Happymomblogger

Ah, Halloween. Perhaps one of America’s favorite holidays out of all the holidays. What with candies and dressing up in practically anything you want, America’s fascination with Halloween dates back centuries and entices not only children, but adults as well.

Besides decorating the house, finding the right costume, and loading up on tons of treats, Halloween can be both fun and dangerous. It’s not always easy trying to find the right balance between letting your kids go crazy during Halloween and keeping them safe from all the crazy stuff that’s out there. But we as parents need to be extra diligent during Halloween and remember key facts in helping our kids have fun on this day while staying safe. I love Halloween and I think it’s the perfect time to scare your little kiddos because really, any other time might just seem a little cruel. After all, Halloween derived from All Hallows’ Eve an ancient tradition practiced many many years ago. While back in those days Halloween may not have been as fun as today, for the past few decades people have taken liberties with how Halloween is truly celebrated. Wearing costumes, carving pumpkins, and handing out treats still stems from its origins but now we can really go all out in how we want to dress or decorate our houses. You may even find people decorating their cars with Halloween ornaments and some go even beyond that in dressing up their pets. And then there are horror stories of people cruelly killing or harming black cats during this holiday. For others, it’s an excuse to indulge on all the sweets that you can handle.

Whether or not you celebrate this unique holiday, there are a few things to remember in keeping our kids safe. Compiled below is a list from both experts and parents and I hope we can all have a very safe and enjoyable time on Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips:

Costumes: 

You can either DIY costumes for Halloween or buy them from stores. To really help your kiddos stay healthy and create less toxins for the environment, try not to purchase flame-retardant clothing or those made with PVC. DIY costumes can be made with safer materials including paper, old bed sheets, paper bags, and anything that can easily recycled.

For younger kids, have them wear costumes that stand out from the crowd in case they do get lost in the crowd. Bright colors work well but if a certain costume doesn’t include them, place reflective tape on areas of the costume for better visability.

Don’t let your kids have harmful props with their costumes. They may just accidentally hurt themselves, or worse, others.

Treats:

Try to hand out healthier treats to kids such as all natural dried fruits, baked chips, or fun, non-toxic toys. I like giving kids Halloween themed school supplies such as pencils and erasers.

Keep in mind that with so many food sensitivities nowadays, we really have to be careful what we hand out as treats. Of course a good parent will always sort through their kid’s Halloween bags but it’s useful to keep in mind that peanuts can be a major choking and allergy ingredient.

To save money, do not buy in excess. If you buy sweet treats, the extras leftover will inadvertently end up getting eaten by your kids later on.

Decorations:

Make sure all lighting and electrical cords are UL labeled safe. Check old light decorations to make sure they are still working before hanging them up.

Try to create lighting for the trick-or-treaters that come to your home. Jack-O-Lanterns are a great decoration as well as provide better illumination on the front porch and stairs.

Try to buy hazard-free decorations. With stores readily displaying and selling Halloween decorations, it may be tempting to buy everything that you see. However, many decorations create dangerous situations for both adults, kids, and pets.

Below are some links to fun Halloween ideas for everyone to enjoy.

Disney: https://d23.com/all-treats-no-tricks-halloween-at-disney-parks-and-resorts

Disney Halloween Crafts: http://family.disney.com/articles/a-spooky-diy-halloween-guide

Martha Stewart: http://www.marthastewart.com/

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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As a busy mom of these days I try to keep a good balance in life. Of course that can be quite daunting at times with volunteering at my son’s school, writing full time, and maintaining a household so I try to find things to help make my life and my family’s life a bit smoother. Easier said than done sometimes but it’s the only way to keep me sane.

As an official blogger for Fresh Family brands I’m teaming up with some great brands and bloggers to share some of my favorite laundry hacks, plus a chance to win a Little Laundry Lifehacks Giveaway (including a $150 Walmart gift card.) Presenting the “Four Fabulous Laundry Hacks” that could help us with life’s messiest and busiest moments. Read on below to get the tips and be sure to click on the links to enter the giveaway.

Contest is on the sponsor’s website and is no way connected to Happymomblogger.

Click these links to take you to the giveaway sites. Be sure to earn extra entries when you click on the Happymomblogger entry. Giveaway ends on October 2, 2015.

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Four Fabulous Laundry Hacks

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Image courtesy of Kids Activities Blog.

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Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form.

As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products. Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume. http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

Vitamins and Supplements can either be a Godsend or a Hellhound. Why do I say that? Because out of the hundreds of possible vitamins out there, finding the right one(s) can be quite daunting. Add in the emphasis of eating properly, getting enough exercise, and reducing stress, knowing which vitamins and supplements your body really needs can become more of a chore rather than a necessity.

It used to be that eating the right kinds of food on a daily basis were all we needed to fortify our body and keep it healthy and strong. But that was back in the days when junk food wasn’t very prominent and produce weren’t grown with harmful chemicals and genetically engineered. Now, in the days of fast food, high stress jobs, and demanding family life, we don’t always get to eat the right foods every day. Experts agree that certain vitamins will essentially supplement what your body lacks or is depleted of. But there are also others who say that vitamins and supplements are just a “trend”. Regardless of what you believe in, you know your body best and if you can’t have those full servings of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and so forth on a daily basis, chances are your body and health is greatly affected in a not so positive way.

Below is a chart of important vitamins and supplements that are recommended for children ages 1-18 years old. Please note that this is just a guideline and if you have any questions please consult a health professional.

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Fat-Soluble Vitamins (nutrients that are stored in the liver for weeks and distributed to body tissues as needed):

A- Antioxidant needed for eye and skin health. Can be found in fish liver oil; manufactured in the body from brightly
colored fruits and veggies. Ages: 1-3 yr 300 micrograms (mcg): 4-8 yr 400 mcg: 9-13yr  600 mcg: 14-18yr 900 mcg (M) 700 mcg(F)

D- Controls calcium levels; critical for bone and tooth development. Can be found in cod liver oil, fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products. Ages: 1-18 yr 600 International Units (IU) (15 mcg)

E (d-Alpha Tocopheral) – Antioxidant involved in immune function and anti-inflammatory processes. Can be found in wheat germ oil, almonds and other nuts, cold-pressed vegetable oils. Ages: 1-3 yr 6 milligrams (mg): 4-8yr 7 mg: 9-13yr 11 mg: 14-18yr 15 mg

K – Helps with blood clotting and bone formation and repair. Can be found in cruciferous and leafy green vegetables. Ages: 1-3 yr 30 mcg: 4-8yr 55 mcg: 9-13yr 60 mcg: 14-18yr 75 mcg

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Water-Soluble Vitamins (nutrients that are generally metabolized and leave the body in the same day of use or even within a few hours of consumption):

B1 (Thiamine) – Enhances brain function, circulation, digestion, and energy production. Can be found in Brewer’s yeast, dairy, egg yolks, wheat germ, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds. Ages: 1-3 yr 0.5 mg: 4-8yr 0.6 mg: 9-13yr 0.9 mg: 14-18yr 1.2 mg (M) 1 mg (F)

B2 (Riboflavin) – Essential to antibody production, generation of energy, and tissue respiration; reduces effects of stress. Can be found in almonds, brewer’s yeast, meats, milk, soybeans. Ages: 1-3 yr 0.5 mg: 4-8yr 0.6 mg: 9-13yr 0.9 mg: 14-18yr 1.3 mg (M) 1 mg (F)

B3 (Niacin) – Essential for healthy circulation, skin, and nerves; important for converting food to energy. Can be found in beef liver, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, carrots, eggs, fish, nuts, wheat germ, whole wheat. Ages: 1-3 yr 6 mg: 4-8yr 8 mg: 9-13yr 12 mg: 14-18yr 16 mg (M) 14 mg (F)

B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – Fights stress; enhances stamina. Can be found in Brewer’s yeast, eggs, legumes, mushrooms, organ meats, royal jelly, whole wheat. Ages: 1-3 yr 2 mg: 4-8yr 3 mg: 9-13yr 4 mg: 14-18yr 5 mg

B6 – Promotes red blood cell formation; important in sodium-potassium balance, metabolism and immune function. Can be found in bananas, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, organ meats, pork, potatoes, sunflower seeds, whole-grain cereals. Ages: 1-3 yr 0.5 mg: 4-8yr 0.6 mg: 9-13yr 1 mg: 14-18yr 1.3 mg (M) 1.2 mg (F)

B9 (Folate/Folic Acid) – Important in genetic, metabolic, and nervous system processes; needed for healthy red blood cells. Can be found in asparagus, black-eyed peas, brewer’s yeast, fortified grains, leafy greens, lentils, lima beans, rice germ, spinach. Ages: 1-3 yr 150 mcg: 4-8yr 200 mcg: 9-13yr 300 mcg: 14-18yr 400 mcg

B12 – Prevents anemia; needed for cell formation, digestion, absorption of food, and metabolism. Can be found in Brewer’s yeast, clams, dairy, eggs, fish, organ meats, sea vegetables, soy, fortified cereals. Ages: 1-3 yr 0.9 mcg: 4-8yr 1.2 mcg: 9-13yr 1.8 mcg: 14-18yr 2.4 mcg

Biotin – Needed for synthesis and utilization of amino acids and fats; supports healthy hair, nails, and skin. Can be found in Brewer’s yeast, fruits, milk, rice bran, vegetables, nuts. Ages: 1-3 yr 8 mcg: 4-8yr 12 mcg: 9-13yr 20 mcg: 14-18yr 25 mcg

C – Antioxidant needed for many different metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair and anti-inflammatory action. Can be found in berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, cauliflower, winter squash, asparagus. Ages: 1-3 yr 15 mg: 4-8yr 25 mg: 9-13yr 45 mg:14-18yr 75 mg (M) 65 mg (F)

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Important Minerals: 

Calcium – Essential for strong bones and teeth, healthy gums, and muscle function. Can be found in dairy (and fortified substitutes), leafy greens, sardines. Ages: 1-3 yr 700 mg: 4-8yr 1,000 mg: 9-18yr 1,300 mg

Copper – Aids in red blood cell, bone, and collagen formation. Can be found in almonds, avocados, legumes, broccoli, oats,
seafood, soybeans. Ages: 1-3 yr 340 mcg: 4-8yr 440 mcg: 9-13yr 700 mcg:14-18yr 890 mcg

Iron – Essential to blood cell production, normal growth and development, and immune health. Can be found in eggs, fish, liver, meat, leafy vegetables, whole grains. Ages: 1-3 yr 7 mg: 4-8yr 10 mg: 9-13yr 8 mg: 14-18yr 11 mg (M) 15 mg (F)

Magnesium – Vital for enzyme activity and energy production. Can be found in dairy, fish, leafy greens, meat, seafood. Ages: 1-3 yr 80 mg: 4-8yr 130 mg: 9-13yr 240 mg: 14-18yr 410 mg (M) 360 mg (F)

Manganese – Needed for fat and protein metabolism, energy production, healthy nerves, and immune system. Can be found in avocados, nuts, seeds, sea vegetables, whole grains. Ages: 1-3 yr 1.2 mg: 4-8yy 1.5 mg: 9-13yr 1.9 mg (M) 1.6 mg (F): 14-18yr 2.2 mg (M) 1.6 mg (F)

Selenium – Important for thyroid gland function. Can be found in brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, brown rice, seafood, meat, whole grains. Ages: 1-3 yr 20 mcg: 4-8yr 30 mcg: 9-13yr 40 mcg: 14-18yr 55 mcg

Zinc – Important in immune health; deficiency results in loss of senses of smell and taste. Can be found in brewer’s yeast, egg yolks, legumes, seafood, sea vegetables, whole grains. Ages: 1-3 yr 3 mg: 4-8yr 5 mg: 9-13yr 8 mg: 14-18yr 11 mg (M) 9 mg (F)

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So whether you take a multi-vitamin or single supplements, remember to always check the dosage amount and try to take them around the same time each day. Children are more susceptible to the results of vitamins and supplements so if there are any doubts, be sure to consult a health professional. I give my son a multi-vitamin drink almost every day as he does eat a pretty balanced diet. But the one supplement I insist on giving him daily is his Omega 3’s, which is important for a growing mind and body.

For more information and for an illustrated chart, please visit the Taste For Life website: http://www.tasteforlife.com/. On there you can also find an updated Adult Nutrition Chart.

*Photo courtesy of TasteforLife magazine. Sources courtesy of TasteforLife magazine.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm