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.

I Am Thankful Tee

It's now October and Thanksgiving will be around the corner. I recently stumbled upon this I Am Thankful Tee on Chasing Fireflies and thought it was worth sharing.

Teaching children gratitude will not only make your day-to-day life more enjoyable, but it truly will have a lasting impact on those around them. I figure a shirt that calls out personal reasons to be thankful can't hurt!

I'm thankful that the shirt is organic and made in the USA. There are two to get you started!

Visit chasing-fireflies.com to order your shirt with three thankful fill-ins. Please allow 2 weeks for personalization.

Boden Menswear

You love to see your children in Mini Boden's fun styles. You yourself enjoy Boden's stylish yet practical pieces for women...along with the compliments that come your way due to them! So why not give the father of your children that same pleasure? Boden has some amazing stuff for men too!

Through the month of October, all Boden menswear is 15% off plus FREE shipping and returns (the rest of the site is 11% off). Now is an excellent time to get your holiday shopping underway starting with your husband, brother and/or father! Don't they deserve to enjoy comfortable and stylish clothing too? They do help change diapers after all!

Click on the link here to visit bodenusa.com where this offer is good only this month!