Summertime Hippie

photo: wvhippiefest.com

There's something about summer that sets free my inner hippie.* For me, summers mean cut-off denim and leather sandals. I have a rotation of three pairs of cut-off denim shorts that I made from vintage jeans. I'm old enough to call my own stuff vintage. With my homemade denim cut-offs, I prefer to sport a pair of brown sandals - either leather thong sandals or a pair of classic Birkenstocks. And when we are getting outdoorsy or sporty, I grab my red Keen sandals. I think I've pretty much worn this cut-off/sandal combo since my college days, and maybe even since middle school or before. Come to think of it, my parents have this adorable picture of me in denim shorts with my belly pooching out from beneath a white eyelet cropped halter top. I mean, how hippie can you get?! I never did outgrow that baby-fat roll around my mid-section.

There have been some variations on the summer sandals, but not much variation on the cut-offs with the exception of the waistband size. I still prefer good ole worn-in Levi's. My favorite sandals were from my college days. They were two-strap clog sandals that I purchased at the J. Crew outlet store and were similar to these. They became a chew toy for a dog I was doggie sitting. Apparently she loved to eat leather. I cried and cursed that dog under my breath. I still mourn for those clogs. They were super comfy and a lot hippie. And I'm sure I had saved up for weeks working at my minimum wage job to get a new pair of brown summer sandals just for them to become a chew toy shortly after. I have not found a suitable replacement for them for less than $150. Hippie ain't cheap these days!

I've kept a clothing budget rule for many years now. I generally won't purchase a piece of clothing that costs more than $20 and ideally less than $10 (budget rule exceptions: jeans, shoes, and handbags.) Have I mentioned that I like thrift stores? So when I find a website like Zara selling classic pieces with subtle hippie nuances within my budget rule, I bookmark it and check back often.

I'm pretty sure I was born in the 70's in the month of August for a reason. Peace out!

* I do not condone, nor take part in, illegal drug use, casual sex, or political anarchy. Just to set the record straight.

Is Your Sunscreen Protecting You From Cancer or Causing It?

We began the process of packing for our first ever vacation as a family of six. We are headed to Hilton Head Island. (I promise to post lots of pics upon returning). The kids are beyond excited. I'm hoping to read a book while they are entertained by the endless surf and sand. Earlier this week we began shopping for all the items we would need to have a fun and safe vacation. Then, I ran across this information which made me re-think the sunscreen that I would be packing for our family.  On the same day that I referenced EWG's Sunscreen Guide, BJ told me that Rush Limbaugh talked about a chemical in sunscreen that is a proven carcinogen. Lucky for me I was already educated on the issue. So today I ran out to the grocery store for traveling snacks and some new, non-toxic sunscreen.

My biggest concern is for Charlotte, who is only two years old, and Griffin, who is four. Griffin's epidermis is already compromised by severe eczema. That means his skin is very sensitive to certain chemicals and fragrances. In addition, eczema weakens the protective outer layer of skin and even deeper layers within. When working properly, the protective layer blocks out harmful substances while absorbing moisture and expelling waste. Griffin's damaged skin doesn't do that well so I'm more careful about what I allow on his skin, including laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos, and lotions. The past two years I had only used on him an extremely sensitive (and expensive) sunscreen that was sold by his dermatologist because everything else would cause burning pain when I applied it. And even more convincing, last week we sprayed a "baby" sunscreen on all four kids, and two of them ended up having a reaction involving an itchy rash. That stuff went straight into the trash. Now that I know more about the chemicals in some sunscreen, I'm not sure I want anyone in our household slathering it on until I've thoroughly checked the label.

I ended up purchasing BabyGanics Cover Up SunScreen Spray and BabyGanics Cover Up SunScreen Lotion, which met EWG's criteria for non-toxic. I purchased both from Toys R Us/Babies R Us, but they also carry this brand at Target. For a while now we have used BabyGanics Foaming Body Wash & Shampoo on all four kiddos because it is not as expensive as other natural, non-toxic, and sulfate-, phthalate-, paraben-free brands.

After discovering the dangers of some sunscreen, I'm even more convinced that I need to be more adamant about what chemicals, lotions, soaps, shampoos, etc. that I allow into our home. We cannot assume that anyone - the government or consumer goods companies - are looking after the best interest of our families. That duty falls on us, the gatekeepers of the home, Moms!

God's in Business!

I just spent the weekend with a very dear friend. We totally geeked out at a homeschool expo near her home in middle Tennessee. Want to know the most exciting part of the trip? Seeing all the curriculum that our little hearts could handle. Haha! Only kidding! No, it was hearing about her daughter's miraculous recovery from a devastating disorder, and seeing it first hand. One day my friend will share her story because it is her story to share and to decide when to share. But it blessed my weekend, and probably my entire year. I had a great visit! Thanks, friend :)

My Daughter, My Sister

My daughter, Lily, is now my sister in Christ! Last weekend she prayed to receive Christ and became my sister through the work of Jesus Christ. This morning she was obedient to the Lord and was baptized at our church, Buffat Heights Baptist. BJ was honored to baptize her. And being overwhelmed by the joy of participating in such a major event for his daughter, he choked up while sharing Romans 10:9 "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

This picture was taken immediately before BJ and Lily stepped down into the water. Schaeffer, Griffin, and I watched from the side of the baptistery (Charlotte is not pictured because she was in the nursery). Griffin was so sweet to congratulate Lily as she was climbing the steps out of the water. He hugged her and said, "Yay, Lily! You did a great job!"

My prayer is to see each of my children receive salvation and to witness their baptisms.

Lily's baptism on Sunday, April 28. A wonderful day for our family!

My Little Cuddle Monkey Turns 4

I just can't hardly believe it! My little Griffin turned 4 years old today. He's a bundle of...joy, cuteness, mischief.

Natural Dyes

I came across this while researching the "purple-red" dye discovered by the Phoenicians (circa 1000 B.C.). The Phoenicians' color-of-royalty dye comes from a certain sea snail. The list on this website made my creative wheels crank. Check it out!

And the Art Fair Winners Are...

I'm proud of Schaeffer and Lily for the artwork they submitted this year at our homeschool co-op's art fair. Schaeffer won "Best in Show," which is an honor given to only two elementary students for their work. Lily won a "1st Place" ribbon for her entry, which is an honor given to only one student from 1st and 2nd grade combined. I'm a very proud mama!

"The Night the Death Angel Passed Over" (Notice the two figures in the top right window of his painting. He specifically wanted to add a head of a dad and his son. How sweet is that?!)

"This is My Father's World" (This is Lily's interpretation of a girl band rockin' it for God!)