An Amazing School Garden

I have to dote on my husband a bit here. This is a photo of the garden he has created in the courtyard at the elementary school where he teaches. It has been an absolute labor of love. He built the beds, carted endless wheelbarrows of mulch, and spread it, and then the fun began. The kids were able to plant and tend, and pick, and eat the fruits of their labor.

The kids have planted seeds to start the cycle all over again. What a wonderfully interactive classroom!

Things I Can't Live Without

Ok, well, first of all, my family is the #1 thing I can't live without.

So now that I've said that, this post is about the "things"...my vices, that I need my daily fix of.

First there's Toned Day Cream from Dr. Hauschka. It's a tinted cream I put on after my moisturizer to brighten up my face.
Next, Burt's Bees Rhubarb Lip Shimmer. My lips have never been dry since I've used the shimmers. They are sheer but add a nice touch of color.

Thirdly, I love Better Botanicals Dandelion Moisturizer. I have very sensitive skin and the Dandelion Face Cream soothes it all day. I mix a bit of the tinted day cream with the Dandelion cream for my own special concoction.

I can't leave out San Pellegrino. I love sparkling water. It saves me from drinking soda...yet gives me something a little perkier than bottled spring water. Add a slice of orange for a little tang.

Ok, truthfully, my list could go on and on. What are some of your "favorite things"?

A Cheerful Spring Palette

As I was shopping online using my Gap Friends and Family coupon this weekend, I couldn't help but fall in love with these colors. They remind me of the zinnias and petunias in my summer flower garden. They remind me of the beautiful drawings my kids bring home from school...you know, the ones that end up a little crumpled at the bottom of the backpack? They remind me of hot summer afternoons sitting on the back steps with my brothers and sisters as our popcicles melted in a sticky trail down our hands.

So when you're shopping this season, reach for items that conjure happy thoughts...at very reasonable prices.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

My daughter experienced another episode of CVS yesterday. She is five years old and was diagnosed with this unforgiving syndrome at the age of three; although we can trace it back to infancy.

Cyclic Vomiting is recurrent bouts of vomiting. It is thought to have a connection to migraines, and is often referred to as abdominal migraine. Many of the children, ( and adults), experiencing this syndrome have a family history of migraine, (as does my daughter).

CVS episodes are often times triggered by stress ...even good stress, like Christmas, the first day of school, or a birthday. Certain foods, like cheese, chocolate, or foods containing MSG can also be triggers. Other children (like Cal), are called "Calendar Kids", because they don't seem to have a particular trigger, other than time. Cal's episodes used to be 8 weeks apart. Not 7 weeks, 6 days...but 8 weeks to the day. Yes, we would put it on the calendar, and wait for it. Cal's episodes are now somewhere between 9 and 10 weeks apart.

We're "lucky" compared to other families experiencing CVS. Some children vomit so violently, and often that they frequently end up hospitalized. Cal has terrible vertigo the morning an attack is coming, is then fine all day...and once she falls asleep that night, the vomiting begins. It usually happens once an hour for the entire night. Once morning arrives, the cycle is broken. Cal has vertigo for 2-3 days, and then another 9 weeks pass before another episode. Some children have episodes that last for days.

Click this link to read more or to make a donation to a worthy cause.

www.cvsaonline.org

Spring...Glorious Spring...

Ok, so maybe it's not officially spring..but I'll take the 60 degree day we're having. The snow is melting as I type, causing endless streams of water, puddles, and mud. I LOVE it. After the LONG winter we have had here in Southeastern Massachusetts, I'll trade a bit of yuck and muck for a stroll down the road with my kids, sprouting daffodils and irises, and rows of lavender yearning to send out their bountiful aroma.

I'm sure it will get cold and snow before the week is out, but...there is hope!

Stylish Moms

Pottery Barn has come out with the new Seacliff Herringbone Diaper Bag Collection (no, I'm not pregnant Mom!). Its "classic style and top-quality design make this collection the perfect choice." ($129-$149 with free shipping). They are stylish yet functional...doubling as a current spring tote after you've moved out of the diaper phase! Available in White, Mustard, and Black. It's also available in a messenger bag style, and can be monogrammed for a more personalized touch. You may as well look cute while you're carrying the goods!

My first Polyvore!

Friday Casual - by Monogramgirl on Polyvore.com