my favorite thing this week! - flower bottles

You know from my flea market section on Nonchalant Mom that I am an avid flea marketer and everything that goes along with that... I can hardly get myself to walk by an antique store without jumping inside! Yesterday I was in New Bedford, MA checking out a factory and there it was a basement full of antiques! heaven!


My favorite thing this week are these lovely flower bottles that I have been picking up here and there, they come in such dramatic and rich colors that I can never just 'walk on by...'! I love to fill them with flowers that are cut from our garden or just flowers that grow wild in the woods and the kids bring home. The best is keeping them by your bedside so that you can wake up to a beautiful, single flower!


You can usually find these bottles in any antique shop, most often they are in the front window catching light. You may have to sift through a few to find the shape you like, sometimes you just have to stare at them for awhile and soak them all in and one will pop out at you (and it is usually not the first on you see or the most obvious one), they are pretty cheap from $1 - $15 and some come with really wonderful words on them, I have one that says 'Bixby' -- which I just love! (and if they are from England, which many of them are, I like to ask my mother in law if she knows what they are!?)

Out and About Town: Basel, Switzerland

Taking advantage of the city after indulging in way to much contemporary art back in June, I took a stroll around the Rhine River crossing back and forth over bridges it seemed - not looking for anything in particular. And, then, there is was, sunk down low in an otherwise unremarkable small building - one of the those spaces that are semi-below ground. Nonetheless, it's windows caught my eye: a bevy of 'antique' toys of all sorts - and just from the windows I could see stuff you'd be fairly hard pressed to find otherwise. It was the kind of place that was covered in dust and arranged just barely in a sensible fashion. But, you could easily imagine yourself turning things over, or finding some gem buried in a small pile. There were a few things I would have liked to have got my hands on... but, alas, when I went back the next day I could not find the place open - so I never got in and I didn't have the time to follow through with a phone call, etc. Which rounds out the general picture nicely - because it was one of those kinds of shops that you can just see the owner of - the kind of person not strictly given to following the opening hours. I'm not even sure the place had been open recently.

So, if you happen to find yourself in Basel anytime soon, you might wish to check the shop out and let us know what you find. Damn .... I really wanted to get inside! I've supplied a picture with the sign and info on it just in case you want to know more... but you can see from the pictures that if you get the chance, it could be worth it. That's assuming you have the same thrill we do for hard to find stuff from the past!

The World According to Wee See

One of Nonchalant Mom's dedicated customers, Heather, recently sent me 2 DVDs to share with my children. Of course, in this business, you receive a fair amount of samples - people wanting you to look at this, or eat that, or use this, or put on that... you get the idea. Normally, what I'm supposed to be sampling just doesn't even get off of base one. My general rule is an aesthetic one - if the creator can't even be bothered to package something interesting or beautiful, then it's a good bet the product is going to be just as uninteresting... ouch!

BUT, when someone gets it right - or in the case of the creators of Wee See - they excel at it at every point, it is a darn pleasure to share the wealth! The packaging design for both Wee See's collection one and two is alone worth a nod for it's simple yet beautiful design sense. And that's only the tip of the iceberg.

still image from Collection One

Suffice it to say, I'm of the generation who remembers the early raves that emerged in London
and elsewhere in the late 80's. One thing that stood out at those events, before the whole thing turned into a mass commodification of whistles and night lights, and silly beats, was the sometimes beautiful marriage of image and sound. When I first put on Wee See's collection of DVDs my 4 year old and 7 year old sat mesmerized. This will come as no surprise to the creators
of Wee See, but it was an uncommon event to me. What I was expecting, at least from the distance, was that my kids would take a mild interest while I was doing something else. But, Lo and Behold, first the sound carried me in closer, and then the softly shifting elements of shapes lured me in for the ulitmate experience of relaxation. These DVDs, whether they intended it that way or not, are not just for the youngest in your family - they are soothing and enjoyable for everyone.

I tell you - they are BEAUTIFUL. I've seen some very creative things, even charming things, to do with teaching kids at an early level - but this one takes the cake also in re-teaching me, as an adult, how to slow down also and enjoy the world around me. I mean that! This is like the sensation I had when I first came across the artist/musician Brian Eno's physical environments where he married sculpture and colored lights together with his ambient music to create something at once soothing and simply beautiful. I have this same sensation with Wee See. And, my kids seem to think so too! And they don't even know a 'Brian Eno' from a bouncing ball right now! The creators bill it as a part installation and part pacifier.... but it's more than that - it's ART.

still image from Collection Two

Parent and Designer, Rolyn Barthelman, is the creator of Wee See. An award winning designer his work has been used by many a program such as Nickelodeon, Sony, and MTV, just to name a few - this is somebody for whom design is something more than just a job. It would seem to be a passion. And, when you mix that visual passion with a particular phonic creativity such as one gets here from Tim DeLaughter (originally from Tripping Daisy and The Polyphonic Spree) you got yourself some delightful magic. As I said about the packaging, even the website for Wee See (where you can learn even more) is beautifully and simply composed of the same engaging elements that go into the main source - underscored by Rolyn Barthelman's creativity and coupled with the development skills of Paul Torres of Monk Design. I can't give you a sense with the still images, so I suggest you have a sample on the website of what each DVD offers.

I honestly can't tell you how beautiful these DVDs are - and I'm very sure that you will either want one (or both) for yourself, or as a great gift for someone else. It is the reason why I am eagerly awaiting my initial delivery of them! So, if you want to make sure you get yours, please make sure you drop me a line so that I can put you on the list! And, a BIG thanks to Heather again for turning us on..... and tuning us in. Very Happy Viewing!

The Sponge Turns 10

Honestly, Sponge Bob has always been at the periphery of my interest. He appeared on television sometime before I even had children, so I mostly remember him, at first, for being this sort-of cult favorite amongst some of the more progressive adults I knew. His world seemed so outrageous. And, being a yellow sponge didn't hurt either. You might also remember at the beginning that he gained the attention of some morally upright politicians who tried to confuse his attractive and delightfully bubbly sweetness with some deep homosexual conspiracy!

I'm sure there were many college students at the beginning, just like with TeleTubbies, who indulged in a little whacky tobacky and immersed themselves in the deep sea neighborhood. I just wasn't really one of them. I had other things on my mind.

I did cross into Spongey's world, though, over the last few years though. He was fun enough, sure. But what appealed most to me was his seemingly endless supply of unadulterated optimism and kindness, even while surrounded by other characters who did not share in that ideal. So, I shared the program with my kids, but they seemed not to care so much. I just couldn't get the little fellow to stick in their imaginations. Oh well.

Nonetheless, I know many a parent who still raves about him, and his appeal (though not at cult status any longer) seems to have firmly hit the mainstream some time ago. So, for what he might be lacking in my household, he seems to have gained tenfold in the larger world. Good for him -
he's a sweetheart! I wish him a HAPPY 10th Anniversary! For more on Sponge Bob Square Pants and his ilk, there's a good article on him from the recent NY Times. This Friday Nickelodeon will play a Marathon viewing of 50 episodes back to back, as well as 10 new episodes. So, if the little yellow sponge didn't stick the first time around, you have plenty of time to get him to do so this time!

bachs flower remedies for kids

I am a big fan of Bachs flower remedies and I just found out that they have developed new kids formulations (I must admit the rescue remedy tastes kind of like a shot of brandy!). I have really relied on rescue remedy since my first son was born seven years ago, I found that they have helped me through a multitude of things including a flight from New York City to Italy with my son at 18 months... alone! Rescue remedy helped me through a few cases of mastisis and engourgement, and a few times just to get me off the ceiling! Rescue remedy really just takes me past the problem and I can get through my 'troubles' with a more clear mind, it's fascinating! (no chocolate, coffee or mint while you use the remedies)


The idea that Bachs created remedies for kids is something super! There are testimonials on their website, but I think that as soon as these things hit the stores there will be many, many more! The remedies include a kids rescue remedy, confidence remedy and daydream remedy. If you don't know about Bachs you may want to try them on yourself first to understand how they work, but they are very subtle and the idea behind how they work is something that I really believe in. They work a bit like a constitutional remedy in a sense that you do not need to take them ongoing but they can support certain areas of your life that trouble you from time to time. I think that the confidence remedy sounds amazing for kids who are shy and have trouble playing with a room full of kids.

If you do end up using one of the remedies we would really love to hear from you! So make a comment and you will really help other parents!

Buy Bachs kids remedies by clicking here

Première Heure

There doesn't seem to be a middle ground of opinion when it comes to newborn babies. Usually, as I found in my bit of research about the photo series of newborns by photographer Thierry Bouet called 'First Hour', the opinion was that the babies were ugly. I, of course, do not see it that way and prefer to see a new baby as something beautiful. You'd be hard pressed to find any mother describe a baby any different!

I think that you can already see something of the character of a new child even at birth. Bouet's photos seem to me to capture that. I'd be interested to see what you guys think.

Exhibition Photos in La Samaritaine, Paris

This series, consisting of 50 large scale photographs, was originally exhibited apparently at the beginning of 2008 in the former Paris department store called La Samaritaine. Bouet said in an interview with the guardian.co.uk that he derived the idea from the Christian Nativity, and this helped his decision to use only IVF babies. He said he wanted to emulate the idea of the immaculate conception. Obviously, the idea for the large scale presentation was to make more of an impact. I happen to think they are beautiful and very revealing.

You can see many more here at www.lifelounge.com where they have provided a decent selection. And, for more on Thierry Bouet you can check out his website.

Finger Knitting With The Kids

Summer isn't always perfect in our neck of the woods. The weather can be a bit unpredictable and even suddenly come out of nowhere. So, you can't always count on the outdoor activities - and if you aren't a little prepared for indoor activities, it can be a nightmare fast. And, just like the weather, it can come out of nowhere. It's always nice to be prepared. Just the other week I watched Nana pull off something just short of magic when she entertained my 4 year old daughter using nothing but her fingers acting out characters..... so never underestimate what a simple idea can do for you, and your kids!
Blair is back from WiseCraft with a special suggestion for us to consider next time the kids are pressed against the window staring at the storm clouds outside.

Blair says: "One thing that I am doing a lot of with my kids right now is manipulative play. For those who don't know, manipulative play is using any toy, game, or activity that uses the fingers and their small muscles. Both my kids need to work on improving their handwriting over the summer, and manipulative play is one way to "get the learning in through the back door" as a teacher once told me."

A great manipulative is finger knitting. This requires only yarn, your fingers, and a willingness to try it. Its easy for kids to learn with a teensy bit of practice, and really helps those little muscles in their hands develop. Here's our version:


Step 1 Take the tail of your ball of yarn, and tie it around the index finger of the hand you don't write with (we're all right handed here, so we're tying it to our left hand's index finger. It will look like the photo above.


Step 2 Next, loop the "working yarn" (the part of the yarn you'll be knitting with) around the back of that same index finger, just above the loop you tied in step one.


Step 3 Now, take the loop you made in step one, and pull it up over the loop you made in step 2, and pull it off your finger, towards the back. You've just made your first link in your finger knit chain.


Step 4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as you want and watch your chain grow!

I've learned that my kids love using multicolored (or variegated) yarn, it keeps them motivated to keep going to watch those colors change.

So, you may be wondering what to do with all those chains? If they are long enough, they can become a jump rope, but shorter ones can also become headbands or hair ties, necklaces or bracelets, bookmarks, dollhouse accessories, etc.


There are countless versions of finger knitting...you can even do them on multiple fingers for a wider chain. I think we'll be trying that next!

potato salad recipe

Yes, I am sure this could have been more helpful had I posted this recipe before July 4th and believe me it was my goal, but 'better late than never!' is what I always say... This is just a great recipe that has lots of good things in it and hopefully the whole family will love it!

I honestly like to just put anything that I can find in the kitchen (or the GARDEN for that matter) so feel free to improvise!

POTATO SALAD
(serves 6-8 people?)

6 or more potatos - cook until slightly soft in lightly salted water, I like to use organic yukon gold so that I don't need to peel them. poor out water and let cool for a bit (but I do like to serve the salad warm unless its sweltering outside!)

3 green onions (I just chop up the whole thing including the green)
1 tablespoon creme fresh
2 tablespoons greek yogurt (or more if you like it really creamy)
1 tablespoon parsely
1 tablespoon basil
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
(whatever other herbs you like!!-sage? chives? etc..)
salt & pepper

other additions: sunflower or sesame seeds, steamed carrots, grapes, celery...

toss altogether and serve!

party party party!

We decided to buck the trend this year and have a party the week before the fourth of July! Every year we have the same old party, cookout, burgers and 'all that jazz' so this year we decided to do something different. We decided to have a Moroccan Party last weekend, we made our deck look like a tent and then threw out a bunch of old Moroccan rugs, some pillows and low tables, then we served some yummy food and a white sangria as well as an abundance of mint tea! (oh, and I shouldn't forget tons of fruit, cakes and deserts!)


It was really fun to have a theme for the party and I think it got people excited about something funny and a little different. But I think that any off-beat idea can work, how about sending people a piece of clothing (from a second hand store) with their invite and telling them they have to wear it somehow... or how about a color party or maybe a 'fancy dress' party... just about anything can turn into a fun party idea -- just do it!

I should add that many of our friends opted to come with out their kids, and that turned out to be pretty fun. I think that as parents we almost feel guilty to have a party without the kids, but it was nice to have time to sit down and talk to each other without getting pulled away buy the kids! ....relax!

favorite thing of the week!

I have never been a perfume kind of a person, but I DO like to smell good! Usually I just leave it to my favorite Weleda product that I may be wearing at the moment... Summertime can be a particularly tricky time, and honestly I don't like to totally close-out a persons own 'scent', I have always loved the subtleties of each persons scent and I think that it's possible that we Americans do have a bit of a love affair with cleanliness.

BUT then I found Kiehl's Corriander essence... it's an oil and comes with a little roller ball applicator -- it reminds me of 'Spencer Boutique' you remember that store in just about every mall in the 70's and 80's, it was dark and they had those purple lights and they sold oils, posters and incense -- this corriander essence has a really fresh scent and it's easy to wear for men or women.

This is my favorite thing of the week! - Kiehl's Corriander Essence - $25

School's Out!

As you can tell by my NON-posting that summer is here, school is out and it always seems to take me a bit by surprise how LITTLE time I find to actually WORK! But once we are into a groove things get much better... the groove is beginning because my husbands niece Olivia is here to help us - YAY!

Since we live far away from both our families my we have been pretty good at "inviting" family to come and stay for the summer and help to play with the kids. Or from time to time I can get a cousin from Sweden to come and help as well. We love it because we get to spend more time with our extended families and the kids get to know their cousins a bit better than just a short visit. But I must say that I do get to spend more time with the kids in the summer than many working parents so I think that we are very lucky.

So as we get into our groove, please take this time to send me emails or comments on what you would like to hear more about from the Nonchalant Mom Blog, we have been inviting some guest bloggers so that you can find out a bit more about some bloggers that I love to watch. I would like to know more about what you want to see from us... is another baby week in order?? As my kids grow I sometimes forget to talk about babies.. I noticed you kind of like to hear about health and beauty too? so maybe some more of that... Please comment and we will do our best to hit all of your suggestions!

Thank you for listening and have a GREAT summer!

the toxic 'dirty dozen' by Green Planet

The subtext is the best part... "Stay healthy by steering clear of the worst chemicals that might already be in your house". This type of article is often written too "textbook" and not in normal language, but I felt that this article by Christine Lepisto was really helpful and easy to understand. I also like that her chosen 'Dirty Dozen' really make sense to me.

I am quoting the article in full but please visit the website 'Green Planet' here for more information.

one of my own additions: re: #3 BPA - since this article was written many of the US baby bottle manufacturers have stopped using BPA in bottle production (see blog here), you can also usually ask your water fountain company to provide BPA-free bottles at no extra cost or better yet ask them if they have glass containers!

[by Christine Lepisto]

It seems like you can't open a newspaper or magazine without reading warnings about hazards "you must avoid." Though many are carcinogenic and can pose serious health risks, which ones are the worst? Which ones do you really have to watch out for?

Benefits vs. risks
We each weigh the benefits of certain products (and the chemicals that are in them) against the risks associated with their use. For example, the tar and other nasties in cigarettes would top any such list -- we know that they cause cancer and are really bad for you and anyone who's around you a lot. But, people around the world still smoke them, despite piles of studies and mountains of information that say they're not good for us. The same applies, in degrees, to the benefits of make-up, shampoo, toilet cleaner, auto lubricants, and a host of other products that the average person uses and relies upon each day.

What We Really Want to Know
So let's skip alcohol and saturated fats and go straight to what we really want to know about what to avoid: which chemicals lurk in everyday consumer products which can be avoided without really harming our quality of life or threatening our freedom of choice?

1. Triclosan
   Once restricted to uses with high benefit and limited proliferation, such as in hospitals and food-processing, successful marketing of anti-bacterial agents in consumer products led to a boom in the amounts of these germicides in our environment. The CDC estimates that in the early 1990s, only a few dozen products containing antibacterial agents were being marketed for the home. Now hundreds flood the market. Triclosan is in human breast milk and in fish downstream of water treatment plants. It has been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor in frogs. Ironically, this futile quest for sterility may be breeding super-bugs resistant to antibiotics or harming the good bacteria which help us stay healthy. If you quit only one chemical habit after reading this, give up anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners. If you don't buy these products today, talk to your friends and neighbors. This one is a no-brainer.


2. Bisphenol A, or BPA
   This chemical, used to make certain plastics soft and pliable, continues to be named in studies implicating it in health risks. Recently, the first large-scale human study correlates bisphenol-A with common diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities. (JAMA, Lang and colleagues).
   
   But the controversy continues: while Canada banned BPA in 2008, the US FDA continues to defend BPA as safe—even for babies. To minimize your exposure: buy preserved foods in glass instead of cans, especially those with an acidic nature such as tomatoes or citrus fruits; avoid drinks in single-use plastic bottles; and never microwave food or put hot foods in plastic containers.


3. Perfluoroalkyl acids and salts
   Perflurooctane sulfonates, PFOS, lead this pack. The media has dubbed these chemicals "C8" with much the same na‹ve oversimplification by which the dreaded global warming gas carbon dioxide has been reduced to "carbon", formerly known as the building block of all life. But chemist's rants aside, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate and similar fully fluorinated chemicals may be the closest thing to a contaminant of "silent spring" magnitude in our generation.
   
   Perfluoronates were heralded as chemical wonders for their non-stick and water-repellant properties. An OECD study shows 2005 production levels in the hundreds of tons around the world. While scientific knowledge about the toxicity and chronic effects of this chemical are incomplete, one thing is clear: these persistent and bio-accumulating chemicals are building up in mammals across the planet. Enough evidence exists to use the precautionary principle to stop all applications which do not provide substantial benefits offsetting the risks. Non-stick cookware and stain-repellant trousers simply do not merit gambling with these bad actors. [Note: do not throw away non-stick cookware you own. The risk is in the manufacture, not in the end product.


4. Phthalates & 5. Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates
   These are the poster children for endocrine disrupting chemicals. That big medical term means that the chemicals mimic natural hormones, like estrogen or androgen, which causes confusion in the systems regulating sexual function. Disappearing male populations, small penises and hermaphrodite fish are just a couple of observed phenomena that may be explained by a build-up of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment.
   
   Phthalates are used to make plastic flexible, as solvents, and in cosmetics and perfumes. Again, this is a family of chemicals. The misbehaving siblings include dibutylphthalate (DBP), butylbenzylphthalate (BBP) and diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), while Diethylphthalate (DEP) appears to be safer.
   
   Nonylphenol compounds are effective, cheap surfactants (surfactants are the chemicals which help dissolve oily grime into water in cleaning products). There are many safer substitutes, so simply don't accept any "nonylphenol" on the ingredient list of products in your house.
5. 
   


6. Polybrominated Flame Retardants
   Exemplified by Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), polybrominated flame retardants are used in mattresses, upholstery, plastics and other materials to prevent them from catching fire and burning. In the battle of risks versus benefits, some jurisdictions, such as California, require PBDE and others, such as Europe and China, have banned PBDE. Although flame retardants prevent risks from synthetic materials burning, they are persistant and bio-accumulating. Adverse health effects attributed to PBDE and PBB include problems in brain development and genital malformations. Avoid polybrominates by buying clothing, bedding and furniture made from natural materials.

7. Glycol ethers
   It is important to understand that there is a whole range of glycol ethers, many of which are relatively safe. However, the bad guys are suspected of causing birth defects and low sperm motility. Look out for the known reproductive toxins methyl cellosolve (aka methoxyethanol or EGME), Ethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether (EGEE), Ethylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (EGMEA) and Ethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether Acetate (EGEEA). The jury remains out on 2-butoxyethanol, (EGBE) commonly used in paints, inks and household cleaners. European authorities reviewed claims of carcinogenicity as recently as 2005, dismissing the classification because tumors observed in animals can be explained by mechanisms that do not occur in humans. The so-called "P series" glycol ethers are considered to be safer substitutes: these include Propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PM), Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPM), and Propylene Glycol n-butyl ether (PnB).


8. Urea-Formaldehyde resins
   Made famous by the FEMA trailers used to house victims of hurricane Katrina, this ubiquitous binder in plywood and particleboard releases significant amounts of formaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen. UF-free alternatives in composite wood products include phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resins. Although these contain formaldehyde, their higher stability reduces post-production vapor release. Isocyanates (e.g MDI) and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) are formaldehyde-free options, although isocyanates have high production concerns and the moisture resistance of the most low-risk option, PVA, is poor. All are more expensive than UF (of course). Soy based adhesives are a promising development to watch.


9. Heavy Metals Like Mercury and Lead
   It is hard to believe that centuries after people realized that "mad as a hatter" is an occupational disease, these neurotoxins are still hiding in mascara or hair dyes. Watch out for the preservative "thimerosal", which contains mercury. And avoid anything with lead in its name. Both lead and mercury build up in the body so even little bits over time can be dangerous. And be especially careful if you have children about the house.


10. Sensitizers
    Too many chemicals fit into this category to list by name, but the hazard is significant enough that it simply deserves a mention. Most people will use products containing these chemicals all their lives and never suffer a single symptom. But other people will note a worsening tendency to rashes, sneezing or difficulty breathing. The culprit? A sensitizer.
    
    Protect yourself by avoiding products with commonly known sensitizers such as the fragrances cinnamic alcohol, hydroxycitronella or isoeugenol, or the preservatives quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea or parabens. Use baking soda and lemon slices instead of air freshener or perfumed cleaners to freshen up.


11. Perchlorates
    Boy it sucks to rain on the fireworks parade. But it does appear that perchlorate, a propellant in fireworks and rocket fuels, is contaminating groundwater systems. One report on perchlorate sources notes that over 20 million Americans are affected by perchlorates in their drinking water. The same report notes that 221 million pounds of fireworks were detonated in the USA in 2003. Other studies demonstrate contamination of lakes and groundwater at sites where public fireworks displays are held routinely. Perchlorate intake on a regular basis interferes with iodine uptake, and may therefore be related to hypothyroidism.


12. Acrylamide
    The US FDA estimates that 100 percent of the population consumes the carcinogen acrylamide in their food, 0.4 micrograms per kg of bodyweight per day on average. Acrylamide is manufactured synthetically, then reacted to make the harmless textile fiber polyacrylamide (PA). But the acrylamide in foods is not an industrial contaminant. It forms from a reaction between sugars and proteins that occurs mainly when foods are cooked at high temperatures. Fortunately, the foods with the most acrylamide are some of the ones that you shouldn't eat anyhow due to much riskier "natural" health impacts such as obesity and heart disease. So keep your intake of chips and fries under control, drink coffee in moderation, and cook your foods at lower temperatures. Then stop worrying about acrylamide; after all, stress is risky too.

• Make it a Baker's Dozen: Handle with care
  Many chemicals are useful and not really dangerous if handled correctly. Others are necessary but should be used with discretion. For example, sodium hydroxide (lye, oven cleaner) or hydrochloric acid (toilet bowl cleaner) will cause skin burns and should only be used with gloves and safety goggles. Pesticides are formulated to kill living organisms - so they will not be good for humans or pets. Read labels, follow manufacturer instructions, and turn to useful resources like the US Health and Human Services Household Products Database and the EWG cosmetics database to understand the products you use every day.

for more information see complete article on the blog "green planet" here.

present & correct

These guys are one of my favorite shops to check out when I need some time away from 'everything', I just click on my bookmark and take myself away to their happy and colorful place (and can I say organized too!). Present & Correct sent me an email today, they just turned 1! So, I had to take a moment to peruse through their new things, my favorite section is "organise" because I am so NOT organized I love to look at ways to approach being more organized, and why not in a 70's retro way!


Present & Correct is the design store of Neal Whittington, he picks up things along the road in his travels to Amsterdam, Japan, New Zealand and more as well as finding things in his backyard of London. Neal also designs a retro inspired line of paper products that will tickle your fancy and colorful and fun for kids too!


It's an easy stop to brighten your day!

visit Present & Correct here!

nana, mor mor, grandma... whatever you call them, they're great!

In our home we have to call in help from Nana and Mor Mor if one of us is going to be out of town for a stretch of time. Since they both live far away we do a bit of arranging to get it all set up. My mom (Mor Mor) just left, she was here for a week and she is the cooking and cleaning impressario, we joke that no-one is allowed in the kitchen when she is here. Nana (my husbands mom) is the 'playing with the kids' grandma, she can play and play for hours with the kids, she's amazing that way! But while daddy was gone for 18 days we had all the help we needed and I think it's such special time for everyone!

It's really wonderful to see what Nana comes up with for the kids, she plays all kinds of games, they go on walks in the forest, it's just endless. I wanted to write about her today because I was watching her playing with our youngest, she is 3 1/2 years old. Today, they were in the bedroom taking care of a whole pile of stuffed animals and dolls, each one had something going on and our daughter was in heaven! At lunchtime she made a little restaurant and they ordered for each other, and sat down at the kids table and ate together on the little doll house plates, the stuffed animals were all around eating in from their dishes on the floor and then, since Nana is English, they had Tea! It was all so delightfully cute, it's not like we never do this together because we do, but they carried it on for about four hours! Just simply great!

I have written about Nana before when she had Franny outside with a clothesline tied between our pots on the deck and they were 'washing' and hanging out clothes, again... they took their time and did it for hours! With our son she hides notes all over the house with pictures drawn on them and it's a little like a treasure hunt, and at the end there is usually a cookie or treat, they have such a good time.

What I am trying to get at is the simplicity of it all... it's usually the simplest thing that the kids take to, and I think that the patience and time spent in the process is wonderful. I know that it may be a rare occasion that I spend that much time on something with my kids, it seems that there is always something to do. I remember when I first started my business, I just worked at it all the time, then one day I was outside carving pumpkins with our son, it was just him at the time, and I realized... GEEZE it's so nice when you give your child 100% of your concentration and your time, and ever since that day I really try to separate the two. In these times when parents are usually both working, one maybe working from home, but usually both parents are overworked... it's essential to take very specific time and just be with your kids, playing, coloring, playing house, whatever... just something together! OR maybe we will let you borrow Nana for a day!!