January 2008

If you are a mother of boys then you will certainly be able to relate to the subject of the ongoing search for the latest and greatest toys and gadgets for busy little boys. The popular “mega girly” Club Libby Lu, the Hannah Montana craze and Princesses galore make it more than feasible to purchase the optimal gift for a friend’s daughter or your own. Let’s face it … we shop for a little girl and we spend more money than we intend. Why? The choices are endless, not to mention the emotion and creativity the manufacturers pour into the design and production of dolls, beauty centers and fashion accessories for our lovely little divas. We have quickly adapted to “more is more” for our little girls and the marketplace happily obliges, but what about our sweet little boys?

This being said I consistently made a diligent effort to offer more of a balance between boys and girls in selection. The market and industry often dictated what was “hot” for girls; however when it came to our little boys I had my work cut out for me! Sure there was always the token blockbuster film dominating the toy industry but who wants to buy the same product that every other little guy has in the neighborhood? Just like girls, our boys like to be voted “most popular” on the playground.

Here are a few toy ideas and websites to share from my years of shopping for specialty toys for little boys. Play value was always the key coupled with safety, education, and hand and eye coordination. Durability and quality were also key factors in my decision process.

Siku is one of my favorites for high tech, high level standards in toy trucks and cars. “Siku” is a German manufacturer and offers so much more than a dump truck. Who doesn’t need a Liebherr Hydraulic Excavator? In addition, back hoe loaders and street sweepers are popular. You can find these and more at 300Toys.com.

Quercetti manufactures a spectacular exclusive vortex loaded with multiple marble launches, paddle wheels and double length bridges. It contains 220 pieces, ages 6 and up. Made in Italy. You can find Quercetti on Educational Toys Planet along with several other unique and fantastic toy items for boys.

Be sure to check out Ravenburger on line and view the 2007 award winning “Pirates of the High Seas.” Your little one can hoist the sails in a supersize 3-D pirate game. Ages 6 and up.

Discovery Toys has a very popular toy for the toddler boy; I have bought this several times and has been a smash! It is called “Farm animals bowling set” — not only is it visually pleasing, it is safe, interactive and offers open ended play! I have multiple favorites, however I had to narrow it to a few so my final recommendations would be LearningResources and their “Wacky Wigglers.”  They are motorized buildingsets. Learning Resources also offers several other styles in this category. Melissa and Doug and the classic Radio Flyer are also worth a browse.

You can shop in quantity for your little guys as you do for your little gals, you just need to know where to look. The year has begun and birthday parties, milestones, and soon the holidays will once again be upon us. Begin now, take pride and have fun in toy and gadget shopping for our equally sweet little boys and their toys.

Happiness is having the brightest, biggest back hoe loader in the sandbox!

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky.

He felt the worst had happened and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief and anger.

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!

“How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

The Moral of This Story

It’s easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn’t lose heart, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.

Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal.

Thank you Patricia for sharing this with us!

This new question has surpassed “paper or plastic” as the most stressful question at the supermarket (THAT answer, for the record, should be “this tote I brought from home, thanks.”).

Everyone needs to make their own decisions about what food to buy, but I’m going to share my opinion here. One of the most important things to realize is that getting certified organic is a very expensive proposition. What this means is that there are many small farmers who grow everything organically, but they just can’t afford to be certified. How do you find these guys? Go to your local farmers market. Talk to shop and restaurant owners who source from local farms. Who are their favorites? Get to know the local players. If you know the people growing your food, you can talk to them about their growing practices.

If I have a choice of local, non-certified organic food and organic food flown into Chicago from California by a large conglomerate, I’m going to choose local nearly every time. This is made easier for me because I also attempt to eat seasonally. What does this mean? We only have strawberries in our house for a couple of months in the summer. And tomatoes? I never buy them off-season. It’s easy to find local, sustainably-grown strawberries in Chicago in June.

I also keep in mind a 2003 study by the Environmental Working Group (that I read about in the August, 2006 issue of Gourmet Magazine). In that study, they found 192 different pesticides on 46 fresh fruits and vegetables and determined that consumers can lower their risk of pesticide exposure by as much as 90 percent by buying organic varieties of the top 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables. These are:

Fruits
apples
cherries
imported grapes
nectarines
peaches
pears
red raspberries
strawberries

Vegetables
bell peppers
celery
potatoes
spinach

The film roles I think of Johnny Depp playing are Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, Benjamin Barker in Sweeny Todd, and the title character in Ed Wood — and none of these characters are guys I would particularly like to have over for dinner. However, lest the eccentric roles and red carpet outfits he chooses steer you wrong, let me tell you why Johnny Depp is a stand-up guy.

Last year, his daughter experienced kidney failure and faced a life and death battle within the walls of London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital. The ordeal left Depp shaken and saying, “To say it was the darkest moment, that’s nothing … It doesn’t come close to describing it. Words are so small.”

Fortunately 8-year-old Lily Rose has recovered, but Depp hasn’t forgotten what the hospital did for her, and to thank them he has donated 1 million pounds. It should also be noted that he made the donation himself, with no press and no publicity.

This probably didn’t surprise the hospital too much, since last year Depp spent several hours visiting patients in the children’s ward, reading stories and chatting. He also invited several of the doctors and nurses of that hospital to the Sweeny Todd premiere.

Quite a few of Depp’s peers could learn from his selfless generosity, though I hope it doesn’t take an event like a seriously ill child for them to realize the impact they can make on causes dear to their hearts.

Photo courtesy of JohnnyDeppFan.com

What does this mean and why do you care?

The Associated Press wrote an article about the potential dangers of phthalates in baby products. The study that they reviewed was released in the February issue of Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Phthalates are chemicals that are often in personal care products. They are used to stabilize fragrance. This study suggests that baby shampoos, lotions and powders may expose infants to phthalates that have been linked with possible reproductive problems.

In the study, phthalates were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who had been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.

The current study offers no direct evidence that products used on the infants contained phthalates, and no evidence that the chemicals in the babies’ urine caused any harm. Still, the results worried environmental groups that support restrictions on these chemicals. To read the complete article, click here.

Normally if you were to learn this type of information and choose to avoid products that had phthalates, you would simply read the label. The problem is phthalates are in fragrance and the FDA does not require manufacturers to list fragrance ingredients except as “fragrance.”

We have had many e-mails and calls regarding this topic. So, for the record, Noodle & Boo products do not contain phthalates; this includes our adult products too.

Noodle & Boo is 100% phthalate-free!

Looking for a new children’s book to get your young ones for Valentine’s Day? Our school librarian ALWAYS has her eye out for engaging stories that have a moral or a point to them, and this one passed my test with flying colors. The bright illustrations and vibrant story kept me, and my children, engaged. I plan on reading it to my entire school next month! Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler, written by Margery Cuyler and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa, is the refreshing story of a kindergarten teacher who embarks on teaching her students the golden rule in a very creative way. Her students eagerly set out to complete 100 acts of kindness, and in doing so, they discover that, “One person, no matter how small, CAN make a difference in the world.” The positive energy in this book is delightful and the message is pure. A little sugary, yes, but much needed in today’s world. The illustrations alone are enough to make young and old smile. I also LOVED that the back of the book lists the children’s 100 acts of kindness that can be used to generate ideas for your own children and family. Here is to inspiring HOPE!!!

Think of it as a “spa night” for your hands. Noodle & Boo’s Glowology line has two products that when used together offer RELIEF for those painfully dry hands. You will need the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and The Balm.

Before you go to bed, run warm water over your clean hands for a minute. Take a big scoop of the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and let it melt in your palms. Gently rub your hands together for two or three minutes making sure to get between your fingers and around your cuticles. When the sugar is gone and your hands feel oily, rinse them with water and pat dry.

When hands are still moist apply The Balm generously to your hands. Go to bed. Wake up with wonderfully soft and supple hands. During the winter months, this is a wonderful bedtime ritual.

Leave a comment on any post this week and receive free samples of both the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and The Balm. Be sure to e-mail chatterbox@noodleanboo.com your mailing address!

Sweet dreams until tomorrow . . . .

What’s new and fashionable on the Internet this week? Well …

StyleBakery introduces us to the Winkee — for cleavage coverage without a tank or cami. I can see how this would be useful, but I’m not sure I could actually wear it.

Manolo the Shoeblogger takes issue with Project Runway’s use of “iconic.”

But, whatever. The Manolo quibbles, as the obvious intention was to produce the piece that could be creditably sold by the Levis Company, something much more achievable than “iconic”.

No one recaps Project Runway like the Manolo — if you’re not already reading him, start today.

Carly Cais, at FashionTribes, dishes about celebrity style on a real person budget. On her must-have list: red dress with black belt, footless tights, thigh-high boots, and animal print ballet flats, all at prices you can totally afford.

Finally, the girls at Omiru: Style for All answer the age-old question “What do I wear on a date?” Useful whether you are 22 and single or 40 and married, really.

Banana Republic Monogram silk geo-print kimono-style dress, $148.00.

Many celebrities have overhauled their homes to make them more eco-friendly — Julia Roberts, Adrian Grenier, and of course, Ed Begley, Jr., have all sunk their hearts and dollars into making their homes green. Joining them are Eva Longoria Parker and her star basketball player husband, Tony Parker, who are building an environmentally conscious home in San Antonio, Texas.

But being green isn’t easy, even for celebrities.

The Desperate Housewives star is determined to make her new home as green as possible, and that has caused a number of setbacks in the building of the home. Apparently it’s been tough for the Parkers to find builders who know how to build with the environment in mind. But, when all is said and done, their home will be made out of recycled wood and installed with solar panels.

That’s a great reminder to the rest of us that, even if it doesn’t come easy, we can make the extra effort to make good choices for ourselves, our families, and our environment. If that doesn’t bring joy to your heart, I can’t imagine what will. Thanks for the inspiration, Eva!

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

My niece asked me if she should consider using DHA-fortified milk when her daughter turns a year old in a few months. It seems this was a popular topic at a one year old friend’s birthday party recently.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an Omega-3 fatty acid (a good thing). DHA occurs in large amounts in breast milk and now all infant formulas are supplemented with DHA, recognizing the critical role of DHA in infant nutrition. DHA is an important nutrient for developing brain and nerve tissue in infants and children and contributes to brain, eye and heart health in adults as well.

Unfortunately, your child loses his or her main source of DHA once breast milk or formula is replaced with cow’s milk, which is low in DHA. DHA is found primarily in fatty fish, but the typical toddler just doesn’t eat much salmon and tuna. Ditto the vegetarian sources like spinach and soybeans-not exactly hot items on a kid’s menu.

The good news? Now you can find milk fortified with DHA. In 2007 Horizon Organic Dairy became the first U.S. company to supplement milk with DHA. Check out Horizon’s interactive site for a fun and easy way to learn more about kids and DHA.

So what did I tell my niece? I told her I thought DHA-fortified milk would be a good idea when she introduces cow’s milk. See if your pediatrician agrees…

Imagine being George Clooney and meeting a new person. Saying, “Hi, I’m George Clooney,” is pretty impressive. However, Clooney now has a REALLY impressive new title to add onto that — Messenger of Peace.

Clooney has long campaigned to end the war in Darfur, and, along with Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Don Cheadle, co-founded Not On Our Watch, a charity to raise funds for and bring attention to Darfur’s people. Because of his work, the United Nations has appointed him as “messenger of peace,” a position for which he was specifically selected by the secretary-general. The position will allow Clooney to use his name and fame to bring attention to the work of the United Nations, and largely to the plight in Darfur.

While Clooney might be number one on some of our lists, he’s actually the ninth U.N. peace envoy. The other messengers have included Michael Douglas, Elie Wiesel, Jane Goodall, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Photo courtesy of clooneystudio.com

I have a very special place in my heart for Pumpkinheads, a beautiful children’s boutique in the very prestigious Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Pumpkinheads was one of our very first retailers and its heart and purpose are very much similar to Noodle & Boo.

Founder Jamara Ghalayini and her husband Mo Gallini wanted to help children in need. Pumpkinheads was opened to create a continuous revenue stream for local charities working to improve the quality of life for children in Los Angeles. Pumpkinheads fund raising efforts have generated more than $128,000 through their charitable endeavors including Operation School Bell, The March of Dimes, ArtShare LA, Good Beginnings (Cedars Sinai NICU) and Harmony with No Limits. It is their hope that Pumpkinheads will inspire many and help many more in the process.

In addition to being an entrepreneur with a huge vision, Jamara has an amazing sense of style which keeps her celebrity clientele happy and Pumpkinheads a Hollywood destination for children’s fashion! Here is what she had to say:

When did you open Pumpkinheads? - September 1, 2005

What has been the hardest part of starting your business? - Going home . . . there is always more I want to do. I have enjoyed it so much and the hardest thing is managing to make sure that I take personal time away from the store and don’t live there every waking moment!

What has been the best part of starting your own business? - Autonomy . . . I love being able to have the flexibility of being my own boss! But I MUST say this is only because of my unbelievable store manager Amber whom has been with me since prior to opening in 2005 . . . I have an amazing staff and this just wouldn’t be what it has grown to be without their dedication and input.

What’s the best baby gift you are currently selling (besides N&B of course)?

Amber Hagen Cashmere. Hoodies & blankets . . . it is amazing. The Quaids (as in Dennis and his beautiful wife Kim) bought it for their new twins, Poppy Montgomery has bought probably 3! It has the single most “WOW” factor of anything. We always pair it with a little pair of cashmere socks!

What’s hot in kid’s fashion? - Brights are back! No more earthy neutrals . . . fuschia’s and bright greens and blues! Also, mis matchy outfits . . . the really “outfitty” look is out . . . people want things that aren’t exact matches . . . mixed patterns, etc. It is really more creative and much more fun to work with! Also mixing textures is HUGE, corduroy with fleece, or fuzzy knits . . . YUMMY!

Finish this sentence, I find joy in . . . knowing that every dollar we make continues on and contributes towards a “change for the positive” with our partner Operation School Bell. I love having a meaning beyond myself.

Finish this sentence, I am passionate about . . . being responsible to the community I live in. It is important to help everywhere and always be of service, but I am absolutely passionate about making a profound and meaningful lasting effort in the community that has been so supportive of Pumpkinheads.

My favorite candy is . . . that’s easy!!! Dark Chocolate covered Honey Comb!

Anything else you want to share??? - Yes. I am so grateful for parents that have taught me I could truly do anything I set my mind to. The most frequent thing I remember hearing them say about me when I was little was how determined they thought I was. My dad had taught me to always act with integrity first, and my mom has shown me the greatest example of a friend and compassion to others.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Next time you are in Los Angeles be sure to stop by Pumpkinheads. You won’t be disappointed! You can shop with Jamara everyday online, just click here.

Thank you Jamara! Wishing you continued success!

Personalized baby gifts are not only a tokens of love, they become lifelong keepsakes. One of the most common requests I received as an Infant and Toddler Buyer for years was to offer more of a selection in “Personalized” gifts items for children. Once I was able to honor this request I discovered various treasures of unique, personalized baby essentials. The magic of which occurs when a personalized gift is given is that it becomes a “one-of-a-kind” heirloom. Personally, I cannot think of a more expressive gesture of gift giving.

One of the newer and more innovative companies I have most recently discovered is preciously named Little Worm and Company. The artist offers a playful selection of handpainted ceramic plates. These plates may be purchased with Birth Announcement information or the milestone Baby’s First Birthday in addition to various other storytelling options. The designer consistently updates her collection which supports the attraction of repeat consumer spending. Little Worm is a personal favorite of “Law and Order” actress, Mariska Hargitay. These plates range from $38.00 to $44.00. Someday Inc. is another one of my heaven sent personalized gift choices. This beautiful and uniquely adorned, hand painted collection is sure to be a splash at any baby shower, birthday party or special occasion. Designer Chrissy Consiglio offers whimsical watercolor creations in the form of wall canvases, clocks, frames as well as piggy banks.

In addition to novelty items and room decor it is also a great idea to indulge in personalized layette items such as receiving blankets, burp cloths and onsies. Two Tinas offers an array of cotton, “chicmink ” blankets embellished with personalized ,stylish monograms. These blankets sell for $48.00. Be sure to check out the cotton interlock ringer onsies. a very fashionable way to put baby to sleep!

You may also experience sweet discoveries on websites such as The Corner Stork, Mama Bear’s Baby Boutique, and Nordstrom. Have fun exploring a myriad of choices in room decor, jewelry, silver, furniture, toys, layette and so much more! Need the perfect baby or birthday gift? I say “Make it Personal!”

It’s that time of year again. Seems like everyone I know is home with a sick kid (or sick themselves). That is certainly the case in my household. Little Max was throwing up all night Sunday, and now he has a runny nose and a fever. This is the sickness that just keeps on giving!

When I was little, sick days meant Matzoh Ball Soup from Wolfie’s Deli just down the block from my house. My mom would bring home a giant container of it, and it always seemed to do the trick.

When my husband and I moved to the midwest, I discovered that Jews didn’t have a monopoly on healing soups. In Toledo, my sick day soup was the Chicken Soup and Dumplings from Tony Packo’s.

It is also possible to make your own sick day solution (but preferably just as a balm to others - if you are sick yourself, hand off these recipes to a loved one while you rest in bed).

Taking a clue from Queenie, here is a recipe for Vietnamese Pho.

Don’t have a Jewish deli down the block? Make your own Matzoh Ball soup.

Finally, one of my favorite sick day soups is based on one that I found in Real Simple a few years ago. It is ideal for a number of reasons. First, it comes together in just minutes. Second, it has a little bit of spice (which is great for clogged sinuses). Finally, it lends itself to fun garnishes, and that’s always a bonus when you are cooking for kids.

Easy Sick Day Tortilla Soup

1 jar green salsa (use whichever level heat you like - we use medium)
3 cups cooked turkey breast or chicken
3-4 cups chicken broth
1 can white hominy, drained*
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 scallions, chopped
plain yogurt or sour cream
shredded cheddar cheese
tortilla chips

Heat salsa in a soup pot. Add poultry, broth, hominy and cumin. The soup is done when it is heated through. Serve garnished with scallions, yogurt, cheese and crushed chips.

Serves: 4

* I use hominy because we love it, and I always have it on hand, but a can of white beans can be used as well.

Comedian Will Ferrell isn’t joking when it comes to helping some folks in South Central Los Angeles. He is taking part in the Solar Neighbors program, a program started by Edward Norton in which BP donates a solar system to a low-income family every time an invited celebrity purchases a similar system.

But Ferrell is taking it one step farther. He will be the first to benefit a multi-unit building — the historic St. George Hotel.

The beautifully restored St. George provides a permanent home and support for people who have been chronically homeless. Aside from the environmental benefit solar paneling provides, it lessens energy costs substantially, and for these families, that’s no laughing matter.

The Solar Neighbors program will officially be unveiled next month, with Norton and possibly Ferrell in attendance. It seems to me like this is a mutually beneficial program — the celebrity gets the product he or she wants, a family’s energy bills are brought down, the environmental impact from both households is reduced, and BP gets to be a hero. It’s a win/win!

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

Valentine’s Day, believe it or not, is just around the corner so it might be good to start planning ahead. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite celebrations, so I have always tried to make it special for my children. Three fun ideas to try at home:

1. Have your children make Valentine cards this year instead of buying boxed cards. Paper lace hearts always work well as the base of the card, and they look beautiful once garnished with stickers. Make sure you have a card for EVERY child in the class, and don’t forget the teacher. Schools are starting to steer away from candy, so consider omitting it this year.

2. Plan a small Valentine’s Day Cookie Making Party. This has been a tradition in our home since our daughter was two. We invite 9 friends who are all asked to wear red, pink, purple or white. Each guest is also asked to donate one jar of his/her favorite sprinkles. About a week before the party my children and I bake about 100 different sized heart sugar cookies and stick them in the freezer On the day of the party our home is decorated with a zillion paper hearts, balloons, and streamers. When guests arrive they sit and decorate cookies until their hearts are content. Keep the day simple: no favors, no games, no gifts, no lunch, just a simple meal of cookies and milk- does it get any better than that? We also limit the time of the party to an hour, which is plenty of time to decorate, admire our creations, and eat. We write each child’s name on a paper plate so he/she can carry the extra cookies made home.

3. Make a handmade card for loved ones this year. I always stick a Valentine under their pillows so they find them on Valentine’s morning.

If you have any other creative ways to make Valentine’s Day fun, I would love to hear!

Happiness is brightly colored sugar sprinkles all over my kitchen table!

My interest in research and development of skincare products stemmed from having a child with eczema. I am always looking for the latest information in better understanding eczema, its causes and potential cures. Could there be a link between hard-water and eczema? Professor Hywel Williams and his research team are going to find out.

The independent trial run by clinicians at The University of Nottingham has received funding of nearly £1million from the Department of Health’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program. The study will focus on hard water areas in Nottingham and Leicester, Cambridge, London and the Isle of Wight.

The aim of the Soft Water Eczema Trial (SWET) is to discover whether eczema can be improved by deliberately softening all water used in the home - except at one tap in the kitchen which will supply mains water for drinking.

Families of eczema sufferers and some doctors have said that living in a hard water area may make eczema worse.

Recently a team of researchers at The University of Nottingham found that eczema is more common in primary school children living in hard water areas in the UK compared with children living in soft water areas. No one really knows why, but it could be because hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, leading to increased use of soaps which can act as skin irritants.

Professor Hywel Williams and his research team at the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology are running the trial. Professor Williams said: “I have wanted to do this study for many years as patients keep telling me that water softeners help their skin, but other people aren’t so sure. Carrying out a proper randomized controlled trial will help us find the answer. If ion-exchange water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema, this will be an extremely important finding for both patients and doctors. Many patients worry about the possible side effects of the usual treatments for eczema, so this would be a welcome addition to their treatment options.”

The study is in the process of recruiting 310 children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years who have moderate to severe eczema.

Up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, red and itchy, whist in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Eczema is not contagious and with treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care and protection against dryness.

The water softener industry (through their representative body, the UK Water Treatment Association) - is closely involved in the development of the trial and a generic water softener has been specially produced for the study. The industry is meeting the costs of producing and installing water softener units. The study findings will be quite independent from any industry influence.

The trial will run until the end of next year and the results won’t be known until the end of 2009 when all the information has been analyzed.

Noodle & Boo’s ultimate ointment was developed especially for sufferers of eczema. It is an excellent alternative to steroid-based medications.

One way to simplify your morning is to rely on basics. The simplest basics are jeans and a tee; toss on a jacket and some great shoes and you’re ready to go!

Until the day you realize that you’ve worn the same outfit for weeks on end. Then you’re just in a rut.

This winter, break out of the rut with one simple piece: add a dramatic necklace to your jeans-and-tee uniform. Choose a fantastic bib shape, like the one pictured here, or opt for a simple strand of big beads. Go for color and texture; you want your jewelry to pop.

Consider your neckline; if you wear primarily crew-neck tees, look for longer necklaces. A choker length is good with button-up shirts and scoop necks, while a bib necklace works with everything. But feel free to break the rules — I am partial to a choker with a crew neck tee, because I like the way the layered necklines work together.

A dramatic necklace can take you from day to night; pair with your jeans and tee for lunch with friends or with your LBD for cocktails and dinner. For day or evening, keep the rest of your outfit simple — let the necklace be your statement.

J. Crew bubble necklace, $150.00. Available in three colors.

I’m seriously jealous of Salma Hayek, and for good reason. It turns out she’s just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!

The new mom is spearheading a new campaign, “One Pack, One Vaccine,” that will provide tetanus shots to mothers and infants in Asia and Africa. Hayek says it’s “an opportunity for moms like me here in North America to help other mothers on a global level.”

With Hayek’s help, the campaign expects to raise over $1 million, which will be donated to UNICEF. The money comes from five cents being donated by Procter & Gamble for every specially marked Pampers product sold in the US and Canada.

Vaccines are routine here in the United States, but according to UNICEF, 140,000 infants and 30,000 women in developing countries die from tetanus, which is a life-threatening but completely preventable disease. Along with Salma Hayek, I urge you to watch for these specially marked Pampers and help make a difference in the life of a mother and child.

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

by Sarah Skarda  

When I was dating my now husband Tyler, I suggested that he use some face products to hydrate his skin for a better shave. Tyler’s immediate response was “only women do that stuff.”

NOT TRUE, unless you want to grow old with tattered skin. I informed him that men are jumping on the bandwagon to care for their skin these days. There is a product line specifically designed for men’s skincare needs called Anthony Logistics for Men which I think is great. I bought Tyler the Travel Kit ($35) to see how his skin would react before investing in the full sizes.

From my experience in the cosmetic world, most men adopt my husband’s pre-Sarah philosophy regarding skincare and really don’t know how to care for their skin. It seems men think they will be fine by washing their face with a regular bar of soap followed by a generic shaving cream, then a little after-shave and call it a day! WRONG!

Ladies, my advice is if you would like your man to have healthy, soft skin try buying him a pre-shave oil like the one by Anthony for their daily shaving routine. There is such a visible difference in Tyler’s skin just by using the Pre-Shave Oil ($20) AND the Facial Scrub” ($20). Tyler was sold and he has been a faithful customer using multiple products by the line ever since. His skin looks amazing thanks to Anthony!

Tyler and I also like that a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause! Anthony, is a man who saw there was a real need for men’s grooming products, and founded Anthony Logistics For Men. He donates a percentage of his proceeds to charities, which support the fight against prostrate cancer.

To read more about Anthony the founder, click here.

Beware of the sun even in winter months; tender skin can burn before you know it! Even at this time of year, exposure of more than 20 minutes risks damage to your little ones’ sensitive skin.

Here are a few tips for winter sun safety…

• Your child needs sunscreen outside in all weather. Even on overcast days, 80% of the sun’s damaging rays filter through the haze.

• Plan ahead. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen won’t work well unless it has had time to be absorbed. Better yet, use sunscreen on your child’s face and exposed skin each morning; now you can be smart and spontaneous when your toddler wants to play outside. A school age child needs sunscreen every morning year round.

• Sunscreen is absorbed better by dry skin, so don’t wash your child’s face right before applying. When sunscreen is absorbed better, it protects better.

• Bring your sunscreen along on winter vacations. You might not think of packing sunscreen when it is 35 degrees outside, but snow increases exposure. Reflected rays from the sun increase by 80% in snow. The risk of burn goes up even more at high altitude. (And don’t forget the sun goggles in snow country.)

These are a few important features in a sunscreen…

• Sun Protection Factor. There is just a small increase in protection beyond SPF 30, but there is a lot more sensitivity. I see more contact dermatitis with gels of SPF 45 to 50 and higher, so I tell parents to avoid them and choose a water-resistant lotion with SPF 15 to 30 for young children.

• Broad spectrum. The two types of harmful rays in sunlight are UVA and UVB. They are both dangerous, but UVB is the major cause of sunburn and skin cancer. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of harmful rays.

• Hypoallergenic. When using sunscreen on a young infant, always test on a small area to watch for redness or irritation. You and your older child will benefit from the same mild formula you use on your infant.

Question: Who makes a hypoallergenic, broad spectrum lotion with an SPF 30 that is safe enough for babies? Answer: Noodle and Boo, of course. Play-Day is the perfect sunscreen for sensitive skin of all ages. Don’t leave home without it!

Want to know more? The American Academy of Dermatology is a great resource; read Facts About Sunscreens or take a sun-smart survey called RAYS: Your Grade!

Michael Jordan and Nike have worked together on about a billion different products, but one of the very best known is the Air Jordan sneaker. Jordan wore the number 23 as a professional basketball player, and is now set to release the 23rd version of his trademark shoe. Using the notoriety of the number, Jordan has chosen to use this version as a platform for change.

The new Air Jordan XX3 shoe will be the first designed to reduce waste and use eco-friendly materials. For instance, instead of using toxic glue, the shoe will incorporate interlocking panels which will cause a LOT less environmental damage.

Apparently, this really upset a lot of people at the factory because it created a need for all new procedures as well as entirely new machines. However, I imagine before too long, we’ll see other shoe companies trying to be like Mike. You can get your pair by going to one of the 23 retailers who will receive 23 pairs on January 25. Or, you can wait until February 23 when the shoe is released to all retailers. Either way, make sure you’ve got $230 to spend on them. Do you see a theme?

Photo courtesy of SI.com

Are you or your guests on the search for the perfect baby shower gift? A great way to enhance your event for your guests, as well as for the guest of honor, is for the ceremonial gift opening experience to be unique and unforgettable! Last week, I shared an innovative theme for a baby shower. The theme of the shower has been created using the bedding and or room color palette pre-selected by the mom-to-be. Keeping in line with your theme, it would behoove you and your guests to offer gift selections in hopes to unite the dream baby trousseau of which any new mother could wish!

1. Fully-stocked diaper bag. A Fleurville Mothership or Caden Lane Messenger bag make the perfect packaging; these are prominent and prestigious diaper bag companies and each represents the utmost quality. Fill the bag with Noodle and Boo hair and skin care products, such as Extra Gentle Shampoo, Conditioning Hair Polish, Super Soft Lotion and Ultimate Cleansing Cloths. You can fill the outer pocket of the diaper bag with fashionable travel bags with pink disco dot by Diapees & Wipees.

2. The Peanut Shell. A celebrity favorite, this pouch can be worn 5 different ways and has just the right amount of stretch for comfort! Brooke Shields, Marcia Cross and Jenna Elfman are all fans of the Peanut Shell. Retro Dots in Pink Chocolate or Blue Chocolate are best sellers!

3. Hip, keepsake designer blankets by InphantElefant, wrapped just like a gift ready to give! Be sure to add a matching onsie. Inphantelefant was also featured in Oprah’s World’s Biggest Baby Shower!

4. Ribbit-Ribbit hand painted, wooden ornate baby frames designed by Amy Dillard, Many colors and motifs to pick from you will find more than one to match any baby’s room.

5. Blossom Roll crib bedding or Bassinet Bag by Petunia Picklebottom. Baby will sleep in comfort and style in this luxurious linen. Available in chocolate brown and champagne pink floral brocade (pictured here). A beautiful diaper bag is also available to match!

The months leading up to turning 40 were a little bit overwhelming. I was constantly being asked what plans I had for the “big event” and how I was feeling about being forty???

I wanted to do something special that didn’t focus on me. It seemed like the perfect thing to do was to take the opportunity to donate my hair to Locks of Love. It is an organization that I have admired for years and it gave me the opportunity to talk about it often when asked about my “big plans.” As the day got closer I did get a little nervous, but since I had been talking it up for months I was committed (picture - 5 minutes before cutting my hair)! It was so exciting to mail-in my 10 inches of hair.

I love to think of a little person smiling because they get to have hair too!

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides wigs and hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 who suffer from long-term medical hair loss. All of the custom hairpieces are made with hair donated from individuals.

Nexxus Salon Hair Care, with Locks of Love, created an easy-to-follow, brief video tutorial to educate interested donors and their stylists on the proper steps to donate. To view the video, click here.

To date, Locks of Love has provided more than 2,000 children in all 50 states and Canada with hairpieces. Most of the children who receive hairpieces suffer from a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cure.

“We can do no great things . . . only small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

Whether you are a SAHM, a WAHM or a WOHM (or even a dad), you probably have stress about dinner time. Take solace in the fact that you are not alone in this struggle. A client of mine once told me about some research they conducted. I don’t remember the exact statistics, but the gist of it was that as late as 4:30pm, most people still have no clue what they are making for dinner. Sound familiar?

One of the best ways to eliminate dinnertime stress is to start meal planning. This can be as simple as writing dinner ideas on a scrap of paper, or as complicated as paying for a service that helps you create meal plans online. Choose the system that works best for you. I find that I do best when I create a meal plan and then post it online to share with the world. (I work well under pressure!)

Stefania of the ever-popular City Mama blog tries to post her meal plan every week as well. Reading her plans always inspires me, especially because she also has two young children at home. For even more meal planning bloggy goodness, you’ll want to check out the blogs of those participating in Menu Planning Monday.

If you are willing to pay for your inspiration, you might want to subscribe to one of the many meal planning services. For a list and comprehensive reviews, check out this Real Simple article. It clearly lays out the pros and cons of each service, and includes links and screenshots.

Finally, if you want to really branch out, check out this thread on eGullet (my favorite food-related message board). Every time I read it, I am blown away by the amazing meals that people put together for an ordinary weeknight. I don’t often have time to do the same, but what’s life without a little aspiration?

Happy meal planning!

(Oh, and feel free to tell us what you’re cooking this week in the comments, or just post a link to your blog if you’ve already posted it elsewhere.)

Most of us know that Bono, singer for the music group U2, is a world-renowned humanitarian. An activist on many levels, Bono is the co-founder of EDUN, the ONE Campaign, Product Red, and DATA. According to his Wikipedia entry, he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, granted an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom, and was named Person of the Year by Time Magazine.

And now he’s designed a fish shirt.

It might not be his biggest accomplishment, but Bono’s t-shirt design for Hard Rock Cafe’s Signature Series clothing line will raise money for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Conservation Cotton initiative. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will help to life African farmers out of poverty by educating them about managing land, growing organic cotton, and conserving wildlife.

The t-shirt shows a fish and the moon, and says, “Fish Can Fly.” It also sports Bono’s signature. You can purchase the t-shirt at the Hard Rock Cafe website, or, if you don’t really dig this design but would still like to support Bono’s causes, you can shop EDUN’s site.

Bono picture courtesy of u2_inspire.tripod.com, t-shirt picture courtesy of HardRock.com

We are living in a time where most students, as young as kindergarten, have homework every night, so what is a parent to do? I often have parents ask me about homework tips. Here are some simple guidelines:

1. Reading should be the MOST important “homework” a child does every evening. Depending on age, children should read a minimum of 20 minutes per evening up to 30 minutes (or more). If your child is a struggling reader, this time can include mom or dad reading a page aloud and the child reading a page. The goal is to instill a love for learning, so seek out books that are interesting and not overwhelming.

2. Keep homework stress free by establishing consistency. Have your child complete his/her homework in the same designated spot each day. Having a good work space stocked with necessary supplies helps children stay focused while working.

3. Establish a consistent time for homework. After a short snack/play break, homework should be the first thing completed at home. If homework is left until after dinner or right before bedtime, it can be a struggle due to fatigue and lack of interest. Many children have sports or other activities right after school, which can make the evening a little more difficult, so plan ahead to get larger assignments out of the way, and start homework right when you get home.

4. If your child is struggling with a particular assignment that seems to be taking too long, or is causing tears/stress, write a note to the teacher at the top of the page and have your child arrive to class a few minutes early to explain the problem and ask for help. Teachers don’t want children working on assignments until all hours of the night, and want to know if a particular problem/assignment was too difficult.

Stay calm while you help your child complete homework and allow your child to do the work. Don’t allow homework to create tension at home, and if it does, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Desk available at Pottery Barn Kids.

Just the words “dry, cracked skin” are enough to make us girls reach for the lotions and potions. And as the weather turns colder, dry skin becomes a common problem for most of us. When choosing lotions, creams and ointments, personal preference is important along with choosing effective products that leave skin hydrated and healthy.

Most lotions and creams contain one or both of the following agents, an oily agent and a watery agent. Most of the time, creams and lotions vary based on the amount of these two agents, or “phases” as they are commonly referred to by formulators.

Some creams or lotions can contain most of one phase and almost none of the other. Or, these agents can exist in equal amounts. In many cases, the ‘feel’ of a lotion or cream may run from very oily to not oily at all. It all depends on the relationship of the two phases. For instance the Ultimate Baby Ointment and the Elasticity Oil are two Noodle & Boo products that are oil-based (no water). The Balm has both oil and water but has a higher percentage of oil than the Super Soft Lotion or Lovely Body Lotion which are light daily moisturizers for the whole body.

Unless some unusual medical condition exists (such as Psoriasis) most skin damage occurs because of dryness. In the winter, the air lacks the same humidity as in the summer. The atmosphere contributes to dehydrating the skin at a faster rate during this time.

It is during this period that creams or lotions with an oily feel come to the rescue and provide a covering that slows the escape of moisture from the exposed surface allowing re-hydrating from below. Oil-based lotions and creams have an ‘occlusive’ function in that they cover the skin and allow healing like a band-aid. These creams and lotions may also contain additives which have proven to provide softening and soothing properties to the skin.

If you suffer from dry skin from head-to-toe, the ultimate luxury we offer is the Elasticity Oil applied just after your shower and before you dry off.

For seriously dry cracked skin on hands and feet the ultimate ointment is excellent. Since it is an oil-based product it will leave skin oily and is recommended for overnight skin therapy.

For dry skin that needs a little tender loving care to keep it in tip-top shape during the winter months, The Balm is “the bomb.” Wonderfully rich it dries quickly and leaves skin supple. For best results it should be used after you shower as well as after every hand-washing.

Happiness is well-hydrated skin . . .

“happiness is knowing they will always have each other”

submitted by Tina Sedlock - Las Vegas, Nevada

Last week, I recommended that you all get a copy of Tim Gunn’s A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style; among the recommendations that Gunn makes is that we all find an alternative to the velour track suit. While I agree with the premise that we should all stop dressing like residents of a Boca Raton retirement home, I disagree with some of the suggestions he makes for the sweatsuit alternative. For some of us, a cute dress or skirt just doesn’t cut it for errand running and dog walking and kid wrangling.

Instead, I would suggest a long, slim cardigan, one that you can pair with jeans or leggings or tights. Look for a belted cardigan, for some shape; look also for an interesting neckline, something that will frame your face. Keep your overall line clean and simple — layer over a tank or tee or turtleneck and slim pants.

And please, save the sweatsuit for yoga class. I’m begging you.

Cashmere belted sweater coat by Magaschoni, available at Bluefly for $195.20.

Kim Cattrall’s character on Sex and the City, Samantha Jones, isn’t exactly known for being a classy role model, nor is the character a friend to animals (the rumor is that she wears fur and gets splashed with red paint in the upcoming Sex and the City movie). However, in real life, Cattrall does a number of things that are worthy of positive attention.

Most recently, she was seen picking up trash during a trip to the beach. The bikini-clad actress wasn’t doing any promotional work and hadn’t asked the paparazzi to document her good work — she just did it to keep her beach clean.

She’s also garnered attention for donating the fur coats her character wore in Sex and the City to PETA, which has a program in place to donate fur coats to the homeless. Additionally, she took part in the Heart Truth Red Dress fashion show, which was part of the National Wear Red Day event bringing awareness to heart disease in women.

Maybe Cattrall will inspire some other hot bodies to pull beach-cleaning bikini duty — I’m sure where the beautiful bodies go, others will follow, so I think this is a great way to influence folks to clean their local beaches. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Photo courtesy of AskMen.com

“happiness is knowing she will smile every time”

submitted by Chelsea Flunker - Houston, Texas

by Sarah Skarda

I am such a sucker for buying and trying the latest thing when it comes to beauty and pampering.

This summer my feet were really sore from standing all the time and running around after my babies. I was flipping through Shape and saw a YogaToes advertisement. They claimed that “it’s like doing yoga for your toes!”

Prompted by my overwhelming curiosity and my achy feet, I jumped online to order a pair. To my pleasant surprise . . . they worked!

YogaToes are wonderful not only for someone working on their feet all day, but for the person with chronic feet problems, the person who has to wear uncomfortable shoes to match their work attire or the mommy who runs after little ones all day. No matter how you get your sore feet, I suggest you try YogaToes.

Start your experience by giving yourself a foot-massage with The Balm by Noodle & Boo then follow by relaxing with YogaToes while you watch TV or read a book. You can even wear them in a warm bath or a hot tub, at work under your desk or in bed at night.

Happiness is happy feet . . .

Pearls?…these are some of my pediatric “tricks of the trade.” Time tested, parent tested, and pediatrician approved from over twenty years of baby and child care…

Most people know to avoid diaper rash by keeping those little bottoms dry. But too much cleaning can be a problem too.

Newborns and very young infants are especially sensitive to wetness, and that includes over cleaning. A newborn may need to be changed 12 or more times a day; that’s a lot of wetness and wiping on such sensitive skin. Most diapers wick wetness away quickly, so when changing a wet diaper in a newborn, simply switch it for a dry one. Save the cleaning for a soiled diaper (which may still end up being almost every change!)

When there is any soiling, cleanse with gentle wiping, without rubbing or pressure. And after the bottom seems clean, use another fresh wipe to be sure. Any trace of stool left behind (no pun intended) can trigger irritation and rash.

Older babies and toddlers do not urinate as frequently as newborns, so a quick wipe with every change is better to freshen them.

Which wipe to use? Choose Noodle and Boo’s Ultimate Cleansing Cloths for soft, gentle pampering of your baby’s sensitive skin.

They are just what the doctor ordered.

Well, they’re not the glasses he’s famous for wearing as The Boy Who Lived in the Harry Potter films, but Daniel Radcliffe has donated the very first pair of spectacles he ever wore to an exhibit honoring victims of the Holocaust. Radcliffe wore the oval, metal-framed glasses when he was just six years old.

In case you’re wondering what old eyeglasses have to do with honoring Holocaust victims (because I certainly did), the exhibit is based on a famous WWII picture of a huge pile of glasses confiscated from the victims at Auschwitz.

Radcliffe’s mother is Jewish (and a Muggle, for any Potter-heads out there who might be wondering), which might have helped to influence his decision to get involved. The exhibit will mark National Holocaust Day on the 27th of this month in Liverpool, England. The hope is that Potter’s Radcliffe’s involvement will bring the attention of the younger generation to the symbolic artwork.

He might garner more attention by flying around on his broom and casting a couple of magic spells, but I’ve been told not to expect too much. Still, my fingers are crossed …

Photo courtesy of MuggleNet.com

“happiness is a smile that makes others smile”

submitted by Keli Taccone - Hilton, New York

Planning a baby shower? In a quandary as to how host this special event? Start with a theme. The mother-to-be has most likely pre-selected the color palette and motif for her newborn bedding ensemble. The most popular color preference today is the decadent combination of pastels (pink, blue, sage green) and chocolate brown.

Host a “Pink (or Blue or Green) Chocolate” baby shower for the arrival of a sweet new treasure. Begin by obtaining a copy of your guest of honor’s bedding print and color scheme. Design your invitation using a companion print to the bedding or components of the same print. The invitation can include gift ideas and baby registry information.

Next, design a menu which is reflective of your theme. Dessert will be easy! Instead of a cake, offer delicious chocolate cupcakes with a fresh pink or blue fondant icing. Serve treats on old fashioned dishes that will romanticize your table settings; shop second-hand or antique stores for these. An old fashioned brown teddy bear grasping a plentiful cluster of pink balloons makes a charming centerpiece. Guest favors could be personalized pink and chocolate M&M’s and over-sized chocolate cookies with pink icing wrapped fashionably with designer ribbon. Stationary stores such as Papyrus offer more contemporary paper goods for showers and parties; you will find a bevy of pink and chocolate!

Once you have established your vision you will discover a wealth of fantastic gift ideas to offer as well as modern baby shower games for your guests to enjoy. Next week: room décor and accessory gift ideas for your chocolate shower, including my favorite Noodle & Boo products!

Cupcake photo courtesy of Belissimo Favors.

A single cupcake will probably do you no harm, but eating foods with Low GI Ratings have now been linked to clearer, healthier skin.

Before we continue let’s review . . . GI stands for Glycemic Index. You have heard about good carbs and bad carbs as they relate to weight loss, diabetes and heart disease, now eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less pasta, rice and cereal can contribute to the health of your skin as well.

Specifically, a new study suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in blemished skin. The study, “Low-Glycemic-Load Diet May Improve Acne in Young Men,” published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet (25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates) had a reduction in acne lesions vs. a control group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates.

The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the control group whose diet had no consideration for the glycemic index. This suggests that there could be a relationship between limiting carbohydrate-rich foods and an improvement in acne.

If you would like to compare a meal you might have during the day with one that has a “low GI rating,” click here.

So, let me get this straight, healthy weight, healthy heart and healthy skin . . . sounds like a win, win, win!

As is probably evident by now, I love spending time in the kitchen. That said, when I’ve been at work all day, spent 30 minutes driving home through city traffic, and am standing in my kitchen with two kids screaming, Spongebob blasting and a dog banging her dish for dinner, I’m in no mood to create a gourmet, three-course meal. At times like those, I need something quick, nutritious and easy, and I don’t want to spend hours cleaning it up when we’re done.

In my quest to find more meals like this, I’ve made the investment in some cookbooks that address easy weeknight meals, and when I find successful recipes, I hope to share them with you here. Last night was one such success, and it comes from my latest cookbook, Nigella Express. You can see the original recipie here; however, I can never leave well enough alone, plus I made some substitutions based on the ingredients I had available. Here is my version:

Read the rest of this entry »

Julia Roberts isn’t new to environmental causes — in 2006 Roberts joined the board of directors of Earth Biofuels to serve as a spokesperson for the eco-fuel (the company has since gone bankrupt, but that doesn’t take away from Robert’s intent). She’s gotten political with her efforts to get school buses to switch to biodiesel fuel, encouraging parents to go to their school districts and congressmen to ask for cleaner running school buses because, as she says, “It’s too easy not to fix.”

Having children made Roberts realize how very important it was to take whatever small steps possible to clean up the environmental mess that’s been made. Little by little, by doing tiny things like carrying reusable grocery bags around (and going on Oprah to make her message heard), Roberts is doing her part to leave a cleaner world for her children (her twins, Hazel and Finn, are three, and Henry is just about six months old).

She also renovated her home to make it more eco-friendly. She had hoped the upgrades, including solar panels and recycled bathroom tiles, would be completed by the time her newest little reason for saving the earth came along this summer. I hope that the $20 to $30 million she put into the renovations allowed her to meet that deadline.

Photo courtesy of Treehugger.com

When I founded Noodle & Boo, I had a very clear vision. I would start a company and build it into a crazy successful company and use a large portion of the profits to fund initiatives that helped children in need. Gosh, it sounded so easy . . . build an empire . . . help children . . . as my five-year old says, “easy-peasy!”

My grandmother passed away on August 17, 2005, two months after I launched Noodle & Boo. If you have ever started a company you know how hard it is . . . my grandmother was that person who absolutely believed in me. She saw me through rose-colored glasses and never let me forget she adored me. She was the quiet voice that whispered “you can do it!”

As I was boarding the plane to go to her funeral, I was having a “what the heck have you done” moment. With my husband’s blessing, I had cashed out our life-savings with the goal that I was going to help people by making bath and body products. I was having a “you might be crazy” moment.

As I was sitting on the plane reading, I came to poem by W. A. Dromgoale.

The Bridge Builder

An old man walking a lonesome road,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and wide and deep.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The rolling stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old man,” said a fellow traveler near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here,
Your journey will end with the passing day,
You never again will pass this way.
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you this bridge at eventide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head,
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today,
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
The chasm that was nought to me,
To the fair headed youth may a pitfall be.
He too must cross in the twilight dim -
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”

Noodle & Boo is my “bridge.” I sat there and cried tears of sadness and of joy. It was affirmation of my convictions and somehow even though my grandmother was gone, there was a little voice letting me know I was on the right track. Whatever the outcome, I will have no regrets.

Happiness is following your inner voice and being true to your convictions . . .

Kids love going to the movies, and so do I, but sometimes it is tough to find one that suits all of our interests. Here’s the deal- some kids movies can be painful to sit through as an adult, but I have come to realize that the joy my children gain from the “movie experience” trumps my own. There is nothing cuter than watching a three-year old balance a bag of popcorn while sitting perched upon the plastic kid’s chair at the movies. The little squeal I always hear when the lights go down warms my soul. I have also found that watching them watch the movie makes it all the more enjoyable for me. Here are a few current fun flicks for families:

National Treasure- both my three year old and ten year old loved this one. Great adventure (although very far fetched) that will keep little ones, and older ones, entertained.

Alvin and the Chipmunks- cute heartwarming story that kept my three year old on the
edge of his seat. A little long, but a fun flick.

The Golden Compass- too mature for young ones (as it is rated PG-13) but my ten year old LOVED IT!!! This is the first PG-13 movie I have allowed her to see, but she says it is now one of her favorites, and it prompted some interesting family discussions. Worthwhile for the older crew.

We would love to hear some of your family movie favorites from the holidays.

Having a great wardrobe involves more than just whipping out a credit card and bringing home more clothes; you need to be a smart shopper, one who only buys clothes that are right for your figure and your life. But how do you KNOW what’s right?

You can ask the experts! Or at least read their books. Here are my three favorite style books, the ones I turn to when I am getting dressed and when I am advising others about what to wear.

Tim Gunn’s A Guide To Quality, Taste, and Style is a book that is both a valuable resource AND just plain good reading. Gunn is witty and erudite and just plain right about so many things. He offers sensible guidance about how to shop, what to shop for, and when to stop shopping.

Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style that’s Right for Your Body. I know there is a wee part of you that wishes someone would nominate you for What Not to Wear, just so you could shop with Clinton and Stacy. Instead, you can tote this book with you and use it to make good choices about what will flatter your figure.

The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece, by Andrea Linett and Kim France. The brilliant minds behind Lucky Magazine have assembled a comprehensive guide to building a wardrobe that will work for you. Chock full of great advice about proportion and fit, this book is one you will want to toss in your bag when you head for the mall.

I’ve been reading a lot about Adrian Grenier (star of HBO’s Entourage) lately, mostly on ecorazzi (a really great site — you simply must check it out). Turns out he’s a really, really great guy. And unbelievably cute. But also, really great on the inside. How great, you ask? Let me tell you about some of the good things he was involved with in 2007:

• He renovated his home with all “green” materials — denim insulation, reclaimed hardwood floors, and beams from old barns. The results, he said, were fresher and hipper than if he had used standard, more toxic materials.
• He’s been working with Lauren Gropper on how to make Entourage’s production company more eco-friendly.
• He drives a hybrid car (a Prius), and was even seen driving around in it with Paris Hilton, who he spent a lot of time “coaching” on the importance of living greener.
• He was photographed by the paparazzi giving some guy — gasp — a jump to start his car that had broken down on the side of the road. Celebrities are capable of random acts of kindness, too.
• He brought attention to the destruction of some of Canada’s beautiful old-growth forests.
• He hosted events for Project Greenhouse and Charity: Water.
• He took his mom and uncle to the Neighbors Together Soup Kitchen in Brooklyn to serve up hot food for those in need.

And believe me, there’s more. I don’t know about you, but I just found my newest (and maybe most deserving) celebrity crush! You know, because he’s got such great values — it has nothing to do with his eyes …

Photo courtesy of Hollyscoop.com.

by Sarah Skarda

I have to tell you about these wonderful panties . . . YES panties!!! My cousin turned me on to them and it was one of the BEST finds EVER. The panty brand is called “HANKY PANKY!”

Sometimes it hurts to look good, for example, when you find that awesome pair of “must have” designer pumps but suffer all night. Or that exquisite dress with spaghetti straps which leave you with a painful rope burn (true story about me). Oh, the stories that we diva’s could tell about the pain and suffering we went through to look HOT! Well ladies, you don’t have to compromise comfort or look when it comes to your panties AND they are sexy too!

Hanky Panky panties may seem a bit pricy (3 for $33 or $18-$40 each depending on the style) when compared to your average Victoria Secret panties (5 for $25) but Hanky Panky is worth every penny. They are seamless, feminine, sexy and won’t give you wedgies! I LOVE the color selection of Hanky Panky panties and the styles are made for every body shape, size, and personal preference. Also, check out Hanky Panky’s Camisole collection for a hot date night with your man or just to feel sexier knowing what you have on under your clothes!

You might also consider Noodle & Boo’s Afterglow Gel for firming and slimming to help keep you looking your best in your pretty panties!

Hanky Panky available at Neiman Marcus.

Happiness is a little Hanky Panky . . .

Your child wakes up with fever, cough and congestion…is it flu?

Fever, headache, body aches, fatigue and cough occur in both colds and flu, but flu symptoms are more sudden and severe than cold symptoms. Children with flu may also have vomiting and diarrhea, which adds to their risk of dehydration.

If you suspect flu, here is what your child needs:

• Rest. Sleep is an even better aid to recovery.

• Fever reducers. Medications such as Tylenol or Motrin help with fever, headache and achy muscles.

• Fluids. Some kids won’t drink when their fever is high, so treat the fever with medications and offer sips of clear fluids once the fever is responding. Clear fluids are best if your child has nausea or vomiting.

• Comfort. Saline sprays for dry noses, popsicles to soothe sore throats, chicken soup for warmth and nutrition.

Call your pediatrician’s office. Your pediatrician (or nurse) will review your child’s symptoms to decide if a visit is needed. If your child is at risk for complications from flu, your pediatrician may do a test to confirm flu. In specific cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed.

A flu shot will prevent most cases of flu, so if you or your children are still not vaccinated, it’s not too late. Call your doctor today!

Tylenol and Motrin are registered trademarks of McNeill-PPC-Inc.

I’m sure many of you have resolved to be better listeners in 2008. Well, if you need inspiration, look to Natalie Portman and the Listen campaign, “a new multimedia charity initiative designed to highlight the plight of poor children all around the world.” Celebrities involved with Listen visit children in some of the poorest areas of the world and record their stories to make documentaries. The idea is that the general public is more likely to tune into a story about a 17-year-old HIV-positive AIDS orphan raising his four younger siblings if someone famous is helping the story along.

And as much as I’d like to protest that statement, I think they’re right.

Through Listen, Portman and other celebs seek to bring attention and funds to children who, for whatever reason, have not received charity of any kind. The goal is to raise $1 billion over the next 10 years, and with help from Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Goldie Hawn and more, it’s a real possibility.

Visit Listen’s website for more information about the campaign and to see how you can help. When families are living in harsh conditions on less than three dollars a day, anything you can do will make a difference.

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Are you ready for the best take-out ever? I am speaking of the hippest little baby ensemble to purchase this year! Best of Chums is cutie couture at it’s finest. This whimsical and essential collection is created by designer Laura Millman of Los Angeles. The indelible impression left upon you when you discover this unique baby treasure is indeed it’s packaging! Best of Chums is packaged and ready to go, ready to give and most importantly … ready-to-wear!

Best of Chums is a melody of vibrant colors and sweet appliques. The layette is 100% machine washable cotton, and is perfectly presented in a novelty plastic and aluminum take-out container. The outfit is a four piece set appealingly placed in the box so the gift-giver as well as gift recipient may easily view all the components of the combination. The presentation alone is enough for everyone to immediately cast their vote for Best of Chums as the popular baby shower favorite!

The list of themes is a long one, however current favorites are Yoga Baby, Sweet Pea, Animal Crackers, and Sushi boy and Sushi girl, as well as the popular Monkey Around, which is a great pick for little boys. This looks fantastic in fanta orange and chocolate brown with the hat accented in banana yellow. Monkey Around was a personal favorite of celebrity actress Jenna Elfman and was recently featured on the cover of OK Magazine. Other celebrity fans are Madonna and Russell Crowe.

Best of Chums has also added an adorable onesie which sells for $22.oo and is available in several colors and appliques and is tightly packaged in the same fashion as the set; this could be considered a yummy side dish! My recommendation for take out in 2008 is Best of Chums, everyone will soon discover the menu will make it difficult for you to choose just one dish! Make this your baby shower gift of the year, you will definitely be remembered!

If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month - get married.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help others.
Chinese Proverb

Alright, maybe us girls need to swap “go fishing” for “get a massage.” But, when I read this it made me smile, because it’s true! If you want to absolutely find happiness, focus on helping others.

I have heard from many who have figured out “the secret,” that it is as rewarding for those who get to help as it is for those who benefit from being helped. It’s like a big piece of chocolate cake; it’s absolutely delicious to bring joy to another person. Once you realize that “personal happiness” comes from making a difference in someone’s life, you are always looking for the next opportunity to serve.

The question is, are you helping others because it brings you happiness or are you helping because it is the right thing to do? Hmmmm . . . . either way, it’s all good!

Here is a great resource that Pat Ferrari found that highlights Ten Tips to Volunteering for those of you who want to give “helping” a whirl. I promise you will not regret it!

“Know how to do good a little at a time, and often.” Baltasar Gracian

New Year’s resolutions are kind of cliche, aren’t they? Everyone promises to exercise more, start a diet, be nicer. I always tell myself that I’m not going to buy into the hype. If I don’t make any resolutions, I won’t be disappointed in myself when I don’t follow through. But, of course, I always do them anyway. And, this year is no different. However, I’m changing things up a bit, in the hopes of having them stick for once! Following in the footsteps of one of my colleagues, here are eight resolutions for 2008, and because I’m a foodie, they are all food-related.

1. Create and follow a weekly menu.

2. Introduce more routine into our weekly dinners (slow cooker night, make-ahead night, stir fry night)

3. Visit my favorite food site every day for inspiration.

4. Try a new recipe every week.

5. Read my food magazines when they arrive, and ear-mark ideas and recipes.

6. Take my kids’ lunches beyond boring. This is going to take a lot of planning, but we are all tired of PB&J every day.

7. Make my kids’ lunches the night before. I am not at my best at 6:30am, and their lunches reflect this. In order to make #6 stick, I need to get better about working ahead.

8. Buy more local, less processed food, and try to avoid meat if I don’t know its origins.

What are your resolutions for ‘08?

Nicole Kidman has always seemed like a great role model to me. I don’t know if it’s her poise in walking down the red carpet, her graciousness in interviews, or the way she can change her hair from wild and curly to pin-straight with a snap of her fingers (or at least that’s how I imagine she makes it happen), but I really admire her. And now, I admire her even more.

Recently, Kidman won significant libel damages from a British tabloid, and instead of blowing it on a shopping spree, she has planned to donate the entire sum to the United Nations Development Fund For Women (UNIFEM), for which Kidman has been a goodwill ambassador for nearly a year. She hopes to remain involved with UNIFEM for many years to come, saying, “When you’ve been blessed with a fortunate life, it is very much your duty to find the places where you can give back.”

UNIFEM provides assistance of many kinds to programs aiding women’s empowerment and gender equality in over 100 countries. It also works to make certain women’s causes are represented at the United Nations. Kidman has helped UNIFEM with its “Say NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, which urges people to add their names in order to get the issue of violence against women on the global agenda.

Progress is slow, and as long as there are women suffering violence but afraid to accuse their attackers, there is work to be done. You can help by adding your name before March 8, 2008, which is International Women’s Day and the official end of the Say No to Violence Against Women campaign.

Photo courtesy of askmen.com.

By now I think almost everyone has heard of The Complaint Free World (if you haven’t, check out the website and you can request a free bracelet.) I absolutely love the concept and loved how a small group of people were able to make such a huge impact across the United States.

Last August we started our school year by passing out and donning the purple Complaint Free bracelets, and soon realized that not complaining was a little harder than we thought. It is so easy to head down the complaint path without even realizing it. At some level, complaining feels like a release of pent up frustration, but what if we allowed positive emotions to do the same?

I just read a great article this morning suggesting just that in the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine. Kathy Seligman’s article, “Cultivating Happiness” asserts that positive psychology, some genetics and gratitude intervention can teach our kids to be happy. I love the concept of “cultivating happiness” with our children as it moves us away from complaints to focusing on the positive.

As today is New Year’s Day, my resolution will surely focus on being a mom who cultivates happiness in her home, with her husband and with her children. I spent the morning digging out our purple bracelets, and last night at midnight we put them back on as a reminder to look at life with our glasses half full.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Years! It’s that time of year when all of us are thinking about our New Year’s Resolutions. While losing a couple of pounds and vowing to eat healthier may be at the top of your list, there is another reason to eat well, simply put . . . healthy skin.

The old adage “you are what you eat” not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs. In fact, research suggests that eating foods rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals might provide valuable anti-aging effects.

While there’s no mistaking how our diet affects our overall health, it can also impact our skin’s health.

Healthy Food . . . Healthy Skin

Perhaps the simplest way to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and ensure the skin is getting optimal nutrition from the foods we eat is to follow the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Daily Food Guide, commonly referred to as the food pyramid.

These include:

• Choosing and eating at least three ounces of whole grain breads, cereals, rice, crackers or pasta.
• Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including more dark green and orange vegetables.
• Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as fat-free or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
• Opting for a variety of low-fat or lean meats, poultry and fish.

Research has shown that the antioxidants in vitamins C and E can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce damage in skin cells caused by harmful free radicals, which contribute to aging skin.

Similarly, we have long known that the B vitamin biotin is responsible for forming the basis of skin, hair and nail cells, and vitamin A - found in many fruits and vegetables - maintains and repairs skin tissue. Without an adequate supply of these vitamins, you may notice it in the appearance of your skin, hair and nails.

While the direct link between food consumption and skin damage has not been widely studied, one study comparing the correlation between food and nutrient intake with skin wrinkling found a positive relationship. The study, “Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?,” published in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, determined that Swedish subjects aged 70 and older had the least skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site among the four ethnic groups studied. This cross-sectional study, which analyzed the pooled data using the major food groups, suggests “that subjects with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, and monounsaturated fat and legumes, but a lower intake of milk/dairy products, butter, margarine and sugar products had less skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site.”

Eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking plenty of water so the skin stays hydrated will help most people improve the appearance of their skin.

Happiness is eating well for beautiful skin . . .