Snowman Candy Apples... A Fun & Easy Kids Recipe

 

Whether you have snow on the ground or you're lucky enough to be surrounded by palm trees, you can still have winter fun with a snowman!  Try these snowman candy apples which are layered in white chocolate, snowflake sprinkles and decorated with M&M's and chocolate chips. 

Here's what you need:

  •  Apples
  • Lollipop Sticks
  • White Melting Candy or White Chocolate
  • Edible Snowflake Sprinkles
  • M&Ms (we used brown and red)
  • Mini Nestles Chocolate Chips

(If you don't have Snowflake Sprinkles, you could always use plain white sprinkles, or coconut flakes might even work too.  We tried to experiment with mini marshmallows, but they were too fluffy.)

Here's a quick how-to-guide on making a Snowman Candy Apple:

 1) First, you take a small apple (any type of apple will work).  And, place a lollipop stick in the core of the apple. 

2) Cover the bottom of a plate with your Snowflake Candy sprinkles. Make sure you have enough sprinkles to roll your apples in the snowflakes and almost completely cover the apples. You'll need this plate in a couple of minutes, but, for now, just keep it to the side.  Get your M&M's and chocolate chips ready too. 

3) It's time to melt your white Wilton Melting Candy.  First, fill a measuring cup with the melting candy to the one cup line. 

I followed the instructions on the Wilton package, which said to microwave the Candy Melts at 40% power (or defrost setting) for 1 minute. Stir the candy thoroughly and then continue microwaving and stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth and completely melted.  *Using about 1 cup of melting candies allowed me to cover 4 small apples. 

4) Then, quickly dip your apples into the melted candy.

Cover the entire apple in the melted white candy (make sure you have a nice thick coating), and then immediately roll the covered apples into the snowflake candy sprinkles.

 5) Use the melted candy to fasten the M&M's (for the eyes) and chocolate chips (for the mouth) onto your snowman.

Here are three Snowman Candy Apples that we made.  Aren't they so darn cute?

Kids' Safety & Snow Play

Last year, I waited too long in the season to buy snow boots for my son.  By the time I went to buy them, all of the nearby stores were sold-out. We ended up piling on layers of socks and using a pair of his rain boots. But, this year, we’re ready!  We all have snow boots, hats, gloves, and everything in between.

The only thing is… I’m not the biggest fan of playing outside when it’s about 30 degrees and the wind makes it feel even colder.  When I was a kid, I would be out in the snow all day, but now, after 15 minutes, I’m ready to come inside and get cozy.  But, I knew the kids would be begging to play in the snow today, and I wanted to make sure I was prepared. 

I was doing some online searching trying to find a 'golden rule' for the amount of time kids are allowed to play outside. I couldn't find a 'golden rule', but, from what I read, it seems like the main goals are to keep your kids happy, safe, warm, and dry.  Younger kids need to have regular breaks inside so that they can rest and stay hydrated.

Did you know you should be putting sunscreen on when you’re out in the snow?  Even when it’s cloudy, ultraviolet rays from the sun reflect off the white snow on the ground.  So, it’s important to protect your skin from the UV rays, just like you would at the beach. You may even want to get those sunglasses out again.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has some great winter safety tips that will help keep you up-to-date on everything you need to know to keep your kids safe in the snow.  Just remember to have fun and take lots of pictures!

P.S.  Just in case your child asks "What is snow?"  There is a website called Weather Wiz Kids that has the answer.

Photographer: Tina Phillips / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

I couldn't resist the Teddy Bear Bread

There he was... all soft, round and almost huggable. I was shopping at the supermarket with my son when I caught a glimpse of a Teddy Bear Bread smiling at me from across the isle.  I couldn't resist.  Something about him, just screamed "BUY ME & TAKE ME HOME!" 

The plan was to eat the bread with dinner the next day.

But, before dinner, my little guy was getting cranky.  He's in that transition to becoming a 'no nap kid'.  And, he wasn't just cranky... it was the no-nap-end-of-the-day type of cranky that was getting worse by the minute.  So,  I gave him the teddy bear bread and a tub of Smart Balance and let him go at it!

What went first? 

The smiling mouth of course.  Then, off goes the arm... the eyes... and the ear...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The happy teddy bear, wasn't looking so good anymore.  But, my son was happy.  : )

It was a mess. He got little bits of bread and butter all over the new tablecloth.  Before I became a mom, I probably would've thought this was crazy. 

I let my little guy have fun 'buttering the bear' and eating some bread, until he decided he was having more fun playing with the butter than anything else.

But, this little activity was just what we needed to get through that tough time of day when you've run out of ideas for things to do with the kids. 

Thank you little bear.

Recipe Disasters, Reindeer Sounds, The Class Pet, Winter Car Safety Tips from 'Local Fun' Moms

Cheerio Christmas trees sound like an easy recipe for the Kindergarten class, right?  But, I think the title of this article from Jersey Family Fun says it all... "When Good Recipes Go Bad." I think this is something everyone can relate to. Jennifer tells us about her recipe disaster and wants to hear yours.

Have you ever wondered what sound a Reindeer makes? Sounds Fun Mom has been thinking about this and has some ideas about Reindeer Sounds.

Birmingham Mom knows a thing or two about being "suckered" into hosting a furry little friend for the holidays.  Check it out here in her article "Sucker Moms: Are You Housing the Class Pet Over the Holidays?"

Christmas time can be hectic.  And, the last thing any parent needs is to be stranded in the Winter weather with a car full of children.  So, Springfield Moms tells you what you need to know about preparing your vehicle for winter, road-side emergency preparedness, and safe driving.  Take care of your precious cargo with these Winter car safety tips!

Photographer: dan http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Free Video Message From Santa in Minutes

 

Last year, my husband told me about the Portable North Pole website.  You just follow a few simple steps and your FREE personalized video message from Santa is created in minutes.  It's not just a cheesy cartoon Santa or a boring video with your child's name on it. It feels like Santa is really talking to your child one-on-one, and knows all about their life.  This is our second year making these messages from Santa for our kids, and every time I see one, I can't help but smile.  

You don't have to be a parent to make one of these.  It can be made by anyone, and for anyone too!  If you haven't done this yet, and your kids still believe in the magic of Santa, it is an absolute must-do for Christmas!

Once you go to the Portable North Pole website, this is what you'll have to do:

1) Select who the message is for: a toddler, child or grown up.  But, let's say we're doing a message for a child...

2) Enter in some of their personal information such as name, age, gender, etc.  Choose a few details about special efforts that the child has made this year such as getting along with his sister and eating his vegetables.  You also be asked about day-to-day life, such as their favorite food or grade in school.

3) Upload up to three photos of your child.  This part is optional, but it's amazing to see the photos in the video. So, try and upload at least one.

4) Enter in a special gift that the child asked Santa for.  You can even upload a photo of the gift.

5) Put in your location so that Santa can show you his path to your house.  You don't need to put in yout city or zip if you don't want to.  But, you'll need to put in your State, so that Santa knows where to find you.

I remember when I was a kid and hoped for a letter from Santa, but, this takes Christmas to a whole new level! 

Photographer: Simon Howden http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

'Local Moms' Take the Kids to Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3

Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3 Review

Buzz and Woody are two of the most popular characters around. So, it's no surprise that people are also buzzing about Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3.  Albany Mommy was completely blown away when she had the chance to see the local performance with her 5-year old.  Read her full review here.


Attn: Philadelphia Area Moms

Frugal Philly Mom is giving away 4 Tickets to see Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3 at the Wells Fargo Center (Up to a $120 Value).  She also has a promo code for discounted tickets.

This giveaway will end on Monday Dec 20th at 11:59pm EST Click here for the contest.

 

Want to know when the toys are in your town?  Find out here.

 

The things kids REALLY play with...

Did you ever give your child a toy and they preferred the package instead of the actual toy itself?  Kids prove that "One Man's Trash is another Man's Treasure"

One Christmas, my kids and their cousins were together for a family Pollyanna.  They had some of the coolest toys under the Christmas tree.  They opened up all of their presents with excitement.  We unwrapped the presents and waited with anticipation as we watched the kids.  They play with the toys a little bit.  Then, what did they do for the next hour?  Played with a spool of ribbon that they found around the house. 

Their new favorite toy consisted of about 3 feet of ribbon attached to the cardboard cylinder. The giggles were non-stop as they pretended that this was a dog on a leash.  The spool of ribbon was given a name, almost treated like royalty, and got their undivided attention as though it was the hottest toy on the market!

We see it all the time.  They have some really cool bath toys too.  But what do they fight over?  The empty shampoo bottle!  They have a play room that could easily double as a toy shop.  Yet, on a daily basis, they generally stick with one or two favorites and ignore the rest. 

If you are a parent, this probably doesn't surprise you.  Although, my kids will be spoiled with presents on Christmas morning, sometimes I think that these new toys are completey over-rated. 

Kids have the most unbelievable imaginations, and that is what I love watching them use the most!

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net / Photographer: Idea go

Virtual Cookie Exchange

I've been inspired by the Holiday season and my love of sugar to create this

Virtual Cookie Exchange & Blog Hop!

Easy as 1,2,3:

1) Just add your link and a photo of your cookie or sweet treat.

2) Follow your Hostess, Local Fun for Kids, on Facebook, Twitter, or RSS.

3) Follow any blogs you wish & be sure to leave a comment so you'll get a follow back!

Then, check out the other blogs and try not to get too hungry!

 

 Featured Cookies by 'Local Fun' Moms:

 

Amy, from Chambanamoms, describes these 'Chocolate Crinkles' as famous.  But, after reading about them on her site, they almost sound legendary.  And, what is her secret tip for keeping her cookies soft and chewy?... you'll have to check out  Chambanamoms to find out.

 

 

When you want to whip up a quick treat for the kids without spending hours in the kitchen, this Reindeer Cookie from Lehigh Valley Little Ones, can do the trick. You probably already have some of the ingredients in the pantry, and the kids can  get involved since there is no baking involved.  If you want to make Rudolf, here are the instructions.

 If mint chocolate is a family favorite around your house (like it is in mine), Jersey Family Fun knows how to satisfy your sweet tooth! These Minty M&M Holiday cookies drizzled with red and green chocolate look so delicious.  Here are the details

 

'Local Fun' Moms help you survive the holiday season!

Holiday Simplicity & Gratitude

The holiday season can be really exciting and also overwhelming for small children.  Kids on the Grand has a cute article about trying to maintain sanity during the Christmas season when your little one wants to stir things up!  Read more about etiquette during the holidays with the kids and tips for emerging tantrum free!

Infertility During the Holidays

Inferility can be hard during the holidays, but the Wannabe Mom is taking a moment to think about her "Favorite Things".  Read more on the Chambana Moms's blog here.

Less Stuff & More Local Fun

Birmingham Mom has some fantasic ideas for local gifts that you won't be tripping over in the living room.  Whether you just don't have room for more toys or need a break from all the "stuff", these tips are sure to help!

All About the Stomach Flu

Springfield Moms' Blog was lucky enough to get the inside scoop from the Springfield Clinic on the Stomach Flu.  Read more about how to avoid the stomach flu, how to make it better, and when to call the doctor. 

Photographer: Idea go http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Mice Candies Are Easy Fun For Kids

Twas the night before Christmas and all around your house ... the kids were buzzing about the candy mouse!

If you're also one of those moms who love the idea of being creative and crafty, but only has a little bit of time on your hands, this is for you.  These candy mice are so easy to make, you don't have to wait for a special occasion.  You can make as many, or as few, as you want for a quick after dinner treat for your kids. 

They are kid friendly because they don't require an oven and they only take minutes.  You're kids can help unwrapping the chocolate, putting on the little almond ears, and dabbing on the chocolate that holds it all together.

Here's what you need:

        *Chocolate Cherry Cordials
        *Hershey Kisses 
        *Almond slices
        *Chocolate Chips
                           *Wilton Pearlized Sprinkles (Sugar Pearls)

How to assemble them:

* Melt some chocolate chips in a small glass bowl.  If you're only doing a few mice, just start with about 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.  Microwave your chocolate in 30 second increments on a low (50%) power setting, to avoid burning it. If your microwave does not have this option, heat the chocolate in shorter intervals and stir between each bout of heat.  You know it's ready  when most of the chocolate is melted. Then, just stir the chocolate until it is smooth and completely melted.

* Put a fair amount of melted chocolate on the top side of the cherry cordial (mouse body). 

* Place the unwrapped chocolate kiss (mouse head) on the melted chocolate and hold it there for a few seconds until it seems firm.  

* Then, slide in the almond slivers on the top of the mouse head.  There should be enough chocolate peaking out to secure these on ears

* Put on a tiny bit of chocolate onto the mouse head to secure each eye (Sugar pearls).   Then do the same with the nose (Sugar pearl). 

*Put a tiny bit of chocolate onto the eyes to give them some character.

 

Voila!

Wouldn't these be fun to make for a family who is going to Walt Disney World soon, or for a Cinderella themed Birthday party.

When I let my 2 year olf sample one, the nose was the first thing to go.  He thought they looked liked little bunnies, but he still loved them!

 

Crazy Domestic Melted Snowman Cookies

If you have to bring a holiday treat for your office party or kids school, these Melted Snowman Cookies would be a hit!  It's a semi-homemade recipe that could be done for any winter occasion. You could even use the same design elements, but make it from scratch and WOW everybody at your cookie exchange!

I can't believe I've never had these before.  I saw them on the Crazy Domestic blog and was impressed with the way she simplified the directions so that YOU only have to be a little bit domestic to pop out a batch!

Here are the step by step instructions

 

Travel Tuesday! Holiday Events across America

ALASKA -Alaska on the Go would love for you to get outside with the kids! A few options for outdoor fun include: The Tree Lighting Ceremony in Anchorage, Zoo Lights at the Alaska Zoo or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

KANSAS -  Want to know about the best Christmas light displays & places to see Santa The Kansas City Area? KC Kids Fun has has an extensive list of everything going on from now until January!

CALIFORNIA - Just Spotted has the scoop on Orange County holiday fun.  Some of their cool events include: The Christmas Train through Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa, the Newport Beach Boat Parade, Disneyland and Scuba Santa

FLORIDA - Florida's temperatures may be warmer than other parts of the country, but the Daytona Area is turning into a Winter Wonderland for the holidays. Some of the events on the Volusia County Moms site include:  Santa Cruisin' Classic Car Show or the Daytona Beach Parade in the Park, or theThe DeLand Holiday Tour of Homes

ILLINOIS - Go West Young Mom has an amazing holiday activity guide for making the most of the holiday season in the Chicago Area! The Christmas Stroll, Walk with Santa & Holiday in the Grove are just a few of the listed events.

PENNSYLVANIA - Looking for Fun in the Philadelphia area? Fun Things to Do with your Kids in Delaware County Blog has some wonderful ideas, such as the Peddler's Village Christmas Festival, Ice Skating at the Blue Cross River Rink, and the Holiday Light Show and Dicken's Village at Macy's Center City.

WASHINGTON - If you're looking for the largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest (Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park), Sleigh Reides or Photos with Santa, Sounds Fun Mom blog will guide you to holiday fun in the Puget Sound Area!

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net Photographer: Salvatore Vuono

5 Gift Ideas for Kids that Have Everything

1) CONVERTIBLE MITTENS FROM THE GAP

The days of trying to poke each of your kids' little fingers into their gloves are over!  These Convertible Mittens from the Gap make it easy for kids to get their fingers into their finger less gloves and then quickly switch it to a super soft & cozy mitten.  Kids love the fact that they can do it by themselves, and so do moms!  At the moment, we have one pair of these in my house,  but Santa will definitely be bringing more.

2) TIE DYE  KIT WITH NEW UNDERSHIRTS & SOCKS

You probably already know that your kids would NOT be excited about receiving undershirts or socks for Christmas. But, what if you paired it with a tye dye kit?  They would have so much fun getting creative with their colors, and take pride in wearing their own creations.

3) A PAIR OF RAIN BOOTS

Has your kid gone through the 'Rain Boot phase' yet?  My son got the cutest Kidorable rain boots when we were expecting my second, and it was wonderful because he got just as much attention as the new baby.  People were always complimenting him on his eye-catching Kidorable boots!  Some kids will wear them every day no matter what the weather!

4) A BACKYARD TOOL SET

Amazon.com has a great backyard tool set for kids.  It's really nice quality and kids' will love shadowing their parents by helping out in the yard.  At my house, we love Toysmiths Kid's Big Tool Set which includes: a rake, shovel, hoe and leaf rake.  They are very realistic, so they should be used with adult supervision, but can provide hours of fun for your little gardener.

5) SOMETHING PERSONALIZED

Personalized items are a great gift for kids. Whether you want a snuggly blanket for a baby or a backpack for your 7 year old, there are so many options. The Disney Store, LL Bean & Lillian Vernon are just a few great web sites for personalized kid stuff.

 

What would you get for the kid that has everything?

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net Photographer: Clare Bloomfield / Welly Contemplation

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

3 Kids and Us and KitchenAid want to make your holiday wish come true and offer you the chance to win a brand new KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, in your choice of over 20 colors, valued at $349.99!

 

Enter the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway and check out the Homemade Holiday Feast recipes that show all the ways the KitchenAid Stand Mixer and attachments can be used to create unique family dishes and save you counter space with one appliance that can be converted to meet your every need.

Click Here to Enter

(Sweepstakes ends 12/17/10)

What Teachers REALLY Think About Holiday Gifts...

Now that the holidays are coming up, a lot of Moms are thinking 'What should I get for my child's teacher?'

I've seen some suggestions online, which included everything from candles to homemade jams or a mug.  Instead of coming up with some more suggestions or crafty ideas, I decided to ask four teachers and listen to what they had to say.

Denise: “I am often humbled by the gifts I receive. … I know I'll miss the whole realm of teacher gifts when I retire.”

Melissa: “As a teacher in the city, I don't get too many Christmas gifts. I usually get something that belonged to the kid, like they decide to give me their old stuffed animal or something.  But every once in a while I do get a nice gift, and I'm always pleasantly surprised!”

Amy: "The kids' excitement in giving the gifts is the best part!"

Remembering their favorite gifts from past years

Denise:  “Really, I think gifts are only appropriate when they mean something to the child who is giving them.  I love the things the kids make and wrap themselves. I have ornaments on my tree that were made by students and they mean a lot to me. Last year at the end of school one little girl gave me homemade peppermint foot scrub. LOVED it! The basket of Italian food specialties, even an original framed painting. Those were humbling but appreciated gifts”

Melissa:  “A movie night basket. It was just a little basket with a box of microwave popcorn, some raisinettes, and a small gift card to Blockbuster (it may have only been for about $5, but it was perfect).  An ornament where the child wrote his name on it and the year. That ornament is from 2001 and I still put it on our tree. I always remember the boy's name too, because it's on the ornament. A nice box of candy is always good.”

Jennifer:  “Once...although not during Christmas a dad brought in a giant container of blueberries from the local farm that he worked at...that was nice.  Locally made items are good, especially if the parent works there.”

Amy:  "One mother brought a spread of Dunkin Donuts (Coffee bagels cream cheese and donuts) for the five adults that work in the classroom the day before Christmas break. That was great."

You Can’t Go Wrong With Gift Cards.  This is one thing that all four teachers agreed on.  Even a $5 or $10 gift card to Target, Dunkin Donuts or the local convenience store is very much appreciated.

Thanks, But No Thanks On The Homemade Food

Denise: “Some of the homemade food was iffy.”

Melissa: “The one thing teachers generally do NOT want (unless we have a long-standing personal relationship with the family) are homemade baked goods… I always throw those things away after the kids leave for the day. All the teachers I know do the same thing. “

Jennifer: “Food! Homemade food, although thoughtful, is kind of gross. I threw out any homemade food gifts that came in from kids. You never know how clean the household is.”

Gifts for Re-gifting

Jennifer and Melissa agreed: ” Cheap bath sets. So many people have allergies or sensitive skin that cheap bath sets are a bad idea.  People are particular about scents, so even if you LOVE vanilla, someone else could have strong opinions about not liking food smelling items. But, a gift card to Bath and Body Works would be a great alternative!” 

Ultimately, there's a lot more to teaching than the holiday gifts

If you ask any teacher, they would probably agree that the best gifts from their students are the smiles and fun moments throughout the year.  Those are the things that they will remember for years.

“It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.” 

Quote from The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

 

If you have something to add about this topic... please comment below.

Photographer: Suat Eman http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Quote from: http://www.quotegarden.com/gifts.html

Need some time to work on your Holiday-To-Do-List?

Check the 'Best Blogs for Local Fun' for an activity near you and have Dad take the kids out. 

The Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics or the Michaels Free Family Events are always a lot of fun!

Lowes' Build and Grow Clinics are at Lowe's stores all across the country, and they are FREE.

Saturday, December 4th is the first part of a three part train kit.   The Lowe's clinics are held on Saturday mornings at 10am. All of the materials are provided by Lowe's, including a kid-sized apron that your child can take home as well as their completed wooden project!

For more information and to pre-register for a location near you CLICK HERE.

 

Michael's Stores also has FREE events this weekend

On Saturday, December 4th, From 11am to 12 noon, they are hosting a free family event to make your own Reindeer Ornament.

On Sunday, December 5th, from 1pm to 2pm, there is another free event to make your own Duck Tape Luggage Tag or Tree Ornament

For more information and to to find a location near you CLICK HERE

 

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net Photographer: Simon Howden

Austin Blogger Awards Recognizes a 'Local Fun' Mom

Heidi, a busy mom of four in the Austin Texas area, provides a fantastic calendar of fun and affordable events on her website, FreeFunInAustin.com.  She was so excited to find out that FreeFuninAustin.com was just honored with four nominations from the Austin Blogger Awards!

Just click here to vote* & support Heidi's efforts!   You don't have to vote for every category.  Just be sure to vote for Free Fun in Austin in the four categories they are nominated for: Best New Blog, Best-Designed Blog,Best Party/Events Blog, Best Hyperlocal Blog.  Congratulations on your nominations!

Free Fun in Austin is also featuring a National Giveaway for a Papa John's coupon book (with coupons valued at $400).  This giveaway ends tonight, so Click Here to Enter now!

There is also a Giving Challenge and Giveaway for a 2 Night Stay in San Antonio.  Anyone who donates any amount (even $1) to Angelheart Children's Shelter can enter.  Heidi and her husband are generously offering to give a $10 donation for every donation by their readers of $10 or more, up to $500 total.  Not only is this a wonderful cause, but you have the chance to win a Two Night Stay in a Deluxe Guestroom at the Holiday Inn in downtown San Antonio's Market Square plus, breakfast for two. That will be running through December 10.  Click Here to Learn More

Update: Free Fun in Austin won Best Hyperlocal Blog!

'Local Fun' Mom Recognized by Pillsbury!

Cindy Orley, of AkronOhioMoms.com, is one of four finalists in the Pillsbury Cook Contest.  If you need a great recipe for an upcoming potluck or holiday party, her recipe for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars is simple & delicious.

Cindy's "easy Crescent entertaining recipe" is featured on the MyCrescentWow.com website where you have the chance to vote for her recipe and enter to win $5,000.

Just select Cindy as 'your vote', fill out your information below her photo, and hit "Enter Now" at the bottom.  Click Here to Vote  Every time you vote, you are entered to win $5,000 cash.

 After your first visit to the site, you can simply login with your email address and password and all of your data is automatically filled out. Then you can simply click her picture, then hit "Enter Now". You can vote daily until Dec 31, 2010. 

You might also want to check out a few of Cindy's other recipes on AkronOhioMoms.com such as: Caramel Apple Cranberry Pie, Japanese Panko Chicken, Black Forest Cake Dessert. Yum!

And, don't forget, Cindy has some great giveaways (both local and national) going on right now !  Click here for the current giveaways

Have Fun & Get Dirty - Research about Common Antibacterial Products

Although practicing good hygiene is a definite must, it's funny how things change as your child grows.

When I was pregnant with my first, I bought hand sanitizer and had it strategically placed around the house so that everyone could sanitize before they touched my precious new baby.  Now, years later, my kids have chugged from other kids' sippy cups, eaten food off the floor, and playing in dirt is part of our daily routine. Luckily, for moms like me, there is more evidence that we don't need to be so paranoid about keeping our kids completely germ free. 

Environmental Health Perspectives just published an article about a commonly used antimicrobial agent, Triclosan, and its positive association with allergy & hay-fever diagnosis. You can read its report which sums up all of the scientific findings.  But, I preferred reading this article by Healthy Day News titled "Too Much Hygiene May affect Immune System, Study Suggests".

For now, I'm going to start phasing out the hand sanitizers, soaps and creams with those antimicrobial agents, and continue to let my kids get dirty.  What's your take on this?

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ Photographer: Clare Bloomfield