What's Better Than a Bubble Bath?

Sudsy heaven

Good evening everyone! Today was "bath day" for Noëlle--it happens about 3 times a week--and in the spirit of "bath day," I decided I would share a little about that wonderful concoction called bubble bath, and why you should be cautious when choosing one. I will allow you a rare glimpse into my bathroom just long enough for me to share the must-have ingredients for my perfect bubbly bath. I have blogged about safe baby bath ingredients in "A Better Bathtime for Baby," but now I want to devote this post to the sometimes elusive "adult bath" reserved for those rare, quiet moments somewhere among segments of parenting, working, and sleeping. When Aaron is really stepping up to the plate, and I can slink away to sit in frothy, softly-scented warm water. Those moments of pure me-time bliss. And there is definitely a chic and crunchy formula that you need to know...

Safe Sun Protection

Noëlle loves to swing and to be outdoors,
which means safe sunscreen is a must for our family!

With the solstice happening on Friday, summer is almost here! If you haven't already, it's time to bring out that sunscreen. But before you reach for your favorite brand at your pharmacy, it's time you learn what is actually IN it, which ingredients you should avoid, and, as always, some of the all-natural and non-toxic sunscreens I use on myself, on Aaron, and on my precious Noëlle. It's only the good stuff for her, and it should be for the rest of us as well. Now, sit back, grab a mint julep, and let me help you wade through the enormous beach bag of options to find the ones that are perfect for you and your family...

Which Milk Gets your Goat?

Noëlle can't get enough of goat's milk yogurt

Good morning everyone! Noëlle was enjoying some goat milk yogurt this morning, and I was inspired to share a little bit today about my favorite kinds of non-dairy milks, cheese, yogurt and coffee creamers for all of you who may be looking for the best in dairy-free food. There are many reasons that one may want to avoid dairy. Allergies, hormones and antibiotics in the milk, the evidence that dairy is difficult to digest and the nutrients, therefore, to assimilate, or perhaps the poor treatment of dairy cows on large "factory farms." Allergy to dairy is very common in adults and in babies, who have a difficult time digesting it. As a toddler I showed sensitivity to it through skin rashes, eczema, digestive pain, and other symptoms. In fact my siblings and I all did. So I learned as a child, thanks to my wise mother, to drink rice milk and eat goat cheese. Over the years I have tried all sorts of non-dairy foods and beverages and taken notes on what I did and didn't like. I have my favorites. So let me share what I found and like to make it easy for you.