Robin Wilson

My Maternity Clothes Shopping Secrets...

Buying clothing for six to nine months – items you may never wear again – can be a huge challenge to your budget, especially because it is like buying an entire wardrobe for work and play for a few short months. I will regale you with my adventure in shopping for maternity wear…

Imagine weighing more than you ever have, and overheating in five seconds because you climbed up four stairs…you want cotton, you want lightweight, you want layers – so you can perspire comfortably, know that it will dry with minimal odor and you can shed a layer or two for a moment. So do not be seduced by the $5 bin of cheap fabrics and manmade materials which is not the way to go…even though they may be non-iron!

 Another big tip is to buy as you go along…you only need a few items when you first start showing, and later, you will need more as you start to outgrow the clothing. Most importantly, you want basics – and the best shopping list compiled by a group of my friends is as follows:

• Black pants with elastic waistband
• Khaki pants with elastic waistband
• Basic black dress for work/dinner/events that has a V-neck, full skirt and a wrap tie at the back as you grow
• Long tops in various colors/patterns that can be worn over the elastic waistband of your pants
• Two to four sleeveless tanks that allow layering
• Flat shoes/sandals in black that do not require buckles or lacing, and can be put on your feet without bending to adjust

Maternity clothes can range from $5 to $500 per piece…and it is very important that you set a budget for the entire pregnancy – and try to buy on sale. So many discount retailers (H&M, Target and Wal-Mart), specialty stores (Gap Maternity) are options. Plus, major department stores such as Macy’s have entire departments that carry lines such as A Pea in a Pod and Motherhood Maternity.

Whatever you do, buy the best quality you can afford, and try to stay away from synthetic fabrics – especially if you are pregnant during the summer – or you may realize only one chance to wear a cute item!

 

Product Review: FLOR carpet tiles (made in the USA)

We love FLOR Carpet tiles for our nursery since we did not wish to make a permanent investment in wall-to-wall carpet. Plus, we learned that these tiles are washable, which will be very helpful with a new baby and toddler who might have an accident. We selected a pattern which is whimsical, a reminder of the cartoon version of Alice and Wonderland. Remember the Cheshire cat with purple and lavender stripes, surround by the green tree leaves? It’s a bit of whimsy, with a sophisticated checkerboard pattern, and a border of green.

Our nursery has wide-plank hardwood floors which we will eventually want to uncover after the toddler moments have passed, and if we had installed wall-to-wall carpet, the hardwood floors would be damaged with either glue or nails. Plus, if there were an accident, we would have to replace the carpet for the entire room, which is both impractical and wasteful. The FLOR system, with its unique way to mitigate noise, prevent hard bumps and mix & match colors and patterns, was the best solution! 

Using a system of adhesive glue dots that stick to the back of the tiles, the carpet tiles appear to be permanent, but they are simply interconnected. Should an accident occur, all you have to do is "pop" up the tile that is damaged, wash it, and replace it once dry. We loved learning that the sealed backing does not allow moisture to impact the hardwood surface - which allows for evaporation or to blot the liquid instead.  Also, these are wool fibers, not a petroleum based fiber product, so we are not introducing toxins into our nursery.

FLOR tiles are modular and should we ever decide to move, we will be able to pick up the tiles and reinstall them in another location. All we will have to do is order more adhesive dots. But the most eco-friendly part of this company is their mission to remain a pioneer in recycling. If you are ready to recycle your FLOR tiles, the firm will allow you to return tiles to a store or send them back with a pre-paid UPS label - and then they will recycle the tiles by separating the fibers and the backing to allow reuse. Love the environmental responsibility of this company!

There are hundreds of mix & match colors, patterns and textures from FLOR and it will be fun for you to review their many options for your home or nursery!

 

Newly Married and Starting A New Family...

The nursery school rhyme we have heard all of our lives… “…First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage…” So now, it’s time to publicly announce a few changes in my life…I got married in 2011 and we are now expecting our first child in 2012…

For so long, I expected this series of events to occur in my 20s, then maybe my 30s, but was okay by 40 if it did not happen…and what a special surprise to have year 41 change my entire life!

 So what are a few tidbits that you might enjoy learning:

 

1. Meeting your match: he was in my circle of friends for the past 15 years, but I never told my friends that I wanted to date seriously until that day in early 2011.
2. Timing is everything: if I met him a few years earlier, both of us might not have been ready, so that old saying is true…
3. Balance is Possible: if you try not to be a perfectionist in your personal and professional life, balance is possible…but if you are a newlywed, you might have to leave the office before 9pm and have dinner with your spouse, and try to make time on weekends to have fun activities, not just errands…just don’t expect it to be easy for the first year as it takes a bit of practice.
4. Change the Shower Curtain: for the past several years, I have told women to change to a nylon shower curtain liner (instead of vinyl) as it has been documented to affect fertility in women. Guess what, he had a vinyl shower curtain…and I changed it one weekend because of the grunge at the hem, but the added benefit was due to the fact that we had been trying to get pregnant for three months…and after changing that curtain, we were pregnant one month later…
5. Know about Credit: the hardest discussion to have is often about fiscal issues, but rather than breaking it down into dollars and cents, the real conversation should be about credit scores and liabilities. For example: someone could have very little cash, but it is due to paying off debts, and the hard work of improving credit scores…or they could lead a flashy lifestyle that is financed by credit cards and live precariously from paycheck to paycheck. Which one is best if you want to buy a house one day?

I guess the quick summary is that being married is a great accomplishment, but having a child is another milestone – and am thrilled to let you in on the next stage of my life. Am also excited to begin furnishing an eco-friendly home and nursery. Stay tuned!

 

Ten Tips to Reduce Sugar Intake

Sugar, sugar, sugar! The addictive substance that makes us crave everything that is not good for us, while at the same time creating rising rates of diabetes and cavities. But, few of us can live without it - so it is important to share a few simple tips that might help you and your family reduce your sugar intake. And in the meantime, this summer, pick up a glass of water or a piece of fruit, instead of a sugary drink or candy. Read the Tips

Top 10 Home Hazards for Children

 According to SafeKids, a non-profit organization – more than 2,000 children under the age of 14 die as a result of injuries in the home. And here is the list of the most prevalent issues for families to be aware of:

 

#10      Small Toys and Foods that can create a choking hazard. NOTE: if the toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, then it is too small. And monitor a child while eating grapes, hotdogs and popcorn.

 

#9        Cleaning Supplies & Pesticides are toxic to adults…and your child can have a stronger rate of breathing and smaller body mass which means that the concentration in their bodies can be deadly.

 

#8        Bathtubs & Mop Pails are not safe if children are too young to support themselves; drowning can occur in 15 seconds.

 

#7        Firearm safety is becoming an issue as we hear more about children taking a weapon to school or accidentally “playing” with a sibling. Make sure you know if a child is visiting a family that has firearms. And if you have one, make sure that the weapon is stored with a safety and your child is educated that this is not a toy.

 

#6        Pills and Alcohol can be deadly as some people forget to child-proof medications and they forget that “fruity drinks” at a picnic can taste like a slurpee and alcohol poisoning can result. Never refer to pills as “candy” or the child may think it is okay to eat.

 

#5        Burns. Stoves can be the biggest issue, but most people forget about the microwave. Imagine the child trying to warm up a cup of cocoa or bowl of soup/oatmeal and then dropping it…a third degree burn in less than five seconds from a cup of hot coffee.

 

#4        Cribs & Crib Bedding can suffocate a child if they are tangled in the crib. While that “amazing bedding may look great, the only items that should be in a baby crib are mattress, sheet and blanket. And don’t buy the cheapest crib because the adhesives used to glue it together could have formaldehyde. If you want to check on products that have been recalled, visit www.cpsc.gov to research

 

#3        Bookcases, Stoves & Larger Furniture can topple when a child uses it to leverage when they are reaching for something; make sure it is anchored to the wall. If you store cookies and candy at the top, a child may not have impulse control and may try to “climb” the bookcase. And imagine if a child opens the oven door and stands on the door to reach something on the stove and you forget to install a ‘bracket’

 

#2        Window Screens & Flimsy Fences Around Pools. Imagine a child leaning on the window screen that is only meant to keep a bug out; or a flimsy fence around a pool when kids are playing tag.

 

#1        Cords from televisions, window treatments, lamp cords, or athletic equipment (note: Mike Tyson). And beware of any toy with a 7” or longer string as that is a bit smaller than the size of a child’s neck.

  

(Robin Wilson presented this list on Sept. 18, 2009 on Martha Stewart Radio, on "Living Today" hosted by Mario Bosquez - Sirius Satellite Radio)

Is Your Home Making You Sick?

Are You Sleeping in a Chemical Factory?

Sick building (and now "sick home") syndrome is not a new phenomenon, and it was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency in a 1994 report regarding indoor air pollution. In the report, one learns that air inside the home can be up to 3-5 times as polluted as outside air. The report cites a main culprit as volatile organic compounds - emitted as gases that can contain harmful chemicals. Reactions can include sinus irritation, nausea and headaches - and some people think it is just a cold.

Paint is only one source of VOCs which in a newly painted room can "off-gas" for up to a year. Pressed-wood furniture, permanent press fabric and mattress ticking also release VOCs, including formaldehyde. And using non-organic sheets, towels and clothing can also introduce you to pesticides.

It is virtually impossible to stay away from all these products, but you can definitely implement a few measures to improve your VOC and toxin exposure:

• Change your air-conditioner/heater filter on a monthly basis
• Utilize cotton towels and sheets and hypoallergenic pillows
• Speak to your plant horticulturist about plants that filter air
• Use energy efficient lighting such as LED lighting by JUNO or CREE
• Review the cleaning products used in your home
• Know what type of rugs and carpets are used in your home (nylon/vinyl backed is not good!)
• Once a week, open the windows for just 30 minutes

Eliminate Dust in Your Sleeping Area

With asthma, allergies and pollen season, you can reduce some of your triggers and give your body a rest by creating a "dust-free" bedroom. Dust contains mold, fiber, animal dander and critters called dust mites - who feed on particles in bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting/rugs. Warm weather is a great breeding time for dust mites, so you may see particles in sunlight which is the dead mites and thier waste products. Yuck!

So, if you read the guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, you will learn that you should get medical care as needed, but first, you want to try to eliminate triggers from your bedroom.

HOW TO PREP YOUR SPACE TO BE DUST FREE?

1. Remove everything from the room (incl. clothing, furniture) as though you were moving out.
2. Mop or steam clean the flooring.
3. Use a mixture of 1 parts bleach to 4 parts water in a spray bottle and spray lightly on a cloth. Wipe the walls and corners near floor.
4. Wash all clothing items before replacing in closet. (*A good time to give to charitable causes*)
5. Keep clothing that is not worn frequently in zippered bags and shoes in non-paper boxes off floor.
6. Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and sleep in a hardwood floor with rugs that can be cleaned.
7. Wipe hardwood floors, tile or linoleum floors with water, tung oil or other cleaning solutions.
8. Keep doors and windows closed at all times, except weekly when airing the room out for 2-3 hours.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A LIMITED DUST ENVIRONMENT?

1. Air the room at least once a week for 2-3 hours. During high pollen season, try not to open windows as this is another trigger for those with allergies and asthma.
2. Clean floors, furniture, door tops, window frames and sills regularly.
3. Vacuum (use a HEPA filter) and cleanse floors and carpets regularly.
4. Cleanse blinds, curtains or drapes as they gather significant amounts of dust.
5. Try to sleep in a wall-to-wall carpet free environment.
6. BEDDING: Make sure to encase mattresses and pillowcases in allergen-proof covers that are washable.
7. PETS: Keep animals with fur or feathers out of your bedroom.

Just a few tips, and hope you make it through the spring without any allergy-related sniffles!

Sick Homes: Hidden Home Hazards & Great Cleaning Products

Robin Wilson Home uncovers some hidden areas that could be making your home a "sick home" and causing all those uncomfortable allergy and frequent colds or other recurring illnesses that plague you or your children. And you might want to consider using hypo-allergenic and non-toxic cleaning products such as The Method (see left) available online and at retail stores.

Dishwashers: most people don't know that they should run their dishwashers at least once a week, or clean the trap to prevent mold growth. For example, some of the 'drawer' dishwasher models leave a small amount of water after a cycle in the tub. If you do not empty this out using an absorbent towel, and you leave for vacation, you will have a perfect environment for mold growth. Remember to check your manual to see if you should periodically clean the trap in your dishwasher.We suggest that you run an empty cycle and add 2 cups of vinegar (do not use bleach!) once a quarter. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Furnace/AC Filters: you should change your air or furnace filters to prevent dust from circulated in your home, especially for those with asthmatic and allergic conditions. This also will increase the efficiency of your furnace. We suggest that you change your air or furnace filters monthly.

Front Load Washers: run a cup of bleach through your washer and leave the door open between usage so that the moisture cannot create a mold-environment. We suggest that you do this bleach procedure once a quarter.

Mops: the bacterial environment on a mop is just like a sponge in your sink. We suggest that every six months, you should replace a fabric mop and every quarter, you should replace a sponge mop.

Sinks & Countertops: A lot of people don't realize how much bacteria they spread by using the same sponges without washing. Be careful not to spread germs from a sponge onto your countertops and onto the set of dishes you are trying to clean. We suggest that change sponges monthly and you have a different sponge for every room in your house - and every time you wash dishes, you might want to throw your sponge into the dishwasher.

Vacuums: If you vacuum regularly, you may not realize that you are picking up dust mites and other microscopic organisms. We suggest that you change your filter bags monthly.

Bed Linens: Make sure to change them weekly (at least!) as you may not realize how much dirt and pollens 'live in your bed'. And we also recommend that you get a new pillow annually. We recommend that you completely strip your bed, including duvet covers and mattress covers at least 2x a year and wash in hot water with bleach.

Product of Day: FLOR Modular Carpet Tiles

We recommend FLOR inspired modular floorcovering for our clients, which is a 'green' product. FLOR is a modular carpet tile that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to design your own easy area rug for the kitchen, nursery or living room. No glue is needed for installation, so your existing floors won't be ruined. Instead, dots with the sticky side up connect each 19.7" x 19.7" carpet tile together.

FLOR is a quick do-it-yourself project that can be installed over any level, dry surface — even vinyl. This is a great product for heavy-traffic rooms and spaces for family rooms. These carpet tiles can be laid parquet style with ribbing in different directions and can enhance the upscale feel of any space. Pricing is from $6.99 to $59.00 per tile.

Explore the options the FLOR website.

Safety Tip of Day: Pool Alarm System for Children & Pets

Summertime, Swimming and Sun...and water safety! The hidden danger is that many people assume that they can keep an eye on their pets, grill and guests - while still watching the children. We want to make sure that you are aware of a product that will give you "peace of mind"...

Consider a purchase of a Safety Turtle Alarm which will allow you to have an immediate alert if your child or pet enters the pool area, or if the fall into the water.

Originally introduced in 1998 as a “last layer of protection” for young children near water, the Safety Turtle personal immersion alarm has been adapted for pets, patients doing water physiotherapy, for workers near water hazards, to automatically alert lifeguard rescues, and as a “wireless lanyard” - and the pool safety gate alarm is 'wireless' and can remotely monitor pool and property gates.

A Safety Turtle Wireless Alert system consists of one or more Base Station receivers and an unlimited number of radio sensors. The sensors may be of different types, immersion, gate, panic, but must be the same color to work with the same Base Station.

Learn more at Safety Turtle. We recommend this product for all homeowners who have children or pets around a pool, pond or body of water. Enjoy the last few days of summer!



Wellness Tip Of Day: Top 5 List to Have a Proper Walk

Most people assume that the way you walk is okay but little do they know that your stride, pace, and posture reveals information on overall health. There are three issues, in addition to selecting the propershoes which can be important to your overall foot, back and muscle health.

Ask yourself if you do any of the following (and if you are not walking at all, its time to get up from that couch!):

1. Snail pace-  a slow pace may shorten your life expectancy - strolls are meant for certain times...pick up your pace to improve cardiovascular health!
2. Little to no arm swing-  This clues to lower back trouble.  An arm swing indicates that the spine is well supported and without a swing, you could create lower back trouble with back pain or vulnerability to follow - swing those arms and burn more calories!
3. Tip-toe walking- this distinctive walk can be a clue to an underlying condition such as  overactive muscle tone,  which is most likely caused by spinal cord or spinal column damage. If this is your walk, visit your doctor!
4. Lazy Posture- take the time to walk as though an invisible string is pulling your neck like a marionette, and you will find that your walk turns into a workout
5. Wrong Shoes- walking in sandles without support can turn your walk into a wreck. Many people begin to pronate or have other structural issues with their feet if they wear the wrong footwear...be good to your feet with the right shoes.

 

Wellness Tip of Day: Top 5 List of Fruit with High Pesticide Levels

Shocker!!! We just learned that "the apple a day" saying may not be true...in fact, it may cause you to have to visit a doctor - for pesticide poisoning. The research team at the Environmental Working Group studied 53 popular fruits and vegetables and conducted 51,000 tests...and here are the results for the Top 5 List of Fruit with High Pesticide Levels in the U.S.:

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Peaches
4. Nectarines (domestic)
5. Grapes (imported)

Keep your family safe with the right fruit selections...Learn fruits with LOW pesticide level

Tip of Day: Where to Buy Wooden Toys?

How many parents want to find eco-healthy wooden toys? And toys that are made in America, toys that will remind parents of their childhood memories and toys that will last as an heirloom for the next generation. Begin your search with Ron Voake, who is in Middlebury, Vermont with a team of woodworkers who suggest that you order now for the holidays...visit Vermont Wooden Toys

Tip of Day: Is "organic" cosmetic labeling really accurate?

Many of us buy cosmetics - and even if they are labeled "natural" or "organic", we have to wonder if they are really organic, or just a bit of marketing to get us to part with extra dollars? According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, "natural" is a completed unregulated term. However, "organic" is a legal standard that must be verified by independent third parties.

Here are a few cosmetic labels to look for:

• USDA Organic - requires third party certification and a minimum 95% certified-organic plant ingredients; 70% qualifies for "made with organic" - no synthetics are allowed
• NSF - requires products have 70% organic ingredients and limited chemical processing or additives
• BDIH - more common in European countries; stringent rules banning all petroleum based ingredients if a product is called "natural" - requires third party certification
• Whole Foods Premium Body Care - a label developed by the store certifying that products are free of 250 toxic chemicals
• Oasis - industry label in European countries requiring 95% organic; allows some synthetics
• EcoCert - less stringent third-party seal requiring 95% natural ingredients with a minimum 10% of those certified organic

Tip of Day: Allergies & Asthma

With the summer months approaching, and everything in bloom, are you wheezing & sneezing? Read this Black Enterprise magazine article to learn a few tips to improve your  indoor air quality and to improve your eco-healthy lifestyle  (...read more)

Diet Tip of Day: Allergy Free Restaurant Website

AllergyEats is a website that will save your family if you are allergy and gluten sensitive. So many families struggle to find a restaurant that will accomodate.

Visit this website to get a list of allergy-friendly restaurants based on your zip code and preferences. (...view)

CBS: Allergies & Asthma Prevention

Robin Wilson discusses the options for a family whose 18-month child was diagnosed with asthma at a little over a year old.

Simple things that can be done from $10 to $1000 for an apartment or home. 

CLICK on link to see CBS segment 

Eco Tip of Day: EcoSmart, a non-toxic Pesticide

Imagine using a natural pesticide that is as strong as synthetic chemicals, but non-toxic to your children and pets! Yes, this product exists and is on the market - it's called EcoSmart. With formulations for your specific pest problem - either indoors or out...and its affordable. Poisons that affect everything are one option...but it might be healthier to target the poison to the problem pest...Try EcoSmart Non-Toxic Pesticides 

Wellness Tip of Day: Womens Health Week (May 8-14, 2011)

Did you know that Women's Health Week is May 8-14, 2011? Maybe there are some simple steps you can take to improve your health, wellness and happiness...try a new thing each day this week: sleep an extra hour on weekend, have a spa treatment, do a diabetes test, schedule a mammogram, call an old friend, review your vitamin intake, and so on...  Learn more

Wellness Tip of Day: Mood Improving Food

Do you remember wearing a Mood Ring in your childhood? It has also been studied that colors you wear can have an affect on your mood. But did you know that certain foods can improve your mood on the "blue" days?

Feeling Sad: eat magnesium rich foods which release serotonin, a natural feel-good. Sources include: bananas, almonds, cashews, unprocessed peanut butter, baked potatoes and brown rice. 

Stressed:  eat blueberries are a great snack loaded with Vitamin C.

Bloated: eat a salad with no dairy products, which triggers your liver, a fat burning organ.

Un-Focused: have a mid-day snack of strawberries to activate the memory portion of your brain.