Abe Jones

I love to find unique pieces to add to my children's wardrobes...things are not likely to be duplicated around town. Abe Jones is one of the designers that provides such items.

Abe Jones began with applique tees, which are still available and great for play time (their lounge sets are too). But the items that really first caught my eye were the bubble skirts and the leaf-print shirt shown here. I just fell in love! Even more so when tees and the leaf shirt arrived...they are all so soft and comfortable.

The high quality clothes are made here in the United States are are available in sizes 3 months through 10...it's one-stop shopping for all of your children, which is always convenient!

Visit abejones.com to see all of their offerings for your son or daughter!

PeaceLoveMom

PeaceLoveMom was started by three mothers, each with their own perspective but one common goal: celebrate motherhood. And as a result, they have created some wonderful apparel items for mothers, babies and toddlers.

I'm loving their summer tees and feel like a super mom when I wear mine! My Lucky Mom shirt reminds me throughout the day not to sweat the small stuff, and with that in mind, my focus is more on enjoying my time and little experiences during the day.

PeaceLoveMom's online store is full of great designs including Happy Mom, Grateful Mom, Rock and Roll Mom, and Green Mom...there is a wide variety of styles and graphics. I must say, however, that their burnout shirts are the best...so soft, comfortable and stylish. They arrive looking like you've been loving them for years...an amazing vintage feel and look!

Visit peacelovemom.com where Ugga Mugga readers receive FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25.00 with coupon code UGGA09.

PeaceLoveMom Giveaway

PeaceLoveMom is giving away a Truly Mom burnout tee (the one shown here...a $42.00 value) to one lucky reader!

To enter, click here to provide your contact information and answer a few questions (if you haven't entered an Ugga Mugga giveaway in the past). Deadline for entry is the end of day Sunday, July 12. The lucky winner will be announced Monday morning, July 13 and alerted via email.

Happy Independence Day!

Today is a day for celebrating the red, white and blue with parades, picnics, fireworks, and American pride...and thanksgiving for all of our freedoms: Freedom to express ourselves and worship what we believe...and the freedom to raise our children how we believe is best. We are very fortunate...and I'm very proud of that fortune!

If you haven't done so already, today is a great day to start teaching your children the words and lyrics to The Pledge of Allegiance, The Star Spangled Banner, and America the Beautiful...and Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Happy Independence Day!

Safety Town

Last week my son completed our city's Safety Town course for children entering kindergarten. And while I enjoyed seeing my friends daily at drop-off and pick-up, I realized at his graduation that it was much more than a social activity (although I truly enjoyed coffee with my girlfriends and the adult interaction each morning). I was truly impressed with all of the knowledge he acquired during his 10 days.

Here are a few of the lessons I thought were worth passing along to you:

1. Practice a fire drill with your children...and have a meeting spot outside of your house where they know to go if there is a fire. And if they are unable to get out of the house, tell them to stay near a window and keep yelling, "I'm here, I'm here!" It helps them to have a plan and to run through it so that they can keep calm in the event of a real fire.
   
2. Have a codeword that only you, your child, and anyone who may have your permission to pick them up know. Have a conversation with your children and explain that if another adult ever says, "Your mom/dad told me to pick you up," that they should ask them what the codeword is. If the adult doesn't know, your child doesn't go!
3. Have the uncomfortable conversation with your child about appropriate vs. inappropriate touching. Make sure you stress that they could never tell you something that would make you upset with them or stop loving them (tactics predators use).
   
4. If a dog becomes aggressive, tell your child to become a tree (arms in, tall and still). If your child gets knocked down by a dog, tell them to become a log (arms in and still).
5. Discuss car safety...why we wear seat belts, what the colors of the traffic lights mean, what to do at a stop sigh, how to respect pedestrians, and that drivers need to concentrate...perhaps you'll have some peace in the car!

I know as a parent you don't like to imagine any of the above scenarios needing to be discussed, but preparing children and empowering them with safety knowledge is the best thing you can do to ensure they stay safe!

Hudson Threads Winner

Please join me in congratulating the winner of the Hudson Threads Giveaway, Ann F. from Minnesota. Congratulations Ann, you should hear from Hudson Threads shortly with details of your winnings!

Jonathan Wright & Company

Yesterday was my birthday and my children each gave me a Medallion from Jonathan Wright & Company. Each ribbon is made from hand-folded Italian paper, a hand-letterpressed insignia in the center, and a heavy grosgrain ribbon (three of my very favorite things). On the back are stick pins to fasten to your clothing...or a shadow box (they're that breathtaking).

My son chose the Courage & Strength medallion, although probably due to there being a castle on it. My daughter Martha gave me the Love & Romance one, most likely because it's all pink. And little baby Hazel helped daddy pick out the Good Fortune one shown here...I'm Irish and love color so it couldn't be more perfect!

I wore the pink one yesterday and received a TON of compliments on it. I plan on wearing the red, white and blue castle one from my son on the 4th of July and expect the same! And the shamrock one will adorn many a coat and sweater in the future.

If you're looking for a little something special for a friend, parent or family member, I'm sure that one of the eight medallions are perfect for expressing your recipient's traits...such as Kindness & Compassion. Each paper ribbon comes in a nice gift box with a to and from card on the back...your thoughtfulness couldn't be easier to express!

Available for $14 each at jonathanwright.com.

Zid Zid Winners

Please join me in congratulating the lucky winners of the Zid Zid Giveaway:

Tiffany R. from North Carolina won the Folktale Doll, and
Brenda N. from Kansas won the Very Special Tote Bag!

Congratulations ladies!