Kid-friendly Summer Luau Party

Everybody loves a luau!  A kid friendly luau party is a great way to celebrate the end of school and kick off summer.  Here are some great tips to transform your home into an island paradise!
 

1. Decor.  Decorating for a luau party is really fun and easy.  You can hit up your local party or dollar store and score tons of FANTASTIC luau/Hawaiian themed decor or you can make your own.   To "set the scene" gather poster board, paint and scissors. You can create everything from a sandy beach to ocean waves or a sunny sun and palm tree.  Layer in some tropical colored paper plates, utensils and table cloths.  Before you know it the tunes of The Beach Boys will be playing in your head!
2. Food.  Fresh fruit is a must!  Meat or veggie Kabobs are also a good idea to fit in with the luau theme.  For something sweet try coconut ice cream or pineapple upside down cake! 
3. Activities.  Creating seashell frames or learning the hula dance are both fun but to really get your kiddos going have them compete in a tropical relay.  Divide the players into to two teams.  Relay racing back and forth as they dress and undress in beach themed attire (grass skirts, shorts, sunglasses, sun hat, leis caring a beach bag and chair.)  The quickest team to dress and undress everyone wins!

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Easy Kids' Birthday Party Ideas: A Candy Bar

Nothing like sugar rush at a birthday party! My easy and fun tip - A CANDY BAR! Kids love it! Gumballs and Lemonheads are my faves and cute take home Chinese boxes for kids to scoop and take treats home!

HAPPY GUILT FREE MOTHER'S DAY!

How Mother’s Day is typically celebrated by moms and how Father’s Day is typically celebrated by dads is as different as men and women are across the board. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband. We have been together for 22 years and married for over 16 years. Yes, I married my high school and college sweetheart (do I hear an awww?!). However, depending on how you look at it, the benefit (or detriment) of being together for so long is that you lose the ability to always be polite in everyday circumstances. Can you relate?

Celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is no different. I used to be "polite" about it. I am not anymore. Which makes me contemplate "how did I get to this point?" After thinking about it, I decided these things contributed to my Mother’s Day metamorphosis:  aging,  I am no longer a “new mom”, rather “experienced” or “seasoned” and lack of time and energy to be “polite” all the time to family unit. Recognizing these things I know, the Mother’s Day itself didn’t change, my husband didn't change, it was me. I had changed along the journey of motherhood over the years. I was surprised as any...

Used to be on Mother’s Day, I delighted in being woken up at the crack of dawn by my three young daughters. They would pile on my bed and smother me with little kisses. Eventually somebody would start to cry or get their “feelings hurt” which would prompt us all to swiftly get out of bed and start breakfast as a distraction. Tradition had it back then, that my girls (6 and under) would help make breakfast for mommy on Mother’s Day. (That is code for little precious hands making one gigantic mess.) Nonetheless, I didn't mind. I loved it. We would then hurry upstairs to get dressed for church. I barely rinse off with no time to wash my hair. I would sit in church feeling exhausted. After church we would go on a family walk and maybe plant some flowers together in the front yard. All things I loved doing, but something was starting to shift each May and I could not put my finger on it.

I started to feel guilty.

There I said it. I started to daydream about what I really wanted on Mother’s Day. It required no trip to the mall, no money at all, actually - and, yet it was priceless to me. It was TIME...time by myself on Mother’s Day.  That felt so weird to me that in fact, for years I ignored what I would daydream about -  sleeping in on Mother’s Day (alone in my bed after 6AM), not cleaning up after breakfast and to top off the morning, taking a long hot shower (by myself) where I actually had the time to wash AND condition my hair AND shave my legs before going to church.

Then, it happened, I started to notice the man I married and loved and his ability to NOT feel guilty about anything he wanted on Father’s Day. The difference is, he has owned it from day one of being a dad. No guilt and no apologies. Every Father’s Day he gets up and goes for a run, we go to church as a family and he goes to play golf. He is not even that passionate about playing golf, but he looks forward to doing it every Father’s Day. We cookout as a family and ta da...he is recharged and happy. Duh!

So with that, I started to take note from my own husband on how to handle this transition for me. I just owned it. The joke of it is, everybody was unphased by it. Totally okay - no big deal. The joke is on me, I guess. So the lesson is, don’t feel guilty for wanting time for yourself this Mother’s Day. Take a walk with your kiddos bickering, take a shower and enjoy conditioning your hair for three whole minutes! As women and moms, sometimes guilt just comes along with the territory, but take from me, once you get passed it, it can set you free!

So with that and in the spirit of Mother’s Day I encourage you to take the official “Mom Oath.” Own it, live it and know how amazing and awesome you are on Mother’s Day and every day!

The Mom Oath

Today I tried my best. Although I feel exhausted and sometimes defeated by the time I have put away the laundry for the 84th time, I vow to celebrate how awesome I am as a mom. No need to focus on the fact that I have not gone to the bathroom alone in years – I am awesome. I believe that staying up until midnight labeling every item of clothing my child owns before she goes to camp will make a difference before they trash their “camp clothes” – I am awesome. I will not feel guilty that my kids have only consumed chicken nuggets and mac n’ cheese the past two weeks – I am awesome. I believe that starting my Christmas shopping for my kids in July is not crazy, but a necessity in order to get it all done by December – I am awesome. I vow not to get depressed and shake my head when it takes them 1.2 seconds to unwrap all the Christmas gifts I so lovingly wrapped – I am awesome. I will not allow the fact that my college degree is being put to use as a chauffeur (without any tip) – I am awesome. I promise that sounding like my mother when I discipline my kids doesn't make me feel like I am losing my mind – I am awesome. I vow to let go of the notion that perfection can be maintained everyday - I am awesome. I will, from this day forward, enjoy the moments of imperfection and NOT feel guilty - I am awesome!

To all you awesome moms...Happy Mother’s Day!

Save on SPANX

Now, let me be very, very clear - I am NOT suggesting that you need SPANX. Trust me, I would NEVER do that. But, I use SPANX religiously to keep the jiggle to a minimum - especially in the rear and tummy area ravaged by childbearing and less youngness.

But, let's be honest. SPANX ain't cheap - and this mom can use every money saving tip around - so I wanted to share one of Gilt Groupe's sales today - ON SPANX!

I'm going to spare the pictures for this post, as they might be considered NSFW (not suitable for work) - and be warned there are SPANX clad women (of course) modeling the SPANKS on the Gilt site. Anyway ...

Here are just a few of my SPANX favorites that I personally recommend (I'm 5'5" and a size 12 FWIW - and yes, I just told you that).

• SPANX Power Panties - Regularly $30 on Gilt for $23
• SPANX Bra-lleluja Minimizer Bra - Regularly $62 on Gilt for $39
• SPANX Tight-End Tights High-Wasted Convertable - Regularly $38 on Gilt for $22 ***THESE ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, I'M STOCKING UP FOR NEXT WINTER!!!!***

There are a ton of other SPANX options on Gilt today - but remember that you have to be a member and they do tend to sell out. If you follow any of the links in this post you'll be asked to register or login if you're already a member.

(Not familiar with Gilt Group? Registering is free, and you get access to daily deals on tons of (mostly) luxury items.)

Enjoy!

Ask Mommy Magic - Pediatric & Kids Orthodontics

Mommy Magic receives hundreds of emails a week filled with questions and concerns that come up through out the parenting journey.  We're kicking off a new feature where we ask YOUR questions to trusted experts - Introducing "Ask Mommy Magic". A new series of blog posts featuring in depth conversations about popular parenting topics. 
 
This month we dive into the world of Pediatric & Kids' Orthodontics!  If you haven't heard braces are a big deal emotionally, physically and monetarily!  I'm so lucky to personally know Jeffery Biggs, DDS, MS of Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics. I asked him to respond to several of the most FAQ about Pediatric & Kids' Orthodontics.
 
What are the early symptoms of childhood orthodontic problems?
 
I believe that most parents recognize for themselves that their children are developing orthodontic problems simply by observation, since crowding of teeth, and some jaw issues are fairly obvious.  Some children will develop speech and swallowing problems as well as difficulty keeping their teeth clean because of severe crowding, at an early age.  Some will even express concern regarding discomfort in their teeth due to extra pressure caused by the crowding.  These are the reasons why the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists adopted an early screening recommendation at the age of 7 as the standard of care for children.  A referral from a dentist is not required for an child's orthodontic consultation in our office.
 
What are the consequences of my child not getting needed early orthodontic treatment?
 
Unlike years ago, when some children did not get orthodontic treatment unless the teeth looked really bad, we now understand the long-term dental health benefits of establishing aligned teeth and a good bite.  A malocclusion (bad bite), can result in worn and broken down teeth, gum and bone problems, difficulty chewing, and temporomandibular joint problems.  Some children need orthodontic treatment at a young age, sometimes as early as 7, while they are young and growing.  Others may not need treatment until the age of 11 or 12, when all their adult teeth have erupted.  It is important to identify those children needing early orthodontic treatment and/or full orthodontic treatment at the right age.
 
At what age should my children start orthodontic treatment?
 
The age at which to start children's orthodontic treatment is an independent decision based on growth and development of each child’s teeth and jaws.  Some of the more severe problems are evident as early as age 7, which is why it is the recommendation and standard of care to screen for these types of problems at that age.  Upon screening and examination, we determine whether or not the type of problem the child has would benefit from or require early orthodontic treatment, or if it can be delayed until they are older and all the adult teeth have erupted.  Failure to start orthodontic treatment at the proper age can result in more complex issues, longer treatment times, extraction of permanent teeth, and additional costs. Therefore, early screening around the age of 7 is appropriate for all children, whether or not they need early orthodontic treatment.
 
What questions should I ask a prospective orthodontist for my child?
 
It is important for parents to ask the necessary questions to make them comfortable with why an orthodontist might recommend early treatment for their child, or simply observe them until they are older.  Unfortunately, parents remember their personal experiences with orthodontic treatment, when patient management and mechanics were much different. Therefore, the current orthodontic process is important for parents to understand.  It is also important for parents to ask the orthodontist what makes their practice different from other orthodontic practices.  There are significant differences in not only the practice, but the orthodontists themselves.  Choosing an orthodontist is more of a serious decision than people realize since not all orthodontic practices and orthodontists are the same.  Knowing more about the orthodontist’s practice philosophy and patient care expectations is important.  Length of treatment and expected finished treatment results are important factors to discuss.  Also, whether or not the child’s treatment can avoid complex issues like extractions,headgears, and other more difficult procedures is important to understand.  For example, headgear is never used in our practice.
 
What is having braces like for my child?
 
Having braces is much different now than it was years ago.  Check to be sure the orthodontist has moved forward with the times, and is utilizing some of the newer and more technologically advanced orthodontic products.  Our office uses state-of-the art brackets and archwires from 3M Unitek Corporation that help to deliver orthodontic treatment in an extremely efficient and comfortable manner.  Our brackets and wires are smaller, more comfortable, and provide very little or no discomfort to the patient.  Due to specific advances in technology, less frequent appointments also reduce some of the difficulties that kids and parents faced years ago.  Most children today can be treated for their orthodontic problem with braces in approximately 12-18 months, and only need to be seen at the orthodontist’s office every 8-12 weeks.
 
Will my child have any limitations with braces?
 
The possibility of being limited to an incomplete orthodontic correction exists with all children, depending their pre-existing orthodontic problems.  The teeth, bones, jaws, and jaw joints, all play into whether or not any limitations could be expected.  Those limitations should be identified early in the process so that parents can understand the impact it may have on the outcome of their child’s treatment.  These would be discussed with parents early in the process, when possible.  Some limitations, such as incomplete corrections, can develop in the midst of treatment due to failure to comply with instructions or unforeseeable growth or developmental changes.
 
Limitations because of orthodontic treatment include some dietary restrictions.  There are very few limitations with extra-curricular activities, such as sports and playing musical instruments.  These would be discussed in detail with the patients.
 
 
To obtain more information regarding the right age for an orthodontic screening or general questions and concerns check out the American Association of Orthodontists(AAO) www.braces.org.
 
For more information about Jeffery Biggs, DDS, MS and Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics go to
www.indyortho.com.  

You can also contact Dr. Biggs at biggs@indyortho.com or in the office, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics.9333 N. Meridian St., Ste. 301, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Tel: (317) 846-1455 Fax: (317) 843-0626