We all get those itches that we just can’t scratch. I know I have had to look around the house for ruler or anything that can get that itch that no one can reach. I now have my handy dandy backscratcher.  Let me tell you, this thing is awesome.  It can reach anywhere on my back.  It actually works better than me itching!  (I have long finger nails and can draw blood without trying sometimes). They are eco-friendly and are handcrafted out of wood by local USA craftsmen in Maine and Tennessee. They are made out of walnut, cedar, aromatic cedar, cherry, oak, and maple.  Now, these are so easy that anybody can use them:

When my one year old got ahold of it, he thought it was a sword, and it made it through that beating. You can even buy telescoping back scratchers which is smaller version of this that would make great stocking stuffers. If you’ve ever had an itch you couldn’t scratch, you need to get one of these awesome backscratchers!

How many times have people told you to chill out (and if they didn’t use those exact words, that’s what they meant)?  I know I get told that more than I’d like to admit.  I allow things to get under my skin and ferment for days and sometimes weeks.  In times like these, I even think I need to chill out.  However, my problem always has been that I didn’t know how until The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide came along into my life.  This is a great book for several reasons.  First, there are 77 strategies in here.  If one doesn’t work for you, try the next.  There is truly something that can you in here.  I also love that it is an easy read.  I don’t need detailed directions stressing me when I am trying to chill out, and the author actually made it a really fun read.  There are statements in the book like “Here are some simple ways to keep your cool that you can do in a crowd without looking like a weirdo”.  Anytime you use weirdo, you score some bonus points.  I love that the book reinforces trusting your body, yet allows you to make changes in what you do for certain situations that raise your blood pressure.  Some of the situations I have been using the techniques for are road rage (I live in Chicago.  How can you not have road rage here.)  There is also some suggestions for motion sickness that I plan on trying out on our way to Green Bay tomorrow.

This is a book I highly recommend to anyone you know that needs to “chill” out.  This book is even great for those who seem to have it all under control.  It is funny, informative, and an easy read.  There is a lot of great advice for different situations that you may encounter.  This book helps you to simply feel better.

From Head to Toe is a book I absolutely adore.  It is one of the few books out there that get your kids off their butt, so you don’t have to worry about getting them blood pressure monitors in the future.  How do you ask?  Each page of the book asks your child if they can do things such as

I am a camel and I bend my knees.  Can you do it?

Each page is illustrated with the animal doing the activity they want you to try out. It also has a child doing the same activity saying, “I Can Do It!”. Every time we read this book, Madison (my 4 year old) has to try out each activity.

If you are trying to your kids more active, this book is for you.  If you just want a fun book, this book is for you also!