Found on the Web

1) I like this POV about giving generously without expectation.

2) Some darn good apps for taking photos on your phone...

3) I love to ponder who has time to create things like this. Keep up the good work. Very funny.

4) I'm not a cat person but this blog literally had me howling with laughter. Meow!

5) My family may balk - but I am doing it. Vegan pumpkin pie here I come!

6) Are you ethnic? 

7) Love these clever little works by Javier Perez.

8) How distracted are you? This mother's story about how being distracted almost killed her daughter is eye-opening. 

9) Admit it. You've done the Irish Goodbye...

10) Interesting theory on why it is to your advantage to pitch bad ideas first. Not so sure McDonald's would appreciate this one.

* Click on the bold words to read the links.

Weekend Reading

1. This is one heck of an essay written by a stay-at-home mom who clearly looks back and wonders what might have been? (huffingtonpost.com)

2. And then this letter and the response that was written 52 years later presents quite a different argument. (exp.lore.com & washingtonpost.com)

3. And then there was this... Who could ever call ambition a bad thing? (elle.com)

4. With all this humidity - what's a curly haired girl to do? I'll tell you what. Try this Fishtail Braid. (intothegloss.com)

5. Are you a domestic diva? Don't fear the dreaded fitted sheet. You too can master this task. (designmom.com)

6. Perhaps you have a little time on your hands for a DIY project? This one is too darn cute not to try soon. (songofstyle.com)

7. This Mama knows about drama. I just love the way she writes with humor and bold honesty. This post speaks my truth. (putdowntheurinalcake.com)

8. Fancy a picnic? Never seen a more useful sack than this one... (shop.yielddesign.com)

9. Summer ain't over yet so get hiking! This list of "Best US Coastal Hikes" leaves me breathless. I've been hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine and it is magical.

Happy weekend. Take some time to read, rest, relax, and enjoy!

Be Prepared!

Splinters from a wood deck? We've got you covered. A mild case of eczema? Not a problem. Diarrhea? You are no match for us. We are parents. We are prepared. Usually...

I know I have run to the medicine cabinet one too many times to find that we just don't have the gear we need to fix what ails our children. You aren't a pediatrician, but wouldn't you like to know what a pediatrician keeps on-hand in his or her home to solve small medical dilemmas? First off, even a doctor knows that if it is a full blown emergency you call 911. Barring that - these little tricks might make a big difference next time a small calamity takes place at home...

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1. Children's Ibuprofen (for babies 6 months and older) - is good for pain control (hello teething!) and reducing inflammation
2. Children's Benadryl - a quick fix for mild allergic reactions
3. Boo Boo Buddy Cold Pack - ideal for small bumps and bruises (find their favorite character and you win parent of the year)
4. 1% Hydrocortisone - a great topical option for small outbreaks of eczema and other rashes as well
5. Band-aids - we always choose the fun ones (and yes, I long ago advised John to invest in the company because we use A LOT of these for imaginary wounds)
6. Bacitracin - it doesn't sting, prevents infections, and speeds up the healing process
7. Q-tips - the gentle way to clean wounds and administer ointment
8. Tweezerman - best little gripper in town and is ideal for removing splinters (or princess slippers that are mistakenly stuck up ones nose)
9. Thermometer - this thermoscan ear thermometer is painless and reads temperatures in seconds (at a very young age our kids master the art of refusing a rectal thermometer - don't ask...)
10. Children's Acetaminophen - is a great fever reducer
11. Pedialyte - when vomiting and diarrhea enter the home you need to be extra prepared

** Always keep the number for poison control 1-800-222-1222 in your contacts in case children accidentally ingest things they shouldn't. 

** Play-doh doesn't count.