Summer Reads

If by some lucky chance you find yourself with time to read this summer, you're probably looking for a good book to make best use of it! I mean a real book for enjoyment verus the usual parents magazines and books that are probably stacked up on your bedside and all over the house (they are at my house!).

Daily Candy just released a compilation of their picks for 16 Awesome Books to read this summer. The list ranges from girlie fiction to historic to short stories.

Find your favorite spot and enjoy!

Will you be sharing your new iPhone?

Has your little one discovered your new "toy" yet? If so, are you ready to share that iPhone or iPad with them? Seems only fair, we're always asking them to share their favorite toys.

Here is a sampling of some great apps that are fun and educational for kids of all ages.

Supermarket Savvy

Buying organic can be difficult and costly. Most mainstream markets carry only a small selection of organic produce and meats and they can be very costly. We're also learning that organic doesn't always mean the best quality or bang for your buck.

Below is an excerpt from Stroller Traffic on shopping supermarket savvy.

Chicken and beef. Seek out free-range chicken and grass-fed (or pasture-fed) beef. Meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs that are certified organic are not medicated with antibiotics or steroid hormones, and have indeed been fed certified organic food. However that statement does not tell us specifically what they have been fed (corn? grass? grains?). When cows and chickens are allowed to eat their natural diet, their eggs, milk and meat tend to be richer in nutrients and typically have higher levels of omega-3 (and fewer omega-6) fatty acids, which helps improve our omega 3/6 balance. Free-range, pasture-fed animals are typically treated more humanely and taste better, too.

Soy products. Look for "non-GMO" on the label. Genetically modified foods are on the rise. Also known as genetically modified organisms (GMO), these foods are created by changing the DNA of a plant's seeds (genetically modifying the seed). It's typically done to increase a plant’s ability to fend off bugs or to increase a crop's production. However, the new genes of a genetically modified plant create a new protein that the human digestive tract has never seen before. Some studies suggest that the human body may have trouble digesting these new proteins, and that this may in fact increase the incidence of soy allergies.

Pasta. Unless your child has a gluten allergy, you do not need to stock up on gluten-free pasta. (Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat; it is not bad for you unless you have a gluten allergy or intolerance). Instead, look for whole grain pasta with at least 4 grams of fiber per serving. One of my favorites is Barilla Plus, which contains 4 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein per serving, versus the 2 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein found in regular white pasta.

Peanut butter. Read the ingredients. Even some organic brands contain added sugar and hydrogenated fats; your peanut butter should contain only peanuts—and maybe some salt, but that is it!

Cereal. Many brands are not as healthy as their names suggest. Just because a cereal is labeled organic does not mean it is more nutritious. Often, they are loaded with extra sugar: "evaporated cane juice" is still SUGAR. For example, Barbara’s Shredded Oats contains 12 grams of sugar per serving—more than Kellogg's Frosted Flakes! On the contrary, Post Shredded Wheat n' Bran contains no added ingredients—just 100 percent whole wheat and wheat bran (and less than 1 gram of sugar). Top with fresh fruit and enjoy.

Yogurt. Organic yogurts do not use any artificial sweeteners. Therefore, the flavored versions typically have a lot of added sugar. Your best bet is to buy plain yogurt and flavor it yourself with cinnamon or fresh fruit or defrosted frozen fruit or wheat germ or nuts . . . .

Getting that Hot Mama bod back!

The first thing most new moms say they want back is their bod, but it's usually the last thing they have the time and energy to get. One sure fire way to get the motivation a new mom needs is to have support. This can come from other new moms, mommy & baby workout groups, and of course babysitters!

One new mom created bookieboo.com to help new moms get back into those favorite pre-preggo jeans and help boost confidence. There are fitness and nutrition tips on the website from a team of writers as well as a blogging community of 2,500 moms, all with the same struggles, antedotes, and inspirational, motivating stories.

Don't Need it, Really Want it, How can I justify it?

When I saw this posting on one of my favorite sites, Cool Mom Picks, I got so excited. It's not an iPad, but the digital prints is adorable and potentially more stylish than an iPad. This "clutch" is small enough to put into your diaper bag or handbag or looks great if you're carrying it around.

The ideal gift for your favorite preggo!

We have all experienced some crazy cravings when we're pregnant. These are usually cravings that our husbands don't understand but are sweet enough to indulge us with.

Now comes along the ultimate prego pickle treat!
The Pregnancy Pack of pickles will crave any pickle craving, instantly.