While many of us don’t need an excuse to celebrate pie, tomorrow is National Pie Day and we don’t have to feel guilty while enjoying this classic treat. The culinary staff at Wellspring Academies (www.wellspringacademies.com) has created these delicious and healthy pie recipes to enjoy on this fun holiday and throughout the year.
Please feel free to use the recipes below!
Pumpkin Pudding Pie
Ingredients:
1 30 oz. can of Libby’s Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix
½ cup of egg beaters or egg whites
1 cup evaporated skim milk
2 9-inch pie pans
Directions:
Mix pumpkin pie mix, evaporated milk, and egg substitute in large bowl
Pour into pie shells.
Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake another 50-60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 2 hours or refrigerate. Serve plain or with fat free Cool Whip (15 calories for 2 tablespoons).
I wanted to let you know about two amazing holiday offerings from Cozy’s Cuts for Kids and the So Cozy brand of hair products for kids. This year, they have partnered with Rachel Weissman and Alex Toys to create two adorable and affordable sets:
Alex Toys for So Cozy Creative & Clean Bath Set ($32): Don’t let your little one rub-a-dub in the tub without this perfect combination ofbathingessentialsand bath-friendly toys. Each set contains an assortment of So Cozy and Alex Toys treats that let your little ones unleash their creative sides in the bath. Each kit includes:
So Cozy 8oz Shampoo
So Cozy 8oz Conditioner
Detangling Comb with Hook Handle
Three Rub-A-Dub Draw in the Tub Crayons
Two Bath Paints
Color Your Tub Bath Fizzies (one set contains 50 tablets)
Mesh Toy Bag
Rachel Weissman Holiday Hair Kit ($28): Give this stylish set to the glamorous little girl in your life. The ultimate chic set for any budding fashionista, the kit includes So Cozy Styling Cream and twoRachel Weissman hair clips designed exclusively for So Cozy.
reviWhen you’re focused on your family it’s easy to overlook your own needs but good hydration is important at every stage of life – from pregnancy through childbirth, and on-the-run as a busy mom.
Most of us don’t drink enough – The National Academy of Sciences suggests that women should get approximately 91 ounces per day or 2.7 liters of total water from food and drink to avoid dehydration. Of course,pregnancy and nursing increase a woman’s needs. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of dehydration, and to pay special attention to drinking enough every day to avoid minor discomforts such as swelling and bloating as well as more serious concerns such as early labor and exhaustion.
What to drink? Water is of course top of the list, but what about times when you really need a boost – something that quenches the thirst, replaces lost electrolytes and refreshes with a burst of flavor? What can health-conscious pregnant moms drink when they’re trying to avoid empty calories and artificial ingredients?
You may not know it, but Recharge®, made with R.W. Knudsen Family® brand fruit juice has long been a favorite recommendation of midwives, who know how important hydration is during pregnancy and delivery. This refreshing, all natural sports drink replenishes the fluids and electrolytes your busy body needs - without adding sugar or unnatural flavors and colors.
Each 8-ounce serving of Recharge provides pure, filtered water to keep you hydrated, flavorful fruit juice to encourage gulping, and sea salt to replace the crucial electrolytes lost when you’re on-the-go, exercising or outdoors in hot weather. Recharge is available in 32-ounce (Green Apple, Grape, Lemon, Mixed Berry, Orange , Organic Lemon and Tropical flavors) and 16-ounce sizes (Grape, Lemon, Orange , Tropical flavors).
Hydration facts for pregnancy, childbirth and moms-on-the-go
What is hydration?
Did you know that approximately forty-five to seventy-five percent of a person’s total body weight is made up of fluids, most of which is water? When a body is well hydrated, fluids are replenished at roughly the same rate at which they are lost. Dehydration occurs when more fluid is lost than is replaced, an amount which varies from person to person depending on their health, age and body fat.
How much should I drink every day?
Everyone’s needs are different, and recommendations vary depending on your weight, activity level and climate. Pregnancy and nursing also increase a woman’s needs. While water and other beverages make up about 80 percent of daily intake, food provides the other 20 percent.
The National Academy of Sciences suggests that women should get approximately 91 ounces per day or 2.7 liters of total water (from food and drink) to avoid dehydration.
One way to arrive at a daily goal is to divide your body weight by two to get the number of ounces of fluid that should be consumed each day. A 140 lb woman might therefore aim to drink 70 ounces each day, in addition to consuming water-rich foods.
What are the signs/symptoms of dehydration?
Women who are pregnant or nursing need to pay special attention to their hydration. Dehydration can endanger babies and mothers, particularly during pregnancy when nausea and vomiting are more common, and blood volume is increasing. Signs of dehydration may include:
·Thirst with dry mouth
·Dark yellow urine
·Dizziness
·Headaches
·Constipation
Fatigue
Chapped lips/dry skin
Nausea and vomiting
More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
What are the risks of dehydration during pregnancy?
Dehydration can happen quickly, and if left untreated can lead to serious illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly during hot summer months. It can also result in a higher incidence of preterm labor. Additionally:
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, nausea can lead to dehydration and vice versa. Severe dehydration may require immediate urgent care, resulting in rehydration with intravenous fluids. In the first half of pregnancy, mothers need adequate fluids to ensure that their levels of amniotic fluid are sufficient for their baby’s development. The body replaces amniotic fluid at the rate of approximately 1 cup per hour. Later on in pregnancy, dehydration is a common cause of early contractions or labor. Good hydration can help to alleviate common discomforts such as bloating and swelling.
Delivery
During delivery, when the frequency of contractions increases, a mother’s energy can become quickly depleted. Dehydration can increase fatigue, as well as increasing the body’s temperature which can result in muscle cramping. Good hydration can enhance both physical and mental endurance.
Nursing
Adequate fluid intake is important for nursing mothers. Recovery from birth, and the challenge of establishing an adequate milk supply puts mothers at greater risk of dehydration, which can exacerbate fatigue.
Moms on the go
When your priorities change and your focus is on your children’s wellbeing, it’s easy to forget to keep yourself well hydrated. During exercise, aim to drink one cup of water every fifteen minutes while working out, and pay attention to the signs of dehydration as you cool off.
Ten Tips to maintain hydration:
1.Keep a fluid log to help you estimate how much you usually drink each day.
2.Divide your weight by two to get an idea of the total number of ounces you should be drinking. Consult a physician with any questions.
3.Fill a PBA-free container with your goal amount at the start of the day and drink regularly until it is finished.
4.Use a timer on your phone, watch or stove to remind you to take a drink.
5.Replenish fluids after any activity and increase them on warm to hot days.
6.Avoid liquids such as processed soda and caffeine, which can increase urination.
7.Keep liquids cold, or add ice to make it taste more refreshing.
8.Eat foods that are water-rich. Examples include fruits such as watermelon and grapes, and vegetables such as tomatoes and zucchini.
9.Make drinking more appealing by adding a twist of natural flavor (fresh lemon, lime etc.) or enjoy an all-natural beverage such as R.W. Knudsen Family’s Recharge (http://www.knudsenjuices.com/products/recharge) which contains 50 percent juice, water and sea salt (for essential electrolytes) without added sugar or artificial ingredients.
10.Always check with a physician if signs of dehydration are present.
·Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: http://www.amazon.com/Mayo-Clinic-Guide-Healthy-Pregnancy/dp/0060746378
NOTE: This fact sheet is designed for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of a trained physician, or to be a substitute for medical care. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have about hydration during pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.
-Courtesy of RW Knudsen
I am somewhat familiar with RW Knudsen juices, so I thought reviewing them would help me get more acquainted! RW Knudsen has a line of electrolyte drinks similar to Gatorade, etc called Recharge.
Recharge is an all natural thirst quencher. It has been around since the 80s – but the green apple flavor and mixed berry are new – introduced in 2008. Recharge is a flavored sports drink made from concentrates. It has electrolytes, no sugar added, and is made with all natural fruit juice.
I got my package of Recharge and put a couple of bottles in the refrigerator. There were 2 sizes: 16 oz, and 32 oz. I tried the Tropical flavor, which is like tropical punch. I thought it tasted much better than similar drinks, and had a lot more flavor. More fruit flavor. I liked it so much I had another cup!
The Bottom Line: Recharge is an all natural alternative to your regular electrolyte drinks. Delicious and a lot more flavor! Pick up a case today!
* I received a case of Recharge products to facilitate my honest & candid review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All views are my own!
Win It!
I'm so happy to announce that RW Knudsen is giving away a case of Recharge products to 1 reader!
Main entry: (A must!)Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who you'd like to win this for. Its okay to say for yourself ;)!
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Giveaway ends 12/4/09 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize.
Need a little extra job security? Maybe the well of cheesy office-related gifts for your boss and co-workers has run dry, and you'd like to do something a bit more impressive this year. Give your boss the most memorable gift that makes them think of you and see your name every day for years to come.
Remember the brand/store of motivational posters Successories? Well, they’re back with a whole new branch. It’s called DYI (Design Your Inspiration) and it’s a create-it-yourself branch. You pick a poster (wall or desk size) from dozens of their award-winning photographs and you can customize it with your own quote, personal message, company motto, or joke! It’s a perfect workplace gift- to stay ‘top of mind’ with your boss. It’s something your boss can hang, look at, and think of you every day! Check out the line here: http://dyi.successories.com/?s_cid=HomeFashAd1
This holiday, people will be looking for gifts that have substance, sentiment and lasting value -- in this economy, gifts worth spending their money on!
"Design Your Inspiration" is a new concept being offered by Successories.com (the 25 year veteran in inspirational art). It gives complete creative control to the customer. In just a few easy steps, anyone can create unique and inspiring personalized framed art.
Choose from dozens of cute, colorful and thought-provoking imagery to create a customized present for parents, kids, grandparents, co-workers, employees, friends - anyone!
It's so simple -- just select your image, personalize it with a favorite quote or note of endearment, and finish by selecting a quality frame and mat board. You can have the artwork say anything you want it to! No more being limited by pre-determined sayings/quotes.
They offer a broad range of images and all designs are exclusive to Successories™ – many by award-winning photographers. The finished product is truly outstanding!
Designs can be created and ordered at: www.dyi.successories.com
Framed wall size art is $119.00 and framed desk size art is just $45.00. All gifts will ship within three days of ordering and next day delivery is available anywhere in the U.S. Plenty of time for Christmas!
I jumped at the chance to review Successories... I knew I'd love having an art piece like this in my home! The first thing that came to mind when I learned of Successories was... what a unique idea! You can create your own personal work of art for any occasion. Just pick the photo, quote or write your own personal message, pick a frame and your personal design is on its way within 3 days.
A gift like this would truly impress your boss at an affordable price! He can think of you everyday when he (or she) looks at his personally created work of art.
I picked a holiday themed photo and quote and am loving Successories! This piece will be enjoyed for many holidays to come.
The Bottom Line: Skip the cheesy office gifts and get your boss or co-workers a gift with personality and meaning. Check out Successories today!
* I received 1 Successories framed desk size art to facilitate my honest and candid review. No other form of compensation was or will be given All views are my own!
I wanted to let you know I’m working with a new baby product line that I wanted to put on your radar – BornFree, an all-natural, Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC free line of bottles, cups, pacifiers, teethers and accessories for babies and kids.
BornFree was the first brand to provide a completely safe line to consumers, even before health concerns over plastic bottles and chemicals made the headlines. The products also have unique venting systems that minimize vacuum pressure as well as orthodontic silicone nipples and pacifiers, safe for kids’ developing teeth (developed under the guidelines of biological dentistry).
A-List celebrities like Nicole Richie, Jennifer Garner, Ashlee Simpson Wentz, Heidi Klum and Tori Spelling are all huge fans of the brand and use the products with their kids. BornFree products are sold at Target, Babies R Us, CVS, Whole Foods, Buy Buy Baby and more.
I also work with pediatricians and dentists who can talk about the health benefits of the products and/or the risks of products with unsafe chemicals for babies and children.
-Courtesy of Born Free
I have reviewed Born Free bottles before, but most of the bottles disappeared when I was doing in home daycare so I agreed to review them again!
I love these bottles because of the soft nipples, and they are free of bisphenol-a, phthalates, and pvc! The unique valve also makes the bottle have a low vacuum, which prevents hard sucking which can lead to ear infections.
Maybe I'm not the perfect parent, after all my daughter is 3 and still likes to have a bottle at night but it makes me feel better that she drinks her milk out of a Born Free bottle as opposed to another!
Thanks Born Free!
The Bottom Line: These bottles, or another type of bisphenol free plastic bottles are essential to child rearing. If your expecting make sure to put them on your get ready for baby list!
* I received a 4 pack of products from Born Free to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All views are my own!
Win It!
I'm so happy to announce that I am giving away the Born Free Gum Soother with Teething Gel Applicator and BPA-Free Nighttime Pacifiers (still brand new in packaging in case you were wondering!) I received to 1 reader!
Main entry: (A must!)Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who you'd like to win this for.
Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)
Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweetthis giveaway (leave the link every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe via RSS (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list (leave your blog url)
Comment on any blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one. (non giveaway posts)
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did.
Giveaway ends 12/3/09 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize.
The Baby Boom: Baby Care Products Becoming Big with Adults
The economy may be on the road to recovery, but there is no shortage of people still looking for a great deal. In fact, many consumers are seeking multi-purpose products, leading many to the baby aisle at their local retailers. According to a recent Harris Poll, 40 percent of adults – both men and women – confirm that they use baby products on themselves as alternatives to products that may be more expensive and only have one purpose. Case in point, the data shows that 37 percent of those polled use baby powder to absorb sweat and odor in their shoes while 23 percent use baby powder on their bodies as a substitute for deodorant. And the list goes on from there.
In a statement to Women’s Wear Daily, consumer trends expert and founder of The Well Mom Inc., Heather Cabot stated, “Given the economic downturn over the last two years, consumers continued to hunt for new ways to stretch their budgets and get more bang for their buck. They are looking for more creative ways to use things they already have in the house.” Baby Magic, one of the oldest and most respected baby care brands on the market today, has noticed this rising trend for some time now, as a large portion of their consumer base, including adults without children, are turning to their hypoallergenic, multi-use products as an alternative. The brand sees the largest cross over with the following products:
Creamy Baby Oil Alternative Adult Use: Makeup Remover, After Sun Face & Body Moisturizer Enriched with vitamins and aloe, this unique blend of lotion and oil helps to soften and seal in the natural moisture that can be lacking in adult skin after prolonged exposure to the sun. Gentle emollients help remove makeup and offeri all day moisture. The hypoallergenic formula is mild enough for sensitive skin, making it perfect.
Retail Price: $5.19
Gentle Hair & Body Wash Alternative Adult Use: Makeup Remover, Mild Facial Cleanser This gentle hair and body wash, which doubles as a mild facial cleanser, replenishes natural moisture as it removes excess dirt and oil. The easy-rinsing, tear-free formula is also mild enough to use as a makeup remover, including on the eye area.
Retail Price: $5.49
Baby Powder Alternative Adult Use: Foot and Body Deodorizer Specially formulated to absorb moisture and wetness, this powder helps reduce irritation and prevent chaffing as it reduces odor. The hypoallergenic formula is mild enough for daily use and the Fresh Baby Scent leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and smelling wonderful all day.
Retail Price: $3.20
Baby Magic products are available at Babies "R" Us, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS and more.
About Baby Magic
Baby Magic is the mom-approved and dermatologist-tested brand known for gently cleansing and protecting babies for over 100 years. Providing a wealth of information and support on everything parents need to keep their baby’s skin soft, clean and healthy, Baby Magic offers a wide range of products for all your baby care needs. For more information, please visit www.BabyMagic.com.
-Courtesy of Baby Magic
I didn't want to pass up the chance to try out Baby Magic products, especially since babies, kids, and adults can use them! First I tried the Creamy Baby Oil on my daughter after she took a bath. I stopped using the lotion we were using on her because it had lavender oil in it, which can disrupt children's healthy hormone levels. So I love the fact that the Baby Magic Creamy Baby Oil doesn't have lavender oil in it. The product is a lotiony baby oil and great on the skin after a bath for your baby, kid, or you! Then I tried the Baby Magic Hair and Body Wash on my face! The wash can be used as a mild facial cleanser. It cleaned my face thoroughly and left it smelling great! It can also be used as a shampoo and body wash. Finally I used the baby powder on myself after a shower, its a great deodorant and dries up any left over moisture after toweling off. Also good on the feet to keep them dry and soft.
The Bottom Line: These products are a great value because the whole family can use them. The products have multiple uses and work effectively. Thanks Baby Magic!
* I received 3 Baby Magic products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All views are my own!
