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Thursday, June 27, 2013

National Sunglasses Day: June 27th

Hey Y'all,

In honor of National Sunglasses Day I share this picture of the 3 Little Brown's with you.


What do Chinese judges of the 12th century and modern poker players on TV have in common? Both groups have used sunglasses to hide the emotions in their eyes.

"For centuries, Chinese judges had routinely worn smoke-colored quartz lenses to conceal their eye expressions in court," according to Idea Finder. Sam Foster is credited with elevating sunglasses to their current status as a fashion accessory. He began selling his Foster Grant sunglasses in Atlantic City in 1929.

Today we use sunglasses to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. We also wear them because they look cool. Various movie icons have relied on sunglasses to achieve their look. Consider Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Tom Cruise in "Risky Business," and Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Terminator."
[Source:Yahoo!]

Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Throw Back Thursday: The twins

Hey Folks,

Just want to say thank you to who ever came up with posting pictures for Throwback Thursday's. As I searched my Facebook account I came across some great pictures of my children that reminded me how far we've come. The below picture is of the twins sitting in their infant carriers. I don't remember how my husband every carried both of them around but he did.


Now they are big 5 year olds. Time really flies when you are having fun.

Hope you are enjoying your day.
Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer Fun 2013 - Daddy School

Hey Y'all,

Last year this time I was unemployed and the twins reaped the benefits of Mommy being home. Although I didn't have much money I made the most of our days together with Mommy School in the morning and fun field trips in the afternoon. We visited Imagine That Children's Museum, Turtle Back Zoo, Scribbles in the Mall and took a few day trips to visit some of my stay at home mom friends. They loved every single moment of my unemployment and their private time with me.

This year however I'll be making my way to work everyday except Friday and Daddy will be working from home. I took a hint from my good friend Tara over at The Young Mommy Life and have set up a nice schedule for the Three Little Browns who won't be going to summer camp and only visiting Nana for a few weeks.

Monday - Friday

  • 10:00 - Noon 
    • Daddy School. - It is imperative to keep those little minds going during the summer. Daddy School will consist of reading comprehension, math and social studies for Erick and Penmanship, learning their address, basic math, site words and coloring inside the lines for the twins. Crafts will also be apart of daddy school. Mommy will check everything when she gets home in the evening. Tasks will be done both on and offline. We have access to very good educational sites and we'll make use of them for all age groups. Our top 3 online sites are 
    • http://www.abcya.com/ 
    • http://www.ixl.com/
    • http://www.abcmouse.com/  
  • Noon - 1:00 pm 
    • Lunch
  • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 
    • Free play (snack will fit in here somewhere)
  • 3:00 pm -4:00 pm
    • Reading Circle - Summer reading guide for all age groups can be found here
On field trip days the schedule will be adjusted depending on the field trip location. If it's a late afternoon trip then Daddy School be still be in session.

Here are some of the places I will encourage him to take them.

How is your summer with the kiddies shaping up? Anybody going to summer school or camp? I'm always open to ideas so please share in the comments section.

Until next time...
MAUH!


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Love/Avon Army of Women: Going Beyond a Cure

Hey Y'all,

Each year, 19,000 new cases of breast cancer occur among African American women. That’s 19,000 too many.

I don't know about you but my family has been severely affected by breast cancer. Two of my aunts were taken from me way to soon due to the disease. I know that I carry the gene and am prepared to have my first mammogram next year (I'll be 39) and I make sure to give myself breast exams at least once a week. I have three beautiful children to care for and a fantastic husband to love until we are old and gray. I will not become a victim of this horrible disease. So when I heard about the Love/Avon Army of Women project I knew I had to participate.

According to the American Cancer Society, our five-year survival rate of breast cancer is 77%, compared to white women's rate of 90%. African American women are more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age, and we tend to develop more aggressive tumors, which are harder and more expensive to treat.
Enter Dr. Kathleen Arcaro from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She studies breast cancer by studying breastmilk, which is full of breast cells key in figuring out how breast cancer develops. Over the past ten years she's worked to improve our understanding of breast cancer risk, and her findings may lead to new screening, prevention and treatment strategies.

The problem? Black women are underrepresented in the research. As a result, findings that work for white women or women with less aggressive forms of breast cancer, don’t work for the majority of black women grappling with the disease.

To ensure her findings are applicable to women of all races, she has been working to recruit African American women for the Love/Avon Army of Women, a project aiming to recruit one million women to sign up to participate in breast cancer research (if they choose to do so). By signing up, participants will receive an email newsletter with breast cancer research opportunities. Some research is as simple as a questionnaire or a phone interview.

Having African American women well represented in the breast cancer research is key, for her research and many others.’ So Dr. Arcaro hopes black women will sign up for the Army of Women (and be sure to select “breast milk study” in the drop down menu to help track the impact).
You can learn more about Dr. Arcaro’s work, and see if you or other women you know might qualify for one of her studies, at the website of the UMass Breastmilk Lab, and follow the lab on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Please sign up today!
Until next time...
MUAH!


Monday, June 10, 2013

No More Juice Boxes!!!

Hey Y'all,

I just read an article that made me sick to my stomach! We've all at some point given our children juice boxes or pouches. They are quick, easy and most times mess free. After reading the below article from ChildrensMD I have banned my children from consuming these death traps (strong words I know). Please inform all of your loved ones about the risks of tainted juice boxes and pouches. This doctor also makes a VERY good point. Children don't need to drink juice. It's pure sugar most times (even though the packaging says less sugar), and it's not good for their teeth or health. The best alternative to juice boxes is WATER!!! If they want something with flavor, infuse your water with fresh fruit. I've been seeing pictures all over instagram with fruit infused water here is a site that lists some pretty good recipes. Lets keep our families healthy, begin today!

Source: ChildrensMD

A patient came to my ER after noticing green slime coming up the straw from her Juicy Juice box. Her mom cut open the box – and brought her straight to the doctor.  Here’s what we found in the unexpired juice box:

Moldy Juice Box Moldy Juice Box
Her juice box was full of mold—green slime that lined the edges of the box.   Apparently moldy juice boxes and juice pouches (such as those made by Capri Sun) are nothing new.  If even a tiny bit of air gets into the container molds can grow.  Air can get into a juice box through a hole that’s so small you can’t see it, and it doesn’t cause leaking.  Such a tiny puncture also permits the sugars in the juice to ferment, turning the product into a form of alcohol.
Juicy Juice and many other kid’s juice products are made without preservatives, permitting mold to grow even more easily.
The good news for my patient is that moldy, fermented juice is usually not very dangerous to drink.  An upset stomach and a totally grossed out mom are the most common complications.
But I recommended she cut out the juice, anyway.  Why?  Because juice is so full of sugar and calories that some have called it a gateway drug.  Sugar ingestion can actually cause release of natural opiates (really).  Opiate release stimulates the desire for other sweets and junk food.  High salt and high fat foods can also trigger release of pleasure-inducing opiates.  This is why so many people binge on ice cream, potato chips, and other favorite junk foods like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
The more sugar-laden juice your kids drink, the more opiates flood their system, and the more they will beg for another juice box.  After drinking all those calories and stimulating their sweet tooth, chances are your kids won’t be interested in dinner.   Some high sugar, high fat, high salt food might sound good, though.  Sound familiar?
Too much fruit juice can also cause tooth decay, diarrhea, and flatulence.  There are plenty of other healthy foods that contain the vitamins your kids need, and without the high sugar and calories.   Kids just don’t need juice. 
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this guidance regarding kids and fruit juice.
  • Juice should not be introduced into the diet of infants before 6 months of age, unless directed by your physician.  Occasionally small amounts of fruit juice may be recommended as a treatment for constipation.
  • In children ages 6 months -6 years, fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit over whole fruit.  Whole fruits also provide fiber and other nutrients.
  • If you do let your kids drink fruit juice, do not allow your child to carry a sippy cup, bottle or box of juice throughout the day.  Intake of fruit juice should be limited to 4 to 6 oz/d for children 1 to 6 years old. For children 7 to 18 years old, juice intake should be limited to 8 to 12 oz or 2 servings per day.
  • Never serve your kids unpasteurized juice.
  • These recommendations are for 100% fruit juice, which differs from juice drinks.  Fruit drinks often provide little to no nutritional benefit.
OK, I admit it, I’ve bought juice boxes for birthday parties and soccer games.  They are convenient, they keep kids happy, and they’re probably healthier than soda.  But you just can’t tell from looking at a juice box if it is moldy—you won’t know until you start drinking, and sometimes you won’t know until you get to the bottom… So as for my family, we’re going back to the cooler of ice water for soccer games.  If the kids complain, we’ll hand out good snacks.
Sincere thanks to the patient and her mother who permitted the photography of their juice box and gave permission for the publication of this story.
Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

{From The Archives} Email Etiquette Tips

Hey Y'all,

According to my calendar this week is National Business Etiquette Week: 2-8 

I thought it fitting to re-post something I wrote a while back after receiving a rather unprofessional email at work. This etiquette shouldn't only be used as best business practices but for personal emails as well.


32 most important email etiquette tips:

1. Be concise and to the point
2. Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions
3. Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation
4. Make it personal
5. Use templates for frequently used responses
6. Answer swiftly
7. Do not attach unnecessary files
8. Use proper structure & layout
9. Do not overuse the high priority option
10. Do not write in CAPITALS
11. Don't leave out the message thread
12. Add disclaimers to your emails
13. Read the email before you send it
14. Do not overuse Reply to All
15. Mailings > use the bcc: field or do a mail merge
16. Take care with abbreviations and emoticons
17. Be careful with formatting
18. Take care with rich text and HTML messages
19. Do not forward chain letters
20. Do not request delivery and read receipts
21. Do not ask to recall a message.
22. Do not copy a message or attachment without permission
23. Do not use email to discuss confidential information
24. Use a meaningful subject
25. Use active instead of passive
26. Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT
27. Avoid long sentences
28. Don't send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks
29. Don't forward virus hoaxes and chain letters
30. Keep your language gender neutral
31. Don't reply to spam
32. Use cc: field sparingly

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

50 Rules for Dads of Daughters (Repost)

Hey Y'all,

A Facebook friend shared this list from Life To Her Years and I had to share half the list with you. It's heart warming and thought provoking.

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of
affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn't happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she adds years to her life… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait until her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

Be sure to read the rest of the list here

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, June 3, 2013

National Leave Work Early Day and Other Fun, Weird and Interesting June Observances

Hey Y'all,

There is an interesting observance for every day and month of the year. Today June 3rd is National Leave Work Early Day (which I will be participating in) and in the coming days we'll be celebrating National Doughnut Day. Here is a full list of observances by month, week and day from www.brownielocks.com. Which one(s) will you celebrate/participate in?

June Monthly Observances

Adopt A Shelter Cat Month
African-American Music Appreciation Month
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month (APS)
Audio Book Appreciation Month
Beautiful in Your Skin Month
Cancer From The Sun Month
Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Cataract Awareness Month
Celibacy Awareness Month
Child Vision Awareness Month
Children's Awareness Month
Corn and Cucumber Month
Country Cooking Month
Dairy Alternative Month
Effective Communications Month
Entrepreneurs "Do It Yourself" Marketing Month
Fireworks Safety Month
Gay & Lesbian Pride Month Link
Great Outdoors Month
International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
International Men's Month
International Surf Music Month Link
Dairy Month Link
Lane Courtesy Month
Perennial Gardening Month
Turkey Lovers Month
Lemon and Mango Month
Migraine Awareness Month
National Accordion Awareness Month
National Aphasia Awareness Month
National Bathroom Reading Month
National Camping Month
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
National GLBT (Gay,Lesbian,Bisexual & Transgender) Awareness Month
National GLBT (Gay,Lesbian,Bisexual & Transgender) Book Month
National Candy Month
National Fruit and Veggies Month (Also September)
National Ice Tea Month
National Migraine Awareness Month
National Rivers Month
National R.O.S.E. Month
National Safety Month
National Smile Month
National Soul Food Month
National Steakhouse Month
Okra & Pluot and Aprium Month
Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month
Potty Training Awareness Month
Professional Wellness Month
Rebuild Your Life Month
Skyscraper Month
Sports America Kids Month
Student Safety Month
Vision Research Month
World Naked Bike Ride Month (Northern Hemisphere) omen's Golf Month
World Infertility Month


June Weekly Observances
International Clothesline Week: 1-8 (First Sat-Sun Week)
Black Single Parents Week: 2-8
End Mountain Top Removal Week: 2-8   (First Full Week)
National Business Etiquette Week: 2-8 (First Full Week)
National Headache Awareness Week: 2-8   (First Full Week)
National Sun Safety Week: 2-8
National Tire Safety Week: 2-8
Rip Current Awareness Week: 2-8
(World) Dystonia Awareness Week: 3-10
Superman Days: 6-9
Great American Brass Band Week: 6-9
Worldwide Knit (and crotchet) in Public Week: 8-16
National Flag Week: 9-15
Jim Thorpe Native American Games: 9-16
National Automotive Service Professionals Week: 9-16 (Week That has the 12th In It)
Men's Health Week: 10-16
Nursing Assistants Week: 13-20
US Open Golf Championship: 13-16
Duct Tape Days: 14-16  Link
Universal Father's Week: 16-22   (3rd Full Week)
Meet A Mate Week: 16-22
Old Time Fiddlers Week: 17-22 (3rd Week)
Fish Are Friends, Not Food! Week: 23-30   (Last Week)
Lightning Safety Awareness Week: 23-29   (Last Full Week)
Carpenter Ant Awareness Week: 23-29 (Last Full Week)
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week: 23-29   (Always on the week that has 26th)
*National Prevention of Eye Injuries Awareness: 27 -7/4
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week: 27-30 (Last Weekend Thurs. to Sun.)
Water Ski Days: 28-30 (Last Full Weekend)

June Daily Observances
NOTE:  An * in front of the day means that the observance is on the same date every year regardless of the day it falls on.
Do-Dah Parade Day: 1 (First Saturday)
Drawing Day or Pencil Day: 1  (First Saturday)
*Heimlich Maneuver Day: 1
Horseradish Days: 1-2
*National Go Barefoot Day: 1
National Trails Day: 1 (First Saturday)
*Say Something Nice Day: 1
*Stand For Children Day: 1
Turtle Races Day: 1  (First Saturday)
Xterra Off-Road Triathalon: 1
Children's Awareness Memorial Day: 2 (First Sunday)
*National Bubba Day: 2
National Cancer Survivors Day: 2 Link (First Sunday)
*Yell "Fudge" at the Cobras in North America Day: 2
*Chimborazo Day: 3
National Leave the Office Early Day: 3
*Audacity To Hope Day: 4
*International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: 4
*Apple II Day: 5
*Hot Air Balloon Day: 5
*National Moonshine Day: 5
National Running Day: 5 Link  (First Wednesday)
National Tailors Day: 5 (First Wednesday)
*World Environment Day: 5
*D-Day: 6
*Drive-in Movie Day: 6
Doughnut Day or Donut Day: 7-8 (First Fri.-Sat. in June)
*(Daniel) Boone Day: 7
Positive Power of Humor and Creativity Days: 7-9
*VCR Day: 7
Banana Split Days: 7-8
Belmont Stakes: 8
International Young Eagles Day: 8 (Second Saturday)
*National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: 8
*Upsy Daisy Day: 8
Worldwide Knit (and crotchet) in Public Day: 8  Link
*World Oceans Day: 8 Link
Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day: 9 (Second Sunday)
Children's Sunday: 9 (Second Sunday)
* Donald Duck Day: 9 Link (See Also March 13)
Multicultural American Child Day: 9 (Second Sunday)
Ride The Wind Day, Ride For Wind Day or World Wind Day: 9k (Second Sunday)
Race Unity Day: 9  (Second Sunday)
*World APS Day: 9 Link
*Alcoholics Anonymous (Founders) Day: 10
*Ball Point Pen Day: 10
* Iced Tea Day: 10 Link  Note: June 10, 1904 was a Friday.
*Corn on the Cob Day: 11
*Crowded Nest Awareness Day: 12
*Loving Day: 12 Link
*National Jerky Day: 12
*National Peanut Butter Cookie Day: 12
*Career Nurse Assistants Day: 13
*Queen's Official Birthday: 13
*Army's Birthday: 14
*Family History Day: 14
*Flag Day: 14
*National Bourbon Day: 14
*Pause for the Pledge Day: 14
*(World) Blood Donor Day: 14
Work@Home Father's Day: 14  (Friday Before Father's Day)
*Magna Carta Day: 15 Link
* Native American Citizenship Day: 15
* Nature Photography Day: 15
National Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement Officers: 15
The Wicket World of Croquet Day: 15
*World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 15
World Juggling Day: 15 (Saturday closest to the 15th)
*Worldwide Day of Giving: 15
*Bloomsday: 16
*Fudge Day: 16
Family Awareness Day: 16 (Third Sunday)
Father's Day: 16
 Husband Caregiver Day: 16
Isra Al Mí Raj: 16
*Ladies' Day (Baseball): 16
*Stewarts Root Beer Day: 17
*World Day To Combat Desertification and Drought: 17
Ride To Work Day (Motorcycles) : 17  (Third Monday)
*International Sushi Day: 18
*Garfield the Cat Day: 19
*Juneteenth: 19
*World Sickle Cell Day: 19
*World Sauntering Day: 19
*American Eagle Day: 20
*Ann & Samantha Day: 20 (also Dec. 21)
Dump The Pump Day: 20
Recess At Work Day: 20 (Third Thursday)
* World Refugee Day: 20
*Atheists Solidarity Day: 21
*Go Skateboarding Day: 21
National Daylight Appreciation Day: 21
National Flip Flop Day: 21  (3rd Friday)
Summer Solstice (Summer) : 21 1:04 am EDT
*World Handshake Day: 21
(Do not confuse with National Handshake Day - different sponsor on June 24)
*World Humanist Day: 21
Take Your Dog To Work Day: 21   (First Friday after Father's Day)
Ugliest Dog Day: 21  (Third Friday)
ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Field Day: 22-23   (Fourth Full Weekend)
Great American Backyard Camp out: 22 (Fourth Saturday)
Polar Bear Swim: 22
* Stupid Guy Thing Day: 22
America's Kids Day: 23 (Fourth Sunday)
*Baby Boomer's Recognition Day: 23
*Let It Go Day: 23
*Pink Flamingo Day (Lawn Ornaments): 23
*Public Service Day: 23
Ryan Moran Day: 23  (The First Full Moon in June)
*SAT Math Day: 23
*Celebration of the Senses: 24
*International Fairy Day: 24
*Color TV Day (CBS): 25
*Global Beatles Day: 25
National Columnists Day: 25 (Fourth Tuesday)
Please Take My Children To Work Day: 25 (Last Monday)
Tammuz: 25
*International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: 26
*International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: 26
*National Canoe Day: 26
*Decide To Be Married Day: 27
* "Happy Birthday To You" Day: 27
*Industrial Workers of The World Day: 27
*National HIV Testing Day: 27
National Bomb Pop Day: 27  (Last Thursday)
National Hand Shake Day: 27  (Last Thursday)  (Different sponsor than World Handshake Day)
Tour De France: 29-7/21
Descendants Day: 30 (Last Sunday)
*Leap Second Time Adjustment Day: 30
(Note: This is listed as an observance title only. Some years scientists do not make adjustments.
But, if they do, then it's done on either June 30 or December 31.)
Log Cabin Day: 30 (Last Sunday)
*NOW (National Organization For Women) Day: 30

Until next time...
MUAH!