Weekend Wanderings

The things that have caught my eye and my mind online this past week:

A fabulous piece on Nightline about actress Salma Hayek's humanitarian work with Unicef in Sierra Leone. Do click on the link and watch it (unfortunately the site does not allow embedding, or you would see the video right here on Marvelous Kiddo!).  About two-thirds of the way through the story you will see an incredible sequence where Salma Hayek sits down to breastfeed a malnourished baby.  As it is explained in the piece, breastfeeding is frowned upon culturally in Sierra Leone because men believe that breastfeeding women should not have sexual intercourse.  Salma takes the opportunity to set a positive example for the mothers that they can and should breastfeed.    When I first saw this piece and I was so touched by Salma’s actions. It’s so impressive that this world-famous, glamorous woman would have the generosity of spirit and the strength of her breastfeeding convictions to make a point in this way. She is a fabulous role model not only for the mothers of Sierra Leone who need to understand that breastfeeding is the best thing for their babies, but also for mothers right here in the US who need to see positive modeling of breastfeeding as well. I was a fan of Salma’s before, but now I have a true respect for this woman.  And Kudos to Nightline for airing the segment!  (Thanks Mom, for alerting me to this story.  XOXO).

While we're on the subject of breasts, how amazing (and awsomely funny) is this Jonathan Adler vase?  I actually saw it in one of his stores once and it had been converted into a lamp.  I have to admit that I kinda want one...

OK, one more for the boobies:  The awesome blog, Unnecesrean, recently posted a wonderful roundup of "Old School Breastfeeding Televised:  PBS Style" showing several clips from Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street that sweetly and unabashedly teach kids about breastfeeding!  Ah, the 1970's!

In other news...

An Iowa woman gives birth to a 12 pound, 9 ounce girl in a hospital without an epidural.  Big cheers to the Doctors who let that happen!

Here's a beautiful story in pictures and words showing an almost too-good-to be true hospital birth, presided over by the so-called "Dr. Wonderful."  Check it out and be impressed that this physician exists!

OK, and not related to birth or babies:

Did you know that you can turn your blog into a book?!?  This service looks sooooo cool.

This dress from the 1930's makes me swoon.  Love the whimsical novelty print!

Artist Sharon Core makes incredible photographs that perfectly replicate famous Wayne Thiebaud paintings.  Both the original works and the "tribute" photos make me very, very hungry.

Thanks for reading this weekend!  XOXO, L.