FIRST OF OUR RECIPES.....

Spinach Quiche Appetizers

Rating: Delicious!!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 12

Ingredients

2 Tbsps. butter
3 eggs (free range)
1 cup flour (can be substituted for Rice Flour)
1 cup milk (can be substituted for Rice Milk)
1 tsp. baking powder
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (can be substituted for goats cheese)
2 cups frozen chopped spinach
1 Tbsp. onions, diced/minced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place butter or margarine in a shallow baking dish. Place dish in the oven, and remove when the butter has melted.

In large mixing bowl, beat eggs well. Mix in flour, milk and baking powder. When the ingredients are well combined, mix in cheese, spinach, and onion. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish.
Bake for 35 minutes, let cool 45 minutes, and then cut into bite-size squares.

S. Thompson Caboolture. QLD

Thanks S Thompson..sounds great! and good for those allergic to wheat!

DO YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS RECIPE??!!

Calling all mums (or dads for that matter) who have fantastic healthy and delicious recipes for kids. We are looking to create a fantastic 'International' Recipe book for mums, dads and kids to enjoy together. These recipes can be for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a quick snack, but they must be healthy, or even organic. The recipes will then be tested by the Trinity Lutheran Day Care Centre and the 'best' recipe will receive a $20 Voucher to spend at A Bee See Kidstuff. Winners will be notified my email.

RECIPES TO BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2006.....Looking forward to some yummy ideas!!

ADD Attention Deficit Disorders and children
June 10, 2006

Most children suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are of normal or high intelligence, and may have a specific learning disability that prevents them from taking in and sorting out information in the same way that other children do.
Does My Child Suffer from ADD/ADHD?
A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is usually made using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM IV), a reference used by practitioners to assess the primary symptoms, in addition to a history-taking to review any genetic and behavioural risk factors. In addition, other criteria need to be taken into account, such as diet, toxic exposure and prescription medicines.
To be diagnosed as suffering from ADD/ADHD, the patient needs to exhibit at least six of the symptoms for inattention or at least six of the symptoms of the combined hyperactivity-impulsivity list to a degree that interferes with daily life.

Symptoms of Inattention

Often ignores details, makes careless mistakes Often has trouble sustaining attention in work or play. Often does not seem to listen when directly addressed. Often does not follow through on instructions; fails to finish. Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities. Often avoids activities that require a sustained mental effort. Often loses things he/she needs. Often gets distracted. Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets or squirms Often has to get up from seat Often runs or climbs when he or she shouldn’t Often has difficulty with quiet leisure activities Often “on the go” as if driven by a motor Often talks excessively Impulsivity Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed Often has difficulty waiting his/her turn Often interrupts or intrudes on others. This is quite a generalised list, and everyone may be able to relate to some of these feelings at one time or another. When children are experiencing fast growth spurts, it is important to ensure that they are receiving enough minerals particularly calcium, zinc, magnesium and possibly iron. As it is often a time when children are particularly ‘picky’ about food, it is an additional reason to consider a supplement.

Nutritional Requirements
If the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD is made by your healthcare professional, there are many opportunities for improving the situation and outcome for your child. The first place to look is diet. Sugar is not considered to be a contributing factor to ADHD in children; and it has been found that eliminating sugar from the diet by itself does not bring about significant improvement over the long term. However, some children who have a propensity towards the condition do better when dietary triggers are removed. These may include artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives, refined carbohydrates and “junk” food generally. Food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances may be trigger factors. A common sensitivity is to wheat, and some children tolerate other grains such as spelt, kamut, millet and rice much better than they do wheat.
Any blood sugar irregularities should be investigated as these can lead to mood swings. As food intolerances can be caused by reactive or inflammatory bowel states, it is essential to address any digestive problems which can lead to malabsorption of the various nutrients that have particular implications in ADD/ADHD. Simply giving a supplement of a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalisfor improved intestinal function can bring about marked improvement in nutrient levels.
It is recommended that any dietary changes are achieved in consultation with a naturopath, dietician or other health professional experienced in ADD/ADHD who can give guidance so that any restrictions do not cause deficiencies in other areas.
Extra Nutrients
Fish Oils: the increased need for the essential fatty acids in people with ADD/ADHD has been extensively studied. Research suggests that some hyperactive children have a deficiency of omega-3 essential fatty acids which are found in fish oils. Zinc is required for the metabolism of these essential fatty acids, and it is interesting to note that children who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD tend to have lower levels of this vital mineral. Iron deficiency can lead to anxiety, aggressiveness and poor attention span, and any deficiency should be investigated and addressed. The frequent occurrence of ‘restless legs syndrome’ in children with ADHD may be associated with iron deficiencies.
Magnesium deficiency has implications for the nervous system. In children with ADHD and magnesium deficiency, magnesium has been shown to cause a decrease in hyperactivity. Calcium is synergistic with magnesium and important for the nervous system. Children can easily become deficient in calcium at times of accelerated growth. B complex vitamins, particularly B1, B6 and B3, are indicated for a healthy metabolism and support to the nervous system.
Therapies
Counselling, play therapy and behaviour modification therapy and information on educational intervention should be considered to provide strategies and tools for coping with, and understanding, some of the behaviours associated with the condition. Support groups can provide invaluable information and assistance.
Summary of Recommendations:
Address any digestive disturbances which may contribute to nutrient deficit Address food intolerances Supplement specific nutrients at age-appropriate dosage, with care taken over combinations with any pharmaceutical medication which may have been prescribed (if in doubt, seek advice from your healthcare practitioner) Seek counselling and appropriate additional therapy (eg cognitive therapy, behaviour modification)

Interested Reader NSW

HOW DO I TREAT HEAD LICE?

Head lice live in the hair and come down to the scalp to feed by sucking blood. So head lice formulations must be applied to all parts of the hair. A complete regime consists of two treatments 7 days apart, the first to kill the climbers, and the second to kill the juvenile lice hatched from the eggs over the intervening 6 days. No product currently available kills all eggs.
Apply the product to all areas of the head and coat all hairs from roots to tips. If you are using lotions, apply the product to dry hair. For shampoos, wet the hair, but use the least amount of water possible. For long hair apply the treatment formulation near the scalp and then use an ordinary comb to carry the formulation down the hair shaft to the tip. If product is left on the comb after one sweep, it should be wiped onto the same or a new area of hair at the base and the process repeated. By repeating this process several times for hair all over the head, one can obtain an even coverage of all hairs from roots to tip. In addition the hair is tangle free and use of a fine tooth comb is subsequently simplified. Leave the preparation on the hair for at least 20 minutes.
Cover the child's eyes while the treatment is being applied. Ask them to hold a towel against their eyes.
Conditioner stuns lice for 20 minutes. So once the hair is properly covered with a layer of conditioner, do not delay in combing those little suckers out!

HARAJUKU STYLE!
April 20, 2006

Did You Know that Gwen Stefani stocks clothes just like A Bee See Kidstuff?! Searching the net, I came across this:

Harajuku Lovers Kids' Clothes by Gwen Stefani
"Are you looking for something different in kids' wear? Then why don't you head on over to Harajuku? Harajuku Lovers is a line of clothing by Gwen Stefani for men, women and kids who have "a fatal attraction to cuteness". The collection is heavily influenced by both Stefani's music and modern Japanese culture, particularly the Harajuku district of Tokyo which is the favorite hang out for Japanese artists, fashionistas and hipsters. Shopping at Harajuku-lovers certainly isn't your standard shopping experience. You and your trusty mouse "prowl the streets of Harajuku" with the princess of cool, Gwen Stefani in search of hip clothing and accessories. Ride the Tokyo metro, browse the shops, listen to some funky music, hang out with Gwen and her Japanese friends and pick up some totally cool clothes."
I could not believe that you guys (A Bee See Kidstuff) stock the same stuff at a quarter of the price!!!!

Celebrity Kids' Clothes
Premium Jeans for Kids
Must-Have Fashion Items for Girls 2006
Clever and Fun T-Shirts for Toddlers and Little Kids

If anyone is looking for COOL - you are at the right place! CHEAP AND GORGEOUS...

THANK YOU!
I was aware Gwen Stefani loved Japanese clothes and Japan as much as me, but I am so pleased to know she is selling them (albeit at a premium price)...arent you guys lucky we dont charge so much?? Danielle - A Bee See Kidstuff - every day a dress up day!
-[Wendy Symes - California!]


April 20, 2006

THE INFO ABOUT KIDS VITAMINS AND IODINE IS VERY USEFUL!

I have three little children under 6 and dinner time is always a struggle! I am constantly worrying that they dont get their quota of vitamins and minerals. So I took your advice and bought some Veggie Buddies...the kids love them, I was shocked cause they dont look the best...but the kids keep asking for them, which is great! They really are the easiest way to get the good stuff into the kids:)

You are welcome!! And thanks for your feedback!
-[Sylvia - Doncaster, Vic.]

Re: Asthma Testing....
April 19, 2006

IT CAN ONLY BE BENEFICIAL..

These tests need to be performed in order to understand the disease and eradicate it. I only hope it works! I dont think the kids are guinea pigs...but it remains to be seen what, if any side effects there are.

Thanks for your comments Dianne ...
-[Dianne - Darwin]

Who Writes Them?....ha ha
April 05, 2006

Actual School Excuse Notes

These are excuse notes from parents (with their original spelling) collected by schools from all over the country:
1) My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
2) Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
3) Dear School: Please exscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29,30, 31, 32, and also 33.
4) Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. She is administrating.
5) Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
6) John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.
7) Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part.
8) Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.
9) Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.
10) Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.
11) Please excuse Pedro from being absent yesterday. He had (diahre) (dyrea) (direathe) the runs. [words in ()'s were crossed out.]
12) Please excuse Burma, she has been sick and under the doctor.
13) Irving was absent yesterday because he missed his bust.
14) Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.
15) I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don't know what size she wears.
16) Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
17) Sally won't be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral.
18) My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent a weekend with the Marines.
19) Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.
20) Please excuse Mary for being absent yesterday. She was in bed with gramps.
21) Maryann was absent December 11-16, because she had a fever, sore throat, headache and upset stomach. Her sister was also sick, fever and sore throat, her brother had a low grade fever and ached all over. I wasn't the best either, sore throat and fever. There must be something going around, her father even got hot last night.
22) Please excuse little Jimmy for not being in school yesterday. His father is gone and I could not get him ready because I was in bed with the doctor.

This was sent to me, thought you'd enjoy...
-[Jenny - Perth]

Asthma Testing - What do you think?
April 04, 2006

AUSTRALIAN researchers are leading a world-first trial in which babies and toddlers will be exposed to household dust, grass clippings and cat hair in an attempt to turn a treatment for asthma into a vaccine.

Two hundred children from Perth, Melbourne and New York will be administered a daily oral vaccine consisting of tiny drops of common allergens in a 12-month trial developed by researchers at Fiona Stanley's Perth-based Telethon Institute for Child Health.

The trial will receive $5 million from the US National Institutes of Health, but is expected to cost up to twice as much to complete when expanded to include children from Germany and Sweden.

The vaccine - which aims to stimulate immune responses and prevent children developing asthma triggered by allergies - has been used successfully in animal trials and to treat adults who already have asthma.

Peter Sly, who said the trial was the result of 15 years' research at the Telethon Institute, was confident the treatment would prove a success as a vaccine.

Asthma affects up to 40 per cent of Australian children and is the single most common reason for children being admitted to hospital.

Q. Do you think kids should be used as guinea pigs for this type of testing?

PLEASE SEND YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS CRITICAL SUBJECT to
info@abeeseekidstuff.com.au

(All responses will be published through the blog.)

With asthma in the family, I thought this was interesting....
-[Danielle - A Bee See Kidstuff]

What is iodine?....

Iodine is a chemical element that is an essential part of our diet. Foods that are naturally rich in iodine include seafood and plants grown in iodine-rich soil. A low intake of dietary iodine can result in iodine deficiency, which is a major worldwide health concern. The World Health Organization’s policy of adding iodine to all salt that is for human and animal consumption is one way of preventing iodine deficiency.

Why is an adequate iodine intake important? Your thyroid gland, which is located in your neck, needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. These hormones control your body’s growth and metabolism and are important for the development of the brain in babies and young children. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid gland is unable to produce an adequate amount of hormones, which can have serious health consequences.

What are the effects of iodine deficiency? Iodine deficiency can result in a series of conditions, referred to as iodine deficiency disorders. Iodine deficiency disorders can affect people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious problems.

Babies who do not receive adequate iodine can have intellectual impairment and problems with physical development. Sometimes, severe mental retardation (sometimes known as cretinism) develops following severe iodine deficiency during early development. In fact, iodine deficiency is the most common cause worldwide of preventable intellectual impairment in children, so it’s extremely important for pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and young children to receive an adequate amount of dietary iodine.

Iodine deficiency can also cause swelling of the thyroid gland (goitre), as well as symptoms of an under-active thyroid gland (a condition called hypothyroidism). Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism throughout the world. Some of the features of hypothyroidism include: · tiredness; · slow heart rate; · dry skin; · muscle and joint aches and pains; · depression; · constipation; and · weight gain.

Why has iodine deficiency become more prevalent in Australia?
Iodine deficiency has recently re-emerged as a common problem in Australia. This is due to several factors, including: · a reduction in the use of iodised table salt at home — it is estimated that only about 20 per cent of households use iodised table salt; · the food industry rarely using iodised salt; and · a reduction in the use of iodine in the manufacture of dairy products. (Previously, iodine was widely used in the sterilisation of milk vats, resulting in small quantities of iodine being found in dairy products.)

It has been reported that at least 50 per cent of pregnant women in Australia have an inadequate intake of iodine. Several studies have also found mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency in school-aged children and adults in Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria.

How can I ensure that my iodine intake is adequate?
Using iodised table salt (which is packaged with a green label) at home is one of the easiest ways of boosting your dietary iodine intake. It's important to note that regular sea salt is a poor source of iodine. People who don’t eat seafood, animal products or iodised salt may need iodine supplements to ensure their intake is adequate.

This is extremely useful information - THANK YOU! -[B. Green VIC]

A TESTIMONIAL FROM A HAPPY CUSTOMER....

Hi, my name is Visilia but people know me as Lia, short for Visilia.

I just want to tell you that the clothes you are selling are good quality. A friend of mine gave me a shirt for my son. He has been wearing it lot of times and I wash it in the washing like all the other clothes.

The best thing about it, is that the t-shirt still looks like a brand new t-shirt compared to his other t-shirts. That’s why I believe that your kids clothes are the best quality. I love the style of all the clothes.

THANKS SO MUCH LIA!!!

-[L. Forster QLD]

WHAT IS A MOTHER?

May 11, 2005

A heart that can hear every unspoken word
Wisdom to know when to quietly lead
Hands that reach out, always helping and sharing
A mother is caring....
Eyes that reflect every joy that you find
Arms encircle, but never to bind
A talent for making the most out of living - A Mother is giving
A voice that can soother or inspire or delight,
A smile that keeps shining when things dont go right
An angel god sends us from heaven above
A MOTHER IS LOVE!

-[Michelle - Gold Coast QLD]
A LOVELY POEM, THANK YOU! Happy Mother's Day!

Another Beautiful Poem for Mum!
May 04, 2006

A mother's love determines how We love ourselves and others.
There is no sky we'll ever see Not lit by that first love.
Stripped of love, the universe Would drive us mad with pain; But we are born into a world That greets our cries with joy.
How much I owe you for the kiss That told me who I was!
The greatest gift--a love of life-- Lay laughing in your eyes.
Because of you my world still has The soft grace of your smile; And every wind of fortune bears The scent of your caress.

-[S Fisher - Carlton VIC]
THANK YOU! Please keep forwarding Poems to us...and feel free to use them for Mother's Day!

A Beautiful Poem for Mum!
April 27, 2006

"Happy Mother's Day" means more than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things we never get to say.
It means I love you first of all, then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me, and that I honour you.
But most of all, I guess it means that I am thinking of your happiness on this, your day, with pleasure and with love.

-[L Tulley - N.S.W] THANK YOU! WHAT A LOVELY POEM, With Mothers Day around the corner, if you would like to share a poem with us for mum, please forward it to us...VITAMINS FOR KIDS
Do your kids eat all their veggies and love fruit?

Most kids are fussy when it comes to meal times, which makes mums worry that their kids aren’t getting enough vitamins and minerals. Here are a few great ways to ensure they are, and they taste great.

You can get them at most chemists and pharmacies, if your local doesn’t stock them, ask them to get them in for you!

1) Yummi Bears Chewable Vitamin C for Kids We all need vitamin C for healthy immune systems and healthy connective tissue. Most of our dietary vitamin C comes from fruits and some vegetables. If your kids hate fruits and vegetables, then they need some extra daily vitamin C. Yummi Bears is a fun chewable vitamin C that kids enjoy taking.

2) Rhino Calci-Bears Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth, and our bodies use calcium for normal muscle and nerve function. The best time to build up healthy stores of calcium for our bones is when we are kids. Calcium is found in dairy products and green leafy vegetables. If your kids aren't milk drinkers, then add some calcium supplements. Rhino Calci-Bears are a fun way to add calcium to your childrens' diets.

3) L'il Critters Vita Worms Kids Multivitamins Children who are picky eaters, or eat not-so-healthy diets need daily vitamins. Usually, picky eaters hate taking vitamins as well, so Mums and Dads can make taking vitamins a fun experience with these worm-shaped vitamins.

4) Yummi Bears Fiber Supplements for Kids Fibre is needed for healthy bowel movements and a healthy digestive system. Fibre is naturally found fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you kids eat white breads, pasta and only a few fruits and vegetables, they may need some additional fiber.

5) Nutri - ADD This formula is a great supplement for children who have trouble concentrating. Nutri-ADD contains natural ingredients that improve attention and mental function. This isn't a fun or cute vitamin, but the improved mental focus will make your kid happy to take them.

THANKS FOR THE TIPS!!

-[S. Lofaro N.S.W March 28, 2006]

TIDY KIDS??
Here is how one reader instills good habits in her children......

How can you instill the neatness bug in your kids ?- and get them to clean up after themselves? As far as neatness goes, we have a point system. We keep a star chart in the kitchen ?- the heart of our home. We discuss, as a family, some of the things that are great to do that would earn them stars, as well as the things that are bad to do that would cost them stars.

They know they'll get stars for clearing the table, filling the washing basket and cleaning up after themselves and their friends.

Kids want everything, and rather than always telling them no, when they've accumulated a certain number of stars I let them pick an item from the list I keep of the things they've asked for over the year.

Of course, that's incentive for them to do their little chores and it keeps them motivated, but I think that just by doing these chores over and over, they get into good habits. I don't love toy chests, because if the toy is hidden they won't play with it. So they keep their things in open baskets ?- and I do need to go through them frequently. It's amazing how often broken, unwanted toys turn up.

I look through any gifts they've gotten, all the new games and toys. It's a good time to figure out which ones they're going to play with. It's smart to try to get rid of old toys if there's a new group of favourites. Things they've outgrown or gotten bored with can be donated to worthy causes.

I have a seven-year-old and a five-year-old, and I find it's best to do it when they're not home. If they haven't been playing with it, and they don't see it, they won't miss it.

-[A Fennell - Perth W.A.]


TEA and it's Benefits...
>Did you know???

Scientists say tea is a healthy dose of preventive medicine.

Tea combats heart disease, lowers cholesterol and staves off several types of cancer while protecting skin and strengthening bones and teeth.

Besides having practically no calories, no fat and no salt, two cups of true tea are as rich in flavonoids as a serving of vegetables. Drink tea strong and freshly brewed, because research shows that bottled and powdered varieties can be less effective. Or try eating it. Cooking with Green Tea, by Ying Chang Compestine, and Eat Tea, by Joanna Pruess and John Harney, give recipes in which tea is a key ingredient. Here's how a daily dose of four to six cups will hedge your bets.

A Healthy Heart Some of the most persuasive tea research links tea to lower risks of heart disease, stroke and high cholesterol. Numerous clinical trials as well as large population studies have found that regular tea drinkers are as much as 44 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack than the general population, and those who have had heart attacks are more likely to recover.

Researchers at Boston University recently found that black tea appears to repair blood-vessel damage in people who have coronary-artery disease. And at the USDA, a just-completed study that controlled everything subjects ate and drank found that consistent tea-drinking significantly lowered LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) without decreasing helpful HDL cholesterol.

Beautiful Skin Tea helps prevent sunburn and even skin cancer. At the University of Arizona, researchers found that drinking hot black tea appears to protect against squamous-cell carcinoma. Wearing tea may be just as useful: studies show that green-tea compounds in skin lotions may protect against, and even reverse, sun damage.

Cancer Prevention Both clinical and large-population studies suggest black or green tea reduces the risk of a host of cancers, in particular, stomach and colorectal. "There's a lot of evidence that oxidative stress is what damages DNA, causing it to mutate and become cancer," explains Jeffrey Blumberg, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University. "Catechins seem to promote something we call programmed cell death: when an injured cell can't repair itself, it commits suicide instead of becoming cancerous."

Strong Bones and Teeth Other studies report increased bone-density measurements among tea drinkers, possibly due to the fluoride in tea, coupled with the catechins. Tea, especially oolong, has been shown to suppress bacterial growth in the mouth, and it helps to prevent cavities.

Of course, like anything, tea has its drawbacks. "Caffeine is caffeine is caffeine," says Blumberg. "You just get a smaller dose in tea than in coffee." (Black tea has about half as much as coffee; green, a third. But you can decaffeinate tea, which lessens its healthful effects only slightly, by immersing a tea bag or ball in hot water for thirty seconds, throwing that water out and then brewing again.) One caveat: avoid taking medicine or vitamins with tea, since its active ingredients can interfere with those in some medications. Tea can also hinder iron absorption, though drinking it with lemon or only between meals will mitigate that effect.

-A Lewis - Boston U.S. March 26, 2006