Eco-Babyz

Cloth Diapers Quick Tip by JadeLouiseDesigns

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:48:05 +0000

Love cloth! saves lots of money, saves on emergency trips to the store for MORE diapers, great on the environment, fun stylish designs that you can't get from disposables. We've had less leaks, less messy explosions and yes, even less diaper rashes.

Thirsties Diaper Pail Liner Quick Tip by JadeLouiseDesigns

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:45:15 +0000

Love love love! If you use Cloth diapers, you NEED this! Be sure you have 2 of them, so you have a second one to use while you are washing the first. We've had ours for 1.5 yrs. Still going strong. No rips, no signs of wear and tear at all. Never leaks. And easy to clean, just wash with the diapers and hang to dry.

Moby Wrap Baby Carrier-Moss Quick Tip by JadeLouiseDesigns

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:41:49 +0000

love the style and designs and different ways in which you can carry your child. They look amazing on thinner women but not so much when you are still carrying around a lot of the baby weight. I could get it wrapped around myself,; but the many layers only made me look like a balloon. I easily overheated with the added layered as we were in a hot climate at the time of my daughters birth. Great idea..just didn't work for us.

Baking Soda Quick Tip by JadeLouiseDesigns

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:37:50 +0000

a MUST have in our home. We use it all the time from baking to cleaning and Deodorizing. Plus always handy when it comes to kid's science projects. Definitely has helped keep the Cat Odor at bay in the litter box room

A Hippo Makes A Good Friend, Get A Littlest Tykes Tap-a-Tune Piano

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:16:47 +0000

When my wife and I had our last child, we thought since it was child number eight and they are grown up now, that we had every toy on the market. We are now purchasing toys for our grandchildren. But, as we strolled down the aisles of Toys "R" Us we found this particular "Little Tykes Tap-A-Tune Piano" on sale for only $15.99. It is a little bit larger than some of the other toys that we have at home. But, we thought as long as it was a learning toy, it would be well worth the money as long as it did its job that it advertised to do. We did not know what would happen when our grandchild saw this, being they are only six months old at this time, we were about to find out, when our grandchildren saw this particular toy their eyes just about popped out of their head. This was kind of nice seeing a toy that is very useful without having any lose parts hanging from the side of it, or needing any batteries to get it to do its job.

Description
This particular toy is a little bit larger than hand held toy that kids are usually used to playing with. The dimensions of this miniature activity Center is approximately 8" x 8" x 6" and only weighs about one pound. You will not need any AA batteries, because this does not need any type of batteries to get it going. This is a brightly colored child's piano, that looks like a piano with eyes in the shape of a hippo. This is are excellent for babies and toddlers, to keep their mind on just one thing, and that is playing with this toy so that you can get some peace and quiet. This has colored buttons or keys as I call them (blue, yellow, orange, and green) with corresponding colored metal plates. That when the colored keys are struck will make such a nice harmony or melody. This comes completely assembled inside of a box.
Features
This product will help your child develop to be able to play quite a few songs and melodies that will have your child dancing and bobbing their heads and humming and making all kinds of noises to the music. The activities that are centered around their motor skills and will exercise their memory. They will have to learn to solve things, how to push the colored keys. These particular colored keys will get the piano to help your child learn colors, and melodies. Once you see your child playing with this, they will want to stand alongside of this piano and drive you crazy with what they call melodies. You can either use this at a table for them to sit next to, or place it flat on the floor.

What to Do
If you were wondering, what you have to do with this. Well, I can say that all you have to do is purchase it, and stick it on the floor, in the middle of the room and watch your grandchild have the time of their life, as our grandchild did. If you wish, you could sit alongside them on the floor and help to teach them about colors and tunes because the buttons are different colors and all of their primary colors are on the keys. They will learn different colors make different tunes all just to start. You will be amazed at how many hours that your child will sit alongside this thing or even scoot around the floor to play with it.

Learn or Not to Learn
It will depend on you, whether or not your child wants to learn, if you make a game of it. This will help your Child learn to pick out the basic colors with the matching notes. If you help them this will also teach your child to count and learn their ABCs with different songs that you sing with them. This toy is recommended for children six months and older. I can honestly say that when my grandchild was three years old, they still got into playing with this. One of the most important lessons that we have probably learned about this toy, is the fact that when our grandchild started to crawl and climb, that is the time that they can learn to hit on this piano. Of course, they would try to climb on top of this and sit on it, so that it's time that you might have to remove it from the floor. This is a very durable toy and easy to clean, but I would not recommend letting them have no food or drinks around it, because there are so many small crevices that this stuff can get stuck down into, and that might not be very sanitary for the child, you can't get it totally cleaned up. This can take a beating because our grandchildren are continually carrying this around and dropping it, but it continues to play.

This not only helps your child sound out notes, it will help in learning phrases to the different sounds. This will help in all fine motor skills by the pressing motions that your child will have to make while playing with this toy. Your child will get the new discovery and begin to explore all different notes and then reacting to play them. This will play all different notes that your child will enjoy by hitting the right colors and you will notice how your child will react to different colors, and this will make their eyes light up with joy.

Conclusion
Now that our child has grown up and we have gotten all of its use out of it, our grandkids now play with this. I would highly recommend this toy, but what I would like to see this toy, come down a little bit in price. It is a little bit of a steep price, this has still been the same price throughout all the years that I have seen them in the store. But, if you look at how long it lasts and what it will do for your child, it is worth the money. This is very sturdy and made totally a plastic, with the exception of the metal bars that produce the tunes. We have even taken this on trips with us, because there are no removable parts, it will fit in the trunk or in the back seat very easily. This may drive you a little crazy if you are on a long road trip and you will have wished that you should have left this at home. Our grandchildren have enjoyed this thoroughly throughout the years.

Help Your Child Begin Their Life With A Vtech Learn and Discover Driver

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 18:05:16 +0000

When my wife and I had our last child, we thought since it was child number six, that we had every toy on the market. But, as we strolled down the aisles of Toys "R" Us we found this particular V-Tech Learn and Discover Driver on sale for only $14.99. It is a little bit larger than some of the other toys that we have at home. But, we thought as long as it was a learning tool, it would be well worth the money as long as it did its job that it advertised to do. We did not know what would happen when our grandchild saw this, being that he was only six months old at the time, we were about to find out, when our grandchild saw this particular toy his eyes just about popped out of his head. This was kind of nice seeing a toy that is very useful without having any lose parts hanging from the side of it.

Description
This particular toy is a little bit larger than hand held toy that kids are usually used to playing with. The dimensions of this miniature activity Center is approximately 6" x 16" x 23" and only weighs 3 pounds. I recommend that you get a slew of AA batteries, because it will take three AA batteries to get it going. This is a brightly colored activity Center that has a big yellow steering wheel mounted in the center. These are excellent for babies and toddlers to keep their mind on just one thing, and that is playing with this toy so that you can get some peace and quiet. This makes a spinning and clicking noised and has colored location buttons. There is a moving or sliding car and a sliding mode selector. This also has a gear shifter which everybody will love and a flimsy so called turn signal, that they can flip from side to side, and it will decide which way that they are turning. This comes completely assembled inside of a box. Plus, the batteries (two AA) of course are included.

Features
This product has several activities and quite a few songs and melodies that will have your child dancing and bobbing their heads and singing and humming and making all kinds of noises to the music. The activities are centered around their motor skills and will exercise their memory. They will have to learn to solve things, how to push, pull, turn, open, and close, and even flip a switch up and down. This particular switch will flip the activity center to help learn animals, colors, and numbers. Once you see your child playing with this, they will automatically want to stand alongside of this activity center. You can either use this at a table for them to sit at, or place it flat on the floor.

What to Do
If you were wondering, what you have to do with this. Well, I can say that all you have to do is purchase it, and stick it on the floor, in the middle of the room and watch your child have the time of their life as our child did. If you wish, you could sit alongside them on the floor and help to teach them about colors and because the buttons are different colors and all of their primary colors are on the keys. They will learn up and down and how to spin, roll, slide, and open things, and this is all just to start. You will be amazed at how many hours that your child will sit alongside this thing or even scoot around the floor to play with it.

Learn or Not to Learn
It will depend on you, whether or not your child wants to learn, if you make a game of it. This will help your Child learn to count one to 10 and all of the basic colors. This will also teach your child to count and learn their ABCs in different languages. This toy is recommended for children six months and older. I can honestly say that when my grandchild was three years old, they still got into playing with this. One of the most important lessons that we have probably learned about this toy, is the fact that when our grandchild started to crawl and climb. Of course, they would climb on top of this and sit, so that it's time that you might have to remove it from the floor. This is a very durable toy and easy to clean, but I would not recommend letting them have no food or drinks around it, because there are so many small crevices that this stuff can get stuck down into, and that might not be very sanitary for the child, you can't get it totally cleaned up.

This not only helps your child sound out animals noises, it will help in phrases and different sounds. This will help in all fine motor skills by the turning and pressing motions that your child will have to make while playing with this toy. Your child will get the new discovery and begin to explore all different noises ant then reacting to them. This will flash with different colors and you will notice how your child will react to different colors when they make them light up.

Conclusion
Now that our child has grown up and we have gotten all of its use out of it, our grandkids now play with this. I would highly recommend this toy, but what I would like to see this toy, come down a little bit in price. It is a little bit of a steep price. But, if you look at how long it lasts and what it will do for your child, it is worth the money. This is very sturdy and made totally a plastic. We have even taken this on trips with us because there are no removable parts, it will fit in the trunk or in the back seat very easily.

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 15.00
Type of Toy: Baby Toy
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months

Whole Foods Market Quick Tip by BaronSamedi3

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 15:32:47 +0000

I love the food they sell here and I'm very fond of the idea. What a shame the prices will break the bank. Also, would it kill Mackey to make Whole Foods more established in the national eye? I just moved to Buffalo, and the closest Whole Foods is in Toronto - a 90-minute drive which only people who have passports can make! The most accessable without a passport is a four-hour drive, in freaking Pittsburgh! Big waste of energy to make trips like that!

Maternity bathing suits for every taste

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 14:54:54 +0000

Being pregnant through the summer immediately made me think of what I'll be wearing at the beach and the lake. Sure, I probably could wear my two piece, but I don't know how comfortable or decent I would feel. I was very excited to review a Pez D'Or swimsuit from their new collection. With the last pregnancy I only started showing in August, so I was only at the beach once with a tummy that was barely visible. This time I'm already 4 months pregnant in June, so this is perfect.

I received a size small, unfortunately the bottoms were too big for me. I wasn't surprised considering all swim wear bottoms are usually too big on me. Most people wouldn't have that problem, I just happen to be tiny on the bottom! The top though is perfect, it is designed in such a way that it is really flattering no matter how tiny or big you are on top. It has a perfect, adjustable fit and looks great on a pregnant tummy. Actually it looks so good I would not hesitate to wear it not being pregnant as well! It is extremely comfortable, I even anticipate wearing it as a top for walks with my toddler throughout the summer because the coverage is not too much and not too little - I do like to get a smooth tan. Pez D'Or swimsuits are a little more expensive than your average swimsuit, ranging between $80 and $160. You can also steal one for about $40 to $60 on Zulily during their summer sales (one just ended yesterday!). In return you get high quality, unmatched styles, and a swimsuit you'll love wearing even after pregnancy.

The color is so gorgeous, reminding me of breezy beaches and warm ocean waters. There are also a ton of different styles to choose from, in any color you wish. Pez D'Or has one of the best maternity swimsuit selections I have ever seen, be sure to take a look.

Enter to win a Pez D'Or maternity bathing suit (pictured above) in your size at Eco-Babyz ($150 value). Ends 9am 6.30.2011.

For all of you that are not pregnant, they have also made a new line of swimsuits for Anthropologie! They range from $80 to $158. Here is what's available:

Affordable and stylish maternity clothing

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 14:48:57 +0000

Pregnancy clothing is really expensive considering you wear it for such a short time, isn't it? I can find a non-pregnancy shirt for myself for $10, but a pregnancy shirt will be nowhere close in price. Dress? Forget about it, I can't buy a maternity dress for $80, nice as it is. That's where Kiki's Fashions comes in. Affordable maternity clothing and stylish to boot. You can buy a few pieces for the entire pregnancy without loosing your whole wallet.

I received the Turquoise Printed Short Sleeve Maternity Dress for review. Right now it is on sale for $23.99! A great deal for a light, flattering, summer maternity dress. It is short enough to be worn as a tunic with leggings but long enough to wear on its own. The V-neck is a bit deep for me, but it looks great with a white tank underneath. It is great for everyday but can be dressed up for special occasions. It also comes in black and yellow if turquoise isn't your color. Not to mention they really have a dress, top, and bottom for every taste and figure.

Enter to win a $25 gift card to Kiki's Fashions at Eco-Babyz! Ends 9am 6.30.11.

Here is a little sampling of the great styles offered:

Perfect for pregnancy, anemia, and extra energy!

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 14:32:38 +0000

As I mentioned, I am so happy to go with a midwife for this pregnancy. Even just one appointment has already made a world of a difference. When I told her I am borderline anemic, she recommended Floradix Iron + Herbs. I was really excited when I contacted the company and they agreed to sponsor the June Pregnancy Shopping Guide.

They have sent me a generous six month supply of Floradix Iron + Herbs to last me through pregnancy. All I can say is, wow! What a difference! My daily prenatal multivitamins were already very helpful, but Floradix gives an extra boost of energy. The fact that it keeps me from getting lightheaded and fainting is awesome. Now I don't have to worry about fainting at the checkout counter at stores like I did with my last pregnancy. I still carry water with me everywhere, keeping hydrated keeps the lightheaded-ness at bay.

I have also noticed that when I do take it (some days I forget), I have more energy toward the end of the day. Instead of feeling drained I feel like I can still do a load of laundry and wash the dishes. We all know that this can make a big difference!

I like the way it tastes, though I imagine some people may not like it. It does taste very 'herbal', but not at all like medicine. I'll take this over any liquid medication any day! I also try not to take the second dose too late in the evening because it gives me too much energy and I have trouble falling asleep. I usually take it before breakfast and before dinner if it isn't too late (no later than 8 pm), I save lunch time for my prenatal multivitamin. At this rate, one 17 oz bottle lasts me longer than one month because I sometimes forget or skip the second dose of the day.

Best of all of course, is that it is all natural and doesn't contain anything synthetic, any preservatives, or questionable ingredients. Also, most iron supplement can you leave you uhm, constipated (which would be a big problem for me since I already have trouble with that occasionally). Floradix is completely non-constipating and that is a huge plus for moms, especially if you have had such a problem after giving birth before.

The price is a bit steep (you can find it as low as $35 for a 17 oz bottle), but consider it an investment into this new baby's health (and yours of course). Your money is better spent on this than a play yard or exersaucer for sure. Tell your hubby to skip the flowers and bring you a bouquet of Floradix instead! FLORA also makes a lot of other great products, we're already loving the Kinder Love Multivitamin that we'll be reviewing in the coming months. I also recently bought Udo's Infant/Toddler probiotics that we are using with success and quality that I know I can trust.

Floradix Iron + Herbs Giveaway at Eco-Babyz! 4 winners, open to US and Canada, ends 9am on 6.30.2011.

Quality bamboo clothing and bath products

Mon, 16 May 2011 21:27:43 +0000

I have recently been discovering the wonders of bamboo products. I'm in love with the way bamboo clothing feels on my skin. I also wanted to try some bamboo towels and Midori Linen is where I found a great selection. We got to try the Bamboo Hand Towels and the Bamboo Dishcloths.

I am really loving these towels. I hung them in both our bathrooms to see if my husband would notice. They feel very different, extremely silky. At first he was skeptical of how they would absorb, they didn't feel very absorbent. Now we both love them! It feels different from a cotton towel, takes some getting used to. I personally love the silky feel, luxurious look, and the fact that they are actually absorbent and anti-microbial naturally. The set of 2 towels is on sale for $20.00 right now.

The Bamboo Dishcloth is great for dishes, that's exactly where you want an anti-microbial material. Unlike sponges, this cloth will not harbor bacteria. It is gentle on dishes, yet very effective at cleaning. Definitely a step above any cotton or microfiber dish cloths. The set of 2 cloths is only $6 and will last you a while.

Midori Linen also carries some great bamboo baby products and adult bamboo clothing. A great one stop shop for all your bamboo wants and needs!

Enter to win $25 Gift Certificate to Midori Linen at Eco-Babyz, ends 5.27.2011.

Perfect for extending produce shelf life!

Mon, 16 May 2011 21:19:09 +0000

I don't know about you, but I throw out a substantial amount of spoiled produce. We are very careful about how much we buy and try to have minimal waste, but sometimes it just happens and I forget about that onion or the head of salad. Finally there is something to minimize that waste naturally! I had the opportunity to review BluApple, which keeps fruits and veggies fresh longer by absorbing the ethylene gas they produce in the zeolite packet within the apple.

I have been testing it out for two weeks in the produce drawers in my fridge and I'm happy to report that it works! To illustrate - we go food shopping every three weeks, on that trip I buy a head of cauliflower. Since it keeps from spoiling for a pretty long time, I usually prepare it during the second week after food shopping. I know that when I keep it till the third week it doesn't look as fresh and appetizing. So I put in the BluApple on the second week - when I normally would prepare it. I waited until the middle of the third week, took it out of the fridge, and it looked exactly as it did when I put the BluApple in! Normally I cannot keep it that long, it starts to rot. Of course it is best to eat things fresh, but we have to stretch out our produce supply for three weeks and this is doing the trick of keeping things fresh.

Some BluApple fast facts:

Each BluApple lasts three months in the refrigerator
BluApple is infinitely refillable
Active ingredient is registered with Organic Materials Review Institute
BluApple has the highest percentage of available reactant and the longest life per gram of any other ethylene absorption product
The spent zeolite can be placed in your houseplants or garden and will provide plants with trace minerals
A full years supply will cost you only $23.90 with shipping and may save about $600 a year in spoiled produce.

"The Bluapple is based on technology that has been used in ships, warehouses and trucks for many years to absorb and neutralize the ethylene gas buildup. The Bluapple does not release any gas or chemical at all, but only acts as an ethylene gas super-flypaper, constantly removing this harmful gas from your produce storage area. The Bluapple is not a "magic" pill, but a scientific, essential part of keeping produce fresh."

Win a BluApple 2 pack at Eco-Babyz! 3 winners, ends 5.20.2011

Indispensable healthy treat recipes for the whole family!

Sat, 9 Apr 2011 00:49:06 +0000

With summer approaching I am really looking forward to serving cold healthy snacks to my daughter and any kids visiting. For the most part because I've got my hands on Ice Pop Joy, an indispensable resource for nutritiously entertaining kids through the warm months (and any other time they ask for an ice pop). Anni Daulter always gets it right with kids nutrition, her book Organically Raised was also a hit with us. I never buy any sort of pre-made frozen treats because most of them are made with ingredients that can hardly be called 'edible'. Even organic ice cream isn't exactly good for you. With this book you can actually make really healthy ice pops with a nutritional punch and instead of feeling guilty you'll be feeling proud giving it to your kids (and the whole family).

(gorgeous sample spread above)

I honestly had no idea you could do so much with an ice pop! Yogurt and vegetables? Why didn't I think of that? The book is just brimming with recipes I can't wait to try once I officially get our ice pop maker. For now I really wanted to test at least one recipe even without the tools I needed. I decided to make the Goo Goo Ga Ga pop from page 65, I had the ingredients on hand. Apples, mango chunks, and Greek yogurt sound like a heavenly combination! I substituted the Greek yogurt with plain whole fat organic yogurt I had. I put the puree into plastic tumblers, the only thing I had on hand to make sort of an ice pop and I stuck gelato spoons in it once it froze half way. Really quick and easy to make!

After dinner we ate it so fast I forgot to snap a photo of my toddler thoroughly enjoying it. My husband loved it too, not to mention myself! I know what we'll be snacking on when warm weather rolls around. I also can't wait to try the Green Machine ice pop with spinach and the Peace Pop with carrots.

Win a copy of Ice Pop Joy at Eco-Babyz, 2 winners! Ends April 21st.

Organic baby clothing galore

Sat, 2 Apr 2011 15:30:22 +0000

I have had my eye on the incredibly stylish baby clothing line - Green Cotton. Funny how when you have babies you stop noticing the cute clothes for yourself and instead ogle the adorable baby clothes (me at least!). I am really thankful to the Vyssan Lull boutique for providing a Green Cotton Velvet Hooded Jacket for this review.

Just a word about Vyssan Lull first, their selection of the best non-toxic baby clothing is incredible. As you may know, the Europeans are way ahead of us when it comes to sustainable fabrics without pesticides, hence you will see a lot of European and primarily Scandinavian brands on the site. The likes of Roda Hund, Sture & Lisa, Maxomorra, Duns, and Gegamoja are there. They have a well stocked sale section to make organic more affordable.

Read to the end to enter to win your choice of item from the sale section!

Fit & Design: This jacket is just splendid, made exactly right for little girls. My favorite thing is that it is cut in such a way that it looks great even if it is a little big, which for frugal moi means baby E can wear it for several seasons! I wasn't sure of the Iron color, on the website I thought it was black. When it arrived I was pleasantly surprised by the dark plum/gray color. It isn't bright, so it matches nearly everything. The photo on the left above most closely shows the actual color.

Quality & Value: This jacket is something that you would find at an upscale baby boutique. It is very high quality and I can't even think of a well known brand that I can compare it to. The organic cotton is soooo soft. The Velvet Hooded Jacket retail price is $62, but it is on sale at Vyssan Lull right now for $44. It also comes in pink!

How is this green: Organic cotton is grown without pesticides.

Who would you recommend this to? For a sweet little girl who needs a versatile jacket to wear year round. A timeless piece that grows with the baby and matches any wardrobe.

Head on over to Eco-Babyz to win an item of your choice from the Vyssan Lull sale section!

Unique Eco boutique that sells great bamboo bedding

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:02:37 +0000

I think investing in feeding your family good quality, healthy food without chemicals is the most important step in green living. But if you can afford other things like healthier bedding, by all means go for it. I recently had the opportunity to review a Bamboo Sheet Set from Victoria Design Studio on Eco-Babyz.com and this was my first experience with pesticide untreated, hypoallergenic bedding.

Fit & Design: I washed the ecru color bamboo bedding before putting it on our bed. When I was taking it out of the washer and putting it in the dryer, I was really surprised at the paper like feel. I wasn't sure what to expect of them when they dried. I eagerly opened the dryer and saw that the dry sheets were luxuriously soft! As my husband and I were putting them on our bed, he mentioned how silky the sheets feel. I would say that they look like tightly woven cotton, but feel more like silk. I love sleeping on these silky soft sheets!

Perhaps the only thing that put me off about the product is the packaging (nothing to do with Victoria Design Studio). I expected Eco-friendly bedding to have something more sustainable than a stinky vinyl bag for packaging. At least the smell is gone after I washed them, but when I opened it I though I was going to faint.

Quality & Value: I have only slept on these for a few nights, so I can't say how they perform long term, wash after wash. But it appears to be a good quality set of sheets, even thought the thread count is only 250, perhaps because this is not the typical cotton set. The bedding set retails at $131, of course pricier than many sheet sets you'll find. Don't you just wish that things would cost less when there is less chemicals or pesticides on them? I'll say though - if you can afford them, they're worth the price for a healthier night's sleep. Plus because you're reading my review you can get $23 off your bamboo bedding purchase by using the code EB$23 ! Also, all the items on the site except the jewelry are currently 12% off.

How is this green: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that doesn't require pesticides to manage the growth. It is also naturally anti-bacterial, which is obviously a great quality for bedding that we use 24/7.

About the Store: Victoria Design Studio is once again a product of a woman's own experience. Victoria's journey to living healthy is very interesting and very much like many women and mothers I meet. That makes her passion that much more genuine and it makes it a pleasure to shop the carefully chosen items in her store.

Who Would You Recommend this to? The bamboo bedding is great for those suffering from allergies or if you simply want another way to minimize exposure to toxins in your home. And, uhm, if you have a hard working husband like mine, the antibacterial bit is a huge plus too!

UN-Sustainable!

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:09:26 +0000

Let me just start by apologizing to all devout-Trader Joe's shoppers. I know, I've been there.

In fact, I started shopping there more than 20 years. Very friendly employees, fun & colorful packaging, easy to handle and perfect for bachelor/ettes & college students, loooow prices, and kitchy titles on self-branded items.

But my boyfriend & I no longer patron them. This is why: Processed foods from far away places (talk about 1500 miles from farm to table; transporting foods is a huge source of global warming); loads & loads of packaging; heavy use of palm oil in every one of their desserts and other products (unless it specifies "sustainable certified", palm oil is the #1 reason for deforestation, esp in Indonesia where orangutans are going extinct); fake "dolphin safe" tuna from Indonesia (false labeling, only one dolphin safe tuna is guaranteed: http://www.earthisland.org/dolphinSafeTuna/consumer/); and harmful toxic products in nearly all of their beauty goods.

I've sent a letter about the palm oil, talked to more than 3 store managers at 3 of their W LA stores about packaging and toxic beauty product materials...but more customers need to speak up.

Trader Joes never claimed to be an eco-friendly store, but I think most of its shoppers would be shocked to find out just how Un-sustainable they are. I do wonder if they could use some guidance at their corporate office, e.g., a sustainability coordinator?

So until some effort's been made on their part to step green, we'll continue to use their hardy tote bags (made from non-organic cotton), but that's where our buck stops at TJ's.

Non-toxic rain gear to keep kids warm and dry

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:49:16 +0000

Rain gear without harmful phthalates and PVC can be hard to find. With baby E rapidly growing out of her first rain suit, I wasn't sure what she'll be wearing next. I was really excited to be contacted by Puddlegear to review their children's rain suits. We were sent the Olle Pants, Benny Jacket, and a pair of Waterproof Mitts for review.

Ease of Use, Fit & Design: They have thought of everything on these rain suits. The pants have adjustable 'suspenders', so that they can grow with your child. As they get too small you can even use the boot straps to keep them from riding up. The Olle Pants have heavy duty patches on the butt and knees for little ones who love to crawl in the dirt like my girl. For extra coziness, the jacket collar is lined with fleece. Perhaps the only thing I would change is adding a zipper on the coat under the snap poppers.

We ordered the size 90 for pants because she is on the short side, and size 100 for the coat. Their size chart is really easy to follow and shows both the height in inches and the weight in pounds so that you can figure out the European size to order. Baby E is two now and as you can see in the video and photos, this should fit her for at least a year, but most likely two years. It is big, but she is comfortable in it, so if you buy one size up you get a lot of life out of it.

Quality & Value: Look no further than Puddlegear if you really want the best rain gear for the kids. Yes, the price tag for the Made in Sweden quality is honestly more than I could afford, but I know some of you can. The Olle Pants are priced at $59 and the Benny Jacket is $60. They also have other styles, as well as a one piece rain suit for $115. The Waterproof Mitts are $27. This is definitely something you want to buy for the fist baby so any siblings can wear it after.

How is this green: Unlike most other rain gear available, Puddlegear will not off gas with carcinogenic substances and contains no phthalates and PVC. Sure, maybe the kids will not inhale it when they are playing outside, but as it hangs on the coat rack in your house, you are sure to get a nice dose of indoor air pollution that you will breathe in, especially if there is no substantial ventilation. The rainwear is certified by OKO-Tex, an ecological certification process that tests for over 100 harmful chemicals.

Who Would You Recommend this to? Kids of all ages who love the outdoors, rain or shine.

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The Organic Woombie

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 23:39:52 +0000

I am a grandmother who owns 2 websites. My first website was born because I am the grandmother of 2 preemies. The first was a little girl who was born at just 26 weeks and weighted just 1 lb 15 oz. As my inspiration, AvaBaby's was born. Preemies are very fragile, they have so much to contend with, let alone any harmful chemicals. So I look for organic products whenever I can to offer to our families.

Being that I am interested in doing my part to make our home greener, my next website was a natural next step where I specialize in organic, natural and sustainable clothing and accessories for babies 1st year. Enter, EcoBaby Chic Organics.

Recently I came across this really ingenious product that is just perfect for preemies, even those who arrived full term would benefit without a doubt. Newborns have a immature nervous system, and are prone to waking themselves up due to their own startle reflex. Add to that the fact that they have just spent the last several months in a cozy environment, where they were gently, but securely confined. Now if you are talking a preemie, all of that is magnified by their prematurity.

Needless to say when I found the Woombie, I thought this is a fantastic idea!! Even better that it comes in an organic as well! Simply put, the Woombie mimics the womb. It is made of a very soft stretchy fabric that will gently secure your little ones arms and legs, but still give them freedom to move about a bit. No more flailing arms due to the startle reflex. Less startling means more peaceful and longer sleeping periods which equates to, much more rest for mom & dad.

They are easy to get baby into with just a zipper and a snap at the top.

The reviews are outstanding and the Woombie has won numerous awards. Would love to hear how the Woombie has worked for you.

Food, Inc. Quick Tip by greengenerationny

Sun, 6 Mar 2011 01:28:21 +0000

read china study as well; both books are very informative as to why we need to radically change our diet for our own heatlh and health of the planet, as well as defang industrial animal abuse system

Something to make the parent's life easier

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 01:13:46 +0000

I wish I discovered Wupzey when my 2 year old was just learning to eat solids by herself a year ago! It would have made my endless cleaning a lot easier. Anything for a baby that you can just wipe and it looks clean, deserves a Nobel peace prize. Wouldn't you agree?

Ease of use & Design: Wupzey sent us a bib, smock, and floor mat for review. Now I'm sure if you have a baby, you have a few bibs. We do too. With stains all over. We got pretty bibs that aren't so pretty anymore. Wish I went with Wupzey from the beginning. After she eats, I just rinse or wipe it and it is clean, dry, and ready to use again for the next meal. Such a breeze. I love the generous sizing as well.

The floor mat we actually haven't used on the floor yet (maybe with the next baby). But it does fit perfectly on her children's table set as a table cloth! Protects from spills, scratches (a little too late for that now). If you have a small children's table, I highly recommend getting one of these, you will thank me later. We already have 'artwork' drawn on it with a pencil. The smock we have actually only used as a bib so far, not any art projects. I do wish it was a tad longer and provided coverage of the arms though.

Quality & Value: I love how durable these items are, they will serve us well and maybe even other families after us. The pricing is all very reasonable. The small bibs are are $4.95 and large ones (pictured on my 2 year old) are $5.95 (also sold in 2 packs). The floor mat is $11.95, and the toddler coveralls are $9.95 each.

How is this green: Wupzey products are non-toxic, and though they are waterproof, they do not contain any vinyl, phthalates, pvc, or bpa (material, think waterproof cloth diapers). As a mom I can certainly appreciate it!

About the Company: Started by a mom out of necessity - of course that results in the best of products! I love all their products. The high chair covers are neat, wish I had one to start with before we ruined the high chair with food stains.

Who Would You Recommend this to? For the moms who want some help with baby messes (cause let's face it, the dads are rarely the ones cleaning!). The food catcher, bib, and high chair cover are perfect for the messy infant learning to ~~play with~~ eat solids. A product useful from birth to age 5 and even beyond that (like I said, the floor mat is a great table cloth!).

Eco-Babyz readers get 20% off your purchase at Wupzey with code blogit !

Enter the Wupzey giveaway on Eco-Babyz, ends midnight March 17, 2011.

Trader Joe's Quick Tip by Clay_Miller

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:02:13 +0000

Here in Louisville we are being told a Trader Joe's is coming soon. With all of the great things I've read about it on here I'm looking forward to it.

Yum

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:47:48 +0000

A great choice if you want food without a lot of crap in it but don't want to pay crazy prices. Also, great selection of fairly priced wines. Love the honey moon, velvet moon...any of the moons!

Applecheeks Quick Tip by EcoMama

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:47:58 +0000

We really love our Apple Cheeks diaper. It is cute, trim, and extremely absorbent. We never have leaks with it on. The only thing, it leaves marks on my toddler at the elastic - and it isn't supposed to be small on her yet. She isn't even that chubby, on the skinny side. I've had to put it aside for the next baby since she doesn't like wearing it anymore.

Boiron Oscillococcinum for Children Quick Tip by EcoMama

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:41:15 +0000

Works great for prevention if you know you'll be in a crowd during flu season and also really good to take at the first onset of fever/chills. In our experience it stops the illness from progressing and makes it go away before it has a chance to get a hold of you (in 24-48 hours). Once you're really sick though, like a couple of days, it isn't as effective. This is something to have in your medicine cabinet all the time, because you don't want to go out and buy it when you're actually already sick!

Great first toddler bike

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:50:43 +0000

Baby E loves anything with wheels, just like any toddler. We borrowed a tricycle a few months back, but those pedals just kept getting in the way. I was really hoping to find her a balance bike for this spring so that she could learn freely without pedals. You should have seen my 2 year old's face when she saw the big box with a bike photo on it! She lit up like a light bulb! Thanks to CSN Stores we were able to try the Smart Gear Classic Wooden Bike.

We unpacked the box and it took about 5 minutes to put the bike together, it was really easy and intuitive, didn't even need the instructions (my husband did it). Since it is winter outside and snow banks abound, we tried it out indoors. At this point I can't say how it is for the baby to ride because my toddler's toes are about 1" from reaching the floor when sitting on the bike, she can't yet ride by herself and needs me to help her balance and not fall off. She is 32" tall, so keep in mind that this bike will not work for most two year olds under 33" - not that they don't grow fast, it will fit in no time. I really like that the seat is adjustable, so it will last us a while. It seems quite sturdy, not at all flimsy, even though it isn't solid wood, but something like pressed board. I like how the steering wheel is designed in such a way that you can't make a very sharp sudden turn which would result in a fall. It doesn't turn 180 degrees, but more like 120-140 maybe, which makes it more stable and great for learning. I really appreciate the handle on the frame that makes it convenient for me to carry.

The only thing I would change about it is lowering the frame even more so it would fit even tiny two year olds like my daughter. It would also be nice if there was something to put the feet on when gliding on the bike. Of course that in no way takes any points away from the function of the product.

I fully intend to post an update when she actually learns to ride this thing in the spring. If it is April and I still haven't posted it, ask me!

Disclaimer: I was given a gift certificate by CSN stores for the purpose of acquiring this product for review.

High quality wool products for baby and even something for your gadgets

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:53:46 +0000

Living in a home on a concrete slab in the Northeast of the U.S. can get quite chilly, especially in the winter months. It's beautiful in the summer and keeps our home cool, but in February you don't want to be caught barefoot on our tile kitchen floor or laminate living room floor. I really wanted to find baby E some slippers that wouldn't make her foot sweaty and weren't synthetic. I was really excited to find Supernana! For review, we were sent a pair of hand made wool baby slippers and a wool iPod sleeve from their sister company - Laptop Tailors.

Fit & Design: The design of the supernana slippers is very simple yet genius. The elastic on the front makes them really easy to put on, yet they stay put without slipping off. There are also non-slip grips on the bottom, it is very rare that baby E slips in these, unless she is tip-toeing. My favorite feature by far is just the material itself, which makes these slippers superior. Whenever she wore synthetic slippers her feet would always be sweaty and damp, now they are warm and dry in cozy wool! The only thing that would be nice to change about the slippers is the seams on the inside, they are pretty thick. Though I have no idea how that could be done, and I'm sure it would add a lot more labor to the process. My baby doesn't mind them at all, but they may not work for kids with sensory issues.

The iPod sleeve is just as genius. I don't actually own the gadget, but I gave it to my sister in law. The iPod fits perfectly and snugly right inside the sleeve. When you buy one you specify the exact gadget you have so that it fits perfectly. Keeps it from scratching and protects it in case of dropping.

Quality & Value: When I first saw our nearly new hand me down polyester slippers I knew they would wear out fast, sure enough in just half a year they were 'holy'. No chance of that happening anytime soon with the Supernana slippers. They are solid felted wool and will last a while, definitely longer than they will fit baby E. They'll be passed on to siblings for sure, hence I chose the gender neutral natural gray color. The wool felt slippers cost 21.95 €, which converts to about $30.06. You would get the most bang for your buck if you buy this for your first baby and use with any subsequent ones as well. They can be worn year round by the way, not just in the winter. The wool keeps the feet from sweating no matter what the temperature. They also carry many other cute styles, by the way, in a similar price range. Letterbox sized packages are shipped free, larger packages are 5 € within Europe and 10 € for the rest of the world ($6.85 and $13.70).

The LaptopTailors handmade sleeve for the iPod is equally of high quality construction. It retails for 9.95 €, or $13.63 - with free worldwide shipping. You can also get one for an iPhone sleeve at the same price, iPad for 29.95 € ($41.02), and MacBook for 44.95 € ($61.56). You can also get a custom size.

How is this green: Supernana and LaptopTailors products are made of highest quality pure new wool that's Oekotex certified. A renewable resource! Made in Europe by fairly paid women.

Who Would You Recommend this to? Whether you need baby/child slippers, a non-toxic rattle, a baby sleeping bag, a mohair baby beanie, OR a gadget sleeve for yourself - Supernana has you covered.

Delicious, organic, and closest to homemade

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 03:11:24 +0000

I have four feet of snow outside with ten foot snowbanks. In the past sixteen years of living here north of Boston this is perhaps the snowiest winter of all! I can't remember a January with a major storm every week. So what do I love to eat when the weather is frightful? What can be better than a hot cup of soup?! While I make my own soup every week and find it to be a very economical lunch, we can all be short on time once in a while. That's the perfect time to whip out some Fig Food Co. ready to eat or condensed organic soups.

Fig Food Co. generously sent us a variety of their soups to try. We haven't tasted all of them yet, but we definitely like what we taste!

Ease of use: No chopping, no dicing, no boiling. Just shake, open, pour, heat, enjoy! Now who wouldn't like that kind of convenience? Yes, you can get the same with a regular can of soup - but with questionable ingredients, pesticides, additives, and not nearly as great a taste. This is the perfect meal for my husband to take to work if I didn't have time to make something. With a slice of my homemade bread it is a complete meal.

Quality & Nutrition: I think you already got the point that this is very high quality food that is healthy and nutritious. Speaking of nutritious, just one cup of the Gran Farro e Fagioli soup gives you 36% of the daily dietary fiber, 25% vitamin A, and 10% iron among other things. There are only 200 - 260 mg of sodium per serving. It is a 100% plant based soup suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

How is this green: Avoid pesticides by buying organic and support local farmers through Fig Food Co.'s commitment to sourcing ingredients from North American farms. A huge plus, the container is BPA free, unlike nearly all canned soups out there!

Taste: Every ready made soup I have ever tasted was over-salted. Not in this case. Fig Food soups are lightly salted and seasoned and have a very pleasant taste after which you will not thirst for a gallon of water. Try it, I think you would enjoy the wholesome, smooth flavors and aromas. It is very filling as well, not watered down.

About the Company: "Fig Food Company is poised to address three of the most pressing issues Americans face today: health care, fossil fuel independence and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Eating more plant-based food, as a percent of your total diet, will improve your health and the health of the planet. Organic agriculture requires 19 percent less energy than conventional agriculture for comparable production. In addition, encouraging people to eat more plant-based food can help reduce the proliferation of greenhouse gases and improve the environment, as current animal agricultural practices are responsible for 18 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, a higher share than the total transportation industry."

Who Would You Recommend this to? Great for vegans and vegetarians since the soups are 100% plant based. This is perfect for busy moms who sometimes don't have the time to make a wholesome meal. Perfect to take hot to school or work in an insulated food container (my husband enjoys that). I enjoy it as a quick lunch when we're pressed to leave the house quick for a trip. It can travel well too (day trips, camping) and you don't need special tools to open it!

This book easily reaches the level of Wow

Tue, 8 Feb 2011 23:51:10 +0000

Have you wondered why there seems to be an epidemic of serious childhood illnesses, like cancer, asthma and birth defects, in America? It has a lot to do with the huge increase, over the past 50 years, of toxic chemicals dumped into the environment. This book gives the details.

There are a number of towns all over the country, ranging from Dickson, Tennessee, to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Toms River, New Jersey, suffering much higher than normal numbers of severe childhood illnesses. Each town just happens to also contain a large industrial plant that handles lots of toxic chemicals. Are the illnesses all "isolated instances" or "just one of those things?"

The authors say that the CEOs of the major chemical companies are not evil people who deliberately want to poison innocent children, but profit is most important. It is very hard to prove, absolutely, that a particular case of asthma or cancer, for instance, was caused by chemicals from a particular industrial plant, though the circumstantial evidence is pretty strong. The chemical companies use that uncertainty to delay the paying of any fines or cleanup costs.

Scientists-for-pay are willing to say what the chemical companies want them to say. The evidence is not conclusive and more study (read: delay) is needed. Washington is no help. Through lobbyists and campaign contributions, it has been made clear to members of Congress that bills to add new regulations are to be watered down or defeated. Only a few of the thousands of chemicals in the environment have been tested at all. Those tests have been very short-term, and have looked at adult exposure to chemicals. The level of toxicity for children and fetuses is much lower.

What can a parent do? If you plan on having children in the future, adopt a healthy lifestyle. Get proper amounts of vitamins and minerals, starting today (men and women). If you already have children, let them play outside and open the windows in your house for at least a few minutes a day (to let out any built-up toxins). Stay away from pesticides and dry cleaning, buy organic food as much as possible, buy furniture and flooring made from solid wood instead of particleboard, which is treated with formaldehyde. There are also plenty of websites to visit with safer alternatives to everyday items.

This book easily reaches the level of Wow. It is very easy to read, and is quite an eye-opener for all parents and parents-to-be. This is highly recommended.

Only the softest and purest next to baby's skin

Fri, 4 Feb 2011 05:52:39 +0000

Organic cotton clothing can be pricey. I generally don't buy any for myself or my daughter unless I find a really good deal. Why even bother? Well, because conventional cotton is grown with insane amounts of pesticides. Not only can this affect your health, but it is a source of pollution for our water and what not. Not to mention the toxic dyes used on cotton clothing. I'm not even going to go on explaining why synthetic materials are not good.

I've discovered a great small company that makes organic cotton baby clothing called Bungalow BeBe. Their prices are a little more affordable than many other organic clothing makers. Their selection of boys and girls clothing is really unique and adorable.

Quality & Value: The quality of Bungalow BeBe clothing is apparent the moment you see it in person. While it is hard to tell online, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed! My husband commented that it is sooooo soft, unlike most conventionally grown cotton. This is definitely something to be passed on and worn by more than one baby.

We received two pieces of clothing for review, both great on either a girl or a boy. The Organic Cotton Pajamas are priced at $32.00 and the Long Sleeve Tee is $19.99.

How is this green: A baby's skin is 60% thinner than the skin of an adult and is therefore more susceptible to absorbing potentially dangerous chemicals used to produce clothing. Bungalow BeBe clothing is produced without any fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, or chemicals, which results in less harmful byproducts that can be absorbed, and is therefore believed to cause fewer allergies and respiratory problems.

Fit & Design: We first tried on the pajamas on our night cloth diaper, the way we would normally wear it. Because it is a little bulky, the size 2T pajamas didn't quite fit. Baby E just turned 2 and she only weighs 23 pounds, so she is smaller than most two year olds (she still wears mostly 18 month size clothing). We then tried it on with a trimmer cloth diaper and it fit a little better as seen in the photo. This is the biggest size offered. It has short sleeves and since we keep our thermostat at 65 degrees and it is a whopping 13 degrees outside tonight, she will not be wearing it anytime soon. Since it will not fit in the spring I think we'll save it for the next baby because it is just too soft, adorable, and great for either girl or boy. So if you're interested in the pajamas, based on our experience I suggest getting at least a size up, especially if you use real cloth diapers.

The size 18-24 months Long Sleeve Tee that's just as luxuriously soft fits well, just the way I thought it would on my tiny two year old. It will be perfect to wear this spring through fall. I really appreciate this neckline because it makes it a breeze to put on, unlike more shirts she has. I also like the length that's long enough to be tucked in. My only suggestion would be to have printed tags on the shirt instead of the sewn on one, she didn't really like how it felt. Then again, you would have to find non-toxic inks to print with and it is a whole different process, but it's a suggestion. I definitely disagree that blue is for boys! It looks gorgeous with her eyes!

Company: Bungalow BeBe was started by a parent who was looking for affordable, non-toxic clothing for the baby. The passion of the well-being of children combined with the owner's dream of owning a business turned into Bungalow BeBe.

If you are interested in making a purchase, see the link above the review .

Wow. If You WANT to Know, This Film Will Inform You.

Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:28:33 +0000

I tend to avoid constant streams of news because the flow of bad and dark overwhelms me and makes me feel hopeless. I can't watch the endless commentary on why people do some of the hideous things that they do, or how our world is becoming more and more hostile. So the fact that I generally love documentaries surprises e.

Food Inc was one I put off for a very long time. I'm not naive - and maybe that's why I did put it off - because I know just enough. But seeing is different than knowing.

Super Size Me and King Corn of two of my favorite documentaries. Food Inc both picks up where they left off and becomes the missing piece of the puzzle.I expected to be challenged and horrified by Food Inc, but I didn't expect to be as moved as I was.

Some of the statistics and facts presented are staggering. Animals housed and fed to become the end product that are so heavy that their legs can't hold them, diseased animals tossed into the meat mix, A semi-solution that is not taken wherein the cattle being fed a different diet for days could kill 80% of the e coli bacteria. Farmers carrying debt of a half million but making a mere 18K a year. Larger corporations refusing to make statements or appear on camera. Those are almost enough to paint a compelling picture of serious issues.

But there's more....the family who eats dollar hamburgers from a fast food outlet based on budget restrictions of both time and money. This same family is shown in the grocery store lamenting the $1.29 per pound price tag on broccoli and when a daughter looks longingly at pears, they are weighed and rejected because $.99 price tag per pound would only buy them two or three pears. However, pop was cheap. The father was diabetic. The mother explained that $260.00 a month went to his two diabetic medications. They had to make a decision between food that might make them all healthier and medicine to keep him healthy.

Then there was the political activist who became one when she lost her small child to e coli from tainted burger.

I could go on but I won't.

If you are concerned about what goes into your mouth, and the mouths of those you care about, you need to look further into America's food supply and Food Inc could be a good starting point.

Whole Foods Market Quick Tip by EcoMama

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 05:08:07 +0000

Though Trader Joe's is my grocery store of choice for afford-ability, on a recent stop at Whole Foods I couldn't help but notice two things. First, it isn't as expensive as I previously thought. Most staple organic items that aren't processed or micro-packaged are priced about the same as even a regular grocery store. This may be due to the fact that conventional foods are not immune to inflation lately and organic food are leveling out and became more mainstream. Second, I loved their "I'm local" labels on select items. It was easy for me to find some great products from Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts (that's where I am). The organic chicken was actually cheaper than Trader Joe's, so I do see myself coming here on occasion since there is one much closer to my house.

Ecobubs Quick Tip by EcoMama

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 04:42:22 +0000

This diaper is amazing! There was a busy day I somehow skipped a diaper change and my toddler wore it for 8 hours during the day without a leak and a perfectly dry and clean bottom - the diaper was really heavy when I took it off! That was with just one insert :) So imagine how perfect it is at night with two.

An absolute must-read for parents who care about their child's socialization and education

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:51:44 +0000

"Once upon a time, all children were homeschooled. They were not sent away from home each day to a place just for children but lived, learned, worked, and played in the real world, alongside adults and other children of all ages" - Rachel Gathercole

You don't even have to be interested in homeschooling to read this book, though that's a plus. I think any parent remotely interested in the social development and education of their kids needs to read it. Don't worry, it is painless - very quick and compelling read. I think it would immensely benefit publicly schooled children and their parents as well. It would also be interesting for anyone in the education field.

I received this book for review from Mapletree Publishing Company. There is a good chance your public library has it, mine does! I needed my own copy though simply because I am so thrilled that I want to share it will all my mom friends and pass it around, they are a lot more likely to read it if I hand it to them.

I thought I knew quite a lot about what homeschooling is. I thought I knew a lot about public school too. After reading this book I realized I didn't know that much. Whatever I knew was mostly misunderstood. Especially in the aspect of socialization. While superb academic achievement is not a secret in regards to homeschooling, socialization is always that one stumbling block both for supporters and opposition to homeschooling. Rachel Gathercole's book puts all those concerns to rest and then some.

I realized that homeschoolers flourish because of the type of socialization available to them, not in spite of it. That was a pleasant revelation. It is a common misconception among those who never homeschooled and do not know any homeschoolers personally, that these poor children sit home all day hunched over a textbook at their desk. Perhaps that describes the 1% of the two million homeschoolers. Those are the ones that hated homeschooling. The other 99% are completely different. They are normal children with very rich social lives. They are generally very free because they are not enslaved by school culture of cliques, bullying, ostracizing, and peer dependence. They don't have to pretend, they can be themselves and choose their own friends instead of being limited to whoever is in their class or school.

Now, in the same fashion of this book, I would rather just share some quotes from real homeschoolers and their parents to drive the point home. The book is full of these quotes woven throughout (about 30% of it), which makes it that much more real than just 'theory'. That's A LOT of quotes, you don't have to read them all, but it was really hard to choose just a few - so I didn't skimp!

1. "Basically we started this journey for political, social, and educational issues (we were cocky enough to think we could just do it better), and in the last four years it's evolved into a way of life we'd never trade that has given us amazing flexibility to let the children be involved in a variety of activities, spend more time with their father whose non-traditional work schedule we can work around more easily, and learn at their own pace and in their own way. I can't imagine how anyone could hope to meet the needs of thirty-plus different kids who have nothing in common but age, but I admire those who try!" Lori, homeschooling mother of three, Las Vegas, NV (p.17)

2. "We've just completed two years of homeschooling. We defy categorization. We use Saxon math. I teach history, writing, grammar, critical thinking, and geography through literature. To complement all this, we participate in a secular homeschool co-op. Simply, we homeschool for academic and social reasons... Succinctly, we have a life - a rich life that is not defined only by government school, its homework, and social constructs." Jane, homeschooling mother of two, Minnesota (p.20)

3. "I am not currently a homeschooling mom, but I hope to be. I am not so interested in doing it for religious reasons as for educational and philosophical reasons - one of those being positive socialization with people of all ages, not just socialization with their peer groups. I am also interested in raising independent thinkers who aren't concerned about going along with the crowd and with the popular, consumer society just in order to fit in." Amy, Clayton, NY (p. 29)

4."I was astonished to see all these children happily playing outside in the sunshine in the middle of the day. And more intriguing than that was what I observed when I listened to them interact with each other and with the adults. They were open and articulate, kind and respectful, funny, and enjoyable to be around. This was definitely news to me. As a person who was conventionally schooled my entire life - from age two to twenty two - I had never pictured that such things would, or even could, be going on in the world during school hours." Rachel Gathercole (p.2)

5. “The things that homeschoolers miss out on [for example, football games, passing notes in class, and riding the bus] are so insignificant compared to the things that school kids miss out on – time with their parents, the chance to love learning, fresh air and sunshine, a free childhood.” Zach, homeschooling father, Hillsborough , NC (p. 124)

6. “I felt I had made an unfortunate discovery during my experience as a teacher – that the system is not set up with the children’s best interests as heart. I had to deal, on nearly a daily basis, with an administration, federal laws, and even senior teachers who thwarted my efforts, time and again, to attempt to make things better for my students. I didn’t want my children put in a situation where they would be seen not as individuals with unique strengths and needs, but as a part of a larger unit, seen perhaps as a liability or benefit to the organization. I also felt very strongly that no child should be trapped in a school building, the same room even, for so many hours each day. The deleterious social climate that can develop among thirty pupils of the same age was also a concern to me.
          That said, please know that I do not doubt that there are some truly fantastic teachers out there making a difference in kids’ lives. I just wasn’t willing to put my kids through a twelve- plus year experiment in hopes of running into one or two of those teachers!” Chris, former public school teacher and homeschooling mother of three, Michigan (p. 141-142)

7. “You do have to function at a level so that you can maneuver in our society, and of course there’s no bad effect of homeschooling on that. You’re still living your life; you’re just not doing it in a classroom. You’d have to live alone in a box or something like that to not learn how to maneuver around in society.” Christine, homeschooling mother of one, Durham, NC (p.35-36)

8. “I realized that those two hours of homework I was helping her with each day all those years, that was me homeschooling. We sat down and figured out how much work we were doing at home… What life do they have when they spend all their time in class and doing homework?” Elizabeth, homeschooling mother of two, Raleigh, NC (p.41-42)

9. “I have more time with my friends now than when I was in school. In school, even though they kind of wanted you to make friends, you didn’t really have that time with your friends, like you could get in trouble for talking you’re your friends instead of working. After school you have to do like an hour of homework, and then you usually eat dinner and go to bed. Now we have time to play with our friends when we come to the [homeschool] play dates or when we go to their house or they come to our house.” Ricardo, nine-year old homeschooler, Chapel Hill, NC (p.51-52)

10. “Socialization: this is something that everybody asked me about. I would say, “You don’t understand. Being homeschooled doesn’t mean that you don’t spend time with other children.” When you look as a classroom situation, it’s very controlled. What opportunity do children have to socialize? Only recess, which is about fifteen minutes a day, and lunch. If that’s the kind of socialization that’s available, I’m not interested. School kids get socialization by playing after school, joining clubs like Club Scouts, [and so on], the same way homeschoolers do. It’s not like homeschoolers never see another child. I just don’t understand where that comes from.
          Don’t they understand that this is part of education, too? It’s more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. It’s how you behave toward other people” Norma, homeschooling mother, Big Flats, NY (p.53)

11. “I liked homeschooling a lot better than school. It was a lot better because my mom knew me and how I learned, so she was able to help me learn the way I learn. It also gave me a lot more free time because you can hurry up and finish, and you don’t have to wait for everyone else to finish. And when you’re done, you can get up and go. Not like in school, where when you’re done, you have to wait for everyone else.
          I had friends in my sports activities. I had lots of friends. All the kids that I played sports with were homeschooled. I had more closer friends before, when I was homeschooled. Now, in school, there are friends, but not as close.” Sebastien, twelve-year old, formerly homeschooled for three years (p.53-54)

12. “I don’t have the desire to go to high school – not after seeing it – because the classes are like forty-five minutes long. If I want to do math at home I do it for like an hour and a half, and I accomplish more one on one than in a large group. Also, the kids don’t really want to learn and just wait for class to be over. No, I just haven’t had the urge to go to regular high school.” Julian, fifteen-year-old homeschooler, Katonah, NY (p. 203)

13. “[My thirteen-year-old daughter] has a lot more good friends now – true friends who are kind to her and care about her – than she ever did in school.” Montie, homeschooling mother of one, Alamance, NC (p.54)

14. “She spends way more time with friends now than she ever did when she was in school, unless you count sitting in a classroom next to twenty other kids as social time, but I don’t. When she was in school, she would occasionally have people over and she would certainly play with kids nearby in the neighborhood, but now she’s not limited to weekends or the time span between 3:00 and 7:00 at night that she can see her friends. So I think she spends a lot more time with kids her own age now than she ever did in school – really spending time, not just sitting in a classroom.” Christine, homeschooling mother of one, Durham, NC (p.55)

15. “The logic of throwing a kid into an environment with other kids who have been selected by no other criterion than that they are the same age defies me. Homeschooling allows kids to select their social network in a fashion similar to that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. My kids select their friends because they have similar interests and goals first, not because they’re the same age and have desirable labels on their clothes.” Jane, homeschooling mother of two, Minnesota (p.59)

16. “I’m thirteen and have been homeschooling since I was about ten or eleven. Before that I went to a public magnet school, about 360 kids. I started homeschooling a few months before the end of fifth grade because I got impatient with the lack of teaching time, the overabundance of discipline time, and kids being jerks, basically. Everybody was nasty to each other, but also to me in particular because I was not in any of the cliques. So they were picking on me, and I got tired and left.
          I fine homeschooling very, very different. For one thing, people actually seem to like me.” Brit, thirteen-year-old homeschooler, Durham, NC (p.61)

17. “Most homeschooling children do not experience the same things as kids from the public school: peer pressure or discrimination (age, gender, religion, or race). In my opinion, homeschool kids learn, on their own, that it is okay to play with any child. In school I believe the opposite is taught. [In homeschooling] there is not a big focus on what the age or the gender the child is before deciding if they “should” play with that child. I have met several families that pulled their children out of public school, just on this issue alone. It can be devastating to a child. Homeschooling kids learn to socialize in a more natural way. In life there is no such thing as all thirty-five-year-olds working together or only girls at the office. In school, I would imagine, that might be the impression children get.” Suzanne, homeschooling mother of three, Scottsdale, AZ (p.69)

18. “The basic quality of our emotional maturity, we now realize, is largely the result of the relationship between parent and child.” Alan Fromme, Ph.D. (p.71)

19. “My parents have given me a lot of freedom. And they have given me the opportunity to pursue the things I love, such as snowboarding and cycling, which I am considering pursuing as a career, and they really support me wholeheartedly in that. I’ve always had the freedom I want, and that’s always been the best thing for me [about homeschooling]. It’s great to be able to do the things I want to do.” Julian, fifteen-year-old homeschooler, Katonah, NY (p.74)

20. “The difference in our family relationships are] huge.Huge. Huge, the way that we interact, how much time I have to listen to the children, how much time I have to answer the important questions that come up at odd times, how the kids interact, how calm I am, how much fighting there is in the family – you know, their social skills are growing, their friends are growing, they’re learning how to communicate… it’s huge. It’s all about the time we spend together.” Rachel, homeschooling mother of three, Hillsborough, NC (p.77)

21. “People my age will say to me, “I can’t believe you have to spend so much time with your parents! How can you stand it? That’s horrible, I would hate that.” But I like being around my parents. I’m not saying we didn’t have our disputes, but homeschooling brought me much closer to them. Most of my school friends, once they were eighteen, couldn’t wait to get out of the house and get as far away as they could from home. For me it was the opposite: I thought, “I don’t want to leave yet.” I am applying to colleges, and I am ready to leave home and move out and on, but I don’t feel a need to “escape” from home. It’s not restricting being at home; I have all the freedom I need. I just don’t feel any restriction or pressure from [my parents].
          A similar thing happens with drinking and smoking and stuff. Why didn’t I want to rebel? I don’t know. I just never did. [My parents] weren’t rabid about things; they just lived that way, and I grew to agree with them.” Stephanie, eighteen-year-old college student, homeschooled until college, Katonah, NY (p.79)

22. “I think interaction with adults is more important [than with peers]. Kids are all learning how to interact. [If you leave kids on their own to socialize each other], you’re going to get mayhem. That’s where the kids learn to pick on each other, whereas if you have adult interaction with it, then you’re going to learn how to interact with people appropriately, and you’re going to be able to transfer that interaction with kids.” Missy, homeschooling mother of two, Cary, NC (p. 88-89)

23. "At each age there are things they can handle with wisdom and things they cannot. Our public schools inundate children with things they are not equipped to handle. I want my children to experience age-appropriate amounts of challenge and difficult choice-making. I want to help them think it through. I want to control, to some extent, the amount of exposure they face to the challenges of peer dominated cultural influences, because I believe that our country is assuming that children should be rushed to grow up, and it is hurting them. They are toughening up to it but at a personal cost. And that will cost us all.” Janice, homeschooling mother of two, Durham, NC (p.91)

24. “I encourage [the siblings] to be friends with each other, as I feel that will be most important as they are adults. That was another reason I decided to homeschool: I noticed that my oldest stopped getting along with her little sister when she went to school.” Sue, homeschooling mother of three, upstate New York (p. 92)

25. “I think a lot of the benefit of homeschooling is just that you spend more time with the child. Period. And no matter what goes on, he’s going to get a better sense of what his parents’ values are, and I think that’s unbelievably important. It’s a relatively recent phenomenon to send your kids off to a “factory” to get educated, and I wasn’t really aware of that until we got into homeschooling. That whole socialization thing is the big fear; I counter that spending twelve years only with kids your own age and one or two grownups – that’s pretty strange. I mean what does that teach you? No grandparents, no older kids, no younger kids.
          A lot of [the benefit of homeschooling] is just time spent together and teaching him our own values and sharing our perspective and being there to answer his questions,” Steven, homeschooling father of one, Mebane, NC (p.96)

26. “Having been on both sides (having your children in school vs. homeschooling), I have come to a realization. When they are in school, you become somewhat disconnected from them. When you are not working with them every day you lose sight of their accomplishments, you may not be aware of what they are capable of, and you may not readily see how they are growing and who they are becoming as they evolve into their own unique person. I think when they are in school, there is also less time to fit extracurricular activities, so the over-scheduling syndrome occurs; the kids have little time to just play and be imaginative.” Molly, homeschooling mother of two, West Grove, PA (p.98)

27. “On a larger level, I believe the decay of family unity is at the heart of many of the social problems our culture is facing today. Our culture is in a hurry to rush little four- and five-year-olds off to public school, where they are placed in a room full of ten to twenty other little children with only one or two teachers. Then parents are shocked and horrified when these same children, years later, have become completely peer dependent and cannot identify with their own family. But peer dependence if the natural outcome of public education because a child has a real and intense need for relationship. When that need for relationship cannot be met by an adult (a teacher who is working with many students), then the child will turn to the only other available person, the peer in the classroom. Consequently, a child comes to value the opinions of his school-age peers more than those of his family because his relationships with his peers are stronger than his relationship with his parents… What a tragedy that we have divided the family for the sake of “education.” Amy, homeschooling mother of three, upstate New York (p.100-101)

28. “I don’t think at five or even six years old a child has enough of a foundation in the values I hope to teach them to go out into a classroom for a stranger to teach them ideas that I may or may not believe in or agree with. However, we don’t homeschool for religious reasons. Because we spend so much time together, conflicts have to be worked through and good communication maintained. Every day I am called on to examine my choices as a parent and teacher. I have to work with my kids to problem solve, to make sure we have a balance in our lives of work and play. I think it would have been “easier” to send my children off to school and let the so-called experts tell me what is best for them, but when I really thought about what happens in school, I saw a system that doesn’t allow for difference, that creates a highly artificial environment (age segregation, product over process, erratic curriculum), and simply thought it was bizarre.” Sara, homeschooling mother of two, Bowling Green, Ohio (p. 114-115)

29. “People who are stuck in school all day and have homework – they have no time to be kids. They’re always in this structured environment. They don’t have time to play with their friends, they have to be quiet at lunch, they have to be quiet during class, they get in trouble for getting up and talking to other kids; it’s just too much structure and restraints put on kids when kids just need to be kids. It teaches kids to be robots; …they’re not built to be sitting in a desk all day.” Missy, homeschooling mother of two, Cary, NC (p. 118)

30. “We really got to spend our time getting into things that were really our interests. And we could choose when and where. On a beautiful day like today (it’s seventy degrees and clear and breezy out), I could take my books and go sit out on the trampoline, at a picnic table, or wherever and do my work out there and enjoy the sun. I like not being stuck in a building. I really liked being able to choose where and when I do a subject.” Stephanie, eighteen years old, homeschooled until college, Katonah, NY (p. 119)

31. “I figured out my friends that I found homeschooling are a whole lot better than the ones I had in school. Nicer, I have to say. There is nothing that the other kids judge you by, like what you wear, or anything like that. Not in homeschooling. School kids judge you a whole lot worse than homeschool kids. In school I also felt under pressure to do things. … It had to do more with what my friends did, and I went along with it. They did things that I didn’t want to do, but they did it anyway, so I did it. That doesn’t really happen in homeschooling. I don’t know why.” Stephen, homeschooled twelve-year-old, Efland, NC (p. 132-133)

32. “… the freedom you get when you’re at [college] wasn’t a novel idea to me. The people – it’s their first time going anywhere without their parents. I had already gone off and done other things. I traveled in Europe for six months the year I was seventeen. [Before that], I was dancing about eighteen hours a week, mostly at Duke University, also in Raleigh – I was taking ballet and modern. I was working about ten to fifteen hours a week at the costume shop in the theater company and doing some theater work there, I was taking photography on and off, taking music lessons on and off, I was an assistant teaching drama classes at the Durham Arts Council, I started a theater company that happened in the summers, and my friend and I were editors for the chlidren’s newsletter that came out of the Haw River Festival.
          I’ve had the opportunity to have a lot of real-world work experience, which a lot of people my age haven’t had. Like in the theater, I’ve worked alongside a lot of professional crews, and I’ve seen how that works. …In a lot of ways, I have a lot of experience that somebody older than me would have. I think without that beginning, I wouldn’t have had the job I have.” Madeline, twenty-year-old college student, homeschooled until college, Bennington, VT (p. 171)

33. “Someone said, “Reasonable men bend their will to the world; unreasonable men bend the will of the world to them.” So all progress is made by unreasonable men. But that’s it. I mean, these [homeschooled] kids learn to look at the world and say, “It’s there for me to kind of shape the way I want to shape it.” And school kids are like, “I need to fit into this shape that the world’s in.”
          But every person you’ve ever looked at who’s made it to the top of this “hierarchy” is someone who just threw it out the window and broke every rule there was of the hierarchy and said, “Forget that. I’m not going to buy into all that, I’m just going to go to the top of it and do what I want to do. … I’m just going to study exclusively violin. I could care less about fractions.” And yeah, that seems really imprudent, and you’re right, it’s a great way to crash and burn. But you know what? They wind up at Carnegie Hall and make millions of dollars. Everybody you can point to, that you say is “successful”, circumnavigated that whole thing. Gates is one – Bill Gates is one. I don’t know his entire biography history, but if I recall right, he didn’t finish college. He went off and started a software company. And he didn’t start from the bottom of the company and work his way up; he never had an entry-level job.” James, homeschooling father of three, Durham, NC (p. 175-176)

34. “I think being homeschooled is a good preparation for life. It’s life. It’s a continuation – being a child and then moving into adulthood – without the barriers that are put up by the compulsory education system.” Pam, mother of one homeschooler and one grown former homeschooler, Durham, NC (p. 178)

35. “[Homeschooling] was my choice; they allowed it. I wasn’t feeling like I was fitting in with – well, the girls, particularly, because fashion and boys and thinking about who they wanted to be asked to go to the dance with and all that. I didn’t give a [expletive deleted] about all that, to be frank. I felt it was folly to be concerned with such things.” Rachel, thirteen-year-old homeschooler, Durham, NC (p. 195)

36. “Freedom of thought is really the one benefit I keep coming back to. To me, that’s the main thing that makes me glad I’m homeschooled, because I don’t want to have to think what everybody else does. I want to be able to have what I want to think and what I feel is the right thing. Free opinion. We don’t follow a set plan, I don’t have peer pressure of any kind – [including] regarding religion.” Francis, thirteen-year-old homeschooler, Boynton Beach, FL (p.198)

37. “I put my kids in school this year. I don’t get it, I’m spending four or five hours a day now helping them with homework, which is exactly what I was doing when we were homeschooling. I literally do not have any more time for myself now than I had when we were homeschooling. This going to school thing is a lot harder than homeschooling. Don’t ever give up! We’ll be back to homeschooling next year.” Carisa, mother of four, Miami, FL (p.215)

I'm sure these quotes will spark some conversation! Homeschooling, of course, is not for everyone, but so isn't public school. On the account of these parents and homeschool children, it's no wonder that homeschooling has grown by 74% since 1999.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Quick Tip by ariajuliet

Sat, 8 Jan 2011 00:58:35 +0000

This is my number 1 beauty product. I have at least two on me at al times. I am completely addicted. It is the best lip balm, and I have tried them all!

Trader Joe's Quick Tip by Bethany_K

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 15:13:24 +0000

Gotta love Trader's! Though it's always annoyingly congested inside this grocery store, I still go for the unique food products and cheap variety of wine. Their layout is convenient and easy to navigate (so helpful when you want to get in and out!) and I've always found their staff to be very friendly. A must-go for healthy food.

Seventh Generation chlorine free diapers Quick Tip by EcoMama

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 06:07:31 +0000

My daughter had a rash with these all the time, but she did with all disposables anyway. These are great though if there is absolutely no way you can cloth diaper! We use cloth full time now, but I've got to admit I'm not sure how I would do that with a newborn.

Well designed reusable beverage containers

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 04:44:52 +0000

I've been drinking my filtered water from stainless bottles for a while now. The risks of BPA in plastic have been underestimated for too long and it has recently been linked to infertility even more so than before. Not to mention that most bottled waters are just basic filtered tap and there is no guarantee it went through an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter (the two best methods). I like stainless as a material because it is easy to wash, has no lining, and to me, no noticeable after taste.

We were sent a set of G2V bottles to review, I actually wasn't expecting that many! From the left, we have a small (500 mL) wide mouth single wall bottle, the 520 mL wide mouth insulated bottle, the 670 mL wide mouth single wall bottle, the 540mL narrow mouth insulated, and some accessories.

Our experience: The little one is perfect for my two year old daughter. Though she needs help opening the straw, I consider that a good thing since she will not spill it where it isn't appropriate. She loves playing with water and thus containing it is important to me. I did the, what I call, 'stale water test'. I poured clean water in the bottle and left it closed on the counter for a couple of days to see if there would be any smell or aftertaste. Passed with flying colors! I can't say the same thing for other reusable bottles we have. Since at home she drinks from real cups, the bottle primarily stays in the diaper bag. If I forget to change the water I still want it to stay fresh in case we go somewhere.

I really like the bottle cap design. Some of the sport top bottles can be really hard to drink out of or even close spontaneously as you are drinking. These on the other hand have a large straw and it feels just like sipping liquid out of a glass with a straw. I do wish they came with a dust cap for those times that I know I will drop it, especially with a toddler at the playground. The cap closes very tightly and when the straw is in the down position, no water leaks out.

I am looking forward to when they will add bottle caps for hot beverages to their line up. As of right now, none of the bottle caps, even with insulated bottles, are meant for hot beverages. I would love to take along a cup of hot tea with me in the winter, so I certainly appreciate that they thought of adding that to their range of products. The insulated bottles will be perfect with hot tea, coffee, or cocoa! As an idea, I would love to see them make a large, insulated meal container in the future. I would be the first to buy one! There are a few on the market, but all of them are far to small for my husband to take a substantial hot meal with him to work.

Quality & Value: These are excellent quality bottles. Baby E already dropped hers on a hard tile floor, there is a little tiny scratch at the base but no dent at all. Other stainless bottles we have dented when dropped the same way.

How is this green: Not only are you eliminating waste from plastic water bottles, you are also doing your health a lot of good. Avoiding contact with plastic is a wise choice since it leaches all sorts of chemicals when it comes in contact with liquid, especially if it is heated (like in a hot car in the summer).

About the Company: I was introduced to G2V through a friend in California. I've never heard of the company before. The name is actually the star name for our sun. G2V rose from unique collaboration between designers, high-quality manufacturers and visionaries. Their combined decades of design experience and manufacturing know-how enables them to deliver simple and easy to use products at very competitive prices. Having meaningful purpose, being easy to use and utilizing more sustainable, environmentally friendly materials is part of G2V's philosophy towards consumer products.

Recommended for: The variety of sizes and options makes these great for anyone, from children to adults. Great to take to work, school, the gym, or the playground.

An adjustable, versatile helmet for infants and toddlers

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 05:06:32 +0000

When we had the opportunity to review the iBert Safe-T seat for our toddler, we were on the hunt for the best, most comfortable helmet for our daughter. We went to a huge sports store in the area to try some on and were very disappointed with the prices and poor selection. We were thinking "but how can you buy a helmet without trying it on?" Then we turned to reading reviews by other parents online and it seemed that everyone raved about the Giro Me2. So we took the plunge and bought it on Amazon. It arrived just in time for our inaugural ride on the Minuteman Bikeway.

It was love at first fit. It is so easy to adjust that we could do it while it is on the toddler's head. It fit our two year old perfectly with room to grow. You have to play around with the straps a little to get them comfortable around the ears, but that is about the only thing that needed a little tinkering. It surpassed other helmets we saw at the store in all aspect by a long shot.

I really appreciated finding a helmet without any cartoon characters on it! Seriously people, are the designers so dumb they can't come up with anything original? I love the yellow chicks design. Gender neutral, funky, simple, what more can a parent ask for? I wish they also had the option of solid colors, but this will do.

We bought ours for under $30 and it shipped free from Amazon, which is a great deal. The competition at the sports store was priced at thirty and above, so it isn't like we would have saved any money if we bought there anyway.

I would highly recommend the Giro Me2 for infants and toddlers if you are looking for a comfortable fit for your baby. Don't hesitate just because it is an online purchase! We did for a minute, but we're very happy with this purchase. Feel free to ask me any more questions about it if you're contemplating buying one!

Breathable, no leaks, luxe cloth diaper

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:39:22 +0000

If you asked me which full stash of cloth diapers I would buy if money was no object, I would say the Ecobubs Wool Pocket Nappy. This is quite simply the best diaper I have ever tried on our baby, hands down. I've always said that there is no such thing as the best cloth diaper because they fit all babies differently. While that's still true, now I'm not so sure! The Ecobubs diaper is the creme de la creme among cloth diapers. This wool pocket diaper is made in New Zealand and we are thankful to have been sent one to review.

Ease of use: As with all pocket diapers, this one is fairly easy to use. Just stuff it and you're ready to go. There are three snap settings for each size diaper that are easy to use and you don't need a manual. The inserts are very easy to wash and the diaper itself needs just a little bit of special care. It cannot be washed at a temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and you need to take care for it not to come in contact with Velcro. I have actually been washing the diaper by hand with some Charlie's Soap because I wasn't sure what the temperature is in my hot water wash. Today I accidentally threw it in the hot wash with the rest and it survived just fine!

Quality & Value: The highest quality diaper ever made? Quite possibly. The best value? Well, it depends on how you look at it and on your budget. Since each diaper costs $32.50 and comes in three sizes, it is not for everyone. If money is not an issue or if you need a few bullet proof nighttime diapers, you can't go wrong with Ecobubs. If you are planning on more than one baby, these will withstand rigorous use and will still look great in the end even if you'll have ten little ones. They also offer the Tangy Apple Day Nappy as a more economical daytime diaper option (not wool) for $25.50 each.

How is this green: Not only is cloth diapering good for the environment, it is a lot healthier than wearing plastic for your little one. Ecobubs goes above and beyond though with the wool diaper. Wool is sustainable because it is renewable. It also has some inherently incredible properties such as stain and odor resistance, it is breathable, and antimicrobial.

Fit & Design: This diaper is so luxurious! I love the wool blend cover, as soon as I saw it I almost wanted to put it on myself! I would say that the average pocket diaper is like a Honda Accord and this one is a BMW X6 (with bulletproof windows). The large is still a little big on my 23 month, 22 pound daughter, it looks great nonetheless. What I really love is the light elastic at the waist, which means she can take these off herself since we're starting official potty training. We used it for both daytime with one insert and night time with two. It is quite trim with one insert and absorbed a lot over four hours, didn't leak. I trusted it enough to leave my daughter in Ecobubs with my mother while my husband and I went out on a date. Then I tried it for night time and I love it! It looked like she could sleep for another ten hours in it no problem! I also like the design of the stripe wool

About the Company: Ecobubs was started by moms who really wanted the best cloth diaper for their little ones and to have it made locally in New Zealand.

Who Would You Recommend this to? This is the one for parents looking for a leakproof night time diaper for their babies. For toddlers it can help transition into potty training. Great for a baby shower present.

Enter to win a size large, blue stripe, Ecobubs Wool Pocket Nappy at Eco-Babyz! Ends 1/3/2011!

Organic pillow with excellent neck support (good for stiff necks)

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 21:49:42 +0000

I like using organically grown and processed products--partly for environmental reasons, but also because I'm somewhat chemically sensitive and because non-synthetic, organic products are healthier.

So I was excited to have the opportunity to review Savvy Rest's Shredded Latex Pillow. It's made from organic natural latex (which comes from a tree). I already have an organic wool pillow--I replaced my memory foam pillow with the wool pillow and my insomnia problems disappeared. I woke up feeling refreshed and clear-headed instead of tired and groggy. So I'm hooked on organic pillows. It's worth the expense when you realize you're spending about 8 hours a day with your head right next to the pillow, breathing in whatever chemicals it's off-gassing.

Savvy Rest agreed to send me a free standard-sized shredded latex pillow (for review purposes). The pillow arrived 9 days after the order date.

I eagerly unpacked my new pillow, took it to a bed, and tried it out. The pillow has a soft, organic cotton casing and is intentionally overstuffed with a fill of soft, shredded latex. The pillow feels like a gel pad: your head makes a depression that moves as you move. The fill doesn't compress except where the weight is. I wanted to show this off, so I took it to my mom and said, "You try it!" She did and said, "I think this might be what I need for my sore neck and shoulders. Can I try it tonight?"

It's not like I could say no to my mom...

My mom likes to fluff her pillow every morning, so I could see why she'd like a pillow that doesn't need fluffing.

The latex in the pillow had a noticeable smell, but it wasn't bothersome. Both my mom and I have minor skin reactions to synthetic latex gloves, but neither of us has had any reaction to touching or smelling the organic natural latex in this pillow. (More about latex allergy.)

After the first night using this pillow, my mom said that her neck felt a little better, but she wanted to remove some of the fill. The pillow actually has both an outer casing and an inner casing. The zippers for both were facing the same direction, so it was easy to open both and remove several handfuls of fill. The pillow still looked very full, but this fill level felt comfortable to my mom. After the second night, her neck and shoulders were feeling even better and her range of motion for turning her head was much better.

The latex smell was still strong, so we put the pillow outside in the shade on a brisk, windy day to air it out for several hours. When we brought it in, the smell was much reduced but still noticeable.

My mom has used the pillow for five nights now, and she wants to keep it. She said, "For years, I've woken up with a stiff neck and shoulders. It hurt to turn my head very far. But now, that's lessening with each night!"

I've also used the pillow during the day to test it out for reading while lying on my belly and side. I like that the pillow doesn't stay compressed after each use and that it offers nice head and neck support however I lie on it. So I highly recommend this pillow.

A standard-sized Savvy Rest shredded latex pillow costs $79, a queen-sized costs $89, and a king-sized costs $99. You can buy them from Savvy Rest.

One stop shop for stationary and holiday cards

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:07:31 +0000

It's that time of the year again, get moving on the Christmas cards if you haven't already! Though we do not officially celebrate Christmas, we do like to send out cards to our friends and relatives in far away places around the time of the holidays. We have used various printing services before, usually the ones on the cheap side. This time thanks to Tiny Prints we made premium cards that are just a cut above and so gorgeous. Not to say they aren't affordable, but they do cost a little more than we would usually spend. Did I mention they are gorgeous?

Ease of use & Our Experience: The Tiny Prints website is very easy to navigate. Though the design choices seem endless, I found that I wasn't overwhelmed because of the site layout. There is a handy little tool where you can add all the card designs that appeal to you and then compare them. The only thing I wish was different about that feature is that I would like to see the prices when I click on Compare Designs. So after I narrowed it down and picked a design with my husband, I played around with the few good photos we have. Even if you've never ordered cards online, I assure you Tiny Prints makes it seem like a piece of cake - and it is!

Once I finalized the card I placed the order. Later I received a digital proof and even a phone call from the company informing me that the digital proof is ready and that they will try to accommodate my unusual request (I felt that the logo was really competing with the photo on the back of our card). A few days later the cards arrived looking absolutely perfect. Except maybe the quality was above what I expected!

Sorry, I'm not sharing our card image yet, I don't want my friends and relatives to see it now! I'll add it to the review after all the cards get sent out :) But here are a few of my favorites from the selection:

Quality & Value: Now at first I was a bit taken aback by the prices. If you compare them to other premium cards on the web though, they are a lot cheaper! You get a better price if you order more, like 300+ cards. Most of us probably wouldn't need that many, hence a bit of a higher price tag. Of course for businesses that send out large quantities of holiday cards to their patrons this is a great deal. So if you're only ordering 30-50 cards, you're looking at a price range of $0.94 per basic card or upwards of $3.00 for a photo montage premium card. There are plenty of choices in the $1 to $2 range.

So what kind of quality are you getting for the price? Well, let's say this isn't printed on cheap glossy photo paper to start with. The card is a really nice, sturdy cardstock - not too thin, not to thick. The photographic quality is sharp, clear, and vivid. Somehow this material feels a little more personal, can't quite grasp why. Perhaps because you would not pen a letter on glossy photo paper. What else does the price buy? A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - that's right, if you are not satisfied with your order it will be reprinted for free!

How is this green: Tiny Prints is a Bay Area Certified Green Business. They print on Eco-friendly cardstock with premium printing methods.

About the Company: "What was started by three friends with big dreams and a passion for beautiful paper has grown from a tiny, self-funded company specializing in unique baby stationery into a booming online retailer of stylish designs for every occasion that is recognized around the globe for our commitment to customer service and our insistence that personal attention be paid to every order."

Who Would You Recommend this to? Anyone looking for exceptional service and high quality invitations, holiday cards, stationary, announcements, and greeting cards.

Extensive classic toy selection for all ages

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:10:38 +0000

When I was a little girl I made a house for my dolls on the bookshelves in my room. I made the furniture and even made clothes for my dolls. I guess now that I have a little girl of my own, I am dreaming of things I never had. I was excited to discover Gummy Lump, an online store full of classic toys that make me nostalgic about childhood. They have an extensive selection of Melissa and Doug toys and we were sent the Furnished Doll House to review.

Mellisa & Doug Furnished Doll House Highlights: Baby E really enjoys her new doll house. It is the perfect size for her and I anticipate she will grow with this toy for quite a few years. It's great how classic toys never become obsolete unlike most toys that flood the market today. It was easy to assemble even for someone who is assembly challenged like me, it took all of half an hour. Everything you need for assembly comes in the box. My daughter was watching me as I put it together and was 'helping' me by handing me parts (and trying to sit on the house before it was completed!).

Some of our favorite features are the handle on top, so it is easily portable around the house. We constantly move it around since our living room serves many purposes. I appreciate the fact that it is very simple and leaves more to the imagination. The removable foyer and balcony are a big hit, my daughter loves to take it off and can almost place it back herself. She loves the sliding doors as well. It is very well made and I anticipate it would be passed down to my grandkids if we live till then.

It comes with all the furniture for a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Plus you get a family of four to go along with that. We actually accidentally received two boys (as seen in photo) instead of a boy and girl, but my daughter doesn't seem to mind. She just calls them 'children' or 'babies'.

I think the best time to introduce a doll house like this is around two and a half to three years old. Baby E is almost two and she did get a little frustrated when her clumsy little hands knocked things down and she couldn't quite seat the dolls or make them stand by herself (them have bendable legs and arms).

Guess what? The house is not pink! Now that's something to be excited about!

My sister's four boys came over to play and even they found the little house fascinating. It doesn't look at all girly, so it is perfect for group play for all genders.

Store Values: Gummy Lump offers toys and products in any price range. Melissa & Doug makes some of the most affordable wooden toys. For example, the Melissa & Doug puzzles are priced at about $6 to $16. You can also get 'higher end' wooden puzzles by other brands for under $30. The wooden doll house that we reviewed normally retails for $119.99 and is currently on sale for $95.99 with free shipping!

Website Design: I love the way their selection is organized on the website. You can easily locate food play toys, pretend play, special needs toys (including gifted children), sleep toys, and best selling toys to name a few. You can also shop by brand if you know what you are looking for.

Items offered in the store: Gummy Lump carries the full collection of toys by Melissa & Doug, Kidcraft, and Guidecraft. In addition they have many other popular brand names such as Haba, Green Toys, Educo, HaPe, and Automoblox. The selection of wooden toys is absolutely mind boggling! Here are a few of our favorite things pictured on the left (top to bottom): Quadrilla Melody Basic Set ($79.95), Haba Toys Biofino Vegetable Basket ($24.95), and Haba Indian Summer Wooden Magnetic Pattern Blocks ($44.95).

Who Would You Recommend this to? I recommend Gummy Lump if you are looking for children's toys for any age, especially classic and wooden toys. Gifts for any budget! They have an excellent Gift Wizard if you are not sure what to get.

Be sure to stop by Eco-Babyz and enter the giveaway for a Melissa & Doug Furnished Doll House for your little one! Giveaway ends Tuesday, December 14th, 2010.

Chunks of Energy Quick Tip by devora

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:02:19 +0000

A bit pricey, but well worth it! Stumbled upon these at my local health food store. Not sure if I'm actually feeling any extra energy, but I really appreciate that they're low in sodium, sugar and gluten, and think these make for great, healthy snacks. I can just literally pop 'em in my mouth!

Music happy babies ask for and parents can relax with

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:32:15 +0000

We are a musically inclined family and music is embedded in our genes. My grandfather composed music and was a conductor and my father still writes original music and performs regularly. I was raised mostly on classical that my mother is fond of and it is still my preference despite the enormous variety of what I listened to in adolescence. When I was pregnant with baby E, playing classical for her just came naturally. It was a way for me to relax and to reflect on carrying a little human being in my womb. When she was born it was instantly clear that she preferred classical to anything else. Whenever she was fussy I would turn on classical music and she would change instantly, attentively listening to familiar sounds. Music has been a great tool for me in parenting, especially when everything is new and unknown with the first baby.

I discovered Lovely Baby Music when browsing online and I turned on the sample music for my toddler to hear. She was very fascinated and started calling out the sounds she was hearing saying 'lyalya, vodichka, bim bom' in Russian, which means 'baby, water, ding dong'. We were sent a Baby Christmas 2 CD and the Lovely Pregnancy 3-CD Collection for review.

Our experience: We first listened to the Lovely Pregnancy CDs (and no, I'm not pregnant!). There is really nothing that designates this music for pregnancy only the name of the CD and the tracks, you don't have to be pregnant to buy it. It is calm and soothing instrumental and piano music. We enjoy having it on in the morning, it makes for a relaxing breakfast and time for me and baby E to interact. By the way, this is a great way to avoid turning the TV on if you are used to 'background noise'. I would much rather have this music on to listen to with my toddler, than the television that inhibits our interaction, changes her behavior, and does not benefit in social development. I also enjoy playing this before bed while we read or play quiet games with baby E.

Though we do not celebrate Christmas in the way that most people do, we enjoyed the Baby Christmas 2 with familiar tunes. I actually found it rather neutral, some of the tracks I didn't even recognize right away as Christmas songs. Baby E really enjoys dancing to this CD and hearing the sounds of babies and water. She asked for it today actually by saying "baby water music!" I would love to also try other baby CDs in the series with more nature sounds, upbeat music that baby E can dance to, and relaxing bedtime music.

Quality & Value: Though I still prefer classical music with real instruments, this adds a nice variety and the baby CDs are really fascinating and tailored for babies. I imagine that infants would really enjoy listening to the sounds of other babies too. You can purchase the Baby Christmas CD for $14.99 or download it on their website for $8.99. The Lovely Pregnancy 3-CD Set costs $34.95 or a download for $23.99. There is also a perk for our readers, enter coupon code ecobabyz-deal at checkout and receive 10% off your purchase! (ends December 1st, 2010)

Who Would You Recommend this to? Pregnant moms-to-be, fussy babies, musical development for babies and toddlers of all ages. Great for background music during play and any time of day.

Be sure to enter the Lovely Baby Music giveaway at Eco-Babyz! Ends Wednesday December 1st, 2010 at 11:59 pm.

One stop for cycling with babies and kids

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 04:02:42 +0000

My husband and I love the outdoors. Before our daughter was born we were renting a suburban apartment and had our bikes parked right outside our entry door. We both worked full time but still sought out local trails and really enjoyed giving our mountain bikes a work out. Fast forward to now, we haven't biked since I got pregnant three years ago and had our bikes parked at our friends' garage all this time. Our daughter will be two in January and I felt we were really missing out on biking together. After some research I was enamored with the iBert Safe-T Seat and I came across BikeKidShop.com as a trusted place to acquire it. Thank you for sending us one for a test drive! Boy do I wish we had this seat this past spring and summer...

iBert Seat highlights: We are very pleased with the iBert seat, it is exactly what we were looking for and dreaming of. I love that baby E is upfront with me, my husband and I can comfortably communicate with her without having to turn our heads backward. It was fairly easy to install, though the little ring pin and clip took a few tries to get in. It looks and feels safe and secure, not wobbly.

For our first ride we went to the Minuteman Bikeway near Boston. We were fortunate to take advantage of one of the last warm days in October. Though it was almost baby E's nap time and we lost track of time, it was so exciting to finally be outdoors together on bikes! We do have a little trouble getting her in the seat because of the placement of the brake levers on my husband's bike, they are very close to the leg on the iBert. So the only way to put her in is to take her shoes off, put her in the seat, and put the shoes back on. For that first ride she was riding with my husband, he is 6'2" and had no trouble riding with the seat in front of him. I also used his bike to take baby E on rides around the neighborhood on several occasions, I can't think of anything she loves more now! As soon as I mention the bicycle she goes looking for her helmet! Needless to say, once the New England winter is over you will be seeing us a lot on the local bike routes.

The only problem we had is with the seat pad which came separately from the seat itself (we may have the older model that was originally without a pad). There is no way to thread it through the front strap without cutting it, so we just have the pad placed inside without it being attached, which of course doesn't interfere with safety or function. All in all this child bike seat is definitely worth it and it is both baby and user friendly.

Store Values: The BikeKidShop offers great pricing on their products. For orders over $99 shipping is free, so if you were to buy an iBert seat and helmet you don't have to pay for shipping! Otherwise the shipping rates are very reasonable, FedEx ground or USPS First Class will not cost you more than $8. If you sign up for their newsletter you'll be the first to know about any sales and specials. In the specials section you'll find all the items on sale, like the iBert seat priced at $85 right now.

Website Design: The website is very easy to navigate. In addition to products they have information to help you make the best decision with your purchase. They have a helpful comparison chart for child bike trails.

Items offered in the store: Aside from a variety of bike mounted child seats, the BikeKidShop offers an array of bike trailers, Bell and Giro child helmets, balance bikes, and accessories.

Who Would You Recommend this to? Bicycling parents with babies and small children. The iBert seat is great for easily transferring between bikes if you have the need (with an extra stinger). The BikeKidShop also has anything else you might need for biking with kids.

Slow, Simple, Fascinating Look at Culture and Babies

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 21:05:00 +0000

If you've seen the previews, what you see is what you get. Babies is a look at four different cultures, four different places and four different babies. The "story" begins with two babies fighting, then moves into "A Few Months Earlier" and the Namibian mother's very pregnant belly and her rubbing brick dust into her skin. The film then moves on to each of the babies first hours after birth, slowly following each family as they live their lives, one developmental step at a time.

Most of the time it's just the babies on the screen, the parents are usually not present and most shots are of the babies interacting with their locations and life. Each of the babies and families have all sorts of unique situations, animals, toys, hygiene, clothing, and it was fascinating to take a peek into the different cultures. I can tell you that I'm glad I gave birth in an American hospital and that I had access to diapers after taking a peek at Africa and Mongolia.

There is very little talking, and if there is it is mostly background noise. Many, many adorable shots of babies dealing with life fill the hour and a half, and some shots were so cute it was totally worth the slow bits. If nursing mothers are an issue be forewarned that nursing is part of the film. One mom even squirts milk in her baby's face then wipes it off along the lines of the standard mom spit bath thing.

Slow moving but sweet.

A one of a kind, handmade heirloom toy

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:15:47 +0000

We have recently adopted a new member into our family. Baby E has named her Kukala which is the Russian word for doll. I gave her name suggestions, but she'll have none of it - Kukala it is. This doll is very special because it is baby E's first doll. How many baby girls do you know that wait until they're 20 months to get their first doll? Not many. You see, I didn't want just any old plastic or toxic vinyl doll for her. Not too crazy about the realistic ones either that have perfect baby faces and cry. That's why we've waited all this time for something special and it was truly worth the wait!

Quality & Value: This 17" smiling Waldorf doll is the epitome of quality. Unlike mass manufacturing, there is careful attention to every detail and all materials are as safe as can be for your baby. We asked that the doll have blue eyes just like baby E, they'll be best friends forever. This doll has a lot of hair, which was especially made to be a unique mix of light and medium browns. I could probably make a hat and mitten set out of that much yarn! My daughter tends to grab the doll by the hair, so we had to pull it back into a ponytail. When she is older I am sure she will enjoy making all kinds of braids and hairstyles with them. I love the simplicity of the doll, it leaves more to the imagination of the child that plays with it.

When buying a handmade Waldorf doll, consider what you are getting for your money. At $140, it should be a thoughtful purchase. I look at it this way, I would rather my daughter have one unique, non-toxic doll than four dolls made in a factory in China - made of who knows what. Hundreds of toys are recalled every month, most of them from China, I personally don't want lead, antimony, or other toxic chemicals in our toys. This doll is made with love in every stitch and I think you are getting a great deal for this price!

How is this green: Supporting handmade, US made, non-toxic toys is a great Eco-friendly choice. The doll is made of renewable and healthy materials such as cotton, bamboo and alpaca.

About Bohemme: Rachel creates unique, mostly vegan Waldorf dolls and occasionally other handmade items that you can buy in her Etsy store. Holiday custom orders for full size dolls are open until November 15 at the discounted price of $112. Following that date there will be a limited number of rustic Waldorf dolls available for $50 each.

A note to my readers from Rachel, the doll maker: "A handmade Waldorf doll is the sort of toy you buy only once: it's very much like adopting a new member of your family. Unlike mass-produced plastic dolls, Waldorf dolls are always one of a kind and become a treasured part of your little one's childhood. So much attention is paid to the details of your doll as it is being made: every stitch, every piece of yarn and every piece of stuffing that goes inside is placed with care and much love. When your doll arrives at your home, you can be sure that she's ready for a lifetime of love and hugs."

Who Would You Recommend this to? Perfect as a gift or 'just because' for any little girl on your list. A doll this size I would recommend to babies over 18 months. If you're looking for non-toxic doll options without vinyl, formaldehyde, carcinogens, etc... this is the way to go!

PS: First photo was taken by Rachel, the doll maker.

Epidural Quick Tip by EcoMama

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:47:20 +0000

My decision for a drug free birth was sincerely based on my opinion of what is best for mom and baby (with a healthy pregnancy), not because I wanted to be a hero. If your decision is based on something else, like fear, you should seriously reconsider your idea of a normal birth. Stop believing what the mainstream media and our society want you to think. Birth is not scary, unless you decide it is. There is nothing that can stop a woman with no fear (if you're a Christian, I may add that there is nothing that can stop a woman who solely relies on Jesus and His grace).

Keep those baby heads toasty warm

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 05:37:55 +0000

I love winter, snow, and sledding. This coming winter I have the extreme pleasure of enjoying it with my toddler. My mission has been to equip her (and myself) with the toastiest winter gear so that we can stay outside longer. In the summer we spend at least two hours outside each day, in the winter I'm hoping to at least get an hour of fresh air. Veronica at VO Knits has been generous to make a Noro Kureyon Wool Ear Flap Hat just for us!

Quality & Value: If you want quality, look no further than VO Knits. I think at some point a few years ago I had this crazy notion that handmade items aren't as well made as manufactured ones. Well, if I made them, perhaps. But I find that nearly all handmade items I recently come across are much higher quality than anything you'll find at a big box store. Not to mention they're made with love! Perhaps at $48 it will be the most expensive hat you have, but you'll never throw it out and it is made especially for you!

How is this green: Buying handmade and local is one of the 'greenest' things you can do. It isn't easy to find these items, but Etsy makes it possible. If you're on the west coast, VO Knits is quite local for you, but even throughout the rest of the United States. In addition to that, wool is a great natural, renewable material that has some amazing properties such as being naturally fire retardant, breathable, water repellent, and dirt resistant.

Fit & Design: The hat is a tad big on baby E, but that's great for us because she'll be able to wear it for several years. It almost fits me, so I'm guessing it will still fit her when she'll be 10 years old. I love that it covers her whole head and ears to protect her from the elements. The cute buttons add some character to the hat. Finally, it is fun but classy and great for adults, not just kids! The only issue we have is that it's a little bit itchy, unlike most merino wool. That can be easily solved though with some soaking in hair conditioner! I think now that Veronica has experience with making a hat for a toddler, perhaps she'll even soften it for you. :)

About the Company: A one-woman, one-mom company, that's exactly what we like to support. Veronica is a creative mother who loves to knit and is really good at it, she makes me wish I was too!

Who Would You Recommend this to? I recommend this hat to anyone who likes to stay toasty warm in the winter, child or adult.

VO Knits Quick Tip by EcoMama

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:19:34 +0000

Beautiful hand knit creations made by a sweet mom in California! We love their ear flap hats, perfect for New England winters!