Eco-Friendly Pillow Pets: Fauna Organic Animal Pillows for Pet Loving Tots

I simply cannot wait for the day we can add a dog and a cat to our family. And Miss O mentions on a daily basis how badly she wants a pet. Alas, until then, I think these organic animal pillows are a riot -- and a lot less expensive than the real thing! Plus, you don't have to walk them or scoop up their poop! 

There are several adorable varieties of these Fauna mini animal pillows available at Design Public.

Doesn't the pug look real?

The best part is, they are sustainably crafted: made of 100% organic cotton broadcloth and hand printed with water based ink in Brooklyn, New York.

I think Santa may have to bring one of these sweet doggies to Miss O.

DIY Necklaces for Moms - Made from Your Kids' Stuff

The kids have been back at school for nearly a month. Are you finding yourself with time on your hands on the home front? (Yeah, right, but one can dream!) Clean out their art supplies and toy boxes, and look for some colored pencils and bouncy balls to create kid-inspired jewelry for yourself! Can you believe the necklace below was crafted using sheer stockings and balls?

Here are the links to the tutorials for DIY Colored Pencil Jewelry on Design Mom, and a DIY Ball Necklace featured on Babble.

Hand-Knit Caterpillar Scarf from Sara Carr

Feeling that chill in the air? It's time to swap out swimsuits for scarves, and this adorable Kevin Caterpillar Lambswool Scarf will keep necks cozy, warm and simply stylish. I love all of the different colors, which will make this cute critter coordinate with just about every outfit in your little one's closet.

Fur Ban in West Hollywood, and More Eco Stories

Here are some of my latest stories from across the web!

Much to my delight, my hometown, West Hollywood votes unanimously to ban the sale of fur!

Here are 5 fabulous eco boutiques for babies and kids in Los Angeles.

Take the family apple picking in Portland at one of these gorgeous farms.

Six great mom and pop, local toy stores in Portland that kiddos will love!

Charlie Banana diapers go couture! Check out their new designer fashions!

Get rolling on these 6 super stroller walks in Los Angeles. Yes, people walk here...

BOOK REVIEW: Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, M.Ed, with Lisa M. Ross

Part of my role as a parent trying to raise my children in an eco-friendly environment is to constantly streamline and simplify our lifestyle, to put what is important at the forefront and do away with the superfluous objects, events, activities and incessant 'noise' and input that society is always trying to say we "need" to be complete.

So when I came across the book, Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids, I knew it would help me hone my philosophy and give me more of the tools I need to carve out a sacred path with my family.

From dramatically reducing clutter and toys, thereby giving developing children less choices and distractions (sensory overload) from their amazingly natural capacity to grow and discover the world without the use of dozens of useless plastic props, to recognizing when your child or teenager has a 'soul fever' and needs to take a much needed break from daily routines, the authors cover an array of parenting topics by dispensing wise, easy to institute tips for establishing 'rhythm' in your home to giving your kids the 'gift of boredom.'  They suggest 'boredom is the precursor to creativity,' and I have seen this with Miss O many times. When she is left to her own devices, and 'nothing' to do, she comes up with the most magical activities to entertain herself.

Another key element of the book is the chapter on Filtering Out the Adult World. Not just through obvious ways like limiting screen time via TVs, computers and iPhones, but by talking less and listening more to our children. One of my favorite lines from the book is: "When we talk over and under and around a child, when we talk too much, there's less space for their thoughts, for what they have to say." I love this reminder, because I think as parents, we're constantly trying to teach our kids everything we know, at every opportunity, but in essence, my kids have taught me more about what's truly important about life, in their short time on earth, simply by existing.

I would highly recommend this book to every parent. The guidance within will help you raise your children in a peaceful, loving and secure home, while giving them the tools they need to thrive in the great, big world once they spread their wings and fly.

Smile Poster Lights Up A Room in a Flash

There are still a couple of blank walls left in Miss O's bedroom, and I am eyeing this awesome poster for one of them. She absolutely loves photography, and walks around with her camera shooting any subject she possibly can -- and she's taken some darn good pictures too!

A3 Smile is printed on 320gsm recycled paper stock using vegetable based ink, and arrives signed and ready for framing.

REVIEW: 'Gween Toys' Elevate Playtime to Stylish New Heights

I receive dozens of 'new product' emails per day, and none have ever made my heart skip a beat like the announcement I received for the launch of Gween Toys. 'Exquisite' is how I would describe them in a word. Yet they are also completely down-to-earth and totally touchable. Not only are they eye-candy that could easily double as charming decor in a nursery or playroom, Gween Toys are downright genius, with playful and educational function built into every inch of their sustainable design.

My favorite Gween Toy in the collection is Picazee (above). Partly because he's described as 'the artistic zebra with a hidden secret.' I love that this personable creature's five stripes may be removed to reveal vibrant colors -- and that tots can match the colors on each ring to the corresponding color on his back.

All Gween Toys are handcrafted from sustainable wood, and dyed with natural colorings from the roots, bark and leaves of plants. No glues, paints, metals, plastics or any other synthetic components are used to create these masterpieces. Above is 'Gwomies.' Talk about the stacking toy coming a long way from that ubiquitous plastic, rainbow-ring variation. Gwomies is a little forest comprised of 20 interchangeable stacking pieces that you can build, knock down and re-build with your toddler in over 200 combinations. Miss O and I love creating miniature forests and playing with her doll figures who walk amongst the trees.

Miss O is simply smitten with Alfinx, the tiger with a love of letters. She has unbridled enthusiasm at spinning the stripes to spell new words. She carries Alfinx around asking me if what she spelled is correct, and how to spell different words. And she's so proud when she comes up with a winning combination all by herself.

Sweet Zarafu is the only Gween Toy we don't personally own, but I think this smiley giraffe with a penchant for math should be a staple toy in every playroom. Rings may be added and subtracted from Zarafu's neck, incorporating counting and numerical skills into playtime.

Gusto the stackable windmill (another brilliant incarnation of the stacking toy) is Mr. A's favorite piece in the collection thus far, although I have been keeping Gwomies out of his reach due to its smaller parts -- and he LOVES Alfinx and Picazee, but he mostly just wants to gnaw on them.

I can see Mr. A's brain firing on all cylinders each time we stack and take apart Gusto. The detachable fan also spins around, much to his delight.

One of my favorite things about Gween Toys, besides well, everything, is that they are offered at an affordable price point via Amazon -- making them widely available to consumers. These are heirloom quality toys that may be handed down and enjoyed for generations. They would make remarkable gifts for your kids or friends and family.

Thanks Gween Toys, for the many hours of enchanted playtime your thoughtful creations will grant me with my children.

'Like' Gween Toys on Facebook and help spread the word about this amazing new company making safe and fantastic green toys for little ones!

Purchase on Amazon here:

Gween Gwomies Wooden Stacking Toy

Gween Picazee Wooden Stacking Toy

Gween Red Gusto Wooden Stacking Toy

Gween Alfinx Wooden Spelling Toy

Circle of Friends All-Natural Lice Prevention System

Let's face it, no one wants to talk about lice. I certainly don't. Just the mention of the four-letter word sends a shiver down my spine. But with back to school season upon us, it would behoove us all to be proactive in staving off lice, naturally. After all, tis the season when lice are most commonly transmitted!

Fresh off summer camp and sleepover parties, kids are heading back into the classroom, quite possibly with lice! (I told you I was a germaphobe). Instead of wondering whether your child will get lice, Circle of Friends Lice Prevention System can help keep little noggins free and clear of the pesky bugs.

Circle of Friends Lice Defense Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner contain natural lice repellents including tea tree, andiroba and lavender oils, and their inherent lemon peel oil, and vitamin B5 hydrate and soften hair.

I recommend buying the Lice Defense Hair Spray as well... because it is easy to apply to your child's hair in the event you didn't have the opportunity to use the shampoo and leave-in conditioner. The hairspray may be used on wet or dry hair -- coating the hair and refreshing the essential oils to provide extra lice deterrent. There is also a Lice Defense Styling Gel you may apply for added defense. Concentrate both the hairspray and gel application behind the ears and at the nape of the neck where lice most often attach.

All of these products may either be used once you learn there has been a lice outbreak at your child's school or daycare: then you could shampoo, condition and use the hair spray and styling gel several times a week or everyday in an effort to avoid your child getting lice. OR, when there is no threat of lice, use the prevention system weekly as a safety measure.

Here's to a healthy school year! Click the links below to purchase:

Circle of Friends Lice Free Zone Hairspray 8 oz

Circle Of Friends Lice Defense Shampoo 8 oz

Circle Of Friends Lice Defense Leave-In Conditioner 8 oz

Circle of Friends Lice Free Zone Gel 4 oz

We Will Never Forget

To all the fallen, the families, friends and loved ones left behind. To all the heroes who were born and died that day. We will never forget.

Satch & Sol Fair Trade 100% Wool Slippers Keep Tiny Toes Toasty

Back in 2009, I wrote a post about how important it is for both the sanctity and the sanitation of the household, to remove your shoes at the door. We have been doing so in our house for the last 4 years, and I wish we had started sooner!

There's nothing like slipping into a cozy pair of beloved slippers once you leave the outside world behind and enter your 'castle.' We are all slipper fanatics around here, even Miss O. Admittedly, she has gone through several pairs in her 4 years on earth, but we've just found the cutest, most beautifully made and eco-friendly slippers she's had the pleasure of wearing yet: Pups slippers from Satch & Sol.

Handmade by the Artists of Mongolia, a fair trade artisan cooperative, using traditional felting and knitting techniques, these sweet, 100% wool pups slippers include thoughtful details such as ears that stick out, felted eyes and a felted nose, which are securely and expertly hand stitched, and they are seamless, making them super comfortable. They also boast a plush black and brown suede sole to cushion little feet.

The Satch & Sol slippers collection includes an array of adorable slippers for babies, big kids, and  adults! All are crafted with the same integrity outlined above, and there's a style and color to suit everyone's fancy.

I also want to add that run of the mill kids slippers are usually made with synthetic soles and materials, and since feet sweat a lot, especially when tucked into a warm slipper, we've had issues with "stinky feet." Since Satch & Sol slippers are comprised of 100% wool, we haven't experienced any smelly toes, after constant, very enthusiastic wear.

Miss O never wants to take her pups off her feet, and she even named them Nick and Sally (from Dr. Seuss.) What a fun way to uphold the ritual of leaving shoes by the door to enter your sacred niche on earth.

Awesome Dollhouse Made out of Tissue Box Covers

"Bless You," crafty people! Check out this stylish dollhouse made out of three tissue boxes!

Click here to take a tour of this miniature modernist home!

'Fall' in Love with Nature Baby Organic Merino Wool Apparel for Babies and Tots

It's still very much summertime in California, but I am looking forward to crisp fall weather, which I hope is around the corner! Part of the fun is dressing the kids in cozy, adorable clothing, and Nature Baby's collection of 100% organic wool clothing is simply divine.

While I love the entire line, the casual drawstring pants and the chic long sleeve kimono top suit Mr. A to a tee. In addition to being made in New Zealand from organic merino wool that is grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals, I love that these toddler essentials are easy to crawl in, toddle in, and are comfortable enough to snooze in for naptime as well! All while being ever so stylish, understated and eco-friendly!

One thing I have also learned as a mom is that drawstring pants are ingenious. They enable you to buy clothing that's a bit too large for your tot, but that can be cinched down to fit -- so your wee one, who grows at the speed of light, may actually have a pair of pants that tightens, loosens and lasts!

Nature Baby organic merino wool clothing is also sumptuously soft, lightweight, durable, non-irritating, and provides premium insulation.

Be sure to check out Nature Baby's organic cotton clothing, organic bedding and organic sleepwear as well!

Learn more about organic wool here.