Literally all I did was fill an empty seltzer bottle about a quarter way with water, screwed on the cap tight, and let it roll. The water slows the bottle down from rolling away too fast and El loves chasing it and picking it up and watching the water move around.
I wasn't going to write about my breastfeeding experience on this blog and in a way I'm still not going to. Instead I'm inspired to share a letter I recently wrote to an old high school friend of mine who just had her first baby. Here are some conclusions/thoughts/ideas I've come to in the last few months about how I could've been a little easier on myself in the first few months of El's life.
These three pieces speak for themselves. The first from John Cage, pioneering composer. The second from Angeles Arrien, a cultural anthropologist. The third (I literally just discovered as I was writing this post) from Bruce Mau, a Canadian designer. I was first introduced to John Cage and Angeles Arrien in my study of Emergent Improvisation with Susan Sgorbati at Bennignton College and then again at the Movement Intensive in Compositional Improvisation with Katherine Ferrier, Lisa Gonzales, Jennifer Kayle, and Pamela Vail aka The Architects. They are rules I bring to each if my dance students, to each dance class. I forget the rules often when it comes to working on my choreography. When I am reminded of them they clear a path for me to start down. "Begin anywhere" -John Cage
What do you think? Are there rules you live by? A family friend gave us a cute newborn onesie and hat from Polarn O. Pyret when El was born. I thought it seemed like an over-priced trendy children's clothing company and never considered checking out the store again after El grew out of the outfit. Well, my pre-conception was only partly true. The clothes are expensive for something your child will wear for only a few months BUT they have awesome sale prices! I wandered into their NYC store on Columbus avenue between 81st and 80th streets and found a great snowsuit and merino wool onesie/leggings for half the price. They carry Newborn, Baby 0-24 months, Kids 2-12 years, and some Adult pieces as well. I bought this wind and water resistant, "Everyday Snowsuit", for $54.00. The original price was $109.00. I've been looking for a snowsuit that is warm and compact enough to wear comfortably with baby in the Ergo carrier. This one does the trick, has a great easy access design, will fit baby for more months than it's label reads (I bought the 6-9 month size and El is comfortably swimming in it at 8 months), and comes in gender neutral colors (great for future kids). Go online to www.polarnopyretusa.com to check out the company and their sale section. The items below are a smattering of some great pieces currently on sale ranging in price from $4.00-$45.00. Now is a great time to buy winter gear for next year at considerably reduced prices. If you know someone who is expecting this summer, a great present is a fleece onesie or snow suit for the next fall and winter. Word of Caution: All toys should be used under parent supervision. Over the last couple of days with this idea of DIY on my mind I noticed Eliana finding and making her own toys around the house. She loves playing with the empty wipes pack, which actually sounds exactly like the crinkly material you find in baby toys. She also noticed the trash can in our bedroom for the first time and was completely drawn to pulling on it, turning it upside down, and I imagine one day wanting to climb into it. In an attempt to make something myself I grabbed an empty formula container, filled it with a couple of handfuls of rice, and wrapped different sized rubber bands around it, which simultaneously serve as a secure way to close the container and play different tones when plucked. The result is shown in the video below! Originally I named this blog, "Bars, Babies, and Biceps", because I've tried so many energy/meal replacement/protein/fiber bars that I've always wanted to write a comparative review. Over the years as my understanding of nutrition deepened and my physical activity became more strenuous requiring more care in the recovery of my muscles, I've changed the way I use bars and what I will put in my body. Below is a list of my favorite bars, although some I no longer eat, they all have quality ingredients and taste great. SOY FREE CHOICES Zing is definitely my favorite bar these days. All of the flavors I've tried so far have been great. Zing Nutrition Bar Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Main Protein Source: Roasted Cashew Butter and Rice Protein Concentrate First Ingredient: Roasted Cashew Butter Calories 210 (50g) Fat 9g Sodium 95mg Dietary Fiber 4g Sugar 12g Protein 10g Calcium 6% Iron 10% Gluten NO Dairy YES Soy NO NuGO Free Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Main Protein Source: Non-Gmo Rice Protein First Ingredient: Non-Gmo Rice Protein Crisp (Rice Protein Concentrate and Rice Flour) Calories 190 (45g) Fat 5g Sodium 65mg Dietary Fiber 4g Sugar 12g Protein 9g Calcium 2% Iron 6% Gluten NO Dairy NO Soy NO High Protein 22 Days Nutrition PB + Chocolate Chip Nirvana Main Protein Source: Non-Gmo Organic Raw Brown Rice Protein First Ingredient: Organic Rice Protein Calories 290 (75g) Fat 10g Sodium 280mg Dietary Fiber 9g Sugar 15g Protein 20g Calcium 4% Iron 20% Gluten NO Dairy NO Soy NO Organic Food Bar Active Greens Chocolate Main Protein Source: Organic Almond Butter and Non-Gmo Organic Brown Rice Protein First Ingredient: Organic Almond Butter Calories 310 (68g) Fat 15g Sodium 10mg Dietary Fiber 7g Sugar 26g Potassium 356mg Protein 11g Calcium 10% Iron 10% Gluten NO Dairy NO (made in factory that processes dairy) Soy NO (made in factory that processes soy) Pure Bar Organic Ancient Grains Chocolate Chunk Nut Bar Main Protein Source: Non-Gmo Organic Brown Rice Protein First Ingredient: Pure Organic Ancient Grains Blend (Quinoa, Crispy Brown Rice, Amaranth, Flax Seed, Hemp Seed) Calories 160 (35g) Fat 10g Sodium 45mg Dietary Fiber 2g Sugar 7g Potassium 105mg Protein 5g Calcium 2% Iron 6% Gluten NO Dairy NO Soy NO NO/LOW SUGAR CHOICES thinkThin Brownie Crunch Protein Bar I used to love this bar because the flavors are pretty delicious and it delivered a powerful amount of protein without the sugar. But I started to experience intestinal discomfort and eventually realized it was probably from the maltitol. Read more about this type of sugar alcohol here. Main Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Non-Gmo Soy Protein Isolate, Casein First Ingredient: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Non-Gmo Soy Protein Isolate, Casein) Calories 230 (60g) Fat 8g Sodium 170mg Dietary Fiber 2g Sugar 0g Sugar Alcohol (Maltitol) 12g Protein 20g Calcium 10% Iron 15% Gluten NO Dairy YES Soy YES Quest Nutrition Chocolate Peanut Butter These bars have a strange kind of Power Bar texture but the flavor is not bad. They are a good choice for those watching their sugar intake. Main Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate and Milk Protein Isolate First Ingredient: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate and Milk Protein Isolate) Calories 160 (60g) Fat 5g Sodium 270g Dietary Fiber 17g Sugar 1g Sugar Alcohol (Erythritol) 5g Protein 20g Calcium 2% Iron 6% Gluten NO Dairy YES Soy NO CANDY BAR REPLACEMENT CHOICE PROBAR Core Peanut Butter Chocolate This bar is pretty delicious and reminds me of a Snickers Bar. It has a lot of sodium, is high in sugar, and contains soy, so I would recommend limiting the use of this bar. Main Protein Source: Non-Gmo Soy Protein Isolate First Ingredient:Soy Protein Isolate Calories 290 (70g) Fat 10g Sodium 400mg Dietary Fiber 5g Sugar 15g Potassium 190mg Protein 20g Calcium 6% Iron 15% Gluten NO Dairy NO Soy YES EASIEST TO FIND CHOICE Though many of the bars listed above are nutritionally superior to the classic Clif bar they are hard to come by. You can always find a Clif Bar and they are a great choice when you need something quick that will sustain you for a couple of hours. Also, there are a lot of yummy flavors. Clif Bar Apricot Main Protein Source: Soy Protein Isolate First Ingredient: Organic Brown Rice Syrup Calories 230 (68g) Fat 3.5g Sodium 115mg Dietary Fiber 5g Sugar 23g Potassium 260mg Protein 9g Calcium 25% Iron 10% Gluten YES Dairy NO Soy YES A Word About Protein: The type of protein you need varies throughout the day and with the level of intensity of your activities. If you are lifting heavy weights you will need to supply your body with a different kind and amount of protein than if you are a long distance runner. Muscle and Strength has a comprehensive Protein Supplements Guide really worth checking out. For simpler and quicker resources Bodybuidling.com has a great article describing the 7 types of proteins most commonly found in bars and powders and how to best use them. Shape Magazine also offers a reader friendly run-down of the different types of proteins. Below is an excerpt from the Muscle and Strength Protein Supplements Guide: Protein Sources Used in Protein Supplements Another snow day. This is our fifth and winter is still far from being over. I work at a private school in the Bronx and though snow days are exciting and fun after this many they start to lose their charm. Mainly because you can't get into a flow with your students and any assignments they are working on keep getting pushed-back. Its similar when you're the one creating the assignments. Its hard to stay motivated on a snowy day. That is why instead of completely procrastinating I've taken the day to complete some experiments of my own. Project #1: Homemade Baby Wipes I found this recipe on the Wellness Mama's blog and have been wanting to try it for weeks. So today I finally gathered all the materials and made the wipes. Below is what I did. For more information go to the complete Wellness Mama post. Ingredients 1 roll Bounty paper towels cut in half (use on 1 half for recipe) 1 3/4 cup boiled water, cooled 1 tablespoon 100% Aloe Vera 1 tablespoon 100% Witch Hazel 2 tablespoons Dr. Bronner's Unscented Baby-Mild Organic Pure Castile Liquid Soap 10 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract 1 tablespoon almond or olive oil (optional) 3 drops lavender essential oil (optional) An empty wipes container Cut paper towel roll in half with sharp serrated knife. I used scissors but it was a bit hard. Use one half, store the other for another time. Accordion fold paper towels into reused wipes container. Mix all liquid ingredients into a quart sized container or bowl (I used an empty yogurt container). Pour over paper towels, place lid on top, turn upside down once or twice to coat all paper towels (the liquid only dripped out a little bit when I did this), and let sit for 5-10 minutes for paper towels to soak up all the liquid. DONE!...? After the wipes were throughly soaked I pulled one from the container. My first thought was, "WOW! it really did pull out of the wipes container like a real wipe." My second thought was, "WOW! These are really soapy." I haven't tested them on El yet so I can't say yet how well they work but I will post a follow-up. I have a feeling I'm going to have to tweak the recipe a little. If you try this, leave a comment, and let me know what you discover! Breakdown of ingredients from Wellness Mama We go through wipes pretty fast, but I’ve had them in the diaper bag Project #2: Make Oil Combination for The Oil Cleansing Method I started using this cleansing method about a month ago and it definitely has its benefits. Simply put, you create an oil blend, apply about a quarter-sized amount to dry skin, massage the oil in a circular motion for about two minutes, soak a wash cloth in warm steamy water, hold it over your face, and use it to wipe off the oil, repeating a few times. Right away, even from the first wash, I noticed a difference in the tone and texture of my skin. The oil and the steam from the washcloth left my skin the "Clear, glowing, dewy-looking skin," that the website dedication to this method boasts. My skin improved and I had only one small breakout the entire month. However, I noticed more small blackheads. The website recommends using a combination of castor oil and olive oil. I didn't have any castor oil the first time doing this so I looked up alternative oils and jojoba was recommended. I used a tablespoon of jojoba with two tablespoons of olive oil. Last week I ran out of the oil so I decided I would try the castor oil next time to see if it would help clear the blackheads. Lazily, I decided just to use jojoba oil until I went to the store. Immediately I broke out. After researching jojoba oil on the internet I found a few sources that stated jojoba oil alone can cause breakouts for some skin types. Whoops. So I ran out, got the castor oil and mixed it with olive oil. I'll let you know how it goes. 1 tablespoon castor oil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, a dash of almond oil, mixed in a squeeze bottle. In the meantime check out these sources about The Oil Cleansing Method and give it a go. Project #3: Organize Cleaning Supplies and "Broom" Closet So I actually did this about a year ago when we first moved into out apartment. I love this idea so much though that I have to share it. Simple way to organize cleaning supplies: Use a hanging shoe bag with clear pockets. Hang it over the door to your broom closet and place cleaning supplies, sponges, rags, etc. in pockets. The pockets are the perfect size for almost any cleaning product. It's that easy. Simple way to organize plastic bags, paper bags, and paper goods: Hanging 6-shelf sweater organizer.
Real Simple makes one that can hang lengthwise or fold in half to hang the shelves side-by-side, as seen in the photo of my closet. You can find many versions of these organizers online at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, The Container Store, or Amazon. I use mine to store plastic bags, paper bags, gift bags, and reusable grocery bags. I was over at my dad's house this past Sunday and we were sitting in his kitchen. He handed Ellie a set of measuring cups to play with and told me when I was little he and my mom would open up the cabinet with the pots and pans, sit me in front of it, and let me go to town. He was so excited to share with me how perfect kitchen utensils are for babies and how both my parents loved to cook with us when we were kids. It so happens that my brother, sister, and I all grew up to love being in the kitchen and cooking. While El played with the measuring cups I realized they served multiple learning purposes. They could be stacked, banged together, filled with things and poured out, and were safe to gnaw on. I looked at the stacking toy I bought from Green Toys, which retails for $14.00 and realized I could've given her my $4.00 set of measuring cups and spoons to play with instead. This got me thinking about other baby toys I've bought and what alternatives already exist in our homes. Lid Chains First you'll need to start saving plastic lids from milk bottle tops, and soft drink bottles. Punching a little hole into the top of each with a knife, thread onto a piece of cord, or ribbon to create a chain of lids that rattle. Rice Rattles A handful of rice inside a small plastic bottle or a container to make a rattle. Secure the lid on with super glue or epoxy. Rattle Cans Using an empty formula or large coffee can, put in a handful of marbles, acorns, pebbles, or small stones, and then secure the lid on tightly. A baby learning to crawl can rattle these around the floor. Sock Balls To make a quick ball for a baby to practice gripping and throwing, simply roll a clean pair of socks into itself. Water Shakers Using an empty clear water bottle, fill with any of the following items: chopped up pieces of kitchen sponge, marbles or clean pebbles, glitter. Fill the bottle with clean water and super-glue or epoxy lid on tightly. Water Bottle Crawling Toy Fill a water bottle half-way with water. Take off any outside paper labels and remaining glue. Let baby roll, pick-up, and shake. Spatula Teether Hand baby a rubber spatula. Let them gnaw away. Many spatulas are made from the same silicone used for baby teething rings. Pots/Pans/Wooden Spoons/Tupperware Self explanatory. There is one more to come but its a surprise so I will post about later. Thanks dad for the years of good advice and great ideas.
I grew up in a family of scientists. My great-grandfather was a pharmacist, my grandfather a biochemist, my dad a biochemist, and my sister is a neurobiologist. When the media throws you pseudoscientific claims every minute, friends show up on Facebook taking strong anti-vaccination stances, and every company is now boasting its new BPA packaging, I'm grateful that I can turn to my family for clarification and explanation. (Stay tuned for guest posts from my sister.) In my search for evidence-based articles I found the following blogs and an amazing online science magazine. Below are links to their websites and a few articles that are key right now in understanding our bodies, our environments, and the truth about hype. 1. "Science of Mom: The Heart and Science of Parenting" by Alice Callahan She is a research scientist taking a leave from the lab to raise her 14-month year old daughter. Alice's blog is straight-forward, well-written, and well-researched. She doesn't state opinion, she explains scientific findings for the layperson. Alice also has a great way of discussing controversial issues that arise in the parenting community such as vaccinations, sleep-training, baby food concerns, etc. Below is an excerpt from an article Alice originally wrote for Jeanne Garbarino's blog The Mother Geek, which is sadly no longer in existence. For the full article click here. I trust scientists, because I know that the vast majority of them are just underpaid nerds who are really passionate about what they do. They are driven by the desire to find the truth about a question and they work, day in and day out, in that pursuit. In addition, I know that scientists don’t always agree, so when there is a general consensus among the majority of scientists about something, such as vaccine safety or global warming, I feel confident in that conclusion. 2. DoubleXScience.org This is an amazing online science magazine focusing on topics that effect women, with articles written mostly by female research scientists. They cover a huge range of subjects using evidence-based research to support their opinions. Below is a link to an article about detox diets. The author makes a point that is near and dear to my heart; trust your body, it is an amazing self-cleaning machine. "If you try one detox this year, make it this one. Get rid of the real toxins: Cleanse your mind of fad detox diets" by Scicurious, DXS Contributor Another aspect of Double X Science that I really enjoy is that they feature many guest posts from other bloggers. Below are two bloggers that were featured on 3. "Its Not Easy To Be Green" by Jennifer Mo. This article discusses what the word "safe" really means and what we should consider when deciding what we put into and onto our bodies. "Unpacking the Idea 'Safe'" Science is limited in the answers it’s able to offer us. Sorry. That’s just the way it is. Sometimes the answers are inconclusive and pending further research. The scientific method can also be a bit clunky with its one variable model when it comes to looking at multiple factors and multiple exposures, which are inevitable in real life scenarios — one of the reasons we’re having such a hard time pinpointing causes for things like cancer and autism. And no, the media totally doesn’t get this. No one’s going to read a headline about inconclusive test results. It doesn’t make for an exciting story. 4. "Don't Mind the Mess" by Jessica Severson Last but not by any means least. In fact this is the mother of all articles about how science becomes twisted into misinformation once it reaches the media and most readers. If you read only one article listed in this post let it be THIS ONE! On Double X Science it was reposted under the title, "The path from science to alarmism: How science gets twisted before it gets to you." The Whole Truth About Autism by Jessica Severson There’s a recurring problem here. Valuable research is done. Research is disseminated. Information is reported. Articles are read. Findings are spread. What starts in a lab ends up in a Facebook status. What starts as truth ends up as mistruth in something like a child’s game of telephone. Along the way, piece by piece, truth fades away in favor of headlines and pageviews and gossip. |