Have you ever watched the organizing shows on television? Do you watch in awe that a space can completely be cleared out, renovated, and revealed in a one hour (or less) show and be completed in real time in less than 2 days? Want the secret to getting the same results in the same amount of time? The truth of the matter is that unless you have a carpenter, professional organizer, interior decorator and about 10 other trained professionals (or more), and a hefty budget, you are going to be disappointed if you want your space done in the same amount of time with the same results. Don’t be too disheartened, sometimes when you have to work a little extra hard you end up with better long lasting results. Also, the television shows often miss the most important step.

So, what is this step that I am talking about? What step could help keep your room looking great for months to come? You’ll have to wait a bit longer while I review the other steps in organizing your space. Read the rest »

Q. What should I do about my 5-yr-old lying? He’s a bright boy. Sometimes the lies he tells now are imaginative, but more frequently it’s just denying that he did something by saying it was the ghost who lives with us. How can I get him to accept the consequences when he won’t admit he’s done it? Sometimes I try just saying “Oh look! The shampoo’s spilled all over the floor! Here, you take this towel and I’ll take this one and let’s clean it up.” He shrugs me off like he was a teenager! (He’s 5.)

Other times I ignore the lie coming out of his mouth and go on based on what I can see: He says he put his books away, but they’re still out, so we don’t leave for the park. I don’t think I give the impression that I believe his lies. I just don’t want to have to deal with it.

You’ve done a good bit of experimenting with your responses, and that’s smart. It helps when we parents can notice a difficulty, and instead of stomping on it hard, we try this, and try that, and watch what seems to help and what doesn’t. Experimentation is the sign of a good learner! I think I may be able to add a bit of perspective, and a suggestion or two. Read the rest »

This week the Parent Blog Roundup shares an article on fiscally responsible children from The Donald himself. Plus, the latest from Cabbage Patch Kids and the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow reviewed, a Fleurville diaper bag and $100 giveaway, and an interactive Chinese gender chart – does it work for you?

Moms Buzz: “What You Owe to Your Kids” by Donald Trump Here is an interesting article Moms Buzz found in Trump University blog written by Donald Trump himself about “What You Owe to Your Kids.” In his article, the famous business whiz gives parents of older children an advice on how to make your children financially responsible, how to deal with financial setbacks and manage money.

Classy Mommy: Cabbage Patch Kids Fun to Feed Baby Talk about a blast from the past! How fun to see my little girl enjoying one of these dolls. Check out review here on the latest Cabbage Patch Doll.

One Chic Mama: Feed Your Baby in Cushy Comfort We review the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow. It’s make from memory foam and has it’s own little sidekick pillow to offer extra support.

Boston Mamas: Chittypulga Goodies! There’s just a few days left to enter to win a Fleurville diaper bag PLUS a $100 gift certificate to fill up the Fleurville with fabulous finds from Chittypulga!

Healthy Bump: Win a Zoobie! Zoobie Pets are patented, award winnng, plush animals that turn into pillows and blankets. Enter now by visiting the Healthy Bump Blog.

MomFinds: Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Joggermom.com Need a new stroller? Enter this week’s giveaway by telling us how you’d spend the $100 if you won the prize.

The Nest Baby: Interactive Chinese Gender Chart Found in an ancient royal tomb near Beijing, this Chinese gender chart — now in flash and interactive — is said to be over 90% accurate. Skeptical? Try it out yourself and help us figure out just jow accurate it really is.

Thirty-five reports of plush rocker toys tipping over and ten reports of bumps, bruises and lacerations has prompted the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Tek Nek Toys Int’l to recall more than 120,000 Rock ‘N Ride Plush Rocker Toys. The rocker base can become unstable allowing the rocker to tip forward or backward.

Eight models of the Rock ‘N Ride rockers are included in the recall: brown pony, pink pony, pink unicorn, deluxe pony, deluxe bull, lil’ penguin, lil’ propeller plane and Clifford big red rocker. Read the rest »

This Week’s Prize: $100 Shopping Spree at Joggermom.com

Why: Need a new stroller? Then you need to check out this week’s prize. One lucky reader will win a $100 shopping spree at Joggermom.com, a mom-run site that stocks everything from BOB, Baby Jogger, Valco Baby Strollers and much more. Unsure about which stroller best fits your family’s needs and lifestyle? Owner and mom to four (including triplets!) Kelly is always on hand to give stroller advice. And even if you already have a stroller, who says you can only have one? And you can never have enough stroller accessories when you’re out and about. Read the rest »

Since 1998, the USDA has mandated enriched grain products be fortified with 140ug of folic acid/100g of the food. Why? Because FOLATE or FOLIC ACID is involved in cell division, DNA (genetic expression) and amino acid synthesis. Available folate is critical in the first trimester and even prior to conception to prevent neural tube defects which are birth defects where the brain, spinal cord and their protective membranes do not develop properly, resulting in disability or even death. Folate also supports a healthy placental lining and helps to lower risk for preeclampsia and high blood pressure. Read the rest »

Are you in the Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill area? Come support a wonderful cause and have fun with the whole family! The WonderGirl 5K & Fun Run celebrates the Girls on the Run organization and its commitment to helping make a difference in the lives of girls everywhere.

The WonderGirl 5K & Fun Run brings together the greater Triangle community to celebrate young girls along their journey to choosing healthy lifestyles
and adopting a strong sense of self. Read the rest »