Summer with the Kiddos

Summer has always been my favorite time of year, probably because it takes me back to my childhood. How do you make the most of your summer when it already feels like it's over before it's begun? I do that quite frequently, I will go through all the 'To do's' in my head and psych myself out and before I know it I have my summer done before it's begun. This summer I have vowed not to do that, I am going to take summer one day at a time and relax. That seems to be quite a challenge with this working career mom by day and business by night, but hear me out all you moms that are in the same position.

When you get the extra time to spend with the kids, go for a walk or a bikeride. If you are a runner, run by them while they are ridding their bikes or take the dog for a walk once you get home from work. It will make you more refreshed and focused and you will be glad you did.

I normally don't get to the pool much, but we love it! And why not, it's entertainment for the kids all day and is inexpensive. We have vowed to hit the pool twice a week this summer to make the most of the summer. One week night and one weekend day....even if it's a partial day.

Another great idea is going to the farmers market this summer, especially if you don't have your own garden. It supports local farmers in your area rather than going to the grocery store and giving to a corporation and it's a chance to get to know other local people who are producing your food and the taste is so much better since it's fresh to the table!

Another idea that will leave a lasting memory for your kids is to hit a waterpark or a baseball game this summer and make sure you apply sunscreen. Kids love observing and being in the action and both are activities where you dont need to constantly tell your kids to 'be quite' or 'hush'.

Last but not least, most theatres now are doing a kids movie day at really great discounts where you bring your kids into see a movie that's already hit the DVD but you want the sound effects of the big screen. Or movies in the park for summer are always a great hit, bring your popcorn and blanket for a night in the park.

We have vowed to make it a Summer not to forget before it's started.

Love your friends at www.vannybean.com

Baby Tummy Tubs

Check out our latest edition of Tummy Tubs:
http://www.vannybean.com/item_1513/The-Original-Tummy-Tub.htm


The Original Tummy Tub
The New Concept in Bathing Babies! The benefits of the TummyTub are acknowledged in maternity hospitals and homes throughout Europe. Endorsed by doctors, midwives and health visitors. TummyTub was designed in the Netherlands by caregivers to ease the transition from the comfort of the mother's womb. Babies naturally adopt the fetal position and it is amazing to see how quickly they calm and relax.

Why use the TummyTub?

For nine months your baby feels safe, comfortable and secure in the womb. After birth everything changes for your baby, who suddenly experiences bright lights, new sights and sounds, hunger, gravity and an ever-changing world. The TummyTub has been developed in cooperation with physicians, midwives and nursery nurses, to ease the transition from the secure environment of the womb to the new world. The unique womb shape helps your baby to relax, and become calm in the familiar fetal position.


How much water should I use?
You decide on how much water you need to bath your baby. The water level markings on the tub are intended only as a guide, as not every baby is the same size. However, in the first few weeks after birth it is important that there is sufficient water to cover your baby's shoulders. This will ensure your baby does not get cold.


How do I hold my baby?
In the "sitting" position the rounded shape of the TummyTub helps to support your baby. You only need to support your baby's head under the chin. The advantage is that you always have one free hand to wash and comfort your baby. In the "floating" position you have one hand under your baby's chin, the other at the back of the head or you can place both your hands under your baby's armpits.

Is it safe?
Yes! The tummy tub is perfectly safe. It has the TUV German & the UK British Standards safety certifications. It has been designed in such a way that the water creates the stability. It is important to remember that you should never leave your baby unattended while in the TummyTub. You must always be there to give support and reassurance. ASTM (USA), TUV (Germany) and BSI (England) tested and approved. The TummyTub is permitted to carry the seal GS (Proven Safety).

The low down on eco friendly cottons...people!

Adapted from Your Naturally Healthy Home: Stylish, Safe, Simple, by Alan Berman.

Organic Cotton Vs. Traditional Cotton? Ordinary cotton is treated with a variety of chemicals as it goes through the processes from plant to fabric, and residues remain even after washing. This interesting and informative chart, found in Your Naturally Healthy Home, follows the myriad of traditional cotton chemical treatments involved in cotton cultivation, harvesting, scouring, dyeing, printing, and finishing, and compares them to the methods of processing organic cotton.

Cultivation
*Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers that may be highly toxic and cause environmental problems.
Global Consequences: Chemicals cause decline in soil fertility and erosion; aerial spraying affects other crops; high water use and water supplies polluted.
Health Consequences: Traces of chemicals remain and are potentially carcinogenic.

*Organic Cotton
Organic matter fertilizes soil and renews soil productivity; less water used.

Harvesting
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Herbicides used to defoliate and make picking easier.
Global Consequences: Chemicals pollute ground and rivers; harvesting machinery compacts the ground and reduces soil productivity.
Health Consequences: Traces of chemicals remain and are potentially carcinogenic.

* Organic Cotton
Hand picked (no defoliation, machinery, or chemicals); hand picking means less waste.

Scouring, Washing, and Bleaching
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Chlorine (see xxx on care2), hydrogen peroxide, APEO (alkylphenoloxylate, a hormone disrupter), EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra-acetate; binds with heavy metals in rivers and streams and activates them), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react with sunlight to form ground-level ozone.
Global Consequences: Synthetic disinfectants are slow to biodegrade; chlorine emissions pollute atmosphere.
Health Consequences: Traces of chemicals are carcinogenic and can affect the nervous system.

* Organic Cotton
Natural spinning oils biodegrade easily; natural processing such as potato starch used; no chlorine used.

Yarn Dyeing
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Compounds of iron, tin, potassium, and VOCs.
Global Consequences: Large quantities of water used for washing out dyes.
Health Consequences: Water polluted by heavy metals.

* Organic Cotton
Natural vegetable dyes or low-impact synthetic dyes; or cotton is color grown.

Printing
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Solvent-based inks containing heavy metals, benzene, and organochlorides.
Global Consequences: Waste water is polluted with heavy metals; emissions form harmful ozone.
Health Consequences: Toxic residues cause problems of the central nervous system, respiratory system, and skin, as well as head-aches, dizziness, and eye irritations.

* Organic Cotton
Natural vegetable and mineral inks and binders are used.

Finishing (easycare, stain resistance, fireproofing, mothproofing, softening, deodorizing, anti-static, and mercerizing treatments)
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Formaldehyde, caustic soda, sulfuric acid, bromines, urea resins, sulfonamides, halogens, and bromines.
Global Consequences: Waste water has a high acid content; emissions to atmosphere.
Health Consequences: Chemical traces on the fabric can cause burning eyes, nose, and throat, as well as difficulties with sleep, concentration, and memory. Can increase susceptibility to cancer; emissions of chemicals from fabric increase with temperature.

* Organic Cotton
No enhancement fishes used.

Transportation
* Traditional Cotton
In addition to the above, there are environmental consequences of transporting huge quantities of chemicals from the manufacturing plant to the place of cultivation, as well as the additional journeys involved for all stages of cotton production, from the raw material to place of manufacture, finishing, and then to distributor and user.

Win a $20.00 Gift Certificate at Vanny Bean

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Organic Edible Baby Paints

Why is it that when you pick your children up from school they seem to love to get down and dirty messy...at least mine do. It seems as if they eat the dirt and sand from ground. I often wonder how they get so messy. Have you thought of putting that creative carefree talent to work? Yes, work...painting is a great way to work your childs carefree imagination and costs so little, not to mention memories that last a lifetime on paper.

Painting is a process of learning and mastering and they take wonderful pride in their work. It teaches them to think outside the box and turn their thoughts and ideas into a masterpiece. Who knows, you could be training the next Picasso.

Vanny Bean carries a wonderful product by Wee Can Too paint, the neat thing about it is it is organic and edible...Edible and Organic? Too good to be true? Not for our babies...Created by a stay at home mom who wanted options for her children and didnt see anything on the market, the dream became a reality. The paints are easy, edible, organic and will ensure that your child is safe while painting and working on what's really important, their masterpiece.
http://www.vannybean.com/item_1332/Organic-Edible-Baby-Paints-by-Wee-Can-Too.htm


In order to get started you will need a workable surface (covered) organic edible paints by Wee Can Too, paintbrush, soap to clean up the paint afterwards, and an apron. Children should always be supervised when painting.