Is It Safe To Put Tupperware In The Microwave?

I've been on a journey to inform other moms about BPA in Tupperware. But, that only addresses one concern about Tupperware. What about putting Tupperware in the microwave? Is it safe?

For questions like this, I get my information from the Environmental Working Group. They're an American environmental organization that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability.

I'd like to err on the side of safety, so while corporations may have their own statement on microwaving their containers, they have a vested interest to sell their product. I'd rather get my information from somebody not interested in helping the corporation in question make a profit.

While the smaller question is "Is It Safe To Put Tupperware In The Microwave?" the bigger question is: "Is It Safe To Put Plastic In The Microwave?"

There is some evidence that some molecules - phthalates in some flexible plastic, and another chemical plasticizer DEHA - can migrate into high-fat foods such as meats or cheeses. And that's not just if you're microwaving plastic. Many environmentally conscious Web sites tell consumers to avoid wrapping high-fat foods in plastic altogether for fear that you'll end up eating minuscule plastic bits.

Step 1 - Is Your Plastic A Safe number?

First, determine if your plastic is safe for food. Here are the numbers deemed as safe for food:
#2, HDPE, a usually opaque plastic used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, toiletries and the like.
#4, LDPE, used for things like plastic bags, food storage, bread bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles.
#5, polypropylene, used for a wide variety of applications such as yogurt cups, medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, and straws.

If your item doesn't have a number on it, assume the worst, and throw it out. Better safe than sorry.

Step 2 - Is Your plastic In Perfect Condition?

The container must be completely free of scratches, dents, and bubbles. All of these things cause chemicals to leach out, and likely contaminating your food.

If your items pass both of these steps, then it is technically safe to microwave. However, if you're microwaving things often, I recommend using glass. That way, you know it's safe. You don't have to constantly inspect it for scratches or bubbles. 

There Are Many Alternatives To Plastic Food Storage

Looking for food storage alternatives? I like to go with good old glass. I store anything and everything in   mason jars & a few Glasslock Snapware Containers. I love they they don't stain, don't hold odors,  are easily washable, and can even be thrown in the dishwasher. :)

I'd love to know what you think about this post. Leave a comment letting me know.  

PS - BPA isn't the only toxin we're living with either. Be sure to check out my posts about toxic makeup foundation, toxic nail polish, as well as the harmful toxins found in hair dye. 

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For My Online Clothes-Shopping Divas - #MoreatSears

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sears for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Forget Facebook... the greatest thing I think the internet has done? It's made shopping for clothes MUCH easier!   With two kids, I hardly ever get a chance to go to the store and shop for clothes. The few times I have? I get so unbelievable frustrated trying to find the right size & fit that I almost always end up leaving empty-handed. Not fun, ya'll. Not fun at all.

 

One of the most discouraging feelings is finding something you love in the store, but only to realize someone snatched the last one in your size (we all can’t be size-stealing ninjas)! Lucky, Sears has a website that is exponentially larger than their stores, so they can carry more sizes and colors than you’d find at your local Sears! You migh just even find the same style in a color you like more! Want to have something to wear this Thursday? Have no fear - you can buy it online and schedule an in store pickup. Sears guarantees to have your item ready in 5 minutes or less, or you’ll get a $5 in store coupon! *Score!* So, head on over to Sears.com and pick up what you want! 

 

 

I'm loving these Kardashian Kollection jeans... aren't they cute? 

 

 

while you're there, you might get distracted by something shiny on the Sears website. See, in addition to having more colors and sizes on the website, Sears carries more brands and styles than they do in the store! Sears has stepped up their game with brands you’d never think you’d find on Sears.com. A few examples include: Ray Ban, Michael Kors, DeWalt Tools, Steve Madden, Nike, Vince Camuto, Tory Burch … the list goes on! Now you know: along with your favorite Sears brands, you can treat yourself to a few luxury designers without having to open another tab on your browser! 

 

And wait... there's even more! Every day, Sears is adding hundreds of new styles, colors and designers to the website. Not to overwhelm you (hope you’re good at decision making), but Sears is committed to ensuring every customer finds exactly what they want. Good thing internet space is unlimited, right?! I’m glad you read this, as you might have fallen off your chair when you saw Sears.com’s expanded assortment for yourself. Now that you have had a fair warning, head over to the website and treat yourself! Oh, and be sure tweet your new love of Sears and their featured marketplace offers and newest arrivals too! 

 

 

 

 

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Hopes For My Children

Thanks to Erin & The Mister for such an inspirational post: Hopes for our Children. Inspired by their post, I have written my own hopes for my children. Enjoy!

I hope my children question everything.

I hope my children have a sense of awe an wonder of everything in the universe.

I hope my children never do anything to please me, but rather to please themselves.

I hope my children have a lifelong love of learning.

I hope my children treat themselves with love and respect. 

I hope they know they will never have to do anything to earn my love - that I will love them no matter what. 

I hope they have fun, and truly enjoy their lives.

I hope they realize that happiness isn't about obtaining more, but in realizing that you already have everything you need. 

I hope they never feel the need to conform to what society thinks. 

I hope they take chances. 

I hope they follow their hearts. 

I hope they never put my hopes for them above their hopes for themselves.


What are your hopes for your children? Leave a comment below. :)

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Tree Hut: The First Step To Natural Beauty

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tree Hut for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm a big fan of natural products. In an effort to eliminate toxins from my daily routine, I've really changed up my beauty routine. It's hard to tell the non-toxic products from the toxic ones these days. Many products are made to seem non-toxic, when they're actually loaded with toxins. That's why I always check ingredients at http://www.ewg.org/skindeep before I use any new products. 

One brand I'm adding on my to-check list is Tree Hut.

 

Tree Hut Hand & Foot Care products are developed to keep hands and feet feeling smooth and healthy. I like that they use certified organic shea butter and natural oils and extracts make skin smooth and soft.

 

Foot Cream: 

• Certified Organic Shea Butter: skin repairing & moisturizing, anti-aging, promotes elasticity 

• Argan Oil: natural anti-aging properties 

• Rose Hip Oil: natural anti-aging properties 

• Non-greasy formula 

• Paraben Free and No DMDM 

• Made in the USA 

• Do not test on animals

 

Hand Cream: 

• Certified Organic Shea Butter: skin repairing & moisturizing, anti-aging, promotes elasticity 

• Aloe Vera: Nature’s soothing moisturizer 

• Peppermint Oil: Moisturizes skin 

• Paraben Free and No DMDM 

• Made in the USA 

• Do not test on animals

 

Foot Scrub: 

• Certified Organic Shea Butter: skin repairing & moisturizing, anti-aging, promotes elasticity 

• Real Sugar: Natural sugar exfoliates skin smooth 

• Peppermint Oil: Moisturizes skin 

• Paraben Free and No DMDM 

• Made in the USA 

• Do not test on animals

 

From the descriptions above, these seem like products that are right up my toxin-free alley. I'm excited to see how the ingredients they use rate on http://www.ewg.org/skindeep. Want to know more about the makers of  Tree Hut foot cream? Be sure to like Tree Hut on Facebook and follow Tree Hut on Twitter to stay up-do-date on the latest and greatest.

 

Have you used tree Hut products before? What do you think? Leave a comment below. 

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Cat Island In The Bahamas {Vacation Pics}

Who hasn't dreamed of jetting off to a private island... with beautiful blue water and white sand beach as far as our eyes could see? I certainly have, and last week, that dream I had to take a vacation to a private island became a reality. While technically Cat Island isn't a "private island", with a population of just 1,678, it sure felt like it. For one amazing week, out family was able to get away from everyday life, and escape our worries. Our front yard was the most beautiful beach I've ever seen... and we had it all to ourselves. It feels almost too good to be true!

It took us 12 hours to travel from Cleveland, Ohio to Cat Island, Bahamas. Seems a bit long? Well, it was. When traveling to places off the beaten path, you need to plan to spend some time traveling. So, how do you get to Cat Island? There are hardly any direct flights to Cat Island. We actually flew into Nassau, and hopped on local airline SkyBahamas from there. We ended up flying in on a 19-seat prop plane. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad... at least from what I've heard about flying in small airplanes. And, just when I got used to being in a small plane, we landed at the Arthur's Town Airport... certainly the tiniest airport I've ever been to.

Our host, Sooner Halvorson from the Halvorson House Villa Resort drove us from the airport right to our beautiful beachfront 2-bedroom 2-bathroom villa - The Seagrape House.

As we were unpacking, the resident horse, Gretchen, came by our villa - as if to greet her new guests. It was also an amazing photo opportunity. after all, it's certainly not every day you see this out your front door!

   After that... for the next few days, we simply relaxed, and enjoyed our vacation. :)

We were lucky enough to have Ken's parents come with us help watch the kids. It was certainly nice having them around.

It took a little time figuring out how to take two non-swimmers into the ocean for the first time.

We spent a lot of time just digging in the sand with the kids. 

Whenever I'd look up, I was greeted by the serene, secluded beach we were on. Even after a week, I still couldn't get over it... a vacation like this was a huge dream of mine... and I was actually living it.

I even caught an incredibly rare photo of my husband Ken -smiling!

Ariana playing in the sand... next to one of her favorite animals at the resort - Cherry the cat.

Ariana - watching her shadow.

While we were there, I decided to take a few pics of Ariana - to use as her official "2-year-old" pictures.

I also got this cute photograph of Ariana & Phoenix holding hands.

And, after many attempts, we even got a family photo!

One evening, we let the kids stay up late so we could have a bonfire on the beach. Ariana crawled right up onto Phoenix's chair, which was adorable. And, as a firefighter-in-training, Phoenix was beyond thrilled to have his first "camp fire"!

Phoenix really buddied up with Mattie Halvorson... it was fun to watch them play together.

Ken became the expert at digging mega-holes in the sand... big enough to fit an entire person!

And that puts a close on our family vacation to Cat Island. 

We had an amazing time on Cat Island, and I highly recommend our resort - Halvorson House Villa Resort. They have private oceanfront villas ranging from $129-$179 a night... and even smaller rooms for just $89 a night! I can't say enough good things about the Halvorson House. Be sure to check out their reviews in Trip Advisor as well. 

Things are finally winding down a bit after our big family vacation to Cat Island in the Bahamas. This was a long-needed, well-deserved vacation for our entire family. We've also made some amazing memories that will certainly last a lifetime. :)

As always, comments are always loved and appreciated. I personally read and respond to each and every one. :)

PS -  If you didn't already, be sure to check out why I chose Cat Island. 

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Breastfeeding A Toddler - With The Mombo Nursing Pillow {REVIEW}

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony. All opinions are 100% mine.
It's hard to believe my little Ariana is 22 months old! When she was born, I had hopes of breastfeeding her as long is it was working for the both of us. Well, so far, it's still going great!

Why Breastfeed A Toddler?

1. The longer a woman breastfeeds the more she reduces the risk of many illnesses to her child (such as childhood cancers) and risk of illness to herself (lower risk of breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer).
2. The current recommendations in the United States and worldwide are to breastfeed a minimum of 12 months, and preferably until the age of 2 or beyond.
3. Some babies have a stronger need to nurse longer, and it still continues to be beneficial for the child. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that all children, in both developed and undeveloped countries, be breastfed a minimum of two years, or beyond, and acknowledge that the average age of weaning worldwide is about four years old.
4. Recent research showing the benefits of breastfeeding longer, mothers are now encouraged to engage in "child-led weaning," which means mothers will know from their child's cues when they are ready to wean.
5. It's a wonderful bonding experience.
6. With a picky eater, it's great to be able to supplement their food during the day with nutrition-packed breastmilk.
7. It's easy! No sippy cups to wash... no dishes to do! Breastfeeding remains the easiest way to feed your baby!
   
   And... those are just a few reasons! There are so many more. 

So, why all of this talk about breastfeeding  Recently, I had the opportunity to review the Mambo nursing pillow. Even after breastfeeding Phoenix for 14 months, and Ariana for 22, I had never used a nursing pillow before. I had always thought they were just one of those frivolous accessories I could do without. And, while technically I did do without one - I had no idea what I was missing! Nursing Ariana with the Mombo is pure heaven! Since she's past the baby stage, nursing has become different. I no longer hold her in my arm, but set her on my lap. Positioning can be difficult. The That's where the Mombo comes in. It sets right on my lap - around my belly, giving Ariana a nice, soft, flat surface to lay on. I love how it supports her whole body, and positions her nicely to nurse. The Mombo Nursing pillow has been a wonderful, and welcome addition! The only problem? I wish I would have gotten one sooner!



Comfort & Harmony mombo Deluxe Slipcovers are available at BabiesRUs for $19.99. And, for the record, it's soft polyestor on one side and plush boa to provide extra softness and the ultimate comfort. The Comfort & Harmony mombo Nude COVERLESS Nursing Pillow & Infant Positioner is available at babiesRUs for $29.99, but is currently on sale for $24.99.

I recommend the Mombo nursing pillow to any mother who is currently breastfeeding, or who is preparing to breastfeed her new baby. You can check out all of Mombo's products at Babies R Us.  :) Want to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest from the makers of Mombo? Be sure to like Comfort & Harmony on Facebook and follow Comfort & Harmony on Twitter.

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Our Family Vacation - Cat Island, The Bahamas

I had always wanted to sneak away to a secluded island. No televisions. No internet. No telephones. Just me and the island. For the longest time, I thought that this "dream vacation" was out of my reach. Then, I decided I was wrong.

There was no reason that I couldn't go on my dream vacation. Instead of using kids as a reason to not go on such a crazy, wild vacation, they became the reason why I had to go. So, a few months ago, we threw caution to the wind, and booked out family a vacation on Cat Island in The Bahamas.

So... Why Cat Island?

I've been fortunate to have been to some amazing places before kids... including Nassau (where Ken & I got married), Maui, Oahu, Cancun, and more. These places were amazing, but they were also touristy. My favorite place... in the world had been was when we went to Tulum, Mexico... and had visited a Mayan Village. Small thatched huts, little to no electricity, and the happiest people in the world. It was life. Just life... and I wanted to experience that again. 

So, I started researching small islands, and came upon Cat Island. There are no big-name resorts... only privately-owned villas. As one of The Bahamas least-explored islands, I immediately knew this was the place for us.

What sealed the deal for me was finding the Halvorson House. Those of you who know me know that I'm a bit of a penny-pincher. Finding a 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom villa on a private beach in the Bahamas for $150 a night was just something I couldn't pass up. *squee* I'm still patting myself on the back for finding this place. More about that later. :) What you need to know now is that for six days, our family joined the 1,678 residents of Cat Island, and had the vacation of a lifetime.

The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences." ― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

So... Why Now? 

It is no coincidence I booked our family's vacation to Cat Island right after the Sandy Hook shooting. As a mother, the events that happened there weighed on my heart heavily. It was a very real reminder to me that none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow. I felt a desire to stop putting off things until another day. I felt a desire to do follow the dreams I have for my family as soon as possible.

“The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.” ― Leo Babauta

We just got back last night, so there's a lot of catching up I need to do. I'm hoping to go through the photos from out nice camera sometime this week. Until then, here are two little gems I took via Instagram. Enjoy!

A crazy-beautiful pic I had to take. A week with no tv, no Internet, no phones, just this. :)

Day 1: Right after we arrived, the resident horse, Gretchen, followed us to our villa... giving me a photo opp I couldn't pass up.

Is there something you've been wanting to do, but keep putting off? I'd love to hear about it. Leave a comment below. 

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Digital Decluttering: Linkedin

Since giving Facebook the boot, I've been motivated to digitally declutter a bit more. My next social network to go is LinkedIn. Why? Well, for me, this one was a no-brainer. I never use it. It never got me that dream job it promised. Plus, I hardly ever log into it anyways, so even if I were to get some hypothetical dream job, I'd never even know about it. To me, that's enough to give LinkedIn the boot.

It feels good to be off of one more social network. I'm also trying to be a bit more selective about what information I make available online. Yes, I know I have a blog... but that's different than a site like LinkedIn. LinkedIn shares a bit more private information. Is it necessary to share my entire employment history with the world? Right not, I don't feel like it is. There is just so much information available about me "out there" that I just want to take back some control of it all.

Do you use LinkedIn? Do you know anyone who has gotten a job from it? Leave a comment.

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