I’m always on the lookout for funky, open-ended play toys and games for my girls, but I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately. We’ve been heavy on art supplies, and the toys I shipped from the States don’t seem to cut it. Lucky me when my friend told me about Kapla Blocks.
“Kapla” is short for the phrase “Kabouter Plankjes,” which means “pixie planks” in Dutch, and that’s exactly what you get with each set of Kapla Blocks. Made from renewable forests in France, Kapla Blocks are non-toxic, free of magnets, with no little screws or tiny extra pieces to worry you. They come in seven different colors, and include directions and lesson plans based on a child’s building abilities. You can also download different projects as your kids get more advanced (or, as you get more and more hooked!)
What other toys or games are your kids hooked on these days? I’m getting a suitcase ready to bring back to Panama with us, and I’d love your ideas!
I miss organic yogurt - it’s impossible to find in Central America. So when I saw Stonyfield Farm’s, “Bid With Your Lid” program, I really really wanted some. Instead, I’ll let you all do the eating and sending. Each year, Stonyfield Farm gives away “10 percent of its profits to organizations and projects that work to protect and restore the earth”. This year, each of three nonprofit organizations will receive $20,000…you help to decide where a portion of the $40,000 balance goes - Sustainable Harvest International, National Park Foundation, or New American Dream. You can cast one vote on line and get a free coupon for yogurt. Or, send in more lids for more coupons and prizes! And send in a extra one for me!
As a mom, a reader, a blogger, and a greeny, I read A LOT. My Feeds are a bit out of control, but one site/magazine that I find particularly informative/entertaining/snarky/resourceful is Grist, supporting “non-profit, independent, environmental journalism.” Grist covers the gamut of green subject matter, and is not afraid to go too far left or right to bring you articles about treehuggers, green candidates, and controversial matters affecting the blogosphere right now.
For the next two weeks, Grist is featuring a special series focusing on parenting, children, and health. Begin with the guide to leading a greener pregnancy; read about questions of children’s anxiety over global warming; venture into the touchy debate over population problems. You may not agree with everything you read, but at least your brain will be churning over something other than the “Made in China” debacle…
I love Mrs. Meyers ”Clean Day” products, not only because Mrs. Meyers sort of looks like my Grandma when she was younger, or the bottles are no fuss/easy to open and look like they were designed at “Leave it to Beaver’s” house. It’s always what’s inside that counts, no? What really brings me back to Mrs. Meyers are the tried and true cleaning power of her laundry, baby, and cleaning products that are made with natural essential oils, are biodegradable, and phosphate-free.
And the scents - Geranium, Lavender, and Lemon Verbena - will take you back to Grandma’s house, with sheets drying in the open air, running through their softness…ok, now I’m getting carried away. Try something simple first, like their Baby Blossom Freshening Spray. Use for the diaper pail, or just in the room. Your nose will thank you.
Mrs. Meyers is offering free shipping on orders over $50, now through Friday only! Stock up for fall and refresh your house for the new season now!
Sorry for the lack of posts last week…between traveling, the holidays, and lack of computer access, well…I’m going to make it up by doing a special mom giveaway this week. I found Blossom Creations on Etsy a while ago, and fell in love with the colorful and nature/artsy stationery. Australia-based Erin Corvisy became intrigued with the green movement around her, and decided to leave her job and try her hand at graphic design. Blossom Creations is her result, and boy, are we happy she made a career change! Her stationery and notebooks are made from 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper, and she’s already branching out to include eco-friendly home goods, giftwrap, and accessories, all with her beautiful and totally original designs!
This week, I’m so excited to giveaway Erin’s “Raven” notebook. These little birdies will keep your recipes, school project notes, or free-time sketches looking their best! Leave a comment here by Thursday night at midnight, PST, with an answer to this question - What are one of the names of Erin’s other Blossom Creations notebooks? Good luck and happy Monday!
Congrats to Nicole Mendoza, winner of Blossom Creation’s “Raven” notebook!
If it’s true that all kids love playing with cardboard boxes as much as the toys that come in them, than this project is the ultimate. The FYS (Finish Your Self) 2007 chair by David Graas employs your kids to make their own chair - from the corrugated recycled cardboard it ships in! Pop out the already scored pieces and assemble. No glue, stapling, or other assembly-hindering trick applies. Then, viola! Time to sit and admire your handiwork - literally! A great way to spend time with your kids to make a finished product that can actually be used by them!
What kid doesn’t like funky bugs in the bath? Ok, figuratively, but you know what I mean. My girls love bath goodies that bubble, fizz, change the water colors, anything that makes the bath even more enjoyable. Flower Peddler, a wonderful shop full of natural and vegan bath and body products for ages zero-you, makes these adorable “Garden Bugz” Bath Bombs for kids. Choose from a ladybug or bumblebee bomb, in three yummy scents. Made with natural ingredients like almond oil and witch hazel, these little buggers will soften your kid’s skin in total buggy secrecy. And don’t forget to take care of yourself too, with mommy body scrubs and polishes (comes HIGHLY recommended).
This week, win a Garden Bugz Bath Bomb for your little bug…Flower Peddler is giving away one bath bomb of your choice! We’re trying something different this week . . . please take a minute to check out Flower Peddler and answer this question with your entry - What are one of the Garden Bugz bath bomb scents (there are three to choose from!) Leave your answer by Thursday at midnight, PST, and you your kids could soon be soaking in fun fizziness! Good luck!
Congrats to mama4jc, who chose Goofy Green Apple for her Bath Bomb!
I’m always on the lookout for allergen free fun-foods for my daughter’s friends who have allergies, even if they’re not organic. Cookies are cookies sometimes, am I right? Divvies is like a virtual gourmet aisle of “safe sweets” - homemade cookies, cupcakes, popcorn, candy, and baking products, shipped to you fresh and ready to tear into. All of Divvies products are made without peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, or dairy (but with wheat and soy ingredients), and are certified vegan and kosher parve. Have cupcakes shipped to you by the dozen for your next party, complete with frosting! Sponsor a preteen movie night with chocolate caramel popcorn. And, if you’re really brave, have cookies sent by way of “Automatic Divvies,” two dozen sent once a month to brighten up your kid’s lunchboxes. Or your afternoon coffee.
Divvies cookies and popcorn are now available at Walt Disney World in Orlando! Good to know Mickey is looking out for his most sensitive visitors…
via ThisNext
These beautiful and comfy pregnancy/nursing pillows from Blessed Nest can carry you through pregnancy and feeding your infant - how many products can you think of that accomplishes both? Each component of the pillow is organic…The pillow itself is made from organic cotton canvas and filled with organic buckwheat hulls to ensure breathability and stability. The slipcover, which is removable and machine washable (bonus!) are either made from cotton terry cloth or 100% organic cotton (the “All Organic” pillow). Each pillow is made to order, so they’re not sitting around getting stale. So, what does this mean for you and your baby? Leg support, back support, baby support…I’ve even used mine as book support when I wanted to read laying down!
If I ever make it to Central Virginia, I am heading straight to Amazement Square/The Rightmire Children’s Museum, an awesome hands-on children’s museum that’s bursting with activities and eco-friendliness. Not only does the museum boast Amazement Tower, the largest indoor climbing structure in the US (four floors high leading up to a rooftop outdoor observation deck, complete with slides, tunnels, and a zip-line), right now they also have an energy conservation exhibit called Watt’s Up? The Energy Around Us. Kids can get their hands on a solar powered model race car; create energy through wind power to turn the lights on a model home; plus explore fossil fuels and other resources that are becoming scarce. It’s way more fun to teach energy conservation than the usual “Don’t forget to turn the lights out!” holler every time they leave a room - then they can play in the tower to get rid of their energy…
