"Those are cool shoes!"

These are the best shoes - EVER! They are called Vibram Fivefingers and they are like going barefoot. They are not fancy but do come in a variety of colors. They are adjustable, versatile, washable, super comfortable, and I have been wearing mine for a year now and the only thing bad is they smell like feet :) I only have one pair - because they are a pricey investment - and they don't get washed as often as they should because I am wearing them all the time!
[Those are the ones I have - pictured right]

They are the perfect mom shoe. They do not show any major wear spots, I can slip them on and go out the door. I am always getting complimented on them by people in the world. They say things like, "Those are awesome shoes!" or "Where did you find them?" In my area of the world, I got them here:

Nearly Barefoot Sandals
350 N. Atlantic Ave.
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-784-2244

The other question I get is, "What are they for/What can you use them for?" I tell them that you can use them in water sports, rock climbing, weight training, walking, running, Yoga, stuff like that. I use them for chasing around after a three year old :) which is much like these sports sometimes!

They also make different styles, the Sprint with straps and the Flow that covers more of the foot. And how do my feet feel? Great! Absolutly wonderful! I do have trouble walking around Disney parks all day, but most everyone does no matter what they are wearing. Here are some health benefits that come from wearing Vibram Fivefingers. And no, sadly I am not getting anything from this company to say these things. It is just a great product I feel more of the world needs to know about!

CHALLENGE!!

The Butterfly Project

In an effort to remember them, Holocaust Museum Houston is collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies. The butterflies will eventually comprise a breath-taking exhibition, currently scheduled for Spring 2012, for all to remember. As of Summer 2008, we have already collected an estimated 400,000 butterflies.

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How may butterflies can you make?

Support you local BirthNetwork!

Top 10 Reasons to Join a Birth Network

10. Education is essential! Many Birth Networks offer continuing education and training opportunities, often at a discount for members.

9. It’s all about networking… a Birth Network, that is. Discover how to promote your business through this new outlet.

8. Help expecting moms in your area find doulas, childbirth classes and fitness programs by sending them to your Birth Network’s referral list.

7. Do you or one of your clients feel disheartened by a recent birthing experience? Learn how to effect change in maternity care by becoming active within your Birth Network.

6. Has your two-year-old worn out his welcome in your current play group? Find out what your Birth Network has to offer.

5. Learn more about the hottest new book on birth or breastfeeding through your Birth Network’s resource list.

4. Earn brownie points and be “in the know” by referring new parents to your Birth Network for a list of local lactation consultants, parenting classes and pediatricians.

3. Everyone needs a night out—make it educational by attending a speaker’s event, movie screening or fundraiser at your local Birth Network.

2. Who isn’t looking to save a buck in this economy? Many Birth Networks offer discounts and perks at local shops or online partners.

1. Finally, a place to meet other people who are crazy about birth!

If you can’t find a Birth Network in your area, consider starting one of your own. Visit the Lamaze Web site to find tools, tips and resources, including information on how to apply for a mini-grant to support your Birth Network.

And now...your moment of Zen:

"The 'normal' way that women in the United States give birth -- laying prone in a room full of strangers -- is not the natural way."

[Read a good article on the Orgasmic Birth movie here.]

I know it's silly but...

I am really the only one in my family to enjoy beer (except my Husband just finished his first beer last night! He usually grimaces - doesn't like the stuff), not that I drink to excess (well, only once ;o) and I am definitely NOT drinking right now being pregnant (though there are some days I do crave it...). But I was looking forward to free beer at Sea World when we took our girls in 2-3 years and I was not breastfeeding as much...oh well......

Of all the things to take away!

Of course on the other side of things, I really do hate to see this privilege abused - like when those idiot drunks are trying to make their way thru the theme parks and have not drank enough water or eaten enough to offset the alcohol...OR when they offer beer at events like Halloween Horror Nights and such...it is something perhaps they could do without...
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No More Free Beer At Sea World, Busch Gardens

Hospitality Centers To Close Within Month

The owner of SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa has decided to stop offering free beer samples at the parks. Busch Entertainment Corp. said it will stop offering free samples of beer at hospitality centers at the parks. Beer will continue to be available for purchase. The company said it will retain the employees who worked at the centers.

The hospitality center at SeaWorld Orlando will close on Feb 1 and be turned into a restaurant. The one at Busch Gardens in Tampa also will become a place to eat after it closes at the end of January.

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Well, I hope the restaurants are good!

National Delurking Week!

"Let it be known, it is officially... NATIONAL DELURKING WEEK... What is delurking week you say? Good question... It is the week all the lurkers out there finally own up to the fact that they visit blogs. If you read a blog and have never commented, you leave a comment and let the blogger know that you are a reader of their thoughts. Not too tough, eh?"

Homebirth! This comic from 'Mama Is' says it all! We are also planning a homebirth for our second daughter in Feb 2009. It will be a different experience than last time, but we are going for a more positive birth this one around.

Somethings I did differently this pregnancy:

• Took Prenatal Yoga
• Chiropractor visits at least once a week
• Midwife (not an OB)
• Much healthier diet (Brewer Diet)
• Am not mowing the lawn
• TRYING to take it easier....(with a 3 year old, makes things more challenging...)