April 29, 2011

NEW! Badger Baby Sunscreen SPF 30


I'm continuing the sunscreen theme this week, but today I'd like to highlight a great product for babies and tots: Badger Baby Sunscreen. I have previously raved about Badger's SPF 30 sunscreen here, but I am delighted they have introduce a formulation especially for babes.

One of the things I like best about this sunscreen is that it contains the soothing ingredients of chamomile and calendula, and does not contain the lavender that is in Badger's regular SPF 30 product. The lavender was a bit too strong smelling for my wee ones.

Badger's Baby Suncreen blocks out harmful UVA and UVB rays, it is water resistant for at least 40 minutes, and most importantly, it starts working immediately upon application. Further, it contains non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide for added safety.

As with all of Badger's eco-friendly, high integrity products, all of the ingredients are pure and organic as well. Click here for the full list.

Lastly, Badger has gone the extra mile to make the actual packaging non-toxic and less harmful on the planet. The packaging is BPA and Phthalate-free, recyclable #2 plastic containing >50% PCR material.

April 27, 2011

Bamboo MacBook Case, A Sustainable Shopping Spree, Eco-Friendly Rugs for the Nursery


Check out some of my recent posts from Inhabitots and Ecouterre!

Stewart + Brown, Amanda Hearst Raise Awareness, Funds for Riverkeeper on Earth Day


Eco-Friendly Bamboo MacBook Case by Silva Offers Zen-Like Minimalism


Titania Inglis Designs Organic Cotton Top for Japan Disaster Relief

Buy FEED’s Organic Cotton Bag, Support Disaster Relief Efforts in Japan

Wishing Tree Blossoms with Sentimental Messages at Baby Showers

Handmade, Eco-friendly Rugs from IndiB

April 25, 2011

Organic Juice Beauty Mineral Sheer SPF 30 Moisturizer


It's that time of year again, when the sun starts making a frequent appearance, and when I go on my hunt for the perfect moisturizer with SPF. Until now, I had yet to find an organic beauty product in this realm that I was in love with -- but my visage is about to have a long summer romance with this gem from Juice Beauty: SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer.

This moisturizer goes on smooth and leaves no greasy or pore-clogging residue -- really living up to its "sheer" description. It is chemical-free and boasts sun protection via its 10% titanium dioxide content, and moisturizing protection in the form of vitamin antioxidants, essential nutrients and certified organic pomegranate and white grape juices.

As important as what's IN it, equally important is what is NOT in it. Juice Beauty's moisturizer contains no parabens, propylene or butylene, glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes or fragrances.

Be sure to check out Juice Beauty for all of your organic skincare needs. I look forward to adding many of their facial and body products to my beauty regimen.

April 22, 2011

gDiapers Debuts Sweet, Eco Accessories for Cloth Diapered Green Babies!


In honor of Earth Day, I'd like to beckon everyone who is still using disposable diapers to make the switch to using cloth diapers! To sweeten the endeavor, gDiapers has debuted some adorable, very handy accessories to make your mission stylish and simpler.

Check out their cute new, gCamper pant and gCamper tee (the shirt says: "I'm having an environmental movement") ensemble that's perfect for little boys heading out in warm spring and summer weather. Match the stylish top to the sweet plaid gPants and you're off! And if you have a little girl, don't miss the gFlutter dress that will look so precious paired with the matching gFlutter gPants!


On the home front, make laundering baby's cloth diapers even easier with the new gLaundry bag. The waterproof bag boasts a clever design: a square shape to fit most diaper pails -- and once it's time to do clean the diapers, you can tote the bag to the washing machine, toss in the contents, along with the machine washable bag itself, then start the load!


On the go, be sure to tuck the new gWetbag into your diaper bag to store soiled gPants. This multipurpose bag is also perfect for housing wet clothes, swimsuits, and even baby wipes. It is also waterproof, machine washable, and may be used long after your diapering days.

Happy green diapering, today and beyond!

April 21, 2011

Carrot Boutonnière for Dapper Days

If you can't get your kids to eat their veggies, maybe you can convince them to wear them! Isn't this handmade carrot boutonnière absolutely delicious, and so appropos for Easter celebrations?

Image and Idea via Aesthetic Outburst

April 20, 2011

Make a Cheery Easter Garland out of Paint Chips



Looking for some last minute Easter decor? If you have some paint chips lying around after a renovation, here is a dandy way to reuse them: make an Easter garland to add cheery ambiance to your home and help celebrate the holiday! Click over to Modern Parents Messy Kids for the super simple tutorial on how to whip up one of these beauties!

Tutorial and Image via Modern Parents Messy Kids

April 18, 2011

DIY: Exquisite Silhouette Easter Eggs


I am always astounded at the wealth of creativity that surrounds the tradition of decorating eggs at Easter time. Case in point: these gorgeous silhouette eggs that would truly up the ante of any Easter egg hunt. The brilliant Vana of Le Papier Studio provides two tutorials on how to make these masterpieces yourself. Click here and here for detailed instructions on her handiwork.


Images courtesy Le Papier Studio

April 16, 2011

Limited Edition Charlie Banana Cloth Diaper to Celebrate Earth Day!


If you read my recent post about Charlie Banana diapers, you know what a big fan I am! I wanted to tell you about their limited edition, "Goodbye Disposable, Hello Cloth" diaper to help commemorate Earth Day and encourage parents to make the switch to green diapering once and for all! Read more about this adorable diaper in my write-up over at Inhabitots!

April 15, 2011

GREEN DOG TOY REVIEW: Eco-Friendly Wood Chuck from Planet Dog


This post was written by Petite Planet pet correspondent, Tracie Berger.

With the recent addition of an actual “retriever” to our pack 6 months ago, we’ve been on a constant search for new balls and toys to keep our little Lab girl happily fetching. I'm so glad we came across the Planet Dog Wood Chuck, an innovative ball-tossing device that’s not only comfortable and fun to use, but eco-friendly as well.

Since 1997, Planet Dog has been known as the industry's leading socially responsible, values-based design house, bringing people and dogs together for fun and mutual support. Planet Dog’s mission is to “amuse, explore, support, innovate, create, educate, celebrate and philanthropate... all in the name of the dog.” They "romp the romp" by providing financial resources to those in need, by educating consumers about canine-related issues, and by creating an array of non-toxic and recyclable products.

The Wood Chuck's bamboo core makes this device strong yet pliable, and the recycled cork handle provides a soft, comfortable grip for repeated throws. The 4-pronged claw at the head of the Wood Chuck is the perfect size to “grab” one of Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff balls. We opted for the Glow for Good Ball, since our games last well into the evening and it glows in the dark! The Glow for Good Ball is just about the bounciest ball we’ve ever used, and it holds up to little puppy mouths like Kira’s, who likes to take chew breaks in the middle of games. All of Planet Dog’s 2.5” Orbee-Tuff balls can be used with the Wood Chuck, just look for the Wood Chuck friendly toy icon to ensure a perfect fit.

Check out all of Planet Dog’s toys and Orbee-Tuff products at www.planetdog.com. Your pack will love them!




April 14, 2011

Born Free, BPA-Free Training Cup



Anyone else out there have a breastfed baby who won't drink from a bottle? Who knew such a circumstance could exist -- but lightning struck twice in our family because neither my nephew, nor my son will let their let cute little puckers come within an inch of a bottle at feeding-time! Believe me, my sister and I have tried everything, but if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!

One suggestion I read in an online forum recommended giving babies 6 months and older who won't drink from a bottle, a sippy cup instead. Mr. A is certainly more amenable to drinking from this Born Free training cup than a bottle, although he's still on the road to perfecting the art. Right now he likes to bite and gnaw on the spout because he is teething, but he still manages to swallow the liquid. I was worried this biting of his would transfer to our next nursing session, but it didn't, thank goodness.

I like this training cup because it is BPA-free and features a soft spout and removable handles. It may also be used with or without the low vacuum valve that reduces the free flow of liquid and helps prevent ear infections. Cheers!

April 11, 2011

Belle & Boo 100% Merino Wool 'Boo Coat'


My heart actually skipped a beat when I saw this precious coat. Doesn't it have a lovely vintage vibe? The little embroidered bunny befits the Easter season, but may easily hop into any time of year. Named the Boo Coat, this sweet offering from Belle & Boo is comprised of 100% Merino Wool and features chocolate ric rac details and a tassle on the hood. The interior lining is ripe with more little bunnies. Available in sizes 12 months to 5 years.




via Babygadget

April 7, 2011

Charlie Banana 2-in-1 Cloth Diapers, Better Value, Better for the Earth


Switching from disposable to cloth diapers can be a daunting endeavor. But Charlie Banana is making the undertaking easier with their convenient (and cute and colorful!) 2-in-1 diapering system, which offers the option of reusable cloth or disposable inserts when diapering your babe. The interior design features a small front panel for tucking in a disposable insert for convenience during on-the-go occasions.

Let me start by saying, the one thing I find ridiculous about cloth diapering is that parents are expected to dole out $20+ for one pricey diaper cover -- in sizes small, medium, large -- multiple times as baby grows quickly. I think it discourages people from seeing the forest through the trees regarding the eco-friendly nature of cloth diapering because they're too busy seeing the dollar signs add up when purchasing the diaper covers. (Ironically, disposable diapers cost much more money in the long-term, but I think consumers feel better about spending 60 cents per disposable diaper than $20 for one cloth diaper).

I am such a huge fan of Charlie Banana cloth diapers for many reasons, one of which is that they offer a value pack of six, one-size diapers that are designed to fit babies from infancy through potty training by simply adjusting the leg elastic via the snaps on the diaper as baby grows. No more need to keep dishing out for diapers every couple of months! Of course, for those who want to buy sized diapers, Charlie Banana also offers this option.

The quality of Charlie Banana diapers can't be beat either. First of all, they come in adorable colors from pastel to rainbow bright hues, as well as sweet prints. The interior fleece lining is super soft and the inserts are both cozy and absorbent.

Wondering how to foray into the cloth diapering world?

Here's what you need to get started!

And Charlie Banana also gives eco-friendly care instructions for laundering.

Be sure to check out all of Charlie Banana's diapering essentials to complete your mission to cloth diaper your babe.


April 6, 2011

Fairytale Gown Made from Recycled Children's Books!

I had the pleasure of writing about this amazing 'Golden Book Gown' over at Ecouterre this week! Head on over to check out my post!

April 4, 2011

Hello Hanna 'Yum Yum Bakery' Eco Sticker Book


My little girl is CRAZY for stickers -- and this sweet Yum Yum Bakery sticker book from Hello Hanna takes the sticky fun factor up a notch by letting kids build and design their own confections. If you're trying to avoid oodles of candy in your tot's Easter Basket, ask the Easter Bunny to deliver this drool-worthy activity instead! And the best part for greenies: it's made with FSC-certified recycled paper.

April 1, 2011

Say Goodbye to Soggy Cereal with 'The Original Crispy Bowl'

It's the little things in life, isn't it? How cool is this innovative 'Obol' bowl that separates milk from cereal, or cookies meant for dunking, or soup from crackers? It's BPA free and made in the USA from unbreakable polypropylene. Bon Appetit!

via Minor Details