Vinegar Friday -- A remedy for anxiety

TGIVF! 

I don't know about you, but I tend to get a little anxious in the last couple months of the year. After all, there seems to be so much to do! Thanksgiving's right around the corner, followed by Christmas. Ack! Holiday anxiety is peering around every corner. And then there's the whole "look at all I didn't accomplish this year" angst that accompanies the closing out of one year and the dawning of the next. Or am I the only one who feels that way?

And what does all this have to do with vinegar?

Well, it just so happens, in Chapter 10 of my book, I give a couple of tips for easing anxiety with vinegar. Like this one:

Instead of reaching for a beer or a bloody Mary at the end of a stressful day, opt for this calming cocktail:

Add 1 tablespoon of ACV (raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar) to 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes and then add a cinnamon stick and some honey. You can even add throw in a tea bag of chamomile to ease the anxiety even faster. Obviously, you want to let the drink cool down a bit before imbibing. Then get ready to chill as your anxiety melts away.

For angina attacks, I offer this advice:

Most often, angina is caused by a lack of blood and oxygen reaching the cells of your heart muscle. The reason? Emotional upset of some kind. The image that comes to my mind is of Fred Sanford grasping his chest and crying, "I'm coming to join you, Elizabeth!" If you cannot relax your way out of an attack of angina, try this herbal remedy:

Brew a cup of chamomile tea and add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Add honey to flavor the tea. Sip the tea instead of heading to the ER. Of course, you cannot just assume it is angina and not a heart attack, so be smart about it. Like I always say, use your common sense!

Why does this work? Well, it seems that vinegar can act as a mild sedative. Researchers at Yale University discovered that just the smell of spiced apples could ward off panic attacks and lower stress levels in some people.

NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Always check with your doctor when in doubt.

And then there's the depression that seems to descend upon many as the nights grow longer and daylight fades much earlier than in the warmer months. 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) throws many people off balance. A craving for carbs may be the direct result of this. Stave off cravings by downing a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of ACV added to it. After a couple of days, you will be feeling better than ever.

And you thought vinegar was just for making salad dressing or cleaning windows. Surprise! It's an awfully handy thing to keep in the cupboard for so much more than that! Want more tips? Check out my book, VINEGAR FRIDAYS. It's bargain on Amazon for only $6.99. 

So, how are YOU using vinegar today?

Thursday's Truths & Tidbits -- Fall Gardening Tips

It's hard to follow up the past two days with the wonderful interview between  Earth Mama® and my daughter Bethany. They're discussion about adopting and breastfeeding an NAS baby was informative and inspiring. Click here to check out Part One of the interview (there is a link at the bottom for Part Two).

My friend and guest blogger, Doris Dumrauf, offers some great tips for how to keep your yard in great shape for the wildlife during the fall and winter. You just might be surprised by her tips.

From Yard to Wildlife Habitat

Fall is the time of year when avid gardeners tidy up their yards until they resemble a barren wasteland. But cleanliness is not a virtue if it deprives wildlife of important habitat.

Image © Doris Dumrauf. All rights reserved.

Flower seeds -- such as purple coneflowers, sunflowers, or asters, to name a few -- provide finches, chickadees, and other seed-eating birds with the necessary nutrition to survive the winter. Moreover, their seed heads add interest to an otherwise bleak winter landscape.

Do you hate raking leaves, but don't know what to do with fall's bounty? Leaves are much too valuable to place them on the curb on trash day. Try this instead: Use them as mulch around shrubs or in your vegetable garden; shred them and place them in your compost bin; or rake them into a corner of your yard.

Image © Doris Dumrauf. All rights reserved.

A pile of leaves provides habitat for birds such as white-throated sparrows, juncos, and towhees. Moths and butterflies overwinter as papae in leaf litter. Birds in turn rely on caterpillars to feed their young. The caterpillars that don't get eaten will delight you as beautiful butterflies next summer.

Offering a brush pile will endear you to ground-feeding birds who find not only shelter from the elements and predators during harsh winter weather, but also insects to sustain them.

These few easy steps will get you well on your way to turn your yard into a wildlife habitat.

* * *

Doris Dumrauf is an award-winning photographer and author of "Create Your Own Backyard Wildlife Habitat" and the novel, "Oktober Heat." She is available for speaking engagements in the Greater Pittsburgh area and can be reached at doris@dorisdumrauf.com. Visit her website at www.dorisdumrauf.com. 

Earth Mama® and my daughter -- The interview. Part Two: Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby

I have to be honest. I've waited a long time to share the story of my amazing daughter's breastfeeding journey. It's not a typical one and it was not, by any means, an easy one. I am ridiculously proud of her.  

When I first shared her story with the mamas at Earth Mama®, they were extremely supportive. Now, one year later, they wanted to interview Bethany and help share her story with all of you.

To top it all off, you'll see that, at the end of the interview, Earth Mama® is hosting a giveaway -- 5 lucky ladies will each win a Milk-to-Go Pumping Companion Essentials set. Why? Because the mamas at Earth Mama® are simply awesome and they want to help you ladies along on your own breastfeeding journeys. You can read more about the prize at the end of the interview. But for now, I want to get on with the interview. It's one you don't want to miss!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for posting this interview. It also includes affiliate links.

Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby

Photo by Frames of Infiniity

Earth Mama®: You wanted to breastfeed your baby, but didn’t have breast milk at the time. It’s miraculous that it was even possible. Why was breast milk the best choice for you and your baby and how did you make that happen? 

Bethany: From the time my husband Tom and I decided to adopt, I knew that I wanted to breastfeed and I had Tom’s full support. After I was matched for the adoption, I started researching induced lactation (or re-lactation). I stumbled upon the Newman-Goldfarb protocols and discovered online support groups for induced lactation, which gave me the encouragement I needed to move forward. Prior to finding a lactation consultant who was familiar with the process, I found there to be no help from my OB-GYN or PCP. 

It all started with a pump...

My first step was to rent a hospital-grade breast pump. Initially, I started pumping a couple of minutes every few hours, gradually increasing that to 15 – 20 minutes every 3 hours around the clock. This included setting my alarm to pump in the middle of the night. Within a week to 10 days, the first drops of milk appeared. 


It's important to note that I nursed my biological son for 20 months starting in 2010. It’s been said that your body “remembers” producing milk, thus increasing one’s chances of successfully breastfeeding an adopted baby. However, there are many cases of first time breastfeeding success with adoptees. 

Additional steps I took to establish my production of milk include: 

• taking an herbal lactation booster pill 
• drinking Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Milkmaid Tea 
• breastfeeding my niece (milk sharing, wet nursing) 
• Domperidone 

Within a few weeks, I was pumping enough to start freezing a few ounces of breast milk a day, in preparation for Luna’s expected due date six weeks later. 

Photo by Joelle Cowden

Luna was born two weeks early. By then, I was producing more than enough milk to provide for her needs. However, since I was not yet granted custody, hospital protocol prevented me from breastfeeding or supplying milk to the baby. At 4 lbs. 15 oz., Luna was considered a preemie, so the doctors insisted on fortification, initially of formula, and then of breast milk when I was finally able to provide it to her 2 days after her birth. Since the fortification was necessary, I had to bottle feed her in those early days, but I did bring her to the breast when she was 2 days old. Since Luna was an NAS infant, she had trouble latching properly. With a growing concern for her size, it was necessary to keep track of her caloric intake, so I continued bottle feeding pumped breast milk for the first month or so. By the time I reintroduced the breast, Luna wanted nothing to do with it. She insisted on bottles for another 3 months despite my daily attempts of bringing her to the breast. Miraculously, sometime between 4 and 5 months, she started latching onto my breast. By 5 months, she was breastfeeding exclusively and no longer had anything to do with a bottle. I was finally able to return the hospital breast pump I’d rented months before. 

Earth Mama®: Had you even considered not breastfeeding?

Bethany: I’ve always believed breast milk is best and had planned to purchase from a milk bank if I was unable to produce milk of my own. This became more of a priority after we discovered Luna would be an NAS baby. I discovered a research article on PubMed outlining the particular benefits of breast milk for NAS infants. The benefits included: 

• reduced neonatal abstinence syndrome severity 
• delayed onset of neonatal abstinence syndrome 
• decreased need for pharmacologic treatment, regardless of the gestation and the type of drug exposure. 

After reading this, I knew this would be the only option for me. 

Photo by Joelle Cowden

Additionally, after breastfeeding my son, I recognized the incredible bond that exists between a nursing mother and child. If at all possible, I wanted that bond with my daughter as well. 

Earth Mama®: What would you tell other adoptive mothers who want to breastfeed? 

Bethany: Throughout history, others have breastfed babies they did not give birth to. Now we have the option to use formula, but we need to realize it’s not the only option. An adoptive mother can start preparing to breastfeed as soon as she decides to adopt. Even after a baby has been placed, it’s not too late to begin the process. 

The amount of milk a mother will produce may vary. Some mothers will make no milk despite their best efforts while others will make all the milk their baby will need. While I did not have enough time to start a hormone therapy regimen, many mothers have found success by doing so. 

At breast supplementers are another option for moms who want the bond of breastfeeding without actually producing milk. These supplementers enable moms to “breastfeed” with formula or milk from a donor. 

Tenacity is of utmost importance throughout the entire process. If an adoptive mom really wants to breastfeed, chances are good it will happen. Getting your baby to switch from bottle to breast can be one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome. Had I given up in those early months, Luna and I would have missed out on the incredible experience and bond we now have. My advice is to keep trying. 

Earth Mama®: What Earth Mama Angel Baby products helped you on your breastfeeding journey? 

Bethany: As I mentioned before, I relied on the Milkmaid Tea as I was establishing my milk supply. Since I started breastfeeding Luna, I’ve had mastitis once and clogged ducts twice. The Booby Tubes were invaluable. As is the Natural Nipple Butter (which I also use on my lips every night).

Earth Mama®: I want to thank you, Bethany, for sharing this intimate glimpse into your life as the breastfeeding mom of an NAS adopted baby. You have inspired all of us.

* * *

I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly inspired by my daughter, Bethany, and her whole family. Her husband, Tom, has been an amazing helpmate, and her 6 YO son, Lincoln, is a terrific big brother. I'm one proud mama/grandma. And I'm head-over-heels in love with Luna! Click here to read Part One of the interview where Bethany talks about adopting an NAS baby.

Milk-to-Go Pumping Companion Essentials

Let's celebrate Luna's life with this giveaway. Each winner will receive:

• Booby Tubes (1 pair)
• Organic Milkmaid Tea (16 tea bags)
• Natural Nipple Butter (1 fl. oz.)
• Happy Mama Body Wash (1.67 fl. oz.)
• Eco-friendly, Reusable Insulated Bag
• Recipe for Organic Milkmaid French Vanilla Chai

Giveaway runs until midnight EST on November 16th. Winners will have 48 hours to reply to an email before alternate winners will be chosen. Open to U.S. only. 18+

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Earth Mama® and my daughter -- The interview. Part One: Adopting an NAS Baby

Have you heard about the struggles NAS babies experience? If you haven't heard the term before, NAS stands for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. It is what happens when a baby is born to a mother who is addicted to narcotics during her pregnancy. A baby just like my youngest granddaughter, Luna. Today, I'm thrilled to feature the first of a two-part interview between Earth Mama® and my daughter Bethany, who, along with her husband, Tom, chose to adopt an NAS newborn. They carefully researched the syndrome and knew much of what was ahead. And they chose to adopt Luna despite the inevitable problems that awaited them. This is their story.

Adopting an NAS Baby

Earth Mama®: Bethany, you chose to adopt an NAS baby. What does that mean?

Bethany: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) refers to symptoms babies may have if their mothers used methadone or other narcotics during pregnancy. It's often called withdrawal. If a baby develops symptoms of withdrawal after birth, methadone or morphine may be used as a comfort measure to reduce symptoms. Withdrawal usually starts within 2 to 3 days after birth, but sometimes sooner.

Common symptoms include:

• tremors or shaking, even when asleep
• stuffy nose or sneezing more than 3 times in 30 minutes
• diarrhea that causes diaper rash
• feeding poorly, weak sucking, spitting up
• increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• fussiness or excessive crying
• mottling of the skin (blotchy skin)
• fever
• increased muscle tone
• not sleeping between feedings
• sweating

NAS treatment with methadone or morphine can last anywhere from 1 week to 6 months, however the symptoms can last longer.

Earth Mama®: What special needs or problems did your baby encounter?

Bethany: Luna spent her first 15 days in medical facilities, starting with Pittsburgh's Magee Women's Hospital NICU and ending with the Children's Home of Pittsburgh, an independent, non-profit licensed organization, where I was able to stay with her. During that time, she was on morphine on a step-down program to manage her initial symptoms, which included most of the above, and to control the severity of them.

For the next 6 months, Luna struggled with sleep, not being able to remain asleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time. She spent the majority of her time awake crying. She started self-regulation therapy and milestone therapy as soon as she was released from the medical facility. She continues weekly sessions now.

Earth Mama®: How is your baby doing now?

Bethany: Luna is now one year old and thriving. We had a tough 6 or 7 months, but now there are more smiles than tears. She's still a little peanut, but nurses often throughout the day and is finally sleeping through the night. She loves to eat a fair portion of grown-up food and is meeting or exceeding all her milestones in therapy.

Earth Mama®: That's fantastic, Bethany. But you said something that I think will be surprising to many. You said she nurses often throughout the day. So you are, in fact, breastfeeding your adopted child. Let's talk about how that came to be in tomorrow's post.

Click here to read the rest of this fascinating interview where Bethany discusses the logistics of breastfeeding an adopted baby. PLUS, there's a fantastic giveaway sponsored by Earth Mama®! You don't want to miss it!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Why You Should Green Your Home Before You Refinance

Lots of people wonder if this is a good time to refinance, and it's a good question. Today, I'm happy to feature another great post by guest blogger, AJ Earley, who offers a unique perspective for you to consider.

Millions of Americans refinance their homes every year, and it’s no wonder, considering that billions of dollars are lost every year by the ones who don’t refinance. Everyone’s situation is different, and plenty of people pay off the life of their mortgage without ever pursuing a new loan. However, if you’re in a position to actually save money by doing so, it just makes sense to at least check into it. 

If you’re broaching a point in your life where a refinance might be on the horizon, it’s also the perfect time to consider “greening” up your home a little bit. While many people refinance for the sole purpose of using the equity to pay for renovations, there are so many benefits to upgrading your home before you refinance. 

The first is the fact that you will definitely receive a higher appraisal, meaning a higher property value when you go to refinance. Generally, your investment will have a much higher payoff in the appraisal process, but there are a few home improvement projects that have a higher payoff than others. Anything that makes your home more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, “smart,” or generally “green,” almost always falls into this category. Plus, your investment will pay off double if you go the energy efficient route: once when your home is appraised at a much higher value, and again every time you get a tiny or non-existent power bill. I’ve even heard of people getting paid by the power company monthly because their homes created too much energy. 

Image by Kevin Phillips

Another benefit of receiving a higher appraisal rate is that a better refinance deal will result in even more money for you to invest in greening your home more down the road. Say you’ve got your eye on a $75,000 complete solar energy system for your home, but you only have $30,000 to invest. If you invest that $30,000 in other areas, that could result in an appraisal that’s $50,000 to $80,000 higher than your current value, which is more equity that could end up in your pocket… or in the hands of the company selling that snazzy solar system. 

As mentioned before, some home improvements result in much higher valuations than others. At the top of the list of renovations that return on their investment is kitchens. Having an updated kitchen means serious bonus points come appraisal time, but having the latest in energy efficient appliances and technology will boost those numbers even more. 

Window and door replacements are also well worth the money, as both give you a chance to improve the look and energy efficiency of your house at the same time. Both doors and windows have come a long way in the past decade, and they’ll also cushion your wallet in more ways than just a higher appraisal: replacing old windows with energy star rated ones can save you almost $500 a year in heating and cooling bills. If you want to save even more, open up those windows when the weather is nice! 

A fresh coat of paint all around the house, as well as new carpeting or flooring also yields a high return, but make sure you opt for products that don’t contain toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds.) Generally, hard floors are considered “greener” than carpeting, as they last longer between replacements and require less electricity and cleaning products to maintain, but you can find carpeting made from recycled materials. Bamboo flooring and tiles made of recycled glass are also sustainable (and attractive) options that will increase your home’s value. 

Revival Engineered Locking Bamboo

Adding an additional bathroom, especially to an older home that has a smaller ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms than we see in recent years, is another home improvement project that yields a great return, and it’s also another chance to make your home more eco-friendly. There are so many ways to create a greener bathroom: first off, install a low-flow toilet with a dual flush mechanism to reduce water waste, or even a hybrid where the gray water from the bathroom sink is recycled into the toilet bowl. When it comes to hot water, you can opt for a solar powered water heater or install a waste-heat recovery system, which uses the warm water going down the drain to preheat the rest of the water. You can fight mold and mildew a more natural way by making sure there are windows for ventilation and by using naturally mold-resistant materials like cork, marmoleum, natural clay, and water-resistant woods like cedar. 

Don’t forget that there are also lots of ways to make your home more energy efficient for under $100, and if you’re planning to refinance and want to have a greener home to boot, consider doing at least some of those renovations beforehand and reap the rewards later on down the road.

Colony Collapse Disorder -- who's to blame?

HHC ©2016

If you've been around me for long enough, you know I frequently talk/write about neonicotinoids. And there's good reason for that. It's because I value bees. Really value them. And you should, too. After all, without our pollinating friends, our food supply will eventually disappear.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a study regarding the 23% loss of hives experienced by America's beekeepers during the winter of 2013-2014. The conclusion was that neonicotinoids were to blame. 

What are neonicotinoids?

Often simply called neonics, this is a widely-used class of neuro-toxic pesticides marketed by Bayer (yes, BAYER!!). It's a type of insecticide that affects the central nervous system of insects, paralyzing and killing them. The plants' seeds are coated with the neonicotinoids, which then spreads to the leaves, flowers, pollen, and nectar. According to multiple studies, the chronic exposure to the neonics is killing the bees, by disrupting their immune and nervous systems.

Beekeepers noticed something strange going on a decade ago when their foraging bees would fly off in search of pollen and nectar. Many never returned. For social insects, this is abnormal and something bees simply do not do... unless something happens to them that prevents their return.

Neonics cause bees to have problems with their mobility, navigation, feeding, foraging, memory, and learning. That means, obviously, the pesticides destroy any hope of a honeybee's survival. Thanks, Bayer.

While there are certainly other factors contributing to Colony Collapse Disorder, it is clear that Bayer's neonicotinoids are largely to blame. The European Union banned the use of most widely used neonics. But the U.S. EPA refused to do so. Hmmm... could Bayer be lining someone's pockets??

So, as the EPA drags its feet on this important issue, more and more honeybees are dying and crops are failing. The result is, sadly, more and more small family farms and beekeepers are going out of business. Does anyone even care? 

Well I know I do. And I bet you do, too. That's why my husband and I refuse to buy any products manufactured by Bayer. I hope you'll join us in this boycott. Bayer does not deserve our money.

And when planting time rolls around next spring, make sure you buy seeds and plants not treated with neonicotinoids. If your local nursery doesn't know what you're talking about, run away empty-handed. Only those who are proactively avoiding the neonics are protecting their plants from them.

Let's join forces to save the bees!

Thursday's Truths & Tidbits -- It's about all that paper waste. What can YOU do about it?

Did you know it's estimated that up to 40% of landfills are made up of paper? Yes, it decomposes. So what is the problem? Methane. As paper decomposes, methane is released into the air, which I'm sure you know is simply a bad thing.

What can we do about it? Well, today on Thursday's Truths and Tidbits, I thought I'd share some tips on how to cut back on your paper waste.

Image courtesy of Ha'anala 76

Of course, the most obvious thing we can do is RECYCLE! Paper is one of the easiest things to recycle because, even if your curbside recycling doesn't include paper, you can always find a paper recycling bin in the parking lot of your local schools, churches, or fire departments. They seem to be everywhere, which is a good thing. Just pay attention to their guidelines before tossing things in that don't belong!

• If you print a lot of pages (as my writer friends and I tend to do), make sure you set your printer default to print on both sides of the paper. Using narrow margins and smaller font size can save paper as well.
• Instead of using tablet paper as scrap paper or for score keeping when you're playing games, use the back of an envelope or the blank side of a piece of mail before you toss it into the recycling bin.
• Use chalkboard paint or dry erase boards to write reminders rather than wasting sticky notes.
• Look for recycled content paper products. 
• When given a choice, ask for email receipts rather than paper ones. Bonus: You won't have to touch the BPA-laden receipt!
• This should go without saying -- use cloth napkins and rags instead of paper napkins and paper towels. Seriously, this is one of easiest changes a family can make to cut down on their paper waste and there is no excuse for not doing it! 
• Carry a reusable mug with you so you don't ever have to use a paper cup. Did you know that most paper coffee cups are NOT recyclable due to the chemical lining. Chemical lining?! That alone should concern you. What exactly are those chemicals and are they leaching into your hot coffee or tea? Yikes.

It's up to us, folks, to make a difference. You know, drop in the bucket and all. Let's do it!

Review it Wednesday -- Reviewing the current state of mind

Today's review is not about a product. No. It's about a prevalent attitude in today's society.

Let me ask you a question: When your child's team loses a game, or your child loses a one-on-one competition/match, how do you want them to respond?

Is it acceptable for them to pout, stomp their feet, push or shove the opponent (or their fans), or start name calling or bullying? Is it?

Do you encourage this kind of behavior or do you expect your children to be gracious losers?

What about when you or your spouse are watching sports? Do you show respect to the other team or its fans? Or do you shout obscenities at the opponents or your own team members when they make a mistake? What kind of example are you setting for your children? They're watching you, you know. And children love to mimic their parents.

Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. What are your children learning from you in the face of this current election? 

I'll let that question sink in a bit.

What do they hear you saying to the television when a political ad is playing? 

What do they hear you saying at the dinner table about the candidates running for office?

What names have you called the presidential hopefuls? Have your children heard those names?

What about your friends and family members who may be supporting a candidate you don't like (hate?)? Have your kids heard you tearing them down behind their backs? 

What, in God's name, is going on? This generation of children is being exposed to some of the nastiest behavior from the adults around them. And they're not going to forget it.

After the election, many of you are going to be disappointed, disheartened, fearful, angry...

What part of that is okay for your kids to absorb into their developing personalities? Is hatred toward a president -- our president -- really acceptable? 

Listen, I understand your feelings. I really do. But what I cannot accept is the hatred being spewed about -- on both sides -- toward each other. I don't want my grandchildren being raised to believe it's okay to hate simply because you disagree.

Think about it. That's all I ask.

Recycling plastic bags -- cutting through the confusion

While we all have to admit that recycling is important, we also have to admit that it can be downright confusing. That's why I rely on Earth911.com whenever I have questions.

Drop it in the recycling bin, Fido!

When it comes to plastic bags and wraps, here's the lowdown on what you can and cannot recycle:

Can:

• Bags marked #2 or #4. But make sure they are clean and dry.
• Produce bags 
• Dry cleaning bags (that one was a surprise to me)
• Bread bags
• The plastic packaging wrap around bulk foods and beverages
• The plastic packaging wrap around disposable products like napkins, toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers
• Newspaper bags
• And, of course, bags from grocery stores and retailers

For me, most of the above is a moot point since we don't use plastic produce bags, retail bags, paper towels, paper napkins, or disposable diapers. But I did not realize I could recycle the wrapping around toilet paper. I feel horrible about all the times I've thrown it in the trash.

Cannot:

• Plastic cling wrap (aluminum foil is recyclable, so it's often a preferable choice to plastic)
• Prepackaged food bags used for frozen foods and pre-washed salads and veggies
• Any plastic that has been painted or has a lot of gluey, sticky residue

Here's another area where I've been wrong. I've been tossing my frozen veggie bags into the recycling bin. Oops. Let's face it: it's confusing and there's always something new to learn. But don't give up! As I often say, every drop in the bucket counts. That means every recycled piece of plastic that stays out of the landfill counts, too. Let's do this, folks. Let's make a difference!

GITTA GIVEAWAY! Winner's Choice of Stroller Organizer!

Sponsored By: Gitta

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

I continue to wish all these marvelous new products were around when I was a mom struggling with an umbrella stroller, bulky diaper bag, and cloth diapers with pins and plastic pants! Mothering seems so much easier these days!

Gittabags was developed by a mom who couldn’t find a diaper bag to suit her needs, so the industrial designer decided to create her very own dream bag! Gittabags’ first diaper bag entered the market in 2001 and they have been making fashionable, quality-driven bags ever since!

Click here to read Love, Mrs. Mommy's full review of the Gitta Trend!

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive:

A Gitta On-The-Go Stroller Organizer! 

Winner's choice of color/pattern shown in the giveaway image (Black, Blue Denim, Black Denim, Dark Blue Denim, Desert Denim, Gray Grid, Printed Black, Printed Green, and Printed Purple). $39 RV!

Open To US entries - Must be 18+ to enter 
Ends 11/8 11:59 PM EST

Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Love, Mrs. Mommy received a Gitta Trend at no cost to facilitate the above-mentioned review. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Weekend quote

Marriage is a commitment -- a decision to do, all through life, that which will express your love for one's spouse.

~Herman H. Kieval

So what's the scoop with the homeopathic teething tablets?

Most likely you've heard the warning about Hyland's teething tablets and gels. And you were concerned, right? Well, let me tell you, my daughters are still using them with their kids and here's why:

Despite the sensational and dramatic headlines that created a public scare and led to the removal of homeopathic teething products from the shelves of store, there really isn't anything to be concerned about. After the damage was done, the FDA clarified their statement, indicating they were conducting an ongoing investigation as a response to reported serious adverse events. The initial warning was arbitrary and capricious, but the media's exaggerated fear mongering made a bad situation worse. According to a spokesperson for the FDA, the relationship between the reported serious adverse events and homeopathic teething products has not even been determined. It is currently under review.

So, should you be concerned? I don't think so. I know there are many groups determined to undermine homeopathy (do any of the big-Pharms come to mind?). Obviously, if consumers continue to benefit from homeopathic remedies, there will be less need for over-the-counter and prescription drugs, right? So who loses? You figure it out.

Awhile back, a community member shared this story with me:

Her toddler found the Hyland's Nighttime Teething Tablets and ingested a whole lot of them. Naturally concerned, this mama immediately phoned Poison Control. When PC heard what the toddler ingested, they told her not to worry about it. She also called and spoke with a representative at Hyland's who reassured her the child would have to ingest much more than one bottle of tablets before there would be any side effects whatsoever. Of course, both the persons at Poison Control and Hyland's were right. Nothing happened. The little girl was perfectly fine. And mama was relieved that she used homeopathy to ease the pain of teething, rather than something pharmaceutical, which could have had grave results.

The fact is that homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body (not against it, as many pharmaceutical products do) to relieve symptoms, restore itself, and improve your overall health. It's been used by over 250 million people worldwide for the last 200 years! In the US, homeopathic OTC medicines are indeed regulated by the FDA and have been for decades.

Homeopathy has a laudable and extensively documented clinical record and there are hundreds of high quality, peer-reviewed basic science, pre-clinical, and clinical studies proving its efficacy and safety and absolutely NO studies linking homeopathically-prepared medicines and serious adverse events. 

Would I give my grandchildren homeopathic teething tablets? You bet I would. There is no scientific link between homeopathically-prepared belladonna, which is in Hyland's teething products, and seizures. None. Again, I have to wonder about who it is exactly that is leading this anti-homeopathic crusade. Unfortunately, because of everything happening with this issue, Hyland's has decided to stop distribution of their teething products here in the United States. This deeply saddens me. Click here to read their letter concerning this issue.

In the meantime, I'm going to continue using homeopathic remedies every chance I get. Of course, only you, as a parent, can decide what is best for yourselves and your children. And, as a reminder, I am not a medical professional, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Preferably Himalayan.