Dad and Baby Bonding Time – An Important Ritual

A lot of first-time dads feel a little awkward when it comes to spending time with their new baby. Often times, dad seems to get pushed a little to the side while mom and baby take center stage. It’s hard for a dad to know what to do in this situation and sometimes it may seem he’s not too interested in the new baby but may just be experiencing a case of anxiety or not know what to do.




You can help build up your partner’s confidence by slowly allowing him to do more things for the baby or simply let dad and baby spend quality uninterrupted time together. And unless your baby is in harm try not to interfere when your husband does something a little differently than you may. This will chip at his confidence as a new father.

Here are a few activities Daddy and Baby can share together:

Bath Time – Let your husband bathe the baby. This is a great time for dad and baby to bond and will give you some much needed rest too.

Feeding – If you’re nursing this will be a little difficult especially if you don’t want baby to have a bottle. If you don’t mind you can always try extracting one bottle a day and letting dad do the evening feed or as soon as baby is ready for solids let dad get involved then. If you’re bottle feeding take turns during the night time feeds.

Diaper Changing – You probably won’t mind if your partner helps with this one. It’s also a great way for dad to gain confidence in caring and looking after baby.

Sofa Time – Have you noticed dads love to lounge on their sofas with their kids. Give your husband some time to watch the game or listen to music while laying with baby on the sofa. This can make for great bonding time and will give you some free time for a quick nap or bath.


Going for Walks – Some new moms may feel a little nervous when their husbands go out alone with baby, but you should trust that your partner will care for your child just as well as you would. Taking baby for a walk will give him added confidence in his parenting skills. He’ll be out on his own and ultimately responsible for all of baby’s needs.

Just about anytime when your husband and baby can get some free time together will help build and establish the very important dad and baby bond. Try to encourage your partner and praise his parenting skills. Newborns don’t come with instruction manuals and it’s normal to make little mistakes here and there, so don’t let your partner become discouraged if he does make a mistake.

Above all, be happy that your husband and baby are spending quality time together. This will also give you a well deserved break.

Household Tips

These tips are being circulated on the internet, I received them in my email




Subject: Great Tips!



PLEASE BE SURE YOU READ THE LAST ONE ABOUT THE CLOTHES DRYER!!!!!! GREAT TIPS:



1. Reheat Pizza

Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove , set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.



2. Easy Deviled Eggs



Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal , mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients , reseal , keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly , cut the tip of the baggy , squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up



3. Expanding Frosting



When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store , whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.



4. Reheating refrigerated bread



To warm biscuits , pancakes , or muffins that were refrigerated , place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.



5. Newspaper weeds away



Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.



6. Broken Glass



Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.



7. No More Mosquitoes



Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.



8. Squirrel Away!



To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.



9. Flexible vacuum



To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.



10. Reducing Static Cling



Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- ta da! -- static is gone.



11. Measuring Cups



Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.



12. Foggy Windshield?



Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!



13. Reopening envelope



If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside , just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.



14. Conditioner



Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...



15. Goodbye Fruit Flies



To get rid of pesky fruit flies , take a small glass fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid , mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!



16. Get Rid of Ants



Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it , take it 'home', can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains , but it works &you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!



17. INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS



The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. WELL...the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film , but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free - that nice fragrance too, you know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box, well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also

what causes dryer units to catch fire &potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out &wash it with hot soapy water &an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!



How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So , I thought I'd share!



Note: I went to my dryer &tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water &a nylon brush &I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it the water ran right Thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!


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Six Acne Treatment Solutions

Acne treatments have come a long way over the years. Once limited to precious few options that were sometimes ineffective, acne sufferers now have numerous treatment choices. Some treatments can be obtained from the family doctor, some require a dermatologist's expertise, and some can be purchased at your local discount store or herb shop. Here are six of the most popular acne treatments available:

1. Retin-A

Those who primarily suffer from persistent blackheads and whiteheads can often benefit from Retin-A. Retin-A is derived from Vitamin A and promotes the shedding of material that clogs pores and causes blackheads and whiteheads.

Retin-A often causes irritation and flaky skin, and it usually takes several weeks before patients can see a difference. Those using the drug are advised to use a moisturizer regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

2. Antibiotics

Some doctors and dermatologists begin acne treatment with antibiotics. These are either taken orally or applied topically. The antibiotics work by decreasing the number of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and reducing the amount of fatty acids in the sebum.

The downside to antibiotics is that they can also kill the good bacteria that our bodies need to stay healthy. They are also associated with the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These problems are somewhat less prevalent with topical antibiotics than with oral ones.

3. Photodynamic Therapy

One of the newer techniques in acne treatment is photodynamic therapy, also known as blue light therapy. Previously used to treat cancer and other diseases and ailments, it has also been found to be an effective alternative to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

Photodynamic therapy is conducted as a series of three to five treatments, with two to four weeks between treatments. It is not usually covered by insurance.

4. Tea Tree Oil

One of the most effective home remedies for acne is tea tree oil. It is used by diluting and dabbing it directly onto acne lesions. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and that is thought to be the reason why it is so effective against acne.

5. Garlic

Garlic is another natural antibiotic, and it can be used in a variety of ways against acne. You can cleanse the skin with a solution of one part garlic juice to three parts garlic, rub raw garlic on lesions, or take it internally. The key is to use fresh garlic, because it loses its effectiveness a short time after it is skinned.

6. Vitamins

Vitamins are good for overall health, and they can be a powerful weapon in the fight against acne. B Vitamins are especially beneficial, because they fight acne in several different ways. Vitamins A, C, E, and the minerals chromium and zinc are also great.

There are vitamins available in health food stores specifically for acne sufferers, but the best way to get these vitamins is to include them in our diets.

There are more options for acne sufferers than ever before. Whether you prefer traditional treatments, non-drug therapy or natural remedies, acne can be treated effectively.

Tips On 5 Smoothies A Day

Smoothies – A Great Way to get 5 a Day

We all know the importance of eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, with our busy lifestyles it's not always so easy. That's where smoothies come in. Delicious and nutritious smoothies can be a mom's secret weapon to ensuring your kids get enough fruit in their diets.

Here are some yummy smoothie combinations that are great for breakfast or any time of the day. Simply throw all ingredients in the blender and blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes.

Bananarama – 1 banana, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, dash of milk

Mango Mania – 1 mango (cut and pitted), 1/4 cup orange juice

Peach Medley – 1 peach (cut and pitted), 1 banana, 1/4 cup orange juice

Berry Surprise – 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup raspberries, ¼ cup of milk

Strawberry Ice – 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup orange juice, I cup crushed ice

Honey melon – 1 cup chopped honey dew lemon pieces, 1/4 cup apple juice, tablespoon honey.

Banana Boost – 1 banana, 1/4 shredded wheat cereal (or other high fiber cereal), 1/4 cup milk. A great way to get extra fiber and vitamins into your child's diet.

And if it's hot outside why not try smoothie popsicles. They may a great alternative to sugary ice cream and are a delicious summer treat. For a creamier consistency try adding 1/4 cup yogurt of your choice to the recipes above and pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds. If you don't have popsicle molds you can use paper cups or even ice cube trays. Fill cups or tray and when half frozen and slushy like insert popsicle stick and leave until fully frozen.

You don't have to stick the recipes above, just about any of your favorite fruit combinations will taste delicious in a homemade smoothie. It's also a great way to let kids get involved in the kitchen. Let them choose their favorite fruits and let them help you peel and chop them up (according to their age of course). They can also pour liquid ingredients into measuring cups.

Smoothies are not only a great way to get your kids to eat more fruit. They're also easy to prepare and best of all delicious.

Tips for Creating a Fall Fitness Plan

Ah, the fall season! No more blistering heat to contend with, air conditioning and sleepless nights. Instead there is the changing of the leaves, the fuzzy warm feeling we get on a cold night and waking up to brisk fresh air and exercise. Yes, now is the time to prepare a fall fitness plan.

If just beginning a diet and exercise program, you are in luck because the time is ripe and the weather is perfect to begin enjoying the outdoors more frequently. Use this time to set up a regimen that you will stick to and are comfortable with.

Since the kids have returned to school, many have a bit more time to concentrate on themselves and what they need. Therefore, here are some tips to help prepare for an exercise plan that will keep you fit, healthy and happy.

If you have not joined a gym, you may want to consider it now. If you do belong to one, renew the membership. Ask a friend if he or she would like to join also.

Schedule a routine after dropping the kids off at school. Walking with other moms for 30 minutes, three times a week would be a great start. Smaller children at home can go along in a stroller that is conducive to a brisk walk. Having other moms come along makes the exercise experience more enjoyable.

Not able to get out as often as a brisk walking regime may require, then take out the workout DVDs. Participate in the exercises every other day. Take walks after dinner at night.

Call upon a few neighbors or friends and ask if they would like to join in an exercise program. Sit down together and make a schedule that is good for everyone.

More importantly, make out a schedule that can be lived with and that will allow the time needed to exercise on a continual basis. Enlist the aid of family members or friends to help with baby-sitting if necessary.

The fall is the perfect time of year to commence an exercise program. Be sure to have good walking and/or running shoes and comfortable jogging suits.

5 Tips for Preventing Osteoporosis

When bones get old, they tend to become less dense, weakening their structure. These weak bones begin to get tiny fractures. Because of their size, one of these fractures isn’t really a problem; however, if your bones are fragile enough for you to have osteoporosis, you will have many of these tiny fractures. In the end, they add up to a big problem.

The thing to know is that most osteoporosis cases are preventable. By following a few tips, you can keep your bones strong and dense, keeping you healthy for a long time.

* Get plenty of calcium. Calcium is the building block of bones. If we’re short on calcium, then we can’t make our bones as dense and strong. You can get calcium through milk and yogurt, but also from green leafy vegetables and various soy products. If need be, you can also take a calcium supplement.
* Get other essential nutrients. Calcium is actually no good if you don’t have Vitamin D, which allows you to absorb the calcium. During the summer, the best source of Vitamin D is the sun. During the winter you can try tanning beds, or try fortified products like Vitamin D milk and certain breakfast cereals. Other nutrients that are essential to keeping your bones strong are: Vitamin K, phosphorous, Vitamin C, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, boron, and , protein. Unless you eat the world’s healthiest diet, it’s best to start taking a daily multivitamin.
* Perform weight bearing exercise. You don’t need to start a weight training regimen at the gym. In fact, most women can get the appropriate amount of exercise simply by walking (you’re “bearing” your body weight). Getting up and moving for a few minutes every day is important for keeping bones strong. If you can exercise more, you should do so. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight, another good way to keep osteoporosis away. Just remember, losing too much weight is a good way to lose bone mass as well.
* Drop bad habits. While having the occasional drink has actually been shown to improve the condition of your bones, you start to cause damage if you drink alcohol excessively. Smoking can also cause an increased fracture risk. Plus, quitting smoking is a good healthy choice all around.
* Start Early. Most women wait until the first signs of menopause to start worrying about osteoporosis prevention. While menopause is when bones start to deteriorate faster, if you have weak bones to begin with, adding preventative measure may not do a whole lot of good. You should take the steps above as early as possible, and pass them on to your daughters too.

The best part about taking these smalls steps is that they’ll also help prevent other conditions besides osteoporosis. In no time, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier life.

Why Exercise is Important for Seniors

Why Exercise is Important for Seniors

To live an active, healthy lifestyle, as a young child or into your 90’s, you need to get proper exercise. While many seniors stop exercising due to various physical constraints, it is actually more important for older people to get regular workouts. It’s also important that these workouts encompass the 4 different types of exercise seniors need. They include: strength training, endurance exercises, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises.

Strength training
As we age, our bodies begin to lose bone and muscle mass. Loss of bone mass increases the risk for osteoporosis and larger, more serious breaks. Loss of muscles mass makes us weaker, slower, and less able to do things. A great way to prevent and perhaps even reverse some of the damage is to do regular strength training exercises. This doesn’t have to involve big fancy equipment; you can use resistance bands or things you have around the house. Just be sure to follow proper form to prevent injury.

Endurance exercises
While some seniors find it easy to walk, run, or do other strenuous activities for a long period of time; others find they have difficulty just walking down the hallway. For both types of people, it is important to participate in exercises that maintain or increase your endurance and stamina. This could include walking, using cardio equipment, or even doing some gardening during the spring and summer. Anything that makes you move and gets your blood pumping is good. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least 3 to 4 days a week. With regular exercise, you’ll find you can walk farther and faster, and do more during the day.

Flexibility exercises
You may find it harder to do things now that were easy for you when you were younger. Much of this is because our bodies lose their flexibility and become much more rigid. Even the simple act of walking or opening a door may become a challenge. You can combat this problem by pushing your flexibility. These exercises can range from yoga to simple daily stretches; just as long as you keep stretching and moving your muscles and the rest of your body.

Balance
Nothing can be more devastating to an older person than a serious injury, such as breaking a hip or dislocating a shoulder. Many seniors who have a major accident never recover. That’s why it’s important to exercise muscles to improve balance. Yoga, Pilates, and anything else that helps strengthen your core muscles can be helpful.

Even young people need to rest between workouts. This is even more important for seniors. The body needs time to rest and heal itself. Without proper rest, you risk causing an injury. You shouldn’t push yourself too hard with any exercise and remember to take time off between workouts.

When starting any exercise program, you should consult your doctor first. They can tell you if the exercises you choose are right for your body and may suggest something more appropriate.

Whether you’re already fit or have never worked out before, today is the day to go get some exercise.