Alison Lee's Blog, page 6
December 9, 2019
Best Eco-Friendly Stores to Check Out this Holiday Season
This holiday season, make “shopping sustainability” your goal of the year. What with the excessive packaging and wrapping paper, with unnecessary bows and ribbons, it’s easy to do your part, as small as it may seem. When it comes to finding the perfect gift for your multiples this Christmas, eco-friendly products are easily available and […]
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BEST ECO-FRIENDLY STORES TO CHECK OUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
This holiday season, make “shopping sustainability” your goal of the year.
What with the excessive packaging and wrapping paper, with unnecessary bows and ribbons, it’s easy to do your part, as small as it may seem.
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for your multiples this Christmas, eco-friendly products are easily available and not as expensive as you think.
Here’s our list of stores that are eco-friendly.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.
We are very aware of the climate crisis in the world and particularly, plastics in our oceans, and would like to do our part to encourage more mindfulness when shopping – that is if you MUST shop.
If you gift experiences – even better!
TOYSA toy store started by a father and his then-10-year-old son is now one of the biggest toy stores, rivaling the likes of Walmart, Fat Brain Toys has a range of organic green toys made out of recycled materials, reused wood, bamboo, materials from managed forests, and they even have solar-powered toys!
We love this Dinosaurs Puzzle and Coin Bank made of recycled paper.
This store’s mission is to provide products that are made a better way as they recognize the importance of sustainable practices, production, and social responsibility.
They carry products that are green in a number of ways – natural, organic, recycled, eco-friendly goods- products.
Music to our ears! They have so many awesome toys that it’s difficult to pick just one to highlight.
This Tree House Set caught our eye.
What we love most about Green Toys, other than its awesome toys, is that they print their boxes with soy ink which biodegrades four times faster than petroleum-based inks, and they recycle milk jugs to make their toys!
To date, they’ve recycled over 84 million jugs. Fans of Sesame Street will love this Abby’s Garden Planting Activity Set.
So many things to love about this UK-based store. One, they are a family business run out of their home, an old steam sawmill! Two, their website is adorable.
Three, their company missions are basically their family values and here are just a few of them.
They want to encourage children to be creative, healthy & active, environmentally friendly and interested in learning about the world around them; help children understand how the environment works and why we need to look after it; and encourage children to treasure their belongings and pass them on to others when they have grown out of them.
This Oskar and Ellen Soft Doctor’s Bag is a surefire winner with the kids.
Here, you can pick from products that are sourced, manufactured, and shipped in a way that protects our planet’s future.
Each brand Earth Hero has partnered with has been chosen because they are taking the right steps and helping to create a more sustainable future. We’re sold!
And we love this 2-in-1 Shuffleboard Table Game.
CLOTHINGAll of Planet Frugi’s outerwear, backpacks, lunch bags, pencil cases and coin purses have been made from post-consumer recycled materials.
We love that they tell you how many recycled bottles are used for each item. We love this season-appropriate Sparkle & Shine dress.
Mini Rodini carries one of the most sustainable ranges on the market – their collections include over 99% of products made from non-conventional materials that have a lower impact on both nature and human health, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Modal®.
They also have a selection of upcycled products where they reuse leftover fabric from earlier collections.
How cute is this leopard print T-shirt!
One of the best things about My Fair Baby is that they give all their profits to non-profit organizations they partner with.
These amazing organizations manage life-transforming projects that bring hope and restore dignity to communities.
Your purchase is making a difference, one family at a time. So what are you waiting for?
This Bear Print Pajamas are so cute!
This lovely store prides itself on its natural fibers and sells items made of organic cotton, recycled plastic, hemp, and its paper products from recycled paper.
Calling itself an earth-loving store, they certainly embody the hippie spirit they proudly claim.
Check out this A Day at the Beach Patchwork Kids Pants that come in three cool colors.
Rawganique products are unique hand-crafted organic cotton, linen and hemp pieces for the body and home.
Their products are chemical-free. designed for sustainability and hand-crafted in sweatshop-free ateliers in the USA, Canada and Europe, using only organic materials.
We love that they believe in kindness to animals, to each other, and to the earth.
We love these hemp sandals for kids, so cute!
The post BEST ECO-FRIENDLY STORES TO CHECK OUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON appeared first on Multiples Illuminated.
October 8, 2019
6 USEFUL TIPS WHEN TRAVELING WITH TWINS BY CAR
You are finally going for that long-awaited trip to your in-laws, parents, or friends, and you can’t wait to get there.
Now that you have your two twin toddlers as travel companions, it is a little more time-consuming and has to be well thought out.
Gone are the days when you’d pack a bag in less than ten minutes and hit the road.
You have to carry extra clothing, diapers, food, feeding gear, and all your stuff.
It can be extremely exhausting if you are not well prepared.
Here are some tips to help parents prepare for a car trip when traveling by car.
PACK SMARTChances are that you have already familiarised yourself with all the essential gear and must-haves for your little ones.
However, when it comes to traveling with twins by car, you need to add a few other items to your carry-on.
They may not come in handy immediately but keep you prepared in case you lose your luggage or encounter an emergency.
You may also need an additional bag where you can stash all your stuff for enhanced comfort. Here’s a checklist of essentials you should include:
Feeding utensils and food: You need to keep your little ones well-fed throughout the trip. A full belly will keep them calm for a longer time so that you don’t need to make as many stops. If you are still breastfeeding, be sure to carry pumped milk, a breast pump in case you need to express milk during the trip and extra bottles. If the kids are weaning, bring snacks such as wholegrain cereals and crackers.Diapers: Carry enough diapers for the trip. Keep in mind that you are packing for two; it doesn’t hurt to carry an extra packet. Wipes come in handy when making diaper changes and cleaning minor food messes. Remember to pack a bag which you can use to dispose of the dirty diapers.Toys: Kids get bored fast, so there is a need to arm yourself with plenty of distractions to pass the time. Carry their favorite toys; they can be plush animals, rattles and teethers, learning games or musical toys.Additional clothing: You never know when your kid will throw up, or have a diaper blowout! Pack at least two additional pairs of outfit for each twin. They should include shoes and socks.Lightweight strollers: You can look for two cheap umbrella strollers regular pushchair is too big and heavy to store in your vehicle. They can also double up as feeding chairs, storage for baby items, and can fit in spaces where double pushchairs can’t, e.g., narrow pavements and public toilets.LEAVE EARLYLeave your house early if your trip involves long-distance driving. This is to allow adequate time for travel and arrival before it is dark.
You also want to have ample time for your little ones to enjoy the experience, which is pretty exciting if they have been indoors for a long time.
Start packing early so that you won’t rush before heading out. Always finish an hour before the decided time to cater for emergencies.
DIVIDE ROLESTraveling with twins by car can be overwhelming if you are alone. If you are travelling with your partner, divide the roles so that you have enough time to rest.
Take turns to drive and sorting out the twins during the trip.
However, if you’re traveling alone, be sure to prepare adequately by planning stops so you can rest and eat something, and feed and change the children.
BE FLEXIBLEYou need to relax your usual at-home rules a little on the twins when traveling by car.
While you may have been giving them one treat per day at home, you may want to add an extra packet of snacks while on the road.
You don’t want them throwing tantrums throughout the journey just because they are hungry.
DON’T PANICIt’s easy to get overwhelmed or anxious when both babies start crying or throwing tantrums.
If you need to, take a pit stop to placate the children. Together with your partner, divide and conquer!
PLAN FOR PIT STOPSTraveling with twins by car is different from using a plane or train. If you have a long drive ahead of you, make stops every two to three hours to feed your little ones.
If the babies are crying, stop the car and sooth them but never take them out of their car seats when the vehicle is moving.
Happy and safe travels!
About the AuthorRiya is a writer who enjoys decorating her home, crafting, and trying new recipes.
She is also a runner who likes to enjoy the morning breeze.
Connect with her on Twitter.
The post 6 USEFUL TIPS WHEN TRAVELING WITH TWINS BY CAR appeared first on Multiples Illuminated.
6 Useful Tips When Traveling with Twins by Car
You are finally going for that long-awaited trip to your in-laws, parents, or friends, and you can’t wait to get there. Now that you have your two twin toddlers as travel companions, it is a little more time-consuming and has to be well thought out. Gone are the days when you’d pack a bag in […]
The post 6 Useful Tips When Traveling with Twins by Car appeared first on Multiples Illuminated.
September 24, 2019
The Mommy MD Guide to Twins, Triplets, and More – Book Review
As a community for families of twins, triplets, and more, we are always pleased to share resources to help families navigate life as parents of multiples. One such resource is The Mommy MD Guide to Twins, Triplets, and More, written by Dr. Sonia Patel and Heather Karpinsky, both mothers of twins. Together, they share their […]
The post The Mommy MD Guide to Twins, Triplets, and More – Book Review appeared first on Multiples Illuminated.
September 23, 2019
THE MOMMY MD GUIDE TO TWINS, TRIPLETS, AND MORE – BOOK REVIEW
As a community for families of twins, triplets, and more, we are always pleased to share resources to help families navigate life as parents of multiples.
One such resource is The Mommy MD Guide to Twins, Triplets, and More, written by Dr. Sonia Patel and Heather Karpinsky, both mothers of twins.
Together, they share their best tips and gathered more advice from fellow twin moms who happen to be doctors.
The book is packed full of practical suggestions based on personal experiences, including tips on feeding, diapering and dressing, coping with health challenges, staying safe, and managing outings, day trips and vacations.
We talked to one of the co-authors, Heather Karpinsky, to share her thoughts on the book, life as an author, and twin mom.
How did you come together to write this book?We all met through Jennifer Reich, the publisher of the Mommy MD Guides series. I reached out to Jennifer a couple of years ago when I needed doctor input for an article I was working on and I was honored when she asked if I would be interested in being apart of this book.What was the most challenging part of putting this book together?The most challenging part was saying it was ready to print. I must have read the book at least five times. I wanted to make sure it was perfect and I am so proud of the book we created.What do you hope to accomplish with this book?I hope our book will help mothers of multiples with the expected and the unexpected as well as provide ways to keep their multiples safe and healthy, while keeping their sanity. Working on this book was a privilege and I am so grateful to all the incredible doctors that shared their experiences and advice. These amazing women have made this book the ultimate resource.What’s your number one advice for expectant mothers of multiples?You can do it! Twins do not come with directions, although it would be nice if they did. Days will be long and some will be very hard, but you will get through it. You will not always be your best, but by trying your best everything will work out.How did you react when you found out you were expecting twins?I was so excited, but I was also a little scared. I was not sure how I would handle two at a time, but I learned quickly how to survive and thrive.What’s your best moment so far in parenting your twins?I have had so many wonderful moments My favorite moment was when I held my twins for the first time. My twins were born at just 31 weeks and I did not get to hold them when they were born. I sat in the NICU on the other side of their incubators waiting to hold them for one week. It was such a long week and that moment is forever saved in my heart. Celebrating their first birthday was a huge moment as well because the first year was not easy and at times I wondered how we would all make it, but we did!What’s the thing you worried about raising twins that you didn’t actually have to worry about?I would try to worry less about things that were out of my control. I worried so much about their weight/size when they were born. They were so small and I was so scared, but over time they grew. I would have focused more on things I could do to keep my two safe and healthy. I tend to worry and I think I always will. That is part of the job, right?If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?I would keep a journal detailing what happened every week (happy moments, things that made them smile, etc). I miss the first year and I wish I could remember every moment, but I have forgotten some over the years.How do you juggle your work life with your home life?I take one day at a time and I always try to do my best. Balancing is impossible with twins! You can make plans and prioritize, but then something will happen that completely changes your plans for the day. Rolling with the day and putting your best foot forward is what keeps me on track.What’s next for you?I love working with other twin moms and I am currently working on creating twin themed party supplies and a recognition program for children at my local hospital.The Mommy MD Guide to Twins, Triplets and More: More than 200 tips that 12 doctors who are also mothers of multiples use to raise their own twins, triplets & more is now available on Amazon and Momosa Publishing for $10.95.
We received a complimentary copy of this book for purposes of a review.
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September 10, 2019
Managing Twin Rivalries To Bring Out the Best in Your Teens
My sister has teen twin girls and they’re driving her nuts. They seem to thrive on bickering about anything and everything and take every opportunity to argue and compete. They compete for the best grades, argue about who has better friends and even fight over who gets to pour cereal first in the morning. She […]
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September 9, 2019
MANAGING TWIN RIVALRIES TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR TEENS
My sister has teen twin girls and they’re driving her nuts. They seem to thrive on bickering about anything and everything and take every opportunity to argue and compete.
They compete for the best grades, argue about who has better friends and even fight over who gets to pour cereal first in the morning.
She tried everything she could think of to get them to stop including placing them in separate classes but that only made them argue about who had the best day at school.
Dividing stuff equally between them didn’t work either as they delight in debating the minute differences in whatever they get.
Finally, she had enough and decided to change things around her home once and for all. The last time I went for a visit, things between my nieces had cooled down and they were actually civil to each other.
Surprised, I asked her how she’d managed to tame their rivalry. Here are some of the simple tactics she employed:
SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH EACH TWIN.While they do things together as a family, my sister and her husband finally got frustrated with the twins’ constant feuding.
So they decided to start spending quality one-on-one time with each teen.
This way, they don’t have to split their attention between the two girls and they can get to know each individually.
This tactic has greatly improved communication between the girls and their parents.
Additionally, my nieces calmed down once they realized they no longer had to compete for their parent’s attention.
ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL HOBBIES AND INTERESTS.My sister worked hard to provide opportunities for her girls to explore their individual interests. Although they were both on the swim team, one of the girls also joined the hockey team while the other took art classes.
One of them loves spending time experimenting in the kitchen while the other prefers exploring music.
Although it meant that their parents spent more time shuttling them to their various co-curricular activities, it was worth it to see them blossom.
The teen girls got to express their individuality and loved getting recognition for their unique talents and abilities. Even better, they learned to support each other.
BANNING COMPARISONS.Constant comparisons by friends, family or acquaintances often cause rifts in twin relationships. People will often start identifying twins with labels like “she’s the smart one” or “she’s the tomboy”.
This generalized labeling was part of the reason my nieces were so unhappy with each other and their mom decided it had to stop.
She banned comparisons in her home. Now she finds different ways of complimenting the twins based on their abilities and uniqueness.
Furthermore, she spoke to the rest of her family and friends and asked that they desist from making such open comparisons.
HELPING THEM APPRECIATE THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER.When you and your sibling look totally alike, it can be hard to cultivate your individuality.
Understanding this, my sister keeps reminding each teen that they are valued for their individuality, not for how they stack up to their twin. She wants them to know that they are loved for who they are.
To help them appreciate each other, she added a new element to their dinner time routine. She asks each girl to say something she likes about her sister or why she’s thankful for having her.
Over time, she’s realized that this simple exercise has made the teen twins more respectful and accepting of each other.
While raising feuding multiples isn’t easy, helping them to develop their own individuality greatly reduces the bickering.
After all, when you’re feeling good about yourself, it’s quite difficult to feel resentful towards your fellow twin
About the AuthorTyler is a proud husband and father of four. He has worked with families and youth for nearly 10 years and enjoys camping and hiking in his spare time.
Tyler values family above everything else and hopes his experiences and research can help other families work through challenges and form strong, lasting bonds.
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August 27, 2019
Tips and Recommendations for Raising Twins
Finding out that you are going to be parents can be an overwhelming feeling. When expecting twins, the joy is doubled and so are the challenges. Raising twins is definitely at least twice the work with very little to no sleep, multiple feedings, and possibly tandem breastfeeding and double the crying. The first year can […]
The post Tips and Recommendations for Raising Twins appeared first on Multiples Illuminated.
TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RAISING TWINS
Finding out that you are going to be parents can be an overwhelming feeling.
When expecting twins, the joy is doubled and so are the challenges.
Raising twins is definitely at least twice the work with very little to no sleep, multiple feedings, and possibly tandem breastfeeding and double the crying.
The first year can be a daunting experience, especially because even just one baby will take up all your time. However, planning can ensure you enjoy the first year with your babies.
PREPARING FOR TWINSStart preparing for your babies very early on in your pregnancy. Planning your nursery to accommodate the babies is the first step in the process.
You will have to buy double of most items such as cribs, diapers, clothes, car seats, and a double stroller or carrier. Shop smartly by finding discounts for twins, as many stores offer such deals.
Getting your home ready for your twins before your due date will remove a lot of your stress and will allow you to focus on welcoming your bundles of joy.
PLANNING A ROUTINEOnce your babies are here, start planning a routine for your twins to ensure everything flows smoothly.
The babies’ naptime, feeding time, laundry, visits to the doctor, etc. should be planned and followed.
There are many apps to help you maintain a track of things like the time your baby was last fed, slept or changed, making the mammoth tasks, simple.
Once you get into a routine you can then prioritize your health and dietary requirements.
Plan a routine in a way that allows you to rest, sleep, eat and heal while raising your babies.
Let your family take turns in helping you and allowing you to take some time off for yourself too.
FEEDING YOUR TWINSIf you choose to exclusively breastfeed your twins try tandem feeding them to save time.
Feeding two babies at a time can be tricky but you will soon figure it out. Use a breastfeeding pillow specially designed for twins such as the Brest Friends Twins Plus Feeding Pillow.
Keep yourself well hydrated during and in between feeds. Breastfeeding makes you thirsty so keep water or juices handy.
If you’re breastfeeding twins, you need to eat a healthy and balanced diet to nurture you and your babies.
GET A HELPING HANDThe first year of parenting is exhausting and challenging, and more so with twins.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, let your spouse, family and friends give you a helping hand.
They will be more than happy to step in to make things easier for you. Ask them to help with running errands, buying supplies, or making meals.
This will give you time to take care of the twins and yourself.
BEDTIMEGetting enough sleep is important for both the babies and moms.
Well-rested children are less cranky, play well, therefore, there is less stress on you.
We recommend that you set up two separate cribs for the twins to allow the babies to have their own space.
According to What To Expect, “Some experts warn that tandem sleeping can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) once the babies are able to roll over.
Twins are also more likely to be born prematurely or have low birth weights, both of which can put them at an increased risk of SIDS.
Most experts, including the AAP, recommend placing multiples in separate cribs from the start, which will ensure that neither baby gets overheated or becomes entangled with the other one somehow.”
BONDING WITH YOUR BABIESThe most important thing in parenting is to enjoy motherhood and bond with your babies.
Don’t let the responsibilities and the nerves of being a multiples parent pull you away from getting to know your twins and having fun.
Go out for a stroll in the park to get some fresh air and exercise. This will help you destress and spend quality time with your babies.
It’s also a good opportunity to socialize with your neighbors and other parents.
The first year of parenting twins can be overwhelming so do follow these tips and recommendations, then bask in the joy of watching them grow!
About the AuthorRoselin Raj is a journalist and writer. She has been writing extensively on health and wellness-related topics for a little over a decade now.
Besides her professional interests, she loves a game of basketball or a good hike in her free time to fuel her spirits.
“Health is wealth” is one motto of life which she lives by as well as advocates to every reader who comes across her blogs.
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