Glop & Glam

I'm so glad there is a wide variety of safe and eco-friendly shampoos and bath gels for children. But if you have a child with naturally curly hair like my daughter or a son with longer hair and want to create texture like me, it's tricky to find safe hair care products...until now!

Glop & Glam are here to help! Each of their products is free from harmful alcohol, parabens and formaldehyde. Glop & Glam combines organic ingredients like aspalathus linearis leaf extract, euterpeoleracea fruit extract, glycine soja (soybean) protein and punica grantatum extract with amazing natural nutrients such as aloe, camellia leaf extract (green tea) and echinacea derived from purpurea extract. These combinations protect kid’s hair from ever present and damaging environmental toxins.

So the products are safe...but how do they work? Amazingly well! Each product holds wonderfully while being touchable and light...and they smell divine! What child doesn't want to smell like chocolate, bubble gum, watermelon, banana or creamsicles?! I know mine do!

Visit glopandglam.com to see their (beautifully packaged) products and to purchase. My favorites are the Glam Bubble Gum Glitter Gel, Glam Creamsicle Mist Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler, and Glop Chocolate Controller.

Stella McCartney for GapKids

I am in love, love, LOVE with the Stella McCartney line at GapKids! And apparently, I'm not the only one as many items are already selling out.

The color pallet is sophisticated and calming and the photos make me want to reach through the screen to touch the fabrics...they look so soft!

The band jacket is a must have for my kids...if I can find one! And I love the sneakers! I'm actually hoping I can fit myself into some of the girls items...I'd love the sweater leggings and basic tees...unfortunately it looks like the band jacket for the big kids is already sold out! It's my favorite piece...can you tell? (:

Visit gap.com to see the whole collection.

Fight the Flu

So, the day after I had announced my family was finally healthy, my son woke up with a fever of 104.3°...of course. The pediatrician says that he has the dreaded H1N1 Swine Flu since it started with a cough and fever (and minor sore throat).

So for the last two and a half days I've been battling my son's body temperature that at one reading yesterday was over 105°...forcing him to say he was having trouble moving and was unable to stand. Not a great moment for a mother home alone with two additional younger children under foot!

I eventually put him on a steady stream of Tylenol (every four hours) and Motrin (every eight hours...thanks to a friend who went to the store and dropped it off for me). Even with both of those in his system his fever only dropped down to 102.4°.

The good news in the house is that after a solid night's sleep, his fever is significantly lower and he's toughing it out without either medicine, allowing the fever to do it's job since he's no longer in danger and has some energy back. He's comfortably living the good life upstairs in his room snuggled up with my laptop watching movies and his favorite programs. Thank you Wallace and Gromit!

And in between my many trips up the stairs yesterday, I found some excellent suggestions on Nonchalant Mom's blog gathered from some holistic doctors. These were some of my favorite H1N1 Swine Flu tips to practice at home to ward off and battle the flues going around:

1. Salt Baths - Put a handful of salt in your kid's bathtub at night, just use enough to make it as salty as an ocean. Let them take a nice long soak and try to get them to dunk their heads (so that their nose, ears, and eyes get clean with the salt water...probably best to do in the beginning so the water isn't so dirty). And make sure their hair is dry when they get into bed.
   
2. Netti Pot (best) or Saline Spray (at least) - It was suggested that these viruses nestle in the nasal passages and need to be flushed out twice a day. I can't picture my kids using a Netti pot but maybe if they watch us do it they will give it a try? Although I must be honest and say I don't know that I'll be doing this either...I may stick with the saline spray myself!
3. Gargle with warm salt water - This is easy and the kids get a kick out of making the sound! So make it fun and do it twice a day with brushing.
4. Essential Oils - Most essential oils are both antiviral and antibacterial. Before going out into any crowded area, dilute an essential oil such as peppermint, tea tree oil, or lavender with a little bit of olive oil, and massage the mixture all around the outside of your ears and down the sides of your throat. Also dab a little under your nose. We contract a lot of colds and flu through the ears when airborne bacteria land on them. The essential oils will provide a temporary barrier that may reduce that risk.

Some other great tips are to add Vitamin C drops into your day (adults can take the non-chew supplements...my husband and also swear by Zinc when we feel an illness coming on), and to avoid shocking your child's body when they have a fever. My son's pediatrician reminded me that if you put your feverish child in even a lukewarm bath that the body may send a message that it needs to warm up even more. Not what you want!

Do you have any other suggestions you want to share? Please leave a comment! Oh, and read Nonchalant Mom's blog for some other great ideas...many of them have nothing to do with the flu!

I'm back!

Wow, it feels like a l-o-n-g time since I've written anything for Ugga Mugga...and it's only been a week or so. But in that week I've had three sick children and one sick self.

We've had fevers, sore throats, missed school, many canceled play dates and parties, coughs, aches, and tears. My daughter Martha, who it seems nothing can bring down, actually said in the saddest, sickest voice last week, "I don't want to be a sick girl any more."

I'm happy to report, she no longer is. Nor am I. And so Ugga Mugga will begin again!

Monster Houses

My kids love making gingerbread houses! So I thought I'd try to find similar activities for other holidays and stumbled upon these adorably scary monster houses at Make and Takes...a site worth spending some time on! Aren't they sweet, in a horrific kind of way?!

Haunted houses would be another fun thing to make and I can see the ghost-shaped Peeps playing a major roll! To make your graham crackers stick together and your candy stay put, here is the frosting recipe I use for our gingerbread houses each year:

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter

Directions

Place all ingredients in a small, non-plastic mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until frosting is glossy and holds peaks, about 5 minutes. This frosting dries FAST so cover with plastic wrap when not being used. It may be tinted with food coloring if desired.

Plain Mary: Breast Cancer Awareness

I wrote about Plain Mary's amazing Kensington Baby Play Mats last year. And for Hazel's first 9 months of life, not a day went by that she wasn't on her amazingly soft and quilted mat. And despite the spills and spit up it encountered in it's daily use, there is not a stain on it. Everything washed right out! The fabric is practically bullet-proof...while being the softest thing in the house!

The other great thing about the Kensington Baby Play Mat, now looking forward, is that it's something that I will always have. I'm debating whether to make it an heirloom, or if it should be a parade/soccer game watching mat. But whatever I decide, it will definitely continue to be used for years and years!

But now, in addition to it being a wonderful product, there's another great reason to purchase one...20% of the proceeds from the sale will to go the National Breast Cancer Foundation! In fact, 20% of all sales of Plain Mary products found on their PINK page, will be donated through October 31! This includes their super cute miniature suitcases, burp clothes, bibs, and shirts!

Visit plainmary.com/brcaawgi to view their PINK collection! You'll love your products, and you'll be giving to a good cause!

Made Here, Baby!

With all of the chemicals found in products made overseas, and with the unfortunate shape of the United States economy, it's nice to purchase products made right here in America. That is why Bruce H. Wolk wrote Made Here, Baby!: The Essential Guide to Finding the Best American-Made Products for Your Kids.

Made Here, Baby! is a helpful and much-needed resource for parents who are determined to take control over the kinds of products they give their children. It is a practical, essential guide to more than 400 American manufacturers of toys, games, puzzles, hobbies, sporting goods, apparel, furniture, baby gear, bedding, and other items for children. Complete with personal anecdotes and compelling facts about each company, this book will help parents, grandparents, and relatives find quality, locally made toys and products that are perfect for kids of every age.

When consulting Made Here, Baby! prior to purchases, you'll be supporting our country's economy, as well as the Earth since products won't have to be shipped so far! Now, how about that, baby!

Available at amazon.com for $14.00 where it qualifies for FREE SHIPPING on orders of $25 or more!

Wii

I had an Intellivision growing up...Pitfall was my favorite game to play. When my brother and I got a bit older, our parents purchased a Nintendo and I proudly mastered Super Mario Bros. Oh, what an accomplishment. Still, to this day, I can sit down and without thinking, breeze through the boards...it's like riding a bike.

I have a bit of a mathematical mind which is why video games have always been up my alley. But I'm sure you all notice that I'm also an outdoorsy girl. My family hikes, we take walk after walk, we garden, and we play a lot of sports. Exercise and fresh air are a plenty in our house. That is, until this week when all of our winter jackets, hats, mittens, and boots were brought out to use daily for the next 7 months. Winter in Wisconsin is l-o-n-g!

To help us get through and enjoy some competition and physical activity indoors, my husband and I purchased a Wii a couple of years ago. It really has been a lifesaver on days when our children have a lot of energy, but the wind chill is simply too low...especially with a baby in the house. On those days, I have the option of putting in a sport, driving, or Star Wars The Clone Wars lightsaber fighting game and my kids jump around the TV room until they're worn out.

I too love the WiiFit program along with WiiSports...my husband and I have had many tennis, home run hitting, golf, and bowling competitions after the kids have gone to sleep. We bought the Wii for us just as much as for them.

I have friends who are surprised I allow my children to play video games...they're just too nervous to introduce them into their homes. But like all things, it's so incredibly important to teach children moderation and how to make good choices...and why. Afterall, if you feed a man a fish as apposed to teach him to fish... Well, you know the story.

If you're looking for something new, something to keep your kids moving this winter, or for an exercise routine you can do indoors, I highly suggest purchasing a Wii. Family game night will have a whole new meaning!

Available at amazon.com for only $199 and it ships FREE!

Lonny Magazine

I was so sad when I found out Cookie magazine was closing up shop two weeks ago. I'll miss receiving it in the mail and paging through the perfectly styled houses where I know children reside...but where I see none of the messes that frequent my own home.

Now where will I find a balance of high-end and affordable products to make my house a home? Oh, wait! Lonny!

Lonny is a new online magazine similar to Domino (remember that other now closed publication?). The first issue just hit the web and I must say, I'm in love!

Here's what they say their mission is:

"...to reopen the doors of accessible design. By embracing an online platform we provide inspiration at the click of a finger, directly connecting our readers to their favorite products and resources. Our freedom from page limits means that we can share more content in each issue, delivering an intimate look into the way people really live.

At Lonny, we value independent thinking and believe not in following trends but rather in making choices that lead to happiness. We believe that good design and affordable design can coexist and that true inspiration can be found in the teeniest of homes or in the grandest of spaces."

Visit lonnymag.com to view the publication online.

giggle Think Pink Fleece Blanket

My mother is a breast cancer survivor so I appreciate all of the donations made in the month of October. And giggle's donation of 10% of their proceeds from the sales of this Think Pink Fleece Blanket are no exception! The money will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This blanket is not only stylish, but it's also eco-friendly! It's made from double-layered fleece in stylish, contemporary pink with a bold single dot pattern. But what's really special about this blanket is that it's made from recycled soda pop bottles, for the ultimate in responsible synthetics.

Visit giggle.com to purchase your own Think Pink Fleece Blanket where it is sold exclusively for $50.00.

Oatmeal-Raisin Squares

My son was responsible for bringing the morning snack to school today so last night we made these Oatmeal-Raisin Squares I found on Martha Stewart's site, of course. They really turned out well! My only tips are to prepare the oat mixture first so that the butter* can soak into the oats prior to baking...and press the oat mixture firmly into the pan so they don't crumble when cool.

And note that you can use any dried fruit you'd like...raisins, cranberries, cherries, dates, blueberries, apricots...you get the idea!

* - There is quite a bit of butter in these, which makes them perfect to take to school, a party, or holiday get together...probably not something you want a pan of sitting in your house! ( :

Makes 24 bars

Ingredients

• 4 cups Old-Fashioned Quaker Oatmeal
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups raisins
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add oatmeal, flour, sugar, pecans, baking soda, and salt; stir to combine. Add melted butter and vanilla and stir to incorporate; set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine raisins, 1/2 cup water, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and immediately reduce heat to a simmer; continue cooking for 2 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a food processor; process until almost smooth. If mixture is very liquid, strain through a fine mesh strainer, discarding liquid.
4. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer half the oat mixture to baking dish and press down, using your hands, to form an even layer. Using an offset spatula, spread raisin mixture over oat layer. Top with remaining oat mixture, pressing down to form an even layer.
5. Transfer to oven and bake until golden brown on top, 35 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into 2-inch squares. Oatmeal-raisin squares may be stored, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 5 days.

Mama's Mood Lifters

Look, I'll be the first to admit that there are certainly difficult days when you're a parent. Just today I exchanged emails with a friend whose son was in a funk like mine due to the dreary weather and minor cold. And we all know that once something or someone is off, the days usually snowball. When you're in the middle, beginning, or end of one of those moments or days, reach for a deck of Mama's Mood Lifters!

Mama's Mood Lifters are printed on recycled cardstock and come in a cotton pouch. Each of the 32 cards has an inspirational quote to read, reflect upon, and to encourage a deep breath. Next, is an activity to do in the moment with your child. There is no preparation or materials needed. Simply read the card, get inspired, and change your grumpy child (or self) into a giggling one!

Want to know what type of activities there are in store for you? Here are two I've tried that my children and I really enjoyed:

• What is it?: Grab a bag or pillow case. Put different objects in it Have your child feel and guess what they are.
• Baby Burrito: Lay a blanket on the floor. Tell your child to lie on it, you're making a baby burrito. Decide what you want in it. Cheese (throw in a pillow) Guacamole (throw in a stuffed animal) Beans (throw in a few socks) continue to build your burrito with any soft objects you can find. Then roll your child and all the things up in the blanket and gobble him up!

Visit mamasmoodlifters.com to purchase. What a thoughtful gift for a friend (or dad...not just for mamas)!

A Walk in the Woods

Getting your family outdoors is never a bad things...you're never going to have bag memories when there's fresh air involved and natural scenery. And this time of year offers some of the best nature has to offer!

My children and I have been collecting all sorts of leaves, nuts, and sticks on walks lately. We've been crafting with them and pressing leaves for future projects. So when I saw this piece titled A Walk in the Woods on Martha Stewart's site, I was excited.

Visit marthastewart.com to read the article to get you motivated for your weekend walk with your family!

Grégoire Ganter

I love unique art pieces...especially for a child's nursery. I recently stumbled upon Grégoire Ganter's color collages and really loved the urban feel and boldness of them.

Each piece is printed in editions of only 100. Currently the colors available are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, black & white, and multicolor. They're educational, colorful, graphic and fun...can't get much better than that.

And if alphabet art is more your style, Grégoire Ganter has some amazing pieces in that theme as well! I'm just more of a color girl so thought I'd feature those.

Visit gregoireganter.com to see all of the artwork currently available.

Pottery Barn Kids Treat Bags

There are a few special things I've purchased for my two older children that I've needed to purchase in the last year for baby Hazel...who turns one next month! These sentimental items include a matching baby journal, Waterford Crystal first Christmas bottle ornament, Longaberger Easter basket, Garnet Hill embroidered beach towel, and now, her Pottery Barn Kids personalized treat bag.

I first chose the Pottery Barn Kids pumpkin treat bags for my children because I wanted them to have something personalized and eco-friendly, in that they would use them year after year. I realize that a plastic bag is also a recycled option, but I'll admit I wanted something cute...that would photograph well. And they do!

Although there are many adorable treat bags, and it's tempting to purchase one that corresponds with your child's interest or costume each year, I held strong and chose the classic pumpkin baskets. It's something I know they'll love year after year...and so far it's true!

Visit potterybarnkids.com to view the baskets and adorable costumes...which all SHIP FREE! Basket prices start at $12.00 plus $6.50 for personalization.