If she can do it, why can’t we all?

While I realize that most of us can’t pull off Holmes’ look every day, I do think that she is fascinating because she exemplifies what we all hope is true: having a baby is not the end of being stylish. It is entirely possible to be a soccer mom AND be an It Girl. Every time I see Holmes in the news, I feel inspired to put on some eye liner and a great pair of sunglasses and feel a little less like the mommy and a little more like a style icon.

And that is why I love her.

Photo via InStyle.com.

Oprah has a new show premiering on March 2 called Big Give. On the show, Oprah will hand contestants from across the country a wad of cash, but there’s a catch:

They have to use the money to change the lives of others in the biggest possible way.

This is Oprah‘s way of allowing others to feel the high of giving, as well as show people across the nation how big a difference one person can make. Of course, because it’s a television show, it’s also a contest — it all comes down to who was able to be the biggest giver, and someone who doesn’t make the cut is eliminated each week.

Adding to the draw of this new show are the celebrity guests. Oprah‘s pals Jennifer Anniston, Andre Agassi, Jada Pinkett-Smith, John Travolta, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and more will show up along the way to lend a hand. From the previews, it looks like John Travolta flies somebody somewhere, and I know some of the folks will be judges, but other than that, I don’t know what roles the other famous faces will play. You’ll just have to watch and find out!

Oprah’s Big Give premieres March 2 at 9 EST on ABC.

Photo courtesy of biggeststars.com

I often find myself sharing food ideas with parents. This recipe is delicious, and so simple I have often written it down for parents as a great way to increase the milk and protein intake of finicky toddlers.

Dutch Baby (or German Baby) is a large oven pancake. I clipped the recipe below many years ago from a Williams-Sonoma catalog. Their current website has only the Dutch Apple Pancake recipe shown in the photo. The apple version has less milk and more eggs, but try the plain one first; I love the less “eggy” version so much more.

So here it is…

Dutch Baby

This recipe for Dutch Baby has been a long-time favorite in my family and when my son’s friends come for a sleepover, it is always the most requested breakfast. Enjoy!

To view other articles by Dr. Pat…click here.

We all know there’s an election coming up. Some of us might have taken part in the primary, while others waited for that decision to be made for them. The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am knew he wanted to see change, but was content to let others dictate who would lead our country in the direction of change.

And then, as he says, came New Hampshire.

After hearing Barack Obama‘s speech in New Hampshire, will.i.am was inspired to do his part to bring our country together, and so he got a bunch of his musical friends together and within 48 hours they had recorded the Yes We Can song. From there, will.i.am launched HOPE.ACT.CHANGE., which states:

Larger than any of us, made possible by all of us. … We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. … What can you do today to inspire another? An act of service. A work of art. Express yourself.

Regardless of your political beliefs, this is an important message not only for us, but for our children. When we believe in something — politics, religion, a cause — we have the power to act. We have the power to create change. And we don’t need to wait for someone else to do it for us.

HOPE.ACT.CHANGE. lists links for information on all the candidates, not just Obama. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the site here.

Photo courtesy of starpulse.com

In the past five years the newborn industry has experienced an overwhelming explosion of luxury baby blanket resources for our choosing. I heard it asked on several occasions by sales people in stores “What makes blanket A more superior than blanket B?” My reply was always: “There is never just one choice to be made.” My reasons for this reply were vast. Most importantly, we have learned that babies require a myriad of blankets morning, noon and night. Each of them serves a unique purpose. Receiving, stroller, crib, daycare, christening, tag-a-longs, lovies and so much more.

My personal favorite classification was the “Luxury Baby Blanket” category. This is where we find our lavishly, soft and cozy wraps for baby in delicious pastels lined with sumptuous silks, cashmeres and cottons. While I could name dozens of blanket manufacturers I will take this opportunity to highlight just one. Luxe Baby, which is made in the U.S. This small in size, however grand in elegance is a Southern California based company. Owner, Designer Paty Murillo has cornered the market in vintage femininity. The magic of Luxe baby is the romantic nuance each of these blankets bring to a baby carriage, crib or any room where baby sleeps. The average price point of these exquisitely made blankets is $72.00. Why do I love Luxe baby so much? Well, the first time I picked up one of these supple cuddle wraps I said “how much would I love to wrap myself around one these treasures?” I would love it!

Luxe baby designed beautiful, adult-sized throws for mama to indulge along with baby. These are not inexpensive, however make a timeless gift for any mother-to-be, new mom or your best friend! The price point range is $100.00 to 180.00. Again, with baby blankets being such an emerging and profitable facet of the baby accessory business the adult category is slowly making a home for itself in specialty stores. The next time you find yourself in the mood to treat yourself, imagine tucking yourself in just as you would your precious little darling.

Confession: I resent kids menus.

I think they demean our children, reducing them to tasteless creatures with no desire for adventure or variety. (The only exceptions to this are the kids menus that are truly exciting. The picture on the right is from one of our local restaurants. Kids have a choice of about five menu items, and they arrive in a retro metal lunch box with a choice of two sides. LOVE this.)

Now, before you get all worked up in defense of standard kids menus, let me clarify. My kids both love chicken nuggets, and we certainly serve mac and cheese at our house. BUT, these are not the only foods they eat. And, if we are at a restaurant, shouldn’t they get something different and exciting just like we do?

My best tip for getting out of the kids menu rut is to order from the appetizer section of the menu. For example, my daughter loves ordering Buffalo Wings (mild). She eats nearly an entire order at one sitting, happily dipping her celery sticks into the bleu cheese dressing. Max’s favorite non-kids’ menu item is chili. Many family-friendly restaurants have chili on their appetizer menu. He likes eating it with tortilla chips as scoops instead of a spoon.

The appetizer tip also works at ethnic restaurants. Empanadas, edamame and chicken satay are all kid-friendly and will all help to expand your child’s repertoire.

What do your kids eat when you take them out to restaurants?

Later this spring, the Fonda family — Jane, Peter, and Bridget – will come together for the “Three Generations of Fonda Filmmaking” benefit to support The Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, which Jane started in 1995. G-CAPP is a non-profit organization “committed to enriching the lives of adolescents and helping them achieve a healthy, productive future free of early pregnancy.” This year marks G-CAPP’s 13th year of helping Georgia’s youth.

The benefit will be held on May 12, and for the first time ever, Jane Fonda, Peter Fonda, Bridget Fonda and Troy Garity will be together on one stage. They will discuss their film careers, their favorite scenes, and the Fonda who started it all.

For an event such as this, I think we can expect to see a good portion of Hollywood mosey on down south to the Woodruff Arts Center to honor Henry Fonda along with his family. Interested in attending? Check it out here, and be sure to tell me all about it!

Photo courtesy of Hollywood.com

While bullying isn’t new, in recent years it has come into the forefront in schools across our county. The news depicts plenty of escalating bullying behaviors that have tragically ended in school shootings or suicide. Between 15-25% of U.S. students report that they experience bullying with some frequency, and surprisingly 15-20% of students report that they engage in bullying others (see stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov). As a principal, I take bullying very seriously and a few years back adopted a school wide Bully Free Zone policy. Bullying hurts both the person who is allowed to bully and his/her victims. It is as insidious as gossip and is often difficult to control if allowed to go unchallenged for an extended period of time. If bullying is to stop at schools, it has to start with a serious commitment on the part of school officials, teachers and students. First, students need a clear understanding of exactly what bullying is: repeated physical acts that hurt, spreading rumors, being exclusive (cliques), mean, or “gang-type” activities. While some bullying is overt and easily detected, it seems the subtler bullying can almost be more hurtful as it is easy to miss, and its constant pecking away at a young person’s soul can take a serious toil.

We start our school year by openly and honestly discussing/defining bullying. Just opening up and actually saying the word “bullying” in front of students has allowed many important discussions to begin. Once we have determined our definition, we then talk about what we are going to do about it: what behaviors we will accept as a student body, and what behaviors we will not. It is mind-boggling how quickly even the youngest children are able to clarify right from wrong. They know what behaviors/words scare them and they are just waiting for the adults to step up and help set the rules: AND stick with them. Schools need to play hardball against bullying. I then ask every teacher and student to take a pledge against bullies: if you want to be a bully, you will have to go to school somewhere else. No bullies allowed. Period. You can hear a clear collective sigh of relief in our school auditorium. Our school is different. Everyone is safe. It is amazing what children can do when they feel safe.

Next steps? Concrete ideas? Hang on until next week, as this post is the start of a series. Next week I will explore what you can do as a parent. If you have a question, I would love to answer!

It happens to all of us. We all know that we should wash our face before we go to bed; especially if we have make-up on. Yes there are those lucky few whose skin is beautiful whether or not they are religious about washing.

So, here’s a little shortcut for those nights when you need a fast, gentle face-wash so you can hop into bed lickety-split.

The Ultimate Cleansing Cloths were developed for the most sensitive baby skin, and also make a wonderful make-up remover. Extra thick cloths soaked in a no-rinse; hypoallergenic solution they are the perfect solution to clean your face before bedtime. Dermatologist-tested.

In addition to removing the dirt and oil that has accumulated over the day, gentle moisturizers will hydrate skin leaving it perfectly soft for the pillow that is calling your name.

Once upon a time, people used to arrange their days around meals, which were less about eating than they were about being social. I find that in my day, I still look forward to similar social rituals: morning coffee (which I drink alone), afternoon tea (shared with my children), and an evening cocktail (with my husband). And while I don’t usually change out of my Mom Uniform for any of these little moments of civility, I like the idea that there are actual clothes — the cocktail dress, for example — designed around these rituals.

However, I draw the line at merging the Mom Uniform and the Cocktail Dress, particularly since the merger has lead to (I shudder to type it) Cocktail Shorts.

Yes, really.

Cocktail shorts offend every fiber of my being. Shorts are not cocktail attire; shorts are what you wear to a barbecue, for example, or to any event that will involve being outdoors or tossing a football or chasing small children. Cocktails call for grown-up clothes, pieces that do not permit running or climbing. To attempt to recreate shorts as cocktail attire is an insult to the Little Black Dress and all it stands for.

Cocktail shorts are also an insult to shorts, which are, after all, the perfect casual wear. It really IS possible to dress your shorts up by pairing them with a lovely blouse and some pretty shoes, but shorts are still casual wear, and casual wear — pieces that are specifically for lounging on weekends — is an important part of any wardrobe. To merge the two, to say that making shorts out of silk or satin and pairing them with stiletto heels makes them suddenly dressy, takes all the fun out of wearing shorts.

The whole idea of cocktail shorts as a viable trend is enough to make me start dressing for dinner.  Honestly.

Photo courtesy of Instyle.com.

Supermodel and Project Runway host Heidi Klum, along with other celebrities such as Crash star Thandie Newton, is donating a dress to the 27 Dresses Charity Auction, set to take place in London on March 4. The event, which will auction off garments donated by celebrities around the world, plays off Katherine Heigl‘s new romantic comedy 27 Dresses.

The auction will benefit the Lavender Trust, a UK-based charity “funding information and support for younger women with breast cancer.” It is the only fund in the UK dedicated to serving this particular age group and it’s specific needs.

Kylie Minogue and her sister Dannii have donated gowns — Kylie donating a white John Galliano dress from the Cannes Film Festival last year while Dannii gave a silver, full length halter-style gown. You might recall that only a couple of years ago Kylie herself battled breast cancer, so I’m sure she jumped on the opportunity to help others.

Also making donations are Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alesha Dixon, and the Sugababes.

The dresses will be modeled in a fashion show on March 4 at London’s Sketch nightclub.

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

Protecting our children is always our number one concern, so it is especially worrisome to think we may be unintentionally causing them harm. We tackled phthalates in baby products, only to be confronted with BPA in plastic baby bottles.

BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in hard plastics made of polycarbonate, like baby bottles, Nalgene bottles, and even the plastic lining inside soda cans. The chemical leaches out of the plastic into food or drink, only to be consumed. (Add that to the long list of reasons for kids to avoid soda!)

Even small amounts of BPA are a concern for any infant, but a baby who is fed canned formula, especially if it is heated in the bottle, can consume potentially toxic levels on a daily basis. Developing infants and young children are most susceptible to the hormone-disrupting effects of BPA, but the chemical can be toxic to adults as well. Concerns about BPA have come from many sides, ranging from scientific journals to health blogs to ABC News.

Parents have asked me if they should avoid plastic baby bottles because of BPA. As a pediatrician and a mother, this is an easy call. Why put our children at risk?

What to do? Most brands of clear plastic baby bottles (like the one pictured here) contain BPA, so use glass bottles or plastic liner bags (which do not have BPA) for infant feeding. Look for BPA-free plastic bottles and toddler cups and as well as “safe” plastics, like #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) or #5 polypropylene (PPE). Don’t heat foods or liquids in plastics if possible.

My son is long past babyhood, but now I’m off to inspect the Nalgene bottles in his camping gear. (If they are #7, then they’re history.) The bottles are probably past their prime anyway, so after reading the Green Guide I think I’ll replace them with HDPE.

Hmm…glass baby bottles. I think we have come full circle…

The Black Eyed Peas held their fourth annual charity concert at the Avalon in Hollywood, where they, together with some of their famous friends, raised money for charity.

Specifically, they raised money for their Peapod Foundation, which provides aid to underprivileged children while also introducing them to new musical and technological programs. The Black Eyed Peas have supported numerous causes by giving free concerts and taking part in volunteer projects.

They focus not only on children’s causes here in the United States, but across the globe, such as a benefit concert for tens of thousands of people living in rural South Africa, after which they vowed to combat global issues affecting kids, particularly orphaned, foster and impoverished children.

Their funky style has brought attention (and raised funds) for children of all races — fitting for a group as diverse as the BEPs.

Photo courtesy of rollingstone.com

Bath time for baby is not only a special bonding experience between parent and child, it is also an opportunity to provide imaginative playtime for squeaky clean infants and toddlers. In years past, we were forced to entertain our little ones with a simple rubber ducky and if you were lucky a few animal shaped sponges. Today, innovative bath toys are made available to us with just the right amount of personal expression and whimsicality which makes bath time a splash!

Bathing baby is an event which begins very early and continues well into the toddler years. Buying bath time products is always a win if you are searching for a gift for a baby shower, a first birthday or any holiday. You do not need to know the gender of the child so it makes it easy to select the perfect gift! Bath toys and accessories are always welcomed by any mother of a newborn or infant. Several children’s specialty boutiques and websites have now created ample sized bath shops, as this category has emerged successfully and will continue to grow.

Here are a few of my “fun in the tub” favorites: Sassy Baby’s Ali Sorter helps develop motor skills, encourages hand eye coordination and looks adorable in the tub. When baby bathers have had their fill, just hang the alligator by it’s tail from bath or shower head.

ALEX bath toys are a popular favorite and now have offer 650 items in their “rub-a-dub” collection. The company is dedicated to brightening a child’s mind and spirit. Alex tub toys are a myriad of chunky bold designs in shape sorters, bath books and floating cars. Another award winner is the “shaving in the tub” kit. Baby can lather up with all the plastic shaving accessories just like dad. The shaving kit won the parenting media award as well as parents magazine best toys of the year award.

Elegant Baby and Swankie Blankie offer sweet and snazzy. Swankie’s hooded towels are designed with flair, handmade and are machine washable. Vibrant rubber duck and washcloth gift sets by Elegant baby will keep little ones clean, dry and busy at bath time. Be sure to check out the menagerie of ducks available in stripes, dots, and brights galore!

Happiness is never having to take a bath without a dozen bright and fashionable squeaky clean rubber duckies.

There are a lot of elements to being a great cook. Technique is certainly one of them, and luckily, that can be learned. By reading great blogs, buying key books, or even attending local classes, you can learn knife skills, grilling techniques, and the difference between a saute and a braise. Another element to being a great cook is the ability to improvise. This comes with time and practice. And, you will certainly need the ability to get over the disasters you will create along the way.

The final element to being a great cook (in my opinion) is using top-of-the-line ingredients. Over the next few months, I’ll do my best to highlight some of these. Today, though, to kick this off, I’d like to share my very favorite: smoked paprika.

If you have never tasted smoked paprika, you are in for a real treat. It is not overly smoky, but just enough to let the sweet and sultry flavor of the paprika shine through. I use this ingredient in lots of recipes, but my favorite way to use it is on chicken. In a small bowl, combine about 1 Tb. kosher salt, 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, 1 Tb. garlic powder and at least 1 tsp. smoked paprika. Mix this together and rub it all over some chicken breasts (skin on, bone in). Cook these on the grill or pop them in a 375 degree oven until they reach 165 degrees. Pure heaven.

Image courtesy of Zingermans.

Bob Barker, former host of The Price is Right, recently donated $1 million to his alma mater, Drury University, to establish an undergraduate animal ethics program. You might remember hearing Barker encourage his audience to remember to spay and neuter at the end of every show, and now that he’s retired he is devoting himself even more heartily to the cause of animal ethics and rights.

Before he retired, Barker had already given millions of dollars to top law schools throughout the country to help them create animal-ethics curricula, hoping that this would encourage those with a future in law to consider animal rights as a career path. He also founded the DJ&T Foundation in 1995, which is “devoted to the support of low cost Spay/Neuter Clinics and voucher programs “all across the country.”

Barker hopes to do more for animal rights in the coming years, and he stays busy with his charity work, saying, “I’m so busy, I don’t know how I ever had time to do The Price is Right.” But, we’re all glad he did, not only because it was a great show, but it gave him the opportunity to bring attention and donate a lot of money to a very worthy cause.

Photo courtesy of Robert Hanashiro of USA Today (usatoday.com)

Yippee! It is finally here! Am I the only one who adores Valentine’s Day? Cheesy? I think not. The day is only lame if you allow yourself to get sucked into the overpriced flowers and mandatory dinner out at an overpriced restaurant. I guess I am focused on this day as a small beacon of hope in this world gone mad. In a time when not a lot makes sense, the true essence of Valentine’s Day does. Let your family know that they rock your world. Here are a few easy ideas to make the day memorable for you, your spouse and your children.
- Surprise your children and deliver breakfast to them IN BED. That’s right! My ten year-old daughter is in for a big surprise. Instead of the usual, “Good morning, it is time to get up and get ready for school” spiel and morning kiss, this year she will be having breakfast in her room! What could be better? (My three year old is probably a little too young to understand this concept, so he will be up helping me serve.)
- My husband will find a giant red heart with lip prints in the middle, all done in lipstick, on his bathroom mirror. I will also tuck a love note in his pant’s pocket for him to discover at work. Just a small flirtatious way to make him smile during the day.
- Trader Joe’s sells great fixing’s to make your own pizza- no real effort involved. Each year we shape the dough into a heart and dine on this simple meal so we have some extra family time together in the evening.
I like these ideas because they show a sweet sentiment to your family. Valentine’s Day truly is a day to tell those you love how you feel. Hope you take a few minutes to count your blessings…

There is no right or wrong answer when asked how often you should wash your hair. It comes down to what works for you. But, if you choose to skip a day, we have an excellent grooming tool for days between shampoos. The Conditioning Hair Polish was developed as a leave-in hair conditioner for children, but is becoming equally popular with our grown-up friends!

It works great on short hair, long hair, straight and curly hair. Because it is extra-light, it will not weigh down even the finest hair. It has a fresh, gentle fragrance that makes your hair smell like you just shampooed!

How do you use the Conditioning Hair Polish? Brush your hair. Spray a generous amount of polish on areas where you have “bed-head,” style as you normally would after shampooing. Your hair will benefit from the natural antioxidants and will look shiny too!

It’s alright if you want to share your Conditioning Hair Polish with the little ones in the house . . . everyone wakes up with “bed-head” or has a no-wash hair day from time to time. 

How many of you are sporting the Mom Uniform of jeans and a tee, or one of its many variants (capris and a tee, skirt and a tee, cords and … a tee). T-shirts are such a Mom Staple; they’re easy to wear and easy to care for and easy on the budget.

But they can also be boring. How about spicing up your tees with a cute jacket? So easy, and yet such a huge difference.

I love this jacket, from Francesca’s, for several reasons. It’s a cotton/spandex blend, which means that it is both versatile and washable, which makes it a nice addition to any basics wardrobe. The slim silhouette and single button keep it simple while the puffed sleeves and elaborate Elizabethan-inspired collar make it more than just your jean jacket.

Wear over a tee (long OR short sleeved) or tank, or with a beautiful blouse. Pair with jeans and chinos and an A-line skirt. Dress it up or dress it down. This jacket takes the everyday to a new level, and gives your Mom Uniform a little lift.

Tres Jolie jacket, Francesca‘s, $52.00.

Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are making an effort to bring some eco-consciousness to the use of their uber-fabulous yacht. The toothsome twosome plan to tour the Caribbean in a yacht that has been deemed as “eco-friendly.” Granted, that’s not to say that it’s good for the environment, but it’s better than the other option.

However, Camilla‘s hat might take away a little of the eco-friendlines of the yacht trip — it looks like she’s wearing an owl in her hair. But still, since this power-couple has the power to make such an impact, I’m going to go ahead and give them both props for putting the idea of more eco-friendly travel out there for others contemplating a vacay-by-yacht.

According to Charles’s office, sailing instead of flying would reduce the trip’s carbon footprint. And so, even though I’m sure it doesn’t do the same good as staying at home, thank you to Charles and Camilla for making the best choice they can.

Photo courtesy of ecorazzi.com

Eating is a hot topic at doctor visits for children of all ages. Even more than adults, kids go through phases with eating…a food they loved one week is taboo the next.

I tell parents that many toddlers average one good meal every other day… it may simply not happen that your little one eats green vegetables every day. You keep offering them, but more often than not, they aren’t being eaten.

These phases are normal…yes, picky eaters are normal! And since the rate of your child’s growth slows down dramatically in the second and third years, appetites are smaller too.

Is there hope for healthy nutrition at these tender ages? Yes, but you must lay the groundwork.

• Be upbeat and positive about healthy food choices. You should decide what is offered and when the meals and snacks are given. Your youngster must choose from what you have served, but be sure to include some favorites.
• Set regular times for meals and snacks, more frequently for younger children. Eating should be at the table (or for the younger set, the high chair), not on the floor while playing or watching TV.
• Allow your child to decide how much he eats and even whether he eats or not. If your child wants to leave the table without eating at all, it is a mistake to try to force him to eat. He will eat when he is hungry, and that’s OK. At the next meal or snack your child may be more willing.
• Eat together. You set an example when eating healthy foods.
• Involve older kids in planning and preparing meals.

Children who control their own intake eat better and ultimately choose more variety than children who are forced or pushed to eat. Nutrition Explorations by The National Dairy Council has many ideas for fostering healthy eating with your child. Try their fun facts and games with your kids.

So how to get a picky eater to eat? Put him in charge, sit back and…be patient!

Jack Johnson (a very handsome, talented singer/songwriter/surfer/beach bum) released his latest album this week, Sleep Through the Static, and though I haven’t listened to every song yet, I can tell you one really cool fact about it: Johnson used the most eco-friendly means possible to bring it to fruition.

The album was recorded using only solar energy, and the packaging for the CD is made from recycled materials.

This really comes as no surprise, as Johnson has been green since long before it was cool. The Oahu native grew up surfing some of the biggest waves in the world and had an interest in nature from his early days. He recently told Rolling Stone, “When you’re surfing really big waves, you’re reminded of how itsy-bitsy you are. Seeing the power of nature all around you like that gives you a profound respect for it.”

The father of two, while well known for his environmental beliefs, says he doesn’t want to be the next Al Gore. He told Outside Magazine, “I’m not trying to act like I’ve got all the answers and that I’m greener than everyone else. I want to do what I can to help, but sometimes it starts to overwhelm me.”

Many of us who strive to make the world a better place feel overwhelmed by all that there is to do, but Johnson gives us a good reminder that those feelings shouldn’t keep us from doing our part, however big or small it is.

Photo courtesy of A Broken Melody Soundtrack via www.lat34.com

Valentine’s Day is a week away and we still have time to consider a gift for our Little Sweethearts. I have always had a passion for hearts, and this is the time of year when we are able to discover an abundance of unique keepsakes not only for ourselves but also for baby. The beauty of buying heart shaped treasures is that they are fashionable year round! The heart is indeed a universal symbol of “Love” and is often used to adorn many elements of clothing and accessories for newborns and infants. If you too hold a passion for hearts, here are a few of my favorites to share!

Yummy, washable cashmere hoodies and blankets by Amber Hagen. These are luxurious to the touch, not to mention how charming your cherub will be wrapped in the cardigan or blanket. The Cardigan is sized 3 month to 24 months and retails for $160.00, well worth the extravagance! The famous tattoo hoodie is the Tinsel Town favorite; celebs such as Julia Roberts, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Garner and Angelina Jolie are all fans! Stylish gift boxes are available for an additional $5.00 if you are sending as a gift.

While shopping, ease your travels with the ultimate stroller accessory by Dante Beatrix. This tote bag is not only beautifully tailored and timeless it is extremely functional. It was designed to compliment any women’s personal style and store diapers, sippy cups and my favorite All of my Heart soap by Noodle & Boo. The bag has clips to fasten to stroller and extends long enough to to wear across the body like a hip handbag. Dante Beatrix is the bag of choice for famous moms like Marcia Cross and former Bachelorette turned mom Trista Renn. The stroller tote retails for $110.00.

Save the permanent tattoos for others and enjoy a bit of fun with the novelty of a temporary tattoo for your little one. Ooh La la Mama offers the hippest onsies that look adorable with jeans or my personal favorite way to sport, bottomless and chubby legs exposed! You have your choice of zen Buddha, animal print punk star or the Heart Tattoo and several more. These onsies retail for $38.00. So whether you are inclined to purchase one of these contemporary items for your little sweetie for Valentine’s Day or just because, your choice will be heartfelt.

Happiness is finding the sweetest heart for you and baby too!

There are probably many arguments or justifications for why you do not give to people “begging” for money. Here are a few thoughts you may have had, “I’m not sure that she is going to buy food . . . probably going to fund cigarettes, liquor or maybe even drugs.” “I already give a lot to charity.” “He is not really homeless or hungry, it is a scam.” “If she was really hungry, she would go to a shelter.” “Will work for food . . . he doesn’t want a job, he just wants a free ride.” “She doesn’t need that wheelchair, it is a prop.” “You chose to be homeless; you can get ‘help’ if you really wanted to. . .”

Hmmm . . . maybe you are right and maybe you are wrong.

Nevertheless, there is a person who is “down on their luck” asking you for help. Yes, the streets are filled with addicts, mentally ill, beaten down, hopeless people. People walk by everyday, try not to make eye-contact and if they are absolutely pushed to give an answer, say no.

Yes, it could be a scam . . . but what if it’s not?

Isn’t it better to risk being scammed then to potentially walk away from someone who desperately needs help? You never know where that person is in their life or how a simple act of kindness could potentially make “the difference.”

Circumstances may make it impossible to give every time, but maybe start by considering sometimes.

“He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything.” Samuel Johnson

I feel kind of silly writing this post. I have a concern that someone is going to show up at my house one morning and discover that I am a fake. I have wonderful ideas for inventive and healthy school lunches, but the sad fact is that my daughter could care less. What does she want every day? Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, goldfish crackers, a Sigg bottle of filtered water and dessert (preferably chocolate).

I am not sure where she got inherited this desire to eat the same (boring) thing everyday, but it certainly wasn’t from me. I crave variety! I hate cold sandwiches! Bring on the gourmet salads, the luscious and creamy soups, and the crispy falafel. One day, I am sure, my kid will wise up and welcome my creative lunch overtures. Until then, I must be content to write about these fabulous resources and live vicariously through you, my readers. (It also helps to remember that if your kids don’t want variety, that is OK. The important thing is that they are eating something nutritious. No one ever died from eating PB&J every single day. Well, I might, but that would be an anomaly.)

Vegan Lunch Box: This phenomenon started as a blog, but has now become a book, chock-full of delicious, healthy recipes, all intended to be packed up in re-usable bento box-style containers for an environmentally friendly lunch option.

ParentHacks School Lunch Post: Do you read this site? No? Boy, are you missing out. This is the be-all-end-all site for everything you ever needed to know about raising a child. The school lunch post is nearly 18 months old, but the tips in the comment section are still good.

AskMoxie: This is another fabulous online parenting resource, and her post on school lunches generated some terrific suggestions within the comments.

Laptop Lunches: Want to pack your kids’ lunches in a cool container? This is the place to go for your supplies. Warning: These lunchboxes do not feature licensed characters, so if your kid insists on Disney princess decorations, be prepared to do it yourself with stickers and Sharpie markers.

Lock & Lock: Due to my child’s unique lunch demands and her desire for a PowerPuff Girls lunch box, the laptop lunchbox isn’t the best choice for our household, but we do like avoiding plastic wrap and other non-environmentally friendly lunch wrappers. We are big fans of the Lock & Lock containers, which can be found online via the link provided, or at your local Target. Note: The picture above is of one of our Lock&Lock containers. It shows one of the more creative lunches I sent to school with my daughter. (She didn’t eat it.)

We must confess, we love People!  So, it is especially nice when they love us back!  Here is what they posted on their website:

We can’t think of anything more indulgent than relaxing in a long hot bath filled with our favorite products. Top picks for Valentine’s Day romance.

Celeb favorite Glowology by Noodle & Boo provides luxury in a bottle for sensitive skin. And the delicately scented Simply Divine bath set, $45, which contains bottles of Lovely Body Lotion and Heavenly Honey Wash, can’t help but leave you feeling uplifted.

Thank you People!!!

I wear flip flops probably more than I ought to (but hey, I do live in Florida — sue me). I also use more water than I probably need to. Gisele Bundchen is here to make me a bigger offender in the first instance but make me think more about my second problem.

Now that her honey’s Superbowl game is over, Bundchen can focus her attention on launching a new line of flip flops which will raise awareness about water consumption. The Brazilian bombshell and Ipanema brand flip flops will support a campaign by The Akatu Institute which protects the water of the Xingu river. They will also support other organizations dedicated to water conservation, such as the WWF’s Springs from Brazil and Mananciais, which protects water sources close to the Sao Paulo state.

Additionally, they will provide water conservation tips to the rest of us, and you should know that the company follows a lot of green policies. For more information, check out the website!

Photo courtesy of gisele-bundchen.info

Everyday I get the privilege of seeing how tirelessly teachers work for students. I am often taken aback by the genuine love, dedication and commitment that teachers make on a daily basis. They do things that are so subtle, yet so powerful…things that mold the soul. Teachers of today are caregivers that truly keep the moral compass of our society on track. On a daily basis when I hear my daughter tell stories of how funny and helpful her teacher is, coupled with her knack for bringing learning to life, and I see my daughter eagerly completing assignments and “taking it up a notch” because she wants Mrs. Nixon to be proud of her, well, my hat is off to Mrs. Nixon.

Inevitably, in these days of extreme cutbacks at schools, every teacher spends money from his/her own pocket to go above and beyond for children. I am humbled by the extraordinary nature of teachers. In this mixed up world where we honor someone who can sing more than we do a teacher, maybe this Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time to share the love with your child’s teacher. Speaking from “the inside,” most teachers have more mugs than they know what to do with, and they can’t eat 20 boxes of chocolates. So what about doing something unexpected? A handwritten thank you card from you and your child would be so appreciated, as this personal touch would let her know how much you both care. I still have thank you cards tucked away from my days as a teacher, and occasionally I get them out. They make me cry, and smile, thinking back on a particular child. They also remind me why I got into this business in the first place.

In addition, I plan on tucking in a bottle of Lovely Body Lotion because I love the product, the packaging, and the way it says, “Indulge in something special for yourself! You deserve it!” I can’t imagine a teacher who wouldn’t be tickled pink!

Fashion week is in full swing, and the Fall 2008 collections are all about sleek elegance. The shift dress — that simplest of simple wardrobing pieces — is poised to make a comeback for day and evening.

The shift is perhaps the most classic dress shape imaginable; a shift can be tailored to flatter any figure and can be rendered in fabrics that are perfect for work or weekend. The classic shift line is sleeveless and falls to just below the knee, but there are other options as well, including the cap sleeve dress shown here. Add a belt or a cardigan or a bold necklace to change the look; wear with flats or heels or peep toes.

A neutral sheath, in black or brown or navy, is versatile, but don’t sell color short. This spring is all about the return of feminine dressing, and a dress in a beautiful color can still function as a building block in your wardrobe. Choose a shade that looks great with your hair and skin, and that works with other pieces in your closet. Pinks are flattering on nearly everyone, although steer clear of very pale pink and opt instead for a sherbet or watermelon shade, for more sophistication.

Nanette Lepore La Dolce Vita eyelet dress, available at Nordstrom for $360.00.

Orlando Bloom recently spent four days in Nepal on a UNICEF-supported visit. According to Look to the Stars, Bloom‘s forehead was smeared red with “tika” and he was presented with traditional garlands of flowers, which he wore around his neck. I presume this made him look even prettier than usual.

Bloom made the most of his short trip, touring various parts of the country, including Lord Buddha’s birthplace. He spoke with young mothers about their troubles and learned about the vast improvements seemingly simple things like hygiene and sanitation can make.

Additionally, he spent time in a special school for blind children, even participating in a drama the kids were recording for radio. In the drama, and in real life, Bloom encouraged the children to talk about their problems and told them it was good to discuss things that concerned them.

Bloom joins other celebrities like Lucy Lieu, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Alyssa Milano as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, and I’m sure we can expect more good works from him in the future. It certainly looks like he enjoyed his duties!

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

Many parents worry that their infant is eating too little (or too much) and don’t realize that baby usually knows best…

I recently watched a video of a very loving Dad spoon feeding his infant. The baby fed readily for a time, but once he stopped opening his mouth for the spoon, the dad would get him to laugh so he could sneak in another spoonful. Only by crying and squirming did the baby finally get the dad to quit. This dad was teaching the baby to keep eating after he was full…a set up for overeating and later obesity.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for healthy infant feeding:

• Breastfeed as long as you can. Studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of obesity in later life compared to formula feeding.

• Delay solids until 6 months. Many pediatricians are now recommending solids at 6 months old, when babies’ digestions are better able to handle solid foods. Early feeding has been linked to excessive weight gain as well as increased risk of food allergies.

• Transition quickly to finger foods. As soon as your baby can sit in a high chair, offer small soft foods he can scoop up, even if it is just for play at first. Pea-sized pieces of banana, steamed carrot or sweet potato are easy for a baby to pick up and eat. Self-feeding is an important way for your baby to control his intake.

• Look for signals that your baby is full. Breast fed babies will stop feeding when they are satisfied, so give your bottle-fed infant the same control and don’t push him to finish a specific amount. Spoon feeding should end when your baby loses interest, not when the bowl is empty.

• Keep feedings pleasant. Never let the baby fuss in the high chair. If he doesn’t want to eat now, try again later.

Offer extra meals for a small eater, but trust your baby to decide how much to eat…you will both be happier! Next week…the picky eater.

“Hey, where is an Ultimate Cleansing Cloth when I need one…?”

Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, is taking it all off to bring attention to an important issue — Marc Jacobs‘ new t-shirt design.

Just kidding. Kind of. According to PageSix.com, she has teamed up with the designer to bring attention to the importance of wearing sunscreen to prevent skin cancer — something she has taken to heart since moving to California. She now realizes how necessary it is to lather up herself and her three boys before heading outside, as all good Californians know.

Posh joins Heidi Klum, Dita von Teese, Joss Stone and others in posing in the buff for Jacobs’ new line of activism tees. All proceeds from the tees (which will go on sale shortly in Marc Jacobs boutiques) benefit the NYU Skin Cancer Foundation. And while I’d much prefer to see Posh‘s hubby, David Beckham stripping down, I still give the girl props for getting involved with a good cause.

Victoria Beckham photo courtesy of AskMen.com

T-shirt picture courtesy of PageSix.com