need a book?

If I was your sister I would call you right now. If you didn't answer, I would probably start phone stalking you until you did. And then I would tell you to read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. At least that's what Misty did to me. And then I read it. And I'm so glad I did! Hope you like it as much as I did!

free yoga classes

Everyone's trying to save money these days. Why not cancel your yoga class and do it at home for FREE? If you're at yoga for the social aspect as well then invite some of your friends over for a yoga session at your place. Maybe rotate houses, leave the kids with dad, or stick them in the playroom and then take some time for yourself and relax.
Yoga Today has amazing classes and you can see them all for free. How great is that!?

Testing Testing

While I am laying out here in the bueatiful sun in my backyard, I'm
testing out bloggers new email from your phone to post feature. I have
an iPhone and am constantly amazed at how much I can get done with
such a small device. Being a working mom it is very important for me
to be efficiant, this fancy phone helps with that. Now when I get home
from a long day I don't have the desire to go straight to the computer
and check emails. I can now get it all done with my phone on my brakes
at work. With that said let's see if this works.

natural all-purpose spray

Tried and tested and loved. Tea tree oil is a natural solvent and kills germs and bacteria. They actually use it to clean hospitals in Australia. You need to make sure it isn't diluted. It should be very pungent and come from the melaleuca alternifolia plant.

32 oz plastic spray bottle
2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure castile soap
3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
20 drops tea tree oil
20 drop of lavendar or lemongrass essential oil

Fill a large 32 oz plastic spray bottle with water. Add the vinegar, castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and lavendar or lemongrass essential oil. If it is hot outside or you have a bug problem you can add 10 drops of citronella essential oil, it is a great insect repellent.

new carseat recommendation

It is now recommended that babies be rear-facing until they are two years old.

http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/4/12-a

Feb 10th - National Bankruptcy Day

I put this on my personal blog but it needs to be heard so I'm putting it here too.

A law was passed requiring extensive, retroactive lead and phthalate testing on all products, including clothing, that are sold for children ages 12 and under.

On the surface, it sounds like a good idea, but if you dig in just a little you find the problem. This testing has to be done on each and every item that is sold, resold or GIVEN to consumers. The law covers consignment, thrift stores, garage sales, ebay, etsy and hand me downs. EVERYTHING.

Technically, I could be prosecuted for giving old, untested baby clothes or toys to a friend.

What does this mean for us? Small business are looking at $500-$900 per article of clothing to be tested. That is unreal and so high that it's not even possible to pass the cost onto consumers. Small businesses, boutiques and thrift stores are going to be forces to declare bankruptcy and close their doors.

The places that can afford the testing are going to raise their prices to offset the costs.

To see more about National Bankruptcy Day SEE HERE

To see how it will effect the prices of your children's clothing, SEE HERE

An article to see how this will effect thrift stores SEE HERE

How it will effect small business like Etsy SEE HERE

For a Facebook group that helps you to see how you may be able to change the law SEE HERE

Write your congressman!

bored?

So last night I was bored. Misty told me of this fun site. nymbler.com. You put in names you like and/or the names of the kids you already have and then it gives you suggestions of other names you might like. It kept me busy for an hour or so.