Study Shows Reusable Grocery Bags are Plagued with Bacteria

Inhale, exhale, because you've done the right thing by toting your reusable shopping bags on all of your grocery shopping trips. But if you're anything like me, or 97 percent of the people who participated in a recent research study conducted by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University, you've never washed your reusable bags, and there's a good chance they're contaminated with E. coli or other bacteria.

Before reading about this study's findings, it hadn't dawned on me that I needed to launder my reusable bags on a weekly basis, as researchers suggest. In hindsight, it seems obvious. I type this as my reusable sidekicks air dry after their inaugural wash. And I'm sure you'll want to be near your washing machine after learning the following facts.

Researchers note, "Our findings suggest a serious threat to public health, especially from coliform bacteria including E. coli, which were detected in half of the bags sampled, bacteria levels found in reusable bags were significant enough to cause a wide range of serious health problems and even death. They are a particular danger for young children, who are especially vulnerable to food-borne illnesses."

The good news is, a thorough washing will kill nearly all of the bacteria that accumulates in reusable shopping bags. Other tips that bring-your-own-bags consumers may benefit from in the quest to keep it clean:

• Separate raw foods from other food products when packing bags.


• Specify reusable bags for individual purposes to avoid cross-contamination. I.e: have a set for groceries only, a set for library books, a set for gym gear, etc.


• "Do not store meat or produce in the trunk of your car, because higher temperatures promote the growth of bacteria, which can contaminate reusable bags."

Image: tyger_lyllie

*I originally authored this post for EcoSalon.

Dandelion Eco-Friendly Organic Teethers

I'm always on the hunt for teethers that are safe, non-toxic and soothing for babies. Olivia got her first tooth at just three months old, so we're gathering our arsenal of teething toys for our baby boy early! Given our affinity for frogs and for green products, Dandelion's frog teether and rattle toy in one fit the bill perfectly!

This machine washable teether is made from organic cotton and stuffed with natural corn fibers. The frog's body features a waffle-weave, providing texture to engage baby, and his feet are made of canvas material for additional texture to sink sprouting teeth into.

I also like that in addition to gumming this little frog, babies can use it as a rattle toy.

Dandelion's eco aspects include minimal, 100% recycled packaging, which is printed with vegetable inks, and none of their products contain harmful BPA or phthalates. All of their toys are made from organic cotton and low impact dyes.

I have also previously written about Dandelion's reusable feeding gear, and how it makes a great option for kids' outdoor birthday parties! Read about their tableware for tots, made from corn PLA here.

Visit Dandelion to peruse their extensive collection of toys and gear for babies and toddlers, and be sure to check out their brand new organic cotton layette, which just recently launched.

REVIEW: Bean Appetit Cookbook for Kids

In response to my post, "Is My Kid the Only One Who Doesn't Eat Kale?" the authors of the cookbook, Bean Appetit, contacted me to see if their cookbook might help put an end to my toddler's picky eating woes. (Which I must say, was quite kind and brave of them!)

In addition to co-writing Bean Appetit, Shannon Payette Seip and Kelly Parthen are the co-founders of Bean Sprouts Kids' Cafe and Cooking School in Wisconsin. Renown for serving up delicious, healthy food that kids will actually eat, I was eager to dive in to a copy of their cookbook for recipes and tips.


Geared for ages 8 and younger, Bean Appetit is indeed engaging, and I can totally see how it will help expand a child's palate and make them more adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. I flipped through the pages with my almost three year-old daughter and she was delighted by several of the food inspired creations, such as the "hungry caterpillar" seen above. What I like best about Bean Appetit is that it's not just a cookbook, it's more of an instruction guide in which the authors act as a parent's cheerleader in the kitchen when it comes to food prep for kids. And couldn't we all use a supportive pal when faced with the challenge of whipping up a meal that picky kids will eat without world war III breaking out?

I realize the age-old adage is "don't play with your food" -- but Bean Appetit turns this theory on its head by having kids help make meals, all while singing and creating artful food masterpieces. Titles to songs are actually included in each recipe, so you can belt out a relevant tune or catchy chant with your kids while dicing, blending and flipping various ingredients.

Also included throughout the pages are food-themed games and crafts, birthday party entertainment activities and "chef challenges." When kids complete each challenge, they can attach a badge found in the back of the cookbook to their diploma, which may be downloaded at www.beansproutscafe.com.


As gluten-free vegetarians, we'll have to put our own spin on the recipes in Bean Appetit, but I think this will be doable. One of my favorite recipe ideas in the book is called "Starry Night Bites" in which you dye white rice with a berry puree, which turns it a purplish hue, and then you shape the rice into a rectangular canvas and add cheese cutouts of the moon and stars to the top of the rice. (reminiscent of van Gogh's Starry Night). This also "serves" as a good lesson in art appreciation!

I think these sweet and simple recipe ideas will really pique a child's interest because they are creative, they involve kids in food prep, and they make eating an adventure that replaces fear with fun. The foods used are also down-to-earth, meaning sophisticated ingredients that most kids wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole don't cloud the finicky eater issue...


So my overall reaction to Bean Appetit is that it is refreshing and realistic -- and it helps take thoughts on food out of the kitchen into everyday life, so kids can get more familiar and comfortable trying new things via games and activities that are a far cry from sitting at the dinner table staring down a plate of food they don't want to eat.

Bon Appetit!

Bean Appetit is available on Amazon.com for $11.24.

Living A Simple, Green Life Could Save Family's Sanity

Confined to my bed for a brief stint on bed rest, I did a fair share of online reading. I have come across so many articles as of late that are written by parents who are complaining about how hard it is to be a parent, how their kids have made their lives unmanageable, and how they are always on the go at a frantic pace which leaves them exhausted and burnt out. Many say they wish they could return to the "simpler" times of their own youth, when they rode bikes until sunset and didn't have a care in the world. My question is: who's stopping them?

It's my belief that children should teach you how to slow down and re-prioritize your life, not make you run a mad dash from one place to the next in order to fit it all in. We've all heard that "over-scheduling" kids does them more harm than good, so why do so many parents in this country continue to subscribe to societal mayhem and then go on to complain about it? We have a choice. We can choose not to have playdates, extracurricular classes and lessons, summer camps... granted I completely understand if any of the above are used for childcare while a parent must earn an income, that's another story entirely. I happen to be talking about just being "busy" for no reason at all.

I think we all need to slow down and simplify our lives. Paint with your kids at home, read to them, unwind, just be. Even though there's such pressure to get kids enrolled in school, we're waiting until our daughter is 4 to have her start preschool. Since I work from home and can take care of her, we wanted her to have this time with her baby brother... and frankly, why should I become one of the harried and resentful moms I keep reading about, trying to get her to and from school with a newborn in tow, when she'd be just as happy at home with us?

With our second baby due in a month, I have been guilty of getting caught up in the "how am I going to do it all?" anxiety. My days are already full caring for one child and meeting all of my writing deadlines. Toss a newborn into that mix, and yes, it will be tough... especially given the exhaustion of getting up every 2 hours to nurse.

But the bottom line is, I marvel at women on a daily basis who "do it all" and have five plus kids and/or much more demanding circumstances! My theory is that it's all about the perspective of the parents. If parents run around feeling crazed and out of breath and stressed at all times, that will trickle throughout the household and obviously directly impact the kids. And shouldn't kids be protected from stress so they can enjoy childhood? Don't you think a kid would much rather be at home playing with you than being carted around in the backseat of the car on their way to an activity, watching you meltdown more and more over traffic or time constraints?

My goal as a parent is to simplify, which will in turn impact our family's carbon footprint as well. Not running to and fro on unnecessary car trips, not being forced to buy or consume things because we're committed to someone else's schedule or demands.

I'm not saying that when my kids start school, life won't get more filled with obligations and activities, and of course, I want them to be involved in whatever extent they choose, but as parents, it's our job to help them navigate what's important and to make sure it gets seamlessly woven into the fabric of our lives so it is seen as a benefit and not a detriment.

7 Tips for Coping with Bed Rest During Pregnancy

Please visit my post at Inhabitots today on tips for coping with bed rest during pregnancy.

mylk "My Little Kreation" Offers Gorgeous Handmade Wares for Babies & Kids

mylk, which stands for my little kreation, is an online Australian boutique which produces soft furnishings and accessories for babies and children. All of mylk's products are "made to order, with each item individually hand cut, sewn and detailed with passion and absolute love." ...and I love their sweet offerings.

Regina is the mom and driving force behind mylk, and her business was born when she created these darling toy sacks to help her sister find a stylish and adorable storage solution for her son's toys and gear.



I love the details that are inherent in all of mylk's wares. The bunting above would be delightful decor in a child's room, and it could also be repurposed as a birthday banner for annual celebrations, marking a party space with a tribute to the birthday girl or boy. If you'd prefer, you may also have a custom bunting made with a favorite word or sentiment: I'd choose "sunshine" because that's what I think of when I see my daughter!




And these chalkboard labels are too cute! They come in various shapes including hearts and cars, and they can be used to label and re-label just about anything!

Treat yourself to a fun online shopping experience at mylk!

My Gorgeous View from Bed Rest

My bed rest officially ends today, and the doctor says our son could safely make his grand entrance "at any time now." He hiccups in my belly as I type this.

My stint on bed rest was very short, and it gave me time to put so many things into perspective... like how very lucky I am. I have personally spoken with and read so many stories of women who have overcome so many odds during their pregnancies and then went on to be pillars of strength coping with premature babies. I am humbled at the amazing things women triumph over and are able to handle for their children.

I also feel so very blessed that my husband and daughter were so supportive of me and so helpful, accommodating and understanding that I needed to stay off my feet. I don't know how I'll ever get over my husband bringing me 3 meals a day and snacks on a silver tray in bed... and believe me, I'll never forget it. And our sweet girl couldn't have been more of a doll, kissing my belly and resting with me between jaunts to the zoo and library storytime with daddy. I think our son knew we could all use this time together to bond as a family and be a strong and happy unit to welcome him into our lives and the world.

Here's to the next big adventure.

Citizenpip Reusable Lunch Gear Debuts New Designs for Fall 2010 *Discount for Petite Planet Readers!

Can you believe it's almost time for back to school lunches again? My favorite, non-toxic (free of lead, BPA and phthalates) reusable lunch system for older kids is Citizenpip. Check out my review here.

Citizenpip has just released their Fall 2010 line, and it includes four new lunch bag designs, which may be seen above! Additionally, the bags are roomier, the airtight containers that go with the lunch system now come in four fresh new colors, and Citizenpip has added a water bottle to their collection that features an easy sport top.

Petite Planet readers can get 10% off their Citizenpip order of $50 or more now through August 15th, 2010! Simply use the coupon code petiteplanet10!

Visit Citizenpip here.

TummyTub Two-Step Stool & Stand Makes Baby's Bath Time Less Taxing on Your Back!

Remember my rave review of the TummyTub? As if we weren't excited enough to give this innovative, BPA free, recyclable infant tub a try once our little guy arrives, now we're even more equipped to give him a safe, fun bath time by using the TummyTub in tandem with the TummyTub Two-Step Stool & Stand. And I am certain our aching backs will be thanking us!

I really like that the TummyTub Two-Step Stool & Stand stand is so multifunctional, and that it will accommodate kids from infancy through childhood. You start by using it as a stand to prop up the TummyTub, enabling you to sit in a chair while bathing your child -- instead of having to lean over and compromise your back. It features two adjustable heights to accommodate moms and dads of varying sizes.


Once you've finished using the stand component, you may convert it into a child's two-step stool or seat -- and the stool also contains a storage compartment for toys or bathroom accessories. And believe me, you'll need step stools for every bathroom in your home once potty training and hand-washing begin.

Click here for purchasing information on the TummyTub and the TummyTub Two-Step Stool & Stand.

Is My Kid the Only One Who Doesn't Eat Kale?

I receive plenty of pitches to write about how to cook for babies and toddlers -- and the genre has become a burgeoning niche ever since Jessica Seinfeld released her cookbook entitled Deceptively Delicious, which teaches parents how to puree and sneak healthy foods (beets, cauliflower, etc) into their kids' meals unbeknownst to them. In my opinion, Seinfeld's is one of the only realistic cooking for toddlers books I have come across, if your child happens to be a picky, stubborn eater who uses food as a power struggle (or any combo of the aforementioned).

Let me start by saying that my husband and I are total foodies. We spend hours at the local farmer's market, in the organic produce section of local grocery stores, and perusing labels in aisles. We take Olivia to farms to see where milk comes from, we take her berry picking to see produce growing at its source, and we prepare her meals with love and intention. So, you can imagine our frustration when we serve her up pricey, healthy, homemade nutritious food, only t get adamant rejection that often ends in tears. And I'm not even saying we are trying to make her eat broccoli and brussel sprouts. We make her completely kid-friendly foods with wholesome ingredients and she still turns her nose up.

I recently received a cookbook on cooking delicious organic meals for your baby and toddler, and found it quite blase' and clearly written by a mother whose kids are open to trying new foods, and who are experimental and curious. We've found that our daughter's palate has actually diminished in scope since she was a baby - a stage during which she was eager to try new things no matter what color they were or what they smelled like.

I read this cookbook and was baffled at how the author explained that they way to get your kids to eat healthy foods is to prepare them with love and present them with enthusiasm. (Hogwash) We could do a jig while placing Olivia's plate on the table and it would still be a no-go if she wasn't interested. The cookbook goes on to provide many recipes, all exotic and designed to expand your child's palate. The recipes included really delicious, savory ingredients that I'm certain many adults would love, but what kid is going to eat fava beans and chutney and dill dips... I mean, I am sure they are out there, but it makes me ask the question that titles this post:

Is my kid the only one who doesn't eat kale?

So, I wanted to share with you the letter I wrote to the author after reading her cookbook:

"I had the opportunity to read through your cookbook and it is beautifully done, however I was wondering if you'd be open to answering a few questions so I may share them with my readers in interview form. One of my main questions is that my toddler, and every toddler I know is so finicky and picky that beyond the purees and into the "expanding the palate" section, I think the recipes, although mouth-watering and enticing to me, would be a near impossible sell for my child and most of her peers. I have only fed my daughter healthy, organic foods since birth, but instead of her palate widening as she gets older, she is refusing to try new and exciting foods, seasonings, combinations... and as a matter of fact has turned her back on some of the healthy superfoods she used to devour as a baby.

I think an answer from you with regard to HOW to get kids to eat this beautiful food would be very empowering for parents. Most of our "try this new food" experiences, which we do at least once a day, end in a huge battle of wills... in your book you say bribes shouldn't be necessary if you're offering appetizing food... we offer our daughter gorgeous, homemade meals three times a day, and are heartbroken by her refusal to eat them and her insistence on sticking to a few items in a boring rotation. I know we're not alone in this regard."

I heard back from the author a day later and she told me she'd answer my questions shortly. That was a month ago and I still haven't heard back.

So, I pose the question to YOU. If you have a picky eater, do you have any secrets on how to get them to eat new, healthy foods? I'd love to start this conversation in the comments section of this post!

LEAF Eco-friendly Baby Swaying Seat

I'm totally smitten with this sleek and functional eco-friendly baby seat, the 'LEAF' from Dutch company Nuna. It features a 100% organic cotton insert, which is removable and washable, and it sways back and forth for two minutes, powered by a single push with your hand (no batteries required)! Read more about LEAF in my review at Inhabitots!

Three Biodegradable Baby Wipes Options for Green Families

In a perfect world, all parents would use cloth diapers and reusable baby wipes to greatly reduce the footprint their baby's bottom leaves on the planet during the diapering stage. But in reality, one-time-use baby wipes are a staple in every parent's bag of tricks. Used for wiping up messy tushies at home, and to thwart or contain many a childhood catastrophe on the go, there are millions of baby wipes being used across the land, that get tossed out within moments of their use. Read on for some top tips on how to reduce your impact when using baby wipes, and to learn about three biodegradable baby wipes options that will get the dirty work done without leaving the planet a mess.

Some things to consider when purchasing baby wipes: first, seriously consider using reusable wipes. Bottoms-up offers a great all-in-one starter kit. If you're set on going the disposable route, once you buy your first plastic pop-up tub of wipes, keep the container for life. There's no need to fill your home and landfills with plastic tubs when you can buy refill packs of baby wipes for less of the cost and pop them into your reusable plastic bin.

Incorporate one of these three biodegradable baby wipe options into your diapering routine - they'll help save the earth while saving your baby's bottom from harsh chemicals.



Nature Babycare Wipes

Nature Babycare baby wipes are fragrance free, chlorine free, alcohol and perfume free and their packaging is free of plastic, made of natural and renewable materials, and 100 percent compostable. Their cloth-like feel and absorbency make these wipes less moisture-prone than say a mainstream 'wet wipe,' but I really like the subtle scent they emit, perhaps from their aloe vera component (even though they are technically unscented). They also come in a lightly scented variety. You can get 10 packages with 70 wipes in each package for $49.99.



gWipes from gDiapers

gDiapers recently added gWipes to their eco collection of diapering accouterments. These hypoallergenic wipes are designed especially for baby's sensitive skin and contain aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and protect baby's bottom. These biodegradable wipes may be composted when wet, and because they are made of cellulose pulp and regenerated cellulose, they break down much faster than mainstream baby wipes. You can get 12 70-count packages of gWipes for $45.



Elements Baby Wipes

Elements baby wipes are 100 percent natural and renewable, and they are also free of chlorine and fragrances. Developed by a mom, Elements baby wipes are made from Ingeo™ Fibers, the world's first man-made fiber from 100 percent natural renewable resources. Ingeo™ fibers are free of chemical additives and surface treatments, and production requires 68 percent fewer fossil fuel resources than traditional oil-based materials. These wipes are also larger in size than most baby wipes on the market, which equates to less use of additional wipes to get the job done. They are 100 percent compostable and biodegradable. Priced at $5.99 for a package of 80 count wipes.

I originally authored this post on EcoSalon.

Alphabet Wall Decor from Bookhou

I'm in love with this sleek and simple alphabet wall decor from Bookhou. These designers really know how to mind their p's and q's, and they've created this masterpiece by laser-cutting birch plywood. The piece may either hang on a wall or be perched on a shelf. These modern letters would look good anywhere in the house, from nursery to office -- and this artwork is reasonably priced at $50.

Possible Autism and Terbutaline Link

As a reader of Petite Planet, you're probably well aware of my desire to educate my readers, to the best of my ability, with regard to possible environmental factors that may play a role in causing autism (ie: vaccinations, pesticides, etc.)

I was recently placed on bed rest, (and am currently on it now), and while in the hospital with regular contractions at 33 weeks, my doctor started me on terbutaline injections to stop the contractions. I then got to go home with the instructions of 2 weeks bed rest and the order to take terbutaline every four hours round the clock to keep contractions at bay.

Given my severe sensitivities to drugs, after 48 hours of downing the terbutaline, my body simply went ballistic. My heart was racing so fast that you could see my shirt rise and fall with each beat, and I couldn't breathe. I decided to do what every doctor wishes their patient wouldn't... and I started to "Google" terbutaline. Much to my horror, I found story after story from pregnant women who were also put on this medication to halt pre-term labor, and their children have been diagnosed with autism, are on the spectrum of autism, or suffer developmental speech delays and motor skill problems at best.

I called my doctor immediately with the news of my side effects, and also to tell her I cannot take this medication knowing the autism link. She didn't admit to any correlation, but said I could go off the meds. We're now figuring out the best course of therapy to get me to at least 35 weeks without being on terbutaline.

The reason I am sharing this here, is that, as usual, you walk into a hospital panicked and do whatever care providers tell you to do and take whatever they're injecting because you believe it will benefit your baby. Even when my husband and I asked about the risks that went along with each and every syringe that was shot into me, we were told everything would be okay. But are doctors the ones who go on to raise the disabled children who were possibly made so by the medications given to them while in the womb?

I think every mother should be empowered with the knowledge of the possible outcomes of the drugs they are taking while pregnant. If it means turning to the Internet to find a community who is clamoring to get the word out about the terbutaline/autism link, then so be it. We must be armed with this information in order to make the best possible choices for our families.

Here is a good post I read on the possible terbutaline/autism link, with several comments expounding on the topic.

5 Animals That Will Probably Become Extinct in Your Child's Lifetime

Can you imagine your grandchildren visiting a museum to look at the mere bones of animals that are alive today? We all expect to see a T-Rex in ancient, skeletal form, but an orangutan? When we were kids and we heard about animals becoming extinct in science class, the finality seemed grave but distant, like there was still hope and time, and their impending doom was so far off into the future we didn't really need to worry about it.

Cut to twenty-five years later, and these endangered species are truly on the brink of being wiped off the planet. So let your kids get a good look at that polar bear at your local zoo, because they may not be around for another generation to see in the flesh. Here are five animals that will probably become extinct in your child's lifetime.

Sumatran Orangutan

The Sumatran Orangutan seen above is threatened due to poaching and habitat destruction of the rainforests in Indonesia, where this species makes their home. Only about 6,500 remain in the wild, and they are poised to become the first great ape species to become extinct. Visit the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program website or Sumatran Orangutan Society to learn more.



Black Rhinoceros

During the 1970s half of the world's rhino population disappeared. There are fewer than 2,500 Black Rhinos left on the earth. Considered the world's most endangered mammal, the Black Rhinoceros faces severe endangerment due to poaching for his horn, which can fetch up to $24,000 in the Far East. The rhino's horn is used in folk medicine in India and China as it is believed to cure headaches, and as a weapon and status symbol among men in North Yemen. Learn how you can help save rhinos in the wild.



Bactrian Camel

The Bactrian Camel is critically endangered due to habitat loss and drought. There are approximately only 950 Bactrian Camels left in the wild, struggling to survive in their native desert habitat in northwest China and Mongolia, which used to be used as a Chinese nuclear test range. These animals are also hunted for sport and killed because they are competition to domestic livestock for food and water resources. Learn more at the Wild Camel Protection Foundation.



Polar Bear

Iconic images of the polar bear swimming and sometimes drowning between melting patches of ice in his dwindling habitat have become synonymous with the case for global warming. Currently, between 20-25,000 polar bears still roam the wild, but if climate change trends continue, scientists predict that polar bears will be extinct within the next 100 years. Visit Polar Bears International to learn more.



Mountain Gorilla

Forest clearing and degradation are main contributing factors to the Mountain Gorilla's pending extinction, and only 720 animals of this species remain on the planet. Additionally, in 2007, there were 10 Mountain Gorilla killings in the Dominican Republic of the Congo, which severely threatened the conservation progress that had been made on their behalf. Visit the International Gorilla Conservation Program to learn more.

Images: Kabie Bakie, Matthew Field, Jeff Kubina, ltshears, Zouavman Le Zouave.

*I recently wrote this piece for EcoSalon.

10 Things you DON'T Need to Buy Your New Baby

Parents are well aware of all the baby gear that is marketed as essential, must-haves, but how much of it is really necessary when it comes to raising your little one? I recently wrote a post entitled ten things you DON'T need to buy for your new baby, and it was a refreshing reminder to scale back and simplify your newborn's homecoming. Click to read the article here.

Do you have anything you'd like to add to the list?

MUST SEE DOCUMENTARY: No Impact Man

Over the holiday weekend, I watched a documentary called "No Impact Man." I know I am so late to the game on this one, and that this film debuted quite some time ago... but raising Olivia all day and working all night doesn't leave much time for film watching! I am really, really glad I got to see this film. It was educational, interesting and enlightening, and it will make you think about the measures you can take as an individual to tread more lightly on the earth.

This film also made me take a closer look at my content on Petite Planet, and I will be trying to streamline my efforts to make my posts truly about green living. While I often highlight eco-friendly products and wares, I'd like to think more analytically about whether such things are even necessary purchases. Because one of the best ways to live eco-consciously is by not being a consumer in the first place. Of course, I want to continue to put the spotlight on independent, small businesses and artisans who are creating goods responsibly -- because it's not realistic to think we're never going to buy anything for our children or families again... but I really want to be more discerning in this area.

So, watch "No Impact Man" the first chance you get, and please keep tuning into Petite Planet as I learn along with you how to be a better environmentalist!

Don't Forget to Tote Reusable PRODUCE Bags on Your Shopping Trips

I have no idea why it didn't dawn on me sooner to buy reusable, cotton produce bags for my shopping trips. We have been faithfully toting our reusable grocery bags to and from the store, but while there, we end up loading the cart with smaller plastic bags to hold our produce. For shame! (I hang my head low.)

This is exactly the kind of "baby step" I'm talking about in my tagline here on Petite Planet. If we all stopped using the dozens of plastic produce bags on our produce shopping excursions and filled reusable sacks instead, think of the impact we could make. And since we are vegetarians, our diet is exclusively filled with fruits and vegetables which we've been lugging home from the store encased in plastic bags. Ugh!

The moment this fact dawned on me, I ordered six of these GardenSac Reusable Produce bags from Amazon. They're inexpensive, and they received a lot of great ratings in the customer reviews. I can't wait to try them out and use them on my trips to the grocery store and the farmer's market. I hope you will too!

"Mom, I'm Bored" Jar Fills Summertime Lulls

I recently wrote a post entitled: 25 Good, Old Fashioned Unplugged Activities for Kids, which is full of fun ways to wile away the summer with your little ones.

But alas, we all know that inevitably kids are going to fall back on the phrase: "Mom, I'm Bored." In this case, have this ingenious jar on hand to keep children entertained. Repurpose and decorate a container and fill the jar with little strips of paper that each contain an activity. I love this idea from the mom behind the blog Skip to My Lou! She even supplies templates of ideas to print and cut up! Or, write the ideas on scrap paper or paper that's destined for the recycling bin. Obviously, some ideas will need to be tailored to your child's age...

Here's to never having a dull moment this summer!

via Growing Up Green

ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer Tracks Newborn Behavior, Saves Sanity

Yes, we continue to batten down the hatches here on the home front, awaiting the arrival of our baby boy. However, how can one ever really prepare for sleepless nights and exhaustion? People always advise, "rest up!" or "sleep now!" as if you can stock up and save sleep in reserves to call upon and down like little vials of resuscitation. But, we can make our lives a little easier with modern-day conveniences designed to help save a weary parent's sanity!

Enter the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer, as in, "It's been XYZ hours and minutes since I last fed or changed the baby." And believe me, it all starts blurring together, especially when a toddler is thrown into the mix as the ultimate distraction.

I am thrilled to have ITZBEEN on my team. Because with the press of a button, I'll be able to keep track of diaper changes, nursing sessions, nap and wake times, and one other task of my choosing (denoted by the * sign).

The ITZBEEN is compact and lightweight, so you can easily pop it into your diaper bag for on-the-go organization. I also love that it features a soft-glow nightlight that automatically shuts off after seven minutes, and that it is backlit in the event you need to set it in the dark.

This device would have been a lifesaver for me with my firstborn, when I was trying to monitor how many times I nursed her during the night. I was supposed to write it down every time, but I was too exhausted to a) remember to do so and b) to lift the pen and actually scrawl the time! With ITZBEEN, I'll be able to simply press the button and see when the last feeding was, and I won't have to rely on the clock or my memory of it to keep me straight.

There's also the added convenience of optional alarms, which allow you to set a maximum time limit for each task. Ahem, how can 3 hours have gone by since that last feeding or diaper change? Time will indeed slip away, I'm sure.

Lastly, when I nursed my firstborn, I had a tacky, albeit helpful bracelet that marked the time of her last feeding, and I would have to switch it back and forth to each wrist to denote which breast to offer first at the next feeding. I love that ITZBEEN has a little switch at the bottom to allow you to keep track of which breast is up next at each session.

This handy device will truly help navigate the way for parents who are caring for a newborn. It will end the paper trail of endless, esoteric scribbled notes and provide some semblance of clarity in the throes of parenting!

Purchase ITZBEEN here.