Okay, this link will not give you the answer, but I did get your attention, right? I wanted you all to see that there are some great products and we are currently having a SUPER SPECIAL! Take an additional 25% off EVERYTHING! That equals up to great savings. Hurry though, b/c this mega summer sale WON’T last! You have through July 31st, 2011 to take advantage.

Simply enter discount code July25 during the checkout. Happy Shopping!

Now back to the topic at hand, “Consistency”. I was just thinking about my busy hectic life with my family and business and came to the realization, at least for ME that is, lots of what I find difficult in my day to day routine is just that, I don’t have a routine…I TRY to, but each day presents to me new issues and challenges, whether it be a sick kid, a toddler who is having meltdown after meltdown, extreme heat, etc. I feel that I have to adapt to each and every day as its own separate entity. Does anyone else out there feel the same way? I would love to hear your responses.

Most of my friends think I am neat and organized, but I feel the complete opposite. I WISH I could keep my house neat all the time, the way I like it and feel better about, but with three kids and no housekeeper, just good ol’ moi, it can’t always get tidied up as nicely as I would like it to be.  I have also realized that I come up with often very good ideas to keep my children on their toes and behaving in appropriate manners by having “charts”. THE INFAMOUS CHARTS! Well, let me tell you, over the years, I have had several different kinds and they all start off great, but then about the second or third week or if I am extremely lucky, the end of the first month, it sort of gets pushed aside and forgotten about. I know that children thrive with DISCIPLINE and C O N S I S T E N C Y, but I often find it so tough!!!!

Why can I not always carry out my plan? I do try…but it is like I run out of steam…am I beating myself up too much or am I doing okay? I know I am a bit hard on myself, but I HATE when I go to bed with dishes in the sink, for a while I was being really good, cleaning the dishes right away, etc. and even keeping the counter tops free of boxes of snacks, kids trinkets, coupons and other miscellaneous papers, but somehow, they creep back up on me so quickly. Why is that?

Anyway, I do believe in my heart that if I was always consistent with everything, my life would run much smoother, but would I really be happier? I think that I would, but I am not so sure. It does not leave too much room for spontaneity or excitement, right? Come on, back me up on this one, fans!

Please leave your comments, ideas or suggestions, I would SO appreciate to hear them. Thanks for reading my blog.

I just had my daughter’s 15 month checkup on Thursday. I guess I was slightly disappointed at first thinking that “what, she only gained less than a pound and a half in three months, but the pediatrician said that is normal, she looks great, etc. I guess I enjoyed her PLUMPIER! :) But, if she is healthy and reaching her milestones, which she is, thank goodness, then, I should not worry.

So, if you are like me, or millions of other moms and dads who have concerns or issues about raising their children or if they are reaching their milestones, check out this website I stumbled across. It is called: www.kidshealth.org. I think it is really easy to read, navigate and it has clear and concise information. I have checked out many topics here. Let me know what you think. Was it helpful?

Also, if anyone has any other great websites for parenting to check out, let me know. I am always on the hunt.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Rebecca Barkai/CEO

www.startingoutsmall.com

info@startingoutsmall.com

Unfortunately, in today’s fast pace world, we are always looking for ways to cut time in 1/2, get things done quicker, etc. but are we always being wise in doing so? I know that today, I feel our world is constantly evolving with all new technology and although some of these items seem great and our “children” and even some of us adults feel we can’t live without them, such as the ipod, iphone, blackberry, cell phones, lap tops, MP3 players, etc. we are not as concerned about the safety and use of them, is it okay long term? does it cause any health issues, etc.

Additionally, all the cleaning supplies we use in the house, often are toxic and can cause cancer, we need to try and be more careful with the harmful products we use and/or put in our bodies…believe me, I am NOT perfect, I am sure I have plenty of chemicals in my house, but I am trying to be better. I have also found some ordinary products that are SAFE that we have in our homes actually do a better and safer job at cleaning things around…for example, a little vinegar can go a long way, pour a capful or so in a bucket of water and it can clean your floors very well and CHEAPLY I may add. Also, another great hint. BAKING SODA! My mom taught me this one, it cleans virtually everything from counter tops to refrigerators, stove tops, walls, etc. it is fantastic and much better than the harmful chemicals found in “Fantastic” and other such cleaners. You do have to rinse it very well with lots of water afterwards though b/c it is gritty and needs to be washed away…

I was reading this past weekend in TIME MAGAZINE an article all about the harmful effects of PLASTIC, It freaked me out a bit…we all need to try and be more aware of what we are eating ON and also putting into our bodies, we all make the mistake of re-heating food in the microwave in Tupperware, some even say it it is safe and microwavable, others say not, but I am sure that many of us have not been so careful to check…and many of these plastics leech the chemicals into the food and it in turn goes into our bodies, so scary…if you get a chance, read this article, it will open your eyes up to the perils of plastic for sure as it did mine.

I found this website “healthychild.org” which tells you which “numbers” that are found on the bottom of plastic to avoid and which ones are OK (or at least better). I also found this website useful in general for having a healthier lifestyle for you and your children. Enjoy!

If anyone has anything else they want to add, I would love to hear comments…thanks!

Rebecca Barkai/CEO

www.startingoutsmall.com

info@startingoutsmall.com