Many Thanks...Mama Lounge Gets Recognition

Thanks to the Intentional Conscious Parenting community for  passing on the lovely blog award.  What an honor to put on a list with other creative and holistic writers and artists.  I write from the heart and love that my work is being read by people of all walks of life. Thanks to you.

Asian Moms…Afraid of the Weather?

My friend Sharline and I were chuckling over the phone when talking about our mothers. Asian moms always have something to say about the hazards of weather. Growing up, my mom always yelled out to me:

“Don’t go out in the sun. your skin will get dark.”
“Don’t go out in the cold, you’ll catch wind.”
“Don’t go out in the rain, you’ll get sick.”

Now that I have a baby, my mother’s voice is in my head chanting these mantras. When I see another child out on a rainy day wearing a t-shirt, I’m flabbergasted! I step back and realize how much I’ve been influenced by mom.

Is it ever safe to go outside and enjoy the weather? According to these Asian mom myths, it doesn’t seem to be safe to go outside at all without a big visor, umbrella, and wool coat.

Hmmm, what about the benefits of fresh air, vitamin D, and exercise? Outside time is always good in my book. Maybe Kai and I should wear matching visors just to be safe!

5 Ways to Tell You're a Happy Parent

5. Finding a baby sock in the laundry makes you smile.

4. Hearing other kids in a restaurant make noise doesn’t bother you anymore.

3. Passing up an invitation to go dance with friends on a Friday night is easy nowadays. You’d rather stay up with the baby and sing silly songs.

2. Laughing and hanging out with your partner after baby falls asleep is built into your schedule.

1. Feeling fulfilled with your own life. No feelings of regret about something you should have done before baby was born.

What are some moments you have?

In Honor of International Women’s Day

Recycle your Cosmos and Maxim magazines. Instead show the women in your life some real respect on March 8 and every day after that. If you have a chance, there are 5 places in the world that you must visit to understand the monumental contributions of women all over the world:

1)Hanoi Women’s Museum—Often overlooked on tours, but this four- story museum is a must-see. There are rare photos from the Viet Nam war of women who were messengers and guerrilla soldiers.

2)The Women’s Building in San Francisco’s Mission District—The MaestraPeace mural is breathtaking and worth visiting.


3)International Museum of Women, San Francisco


4)National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington D.C.

5)Your grandma’s house.
When you look into your grandma’s eyes, there is perseverance and strength. She has certainly contributed to your life in a big way. Even in their mid-70’s, both my grandmothers still have their wits. They’ve lived through a war, famine, and multiple childbirths!

What other women focused places are special to you?

WNW #1: Bring in Cans for College

WNW-- Why Not? Wisdom from parents...


You know how every summer parents can bring in a COKE can and save 10 bucks off admission at the amusement park? Well, there's another way to use that can. The other day, a parent shared with me how their family brings in cans and bottles to a drop off center to redeem cash and add to their college fund. Brilliant right? She says there are times that their recyclables are worth near $100. Not only is this action good for the earth and financially smart--children take an active part in recycling.

For instance if you collect 50 aluminum cans, you redeem $2.65
50 PET Plastic, you redeem $3.25

It doesn't seem like much but think over time and the priceless life lesson your child encounters.

Note to self, I'm going to take recycling one step further and make it work financially for our family.

Local Recycling Drop-Offs in the East Bay:

TOMRA Pacific Inc/Trader Joes
2217 S Shore Center
Alameda CA 94501

Standard Iron & Metals
4525 San Leandro St
Oakland CA 94601
(510) 535-1697

NexCycle/Safeway #908
3550 Fruitvale Ave
Oakland CA 94602
(909) 796-2210

Get a recycling starter kit at bottlesandcans.com