Balancing Motherhood

For the past couple of years, I’ve been following the debate about sunscreens and what is considered safe. As a native Floridian, I understand the importance of protecting your skin — year-round. The Dr. Oz Show did a great report recently on the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens.

Here’s the gist of the talk:

• Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin.
• Chemical sunscreens contain endocrine disruptors, which some say are dangerous once inside the body.
• Physical sunscreens are not absorbed, they sit on top of the skin. They can be thick because they can’t be rubbed in.
• A physical sunscreen is one that contains Zinc or Titanum, or both.
• Both chemical and physical sunscreens protect from UVA and UVB rays.

Get the information directly from Dr. Oz and his guests by watching all three parts of this video (they are really short segments, worthy of the time) below:

1. Dr. Oz Investigates: Is Your Sunscreen Poisonous? Part one.
2. Dr. Oz Investigates: Is Your Sunscreen Poisonous?Part two.
3. Dr. Oz Investigates: Is Your Sunscreen Poisonous?Part three.

And, here’s a great article from the New York Times that also talks about the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens: What to look for in a Sunscreen.  Dr. Oz said he would be having his family use physical sunscreens, but one of the experts said she is happy if people just use sunscreen at all.

Image credit: www.sxc.hu/photo/1296739

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These days I think I’m updating the blog, but then realize I haven’t posted a thing in May …. and it’s May 8 already!

Last night I put together some teacher appreciation gifts. If you still need something for your kid’s teachers, I found a lot of great (free) printables. My favorite are from Living Locurto and made simple, inexpensive gifts.

I was stressing out, not wanting to give teachers food. I figure they are going to get a ton of things they may never want to eat or use. Then, I realized that I needed to do something that was meaningful — and that fit into my hectic schedule. I opted for Milano cookies in a sandwich bag, topped with a cute polka-dot header that says “thanks, you’re sweet.” On the reverse, I used a Sharpie pen to mark a handwritten message to each teacher with my child’s name. I have to tell you, these turned out super cute. I’m probably going to use them as a birthday party thank you next time I throw a party.

Even though this project was quick and simple, I want to give a shout out to all teachers (especially those who are teaching my children). They work so hard and truly care about our kids. Teachers, thank you for all you do!

Related:

Here’s a list of 35 free printables. Some of these looked great, but I didn’t have enough time to use them.

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I’m starting to get excited about my upcoming MBA graduation. It’s been a long time coming. I get to “walk” in the ceremony this weekend, but won’t actually get my diploma until the end of the summer. I have two final classes to take this summer, then it will be official. So, I’ve got a few more months of this super crazy schedule, then … then, my dear readers I will be able to focus all my attention on BalancingMotherhood.com. I am so excited about this prospect. I have plans … boy, do I have plans.

I’m working on a content plan that will expand topics to include more food and recipes, as well as posts about women and business. There’s a lot swirling around in my head right now and I’m putting all my ideas down so I can bring them to fruition on the blog this fall. I know that seems like a long time from know since we haven’t even officially hit summer yet, but it will be here before you know it. In the meantime, I’ll keep popping in here with interesting information or things I find to share. Hope you all are excited about summertime heading this way!

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Last night’s episode of “Modern Family” portrayed new mom Gloria, desiring to be the one everyone said, “how DO you do it ALL?” I could relate to this as I think many women can. We do try to do it all and we want people to recognize us for this effort.

Gloria rattled off a laundry list of things she had to accomplish that day and none of it even included watching and caring for her new baby or older son. Yet what she really wanted was a day for herself at the spa. It’s the age-old balancing act for which we all strive.

I’m in this situation right now: demanding, full-time job; MBA student; wife; and mother of two young kids. How DO I do it ALL? The truth is that I don’t. Each day I have to prioritize. Is today’s priority going to be attending my son’s school play? Is it working on my presentation for school? Last week, it was subbing for my husband at the “Donuts for Dads” event at my kid’s school because Dad was on a business trip. Each day is different and requires unique choices. One day soon it will be a spa day like Gloria, but for now I just enjoy the day as it presents itself and do all that I can.

Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/801317

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