Good Sunscreen, Bad Sunscreen

"Why is it that all the new sunscreen I purchase every year ends up on the 'bad-list?" lamented a friend who lives in the desert sun with her family. It's a bummer, when you see one of those lists, the ones that list the very products you so carefully selected for the kids and for the family, as a potential health hazard. While I figure my own body is a pool of toxins by now, I do try really really hard to do what is possible to minimize what our chickabidees are exposed to...Food storage in glass containers? Check. Stick to organic and grassfed? Check. Steer clear of BPA in plastics? Check...  Here is one invaluable resource I found that helps this mama keep things in check:Environmental Working Group 2104 Sunscreen Guide.
Oh, and here is the "bad" sunscreen list: Spray Sunscreen

Pink Coconut Water

I want coconut water to taste the way coconut lotion smells, coconutty, something like a fresh macaroon in liquid form.  So I keep trying different brands, in cartons, in bottles, in cans. Every one has disappointed, tasting more like old gym socks, or like the inside of an aseptic box. Until I tasted this one:

Notice the pinkish hue at the bottom? (not at the top because I gulped it!) According to the label, some bottles of this brand of water are pink because some coconuts contain naturally pink water(!). This is by far the yummiest I have tasted to date-and no additives, it's just plain raw water.  And no, I'm not being paid in any way to share this tasty drink with you!

Girls Getaway?

The crew minus three

It's a total misnomer-we know it, because all eight of our chickabidees, all aged seven and under are included in this "getaway." And despite the inevitable pure chaos that ensues over the course of the getaway, the four of us mamas eagerly look forward to our cherished time together twice a year. All current or former lawyers, with many decades of friendship between us (some met at age five, and there's also a set of sisters), we share our best and worst moments as mamas, as wives, as women. At a getaway several years ago, one of the mamas decreed that B+ parenting was perfectly acceptable. And ever since, invoking "B+ parenting!" is a gentle reminder that there's no such thing as perfect parenting.

As our group grows we've had to be creative and flexible on the actual getaway location. Last weekend we were at Cavallo Point- we'd all stayed there numerous times and it's proximity to the Bay Area Discovery Museum made it ideal for the chickabidees.  Alas, after one night, we discovered that it was no longer an ideal spot-so with some fast last minute rallying, we moved the whole shebang to a perfect spot in San Francisco! Crazy? Yes.  Crazy chaotic? Uh, yes. Super exciting and fun for the chickabidees? Oh yes!

Happy Independence Day!

Our older chickabidee attended Girl Scout Camp this past month where she learned the traditions of handling the flag and participated in the proper raising and lowering of it.  I was surprised at how thrilled she was with this new experience.  It also generated this question a few days post camp as she was recounting what she had learned: "Why is there always a war somewhere in the world?" She directed the question squarely at her grandpa, which meant I had time to scramble around in my brain to come up with an answer that might suffice. Without missing a beat, I heard her grandpa gently tell her: "It is often because people have different opinions.  Now you'd think, people would be reasonable and be able to talk, and discuss any differences of opinion.  But instead, people argue, and fight over the differences..." This answer was met with her solemn nodding of understanding. I was off the hook on this one, for now... Whatever your beliefs and opinions, may you enjoy this holiday weekend~!

Back to Center

After a hair-on-fire day of mid week household to-dos and chasing my two chickabidees around the local farmer's market, this mama cleaned herself up and headed into San Francisco for a rare night out.  A goodbye gathering at Absinthe in Hayes Valley for a dear colleague and friend.

Lovely food, drinks, and stories and within 2 short hours I was transported back to a former self---a calmer, more relaxed self, fire in hair completely doused.

I Believe That We Will Win

Walked out of my office at lunchtime to head to a meeting and walked right smack into a giant colorful crowd gathered to watch U.S. vs. Belgium on the jumbo screen in front of City Hall.  The positive surge of energy was palpable, and the throngs of people seemed genuinely in a happy groove.  An amazing diverse group, unified over a common interest at least for the few hours of a game on a sunny summer day, now that's sure a win. Whether you have a mere passing interest in World Cup or are a big fan, check out these kids do the best USA Chant.