A Giveaway from MightNest.com over on Wee Windy City

Have you heard about a new website called MightyNest.com? This is a great site created by a Chicago-area family that brings together information about environmental concerns (i.e. BPA, lead, etc.) and green living with the opportunity to purchase the basic items you need for kids and babies.

Over on Wee Windy City, I am hosting a giveaway, courtesy of MightyNest.com. One lucky winner will get an organic cotton tote bag and a stainless steel water bottle. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what small change your family has made to live a more eco-conscious life. That's it. Pretty simple.

All entries must be received by midnight CST on Sunday, November 8th so go on over and enter. Thanks friends!

Get Grateful

I really enjoy the month of November. Sure, it is getting cold around these parts. But on the plus side, we're drinking lots of hot apple cider. Our garage is stacked high with wood for cozy fires. We've been snacking on pumpkin muffins and slurping squash soup.

Halloween insanity is over (thank goodness) and holiday hustle and bustle hasn't really kicked into high gear yet.

Things are good.

In the November issue of Chicago Parent, I wrote about two ways for your family to focus on the many joys and gifts in your own lives during the coming weeks.

These simple activities can be tools for talking to kids about the real point of Thanksgiving celebrations (aside from filling up on mashed potatoes and stuffing of course).

Have a look here.

Mini Massages in Mindful Metropolis

Shortly after Ellie was born almost six (what!!!) years ago, I signed up for an infant massage class. I was mostly motivated by the desire to meet other Chicago moms -- and I did. But I also discovered that babies love massages -- and this type of interaction is so, so good for them (and parents too).

Ever since this introduction to infant massage, I have been known to regularly break out a jar of grapeseed oil and massage my babes (and my big kids too). All of my children love massages -- whether it is a full rub down for baby Colin or a hand massage for Ellie as we sit together on the couch watching a baseball game.

I love this topic so much that I wrote a story about it for the November issue of Mindful Metropolis. Have a look (and check out that cute baby in the photo -- not mine, but still really cute).

This is Dorothy . . .

. . . before she set off trick-or-treating . . .

. . . and this is Dorothy after she got into her candy stash.

Sleep well sweet girl.

Our Future Firefighter

Woof Woof

The very cutest Dalmatian that I ever did see.

A Need for Speed

They are speed demons, I tell you. Speed demons.