This Halloween, lets not forget the furry members of our family. Aside from dressing them up (pet-willing, although I think the photo you see above is a little over-the-top - would brave old Lassie really want to be dressed as fast food?), we as responsible pet parents, should also take into account their safety and well-being.

In my household, we have quite a menagerie going - four tabby cats and a persian kitten; a basset hound, a copper retriever and a doberman; two turtles; 2 doves; and two pigeons (homing I think), so I’ve found some useful tips from the ASPCA to keep in mind:

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (USA).

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can’t see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

[tags]Halloween,Pets,Pet safety,Halloween tips,costumes,safety tips[/tags]

A couple of days ago my kids woke up sneezing, coughing and with very runny noses. As you probably know by now, Halloween is a BIG deal at our house, so it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. And with another big Halloween party happening tomorrow, and trick or treating on Tuesday, the mission was clear - I had to get them better FAST.

So apart from our Pediatrician, Dr.J’s usual measures of regular over-the-counter meds, I have a tried-and-tested arsenal of “alternative” methods which I use on my kids and husband, as well as myself. So at the risk of sounding like a granola-organic Mom (which I am fast becoming), here it is:

Vitamin C - I have found a high-dose pediatric syrup, so when the cold symptoms set in, I give around 500 mg to my 20 month old, and about 1,000 mg to my 4-year-old. The regular ones with lame amounts like 100 mg and are really just sugar, are a waste of time in my book. Don’t be afraid of large amounts of C - it REALLY does work.

Zinc - I give them a multivitamin daily with this anyway, but increase the dosage when they have a cold.

Echinacea - The drops I have have both echinacea and goldenseal, which I give 3x a day.

Honey Turmeric - This is my Mom’s remedy for a cough. My kids have gotten used to the taste and now ask for it when they feel a cough on them. Its basically 1/2 tsp each of ground cinnamon and ground turmeric, mixed in a tablespoon of virgin honey (use the runny kind for easy swallowing). For adults, a raw garlic clove, chopped and heated for 10 seconds in a pan, should be added in. This is a really potent antibiotic and should be taken 2-3x a day. If I do the garlic bit I give some to my husband too and vice versa. You get the idea.

Bioplasma - These homeopathic tissue salts are just amazing. My Aunt’s homeopath highly recommended this, saying we could even take it everyday (ill or not) for optimum good health. And when its for a cold or other malaise, you can take it every 15 minutes for acute conditions and it will NEVER cause an overdose. He even said it would be good for our 10 year old Basset Hound….so, now my kids are taking it every hour.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Bioplasma “….is a combination of all 12 of Schuessler’s Cell Salts“…whatever that is. I’m a big fan of Homeopathic remedies, which gives me an idea that I should post more about that…. But anyway, I’m crossing my fingers now….

[tags]kids colds,kids health,homeopathic remedies kids,alternative health,echinacea,halloween[/tags]

If you haven’t worked out your childrens’ Halloween costume yet (which is highly unlikely), you may be needing some last-minute-ideas. As our society is sadly at the whim of Hollywood, some of the favourites this year are in the film category. So think of Pirates of the Carribean, Superman (this one is a mainstay really), Princesses, Angels and Devils.

If you already have stuff at home you can recycle, all the better! As my daughter has three Halloween parties over the weekend, two of them on the same day - I didn’t want to spoil the “Jessie” costume for the later event, so I made her a “makeshift” angel costume from what we had at home. Namely:

1 pair of feathered angel wings (bought about 3 years ago and still in good condition)

1 “magic” white shirt (her Grandmother got this in Vegas, its “magic” because its as tiny as a doll’s shirt but expands to fit everyone - even my husband, who is a pretty big man- it also has an “icing-like” texture which goes perfectly with the look)

1 white crinkle skirt with silver sequined garter. (the Issey Miyake crumpled look complemented the rest of the outfit well)

1 pair of Dorothy’s ruby slippers (ok, this did not really go, but it probably wont fit her next month, and she loves it, so hey)

It took about 5 minutes to assemble, then topped off with a nice bubbly white hair accessory - voila!!

[tags]Halloween costumes,kids costumes,Toy Story,Angel costume[/tags]

October 24th is United Nations Day, which means a big school program for us parents where we’ll be getting to see our kids dress up and do a dance number or two. It also can mean that the school will be roping us parents in for a (dreaded) “parent activity”, which is what happened to me.

So at the beginning of the month, we were told by the school administrator that my daughter’s Kindergarten class would be representing Mexico for the big UN celebrations this year. It was to be a pretty big event - several classrooms representing different countries, and there was to be a big show (where the kids and teachers did several song and dance numbers), followed by an international food fair where each classroom/country would be serving food from our alloted country.

At the first big moms-meeting, only 8 of us showed up, out of a total 12. Not a bad turnout. We broke up into pairs, and yours truly was put into the costume committee with my pal and fellow mom, M. The decorations were to be taken care of by an art teacher and an architect and food by a factory owner and a very Martha-esque type (much warmer though) - a very workable team, I thought.

Out of all the Moms, I only knew one of them well (meaning that I could call her for a coffee), two so-so, and the rest merely by “hi!” at drop-off and pick up times at school. But by the end of it, we were all friends and having a laugh in spite of probably not having too much in common except for our kids. I guess thats one of the reasons why teachers make us do these things.

[tags]United Nations,UN,school presentation,food,Mexico[/tags]

Upon hearing the unsettling news of my kids’s condition (my four-year-old was
also developing the rash and complaining of “owies” in her mouth), I dutifully rang my friend M, whose kids were scheduled to come to my place that afternoon for playgroup.

Funnily enough, she was really cool about the entire “Hand Foot Mouth” thing, and said her kids probably had it too by now so another day wouldnt make a difference anyway, so would it be ok if they came over as planned? Oh, ok then.

But for Moms who are probably more OC about hygene like I am ( and I can name a couple), it pays to know how to prevent this kind of thing from happening.

Here’s what I found, also useful for any other infectious disease our kids are exposed to in this big wide world of ours, courtesy of the National Center For Infectious Diseases:

“Specific prevention for HFMD or other non-polio enterovirus infections is not available, but the risk of infection can be lowered by good hygienic practices. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes (see “Handwashing” in: An Ounce of Prevention: Keeps the Germs Away), cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them by diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach (made by mixing approximately ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Avoidance of close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, etc.) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of infection to caregivers.”

[tags]Hand foot mouth disease,infectious diseases children, kids health, coxackie[/tags]

My sincere apologies for the disturbing images, but sadly this is what I’ve been faced with lately. You see, my two kids were just diagnosed with Coxackie virus, otherwise known as Hand Foot Mouth disease. And, NO it has nothing to do with the mad cow thing (Foot and Mouth)- which I had to reassure my husband of vehemently when I told him the news.

It all started when I noticed some strange, blistery, pimply spots on my son’s hands and feet. When it didn’t disappear in a day (as many of these rashes do), I dutifully visited our pediatrician Dr. J, thinking she might as well check it out since he was due for a shot anyway.

One look and she told me he had HFM disease, which was obvious as he also had another big symptom - losing his appetite lately with solid food and saying “owie” when he ate. When Dr.J that it was no big deal (in spite of its rather sketchy name), fairly common in babies and young children, and self-limiting (read: no meds necessary except for paracetamol in case of fever, which neither of my kids got), I honestly felt more “ICK” than anything else, especially when I realized that this icky virus was probably spreading among the kids at school, playgroup or even at Gymboree. Ick!!

Dr.J then advised me to tell the Moms and teachers that my kids had (gulp) “it”, and to keep them away from other kids for another 5 days or so as it was HIGHLY contagious. Although, contagious kids may never even develop symptoms, or just have some of them.

[tags]Hand foot mouth disease,coxackie virus,kids disease,kids health[/tags]

Today my son had his first day of “school” at Gymboree. At 20 months, he joined the “Level 4″ class for twice a week sessions, one of which is “play“, the other being “music”. Before anything though, I’d like to advice new Moms from getting over-excited and enrolling their babies until they’ve tried out the classes several times.

All babies are different, and no matter how adorable (and baby brain-enhancing) Gymbo’s classes look, it doesn’t make sense to do it unless your child is ready and happy doing it.

Anyway, this wasn’t really his first day. His first try at Gymboree was at the tender age of about 9 months. He refused to crawl (which continued until he just got up and walked at nearly 1), and looked pretty stressed out when the very perky teacher cajoled him into going through a tunnel.

We tried again at about a year, this time for the music class, but still he looked a bit weirded out by the whole thing. Fast forward to about 5 months later, and this time I thought we’d give it a go again, but just for “free play” with his big sister. Well, he finally seemed to be enjoying it. And when we did another trial class last week, lo and behold - he LOVED it.

He must have been the most giggly, excited and pro-active kid there. He had the time of his life!! So now, I’ve finally signed him up for the next 2 months (in case you were wondering, it cost me about $200 for 16 sessions - but this includes unlimited play for as long as the enrollment is), and I’ll be letting you know how we get along. Fingers crossed, I hope it’ll last!

[tags]Gymboree,Play,Music,Babies,toddlers[/tags]

I was about to post another totally adorable DIY costume, but I came across these totally disgusting appetisers, which are just too horrible not to share.

To be honest, I feel physically sick when I look at these, but I’m pretty sure it will elicit joy from my daughter and her kindergarten gang. I’m debating whether I should serve it at my next drinks party……just to see the faces of my friends.

These grotesque digits are actually delicious pretzels, and the recipe makes about 45 of them - so perfect for a party (or scaring your husband when he raids the fridge in the middle of the night). The recipe also suggests you sprinkle the fingers with rosemary, to complete the freakish, bristle-laden look.

Ingredients:

24 blanched almonds, halved lengthwise
Red food coloring, optional
1 tablespoon sugar
1 scant tablespoon active dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce package)
5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 large egg
Sea salt
Dried rosemary (optional)
Vegetable-oil cooking spray

1. Place a small amount of food coloring in a shallow bowl, and, using a paintbrush, color the rounded side of each split almond; set aside to dry.

2. Pour 2 cups warm water (110°) into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment. Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until yeast begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.

3. Beat 1 cup flour into yeast on low speed until combined. Beat in salt; add 3 1/2 cups flour until combined. Beat until dough pulls away from bowl, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low; add 1/2 cup flour. Knead 1 minute more. If dough is sticky, add up to 1 cup more flour. Transfer to a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth, 1 minute.

4. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let rest in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. Heat oven to 450°. Heat 3 quarts water to boil in a 6-quart straightsided saucepan over high heat; reduce to a simmer. Add baking soda. Lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray. Divide dough into quarters. Work with one quarter at a time, and cover remaining dough with plastic wrap. Divide the first quarter into twelve pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece back and forth with your palm into a long finger shape, about 3 to 4 inches. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. When all twelve fingers are formed, transfer to simmering water. Poach for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fingers to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, blanching each set of 12 fingers before making more.

6. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush pretzel fingers with egg wash. Using a sharp knife, lightly score each knuckle about three times. Sprinkle with salt and rosemary, if using. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Fingers are best eaten the same day; or store, covered, up to 2 days at room temperature.

[tags]Recipes,Halloween,Appetizers,Pretzels[/tags]

One of my 20-month-old son’s favourite words are “Fshhhh” (and he also gets into a near-hypnotic state with his Grandma’s fishtank), so when I saw this costume I was overwhelmed with “awwwww!!!” picturing him in full adorable goldfish glory.

But like I said, I have already purchased a costly Thomas number(again, drat!), so this will have to wait in the wings until baby #3 arrives (?). Martha (who else could concoct such perfect cuteness?) also recommends that this one only works with babies who dont walk yet, so my little O already missed the boat about a year ago!

MATERIALS
60-inch-long piece of kraft paper
1 1/2 yards of orange wool felt
1 yard of 1/4-inch-thick polyurethane foam or one bag of wool-blanket batting
4 sets of Velcro fastener dots, 1/2 yard of pink wool felt
Scraps of black and white felt
White craft glue.

1. To make patterns, draw a grid of 2-inch squares on kraft paper; copy templates by hand onto it. Using fish pattern, cut one piece of orange felt and foam with front scoop neckline and one piece orange felt and foam with back neckline. Use orange part of pattern to cut one front and one back from orange felt for lining. For the front, layer foam, then whole felt, then half felt; stitch around top from notch A to notch B, with 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn right side out so foam is between felt pieces. Quilt front from top to bottom, making rows of 4 1/2-inch scallops 2 1/2 inches apart. Repeat with remaining pieces for back. Place front and back together, right sides facing. Sew around tail from notch A to notch B, with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn right side out. Sew Velcro fastener dots at shoulders and underarms, as shown on template.

2. Use hat pattern to cut two pieces of felt, one orange and one pink, and one piece of foam. Layer pieces: foam, pink felt, and orange felt. Sew top, bottom, and one side closed with 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn right side out. Quilt as above. Fold in half, pink side out; sew along short edge. Turn orange side out. Cut eye from black and white felt scraps. Glue on as shown.

[tags]Halloween,Halloween Costumes,Baby, Baby Costume,Goldfish Costume[/tags]

What is it with scary things and kids? My daughter LOVES Halloween. If it weren’t for the presents factor of Christmas, Halloween would probably win hands down. Like most of her 4-year-old pals, monsters, ghosts, vampires and other nasties elicit more thrills than anything on Nick Jr. or indeed, the man in the red suit.

So with all the decorative gruesome ghouls out at the mall, we embarked on our quest for the coveted costume this year. A couple of months ago, we had already settled on Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (how nice and old fashioned, and a great way for her to use those ruby slippers before she grows out of them), with her little brother as the scarecrow or lion (how cute is that?).

But, as things usually go with kids, Dorothy it wasn’t to be, because she saw a Jessie (Toy Story) costume at the mall and insisted that was “it“. It wasn’t cheap, but hey, it had the real red hat. We picked a “Thomas the Tank Engine” costume for little bro, and he seemed genuinely thrilled as he’s obsessed with Thomas at the moment.

I was hoping this year to pull a “Martha” and do something unique, creative and homemade, but as my kids opted for the pre-packed “Genuine Disney” article from the mall, I’ll have to save that for next year. But just in case you’re interested, I’ll post some of the cutest DIY ideas I found in the next.

[tags]Haloween,kids,halloween costumes,toy story,costumes[/tags]