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November 20, 2011

Two Little Monkeys

two-little-monkeys.jpgToday, Kate shares a great find for relocating your outgrown kid's clothing and gear:

If you're like me, you occasionally find yourself looking for good ways to pass along the clothes, toys, and gear that your kids have outgrown. Due to generous grandmothers, my daughter's dresser is often overflowing, and I search out ways to share the bounty. Two Little Monkeys, a new children's resale shop in the Union Square neighborhood of Somerville, is a great resource for anyone looking to either unload or pick up clothing, books, toys, and gear (including high-end strollers at terrific prices) for babies and children.

Continue reading "Two Little Monkeys" »

October 27, 2011

Just Label It

groceries.jpgI've been an avid label reader for well over a decade so it's been disturbing to learn about the US's lack of regulation when it comes to ingredient disclosure. I shared about this in 2008 regarding cleaning and personal care products and now I'm sharing about lack of disclosure and the food industry. Please read my post at the Stonyfield blog and take action to protect your loved ones via Just Label It's 8 steps (they're simple and doable, I promise!). And if you want to learn more, Stonyfield is hosting a free webinar on GMOs November 1 at 12pm EST.

Image credit: Just Label It

September 29, 2011

Family Swap Day

family-swap-day.jpgWhen it comes to baby and kids stuff, I'm all for recycling. Subsequently, I'm thrilled to serve as a guest curator for Swap.com's Family Swap Day next Saturday, October 8, in Somerville. Whether you want to outfit your kid for Halloween or score books, toys, clothing, and other family-friendly items, simply bring a bag of items to swap, enjoy the family activity room while we get the goods sorted, then come load your bag full of new finds! I'll be roaming the event, and also wielding my face painting skills, so please come say hi! Now, for two cool deals:

Continue reading "Family Swap Day" »

September 28, 2011

Just Say No to Burnt Veggies

beaba-babycook.jpgWhen Violet recently turned 6 months we embarked on the solid food journey. And it's been 10 days notable for cute firsts (first cereal! first yams! first pears!), not the least of which was testing the Béaba Babycook. While I tend to forego lots of baby gear as unnecessary, if you are interested in -- or intimidated by the prospect of -- making baby food, you must consider acquiring this amazing tool. Read on for my thoughts about the Babycook, as well as to learn how to win a Béaba Babycook and multiportion food storage unit!

Continue reading "Just Say No to Burnt Veggies" »

September 27, 2011

12 Small Acts

stonyfield.jpgLast week I had the pleasure of hearing Robyn O'Brien speak at a lunch hosted by Stonyfield -- coincidentally enough, on the same day my post about nine small acts that can lead to big change went live on Stonyfield's blog. Given that small acts were top of mind for me, and following O'Brien sharing that prior to her transition to organic living she was as a neon-colored-yogurt/chemical-laden-chicken-nugget-slinging mom, I asked her about her family's first food steps. She shared the following excellent advice:

Continue reading "12 Small Acts" »

August 23, 2011

Chic, Eco-Friendly Sweats

activewearusa-ggo-boxtop.jpgToday, Jules shares a review of some eco-friendly fitness apparel from ActivewearUSA. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to win a $50 gift certificate to ActivewearUSA:

Believe me, I'm well aware that it's easy to let fashion fall to the wayside as a mom. I love fashion, but I avoid wearing silk or cashmere around the kids. If I'm going out, I walk around in a towel until about 17 seconds before I'm going to leave the house to up my chances of walking out the door stain-free. And during the week, the reality is that as a mom, gym rat, and laundry/diaper aficionado, I live in my sweats. So I was thrilled to test out some organic fitness apparel from ActivewearUSA and find that they're chic, comfortable, and feel like they will last forever.

Continue reading "Chic, Eco-Friendly Sweats" »

August 16, 2011

The Cutest Wee Guitar

little-alouette-guitar.jpgMy friend Amy recently sent me a teething toy that perfectly marries Violet's insatiable oral fixation with our love for simple, eco-friendly toys and musical merriment. Handmade of locally sourced hardwood and crafted with a smooth, sweet silhouette, Little Alouette's wee guitar teething toy is perfectly constructed for little hands and busy mouths. And when Jon, Laurel, and I are rocking out together on guitar, mandolin, and keyboard (Laurel is teaching herself Beatles songs!), Violet really seems like part of the action while munching on her wee guitar. There's so much cute stuff at Little Alouette; definitely check out the collection when you're next gifting expecting loved ones.

August 3, 2011

Diapers By Mail

seventh-generation.jpgSince Violet's birth, I've developed a bad habit of waiting until the last minute to restock on disposable diapers. So I've been thrilled with Diapers.com, which I've ordered from twice so far. The site offers many things other than diapers, but I've used them to replenish my Seventh Generation diapers and wipes. And since I'm keen on garnering online shopping discounts and free shipping: 1) via Retail Me Not I found a coupon code (FIVEAFF) for $10 off my first order; 2) Diapers.com has a loyalty program offering $5 off every case of diapers purchased; and 3) if you spend over $49 (not hard with diapers and wipes), shipping is free, which brings the SG diapers to a very competitive 25 cents/diaper. Both times I've ordered, the diapers have arrived the next day -- perfect for this procrastinator!

June 20, 2011

Say Hello, Gorgeous

hello-gorgeous.JPGSince the sad passing of friend and Boston Mamas contributing writer Sarah Feather last month, I've been mulling how best to honor her spirit. Ultimately, I decided to use my graphic design skills to celebrate Sarah's impeccable style while raising funds for ovarian cancer research -- the result being these chic, cheerful, and eco-friendly Hello, Gorgeous greeting cards. You can read the full story behind the development of the cards here. I hope you'll consider purchasing some cards, both to support ovarian cancer research and stay in touch with loved ones.

June 18, 2011

10 Bits of Web Awesomeness

say-yes-to-hoboken-freezer-stencil.jpgHello friends! Per usual, the web was replete with interesting tips and inspiration this week. Here are some links that I thought you'd find interesting -- enjoy!

1. I think I need to give these cute freezer stencils a go.

2. I'm totally on board with these five money saving tips for summer.

3. Yikes, here are some sobering statistics on food waste. But also some good tips on how to reduce it (and also save money). And more thoughts/tips on food waste here.

Continue reading "10 Bits of Web Awesomeness" »

June 8, 2011

Arbonne's Baby Care

arbonne-baby.jpgI love supporting the businesses of friends and family, so last year, when I learned that my high school pal Ashley was an Arbonne consultant, I started purchasing my FC5 skin care products from her. And when Ashley found out I was pregnant, she sent me Arbonne's Baby Care Set. Not only was I touched by this kind gift, but since Violet's birth, I've been happy to discover that I dig these products for Violet (save the body oil, which I haven't yet had occasion to use) just as much as I do the FC5 collection for myself.

Continue reading "Arbonne's Baby Care" »

May 27, 2011

12 Bits of Web Awesomeness

i-heart-massachusetts.jpgHello everyone -- I hope you have fantastically relaxing plans for the Memorial Day long weekend! We're going to be staying local and keeping it low key since June will be a bit crazy, but at the very least, yummy food and fun and games with Laurel and Violet are on the docket. (Admittedly, hopefully we'll also chip away a bit at some household to do's.) Meanwhile, I thought I'd share 12 bits of web awesomeness to entertain you over the long weekend. Enjoy!

Continue reading "12 Bits of Web Awesomeness" »

April 30, 2011

Great Green Cleaning Solutions

modern-mermaids.gifI consider myself a total eco-geek, but clearly you can never stop learning. I picked up tons of great green cleaning solutions chatting with homekeeping expert Leslie Reichert (aka The Cleaning Coach) this week on Life.Style. Leslie and I covered everything from the evolution of the green cleaning movement to the most effective natural grocery store and specialty cleaning products for home, gadgets, and pets. I also attempted (and failed!) to stump Leslie with green cleaning queries from Twitter and Facebook. Check out the episode for full commentary, recipes, and inspiration. And for easy reference, below are links that were shared during the interview. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Great Green Cleaning Solutions" »

April 13, 2011

B Kind 2 Earth Day

b-kind-2-earth-day.jpgAs I mentioned Sunday, I love Cooper and Emily of TheMotherhood.com, and they've just launched a cool eco inspired digital campaign with the National Wildlife Federation (of which I'm a founding mom) and Nickelodeon. The initiative is simple: "Like" the B Kind 2 Earth Day Facebook page to indicate your promise to do something kind for the earth on Earth Day, then make good on that promise, whether it's going on a hike, planting seeds, walking instead of driving, etc. My promise is to regularly engage in neighborhood cleanup. Strangely enough, without knowing about my intention, this past weekend Jon and Laurel headed out with a trash bag and work gloves to pick up at our local park. Awesomely, the act inspired conversations with neighbors that we hope will translate to a community effort to pick up litter, and I plan on continuing the effort on Earth Day and beyond. So go "like" the B Kind 2 Earth page, and let's show how awesome Massachusetts is by adding to the state participation count!

April 9, 2011

Budget and Eco-Friendly Swapping

life-style-episode-16.jpgIt was so fun to return to Life.Style this week, and especially cool that technology allowed me to host via Skype so I could remain close to baby Violet. I had a fantastic time chatting with Melissa Massello and Amy Chase of The Swapaholics about budget and eco-friendly swapping. We covered everything from sustainable style, to local and national swaps, to celebrities and the vintage revolution, to favorite local and online sources for secondhand, to ideas for hosting your own swap. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration. And for easy reference, below are links that were shared during the interview. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Budget and Eco-Friendly Swapping" »

April 6, 2011

The Baby Nurse Bible

baby-nurse-bible.jpgCarole Arsenault of Boston Baby Nurses has been sharing her wisdom as a regular contributing here at Boston Mamas for over two years, so when she told me she was writing a book, I was thrilled. And Carole's book -- The Baby Nurse Bible -- does not disappoint. In fact, given the sea of information parents typically are overwhelmed by, this book is particularly refreshing in the tangibility of scope (it's just over 300 pages) while covering an impressive amount of information.

Continue reading "The Baby Nurse Bible" »

March 30, 2011

Four Favorite Baby Things

dress-me-up-rattle.jpgMy friend Amy Turn Sharp is a talented writer, a mamapreneur -- she and her husband craft lovely little wood toys for wee ones via their indie, eco business Little Alouette -- and she also has a baby in the house. So for today's four favorites guest post, I asked Amy to recommend four favorite (indie and eco-friendly) baby things that she and her son Scout are digging right now.

Continue reading "Four Favorite Baby Things" »

March 21, 2011

Dear Boston Mamas: Minimalist Nursery

moses-basket.jpgToday's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Katie via the Boston Mamas Facebook page:

Dear Boston Mamas, I am looking for ideas on how to incorporate a nursery/baby area into our guestroom/study. We don't have a lot of room, and this is my first baby -- what do I need and what don't I need? Where should I get things?

Continue reading "Dear Boston Mamas: Minimalist Nursery" »

March 9, 2011

Boston Sparkling Clean

boston-sparkling-clean.jpgI know I've been lucky to have such a wonderfully smooth pregnancy, carrying on per usual with everything in life. However, some typically onerous chores have take on even more onerous dimensions -- such as house cleaning. I'm good at cleaning when I get to it, but it's just not among my favorite things to do, particularly when super pregnant. Subsequently, a few weeks ago I called some eco-friendly cleaners to book a one-time pre-baby cleaning, but I either received no response or was told that there was no immediate availability or that one-time cleanings were not possible. So last week, when a Boston Sparkling Clean deal rolled through my e-mail via Buy With Me, I immediately bought a voucher (well, after doing due diligence by looking at their website and finding some positive Yelp reviews online).

Continue reading "Boston Sparkling Clean" »

March 5, 2011

Healthy Eating & Cooking With Kids

life-style-episode-14.jpgWhat a fantastic episode of Life.Style this week! I chatted about healthy eating and cooking with kids with Carrie Vitt (author of Deliciously Organic) and Michelle Stern (author of The Whole Family Cookbook). We covered everything from easy and healthy family friendly recipes, to resources for sourcing organic and finding recipe inspiration, to encouraging kids to eat vegetables, to getting out of food ruts, to tips and tools for cooking with kids. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration. And for easy reference, below are links that were shared during the interview. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Healthy Eating & Cooking With Kids" »

February 17, 2011

Secondhand Baby Shower

baby-shower-1.JPGI had a bit of a rough week last week and the baby shower my friend Heidi hosted for me this past weekend was a wonderful antidote, making me feel enormously grateful for the happy energy and wonderful people I have in my life. And I wanted to share the theme -- a secondhand baby shower (because I'm an eco-geek and because I have many friends who are done having babies and were eager to pass things along) -- plus some great leads from Heidi's planning. Here's how it all came down the pike:

Continue reading "Secondhand Baby Shower" »

February 10, 2011

The Book Rack

the-book-rack.jpgWhile I adore the community feel and eco-friendliness of public libraries, and the shiny newness and convenience of large bookstores, my current happy medium is the independent used bookstore. And The Book Rack is one of those little gems I've walked by a million times but never paid much attention to until recently. I was surprised to learn that The Book Rack has roots dating back to the 1960s and is a network of independently owned bookstores, with about 100 stores across the country, including five locations in Massachusetts.

Continue reading "The Book Rack" »

February 9, 2011

Old Navy Cute Alert

OldNavy_polkadotkimono.jpgNow that we've hit five weeks until baby, in addition to the name thing (which we're working on thanks to you all!), I'm also getting lots of nudges about nesting. It's true -- as organized as I am about so many things in life, we have done nothing in the nesting department. I figure there's plenty of time to sort it out, and perhaps I'll feel inspired following the baby shower my friend Heidi is throwing me this weekend. When Heidi offered to host the event, I asked for a secondhand/recycled shower since: a) I'm an eco-geek; and b) so many of my mom friends are done making babies and are eager to pass things along. However, I'm also planning to stop at Old Navy -- both to pick up any last minute needs for the baby, and also some spring things for Laurel. Read on to see some of my favorite picks, as well as to learn how to win a $100 gift certificate to Old Navy!

Continue reading "Old Navy Cute Alert" »

January 10, 2011

Pop & Lolli Wall Art

pop-and-lolli.jpgToday, Heather shares a review of Pop & Lolli's fabric wall art. Read on for Heather's review, as well as to learn how to win a Pop & Lolli wall art kit of your own:

If my oldest daughter had her way, she would change her room décor almost as frequently as she changes her clothes...which is a lot! Since she's recently changed from favoring penguins to owls, it's tough to predict what 2011 will bring. Fortunately for her, I have long been a fan of removable, peel and stick wall art. Wall art is a terrific, fun, and easy way to transform a room without a big commitment. We now have removable wall art in the kids' bedrooms, play room, and finished basement. It's also fun that my four kids are able to decorate (almost) all by themselves!

Continue reading "Pop & Lolli Wall Art" »

January 4, 2011

Pretty Grand Calendars

minted-calendar.jpgI love gifting photo calendars. Yes, it takes a bit of effort to collect the photos (and, if you're like me, neurotically arrange them so that the photos are seasonally in line with the months), but they're always a hit, particularly with Laurel's grandparents, who not only love the photos, but also favor paper date keeping. And last month I was thrilled to discover Minted's pretty photo calendars. Read on to learn more about them, as well as how to be one of three winners to receive a $200 gift certificate to Minted!

Continue reading "Pretty Grand Calendars" »

December 22, 2010

Bag the Habit

bag-the-habit.jpgI carry reusable totes everywhere; our car is loaded with them and I always have one scrunched up in my bag du jour. But my collection is getting rather tired so I was thrilled to learn about Bag the Habit -- makers of chic, lightweight, and roomy (apparently they'll bear up to 45 lbs) reusable bags made from 100% recycled fabric. I particularly love the luxe tote, which comes in pretty patterns and colors and is cleverly functional. The bag arrives as a compact little zippered pouch; when you're ready to use the tote, simply flip the bag inside out and your tote features a zippered pocket that's perfect for stowing keys, credit cards, or other small essentials. These totes even feature a small reinforced, padded area in the handles to ease the burden on shoulders. Pretty, functional, eco-friendly, and cleverly designed? I clearly need to order more.

December 21, 2010

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

stonyfield-healthy-holiday-eating.jpgI've long been a fan of Stonyfield Farm; theirs was Laurel's very first yogurt (oh how that baby went crazy over the creamy full fat yogurt!) and Laurel and I are big fans of the Oikos caramel yogurt. And through Boston Mamas I've had the pleasure of learning about the evolution of their brand (how cool is it that their multipack cups are made from plants?), interfacing with CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg, and benefiting from their sponsorship. And now I'm thrilled to announce that I have joined Stonyfield's amazing team of contributors to write periodically about green and healthful living. My first post just went live, in which I share tips for eating healthy during the holidays -- important both because I'm pregnant and also since I find it especially important to model good eating habits for kids at this time of year. Enjoy the post, and of course feel free to share any other great tips you employ during this decadent season!

December 16, 2010

Odorless & Eco-Friendly Paint

benjamin-moore-natura-paint.jpgI'm not sure whether it's due to our full docket of holiday entertaining over the next couple of weeks or pure maternal nesting mode, but I've been tackling a lot of home projects lately. And last weekend, I became obsessed with the need to repaint a console table that, ironically, I last painted when I was pregnant with Laurel. And given that I'm 27 weeks pregnant and Laurel wanted to help paint, finding an odorless, eco-friendly paint was important for this project. Here's how our project turned out:

Continue reading "Odorless & Eco-Friendly Paint" »

December 15, 2010

Easy Tie Dye Jump Rope

tie-dye-jump-rope.JPGLaurel recently has become obsessed with jumping rope, which has proven to be fantastic entertainment and exercise both on the playground at school and at home (often times indoors even, which I am OK with right now since it helps Laurel burn off energy). I bought her a lovely, eco-friendly Green Toys jump rope this past summer while we were in Maine and admittedly was a little disgruntled when she instead wanted a sparkly, pink, plastic jump rope that her friend had, even though the natural coils in the plastic made it harder to jump with.

Continue reading "Easy Tie Dye Jump Rope" »

December 8, 2010

Pretty Paper Garlands & Ornaments

paper-garland-1.JPGLast week on Life.Style, as I discussed inspiration points for easy and inexpensive gift wrap, I shared a link with photos of lovely recycled paper garlands. I decided to craft these garlands the other night and it was so easy (3 steps!) and they came out beautifully; I love that you don't have to be too precise with the measurements and they still look so geometric and festive. My friend Christie asked for the how-to since a tutorial isn't available at the original inspiration link. Here's how to make them:

Continue reading "Pretty Paper Garlands & Ornaments" »

December 4, 2010

Easy Crafts, Beauty, & Gift Wrap

life-style-episode-5.jpgIf you didn't have a chance to watch episode 5 of Life.Style live on Thursday, I highly recommend you check it out! It was a fantastic eco and budget friendly episode, in which Marie LeBaron of Make and Takes shared ideas for turning trash into craft treasure as well as nature inspired projects, and Allison Czarnecki of Petit Elefant offered awesome how-to's on home beauty remedies using five ingredients or less. I also shared some terrific video submissions showcasing clever ideas for inexpensive gift wrapping, as well as a few of my own inspiration points. Check out the segment to see additional images, video, and inspiration, but as promised, for easy reference below I link up leads shared by me and my guests. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Easy Crafts, Beauty, & Gift Wrap" »

November 8, 2010

Hooray for Oshi

oshi-mat.jpgAs someone who practices yoga regularly at home, I am -- unfortunately -- frequently reminded of my negligence in the vacuuming and sweeping department. And realistically, I just don't imagine improving on either of these chores once our baby arrives in March. So that's why I dig Oshi Mat. Currently available in four super cute styles, these recyclable foam mats are cushy, eco-friendly, bacteria resistant, easy to clean, and simple to tote (lightweight tote bag included). Instead of fretting about the fuzzies on one's rug, the inevitable and unidentifiable floor bits at mommy and me classes, and/or the pet hair on the rug at the in-laws, you can simply enjoy rocking tummy time with your baby. And who knows -- maybe these chic mats will even lift your spirits during those frequent diaper changes; I'm certainly going to give it a try.

November 6, 2010

Life.Style Feeding Baby + Photography

life-style-episode-3.jpgWow, I truly cannot get over the awesomeness of episode 3 of Life.Style -- not because of me, but thanks to the amazing guests I had on the show! In this episode, I share an exclusive interview with pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, who shares advice on how to teach kids to love real food, and then interview talented photographers Tracey Clark, Karen Walrond, and Casey Mullins -- who all offer fantastic tips for shooting great photographs (whether with a point and shoot or DSLR), as well as insightful critiques on amateur shots. It was such a terrific show that I'm thinking of doing a follow up on choosing photography gear as well as great ways to output your photos (e.g., for gifts or home artwork). If you've got specific ideas/questions in these areas, drop me a line!

November 3, 2010

Learn To Take Amazing Pictures

shutter-sisters.jpgDo you -- like me -- enjoy taking pictures but want to take your photography to the next level of awesome? Then tune in to Life.Style with Christine Koh tomorrow at 1pm EST! In addition to sharing some fantastic interview footage with renowned pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene (we chat about teaching kids to love real food), I interview three talented photographers who will share great tips on how to rock your camera, whether it's a point and shoot or a DSLR. You're welcome to call in or tweet questions during the live episode, or e-mail me a question in advance to pose to the experts. And if you have a photo you'd like some advice/constructive criticism on, send it to me today at editor@bostonmamas.com.

Continue reading "Learn To Take Amazing Pictures" »

October 30, 2010

Life.Style Halloween + Real Food

life-style-episode-2.jpgHi folks, if you missed episode 2 of Life.Style with Christine Koh, I highly encourage you check it out. In addition to covering some great Halloween food and craft ideas, most of the episode was devoted to eating real food. I interviewed three fantastic guests: Meagan Francis (a mother of 5 from Michigan), who shared great tips for feeding a large family on a budget when natural/organic options are not abundant, Greer Bautz (a mother of 2 from Maryland), who offered tips for getting the most bang for your buck at Whole Foods, and April Paffrath (a mother of 1 from Cambridge), who shared ideas for sourcing local food through the year. I also give a sneak peek into the fantastic show I have planned for next week. Enjoy!

October 27, 2010

Eat Real Food

tomatoes.jpgI'm super excited about tomorrow's episode of Life.Style with Christine Koh! As follow up to last week's Halloween costume coverage, I'll chat fabulous and easy Halloween food and crafts in the first segment. And for the remainder of the show, inspired by this call to action, I'll interview three fantastic guests re: tips and tricks for eating real food on a budget (in one case, a family of seven!) and sourcing local throughout the year. So tune in at 1pm EST; you're also welcome to call in or tweet questions during the live episode!

Continue reading "Eat Real Food" »

October 25, 2010

Happy Halloween Bowl

yummy-earth-organic-lollipops.jpgLast year, I loved all of the suggestions that rolled in when I queried about Halloween candy alternatives on Twitter and Facebook. Particularly since I started doling out Halloween treats as a parent, it's been important to me to hand out items that are: a) natural/organic; and b) an alternative to food, in case of allergies. Definitely check out the Halloween candy alternative post for additional ideas, but today I wanted to share the affordable and chemical free goodies that will grace our Halloween bowl this year. Admittedly, I was surprised to see rather limited Halloween selections at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's this year so I stocked up on three primary treat items and will get the non-food items later this week:

Continue reading "Happy Halloween Bowl" »

October 23, 2010

Life.Style Green Tips & Halloween

christine-koh-screenshot.jpgWow, wow, wow. I had such a fun time launching Life.Style with Christine Koh on Thursday! Perhaps as a function of all of those years performing violin recitals and giving lectures, I wasn't nervous at all. There were a few unexpected things to deal with given that the show is live, but it all seemed to come off well! For episode 1, I interviewed Danielle Friedland of Healthy Child Healthy World about easy and inexpensive tips for green living (helpful whether you are just starting to think about making green change or want to amp up your current routine), and also shared a great roundup of ideas for Halloween costumes. I hope you'll check out the segment!

October 20, 2010

Life.Style Launch!

life-style-with-christine-koh.jpgMy dad used to tell me that I should be a lawyer, diplomat, or talk show host since, well, I love to talk with people. And as it turns out, tomorrow I'll take a step closer to the talk show host thing. I'm thrilled to announce that starting tomorrow, I'll host a weekly live talk video show (like talk radio, but streaming live on the web...apparently you can also tune in via iPhone or iPad) called Life.Style with Christine Koh via The Pulse Network. My goal for the show is to share and connect with people around living well, stylishly, happily, and practically -- I'll cover topics such as green living, parenting, pregnancy, holidays and celebrations, art and design, crafts, and food. Basically anything and everything!

Continue reading "Life.Style Launch!" »

October 7, 2010

Call to Action: Corn Sugar, Campaigns, & Consumerism In General

grain.jpgA few weeks ago I admittedly got pretty riled up when I heard about the Corn Refiners Association's (CRA) petition to change the name high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to corn sugar. The CRA claims that the goal is to eliminate confusion for consumers, but the US food system cynic in me immediately figured it was a ploy to change the now-well-publicized, mouthful-of-a-name HFCS to something easier to read. Because, you know, one thing pro natural food people like me will urge people to do is buy foods where you can actually read the ingredient label.

Continue reading "Call to Action: Corn Sugar, Campaigns, & Consumerism In General" »

September 25, 2010

Weekend Reading

family-manifesto.jpgHere are some links that caught my eye this week, and that I curated over at BlissReads: beautiful bird motif pillows you won't be able to resist (via Cool Mom Picks; also, be sure to check out CMP's newest, awesomely geek chic venture Cool Mom Tech), a canning 101 tutorial (perfect for squirreling away CSA vegetables; via Petit Elefant), a great collection of eco-friendly musical instruments (via Lil Sugar), the prettiest family manifesto you'll ever see (via Alpha Mom), a super sweet wine stopper wedding favor idea (via 5 Minutes For Mom), and a chocolate cake recipe I cannot wait to try (via Mel's Kitchen Cafe). Enjoy!

August 15, 2010

Dear Boston Mamas: Awesome Backpacks

skip-hop-owl.jpgToday's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from @Rhoosting via Twitter:

Dear Christine, What are your recommendations for the best, hip backpacks for toddlers? I'm sure others would appreciate your thoughts, given that back to school season is upon us.

Continue reading "Dear Boston Mamas: Awesome Backpacks" »

August 3, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Equal Exchange

equal-exchange.jpgI have been a fan of Equal Exchange for some time: I've purchased their fair trade products at the market. I invariably visit the Equal Exchange Café when I'm in the vicinity of North Station. I love that they are headquartered locally. I'm a wee bit obsessed with their dark chocolate minis. I think it's super cool that they offer an alternative to cheese log and wrapping paper school fundraisers with a fair trade fundraising program that makes money for schools and community groups via yummy and cool fair trade gifts while benefiting organic farmers and artisans around the world. And as if that isn't enough, as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Equal Exchange generously is gifting one lucky winner with the delightful gift of coffee and chocolate (one 5 lb bag of whole bean coffee + 1 box of 150 mini chocolates; $82 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Wednesday, August 4, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Equal Exchange" »

July 26, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: BornFree

born-free.jpgOh, bottles. How I wish I had introduced you earlier to Laurel (we didn't get around to it until she was three months old, by which point she was set in her nursing ways and refused other feeding options). And thus, to new mom friends, I recommend that bottles are introduced once baby has the hang of breastfeeding, in order to allow mom the occasional walk or haircut without panicking about baby's hunger level. Not surprisingly, I always recommend BPA-free plastic or glass bottles (silicone sleeves enable easy usage with glass), and you can pick up these and other eco-friendly baby goods such as sippy and straw cups, pacifiers, and teethers at BornFree. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, BornFree generously is gifting two lucky winners each with a glass bottle gift set ($44.99 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Tuesday, July 27, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: BornFree" »

July 23, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Earth Mama Angel Baby

earth-mama-angel-baby.jpgI have always advocated for the airline mantra, "Put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others" when it comes to parenting, and expecting and newly delivered moms are especially in need of some time to put themselves first. Whether you want to get some self care goodies for yourself or a mom friend, check out Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics. Offering a range of natural self care products to cover the various stages of care that expecting and newly delivered moms need, I especially like the ease and assembly of their gift sets. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics generously is gifting two lucky winners with their choice of either the pregnancy pampering, breastfeeding support, C-section healing, or postpartum recovery kit ($39.95-$49.95 each). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Sunday, July 25, to enter to win.

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July 17, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Artistic Sensations

artistic-sensations.jpgOh the irony of sleep: parents love it and long for more and kids resist it. Either way, pretty bedding helps create a welcoming environment (and yes, I've used cool bedding to make Laurel's bed more enticing for sleep). Whether you're looking for bedding sets, or need a top to bottom room makeover (furniture, décor, etc.), check out Artistic Sensations. Offering a wide variety of themes and styles to outfit kids' rooms, I'm especially drawn towards their organic bedding, which includes sweetly patterned and cozy looking options that make me feel happily sleepy just looking at them online. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Artistic Sensations generously is gifting one lucky winner with a $250 gift certificate towards bedding! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Monday, July 19, to enter to win.

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July 15, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Diaper Lab

diaper-lab.jpgIn the last few years, it's been fantastic to watch the evolution of cloth diapering (we cloth diapered Laurel in her first six months with traditional diapers, liners, and covers that were a tad challenging to keep in place with our squirmy one). And it's especially fantastic that there are stores such as Somerville-based Diaper Lab that are committed to educating parents about the ease and green goodness of modern cloth diapering via free in-store workshops and an online shop replete with diapering products as well as slings, diaper bags, nursing products, and other goodies. As part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Diaper Lab generously is gifting one lucky winner with a GroVia diapering set that includes the GroVia Experience Package + BioSoakers ($83 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Friday, July 16, to enter to win.

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July 12, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Clevergreen Cleaners

clevergreen-cleaners.jpgFew household chores overwhelm parents like laundry; indeed, I will confess to poor folding practices (I hang everything or toss clothes haphazardly in drawers) and ironing (I avoid it at all costs). And whether you need dry cleaning services, or want to treat yourself to or make wash and fold services part of your routine, check out Clevergreen Cleaners. Offering standard clothing care services with awesome green practices, you'll feel good getting this household chore done in eco-friendly fashion via Clevergreen's locations in Boston, Medford, and Cambridge. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Clevergreen generously is gifting one lucky winner with a $75 gift certificate! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Tuesday, July 13, to enter to win.

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July 10, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Jute and Jackfruit

jute-and-jackfruit.jpgI love when I visit a new website that is easy to navigate and loaded with cool eco-finds and learn that it is based locally. Such was the case with Jute and Jackfruit, an organic and socially conscious women's e-boutique based in Arlington that sources primarily from budding female designers and women's artisan groups and cooperatives from around the world. While some of their clothing includes bold pattern-blocking, I think a look composed of some of their soft hued pieces paired with a punchy recycled material clutch or fair trade, hand-loomed scarf would make for an awesome head to toe eco-look. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Jute and Jackfruit generously is gifting one lucky winner with a $75 gift certificate! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Monday, July 12, to enter to win.

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June 28, 2010

The Sweet Smell of Soaptopia

soaptopia.jpgDuring my recent quest for non-tchotchke awesomeness for Jon's birthday, I was thrilled to discover Soaptopia (another lead from my pals at Cool Mom Picks; thanks ladies!). Operated by a team that clearly has a sense of humor (see the names of their soaps, for example) and is immensely passionate about natural body products (a quick tweet asking for man product recommendations led to an impressively thorough e-mail response about options), I pretty much think it's impossible to go wrong with anything from this online shop.

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June 23, 2010

The Cutest Helmets Ever

polarn-o-pyret.jpgThe bold and cheerful clothing of Swedish outfitter Polarn O. Pyret has been on my radar for some time, but it wasn't until recently that I had a chance to check out some samples in person. And I'm happy to report that Polarn O. Pyret delivers the cuteness and the quality. Offering an eye popping collection of clothing for babies, kids, and expecting moms (totally shopping this collection if I ever go that road again), I am -- not surprisingly -- most drawn to their 100% organic cotton collection. Well constructed to endure plenty of wear and laundering, I find the nature-inspired patterning of the Gunila Axen body suit + matching helmet particularly awesome. Besides, every baby really ought to have a cute little helmet for their cute little noggin.

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June 17, 2010

Abe's Market

abes-market-1.jpgI'm a major proponent of tchotchke-free gifting and one of my favorite gifts to give is soap; it's useful, one can never have enough of it, and it can look like little works of art. Jon and I have a tradition of soap gifting around his birthday and this year I wanted to try some new brands. Following a query on Twitter, I was grateful to my friends Liz and Kristen at Cool Mom Picks for responding back with some of their favorite soap shops. The first place I put in an order at was Abe's Market.

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June 9, 2010

Get Up and thredUP

thredup.jpgAs much as I love shopping for pretty new things for Laurel, I'm also keen on finding pretty used things for her, given my eco and minimalist parenting approach. And that's why I dig thredUP, a locally headquartered website that allows parents across the country to swap kids clothes easily, inexpensively, and from the comfort of home (literally, you don't need to leave your home for any of the steps). Read on for my review of thredUP, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a thredUP Pro Membership:

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June 7, 2010

Clementine Art

clementine-art.jpgAs the parent of an avid crafter, one of my favorite things about the green movement has been the emergence of eco-friendly art supplies. And I adore the prettily (and of course responsibly) packaged wares of Clementine Art. Offering high use, natural art supplies such as paint, markers, crayons, and glue, a particular standout is their modeling dough. Vibrantly colored to match deliciously fruity strawberry, lemon, and lime scents, this dough smells way better than the typical commercial stuff. But really, when you next need to replenish supplies (or shop for a little friend's birthday), my pick would be the natural gift set, because you -- I mean, the kids -- will want one of everything.

Now, want to win Clementine Art's natural paint? Here's how:

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June 6, 2010

Healthy Child Healthy World

healthy-child-healthy-world.jpgI've been standing on my green soap box for over a decade, and it's been truly gratifying to see green living embraced in a mainstream way in the last several years. I'm thus honored to be part of a similarly impassioned group of parent ambassadors for Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit organization that seeks to mobilize parents to create safe, green homes for their families. I'll be posting periodically about relevant HCHW information and sharing ideas/community feedback with them. And if you're looking for immediate resources on green living, check out HCHW's green products and services guide and Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home book. Meanwhile, if there are any green home/safety topics in particular that you want to learn more about, feel free to e-mail me.

May 24, 2010

Pass Me The [me] & goji

me-and-goji.jpgToday, Sarah recommends [me] & goji's custom organic cereal. Read on for Sarah's review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a [me] & goji gift certificate:

I'm a cereal-a-holic. My family ate it every weekday for breakfast growing up, under the strict nutritional guidelines of my mom: one box of "junk cereal" per month, otherwise everything else had to be healthy (i.e., of the granola or raisin bran variety). In college, I discovered the art of mixing at the row of cereal dispensers (the mixes sometimes were of questionable nutritional value), and now, in my own kitchen, I continue the same mixing ritual (admittedly sometimes adding a sprinkle of "junk" to the healthy) for myself and my kids.

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May 19, 2010

Garden(ing) Party

spring-birthday-1.jpgI've long been a proponent of gardening with kids, but that wasn't the only reason I adored the hands on, tchochke-free garden(ing) party my friend Nicola (of teddy bear tea party fame) assembled for her daughter's sixth birthday party. You will totally want to copy this awesome idea.

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May 17, 2010

Babo Botanicals

babo-botanicals.gifToday, Kate shares the natural skinny on Babo Botanicals. Read on for Kate's review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to win Babo Botanicals product:

One of the unexpected legacies of my pregnancy (now five years ago) is that I'm very conscious of the myriad ingredients in the myriad products I use in my home and for my body (and for my daughter's body). I have tried to educate myself about what's good, bad, and worse in household cleaners and beauty products, and I've become vigilant about reading labels and searching out items that are as close to natural as possible.

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May 10, 2010

Wicked Easy Split Pea Soup

green-split-peas.gifWhen I was training for The Relay, I grew keen on eating legume-laden soups for lean protein. However, similar to my experience with hummus, I found that the volume of my consumption resulted in excess packaging waste and expense. Soups generally are so easy and forgiving and inexpensive to make, so I decided to start incorporating them into my kitchen routine. I still have a wonderful French lentil soup I want to share, but first (because it is even faster to make), I want to share this wicked easy split pea soup recipe, which I whipped up yesterday as (an odd and unexpected but happily devoured) part of Mother's Day brunch. The soup -- packed with fiber and protein -- is super easy to knock together, and was perfect given yesterday's windy and chilly weather.

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May 6, 2010

Yummy & Easy Hummus

chick-peas.jpgWhen the warm weather returned, so did my voracious appetite for salads and cold things such as hummus and tabbouleh. We've been consuming vast quantities of these foods (I especially like hummus because it reminds me to eat carrots) and I soon found myself disgruntled by the volume of plastic containers we were acquiring. We reuse them all for storing leftovers or Laurel's craft supplies or other odds and ends, but we definitely don't need more of them. So I decided to start making more of these small container items from scratch. I'm still tweaking my tabbouleh recipe and will share that when I land on just the right blend; meanwhile, if you have a food processor, hummus is ridiculously easy to make.

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April 24, 2010

Be Out There: Walk It Out

walk-sign.jpgWhen Laurel started kindergarten in the fall, one transition we faced was that of being a one car family in which Jon needed the car most weekdays for his new job. The walk home from school seemed a bit long for Laurel (0.8 miles) but I was bolstered by: a) Kate's recommendation to just get Laurel used to walking (Kate is an urban planner/public transportation/on foot gal); and b) the realization that I used to walk that very same distance to and from my elementary school as a kid. Today's Be Out There idea is to walk it out, whether generally or for a cause.

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April 23, 2010

Be Out There: Pitch In

dcr-park-serve-day.jpgThis week when I was at the park with Laurel and some of her friends, out of nowhere, they got the idea to clean up the park. Gleefully, they ran around picking up trash, announcing their finds, and depositing the items next to me -- almost as if they knew I had this post on my editorial calendar. Today's Be Out There idea is to pitch in and help clean up your community. Tomorrow, families can participate in the DCR Park Serve Day and Charles River Cleanup (unfortunately registration for Boston Shines is now closed but this event is worth keeping tabs on for next year).

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April 22, 2010

Way to Grow

lands-end-way-to-grow.jpgAnd speaking of gardening, here's a relevant event to help spark your child's interest in nature. This Saturday (April 24, 11am - 3pm) at the Lands' End Shop at Sears (Burlington Mall), author Sharon Lovejoy will be on hand to sign books and introduce families to nature inspired activities (sunflowers! worms!) from her book Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks. Lands' End is hosting the event as part of their Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference initiative to connect families and schools through gardening. At the event, parents also can register to win gardening supplies and enter their school to win funds for gardening or science programs (you can also enter and vote for schools online). Happy gardening!

Be Out There: Get Gardening

mahoneys-garden-center.jpgWhen I was a kid, yard work always seemed onerous because all we did was remove stuff -- weeds, leaves, cut grass, etc. But oh the joy of adding. In alignment with Earth Day, today's Be Out There idea is to get up close and personal with the earth via gardening. The great thing about gardening projects is that they can be as simple or complex as you want them to be depending on your space, motivation, and need for immediate gratification. There are two scenarios for where to garden -- directly in the ground or in containers -- and two scenarios for what to plant -- seeds or already sprouted plants/flowers. We've tried all permutations and they all are rewarding. Here are some tips to get you and your kids going -- green thumbs totally not required.

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April 20, 2010

Be Out There: Take a Hike

nature-walk.JPGOne of the things I adore about Boston is that green space is so easily accessible. And whether you reside here or elsewhere, I hope you'll take the time to enjoy today's Be Out There idea: to take a hike, whether it's through the woods (as Jon is doing with Laurel today) or along a river or some other green space for a nature walk (as I've done with Laurel in the past). Laurel especially loves finding nature treasures (e.g., unusual rocks, already-fallen twigs, flowers that actually are weeds, etc.). She uses these treasures to create the sweetest centerpieces (see below).

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April 18, 2010

Be Out There

nwf-be-out-there.pngGiven that I spent the majority of my childhood free time toy-free and playing outside, I have always been concerned about curbing material excess in Laurel's life, and aware of how important it is for her (and us) to be active outdoors. I thus was happy and honored to be invited to be part of the National Wildlife Federation's Founding Mothers, a group of women writers who will work to mobilize families outdoors in partnership with the NWF's Be Out There campaign.

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Love These Links: (Mostly) DIY Edition

alpha-mom-plantable-paper.jpgHere are some lovely links that caught my eye this week around the web. Clearly I've got DIY projects (and travel) on my mind. I love this pretty plantable paper project from Alpha Mom (shown) and this sweet paper corsage tutorial from Make and Takes. These homemade bath bombs from Petit Elefant would make a cute gift for mom or a girlfriend. If you're feeling really crafty and like sewing (and love embellished tops as much as I do), try these DIY embellished tops from BlogHer. And it's not DIY, but since I'm the minimalist mama, I can't help but love these minimalist travel tips from Gwen Bell. Happy reading!

April 17, 2010

Acero Studio

acero-studio.jpgLast weekend Laurel and I had a fantastic time at the Down:2:Earth sustainable living expo. Laurel loved the face painting, games, snacks, and garden displays, and I was especially thrilled to see many green companies I have featured (Boston Organics, Bum Boosa, Diaper Lab, Go GaGa, Sakura Bloom, Seventh Generation, snackTAXI, Stonyfield) present, and also to discover new ones, such as Acero Studio. Mom-owned and based out of New Bedford, artist Anne Wolfe creates lovely vintage-styled graphics then hand prints them onto a delicious array of microwave and dishwasher safe ceramics and porcelain jewelry.

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April 13, 2010

Chic & Sleek Childproofing

rhoost-cabinet-lock.jpgIf you are -- like me -- a total commitment-phobe when it comes to childproofing (I opted to drive myself crazy being hypervigilant rather than installing anything with screws or adhesive), I've got a chic and sleek answer for you: Rhoost. This locally based company offers cabinet locks and table corner protectors that are blissfully minimal in design, cool in color palette, and easy to install. When I first laid my eyes on these products I immediately thought: a) I can't believe clunky and ugly childproofing has been the norm; b) I'm psyched someone local thought of this; and c) I hope they expand their product line because this rocks. Effective in preventing injuries, competitively priced, stylish, unobtrusive, screw and adhesive free, and made of material that's BPA-free, lead-free, phthalate-free, and 100% recyclable? Bring on the toddlers.

Want to be one of two winners to receive Rhoost products? Here's how:

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April 5, 2010

Organic and Chic Skinny Mints

organic-and-chic.jpgBefore it gets too hot to turn on your oven, try these cookies from Sarah Magid, recommended by Kate:

It took me several weeks after the grand opening to get myself to the new Cambridge Public Library, but on my first visit I stopped in my tracks to check out a selection of new books placed at the check-out desk. At the top of the display was Sarah Magid's Organic and Chic: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets That Taste as Good as They Look, a delightfully pink and pretty cookbook dedicated to organic pastries and baked goods. I checked it out, renewed it, checked it out again, and have enjoyed practically every recipe I've made.

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April 1, 2010

Dear Boston Mamas: Cute Local Tees

hoosier-magnolia.jpgToday's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Perri via Facebook:

Baby girl turns 1 this week and I wanted to find a cute T-shirt or onesie for her to wear on her special day. I saw a couple of cute (non-cheesy) items in Chasing Fireflies but unfortunately do not have time to order. Any ideas of local shops that might have some fun, cute, sassy, non-cheesy birthday gear?

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March 27, 2010

Get Down:2:Earth

down2earth.jpgGiven how passionate I am about all things eco, I am thrilled to be a media sponsor of Down:2:Earth. This sustainable living expo will take place April 9-11 at the Hynes, and in addition to covering everything from products to gardening to services to fashion to food for grownups, there is plenty of programming for families to enjoy. The D2E Kids Block will include activities such as butter making, a demonstration on worms and farming, hands on animal activities, face painting, and storytelling. There also will be a panel on clean energy opportunities for teens, and Dr. Mayim Bialik of the Holistic Moms Network (and formerly of Blossom fame) will present a workshop on holistic parenting.

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March 21, 2010

New Use For Old Spices

spices-1.JPGIn the vein of spring cleaning, here's a new use for old spices. Instead of simply trashing stale spices, line them up on the counter with a bowl, mixing spoon, measuring spoons, and spray bottle (less messy, plus adds longevity to the project), then let your kid go to town. The more variety (color, smell, shapes, e.g., cardamom pods) the better. Laurel loves pretend playing that she's making a stew or science experiment, we get entertainment mileage by repurposing a household item that we'd otherwise toss, and if you're feeling particularly pedagogical, you can build in some math moments via measurement.

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February 25, 2010

Take Me Away to Maho Bay

maho-bay-1.jpgAlready longing for your next vacation? Today, Sarah shares a tropical vacation that’s proven fun, eco-friendly, and affordable for her family of four:

I’m not really a cold-weather person. In my humble opinion, once the holidays have come and gone, it could go right ahead and get on to spring. However, seeing as New England clearly isn’t in on my plan, I have only one recourse: a tropical vacation. And amazingly, I found the perfect solution that allows my family of four to spend a week in the Caribbean without completely breaking the bank.

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January 27, 2010

Pretty Produce Bags

bite-bags.jpgThough I always remember my reusable totes when I hit the grocery store, produce bags are another story. I save plastic produce bags with the best intentions, but they never make it back to the store with me. Solution? The pretty, fabric trimmed, cinch-top produce bags by Bite. Not only are they unforgettably cute, but they’re eco-friendly, locally made, and lightweight (just over half an ounce). Add in washability and the fact that you can multi-task them to organize household goods, protect delicates in the laundry, and tote snacks for the kids and, well, you get an awful lot of bang for your bite with these bags.

Now, want to win a 3-pack of Bite bags? Here’s how:

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January 7, 2010

Stay Put Slippers

kayas-kloset.jpgAs the mom of a sock-resistant child in a “no shoes” house (a rule stemming from my Asian upbringing and immense distaste for increased need to vacuum), slippers are a must. And if you want cute slippers for kids and grownups, check out Kaya’s Kloset. Available for feet big and small (including organics), local mama Johanna Parker offers an amazing array of handcrafted baby shoes and kid/adult slippers featuring nonskid soles to prevent crash and burns and elasticized ankles so the slippers stay put. Though Laurel shuns socks, she loves her prettily patterned Kaya’s Kloset slippers; apparently part of their appeal is their lightweight-ness (“They’re so light it feels like I’m not wearing anything!”). Which means she keeps them on. Which makes me really happy.

Now, want to win a pair of Kaya’s Kloset shoes? Here’s how:

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December 23, 2009

Awesomely Eco Lunch Kits

citizen-pip-soup-to-nuts.jpgI’m all about useful, meaningful, and green goods, and one of my favorite finds for the school-aged set (and their parents) comes from Citizenpip. Offering an awesomely comprehensive way to green lunchtime (no lead, BPA, PVC, or phthalates here), the soup to nuts kit includes an insulated lunch bag, stainless steel water bottle, insulated food jar, four food containers of varying sizes, a fork + spoon set, and a set of cloth napkins; simply mix and match the containers depending on your child’s lunch desires. Laurel adores the bright colors and all of the cute little containers of her Yum lunchbox, and I love the modern styling, functionality, and peace of mind knowing that I’m packing a safe, waste-free lunch every day.

Now, want to win a lunch kit from Citizenpip? Here’s how (entry closes Dec. 31):

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December 15, 2009

Eco-Friendly Face Paints

luna-organics.jpgLooking to take dress up play to a fun, new, and eco-friendly level? Today, Kate shares a review of the organic, hypoallergenic kid's face paint and makeup kits from New Hampshire based Luna Organics. Read on for Kate's review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive Luna Organics kits:

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December 11, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: CSA 101

siena-farms.jpgApril Paffrath is one of the most devoted foodies I know. No taste is too simple, no ingredient too humble. And when you read her writing, you can tell how much she relishes preparing, tasting, and writing about food. April is a regular contributor here on Boston Mamas, but today I'm thrilled to introduce her via her voice on Wicked Tasty Harvest. For the eleventh installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, April shares a highly impacting way to simplify your holidays and beyond: by thinking about local foods and considering a CSA. Included is a primer on local foods and CSAs, as well as a fantastic guide to CSAs in the Boston area.

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December 10, 2009

Sensitive Stride Rites

stride-rite-srt-liam.jpgIt's no secret that I’m a bit obsessed with kids wearing properly fitting, comfy shoes. And what I dig about Stride Rite is that though they are a household name, they continued to push the fit and comfort envelope; most recently through their Sensory Response Technology collection. The structural support, comfort, and flexibility are evident if you handle the shoe, but the hidden coolness is that these shoes feature a built in sensory feedback system in the sole to help kids feel the ground better, which helps reduce trips and falls. Also no small matter: these shoes are super cute (I especially love the hip styling for boys) and use eco-friendly materials.

November 20, 2009

Fruit Salad For Your Face

arbonne-fc5.jpgThough I’m not worried about aging per se, at some point during the last decade I started listening to my mother’s advice to stop sunning and start taking better care of my skin. I’ve heard a lot of people extol the virtues of Arbonne (including a few girlfriends with lovely, creamy skin...), but it wasn’t until late in the summer that I started using Arbonne FC5 products, thanks to Michelle Lenaghan. Read on for my thoughts about Arbonne’s FC5 facial care products, as well as for information on how to get free samples and a great shopping discount.

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November 19, 2009

Giveaway Goodness: baby star

baby-star-rock-the-tote.jpgI’ve always been a fan of the diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag, and if you share that aesthetic, you’ll no doubt dig the modern simplicity of baby star’s Rock the Tote diaper bag. Available in a cool collection of metallics (with pretty patterned contrast lining) and prints, these bags offer a simple silhouette and a functional interior including three storage pockets (one zipped) plus a coordinating changing pad and BPA-free wipe case. Both bag styles are formaldehyde- and azo-free. And for our Giveaway Goodness series, baby star kindly is offering one lucky reader a Rock The tote diaper bag! Simply check out the rules below and enter to win by midnight, November 22.

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November 18, 2009

(Safely) Paint Those Piggies

piggy-paint.jpgWhether her nails are exposed during summer or concealed by socks and mittens during winter, Laurel loves having her nails painted; she typically wants at least four colors in one sitting. Subsequently, I only use non-toxic products and am a fan of Piggy Paint’s natural, odorless nail products. Available in a cool palette of colors, the polishes apply smoothly and are bright on application. And Piggy Paint's nail polish remover is blissfully free of stinky solvents. It takes a smidgen more time for polish to come off with the non-toxic remover (compared to the chemical-laden stuff), but those seconds are well worth it, knowing that Laurel's nails are in good hands.

Now, want to win a gift card to Piggy Paint? Here’s how:

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November 17, 2009

Million Baby Crawl - Boston

million-baby-crawl-1.jpgI have long been a fan of Seventh Generation (even more so after learning that they – unlike most household and personal care companies – disclose all of the ingredients in their products) and right now they’re rocking a Million Baby Crawl grassroots educational campaign about keeping homes and the environment toxin-free. The Crawl To Action campaign comes to Boston (or more accurately, the Burlington Mall) tomorrow, November 18 (10am-2pm), during which kids can enjoy the play area and live entertainment while grownups learn about safe products and pick up Seventh Generation samples.

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November 12, 2009

Pretty Little Plush Puffs

plush-puffs.gifDespite my clean approach to food, I still periodically long for – but abstain from – classic (i.e., preservative laden) childhood confections. So I was more than a little intrigued to learn about Plush Puffs gourmet marshmallows. And more than a little happy that these pretty little puffs deliver. They’re all natural (you can, in fact, pronounce the entire ingredient list) and they hit the spot, whether squished inside a s’more, used as a surprising sundae topping (Laurel went berserk over this), or dropped into a steaming mug of hot cocoa (my favorite). To the latter effect, I'm thinking Plush Puffs paired with quality hot chocolate will make for excellent holiday hostess gifts this season.

Now, want to win goodies from Plush Puffs? Here's how:

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November 10, 2009

Buffalo Exchange

buffalo-exchange.pngDavis Square’s bargain retail profile recently kicked it up a notch with the addition of Buffalo Exchange (on the same block as Poor Little Rich Girl and Good Will). Giving national chain a good name, Buffalo Exchange allows for direct sale or trade of used clothing and accessories, and carries both classic pieces (such as the J. Crew print dress I scored for $23.50...sweet!) and quirkier ones. The two-level store currently offers more goods for women (including rows upon rows of shoes downstairs), though there are some racks for men. Laurel loves treasure hunting with me in Davis; she only requests that this and other stores start carrying used kid’s clothing.

Buffalo Exchange, 238 Elm Street, Somerville; 617-629-5383

Snack Revolution

revolution-foods-mashups.pngLike most parents, I periodically lament over packing lunch and snack, especially when we’re low on fresh produce. Having a stash of Revolution Foods snacks on hand subsequently has bailed me out on more than one occasion. These organic snacks and sandwich fixings are happily free of trans fats, high fructose syrup, and other nasties, and Laurel especially digs the Grammy Sammy (whole grains + yogurt) and Jammy Sammy (whole grains + fruit spread) snack squares and squeezable fruit Mashups. And I love how easily these pieces can round out her lunchbox; both items make for an excellent snack or seem treat-like enough to pass for dessert (though admittedly, we’re those parents who don’t include dessert at lunch time), and there’s no need for utensils. Extra cool: Revolution Foods donates 3% of purchases to help feed kids in under-served schools.

Now, want to be one of three winners to receive a Revolution Foods Lunchbox Simplicity Sampler? Here's how:

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October 21, 2009

Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Products

bumboosa.jpgIf you’re looking for ways to improve the eco-friendliness of your diapering routine, consider the bamboo baby wipes and diaper rash ointment by locally operated Bum Boosa. Today, Jules and Evadne share a joint review of these products. Read on for their reviews, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a Bum Boosa gift basket (entry closes at midnight, October 23):

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October 19, 2009

Eco-Friendly Lunch & Snack Sacks

snack-taxi.jpgToday, April shares her two favorite plastic bag alternatives: snackTAXIs and Lunch Skins. Read on for more information about these fabulously stylish and eco-friendly lunch and snack packing solutions, as well as to learn how to win a trio of snackTAXI and Lunch Skins products (entry closes at midnight, October 21):

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October 13, 2009

Cloth Diapering With Bumkins

bumkins.jpgToday, guest contributor Robin shares a review of cloth diapering covers and doublers from Bumkins. Read on for Robin’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a diaper cover from Bumkins (entry closes October 15):

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September 30, 2009

Equipped & Eco-Friendly

tomkit.jpgMy mom and I never discussed birds, bees, or any other metaphorical critters, so it’s not surprising that I was completely unprepared when my period started. I’m thus committed to educating Laurel about periods and am happy to see products such as the tomKIT on the market. Designed to equip girls for their period in eco-friendly fashion, the tomKIT includes biodegradable, flushable pads, wipes, and panty liners, recyclable disposal sacks, cotton underwear, and natural hand sanitizer and lip balm, all housed in a natural jute cosmetic case. Also handily included: a chart to teach girls to track their periods because really, it’s pretty inexcusable for women (like me and many of my friends) to make it well into their 20s before understanding cycles.

Want to win a tomKIT? Here’s how:

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September 18, 2009

Small Acts & Good Food

YoBabyMeals.pngYesterday I was honored to speak about organic living alongside Stonyfield Farm CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg at a media event for YoBaby Meals at the Boston Children's Museum. And I couldn’t stop thinking about two things: 1) how small acts truly can lead to big changes; and 2) that grownups deserve good food too. I’ll address each of these issues in turn. And at the conclusion, you can learn how to win one of two Stonyfield Farm goodie bags to help you get your organic mojo running.

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September 16, 2009

Giveaway Goodness: Organic Fun Dough

organic-fun-dough.jpgFor those who desire organic play dough but don’t have the time or interest to make play dough at home, check out Miss Brittany's Organic Preschool Fun Dough Deluxe Gift Set. This awesomely eco-friendly kit includes three dough colors, an organic apron, a wooden rolling pin + wooden shape stampers (both made in the USA), and is packaged in 100% recyclable, biodegradeable, or compostable materials printed using soy ink. And to celebrate National Play-Doh Day (today!) and in conjunction with our Giveaway Goodness series, Miss Britney is offering one lucky reader the organic fun dough deluxe gift set. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by September 18 (noon) to enter to win.

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September 8, 2009

Radiant & Refreshed

pangea-organics.jpgToday, Evadne shares her refreshing experience with Pangea Organics.

“Even though this is my third go-round, I often find myself gazing upon my five-month-old in wonder. I am in awe of his little hands and chubby feet, his pinchable jowls, and most especially his new and perfect skin. Now, my skin isn't in terrible shape, but running around on less than a full night's sleep with three little ones in tow takes its toll. So I was very interested to learn more about Pangea Organics, whose eco-friendly skin care products invite you to "discover nature's youthful radiance."

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August 11, 2009

Airing My Dirty Laundry

drying-rack.jpgToday, Sarah shares an environmental epiphany (and an apology to her mom):

“My mother was an environmentalist before environmentalism was cool. She reused paper and plastic bags (embarrassment: lunch in a reused vegetable bag!), left the heat off until the first frost, and to this day does not own a dryer. Seriously. She hangs her laundry outside in the summer and on dry winter days, and inside in front of a heater vent in inclement weather.

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August 10, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Simple Shoes

simple-shoes.jpgAs an eco-geek who truly believes that every little environmental effort counts, I also can’t help but stand in awe and admiration of those who take eco-activism to a new level of awesomeness. And as you outfit your family for fall footwear, consider supporting Simple Shoes. Committed to making 100% sustainable shoes and bags for the whole family, Simple’s kids shoes are particularly adorable while including mindful construction elements such as organic cotton lining, natural rubber soles, and 100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms. For our 3rd birthday party Simple Shoes is offering one lucky winner a pair of kids shoes of their choice + a feedbag (chocolate style) ($112 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Tuesday, August 11).

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August 7, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Tactile Baby

tactile-baby.jpgWhen it comes to toys, I always opt for wood over plastic, both for eco reasons and because I admire those who do woodcraft on any scale. And if you’re looking for unique wooden baby toys, consider Tactile Baby, a Boston-based maker of baby goods, including lovingly handcrafted wooden toys. For our 3rd birthday party Tactile Baby is offering one lucky winner their oak number set (hand sanded and sealed with food grade oil) + fish puzzle (poplar hardwood finished with non-toxic paint and sealer) ($75 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Saturday, August 8).

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August 6, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: ECOBAGS

ecobags-string-bag.jpgI’m forgetful about plenty of things these days, but one thing I’m reliably mindful about is recycling and toting my reusable bags to market. And if you need to stock up on eco-wares, check out ECOBAGS, a one-stop source for eco-friendly totes, string bags, produce bags, lunch bags, and water bottles. And for our 3rd birthday party ECOBAGS is offering one lucky winner a lovely summer getaway gift pack ($91 value) that includes their Sunny Tulips tote, Kleen Kanteen bottle (27 oz., orange), classic string bags (fiesta), To-Go Ware bamboo utensils (agave), and canvas lunch bag. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Friday, August 7).

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August 4, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Shirin NYC

shirin-nyc.jpgI love the comfort of cotton but often times want something with a little more pop than a basic tee. And if you dig fine prints with a touch of urban edginess, check out Shirin NYC, where artist Shirin Roubeni takes tees couture by hand screenprinting her art with water-based inks on comfy garments for women and kids (including an organics collection). And for our 3rd birthday party Shirin NYC is offering one lucky winner a Mommy & Me couture set ($75-140 value depending on style). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Wednesday, August 5).

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July 30, 2009

Fast & Eco-Friendly Grilling

flamedisk.JPGToday, Evadne’s husband Ray kindly steps in with a guest review of the FlameDisk, an eco-friendly alternative to charcoal grilling:

“I’m a BBQ snob and grill only with charcoal. I was a skeptic of the FlameDisk; however, I also was curious about how it would perform. It's touted as a no-hassle charcoal alternative that is eco-friendly (I guess charcoal is bad for the environment) and gives you 45 minutes of grill time.

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July 15, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Global Enfant

global-enfant.jpgThis may sound a little odd, but having diapered Laurel with basic rectangular cloth diapers + liners + covers (which proved more challenging to negotiate as Laurel grew older and squirmier), I experience a bit of diaper envy when I see the fabulous all in one's on the market. And lovely for those who wish to try, or already are, cloth diapering, for our 3rd birthday party eco boutique Global Enfant is offering a Baby BeeHinds cloth diaper gift pack that includes three diapers (one hemp, one bamboo, one magic all), one cover, and one wetbag (retail value: $91). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Thursday, July 16).

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June 29, 2009

Oh So Clever CALAFANT

calafant-palace.jpgCrafts and toys typically occupy separate real estate in stores and playrooms, but CALAFANT cleverly has figured out how to merge the two, offering kids a wonderful vehicle for creativity and play, and parents more bang for their buck. CALAFANT’s cool line of recyclable cardboard toy kits are available in affordable small, medium, and large sizes (plus a giant crawl-able castle). The kits are fun for grownups to pop together (no tools or adhesive required), and offer a blank canvas on which kids can paint, color, collage, and bling to their heart’s desire. Laurel loved decorating the CALAFANT palace (glitter glue was her favored medium) and the palace can serve both as a pretty display of her artistic style and a happy home for her Playmobil and Polly Pocket figures.

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June 15, 2009

Drink Clean & Go Green

clear2go.jpgToday, April reviews the Clear2Go, an eco-friendly filtered water bottle with an unexpected bonus parent feature. Read on for April’s review, as well as to learn how to be 1 of 2 winners to receive a Clear2Go:

“My sister visited the other week and took one look at the sports bottle I was drinking from and raised an eyebrow. Later she confessed that she couldn't believe that I was drinking from a grey plastic bottle. Plastic is not my favorite material for food—mostly because it's bad for the environment and sometimes adds icky plastic tastes (and more) to your water or food. But there I was, guzzling water from a grey sports squeeze bottle. And pretty much loving it. Turns out it has a secret bonus when you share a sip with your kids, too.

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June 12, 2009

Parental Purging Strategies

minimalist-mama.jpgOne of the things I love about weekends is restoring a sense of order to our home after a busy (typically rather untidy) week. And purging is one of my favorite mechanisms to achieve said order. Appropriately then, for the first installment of my new monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine - where I’ll share tips and tricks for less is more living (undoubtedly with a stylish and/or green spin) - I offer strategies for purging family clutter. Enjoy!

Family Friendly Weekend Picks

feast-of-the-east.jpgOnce again there’s no shortage of festivals this weekend; consider these family friendly picks to suit a variety of interests and locations. On Saturday: Feast of the East (Arlington), River Festival (Cambridge), Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair (Salem), Green Briar Strawberry Festival (Sandwich), Topsfield Strawberry Festival (Topsfield), and Festival by the Lake (Wakefield). On Sunday: DeCordova Art in the Park (Lincoln). And through the weekend: RiverFest (Sudbury, Assabet, Concord river areas).

June 9, 2009

Sippy Cup Solution

thermos-foogo.jpgToday, Kristin shares her favorite sippy cup solution:

“In an ideal world, sippy cups should: a) hold liquids; b) not leak; and c) keep beverages cold and bacteria-free. Unfortunately, during my first son’s early years, I struggled to find a cup that performed all of these functions well. I thus was thrilled to (re)discover Thermos (yes, the makers of my metal Peanuts lunchbox with Thermos bottle!) and their awesome sippy, straw, and grown up cups.

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June 3, 2009

Playtex Goes Baby

playtex-ventaire.jpgToday, Jules reports on her and her son’s testing of a series of Playtex baby products, including their BPA-free bottles, BPA-free bottle liners, and pacifiers. Read on for Jules’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a collection of BPA-free Playtex bottles!

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June 2, 2009

Ridiculously Awesome Banana Muffins

banana-muffins-1.JPGEvery so often Jon one-ups me in the kitchen, which leaves me both a tad surprised (read: vaguely jealous) and utterly grateful that he knows how to cook and bake. And this past weekend, he decided to make banana bread with Laurel and it was way better than my standard recipe. The loaf was gobbled up within a day and Laurel and I repeated the recipe yesterday, instead opting to make muffins - the advantages being plenty of awesome crustiness, faster baking time (handy for summertime baking), and improved portion control.

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June 1, 2009

HomeFree Treats

Home-Free-Gift-Basket.jpgToday, Tracy reports on HomeFree Treats, a great source for allergen-free, organic goodies and ingredients. Read on for Tracy's review of some HomeFree goodies and their allergen-free cookbook, as well as to learn how to win a HomeFree organic cookie sampler pack!

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May 28, 2009

EarthFest 2009

earthfest.jpgThankfully for those eager to celebrate green living alongside great music, the skies are supposed to clear for this Saturday's EarthFest at the Hatch Shell in Boston. In its 16th year, 92.9’s EarthFest is a free, family friendly festival that will feature an impressive line up of live music and a host of eco-minded displays, exhibits, and food and product samples. EarthFest also will include Kids’ Planet, an expanded interactive area offering family-friendly entertainment, activities, and healthy treats.

May 14, 2009

Greener Clean Delivers

scotch-brite-greener-clean.bmpI’ll be the first to admit that cleaning is not among my top priorities these days, but hand me new eco-friendly cleaning products and I'll roll my sleeves right up to start scrubbing, hoping upon hope to discover that the eco stuff can live up to the non eco stuff. And this was, in fact, the case when I got my hands on Scotch-Brite’s Greener Clean line. Made from natural materials (e.g., bamboo, agave, corn) and packaged responsibly, this collection of scrubbers, soap pads, soft sponges, and washable cleaning cloths (the latter two of which are excellent for reducing paper towel use) perform just as effectively as their less environmentally friendly counterparts. At reasonable price points, it’s a no-brainer to go with green. And it might just inspire you to clean more.

Want to win a collection of Scotch-Brite Greener Clean goodies? Here’s how:

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May 13, 2009

Mysterious Magic Eraser

mr-clean-magic-eraser.jpgOn Laurel’s first birthday my friend Anne gave us art supplies and a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and said, “These erasers will save your life.” Remarkably, whether it’s due to Laurel’s nature or our vigilance, the product sat untouched under our sink the last couple of years. It wasn’t until after a recent play date where we needed to break out the magic erasers to cope with a major bout of pencil + red crayon wall scribbling.

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May 5, 2009

Giveaway Goodness: Dropps

dropps-baby.jpgI’ve raved previously about Dropps’ lightweight, eco-friendly, and effective ultra concentrated detergent capsules, and now Dropps offers Dropps Baby, a variety of their original detergent formulated to be super gentle for sensitive baby skin. And the folks at Dropps well know that parents need to run a lot of laundry; for our next installment of Giveaway Goodness, Dropps generously is offering one lucky reader a one-year supply of Dropps Baby eco-friendly laundry detergent! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by May 7 (noon) to enter to win.

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May 4, 2009

Thank You, Stonyfield!

I'm Going to BlogHer '09As I mentioned in March, ever since experiencing BlogHer Boston, I’ve been super excited to attend the big BlogHer meeting in Chicago this summer. And I’m enormously grateful to have not one (Boston-based firm 360 Public Relations, which I announced in March), but two companies sponsoring my trip. Thank you, Stonyfield Farm, for acting as my secondary sponsor for BlogHer Chicago! Please read on to learn about Stonyfield's impressive environmental initiatives, and a yummy but lesser known organic product they offer.

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April 28, 2009

Fast & Yummy Chicken Pesto Salad

basil.jpgOne of my favorite time and energy savers these days is store-bought rotisserie chicken. I don’t need to remember to prep and bake it (perfect, since there’s no way I’m turning the oven on today…), my kitchen is saved from pan dripping smoke, and the chicken is ridiculously versatile. Today, I’m sharing our latest favorite usage of rotisserie chicken: fast and fantastically yummy chicken pesto salad.

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