Sunday, March 6, 2011

Coquitlam Mommy Blog has moved to it's NEW HOME!

You can now find us at www.coquitlammommy.ca
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter - February 21, 2011



Hard to believe that it's the end of February and we're almost in to Spring. There's still time to sign up for the 5lb challenge and be entered in the draw to win a $50 gift card to Lululemon. After you 'like' our Facebook Page, submit a healthy recipe and a fun activity to do with your little one here. The draw is in 2 days, get your name entered today!

Earlier in the week I started doing a little reading about keeping your life simple to find happiness. The whole idea made me laugh a little as I thought of all the things mom's go through on a regular basis. We're constantly juggling things like play dates, nap times, meals, and chores. As the week wore on, I realized that most of us moms set unrealistic goals for what we take on and can do in a day or even a week. Then you have the little things that can throw us off track. Take my day yesterday for example. I managed to get my swimsuit locked in my front-loading washer just before swim lessons. Then I forgot a file on the roof of my car, which I thought wasn't working because it was in reverse all along and not park! If I really stressed about the little things then I'd need a straight jacket, instead I find the humour in all that goes wrong over a coffee and a laugh with other moms.

This has all led me to our theme for next month. March is going to be all about Taking Time For Mom. We will be running several events and outings that will be mom focused, posting articles that have you in mind and promotions that take time to think about how a mom needs a bit of time to reconnect with her awesome self.

So for next month join us in a month that is all about loving ourselves and being selfish for once!

Highlights of the week

We've moved our events page to Meetup.com. This allows us to take advantage of Meetup's unique features that Facebook didn't such as setting up recurring events and allowing members to not only suggest but also create events. You can sign up for Meetup using your Facebook account and get started today!

Please note that the sponsorships and perks offered on the Meetup page are a service unique to the page and do not generate any benefits (monetary or otherwise) to Coquitlam Mommy.

Other exciting news is that we've updated our website. We've got articles and posts archived neatly for you to peruse. In case you can't find something you're looking for use our new "Search" function. Please check it out and let us know of any features you'd like to see added. While there, sign up for our weekly newsletter to be delivered straight to your inbox. Upgrades and changes to the site will be continuing through the next few weeks.

Page Turners

Monday The Bullfrog by Matthew Van Fleet

Fans of Matthew Van Fleets other books (Heads, Tails and Alphabet to name a few) won’t be disappointed by this one. This is a multi-concept book that combines a touch and feel story with a puppet toy. Read more...


Baby Fingers: Teaching Your Baby To Sign by Lora Heller

On many recent playdates I have heard parents ask: “Are you teaching sign language?” With so much information out there and options, this is a great choice. Read more...


Tunes

Hushabye Baby; Lullaby Renditions of Taylor Swift by Taylor Swift

This is a unique album for the little one! I am not a huge Taylor Swift fan, but the sounds effects used for the lullaby versions are really good. Read more...


February's 5 pound Challenge Highlights

Facebook Highlights of the Week

iPhone/Backberry App of the week

If you sign up for Coquitlam Mommy on Meetup you'll be able to RSVP for events, meet other moms and if you download their app, sync your iPhone or Blackberry calendar.

Product Recall's

Bob Stroller Recall

Events and Activities:

Be sure to check out our Meetup page for all the fun activities we'll be doing this week. Some of the highlights include a fun playdate at Koko's and the kick off event for our Mom focused month with a ladies night out at Brown's SocialHouse.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter February 15/2011

I apologize for the delay on this Newsletter! I unfortunately was called in for dental work that has set me behind schedule and has taken a few days to get back on schedule. 

This week there were several changes on our Facebook Page due to their new 'page' updates. All Events and Discussions will now be listed on the side bar, as it is done on your personal page. We have also changed the name of our group on Facebook to embrace our growing community. We greatly appreciate your feedback and submissions for content. All of this is allowing us to meet the interests of our members and the diverse nature of our group. 

We are also still running a '5 Pound Challenge' on the Coquitlam Mommy Page. For those that have not signed up yet, please do! There is a $50 coupon for Lululemon up for grabs and only takes you sharing your fitness and nutrition tips that you use to get your self to your most comfortable you! If you havent signed up, you should check this out as the content has been very helpful for the group and keeps us buzzing on our walks and play dates.

Please be sure to also share our page with others as you never know what they will contribute or take away for their families. 

Last Weeks Highlights


Coquitlam Mommy Page Blog Highlights
Also there has been a huge amount of discussion about the programs that are cost conscious in the Tri-Cities area! As many of us are on EI or some sort of reduced income with the addition of our little ones, I have started to put together a local calendar to refer to for events under $5 or FREE! Check out this link on our Facebook Page for more info! Calendar Link

Coquitlam Mommy Page started with 9 women who had taken a prenatal class at Douglas College in Winter 2010. After having our reunion to meet all the babies, we discovered that all of our group was wanting to get out, get active with the babies and share our experiences. We started with a group walk at Rocky Point for 5 km that grew to numbers of 15 on sunny days in the summer, and we have grown from there. As the months have gone on we have shared everything from diaper choices, places to find deals, highchair options, breast feeding issues, events to attend together and everything else that a new mom may need to chat about. We are still growing and have been greatly inspired by all the new members that share and attend our events. In short we are here as a community for mom's in the Tri-cities and elsewhere to discuss issues and ideas with other moms. With all the information out there, it is fantastic to hear what real moms are doing. 



Lil Page Turners of the Week



Belly Button Book (Boynton on Board)The Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton (submitted by Raheel SI found this book on sale at Winners one day and flipped through it in the store and was hooked. I loved the cute cartoon hippos and the belly button song in an instant. The author has a great sense of rhythm and rhyme. The illustrations are super cute and eye catching. Who wouldn’t want to spend time on Belly Button Beach where hippos spend their time walking in bathing suits too little, so you can admire the button on their middle!


On the Stereo for Lil Ears


Mainly Mother Goose
Mainly Mother Goose: Sharon Lois and Bram. After discussing Sharon Lois and Bram with a fellow mom, I have now opened my eyes to the fact that not all of us grew up with this crazy 3 musicians. If you have not purchased one of their albums I would recommend it as they are always great to sing along to!




This Weeks Event Highlights

Sasamat / White Pines Walk

This will be a refreshing walk for parents wanting to get out and enjoy a afternoon with their little ones. This walk take just over an hour and I recommend bringing a snack and a bottle. From the Port Moody Rec Center, it is a 15 min. drive to White Pines Beach.

Please read this article for more information on this walk. 




Baby and Me Snowshoe Guided Tour!

Another fantastic outing with the little ones at Mount Seymour. This is a great way to get active and enjoy the snowy weather with the family. For more information on this event see the above link.

Please read the following article on snowshoeing with your little ones.






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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Teresa’s Detox Drink – “To take out the Garbage”

Teresa’s Detox Drink

Please take a look at this fantastic smoothy recipe. This was shared by my auntie and is a go to for me when I am looking to do a cleanse! I add what ever fruit I am craving for the day (strawberries, mango, or berries).

“This is my aunt's recipe and this is her own views on health. Not to be taken as medical advice. Use at your own discretion.”



In blender add in order:
  • 1 cup of frozen or/ fresh Organic blue berries
  • 1 banana, fresh or frozen (peeled of course) if you don’t want it this sweet just omit or use only ½ of a banana.
  • 1 cup of water (pure is best)
Blend- while running add the following:
  • 1 Tbsp. Bentonite
  • 1 Tbsp. Flax oil (cold press is best)
  • 1 dropper full of Chlorophyll concentre
  • 1 quick shake of cayenne pepper
Stop blender and add:

1 scoop of Protein powder (I use Iso Gold Plain which is 100% pure Whey Isolate)
1-2 Tbsp. fresh ground flax seed or/ bran or/ oat bran

Start blender and blend only until mixed.
(If you over mix, the flax seed will start to gel your drink and than you have a pudding.)
Pour and enjoy at home or on the run.
Notes:
- Flax seeds will scrub your colon wall from top to bottom and allow you to up take your nutrients better. Flax seeds can be pre ground in a coffee grinder and stored in the freezer. Once the seed is cracked it begins to go rancid once the air hits it, as do all seeds and grains. Think fresh!
- Flax oil should always be sold out of a fridge and stored in a fridge once brought home. Rancid, remember. Never, never heat this oil it is to be used raw and when heated become carcinogenic. Flax oil is one of the most powerful anti-cancer nutrients available to us.
-Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Use organic, as berries are the most heavily pesticides sprayed fruits you can buy.
- Bentonite is clay. When this clay absorbs water it swells up and stretches open and act like a sponge. Toxins, pathogenic viruses, herbicides and will be absorbed. Buy at the health food store.
-Chlorophyll is the de-gasser of your colon. Your small intestines will love all that great green plant food that is in a form that is ready to use with no work involved. Buy at a health food store. It is sold in a small glass bottle with an eyedropper. Store in fridge..
-Cayenne pepper: A study published in the late 1990’s in a British journal indicates Cayenne may help boost metabolism while suppressing appetite. Cayenne pepper as well has shown to lower stress-related fatigue and depression
Cayenne can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines.  It aids elimination and assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation, especially of proteins. 

Please contact the site admin for more information on the author's details. I have been using this as a detox cleanse for several years and feel a 100% better at the conclusion of the week!
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Transitioning to Independent Eating (Submitted by Sharon Chong)

Tips for Transitioning from Feeding to Independent Eating & a Recipe for a Yummy Pasta Favourite! 

When your child is around eight or nine months and can sit on his own without assistance, he may be ready for finger foods which means it’s time to start that transition from feeding to independent eating!  My son, Logan, is now at this stage and I’ve been doing some research on what I can do to help him through these early stages of self-feeding.

First finger foods are foods that have previously passed the four day rule in pureed form and that dissolve in baby’s mouth or that can be gummed to a consistency which is easily swallowed.  You can test a food by trying it yourself and checking to see if you can easily squash the food against the roof of your mouth.  The following are types of finger foods commonly suggested when trying out finger foods with your little ones:

  • Dry cereals such as Cheerios & Nutrios
  • Snacky foods such as puffins and biscuits
  • Cottage cheese
  • Ripened fruit
  • Veggies
  • Short pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
  • Boiled egg yolk
  • Chicken or Turkey
  • Semisoft cheeses
  • Bread

For an extensive list of finger foods, I recommend the wholesome baby food website regarding finger foods:  http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/babyfingerfood.htm. They list foods by fruit, veggies and other.  Also, they have several great recipes including Sweet Potato Fries and Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Nuggets.

From the many baby books I have on hand, one of my favourites is the Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems by Tracy Hogg.  What she emphasizes is that there are two key elements to successfully aiding your baby through independent eating: patience and creativity.

Patience consists of allowing your baby to play, feel, and even squish their foods between their fingers.  Before each meal, place the chosen finger food in front of your baby and allow them to explore with it.  You can even feed yourself as babies do love to imitate their mommies and daddies.  If not successful, don’t worry!  At some point your baby will decide to amaze you and coordinate his little fingers to put that food in his mouth. 

Creativity comes with not only the types of food you offer your baby but the form in which you present the foods.  To name a few, veggies can be cut into shoestrings and baked liked fries; pasta can be mixed with your favourite veggies (see below for You-Build-It Lasagna, a favourite for mommy, daddy and baby); fruit can be baked; and chicken can be breaded and served as baby chicken strips!  One of the Coquitlam Mommies, Brittany, shared that she even rolls Quinoa into balls so that her daughter Aydenne can pick it up and feed it to herself!   

I know a lot of Coquitlam Mommies are going through the same thing right now so if you have any suggestions that have worked for your little ones, we’d appreciate you sharing!  Good luck to all and here’s to having fun, being creative and helping our little ones take their first steps towards independence!!


You-Build-It  Lasagna from The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press
3 ribs celery, trimmed and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 ½ Tbsp low-sodium tamari
Freshly ground pepper
4 cups fresh spinach

Pasta:
1 lb dry lasagna noodles (I use whole-wheat rotini so that Logan can eat it too)
2 cups tomato sauce
2 ½ cups non-fat cottage cheese
6 cups grated low-or non-fat mozzarella cheese (I use 3 cups to lower the calories)
1 ½ cup goat cheese (I cut this out all together, again to reduce calories)

Instructions:

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375F. In large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot.  Cook 5 minutes until veggies are soft.  Add mushrooms and sauté for another few minutes.  Stir in tamari, pepper and spinach.  Let spinach wilt.

Step 2
In a large saucepan bring water to a boil.  Pour a little olive oil into the water to prevent sticking and cook pasta noodle al dante.  Drain noodles and run under cold water to prevent over cooking.

Step 3
Spread ½ cup or more tomato sauce on the bottom of lasagna pan that’s been coated with a non-stick cooking spray.  Place a layer of pasta noodles on top.  Spread ¾ cup cottage cheese on top of the noodles along with 1 ½ cups of grated mozzarella cheese (or in my case ¾ cup), ½ cup of goat cheese (or in my case none), and one third of the spinach vegetable mixture.  Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients.  End with tomato sauce on top.

Step 4
Bake in hot oven for 35 minutes.  Sprinkle more grated mozzarella on to of the lasagna and return to oven for another 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside for 20 minutes before serving.


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