The MOM Podcast

Where are the places that a cold or flu pass most easily in your house? It might surprise you that the salt and pepper shakers are one of the biggest culprits in your house. Did you know that your credit cards could be giving you more than airline miles with every swipe?  And you might not know that your shoes could me making your family sick.  It isn't just enough to wash your hands this season.  Listen to learn more and then check out these resources: * Vsauce 5 Second Rule Show (http://youtu.be/rYXdsOEWBj0) * How Many Germs are On Your Cell Phone  (http://theoatmeal.com/quiz/phone_germs/go) (Over a million bacteria on my phone even though I wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe) * 5 Germiest Places Article (http://www.naturallysavvy.com/health-wellness/the-5-germiest-surfaces) * 9 Germiest Places Article (http://women.webmd.com/home-health-and-safety-9/places-germs-hide)

Your kids learn a lot in school, but some very important lessons are not taught in school.  Listen as we discuss several lessons that are not taught and how you as a mom can teach them to your children. For more ideas about what should be taught in school, check out this article on 27 Things They Don't Teach in School (http://zenhabits.net/27-skills-your-child-needs-to-know-that-shes-not-getting-in-school/)

Kathy Irving shares the end of her 2 year journey of signing with her hearing daughter.  Because she works with hearing impaired children, Kathy is uniquely qualified to explain what happened during this time. Their journey of signing is coming to an end with her daughter's use of verbal language.  Kathy shares how the experience helped her daughter gain a master vocabulary more than 20 times larger than what normal 2 year-olds can speak. Baby Signing 1, 2, 3 (http://www.signbabies.com/articles.php/tPath/89) is available in bookstores, on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Signing-1-2-3-Easy---Use/dp/1402209789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320628562&sr=8-1) or from SignBabies.com (http://www.signbabies.com/articles.php/tPath/89).  You can even purchase a Kindle version from Amazon.com and from iTunes for the iPad.

(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pressurecooker-150x150.jpg)Nancy explains how the pressure cooker has changed the way she cooks dinner and how it helps her get great meals to the table while still driving kids to music and taekwondo lessons.  Learn about the new electric pressure cookers and how they can make dinner prep easier and faster. Nancy likes the Cuisinart electric pressure cooker available at Costco. Nancy's EASY Frozen Chicken Dinner Ingredients: frozen chicken thighs (you can do breasts if you prefer) 1 cup Kirkland Organic Salsa from Costco 1/2 cup water Place frozen chicken thighs in pressure cooker, then add water and top with Kirkland Organic Salsa. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.  You can use the quick release method.  Remove the chicken and keep warm. To make the pan sauce, set the pressure cooker to brown and watch the sauce until it reduces.  Stir occasionally.  This should take 5-7 minutes and makes a healthy and delicious sauce.  If desired, you can add sliced zucchini to make the sauce into a side dish.

Jason Mrantz plays one, so why can't you or your child? The Ukulele is not the instrument of large Hawaiian singers anymore (thanks to one very large Hawaiian singer named Iz Kamakawiwo'ole).  Ryan Taylor of UkulelePlay.com (http://ukuleleplay.com/) discusses how to select and instrument and how to learn to play.  It is one of the least expensive instruments while still being one of the most fun and interactive instruments.  With ukes starting at $30, there is no excuse not to bring music into your family's life. Maybe you will all learn to play--the family that ukes together sticks together! Looking for songs and chord charts or even classes and bootcamps?  Check out Ryan's site for more information.  UkulelePlay.com (http://ukuleleplay.com/) Personal Note:  Alex got his Uke and he LOVES it.  We had issues with him learning chords on the classical guitar, but playing the uke, he has embraced chords and is learning strumming patterns.  It has been a blast.

LaNae Callihan of It's Written On the Wall (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/)shares simple tips to make this holiday season merry and bright. Her ideas are simple to do and her downloads are free and give you the best gifts for neighbors and teachers as well as our favorite Lunchbox Notes (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/2012/11/freebie-our-30-christmas-lunchbox-notes.html).  She is an accomplished artist and has a fabulous eye for simple design.  Check out her blog and see what you can be doing to make your holidays merry and bright!  All you need is a printer, some scissors and a great imagination!(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LunchboxChristams1-150x150.jpg) * Lunchbox Notes (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/2012/11/freebie-kringle-stationary-write-letter.html) * Christmas Coloring Book (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/2012/11/freebie-christmas-coloring-book-12-days.html) * Letter to Santa (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/2012/11/freebie-kringle-stationary-write-letter.html) * Hershey Nugget Christmas Treats (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/2012/11/freebies-christmas-hershey-nugget-treat.html)

(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/TameTMWidget.png)Katie McClain shares with us how to tame our thought monster and how to help our kids tame theirs to help them have a stronger sense of self and a more positive outlook.  Learn how to conquer those negative thoughts you might be having and ban them from your mind.  Your thoughts are not YOU and you can change your thoughts to change your life. Learn more about Thought Monsters at www.katiemcclain.com (http://katiemcclain.com/) and share your thought monster picture to win on her Contest Page (http://katiemcclain.com/contest/). Check Out Nancy's Thought Monster! (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-06-09.13.09-150x150.jpg)

Stars are touting gluten free.  Should you consider going gluten free?  For Nancy, it was a good option. If you are looking for a cookbook that will make it easy to have those treats you are missing, check out the No Excuses Gluten Free Cookbook (http://www.noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com/).  The treats in this book taste like their gluten inspirations.  You can give these treats to anyone and they won't be able to tell that they are gluten free. Our position is that gluten free is not as important (unless you have Celiacs or are Gluten Intolerant as Nancy is) as getting all the processed foods out of your diet and eating things that are natural and fresh!

If you are feeling short tempered, having problems sleeping or are overreacting, you may need to take a Mental Health day (and your employer might even be willing to give you the day off to do it). Learn what a Mental Health Day is.

What is a 504 and do you need one for your child to make sure that she is getting a fair shot at learning in schools.

(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0505-300x214.jpg)We discuss getting ready for Halloween and some ideas to make it simple and fun. Using your printer and some ingenuity, you can make your house a Halloween haven.  Scroll down to get the Podcast. EASY TREATS (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0505.jpg) * Boo Bags: (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0505.jpg)http://thegainesgang4.blogspot.com/2010/10/panic-mode-party-treats.html (http://thegainesgang4.blogspot.com/2010/10/panic-mode-party-treats.html) * Your Mummy Loves You treats: http://www.theidearoom.net/2011/10/halloween-oreosmummy-treats.html (http://www.theidearoom.net/2011/10/halloween-oreosmummy-treats.html) (I did not put mine on sticks--just put them in their lunch) HALLOWEEN CAN(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0509-300x225.jpg)DY SWAP * Halloween Candy Swap for the Troops: http://www.operationgratitude.com/halloween-candy-buy-back-2012/ (http://www.operationgratitude.com/halloween-candy-buy-back-2012/) DECORATING  IDEAS * Collect your candles and other things to decorate (add a few Dollar store spiders and rats) * Add spooky pictures to your family portraits OTHER GREAT HALLOWEEN TIPS AND RECIPES * (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0515-239x300.jpg) Easy Teacher Gifts, Bingo, Bookmarks and More http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/ (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/) (this is Nancy's new favorite site) * Cool Glow in the Dark Ideas http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/07/ (http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/07/glow-water_08.html)glow-water_08.html (http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/07/glow-water_08.html) * Halloween fun idea. Glow in the dark scavenger hunt. Write clues in UV ink and they have to turn out the lights and shine a UV light to read the clues. Usually the pen has a light on it. Pumpkin Chili 1 medium pumpkin,  4-5 pounds (or 2 cups canned) 1 small yellow onion 1 clove garlic 1 red bell pepper, diced(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0517-300x263.jpg) 2 T oil 1 lb. ground beef 4 c diced tomatoes 2 c tomato sauce 2 c cooked kidney beans 1 c corn 1/2 c diced green chilis 1 T chili powder 1 t ground cumin salt and fresh black pepper Cut lid in top of pumpkin; set aside. Remove seeds, replace lid. Bake at 375° for 20-40 minutes until pulp in soft. Scoop out pumpkin flesh, leaving at least 1/2(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0522-300x169.jpg) inch to hold pumpkin shape. Dice pumpkin and set aside. Reserve pumpkin shell. In large pot, cook onion, garlic and bell pepper with ground beef. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, reserved pumpkin, beans, corn, chilis, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Serve from reserved pumpkin shell. Garnish with shredded cheese and/or sour cream. Serve over cooked rice. 6-8 servings.

The show continues with the products, services, and sites that Nancy and Shelly have found most useful over 5 years of podcasting. Best Parenting Book Dr. Andie Weiner More than Saying I Love You. Jayne Clayson Best Detergent: Quick N Brite is Nancy's FAVORITE stain remover Best Family Travel Deal: Disney YES Program Best Beach/Outdoor Gadget: Sun Smarties Family Cabana Pop-up tent from One Step Ahead Best Early Learning Program: Rusty and Rosy and was created by Waterford Institute Best Baby Signing Book: Baby Signing 1, 2, 3s Best Soap: Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is Shelly's favorite soap/ Nancy Loves PureWorks Antibacterial Foam as hand sanitizer, soap and lotion Best Cold Fighter: Xlear nasal wash Best Kitchen gadget: Piggy Platter Nancy Loves the Piggy Platter Best Purse: Lilly May Bag. Check it out at www.lillymaebags.com Best Baby Bedding: QuickZip Sheets by www.cloudsandstars.com

We continue our Proactive Parenting tips and discuss how to teach children to love themselves and how to analyze automatic negative thoughts. Listen and learn some specific tips today and then check out the Proactive Parenting workshops later this year. In Dr. Andie's I Love Me, Who Do You Love workshop you will discuss how to help your children love and accept themselves from body image to dealing with their imperfections as well as their strengths. This is the best gift any parent can give their child! This Conference Call will be October 16 1:00PM EST (CT 12:00PM, MT 11:00 AM, 10:00AM PST) or 9:00PM EST (CT 8:00PM; MT 7:00PM; 6:00PM PST). In Dr. Andie's Devil on My Shoulder workshop, we will discussion how of the 60,000 thoughts we create every day, 80% are negative and untrue. These kinds of thoughts can lead to stress, self-doubt, and undesirable behavior. Learn how to understand these untrue thoughts and help your children “weed them out” to build confidence, make better choices, and increase self-esteem.  The Conference Call will be November 13, 1:00PM EST (CT 12:00PM, MT 11:00 AM, 10:00AM PST) or 9:00PM EST (CT 8:00PM; MT 7:00PM; 6:00PM PST) To join these informative and interactive workshops, complete the application and once registered, look for additional discounts and bonuses!  Click the Link below or go to http://www.drandie.com/ (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/workshops-300x57.jpg)

(http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DynoMite-300x240.jpg)Making lunch for your kids seems daunting sometimes, but giving them wholesome real food for lunch is one of the best things you can do--especially since school lunch programs in the US are very unhealthy.  Before you get overwhelmed and throw in the towel, listen to some great ideas that will have you making stellar lunches. Idea Tips: * Check websites for inspiration (I keep a file of pics) * 100 Days of Real Food (http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/ ) (they also have a great lunch gadget page) * Bento Box Gallery (http://wendolonia.com/bentoboxgallery/?page=1) * Family Fresh Meals Bento Boxes (http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/search/label/bento%20box) (you might need to modify for school lunches) * Use the holidays to inspire you * Halloween Lunches (http://www.parentmap.com/article/halloween-lunch-ideas-for-kids) * Christmas Lunches (http://www.parentmap.com/article/christmas-lunch-ideas-for-kids) * Valentine Lunches (http://lisastorms.typepad.com/lisa-storms/2011/02/valentine-lunches.html) * Use your kids interests to inspire you (Angry Birds (http://www.bentoblognetwork.com/2011/12/bento-of-week-angry-birds.html), pokemon, hello kitty, star wars (http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/4-ways-to-make-kids-lunches-more-fun/)) * Think out of the bread—sandwich on a stick (http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/sandwich-on-a-stick-687359/), do-it-yourself lunchables (http://karascreativeplace.blogspot.com/2012/08/homemade-pizza-lunchables.html); soup; pancakes; apple stacks; tortillas, salad; turkey wrap-ups Tool Tips: * Use your Cookie Cutters/Sandwich cutters at Wal-Mart/Dollar Store, Lunch Punch * If you have a Japanese store near you, they have cool stuff (Daison and Itchi Ban Kan); shape cutters * Get a few types of containers (Ziploc three compartments, KlipIt Sandwich and Salad (http://www.sistema.co.nz/pages/Sistema-Lunch/Sistema-Lunch.html) at TJMaxx, get small containers, save food-safe containers) * Create a place for all your lunch supplies in one place (containers, cutters, love notes, little treats) * Silicone cupcake cups make great dividers * Dress it up with toothpicks (you can make or purchase) * Good cookbooks: Deceptively Delicious and the Sneaky Chef * Here is a list of good supplies http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/ (http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/) Time Tips: * Think Ahead: dinner into lunch; cook on weekends * Make Ahead: freeze muffins, oatmeal bars, cut out bread and freeze, freeze complete sandwiches; cut out cheese shapes, eyes,  applesauce, spaghetti, meatballs, even cupcakes and cake pops * Buy/Make your love notes ahead of time ItsWrittenOnTheWall.com (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/) has the cutest lunchbox notes; file by topic * Buy/store staples you can use in a crunch (sugar free applesauce; crackers, fruit leather, etc) NOTE: If you are looking for a GREAT site with tons of wonderful ideas, ItsWrittenOnTheWall.com (http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/) is my new Go-to site for fun ideas.  The site has the best lunch box notes and way more--all the best ideas on the web are here! Check them out! And here is a sampling of the lunchbox notes: (http://www.themompodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/freebie30lunchboxnotes-300x240.jpg)

Shelly shares with us her big surprise.  You will want to listen and hear how Shelly's life is changing forever.