What The World Kneads Now

Whether it’s melamine-tainted infant formula, chili peppers corrupted by e-coli, or playpens that go splat in the night, hazardous products seem to be sprouting like wild mushrooms in our stores these days. It’s reached the point at which I even question staple goods—after all, who’s to really know whether my sugar has been cut with Splenda? What a blessing to remember that when customer confidence in our commercial goods plummets, however, a revival of homemade goodies has a way of rising up—no better exemplified than by the work of Cynthia, maker of Do Si Dough and icon of the homemade playdough movement. Cynthia’s quest to offer the world a trustworthy fingermash blended from 100% natural ingredients has resulted in the birth of one very timely, charming, and affordable product. Moms who fret over FDA warnings can finally rest their worried heads for a moment (or for hours, depending on how long your child plays).

Peruse the Do Si Dough gallery, and you’ll find sorbet orange, green glitter, bubblegum pink and a host of other kid-friendly varieties from which to choose. Spend enough time clicking the thumbnails, and you’ll probably find yourself wandering back to your own schoolyard days, too—and wondering if that same instinct that makes certain grownups want to ride their shopping carts downhill in sloped parking lots is responsible for the sudden giddiness you feel as you imagine squeezing this stuff between your palms. Well, whether you’re a youngster or just young at heart, you’ll like hearing this: To one fortunate giveaway winner, Cynthia will be sending a prize package that includes (1) any two four ounce tins of Do Si Dough, your choice and (2) a “secret” product that she is working on presently. To qualify, visit Do Si Dough, then come back here to tell us your two favorite color options in Cynthia's shop. As always, subscribers to Wishing Willow will receive an extra entry (Leave a second comment, and confirm your subscription. The winner will be chosen randomly.) You don't have to have a Google account to participate. Click "anonymous" to enter. The contest will end 10/13/08. Best of luck!

**We have a winner! LadyBug-Kellie who said "I like the green glitter playdough! It's such a vibrant color, and the glitter gives it some extra fun!"