The Stay at Home Mother

One of the best Christmas movies I have ever seen (and not your traditional oldie) is the movie Love Actually. I own it and wait each year until December hits to watch it. I love Hugh Grant, Colin Ferth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Kiera Knightley in it.

But most of all - I love the message of the movie, that if you look around, you will find that love is actually all around us. Sometimes we get weighted down with all the negative stuff that goes on in the world, that we forget the great things right in front of us - things that are really important and that we should be grateful for....

The music is wonderful in it as well.  You can CLICK HERE and listen to one of the songs featured in it.  There is no way you can listen and not get in to the spirit of Christmas.

And with Christmas officially only 22 days away now, I thought now would be a good time to start thinking about everyone else around us. It gets tough in our own lives as we are so busy and caught up with our own problems, that we tend to forget the people in the world who have it so much worse.

This Christmas, take the time to give, to pray, to love, to remember those who you haven't connected with in a real long time. Reach out to those who you have wronged or have wronged you - and forgive.

One thing I have learned in life is that it is short. The older I get, the more I realize how fast time really goes by. And what you meant to do -is suddenly one day too late.

If you haven't ever seen the movie "Love Actuallly" - rent it. Or if you have seen it - watch it again. It's a movie that will make you cry, laugh and feel good about Christmas, life and love.

Did you know that those air-fresheners you have been using for your home to sweeten unpleasant orders and leave your home smelling fresh - could be dangerous to your family's health?

I don't personally use them, as that was always my biggest fear - but studies now substantiate what has bothered me about them, and that is, that those chemicals in the spray are just plain bad for you....

It's no surprise that we don't want unpleasant smells around. After all, we spend an average of 90 per cent of our time indoors (according to Health Canada), and we're willing to pay to make our environments more pleasant. Air fresheners are a booming business -- it's a $200 million market in Canada, and an estimated three out of five Canadians use these products in their homes. Air fresheners also appear in many public places including offices and institutions.

However, fragranced products are anathema for people with chemical sensitivities and allergies -- and new research is warning that air fresheners can pose a threat to everyone. Air fresheners contain chemicals that mask odours or deaden or interfere with our sense of smell. Some chemicals actually line the inside of the nasal passage.

But where is the proof scientific proof?

Air fresheners have been the focus of a few studies over the past couple of years. A 2007 European study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that regularly using fragranced sprays increased the risk of asthma by as much as 50 per cent. Another study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that most sprays, gels and plug in air fresheners it tested contained phthalates (known hormone disruptors), even if they were labelled as "all-natural" or "unscented".

But that's not all... In July 2008, a University of Washington study published in Environmental Impact Assessment found that six top-selling fragranced products (three of which were air fresheners) contained nearly 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ten of those VOCs are classified as toxic under U.S. Laws. Further research is underway.

In addition, scientists in Korea found that many household products such as air fresheners emit toxic compounds. All 42 products they tested contained acetone, ethanol, limonene, perchloroethylene (PCE), phenol, and 1-propanol. Another 10 per cent of products also contained other potentially hazardous chemicals.

Closer to home, the CBC recently tested air fresheners currently available in Canada. They found that nearly one third contained DBP and/or DEP (the same two phthalates banned from children's toys in 12 European countries). The phthalates are used to make the scent last longer.

To get rid of odours:

- There's something to be said for a good "airing out". Open the windows when weather and outdoor air quality permit. Good ventilation is important to disperse and dilute odours.

- If you don't have an air exchange ventilation in your home, place a fan in the window pointing outwards to blow air out of the room. Open a second window to promote a breeze

- Make sure areas of your home where moisture builds up, like the bathroom or basement, are well-ventilated to discourage mould.

- A box of baking soda works well in small, enclosed spaces (not just your fridge or freezer). You can also sprinkle it on carpets (which tend to absorb odours) and vacuum up.

- Try setting out bowls of vinegar or put it in a spray bottle and mist the room.

- Make your own air freshener. There are many good recipes on the internet such as RecipeZaar, or check your local library for books on making all-natural cleaners.

- Try an odour-absorbing product like the Volcanic Deodorizer from Lee Valley ($17.50 for a bag covering up to 4800 cubic feet). Some time in the sun every six months and a yearly rinse with salt water will keep this product going indefinitely.

- Look for environmentally-friendly odour neutralizing sprays, such as those that contain enzymes like Nature's Fresh. The enzymes work on "organic odours" like urine and smoke.

- Purchase an air purifier or filter for use in the home to reduce odours and allergens in the air. These products can be a little pricey, ranging from $50 - $300, so assess your needs carefully and watch for sales.

To add some scent:

- Try an essential oil from your local natural food or health food store. A few drops in a diffuser will add some chemical-free scent to the room.

- Simmer some citrus rinds or other spices like cinnamon in a pot on your stove top. Lemon is a good way to banish cooking odours.

- Place some dried flowers or herbs around your home. You can cheat a little and add a drop or two of essential oil to refresh it.

- Grow a fragrant plant such as certain flowers or herbs.

*info excerpted from article -Elizabeth Rogers, 50Plus.com

So at the end of the day - its your choice - but wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry?

Also - for moms in the Lower Mainland of BC, HomeWorks Etc. is having an Open House sale on November 30th, located at 6642 193A Street in Surrey between 10am - 5pm, with 20% - 50% off! HomeWorks Etc. offers decor and home accessories that are unique, stylish and heartwarming - absolutely amazing stuff and a great gift idea for Christmas! Visit their website at www.homeworksetc.ca to see their entire line of accessories.

Well - its definately something to celebrate. Today - I checked my stats and added up the number of visits since I launched thestayathomemother.com in December 2006 and the tally?......the site has recieved more than one million visitors.

The site has come a long way since it first launched in December 2006. I remember looking at my stats back then and being happy if 40 or 50 visitors came to the site each day. It meant that another mom was interested in being a stay at home parent or finding a way to be closer to home...

Today the site receives between 40,000 - 50,000 visits per month.

I haven't ever had adveritising on my website as I've tried to keep it as organic as possible.

However, with the cost to maintain this website and run it the way I do, I believe that some advertising on the site may be both helpful for businesses and moms alike.

If it is a business that will help moms and families - I am all ears.

And thank you - to all my loyal readers and SAHM supporters for visiting the site and making thestayathomemother.com such a great success.

If there is anything that you would like to see or topic that needs to be discussed, send it my way at feedback@thestayathomemother.com

And for all the American moms out there, have a great Thanksgiving holiday with your family this Thursday!

Last week my son came down with a terrible cold/flu. Five days ago my mom came down with it, then my daughter, then my husband and now - yes, you guessed it - I have it.

The worst part is, I have been desperately trying to work through it - fight it. I kept working, I kept all my appointments with various things throughout the week - I never rested, protected myself and now I am stuck with laryngitis, a high fever and a terrible chest cold - now what happens?....

A mom is the glue that holds the family together. So now that I am down and out - what happens to the family? All my chores, all my regular things that are part of my day are gone by the way side.

I spoke at Small Business BC yesterday. I am teaching a regular course there called "the Entrepreneurial Mom". And half way through it - I started coughing - and couldn't stop. Then I lost my voice. It was embarrassing - but not enough to stop.

I had a chapter meeting that night and refused to pass it on for someone else to lead for the night. And by the night's end? I could barely swallow and I ached all over.

When I opened my eyes this morning, it hurt. The light of day actually hurt me. I no longer had any voice, and a fever had developed that sent chills across my body. I was officially sick - and despite trying to fight it - I lost the battle. And my body is now out of commission.

I have so many things on my plate right now - In my head, I keep telling myself that it's mind over matter....but my body is not willing to listen.

So now I have to delegate. Something I am not very good at.

If I can pass along any wisdom today to moms who may be feeling a bit under the weather and refuse to be gentle on themselves - take some time to rest, take it easy - don't let what happened to me, happen to you.

It's ok to allow ourselves some down time. And as hard as it is - deep down all the other things that seem "oh-so important" really aren't as important as I thought after all. When you don't have your health, you don't have anything.

So I'm headed off to bed now at 1pm in the afternoon, to simply rest. Even if I'm not happy about it - I know my body is.

Ok - I came across some amazing recipes the other day. And witih the US Thanksgiving just around the corner - I thought I would share them with readers. Although for Canadians, Thanksgiving is long past, we can still use these winter dishes to warm our tummies.

I also am trying very hard to lose some weight so although these dishes aren't very "weight conscious", I will be posting some in the coming week to help with those of us trying to lose the weight before Christmas. However, for now, let's just indulge ourselves a bit....

Roasted Squash With Prosciutto

2 ml ( 1/2 tsp) cinnamon

1 ml ( 1/4 tsp) nutmeg

2 ml ( 1/2 tsp) smoked paprika

150 ml (2/3 cup) maple syrup

1 butternut squash (about 2 kg/4 lb), peeled, seeded and cut to a 1-cm ( 1/2-inch) dice (about 2.25 l/9 cups cut)

250 g (8 oz) prosciutto, cut or torn into small pieces

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Heat oven to 200 C (400 F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika and maple syrup.

In a large bowl, place squash, then drizzle maple syrup mixture over it. Use a large spoon to toss squash to coat evenly. Add prosciutto and toss to distribute. Transfer squash to prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until squash is lightly browned at the edges. Season with salt and pepper.

Also, the leftovers can be turned into a soup. Combine the leftovers with a litre or two of chicken broth, some chopped carrots and potatoes and some leftover chicken or turkey (if celebrating Thanksgiving).

Ok - and this one is good for Brussel Sprouts. Although I seem to be the only one who is a fan of Brussel Sprouts - everyone in my family needs to have some sort of sauce overtop of them. So here is a good one to appease those who are a bit picky about them.

Sensational Brussel Sprouts

4 c. (2 lbs.) fresh brussel sprouts
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 c. milk
1 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. parsley

Wash, trim and cook sprouts until tender. Saute onion in butter until clear but not brown. Stir in flour, sugar, salt and mustard. Add milk and cook slowly until thickened. Blend in sour cream. Add sprouts and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley before serving. Serves 6.

Marvelous Macaroni and Cheese (not exactly a Thanksgiving dish - but a really good one for serving up to the troops on a cold evening)

2 c. (8 ounces) elbow macaroni
1 stick butter
1/4 cup minced onions
3 tbsp. flour
2 c. of milk or light cream
1/2 c. dry white wine (or water)
2 c. grated sharp cheddar (1/2 pound)
1/2 cup bread crumbs (topping)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Cayenne to taste 1/2 tsp. paprika

Bring 4 qt. salted water to a rapid boil and cook the macaroni until not quite tender. Drain macaroni and set aside.

In saute pan, melt 1/2 the stick of butter (or 4 tablespoons). When melted, stir in the breadcrumbs and toast just until lightly browned. Remove breadcrumbs from pan and set aside. Wipe pan clean with paper towel and re-use for next step. Breadcrumb topping: Melt remaining butter, add onions, and stir over low heat until onions are just translucent, but not browned. Stir in the flour and seasonings. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the wine, then gradually stir in the milk or cream.

Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is thickened and smooth. Add cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts.

Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce. Turn out into a generously buttered casserole dish (approximately 1 1/2 quarts). If you have any extra grated cheese, you can sprinkle this on top along with the 1/2 cup of buttered, toasted bread crumbs.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 20 minutes or until heated all the way through and golden brown on top.

Enjoy!

And if you have some recipes of your own - send them my way, and I will post them as well. Anything that saves moms time, goes far or makes homemade meals easier - I am all ears! :)