Saturday, February 22, 2014

Reef Indy Goes Camping

Reef and family went on their first camping trip together at the South Carlsbad State Beach.

Dad and Reef Indy enjoy their time together at the South Carlsbad State Beach.

Dad and Reef Indy enjoy their time together at the South Carlsbad State Beach.

Dad and Reef Indy enjoy their time together at the South Carlsbad State Beach.

Reef Indy loved the South Carlsbad State Beach.

Dad and Reef Indy enjoy their time together at the South Carlsbad State Beach.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Soulphisticated Ladies Season 1
(Episodes 1-4) Book Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Note: This serial is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

Product Description:


Episode 1

Four Successful Women Are Struggling With the Weighty Issues of Life - Men, Love, Money & Power

Life Has Never Been More Real

In this high octane serial drama, Selah, Moria, Gennifer and Vashti are lifelong friends. But when dirty little secrets and unexpected rivalries threaten their tumultuous relationships everything they thought was real is questioned. Bonds are broken and the loyalty that was once there is gone. Will their problems overwhelm them or will they take control of their lives and start leading with their souls?

Episode 2

What happens when a man can't run far enough from his past?

Things become complicated...

Soulphisticated Ladies Thorne; Episode 2 (Season 1) is the flashback episode, charting the backstory of Selah, Gabriel and Thorne. Faced with some hard choices, Selah is doing the best she can to secure her future. There's something she wants and someone who's just got to have her. Tensions brew until they explode. Check out this episode of Soulphisticated Ladies, you won't want to miss it!

Episode 3

Drama is brewing with the ladies of Broad Wall.

Questions are answered, secrets are revealed and someone may lose it all. What will happen with the ladies and the men they love? Who will reveal a shocking secret?

Episode 4

Fear & Anger are Powerful Motivators

How would it make you react?

Selah, Gennifer, Vashti and Moria are dealing with the most outrageous turn of events. Their lives have been turned upside down. Someone is puppeteering things in Broad Wall and the ladies are all entrapped in their snare. What will happen at the end of this season of Soulphisticated Ladies?


Review

Oma’s Pros:

This book was very easy to read and fast-paced; which Oma just loves. It was very much like reading a TV script – entertaining.

Oma’s Cons:

Oma had difficulty relating to the characters. Therefore, focus proved problematic.

You can find Soulphisticated Ladies Season 1 (Episodes 1-4)
by author Jaha Knight here on Amazon. 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Reef Indy's First Tooth

Reef Indy's first tooth popped through yesterday.
Reef Indy's first tooth popped through yesterday.


Cutting teeth isn't one of those milestones a baby reaches all at once. Transitioning from that gummy grin to a mouthful of gleaming teeth is a rite of passage that can take your little one three years to complete. Whenever the first tooth peeks through, celebrate it by taking pictures and noting its arrival date in your child's baby book.

Poor Reef Indy had to suffer through his family taking a gaggle of snapshots before one finally captured this baby milestone.

While some babies breeze through the teething process, many seem to struggle with it and feel uncomfortable. Among the symptoms you may notice in your teething baby:

  • Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
  • Gum swelling and sensitivity
  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Biting behavior
  • Refusing food
  • Sleep problems

Teething may be accompanied by a slight fever or an upset stomach. If your baby has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or has any other symptoms that worry you, don’t just chalk it up to teething. Give his doctor a call.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Reef Loves His Applesauce

The Goodness of Apples for Baby: 

 

Reef Indy (5.5 Months) is ready for his applesauce
Reef Indy (5.5 Months) is ready for his applesauce

"An Apple a Day" as the old saying goes is indeed good for your health. Apples are truly a wonder fruit and they may be one on your baby's first foods.

One of the most important nutritional components of Apples is that they contain two types of fiber; insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. Both the insoluble fiber in apples and their soluble fiber pectin, help maintain bowel regularity (thus helping to prevent diverticulosis and colon cancer). The insoluble fiber works like roughage, while the soluble fiber (pectin), helps keep the bowels regular (avoiding constipation, avoiding diarrhea) and specifically affects the makeup of the stool. Pectin will firm up the stool as it is a soluble fiber.

While the study of apples' health benefits is still in very early stages, research to date suggests that apples and apple nutrients may play a role in promoting human health in a number of ways. Apples may help maintain good healthy by promoting cardiovascular health by lowering LDL cholesterol and inhibiting LDL oxidation, and reducing the risk of certain types of stroke; maintaining a healthy weight, as part of a low-fat, fiber-rich diet; promoting lung health, by countering the effects of oxidative damage; promoting prostate, liver and colon health, by inhibiting the growth of related cancer tumors; and promoting bone health, by providing a good source of the dietary mineral boron

Making your own applesauce both easy and healthy!


  • Step 1: Use Fresh Organic Apples
  • Step 2: Wash & Peel the Apple
  • Step 3: Core & Chop the Apple
  • Step 4: Cook the Apple*
  • Step 5: Puree or Mash the Apple
  • Step 6: Serve the Applesauce

Baby applesauce is extremely versatile. Serve it plain or mix it with another puree or two to introduce your baby to new flavors and textures. 

 *Bring water to a boil in a medium-size saucepan. Reduce heat until bubbles are soft. Cook apple chunks until tender. Check apples after 10 minutes -- it's important to minimize cooking time to help preserve vitamins and minerals. When apples are tender, drain and rinse with cold water for three minutes to stop the cooking process. 

Oma will be making Reef Indy some applesauce for his dinner tonight!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Skate Park Moves Closer To Reality
Reef’s Dad's Community Involvement





The idea grew to fruition in October of 2013. What began as a small group of Valley Center residents trying to make a dream a reality, took on its own driving force within the community.


Adults and Kids Alike Enjoy the Temporary Ramp
Adults and Kids Alike Enjoy the Temporary Ramp

The people rallied together and with a temporary ramp is in place, the first fundraiser for the Valley Center Skate Park demonstrated what parental love can accomplish. “Come out to Support our Youth and Help Make Change Happen!” was the theme of the day.

Zack Smith Enjoys His Turn On The Ramp
Zack Smith Enjoys His Turn On The Ramp

If there were any doubts regarding the need for a skate park in Valley Center, the well-attended fundraiser proved there is a real thirst among the local skateboarding community. More than 300 people showed up for the all-day event to skate, win raffle prizes, and meet pro skaters like Jake Brown and Neal Mims.

The Valley Center Parks and Recreation District Board approved usage of the property under the condition that the skaters join an association or create a nonprofit by the end of the year to cover liability. It is estimated that $60,000 to $80,000 is needed to build the skate park.

Mouse, Reef Indy and his Dad-Zack pose at the Autograph Session
Mouse*, Reef Indy and Zack pose at the Autograph Session

Reef Indy’s Dad (Zack) is a devoted skateboarder. In the last four months, he has been dedicated to the progress of the Valley Center Skate Park. On 02/08/2014, they completed the second twelve-yard pour thanks to all the donators of time, money, and/or material.

“It has been a great experience to help with this Skate Park. We still have a lot more work to do, but one more pour and some pool coping and we will have a skate-able piece of concrete for the kids and of course, the adults!!!” Zack explained with a chuckle.

New Dad, and owner of Zack Smith Plumbing and Contracting, Zack has not only donated his time and money, but his construction expertise to this worthwhile project.

Photos From The Second Pour




IMPORTANT:

The Valley Center Skate Park is made possibly completely by donations! If anyone needs a donation sheet please let us know!!! You can email the author of this post at aellen@promotorsports1.com.

Your donations are tax-deductible. The Skate Park is not just for skaters! It has become a friendly a place to hang with friends and family.

*Mouse is a local North County San Diego artist that's been making sick stenciled grip for a few years now.

Creative - Cute Baby Hacks

Worried when your baby coughs at night – try this to help sooth him/her.
Worried when your baby coughs at night – try this to help sooth him/her.
Tie a blanket around a table for a kid-sized hammock. Make sure to tie it tight!
Tie a blanket around a table for a kid-sized hammock. Make sure to tie it tight!
A cupcake holder around a popsicle stick will keep little hands from getting sticky on hot days.
A cupcake holder around a popsicle stick will keep
little hands from getting sticky on hot days.
You can place a pacifier in a filled ice cube tray and freeze it to soothe teething gums!
You can place a pacifier in a filled ice cube tray
and freeze it to soothe teething gums!
Use a laundry basket to keep baby safer and bath toys from floating away.
A cut pool noodle will prevent little fingers from getting slammed in doors.
A cut pool noodle will prevent little fingers from getting slammed in doors.
Cut a hole in a pacifier and stick a dropper in it to
make taking medicine slightly less traumatizing.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

The Juppy Baby Walker
Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Reef Indy is only five-months old; therefore Oma thought that the “Juppy” might be too advanced for his enjoyment. Boy was Oma totally incorrect.

This energetic young toddler loved his Juppy Baby Walker Momentum experience.

The Juppy "Momentum" is a solution to a previously recognized but unsolved challenge for parents of babies beginning to walk. Babies strong enough to begin walking but not strong enough to walk alone.

The Juppy builds confidence in your baby and teaches balance while you maintain your natural posture, eliminating the grueling task of hunching over while teaching your baby to walk.

Oma was very pleased with the quality of this product.

  • Made of 100% Breathable Cotton
  • Free Matching Satin Drawstring Bag
  • Velcro Straps That Provide Added Safety and Adjustment
  • The Only Baby Walker That Fits In A Purse!
  • Longer Adjustable Straps That Work For Even The Tallest Person
Oma was also excited about the enjoyment and exercise the Juppy provide Reef Indy. The Juppy is definitely “must have” for any new Mother or Oma!

What a great baby shower gift idea.




Juppy Social Media Sites








 

Giveaway 

Want to win one of your very own? One “Oma Loves U!” reader will get the chance! To enter: Just fill out the RaffleCopter form below! Open to US only, Must be 18+ to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Dad and Reef Share a Birthday
Reef is 5-Months Old

Reef says "Where you going Dad?"
Reef says "Where you going Dad?"

Mom and Reef Say “See you later.”
Mom and Reef Say “See you later.”

Selfie from Mountain High – Mom and Dad had a fun time.
Selfie from Mountain High – Mom and Dad had a fun time.

Reef Indy’s Five-Month Portrait
Reef Indy’s Five-Month Portrait

Reef Indy Enjoys His Banana With A Fresh Food Feeder by Munchkin
Reef Indy Enjoys His Banana With A Fresh Food Feeder by Munchkin

Reef Indy’ Bright Starts Bouncer Allows Oma To Work In The Kitchen
Reef Indy’ Bright Starts Bouncer Allows Oma To Work In The Kitchen
Reef Indy and Opa See Eye to Eye
Reef Indy and Opa See Eye to Eye

Happy Fifth Month Birthday Reef - Oma Loves U!


Reef's Mom and Dad celebrated Dad's birthday snowboarding at Mountain High. Oma got to Reef-sit.  Happy Birthday to Zack!  Happy Fifth-Month Birthday Reef - Oma Loves U!

Mountain High California Ski Resort

Reef’s Dad and Mom pose for a photo for the Mountain High Website.
Reef’s Dad and Mom pose for a photo for the Mountain High Website.

Zack and Amanda decided to celebrate Zack’s birthday snowboarding at Mountain High. Mountain High offers an awesome deal – the Birthday Person gets to snowboard for free!

While there, Zack and Amanda posed for a photo – today Oma found that photo on the header banner of the Mountain High Website  Great shot guys. By the way, Zack and Amanda reported that they had a super fun time!


About Mountain High California Ski Resort


Did you know that just 90 minutes away from sunny Los Angeles, California, a snowy ski resort lies nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains? Mountain High, which is actually three resorts in one, has a wide variety of of lifts and trails to appeal to all sorts of ability levels. If you are looking for a California ski resort with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, Mountain High California resort is ideal. Each resort is complete with ticket windows, rental departments, sport shops, restaurants and more. No matter where you start, your single Mountain High ticket is good at all three areas and traveling from resort to resort is easy with our free shuttle service. Shuttles load in front of the ticket windows every five to ten minutes, seven days a week.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Diet Soda Diaster

Oma gave up drinking all soda's years ago.  However, just in case she wants a diet soda with dinner; these are important factors to remember.

Disaster Soda!


“Disaster” is a much better name, because this product does a disaster to your body and your meal plan! .
 
  • Harvard noted that women who drank 2 sodas daily had a decline in kidney function .
  • Diet_Cola1University of Minnesota determined that women who drink one lite soda daily have more belly flab than women who do not drink sodas .
  • University of Texas realized that two or more cans a day increased women’s waistlines by 500% .
  • Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia determined that diet soda as a mixer in a cocktail actually makes the drinker more drunk while drinking and more hung over after .
  • University of Sheffield in England discovered a preservative in soda that is linked to asthma, hives, and other allergies .
  • University of Michigan linked soda drinking to a decline in teeth health and the appearance of more cavities, too
 
Honestly, do you need any more reasons to put down the soda and pick up the water?



Monday, February 3, 2014

Reef's First Superbowl

Are you ready for some Football!?! Reef Indy's first Super Bowl.
Are you ready for some Football!?! Reef Indy's first Super Bowl.

NFL Super Bowl XLVIII
02/02/2014 - 3:30 PM
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Seattle Seahawks 48 vs Denver Broncos 8
Super Bowl XLVIII started out bad for the Denver Broncos. The Seattle Seahawks made sure it got worse. Seattle romped 43-8 by playing a suffocating defense and taking advantage of four Denver turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by quarterback Peyton Manning, the NFL's most valuable player for the season.



Poor Reef will probably need therapy soon. However, he seemed to enjoy all the hoopla!
Poor Reef will probably need therapy soon.
However, he seemed to enjoy all the hoopla!


Sunday, February 2, 2014

5:2 Diet And Training
January 2014 - Month 1

Just a quick update on Oma’s progress on the 5:2 Diet which started on 01/01/2014. Just as the majority of society, the notion of losing all that excess poundage quickly and without much effort had sabotaged all previous campaigns to obtain and maintain a healthy-flattering weight.

Reef Indy - the bouncing infant.
This year was different. This year, there was the Reef Indy stimulus and Oma desires to maintain the vigor and vitality to keep up with the bouncing infant.

Therefore this year, Oma was committed to go forth with a different assertiveness. The 5:2 Diet appeared to be the precise routine for a slow and sustainable lifestyle change goaled at that noble objective.

Every month, Oma will report back on her progress and whether or not the commitment would be extended another month.

Niclas Brunnegard 5:2 and Training
Okay so first, the information that everyone wants to discover. Did Oma lose weight in the last thirty-one days?

Oma lost seven (7) pounds in the
month of January 2014!


While that loss is not “Biggest Loser” noteworthy – Oma is ecstatic!

January was strictly observed on the 5:2 diet. While it was not always easy; it really was not all that hard either! It is much easier giving up that homemade tostado if you can tell yourself that you only have to wait until the next day to satisfy that craving.

Also, Oma has never heard of a diet where she can enjoy an occasional glass of Maple Crown Royal and not be cheating!


The 5:2 diet appears to be assisting Oma in portion control on the non-fast days. Oma still enjoys her favorite foods; however she is sated by much less on her plate. Oma is also becoming more aware of the calories connected to the sustenance consumed.

Oma has upgraded her three days on the treadmill to:
  • two days on the treadmill;
  • at least two days of the 5:2 workouts;
  • at least two twenty-minute hikes per week.

This varied exercise program as proved to be much more engaging.

5:2 tip – remember to drink lots of water, every day. Oma strives to consume at least 100 ounces.

Be back next month with (hopefully) another uplifting 5:2 report. Please leave Oma a comment and let her know if you have tried this or another weight loss technique.



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