New Law Could Hurt Small Businesses

You know I'm a mom of 3 small children and there is nothing more important to me than their safety and well being. I'm concerned about lead contamination from many of the toys and products that are imported from China and other countries but I want thoughtful legislation that targets potential problems, not a blanket "solution" that downs the little guy.

There is a pending new law set to go into effect on February 10, 2009 that could crush homemade and small toy and clothing companies. Basically, H.R. 4040 The Consumer Protection Safety and Improvement Act(CPSIA)will require testing for any products designed for little ones under 12. Although well intentioned, required testing for all products will bury small businesses and make the dream of mompreneurism a stretch for most. As a point of argument, most small business owners, especially mompreneurs, are personally invested in their products and want to ensure the highest and safest standards possible, so this seems redundant.

So get informed on this issue and please, please sign the petition to amend this legislation before it brings many of the wonderful children's products on the market to a hault. Help save Happikins cloth napkins!

Be smart. Be bold. Be happi.
Molly

When Someone You Love is Sick

Everyone reacts differently when you get the news that a loved one is sick. My brother-in-law is fighting for his life with brain cancer. The individuals in our family circle have taken the news in their own, unique way.

My brother-in-law is handling each moment with patience and grace. I haven't heard a complaint from him once. I was reminded of his strength after I found myself complaining for hours about my broken toe when a jar fell on my foot. Clearly I have some growing to do.

My sister-in-law has started channeling the extra stress, frustration and grief into beautiful pieces of art. She'll sit for hours with her beads making colorful creations that she hopes to sell to raise money for his care. I've snapped a pic of the bracelet she made for me. If you're interested in one for yourself, you can email me. They are $30 and the money goes directly to Jamie's medical expenses. The bracelets are made from Swarovski crystals and sterling silver hardware--sparkly and lovely.

My husband and I got busy when we heard the news, (other than the toe whining incident) and are creating a NPO called OneDollarOneLife that is intended to help raise money for Jamie and other people who are fighting cancer. The concept is simple--a lot of people can have a big impact for just a buck each. We're testing the concept to see how far a dollar can really go. Can it save a stranger's life? Can it save a loved one? Can it save your own? The site will go live in early 2009.

Life often gives us gentle (and not so gentle) reminders that our time here is not guaranteed. So, make the most of each moment, tell your family and friends that you love them and do your part to care for our earth so others tomorrow can enjoy it the way we do today.

Be smart. Be bold. Be happi.
Molly

Vegetarian Meal Planning for Carnivores

One of my biggest challenges as a mom is healthy, easy meal planning. The monotony of planning three meals, two snacks a day for the next how many years is daunting. Add a twist--I’ve gone back to my vegetarian (I still eat fish so is this technically pescatarian?) roots while the rest of my family remain carnivores. Ahh, the dilemma.

My new favorite cookbook is Dr. Weil’s, The Healthy Kitchen. It’s easy, practical and everything we’ve tried has tasted great so far. My husband and kids are NOT into anything with tofu (I’m trying to sneak it in, but it’s not working) so we are eating a lot more fish these days to satisfy their need for meat.

A friend recently introduced me to the site GoVeg and it has a ton of great information and recipes. Beware, unless you’re ready to make some lifestyle changes with your eating, don’t visit the site. It clearly demonstrates the cruelty animals endure, which is the primary reason I’ve decided to keep the pork off the fork. Actually, did you know that pigs are smarter than most 3 year olds!? Yikes, that’s scary because I have a 3 and 2 year old at home and they don’t miss a beat. My all time favorite book is Charlotte’s Web, so that’s all I have to say about that—poor Wilbur!

Being a mom is a tough job as it is, but it’s even more difficult when you try to navigate the sea of chemicals, hormones, fillers, antibiotics and other garbage that pollutes our food supply. I hope we’ll reach a point of mass awareness for the issue so we can have a solution that is less destructive and healthier for us all.

Be smart. Be bold. Be happi.
Molly