Flower Heels: Shoes that Showcase Gorgeous Gardens

If you're a mom who has a love of high heels and a fondness for flowers, these Flower Heels will take your breath away! Pieces of living art, these shoes are inspired -- and they certainly have a lot of 'soul.' Next time you have a pair of pesky heels that kill your feet, bring them back to life from the dark crevices of your closet by turning them into vases or flower pots for showstopping eye-candy decor.

How cool would Flower Heels look as centerpieces at a bridal shower or for Mother's Day brunch? These are something I'd expect to see at Carrie Bradshaw's house. I'm in love!









via Cool Outfit

DIY Cardboard Play Washer and Dryer

Ah, to be a kid again, and to think that housework is novel and fun! Why can't I think that way? While laundry and cleaning may be the bane of my existence, my little girl thinks there's nothing more fun than vacuuming the room with a hanger, sweeping the floor with a broom, dusting with any object she can find (tonight it was her toothbrush on the blinds), or helping me put the laundry in the washer, and sort the socks. Bless her sweet heart.

This cardboard play washer and dryer would be right up her alley. You can buy the instructions here on Etsy and be on your way to making this green toy, which will provide endless amounts of role play fun... and may then be recycled once your toddler hits puberty and realizes that chores are just that - a chore!

Thanks to Julia at Pixel and Post for submitting this tip!

GUIDE: 7 Tips for Throwing an Eco-Friendly Birthday Party!

Getting all geared up to throw your baby a green birthday bash this spring or summer? We are! I've put together a guide filled with great tips on how to throw an eco-friendly celebration for your little one!

Click on over to Inhabitots to read my post! Let the party begin!

Eco-friendly Sprout Watches Know What Time It Is!

I loved wearing watches as a kid, and since my daughter has been showing an interest in clocks and learning time, I wanted to get her a watch to learn on and enjoy. I think digital clocks should be outlawed, and sadly they make up the majority of the children's watch market! So when I set out on my research to buy a watch with an actual time-telling face that was also green in design, I was thrilled to find Sprout watches!

Aside from being colorful, adorable and kid-friendly, Sprout's eco-friendly timepieces help reduce environmental impact on the planet. Sprout watches are approximately 86% bio-degradable by weight and each watch is constructed from earth friendly, sustainable materials including: a corn resin case and buckle, a bamboo dial, a mineral crystal (a type of glass made from sand) lens, a certified organic cotton strap -- and they contain a mercury free battery!

With a price point of only $30 and an array of boy and girl friendly colors in the collection, there's a Sprout watch for every green kid.

Even the packaging Sprout watches come in is eco-friendly! Created from at least 80% post consumer materials, it also features a grass card that can be watered to create your own mini grass garden.

Sprout has been making timepieces for over 50 years, and they thought it was high time (pun intended!) to design as green of a watch as possible. I love that these watches are attractive, classic, colorful and a really easy sell for kids. I even want one for myself!

Stylish, Eco-Friendly Cooler Bags for Kids

Summer picnics are just around the corner, and we're all going to be heading outdoors and on road trips with the kids! And where there's kids, there's the need to pack lots of food and snacks! So what's a green parent to do when foods need to be kept cool?

Reach for one of these delightfully designed cooler bags from SoYoung Mother.

The eco-, kid- and parent-friendly features of these cooler bags are ingenious:

• PVC-free, phthalate-free, and lead safe

• Coated linen exterior with fully insulated lining

• Detachable long strap for wearing as messenger bag or backpack

• Adjustable carrying handle allows cooler bag to be secured to another bag or hung from a stroller

So, whether you're hitting the beach or the park, or just trying to get from one place to the next, these non-toxic cooler bags will be your stylish BFF this summer!

via Moms & Babies

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the celebration of Earth Day. I believe every day should be "Earth Day," and that we don't have the luxury of only thinking about the health and longevity of our planet one day a year.

It is easier than ever to simplify your family's lifestyle and make changes to preserve the earth. Take a moment to reflect on these core issues that are at the heart of turning the tide on saving our planet.

Easy ways you and your family can make a difference?

• Start supporting organic and local farms when you shop for groceries.
• Reduce consumption, reuse what you already own, recycle what you can.
  
• Conserve water!
  
• Cut back on all the 'stuff.'
• Become a vegetarian.
  

Thanks for reading Petite Planet, and for celebrating the earth every time you think about the impact you have on our world today, and for future generations.

Cherish & Reuse Keepsake Baby Clothing with Bubs Bears

Bubs Bears are an adorable way to re-fashion keepsake baby or children's clothing into a sweet teddy bear! Instead of tucking special threads away into storage, send them to Abby at Bubs Bears and she will make you a totally unique, one-of-a-kind friend to cuddle.

These sweet handmade bears cost approximately $75, but if you are a crafty DIYer, try your hand at making your own the next time you're wincing at how quickly your little babe has outgrown his/her precious apparel!

Make Finger Puppets Out of Stray Baby Socks!

Sadly, Petite Planet's green crafting guru, Lisa Lopez is no longer available to make crafts to feature here each Tuesday. As a last hoorah, I'd like to link to one of the adorable crafts she made for a wonderful site called Growing Your Baby, where she was also a crafter for an all too brief period of time.

Lisa makes precious finger puppets out of stray baby socks! Visit her tutorial here to get started crafting and making these sweet toys and keepsakes!

We'll miss you dearly, Lisa!

Via Growing Your Baby

GUIDE: Exploring Nature with Your Toddler

Over the weekend, I published a post on Inhabitots on how to explore and appreciate nature with your toddler. From introducing them to animals, hitting the beach, and instilling a love for all seasons, this guide is full of ideas on getting outside and having a blast with your little ones! Click the link below to be taken to my article!

CLICK HERE TO READ MY GUIDE ON EXPLORING NATURE WITH YOUR TODDLER >

Organic, Eco-Friendly Nightlight Bunny for Green Kids

By now you probably know about my affinity for clever, eco-friendly nightlights, having read about my cool picks from LED glow lights to Sun Jars, to Glowing Butterflies... but these sweet little bunny nightlights now top my list!

The Ecolumidoux bunny nightlight is photo-luminescent, so when you place him near a light source (either natural or artificial) he charges so he can light up the night sans batteries or outlet power. Designed by French brand Papili, and green through and through, this sweet bunny is also a cuddly toy featuring Fair Trade craftsmanship and an organic cotton tail.

He reminds me of my beloved Glo Worm toy I had growing up (which incidentally my daughter now plays with 30 years later) -- but I like this bunny better because you don't have to squeeze the heck out of him to get him to illuminate!

via Growing Up Green

'Natural Kids' Earth Day Promotion Sale is Now Underway!

Earth Day is April 22nd, and you can get a head start on going green with Natural Kids' Earth Day promotion sale! 54 Etsy shops are featuring discounts, free gifts with purchase and special deals on their eco-friendly wares.

This is a perfect opportunity to stock up on birthday and baby shower gifts, while spending less money and supporting independent artists who craft their handmade creations with love and respect for our planet.

Some of my favorites from the sale are:

• Colorful wooden toys from Imagination Kids
• Lala's Pequenos swaddling Noonies
• Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay
  
• La La Shoes

Enjoy!

Eco-friendly Ukulele 'Kokuban' Blackboard from Bellieboo

Eco-conscious musicians will chalk up this blackboard design to a stroke of genius -- and kids will revel in this fabulously unique and hip Ukulele chalkboard from Belliebloo. Made in Japan with Japanese Lime Tree plywood, 'Kokuban' by designer Yoko Noguchi is both green and inspiring.

Budding artists can jot down musical melodies, lyrical musings, or simple reminders to sing! All of the Kokuban blackboards, which also come in the shapes of: a frying pan, a briefcase shaped bag and a bucket, are lightweight and portable, so kids may easily tote them around the house, and use them both as toys and artistic tools.

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

Lately it seems I have been taking and receiving a slew of special pictures that require frames. I thought a wonderful, eco-friendly way to display them would be to place them in homemade picture frames. Here's how to upcycle popsicle sticks into works of art, and worthy frames for your priceless captured moments!


Materials You Will Need:

• Popsicle sticks

• Glue/ hot glue

• Mod Podge

• Paints/ brushes

• Decorated papers

• Stickers

• Any embellishments you want, ie: sea shells, trinkets, etc.

• Ribbon

• Tape

• Scissors

For the first popsicle stick frame I created, I wanted to put our furry friend AJ in a special place to display in my son's room. He is a cherished friend and it will be great to see his picture every day.



Step one: Take 4 popsicle sticks and glue them together in a square shape. Hot glue works best.


Step two: If you choose to do so, paint your frame at this time and then let it dry completely.


Step three: Take your photo and mount it on your paper, the paper should be a heavy cardstock paper because it is going to be the backing as well. Have fun corresponding the colors of the paper to your pictures.


Step four: Flip the frame over and tape your paper all around the edges of the popsicle sticks, with the picture side down.

Step five: Once the frame is dry, you can glue trinkets or place stickers as I have done. I also put the name AJ on wood letters that I painted then hot glued them to the frame.


Step six: Take your ribbon and cut a long piece, tying the center in a bow and you will then have the 2 long sides leftover that you will tape to the frame so that you can hang it.



You can also take your Mod Podge and cut out paper and decoupage it to the sticks. In a recent trip up the coast, we collected shells and rocks that I glued to the frame.



And for a special person who is expecting, I took her ultrasound picture and painted the sticks blue and glued adorable baby items on top ie: rattle, sweet little shoes and a teddy bear.

These make great gifts and are a special way to display your captured memories!

Green Start Puzzles for Eco Kids Who Outsmart You

When you become a parent, you can no longer fall back on the cop out: "I'm not good at XYZ..." because suddenly you have to become an expert at everything... or your kid outsmarts you! Such is the case with me, and my daughter, and puzzles. I've never been good at puzzles, but I'm getting better by the day as my two year old whips them together with aplomb.

This eco-friendly 'Green Start' giant floor puzzle is next on my list of gifts for her. It has 35 oversized pieces, so it's easy for young children (and their puzzled parents) to connect the pieces both mentally and physically. Additionally, the puzzle is printed on 98% post consumer recycled materials, with eco-friendly inks, and it comes packaged in a reusable totebox.

The puzzle highlighted above is called Puppy-Palooza, and it's also available in themes: On the Farm, Under the Sea, and My Dollhouse.

SHirinKids Spring/Summer Organic Collection Includes Eco Mommy & Me Fashion!

I am a huge fan of SHirinKids miniature couture clothing, and I previously highlighted designer Shirin Roubeni's organic winter 'Wonderland' collection here on Petite Planet. I am now delighting in her Spring/'Summer Dream' organic collection, which features a delicate and enchanting array of pieces sprinkled with butterflies, birds and flowers, all based on the beauty of nature, and filled with elements of cheery blossoms and sunshine.



Furthering my affinity for the line are the Mommy and Me Couture combinations. Once spring weather officially arrives, I can't wait to wear the gorgeous Shirin women's top shown below, alongside my beautiful daughter, who will look simply precious in the coordinating 100% organic cotton dress shown above -- both pieces are soft and cozy, so we can dress up and be comfortable. And I love that we may wear Shirin apparel at dressy special events as well as on casual, everyday outings.

Green babies can get in on the stylish eco couture fashion of the SHirinKids collection, with sweet onesies, hats, and diaper cover bloomers with matching tanks.

Shirin's unique designs are hand silkscreened and printed with water based inks and complemented by pure and vibrant colors. Wearing anything from her whimsical and artful collections is like slipping into the most beautiful nature scene you can imagine, and fitting in seamlessly.

Color it Yourself Biodegradable Umbrella

Living in Portland, I now truly understand the meaning of the weather term "April Showers." There's certainly no beating the rain here, so joining in with the right gear is essential. This awesome biodegradable umbrella will help put a hop in your step in gray, rainy weather.

Made out of bamboo and featuring a patented biodegradable clear canopy, it also "has a unique wind-vent system and withstands high winds and heavy downpours alike...." which is important for the longevity of an umbrella -- or it just ends up needing to be upcycled! You can turn your 'Brella' into a totally personalized and unique accessory by decorating it with the included set of 6 non-toxic, real paint permanent markers. Kids will love having a one-of-a-kind parasol to perch beneath!

Brella is designed and engineered to be fully biodegradable in five years, even in a landfill.

'Rockid': Rocking Chair/Cradle Combo

When I spotted this ingenious rocking chair and cradle combo I was moved by both its simplicity in design and its ingenious dual nature! There's nothing worse than spending hours rocking your baby to sleep -- only to have her wake up the instant you place her in the crib! With this winning creation, baby can fall asleep while you rock and sing to her, and then voila, she's already in her cradle.

Once a baby outgrows the cradle, the 'Rockid' may be reconfigured into a rocking chair.

Made out of birch ply wood and industrial felt, the Rockid is still in its concept phase -- but this is one idea I hope takes hold for parents like me who rock their babies to sleep every night!

via Handmade Charlotte

Craft TuesD.I.Y with Lisa Lopez: Bottle Cap Magnets

Think twice before tossing those bottle caps into the trash -- and try making these adorable bottle cap magnets that may be given as sweet gifts or to hang and display refrigerator art! They are easy to create with just a few supplies and simple steps!


Materials You Will Need:

• Bottle caps

• Glue

• Round magnets

• 1 inch round hole punch: located in the scrapbooking section of your craft store -- or if you don't have one, you can also use a quarter to trace your circles.

• Scrapbooking paper, photographs, pictures, magazine clippings
  

• Pliers

• Diamond Glaze

• Colored gems

1) Using your pliers, gently go around the edges of the bottle caps and "fan out" the edges so they no longer bend inward.


2) Using your 1 inch hole punch, start punching out photographs, pictures, colored paper, or magazine pages -- whatever you'd like to decorate your magnets with! You can also use a quarter and trace around it on your paper, and then cut it out.




3) Put a tiny dot of glue in your bottle cap and place your circle inside. You will want to let this dry for about an hour before moving on to the next step.


4) Next if you are using colored gems, you can glue or stick them to your paper inside the cap.


5) Next, you will put your diamond glaze inside the bottle cap then move it around to get the entire piece of paper covered. You do not have to fill the cap -- just put a layer on top. You can gently tap the cap on your workspace to get the air bubbles out.

This will need to dry overnight, or for about 8 hours. When dry, it will have a clear glassy finish.
Lastly, take your magnet and simply glue it to the back of the cap. Be sure to let this also dry for several hours before displaying on the fridge.


These bottle cap magnets would make adorable gifts for showers, grandparent's birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day, etc. So next time you drink from a glass bottle with a bottle cap, recycle the bottle and then upcycle the cap into a beautiful magnet!

Thumbs Up from My Baby Boy

We just found out we are having a baby boy! Above is a photo of him giving us the thumbs up sign from the womb. What an amazing gift to experience both a daughter and a son in one lifetime. Thanks for all of your well wishes.

Itzy Ritzy Nursing Cover has Breastfeeding Moms Covered in Green Style

I can't even begin to tell you the number of times I had to nurse my daughter in public -- and wished I'd had something more reliable than a burp cloth or receiving blanket to cover up with! Both of these items were promptly tugged at and thrown to the floor by my mischievous babe, leaving me scampering for decency. But alas! I have found the solution - and it's both stylish and eco-friendly!

The Ritzy Nurser, a sustainably made nursing cover from Itzy Ritzy is lined with silky soft bamboo and comes in a variety of adorable patterns. Bamboo, a highly renewable resource, is naturally antibacterial and UV protective. Other ingenious features of the Ritzy Nurser include: an adjustable neck strap with an easy to secure buckle, a tapered shape to ensure full coverage -- making nursing sessions discreet -- and it is machine washable! Additionally, the soft bamboo lining may also be used as a built in burp cloth. And my favorite attribute of the Ritzy Nurser is that it has a rigid neckline, making it easy for nursing moms to maintain eye contact with their baby during breastfeeding sessions.

I love that this nursing cover takes any awkwardness out of nursing with others in the vicinity -- whether you have house guests or are out and about on the town, this chic cover enables mom and baby to be comfortable and cozy.

As a side note, when I have seen women use nursing covers in my travels, I have often thought to myself that any ole apron would do the trick... but now that I have seen the quality and craftsmanship of the Ritzy Nurser, I stand corrected. It has the ample and perfect weight of a nice and soft blanket (given it's luxurious bamboo lining) -- it's not flimsy and thin -- and the rigid neckline is truly necessary to give baby breathing room while keeping an eye on him or her. So, if you're going to be nursing your baby, treat yourself to the Ritzy Nurser. I wish I'd had it for my firstborn, and I'm thrilled to have it for my next child!

Cute Egg Art & Shopping for Eco-friendly Eggs

As we enter Easter weekend, I thought I'd 'crack you up' with these cute and clever photos of eggs in action. Simply drawing on your eggs is a fun, green way to decorate them --- and it makes it easier to consume them and compost the shells.

Before you purchase your eggs for decorating purposes, and as a great guide for responsible egg shopping every day of the year, read this comprehensive and informative guide on buying eco-friendly eggs!

Have a blessed Easter!