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Today, Hillary of Mass Audubon shares a primer on the beloved New England staple:
It's a staple in many households. There's not much better than homemade pancakes or waffles covered in ooey-gooey sweet and sticky maple syrup. But have you ever given much thought as to how maple syrup actually gets made? If there's ever a time to think about the process, it's now as maple sugaring season in New England is in full swing.
Today, Hillary of Mass Audubon shares an easy tutorial for how to make your own bird feeder:
If ever there is a time to pick-up bird watching, it's now (today's downpour aside!). With the ground frozen and covered in snow, birds are hungry. And with landscape rather stark, it's easy to spot and identify common backyard birds. Make the experience even more fun and hands-on with a do-it-yourself bird feeder. Here's how:
Not long after I returned from Ethiopia, Bridget of @BostonSkin asked me about fair trade shea butter suppliers based in Africa. I didn't have immediate recommendations top of mind and canvassed my fellow ONE Moms for ideas; they of course came up with great leads! I've been meaning to share these recommendations for a while (er, several months now!), particularly given that if your skin is anything like mine, it is suffering along through the winter in a dry, chapped state. Here's to happy skin and supporting global businesses!
Today, Jane (also of see jane blog) shares a great way to repurpose wine corks for craft:
Given that my four kids and I love crafting, I collect things that look like they might be useful later: jars, pine cones, cool sticks, wine corks, etc. I recently decided to be more proactive in my collection of wine corks by sourcing local. I printed my contact information on two reusable bags and took the bags to two local restaurants and explained to the bar managers that I wanted to collect wine corks for crafting with my kids -- both restaurants were happy to help! About six weeks later, the restaurants called to say the bags were full: presto, free recycled crafting supplies!
Today, Judy (also of Talking Thirty) shares 10 simple ways to green your holidays:
The holidays can be a magical time of year for many reasons, but the reality is that the environment suffers. According to the Ecology Center, Americans throw away an additional 5 million tons of trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's eve. It's not hard to imagine how the holidays can wreak environmental havoc, what with overproduction and excessive purchasing of consumer goods, pounds of discarded gift wrap, product packaging, and food waste, thousands of Christmas trees cut down for less than one month of use, and gallons of fuel used for the transport of goods and holiday travel. However, there are little things we can all do to help reduce the toll on the environment. Here are 10 ways to green your holiday season:
There have been a lot of yummy endeavors underway in my kitchen this summer, thanks to my Stonyfield Summer Kitchen Camp series (through which I share recipes that are not only tasty, but also encourage kids to have fun in the kitchen). A few weeks ago I shared three kitchen camp posts (pudding pops, vegetarian BBQ, rainbow parfaits) and today I wanted to share the final two posts in the series. Try something new over the long weekend, or really, these recipes are good any time of year. Enjoy!
Today, Hillary of Mass Audubon shares a primer on odes:
My four year old has a completely irrational fear of bugs. One measly little ant comes into sight and you'd think we were being attacked by a swarm of bees. Full disclosure: I'm not a huge fan of bugs myself. But I feel it's my duty not to pass my crazy on to her. Plus, the more I learn about bugs at work, the less I fear them. So when I see a cool, completely harmless bug, I try to bring her around.
Today, Hillary of Mass Audubon shares five fun beachcombing facts for your next seaside adventure:
Just because school's out for summer doesn't mean the learning has to stop. In fact, when you're outdoors, there's always something new to discover -- especially at the beach! Ever wonder what that cute little fuzzy bird is running back and forth to the water? How that shell got a perfect hole in it? Or what sand really is? Where there's a question, there's an answer. Next time you head for the coast, bring along this collection of interesting coastal facts to share with your kids.
Today, Kate shares a great lead for those who want to try their hand at canning (perfect for preserving summertime bounty!):
My young daughter has never been a fan of peanut butter, but she loves strawberry jelly. On toast, on waffles, between two slices of bread, or licked off a spoon, jam is the queen of sweet condiments in our house. Given the quantities that we consume, I recently became interested in learning how to make jams and jellies at home. An experience about a decade ago had left me with bad memories of bubbling pots of steaming, sticky peach-flavored goop and lots of small and hard-to-handle jars, but I decided to give it another try.
Today, Hillary of Mass Audubon shares firefly scouting tips and resources:
"As the sun set, a little firefly was born. It stretched its wings and flew off into the darkening sky. It was a lonely firefly, and flashed its light searching for other fireflies." I have to admit something. Reading Eric Carle's The Very Lonely Firefly for the last few years has been the extent of my family's firefly interactions. But this year, things are going to be different. We're going to do what families have done for centuries: enjoy these little, fascinating bugs as they light up the summer night sky. At least, that's our hope.
Today, Hillary of Mass Audubon shares tips for attracting hummingbirds to your yard:
Come late spring and throughout the summer, there's a common scene that replays over and over in our house. We will be sitting at the dinner table, coaxing our 4-year-old to eat her food, and one of us will shout: HUMMINGBIRD! You'd think we saw a dinosaur by our reaction, but no -- just this tiny, remarkable bird that dashes from flower to flower in front of our window before zipping off way too soon. Hummingbirds have to be one of the coolest birds, sure to impress all kids. Here are some fun facts + tips on how to attract hummingbirds to your yard:
Today, Judy (also of Talking Thirty) shares her thoughts on a suite of eco-friendly products from Born Free. Read on for Judy's review, as well as to learn how to win a Born Free gift set for yourself or a friend!
In light of environmental health concerns over the use of plastic baby bottles, and findings that even some BPA-free plastic can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals, I've been meaning to switch to glass bottles for a while now. Subsequently, I was pleased to have the opportunity to test out Born Free glass bottles and accessories for Boston Mamas. I opted to try three items from their collection.
I've been meaning to share about Life Alive ever since my sister Kyoung and her partner Marjorie introduced me and Laurel to it following a fun downtown outing in February. We visited the Central Square location (they also have a home in Lowell, and will open another in Salem) on a Saturday -- the two-floor café has a casual yet warm vibe and was bustling with adults and kids, all happily munching on and sipping organic, vegetarian, unprocessed fare. (Kyoung and Marjorie kindly suggested we visit this café since Laurel is a vegetarian.)
Today, Kate shares a fantastic spot to eat (and play) with the kids:
My daughter is now six, which means that she is generally old enough to contentedly make it through a restaurant meal without complaint, provided that the food is not too complicated and the atmosphere not too fussy (crayons can help, too). Gone, happily, are the days when we would ask for the check not long after sitting down and have our meals packed to go before taking more than a bite or two.
One of the most stressful parts about Violet's recent state of plague was that for the better part of a week she refused bottles and pretty much all solid food, save occasional bites of cheese and blueberries. The logical part of my brain knew that she would eventually drink and eat again, but I was still concerned about dehydration and getting her some calories, particularly because she was so limp and sad and not herself during this time.
Today, 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.
I'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
When 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:
When 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!
Last 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:
Today, 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.
My 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.
Since 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!
Since 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.
Hello 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.
I 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.
Hello 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!
I 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!
As 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!
It 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!
Carole 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.
My 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.
Today'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?
I 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).
What 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!
I 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:
While 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.
Now 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!
Today, 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!
I 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!
I 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.
I'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!
I'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:
Laurel 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.
Last 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:
If 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!
As 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.
Wow, 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!
Do 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.
Hi 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!
I'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!
Last 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:
Wow, 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!
My 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!
A 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" »
Here 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!
Today'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.
I 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.
Oh, 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.
I 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.
Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Earth Mama Angel Baby" »
Oh 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.
In 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.
Few 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.
Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Clevergreen Cleaners" »
I 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.
During 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.
The 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.
I'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.
As 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:
As 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:
I'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.
Today, 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.
I'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.
Today, 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.
When 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.
When 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.
When 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.
This 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).
And 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!
When 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.
One 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).
Given 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.
Here 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!
Last 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.
If 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:
Before 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.
Today'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?
Given 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.
In 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.
Already 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.
Though 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:
As 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:
I’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):
Looking 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:
April 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.
It'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.
Though 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.
I’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.
Whether 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:
I 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.
Despite 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:
Davis 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
Like 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:
If 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):
Today, 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):
Today, 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):
My 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:
Yesterday 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.
For 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.
Today, 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."
Today, 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.
As 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).
When 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).
I’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).
I 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).
Today, 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.
This 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).
Crafts 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.
Today, 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.
One 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!
Once 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).
Today, 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.
Today, 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!
Every 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.
Today, 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!
Thankfully 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.
I’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:
On 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.
I’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.
As 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.
One 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.
Happy Earth Day everyone! Wherever you are with your green practices, I hope you’ll consider making a green change today, whether it’s giving new life to old objects, carrying reusable bags, shopping local with a trolley, replacing chemical laden bath products with natural and organic, recycling your outgrown kid gear, or opting to walk or bike instead of drive for an errand. For more green living tips – small and large – check out my 10 green living tips from last Earth Day, a more recent roundup of green living ideas, and ideas for teaching green to preschoolers.
If you love the ease of boxed cake mixes and desire all natural ingredients, fear not - you can have your cake and eat it too. Today, Kristin reviews Naturally Nora’s all natural collection of boxed cake and frosting mixes. Read on for Kristin’s review, as well as to learn how to win a year’s supply of Naturally Nora cake + frosting mixes!
As someone who likes things to be just so (yet periodically frets about permanence), I can’t help but love FLOR rugs. These clever interchangeable modular carpet tiles allow you to mix and match colors, patterns, and textures in whatever size you need while being easy to install (no nails or glue required), clean (just remove stained square to treat), or relocate (no onerous rolling and hefting). And how awesome is this? For our next installment of Giveaway Goodness, FLOR generously is offering one lucky reader a 5 x 7 natural fiber rug*! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway (by April 17) to enter to win.
Laurel used to paint voraciously as a toddler, but in the last year or so she has tended towards passing up her paintbrushes for other tools; that is, until she discovered Powder Art. Like paint by numbers but without the wet mess, Powder Art kits are affordable and come in several themes with four scene boards each. Simply peel off the numbered sections of the scene to reveal the sticky cardboard base, and then paint with the colored powder (which is made from nontoxic, washable recycled paper) that coordinates to the numbers. Gone are the days of sticky tabletops and messy art smocks; just give the table a quick swipe and brush any stray powder off your child and you’re ready for your next adventure.
Want to be one of 10 winners to receive a Powder Art kit*? Here’s how:
Whether you’re just starting to explore or already are immersed in green initiatives, no doubt there's plenty to learn at Down:2:Earth this weekend. This sustainable living event starts tonight at the Hynes Convention Center with the opportunity to sample local green restaurants. Saturday and Sunday programming will include green topics for grownups (e.g., fashion, personal care products, appliances, lawn care) and activities for kids (e.g., conservation activities, face painting, stories). Click here for ticket info; kids 12 and under admitted free.
Today, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses offers tips for choosing baby toys:
Babies learn by using their five senses: sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. It’s not always necessary to purchase expensive toys for your baby; some of the very best toys are everyday objects we have in our homes (e.g., measuring cups or spoons, empty plastic containers). However, when you are ready to purchase a toy for your baby here are some basic guidelines to consider.
Detangling Laurel’s hair can be one of the most challenging parts of our morning routine; she has very fine hair that’s prone to bird nesting in the back overnight, and chopping off length (short of a buzz cut...) doesn’t solve the problem. So I set out on a mission to identify effective natural and organic kids hair detanglers. Read on for my report, which also includes some discount shopping codes and a Goody giveaway!
Oh how we have earned this first day of spring! It’s thus rather fitting to blog eco today in conjunction with a blog blast hosted by The Parent Bloggers Network and Nature’s Source. PBN wants to know how parents are adjusting their lifestyles to live more naturally; the following are some of my favorite ways to spring into green living:
I’m constantly looking for ways to streamline or repurpose around the house; here’s a lovely way to give old plant pots new life. This project was inspired by: a) plant clippings we already had rooted (plus more overgrown plants that needed grooming); b) yet another snow day where we were looking for something to do; and c) a tired collection of empty plant pots. Laurel and I decided to paint one of our old pots to make a creative, earth-friendly gift for a loved one. Here's the how-to:
This weekend we met friends for lunch in Wellesley, at what possibly is one of the most family friendly restaurants I’ve been to in some time – The Cottage - followed by some fantastic gelato at The Gelato Café. I’m already scheming to get back to Linden Street soon; here are some notes on both spots.
During this seemingly endless winter, why not think green thoughts? And tomorrow (Thurs., March 5), you can think and learn green at Hill House's GreenFest community day. Suitable for the whole family, this event runs from 3 – 6pm and is free and open to the public. In addition to crafts, projects, and demos for kids, adults can learn about green living from local businesses. Local students also will be on hand to discuss ways to make urban living more eco-friendly, and Hill House will collect reusable bags to donate to a school in Zimbabwe.
Hill House, 127 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston; Tel: 617-227-5838
Now that our urban composter is in place and my mind officially has turned to gardening, it seems like the perfect time to trek out to the Winter Garden Fair at Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland. This free weekend of activities will include gardening how to’s, entertainment, activities for kids, refreshments, and an impressive roster of exhibitors (not to mention some much needed skin rehydration in their tropical greenhouses). Also cool, raffle proceeds and a portion of the weekend's sales will benefit Massachusetts Farmers' Markets.
Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Road, Wayland; Tel: 508-358-2283
If you’re like me, and periodically (accidentally) make off with another kid’s lunchbox at school pickup, check out Dabbawalla Bags. These cool lunch bags and backpacks stand out – visually and structurally – in a league of their own. Bright, modern, machine washable, and lead-free, the durable neoprene construction protects and insulates while being super lightweight. And unlike bulky or stiff packs, I love how flexible and soft Dabbawalla bags are; they manage to be structurally simple while still incorporating handy extras, such as extra inner and outer pockets on the lunch bags, and adjustable straps and inner pockets on the backpacks.
Want to win a Dabbawalla backpack? Here’s how:
I adore clever green solutions, and here’s a fabulously chic pick to encourage shopping local. Reisenthel’s foldable trolley is super compact and amazingly lightweight; when folded it looks like a small, handled laptop case and could fit in a shoulder bag or tote. When you’re ready to shop, simply unzip (and re-zip the outer case in reverse to secure in place), unfold the length, pop out the two wheel/kickstand pieces, and in about 15 seconds you’re ready to roll with an ultra cute shopping tote (several vibrant colors and patterns are available). And as a mom who loves to shop local with a daughter who periodically still likes to be carried, this trolley offers a wonderfully easy, one-handed way to lighten my load.
Want to win a Reisenthel foldable trolley? Here’s how:
My passion for recycling no doubt is at least partly attributable to growing up on hand me downs (as the sixth of seven kids), and I’m thrilled to announce that Boston Mamas now offers a free way for you to recycle your kiddie and parenting gear. Check out our new classifieds section powered by Hand Me Downs (a national mom classifieds website), and enjoy acquiring and purging via this prettily designed service! Also, for those of you who dig celebrity things, the central site recently launched their first celebrity auction, in which Gwen Stefani has donated goods to be auctioned off for charity.
If there’s one lesson I've learned from my mom, it’s that it’s never too early to start caring for your skin. And today we offer a little something for the daddies who read this site (yes, daddies apparently read this site) and/or the women who like to gift them. Carole Arsenault’s husband Marc kindly steps in with a guest review of Pevonia Botanica’s natural home-spa man products. Read on for Marc’s review, as well as to learn how to win men’s skincare products from Pevonia!
Despite the glorious weather of the last couple of days, no doubt there’s more winter in store. Today, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses shares simple and effective tips for protecting baby’s dry skin during the winter. Many of these ideas also are practical for older kids and adults.
In an ideal world, I’d make everything from scratch, but often – not surprisingly – time is an issue. But the one thing I never, ever compromise on is granola. Store bought granola has never suited me (too sweet, not clumpy enough, skimpy on nuts and fruit, etc.), and the good news is that granola is super easy to make at home. I made Food to Live By’s granola pretty steadily for about a year, but our friend Amy recently passed on a fantastic recipe from Martha Stewart. The online version is a bit different from the clipping Amy shared; below is my annotated/adapted version of the recipe; fantastic if you like chunky granola. It’s so good I make it in double batches.
Given that Laurel was born in the Year of the Monkey, I've always had a soft spot for simian styled products. So it’s no wonder that I adore Stride Rite’s adorable Puggle shoes. The Puggle is part of Stride Rite’s Early Walkers collection; shoes clearly designed by people who know the biz. This line is all about comfort and protection from all directions, featuring soft leather lining, cushy insoles, and an ultra flexible body and sole to allow the shoe to really move with baby’s unique stepping style. I also love that this line incorporates the use of eco-friendly materials via recycled rubber outsoles, natural stitching, and water-based inks.
Want to win a pair of Stride Rite shoes*? Here’s how:
Today, Jules reviews The Spoiled Mama, a collection of deliciously composed (and named!) organic body products for the whole family. Read on for Jules’ review of The Spoiled Mama's pregnancy and postpartum products, as well as to learn how to win a gift box from The Spoiled Mama:
For parents who don’t have the time to cook and puree baby food from scratch, organic jarred food is a blessing. And our next installment of Giveaway Goodness is well suited to the need to offer baby a varied palette. Now through the end of March, Earth’s Best is hosting a Celebrate the Firsts receipt redemption program where parents can send in receipts and receive coupons and goodies in exchange (as well as automatic entry to win products from Earth’s Best and Fisher-Price). And to celebrate baby’s first foods with you, we're giving away a First Foods Gift Pack loaded with 4 jars each of 8 varieties of Earth’s Best baby food + other goodies! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway (by Jan. 25) to enter to win.
I used to have a love-hate relationship with laundry, but these days it’s all love thanks to Soapnuts (which I first learned about via Daily Grommet). Harvested from fruit trees in India, Indonesia, and Nepal, these natural little nuggets contain the cleaning substance saponin. Simply drop a few soapnuts in the washbag, add essential or fragrance oil (optional), and toss in the laundry. These nuts not only get the job done, but also last several loads, are biodegradable, and are packaged minimally, making them a truly awesome eco-find. And did I mention how fabulous it is to no longer heft giant laundry detergent jugs around?
Want to be 1 of 2 winners to receive a Soapnuts starter kit*? Here’s how:
I’m always looking for ways to improve our green living practices, and was pleased to see Bon Appétit’s February 2009 feature on 50 easy ways to eat green. Among the tips related to shopping, cooking, and consuming, I particularly enjoyed – and have put into practice - the practical yet ridiculously easy ones, such as #2 (boil once, cook twice), #7 (don’t open that door), #11 (become a human food processor), and #40 (stop whistling). And of course, how can you go wrong with tip #1 (eat more chocolate)?
Laurel’s life is captured in many ways, but when I want to take a walk down memory lane I invariably gravitate towards her baby book (handmade by an artist friend) above the scores of digital photos and videos. If you’re looking for a similarly beautiful, tactile, and practical way to record memories, check out Baby Butterfly Books. Constructed from 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper and available in a variety of chic cover options, these baby books are sewn so the book lies flat for writing or reading and can be made blank for handwritten entries, or you can type entries online and receive a printed copy. And for our 9th installment of Giveaway Goodness, Baby Butterfly Books will gift one lucky reader with a baby book of their choice! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway (by Dec. 31) to enter to win.
Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: Baby Butterfly Books" »
Short on time this holiday season? Today, Evadne shares a great entertaining shortcut in Immaculate Baking’s Better Bakes organic cookie dough collection. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to be one of five winners to receive a package of Better Bakes organic cookie dough!
Last week I had the pleasure of attending another media luncheon hosted by Stop & Shop, and in addition to chatting about holiday survival tips with Stop & Shop, event planning guru Bryan Rafanelli offered some fabulously chic yet inexpensive holiday décor ideas. These three green ideas were my favorites:
Got an eco-minded mama to gift this holiday season? The limited edition Wee Generation eco-diaper bag is constructed from fabric made of 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles, includes accessories such as an insulated feeding tote, changing tote, changing pad, and bottle holder, has plenty of pockets and compartments for organization, and is loaded with eco-friendly goodies. And for our 8th installment of Giveaway Goodness, Wee Generation will gift one lucky reader with this fab bag (valued at $200)! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win. And if you don’t win the bag, consider buying it; you’ll support Healthy Child Healthy World with the sale.
Does your kiddo have sensitive skin? Today, Heather reviews Stelaprotect, Mustela’s new line of skin care products developed specifically for infants and children with sensitive skin. Read on for Heather’s comprehensive review of the product line, as well as to learn how to win products from the Stelaprotect collection!
Laurel has an insatiable appetite for arts and crafts, and as she's grown more dexterous we’ve had fun experimenting with more complex projects. If you’re also looking to explore beyond crayon and paper parameters, check out Eye Can Art. Packaged in reusable containers (perfect for art supply storage once you’ve exhausted the kit contents), these kits allow budding artists to experiment with printmaking, wax drawing, brush painting, and bookmaking. The supplies are high quality, washable, and nontoxic, and instructions include ideas for further artistic exploration. An added bonus: some kits - such as the wax drawing kit we have - include frames and hangers, which instantly make the creations display or gift ready.
Want to win an Eye Can Art kit*? Here’s how:
In these challenging economic and environmental times, consider Kate’s reminder of the beauty of basement treasures:
“My toddler daughter and I recently visited the childhood home of a loved one, a house that has seen four children grow up and go off into their adult lives. As the first evening of our visit was growing a little late and my daughter was getting restless, our hostess knowingly suggested that we check out the basement, a virtual kid's utopia. Shelves of neatly packed toys and games, baskets of stuffed animals, cabinets of baby dolls and their clothes - all just waiting for a new little person to come along and play with them.
Given that Laurel - much like mom - gets insanely grumpy when she’s hungry, I always try to tote a snack when we’re on the go. So I was thrilled to learn about Smashies, a wonderfully convenient and healthful organic fruit snack that provides a welcome alternative to carb-heavy snacks. Parent, kid, and earth friendly, these applesauce packs (more flavors are forthcoming) are mess and utensil free thanks to the slurp spout, and once your child has squeezed out every last drop, the packaging - the lining of which is BPA-free - is recyclable.
Want to win a 10-pack of Smashies? Here’s how:
Welcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Susan Dorson & Amy Weitzman, two local moms on a mission to save their community library and provide parents with an eco-friendly, affordable shopping option via The Little Fox Shop. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!
Continue reading "Featured Mamas Susan Dorson & Amy Weitzman" »
As much as I love summer, I’m always relieved when fall arrives and I no longer need to slather Laurel in sunscreen. The task is completely necessary, but nobody enjoys it. Even after summer, though, skin protection is important and I love the nifty little shortcut that Bethesda sunscreen soap offers. This natural soap – which is suitable for the whole family – nurtures the skin via a boatload of vitamins and minerals, and creates an unnoticeable protective layer that provides a minimum of SPF 10 protection. If only summer skin protection was this easy!
Want to win a 3pk of Bethesda sunscreen soap*? Here’s how:
Today, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking offers tips for improving the health of your Halloween festivities:
“I have a confession to make. I am one of those moms. I cringe at the thought of high fructose corn syrup entering the bodies of my two children. It's not that high fructose corn syrup is much worse for their bodies than ordinary sugar. But to me, it is a sign that the food that it's in is a man-made laboratory concoction. Don't get me wrong. I love a good hunk of chocolate or a bowl of ice cream as much as the next person. But I aim to indulge in sugar-laden treats that are made from real food. And even then, I try to do so only on occasion.
One of my favorite things about fall is the return of snuggly jammies, and Éléphant’s pajama sets – part of a new collection of 100% natural fiber clothing and toys for kids – are downright cozy and delicious. Éléphant’s aesthetic is simple, yet conveys a distinctly hip, earthy point of view. And I love the line’s rich, gender-neutral color palette; no doubt these pajamas will get plenty of wear by their first owner, and any lucky hand me down recipients following.
Want to win Éléphant’s crockie stuffed animal? Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win.
We've long been fans of cloth – whether in the form of diapers, napkins, or handkerchiefs – so it’s no surprise that I love the concept of Bummas. These eco-friendly 5 x 7” velour terry cloth towels can serve to wipe your kid’s runny nose, messy meal face, or sudsy bath body, but they’re particularly excellent at the diaper table. Also handy for pee spray prevention with baby boys, you can use Bummas with water in place of wipes, and/or take advantage of the super soft side to pat baby dry and prevent diaper rash naturally. I’d just recommend color-coding based on usage so face and bottom cloths stay separate.
Want to win a 10pk of Bummas*? Here’s how:
On Tuesday I attended Seventh Generation & the Environmental Working Group’s panel on chemicals and kids. And my friends, I must admit that the first 20 minutes of the panel left me feeling depressed and hopeless. But as the evening proceeded, so improved my perception that personal power and positive action on this matter are, in fact, attainable. Below is my recap of the event, including concrete ways that parents can take charge of their family’s environmental health.
Whenever I see Laurel’s stack of bland, misshapen, undersized receiving blankets, I wonder how we survived her swaddling months. It’s no wonder those busy feet kept busting out of her burrito, and I certainly would have enjoyed prettier patterns. Luckily, for moms looking to swaddle in style there’s SwaddleDesigns. Created by an RN, SwaddleDesigns’ Ultimate Receiving Blanket is generously sized, cuddly soft, and available in chic patterns and organic options. And for those burrito-free periods of burping, snuggling, and play, you also can opt for coordinating burpies and lovies.
Want to win a SwaddleDesigns Burpie set? Here’s how:
Here’s an event that eco-parents will want to try to attend: on Tuesday, Oct. 14 (6-7:30pm), Seventh Generation and the EWG will host a discussion about the impact of chemicals on our kids, the importance of consumer product ingredient disclosure, and the need for improved legislation. The event will take place at the Boston Children’s Museum; admission is free but space is limited and an RSVP is required. RSVP to nikki.wheaton@cohnwolfe.com.
The forecast is putting a wrench in this weekend's outdoor events, but let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday, when Boston GreenFest 2008 will condense it’s original three-day festival into a Sunday jam packed with green goodness. This free event at City Hall Plaza will showcase eco-tech innovations, information on how to incorporate green practices into daily life, and music, dancing, food, and activities for kids.
Today, Kristin recommends craniosacral therapy for kiddie constipation relief:
“If you told me 20 years ago - in my riot girl days of bartending, dancing for two companies, traveling through Europe, etc., etc. that one of the main conversations in my life would be about poop, I would have laughed hysterically in your face. And now, here I am, deeply entrenched in poop (or lack thereof) talk.
Today, Heather reviews the hybrid diapering system gDiapers. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to win a gDiapers Starter Kit!
“I’m all about convenience, which at times is in direct conflict with my efforts to raise an eco-friendly family. I confess to using disposable diapers on my triplets, and this decision was based solely on convenience. At 19 months we go through about 21 diapers a day (about 7,665 diapers a year) and I continue to struggle with our contribution to the nation’s landfills.
Whether through books, toys, clothing, or gear, I’m always on the lookout for cool kid’s products that will inspire conversations about – or simply reflect the beauty of – diverse cultures. And My Little Pakora is a new clothing line that stylishly delivers a sense of cultural awareness in ultra comfort. Printed on soft and cozy organic baby clothing and accessories, My Little Pakora’s elegant, whimsical motifs are inspired by South Asian culture, yet are reflective of terms of endearment from parents around the world.
Want to win a My Little Pakora onesie or tee + lounge pant set?*? Here’s how:
Today, Tracy reports on Parade Organics – a baby clothing line that’s simple, understated, and perfectly fitting for baby, both comfort-wise and through its moniker inspired themes. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to win a Parade Organics lounge set!
Today, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking offers healthy back to school lunch tips:
“During a family fishing expedition one summer, despite our best efforts, we were unable to catch anything, even though the boat next to us was reeling in fish every time we looked. Clearly, there was something we weren't doing right. As a man from the next boat yelled over to us, "What kind of bait are you using?" a crazy thought entered into my mind: Feeding children is a lot like fishing – you have to have the right lure, or they won't bite.
In my unofficial role as green parenting guru, I was pleased to provide a guest column on Teaching Green to Preschoolers, over at The Savvy Source, a site that focuses on raising preschoolers. Most of the ideas actually are applicable to kids of all ages. Enjoy!
The skort concept isn’t just handy for jungle gym climbing tots. Whether you’re hitting the yoga studio, hiking trail, or local barista, you’ll be cute, concealed, and eco-conscious in the Love Yoga Skirt from BECKONS Organic. And today, BECKONS contributes to our online birthday party with this flippy and fun skirt, which features contrast shorts underneath and is constructed of 93% organic cotton/7% lycra. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win.
In our house, talk of fall inevitably leads to talk of Halloween, which leads to my fretting over ways to enhance Laurel’s costume for warmth on what's typically a very chilly and spooky night. Luckily, there's a super cute and functional solution from BabyLegs, the folks who made leg (and arm) warmers cool again. I got a sneak peek at their Punkin’ and Itsy Bitsy designs (shown here; forthcoming on their site), and as with the rest of their stylish collection (which includes a delicious organics line), these warmers are great for accessorizing, protecting crawling knees, and foregoing tights for easier diapering and potty trips. But the fall designs in particular are perfect for keeping little limbs cozy, both on the playground and while scavenging for loot.
Want to win a BabyLegs gift set? Here’s how:
It’s never too early to start incorporating green habits into your routine, and babies – with their perfect, delicious skin – offer excellent inspiration to live naturally. To get you started, today, Seventh Generation contributes to our online birthday party with their Natural Baby Starter Kit. This eco-friendly gift set includes chlorine-free diapers and wipes, natural laundry detergent, and a tote. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win.
One byproduct of toting reusable grocery bags is that we - thankfully - are free of that landslide of plastic shopping bags in our pantry. But it also means we no longer have those bags for toting Laurel’s soggy swimsuits. No matter - far more stylish storage is available. Wet Happened? bags are simple yet brilliant. They fold and tote easily, are eco-friendly via their washable, reusable, PVC-free construction, feature a waterproof interior and zippered end to keep wet items sealed, and are available in a variety of chic outer fabrics for the mommy fashionista. Store everything from soiled diapers and clothes to wet swimsuits to leaky bottles and sippies.
Want to win a large Wet Happened? bag?* Here how:
For a cultured alternative to the typical “A is for Apple” learning model, check out Alpha Buddies. Using cultural, historical, and athletic references as inspiration, these eco-friendly tees are screen printed using water based inks. Today, Alpha Buddies contributes to our online birthday party by providing two winners each with a tee of their choice. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this product line to enter to win.
The days are longer; the bedtimes are later. And come tomorrow, you and the kids can wile away the summer hours in green fashion at ArtBeat 08 in Davis Square. Beginning tomorrow at 6pm, and running through Saturday, this green festival will feature live performances, eco-conscious exhibits, craft vendors, food, and art/green activities.
Given that kids dig shapes and animals, and modern parents are hungry for stylish simplicity, the designs at Colette Kids give new meaning to the term “family friendly.” With an understated yet playful less is more approach, this unisex collection of modern, geometric critters is individually hand silk screened onto richly colored 100% cotton tees or 100% organic cotton onesies. Laurel’s favorite is Charlotte; sweet, definitively piggy, yet ultra cool because she’s not trying too hard.
My friend Nooshi is amazing at identifying a cool party theme then really running with it. A couple of weekends ago she threw a marvelous Messy Party for her son’s third birthday and the party was unbelievably fun and beautifully creative. Here’s a run down of how she made it all happen:
When it comes to cloth diaper services, there’s a real supply and demand problem in the Boston area. But now there’s good news for parents who live south of the city. Sweet Pea Diaper Service is live as of this month and will swap out your soiled diapers for fresh ones for $21 - 26 per week depending on your diaper plan. Serving families in Norfolk and Bristol counties (plus parts of Rhode Island), we’re thrilled to welcome this new business as it meets both local and global needs.
Want to win a Sweet Pea Diaper Service starter plan*? Here’s how:
For the past year we’ve been sharing in our neighbor’s slow and lazy composting method, but we now want to move to a more contained, easy to rotate system. I immediately e-mailed my friend Braden, who has urban composted everywhere from NYC to Tokyo. She writes, “I love that when you think of rotting food you think of me! We use the EnviroCycle Composter [available at Planet Natural and Amazon], a rotating composting bin with a fairly small footprint. Indoor composting or vermiculture are other urban options but I really cannot imagine most urbanites taking up that challenge.”
One pragmatic plus of having a daughter is dresses, which create a cute look instantly and make frequent changes a cinch. And if you share my love for simple, elegant, comfy, and good for the planet, check out the chic offerings at green boutique Go Natural Baby. Offering a clothing collection crafted from 100% certified organic cotton and low impact dyes, I love the sweet simplicity of Little Rosie’s Dress. Prettily constructed in dual pink tones and contrast trim at the neck and arms, this empire silhouette looks great on its own or paired with pants.
Want to win Little Rosie’s Dress*? Here’s how:
Welcome to the 2nd installment of Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas, whether they be entrepreneurs, avid volunteers, stay at home moms, moms who have closet talents (e.g., community theatre, juggling, what have you…), authors, media professionals, politicians, professors, etc. Read on for today’s interview with Janie Katz-Christy, the Director of Green Streets Initiative. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!
Looking for a natural craft dough, but don’t have the time to make it from scratch? Then check out the fabulous eco-dough by green art supplier Eco-Kids. This sculpting dough differs from the commercial stuff in several ways. It’s hand crafted using all natural ingredients, resistant to drying out, richly colored using plant, fruit, and vegetable extracts, packaged in 100% compostable containers, and softer in texture, making it easier for little hands to handle. We also dig that Eco-Kids makes gluten, soy, or dairy free eco-dough to order depending on your child’s dietary needs.
Want to win an Eco-Dough Gift Bag*? Here’s how:
Want to foster your child's love for learning letters while supporting a local, eco-conscious mamapreneur? Today, Jen reviews Lit'l Desi9s, a custom design line that uses your little one’s name for graphic inspiration. Read on for Jen’s review, as well as to learn how to win a Lit'l Desi9s custom name tee or onesie.
Despite the fact that the only bike I ever owned was stolen 2 days (1 blissful ride) after I bought it, I still hold out hope that one day I’ll ride again. Meanwhile, this Sunday (June 8), those with wheels can join the Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon (registration required) and/or enjoy the post-ride Green Roots Festival from 12 – 5:30pm. Enjoy live music, food, speakers, environmental workshops and information, and kid's activities. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in front of the Stony Brook T station in Jamaica Plain.
In my opinion, every day is Earth Day, and if you love naturalistic homages to animals as much as I do, check out the amazing Salvor Fauna collection at the chic New York based boutique Estella. These ultra cool animal graphics are hand silk screened with water based ink on organic cotton tees, onesies, and pillows. And the onesies are particularly delicious: luxuriously weighty, soft, and ready to withstand plenty of play. These onesies also go an extra style mile via cute kimono fashioning and clever snaps to keep the wrap front in place.
Want to win a Salvor Fauna onesie from Estella*? Here’s how:
For those who wish to roll into Sunday with yours truly, tune in to WERS 88.9 FM’s You Are Here program on June 1 at 7am. You Are Here is a weekly, hour-long program that covers local and global issues by “combining stories, interviews, and sound from newsmakers.” I was interviewed this week about ways that moms can go green, and discussed everything from household recycling, to mama-to-mama recycling, to green cleaners, to the state of cloth diapering, to the impact moms can make by purchasing responsibly made products. If you can’t tune into the broadcast, you can download the show’s podcast.
We talk a lot about tea sets and tea parties in our house (what with all the repeated reads of A Bargain for Frances), and reader Cathleen recently wrote in about a chic eco-friendly toy line that includes a tea set that I plan on getting for Laurel. Cathleen writes: “I recently saw Green Toys products in a store in New Hampshire…They are made from recycled milk jugs, made in the USA, have no Bisphenol-A, and are SO cute to boot!” In addition to the tea set, Green Toys offers cookware and dining, indoor gardening, and sand play sets.
As grateful as I was for my first cookware set, I distinctly remember Jon and my later disdain – sometime before the Teflon safety scare actually - when we looked at the set's scratches and thought about all of the little Teflon flakes we likely had ingested over time. We’ve since stuck with stainless steel or cast iron, but recently have enjoyed GreenPan as an eco-friendly nonstick solution. Constructed with a PTFE/PFOA-free Thermolon coating, this line is safe for use at high temperatures, heats evenly, and is scratch-resistant. Despite the nonstick, we still do like cooking with a bit of butter or oil, and with the lightly buttered GreenPan frypan over low heat, my scrambled eggs have reached a light, fluffy, and thankfully flake-free perfection.
Want to win a GreenPan Entertaining Set*? Here’s how:
Today, Jen reports on a recent eye opening green event in Boston:
"I recently had the pleasure of attending a vegan luncheon and book signing at the Four Seasons's Aujourdui in honor of Deirdre Imus's new book, Growing Up Green. Over a spectacular meal prepared by executive chef Brooke Vosika, Imus spoke passionately about environmental toxins and their effect on our children's health. I must confess that both the food and Imus's message surprised me. The vegan food was surprisingly elegant and Imus's message was surprisingly scary. Although in retrospect, given our host chef and the state of our environment, I should not have been so surprised.
As someone for whom the word Clorox tends to elicit middle school memories of fad-driven bleached denim experiments, imagine my surprise when I learned that the makers of Clorox products were rolling out a natural cleaning line. And happily, these green goods deliver. Plant and mineral based, biodegradable, and petrochemical-free, the Green Works line cuts through the most determined grime (OK, I’ll admit that my formerly neglected shower tile now stands as evidence), and does so with a pleasant lemony scent that is thankfully far from my fumed middle school denim.
Want to be one of 5 winners to receive a Green Works Starter Kit? Here’s how:
I think people who love hosting parties inherently have a bit of control freak in them. That’s certainly the case for me anyway; I think a lot about assembling a good mix of people, food, and drink, I inevitably fret over the RSVPs, and I want everything to look perfect yet effortless. And last week, at my Method Detox Your Home Boston party, I had the odd and delicious experience of enjoying the benefits of a fabulously assembled party, with all of the hard work done for me.
I truly believe in the notion that every little bit counts, and I find this philosophy particularly important to hang on to when I read reports on the plight of the planet. The news can feel overwhelming and discouraging, but it’s crucial to keep on trucking with the little acts of greenness. Here are 10 easy green tips to cultivate your family’s awareness about the earth and its limited resources. Enjoy these for Earth Day and beyond:
Someone told me that April typically is crazy as people come out of hibernation and get ready to party. This certainly has been the case for me in the realm of scheduled events, and last night kicked off Chapter 1 of a crazy but fabulous April, via an event where I played hostess to some of my family, friends, and colleagues as a Boston Method Maven. It was a terrific evening of socializing, getting the dirt on chemical-free cleaning, and eco-crafting with environmental lifestyle guru (and fellow Korean!) Danny Seo.
Mamas need to stick together, and former New Yorker Erin Brennan Allan and Nairobi native Mary Wambui are helping women do just that through Toto Knits. Featuring unbelievably cute hand knit sweaters and blankets for kids 3 months to 6T, the collection is ethically produced from start to finish. The cotton and wool are locally grown, spun, and dyed, then knit by a group of Kenyan women - many single mothers – who knit as a means to earn a living in an empowering, family friendly, and flexible environment. Their Safari Animal sweaters – all knit with little tails on the back – are particularly inspired.
Want to win a sweater from Toto Knits? Here’s how:
As much as I love the convenience of online shopping, I also firmly believe in supporting the local economy, particularly when the offerings are fabulous and eco-minded. Today, Jen reports on Fiddlehead, a lovely new mama and babe boutique in Boston that provides plenty of fuel for Jen’s obsession with organic baby goods. Read on for Jen's review, as well as to learn how to win a $25 gift certificate to Fiddlehead!
If you’re looking to streamline your laundry routine and your imprint on the planet, check out dropps, a brilliantly efficient and eco-friendly laundry solution. Each biodegradable, phosphate-, chlorine-, and NPE-free pac is pre-measured (just toss in 1-2 pacs depending on load size), ultra concentrated (1 pac = 1 cap of regular detergent!), and dissolves in water. What you lose in "strength training" (from hauling giant laundry jugs around) you gain in impressive waste reduction via reduced product transport costs, water use, and packaging…not to mention squeaky clean laundry you can feel good about.
Want to win a one-year supply of dropps*? Here’s how:
Ticketed outings were far and few between when I was a kid (given the family head count of 9), so I have a firm place in my heart for the New England Spring Flower Show, which I attended one year with my mom in near exclusivity (just me and one other sister). Running through Sunday, this year’s show offers grown-ups inspiration for eco-friendly gardening, and Friday’s Plantapalooza Children’s Festival is designed to cultivate appreciation of, and interaction with, nature via animal visitors, craft and gardening activities, music, and storytelling.
I love the convenience of online shopping, but I resent the accompanying landslide of junk mail and catalogues. To fight the tide, I now have a new online obsession in GreenDimes. For just $20, their ‘Free Me!’ service helps you (and up to 7 additional household members) remove your name from general junk mail and postcard lists, stop specific catalogues, and get 10 trees planted on your behalf (5 at sign up and 5 additional for the first 5 catalogs you elect to have stopped). Signing up was quick and easy, and now I actually look forward to combing through our mail to remind me of catalogs to add to our remove list.
Want to win a GreenDimes ‘Free Me!’ membership? Here’s how:
It only makes sense to recycle quickly outgrown kiddie goods, and lucky for Boston parents, Freepeats is here. Devoted exclusively to baby, children, and maternity items, Freepeats is an online forum/message board that allows parents to post or pick up gently used goods locally, and also find information on area retail, consignment, and garage sales. The Boston forum started this month; sign up by February 29 for a free lifetime membership (otherwise the one time membership fee is only $4.95). Freepeats also serves Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, with more city forums forthcoming.
It’s amazing how donning quality fabrics can improve your posture and relax your breath, and those attributes come in particularly handy when you’re baby wearing. To inspire good form, check out Sakura Bloom’s gorgeous, eco-friendly, and gift-ready (packaged in a bamboo box) baby slings. Functionally, these slings are machine washable, reversible, adjustable, breathable, and comfortable. Fashionably, Sakura’s line includes linen and silk collections where the deliciously elegant neutral or vibrant fabric pairings make everything from mom sweats to workday suiting look fabulous.
Want to win a Sakura Bloom sling*? Here’s how:
Coconut scents can go terribly wrong (think overpowering suntan lotion), but sumbody’s Coconut & Cream Organic Sugar Scrub gets it just right. Part of the new, eco-chic collection at gigglefish, this scrub is both functional and luxurious. The coarse brown sugar grains exfoliate effectively (best for normal to dry skin), while the shea and cocoa butters + safflower, pistachio, and other essential oils hydrate and protect the skin without leaving residue. As a mama trying to up the self-care and curb the sweets, this scrub nurtures while reminding me - via the gentle, lingering coconut scent - that I’ve already had an excellent treat.
Want to be one of 2 winners to receive this scrub? Here’s how:
No matter your age, there’s something undeniably comforting about cozying up under a great blanket. And for a petite yet inclusive collection of cashmere/silk and – get this – bamboo blankets for all ages, check out Satsuma Designs. Satsuma’s 100% bamboo fiber swaddling blanket is a smart eco-pick: sustainable, naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, easy to launder, and silky soft for endless hours of cuddle time. Wrap baby in one of these and it'll be a cinch for you to snuggle up and nap while baby naps.
Want to win a Satsuma bamboo velour baby blanket? Here’s how:
It’s never too late to make a resolution to go green, and whether you’re new to eco efforts or are an avid recycler, check out minusbags. These stylish, sturdy totes stow easily and unfold to a roomy 15" x 18" x 7" size (an XL tote also is available, as are two handle length options). These bags not only are particularly handy for toting heavy items that sometimes rip through plastic or paper, but there’s something about their tactile richness that makes them, well, unforgettable. After countless frustrating market runs where I've realized - as I'm standing at checkout with groceries and babe in tow - that I left my plastic bag stash in the car, I have yet to forget to tote my minusbags with me.
Want to be one of two winners to receive a minusbags tote? Here’s how:
Whether you’ve just started reading labels, or already are committed to organic produce and natural foods, you’ll likely find inspiration to fuel your family well in Food to Live By
Want to be one of 5 winners to receive Food to Live By? Here’s how:
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Books, books, and more books: Healthy Bump has raves for Easy Labor. One Chic Mama finds inspiration in I Love You More and Joy Is the Greatest Gift. And Clever Parents offers a fun idea to get those Christmas classics read and slow down with your family.
Your little yogi or yogini deserves better than typical yoga mats made of PVC (a plastic material containing toxic additives). Luckily, Lotuspad has you covered; their nontoxic, eco-friendly yoga mats offer great cushioning, excellent traction, and chic styling. The 48” mat is perfectly pint sized, and the 66” mat can be used by teens and adults under 5′8″. And for easy transport, Lotuspad offers a variety of fabulous grosgrain ribbon carry straps that are doubled over for stability and perfectly finished with Velcro fasteners. Laurel loves toting her yoga mat around, and the mats have served well in mommy-preschooler tandem, as well as on a recent frigid day when Laurel and two friends went bonkers practicing yoga and “light gymnastics” on the mats.
Want to win a Lotuspad mat + strap? Here’s how:
It’s amazing how the right little details can make all the difference. Despite our regular use of cloth napkins, Laurel oddly showed a tendency towards our party stash of paper napkins…until Fabkins hit the table. Offering excellent inspiration for budding eco-enthusiasts, these cloth napkins are available in a cheery variety of themes and fabric pairings; each set includes five perfectly-sized-for-kids napkins featuring a different embroidered patch design. An excellent means to reduce waste at home and at school, these napkins also include a convenient nametag label on the reverse.
Want to be one of 2 winners to receive a set of Fabkins? Here’s how:
As joyous an occasion as baby showers are, the novelty of opening layette basics and other necessities wears off quickly. For a gift that undoubtedly will boost any baby shower with a heartfelt round of “aww’s!” check out the fashionable and functional layette bouquets by BabyBlooms. These gorgeous, artfully assembled pink, blue, and neutral toned bundles include flower buds rolled from an assortment of baby socks, hats, bibs, and onesies, interspersed with silk flowers and foliage. We especially love that the garments in their Natural Cream Bouquet are made from 100% organic cotton.
Want to win a BabyBlooms Natural Cream Bouquet? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “BabyBlooms” in the subject) and name another type of gift product available at BabyBlooms. Worldwide entrants welcome!
If you – like pretty much every parent I know – need help losing your lunch rut, check out the Laptop Lunch System, which offers the physical structure and information to encourage balanced, eco-minded eating. Including a lead-free case, bento box tray, water bottle, utensils, and nutrition/recipe guide, the 4 colorful bento boxes (+ sauce/dip container) remind you to include a mix of food groups, offer flexibility (remove boxes to make room for a larger item), and are dishwasher safe, making reusability and waste reduction a breeze. Offered in four styles (shown, Whimsical), this system works for adults and kids alike (for kids, you need not fill every container depending on your kid’s eating patterns).
Want to win the Laptop Lunch System (Whimsical)? Here's how:
Today, Sharon reports on safe driving techniques that families (especially those with new drivers) could benefit from:
“In late September I traveled via Boston Mamas to the GM Proving Grounds in Michigan to test out the GM 2008 lineup. This was a new trail blazed for this road warrior (who fancies sneakers over wheels), but I discovered parallels between the two transport modes; that a little knowledge goes a long way in taking advantage of safety features.
Continue reading "Re-Inventing the Wheel: Putting Safety First" »
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Goods & Giveaways: Next time your little one hurts themselves, try the Boo-Bunny ice pack, recommended by Healthy Bump. One Chic Mama reviews Vincent pre-walkers. Visit Classy Mommy to win a pair of stylish fall shoes from Stride Rite. And MomFinds is offering a giveaway of two tees from Tiny Revolutionary.
You can’t go wrong gifting new parents with diapers. Reader Sharon from Henderson, NV wrote in with this tip on gifting diapers with style: “I just got [a Diaper Cakewalk diaper cake] for my friend's baby shower and it was just too cute! Everyone at the baby shower raved about what a cute idea it was, and most had never seen one before. I got the pink and brown one with the Burt’s Bees products. It smelled great, and my pregnant friend loved it; she got everyone's picture taken with the cake. This is my new go-to baby gift for pregnant friends and family!”
As fun as Halloween will be with a preschooler who loves dress up, I am dreading negotiating the candy bonanza. And while it will be difficult to control what lands in Laurel’s bucket, I plan on managing intake on our end by preparing a good dinner before trick or treating, and by passing out alternative goodies (thanks for the lead, Moms’ Buzz!). If you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, Michelle offers a few spooky party recipes (lower in sugar and fat than typical recipes), as well as a tasty inspiration to recycle your pumpkin after the fact.
Next time you’re browsing the beverage aisle, consider this mojo-laden beverage, recommended by Sharon:
“What’s fizzy, savory, and sweet at the same time, has a pungent smell, yet is totally addictive? It’s Kombucha, a Chinese tea that is left to stew for 30 days to get its mojo running (time helps the tea cultivate active enzymes). This drink dates back to ancient Chinese culture, and also has been imbibed by Russian czars and yogis; the drink aids digestion and metabolism via ginger, fruits, and minerals, and provides antioxidants to support the body’s fight against cancerous agents. The Multi-Green – one of my favorites - contains Spirulina and Blue-algae, which promote cell integrity and are used in anti-aging remedies.
Babies need help easing into downtime, and we love the innovative styling of the new Downtime Sleepy hat. During waking hours, this super soft, breathable 100% organic pima cotton cap keeps baby’s head cozy; when it’s time to wind down (or stay down), the fold-down “sleep mask” blocks out light and distraction. The cap edging is perfectly shaped for little noses and the closed eyelash embellishments signal to the world that your baby is down for the count (i.e., not available for poking and prodding).
Want to win a Downtime Sleepy hat? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Downtime” in the subject) and tell us your favorite Sleepy hat color. Worldwide entrants welcome!
We recently contracted our first family cold of the season and in the miserable middle of it, Laurel and I found great fun and relief in California Baby’s Colds & Flu Bubble Bath
We at Boston Mamas are of a decidedly green persuasion; today Kate reports on a fabulous shop in Cambridge that adheres strongly to an eco-modern philosophy:
Laurel and I loved baby wearing, but we stalled out once she outgrew little pouches, bigger slings, and the Bjorn. We bought a baby backpack, but Laurel was heavy and I just couldn’t get the pack to sit comfortably and distribute the weight properly. If only I had known about Beco at the time.
Designed by sailor, rock climber, and baby wearer Gabby Caperon, Beco baby carriers are compact, ergonomically designed, washable, fabulously stylish, handmade in a fair trade facility, and workable in 5 carry positions (cradle, front, hip seat, hip carry, back). We absolutely love this carrier, and one of our mamas shares her extensive Beco experience today:
Last month, we wrote about how much we love the eco-minded, efficient, and economically oriented Get Clean Starter Kit (see our review), so we're thrilled to report that Shaklee - our September featured contest partner - is giving away one of these amazing cleaning kits (valued at over $150) to one lucky entrant! Click here to enter to win. This contest closes at midnight on September 30, 2007, and is open to US residents. Good luck!
Some storage accessories are so pretty that they inspire order. Moonrock Paper’s products fit that bill, and with tree-free, eco-friendly construction at that. For today’s birthday contest, one lucky winner (US entrants eligible) will receive a ribbon tied storage box from the Moonrock Cosmopolitan Dots collection (photo shows style, but specific product is not shown); the winner may choose either green with pink dots, brown with pink dots, or blue with brown dots. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Thurs., Aug. 30) the answer to the following question: Name a location where you can buy Moonrock products.
Whether it’s due to planetary or personal health concerns, the introduction of a pure little newborn, or a combination of these factors, I’ve seen a lot of families and friends go green when it comes to food and household products. So on the latter, I’m thinking that the amazing Get Clean Starter Kit is going to be my new go-to housewarming, wedding, baby shower, or I-love-that-you-want-to-save-the-planet-too gift (didn’t I just write today about loving clutter-free, consumable gifts?).
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Cool Finds: One Chic Mama features an eco-friendly solution to make school lunches (and work lunches) a little more green. Classy Mommy’s latest favorite portable diaper changing pad is the Plush Pad by Ah Goo Baby. MomFinds is giving away the HP Presto Printing Mailbox, a printer that lets family members without computers or Internet access receive email updates and digital photos from loved ones.
We generally prescribe to the notion that, so long as you put a nutritious, balanced meal in front of your kid, your job is done (i.e., you can’t actually force vegetables down your kid’s throat; see our post on picky eaters). Still, ever since Laurel caught on to my game of sneaking minced veggies into sauces or other dishes and started pulling all bits of green matter out of her food, I can’t help but periodically wish she’d take to greens veggies better.
Despite being an excessively organized person who had plenty of time to pack (I went to 42 weeks), my hospital bag was embarrassingly ill stocked. Not only did I fail to pack cute, spirit-bolstering transition clothes for the leaving-the-hospital photos (I still cringe about the fact that I left the hospital in the same maternity track pants I arrived in…), but I forgot to pack other important toiletry basics and much needed self-care/relaxation products. Part of this oversight was due to general cluelessness; part due to the fact that I was busy over-packing Laurel’s bag with an excess of coming home outfits and other unnecessary gear.
Being an informed, label-reading consumer can be tough work, especially with a restless babe in tow. Today, Sara Cabot comments on fat and sugar content in plain and fruit yogurts after sleuthing it up at Whole Foods:
“I was standing in Whole Foods the other day with another local vendor who makes frozen yogurt. He was touting his wares by promoting the ‘low fat’ property of his yogurt. I asked him about sugar content and after reading the label we realized that his product had less sugar than other ice creams and especially sorbets on the shelf. I told him that this was an important fact that he should talk about too.
I’ve marveled before about the cool hub that Jamaica Plain has become; and this Boston neighborhood even has it’s own organic baby boutique, Hatched. For today's birthday contest, one lucky winner (local residents eligible) will receive a $25 in-store gift certificate to Hatched. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, July 17) the answer to the following question: Name one of the many brands that Hatched carries.
For a fun outing with the kids, some quiet time on your own, or an alternative to the typical coffee break at work, consider this idea from Sharon:
“Summer brings an array of beautiful fruits and vegetables. If you lack yard space or the time to garden, but want to involve kids in the process of appreciating and picking their own produce, try visiting a local farmers’ market [click here for MA listings]. You don’t need to travel far or deal with unmanageable hoards waiting for a hayride. All you need is an appreciation for being outdoors and the feet to walk from one kiosk to another to see what hand picked items are available that day. I went to one of these markets last week and was pleasantly surprised to see fresh seafood, homemade cheeses, and craft items being sold alongside produce, beautiful wildflower bouquets, and potted herbs. Shopping these markets supports local farmers and impacts the environment by reducing the use of fuel required to ship items from far away.”
One of the challenges of traveling with kids is the limited bathroom access factor. During our recent vacation (see Car Travel With Kids), we relied on backup diapers for day adventures where we knew public bathrooms would be scarce or completely disgusting, and we were really happy to tote CleanWell, a natural hand sanitizer, for quick clean up before snacks on the go.
We’re not wild about typical hand sanitizers due to the chemical factor, so CleanWell was a very happy recent discovery. Offered in spray (with a flip top lid) or wipe format, this sanitizer is free of alcohol and synthetic chemicals yet kills 99.99% of germs using a blend of thyme and other essential plant oils. We also dig that the wipes are biodegradable; they’ll break down in sewage and are suitable for composting. Click here to shop the product line.
Ever since reclaiming the ability to take a shower (following those early, consuming days of newborn care), I relish days where I have enough time to properly indulge in yummy bath products (not to mention a good shave).
And in the vein of yummy, check out the deliciously eco aware body care by Two Green Cents. Donating two cents of every profit dollar to environmental causes and green initiatives, TGC offers a collection of natural, plant based body products free of animal testing. Their terrific line of rejuvenating, hydrating body washes is formulated from all vegan essential oils, extracts, shea nut butter, and aloe vera (try the tart Heart & Solar Lemongrass and the sun kissed Hot Enough For You Sweet Orange). We also love the summery, fruity pop of their beeswax-based Global Balming lip balm line. You just might want to pick up more than one flavor because once your kid gets a whiff, they’ll want a part of the lip smacking eco action.
UPDATE: Just for Boston Mamas readers; use code TGCBOSTON at checkout for a FREE lip balm (random flavors)!
If you’re looking to simplify your shopping routine and enjoy a variety of organic groceries delivered to your doorstop, check out Boston Organics. Reader Jude from Medford (a happy Boston Organics customer for almost four years) wrote in with high praise for the Weekly Box service. The variety of produce encourages her family to try new foods, and her kids even see the delivery box and shout “fruit and veggies!” (she can’t guarantee that as a result for everyone, of course…).
Box options start at $27 and can include fruits, vegetables, or a mix of the two delivered every week or every other week. And if you have allergies or aversions to certain produce, you can request to not have them included in your produce box. Boston Organics also recently has added a variety of other grocery items to choose from, including bread, chocolate, and dairy. Click here to see their delivery areas.
If the day-to-day chaos of parenting has left you longing for mindful reconnection, consider this tip from reader Joan from Southeastern Mass. Joan recently discovered The Organic Mom, an independent, ad-free magazine published in Massachusetts, whose net proceeds benefit environmental education and hunger relief programs. The Organic Mom’s pages - printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper with soy ink – offer a community forum where the stories, art, and poetry of all age groups can come together (click here for writer & artist guidelines).
Unusual in its ad-free format, The Organic Mom is sustained by subscriptions ($29 print or $16 digital for 4 issues), grants, and donations. You also can opt to buy one print or digital issue if you’d like to peruse prior to subscription.
Continuing on the inadvertent vein of multi tasking workouts: I’ve been on a bit of an eco bender recently, particularly disturbed by how much biodegradable waste ends up in our trash. A while back we looked into urban composting but were overwhelmed by the contraptions and logistics; so we were thrilled when our neighbors invited us to join in their “slow & lazy” composting. Yesterday I tidied and turned the compost, which ended up being a great whole body workout (read: I hurt all over today). I was so inspired by the simplicity of their method that I asked our neighbors to write up their how to:
Preschoolers love helping out, so this morning, in anticipation of tomorrow’s rain, I engaged Laurel to help prep our first garden; she jumped right in with her bucket and shovel to scoop and dump. It didn’t take long for me to turn the soil and Laurel wanted to keep digging, so I brought out a lawn chair and book. It was almost embarrassingly luxurious to enjoy the fresh air, read, and periodically chat about bugs and stones with Laurel while she shoveled away.
Whether you have a little square of yard or indoor pots, try a gardening project with your kids. Yes, it can get messy, but it’s a fun way for them to experience nature, and I’m hoping (but not holding my breath…) that Laurel’s investment in the project might translate to veggie consumption. For those of you interested in joining in…we actually have next to no experience gardening, so we're trying peas, radish, and beets; all allegedly easy to grow in New England. Also, I have heard that you often get what you pay for with cheap grocery seeds so we picked up our seeds at Pemberton Farms in Cambridge. As for process, other than tilling the soil and waiting for rain, we're just going to follow the directions on the packets and hope for growth.
Laurel recently declared that she "wants to wedding" her preschool BFFs (both girls). No doubt the son of one of my mama pals will be crestfallen if this transpires, but if Laurel does decide to start a same sex family some day, I’ll happily direct her to the progressive designs by Tiny Revolutionary.
Launched last month, Tiny Revolutionary’s collection includes tees and onesies (infant through 4T) that celebrate modern family configurations (e.g., same sex parents, families with adopted children), and make pointed yet playful statements about issues such as the environment, animal rights, and war. Their hip, colorful designs – such as Two Mommies, One Love (shown; $23 tee) – are printed on sweatshop-free, super soft, Pima cotton. This forward thinking company also works towards change by donating $1 per item purchased to children's charities.
New Englanders love to talk weather, and for parents, each season requires different techniques to protect kids from the elements. Fall and spring keep us guessing about cool or warm weather clothing, winter requires obsessive bundling and lotioning, and the summer – which we got a taste of this past week – requires increased attention to skin protection.
To survive summer bugs and boo boos, consider ZenMomma’s natural skin care products for kids. Their Mane-Event hair gel and No-Fly Zone bug spray include natural oils and extracts concocted to repel bugs. The hair gel also includes lice deterring rosemary oils, and the water-based bug spray is free of DEET or other synthetic insecticides. Our favorite of their summer collection is the Bye Bye Boo Boo herbal salve (shown; $12.50). This award winning salve serves to soothe cuts, abrasions, chapped lips, diaper rash, and insect bites. Laurel wore shorts for the first time earlier this week and soon had her first scraped knee of the season. Every day since, she has asked for her “boo boo salve” for her scrape, as well as for any other bump, bruise, or stubbed toe she has incurred.
ZenMomma is offering our readers a 10% discount (applied following receipt of your order) + a free gift using code BOSTONMAMAS.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:
Cool Finds & Bargains: Learn more about Boon’s funky stuffed animal organizer/chair
Cool Candy: Check out Friday Eye Candy: TV Hotties (from MamaPop), and the report on Shiloh Jolie Pitt’s first legal battle (from Celebrity Moms)
Cool Organics: Peruse eco-friendly organic finds for babies and Earth Mamas (from SheFindsMom), luxurious Erbaorganics products for mother and child (from One Chic Mama), fun Earth Day activities and crafts (from Clever Parents), and the organic, early bond between a father and son (from Babyfaces).
Good things can happen when Daddy stays home.
Live as of last month, stay at home dad inspired Sandbox Threads offers an impressive collection of funky, retro/vintage graphics printed on 100% cotton sweatshop-free tees and onesies. Among the Future Activist designs, we love the groovy, colorful promise offered by the Peace Baby Circle design (shown; $18.95).
Sandbox Threads’ designs can be printed on a variety of hip ringer tee/onesie color combinations in sizes 3 months – 6T. Word on the street is that they are thinking about offering adult sized shirts in the future. Let’s hope so.
With a curious preschooler on our hands, more often than not daily interactions typically evolve into behavioral lessons. This week the folks from Saturn came to pick up the VUE hybrid we test drove for Boston Mamas. Laurel’s repeated inquiries about why the green car would be gone by the time she got up from her nap evolved into a conversation about sharing, and how our turn with the car was up. Here’s our review of the 2007 Saturn VUE hybrid, first addressing general then mama related priorities:
As the parents of one child, it’s easy for us to espouse the virtues of small cars. But driving the VUE hybrid SUV was pretty luxurious in comparison. The elevation and lateral space felt roomy and safe, and strangely enough, the actual footprint of the SUV wasn’t that much bigger than our sedan. The adjustment to driving the car thus was surprisingly quick, with the exception that I had difficulty getting a sense of the vehicle length and figuring out by the mirrors how much room I had in back. So I largely avoided tight parallel parking situations (and I should say that I typically don’t shy away from parallel parking, having learned on a behemoth woody wagon).
Third grade was arguably my favorite of the elementary school years. I adored my teacher, my desk was right across from my huge crush, and music became a big part of my life through learning violin and being introduced to the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Never was the collective power of music more evident than when our class got to rock out to this classic during music time.
Now you can celebrate this song and teach your kids about green living with Barefoot Books’ Whole World
A lot of interesting and unexpected things have happened since I entered the world of online publishing, but it’s safe to say that yesterday’s events topped the list thus far. It’s not every day, after all, that someone deposits a shiny ride in your driveway, hands you the keys, and cabs off to the airport to fly back to the location from which the car originated.
In my capacity as the publisher of an eco-conscious parenting blog, General Motors has loaned me a Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV to test drive for a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for the usability report; meanwhile, we’re clearly already in trouble. When Laurel and I took a spin this afternoon she said, “I like my new car.”
My sister-in-law Estelle, an avid recycler who has played a large part in keeping Laurel dressed via hand-me-downs, passed on word about an amazing consignment event in Albany, NY. Yes, this stretches our loose definition of “local,” but readers in Western MA, NY, and even bordering VT and CT could make the trek easily.
Pass It On is a twice-yearly consignment event where you can sell your children's outgrown items and shop for new and gently worn items at bargain prices. The March consignment period has passed, but the event - with over 400 consignors - is open to the public tomorrow through Saturday. And keep you eye on future dates; consignors, volunteers, and first time parents get special shopping windows. Estelle also said that the organizer is thinking about hosting a similarly organized sale in Boston. Keep your eco fingers crossed!
Pass It On Sale at The Albany Academy, 135 Academy Road, Albany, NY
The seasons are, blissfully, officially about to change, and no doubt your child’s wardrobe is due for some spring cleaning. It’s the perfect time to check out the fresh designs of Little Lark.
Based out of Portland, Oregon, Little Lark’s collection includes a variety of designs, most of which show clear inspiration from nature. Designs are letterpressed onto note cards, or are hand silk-screened onto snuggly soft, sweatshop free, 100% cotton shirts, onesies, pants, and hats (for babies and toddlers; big kid and adult sizes are forthcoming). Onesies and shirts also come with a gift-ready, reusable muslin bag that adds to the rich, organic feel.
With plenty of snow and ice still on the ground, the spring promise of the Geese Tee (shown, $24-$26) is especially welcome.
Here’s a great tip from my fellow eco-mama Kate. For elegant, earth-friendly bags and reusable bottles, check out ReusableBags.com. Among their lunch bag collection is Kate’s eco chic Mimi the Sardine bag (shown, Modern Berries; $19.95). This machine washable cloth bag is 100% lead-free, made of eco-friendly, safety tested acrylic coated fabrics, and is insulated.
One challenge of passing the initial solid food dabbling phase (where its more about exposure than quantitative intake) is how to provide a variety of nutrients to accommodate tapering off of breast milk or formula, while dealing with your baby’s limited interest windows and tummy size.
Plum Organics offers an excellent solution for busy parents. In addition to their Real Smooth starter fruit and veggie purees (for babies 6 months and up), their More Texture collection (for babies 9 months and up) includes all-in-one meals well balanced to cover the basic food groups. Thoughtfully composed options such as the Chicken Whole Grain Pasta (organic chicken, carrots, peas, and whole grain pasta) and Red Lentil Veggie (organic potatoes, carrots, corn, and red lentils) pack a nutritional punch; sweet finishes include the Banana Peach Rice Pudding and Pears & Apples. Available in the freezer section of local retailers nationwide; from $2.89 to $3.49.
The parenting journey thus far has made it clear that little people have passions. Laurel and her friends have long shown fierce devotion to certain areas of play and expression, whether it is art or song or books or trains.
Now you can express your child’s passion via YoonKids, a collection of hip, customized wall art suitable for babies to tweens. YoonKids allow for the ultimate expression of kids’ passions and diversity; choose a themed kid (e.g., girl drummer), background color, hair and skin color (hooray!), and canvas size. YoonKids currently are available in girl designs; the boy line is forthcoming. Other collections include the Yoonies, an endearing series of chubby, wobbly critters (pick a character, background color, and size), and the Silhouettes line, which features classic imagery - such as the gorgeous, vibrant Bird Tree (shown) - styled with modern graphics in cool color palettes.
Every now and then duplicates of Laurel’s play clothes make their way to our laundry (a classmate’s clothing, sent home accidentally from school), and I let out a collective sigh for the convenience and commonplaceness that the mass clothing market provides.
Achieving individuality is not a problem at Nixie Clothing, where designer Nicole Frobusch has created a line of mostly one-off, boho chic children’s clothing (ages 1-8) made from 100% recycled wools and vintage cottons. The butterfly dresses (wool with vintage scarf sleeves) and leg warmers (knits and lace) make for an especially unique presentation (shown).
Coping with soiled diapers and clothing is the bread and butter of early parenting, and eco-minded parents will be happy to have Diaper Baggies in their arsenal. These disposable zip lock bags are made of recycled plastic, take up virtually no space in the diaper bag (especially compared to wads of leftover grocery bags), and offer an environmentally conscious, odor-trapping means of discarding dirty disposable diapers, or transporting soiled cloth diapers or infant clothing.
Available at HappiBaby.com, each package includes 40 Diaper Baggies ($5.49, 8 x 8", they’re currently offering a buy 2 get 1 free special); giraffe and flower designs are available and additional designs are in production.
These days, environmentally conscious parents have ample cause for concern about the world our children will inherit. Lucky for us, amazing artisans committed to stylish sustainable design are working tirelessly for parents and the environment.
Lilipad Studio offers a stunning collection of children’s hand-painted furniture that is eco-friendly from start to finish. Furniture is built using FSC-certified responsibly forested hardwood; each piece then is intricately painted using non-toxic, no/VOC paints, and finished with three coats of a low-VOC sealer to render durable, easy-to-clean heirloom quality pieces.
Lilipad’s totally green collection currently includes table and chair sets and step stools; toy chests and toddler beds are forthcoming. We especially love the warmth and elegance of the Butterfly Rhapsody collection, which includes 10 1/2" step stools (shown; two-step stool; $300) and table and chair sets ($1100; $300 per additional chair).
Baby/kid t’s seem to be the canvas for artistic expression these days. And a new standout is Blirt, whose collection for little ones (sized 6 months-8 years) reflects hip graphic renderings of figures of speech (shown; “fish out of water”; $25). These groovy, gender-neutral t’s are eco-friendly (made from 100% organic cotton using non-toxic dyes and a water based silk screening process) and come in ready to gift packaging.
Blirt’s current inaugural collection is petite (3 designs), but they are rolling out a new line of designs come early March. We got a sneak peek at the graphics, which pop with color and cleverness; we're eager for the collection launch this spring.
Boston is replete with college students, and as such, whenever we put used furniture on the curb for removal, we often wager bets on how long it will take for items to disappear. I used to live near Tufts University and one day when I was hauling an old rug out on trash night, a couple of students actually snapped up the item before it even hit the ground. I love this mode of recycling, which collectively saves on college student expenses, sanitation crew back strain, and landfills.
Yesterday evening, community recycling appeared to take on a new level when we put out our Christmas tree and it was gone within an hour. There were tons of trees out yesterday but perhaps ours got scooped quickly because it was completely bare and bone dry (i.e., ready to go from curb to fireplace), and we’re thrilled that the tree will fulfill another use.
Boston and Cambridge have formal notices about Christmas tree recycling (trees collected curbside during the first two weeks of January are composted); otherwise, check with your town’s Department of Public Works about tree recycling or yard waste collection dates, or completely strip your tree before you put it out in case firewood recyclers hit your neighborhood.
Typically, it’s tough for me not to love anything that comes trimmed with fabulous ribbon, but IsaBooties soft-soled baby shoes are truly praise worthy. IsaBooties come in a delicious palette of colors and coordinating trims for boys and girls ages 3 - 18 months (shown, Chocolate Fleurs, $24), and we give these 100% animal-product free kicks top marks over their leather soft-soled counterparts.
Why? IsaBooties are machine-washable and dryable, but unlike leather shoes, the buttery soft suede uppers won’t fade, shrink, or crack, and the material is durable, breathable, and resistant to scuffs and stains. The soles are constructed from a patented durable grip material that is non-slip in wet, dry, warm, or cold conditions, yet retains a soft and flexible feel that is perfect for new walkers.
We enjoyed the cute designs of leather soft-soled shoes when Laurel was learning to walk, but after a handful of launderings her shoes looked cracked and weathered and came out of the dryer stiff as a board. IsaBooties will be our shoe of choice on the next go 'round.
When I first saw Focoloco’s motto, “…think of us as the garish, orange life vest saving you from drowning in a sea of pastels,” I knew I was going to like what they had to offer.
Focoloco’s designer/owner Suzy Helme has created an array of groovy, unusual designs (shown, “Bus Friends”) for spunky babies and kids (0 - 6 years). Based out of Western Massachusetts, Focoloco’s designs are incorporated into a selection of 100% sweatshop-free regular and organic cotton onesies, t’s, bibs, and hats (products range from $9-22). And Focoloco’s commitment to cool colors extends beyond their graphic designs; most products are available in natural, or in one of four eye-popping, hand-dyed colors (fire engine red, grassy green, plum blossom, electric blue).
Cloth diapering isn't difficult (laundry aside...), but the variety of products and options, and even the basic “how to” associated with some of those products and options, can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, Joanne Sarkar, owner of Zannadu Cloth Diapering Solutions (an online retailer based out of Framingham), is running a free cloth diapering workshop this Saturday, November 4, from 10:30am to 1:00pm in the Community Room at the Morse Institute Library in Natick. You can check out, and learn how to use, samples of every major brand of diapers stocked at Zannadu. Products won’t be available for purchase, but if you are interested in seeing a particular item before purchasing from the Zannadu website, e-mail Joanne and she will bring along a sample.
Pre-registration is not required, but an e-mail indicating your attendance would be appreciated.
I wish I had known about Little Lettice when Laurel started solids and was unwilling to eat jarred food (i.e., she had developed a distinct palate for homemade food). Founded and run by Boston-area mother of four Sara Cabot, Little Lettice offers a wonderful line of organic fruits and vegetables for babies and toddlers; produce is carefully selected and recipes are homemade in small batches then frozen in 4 oz containers so you can have a stockpile of homemade goodness at your fingertips at any time.
We recently tried Little Lettice's Purely Apples (suitable for kids of any age), made from apples from Hutchins Farm in Concord, Massachusetts; the flavor was fabulously fresh and the texture smooth with a full richness leagues apart from grainy commercial applesauce. Laurel fired back the entire container and begged for more!
Little Lettice products are available at South End Formaggio (Boston), Debra’s Natural Gourmet (West Concord), Fresh Pond Market (Cambridge), and now at the Whole Foods Market at Fresh Pond (Cambridge). Drop by Little Lettice’s first tasting at Whole Foods tomorrow, October 24, from 9am to 12pm. Click here for the November tasting schedule.
It’s hard to imagine where we would be without plastics, but the Sigg Kids Bottles
Your babe loves rooting around in the recycling bin, so why not encourage this green perspective by engaging in a hunt for craft supplies? Kids Craft Weekly offers craft ideas for toddlers and preschoolers, with an eye towards incorporating everyday household items or recyclables into imaginative, budget-friendly projects. This week’s theme on Pigs will leave you with a litter of eco piggies, and your babe oinking for more.
Your little cupcake will look good enough to eat in this super cute Organic Baby Gift Set ($48, shown in cupcake) from Red Envelope. Earth friendly from the inside out, the 100% premium organic cotton bodysuit, burp cloth, and bib set comes packaged in a recycled earth-tone craft box.
Choose from cupcake, monkey, sweet pea, or peanut motifs; comes in one size (6-12 months).
What’s not to love about Global Girlfriend? This online fair trade boutique offers unique handmade items made by women's non-profit programs and cooperatives worldwide. Proceeds support a host of women’s organizations, including Rosie’s Place in Boston.
Global Girlfriend offers apparel and accessories, jewelry, gifts, and décor items. A great pick is the Bold Silk Cosmetic Bag in pink and orange ($12). Made from 100% silk, this bag is handmade by a Southern Indian fair trade group that provides sustainable employment, competitive wages, as well as free meals, health care and education for employees and their children.
While I love trundling around little boutiques on foot, sometimes one stop shopping is the way to go. Boston area mama Jeniphir Taylor-McIntire, a sales consultant for Natural Family Boutique, recently pointed me to her online store.
Natural Family Boutique offers eco-friendly products to support families from conception to weaning. The site offers Haba toys (my favorite toy line, period!) and apparel for babes, indulgent jewelry, spa, and home items for mamas, and lots of products for new parents (breastfeeding, baby care, and cloth diapering supplies, pregnancy, birth and postpartum products, books & CDs, slings). The site also offers resource material on breastfeeding, pregnancy and birth, nutrition, parenting, natural living, and activism.
Host a mama’s night out NFB party with Jenipher and get discounts and freebies along the way. Send Jenipher an email to find out more.
UPDATE 8/15/07: Sadly, Natural Family Boutique has closed its virtual doors. Please visit our category links to the left for more fabulous toy, gear, and pregnancy resources.
Order Minimalist Parenting via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell's, or your favorite local bookstore! And be sure to watch the trailer!
