Citrus Garlic Shrimp recipe

Last week we tried a new shrimp dish that I wanted to share. I mostly followed the recipe and feel it's fair to call it a pretty good base made better with some extras. But first, the recipe!

Good Reads: Breastfeeding and Babies

Lots of great links I forgot to post last Friday- This lot is mostly on breastfeeding issues. Really excellent reads!

The Problems With Medela- Just West of Crunchy ***VERY interesting read if you have a Medela pump(I do).

Similac: Fox in the Nurses' Henhouse- Just West of Crunchy ***I can relate but mine was not a night nurse and it wasn't a helpful offering, it was a threat to give my daughter a bottle if she didn't nurse x amount of time.

Ground Breaking Research Proves We Can Save Newborn Lives at Scale- Huffington Post

Childhood Rates Improve but US Falls Further Behind- Health Leaders' Media ***An older post from May, but still a great reminder.

As always, feel free to link to me something you read that was interesting!

The Great Sleep: Help.

I'd like to think I'm a pretty decent mom. Since my sister's birth at age 8, I've been a mommy in training turned real mom for 20 years. Along the way I've picked up various tricks of the trade and one of the things that has always come easy for me was getting kids to sleep.

Then came my own children.

And apparently out fell those 20 years of baby sleeping know-how.

Fast forward to our situation: I have a 13 month old that hates bedtime. Hates it. Screaming, thrashing about, hates it. If his daddy or I even walk in to his room at bedtime, the tantrum starts. Naptime? It takes us 5 minutes and he leans into his bed because he wants to be put down and go to sleep. I literally can lay him in his bed and walk away while he falls asleep on his own. It's like Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde at our house!

So I need some help. Some ideas. This is my only rule- no judging anyone else's parenting method. I just want to hear what you do or what you suggest. I'm all for a healthy debate but not on this topic at this time, please.

Thank you!

Relax, Mama- Package Giveaway Winner redraw!

We had to do a redraw- #25 came up; Erin has been emailed!

Thanks again, everyone. Can't wait to do another draw tomorrow for the BumGenius giveaway! 

Relax, Mama- Package Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to lucky number 13!

She has been emailed at the provided address.

Many thanks to everyone that entered. I wish you all some time(or chocolate) to relax in your very near future!

Wordless Wednesday- Pirate Hats and Snowmen

Need I say more?

Belated Menu Monday

Apologies for Menu Monday being on Tuesday, but I caught a not so fun bug Monday morning and spent most of the day in bed. Thankfully, it wasn't even a 24 hour bug (No, I'm not pregnant!)

So last week and this week are about saving money. Last week I went for gold with a grocery bill under $20. The purpose of that was to budget in for a lunch date with a great friend of mine and a fun-filled movie weekend with the family! This week, my grocery bill is about $43. Not too shabby. What's on the menu? Read ahead...

Buzz, Buzz...

I'm a busy little bee! Working behind the scenes on lots of fun things coming up: hopefully a guest post, 10k follower giveaway sponsor at My Precious Kid(there are over 150 sponsors at this point- you have GOT to check it out!) and we'll be teaming up in April with Simpy Stacie, Little Yaya's and Survey Junkie as they host Boost Your Buzz, a $1,000 giveaway.

Excited? You should be! Last fall yours truly was the $750 Fall Follower giveaway hosted by some of the same ladies... What did I do with all of that cash? Well, read about it here. (Need to get an updated picture up, soon as the snow has gone!)

A note about LUSH products, general rant

My apologizes, fair readers! It has just come to my attention that LUSH products contain SLS and parabens- two chemicals I choose not to use for my family and do not want to promote on my blog. This was a good reminder to me that many companies are greenwashing and we must do our due diligence. My wonderful brother had been talking them up to me as a great natural, organic line and bought a small package for me as a Christmas gift. I took his word and didn't look into it myself. He also had no clue until I told him my discovery today. This really makes me sad as I was enjoying those products and a little 'me' time! My hope is that they choose to remove those unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals from their products in the very near future. And no, I do not believe their claims that SLS has been used for 30 years and is ok.

Good Reads: All for the kids!

Here are some great reads for the kids this week:

Valentine's Craft

http://blog.frecklebox.com/Blog/bid/51838/Fun-Valentine-Crafts-for-Kids

Indoor Snow Activity

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/outdoors/indoor-snow-activities-136540

2011 Parenting Predictions

http://www.drgreene.com/blog/2011/01/05/dr-greene%E2%80%99s-parenting-predictions-2011

Read anything good lately?

End of January New Year's Resolutions!

Yeah, I might be a little late to this party. But all in good time. How are your NYR's coming? I have already updated my original ideas. Actually, not sure what the original one(s?) was anymore. But no matter! I give you... New Year's Resolutions (take 2):

1. Get control of diet
2. Work out more regularly
3. Kiss husband on the lips at least once a day

***Surgeon General's Press Release***

Have you read it? I am so excited that the SG put this out! Moms trying to breastfeed need to be supported by everyone- that means no 'just give the baby a bottle' type things from well-meaning family or friends. Newsflash: It can start out difficult but gets easier after a few weeks. If you want to successfully breastfeed plan on working at it for 4-6 weeks. And THROW AWAY the formula you were given for free from the formula companies, doctor's office and hospital!

Call to Action: Breastfeeding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, January 20, 2011

Contact: OASH Press Office (202) 205-0143

Everyone Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier, Surgeon General Says in “Call to Action”

Benjamin cites health benefits, offers steps for families, clinicians and employers

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 20, 2011 - Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin today issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding,” outlining steps that can be taken to remove some of the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies. 

“Many barriers exist for mothers who want to breastfeed,” Dr. Benjamin said. “They shouldn’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re a clinician, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breastfeed.”

“Of course, the decision to breastfeed is a personal one,” she added, “no mother should be made to feel guilty if she cannot or chooses not to breastfeed.”

While 75 percent of U.S. babies start out breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, only 13 percent are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months.  The rates are particularly low among African-American infants.

Many mothers who attempt to breastfeed say several factors impede their efforts, such as a lack of support at home; absence of family members who have experience with breastfeeding; a lack of breastfeeding information from health care clinicians; a lack of time and privacy to breastfeed or express milk at the workplace; and an inability to connect with other breastfeeding mothers in their communities.

Dr. Benjamin’s “Call to Action” identifies ways that families, communities, employers and health care professionals can improve breastfeeding rates and increase support for breastfeeding:

• Communities should expand and improve programs that provide mother-to-mother support and peer counseling. 
• Health care systems should ensure that maternity care practices provide education and counseling on breastfeeding.  Hospitals should become more “baby-friendly,” by taking steps like those recommended by the UNICEF/WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
• Clinicians should ensure that they are trained to properly care for breastfeeding mothers and babies.  They should promote breastfeeding to their pregnant patients and make sure that mothers receive the best advice on how to breastfeed.
• Employers should work toward establishing paid maternity leave and high-quality lactation support programs.  Employers should expand the use of programs that allow nursing mothers to have their babies close by so they can feed them during the day.  They should also provide women with break time and private space to express breast milk.
• Families should give mothers the support and encouragement they need to breastfeed.

Family members can help mother’s prepare for breastfeeding and support their continued breastfeeding, including after her return to work or school.

According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma, and those who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese.  Mothers themselves who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates.

“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeeding,” said Dr. Benjamin.  “With this ‘Call to Action,’ I am urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.”

To order printed copies of the Surgeon General’s “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” and other materials, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO or email cdcinfo@cdc.gov and reference the publication title.

For more information on breastfeeding, go to www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding or www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/.  To speak with a breastfeeding counselor call 1-800-994-9662 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET.

Wordless Wednesday- Daddy's Girl

Air Purification and Houseplants

Did you know the pollution in your home probably exceeds the pollution outside? In fact, the EPA states that indoor air pollution is among the top 5 environmental health risks. I'm not making this up! Formaldehyde is a big player in this; it is found in everything from insulation to furniture and cabinetry. This pollution can create all kind of negative health issues, like asthma, colds and headaches.

Menu Monday!

Whew, thank goodness for a nice, long nap and the ability to get my menu together for the week. I have a grand total of... drum roll, please... 7 items on my grocery list to get for the week. They are: 2 tomatoes, yogurt, carrots, bananas, 4 apples, 2 avocados, snack cheese. Not too bad! Here's what we have planned:

Tips and Tricks: Trimming fingernails

As a parent, you're always looking for new and creative ways to get some of those drama-filled tasks accomplished, right? Well there are a few things I've picked up over the years that I'll share with you to hopefully take the tears out and make it a more pleasant experience. On that note, if you have any parenting tips or tricks you think may help another fellow parent out, please email me and I will share them each week! Email: crazygreenmommy at gmail dot com.

Today's Tips and Tricks is on trimming fingernails. 

Cowboy Hot Pot recipe

Earlier this week on Menu Monday I posted that I'd be trying a new recipe- the 'Cowboy Hot Pot' from my Vegetarian and Vegetable Cooking book by Christine Ingram. After giving it a test run I've decided it's worth sharing! If you are looking for ways to reduce meat consumption in your home, this has been a really worthwhile cookbook. 

Good Reads: Food Dyes, Quiet Time, EPA and Bees, Fire Retardants Part 1

Here is a run down of what the Crazy Green Mommy has been reading the past week! Good Stuff!

Smart Guide to Food Dyes

No nap? Try Quiet Time, 1,2,3!

WikiLeaks Uncovers EPA Cover-up of Bee Issue

Your Home: Toxic Chemicals, Fire Retardants Part 1: Brominated

Please feel free to leave a link in the comments with something you've read and found interesting, too. I'll try to add it to my list.

bumGenius Elemental Cloth Diaper Giveaway*CLOSED*

*CLOSED* winner has been notified, waiting on confirmation!

So the other day I go to check my email and find a very sweet 'Thank You' from Cotton Babies in my inbox! I just love them. My very first cloth diapers were from Cotton Babies. Cloth really brought me into this whole other world of green living that I had no idea existed previously. It's shaped me into the parent I am today and the lifestyle my family strives to lead.

Long story short, I decided to share the fluffy love ala an Eiffel Tower, bumGenius One-Size Elemental!

In the Bathtub with Dr. Seuss

***My apologies, it has just come to my attention that LUSH products contain SLS and parabens, among other chemicals I do not wish to promote on my blog. My brother was unaware of this(they were given as Christmas gifts) and I didn't think to look into them until this weekend. 1/23/11 I did enjoy their products and hope they make the positive step to remove those unnecessary chemicals in the near future.***

That could be taken all kinds of ways, but never fear. My bathtub is just big enough for me!

Wildtree with Amanda- Review

This past week I had the pleasure of testing out a product from a line that's new to me- Wildtree! Wildtree products are all natural; peanut free, msg free, additive free and dye free. That is very important to me- I try not to serve products to my children if they do not meet that criteria! Amanda from Wildtree kindly sent me a box of their focaccia mix and the Whole Wheat Pizza Dough.

Operation 'Pup Pup'

*Knock on Wood* It is a success!

Let me introduce you to my favorite little dog, Pup Pup.

Relax, Mama- Package Giveaway *CLOSED*

Just because, we could all use a little relaxation! 

*CLOSED*

I put together a little package of some of the things that help me to relax that I hope you may enjoy, too. 

Baby's First Haircut

I did it.

I hadn't really planned on it to be honest.

But then it happened.

I couldn't take the mullet any longer!

Wordless Wednesday- Too Close to 4

*SIGH* I give up trying to schedule posts this evening! Blogger and I are having disagreements. Enjoy Wednesday's post early!

Lately I find myself in a panic at the thought of my daughter turning 4 in April...

Middle Eastern Rice with Black Beans and Chickpeas recipe

I had to go back in my posts and confirm I haven't already shared this one! It's one of our favorites. You can decrease the spices for your family if they aren't into so much flavor and a little (tiny) heat.

It's Menu Monday!

I've been making my meal plans on Mondays for some time now and will try to remember to post them from time to time. I always enjoy seeing others' meal plans to get ideas, too! This week is especially ambitious and in all honesty, I'm hoping there will be some accountability in actually posting what I'm to be making. *Wink* Why Monday? Why not Saturday? I've found Monday to work better for us as I don't  have the added 'to do' on what should be a relaxing weekend. Not to mention, grocery shopping on Saturday is plain crazy. Monday nights, not so bad!

Boodle Bottoms review and giveaway!- Winner

Congrats to Kristina! She has been contacted via email. Thanks so much to Boodle Bottoms and for everyone that entered. Please keep your eyes peeled for more fun giveaways to come!

Random brain things

That is, if I have things left in my brain. After 2 nights of little to no sleep thanks to son's cold number 4,5354,44,5,4,454(don't try to make sense of it, it's a lot) I'm not running on much. From the sounds of the hubs trying to put the babe to sleep, we might be heading for night 3. To top it off my own various sinus things are ouchie.

And, because things in the Crazy Green House never go below 100 MPH, tomorrow is the Boob Man's 1st birthday party. Which I've largely ignored. Largely meaning= I have no cake. I have no decorations. We'll be winging it, folks. In the two hours left pre-party after my husband helps someone move in the morning.