Earth Mama Angel Baby Welcomes Little Angels to the Planet

Pardon the pun, but Earth Mama Angel Baby products are truly heavenly. How I wish I could turn back time and see my newborn's very first bath on the planet given with their pure, organic, fragrance and toxin free, vegan shampoo. Instead, she was doused at the hospital with a standard, chemical laden baby shampoo. (Shudder.)

I was just thinking the other day about how I think all hospitals should make the switch to organic, non-toxic baby care. Then I heard the thrilling news that the forward thinking care providers at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital are now bathing newborns born in their facilities a worry-free, delicious first bath with Earth Mama Angel Baby products! Their philosophy: "As a faith-based institution, we take a whole-person approach to wellness that takes into account mind, body and spirit," says Kathy Mitchell, Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital ’s chief nursing officer. "For our tiniest patients, this means using natural and organic herbal products."

TRIUMPH! People are starting to GET it! Additionally, all new moms are given a gift bag filled with Earth Mama Angel Baby products to get themselves and their new baby off to a glowing start on the homefront.

Earth Mama Angel Baby products also receive amazing ratings (hazards scores of 0 or 1) from the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website, which I have previously mentioned many times here on Petite Planet as an essential resource in gauging how safe your family's personal care products really are.

Earth Mama Angel Baby is one of only six percent of compact signers of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (Skin Deep) that is 100% compliant with all terms and steps of the compact.

Our personal experience with these products has been amazing. I didn't think Olivia's skin could get any softer, or her hair any shinier or delicious smelling, but alas, Angel Baby Care products have done the trick. She gets instantly silky, smooth skin when we lather her up in the tub, I presume this is from the organic olive oil in the Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash. The pure ingredients list also contains orange essential oil and organic vanilla bean extract, which of course leads to my favorite smell on earth: creamsicle.

Olivia + creamsicle scent + snuggling = Heaven on Earth. (I was never good at math, but that's one equation I know for sure).

Run, don't stroll to pick up Earth Mama Angel Baby products for your baby, toddler, yourself, and for anyone you know who is expecting!

Vulli's Chan Pie Gnon

Don't adjust your computers, Petite Planet has not gone French... well, just for today... I'm writing about French company, Vulli!

Vulli's Sophie the Giraffe teether usually gets all the press and the love, but I am a much bigger fan of Vulli's Chan Pie Gnons! French for mushroom (champignon), these little guys come in blue (chan), pink (pie) and yellow (gnon), and they squeak with delight when lightly squeezed. Their five inch size also makes them the perfect fit for tiny hands.

Handmade in the French Alps, they're made of phthalate free natural rubber, and painted with food grade, non-toxic paints, making them totally safe for baby to gnaw down on during the tremendously difficult era of teething.

I bought Gnon for Olivia last week, after she was enchanted with it when another child had one at the pediatrician's office. Alas, now that it's hers, it's on a bit of a back burner. But, I can assure you, a younger baby would love this mushroom pal. It is totally chewable, heck, I may even try biting into it sooner or later, and it's jubilant squeak makes everyone laugh.

I know if I had given this to Olivia at the height of her teething days, Gnon would be nearly gone.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOGAN!

WE LOVE YOU!

Petite Planet Poll: Do You Remove Your Shoes at the Door?

Japan has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, (the third highest). The United States isn't even ranked in the top ten nations with the highest life expectancy. Do you suppose the fact that it's a Japanese custom to remove your shoes before entering a house, or restaurant or business has anything to do with their longevity? I do!

Since Olivia's birth, we have been staunch advocates of the "remove your shoes before entering" our house philosophy. Some people willingly and happily oblige, while others act as though I've asked them to take out their kidney with a butter knife. What's the big deal anyway? Who wants to wear shoes all the time?

For those who oppose this practice or think it's an unnecessary measure taken to keep the home environment clean and free of toxins, consider the inarguable facts. You can cut the amount of dirt and dust in your home by a whopping 60% if your simply remove your shoes before entering your house. Watch this clip from Healthy Child, Healthy World for the lowdown.

And proving once and for all that you can find ANYTHING on the Internet, I just came across this blog called: "Shoes Off at the Door, Please." If someone can write an entire blog about the topic, it's a worthwhile cause.

And think about if you have a baby who crawls on the floor... they are down there amidst all the muck that is tread in from outside... spit on the sidewalk, cigarette butts... need I go on here?

Invest in a cozy pair of slippers, leave them by your front door and slip them on when you come in. Offer guests a cozy pair of socks or slippers in exchange for their shoes too!

While you're at it, drink some green tea and unwind. Maybe we can put America on the long life list one of these days...

Do you ask guests to remove their shoes before entering your home?
	Yes - I'm all for this easy way of keeping my environment clean.
	No - We kick back in our kicks all the live long day!
pollcode.com free polls

Beautiful Butterflies

I love this photograph I just saw and wanted to share it with you. Have a great weekend!

How Bad Hair Days Led to Better Skin Days

I'm guilty of the mom blahs. I have a cute haircut, yet every day I get out of the shower and tie my wet hair into a loose bun before joining Olivia for a day of toddler inspired action. Blow drying my hair would be akin to hiking Mount Everest at this point, and it looks decent after it air dries, but I'm so used to having it out of my face, that I feel like a breed of sheepdog when it's down.

Which brought me to my latest indulgence: skincare. Before I became a mom, I had that youthful glow... the kind that made people gasp when I told them my age and say things like, "No way! You are NOT 30! You look 22!" Post Olivia, bless her soul, but mama is looking her age these days, and ain't no one saying otherwise! Couple that fact with my hair always being pulled back and my face boldly exposed to the world, I am reaching for the best skin care I can find!

So, that's the long-winded intro to my absolute gleeful revelation that is Jurlique. Let's be real here... Jurlique costs a pretty penny, at least in my opinion, but I am finally willing to step up to the plate and stop playing around with less expensive alternatives that don't make me feel aglow. Since using Jurlique, I look in the mirror and actually see the difference in my skin. The Replenishing Foaming Cleanser seen above is my new fountain of youth. Miraculously, the folks there have found a way to make me love the scent of bottled roses too... as I had previously run screaming down a fluorescent lit aisle away from anything that even said "rose" on its label. The replenishing foaming cleanser has a delicious rose scent that doesn't make you think of dusty old sachets from yesteryear.

I truly adore so many of Jurlique's products, but I have to invest in one at a time due to budget constraints. I have had the opportunity to try many samples of their products and I also LOVE their Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel, Calendula Cream, and all of their Hand Creams. Jurlique also has a line of baby care products that I'd love to use on Olivia.

Of course, as with every product I tend to adore, the philosophies and business practices behind Jurlique are hands down the best of any beauty company on the planet. They practice Biodynamic farming on their own farms in Australia, from whence they derive the pure, sustainably harvested ingredients for their products. It's a really amazing feeling when you squeeze any bit of a Jurlique product into your hand, you know that it was grown and created and blended with the utmost concern for the planet's health and for your own health and well-being.

I just can't rave enough about Jurlique, and since Valentine's Day is approaching, moms, put some of their skincare on your wish list! You deserve it!

Dig in to Thinkbaby's Feeding Set

I have been extolling the virtues of thinkbaby products at every opportunity I get, as I am a huge fan of their philosophy: to make children's safety and health their top priority. Check out my reviews of thinkbaby bottles here and here.

I was elated to learn that thinkbaby has introduced a feeding set into their line. This completely toxic free set includes all the components seen above... and not shown are the airtight lids for the bento box and the two bowls. I especially like the fork and spoon because they are curved and really easy for toddler's to use to maneuver food into their mouth without requiring an advanced level of dexterity. Olivia has had the most success with the thinkbaby utensils, and we have tried many varieties to date! The bowls are also the perfect size, and they are sturdy without being heavy.

I love that this set is a departure from plastic-mania. It's comprised of stainless steel and the orange coating on each dish is made of polypropelene. Here's what comes with each feeding set:

• 9 oz Bento Box with air-tight, leak-proof lid
• 10 oz Soup/Cereal Bowl with lid
• 10 oz Low Profile Baby Bowl with lid
• 7 oz Kids Cup with chunky handle
• Contoured Spoon and Fork with easy grip handle

Instead of buying a BPA free plastic bowl here and a BPA free cup and utensils there, do yourself a favor and streamline your efforts by buying the thinkbaby feeding set. You'll be so happy you did!

Un-Paper Towels from The Milkweed Mercantile

It's no secret that I'm trying to cut back on paper use in our household, so when I came across these reusable hemp cloths at The Milkweed Mercantile, I had to give them a try.

These cloths aren't just handy to replace paper towels, they may also be used as:

• wash cloths
  
• for dish washing and drying
• as super soft napkins
• as baby wipes
• for cleaning and dusting

They are super thick, plush and absorbent, and they are eco-friendly as they're made from hemp and organic cotton. The 4x6 size comes in a pack of five for $5, and this size would be ideal for use as baby wipes. The 8x8 size comes in a pack of three for $9, and this size would be best for napkins and adult sized wash cloths. The 11x11 size is the size to grab for use as paper towel substitutes, and they are 3 for $12.

As excited as I am about these hemp cloths, I am thrilled to have unearthed The Milkweed Mercantile. This company's philosophy is like no other I have seen when it comes to being green. They have a no more "business as usual" approach. Check out the six ecological principles they adhere to:

• Renewable energy – All power used is from renewable and/or sustainable sources
• No personal ownership of cars – 36 adults share a Jetta, a Ford truck and a tractor in vehicle co-op
• No petroleum – We run the vehicles on biodiesel, and have done so since 1999, long before it was trendy
• All building materials are renewable and/or sustainable
• All gardening and agriculture is organic
• Composting – Waste disposal systems reclaim organic and recyclable materials

Further, the very building in which they work is powered by wind and solar energy. They also boast a delightful sounding Eco Inn, a sustainable alternative to the typical B&B, and seminars and retreats, such as creating an organic garden and transforming your home with renewable energy. Their cafe serves local, organic, Fair Trade foods.

I mean seriously, this place sounds like eco heaven on earth!

I am a huge fan of The Milkweed Mercantile, located in Rutledge, Missouri. If it were up to me, they would have locations everywhere... but then again, their individuality makes them so incredibly spectacular.

Visit their online store here.

Free Guided Nature Walks for Children

Continuing on my mission to save us all some dough while helping our children learn about the world and have a great time, I wanted to share another free program with you. While this too is in the Portland area, I encourage you to check out similar locations in your neck of the woods for like minded activities!

Tryon Creek State Park has a program called Story & Stroll geared for children ages 3-6, but all ages are welcome (with parent accompaniment) on Fridays from 1-2pm. A park naturalist hosts nature story time, along with a brief stroll through the park. Each Friday has a different theme- today's topic is Douglas Firs.

For kids ages 6-12, join the Jr. Ranger Program and learn all about how to protect natural resources, animals and plants. This is also a free program!

And February 14th from 1-4, the park is having a Happy 150th Birthday party for Oregon! Another fun, free event for the whole family.

So bundle up and get out there and enjoy some free earth loving and tree hugging!

Tailored Tadpole Organic Lounge Sets for Tots

Tailored Tadpole makes precious lounge sets for tots who want to kick back in style. Their Fair Trade, organic cotton clothing is made in the USA, and their appliqued designs are hip and fresh. I love these lounge sets, and check out how they all have a front pocket in which kids may store the tiny treasures they're always unearthing.

If you're tot is less of a lounger, get her an organic bodysuit or an organic T-shirt, embellished with a peace sign, guitar, tree, elephant... or whatever baby's favorite item of the moment happens to be!

Tailored Tadpole gives back to the community and works hard to preserve the earth through their business practices and philosophies. They support Project Night Night, an organization which provides homeless children with a tote complete with a blanket, book and stuffed animal to promote security and foster their emotional well-being.

Make Me Something Good to Eat, by Tamra Davis

Most parents would agree that the creativity and craftiness required to cook for kids is a real art form. Gone are the old school days of, "you'll eat it, and you'll like it!" Or, "fine, then you'll go to bed hungry!" Today's parents are all about pleasing their kids palates with delectable dishes... even if it means going the extra mile to make healthy food into appealing fare.

Cooking with local and organic ingredients, and highlighting her penchant for vegetarian dishes, Tamra Davis' cookbook, Make Me Something Good to Eat, and her documentary style cooking show, Tamra Davis Cooking Show, are right up my alley.

Instead of tuning in to watch a professional cook walk you through an "easy" recipe in a controlled atmosphere in which everything is pre-measured and the lighting, hair and make-up are all spot on, Tamra invites you into her home and on her family's travels, and shows you how to cook kid-friendly dishes with her kids underfoot. She even involves them in counting the required ingredients, peeling, rolling and folding, all with a hip, laid back vibe. Watching Tamra in action makes you feel like you could actually relate to this supermom who travels the globe with her rock star husband, while keeping her children well-nourished and her main priority.

I love that her cooking episodes are bite-sized and available on her website, via Youtube so you can log on and watch anytime to get tiny crowd pleasing food ideas. Her cookbook has standout recipes like "Shrek Pasta" in which the noodles turn green due to pesto sauce, a non-dairy Coconut Flan, sure to tickle a tot with lactose intolerance, and Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes, (complete with beets and cream cheese frosting - YUM!) just in time for Valentine's Day.

Buy Make Me Something Good to Eat here, and watch Tamra's cooking shows here.

Print*Pattern*Paper

Since it's one of my personal 'green' resolutions to drastically cut back on the amount of paper we use, I'm on the look out for eco alternatives. Print*Pattern*Paper boasts creations from independent artist, Rebecca Peragine, who uses recycled materials to produce her handmade textiles which range from colorful, unique prints to market and library totes, and darling stationery. I love her Wild Bird greeting cards!

As a hip, darling alternative to the brown paper bag, pictured above is her Lunch Pack in the "Shop Talk" pattern. This pack comes with a fair wage/fair labor cotton reusable bag featuring one of Rebecca's original works of art appliqued on the front. Also included in the pack are one coordinating 100% cotton napkin, a reusable 7" bamboo plate, and a reusable bamboo fork, knife and spoon utensil set.

If you sign up for Rebecca's newsletter, you will get 20% off your purchase.

Any chance you'll be south of the border on January 16th? If so, stop by Rebecca's fundraising art show in Isla Mujeres. She will be donating half of all her proceeds to PEACE, an organzation which improves the community through Protection and Education regarding Animals, Culture and the Environment.

But don't worry, if you're not a worldwide traveler, you can still check out Print*Pattern*Paper on the worldwide web, here.

Ohdeedoh's Repurposing Crib Bumpers!

Where will you find me online if I'm not writing Petite Planet or editing and writing for Inhabitots? At Ohdeedoh! I absolutely ADORE Ohdeedoh! They're currently running their most popular posts of 2008, and I am really digging their post: "How to: Repurpose Crib Bumpers."

We had the whole on or off? debate at our house... crib bumpers are dangerous and may cause suffocation vs. they provide a safe amount of padding and cushioning so our rambunctiously sleeping baby doesn't have to roll into hard wood at every toss and turn. Ultimately, we left our crib bumper on, and continue to use it... but there will be a day when it will certainly be obsolete! (Maybe I'll actually get to sleep at some point on that same day.)

Alas, Ohdeedoh has come to the rescue with multiple recommendations for how to repurpose crib bumpers. That is, if you don't intend to use the same crib bedding for your next wee one. Ideas include: herb filled heat packs, sewing on pockets and hanging on the wall as storage for small toys, and bed rail cushioning for elderly hospital patients (or any age hospital patient for that matter...)

Go read the post and find a wonderful way to repurpose your crib bumper, and get acquainted with the fabulous Ohdeedoh!

Two Dollars Buys a World of Fun

Let's face it... as good, conscientious parents, we all want to fill up our children's to-do lists with educational activities which stimulate their mind, pique their curiosity, stretch their imagination, and exercise their body. But these outings and events can sometimes cost a pretty penny, while having little to no impact on our wandering tots. For instance, my husband and I have taken Olivia to museums, exhibits and outings galore, and the bottom line is, if we hand her a ball and let her run up and down the sidewalk outside our house, she is just as happy as if we'd paid $20 for admission into a children's science museum.

Today she had more fun picking up rocks and walking around her neighborhood, than she did at the totally awesome Noah's Ark exhibit in Los Angeles. But of course, we will always keep trying and exposing her to what the world has to offer in the kiddie entertainment and enlightenment realms. Teaching our children to appreciate the earth and the universe at large by introducing them to the stars, planets and every animal we can find at the zoo, will help perpetuate the intelligence that future generations require to save our planet!

But back to the money part... I've discovered that all of these activities are available at bargain prices... so be sure to utilize them to save a load of cash, while still allowing your little one to blossom into a genius.

Here in Portland, the OMSI has $2 days the first Sunday of every month. Parking is also free on these days. Arrive when they open and you're golden. By the time we left, the crowds were starting to pour in.

The Oregon Zoo in Portland also offers $2 admissions on the second Tuesday of every month. We've yet to venture out to claim this bargain, but doing so will save us a bundle.

These are just two examples... I encourage you to research the activities in your area you'd like to take your kids to... and then find out if they offer discounted rates on certain days of the month. Then you can truly indulge without having to pay a fortune to do all of the fun things life has to offer. If you're child is particularly enchanted with an outing such as the zoo, buy a membership, as this too will save you money if you visit often.

Have fun!

*The photo above is of Olivia at the petting zoo where we cut our Christmas tree.

'Green' Voted Most Annoying Word of 2008

Just a quick post to share that the word "green" was voted the most annoying word of 2008. "Carbon footprint" was another "annoying" winner. Am I happy about this? "Not so much." (Another phrase on the annoying list!)

Want to know what will be really annoying? If the world turns brown from lack of eco-enlightenment!

I have said and written the word "green" SO many times in the past year... but I will continue to do so until our planet is no longer in peril. Green, green, green...

Donate Your Used Holiday Cards to St. Jude's Ranch!

Taking down your holiday decor? Re-read and savor your holiday cards one more time, and then send them on to get a second life at St. Jude's Ranch for Children! Through February 28, 2009, you can mail your used, all-occasion greeting cards fronts to St. Jude's Ranch, and they will be made into new cards by children. The kids attach a blank recycled paper back to the card, making them into new cards for buyers... and they get paid for their work! It's a win-win-win situation! Consumers buy green, kids learn about and earn green, and the earth is a little greener due to the recycling of the cards!

If you have any other greeting cards collecting dust or taking space, send those in too! And you can also order a set of 10 cards for $8, in the categories of: General Christmas Cards, Religious Christmas Cards, Easter Cards, Birthday Cards, Thank You Cards, All Occasion General Greeting Cards.

I'm going to send mine in right now!

Send cards here:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Mother Uppers

I've dedicated Petite Planet to discussing ways to help save Mother Earth, but in this post, I'm going to talk about saving the spirits of mothers who live on earth.

Why is it that Oprah has declared on many occasions that mothers (disclaimer: if you're a stay at home dad raising your children, this post is for you too) have the hardest job in the world, yet mothers continue to receive no accolades, celebrity status, pay rise, or financial windfall? I mean, Oprah just has to refer to Spanx, hold up a paperback and call it her "favorite," pat Elizabeth Gilbert on the hand or admonish James Frey, and her word or touch makes or breaks products and lives. So, why has everyone failed to receive the message that mothers deserve so much more than the thanks or no thanks that they get on an average day?

I was clearly ignorant before I had a baby. I don't know how I managed to retain my illusions on what motherhood was before I actually became a mother... but now that I know how hard it is, I think there should be a channel on television dedicated to telling everyone, in 100 different languages, on 24/7 streaming video, exactly how hard it is.

A friend of mine once told me that when her husband came home from work, he would ask her what she did all day, seeing the dishes in the sink and the laundry not folded, and her reply was, "I kept our child alive all day long." At the time, I was childless, and I thought she was being a bit drastic... now I understand what she meant.

And in the face of all the hard work, comes the relentless commentary from passerby, relatives, strangers, spouses, parents, siblings, UPS delivery men, grocery store check out clerks, someone walking their dog in the park you're playing in... (yes, all of these people have felt the need to comment on my mothering skills at one point or another), why does everyone think that I, or any mother for that matter needs to hear that their little Sally is better acclimated and socialized because she started school/daycare at 18 months? Why must we be asked why our toddler is whining when they don't get their way, when we have read 65 different books and philosophies on child-rearing, have implemented 4,032 practices, ("can you use your nice voice please?") and the result is still a shrill whine when our toddler is upset? Why do you think we need to know that your child never gets up once during the night, or has no trouble staying home with any number of babysitters, or can already say their ABC's, or eats steamed kale atop brown rice, or can use the potty, or can entertain himself so well while you get the housework done?

Whether you're a mother yourself, know one, or have one (and I'm pretty sure you do), why not tell the next mom you see what a TREMENDOUS job she is doing raising her child? I don't care if her kid is face down on the floor in the children's section of the library pitching a fit after having just thrown a sippy cup filled with 100% organic pomegranate juice at the wall... refrain from doing anything that will make her think she is not living up to everyone's notion of what the perfect mother is. Smile at her as if she is a rare piece of artwork you have been waiting your whole life to see up close.

To all of the moms out there, I extend my personal, heartfelt admiration for all that you do. I want you to know that I appreciate you and the universe treasures you, even if your everyday life seems thankless. My toddler has entered quite the whining phase, and each day presents a new challenge in her budding personality as her ego takes center stage, but this morning, on this first day of the new year, she turned to me while I was still sleeping, took my chin in her little hand, and woke me up with a kiss on the lips and an enthusiastic, "MAMA!"

After all, people get "MOM," not "NAYSAYER" tattooed on their arm for a reason.

10 Easy Ways to Save Money by Going Green in 2009

We've all heard the saying, "money doesn't grow on trees," but did you know that becoming a tree hugger could save you money?

Here are 10 Ways to Save Some Green in 2009 by making your life more eco-friendly:

1. Borrow books, don't buy them. Borrow your books and your children's books from the library. This will save money, not to mention the ink and paper required to print new books. Extra points if you walk or ride your bike to the library to do so.

2. Shop at second hand stores for gently used baby gear. You'll come across some great finds, and you'll save a boatload of money on things that children quickly outgrow.

3. Share magazine subscriptions. Get together with five of your girlfriends and/or neighbors and come up with a list of all the magazines everyone wants to subscribe to. Assign one subscription purchase to each person, and then circulate them amongst yourselves. You'll get 5 magazines for the price of 1... and you'll save lots of trees too!

4. Make your own playdoh, crayons, finger paints. Instead of purchasing art and craft items, make them at home! This is much more economical, and you'll also know there are no toxic ingredients in your kid's artistic repertoire.

5. Visit Ecobunga! for discounts, contests, and giveaways from environmentally aware companies and sources.

6. Host a toy exchange. Are you in a playgroup? Have every mom or dad bring a gently used toy that their child has outgrown or tired of, and do a toy swap. Kids will revel in their "new" toy, and there is no waste via packaging or disposal and no expense!

7. Grow an organic vegetable garden. Plant the seeds, literally and figuratively, to encourage kids to eat their veggies. Tomatoes grown by your children will be much more enticing to eat if they get to nurture and pick them for the dinner table.

8. Have a "blackout" day once a month. Live by candlelight or solar powered flashlight, or sun or moon jars after dark. Pitch a tent in the living room and camp out with your kids!

9. Buy in bulk. Cut down on package disposal by purchasing items such as dish and laundry detergent in one large quantity... then be sure to recycle all of the packaging components when they are empty.

10. Stop using disposable paper products. Say goodbye to paper towels, paper napkins and tissues, in favor of using sponges, rags, cloth napkins, and handkerchiefs. Imagine the global impact this would have if we all banned paper products from our homes? One of my last dirty little anti-green vices is my use of paper towels. It's my personal resolution to stop using them! Re-visit my post on Fabkins napkins to get some adorable cloth napkins for your tots, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the earth friendly luxury of dabbing away food with cloth napkins.

Happy New Year!