Just Back from Las Vegas!

I just got back from a fun-filled trip to Las Vegas! But it wasn't filled with the usual fun people that are there - no gambling, or drinking or... Just a lot of walking up and down a HUGE trade show devoted to everything baby! We walked over 12km, just looking at gadgets and gear designed to make babies' lives better and parents' lives easier. We walked and we talked - erin and I and her partner Leeanne - about what would be most useful, most beautiful, most economical, most sustainable. And after two and a half days of gathering data and evaluating, we spent a day just placing orders for all sorts of cool new stuff.

The best part of the experience was talking to so many interesting and passionate people about their inventions. So many moms and dads who saw a need and invented something to fill it. My hero is Kathy Haskell, a cheerful, intelligent and sensible woman who invented the EIO sippy cup. (I already mentioned this product on our facebook page.) I was so impressed by her energy and the basic no-nonsense cleverness of her product!

Some of the new things we have bought are so exciting I can't wait to let you all know about them. Have a look at our Blog Page to see photos, and if you have any comments about them, please let us know on our facebook page.

-Eva 

Cuddle Your Baby

New research suggests that showing lots of affection to your baby helps them grow into empathetic, caring adults. It can also help raise intelligence. In a study done by a Notre Dame University professor, those who were responded to quickly and lovingly as babies have a distinct advantage in later life. Read the whole article here.

Recipe of the Month

We at Mothering Touch believe strongly in the 'family meal' - that is, everyone sitting down together and eating (mostly) the same food. In the Recipe of the Month column, I will post food ideas that hopefully the whole family will love. After all, just because we have kids doesn't mean that we have to be relegated to the land of never-ending mac'n'cheese, right?

Pizza!

At our house Friday night is pizza night. I have a very easy and very fast dough recipe (to follow), and I roll out mini pizzas for my kids to make themselves. If you prep your favourite toppings beforehand (some of ours are mini pepperoni, pineapple, goat's cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and sausage) and set everything out on the table, the kids'll have a grand old time making their own. And don't be scared of making your own dough! This recipe is easy and very forgiving!

Easiest Pizza Dough

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

2 1/4 tsp active yeast

1 tsp salt

3 cups flour

In a medium ceramic bowl, whisk together the water and yeast until dissolved. Add the salt and whisk again. Stir in the flour, turn dough out onto a floured board, and knead for 3 minutes, adding more flour if it's too sticky. Oil your bowl, put the dough back in, turning to coat with oil, and cover the bowl with a damp towel. Set the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot, and let rise for 20 minutes. Punch down dough, and allow to rise, covered, for another 10-20 minutes. Roll out your dough, prick with a fork, add your toppings, and bake for 20 minutes in a 350F oven.

You've made it this far...

...so you get a prize! Mention this month's newsletter to a staff member at Mothering Touch and receive 15% off all breastfeeding books during the month of October! We've got a number of great titles to choose from, including Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding, and Breastfeeding With Comfort and Joy, by Laura Keegan. Don't be shy!