'Everything I Have' Poster Puts Stuff in Perspective

In my late twenties, I had the opportunity to sell everything I owned and move from LA to NYC. I arrived in Manhattan with 2 suitcases of clothes and my beloved cat. It was a really cleansing process that made me grow tremendously as a person. It was also on my "things to do before I die" list... own (basically) nothing.

Since then, my family and I have accumulated quite a bit of 'stuff.' And parents know all of the trappings that go along with having kids -- no matter how minimalistic you try to be, the paraphernalia piles up.

When I saw this poster, "Everything I Have" by Simon Evans, I was moved -- and reminded of simpler times and the fact that we should be taking an inventory of what we bring into our homes on some level. Evans photographed all of his belongings in this poster. What an interesting perspective to take stock and come to terms with what really matters, and with what is simply taking up space, and using precious resources to create.

via The Violet Hours via Design Mom

Typographic Mobiles from Veer

If you're looking for a mobile with a modern aesthetic, and perhaps one that may be dangled from the ceiling for many years beyond infancy, check out the Typographic Mobiles from Veer. "Each set of characters is laser cut from recycled back card and lined with colorful press sheets from Veer’s past marketing pieces." This is a lovely gift idea for hip, green parents... I'm not sure, but I imagine the letters may be personalized so a child's initials or full name may be reflected in the piece.

via Swiss Miss

Repurpose Shoe Boxes into Tiny Towns

I've always saved shoe boxes, and my full closet has never been happy about it. But I always think, "I can't throw away, or even recycle a perfectly good box!" So up high on the stack they go! Then I came across this great idea to repurpose shoe boxes into play towns! The small cities that may be built would look even cuter if created on a more diminutive scale with kid's shoe boxes. The sky's the limit with how you can turn these boxes into toys. When not in use, they can still be used as shoe storage too!

via Ohdeedoh via Happy Things for Kids

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Egg Carton Flowers

Spring is quickly approaching, and this week's craft helps us get into the spirit! Make someone's day with a bouquet of egg carton flowers, or make them as a centerpiece for your dining room table at home, where your kids may admire their clever, green handiwork at mealtime!


Materials You Will Need:

• An empty egg carton

• Paints/brushes

• Straws or pipe cleaners

• Fuzzy pom poms (in any color)

• Scissors

• Glue

1) First, cut out each of the 12 cups of the egg carton.


2) Once you have cut out each cup, take your scissors and poke a hole through the center of the bottom of each cup.


3) Next, paint the cups (flowers) whatever color you'd like on the inside as well as the outside, and allow to dry.


4) Put your straw or pipe cleaner through the hole, and glue a pom pom to the top.

Make as many flowers as you'd like! You can also take green paper and make leaves and get creative with embellishments. Egg carton flowers are a fun, eco-friendly way to brighten the day and a lovely way to pass the time doing a fun, relaxing craft with your kids.

'Summer For Kids': Eco-Friendly, Charitable Children's Store

I recently heard about a great eco-friendly store for babies and children called 'Summer for Kids,' located in the magnificent Montecito, CA, a small town in Santa Barbara. This charming shop offers an amazing selection of products for little ones, from natural, green toys, organic bath and body products, and darling clothes, shoes and cloth diapers to healthy, earth friendly mattresses and bedding.

Started by a pharmacist who wanted to ensure that her child, Summer's surroundings were safe and free of chemicals and toxins, Summer for Kids donates 100% of their store profits to local children's charities -- making this store truly unique -- and providing parents with a way to make purchases that are both responsible and beneficial to the planet and to children in need! Not in Southern California? Fret not! You can shop online here.

Would You Buy Edible Crayon Health Bars?

It's difficult enough keeping inedible objects out of a child's mouth -- so when companies make objects such as crayons into actual food, things can get quite confusing, and a parent's job gets a bit more complex. No, you can't eat that crayon, but you can eat this one. Huh? I guess they are certainly no-waste crayons, however.

Luxirare Edible Crayons look and act like crayons, but they are actually snacks which contain an array of ingredients -- from chocolate covered sunflower seeds to Fruity Pebbles cereal. I'm not saying they aren't clever... but are tots clever enough to know when to color and when to chew? Click here to read more about these deceptive crayons.

pollcode.com free polls

Would You Buy Edible Crayons as Snacks for Your Tot?

Yes: Color me impressed! No: Why confuse the poor kid?

via Growing Up Green

Eco-Friendly Alphabet Print for Baby's Nursery

There's a reason Olivia has known her ABCs from the moment she could speak, and was humming the tune to the Alphabet song even before that. We sang her the famous letter song through every diaper change from infancy to age 1, and had a banner with all of the letters of the alphabet right above her changing table.

We've since moved and I have no idea where that banner went. Maybe it's on strike somewhere from being overworked... But I absolutely LOVE this Alphabet Poster from Children Inspire Design. It is printed on 100% recycled paper with soy ink, and wrapped in eco-friendly packaging. So babes can learn how to spell g-r-e-e-n from a young age as well.

Soapwalla Kitchen Cooks Up Scrumptious, Natural Body Care Products

One of my favorite adages is: "Necessity is the mother of invention." So, I love learning about products and companies that were born from someone's need to fill a void in the marketplace by inventing and creating items they needed and could not find. Such is the case with Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Products.

After months of failed attempts to find face and body products that didn't agitate her sensitive skin issues from having lupus, Soapwalla's founder, Rachel Winard, launched this Brooklyn based brand in her apartment kitchen one evening. Soapwalla products boast all natural ingredients that cleanse "without stripping the oils that our skin naturally produces. This is important because these oils form part of our bodies' natural immune defense system, and are essential for optimum skin health."

Rachel lovingly crafts the entire Soapwalla line by hand using responsibly sourced food-grade, organic ingredients and pure essential oils. The entire vegan collection is free of sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens and harsh, synthetic ingredients -- and products are never tested on animals.

I absolutely love Soapwalla Organic Deodorant Cream. I have been on the hunt for the perfect, non-toxic deodorant for years, and none have worked very well. This deodorant cream is a dream. It is the perfect consistency (like an extremely lightweight, easy to spread clay) and it is free of petroleum and aluminum. It contains the following ingredients: organic jojoba, rice bran, rosehip seed oils, mowrah butter, a combo of all natural clays and powders, sodium bicarbonate, a combo of essential oils including organic lavender, peppermint and tea tree oils. It glides on smooth, smells wonderful, and I couldn't recommend it more highly!

I also love Soapwalla's Soap Bars, especially the Citrus Grove scented bar. It foams into a creamy lather and leaves hands feeling rejuvenated and smelling fresh.


Be sure to check out the entire collection of Soapwalla products here -- and don't miss the Almond Joy Body Polish, which smells good enough to eat!

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Make Musical Instruments from Household Items!

This week's craft is for music lovers -- or for kids who just want to make a little noise! Making your own musical instruments from household items is easy and fun, and you can whip up a guitar, a drum or maracas in no time at all! Here are a few ideas that will have you and your kids on the way to your own personal jam session.


Materials You Will Need:

• Empty tissue box
• Empty paper towel roll
• tape
• a crayon
• rubber bands
• empty, clean yogurt or jello cups
• empty, clean coffee can with lid
• cardstock or construction paper
  

How to Make a Guitar:

• You'll need an empty tissue box -- you can also use a shoe box or similar box, but you'll need to cut out the oval shape on the top.

• Take three rubber bands and gently stretch them lengthwise across the box, then slide a crayon under the rubber bands at one end. Tape an empty paper towel roll to the back of the box, for the handle, and ROCK ON!

How to Make a Drum:

• Use a coffee can or any type of can that has a lid, grab some paint sticks, wooden spoons, or just encourage your tot to use his little hands and start drumming! You can also flip the can over for a different sound - letting your tot drum on the metal bottom of the can.
  

How to Make Miniature Maracas:

• Take empty jello, yogurt, or pudding containers, fill with colorful buttons, rice, lentils, beans, or coins. Glue construction paper or cardstock on top as a secure lid. You are ready to shake rattle and roll!

See how easy it is to make a one man band out of household items? Taking the time to make fun crafts with your kids doesn't always have to be a huge undertaking. You can of course decorate your instruments with paints, markers or colored paper. But you can also keep it simple and save the time for making music! And a one, and a two, a one two three four...

This Handmade Doll Must Live in Portland

This adorable handmade doll with the sweet eyes and the umbrella head would make the perfect companion for a child living in Portland or a rainy climate! Doli Lady Umbrella is a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, hand embroidered rag doll made by designer Misako Mimoko from vintage fabrics. This doll captures the true essence of how I feel about rainy days in Portland -- because of my daughter, they are somehow bright and full of puddle jumping mischief and smiles.

via Bloesem Kids

Happy Valentine's Day!

Momtrends 'Great Expectations' Feature

I was delighted to be interviewed for Momtrends' 'Great Expectations' feature this week! Please click here to read my interview! Thanks to the fabulous Nicole Feliciano for including me!

'Love Pot' Humidifier

I'm smitten with the eco-friendly 'Love Pot' non-electric humidifier, which doubles as an aroma dispenser. It is made from laminated wool felt "to maximize evaporation in limited volume. Another point in favor of the wool felt is that it absorbs water fast, and launders well."

I also really 'love' that 100% of proceeds from the sale of the $30 'Love Pot' go to the Nanum Project to provide educational scholarships for impoverished children.

via Yanko Design

Add Your Own Photos to this Eco-Friendly Family Tree Print

Swedish graphic designer and illustrator Sandra Isaksson created this adorable family tree print which allows you to personalize it by adding your own photos of beloved family members. It is printed in England on recycled board using vegetable inks, and I think it would be the perfect addition to a nursery, child's bedroom or playroom. I love that it is much more descriptive and charming than typical family trees that feature names only. This way, kids can really learn faces and associate relatives on all of the branches that make up the lively tree!

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Personalized Chocolate Gifts for Valentine's Day

Chocolate is always a favorite gift to receive on Valentine's Day. The average person in the US eats 11 lbs. of chocolate each year! The Swiss and Germans have us beat with 20 lbs. per year. And the US chocolate industry is worth a little over 13 billion dollars a year -- Valentine's Day contributes to more than 1 billion dollars of that total! Everywhere you turn in the retail world this week, you'll see all kinds of chocolate treats to give your sweetie. In most cases, you will spend more money on Valentine chocolates simply because they are wrapped in a fancy box. And personally, I think all chocolate is delicious - regardless of its packaging! In this week's craft, you'll learn how to beautifully package and decorate your own chocolate! So skip the expensive box and decorate it yourself! Here are some ideas...

Materials You Will Need:

• Colored paper

• Glue stick

• Boxed chocolate

• Chocolate kisses or candies you prefer

• Ribbon

• Clear cellophane wrap

• Stickers

Personalized Chocolate Bar

1) Purchase an organic, Fair Trade chocolate bar -- try to find one with the nice foil wrap under the labeled wrap.
2) Remove the outer label and choose what color paper you are going to re-wrap the bar in.

3) Measure and cut your colored paper so that it still shows the pretty foil on the ends.
4) Then decorate the wrapper with stickers, clip art from your computer, etc. Now you have a lovely personalized bar of chocolate.

A Bunch of Sweet Kisses

I took some chocolate kisses and simply wrapped them in cellophane wrap. Next, tie with a pretty ribbon and add a label. Mine says S.W.A.K. (Sealed with a Kiss!)

DIY Chocolate Filled Heart Box

1) To create my own brand of heart box, I took a box of chocolates, removed the wrap (and set it aside) and traced the lid onto my colored paper.

2) Next, I cut the heart shape out with scalloped edge scissors, then using the glue stick, I glued the paper heart to the lid. Decorate with stickers, or any way you'd like.
3) Finally, re-wrap the chocolates in the original wrap which you set aside, securing it on the back with tape.



Tuxedo Chocolate Box

For the man in your life, you can make this fancy tuxedo box of chocolates.

1) Trace the heart shape of the chocolate box using black paper. Then glue it to the box using a glue stick.
2) Next, using white paper, trace just the top half of the heart shape of the box, then cut it out and trim off about an inch from each side. This will create the shirt. Glue this piece atop the black heart.


3) Next, cut out lapels, the collar, bowtie and cumberbund as shown. Then glue on the cumberbund, then the bowtie and collar, then attach arms and a rose.

These are just a few ideas for how to add a sweet, unique sentiment to your chocolate gifts. Whatever you choose, your recipient will love the personal touch -- and you'll love that your sweets for your sweeties were a fraction of the cost! Happy Valentine's Day!

NOTE: Be sure to recycle any original packaging that you won't be incorporating into your gift giving!

Magnetic Wallscapes Turn Walls into Play Worlds

Every parent knows that kids view walls as blank canvases -- awaiting their crayon and marker original masterpieces, but these clever magnetic wallscapes by hjrd design turn white walls into works of art that won't leave an indelible impression.

Made of "upcycled various thrifted materials... [the Magnetic Wallscapes are] tactile and textured, made by hand from scraps of wallpaper, wrapping paper, pre-loved buttons, homemade pillowcases, wedding dress fabric offcuts... they're made from things that were once very different, and otherwise destined to be thrown away after serving their original purpose."

One of a kind magnetic wallscape sets range in variety from 13 cupcakes made fresh to order and the building blocks pictured above to customized names and the tree community, which may be witnessed in animated action in the clip below.

And these aren't just for kids... check out these gorgeous birdie magnets made from upcycled vintage cookbooks and illustrations -- perfect for the kitchen!





via Ohdeedoh

Petite Planet Featured in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine!

Please check out my two part interview in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine today! I discuss five tips for new parents who want to go green, some of my favorite green designs for kids, and give some insight into who I am as a green mama! Thanks for having a look!

A 'Library' You Don't Have to be Quiet In

Shhh... no nevermind, don't shush, because you're actually at home in the library with this sweet vintage Library sign, an original from Three Potato Four. This homage to one of Olivia and my favorite places on earth is cut from salvaged slabs of reclaimed plywood, painted and distressed to achieve a vintage vibe. Every corner and crevice of our home is filled with library books, so this sign would serve us well!

Valentine Cards that Blossom into Wildflowers from Botanical Paperworks

I'm head over heels for these adorable plantable, eco-friendly Valentine's Day cards from Botanical Paperworks, which are the key to a greenie's heart. Besides, what could be better than a no-waste Valentine card and flower combination in one? (A card that sprouts into a chocolate tree? Perhaps...)

These sustainably designed Valentine cards from Botanical Paperworks feature wildflower seed embedded hearts which grow into wildflowers when planted. The card is made from 100% post-consumer waste cardstock, and its sleeve is comprised of compostable corn plastic.

What a sweet way to say I love you... and I love the earth.

Learn how to plant the wildflowers by clicking here.

Blessed

We have been blessed for a second time with a miracle. We can't wait to meet our second child, scheduled to enter the world in late August.

Organic Cotton Patemm Changing Pads

Every parent has found themselves in the midst of a less than desirable diaper changing experience -- exacerbated by the fact that the changing pad is barely bigger than the wriggly baby herself, and supplies aren't easily reachable!

But the mom designed and invented Patemm changing pad makes diaper changes a breeze, both at home and on the go. This more than amply sized changing pad measures 30 inches, and it easily folds into a 10 inch square for compact carrying.

Even better, the latest collection of Patemm changing pads is eco-friendly! Made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton with a SKAL certified 100% organic process for dyeing and finishing, the organic cotton Patemm pads are non-coated and machine washable. Additionally, Patemm pads are PVC, lead, phthalate, BPA, latex, and formaldehyde-FREE and proudly made in San Francisco, California. They come in four beautiful colors/patterns: Avocado green, Hibiscus pink. Kinaban and Buhayin.

One of the major perks of the ingenious round design of the Patemm changing pad is that it enables you to place your little one in any direction on the pad for a full coverage diaper change. And the cleverly-placed inside pockets on each pad allow you to store and tote diapers, wipes, and a spare set of clothes. Thanks to Grace, the mom inventor of Patemm pads for making a parent's life a little easier -- and diaper changes a lot more grace-ful!

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Adorable, Kid-Friendly Homemade Valentine Cards

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and everyone loves receiving thoughtful Valentine cards. Today's craft highlights several great ideas for making your own special Valentines with your kids!


Materials You Will Need:

• Glue stick

• Tape

• Variety of stickers, ie: flowers, ladybugs, hearts

• Buttons

• Flat lollipops, such as Yummy Earth organic lollipops

• Ribbon

• Heavier "cardstock" paper

• Construction paper

• Scissors

• Broken crayon pieces/silicone heart mold (optional)
  

Recycled Crayon Heart Valentine Card

1) For the first Valentine card I created, refer to my previous recycled crayons craft where we made different shapes of crayons from old broken crayon pieces. I made the crayons the same way but in a "heart" mold.
2) Next, I cut a piece of my paper in a circular shape and taped the crayon to the center. Don't glue your crayon to the card because you want the recipient to be able to take the crayon off and enjoy using it!
3) Lastly, I used some letter stickers and wrote, "U color my world." These make great Valentines for school classmates.


Lollipop Flowers Valentine Card

Another great Valentine to make school classmates is the lollipop flowers card!


1) First, take your construction paper and fold it in half, then cut out half of a heart shape. When you open it, it will be a full heart shape.
2) Next tape, don't glue, your lollipop to the heart.


3) Next, fold a piece of green paper in half and cut out leaf shapes. Then wrap the leaf around the stick and secure it with your glue stick.
4) Last, write your message, ie: "U R Sweet."


Key to My Heart Valentine Card

Your local craft store should sell individual pieces of holiday inspired stationery, and you can find really pretty Valentine prints right now. I found one that had the sentiment "Key to my heart" on it -- but you could also opt to write this message yourself on your card stock paper. Next, I took an old key from the "junk" drawer in our house and glued it to the card for an added touch.


Monkeying Around Valentine Card

You can get very creative using your stickers and applying them to your cardstock or construction paper -- and you can either type out your messages and print them off of the computer or handwrite them. I also found some paper with monkeys on it (but you could use monkey stickers) and I glued a photo of my son to the paper and typed, "Just swinging by to say... Happy Valentine's Day."


Button Blossom Valentine Card

You can use spare buttons lying around the house, as I did in the next card. I cut a heart out of paper, just like I did for the lollipop card, and glued it to my cardstock paper. I made the heart like a plant by gluing my buttons to the heart and I used letter stickers to write, "My love for u keeps growing."


Ladybug Valentine Card

I also found some cute ladybug stickers and put them on a card titled "Love Bug."

You can get really creative making your Valentine cards, and it helps to use the recipient's loves and interests as inspiration. Kids will enjoy making their own cards instead buying a pack from the store -- and it is an inexpensive and fun way to spend time together working on a craft. Your lucky recipients will LOVE them!

Note: Keep in mind that some of these cards are bulky, so if you are going to be mailing them, extra postage will be required!