That time of year again

Yes it's birthday season in my house and I am sorry to say that I was BAD about posting my wish list for my 2 year old so I am stepping it up by posting the 5 year old's list early. These are wants (hers and mine) or just good ideas for you and your too.

• I have been thinking that a non-tangible gift would be interesting – a star named after her or a tree in Israel etc.

• Puzzles – LOVES these. 50-100 pieces

• Magazine Subscription – she has Highlights but would love National Geographic for kids
  

• Any of the Creations by You kits available at Target – illustrate your own story; make your own plate etc.

• Chapter books from a series like Junie B. Jones or others

Lillian Vernon has a nice list of less than ordinary gifts -
http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalog/thumbnail.jsp?parentCatId=2&catId=246&subCatId=380

Best in political show

I am loving the political fever that comes from living in a swing state. I mean LOVING it. Being from NY there was never much doubt about how we all swung, but here - well let's just say some have drank the "5 letters for scary" Palin cool-aid.

I just ordered, received and wore my new Obama t-shirt. The husband and kids go them too.Mine is a fabulous Mamas for Obama 2008 version. The kids got I (heart graphic) Obama and Obama 08 (varsity looking) respectively and the husband, well his might be the best! The back reads - YES WE CAN To justice and equality, to opportunity and prosperity, heal this nation, repair this world, YES WE CAN! I got them all at Zazzle.com who had a fantastic selection and cafepress.com does as well.

Excerpt from a note to some special girls

It should never go unacknowledged when those you love, those who love you, go above and beyond. Just because the "thanks" is understood, does not mean it is not nice to hear as well. So, where to begin? Thanks. Thanks for dinner, for help packing and for help unpacking. Thanks for dropping everything when I was breaking down and crying. Thanks for the moral support and the physical support. Thanks for the laughs, tears and jokes at my expense. Thanks for being the family I chose for myself. I chose so very well. I love you all immeasurably, intensely and always!

back to school cool

As promised, one more guide with such cute things. More to come - promise!

http://mamanista.com/back-to-school-guide

Still in summer mode...

but there are so many back to school guides already out there and I hate not to pass them along. I I must admit I am not in the fall mode yet. Either way, click on the cool mom picks link to the left for their early pics and then check back soon for more.

And another brilliant idea...

that is both eco and kid friendly - a patch to keep away the bugs. What kid does not LOVE an excuse to put on anything that resembles a band-aid.

http://www.dontbitemepatch.com/

follow up is follow through

Another great idea on the plastic cup issue from blog I love -

http://www.coolmompicks.com/2008/06/colored_klean_kanteens.php