A Pair of Endangered Clouded Leopard Cubs Come to Tampa's Local Zoo!

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has welcomed a pair of endangered clouded leopard cubs to the Asian Gardens exhibit area. The 6-month-old felines, a male and female, were born in March in separatelitters at Nashville Zoo and Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

l of just 69 clouded leopards in 24 North American AZA-accredited institutions.

Clouded leopards are native to Southeast Asia, found in forests and rainforests. They are known for being skilled climbers and can even ha

ng from tree branches by their hind feet. Another distinctive feature of clouded leopards is their long canine teeth, which are longer in proportion to body size than those of any other wild cat species.

Interestingly, clouded leopards are not a “type” of leopard as their name implies, but are a separate species of wild cat, as is the snow leopard and leopard. The name clouded leopard is derived from the beautiful cloud-shaped spots with dark outlines on their tan coats.

The charismatic cubs weighed only about a half pound each at birth, and were hand-raised together by zoo keepers of the two AZA-accredited institutions. Clouded leopards are the smallest of the “big cats,” weighing 30-50 pounds in adulthood and measuring about five feet long (including the long tail).

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has been a member of the clouded leopard SSP for nearly a decade. The former familiar residents, two female felines named Maddie and Tenchi, recently relocated to the Denver Zoo for their golden years. The Zoo has also supported a conservation research program known as Wild

Aid – the Thailand Carnivore Project, a non-invasive study of Thailand’s wild cats including the clouded leopard.

About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and has been named the No. 1 zoo in America by both Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours on select nights during special events. Zoo daytime admission prices are: adult - $23.95, seniors (60+) - $21.95, children ages 3-11 - $18.95, and children 2 and under are free. Daytime admission is value-priced to include unlimited amusement rides. Parking is free. For more information, visit LowryParkZoo.com.

Fun Product Reviews and Great Discounts!

The following reviews were written by one of our Super Social Mom's, Rachel, who is currently 9+ months pregnant expecting her third child. The family is looking forward to welcoming the first baby boy to the world in the few weeks. We wish all the best for the family and can not wait to meet the newest edition. Thank you for being a great Mom & one of our Social Moms!

Stephen Joseph Pink Quilted Frog Backpack

This backpack is perfect for a busy preschooler. There is a hidden pocket inside and a zipper pocket on the outside to hold treasures.  The magnetic snap is easy for little fingers to manage and there is a loop on the back to hang in a cubby or on a hook. The colors are vibrant and appeal to all ages. I love that it is completely machine washable. We will be looking into getting it monogrammed with our last name so both girls can use it.







Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine is happy to offer our readers and followers a special discount code
for 25% off your order when you use TPBM25
October 4 - December 31, 2011

www.stephenjosephgifts.com






Sew Plain Jane Capes



We absolutely love the Sew Plain Jane capes. We received one to review that my daughter decorated with the included pieces and personalized with the glitter glue also included. Then, the following weekend we attended a superhero birthday party and my other daughter received one as a party gift. Thank goodness we have two or they would be fighting over who gets to be the superhero constantly. The capes are well made and the perfect size for my two year old and my four year old. The stick on pieces are very sturdy and have excellent adhesive. The capes also come with masks for the perfect toddler ensemble. They are reasonably priced at $6.50 for the cape, $10 for the decorating kit and $1.25 for the mask. You can just purchase the cape and use your own stickers at home or there are lots of other choices of already completed capes for $8-$9. You can find the capes pictured and many more at www.sewplainjane.com.


New Leaf Cleaner

 

I love this cleaner! Newleaf all-purpose cleaner smells wonderfully like peppermint. I feel comfortable letting my children help me clean with it while supervised because it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals that could be accidentally sprayed into eyes or mouths. It works just as well if not better than the chemical laden cleaners I have been using for years.

Ingredients: water, vinegar, saponified organic oils (organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic jojoba oil),peppermint essential oil blend, organic aloe vera, rosemary extract, sodium carbonate, tea tree oil

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine is happy to offer our readers and followers a special discount code for 15% off your total order when you use tbp1011

October 4 - November 4, 2011

www.newleafclean.com

Is the Economy Killing Fatherhood? Advocate Reveals Ways to Be A Better Father in Trying Times

Tom Watson knows what it’s like not to have time to spend with your kids.

"It used to sting me when I was working hard at building my business and I’d hear my kids talking about me," he said. "One would ask the other to see if I had time to play with them, and the other would tell him not to bother, because he knew I’d be too busy. It was like a knife in my heart. With the economy as tight as it is, I know that I’m not the only father with the same issue. These days, many fathers are either unemployed and working hard to find work or they are working two jobs or more just to make ends meet. Either they don’t have much time for family, or they just aren’t in the mood for family because they are despondent or feeling helpless as a provider."

But, it doesn’t have to be that way, according to Watson, author of the autobiographical Man Shoes: The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband & Father (www.manshoes.net). Watson’s tips for dads in a tough economy include:

Share Time – Don’t spend time with your kids, because that term makes it sound like you are giving away time that you could be using for other things. Share time with them, because sharing indicates that you both get something out of that time. It’s important for your kids to know that you aren’t paying attention to them out of obligation, but rather, because you need to be with them as much as they need to be with you.

Make a Schedule – Stability and security are important to kids, so set up a time every week that is just for them, and do your best to make that time on your calendar immovable. Give them something they can look forward to on a regular schedule and it will show them how important they are to you and help you build a trusting relationship with them.

A Little Time is Better Than None – If you’re working two jobs or work out of town and commute home on the weekends, they will understand if you don’t have a lot of time to spend. Even if you can only block out a couple of hours every week, that can be enough. As long as you keep to the schedule and don’t let them down, that time will be as valuable as if you spent the entire weekend with them.

Don’t Plan Big – Parents who work a lot sometimes feel guilty about neglecting their kids, and they cater to that guilt by making big plans with their kids on a regular basis. They feel that doing something lavish and expensive will somehow be seen as a payback to their kids for not seeing them often. The pitfall is that the bigger the plan, the bigger the expectation. The truth is, kids don’t care. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or make big plans all the time. It could be as simple as going to the park to fly kites and eating a brown bag lunch together, and most kids would be happy with that.

"Life is a choice and the person you choose to be is in your control. No matter the hand you may have been dealt, there are no excuses," Watson added. "I grew up as an orphan and I acted out a lot, because I lacked the guidance of a family until I was finally adopted," he said. "And even when I found stability with my adoptive parents, the Watsons, it took some time for me to settle down. Having shoes on my feet, clothes on my back and food on the table were all good things, but it wasn’t those things that soothed me as a child. It was the time, love and attention I received from the Watsons that put me back on course and that’s what every child needs. While it may seem to some that working hard to provide for their families is their primary responsibility as a father, that’s just not so. Children are adaptable and can do without material things more easily than they can do without the love and attention of their parents. If my experience meant anything to me, it showed me that it takes more to be a dad than to just bring home the bacon. It’s not enough to just do for your children – you have to be with them, too."

About Tom Watson

Tom Watson is a survivor of child abuse, upheaval and 13 foster homes, so he learned how to overcome adversity at an early age. Later in life, Tom was faced with heartbreaking tragedies which threatened to destroy him. He drew from previous life lessons to persevere and show that new beginnings are possible at any age or stage of life - no matter what obstacles get in the way. These principles and their applications are chronicled in his new book Man Shoes: The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband & Father (www.manshoes.net).

Help Us, Help You! Give Us Your Feedback, And Be Entered In Our Contest!

Hello TBPM Readers!

As the year comes to a close, we are reflecting and brainstorming on how we can better our products and services to all of our readers. Although we may not be able to please everyone, we absolutely want to try. Currently, we are working on how to improve our Tampa Bay Parenting Blog and would really like to hear any feedback you have. We have created some questions we would for you to answer, and feel free to give any additional advice or comments. To show our appreciation for the time you take to help us out, you will be entered in a raffle to win tickets to view the beauty and history on the Old Hyde Park Home Tour on December 4th. In order to be entered, you are required to be a “Follower” of our blog as well as give feedback in the comment box below the blog post. Thank you for your support of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

Questions (Feel free to answer one or all of the questions below):

1. What kind of topics do you/ would you like to see from our blog?

2. What do you think about the length of our past blog posts? Too long, too short or perfect length?

3. If you are a new follower, why were you reluctant to follow our blog before?

4. How many posts a week do you suggest we do? One post daily, multiple posts daily?

5. What other blogs do you follow? Why?

6. Were you aware of our blog before now?

Making Babies the Old-Fashioned Way OB/GYN Reveals Steps to Avoid Using Fertility Drugs To Become Pregnant

According to the World Health Organization, roughly one in six couples will struggle with infertility and about 70 percent of them will turn to fertility drugs or in vitro-fertilization. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Many couples struggling to achieve pregnancy can conceive naturally by following some simple guidelines before resorting to expensive and potentially hazardous fertility medications," said Dr. Amos Grunebaum, a double board certified OB/GYN based in New York City. "Infertility can increase stress among couples and, unfortunately, often times leads them to prematurely opt for fertility drugs or IVF. In many cases, fertility can be improved and pregnancy can be achieved naturally by following some simple steps."

Dr. Grunebaum’s tips include:

Pinpoint Your Fertile Window – As you might already know, in order for conception to take place, you must ovulate and at least one vital sperm needs to fertilize the egg within 12-24 hours of the egg being released from the ovary. Because sperm can only live for 5-6 days in the female reproductive tract and only a small number of sperm will even survive the long journey, it is recommended that couples plan to have intercourse several times in the days leading up to ovulation as well as on the day of ovulation. To do this optimally requires that you have a good idea of when you will ovulate each cycle. Ovulation Predictor Kits (www.early-pregnancy-tests.com) are a popular method for predicting ovulation. OPKs detect the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. Approximately 12-36 hours before ovulation occurs, the amount of LH in your body "surges". By testing with OPKs, you can identify this LH surge, which allows you to know that ovulation is just around the corner and that you are in your fertile window.

Restore Your Hormonal Balance – If you have irregular periods, your path to parenthood might end up being a long, tiresome journey. For women with chronic irregularity, it is likely that there is an underlying hormonal imbalance that is impacting the frequency of ovulation and/or menstruation. The herb commonly known as Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), included in the fertility-enhancing supplement FertilAid for Women, is frequently used to help women restore hormonal balance and cycle regularity. The active compounds found in Chasteberry help to promote fertility by decreasing prolactin levels in the body.

Check His Swimmers – Did you know that up to 40 percent of males suffer from low sperm count? Now, if the idea of heading to the urologist for a sperm count test is a bit intimidating to your partner, you might suggest that he get an at-home sperm test, like SpermCheck Fertility (www.fairhavenhealth.com). SpermCheck, is a fast, accurate, affordable and simple method for determining if his sperm count is within "normal" range (above 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen is the accepted standard for "normal" sperm count) in the privacy of your own home.

Transform Your Diet – Leave those junk foods on the shelf, and try to incorporate more whole grains, vegetables, colorful fruits (for the antioxidant compounds found in these foods) and lean sources of protein in your diet.

Shed Those Extra Pounds – Your optimal BMI (body mass index) is between 18.5 and 25. A BMI above 25 decreases your chances getting pregnant and increases pregnancy complications. It is best to lose the unwanted pounds before actively trying to conceive, as weight loss causes toxins (that had been stored in your fat cells) to be released into your body. To ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible, you will want to achieve your optimal weight before becoming pregnant.

Quit it – Quit using tobacco and drink alcohol only in moderation.

Exercise But Don’t Overdo It – A healthy lifestyle definitely includes regular exercise, so if you are more couch potato than marathon runner, stepping up your exercise habits will go a long way in improving your overall health and enhancing your fertility.

Chill out – According to many fertility experts, chronic stress can certainly be a fertility buster, as it causes the body to be in "fight or flight" mode constantly, which suppresses reproductive hormones. Again, yoga is your friend here, as is acupressure or acupuncture.

About Dr. Amos Grunebaum

Dr. Amos Grunebaum is double board certified in obstetrics/gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy). He is recognized as one of New York's foremost Ob/GYNs as evidenced by his regular inclusion in Castle Connolly's "Top Doctors: New York." Dr. Grunebaum is the former director of WebMD's Fertility Center and is one of the Internet's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy.

Baby Boomers: The New 'Dress for Success' Rules

Forever 21 is a retail phenomenon among the younger set, but despite the trend of businesses catering to Baby Boomers, there's no Forever 51 or 61 for those of us trying to find presentable, affordable office fashions. At least such a store would help us figure out the new dress code.

So what's a Baby Boomer to do? How do we fit in without looking like fools? And where can we find fashions that suit our aging bodies and more-mature tastes? Read on for a primer on getting along without entirely giving in, or spending a fortune.

WOMEN

Totally Toned Physics
Even if you're a gym rat, Daisy Dukes and jeggings will make you look like a wannabee. It's possible to wear body-skimming clothes without looking like you're headed for the nightclub. Shop for tailored outfits that set off your best features without flaunting them. Well-cut fashions, including jeans, capris and tops, will look pulled together without screaming OLD!

Curvier Shapes
Us somewhat larger ladies have a much harder time walking the fine line between too tight and overly ample. Much plus-size clothing tends towards the frumpy, but select stores have long understood our need to look fashion forward while complementing any over abundance. Find free shipping codes for J. Jill and Coldwater Creek, two of my favorite size-friendly stores, and avoid paying for more than fashion.

Décolletage
In an effort to skimp on cloth and save money, many manufacturers are cutting tops so low you can see the Alps in one quick glance. Even Victoria's Secret has abandoned quality support in favor of skimpy Pink PJs. That's why I have a row of chemises in my closet. Such "underwear" allows me to fill in the gap while still wearing today's looks.

Granny Arms
Nothing gives our age away like that swaying under-bicep flesh. You can lift weights until you're blue in the face (literally) but, at a certain age, that skin just gives up. It doesn't help that manufacturers -- once again looking to reduce material costs -- feature almost nothing but cap sleeves.

Fortunately, lightweight cardigans with raglan sleeves are available everywhere, even big-box stores like Target. They're perfect for overly air conditioned offices yet have a youthful look. I've also found thrift shops have funky vintage tops and cute jackets with mid-length sleeves that give my basics a hip look. My present favorite is a man's seersucker jacket that looks great paired with everything from a gypsy skirt to yoga pants.

MEN

The Skinny on Jeans
I just love the hipster look; it's such a great reminder of the Beatnik era. But Boomer men look plain silly in stovepipe jeans. On the other hand, you also don't want to pull an Obama and wear mommy jeans hiked up to your waist. Here's where the tried and true help out. Levi's classics are always acceptable and stores like Lands' End and Eddie Bauer can fit you out in body-flattering jeans. Once you know your size, skip the stores and order online with free shipping offers from sites like FreeShipping.

The Upper Half
Boomer guys are lucky as they can get away with T-shirts and still fit into a relaxed office. Retro graphic Ts are particularly popular, but don't pull out your ragged Pink Floyd shirt that's worn thin. Save that for your next rock concert.

For slightly more formal offices, you can't go wrong with polo shirts. They look pulled together but still youthful. I've also noticed the upscale guys in Colorado -- a decidedly casual state -- wear dress shirts without ties, but they're always dry-cleaned with a super-sharp crease in the sleeve.

Suits
Save the suits for New York City and (some) job interviews. If you're heading to a more formal client meeting or conference, a casual sports jacket over chinos usually suffices. A blazer with jeans also has a nice finished flair.

Bellies
I really don’t want to see your done-lap disease. If your belly done lap over your belt, it's time to explore Hawaiian shirts or, if your office is super casual, XXL team jerseys and polos. Lucky you, however, as these styles can be found almost anywhere. Make sure any sports clothing comes from an authorized dealer, like College Jersey or the NFL Shop. Otherwise, you're ripping off your favorite teams and buying inferior products.

Footwear
Two no-nos: Bedazzled Crocs and sandals with socks (unless you work in a food coop). Otherwise, you're good to go.

Headwear
Some offices are so loosey-goosey you'll see hats indoors. While I think this fashion looks stupid on older men, a baseball cap worn with the bill facing forward is acceptable. And, although Mad Men lids are hotter than New Orleans during Jazz Fest, leave this fashion statement to the younger set and professional musicians.

Kate Forgach has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.

Outside Influences Inside Your Home

Written by Ellie Hirsch, founder of Mommy Masters

This article was inspired by Tampa Mom, Krista Jacobs, who has some concerns about her 4 year old, who recently picked up some new behaviors at school.  Krista is seeking advice on “how to handle outside influences, for example kids at school that speak or behave in ways not allowed at our home.”  Whether your child is in nursery school or 5^th grade, outside influences can have a large effect on his/her behavior, both at school and at home. 

As parents, we work hard to raise our children with certain beliefs and morals, and have to hope that they will practice these rules in the real world, where we aren’t present to police them.  Our children head to school to be educated and socialized, but in addition to being exposed to wonderful new experiences, they also get exposed to bad language, negative habits, peer pressure and unfamiliar situations.

So what are parents like Krista supposed to do to handle the new negative behaviors that have become present in their homes?  Take a step back and remember that your children’s peers were not brought up by you.   That means their parents may have had different rules, some perhaps more lenient and some even more strict.  Have confidence in the way you have raised your child and know that he/she has a wonderful foundation because of you.  If your child comes home and starts acting or speaking differently, and it starts to affect what he/she has been taught at home, have an open conversation with him/her.   It’s easy to get angry and want to punish your child’s bad behavior,  but instead, be patient, especially with the younger ones.  Help your child understand why his/her actions are so upsetting and disappointing to you.  Explain that even though his/her friends might be talking or acting a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s okay for your child.  Ask him/her to stop and think for a second before he/she acts in future situations and wonder, “Would my mom and dad allow me to talk this way?  Would this be acceptable in my home”?  If the answer is no, then he/she needs to change gears at that moment.  Help him/her understand that your family rules apply wherever he/she is, even if mommy and daddy aren’t present.  Connect with your child on an emotional level and explain how his/her actions make you feel as their parent.  For example, let him/her know how proud you are when he/she makes great decisions and follows your rules.  More importantly, discuss how your child will be proud of him/herself when he/she makes good choices. 

Some kids are born leaders and others, followers.    At school, the followers can tend to make wrong decisions to fit in, feel accepted and to be liked, and for fear of standing up for themselves.  You may be surprised to learn your child is a follower at school, since at home, he/she is a leader.  Be involved with your child’s school habits, know who his/her friends are and take an active role in who your child is at school.  This of course is easier when they are younger but if you start now, you will be providing them with the knowledge to avoid negative school situations as they get older.  After you speak with your child, don’t be surprised if he/she expresses that he/she is uncomfortable about standing up for him/himself.  Explain that if a friend is making you feel bad or is asking you to make decisions that don’t feel right, then he/she is probably not a true friend.  Perhaps this “friend” is not even aware that his/her actions are making your child uncomfortable and if he/she knew, the issues might stop.  If this “friend” is someone that you often have over for playdates, it’s a good opportunity to confront the situation and take the pressure off your child, if of course you witness this bullying, use of bad language or overall negative behavior.  In a non-threatening manner, you could speak with the child, in front of your child, and let him/her know such manners are not allowed in your home and that it is making your child feel uncomfortable.  If it gets to a point that is uncontrollable, confront the parent and find out what is going on.  It might be a surprise for this parent to learn their child is acting a certain way and you will be thanked, or it might be behavior that is acceptable in that household.  This could be a touchy subject so be sensitive and remember different families have different rules and what works for yours may not work for theirs.  If problems at school continue, it’s definitely a good idea to alert the teacher and let them handle it, although he/she is probably already aware.  Usually, if a specific child is making your little one act out of character, others are also experiencing the same issue.   

In summary, have confidence in the way you have raised your little one and let them try and handle situations on his/her own, using the skills you taught them.  Don’t get angry, but instead help your child understand that household rules apply, even when out of the house.  Let your child know that it’s okay, and good, to have friends that are different than he/she is, but  teach your child to be a leader, to voice his/her opinion and to always be proud of the decisions he/she makes.  If these conversations are happening in your home now, you will lay down a wonderful foundation for the future.   

I have experienced everything I have written about in this article and have had success in helping my little one gain confidence in who he is and what his beliefs are.  The other day on the car ride home from school, my 5 year old said to me, “Mom, I stopped to think to myself today and told my brain that it was not doing the right thing, so I didn’t do it…just like you taught me”.  I could not have been more proud, and as I glanced at him in the rear view mirror, I knew he was just as proud!

If you are parent seeking advice, visit Mommy Masters on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/mommymasters) and be sure to click "like" to become a Fan.  Your question might be chosen next to appear on the Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Blog!  If you prefer a more private venue to share your personal parenting concerns, you can contact me at info@mommymasters.com.  Remember, together we can master motherhood!

Thanks for reading,

Ellie Hirsch, a.k.a. "The Mommy Master"

http://www.mommymasters.blogspot.com