All Joy and No Fun, Why Parents Hate Parenting.
I wanted to share this article with you. It was written by Jennifer Senior for the New York Times, and though I found it rather depressing, it definitely has some aspects of truth in the parenthood. Take a look through the eyes of the many women who feel they love their kids but hate their lives. I feel truly blessed that Judaism gives us an undeniable sense of purpose when it comes to procreation. This purpose should lend itself to pride, and provide some peace-of-mind when it comes to the many trials and troubles that can manage, no doubt, to taint the years of child-rearing - should we live those years without thinking and remembering our purpose.
A good read, that will feel both familiar and educational.
These Vapur® water "bottles" are apparently the hottest thing since Sigg's. Actually, they are way hotter than Sigg's - taking up no room when empty! Their makers brag them to be: reusable, attachable, identifiable, freezable, cleanable, and foldable. Made from ultra-durable BPA-Free polymer, these foldable canteens are dishwasher and freezer safe. They stand up straight when full, and fold up teeny-tiny when empty; providing us all with a super-convenient way to stay just a bit greener... Mom's are bound to love these lil' liquid gadgets - perfect for stashing in diaper bags, glove compartments, lunch boxes, strollers, clutches, evening bags etc. Don't you just love when people go out of their way to make our lives easier?? : )
Stay hydrated this summer and keep the fluids flowing!
You can get some on their website for $8.95.
(Also, check out this totally efficient way to keep it cool.)
Alright, if I am going to get into cleaning at all; I can't start without sharing these very important basics. So many people think cleaning means scouring with chemicals until the house reeks of disinfectants! The truth is, cleaning can and should be done with regular household basics (baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar), and cleaned in a way that is healthy for your family (vs. completely hazardous and detrimental)! These tips are especially important to keep in mind when hiring cleaning help, because most people really have no clue what their cleaning-women are using, and honestly don't really care as long as the results are nice and clean. Read up on some cheap, simple, healthy tips that will yield you sparkling cleanliness throughout your home without being harmful. Martha's Cleaning 101 - changed the way I clean!
A bedroom worthy workout with fat blasting results! I recently discovered Sheila Kelly S Factor Pole Dancing Workout Classes, and I'm totally stoked!! A class given by women for women, started by Sheila Kelly (ballet dancer, actress, and author) after she discovered the total-body transformation that took place while learning to be an exotic dancer for an acting role. Wanting to share her newfound workout secrets with other women, she launched S Factor; combining ballet, yoga, and striptease dancing to nurture the natural woman shape, providing leaner bodies, health benefits, body-confidence, and empowerment to women of all ages. S Factor (studios in many major cities, featured on Oprah and the Martha Stewart Show), offers the original 8 session series, single classes, private lessons, and private parties! A fun, wholesome environment that teaches women the art of pole dancing, and the beauty and confidence that originates in the curves of the organic female form. Sounds so fun!! Would love to get together a group of girls to tackle the 8 session series with... (let me know if you're interested)!
Beaba Babycook - is now at Williams Sonoma!! $149.95
For those of you unfamiliar with the Babycook, it's a product from France enabling you to make homemade baby food with minimal (and I mean minimal!) work. Steams (in 15 minutes max!) and purées fruit, veggies, fish, meat, and even grains in one dish!! Forget about dealing with pots of water, steaming baskets, strainers, and food processors... This machine leaves you with no excuses!! Take control of what your baby consumes - lose the jarred food preservatives, and produce nutritional meals for your little one. Nix that picky-eating habit right in the bud by giving your baby more menu options straight from the get-go...
(This and the Qubies, and you're totally set!)
