Homeschooling: the Frequent 4

For those of you who really don't see yourselves writing out full-on lesson plans, the "frequent 4" are a sure-fire and much simplified way to make sure you get all the growing-kid goodness packed into one little day.

I use white board markers on my fridge, but you can use a paper, a chalkboard, a framed whiteboard DIY, or anything else you see fit. It's basically a method of 4 categories, and simply making sure to do one of each of them every day.

My "frequent 4" are: Create, Refresh, Learn, and Move. It basically comes down to doing something creative (art, music, crafts etc.), something outdoors (park, walk, swim etc.), something educational (letters, numbers, science etc.), and some form of exercise (dancing, yoga, races etc.). You honestly won't believe how simple and productive your days with your toddler/child will become!

Tap in: Filter Out

Here's one of the most efficient ways to nix the cases of bottled water. Especially when it comes to all those kid's daily packed luches. Try Bobble. A reusable sport-spout water bottle with a built in filter. Fresh, clean water is now just a tap away!

Available in a variety of sizes, Bobbles are great for moms to stash their H20 fix in their diaper bags, dad's to keep a few on hand in their office, an attractive accessory for a high school locker (and a surefire way to reduce their weekly coffee shop bill!), a grade-schooler's lunchbox, and the tiniest size is easy enough for a pre-schooler to grasp and the spout delivers an steady, but spill less flow.

I'm totally going to upgrade to a water bobble, and start tapping into my free, safe, and ever-flowing tap water.

Run for the Woods

Now these are two toy sets I would most definitely not mind finding strewn around the house after bedtime... It's all about blending in!

Wooden magnetic fishing and doctor kits rom MoMAstore, now available at Anthropologie.

Seasonal Snacking

Currently munching on some seasonal snacks: fresh figs. This is one of the many reasons I love the month of August - fresh Farmer's Market figs. Delicious! Plus, pairing them with sliced muenster cheese made for a nutritious (they're loaded with calcium and fiber!) and delectable mid-afternoon snack. Pick some up at your market - they'll only be around for a few weeks!!

Goat Milk Organic Undies

We had a little yeast infection scare with Freida today... Brought her in to the Doc because she was complaining of pain each time she used the potty yesterday. Turns out, thankfully, she doesn't have an infection, just a slight irritation/heat rash. Crisis (and a round of antibiotics!) avoided.

But it got me concerned about the possibility for little girls - especially newly potty-trained - developing bacterial infections down there. Especially in the summer. Tight moisture wicking bathing suit bottoms, sweaty little undies rubbing against denim cutoffs, millions of too-excited-to-properly-wipe trips to the toilet, and much too many sugar-laden freeze pops just up the odds.

Even though Freida has been wearing 100% cotton undies, I decided to have a quick look around the web for lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton panties. Happened upon a shop filled solely with the most simple European-style organic cotton underwear separates for kids - right out of NYC! Got quite a blast from the past when I laid eyes on these singles --- my own mom had me wearing organic cotton pointelle undergarments just like these until I was in the 5th grade! Well, now I understand. This line of Goat Milk kidswear is so charmingly organic, it makes me feel like I can put the closest thing to nature on her delicate little body. Light, simple, soft, and natural. You can check it out here, and you can also pick some up at Sweet William shops in NY.