ABCs with Trains!

Doggy on the train (helping to push an old handcar):

One of the many great old train pictures found in the 2007 book, "C is Caboose":

C is For Caboose
Riding the Rails From A to Z
Chronicle Books, San Francisco
ISBN-13:  978-0-8118-5643-0
www.chroniclekids.com

Where do I pick up Labor Day Holiday gluten free baked goods? Mariposa gluten free bakeshop

Where will I pick up Mariposa Gluten Free Bakeshop?  I love Mariposa gluten free bakeshop on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, CA.  They even open up at 10:00AM on Labor Day.  They sometimes have donuts, bagels, and other specialty items. They will usually  always have bread, cookies, sandwiches, and buns for BBQ's.  Also, when entertaining for a large group, it is thoughtful to have some gluten free buns for BBQ's, it is actually surprising how many people and children prefer gluten free.

Recommended Music Therapist in SF Bay Area- Kathy Quain

I recommend Kathy Quain in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I met her at a family camp in Cazadero Camp and she was delightful!  She was amazingly patient and kind with the children at camp and even was a super sport in participating in a family camp circus.  If my son needed to go to a music therapist, I would definitely send him to her, without a question.

Resources:

Kathy Quain
KathyQuain@sbcglobal.net
MusicForTherapy.com

Kathy also lead a Monthly "Health "Rhythms" Drum Circle at LaMorinda Music Center in Lafayette, CA.  It is the 3rd Monday of each month from 11AM to noon. Starting in October 2014, it will be the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.  The price is $10.00.

Recommended small toy cars, including playmat for free class time, such as a rainy day

My son received a container of 20 small cars for a present.  He has loved it,and they can be taken on the road, played with at the park, shared, etc.  They are also great for counting, especially if you had a collection of 100!

Resources:
Express Wheels
SUNTOYS INT'L CO. LTD.
Chinachem Golden Plaza
77 Mody Road
TST East, Kln, HK
E-mail:  sun yip@suntoyshk.com
Made in China
(Not for children under 3 years due to choking hazard.)
(This package includes a carrying container and a 31.5' playmate.)

DHA supplement for children

Spectrum makes a Children's DHA, that is great for brain and vision development. It doesn't contain fish oil, but uses flaxseed oil instead.  The supplement is rich with Omega 3 ALA, DHA, and Vitamin D3.  I took DHA when I was pregnant, so now how important it is.  As with any supplement, I recommend talking to a child's health practitioner regarding individual health needs of a child.

Spectrum
Children's DHA
Omega-3 for kids with vitamin D
Brain and vision development
strawberry-banana flavor
90 chewable soft gels
Spectrum Organic Products
A Division of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
Melville, NY  11747  USA
(800) 343-7833
www.spectrumorganics.com
Product of USA

Probiotic Supplements- perfect to boost the immune system and prevent tummy trouble!

Now that school and classes are starting, I am having my son take probiotics again.  Here are some of the ones I have tried.

For baby's, I recommend:
Baby Jarro-Dophilus +FOS
(This is for baby's up to age 4)
Jarrow Formulas
Los Angeles, CA  90035-4317
www.jarrow.com
(1/4 teaspoon can be mixed with liquid, and given only once a day)

Childlife Essentials
Colostrum with Probiotics
(colostrum is what is naturally in breast milk)
Orange/ pineapple flavor
(This type is for children from 6 months to 12 years)
Marina del Rey, CA
(800) 993-0332
www.childlife.net

Breakfast Ideas for fall

It is fall!  I'm still trying to get used to the idea!

Oatmeal
I prefer making it from scratch, but when there is no time the packets work just fine.  My husband likes the cinnamon spice flavor!

Pancakes with real maple syrup
I like 0 organics 100% maple syrup from Safeway.

Healthy Kids- Amazing Grass Superfood, made with organic wheat grass

When my son was little, I started making a healthy chocolate milk smoothie for him using the Amazing Grass Kidz Superfood, chocolate flavor.  It is recommended for ages 2 and up.  I used to buy this at Whole Foods, but I noticed recently that they carry Amazing Grass products, but not the Kidz Superfood.  I'll need to order it from the company.

Amazing Grass
KIDZ Superfood
P.O. Box 475576
San Francisco, CA  94147
website:  amazinggrass.com
recipes:  amazinggrass.com/recipes

Foodie Kids- easy snacks and drinks to pack for school and class

It is the time of year when lunch and snack packing is an art form.  I am working really hard at trying new snack ideas. Here are some of my son's favorites:

Sea's Gift Roasted Seaweed Snack
Korean Nori
Product of Korea
Imported by Jayone Foods, Inc.
Paramount, CA  90723
(562) 633-7400
www.seasgift.com
(This is really tasty alone or wrapped around some rice! I got the idea of simply wrapping one of these sheets around rice from a Korean friend, it is simple and delicious, even for mommy!)

Boxed Juices
(I prefer filling a thermos of water for my child, but the juices from 365 organic, the whole foods brand are nice for a treat, and they are incredibly easy to pack.  Sometimes we have problems with spills, so if I'm packing a bag with snacks I like these as they won't go bad in a day.  Also, they do not leak.)
365 Organic lemonade or White Grape juice
(Both of these have 100% vitamin C in a serving.)

Late July Organic Mini Cheddar Cheese bite size sandwich crackers.
(I prefer packing my own cheese and crackers, but my son loves these too!  The Late July brand is committed to organic, Non-GMO, and free from pesticides, chemical fertilizers and antibiotics.

Hansen's Organic Junior Water
100% vitamin C
water with a splash of juice (contains 3 % juice)

Barbara's Cheese Puffs
o grams of trans fats!
Made with non-gmo corn
Manufactured for the Wheetabix Company, Inc.
300 Nickerson Road,
Marlborough, MA  01752
Barbaras.com
Facebook.com/BarbarasBakery

Ella's Kitchen
the red one and other squished fruit smoothies made from 100% organic fruits
ellaskitchen.com

Back to Nature
Crispy Wheat  Crackers
www.backtonaturefoods.com

Trader Joe's
Organic Lowfat Yogurt
Squishers
(My son loves the berry and the strawberry)

Stonyfield yokids
Strawberry yogurt
stonyfield.com

Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
Summer Strawberry
Annies.com

Newman's Own Organics
Thin Sticks
(very adult friendly too)
www.newmansownorganics.com

Nature Valley
Crunchy
Oats and Honey
Distributed by General Mills Sales, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN  55440

GoGo Squeez
Organic
Apple Apple
Applesauce on the go
Manufactured by Materne North America
20 West 22nd St. New York, NY, 10010.  USA
Product of USA
Certified Organic by GOA

Foodie Mommy: Easy Chai!

Fall is always such a busy month after transitioning from the more lazier days of summer, so I love Chai now.  I prefer the homemade Chai that I used to drink when I worked at my first job after college, a startup selling software owned by a couple from India. Every day, we'd have a break of homemade Chai and I've never again had such tasty heavenly chai, but I am always looking.

Oregon Chai
slightly sweet
Just add milk or milk alternatives
Oregon Chai tithe
7224 1st Avenue South
Seattle, WA
98108
(I've discovered that many cafes actually use this or other brands of chai and then add milk.)

Foodie Moms- coffee alternatives

I love coffee but it doesn't always love me.  These are a few of the coffee alternatives I have tried.  Right now I am drinking decaff, and sometimes regular coffee again, but when I have tummy problems I switch to some of the coffee alternatives below.  When I get up in the morning, I love having a warm coffee like beverage,especially in the colder months.

Cafix
caffeine free
Internatural Foods LLC
Bloomfield, NJ  07003
Product of Poland

Foodie Kids and Families: Recommended alternatives to cow milk

I've read and discussed with health care practitioners how some children become sensitive to cow milk after after around the age of five. I have been experimenting with cow milk alternatives for years since I  can have tummy trouble with milk.  Here are some of the alternatives we have tried in our family.  We usually carry two kinds of milk in the refrigerator.

Goat Milk-  This is the easiest milk for humans to digest as it is most like human milk.  This is my son's favorite milk, other than cow milk.  This week he has actually been asking for goat milk.  Since I am on a budget right now, I get Meyenberg Goat milk from Whole Foods market.  

Flax Milk-  This is thinner than cow or goat milk,it is great for cereal or putting in pudding or tapioca. I use it in coffee.  I have only recently started trying Flax milk.  I purposely bought the unsweetened variety as I am trying to lower our families sugar intake.  This milk has 25 calories per serving, 0 sugars and 0 protein.  It has 1200 mg of omega 3, 345 mg of omega 6, and 385 mg of omega 9.

Good Karma Flax Milk

Unsweetened

Hemp Milk- This is similar to flax, but I haven't developed a taste for it yet. I keep trying.

Soy Milk-  I haven't bought soy milk for awhile, but when I do have it at a cafe I make sure it is organic.

Rice Milk-  Rice milk tastes great in coffee for me, cereal for my son, or cooking.

___________________________

Almond Milk-  I like almond milk in cereal or coffee, my son prefers goat or rice milk.  Once again, OK in pancakes or cooking.

I am drinking almond milk in my coffee right now.  I actually preferred the vanilla flavored version, but am working on the less sugary alternatives.  Interestingly enough, as I read the carton, 1 cup of this milk has 7 g of sugar.  It has 4% fat and 1 g of protein, with 60 calories per serving. 

Silk Almond Milk, Original, silk.com

NON-GMO

Recipe:  Very cherry Smoothie

1 cup of silk Almond Milk

1/4 cup orange juice

1 cup of frozen cherries

1 tbsp of honey

1 cup of ice

Blend, serve and sip.

______________________________

Coconut Milk-  I have started using this for a few years, this is somewhat sweet to me, good for cereal, pancakes, etc.  

Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito, CA- "How do you define creativity?

I received a letter  from the Bay Area Discovery Museum and it started out asking, How do you define creativity?  It said the following about creativity:
 "This word means different things to different people.  Many people think creativity is the ability to make works of art, perform as a musician, or write literature. The problem with this definition is that it implies creativity is something only a small group of gifted individuals possess, and that most of us lack it.  In reality we all have creative potential. From infancy on, we use creative thinking skills to navigate the intricacies and challenges of life- to find solutions to problems, make connections between ideas, and develop our own passions and interests.

The Bay Area Discovery Museum's mission is to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children.
They have been around for over 25 years. The museum is amazing with tons of both outdoor and indoor places!  Billy loves it!  The museum truly, in my opinion, fulfills the mission!  If schools and museums for children all had such clear and wonderful missions, the world, I believe, would be a better place!

Resources:

Bay Area Discovery Museum
Fort Baker
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA
94965-2614

1 (415) 339-3900
1 (415) 339-3901
BayKidsMuseum.org

Recommended Place to fix a guitar in Alameda, CA- Thin Man Music

I took a guitar that I had broken in a few places from taking it camping. It was recommended that I take it to Thin Man Music and they only charged me $30.00 to make the repairs.

I highly recommend this place!

Resources:

Thin Man Music
(510) 521-2613
1506 Webster Street
Oakland, CA

Golden Gate Railroad Association, Every Saturday and Sunday, Richmond, California

We had a GREAT time visiting the Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Richmond.  For only a few dollars, we got to see roughly 10,000 square feet of model railroads.  The railroads recreate train routes across the West.  Trains come from all eras of railroading.  Huge N, O, and HO gauge displays are on display.

Billy says, "there's even a volcano" (referring to the snow-capped mountain in the O-gauge model).

 

Anthony Chabot Campfire Programs - Saturday evenings until labor day weekend

The Anthony Chabot Campfire programs are located at the Chabot Campground.  The presentations, bonfire, and s'mores are from 8-9:00PM and have been going on all of July and August, there is one more campfire next Saturday evening. It is free!  Each presentation is different, last night it was about Shakespeare.  Even if you aren't camping, you can still join for the program, but make sure and dress warmly, bring a couple flashlights, and some snacks and water.  Also,  if you decide to camp, make sure to arrive early to set up camp as it is the darkest campground I think I've ever been to!  It is gorgeous though!

Last nights topic was animal myths and magic so technically advanced he was using a power point!  Next Saturday evening,  it is about Smokey Bear.  Though it is less than a half hour from the Berkeley/Oakland area by taking Redwood Road Drive about 6-7 miles off Highway 13, next time I'd want to camp over as the drive is seems longer because of all the twists and turns.

Accordion for Kids

At Starland Music Learning Center the other day, our son saw a kid's-size accordion.  He urged us to get it and immediately started playing it in the car.  He hasn't really wanted to stop since.  He is practicing songs that he originally learned on the violin, and also exploring chords.

The accordion itself is from Hohner Kids (www.hohnerkids.com).  It seems very sturdy and has easy-to-reach buttons.  The box says it is a "toy accordion," perhaps because it is plastic and has only one octave of buttons, but from our perspective it really is an instrument and not simply a toy!

Resources:

Toy Accordian
4+ years (My six year old picked it out and loves this thing!)
Hohner Kids
Available in red or blue
www.hohnerusa.com

Recommended Child Friendly Hotel in San Luis Obispo, CA - The Madonna Inn

The Madonna Inn has the most amazing pool now, it is fairly new. It is super warm and sits on a hill.  There is lunch service with house made pizza, salads, and other yummy lunches. It is the kind of pool where you could stay all day- just make sure you aren't in the sun the whole time like I did as I got a really bad burn on my back.  It is actually unusual for me to even want to go into a hotel pool as they usually do not have my top three qualities in this order:  1.  clean, 2. warm, and 3. walk in pool so I don't need to jump in.  It also feels more like a lake.  The Madonna Pool has those top three qualities plus so much more.  Also, each room is themed, we stayed in the moose room and it was perfect for a little boy!

Campfire Nightlight - great for the tent or at home

I got my son a small campfire shaped nightlight for traveling. It doesn't need to be plugged in, as it has batteries.  It is good for traveling in a hotel or tent, my son keeps it in his rolling backpack. Sometimes, when we used to stay in hotels, he'd want to keep the light on and it was too bright too sleep.  This campfire nightlight is perfect!

"Push on. Push off night light. Bring the adventures of the wilderness indoors with the soothing glow of this woodsy inspired press on and off LEDnight light. Allows for peaceful slumber and safe late night guidance for your indoor camper."

Resources:

Cozy All Night By Streamline
Congers, NY  10920
Streamlinenyc.com

This toy is not recommended for children under 5 years.

Homemade popsicles made from apple juice

My son has a teacher named Tracy that makes her own popsicles. I found  the molds at the Whole Foods in Oakland.  They are called Jewel Pop Molds and are shaped like gems.
It is so easy, just clean the molds carefully, pour with a juice such as apple, freeze them, then run over warm water to remove the popsicle.  A perfect summer or fall treat!

Resources:

Jewel Pop Mold
Set of six
tovolo.com
tovolo is a registered trademark of ICI USA, LLC
Seattle, WA  98102

Food Safe
Dishwasher Safe
BPA Free

dairy free milks- my experience

My son never quite knows what kind of milks mom will have in the refrigerator.  In fact, tonight for dinner, I gave him a glass of goat milk, he looked at me and said, "What kind of milk is this?"  Sometimes, he'll drink the goat milk and not even know the difference, and will at times even prefer it to cow milk.  Goat milk is known to not upset tummies as much as cow milk.  Here are some reviews of some of the milks I have tried.

So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk-  My son will drink this in puddings, desserts, or cereal.  I like the vanilla flavored kind in my coffee or tea.

(To be continued....)

Foodie Kids, my son loves grilled sausage!

My son loves sausage!  I serve it cut up, cooked in a cast iron skillet, which is how he prefers it!

Resources:

All-Natural
aidells chicken apple sausage, or roasted garlic and gruyere cheese
www.aidells.com
1-800-546-5795

gluten free chocolate chip cookies

I found a really yummy gluten free cookie that are already in Snack 'n Go packets.  There are no peanuts, tree nuts, milk, or eggs!  Both my son and I love them so they are perfect for our trips as we can both enjoy them as a treat!

Another gluten free chocolate chip cookie is Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies.  The cookies are bigger than above and do not come in separate containers.  My son preferred the ones above, but I prefer Tate's with a cup of hot coffee, yum!  My son enjoyed both of these cookies, though!


Resources:

Lucy's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies in Snack n' Go Packets
drlucys.com

Tate's Bake Shop
Chocolate Chip Gluten Free Cookies
www.tatesbakeshop.com

I found both of these at Whole Foods Market.

Cleaning kids ears with mix of half hydrogen peroxide and half water

I remember how scared I was when I first started cleaning my son's ears.  Now, I feel really comfortable with the process and he actually enjoys getting his ears cleaned. Here are my secrets, take clean coffee cup and place 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/2 cup of food grade hydrogen peroxide together.  Use a good quality q-tip, and dip the mixture, use a tissue to squeeze excess and wipe only outside of ear, do not go past hole.  I highly recommend lukewarm water as it feels better!

Resources:

Essential Oxygen Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
Raw Essential Living Food, LLC
Bel Air, CA
(512) 692-7138

Hot Wheels Race Rally Water Park- Tub Play by Hot Wheels- A Review

This is a fun tub toy that floats on the bath water.  It includes one vehicle, though there are 2 side by side racing paths, so we had to use one of my son's other cars in order to race.  Why didn't they just include 2 cars?   Also, it clearly states on the box that this toy isn't for use with some Hot Wheels toys, which makes which hot wheel car to use even more confusing.   This isn't one of my sons favorite bath toys, but it was fun and exciting for the first week, but the excitement wore off quickly.

Resources:

Hot Wheels
Race Rally Water Park
www.MattelShop.com
2011 Mattell
1-800-524-8697
636 Girard Avenue
East Aurora, NY  14052

Contents in box: 1 play set, 1 car

Favorite toy of the summer- Meowsic by B.

I love this toy! I got this toy piano shaped like a cat, at Target, before a long car trip. My son spent hours in the car playing with this toy, making up music, etc.

Resources:

B. Curious
(Curiosity does not harm the Meowsic.)
justb-byou.com
1-866-665-5524

-5 instrument sounds:  piano, bells,organ, banjo, and meowaphone!
-20 play along tunes
-7 witty kitty songs
-Sing-a-long mic
-volume buttons
-lyrics included
-phthalate-free and BPA free
-2 to 6 years, though I think 7 or 8 year old children would like this too, it is so much fun!  I want to play with it!!!

favorite natural laundry detergents

I am very picky about laundry detergents, and have been since I was pregnant with my son.

Here are my favorites:

Trader Joe's Liquid laundry detergent
(no harsh chemicals, no phosphates, ph balanced, non-polluting)

(To be continued.....)

Foodie Kids-G is for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

One of my son's favorite lunches is grilled cheese sandwiches. He likes cousin Lauren's best!  I've been working hard on a homemade healthier version, and I think I found one he likes!

Ingredients:

365 Organic Classic White bread, from Whole Foods (The #1 ingredient is organic wheat flour.

Either Trader Joes organic butter (I warm it up before spreading on the bread,) or Ancient Organics Ghee (my son has learned to like the taste of ghee, and it works for us in things like macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.)

365 organic hickory smoked sliced cheddar

Mom's recipe for Grilled Cheese:

Butter both slices of bread on one side, place 2 slices of cheese between slices of bread.  Place on griddle. After a few minutes, place ribbed panini press over sandwich to create a crispier sandwich.

Yum!

Resources:

Lodge Logic Ribbed Panini Press
Cast Iron

Steve Irwin's Daughter, Bindi, "I miss him every day." Nearly eight years after the tragic loss of her father.

We had a hard morning for too many reasons to mention in this blog.  I went to a cafe  for an hour to blog, and on the wall of magazines was the most recent People Magazine. On the front cover was a picture of Steve Irwin's beautiful young daughter Bindi, who is turning 16 soon.  Inside the magazine is a courageous interview with Bindi that was sad, touching, and inspiring.  It's hard to believe that it has been almost eight years since Steve Irwin's tragic death.  I remember watching him as the host of the Animal Planet series The Crocodile Hunter even before I was pregnant with my son.

Bindi is turning sixteen on July 24th and isn't a little girl anymore.  She is a home schooled teen who lives with her mom and brother in the family home within the gates of the Australia Zoo.  When speaking about the loss of her father, one thing she said brought tears to my eyes.  She said that much of the advice she received was well-meaning but misguided.  She said, "I remember after we lost Dad, so many adults came up to me and said, "Honey, time heals all wounds."  She added, "That is the biggest lie you will ever hear.  It doesn't.  That part of you is gone forever.  Time softens things, so now when I think back about Dad and the amazing memories we had together, I'm happy.  But that kind of sadness never goes away.  It's like losing a piece of your heart that you never get back."

The article hit my hard!  It really makes me think about what is important!  Bindi's way of healing and moving forward is to build upon her father's legacy rather than to dwell on the past.  She said in the interview, "When you lose a loved one, you come to these crossroads. You can take the path that leads you down the aisle of sadness, or you can say, 'I'm never going to let this person's memory die.  I'm going to make sure everything they worked for continues.'"

Her mother, Terri, who was an Oregon raised former veterinary technician who wed Irwin in 1992 said, "I see a lot of Steve in her, in that she has a sense of urgency, a sense of wanting to do it now."

Her mom also claims that Bindi is empathetic to those who don't have a voice.

This article in People really resonated with me.  When I was sixteen I found out that my father only had a year to live.  He had a cerebral infract and the doctor told me about it in his office, I'll never forget that moment.  Tears fall even as I write about it.  As Bindi said, time has not healed that wound, it has softened it.  I can tell Bindi was authentic in telling about her experiences losing her father, as I have felt the same feelings.

I remember after I lost my brother suddenly to cancer, sitting in a friend's apartment trying to tell her why I was having a hard time reaching out for support. How I felt sad and it was different than anything I had felt before. She said, "Just reach out. "  She made it seem so easy, yet it was obvious that she didn't really understand.

I am sure that in heaven, Steve Irwin is smiling down at his daughter!  She is an amazing young lady and sure to to inspire future generations!

Resources:

"Steve had a childlike love for creatures.  It's the same for Bindi and Robert."
-Terri Irwin

People Magazine
August 4, 2014
Vol.82
No. 5
"I Miss Him Everyday."
Pgs.58-64

Foodie Kids: P is for organic peaches from the peach tree we adopted!