So Happy Over Happy Haven!

Take a gander at my latest neck candy from Happy Haven...isn't it B-eautiful?! You may remember Becky's lovely designs from the feature I did last month on her contest to raise Breast Cancer Awareness. This little lovely is called Autumn Tree and I have truly fallen (hee-hee) for this piece! It arrived tucked in a too cute gift tin with a silver ball chain. I've worn it both with the silver chain and with a chocolate brown satin ribbon (for a casually chic spin) and love that I can dress it up or down. Be sure to check out Becky's shop HERE...you're sure to find some goodies for your Holiday gift giving (and some for yourself!).

Pictures courtesy of Happy Haven.

Autumn Harvest is Back!

It's Baaaack! Our super hot seller, Autumn Harvest, is fully cured and back on the shelves. Come indulge in this delicious treat for the skin HERE.

Technological Breakdown!

Loads of Holiday goodies to add for Ellia C. Naturals and no working picture card reader...now tell me, how is that supposed to be productive?! Time to pull out the old laptop and see if I can revive that card reader...wish me luck!

Revitalize & Refresh!

There's nothing like some quality alone time with my hubby to put a pep in my step. Last night was fabulous! I was allowed to eat as leisurely as I pleased (no need to scarf my dinner down at the last minute after feeding the kiddos for fear it would have frostbite!), enjoyed adult conversation (that occasionally turned toward the munchkins, but overall we did very well!), looked into each others' eyes without catching a glimpse of flying children in our peripheral vision, and snuggled closely next to one another without a little one or two wedged in between...ahhhh the joy!

For those who know me (and those who do not yet), my children are my world and I adore them, but I wouldn't have them without my husband (whom I also love to death). Last night served as a pleasant reminder that in the midst of raising a family, it's equally important for parents to give each other the quality time we deserve together.

Date Night for Mommy!

With 4 little munchkins, I must admit that my alone time with my hubby is somewhat on the limited side. I suppose we really need to make more of an effort to find a little more time in the day "just for us". But I'm thrilled to report that tonight we get to have an impromptu, very last minute Date Night! All of the pieces fell into place beautifully despite starting the arrangements at 10:30 this morning for 6:00 this evening...sitter with a playmate (thanks cousin!), timing, having a clean house (when does that happen!), and all 4 little ones finally on the upswing of the cold epidemic that swept through our home the past 2 weeks. And better yet, it was all Dear Hubby's idea...what a way to start the weekend!

Photo compliments of Walt Disney Productions

Funky Felt Hairclips!

Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby Boutique is now a proud distributor of these adorable handcrafted felt hair clips by Babble Blossom. Stop by and check out these funky felt finds HERE.

When & Where Holiday Cards

Our friend, Mandy, over at When & Where Invites just informed me that she has completed her holiday collection for this year and it is too cute! You may remember Mandy from a feature and giveaway I hosted for When & Where earlier this year (see the article HERE). She makes it so easy to get fabulous stationary at a really affordable price. Simply choose your design (or email her to custom create one of your own!) and send an email with the images you would like to use. Within 48 hours, Mandy will send a proof for your approval. Once approved, you receive a high resolution file that you can print at any photo finisher or from home all for only $12! Print as many as you like, the price for the file is still the same. Don't feel like printing your own? No problem, Mandy can also print them for you and send them in the mail. Can't beat that!

For Your Smiling Pleasure

Compliments of the Evian Roller Babies...Enjoy!

Holiday Card Giveaway!

Our friends at Jamie's Precious Peas are hosting a fabulous giveaway for 30 holiday cards from Marmalade Ink. With so many super stylish designs to choose from, you're sure to find something perfect for this season! Giveaway ends November 17th, so don't delay!

How To Tell A Cold From H1N1 (Swine Flu)

Given the continuing saga of the spread of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) and the unrelenting runny noses and hacking coughs of 3 of my 4 little ones, I thought it was about time to get myself a handy reference for differentiating H1N1 from the common cold. After an exhausting search and comparison of numerous respected medical sources, I was able to compile the following chart as a personal reference. Granted, there are still many similarities between your garden variety seasonal flu and H1N1, but being able to rule in or out the common cold still goes a long way to preserving my peace of mind.

**This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the need for medical advice from a qualified practitioner. If you are experiencing any health related symptoms, seek consultation from your preferred medical provider.

Symptom	Cold	H1N1 Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present in 80% or more of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3-to-4 days is generally associated with the flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A non-productive, non-mucus producing cough is usually present with the flu. It is sometimes referred to as dry cough.
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-to-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.