Monday, October 25, 2010

Preppy Tights


Way back in my pre-pubescent preppy heyday, I would have killed for these mint and pink tights.



Sunday, October 24, 2010

Bleach: There is no substitute


I consider myself a highly conscientious consumer. I do my best to make environmentally sound choices that do not poison my family or the earth, sometimes driving myself insane--and to several different stores--in the process. But, when it comes to getting things clean there is nothing like good old-fashioned bleach. For example, when your toddler leaves his favorite Plan Toys fire engine outside during a week-long rain spell and it's covered with a nasty black rash of mold, what's a mom to do? This has happened to other toys, like a beautiful set of rustic tree blocks. Eventually, I had to to toss them because they were starting to grow hairy legs after several overnighters outside in the yard. But, the fire engine I couldn't bring myself to dispose of. Besides being something that Henry actually enjoys playing with--as opposed to slamming it to smithereens a la Bam-Bam--it was also a gift from Uncle Geoff in Toronto.

My mom just so happened to be visiting when I showed her the ostensibly ruined toy. She bought a bottle of Clorox, gave the engine a 4-plus hour bleach bath and then a good scrub with soap and water. Glory Hallelujah, the wood came out sparkling like a newly peroxided blonde. I have seen the light.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Inspiration: Market Makeovers

I discovered Market Makeovers at The Food Rendezvous in August and have not stopped thinking about it since. It's a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming junk food-stocked corner stores and bodegas into healthy markets in low-income neighborhoods or "food deserts" where liquor and convenience stores dominate and farmers' markets are a foreign concept. What really struck a chord was their civic approach to the problems of obesity and diabetes plaguing poor areas. It's easy to point a finger at "the parents" for not teaching their children to eat fruits and vegetables at home but often times the only ingredients available to moms without transportation or time is an aging box of macaroni and cheese on a corner store shelf. By linking these underserved areas directly to farmers and farm-fresh produce, not only will there be better food choices but there's also an opportunity and incentive for people to spend their hard-earned dollars within the community. A simple revolutionary concept. Check out this video:


Sunday, October 3, 2010

Life on the Funny Farm

photo courtesy of Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang

This is the latest soundtrack to my insanity, playing on an endless loop in my brain. I have only myself to blame for exposing Henry to the retro charms of Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang.