Mini Me-Time

I was reading the April issue of Health magazine when I came across the article How I Steal “Me” Moments by Lynn Harris, and found myself inspired. Lynn explains how she has transformed long lines and tardy friends into opportunities for mini breaks in her hectic daily life. This article spoke to me on a personal level because as a mother of three and a business owner I constantly find myself feeling run down and like I desperately need a vacation; and as a mother of three and business owner, vacations are few and far between. After I read the article I started brainstorming ways to fit mini breaks into my daily life. After a lot of creative thinking, here is what I have started incorporating into my days:

 

1. When I walk my daughter to school I leave my cell phone at home and bring my ipod filled with my favorite songs. Instead of making business calls on the way home, I enjoy a brisk walk and a mini music break.
2. When I rock my 3 month old son to sleep at night, I keep a book and a lamp next to the rocking chair so once he is asleep I can enjoy some stress free cuddle time and work my way through that pile of books I have been dying to read since I had baby number one 8 years ago.
3. When I go grocery shopping I pick the longest checkout line and use the extra time to peruse the magazine rack and thumb through some of my favorite trashy reads.
4. If I have a choice on what chore to tackle, I choose laundry. Depending on how many loads I have to wash and fold, I have the perfect excuse to rent and watch a couple of movies while accomplishing something important.
5. I take a bath instead of a shower. I always have a couple of candles and sea salts on hand. Even if I don’t have a lot of time, submerging myself in warm scented water sooths sore muscles and leaves me refreshed.
6. I always keep a yoga mat two blankets and a block in my office. When I am waiting for a call, a client, or have a couple minutes between tasks I fit a couple quick yoga poses in. Downward dog and a head stand can clear my mind and calm my nerves so I can perform at the top of my game.

Can you think of some other good way to fit “Me Moments” into your day? Tips and tricks are always appreciated.

 

Earth Month

April is Earth Month and one of the first things that comes to most people’s mind when considering Earth Month or Earth Day is the emphasis of living green and how our daily choices are impacting the earth. This special month offers parents the perfect opportunity to discuss what being “Green” actually means with their kids, and this is no small task with all the hype and commercialism that surrounds the concept of living green these days. Going Green: Beyond the Hype and Back to Basics by Michelle Pate, is a great read for families who want to change their daily life and make it “greener” but feel overwhelmed and confused by all of the conflicting information in the media. Michelle gives her readers clear and simple directions for living green when she says, “The easiest way to truly live green without falling for all of the latest trends and hype is to go back to basics and follow the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — and in that order.”

Take time this month to discuss the 3 R’s with your kids. If you haven’t already, start incorporating the 3 R’s into your daily living routine. Some ideas for making your household a little greener are: get a recycling bin and teach your kids how to separate garbage from recyclables; take your kids to a local consignment store when you need to shop for clothing (they might be surprised at all of the cool stuff they find); start turning off the water while you brush your teeth; have the kids help turn off all electronics and lights at night; get reusable shopping bags; and finally, give your kids the opportunity to brainstorm unique ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

While incorporating the 3 R’s into your families daily life is a great way to celebrate Earth Month, there is truly no better way to instill the love for Mother Nature in your children than by getting them outside. Children need to connect to nature, and with spring here, now is the perfect time to go on nature walks and hikes and point out the beautiful sprouts pushing out of the ground, and the green buds forming on bushes. Once outside, you children will know exactly why preserving the earth by living green is such an important thing to do.

Gleek Out!

If you haven’t heard of FOX’s hit series Glee yet, then you’ve been living under a rock. Glee first aired in May of 2009 and became an instant hit with viewers of all ages. The series takes place at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio where a group of students ranging from geeks to cheerleaders and football players come together to form the High School Glee Club called “New Directions”. The series has done so well that it won the 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series—Musical or Comedy and received three additional nominations for Best Actress (Lea Michele), Best Actor (Matthew Morrison), and Best Supporting Actress (Jane Lynch). It has also earned itself a group of loyal followers that proudly call themselves “Gleeks”. For all things Glee related Gleeks can indulge with the blog Gleeks United.

So why is Glee such a big hit with such a wide variety of viewers including young, old, male, and female alike? Maybe it’s because deep down each and every one of us wants to break out in song when dealing with our daily struggles or because we can all relate to at least one of the overly generalized yet surprisingly complex characters. Yes, Glee has managed to take the typical High School stereotypes that unfortunately actually exist in real life and shed an honest light on the truth behind façade that each character puts on. This is not only refreshing but inspiring, as is the “in your face with a musical twist” way each episode handles the real to life situations that both teens and grownups face. From teenage pregnancy and a son’s “coming out of the closet”, to a couple’s infertility and infidelity, the cast dances and sings its way through each episode causing the viewers to sing (and possibly dance) along while seriously considering the message and how it relates to their own life.

While Glee is awesome as a way to self-entertain in the evening, it also offers up a wonderful parenting opportunity for those of you with teens. Each episode is full of laughs (and what better way to bond with your teen than through laughter) and also gives parents and opportunity to open conversations about the serious topics that their children are facing both personally and out in the real world. Finally, for many of us, it also gives us a chance to share something we rarely have in common with the younger generation: music. That’s right! Glee has managed to make the music from our generation seem cool to our kids! Now if that’s not a reason to Gleek out, then I don’t know what is. New episodes of Glee air April 13th on FOX.

We heart the Kombucha Mamas!

Our team is always trying to find ways to stay healthy and in shape. It looks like a couple of local mamas have come up with a product that is right up our alley. If you like tea, you'll love

Kombucha Mama

Kombucha is a sweet tea mixture that has, at times, been called the “Elixir of Life", and helps keep you balanced and feeling energized. Made locally here in Bend, Oregon by the “Kombucha Mamas”, this tea well server you well whether you’re looking to ward off a cold, boost your energy, or cut back on snacking too much. The Kombucha Mamas brew only the best for your body, mind, and spirit.  For a complete list of places that offer Kombucha, visit, http://www.kombuchamama.com/.

You can also follow them on the Kombucha Mama Facebook Page and find out more!

Breastfeeding Is Beautiful!

And don’t you let ANYONE tell you differently.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep...

We LOVE Cloud B! In the December issue of True North we reviewed the Twilight Ladybug. The beautiful constellation it projects on to bedroom ceilings makes nighttime soothing and fun for the kiddos.


Our newest, most favorite Cloud B creation is the Sleep Sheep. This little guy is a life saver for anyone with a newborn. Not only is he cute and cuddly, he provides white noise that will put mom and dad to sleep quicker than the babe. The Sleep Sheep has four soothing sounds that emulate nature almost to perfection. Choose between gentle ocean waves, spring showers, whale songs, and mother’s heart beat.

Are you on the go all the time? Sleep Sheep has straps that easily fastened to a car seat, chair, or wrist (if you happen to be pacing back and forth for a while). Sleep sheep also comes in an on the go version.

And if you or your little one isn’t into sheep…check out the dolphin and giraffe.

If you are looking for a Sleep Sheep in Bend, Oregon, you can find yours at Baby Phases (Located at 759 NE Greenwood Ave. Suite 1). Visit them online at http://www.babyphasestot2teen.com./

The Blue Ribbon Campaign

April is National Child abuse Prevention month.  The following information on child abuse and the Blue Ribbon Campaign was submitte by Elain Knobbs at the KIDS Center in Bend, Oregon. Please get involved, get a blue ribbon, and show your support.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse


The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in the spring of 1989 when Bonnie Finney of Virginia lost her grandson, Michael Dickenson. The three year old died at the hands of her daughter’s abusive boyfriend. Bonnie tied a blue ribbon to her car- symbolizing the blue of her grandson’s bruises- and encouraged her community to do the same. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April, the Blue Ribbon Campaign is used throughout the country as a way to bring communities together to protect children from all forms of abuse.

KIDS Center brought the campaign to our community in 1997 to raise awareness of child abuse in Central Oregon. Last year there were over 2300 reports of child abuse in Central Oregon and almost 700 children walked through KIDS Center’s doors for evaluation and treatment of abuse. Most children do not report therefore the actual number of children being hurt in our community is far greater than we could ever know.

Do your part: In Central Oregon each year more than 50,000 blue ribbons are distributed locally by volunteers, active citizens and community partners. Ribbons are available at KIDS Center and at businesses and agencies through-out the community. Show your support for protecting children. Wear a blue ribbon all during the month of April and learn more about how to protect the children in your life and in our entire community! Contact KIDS Center at 541-383-5958 or www.kidscenter.org

Myths & Facts about Child Abuse

MYTH: Children who are abused do something to cause the abuse to occur.

FACT: The child is always the victim. The responsibility for the abuse lies solely with the abuser.

MYTH: It's only abuse if it's violent.

FACT: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene. Lastly, sexual abuse is violent in only a small percentage of cases.

MYTH: Most sexual abuse is committed by someone who’s a stranger to the child.

FACT: Someone the child knows, likes, trusts, loves and/or lives with is the person most likely to sexually abuse a child.

MYTH: Children lie about sexual abuse.

FACT: Children usually do not have the explicit sexual knowledge to enable them to talk about sexual acts unless they have experienced them.

Recognize the Signs of Abuse and REPORT

Some- but not all- abused children may exhibit physical or behavioral signs.

Signs of abuse may include:

• Nervousness around adults or a particular adult.

• Aggression or passivity and over-compliance.

• Sudden changes in personality or school work.

• Unable to stay awake or concentrate.

• Does not want to go home from school or after school activity.

• Low self-esteem.

• Bruises or injuries that are frequent and/or unexplained.

• Poor hygiene.

Sometimes there are no signs at all.

Since few children ever come forward to report abuse, make it your responsibility to recognize these signs and report any suspicions or disclosures of abuse.

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED, CALL AND TALK TO TRAINED DHS PERSONNEL AT 541-693-2700 OR CALL 911. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from prosecution.