Acme Holiday - Halloween!!!

trick or treat for UNICEF is in it's 58th year!!! 

they have raised over $140 million and saved god only knows how many teeth from cavities.

if you don't know this program, it's where kids ask neighbors for pennies in lieu of candy. money raised is then sent in to help support the very worthy programs in over 150 countries.

since our kids will be at carnivals, class parties and more, they won't, in any way, be deprived of candy this halloween. so trick or treating can become about something else. i am not above bribing my kids to trick of treat for UNICEF and i will buy them their favorite candies in return (is this the wrong message?).

get your boxes at participating IKEA, PIER ONE IMPORTS or HALLMARK stores or

download cute "wrapper" here and affix to any canister at home (i am using one that had bread crumbs).

lesson: we drink clean water, not all children do. unicef helps provide for the kids who need water, medicine and food. 

***added bonus: not hopped up on sugar, they might get to bed on time after an already over-stimulating day.

here's a link to read more.

Acme Library - Old Bear

simplicity, gratitude, reflection and a long nap to dream.

loving this book.

to buy this book, see ACME LIBRARY on the right

(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)

Tug At Your Heart Strings

there are so many freakin' (forgive use of word freakin') things to remind our kids to do everyday. pick up your socks, put your dishes in the sink, brush your teeth, finish your homework, don't bite your brother (they say it's just a stage, here's hoping), pack your lunch, wash your hands, eat your vegetables. not necessarily in this order.

it is too easy to forget the simple simple important basics. "BE NICE", for example.

here's a new doohickey (forgive use of word doohickey) to do just that. the stringring company has made rings entwined with strings so as not to forget to be kind. you needn't purchase the silver version, just sit down at the kitchen table with your kids, a ball of twine and some hope.

the stringring website says:

"tying a string around your finger as a reminder is an ancient tradition thought to keep an idea from escaping - literally tying the idea to yourself. the string ring is a cue to remind yourself and those who notice it to be kind to one another, to do a kind act, say or even think something kind."

i hope it isn't UN kind to the stringring people to suggest that we make them the old fashioned way, hopefully they will see our intention of spreading kindness and KNOT get TIED up in the details.