Sep

28

Book Review: My Mommy Is A Blogger

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    Just to change the pace for a minute I wanted to quick tell you about this cute little children’s book.  It’s written by one of my favorite green bloggers, Sommer Poquette who’s famous for her blog Green and Clean Mom!  She decided to write a children’s book to illustrate what it is we mom bloggers do every day. (What DO you do?) We read a lot, we write a lot and it’s tough to explain what we do to kids.  Until now!

    I couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishment with this book.  Sommer has written a cute depiction of a Mom Blogger explaining her job to her daughter Josie.  It breaks it down for the kids in basic terms and explains our job to them in a fun and entertaining way.  I’ve read it to my own son several times because he has chosen it as part of his bedtime reading on many occasions.  The illustrations are colorful and cute and the story is a great length to keep them interested.  I hope you’ll check it out and support our own Green and Clean Mom! It really is a cute and charming book.  She did a wonderful job with it and I think you and your ids will definitely enjoy it.

    Get A Copy: You can purchase her book My Mommy Is A Blogger on her website and on Amazon.com. (Psst! If you use the code xmas30 when buying a book through her website you’ll get 30% off!)

    Sep

    22

    EnviroKid PVC & Phthalate Free Nap Mats & Bean Bag Loungers

    Filed Under Product Reviews, PVC Free | 87 Comments

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      A long time ago, a reader emailed me asking about bean bag chairs and what they are filled with.  At the time I didn’t have a good answer for her.  It seemed that most were filled with either polystyrene or flame retardant treated foam bits** See NOTE below **.  And that was just the inside.  But recently I was introduced to a line of bean bag loungers made for kids that solves the problem.

      My 2 year old, lounging on the EnviroKid Nap Mat

      EnviroKid specializes in stuffed pillows, nap mats and bean bag loungers that are safe for kids (and everyone else).  The mats and loungers are filled with olefin foam beads (instead of polystyrene) which provide a cushiony feel and mold to your child’s body.  In fact when I first received the test sample I was dismayed at the sight of it.  It had molded itself to the shape of the box.  But after a little rough and tumble with the boys is was a smushy and more flat pillow that they enjoy laying on.  The outer cover is made of EnviroLeather which is a PVC-Free Synthetic Leather.  What I like about it is that it’s easy to clean and wipe off.  My youngest spilled water on it, wiped up no problem.  Snack crumb slide right off. (My carpet on the other hand has not stood up to the kids as well).  EnviroLeather is free of PVC, pthalates, and heavy metals and is made with recycled and renewable content.  I can feel better about that.

      They come in a Cushion size, a Nap Mat and a Bean Bag Lounger which is the largest.  My kids have been laying around on the Nap Mat for a few weeks and they actually fight over who gets to lay on it.  It did seem a bit stiff at first but once we used it made more sense.  I do wish they had a removable fabric cover so that it doesn’t feel cold when you use it but that’s just splitting hairs at that point. I think it could stand to be filled more, but perhaps that detracts from it’s ability to mold to the child.  They do seem pretty comfy on it.

      *NOTE: It has come to my attention that indeed these do employ the use of halogen flame retardants on the interior beads.  Therefore I need to retract my endorsement of the product and shut down the giveaway (I’ll make it up to those who entered with another one).  My apologies for this oversight. I make mistakes sometimes, I’m human.  But I am NOT afraid to admit it when I do.  I hope this hasn’t caused anyone any inconveniences. – Kathy

      Sep

      13

      Green Halloween: Costume Swap!

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        Like me, you might be hiding your head in the sand at the prospect of Halloween approaching.  Because it represents not only candy and cider but the start of the holiday season, which I am so not ready to accept.  But it will inevitably arrive. Luckily for me I have 2 boys and will be able to recycle a few costumes to my younger one for another few years but it eventually becomes an expense to re-costume a kid or two every year.

        National Costume Swap Day is October 8th! I think this is a really awesome idea and a perfect solution to the ever expanding list of expenses.  You probably know a group of kids from school or play groups in the same set of age ranges as your own kids. So setting up a costume swap is the perfect way to green your Halloween and save some money in the process.  Costumes don’t get to much action… I know I have several in my closet that were worn less than an hour or so and are in perfect condition. Why waste it?

        Whether you want to host a small costume swap or go all out and throw a big costume swapping bash – there is no hard and fast method of doing it.  Green Halloween has a list of tips on hosting your own costume swap and how to register it.  Registering your event allows others in your community to find out about it and participate.

        My biggest problem is always that my son picks the weirdest costumes.  I mean, what other kid will want to dress up as an Entomologist?? (My son literally told me this was what he wanted to be for Halloween this year).  But accessories can be swapped too. I’d rather not buy a bag of plastic bugs if I can help it.

        Check out the event partner Green Halloween for details on National Costume Swap Day on October 8th and see how you can jump start a greener Halloween in your community. Swap.com is also an event partner for Costume Swap day so please check them out too – it’s an awesome way to save some cash and eliminate unnecessary waste!

        Sep

        9

        Wean Green Glass Storage Sandwich Cubes

        Filed Under Food Safety, Product Reviews | Comments Off

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          I’ve written about Wean Green before, because I love food storage options that don’t rely solely on plastic. So when The Glass Baby Bottle sent me a sample of Wean Green’s new Sandwich Cubes I was anxious to try them out.  Wean Green is most well known for their cute little glass Cubes which are perfect for storing baby food.  These were naturally the next step.

          I love how these work and have put them to good use here at home.  Each set comes with two sandwich cubes which each hold about 16.5 ounces.  The lid, made of BPA free plastic with a silicone seal, snaps into place securely to prevent any leaks or spills.  I’ve used these cubes for leftovers, soup, olives, macaroni, fruit, and for my husband, jalepenos.  They don’t leak in the fridge and are small enough to be portable in any lunch sack or lunch box.  Glass is a great choice for food since it doesn’t leach chemicals into your foods and won’t hold on to any flavors.  They wash clean in the dishwasher and are ready to use.

          I wish they would name these something else because a regular sized sandwich doesn’t fit in these.  You’d have to cut it square or make mini sandwiches.  But it’s the perfect size for a little salad, soup, fruit, cheese, or snacks.  I even used to to transport a yogurt and fruit parfait without any issues. I was afraid to send it to school with my 5 year old… I could just see glass shattering all over the cafeteria… but I would definitely use this to tote food in my diaper bag or gym bag. Very handy and a cute size up from the baby food cubes.  They have bowls too (which look like the perfect size for kids).  The price point seems a little high for a set of 2 glass containers but they are cute and very functional, just not for a sandwich. I could totally fit a slab of cheesecake in there though… hmmm.

          Get them: You can pick these up at The Glass Baby Bottle in their signature lid colors (each comes with a set of 2) Blueberry, Carrot, Pea and Raspberry.

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