April 2012 Blog Posts (21)

As natural as breastfeeding is, some babies, for various reason, do not have the ability to latch onto the breast correctly. In order for a baby to breastfeed, the tongue must be positioned properly in the mouth. The baby needs to be able to have a wide open mouth, rest his/her tongue on the floor of the mouth and be able to extend the tongue over the lower gum line. Basically, the tongue must be down and roll forward in order to latch on properly to the mother’s breast.  If a baby has not…

Looking for something fun to do tonight with the family? Check out The Stargazing Series at The Great Park in Irvine!

Here's the info from their website:

Time(s): Vary (see schedule below)

Location: Farm + Food Lab Lawn | Map & Directions

Free Parking & Admission

Recommended ages: 9+

Weather Permitting

Star light, star bright, come out…

Next weekend, "OC Tastefest" will be feeding thousands in Costa Mesa. If you love food this event will be sure to delight your palate. The "OC Tastefest" will showcase the diversity of global cuisine from dozens of our favorite OC restaurants in the "Heart of OC," at the OC Fair and Event Center.

The two-day food and wine festival will be held concurrent with the…

OC Parks and Heritage Hill Historical Park present the annual Rancho Days Fiesta on Sunday, May 6.

Highlighting the historic Serrano Adobe, Rancho Days Fiesta explores what it was like to live in California in the mid-19th century.  Experience the sights and sounds of the past through music,…

I recently posted this on my Facebook page and everyone really got a good laugh. I know I can relate when it comes to my son, he rarely sits in his carseat without a struggle!

 …

We know that planning your child's birthday can be almost as stressful, but almost as beautiful as your wedding. So here is your chance to showcase your child's birthday party for a chance to win a

Smash Cake Photo Session or Photo Session of Your Choice!*…

The brain is the first of the body's organs to absorb nutrients from the food eaten. A child's nutritional palate has everything to do brain function, memory, and concentration. Studies prove time and time again that there is a great positive correlation with  the types of foods children eat and their mood, attention spans, behavior, and test scores. Below are top  super "brain foods" that may help boost a child's brain development and growth

1. Wild…

Whole Foods Market in Laguna Niguel is Opening Soon!!!

Come Check out their fabulous, free educational series MOMS IN THE KNOW

May 2-4 (details…

Grocery stores price items around holidays, customer shopping patterns & seasonal produce.  Did you know which entrance you choose to enter a store would play a factor in how much you spend?  Studies have shown that customers who enter a store through the right-hand entrance & shop counterclockwise will spend more than those who do the opposite.  Next time, try shopping clockwise & you will probably save some money!

Easter has come & gone.  As you have…

Attending a support group has been shown to help mothers to continue breastfeeding for as she and her little one desire. I facilitate a FREE breastfeeding suuport group every Thursday at Belly Sprout in Santa Ana from 1-2. I also teach breastfeeding classes at the same location or in-home if the mother chooses.

Please stop by my page to check out my upcoming events, or ask a question as they arise. I also post a lot of great information on my site.…

My sister-in-law sent me this video one day. It was just what I needed that day because it was a day I thought was never going to end. It made me realize how fast this stage of parenthood goes. This is a beautiful video and a must see!

This video is an excerpt from Katrina Kenison's book,…

New research has proven that breast milk, made into a lotion, is the latest alternative form of treatment for eczema, psoriasis, sunburns and itchy dry skin. Although the idea of rubbing breast milk on your skin may seem a bit unconventional, it is proving to be a safe and sometime superior treatment to other medicinal options. The antibodies found in breast milk will help aid in the onset of infection that can be secondary to persistent scratching. Breast milk lotion may not be for…

Artificial food dyes are made from petroleum and approved for use by the FDA to enhance the color of processed foods. Many food choices for adults and especially marketed and showcased to children contain artificial food coloring that can have negative effects upon little people’s behavior, impulse control, attention, ability to focus, learning, thinking, and energy level. Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of food dyes, especially those with ADHD and ADD.

Certainly,…

We just discovered this cool beach area right off the the Dana Point Harbor. Nestled close to the Ocean Institute, this somewhat enclosed beach area offers kids and family and safe and fun place to splash around. Little to no waves, soft sand and a big area for picnics and bbqs. The parking is free but limited.

Be sure to check out the water quality before going as this beach is sometimes closed due to high levels of bacteria in the water. This is a great site to help you plan your…

Cloth diapers have come a long way in the past ten years, and The Great Cloth Diaper Change event serves to raise awareness of cloth diapering and create some added buzz and excitement too!

To do this, several people in the cloth diapering movement, including Belly Sprout and Celtic Cloths have joined forces with…

Perhaps one of the things I love most about my daughters preschool, Mission Montessori,  is that all special occasions, those pivotal moments in your child's life, are celebrated with meaning, purpose and an opportunity for learning. When a child is coming upon a birthday at Mission Montessori, a joyous Celebration of Life Ceremony…

My daughter is on Spring Break this week and we were looking for a few fun outting besides the usual park or going for a swin in my mom's pool. Right on time, Jennifer of Tiny Oranges posted this fabulous list of ideas for…

Easter is only a few days away and there will be so many fun things going on in Orange County. From Easter Egg Hunts to yummy brunches there is something for everyone!

Below is a list of fun events going on this weekend! Please comment with any that I've missed!!!

COSTA MESA  EASTER EVENTS

6th Annual Easter Festival And Treasure Hunt

Saturday, April 7th from 9:30am - 2:30…

While Collaborative Divorce isn’t new it is gaining steam. Collaborative Divorce is a way to divorce in a more cooperative, friendly manner.

I know that goes against many divorcees feelings when they are heading towards divorce. Often couples are very adversarial and want to fight for everything they ‘deserve’.

The problem with that is if children are involved they take the biggest hit.

Children are naturally loyal to their parents. So when there is tension and fighting the…