Reston Mom

Warning to T&C drivers

My good friend had a hair-raising, potentially devastating incident this past week - and I am so glad that she and her kids are uninjured.  She was kind enough to think of us all and sent some important information about her experience to me so that I might post it here for you.  Thanks Kitty!

"Warning to owners of Chrysler Town & Country's or Pacificas (or those who may consider purchasing one): I had a terrifying incident this past Saturday while driving my 2003 Town & Country with my 3 kids in their car seats in the back seat.  My accelerator got stuck going about 50 mph, and I could not stop the car.  I was finally able to shift into neutral and then stop.  Since then I have found out that this is a problem that has been known to happen in several T&Cs and Pacificas.  Chrysler says that the part that malfunctions is called the AIC motor, and usually it causes your car to stall out and shut down while driving (you lose power steering too, so that's pretty dangerous), but it can also cause what happened to us.  Chrysler tells me they think they have fixed the problem but cannot be sure.  Needless to say, I am getting rid of this car as soon as I possibly can.  They are not doing a recall at this point.  If this ever happens to you, shift into neutral as fast as you can and then you can use your brakes.  PLEASE be careful. "

Child Car Safety

I honestly have a friend whose accelerator got stuck while she was driving down the road with her three beautiful kids strapped into the back seats last week!!!  Miraculously she was able to eventually stop the car without anyone getting hurt.  Still, it got me thinking about car safety again.  Did you know that it is estimated that 2 out of every 3 car seats is used improperly? The American Academy of Pediatrics has an extremely comprehensive guide here that will provide the answers to any questions you might have and provide you with information you may not even be aware of! If you have children under 12 yrs. of age, please read through this. I wish you all safe traveling!

Radio-flyer tricycle - meet your competition!

Okay, it's a bit expensive - but so cool! So if you've got the urge to splurge (or perhaps a wealthy friend of relative who does), I have to say I love these Bugabikes for 2-6 yr. olds by Sabamba education.  In original, nature, and sport versions these just make for a hot first ride, but are especially tempting for their award-winning design precisely in harmony for the natural needs of mobility for this age group.  It isn't really a bike, just strikingly "like a bike," as it has no pedals and is extremely light and very adjustable.  I've read that 100% of children who use this can ride a regular bike immediately.

Town Center Scoop

If you've been too busy to sit down with the Reston Times, you can say you got the scoop here first on some of the new eats moving into the town center.  Alongside of our 13 established full-service restaurants (not including causal eateries), we will soon see four new restaurants including a seafood restaurant, Mon Ami Gabi (a french steakhouse), "Jackson's" by the same company that owns Sweetwater Taverns and Coastal Flats, and The Counter (a chain that serves customized hamburgers).  These restaurants are scheduled to open in late summer or early fall 2008. Two more restaurants, still unknown, will also be moving into the spots left vacant by Wrap Works and Ruby Tuesdays.  It looks like our familiar stomping grounds may soon have a lot more to tempt our palates!

I so want to take my kids here!

I just discovered Curiosity Zone in Ashburn and I can't wait to try it out sometime.  This fab destination is a kid-sized science lab for preschoolers through 6th grade featuring activities, classes, and camps which "build on kids' natural curiosity using familiar, fun, hands-on activities to inspire them to think creatively about the world around them and to lay a foundation for life-long learning in science, math, and beyond."
"from paintings that twitch to a virtual aquarium, a wall that steals shadows and another one that moves, a robotic dog, a hamster named Speedy, a secret door -- even a TV you can write on! Just come on in and get ready to get curious!"  Plus there is a parent's lounge, a play area for tag-a-long siblings and a toy store to bring some of the learning fun home with you.  The 2800 sq ft. facility hosts birthday parties and seasonal camps too! Not convinced your child will be into this enough to register for a session? then visit the website and sign up for a free trial class.

Looking for the best kid sites?

There is so much available to kids via the internet these days, and it can be difficult to discover and sort through it all.  If you are interested in locating a few to bookmark for your kids, try checking out kidsites.com as a useful resource to get you started - because I know moms just don't have time to surf the web searching for something that is appropriate, educational, and fun.  Also, check out my own list in the right column under "sites for kid fun."  These are sites that I love, my kids love, or we both love.  And, if you have kids who are a bit older than mine and have discovered some really great sites that might be helpful to other parents and kids, please feel free to let me know so I can add them to the list!

Go Go Gadget Mama - home foot spas

One Christmas, my husband gifted me with a home food spa one of those little foot baths with the vibration and bubbles and massagers and scrubbies...ahhhhh! Oh fellow moms - you totally deserve one of these! So, I decided to do the research and create a list of my faves to help you choose just the right one. However, I really ran into some bumps in the road because of some major discrepancies in opinions.  What works for one, doesn't necessarily cut it for another.  So, I've come up with a "buyer's list" for you instead, to help guide you to finding the one that suits you best (there's still time to drop the hint to your hubby that you want one for Christmas too!) Then sit back to soothe and pamper those tired mama feet!

• to avoid disappointment, plan to spend a little more - you can find some really amazing foot spas for under $100, but almost all of them under $50 end up not doing everything they claim.
• look for one with a heat source like infrared instead of just a "keep warm" feature - the keep warm almost never actually keeps the water warm
• look for one that claims to be quiet - lots of noise is a common complaint about these gadgets.
• things that aren't necessary: bubbles (they just cool off the water and lack soothe appeal, look for vibration or water jets), remote control (another item that has received a lot of complaints, look for a good toe-touch control), no-spill carry feature (you might appreciate it, but it really isn't that difficult if you are careful)
• massage, pedicure, and like features vary from unit to unit, decide what is most important to you and make sure you get it.

What makes youth happy?

We all want our kids to grow up to be happy - to wake up in the morning feeling like life is worth every moment. Here is an article from The Today Show (okay, so it's a bit back-dated - August, but still....) that will give you good food for thought about what teens and young adults are saying really contributes to being a happy individual.  You might be pleasantly surprised to discover the things by which thirteen year olds are measuring their happiness, and you might be more surprised to find yourself (as a parent) on the list!

parking lot safety

You know you've been there - especially if you have more than one child....that tiny event when you need to briefly manage something while getting in or out of the car which requires your young child to wait momentarily. And you are wondering if it is in that one second that your kid will decide to bolt out into the path of a moving vehicle.  I've got some routines down now which avoid this scenario as much as possible and I've done a good amount of work teaching my children to be careful of areas designed for traveling cars...but here's a tip we've used frequently and it has worked really well (I'm sure another mom passed it onto me, but I can't remember).  We taught our children that whenever they get out of the car or are waiting to get in, they must keep "one hand on the car" at all times.  I've repeated that phrase a million times by now! One hand gets glued to the car, giving them plenty of wiggle room for their energetic little bodies, but also a very concrete safety rule to follow.  And the rule remains until a parent can grab hold of one of their hands to "release" them. 

twinkle light's toxic secret

We needed to buy some new strands of lights for our Christmas tree this year, and while carefully reading the instructions I came across this - "Caution: Handling the coated electrical wires of this product exposes you to lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.  Wash hands thoroughly after use."   Who knew?  We bought two different kinds of lights, and this warning was only on one of them, however. 

Tree Time!

The family and I headed over to Ticonderoga Farms yesterday to pick out our Christmas tree.  We ended up buying a pre-cut Frasier Fir instead of cutting down our own as we had planned - somehow we just can't pass on that amazing pine fragrance! After a chaotic but fun evening of decorating, we can now enjoy the twinkle lights and the memories that come along with each ornament, and of course the pine-forest smell of our living room. 

in search of safe toys?

Here is a list of 2007's top ten unsafe toys found right now on store shelves, compiled by Don Keenan, of Keenan's Kids Foundation, who is a child advocate and attorney.  Also, if you are a mom who is worried about toys imported from China and have decided to avoid them, here is a site sent to me by my friend Kim, which may also just simply prove helpful in choosing gifts for your little loved ones this Christmas.  Here is where you can go to find all recent recalls too. 

well done my brave little one!

The other day Hope came walking into the kitchen and said to me very matter-of-factly, "Mommy, there was a bug in the living room.  So I squished it with the leg of one of our chairs, then I got some tissue and flushed it down the toilet."   I seriously did a double take.  Whaaaaa?   While I personally harbor a fairly strong dislike for dealing with little exo-skeletons, I have done my best to teach my children to be appreciative of everything including bugs.  Still, we try not to welcome our six legged house guests to stay.  Sometimes we let them go outside, and some times we take other measures.  Apparently Hope felt like she could handle this one by herself.  Tu vas chica!

Nintendo and I finally found something to agree upon

I've never really been a big fan of video games, but I learned this Thanksgiving (thanks to my bro-in-law) that I love this! - Guitar Hero. So much fun - you'll definitely want to play too.  The game is rated for teens but aside from funky rock-star fashion, you'll only need to decide whether the songs (rock tunes that will be familiar to you from the radio) are okay for your kids. And playing with friends made it even more fun.  The idea is that you "play" the songs along with the game on a controller shaped like a guitar which requires you to both "strum" and play notes and chords with buttons on the end of the guitar neck. You are scored based upon how many correct notes and rhythms you play - but you don't have to know a single thing about playing guitar to do this, and it is still terrifically fun if you do play guitar.  It is active and challenging and makes good use of eye-hand coordination plus listening and basic understanding of rhythm.  We rocked out to the songs of the 80's and had a blast! Keep this one on your Christmas list for anyone who loves video games, kids and big kids too! I also really love Dance Dance Revolution - where you dance on a floor pad along with the game.  If we had a game system, I'd totally ask for these in my own stocking!

quotable

Ever since Hope was a tiny baby I have had this quote posted to my refridgerator....
" A mother's heart is a child's first schoolroom."
Apparently the true quote by Henry Ward Beecher reads "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom," nevertheless, I have often spied this very small red apple in the corner of my fridge and been reminded that I am my child's greatest teacher both in word and in silence, in action and in stillness - how closely they are watching me, and how badly I do want to teach them well.

Invite your daughter to a tea party

Tea sets and tea parties are a classic for little girls...but some moms just aren't the tea party type.  If you're not sure what tea parties are all about but want to make a special moment with your daughter, here's some thoughts:

• take the time to do it right - this will show your daughter that you mean for it to be something special.  Try allowing the use of your real china, linens; let her pick the flowers from your garden or wear one of your special pieces of jewelry.  She'll feel precious when you give what is precious to you for her use.
• half the fun is setting up - set the table together using linens, tea cups, snacks, flowers, etc...discuss where things will go and how to make the table look nice, take your daughter's suggestions.
• use real drinks and snacks, take turns pouring and serving.
• dress for the occasion - hats, tiaras, scarves, jewelry, gloves, make-up all welcome!
• pull out the chair for her, show her how to use her best etiquette, practice putting the napkin in your lap and talking super politely
• talk with your daughter! ask her questions or play a game.  Hope's favorite is to go back and forth making up all kinds of things we "did today."
• make it fun....invite dolls and stuffed animals, play a board game, put on some music, take pictures
• just enjoy the moment, there will come a day when your daughter will be all grown up and won't play tea party with you anymore, but you'll always have the memories! and so will she.

When all else fails or for a special treat, take your daughter on a mommy-daughter date to tea at a local tea house or restaurant.   Most tea houses have special children's menus and children's parties. 

My cuties!

Here's a magnetic idea

If you've run out of ideas to use at the doctor's office, at a restaurant while you wait, or other times when you need to entertain or occupy your child for a short while....here's one you might try.  Put a couple of magnets and a handful of paper clips in a ziploc and stash it in your purse.  Your young child will be fascinated with using the magnet to pick up the paper clips all at once or one at a time.  They'll love to see the clips dangle from their edge or be "magically" pulled toward the magnet.  They may also like to try their magnet out on various other objects - the silverware at your restaurant table, your keys, and more to see which objects it "sticks" to. They make take interest in watching magnets with exposed poles attract and also repel eachother.  They'll be having fun and learning science at the same time. 

a week of giving thanks - Friday

Friday's quote:
"The blessings we are used to, become so much the habit of our lives that we are apt to take them for granted and to fail to be stirred by them to any positive emotion of thankfulness. There are those who,ever mindful of the unequal measure in which privilege, opportunity and all material goods are distributed in this world, are always consciously grateful for the ordinary, every-day comforts; for food and shelter and decent surroundings and a peaceful life. But most of us, differently constructed, are prone to consider that all we are used to have is ours by a natural right, and that on the whole it is rather a hardship that we cannot contrive to have an ever-increasing share of sugar-plums allotted to us. We that are of that disposition must try at Thanksgiving to come to a fuller appreciation of our more recondite blessings, as well as of those which we accept as matters of course."  E.C. Martin

My thought for today:
Today I am thankful for all of the things I have.  I am thankful for my wealth, which is so far above and beyond what many others have in this world that I sometimes feel ashamed.  I am thankful for my home with all of its comforts, for cars and clothes and food and water.  I am thankful for toys for my children, this computer, kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer and so much more.  I am thankful to live in America. I am thankful for access to healthcare, groceries, books, church, art, a plethora of services, playgrounds, and education. 

a week of giving thanks - Thursday

Thursday's Quote:
"No thanksgiving is complete without its generous thought of those who are not so favored as we are. The truly grateful heart always thinks of giving blessing to some other. Says George MacDonald: "When God comes to man, man looks around for his neighbor." Our own Thanksgiving dinner will be sweeter if we have shared it with another household. An unshared meal on this glad day will not bring its best possible blessing." J. Corson Mill

My Thought for Today:
Today I am thankful for Jesus who changed my life in a very real way.  It is to Him that I direct all of my gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Thank you to all of you who visit my blog and read anything that I would have to say .  Thanks for sharing this parenting journey with me and sharing your wonderful comments!  I hope that your dinner is the tastiest yet and that when you lie your head on your pillow tonight you'll fall into a peaceful slumber before you can even finish counting the many things you have to be thankful for.  Have a great day!

Children's murals

I always thought I'd love doing murals for children's rooms.  If we owned our home and I could paint the walls, I'd love to do murals for my girls.  At one time several years ago, I did a full wall Noah's Ark theme for a children's room at a church (there's a few pics below, unfortunately the wall was so large we never got any of the entire mural).  Right now I have a few small watercolor paintings done on the walls in my kitchen.  I think if I were allowed, I'd be painting stuff all over the walls - it's just too much fun!  Here is a woman who does a really good job with murals - you can check out what she's done in some kids rooms.  What better way to personalize your child's room and make it special than with a life-size painting of something they like - whether you hire someone or have a talented friend! Or, if you're brave enough, why not give it a shot yourself or let the kids help! It doesn't have to anything complicated, of course!
   

Mama Chef - Holiday spice recipes

While it seems like we don't have enough time to do anything, much less cook complex recipes, at this time of year...still it is nice to have something a little special and seasonal with which to treat your family or guests.  There are so many great recipes involving the spices I've written briefly about, but here are just a few extremely simple and fun ways to put them to use:
1. Spicy hot cocoa - adults will appreciate a new twist on an old childhood favorite, check out my post from last year here.
2. Individual apple pie pockets - this recipe was passed on by my friend Michelle - it's so yummy and SOOO easy, you might use it year round! It is awesome served with vanilla ice cream and you could make an addition of any of the holiday spices to create your own favorite twist.  Cloves would be great!

• What you need: 2 very large apples, peeled, cut in half, and core removed.  1 1/2 C water, 1 1/2 C sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg - all mixed together.  2 store bought refridgerated pie crusts, cut in half. butter.
• What to do: Butter the bottom of a baking dish. Wrap each half of apple in one half of crust and place rounded side up in baking dish.  Pour mixture over the top and dot each apple with butter.
• Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. 

3. Homemade Ginger-Ale - for a fresh ginger flavor, this is amazing! Add an extra twist with a shot of cranberry, pomegranate, pineapple, or orange juice!

• What you need: 1 cup of peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger, 2 C water, also 1 C water plus 1 C sugar, also club soda, lime juice, and lime wedges.
• What to do: Bring 2 C water to a boil, add ginger - reduce to medium low for 5 min. remove from heat and let sit for 20 min. strain out ginger with a fine strainer.  Dissolve 1 C sugar into 1 C boiling water (this is called a simple syrup) and set aside. 
• make individual tall glasses of ginger ale by mixing 1/2 C ginger water + 1/3 C simple syrup + 1/2 C club soda. Add a few drops of lime juice and a fresh lime to each glass - the lime does something amazing to the flavor, it mellows out the bite of the ginger a bit. 

a week of giving thanks - Wednesday

Wednesday's Quote:
" I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new." Ralph Waldo Emerson

My thought for today:
Today I give thanks for the people in my life, for my family and my friends.  Thank you for loving me and caring for me especially when I don't deserve it (which is always).  Thank you to every one who has ever helped me, advised me, given me anything, made sacrifices for me, put up with me, shared your life with me, shaped me, challenged me, prayed for me.  And especially I give thanks for and to my husband, for whom words aren't enough to express my bottomless well of gratitude, and for and to my children who are my heart walking around outside of my body. 

Healthy Child Healthy World

Here is a website that I like.
I won't say that I stand absolutely one-hundred percent behind everything that is said or claimed here or that I've managed to put all the stuff that I really do agree with into practice.  But, I know that all of us are trying to do our best to raise healthy children and there is lots of stuff here to consider and resources to help.  So, go ahead and give it a look.  Don't freak out about stuff, just keep putting one foot in front of the other towards living healthfully. 

a week of giving thanks - Tuesday

Tuesday's quote:
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

My thought for today:
Today I am thankful for every circumstance - or at least I am learning to be.  I am thankful for the difficult things which make me stronger, for things that take time and therefore develop my patience, for the mistakes I have made which lead me to better and wiser decisions in the future. I am thankful for not being able to have absolutely everything I want but always having had everything that I need. I am thankful for vulnerability and reminders that life is both strong and fragile and every moment is a gift. I am thankful that there is forgiveness for imperfect relationships.  I am thankful that there is something to learn in every circumstance and that there is always hope.  I am thankful for tomorrow no matter what it brings. 

a week of giving thanks - Monday

Monday's Quote:
Gratus animus est una virtus non solum maxima, sed etiam mater virtutum onmium reliquarum
" Gratitude is not only the fairest of virtues, but the parent of all others." Marcus Tullius Cicero

My Thought Today:

• Today I give thanks for my eyes - eyes to see the leaves turning, the azure sky, my children's faces, my husband's eyes, the ocean waves,the mountain heights, grand and small, majestic and simple, I can see them all!
• Today I give thanks for my ears - ears to hear my child's questions, music - oh indescribeable music!, whistling birds, drippy rain, crackling fire, sweet nothings and a million different somethings, I can hear them all!
• Today I give thanks for my hands - hands to touch and feel my daughter's silken hair, her soft young skin, my husband's stubble and the warmth of his hand, the smooth, the cold, the grainy, the velvety petals of a rose, tiny frozen snowflakes, I can feel them all!
• Today I give thanks for the taste of good food, and the scent of a thousand things, for a body that is healthy and strong, and Today I give thanks for a mind that is sound and in bursts of clarity may carry enough sanity to know that I have more to be grateful for than I could ever account for.

Mama Chef - Holiday spices, part 4

CARDAMOM - Has a pungent, unique taste and little is needed to impart flavor - which is good since it is an expensive spice! (second only to saffron).  It is the seeds of a plant, which can be bought within the dried fruit pods or ground.  It is also a very ancient spice. True Cardamom - "Elletaria", is commonly called green cardamom, while "Amomum" cardamom (black or brown) is not the same thing, but a decent substitute. It is used to flavor coffee or tea in the Middle East, curries, and also in Danish pastries.  Try substituting it for cinnamon in a cinnamon/sugar blend for toast or other sweets - yummy!

VANILLA - a familiar and favorite flavor for many, we are mostly familiar with adding a little vanilla extract to our baked goods, but for some truly amazing vanilla flavor - smooth and mellow and special, nothing beats the bean.  Buying vanilla beans (actually the seed-pod of the plant) is a bit of an investment as a single bean can cost five or six dollars.  This is because of the labor-intensive, time-consuming harvest.  Did you know that the orchid which produces vanilla beans opens its flower only one day per year, and even then only for a couple of hours?  You may come across beans which are one of three varieties - Bourbon-Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican.  To store your vanilla bean(s) you can either wrap it tightly in plastic, store it in a tightly sealed jar in the freezer, or you can bury it in sugar (about 1 lb, and deep enough so that no light gets to it) in a tightly sealed jar.  After a couple of weeks, the sugar will taste like vanilla and you can use it to flavor coffee or for baking, and remove the vanilla bean for use.  Many recipes call for splitting the bean and scraping out the seeds to simmer in a liquid portion of the recipe.  

ASK RESTONMOM - 11/19/07

Dear Restonmom,
"We have had "professional" photos taken at Penny's and Picture People at Dulles Town Center.  I've been relatively happy with our Penny's experience, but horrifically disappointed in Picture People. Have you tried any of the portrait studios in our area?  Do you have any recommendations?  Our recent experience has been really traumatic for both Audrey and I since she was terrified of the people and rooms at both locations. Any tips on getting a 2 year old to cooperate with photos?  At the studio they told us it would probably be a battle until age 3??? " Audrey's mom, Reston

Dear Audrey's mom,
I'm sorry for your traumatic experiences. We have used JCPenney's and been pretty pleased both with quality and cost.  I have heard that where Target stores have studios it is basically the same company as JCPenney's. My niece and nephew got some really gorgeous pictures taken at Target! Also, if you are in need of a ton of pictures for low cost just to send out to family or something, Wal-mart is great.  I think quality really depends a large part on what photographer you get.  As far as getting a 2 year-old to cooperate - I can only suggest that you think creatively.  I suppose you could always try a small bribe (is that terrible?) promise her a specific little treat after she sits and smiles for the camera or find a toy camera or your own camera and let her take a few pretend snapshots of you sitting and posing in the same place she'll pose before her own picture?   Talk it up beforehand as something really great and let her pick out a "special" piece of clothing or accessory to wear for the picture?  Go and pick out a pretty picture frame and tell her that after she has her picture taken, you'll put a special picture of her in the frame and put it in her room just for her?  I don't know what might break the barrier for being afraid of the rooms or the people.....some children just take more time to warm up to things like that.  If that's the case with Audrey, then there probably isn't much you can do but be reassured that it will get better as she gets a little older.  Otherwise, I'd recommend sticking with JCPenneys and not giving up - some days are just better than others and some photographers too.

Comments are open for other readers to contribute too.

Dinner help is just around the corner!

Have you noticed that these "prepare your dinners ahead of time then take them home to your freezer" joints are popping up all over the place? I mean, I have to admit it is a great idea, and I know several people who take advantage of this.  In my FYI column under help for mom, I had already listed four different options pretty nearby - but I just discovered another one right here in Reston! Dinner Zen. Go figure! So, if you've been hiking it out to Ashburn or somewhere and would like to cut down the commute and try a new menu, give it a shot! Cut it out totally by using their delivery services! Why not? After slaving over that gorgeous bird and scrumptious pie for Thanksgiving....give yourself a week or two off! (They have Thanksgiving specials too!)

feed your brain and feed the world!

My sister recently pointed me to this great site -  Free Rice.  I had so much fun testing my own knowledge and thought it would be a great activity for older children and teens to challenge and develop their vocabulary.  The site presents you with a word and four possible definitions.   For every definition you answer correctly, ten grains of rice will be donated through the United Nations towards ending world hunger.  If you are tired of conversing on the level of a 2 or 3 year old all day, you mind find this to be refreshingly stimulating to your brain, plus you can feel good about helping other people. 

Get crafty

We still have those long winter months ahead.  When your children tire of their new Christmas toys and are trapped inside by the cold weather, what can you do for fun?  Think crafty...or let someone else do it for you.  Kids Craft Weekly will supply you regularly with great ideas. If you aren't the kids craft type or have trouble getting those juices flowing, this might be a really useful resource.  It's written by a mom just like you!

Mama Chef - Holiday spices, part 3

ALLSPICE:  Contrary to some common conceptions, allspice is not a blend of different spices (though it's aroma smells a bit like a combination of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg) but it is the dried, unripened fruit of a plant. Whole allspice looks a bit like peppercorns, and like other spices will deteriorate in flavor once ground.  If you want to buy it whole you can use a coffee grinder (or spice mill of course!) It is a main ingredient in Caribbean foods, especially jerk seasoning.  Also, it is used in sausages, curry, and barbecue sauce, though you might be most familiar with it's use in something like spice cake, ham, or pumpkin.

ANISE: Sweet and aromatic, it has a licorice like flavor. It is the seed of the fennel plant. It is primarily associated with cakes, biscuits, and confections, as well as rye bread.

STAR ANISE: (chinese) Is similar to anise in flavor, but is a totally different plant.  It is most often used in Chinese or Vietnamese cooking and is an ingredient in Chinese 5 spice powder.  The spice is a dried, unripened fruit which gets it's name from the 5-10 pointed star shape.  Traditionally it has been used in teas, especially to aid digestion and treat collick.  Unfortunately, it is sometimes confused with Japanese Star Anise, which is extremely toxic. It is sometimes used as a less expensive substitute for anise, although it's flavor is stronger and more bitter. 

Funny is as funny reads

Kids naturally have a great sense of humor.  Hope loves to combine funny syllables and words and then laugh at her "joke."  The sounds of language are fun to play with...and of course, with a maturing sense of humor, so are the meanings.  I like to try to pick a few books during our library selection that offer a bit of preschool-sized humor.  Here are a few recent picks that my girls have really enjoyed, I know your kids will love them too!
Cock-a-Doodle-Moo; a Mixed Up Menagerie by Keith DuQuette (oh this book is fabulous! and spurs creativity too!)

A Pocketful of Nonsense by James Marshall
(A peanut sat on a railroad track. His heart was all a-flutter. The five-fifteen came rushing by - toot! toot! Peanut butter!)

Oh Say Can You Say? by Dr. Seuss (wonderful nonsensical tongue twisters!)

To be a germaphobe, or not to be...that is the ?

I stopped buying anti-bacterial hand soap quite a while ago due to environmental effects and some theories I'd read about.....I just revisited this topic with a Nov. 13 article in the Washington Post titled "Are Antimicrobial Soaps Breeding Tougher Bugs?"  I was interested to read again some of the things I had also seen published elsewhere and thought it was good food for thought, here's some highlights from the article:

• our obsession with killing germs ultimately may do us more harm than good
• "for general use, antibacterial soaps are not superior to cleansing with regular soap and water"
• (on anti-bacterial ingredients being added to household products) "That's happening despite several potential negative consequences, including weakening of the immune system which could lead to a greater chance of allergies in children, and their possible link to the emergence of antibiotic resistance - the very problem that is making some diseases, such as MRSA, so difficult to treat.
• many illnesses such as cold and flu are not caused by bacteria but by viruses - antibacterials don't slow a virus at all.
• Some bacteria are bad for us, but some are good. The antimicrobials kill both. And when the good bacteria are gone, there's more room for the bad bacteria to grow, raising our risk of becoming sick.
• A germ-free environment may actually weaken our immune systems
• Scientists have discovered high levels of triclosan and triclocarban, two of the common antibacterial compounds found in soaps and detergents, in our ecosystem, in nearly 60% of streams and rivers.
• The chlorine that is routinely added to wastewater reacts with triclosan and in the presence of sunlight is transformed into a dioxin that is harmful to aquatic life and thus the food chain.

toy manufactured in China recalled - again?

You may have heard that another China-manufactured toy was recalled recently - Aqua Dots, expected to be a big seller this holiday season.  The coating on the beads that causes them to stick together when water is added contains a chemical which can turn toxic when swallowed - basically, once ingested the chemical breaks down into GHB (knows as the date-rape drug). Even though safety testing by retailers and manufacturers has recently been stepped up, these beads still reached stores and injured at least two children.  Why?  Apparently some of the glue used in the toy had been switched to 1,4-butanediol (banned for use in the U.S.) by a Chinese sub-contractor.  While retailers are asking manufacturers to document testing for things such as lead paint, things like 1,4-butanediol have to come through specific testing for the agent with sophisticated laboratory tests. Many companies hire labs, but it isn't mandatory - yet. The case certainly has been bolstered. In the case of Aqua Dots, not all batches were contaminated either. Therefore, reassurance may only come if every batch of a toy is required to be tested in the future. In the meantime, some parents are choosing to personally ban any toys made in China in an effort to personally protect their children. 

ASK RESTONMOM - 11/16/07

Dear Restonmom,
"Do you have any toys that you think are just absolute necessities?  We have a lot of the basics,
but I'm looking for something that is special,educational, something that can be passed down, a real
treasure for my young daughter.  It doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, loud, or technologically advanced." A.G., Reston

Dear A.G.,
There are way too many toys out there to choose from, don't you think?  What a great question! Here is a list of some toys that make my own "essentials" list:
KITCHEN - I think every girl or boy should definitely own a play kitchen! Some very nice wooden sets are available which could be repainted and handed down.
DRESS-UP TRUNK- yes, for boys and girls! You can use any container, we have an antique chest that was passed down to us.  Fill it with costumes from halloween, hats, shoes, old clothes from your closet.....
FURNITURE - I am a sucker for child-sized furniture, a nice set of table and chairs will go a long way - you can have a wooden one custom painted for something special.  I love to see my girls sit in the chairs painted with the names of my husband's siblings when they visit their grandparents, at my house we also have a table painted by my sister, and a wooden tea hutch that too was passed down, plus a rocking chair from my own childhood - we treasure them all and use them constantly!
TEA SET - for a little girl, this is a classic! Whether plastic for the bathtub or a nice porcelain set (which by the way you can find nice ones for cheap now) - it's a must!
DOLL HOUSE - every little girl should have a doll house at some point - and would you love to have had one handed down from your mother or grandmother?
CRADLE - a nice wooden doll cradle will get tons of use and can hang around for a long time, another classic!
CARS - a great set of good quality cars or trains is a winner for girls as well as boys.
PLAY-DOUGH - it may be messy, but it's a given.
PUZZLES, BOARD GAMES, AND BUILDING BLOCKS - all hit the top of my list too.

Comments are open for other readers to contribute too, I'd love to hear from someone who has boys!

Mama Chef - Holiday spices, part 2

CLOVES - are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia.  The spice, whole or ground, is strong in flavor and very aromatic, and can quickly overpower a dish.  It is advisable to buy whole cloves as the flavor deteriorates quickly when ground.  You can use a coffee grinder to grind them.  Cloves pair well with meats (as in studding a ham),baked goods, and in mulling spices.  Try piercing a small onion with a clove and adding to soups, broths, or poaching liquids.  You may be surprised to find that cloves constitute flavor in Worcestershire sauce and sometimes ketchup.

GINGER - the subterranean stem or rhizome (not actually the root) of a plant originating in China, this spice is a key ingredient in oriental and asian cookery. You can purchase it in several forms, most often as fresh ginger, powdered, crystallized, or pickled.  It is quite spicy-hot, especially when fresh.  In the U.S. it is most often used in sweets such as gingerbread, spice cake, ginger ale.  It has been noted for its medicinal qualities for many centuries, especially for digestive aid.  It is said to be more effective at quelling motion sickness without causing drowsiness than Dramamine.  It is also anti-inflammatory.  Try using fresh ginger to make tea or adding it to your homemade applesauce or cider.  I just like to eat the crystallized ginger because it's yummy as is. 

Go Go Gadget Mama - hand vacs

If you have kids, you have a need for a cordless hand vac.  You should have seen the look of glee on my face when Matt brought one home as a gift to me a few years back.  Can I really be the only one who gets so excited about this kind of thing??? Every mom deserves a machine that quickly snarfs up cheerios, pet hair, dried pasta, roly-poly peas, and more!  Wouldn't it be great if they could just suck up sticky, wet rice too? While some hand vacs do a masterful job, some truly suck in the other way.  So, ditch that stylin' but poorly performing Dirt Devil Kurv, and get the low-down on getting the job done.  Here's my top three picks, thanks in part to Wired Test Magazine and Consumer Reports:
3. Black and Decker CHV1400 -$35-$50

2. EuroPro Shark 18V - $40-$50 - if you have pets, get this one!

and the winner is:
1. Hoover Wet/Dry S1120 - $20-$50 - for price (I have seen it on Amazon for $19.99) and performance it can't be beat..and....AND..it works on wet messes too! Yee-Haw!

Mama Chef - Holiday spices, part 1

Keep an eye out for more of this month's posts on holiday spices....

CINNAMON: this spice is the inner bark of an evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and Southern India.  What you may not know is that all of the powdered spice labeled "cinnamon" sold in the U.S. is not actually cinnamon, but a relative called Cassia. "True cinnamon, " which you can find labeled as Saigon Cinnamon or Chinese Cinnamon, is much softer, finer, and more naturally sweet with a flavor that leans toward what you might associate with cinnamon candy (like red hots)...it is slightly more strong and "hot" in flavor and you'll need to reduce the amount used in your recipes.  The difference is especially noticeable in stick form - true cinnamon can easily be grated or milled, while Cassia is harder and may damage your grate or mill. 
Cinnamon pairs with sweet flavors and is therefore often an ingredient in baked goods, it is complementary with nutmeg and almost every other "holiday" spice, pairs well with chocolate (a common pairing in Mexico), and is even often used in savory meat dishes in the Middle East.  It is a very versatile spice and is even noted for some potentially good health benefits.

NUTMEG: is the seed of a tree indigenous to Southeast Asia and nearby tropical areas. It really is best grated fresh, the flavor deteriorates quickly but a nutmeg nut will keep indefinitely and can be used as needed.  Nutmeg is fragrant, warm, and slightly nutty and most often used in sweet dishes, white sauces, cheese sauces, spinach, and egg dishes.  It is the spice used in Egg Nog.  However, nutmeg is poisonous.  Used in normal culinary amounts it is pretty much harmless, but consumed in large quantities ie: 6 tsps or more at a time, it can be dangerous, potentially causing palpitations, convulsions, dehydration, nausea, and hallucinations. In extremely large amounts it can be fatal.  While it is not likely that your child will down a whole bottle of ground nutmeg, it is advisable to store it out of reach. 

A different kind of contraction

My daughter Hope has always been an extremely verbal child, talking in full sentences and singing complete songs months before she even turned two.  To top it off, she has always spoken very clearly with great grammar and an impressive vocabulary. However, there is one word that has become imbedded in her speech that tickles her daddy and me daily.  This creative word comes out in the contracted form  "amn't" - that's right, as in "am not".  For example: "Mommy, I amn't doing that!"  or "I'm just like a princess, mommy, amn't I?"   I have to give the kid some credit for logic - and five stars for cuteness.  I've never put much stock in correcting her language, any little idiosyncrasies have worked themselves out without my interference in a matter of weeks, but I'm afraid this one is really hanging in there.  I just don't have the heart to bring it to her attention yet, it's become a bit of a pet characteristic - it's sort of the one glitch in her giant gift for gab and I find it endearing in the way only a mother can.   

Are we really this paranoid?

Okay, I admit that playgrounds make me terribly nervous - and I still let my kids play on them.  They do wear helmets when they ride their bikes, and they DEFINITELY have had a fair share of purpley bruises to crown their shiny foreheads...but still, am I crazy for thinking this is a bit ridiculous?

ASK RESTONMOM - 11/12/07

Dear Restonmom:
    "Could you please recommend a Thai restaurant near Reston, Sterling or Herndon? Nothing too fancy or expensive. Do you have any favorite restaurants that we must try other than the big chains? Also, what are your favorite activities for 2 year olds in our town? Now that we know about all the storytimes at the local libraries, we plan on going, but what else can we do around here? We've hit Frying Pan Farm, Reston Zoo, the local school playground, Reston Farmers Market, etc. Is there something I'm missing that we MUST do? "   Ashlye, Reston

Dear Ashlye,
    Thankyou so much for your wonderful questions! As far as Thai restaurants go, I'm afraid I can't hit the nail on the head for you this time, but I can say that I have eaten at Busara in the Reston Town Center and thought it was good.  Also, I hear that Chao Phra Ya, in Herndon, is one of the best places in the area - though I think it might be a bit fancy.  I have two recommendations for you and your 2 yr. old - Clemyjontri park (a playground like no other I've ever been to) and The Watermine family swimmin' hole.  Both of these are a bit unique to the area, totally fun and were absolutely a hit with both of my own daughters.  Unfortunately, they are more suited to warmer weather.  Check out my "places to go" and "hands on fun" resources in the right hand column for some other ideas too.
    Best Wishes to you in eating and playing!  Please share with us if you find something you truly love!

Comments are open for other readers to contribute too!

The return of powder puff

My parents held onto a few toys that I had as a little girl and from time to time they have reappeared at our house to the glee of my own girls and my own fond memories.  Most recently, my mom brought with her a pink plastic powder puff doll high chair.  I honestly couldn't believe this thing survived!  I do remember playing with it...right down to the flowery logo and cream colored tray which lifts up and down over the chair.  Apparently after years of being stored in an old shed, all it needed was a good clean up and voila! my girls are the proud owners of one very retro piece of doll furniture.  Though I will undoubtedly hold onto a few things for my girls, I can easily say this wouldn't have been one of them - but here it is in surprisingly great condition and I'm happy and amazed to see it again.  The girls absolutely love it, and it's pretty much a one-of-a-kind by now.  Kind of makes me wonder - if you could resurrect one item from your own childhood memories, what would it be?

Adoption is an amazing option!

November is Adoption Awareness Month, a month set aside to raise awareness about adopting children from foster care.  Matt and I have talked seriously about adoption, but with every conversation we stumble a bit over whether we feel like we'd adopt a baby or whether adopting might look a bit differently.  We have many friends who have amazing stories and beautiful children through adopting a baby, but we also have at least one person who is near and dear to us with a bit of a different adoption story to share.  My little sister Nikki (now 16) was adopted as a teenager by my parents after having lived with them as foster parents for 3 years.  While her complete story, unable to be fully told here, would absolutely blow you away...I asked her to write a short comment from her experience:

"I was adopted after living with them approximately three years. During those three years, I felt very insecure, not knowing what my future would be.  Being adopted has given me a brand new life, new opportunities, and a really great family.  When I first learned that I was going to be removed  from my old home, I was devastated!  I blamed God for doing such a cruel thing to me.  Now I realize that this has been the best thing that's ever happened to me! This has been so amazing to me that God loved me so much that he gave me a new life. I am so grateful to my new parents, family, and friends that have made me who I am today."

Knee-deep in your child's artwork?

While there are so many creative ideas for tackling that great sentimental chore of storing/preserving/cherishing your child's artwork....eventually the overwhelming evidence points directly to the fact that you just can't keep it all.  Here's a few ways, though, that I liked to help hold on to those priceless moments and special talents:

• Totally Out of Hand - preserving your child's artwork forever in sterling silver. LOVE THIS! so cute, and would make great family gifts too!
• Little DaVinci Art Cabinet - store and display your child's art in an instant (amazingly can store up to 100 pieces of art!)
• Creations by You! - professionally produced keepsakes. Turn that artwork into a museum poster, or have it printed on real canvas and put into a wooden frame.  There are also customized kids clocks, watches, mugs, plates, etc....
• Mandy's Moon - gifts featuring your child's art (I especially liked the coasters and key hanger)
• My Little Rembrandt - create custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, aprons, note cards, party invitations, and more! (I love the idea of sending out party invitations or Christmas cards featuring your child's art!)

Carry with comfort!

I never really used a sling or carrier with either of my girls, but I have friends who have sworn by them.   I think that if I were going to pick one, this just might be it - PortaMEe classic baby carrier. Mainly, because it can be used through three years of age without compromising your lumbar support and comfort....but it also has some really cool accessory features too. Plus, I think it looks sleek and fashionable.....if such contraptions can be that.   

Pump it up birthday!

We spent the morning celebrating birthdays with some great friends.  The party was held at Pump It Up.  It was our first visit and I thought it was a smashing idea for a birthday party!  You get your own private room filled with those giant inflatable slides, moonbounces, obstacles courses and such - perfect for entertaining a group of energetic little kids (and fun-loving adults too!)  Then you move over to a colorful party room complete with balloons and giant inflated throne, where you can eat and enjoy other festivities like opening presents.   I felt like the place was very well prepared from the large carts on rollers for gifts and coat/shoe rack, to the trained staff members there to help with all your needs (who actually proved to be very willing and helpful), to the cleanliness of the areas including hand sanitizer ready for the kids as they enter the party room to eat.  The only downfall was that kids have to be 2 years old to play on the equipment (which meant Maddie couldn't, but they did provide balls and a little tykes kid-size car for her entertainment). If you just want to check it out there are pop-in playtimes too.

Please drive safely!

I'm sending this friendly (and deadly serious) reminder to you and to everyone out there.  When we've been driving for a while, it's easy to take it for granted and not realize the devastating potential we are wielding.  My little sister just recently got her permit - aced the test by answering all those questions about what percentage of speed you should slow down in the rain and in the snow, etc.... - those things we all pridefully ignore sometimes.  I remember when I was first learning to drive my mom telling me something along the lines of treating my vehicle with the respect of a weapon because I was wielding something which had the potential to kill. I've watched the videos - I know what a car can do at 35 miles per hour - not to mention 60 or 80.  Having kids though, well let's just say it takes my safe-driving agenda to a whole different level.  And - ahem - living in this area, I feel constantly surrounded by a whirlwind of impatient, pushy drivers.  Let's own up and take some adult responsibility for this - 'cause when I'm on the road with my cubs in the backseat, driving like a maniac around me is like messing with a riled up mama lioness.  I can't say I'm a perfect driver....but I will tell you honestly that I have never had a speeding ticket nor have I ever been in an accident.  I take driving very seriously (just ask my husband who gets chewed out practically every time he whips out his phone or other gadget while driving)...if I can do it, so can you!
Defensive Driving: 70 rules to live by

Hurry for some great deals!

Just wanted to let you know:

• a friend informed me that Tyson's Corner LLBean is having an unadvertised 20% off sale on all outwear until the 12th. They have a big selection of children's coats - snow pants and raincoats apply too!  Also women's and men's. (unfortunately hats and gloves are regular prices) - but if you are currently looking to outfit your kids in some quality winter gear at sale prices, this might be your ticket! (thanks Julie!)
• also, LANK (Lake Anne Nursery Preschool) is having it's annual "New to you" sale tomorrow (Nov.10) from 8 am to noon.  Go early - this is a fairly well known event in the community and lots of people will turn out for great deals on second-hand items including tons of kids clothing, toys, bedding, and all kinds of stuff.  We went last year and saw some spectacular items including nursery rockers and ottomans, some other furniture, really great toy items.....you never know what you'll find, it's definitely worth a visit. (thanks Heather!)