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May 7, 2008

GreenPan

greenpan.jpgAs 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:

Continue reading "GreenPan" »

May 6, 2008

Growing Up Green

growingupgreen.jpgToday, 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.

Continue reading "Growing Up Green" »

April 28, 2008

Green Works

greenworks.jpgAs 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:

Continue reading "Green Works" »

April 23, 2008

Detox Your Home Boston

method1.jpgI 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.

Continue reading "Detox Your Home Boston" »

April 22, 2008

10 Green Tips

earth.jpgI 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:

Continue reading "10 Green Tips" »

April 17, 2008

Just Call Me Maven

method.bmpSomeone 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.

Continue reading "Just Call Me Maven" »

April 15, 2008

Inspired Knits

totoknits.jpgMamas 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:

Continue reading "Inspired Knits" »

April 14, 2008

Fiddlehead

fiddlehead.jpgAs 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!

Continue reading "Fiddlehead" »

March 24, 2008

Do Good With Dropps

dropps.bmpIf 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:

Continue reading "Do Good With Dropps" »

March 12, 2008

Green Inspiration

neflower.jpgTicketed 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.

March 3, 2008

Fight the Tide

greendimes.jpgI 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:

Continue reading "Fight the Tide" »

February 19, 2008

Freepeats

freepeat.jpgIt 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.

January 16, 2008

Sakura Bloom

sakura.jpgIt’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:

Continue reading "Sakura Bloom" »

January 14, 2008

Cuckoo for Coconut

sumbody.jpgCoconut 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:

Continue reading "Cuckoo for Coconut" »

January 9, 2008

Bamboo Blankies

satsuma.jpgNo 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:

Continue reading "Bamboo Blankies" »

January 2, 2008

Green Resolution

minusbags.jpgIt’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:

Continue reading "Green Resolution" »

December 18, 2007

Food to Live By

foodtoliveby.jpgWhether 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. Created by the founders of Earthbound Farm, Food to Live By is an excellent general cooking resource, covering all the major meals and categories via clear instructions, helpful cooking tips, and resplendent photography. Also included are demystifying notes on everything from selecting produce to USDA organic certifications. We’ve enjoyed easy-to-make classics (apple bran muffins) and classics with a twist (an herbed turkey loaf that cleverly embeds a layer of spinach and arugula), and next plan on trying ethnic favorites (such as lamb curry).

Want to be one of 5 winners to receive Food to Live By? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Food to Live By" »

December 14, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_40.gifAnd 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.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

December 13, 2007

Lotuspad

lotuspad.gifYour 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:

Continue reading "Lotuspad" »

December 10, 2007

Fab Eco Find

fabkins.gifIt’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:

Continue reading "Fab Eco Find" »

November 13, 2007

A Boost for Any Baby Shower

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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!

November 7, 2007

Losing Your Lunch Rut

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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:

Continue reading "Losing Your Lunch Rut" »

November 5, 2007

Re-Inventing the Wheel: Putting Safety First

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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" »

October 26, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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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.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

October 24, 2007

Give the Gift of Diapers

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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!”

Continue reading "Give the Gift of Diapers" »

October 23, 2007

Negotiating the Candy Bonanza

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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.

October 17, 2007

The Power of Kombucha

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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.

Continue reading "The Power of Kombucha" »

October 16, 2007

Get Down, Stay Down

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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!

Continue reading "Get Down, Stay Down" »

September 25, 2007

Fun & Functional Bubbles

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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. Like all products in California Baby’s impressive line, this bubble bath contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients (free of nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, dairy, or parabens) that are safe for babies, kids, and adults. California Baby also offers a number of products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Continue reading "Fun & Functional Bubbles" »

September 11, 2007

Shopping Green

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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:

Continue reading "Shopping Green" »

Baby Wearing With Beco

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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:

Continue reading "Baby Wearing With Beco" »

September 4, 2007

Get Clean Contest

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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!

August 30, 2007

Birthday Contest: Moonrock Paper

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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.

August 21, 2007

Get Clean

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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?).

Continue reading "Get Clean" »

August 17, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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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.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

July 24, 2007

Miracle Peas

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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.

Continue reading "Miracle Peas" »

July 17, 2007

Perfectly Packed

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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.

Continue reading "Perfectly Packed" »

Yogurt: Fat Versus Sugar

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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.

Continue reading "Yogurt: Fat Versus Sugar" »

Birthday Contest: Hatched

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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.

June 26, 2007

To Market, To Market

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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.”

Continue reading "To Market, To Market" »

June 20, 2007

Keep it Clean

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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.

June 4, 2007

Two Green Cents

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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