http://callemami.com A Journey on Mom Street Tue, 08 May 2012 17:08:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Copyright © Calle Mami 2011 erica@callemami.com (Erica) erica@callemami.com (Erica) 1440 Calle Chat A Mami's Journey on 'Mom Street' Erica Erica erica@callemami.com no no http://callemami.com/2012/05/happy-mothers-day-mami/ http://callemami.com/2012/05/happy-mothers-day-mami/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 16:13:25 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3323 I'm sure everyone thinks of their mom as number #1.  I sure do!  My mom is a rock star in my eyes; she's always been. I definitely got my task master skills from her.   A master coordinator, she's enjoying retirement by planning family reunion #2!  This time, it's her side of the family.   It's just [...]]]> I'm sure everyone thinks of their mom as number #1.  I sure do!  My mom is a rock star in my eyes; she's always been. I definitely got my task master skills from her.   A master coordinator, she's enjoying retirement by planning family reunion #2!  This time, it's her side of the family.   It's just who she is and what she likes to do. She once planned a South Bronx Olympics event in my family's old neighborhood.  We're talking events for children and adults complete with divisions, trophies and priceless memories.  People talk about it till this day.  Side note: I won nothing.  I didn't inherit her athletic side. After that event, I remember there were two extra trophies that she kept in her bedroom closet.  I asked to keep one. She turned me down. "You didn't win, you don't get one,"  she said. "Why would you want a trophy you didn't earn?" As you can imagine, at age 8, that was devastating.  I was so upset that I couldn't just have it. I mean, hellooooo, it was right there.  But then I realized the lesson behind it, one of many I'm so grateful she taught me.  She's always been my biggest cheerleader, but always prepared to tell it like it is.  And, I've always appreciated that from her - from both my parents.  There was little sugar coating in my house. While some may frown on that style, I've found it's prepared me for the real world.  Ironically, I happened to land in an industry that does little sugar coating - so it was a fairly easy fit for me.   While I crave creativity, I am also ultimately a bottom line kind of gal.   And, I owe it to my Mami. While she doesn't sugar coat, she's still the sweetest. She's the type of person who will bend over backwards to help a person in need. She's kind, loyal and funny, and has a special connection with kids.   Needless to say, she's everyone's favorite aunt in the family - and with good reason.  My kids are fanatics when they know she's on the phone; and they request Skype sessions weekly.  Mom, get your web cam fixed asap!  Oh, the nagging... She loves boxing and baseball, and she's quite entertaining to watch, when she's watching them! Mami introduced me to a love for music; her soft voice and guitar skills one of my earliest memories as a child.   We sang a lot in my house. We still do when we get together.  Partridge Family who?  And till this day, she scolds me for not knowing some kitchen basics, she's taught me over and over again. Yes, I know Ma!!! I'm also secretly jealous of her internal GPS - the woman never gets lost!  I, on the other hand ... got that from my Papi. :) Love you Ma! I'm super blessed on so many levels, - and it starts with you! Happy Mother's Day!]]> http://callemami.com/2012/05/happy-mothers-day-mami/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/04/green-on-a-budget/ http://callemami.com/2012/04/green-on-a-budget/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:18:50 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3317 By Andrea Woroch Attention Earthlings: It's time once again for that annual celebration of all things green. Earth Day is nearly upon us and, while many people offer advice on being kind to Mother Earth, too many of these tips don't quite coincide with frugal lifestyles. In an effort to dovetail these two purposes, we [...]]]> By Andrea Woroch Attention Earthlings: It's time once again for that annual celebration of all things green. Earth Day is nearly upon us and, while many people offer advice on being kind to Mother Earth, too many of these tips don't quite coincide with frugal lifestyles. In an effort to dovetail these two purposes, we offer 22 budget-friendly ways to go green in honor of April 22. 1. Sign up for the "no solicitation" registry. That way, you can avoid getting credit card offers and other ads which will reduce paper clutter and save trees. 2. Shop online to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. According to a study by Carnegie Melon's Green Institute, shopping online reduced carbon emissions by 35 percent. The abundance of online coupons from such sites as FreeShipping.org makes this green practice a no-brainer. 3. Get out of the gym and exercise outdoors. Freeze your gym membership and save up to 75 percent (or more) per month during the summer. You'll also rely less on those energy-sucking cardio machines. 4. Close blinds on hot days. Before you head out for the day, close your blinds to keep the sun from warming your home while you're gone. Doing so will reduce your dependence on air conditioning and save energy. 5. Send an e-gift certificate for special occasions. Not only are e-gift cards super convenient, you're also using less plastic resources and reducing fuel associated with shipping. If an e-card isn't available from a desired retailer, purchase gift cards at a discount from sites like Gift Card Granny. That way you recycle someone else's unwanted plastic and score great savings. 6. Eliminate paper invites and digitize your event announcement. Save on postage and printing while reducing paper by using sites like pingg.com to create electronic announcements and invitations. 7. Use an irrigation controller to manage watering. 20 to 50 percent of your water use goes toward the landscape, even more in certain areas of the country. Invest in a controller to schedule irrigation to reduce overwatering. 8. Swap your stuff! Use Swap.com to trade books, CDs, DVDs, sporting equipment and other goods. Not only are you saving money, but you're reducing future trash by re-using someone else's stuff. 9. Walk or bike to work to save on fuel. With gas prices peaking at nearly $4 a gallon, you're doing your wallet and your health some good by walking or biking to work. If this isn't feasible, try public transportation. 10. Wash clothes with cold water. Though some clothes suggest warm or hot water for washing, you can reduce your monthly heating bills and save energy by turning all cycles to cold. Don't worry, your clothes will still get clean. 11. Use mobile coupons to cut paper clutter. Download the Coupon Sherpa mobile app to access discounts without using paper coupons. You can also save coupons to your supermarket loyalty card for paperless grocery savings. 12. Plug electronics into power strips. Buy a surge protector for pricey electronics to save your valuables in the event of a lightning strike, and power down when not in use to cut five percent from your electricity bill. 13. Power down cable boxes. Doing so will save you $40 per box, annually. You can also cut down on DVD waste by opting for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon streaming. 14. Go paperless. This is a no-brainer -- when banks and service providers offer you the option to go paperless, take it. Check out Lifehacker's guide to going paperless for more ideas. 15. Hang dry your clothes. Do laundry on the weekends and hang dry your clothes to save energy and reduce your electricity bill. 16. Shop garage and estate sales for clothes and home goods. Recycling other people's unwanted items will not only save money but also reduces trash build-up in landfills. 17. Put the blow dryer down. Consider going "au natural" several times during the week to save on energy spent by blow dryers, flat irons and other electronic hair products. 18. Take short showers. The feeling of hot water on your skin is often hard to resist, but taking short, cooler showers reduces your heating bill and saves water and energy. 19. Wash dishes in a sink full of water. Instead of washing dishes with the tap on, fill one side of the sink with soapy water to clean dishes, and only run the dishwasher when it's full to save energy. 20. Get a water filter and reusable water bottle. Over 80 percent of plastic water bottles are tossed -- not recycled -- yielding 1.5 tons of waste per year, according to Mother Nature Network. Invest in a reusable water bottle (or two) and a filter, if your tap water is lacking. 21. Plant native shrubs and plants. Native plants and shrubs subsist on whatever precipitation occurs in your area, making them an eco-friendly alternative to non-native plants that require additional watering and maintenance. 22. Use an eco-friendly shower head. Basic showerheads disperse quite a bit of water per use, so investing in an eco-friendly one like the Oxygenics PowerMassage Handheld Shower Head can save up to 70 percent in water and energy consumption. Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert. Photo (c) John Nyberg]]> http://callemami.com/2012/04/green-on-a-budget/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/04/taking-the-cord-blood-route/ http://callemami.com/2012/04/taking-the-cord-blood-route/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:13:12 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3307
Banking your cord blood.  It's an option presented to many expecting parents. Many doctors and medical experts say the stem cells in the umbilical cord can be used to treat some life threatening illnesses as well as genetic, blood and immune disorders.  Sarah and Brian Bothner, both medical researchers, decided to do it even before Sarah became pregnant with daughter [...]]]>
Banking your cord blood.  It's an option presented to many expecting parents. Many doctors and medical experts say the stem cells in the umbilical cord can be used to treat some life threatening illnesses as well as genetic, blood and immune disorders.  Sarah and Brian Bothner, both medical researchers, decided to do it even before Sarah became pregnant with daughter Brooke, now 8, and son Cole, 5. "As researchers, banking our children's cord blood was an easy decision to make. We know that science is progressing and wanted our children to have the resource of their own stem cells should a need arise in the future," they said.  "Banking our children's cord blood just seemed clearly the "right" thing to do. We always viewed cord blood banking as a sort of "health insurance policy" for our children. You hope you never have to use the cord blood but you feel security knowing that the cells are there just in case." The dizzying array of information on the Web can be difficult to sift through.  That’s why Rallie McAllister, M. D.,MPH, co-author of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, created this tip list to help soon-to-be parents sift through some important issues when selecting a family cord blood bank.   Do Your Research and Do It Early: - Talk to family and friends and your physician or midwife to get recommendations. - Check online for testimonials and reviews. What is the bank's reputation? - Don't assume it's best to enroll with one close to home. A bank's headquarters and its storage facility may not even be in the same state.  Know the Regulations and Requirements: - Has the bank registered with the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and met all state regulatory requirements? - Is the bank accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)?  Accreditation, which requires audits every two years, is evidence that your sample is screened, processed, and stored following the strictest quality assurance guidelines.  Be Picky with the Process: - What delivery method is used to transport the blood? Samples can be destroyed because of improper transit.  A reputable bank should use a medical courier company. - Ask about collection and storage methods, as well as published rates on cell viability to ensure the bank is using the best available technology to save your cells so they will be ready in the event that you might need them.  - Find out if they've facilitated any successful transplants. A red flag should go up if a bank has a high volume of cord blood units in storage but has never used a unit for transplant.  This could mean transplant surgeons have rejected their cord blood which could mean its procedures are not careful or thorough enough.  Business and Stability: - How long has the bank been in business? - Is the bank involved in any research or clinical studies with prestigious medical research institutions?  A bank on the cutting edge of research would likely play a stronger and supportive role if the cord blood was needed in treatment for your child. - How profitable is the company? It’s important to realize cord blood banking is a business.  If the bank goes out of business it could mean the cord blood units will be no longer be retrievable.  There is also an online education site that might help parents understand all of their cord blood banking options at www.cordbankingbasics.com. Featured Photo (c) Cord Banking Basics]]> http://callemami.com/2012/04/taking-the-cord-blood-route/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/04/at-the-ol-ball-game/ http://callemami.com/2012/04/at-the-ol-ball-game/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:17 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3272
This is perhaps the busiest time of year for me.  Being a Little League mom, I live at the ballpark.  No complaints here, I love it!   The kids have found a sport they really like, and fortunately it's one I understand. I spent a lot of my youngest years at ballpark, as my parents [...]]]>
This is perhaps the busiest time of year for me.  Being a Little League mom, I live at the ballpark.  No complaints here, I love it!   The kids have found a sport they really like, and fortunately it's one I understand. I spent a lot of my youngest years at ballpark, as my parents and several other relatives participated in recreational leagues. While I love the sport, I never inherited the thirst for playing  it - but my kids have certainly taken an interest. Yay! I love to to them having fun.  I love to see them challenging themselves and witnessing the fruits of their labor. I've managed to lose my voice every season at least once, for the past 3 seasons. Yes, I yell in the stands - a lot; the ultimate cheerleader! What can I say, I wear it all on my sleeve and it's amplified - hahaha! Luckily, I've always had quite the sense of humor about my spastic self. Other parents laugh with me, and my own parents crack up when they review the clips I send them with highlights.  Too funny, because I totally get it from them!   Right now, my kids love the attention and accolades. And, as long as the lungs can carry, I'll be there cheering in my team shirt!  No loud signs yet - but hey, you never know (especially if they voice gives out again)!          ]]> http://callemami.com/2012/04/at-the-ol-ball-game/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/03/pregnancy-heart-attacks/ http://callemami.com/2012/03/pregnancy-heart-attacks/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:15:37 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3267 If you're pregnant, you have a slightly bigger chance of suffering a heart attack, according to University of Southern California researchers.  They found pregnant women were three times more likely to have a heart attack than women who are the same age and not expecting.  One in 16,000 pregnant women will reportedly suffer a heart [...]]]> If you're pregnant, you have a slightly bigger chance of suffering a heart attack, according to University of Southern California researchers.  They found pregnant women were three times more likely to have a heart attack than women who are the same age and not expecting.  One in 16,000 pregnant women will reportedly suffer a heart attack, likely at the end of their pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. About 7% of pregnant of women who have a pregnancy related heart attack will die.   Researchers found pregnancy related heart attacks have more to do with wear and tear of the arteries versus a clog.  Photo (c) Kelsey Johnson]]> http://callemami.com/2012/03/pregnancy-heart-attacks/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/03/dianes-new-kiddie-line-for-gap/ http://callemami.com/2012/03/dianes-new-kiddie-line-for-gap/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:01 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3262 Pint-sized Diane von Frustenberg?  The fashion icon has just unveiled a new line for kids, you'll find exclusively at Gap Kids and Baby Gap. The fashion-forward line was just released in the U.S. but is set for a world wide invasion on March 28th. For infants through age 14, von Furstenberg says this collection of [...]]]> Pint-sized Diane von Frustenberg?  The fashion icon has just unveiled a new line for kids, you'll find exclusively at Gap Kids and Baby Gap. The fashion-forward line was just released in the U.S. but is set for a world wide invasion on March 28th. For infants through age 14, von Furstenberg says this collection of casual and swimwear will include many of her signature prints as fun floral designs.  You'll also find accessories like sunglasses, espadrilles, ballet pumps, beach bags and even hi-top sneakers.  Moms can also snag a DVF diaper bag!  Prices range from $20 - $120 dollars.  Learn more at www.dvf.com. Photo (c) DVF]]> http://callemami.com/2012/03/dianes-new-kiddie-line-for-gap/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/03/jessicas-baby-bump-on-elles-cover/ http://callemami.com/2012/03/jessicas-baby-bump-on-elles-cover/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:48:04 +0000 Admin http://callemami.com/?p=3251 Jessica Simpson reveals she's having a girl in the April issue of ELLE Magazine.  She bared her belly bump in her birthday suite, Demi Moore style.   Jessica is currently engaged to NFL player Eric Johnson, who is also featured inside the pages of the magazine.  Pick up the April issue of ELLE for her complete [...]]]> Jessica Simpson reveals she's having a girl in the April issue of ELLE Magazine.  She bared her belly bump in her birthday suite, Demi Moore style.   Jessica is currently engaged to NFL player Eric Johnson, who is also featured inside the pages of the magazine.  Pick up the April issue of ELLE for her complete interview. In addition to joining Mamiville, Jessica has a new reality show, set to debut next week.  Catch "Fashion Star" starting on Tuesday, March 13th on NBC.  It co-stars Elle MacPherson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. Photo (c) ELLE Magazine  ]]> http://callemami.com/2012/03/jessicas-baby-bump-on-elles-cover/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/03/mayim-bialik-on-attachment-parenting/ http://callemami.com/2012/03/mayim-bialik-on-attachment-parenting/#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:40 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3246 Actress Mayim Bialik (Big Bang Theory, Blossom) is revealing her unconventional parenting style in a new book, "Beyond the Sling."  We're talking no diapers, co-sleeping and lots and lots of TLC.  See her interview with ABC News here. Photo (c) Mayim Bialik]]> Actress Mayim Bialik (Big Bang Theory, Blossom) is revealing her unconventional parenting style in a new book, "Beyond the Sling."  We're talking no diapers, co-sleeping and lots and lots of TLC.  See her interview with ABC News here. Photo (c) Mayim Bialik]]> http://callemami.com/2012/03/mayim-bialik-on-attachment-parenting/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/03/new-aaa-driving-app-for-teens/ http://callemami.com/2012/03/new-aaa-driving-app-for-teens/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:46:41 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3237 Parents, you'll have a little bit more control of your teen's driving habits behind the wheel.    AAA has developed a new wireless device that will enable parents to set specific parameters on everything from a vehicle's location, driving speed,  location boundaries and even being out past curfew.  Parents get a heads up either via text [...]]]> Parents, you'll have a little bit more control of your teen's driving habits behind the wheel.    AAA has developed a new wireless device that will enable parents to set specific parameters on everything from a vehicle's location, driving speed,  location boundaries and even being out past curfew.  Parents get a heads up either via text or email when their teens exceed what is programmed.  Learn more from NBC San Diego. Photo (c) AAA]]> http://callemami.com/2012/03/new-aaa-driving-app-for-teens/feed/ 0 http://callemami.com/2012/03/happy-birthday-dr-seuss/ http://callemami.com/2012/03/happy-birthday-dr-seuss/#comments Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:33:05 +0000 Calle Mami http://callemami.com/?p=3231 I love quotes, affirmations, prayers - you name it.  In honor of Dr. Seuss' 108th birthday - a little dose of inspiration for kids of all ages. Thanks Mr. Theodor Seuss Geisel! "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” "Be who you are and say what [...]]]> I love quotes, affirmations, prayers - you name it.  In honor of Dr. Seuss' 108th birthday - a little dose of inspiration for kids of all ages. Thanks Mr. Theodor Seuss Geisel! "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” “A person's a person, no matter how small.” “And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” By the way, check out the roster of Dr. Seuss books (can you believe he wrote 46?) here.  Seusville  has books, videos and other activities your child can enjoy.   Photo (c) Darmouth.edu Quotes courtesy of Think Exist]]> http://callemami.com/2012/03/happy-birthday-dr-seuss/feed/ 0