The power of touch for all ages

Valentine's Day is all about LOVE, and one of the best ways to convey love is through touch.  Here's just a little reminder about the amazing power of touch.  And as you go around today wishing a happy Valentine's Day to all, why not include a thoughtful touch (just keep it within reason ;)

* When a baby is born and is allowed immediate skin to skin contact with his mother, his temperature, breathing, heart rate, digestion and blood sugar regulate, his stress levels are reduced, he tends to latch on to breastfeed easier and his skin is even colonized with the same beneficial bacteria as the mother.  The mother also benefits: hormones to promote breastfeeding and mothering are stimulated and she is more relaxed.  My dear friend recently had her 3rd baby via  C-section and asked to be given the baby immediately.  The hospital where she delivered said they had never done this but agreed to it and recognized the benefits.  She said it was such a sweet time and was so glad she asked and they said okay.  She'll likely remember that moment forever.  This skin-to-skin contact is important throughout the first days and weeks and is ideally practiced with the father as well.  According to a recent study, the lasting positive benefits of skin-to-skin contact were seen in 10 year olds who were born premature and included a better response to stress, more mature functioning of the autonomic nervous system and better cognitive control than 10 year olds who were preterm and received standard care.

take a little action

The Today Show recently reported that 1 in 4 children in the US goes to bed hungry....1 in 4!  That breaks my heart and makes me realize just how fortunate my family is.

The Hunger Site sells goods from around the world and the proceeds from products you buy converts into cups of food for someone in need.  They have a lot of fantastic things that would make wonderful gifts.  Here are a few of my favorites:

The recycled flower sak grocery bag is super cool!  It funds 50 cups of food and is roomy enough for all of your own farmer's market finds!

The recycled rice bag waste basket provides 25 cups of food and would also be great for storing kids toys or as the container for a DIY gift basket.

This stone sculpture funds 25 cups of food and would look nice in any room!

These 100% eco-friendly, vegetable dye painted tops fund 25 cups of food and would make a perfect party favor for a child's birthday party.  Sam's baseball themed 1st birthday party is around the corner.  I think I'll get these and attach a card saying "you're in the top of my lineup". 

for the lovely new mama...

A new mom has very little time to think of herself...but if she did (or if someone else is) here is what she might like:

A washable sweater with pockets to wear almost daily.  The pockets are key to hold the pacifiers, chap stick, monitors, phone etc.


Water, water, water...so important, especially to a nursing mother.  This eco-friendly, chic and healthy bottle will be with her wherever she goes.


Mother-in-law's tongue (aka snake) plants are great looking, easy to care for, absorb airborne toxins and act as a natural humidifier.  A perfect gift for the busy mom and her fragile little baby.


Fresh, seasonal and no-knife-required fruits are essential for a new mom.  Make a beautiful basket and be proud that you're contributing to her good health.


Love this quick and easy energy source.  She will too!


So this miracle under eye cream may be a little indulgent, but who deserves something to help make her feel beautiful as much as she does?