PONG iPhone & iPad Cases Reduce Exposure to Radiation

Over at Inhabitots this year, we have been reporting on the disturbing research that has been making headlines with regard to children and cell phone use. Such studies, including the findings that cell phones are linked to cancer, and that children's brains absorb twice as much radiation as adult's brains during cell phone usage, are deeply disturbing.

So when I heard about PONG iPhone and iPad cases, (they also make cases for Blackberrys and Androids), which drastically reduce exposure to radiation, I knew I had to outfit our iPhones in them, as well as tell you about them.

PONG cases protect you from cell phone radiation, without compromising the integrity of your phone's performance. PONG cases offer the only solution proven in FCC-certified labs to protect consumers significantly (up to 95% below FCC limits) from wireless device radiation. Additionally, each case features a patented antenna technology that redirects and redistributes the cell phone radiation that would otherwise be absorbed by the user’s head and body (as opposed to shielding or blocking the radiation which the FCC warns may actually increase radiation exposure, forcing the phone or iPad to work harder to find a signal).

I feel a million times better about not having a land line, and relying solely on my iPhone for communication, now that I have a PONG case. However,  even with this trusty new case, I still don't allow Miss O to play on my iPhone like I used to do -- before I knew doing so could be harmful to her health and development. Yet, it makes me wonder why SO many apps are designed and marketed to children. I used to employ my iPhone as the ultimate on-the-go entertainment center for Miss O, and I know many parents currently do. But I think it's time to go back to a notepad and a game of hangman or tic-tac-toe, some finger puppets, and good old fashioned paper and crayons.

At least in the meantime, as technology continues to excel at the speed of light, and our dependence on it continues to deepen, it is good to know that PONG Research has stepped up to create a solution that will help protect us.

Toy Car Art

Check out this super cool art installation, 'Car Atlas' -- a rainbow made of 2,500 old toy cars by UK artist David T. Waller. It makes for quite the roundabout.

This would be Mr. A's version of heaven.

See more pics here.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you peace, love, health and happiness.

Last Minute Green Gift Wrapping Tip

The countdown is on! No doubt we're all busy wrapping up holiday shopping and gifts, and I just came across this charming idea to top presents: evergreen and holly. What a beautiful, organic way to put an eco spin on your wrapping endeavors! See all of the details here at stephmodo.

Image via stephmodo

Merino Kids Baby Hoodie Keeps Little Ones Cozy & Stylish

Holiday gifts for kids don't always have to center around toys. Keepsake clothing also makes a wonderful present, and I love this Merino Kids Baby Hoodie for all the little guys on your list.

Made of super soft New Zealand Merino fabric, this sweater is casual enough for playtime but may also be dressed up for a special occasion. I also like that it has a scoop neck which enables the hood to easily fit over your tot's head, and stay put.

Additionally, merino is allergy-safe and fire resistant and it absorbs moisture when tots get hot and keeps them warm when they're cold.

Today I layered this sweet sweater over Mr. A's other adorable Merino Kids long-sleeved top, and I loved that the fit wasn't bulky and that layering his clothes didn't put him at risk of overheating. He looked super cute and stylish while staying warm.

Another one of my favorites from the Merino Kids collection is their baby sleep sack. Mr. A wears his to bed every night. Read my extensive review of Merino Kids sleep sacks here. This sleep sack would also be a lovely gift for that special baby or toddler in your life.

Merino Kids Hoodie is available in sizes 6-12 months and 12-14 months.

Enter Your Favorite Photo Memory For a Chance to Win a $500 Best Buy Gift Card

I wrote about my favorite family photos over at Inhabitots. Click through to read my post and to enter your own photos for a chance to win a $500 gift card from Best Buy!

Green Toys Tea Set from Pottery Barn Kids

One of the most gratifying things to witness as a green parent is when large, mainstream companies add a selection of eco-friendly toys and goods to their repertoire -- bringing nontoxic, sustainably made toys to the forefront for all to learn about and purchase. This season, Pottery Barn Kids is, as usual, offering an array of delightful holiday gifts for kids, and my favorite among their wide selection is the Green Toys Tea Set.

We are well on our way to owning every toy in the Green Toys collection, which are all made from 100% recycled milk jugs, and completely nontoxic and free of BPA and phthalates. The adorable tea set available from Pottery Barn Kids includes 17 pieces: a tea pot with lid, a sugar bowl with lid, a creamer, four cups, four saucers, and four teaspoons.

Both Miss O and Mr. A adore having carpet picnics and tea parties, and this set will really up the ante of our make believe play. We currently own the Green Toys cookware and dining set, and not a day goes by that the kids aren't playing with some pieces from that collection. Mr. A often carries around and refuses to relinquish the blue cup from that set - all day long.

I love that Santa can give this tea set as a gift for BOTH kids to share and enjoy many a special moment together.

Classic ABC Blocks from Uncle Goose

Green parenting involves a lot of studying and decision-making. Especially around the holidays when the world tells you to buy everything in sight and to and fill your kids' lives with MORE STUFF. This year especially, I have been approaching Christmas with a decidedly eco attitude. We cleaned out a bunch of our old, unused toys and donated them to a rummage sale, and we're asking Santa to bring the kids just a few classic, high-quality and sustainably designed toys to add to their collection.

Classic ABC Blocks from Uncle Goose are an heirloom quality toy that we know will get plenty of use, providing learning experiences and fun -- and both Miss O and Mr. A can enjoy them together at playtime. And in addition to all of these qualities, they are most importantly eco-friendly and nontoxic.

The collection includes 28 blocks patterned after turn of the century blocks, embossed and printed with nontoxic, colorful child safe inks. The blocks are crafted from sustainable Michigan basswood, and they feature beveled edges to eliminate sharp corners. Each block tells a story, with letters, numbers and animals on all four sides.

I would recommend Uncle Goose blocks to anyone and everyone looking for the perfect gift for the children on their list. They also come in a Groovie Math Blocks set.

SPECIAL DEAL FOR PETITE PLANET READERS: You can purchase these magnificent blocks and get 20% off from Wild Dill, a Petite Planet sponsor, by clicking the Wild Dill banner in my left hand sidebar and entering code petiteplanet at checkout. Offer expires 12/31.

Recycled Wood Art Panels from Urban Tickle

I am absolutely in love with these adorable wood art panels from Etsy shop Urban Tickle. How sweet are the inspirational sentiments: "I hope that even the sky is not the limit for you," and "I hope you will always go the distance."

And adding substance to style, the eco-savvy artist prints her unique designs on 100% recycled wood which she salvages from fallen apple orchard trees. They come ready to hang, as the back of each piece of art is equipped with a saw-tooth hanger. Panels may also be color customized to match your child's nursery or playroom.

Modern, Eco-Friendly Nativity Scene

The true meaning of the holiday season gets all to easily buried by visits with Santa Claus, shopping trips to the mall, and gifts galore. I think a wonderful way to anchor the authenticity of Christmas is to display a Nativity Scene in your home, in a prominent place where little ones may look at it daily and be reminded that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth. I have fond memories of interacting with and admiring the Nativity Scene my mom displayed in our house every December.

I have seen some pretty cool Nativity Scenes in my day, but this variation by Bunny With A Tool Belt is especially unique. Crafted entirely out of scrap wood and found objects, the figures are so very abstract, but so obvious as well. I love the artist's interpretation and think this scene makes quite a statement and an impact, and rightly so.