Pre-school

We started pre-school today. Eve got to go play with lots of other kids, while Cade and I got to sing, read, paint, play with play-dough (home-made, yay!), and eat snacks. I have to tell you, I was a bit worried about the snack thing, not because we have food allergies, but because my niece used to come over after pre-school and tell me about the cupcakes, ice cream, potato chips, and Kool-aid she got to have at her preschool! YIKES.
However, today the kids sat down at the snack table and the teacher asked one to pass out a glass for water while Cade got to help her pass out the snack. I heard him behind the partition getting very excited and I just dreaded what he would be bringing out. But as soon as he walked around the corner I knew why he was excited. They had FRUITABU's Fruit Sploooshers, a FAVORITE in our house. I was ecstatic to see such a healthy yet yummy option for the preschoolers.
Because of the great snack I was able to talk to the teachers about Fruit Tree 101 which is partnered with Fruitabu's. (Remember I posted about it here.) I was able to talk to school administrators about it last week, who liked the idea, and now the teachers sounds very excited about it. Thursday I get to bring it to the advisory board, (which I am joining, hehe) and hopefully we can start the process and get some apple trees.
Finally, speaking of Fruitabu's, stay tuned for a review and giveaway later this week!

Gimme more Monday

Last Monday started the week from, well, you know, not good places, perhaps because I didn't do my duty of filling you in on great green giveaways. So here I good in full force to hopefully welcome a wonderful week! Wish me good karma!


You can try to win a fantastic gift set including Arbonne, Maggie's Organics, and a Nest Sling from Close to Home.

This is totally selfish, but I need a new look to my blog...VERY BADLY...I hate my "found template" and when I tried to design it myself I almost died-literally. So when I saw that Lauren from Restored316Design is giving away a blog design I have to do everything I can do win-I LOVE HER STUFF, you will too. Enter here, then let me have your winnings! But a blog is green, there is no paper waster, right-so it completely fits with a green giveaway round-up!

TeensyGreen is giving away 3 seperate gift cards to Olive and Bean, they are a fantastic eco-friendly one stop baby shop!

I've heard of Sigg and Kleen Kanteen water bottles, but here is a new one, EarthLust a stainless steel eco-friendly water bottle. You can win a beautifully designed on from Mamanista. I love the owl, but for some reason I love the loneliness of Crow, take a look, you'll see.

These things are so cool. Solio solar chargers!! They look so high tech, I'd love to give one to my husband to set on his desk so he could be the envy of all the other designers in his office (for about a week, they are all such technology nerds...) Win one here!

GreenMomFinds has an organic nursing top for for grabs. What a great idea!!!

I'm sure you've heard me mention BabySpareWear. It is such a great idea for kids clothes. KatyDidandKid has a gift certificate you can win!

Aveda Winner!

I'm so glad so many of you love Aveda. I think buying in liter sizes is a great idea, and hopefully when you run out of whatever you are using you'll consider it. Price it out, I bet you'll find it comparable to what you are using now.
And now for our winner...

Amy- who said "I am all for the Rosemary Mint. It sounds yummy!"

(Speaking of yummy, don't eat Aveda shampoo, but the founder of Aveda is coming out with a line that is so natural and organic you can eat it! Read about it here!)
Amy, I sent you an email and can't wait to hear back from you!! If not, I'll draw another!
Enjoy your weekend.

Do you live in California?

Do you have any idea how jealous I am right now. THIS SATURDAY The California Academy of Sciences opens its doors to a completely new "all green" museum that is on course to earn the highest rating possible for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
"A building heralded as the greenest museum in the world opens Saturday in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences features a living green roof with native plants, insulation made from recycled blue jeans and a large canopy of solar energy panels. Italian architect Renzo Piano tucked the building into the hills of Golden Gate Park — in both form and function, the museum fits into the natural world surrounding it." -Full NPR article here

Everything about it sounds amazing, can you imagine, actual real light coming into a museum!! No more dioramas, long, dark hallways (yes NYC Natural History Museum I am thinking of you...)
"The new Academy is a single structure but contains multiple venues, including the aquarium, the planetarium, the natural history museum and the 4-story rainforest. In addition, there's a new 3D theater, a lecture hall, a Naturalist Center, two restaurants, an adjacent garden and aviary, a roof terrace, and an Academy store. The new building also houses the Academy science labs and administrative offices, including an extensive library and scientific archive consisting of more than 20 million specimens."

So, do you live in California? I want a full review with photos!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95005398&ft=1&f=1007

http://www.calacademy.org/

Out of the office

I had it Tuesday, the kids got it last night, now my husband has it, and we all know how much whiners those sicks husbands are. Since I was up all last night with the kids and now scrubbing the house down yet again, I am taking the day off.
Don't forget to enter my Aveda giveaway. You have till tonight at midnight to enter.
I'll be back tomorrow, unless of course the dog gets it...

Target gives you money!

Today at Target I handed the checkout lady my cute little canvas shopping bags, she smiled and told me "thanks for recycling". I had handed her a coupon for a free bag of dog food so I was watching her screen carefully to make sure she got it. When the total came up all I saw at the bottom was $.05 off, so I asked if she had entered the dog food coupon (I know, paranoid!). She showed me the $7.00 off I had for the dog food, and then told me that when you bring your own bag to Target you get $.05 off your total bill. I know, $.05 isn't a lot, but for all the times I've shopped at Target I guarantee you if will have at LEAST paid for my canvas bags!
She told me every Target is participating so just ask if they don't give you the extra $.05, or if they don't and you don't feel like asking, just know you are still doing something good for the environment!
Now, how long till they start charging for those plastic bags...?

Whip it up Wednesday: Carpet

Have I mentioned this before, white dog, black dirt, swamp, and white carpet...(plus the fact that the kids and I are barefoot all summer so our feet are black) Yes, my carpet is horrible, and I've lived in this house for 4 months now. Yikes.
So when my father in law gave me his carpet cleaner I was very excited, but he was a little worried when I didn't take the "Hoover" approved soap. Fortunately I was able to whip up my own little cleaner that was cheaper, safer, and worked just as well as any store bought soap.

Homemade Cleaning Solution of Steam Cleaners
Fill the machine soap container with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Clean according to directions.
(Vinegar dissolves stains and the neutralizes odor, as in, no yucky perfume smell. LOVE IT!)

If you are lucky enough to only have a few dirty spots on your carpet (HOW ARE YOU SO LUCKY!) here is a great spot treatment that works fabulous (like when the dog comes in from the rain and run past you right onto the carpet so he leaves behind perfect little paw prints on the carpet...)

Homemade Spot Remover
Mix a small amount of vinegar and baking soda to form a paste, then work the paste onto the spot with an old tooth brush (or larger).
Allow paste to dry, then vacuum. Stain will be gone.

Fruit Tree 101

My son starts pre-school next week. He and I are extremely excited. However, though they have a great playground, there are next to NO trees surrounding the school. Kind of disappointing considering that this school has been around for 60+ years. But luckily for us, renovations have taken place inside, and now the outside needs its due work.
I am planning on bringing up Fruit Tree 101 while meeting at parent orientation this week. Seriously, what do preschoolers love more than eating apples and pears outside on a tree they helped take care of.
Here's what they said on their site:
"Bring “Fruit Tree 101” to Your School
FTPF will plant orchards at up to 30 schools in 2008. If you go to a public school, you can nominate it to receive an orchard by asking an interested school official to email us at info@ftpf.org. We are particularly interested in public schools in or near the following cities: Albany, Boston, Buffalo, Hartford, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Providence, San Antonio, and Seattle. If your school is picked, we will feature photos of it on our web site after the orchard has been planted."

Gimme more Monday

Unfortunately I spent all last week with my sister in Vegas so I was unable to do the weekly Green Giveaway round-up. In the meantime, check out Ecobunga! for some great giveaway!

Off to Vegas

Since I don't trust hotel rooms AT ALL, I didn't haul my laptop along. I'll be gone till Monday, so while I'm gone check out these great green blogs that I can't live without.

http://www.greendaily.com/

http://focusorganic.com/

http://tryingtobegreener.wordpress.com/

http://noimpactman.typepad.com/
See you Monday!

Whip it up Wednesday: More kitchen

There is one thing I can't live without when washing my dishes in the dishwasher. That nifty little bottle of Jet Dry that makes my wine glasses (yes I wash them in my dishwasher, shhh) come out sparkling like crystal. But, there are MANY MANY bad things hidden in that little bottle, that when I ran out about 3 months ago, I wasn't sure I'd be able to replace it with anything green. WRONG!

Spotless Dishwasher Rinse (SO EASY)

1 cup white vinegar

Add the vinegar to the rinse compartment of your automatic dishwasher. Be careful not to overfill. Wash dishes as usual.

Giveaway! Aveda shampoo, conditioner, & Ready-Made

I have a lot of FAVORITES, I know. But I truly LOVE my Aveda products, especially their Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner. I get to the spa, ah, never, so this is my little treat to myself. To make me love them even MORE, Aveda recently decided to reduce their plastic by 36% and encourage customers to purchase their liter-sized shampoos and conditioners which in turn will have a more positive impact on the environment. Spend more up-front, save more in the long run, and help the environment. Perfect.
Aveda is currently running a great promotion, buy two liter-size shampoos or conditioners and get a year subscription to Ready-Made magazine. LOVE IT! But now, you have a chance to win all three!! Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner in the liter size and a YEAR subscription to a fabulous magazine, Ready-Made.

How to enter:
Visit Aveda then come back here and leave me a comment telling me what line of shampoo and conditioner would be perfect for your hair and why!
It is that easy. You have a week to enter, comments will close at midnight (central time) on Tuesday, September 23. Winner will be announced on Wednesday!!
Opps...Prizey.net listed the contest till September 26, so I will keep comments open until Thursday at midnight and announce the winner on Friday!
Good luck!

(This giveaway is open to all residents in the US and Canada. The winner will be selected using Random.org, and of course your email is kept private. I will not sell it, collect it, or use it in anyway, unless of course you win, then I'll contact you with it!)

I don't get on political rants often...

I am all for a woman in the white house, but that doesn't mean I would put aside my moral and ethical beliefs just to do it. I am literally frightened of Sarah Palin, (and of McCain for choosing Palin only because of whats between her legs and instead of what comes out of her mouth) and you should be to, here's why:

Palin has sued the Department of the Interior about putting polar bears on the endangered species list and she is critical of the need to list the Beluga whale as an endangered species because of the effect such listing may have on the economic development of Alaska.

Palin believes that we should drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refudge, which McCain has previously opposed. He's wavered on the issue before, though, so his nomination of Palin may be the tipping point. She also supports offshore drilling.

She believes creationism should be taught in the public schools which runs both counter to well-settled evolutionary science, and to the Constitutional separation of church and state.

Palin opposes a woman’s right to choose what to do with her own body, opposing the right to an abortion even for rape victims.

Palin called Hillary Clinton a “whiner”, even as she cynically tries to woo Clinton voters to the McCain ticket.

Palin is anti-gay in opposing same sex marriage and benefits.

She has absolutely no foreign policy experience and very little domestic policy experience.

Finally, here is an article everyone should read. Ripe with cynicism and truth. I love it. I wish I could have written it.
I'll be all green tomorrow, I promise.

Gimme more Monday

My trip to Vegas is getting closer and I can hardly sleep. Not just out of excitement, but stress! Seriously I am taking bets on whether or not the house will be standing when I get back and just how black the stove top will be...
So while I'm being lucky in Vegas (yeah right), maybe you can be lucky on a blog or two.


If you are lucky enough to have a pool or spa you know there is no way to be completely chemical free, however there are ways for you to be more eco-friendly. GreenAndCleanMom has a chance for you to win a system where you can do just that!

Don't you just love how soft baby blankets are! Now you can have a super soft and eco-friendly one! GreenMomFinds has one to give away!!

The jury for me is still out on Simple Green cleaners as they have been charged with greenwashing by many. ("Sunshine Makers’ Simple Green key ingredients comprise the same toxic solvent that can be found in traditional all-purpose cleaners such as Formula 409 and Windex") But they still are "better" than some out there. So if you want to win a years supply go here. Hmm...still not sure I should have listed this one.

Say what you will, but PETA is giving a copy of The Vegan Lunchbox. I'm very curious about this book.

Heather over at ADayCareLife is giving away a complete green laundry system. The balls look fantastic!! I've only heard good things about these!

The Big Green Bash

Thanks to Design Mom and Purlbee, Eve and I had a great time making fabric flags to spruce up the cabin. I found this the day before we left so I didn't get to make as much as I had wanted. We used old remnants I have from Andrew's grandma.


Remember, this was a chip party, and Cade had asked for a chip cake...This was my attempt. (Chocolate chip inside, fondant "chips" outside).


Flags up, GreenPartyGoods plates, cups, napkins, and forks ready to go.


Party boy, at the cabin, ready to go.


From GreenPartyGoods, I bought 7" Sugarcaneware plate for cake and chips. (It prevented the kids from OVERLOADING each trip to the chip table!

We also got Cornware forks, which worked just as good as regular forks and the plates were strong enough that the forks didn't poke through!


I also had 9oz Cornware cups which were the perfect size for two big ladles of punch with ice!

So the party went off well. Cade had a blast at the cabin and even though it was one of those days that was hot in the sun, cold in the shade, he still spent most the time in the water! He got lots of fun toys that he and his sister will love for a long time!
Carole's products from GreenPartyGoods were better than I had dreamed. She was even kind enough to send along a little present for Cade, which he mastered in about two minutes! (What can I say, he takes after his dad in patience when he really wants something!) So next big party, order, order, order! I love that the products are SAFE for my kids and SAFE for the environment. Nothing better than that!

Annie's=Kiwi's

Since I love a good magazine and Kiwi is so far my FAVORITE, here is a chance for you to get your own. If you have purchased any Annie's Homegrown food recently go here.
You need a UPC code and to fill out a few silly questions, such as, What is the name of the Rabbit?
Very easy. So if you bought it, you can get it, FREE for a year! (remember to recycle or pass it on when you're done reading!)

Whip it up Wednesday: Fruit & Veggies!

I'm sure you've all seen it, Veggie Wash, in the produce section of your grocery store. It is sprayed on your fruit and veggies to remove bacteria. Well, I have something that is PROVEN to work better. In fact, it is proven to remove 98% of all bacteria on your fruit and veggies! So if it is that hard of a worker it must be hard to make you're thinking...wrong!

Homemade Produce Wash
In a spray bottle, mix
1 part vinegar
2 part water
Shake and spray!

Vegas baby...

Yes, that is right. My lucky sister pulled the winning card and is taking me on a free trip to Vegas.! Ah, Vegas, synonymous with reckless consumption of EVERYTHING. What's a green girl to do?
Probably just sit back and enjoy a free trip, laying by the pool, people watching, and trying to get free drinks while playing the penny slots or overlooking a table. Vegas, however, is taking a few steps towards becoming greener, a drop in the bucket, but they're giving green a shot. More than 50 million square feet of construction built to LEED standards is planned “on and around the Las Vegas Strip, not including the 8.3 million square feet of the 7-month-old, $1.9 billion Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, which, in May, was designated the nation’s largest LEED-certified building.
(Thanks WorldHum)

Gimme more Monday

Really, how does Monday come around so fast. We had a fall like weekend, so I am hoping this Monday brings a little warmth back...I'm not ready for red leaves, yet.

One of the most green things you can do is Breastfeed. For me, there was nothing more amazing, beneficial, and easy for me to do, plus I'm cheap, and the though of buying formula made me sick. SuperMomz has a Breastfeeding Package available from Mommy's Little Monkey that looks fantastic.

KatyDidandKid has organic playdough up for grabs. Even though making our own wasn't too hard, this would be nice so the kids don't have to wait for it to cook then cool, plus it took a LOT of flour to make our own!!

We all know how energy efficient Front Loading Washers and Dryers are. Enter to win a set from Real Simple.

I think Baby Spare Wear are such a great idea, and then they just clinch my heart by being eco-friendly! Jo-Jo's Place has a set for you to win!!

The Birthday Bash is here!

This weekend we are headed to the cabin for Cade's Chip party with an ultra-green theme. Hopefully it warms up a bit...(we lost our heat an humidity this week!) so the kids don't have blue lips from swimming too long!
I'll post pictures and let you know how all the fun stuff we got from GreenPartyGoods worked out for us and the fun little projects Cade, Eve, and I whipped up to make the party extra special! Enjoy your weekend, I know we will!!

NO they didn't...

Are they really trying to sell us on High Fructose Corn Syrup being OK for the kids.
SweetSurprise is up and running and that is their whole goal. "High Fructose Syrup is OK because it is made from corn".
Now, I don't force my kids to stay away from it, but we do avoid it. Most of us know that it is linked to obesity, but it is also one of the most energy-intensive products to make (seriously, click on the link, read the article). Here is what I believe about food, (the book In Defense of Food agrees with me): The more fuel, energy and chemicals that go into processing a food, the less nutritious that food probably is. So steering clear of high-fructose corn syrup can't be bad for your health -- or the planet.

Here are two of the ad's Sweet Surprise put out. (I seriously thought they were SNL joke commercials the first time I saw them!)

Party Ad

Two Bites Ad

Yeah, pick your jaw up off the floor.

Whip it up Wednesday: Stainless steel...

When my husband and I built our kitchen we put in white cabinets so they could be easily wiped and cleaned. But then came to buying appliances and we did a total hodge-podge, because all white would have been too much, all black was too much contrast, and I wasn't sold on stainless. I have a white dishwasher, a white oven and black stove top, and a stainless steel fridge and range hood. It is the last two stainless steel appliances that KILL ME. Our fridge is full of finger prints and water drips. The directions on the fridge told me to use warm water and a smooth sponge-DOESN'T WORK! I tried Method wipes but I use about 5 on my fridge to get it clean, then I found this recipe (below) and it works like a CHARM!!

Stainless Steel Cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup club soda
Rub onto surface, wipe clean, follow with a dry cloth.

A rainy afternoon

We literally haven't had a rainy day this whole summer. It was beautiful! Like many others I consider Labor Day as the last day of summer, so it is very fitting that today, the day after the last day of summer, is a rainy, bleak day.
So to keep the kids occupied today we will be whipping up a batch of Home-Made Play Clay.

Safe Play Clay
1 cup Flour
1/4 cup Salt
2 Tbsp. Cream of Tarter
1 cup Water
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
Coloring (if desired-use natural dyes like beet juice)

Combine all ingredients in a pot over medium heat and stir. Continue stirring until the clay forms a ball and reaches the consistency of commercial play doughs. Place on wax paper till cool. Store in a plastic bag or air tight container.
We love making shapes and baking them for a few minutes (or letting them sit out over night...). The kids can paint them or use them pretty much however they want!

Gimme more Monday

Two great things today- First and foremost:

Happy Birthday Cade! Thanks for being an amazing 2 year old, I can't wait to see what you do now that you're 3!!

And, Labor day! Hope you're enjoying your BBQ. Now wipe off your fingers and spend a few minutes entering these great GREEN giveaway! (Remember to enter RIGHT NOW! A lot of these end today, Monday, at Midnite!)

Go Natural Baby is giving away so super comfy organic kids clothes from their AMAZING store. They use the greatest colors!

Teensy Green has your chance to win a fabulous recycled notebook. Trust me, I love a good notebook and these are perfect. As in, "No kids, this is mommy's".

More great paper from Green Your Decor. Win some fabulous panels for your wall!

Coleman Natural is giving away bikes, grills, watches, and other great prizes. (Not really all green, but a bike is a great mode of green transportation!

Do you have any idea how bad dryer sheets are for you?? (you can read about it here)
Well, Lisa over at Retro Housewife has the solution...dryer balls...Win them at her site!

After our weekend of camping I know I would love a good long bath, and what better to use than the 100% organic bath products from Skinnyskinny...Don't you love the name! KatydidandKid has some up for grabs!!

And, while you take your bath, keep the kids busy and let them play with some eco-dough. Yes, like play-dough, only better for you! You can try to win some from Green Mom Finds.