The Cold Season

So "man plans and G-d laughs" - there goes my plans for getting back to normal... Freida seems to have picked up whatever was going around this past week. She had some symptoms of a cold yesterday evening, and came down with a wee bit of fever just in time for bed; our night was long and sniffly. I guess with the cold weather (no, I am not complaining, I am glad for a break in the heat!) came the cold season. And honestly, after a holiday like last, her immune system was really in jeopardy - the intense lack of sleep + the insane amount of consumed sugar and sh*t from shul = very vulnerable immunity. Should've seen it coming... Anyways, we are using all our favoritel tactics to nip this in the bud before it goes viral! Thought I'd share some "flu season" remedies.

Number 1: Crane Humidifier. Hands down, the best one out there! This humidifier can turn any room into a tropical rainforest in seconds using the safety of cool mist, and noiselessly, to boot! I've tried many others, and found this to be the only one that actually does what I need it to - keep her nose running and not stuffing. Plus, no need to hide these guys; the designs are sleek, streamlined, and even quite cute.

(The "raindrop" design wasn't yet released when we got ours, but it sure is super good looking!)

During flu-season last year I posted these other great remedies to keep the bugs at bay, and we're still using this insulated sippy-cup for echinachea-infused morning tea and warm doses of chicken soup.

I guess we won't be getting back to regular schedule for a few more days after all...

Going "green" Under the Green!

With cardboard furniture a current rage, I figured I'd join the party! Freida had fun helping put up her own little version of a sukkah, decking out the interior, and making an "art show" (freelance marker scribble, stickers, pictures etc.) on the outside walls. I let her mess around with tape and experiment with its stickiness, putting tape on her pictures and letting her have fun sticking them up all over. We just used cutout cardboard (from random boxes), and some green drywall tape (leftover from renovations) for the scach. Cardboard makes for super simple, low-tech play space. Children love having a little fort/house/booth to crawl into and play in; it makes them feel independent and gives some much needed personal space.  We gave ours a corner of the dining room, and Freida crawls under there at random to read a book or two, add a finishing crayola touch, or share some snacks with her "freinds". A great way to (literally) bring a mitzvah to the little guy's level.

Check out some other cardboard furniture goodies:

1 & 2. Forty-two Roads Cardboard play kitchen & washer/dryer

3. Cardboard Castle

4. Cardboard Chair (David Graas)

5. Belkiz Cardboard High Chair

6. Foldschool Cardboard Furniture

Office High-riser

I know one gift my Mr. will be getting this year! I've been sprucing up his desk a bit (in anticipation of his new business launch!), and this would make for a perfect addition: a concrete stand for "high-rise" staples. A new take on bringing the skyline to the desktop!!

Staple City by Shay Carmon

New Year Night-Lights

Wish I knew about this nifty little gadget the last time I attempted this Martha Stewart DIY. My apple votives came out beautiful last year, but were a royal pain to procure! I know it's getting old, and been seen far too many times - but apple tea-light holders are still a surprisingly charming way to enhance the warm holiday ambience in your home, as centerpieces; scattered across the table, displayed on bookshelves, bars, or console tables, even at the bathroom sink etc. I'm not saying I'd get this carver (it's a "one-use" thing!), but it's definitely helpful to know it exists! : )

Apple Votive Carver $7.47

Lightening Rod

Lighting up through cords of color has now been brought to the masses via Anthropologie. A few months ago I posted about the NUD collection; a lightbulb on a cord, I loved the simplicity and straightforwardness of these illuminating options. Well it's not going to be so unique anymore now that it's gone retail, but still a funky ambience touch either way.

Dose-of-Color Pendant from Anthropologie $68.00