The Moms Magazine, Spring 2015

the

mo moms MAGAZINE

keeping you current with all things mom



Faith, Family

SWEAT

YOUR WAY TO HEALTHY SKIN

and

Finding a Cure Tiffany Leaders raises 5 kids, including 2 adopted and one with Cystic Fibrosis

SUMMER CAMP SURVIVAL

simple for the

steps

creating PERFECT

BRUNCH!

Spring 2015

applying

m

Subscribe online at www.TheMomsMagazine.com

NAIL POLISH 101

Easter

eggcellent

 

USE CODE READER10 FOR 10% OFF AND MENTION MOM’S MAGAZINE AT CHECKOUT! 100% of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America.

ORLANDO’S TASTE OF THE NATION Join us August 8, 2015 for Orlando’s Taste of the Nation® for No Kid Hungry. Sip and sample gourmet creations from Orlando’s premier culinary talent and participate in unique food, travel and lifestyle auctions – all while raising funds to end childhood hunger in America. Sixteen million kids need our help, and together, we can make No Kid Hungry a reality.

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the

moms

The perfect mani

spring 2015

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Special Features

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8 – Eggcellent Easter Crafts – Easter crafts for the kids 9 – Some of Our Favorite Things - Discover which spring items made our favorites list

12 – Brunch – 5 simple steps for creating the perfect brunch 14 – For Some Kiddos Eggs Can Be Rotten – One mom discovers her son’s food allergies

18 – Faith, Family and Finding a Cure – Cover story shares how one mom raises her five children and hopes for a cure to end Cystic Fibrosis

21 – Egg on Your Face – Two egg-based facial recipes 22 – How to Plan Your Summer Camp Schedule – Your summer bible just might be an excel spreadsheet

Brunch!

24 – How to Dress an Apple Body Shape – Adding color and layers

26 – A Mom Like Me – When am I best?

When I’m me.

28 – Applying Nail Polish 101– Simple steps to achieve painted nails that don’t look like your toddler did it.

9

Some of our favorite things

Expert Advice

10 – Move of the Month – Exercises to help you train for a mud race

24 Dressing for your apple body shape

20 – Sweat Your Way to Healthy Skin - Don’t let your workout cause break outs

30 – Ask the Pediatrician – What

are all of these

bumps on my child?

Easter activities

ON THE COVER

18 4

Tiffany claims that she’s just like any other mom.

I mean, why should her story be told?

What’s so special about her? Everything.

Tiffany and husband Paul raise their five children and are advocates for their daughter in her battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

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Eustis Mt. Dora

Sanford Lake Mary Apopka

Clermont Winter Garden Ocoee

Downtown College Park

Deland Deltona Debary

Oviedo Winter Springs Longwood Altamonte Springs Winter Park Baldwin Park

Windermere Dr. Phillips Celebration

Daytona Beach New Smyrna Beach

Avalon Park Waterford Lakes Hunters Creek Lake Nona

Neighborhood Mom Groups Would you like to connect with moms online, as well as offline through playdates and events? Orlando can seem a little overwhelming, so we would like to make it feel a little smaller by creating neighborhood playgroups! Whether you’re a new mom, new to the city, or just want to meet new friends, Neighborhood Mom Groups are the perfect way to connect with moms in your area.

We are looking for “Mombassadors” for each area, to help with coordinating gatherings or to provide information about what’s happening in your part of town – because YOU know your neighborhood best! If you are interested in volunteering to be your neighborhood’s Mombassador, please e-mail kristi@orlandomomsblog.com.

We currently have 14 neighborhood groups available to join. Don’t see your neighborhood? Let us know so we can get your area covered. Get connected with your neighborhood by searching Facebook for your neighborhood’s group name, and then ask to join!

Playdates

Book Clubs

Running Groups

Moms Night Out

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Who’s that girl?

I love interviewing moms.

All moms. Moms with one child and moms with six.

Moms with a simple view on life and moms who take the world by storm!

I recently sat down with Tiffany.

A mom with five kids, two of whom are adopted. She homeschools, she breastfed all of her children (even the adopted ones!), she is the wife of an Omaha police officer, and is an advocate for her daughter Rachel in her fight with Cystic Fibrosis.

When I sat down with Tiffany to listen to her story, she questioned me a few times saying, “Really? I’m going to be on the cover of a magazine?!” My response was simple.

“Why not? YOU are an inspiration.”

Tiffany deserves to be on the cover of a magazine, and so do YOU. I firmly believe that you are an inspiration to those around you. You do the most important job ever. You’re a mom.

the

moms Volume 6, Issue 2 ~

Spring 2015

www.TheMomsMagazine.com www.OrlandoMomsBlog.com www.facebook.com/TheMomsMagazine

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

EDITOR shirley neff

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS mindy black gregory gordon, m.d. heather iseminger amy lockhart brittany minor heather murphy heather naples joanna pluszcz dina saunders jennifer stachowicz

PHOTOGRAPHY j. selander photography

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

Mother’s Day is coming up, and I’d love to hear your story. I want to know the little moments that make you smile. I want to hear about the moments that make you cry. Email me your story!

We’re in this journey together!

Kristi Corley

editor in chief kristi@TheMomsMagazine.com

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The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

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Eggcellent Easter Crafts

by HEATHER MURPHY

When I think of Easter, I think of painting and decorating pretty eggs – so here is a super easy project to do at home.

On Easter Eve, here is another easy and fun craft, which I am sure you will agree is truly magical!

Finger Painting

Magic Lollipop Flowers

• Finger paint (I use Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – nontoxic and water-based!)

• Construction paper (Pastel colors, or any color that is a favorite.)

• Large egg-shaped pattern (Find templates online.)

Start by helping your little one choose two to four different paper color choices. Using the egg pattern, cut one egg shape from each piece of construction paper. To keep the project simple and fun, use a small paper plate as your paint palate.

This makes for easy clean-up afterwards! No paintbrush needed. Just let them go at it with their fingers!

The possibilities for painting your Easter egg are endless.

If you want to get extra creative, use a pencil or marker to draw lines across the egg, or draw simple patterns for your child to follow as they paint. This is a great idea for the older kiddos, to keep them interested, too! My little one is just three years old, so honestly, he taught me a few things as we progressed through this project. I thought we would do fingerprints as “dots” all across his egg, but he was not interested. He had his creative juices flowing, and I just let him roll with it.

Like me, you may need to surrender to the idea that your child’s project won’t necessarily be the “Pinterest perfect” idea that you had in mind. But it’s OK. It will be fun and beautiful in the end!

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• Small package of jelly beans (any flavor/colors) • Handful of lollipops (any flavor/colors) • Wilton Lollipop Sticks (available at most craft stores) Gather a few of your favorite jelly beans and head out to the yard just before dark (optimal picture time, *wink*). Let your child sprinkle the jelly beans in the grass. Tell them they are seeds for the Easter Bunny to grow magical lollipops for when he comes to visit that night.

After your child is asleep, head back outside and “plant” the lollipops in the yard, making sure the jelly beans are no longer visible. In the morning they’ll be amazed to see the “sprouted” lollipops.

Tape lollipops around one end of each Wilton Lollipop Stick to create colorful “flowers” that will stand up tall even amid flower beds, decorative grasses or shrubbery. I like the look of bundling three smaller lollipops onto each stick, but you can use more or less for variety – or even use different kinds of lollipops!

Feel free to get creative and have fun with it! My favorite moments are the little gasps the kiddos make when they first see what magic has occurred over night, and the look of wonder on their faces. Truly priceless!

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

Some of our favorite things Play Dough Supplies: 2.5 Cups of water 1 1/4 Cup salt 1 1/2 Tbsp. cream of tartar 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2.5 Cups of flour Food coloring or liquid watercolors www.citymomsblog.com/boston

www.fredandfriends.com

www.spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

www.quoteseveryday.website/easter-craftsfor-kids-pinterest www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Dessert/Easter-Basket-Cupcakes

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9

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is all the rage these days! There are plenty of different ways to train for your race day, but which exercises will benefit you the most to overcome every obstacle that you’ll face?

PRE-RACE TRAINING

Get prepared for known and unknown obstacles in your upcoming race ... and for those that just can’t be predicted (like balance beams or climbing in inclement weather conditions!)

So no matter if it’s your first or 20th race, here are some exercises that will help you get ready. Have fun, and let the training begin!

Wall climbs: Wall climbs are almost always seen in OCRs. Ring rows and pullups will be extremely helpful in building upper body strength which in turn will help you in getting over those high walls that you’re sure to face.

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Monkey bars: These were a breeze when we were kids, but for many, not so much anymore as adults!

Train with pull-ups, knee raises and toes to bar. Farmer carries and barbell training will help develop grip strength so you don’t end up in the water or mud under those monkey bars!

Herculean hoist: This is a heavy bag on a pulley system; pull the rope down to pull the weight up.

For this movement, I highly recommend heavy deadlifts and sled pulls. Tie a long rope to a weighted sled.

Sitting with the rope fully stretched out, pull the sled to you, hand over hand until the sled reaches you. This is awesome for grip strength too!

Log carry, sand bag carry, Atlas stone carry and bucket carry: Training med-ball, dumbbell or barbell cleans will assist you in getting those logs, stones or sandbags up on your shoulder.

For grip strength with bucket carries, add farmer carries by using heavy dumbbells or kettlebells.

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

Burpees: No one likes burpees, but the great thing about burpees is that they are a full body workout that will help you on every single obstacle. As a full workout, try 100 burpees in a specific amount of time and see what a tough workout that alone will be!

for your next

MUD RUN

Rope climbs: Train your shoulders with seated dumbbell presses. You can also train for ropes by performing seated rope climbs. Sit on the floor with rope in between legs. Keeping your legs straight, pull yourself up to standing, hand over hand pulling up on the rope until fully standing. Lower your self back down to the floor, hand over hand, until seated.

Repeat and repeat, again and again!

Tire flips: If you have access to heavy tires, work up to flipping one for up to 400 meters!

Again, kettlebell or barbell deadlifts and cleans will also help you to train for flipping tires quickly and safely!

Run: Of course the main exercise that makes up an obstacle course race is running!

The best way to prepare for this is to just get out there, 3-4 days per week and put one foot in front of the other.

Swim: Most obstacle races have at least a bit of swimming – and some are kind enough to have us swim in ice cold water! The great thing about adding swimming to your training is that it’s an awesome active restday exercise. Swim laps and do intervals. Your muscles will thank you as well for this after a hard week of training!

If you’re new to running, start with something like the Galloway Method, which means you run for 2 minutes, walk for 1 minute and continue that for 30 minutes. Do this at least a few times a week, and as you get faster, work on sprints and intervals. And if you have the speed but lack endurance, throw in a longer run once a week.

By Jennifer Stachowicz CrossFit Instructor CrossfitEW.com

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

11

Brunch

fancy

by HEATHER NAPLES

What's better than brunch? Not much in my book! I like to say that brunch is my favorite unofficial meal of the day.

All the benefits of breakfast without the need to be out of bed until almost lunch!

Another good thing about brunch is how easy it can be! You can quickly and simply whip up an amazing menu using a lot of things you might already have.

Waffle and pancake stacks can both be made using frozen waffles and pancakes.

Microwave, stack, stick in a skewer, add a raspberry and you’re done! Quick, easy and it looks a lot more impressive than it really actually is. I serve these with small, glass shot-glasses of maple syrup.

friends

quiche

laughter

mimosas

easy

Mini Quiche Pillsbury pie crust 2 eggs 1 diced shallot 2/3 cup milk

Cut dough in 2 inch circles. Place each dough circle inside the mini

muffin pan. Covered tightly with tin foil, and refrigerate overnight.

Place a pinch of cheese and/or meat in the middle of each dough circle. Cover with the egg mixture.

Bake at 450 for 13 minutes.

Donut holes are also a fancy touch that doesn't take much effort. Buy a few dozen at your favorite donut shop, stack, insert a skewer and you’re done!

Mini quiche might be one of my favorite things ever, and these are especially simple and delicious! The night before, I use Pillsbury pie crust and a 2-inch circle cookie cutter to cut out the dough.

I place each dough circle inside the mini muffin pan, cover tightly with tin foil, and refrigerated overnight (recipe above).

My center piece for brunch is the cake!

I like going semi-homemade, again, to make it as simple as possible – and I promise that no one will know the difference!

I use a Pillsbury White Cake mix (use the whole-egg version according to the back of the box), and then add raspberries or any other favorite berry to add moisture, flavor and more of a

homemade texture. Dice the raspberries, making them as small as possible (so they don’t sink in the batter), and then toss them in flour before folding them into the cake mix.

After cooking and cooling, dust the top with powdered sugar and take it one step further – add fresh flowers in the middle! Instant fanciness.

Another extra "fancy" element that you can add to this yummy brunch is special drinks.

I’ve fallen in love with a beverage company named Onli from when I first tried their drinks last year. They make cute, all natural, sparkling water and offer many different flavors!

Guaranteed to please your guests.

You can find their beverages at most grocery stores and on Amazon.

Enjoy!

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

13

food allergies Who knew a tiny amount of egg could be such a big problem? Zeroing in on my son’s food allergies, and becoming an educated parent, has been a long, tedious and sometimes scary road. by DINA SAUNDERS MY HUSBAND AND I stumbled

through months and months of sleepless nights trying to figure out what in the world was going on with our son. He woke up every two to three hours crying, gassy and seemingly in pain.

For months, our nightly routine involved endless rocking and offering gas drops as often as possible. Our little guy would fall asleep from exhaustion, and then it would start all over again in a couple hours.

Being sleep-deprived can make problem solving extra challenging, but we kept digging to get to the root of the problem. We thought it might be colic, but the pediatrician ruled that out.

We thought it might be an attachment issue. We became instant experts in the Ferber method, which proved to be unsuccessful. Finally – here comes a shocker – I decided to trust my maternal instincts! I asked our pediatrician the nagging question that had been on my mind, “Could something I’m eating be bothering my baby?” She assured me that it would be far too difficult to figure that out. She reminded me that I should consider myself extremely lucky if my baby sleeps through the night before he turns 12 months old.

question during a walk-in appointment.

She said, “Yes, something you’re eating could be bothering your baby.” She suggested eliminating cow’s milk from my diet first because it’s a very common food allergen for infants. She went further and noted that my son’s eczema could be related to food allergies. She even asked me to identify any history of food allergies in my family. I realized that food allergies run on both sides.

Thankfully, within a week of eliminating cow’s milk from my diet, John started to sleep for five to six hours, and his eczema started to clear up.

At eight months old, we took our little dude to a pediatric allergist to find out more about his allergies. A skin test revealed a severe allergic reaction to egg and dairy, as well as several other foods.

Her answer did not make me feel better.

I still felt like something was wrong. I asked a different pediatrician the same 14

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • www.TheMomsMagazine.com

Since then, I’ve learned that each food allergy may present itself differently.

For example, my little guy’s egg and dairy allergies are severe and includes vomiting within 15 minutes of ingesting either food allergen. I found this one out by conducting a biannual at-home food test by serving him one half of a teaspoon of scrambled egg. (For the record, I prefer scheduled blood tests to monitor my son’s allergies these days.)

In comparison, his wheat allergy shows itself through eczema flare-ups on his hands, arms and legs.

I recently found a pediatric practice that has an allergist on staff who works in concert with the pediatrician. This has helped us tremendously in creating a well-informed and clear action plan for dealing with our son’s allergies – especially when communicating our allergy action plan to his school, caregivers and family members. I’m also proud to say that our now five year old son also serves as his own advocate and clearly communicates his allergy issues to friends and adults.

All is not lost. One day he should out grow his food allergies. It will be interesting to see what he actually thinks of eating scrambled eggs with his bacon.

for some kiddos eggs can be rotten!

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

15

It’s Central Florida’s Largest

“PLAY-date!”

August 29-30, 2015 Orange County Convention Center 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 Parking fees will be charged.

Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM and Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM Bounce Houses | Zip Line | Bumper Cars | Rock Climbing | Attractions Giveaways & Prizes | 150+ Exhibit Booths | Live Entertainment & Live Animals HUGE Consignment Sale| Interactive Activities for All Ages | Character Meet & Greets

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Millions of kids agree. . .

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Lake Mary (407) 333-8069 3581 Lake Emma Road Waterford Lakes (321) 422-4888 11555 Lake Underhill Road

Faith, Family and Finding a Cure The Moms Magazine interviews Tiffany Leaders photography by J. Selander Photography

Tiffany claims that she’s just like any other mom. I mean, why should her story be told? Why should she be featured in a magazine? What’s so special about her?

Everything.

Tiffany and husband Paul have five children. “We nearly represent every color of the human skin tones. There are certainly times when we receive looks about our family, or silly questions such as, ‘Which ones of those are your REAL children?’ To which we pleasantly say, ‘All of them!’ But if you are talking about which ones are natural born, compared to heart born...”

People are generally curious, and we are thrilled to see the interest in our family as being unique. God has been so good to us, to entrust us with all of these precious people to love and attempt to develop amazing young men and women.

Tiffany and Paul felt a strong desire to adopt, all the way back to when they were dating. “Once we were married, we knew that it was still a calling in our hearts. We had planned on pursuing adoption while pregnant with our third, knowing that was the only way that our families would continue.

And our third child being born with Cystic Fibrosis only confirmed that choice.”

Their third child, Rachel, was born with Cystic fibrosis (CF).

CF is a lifethreatening genetic disease

that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF. In people with CF, a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: • Clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections • Obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down food and absorb vital nutrients

Nathan, 13; Caleb, 11; Megan, almost 2; Shiloh, 7; and Rachel, 9

In the 1950s, few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. Since then, tremendous progress in understanding and treating CF has led to dramatic improvements in the length and quality of life for those with CF.

How do people get CF? Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People inherit CF from their parents through genes, which also determine many other characteristics, including height, hair color and eye color.

CF is caused by mutations in a gene that produces a protein, called CFTR. The CFTR protein controls the flow of salt and water in and out of the cells of organs like the lungs and pancreas.

To have cystic fibrosis, a person must inherit two copies of the defective CF gene – one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene.

People with only one copy of the defective CF gene are called carriers, but they do not have the disease themselves.

Each time two CF carriers have a child, the chances are: •

25 percent (1 in 4) the child will have CF

•

50 percent (1 in 2) the child will be a carrier but will not have CF

•

25 percent (1 in 4) the child will not be a carrier and will not have CF

Tiffany and her family are big advocates for raising support for Cystic fibrosis.

Their foundation of choice is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).

“Some people ask why I work so hard to raise funds for a foundation? I have heard things like, ‘I wish the money was going directly to your family.’ While I understand the heart issue in statements like this, and even more so appreciate the desire to bless our family, there is a big reason. There is not enough money that could possibly be raised by our family and friends alone that would enable the amount of research needed to solve the problem of CF! This needs to be a worldwide, collaborative effort. The answer to this disease is out there! The researchers are getting so close that some days it’s hard not to get overjoyed in the future while still battling the daily grind of what CF is today.

“So, while I know it is sometimes hard to give to a “Foundation,” please know that this is really giving not only to Rachel, but to tens of thousands just like her!

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) receives no federal funding since it is considered a “rare disease” or orphan disease. It only affects 30,000 people nation wide, and unfortunately this means there is not enough INTEREST in giving federal money toward it.”

Each year, Tiffany creates a t-shirt to help raise CF awareness. All proceeds will go to finding a cure. This year, their theme is simple ...

JUST BREATHE!! It seems elementary, but most of us

take it for granted. It is not until we are in crisis or a stressful situation that we really slow down enough to actually think about the act of breathing. However, people with CF are fighting every day for the privilege to just breathe. You can donate to Rachel’s fundraiser to help find a cure and make this simple act a lifetime reality for this sweet girl!

So what do you do in your free time?

Doesn’t it seem like we crave to know what moms with a full plate do in their free time? When I asked Tiffany, she just smiled and said, “Honestly, between working on being a good wife, a loving mama to five beautiful children, home educating our children, spending hours a day taking care of a child with a life-threatening illness ... there is not a lot of “me time” available. Sadly, sometimes going grocery shopping by myself constitutes the only “me time.”

And even that is usually flanked with at least one kiddo to give them alone time with me. One way that I often try to find me-time – to just think – is by staying up WAY past a “smart” bedtime. This is where I am able to start and finish a complete thought without my little gems interrupting my thoughts. I love the quiet – and I am an introvert by nature – so trying to find a few nights a week where I can hear myself think is precious time, if my energy can sustain the lack of sleep.”

Tiffany’s strength lies in her faith.

“Our family is sometimes crazy and chaotic. Five children alone is a difficult task, but add to that a child whose disease of Cystic Fibrosis attempts to steal her every breath ... and you quickly realize that you can NOT do this life/journey on your own.

The hours of treatment time each day and the myriad of medications she takes each day is a constant reminder that our God is in control of our very life and breath!

“So as much as I wish that CF had never affected our family, it is the greatest blessing that I have ever known. We are constantly on our knees and relying on God’s strength to make it each day. He is our source of strength. He is our hope and our motivation to continue on. Philippians 4:13 is a family favorite: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

We all need strength each day. We can choose to get it from unreliable but noble sources of friends, work, or even family, but each one will fail us. It is only God who is able to do more than we could ask or imagine.

Yes, Tiffany is a busy momma. And most likely, so are you. Tiffany has a child with health issues. Most likely, you will run into concerning health issues with your child at one time or another, too. Tiffany and moms like you are extraordinary. In my opinion, you - YES YOU, the momma reading this story - should be a magazine cover girl. We want to hear your story, too. You, momma, are amazing.

NO HATS, NO HEADBANDS

SWEAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTHY SKIN (WITHOUT THE FEAR OF GYM GERMS)

PHOTO © istockphoto.com/zeremski

SKIP THE MAKEUP

WIPE EQUIPMENT WITH DISINFECTANT BEFORE AND AFTER YOU USE IT.

By Mindy Black Licensed Esthetician and CEO of Inner Beauty Skin Care

Yoga mats, zumba classes and free weights all have one thing in common beside getting you in shape – GERMS! Gyms are hotbeds for bacteria, so if you don’t take the necessary precautions you may be getting more than just flat abs and lean calves. Some of our best workouts can lead to our biggest breakouts. We’ve put together a list of guidelines so you can sweat your way to healthy skin (without your fitness plan rebelling against you).

No Makeup, No Problem

It’s important to have your face free of makeup before hitting the gym. And let’s be honest, you’re going to sweat it off anyway.

So do you really want to waste your favorite foundation? Just like how you need to stretch before working out, you also need to prep your skin. You should wash your skin with a mild cleanser followed by a lightweight moisturizer.

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Cross Contamination

Avoid touching your face during a workout, especially if you are using weights or cardio machines. They breed bacteria, so the last thing you want to do is expose your skin to that – which could result in new breakouts or spread existing ones. Avoid cross contamination by wiping equipment with disinfectant before and after you use it. Always wash your hands (and your gym towels) immediately after your workout!

Break a Sweat

Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, allowing the sweat glands to increase their functions and get rid of toxins. These toxins can clog your pores causing pimples and blemishes.

The boost in blood flow to the skin cells also carries nutrients that improve skin health. Sweating is an important

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

step to flushing out bacteria and keeping your skin clean! Skin gym tip: Avoid wearing hats or headbands across your forehead as they can trap in oil and bacteria, resulting in unwanted bumps and breakouts (or at least wash them on a regular basis with dye-free, fragrantfree detergent).

Post-Workout

Once you sweat out those toxins, it’s important to wash them off. Since your pores are likely still open, stick to fragrance-free and sensitive skin based products (you don’t want to clog your pores back up with heavy, perfumed cleansers or moisturizers!). Use a mild cleanser and follow with a treating mist or one of our favorites, apple cider vinegar as a toner to brighten and disinfect. Don’t forget your moisturizer to help combat skin dehydration that occurs during exercise.

EGG ON YOUR FACE

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(for dry skin)

This face mask is perfect for skin that needs a boost of hydration. Avocado is rich in multivitamins and minerals that help hydrate, nourish and moisturize, while the egg white tightens and shrinks large pores.

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Ingredients: 1 egg white 1 Tbsp. mashed avocado

Directions: 1. In a small mixing bowl, mash the avocado. Add 1 egg white, and whisk thoroughly using a fork.

2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove all makeup and grime. Pat dry with a towel.

3. Apply a thick coat of the mask onto your face using a circular motion. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

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4. Rinse off with cool water, and pat dry.

5. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Egg White & Lemon Face Mask (for oily skin)

If you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, you know that shine comes when you least want it. This simple face mask will remove excess oil and leave your skin firm and rejuvenated. Egg whites help reduce sebum in your skin by shrinking the size of your pores. Lemon is a natural source of Vitamin C. It helps to lighten and even skin tone, while also fighting off acne causing bacteria.

Ingredients: 1 egg white ½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions: 1. In a small bowl, whip the egg white and lemon juice briskly with a fork until the mixture is frothy.

2. Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser, and pat dry with a towel.

3. Spread the mixture over your face using your clean fingertips or a cotton ball in a circular upward motion. Allow the mask to settle and dry for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. When the mixture has completely dried on your face, gently wash it off and pat dry with a towel.

5. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

21

how to PLAN r u yo Summer camp

Schedule

by Amy Lockhart

Confession time: I am a procrastinator. Can anyone relate?

I find things to do around my house or in my yard before I sit down and get after the task at hand. Prior to sitting down at my computer to write this article, I cleaned out my refrigerator, organized my coupons, played a game of Candy Crush, and then hard boiled eggs three different ways to determine which was the easiest to peel. You know that YouTube video where the guy shakes the egg in the glass and the shell comes right off ? Yeah, it’s bunk!

The consequences of being afflicted with the procrastination bug can range from mild to severe, and at no time are they more devastating than when they affect your kids!

When our “girl-child” was in pre-school, she couldn’t wait to be old enough to start attending summer camp at the Central Florida Zoo, and candidly, by the time she was old enough, I couldn’t wait to send her. The thought of having a whole week to myself sounded divine. Only trouble was, it also sounded heavenly to several dozen other moms in the metro-Orlando area, and I waited too long get her signed up.

Zoo Camp that first summer was a “no-go”, because I didn’t have my act together. When I saw little tears on her cheeks, I knew I had to kick my procrastination habit. This summer camp stuff was serious business, and I was determined to do better.

Several summers later, after adding the “boy-child” to the mix, and returning to work full-time, I learned that fighting my propensity for procrastination alone wasn’t going to be enough. I would also need to be exceedingly well-organized.

Let’s face it, the “girl-child” and the “boy-

child” were different ages, had different interests, and not all camps were offered every week.

Some required you to bring lunch and snacks, others provided them. Some days you needed a bathing suit, and at others you needed to remember extra money because the ice cream truck “only comes on Wednesdays”. God help you if you are the mom who forgets to send ice cream money (yes, I was that mom).

I couldn’t store all of this in my head, my husband needed to have the information also, and sometimes we had help from babysitters. How was I going to organize all of the details so others would have access, too? I decided technology was going to be my friend. So I turned to a spreadsheet, and began planning what I hoped would be a tearless summer.

In January, I started collecting camp information. By February, most camps already had their scheduled weeks published, and registration began in March. In addition to the logistics and scheduling of camps, cost was also a factor, and we had a fairly strict budget.

So the spreadsheet came in handy for keeping track of the “cost of summer.”

The spreadsheet was our summer-time Bible. Every week of summer was accounted for, the kids each had their own section of columns with separate cells for notes such as pick-up and drop-off times, notes for special days (like ice-cream Wednesdays), the costs, and when deposits were due.

Determining how to build the spreadsheet took some time, and some trial and error – but for our family, camps that were only offered for one week out of the summer

were scheduled on the spreadsheet first.

Great examples of these types of camps are Vacation Bible Schools (which are usually very low cost, too).

Next to get scheduled were the camps that the kids could actually attend together – because if you don’t have to run in different directions all summer, that would be ideal, right?

Once all the camps were entered, I could get a clearer picture of where we had “gaps” to be filled with lazy days at home with a sitter, or days I could schedule to take off work and plan our own little “family field trip.”

It might sound obvious, but in planning your own “summer spreadsheet” be sure your family’s “non-negotiables” are entered first. Then build your calendar around your priorities. For instance, if your family has an annual reunion the first week in June, that goes on the spreadsheet. Then plan around it.

Now that the “girl-child” and “boychild” are older, we’ve graduated from the spreadsheet to a Google calendar.

Everyone is responsible for entering their own activities, and our calendars are shared so we are all in the loop. I love that it is color coded – and it overlays with my work calendar, too!

Above everything else, remember that these “summer days” with your little ones will be over before you know it.

Cherish every minute. The reality is, for as much planning and organizing as you can muster, you will still have days when you forget to send ice cream money ... so give yourself a little grace. Chances are, there’s a Dairy Queen somewhere on your way home.

My Summer Bible - The Excel Spreadsheet!

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

23

how to dress an apple shape

NO

YES

YES

YES

Luckily, with several fashion tricks I was able to create a more flattering look for Jolanta’s body shape. I took advantage of heels to lengthen and show off her legs, and used layers to balance her upper and lower body. These three outfits were created for under $50 total, thanks to the incredible pieces we found at our local Target and Goodwill stores.

Joanna successfully transformed her mom’s wardrobe from black blah to more youthful colors that flatter her figure and give her more confidence both at home and out with friends.

24

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

el s tip

My mom is an apple – I mean her body shape. And in my opinion, the hardest silhouette to dress. She has broad shoulders, a big bust and no natural waist – with fairly skinny limbs. She almost always wears black, not flattering clothes paired with chunky boots, which makes her body look short and stocky.

: he

In honor of Mother’s Day, I took my mom Jolanta out for a wardrobe makeover!

& la yer i

ng

by JOANNA PLUSZCZ follow Joanna’s fashion tips at facebook.com/threekidsmamafashiondrama

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25

by HEATHER B. ISEMINGER blogger at www.petalsofjoy.org

My hair tortured me for decades.

High Florida humidity + not quite curly hair = disaster. On a regular basis.

I can’t tell you the hours I spent wishing I’d been born with different hair.

Middle school was a horrific combination of pubescent awkwardness with a brushedout perm. Granted, it was the 80’s, but I don’t think French poodle was the look I was after. I’ve sworn off perms since.

Comparing myself to other moms.

When I’m me.

It’s easy in our social media society to get lost in the filtered activities and events of our mother counterparts. We look at cleaned up kids on our screens as our own rugrats sit across from our plates of frozen pizza, grinning with red sauce on their cheeks.

When I hold myself up to the standard of other mothers, I will fail a thousand times.

We see Pinterest parties with matching decor and homemade everything and suddenly Chuckie Cheese is looking pretty cheesy.

High school managed to offer a slight improvement. The absence of chemical curls and a hair dryer managed to somewhat tame the wild beast. That is, until I walked outside and met the blanket of wet air covering my state all year.

We scroll through Instagram images of perfect family portraits, and sigh at the gorgeous, have-everything-together mommas with their happy-to-sit-fortheir-portrait-session kids. Because our family portraits are, well, different.

The millennium ushered in the introduction of the flat iron and glorious hair products. I was saved. Queue the hallelujah chorus. I learned to work with the locks my momma gave me, and embraced what my hair was capable of instead of wishing it away.

It’s painful sometimes to view our children, our family, our mothering through the mirror of social media, television, and pop culture.

I could finally look in the mirror and smile.

As unsophisticated as the comparison sounds, my experience with motherhood has been similar to my hair journey.

It’s painful because as hard as we try, we can’t Photoshop the reality of our own mothering. We’re left with the scars of comparing ourselves to the dream-lives played out across our screens.

But what if we were never supposed to act like the mothers we hold on high?

Just as my hair so often failed, I often see myself as a failure with my children.

What if the only mother I was ever to be was myself?

I struggled to breast feed both of my babies. Both children have had multiple cavities. I rarely pack lunches with cute little notes. My daughter’s scrapbook ends at month eight, and my son doesn’t even have one. I lose my temper and yell at my kids. I don’t like to play pretend games on the floor, lasting all of five minutes before I’m looking for a reason to stop. I work full-time and often miss their school events. Too many frozen pizzas make their way to my dinner table during the week.

Momma? We’ve got it all wrong. Because this mothering is hard enough. Trying to be someone else in this life is too demanding, and in reality – impossible.

We will never be someone else.

I fail in parenting a thousand different ways.

But, do you know my single biggest fail as a mother?

26

A Mom Like Me

We can only be ourselves.

I know this is a lesson we all attempted to learn in our teen years, but something about birthing children causes the ancient insecurities to resurrect themselves in our lives as mothers.

Here is what I’m learning. The easiest mothering? The best mothering? The calmest mothering?

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

But when I’m me? Triumph is within my grasp.

Because I am enough.

You are too.

My children don’t need any other mother in this world except me.

Momma? Stop wishing you were someone else. Don’t believe the lie that your children would be better off with another mom. Because that is a flat-out lie.

Instead? Believe you have beauty to offer your children. Know that your children are blessed to call you mommy. Trust that you were chosen to mother your children.

When we choose to be ourselves as mothers and stop the train wreck of comparison, we can begin to rest – rest in the idea that we are imperfectly perfect.

Our children need our imperfections.

They need to know it’s okay to struggle in life. They need to know they can struggle and still be whole. Our children won’t learn to embrace their own identity if we spend our parenting lives spinning a web of perfection for the world.

Momma? Be you.

Your children don’t need Pinterest parties, unless that's your thing. They don’t need the room mom with homemade goody bags for every holiday, unless you can rock it without anxiety. They don’t even need matching clothes – unless your own OCD kicks in, in which case it would cause more stress for you.

No. Your children need you.

Just you.

The amazing momma. You!

Applying Nail Polish 101

by Brittany Minor www.clumpsofmascara.com

No one is born knowing how to do nails.

This is fact. Unless you’ve got some super power skills that enable you to apply nail polish perfectly EVERY single time, you’ll have to be like the rest of us and do a TON of practicing. Achieving salonworthy nail polish application may take months and even years, but it IS possible.

Follow these simple steps and you too can apply nail polish so it doesn’t look like a toddler did it.

Before applying, make sure you’ve given yourself a mini manicure. Shape your nails and make sure that you’ve pushed back the cuticles to give you a nice canvas to work with.

Right before applying, use nail polish remover to thoroughly remove any oils from your nails.

This will help the nail polish adhere to the nail much better.

When removing the nail polish brush from the bottle, make sure that you have a nice-sized dollop of polish on the tip of the brush.

Apply polish evenly, with thin strokes.

Don’t worry if you flub a bit.

Mistakes can be easily hidden with the second coat.

Once you’ve slowly applied your two coats, top it off with a glossy top coat and clean up using a new eyeshadow applicator or Q-Tip. 28

The MOMS Magazine • Spring 2015 • Subscribe for FREE at www.TheMomsMagazine.com/subscribe

the

moms ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

WHAT

ARE ALL OF THESE BUMPS ON MY CHILD?

By Dr. Gregory Gordon gregorygordonmd.com Author of Raising Good Parents – A Guide to Your Baby’s First Year

Molluscum contagiosum is so common that it has become a childhood right of passage. Despite its high prevalence, most parents have never heard of “molluscum.” It seems families are embarrassed or even afraid to tell others about their child’s infection.

A few years ago, I diagnosed two brothers with molluscum. These boys were part of a large Orlando family, and I took care of many of their cousins. Their mother was shocked by the diagnosis.

Seemly paralyzed by the diagnosis she asked, “Where could they have picked it up?” While I knew that three of their closest cousins had the same infection, medical privacy prohibited me from telling them. It amazes me how ashamed parents are of this common self-resolving infection.

Often the best treatment is simply good skin hygiene: regular lotion for those with dry skin, and minimizing habits The incubation period (time from like picking skin. While many exposure to symptoms) doctors (including myself) will is two to seven When my older pop, cut, freeze and medicate weeks. Molluscum extensive infections, there boys brought contagiosum is worse are no approved therapies for this home, when children have typical cases of molluscum dry skin conditions every Gordon contagiosum. like eczema. I compare kid was given The average case self resolves the molluscum/eczema a designated after 18 months. Individual combination to having towel bar (and bumps often become red and a fire in a dry forest.

If you take care of the yes, that’s a lot more swollen (like a pimple) as they go away. The bumps rarely skin (forrest), then it of towel bars for bother the children, but drive will limit molluscum’s one bathroom). many parents nuts. (the fire) spread. towel bar (and yes, that’s a lot of towel bars for one bathroom).

The rash of molluscum contagiosum typically consists of 2 to 30 flesh colored, domed shaped papules (bumps). They are typically 2 to 3 mm, but range in size from 1 to 5 mm. They are often located on the inner thigh or side of the torso.

Molluscum is caused by a pox virus – mulluscipoxvirus.

It is spread through direct contact and can be carried on unwashed clothing or towels. When my older boys brought this home, every Gordon kid was given a designated

Dr. Gordon is the proud father of eight children. He is the Vice President of “The Gift of Swimming” (a local charity that provides swim lessons to Orlando’s needy children). In early 2010 Dr. Gordon started gregorygordonmd.com to share his pediatric and parenting experience.

30

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