"I love you ALL day!"

If you have kids, you know that they like to eat.... ALL day.  With three children, I feel like I'm constantly grabbing food and muttering things like, "Oh my gosh, all you kids do is eat ALL day!!!", "You want something else?  You've been eating ALL morning!", "What? You JUST ate!" and so on.  Really, I can't complain too much considering most of what they eat is healthy and who wants to say "No!  You can't eat that avocado!"

While none of my ramblings phase any of my kids, our youngest has a found new terms for her love for me.  Mixed in with the "I love you big as the world"s and "I love you SO much"s, I also have "I love you ALL day!" and "I love you ALL morning... SO much."

Maybe it's silly, but the sweetness and innocence of it all snaps me back into the moment every.single.time.  As a busy adult and parent, there are so many things that I rush through, but those simple words have found a way to ground me.

Mad love for the kiddos <3  What are your favorite moments?

We're A Bunch Of Co-Sleepers

In light of the controversial campaign by the Milwaukee Health Department (as seen to the right), I would like to share my thoughts and experiences with co-sleeping, or more specifically in my case,  bedsharing.  If you'd like to read a bit more about the facts of co-sleeping, please visit this article at Kaia Magazine.

I suppose I should mention first that I am a breastfeeding mom (this comes into play in a moment).  I was 22 when I had my first baby and the idea was really not one I was comfortable with.  I wasn't yet comfortable with my body, but once E was born and I looked into those eyes...  Well, let's just say that I was his.  He had a hard time latching and I was inexperienced - we would spend more than a month pumping, crying (both of us!), nursing and everything in-between.  I started like any new mom with a crib and bassinet to keep him close, but I soon found myself with my sweet baby in bed with me.  It was partially out of ease, but there was more.  It felt right and he did better - he nursed better, he slept better and he was far happier in general.  I was able to sleep better as a result too.  I slept lighter, but I slept.

Fast forward 3 years and our first daughter is born 7 1/2 weeks premature.  She was amazing and so strong, but still so small.  We brought her home at just two weeks old, but still quite early and small.  My husband was scared of her sleeping with us, and really who could blame him?  We bought one of those movement monitors to keep an eye on her breathing, but a week later she would too find her way into our bed, sleeping peacefully.  L would go on to spend about 15 months in our bed before moving to her own, though that would change after we brought G home from the hospital.

G came right home and into our bed.  Twenty-six months later, she's still there!  I would complain, but she's amazing.  She sleeps like an angel and I can't think of anything better to wake up to than her cheerful face, snuggles or "I love you"s.

When babies take over!

Notice the bed on the floor for L (where she began to sleep after G was born) & the crib to the right - our first failed attempt to get G out of our bed.  Have no fear, I moved and/or arranged everyone properly before I went to bed.

I want to say first and foremost that co-sleeping (bedsharing) is not for everyone.  I do think that most people would be surprised by how aware of their child they become, but infants aren't experiments and this is an area that requires deliberate action and some confidence.  I do believe that co-sleeping is a good thing and I know that there are proven physiological benefits.  I highly recommend reading up on Kangaroo Care for some amazing insight into the physiological benefits of close contact. While they aren't exactly the same, the physiological benefits do mirror one another.  It's really quite amazing the way that our bodies work with others, especially our infants.  In addition, co-sleeping helps families bond.  There is a closeness there that is simply amazing, for my husband too!  He works all day and I'm here with the kids, but each night he gets to snuggle up to his baby girl.

So here's the deal - Safety is key.  Just as there are precautions to take with crib sleeping (no bumpers, pillow, toys, etc), there are precautions with co-sleeping.  Pillows do not go near babies, there should be no gaps for baby to fall ino/get stuck in and light blankets are a must, in fact I sleep with only a sheet.  My husband uses a light cotton blanket, like the one seen here.  I even used a breathable bed rail for quite some time as extra security, just like you would use for a child transitioning to a big bed.  There are even devices to help provide baby with their own space, while co-sleeping.  The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper is one great solution.

While co-sleeping is not for everyone, I feel that scare tactics, like those used by the Milwaukee Health Department, are harmful by not providing full and accurate information.  Whether people choose to co-sleep or not, they should be informed in order to help empower them to make the right decision for their family.

What are you thoughts on this campaign, or on co-sleeping?  I'd love to hear them!

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A vaccine documentary that you must see!

For as long as I can remember, I've always felt that it was important to see all sides of an issue, even when I had my feet planted firmly on one side or another.  I feel, that to make an informed decision, on anything, we should be questioning everything.  We might end up right where we started, but what happens when those questions lead to more questions and uncertainty?

For me, it was change and a sense of empowerment.  I began going green, and writing this blog after finding out that baby shampoos and lotions, which were suppose to be safe, were anything but.  Though I spent my whole life questioning big topics, I never thought to question the little ones.  It was like the world came into focus, and I began to question everything.  I wanted to know that the things I put on, and in the bodies of my family members would do no harm.  At the very least, I wanted to know what could happen.  I wanted to make informed decisions.

I was not looking for a fight, but I wanted to know that everything I used was safe.  More than that, I wanted it proved to me.  Saying that something cannot be proved to cause one thing (or many) is not the same as it being safe.  It's a trick that many companies use, in products and in the medical field, to make us believe that a product is safe.  We've all seen it happen.

The medical community is no different, and while experts are regarded as the authority or final say, I feel that that is a flawed way of thinking.  After all, we are only as accurate at the information with which we have been provided.  Physicians are no exception.  We are all human, expert or not, and we can all continue to learn and evolve - if we allow ourselves to realize that we do not have all of the answers.

With that, I invite you to watch The Greater Good.  It is a thoughtful presentation about vaccines, or perhaps more about what is in our vaccines.  I found this movie touching (I cried!), exciting (I yelled at my monitor!) and very enriching (Lots of YEA!  Right on!).  Okay, I'm being silly now, but this is a serious topic and love the way in which this movie provokes thought and conversation.  What ever you to, make time for this movie.  Watch it while you fold laundry or clean your kitchen (I did!).  You will not be sorry!

The Greater Good is available to watch, for FREE through November 5th at Mercola.com  In addition to being available online, you can support the film by purchasing your very own copy for just $10, information also at the link above.

When you're done, come back here and let me know your thoughts.  I will be sharing mine later in the week, after I watch it again!

Save Money and Swap - ThredUp Review & Giveaway

We have three small children who are constantly growing out of their old clothes and into the next size up.  Unlike some lucky people, we don't have a source for hand me downs (that would be so amazing!)  With three kids, clothing gets expensive and it seems like a bit of a waste since they seem to change sizes every 9 months or so.  Buying second hand has long been a great option for parents of all budgets, it's simply smart shopping, but who has the time?!  Thanks to a new internet based company, everyone does!

ThredUp is a clothing swap website where you group items by size and stuff them as packed as you can into a flat rate box that is shipped to your door by the company.  Once you've loaded up your box you simply list it with a general description of what's in the box.  Then all you have to do is wait.  When someone selects your box you print a label right from the site and have your mail carrier pick it up the next day, all at no cost to you.  Simple as that.  In exchange for your box you will get the opportunity to pick a swap box, and if you have a box that is in high demand (low supply sizes) you can earn $2-$4 per box.  When you pick your swap box the cost is $5 + shipping ($15.95 total)

I purchased my first box last week and I was so pleased to have 8 1/2 new outfits for her for under $2 a piece.  You can't beat that!  L loved receiving a special box of clothes just for her, full of her favorite colors and lots of dresses.  She was all too happy to show them off too!

While I was browsing boxes I saw everything from Nike shoes to books, dress clothes to gently used toys.  If it fits in the box, you can be fairly certain that someone will be listing it.  It's not all for kids either!  I've seen "mommy boxes" full of novels, candles, adult clothes, home decor and more.

Speaking of other things, there is a great Halloween swap coming up from September 15 to October 15.  You'll be able to list last year's costumes and find some new ones without spending the high prices you see at the stores.  Our children love costumes year round.  We keep a tub of them in the closet and they are constantly playing dress up.  This would be a great chance to swap for new ones.

I admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first signed up for ThredUp.  The concept was great, but I wasn't sure that I'd get quality items.  It took a bit of browsing to find a box that sounded right for us, but I'm glad that I waited until I saw just the right box.  I know that not every box will be amazing, but the average box contains 15 items and at $15.95 a box, that makes for some affordable clothing even if they aren't Sunday bests.  We're very happy with our box and I am looking forward to shipping out a box soon and picking some more boxes for the kids!

If you've swapped with ThredUp I'd love to hear your experiences, and if not, head over, sign up and get $10 towards your first box.  This is a limited time special offer, so act quickly!

This promotion is now over!

Our winner, as chosen by Random.org, is #10 Crystal.  Congratulations!

Want a box on ThredUp?  Enter below for your chance to win a box!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Follow our blog and join ThredUp, or let me know if you are already a member.  Comment and include your email address (so that I can reach you if you win) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow EFFBlog & ThredUP and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Save money by swapping kids clothes @ThredUP  Enter to win a box @EFFblog http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #giveaway" Comment with a link to your tweet. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Like us on Facebook, The Eco-Friendly Family & ThredUP

*Add our Blog Button to your blog or web page. Leave a link!

*Tell others about this giveaway on your blog or other social media sites (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link. One entry for each way you share!

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends August 23rd.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: All reviews are my own and honest opinions. I was NOT provided any products or credits for this review.  Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines

I can't believe summer break is almost here (free printable!)

Our son's first year of kindergarten is drawing to a close and he's excited but will soon be missing all of his new friends.  To keep in touch I made up a little card design to print out and have him give to his classmates. I thought I'd share it with you.  You can download the image here.  Print these on card stock (these print 10 to a page), or paper if you prefer, and simply write in your child's name and phone number (the printable page has blank lines to write on).  This isn't eco-related, but I hope some of you get some use out of this as well!

I love great companies!

For Easter, I picked up several items for the kids from Ecomom.com and the kids just loved their baskets.  One of the items I picked up was some non-toxic dry erase markers from a company called Modern Twist.  The kids were thrilled and I was happy to have markers that were safer to use.

Soon after opening the package my daughter brought the green marker to me and told me that it wasn't working.  I tried it out, and sure enough it wouldn't write.  I looked up the company and gave them a call.  The lady I spoke to on the phone apologized for the error and offered to correct it right away.  I was pleased with her polite response and she was even happy to send the replacement in my son's name (he just loves getting mail!).

Fast forward a few days and a little package arrives for E.  When he got home from school he opened it up and much to our surprise there was more than a marker replacement.  The packaged contained two packs of their markers along side a couple of very cool silicone placemats meant for coloring!  My kids were so excited that they immediately went to the table to start coloring.

I have to say that I am so pleased with their service.  I was happy enough to have a replacement marker.  When a company goes above and beyond like this, it really makes an impression, so I just had to share!  Our kids love their mats and use them at all mealtimes now.  E is so proud of his coloring that he won't allow me to wash it off so that he can start again.  L on the other hand keeps adding to hers, and she looks forward to putting it at her place on the table.

If your children love to work their imaginations and express their amazing coloring abilities, these fun, useful mats (and non-toxic, washable dry-erase markers) are for you!

Gardening Giveaway!

Last year we introduced you to Cubit's Organics.  Cubit's is an online source for high quality organic seeds.  They sell a great variety of seeds including rare and heirloom seeds.  Their seeds are all organically grown, Monsanto and GMO free.  Cubits is committed to using environmentally friendly practices in all aspects of their business operations and general day to day life. They even use recycled packaging, non toxic glues, all of their printed matter is on recycled paper.  Their seeds are carefully inspected and hand packed into handmade envelopes, complete with planting instructions.

In addition to selling quality organic seeds, Cubit's keeps a lovely blog full of beautiful (and inspiring) images, personal sharing, recipes and more.  It is beautiful and peaceful place, well worth the read.  Take a moment to view an inspiring inside look at this fantastic company.






There is something so satisfying about growing your own food.  It's especially great for children.  When children grow their food, they want to eat it!  Our children were spotted picking things fresh from our garden and eating it, all summer long.  They loved our salads, cucumber sandwiches and especially when we would make wraps using our fresh lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes.

With your little ones in mind Cubit's would like to set one of you up with their Rainbow Collection of organic vegetable seeds!  This pack includes Rainbow of Radishes, Colourful Carrots (these were so much fun for us!), Mixed Beets and Rainbow Swiss Chard.  Can you picture the colorful plate that these vegetables will provide?!

As an extra special offer, Cubit's has set up a code just for our readers! Head over to the Cubit's Organic Living shop to outfit your whole garden and use the code below for 10% off, this goes with their always Free Shipping!

Use Code: ECOFF10 for 10% off!

Good through June 1, 2011

----Update! We have our winner!----

The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to Jessica!

Enter to win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Follow our blog and tell me what Cubit's item you want to try most!  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow EFFBlog & Cubit's and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Win & grow your garden with @cubits & @EFFblog http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #organic #giveaway" Comment with a link to your tweet. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Like us on Facebook, The Eco-Friendly Family & Cubit's Organic Living (be sure to tell them you saw them here!)

*Add our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Tell others about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link. One entry for each way you share!

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US & Canada Only. Giveaway ends March 14th.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product mentioned to review. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines

It's that time again!

It's only February but the sun is calling.  It's time to start thinking about what you'd like to plant in your garden this year.  Some of you may already be starting plants.  Planting can be fun and educational for the whole family.

Last year I was introduced to a company called Franklin Goose.  They offer a large variety of safe children's products including a fantastic gardening kit for your little one.

The Green Toys Indoor Gardening Set is made from 100% recycled plastic and comes with everything your little one will need to grow their very own garden.  It comes with 3 pots, a tray to set them on, soil (compact!), a trowel and seeds to grow their very own Teddy Bear Sunflowers, Zinnias and Basil!  I can't tell you what fun it was being able to have our son harvest his very own basil.

The kit is very easy to use and the kids adored it.  They took turns placing in the soil packs and then filling the cups with water.  Once the soil had expanded it was time to place the seeds.  They were oh-so-careful!

If your children are anything like ours they like results fast.  It took just 7 days for their seeds to become the fun and interesting spouts you see below.  The kids loved taking turns watering their plants.

My son can't wait to reuse his pots this year.  He has told me many times how much he loves that he can use them "again and again - forever".  All he has to do now is pick out his seeds!

Special thanks to Franklin Goose for supplying this lovely kit for review.  Our children love it and I know that yours will too.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product mentioned to review. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines

Girly gift idea!

I have two little girls, my oldest being nearly 3 and as girly as they get.  She loves all that Mommy has and wants some of her own.  Late last year I introduced you to Piggy Paint, a fantastic company that offers safe nail polishes for little girls (and moms too).  I was recently contacted about their new Piggy Paint Project Earth line of polishes that feature fun neon (even glowing!) colors targeted at eco-conscious tweens.  These colors are vibrant and feature quirky names like 'LOL', 'The Boyfriend Blues' and 'Eat Your Peace' - to name a few.

I love the line of Piggy Paint products so much.  I use it on myself exclusively (as well as my girls) as well as for gifts.  It makes such a fun gift and I know that it's introducing something safe.  Piggy Paints water based polishes and safe remover do not the awful chemicals found in traditional polishes and removers - like formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone - making Piggy Paint as "natural as mud".  As a great big added bonus, Piggy Paint products are made in the USA!

Piggy Paints make a great gift, either as a stand alone gift (check out the gift sets!) of fun stocking stuffer.  Speaking of stocking stuffers!  Piggy Paint wants to give one of you a chance to try their polish by offering the chance to win a $15 gift card!  I'm going to run this until noon tomorrow (12 Noon - EST - December 24th), so be sure to enter right away!  I want to give you time to add a note to your little lady's stocking saying that she can pick out her very own Piggy Paint!  How's that for a last minute gift idea!

If you see something you like, feel free to use code: splash15l (lowercase L) for 15% off!  This won't expire until December 31, 2011.  Thanks Piggy Paint!

----Update! We have our winner!----

The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to CeltiCutie!  Hope your little one enjoys this!

Here's how to win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Visit Piggy Paint and tell me which is your favorite color!  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow EFFBlog & Piggy Paint and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Win a last minute stocking stuffer from @PiggyPaint & @EFFblog http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Like us on Facebook, The Eco-Friendly Family & Piggy Paint (be sure to tell them you saw them here!)

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)  (Google Friend Connect or Feed)

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link. One entry for each way you share!

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends December 24th.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product mentioned to review. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines

PlasmaCar Giveaway!

As I mentioned a few days ago, I am preparing for the holidays and in doing so I want to share my finds with you.  My first find was the PlasmaCar.  I shared my review of it here.  I know I said it there, but I'll say it again.  I love this toy.  Just yesterday the kids and I were outside racing around our driveway.  Our children love it and from the response I saw here and on our facebook page, so do some of yours!

PlaSmart is offering one of you the chance to win a PlasmaCar for your little one!  What a great way to start your holiday 'shopping'!  Before we get to the details of the giveaway, let's have a bit of a recap about the PlasmaCar.

The PlasmaCar is a great ride on toy for children of all ages.  Both our two and five year old ride it with ease.  As I mentioned, even I get on it to ride around.  It safely supports up to 220 pounds on a flat smooth surface.

The PlasmaCar has no pedals, gears or batteries to make it go.  All it requires is a little one to turn the handle back and forth, propelling the toy.  It's easy to learn and a lot of fun to play with.  Younger children may use their feet to push themselves along until they learn to turn the handle.  Our daughter enjoyed it very much this way until she got the hang of it.

The PlasmaCar comes in six standard colors (all available with free shipping on Amazon.com) and three fun color combinations available at Target.com (and Target via Amazon).

----Update! We have our winner!----

The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to [LJT]! I hope that your little one loves it!

Here's how to win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Visit the PlasmaCar site and tell me something that you just love about the PlasmaCar.  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow EFFBlog & PlaSmart and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Win a PlasmaCar for your little one from @EFFBlog & @PlaSmart http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)  (Google Friend Connect or Feed)

*Vote for us on The Bump's 2nd Annual Blog Awards

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Like us on Facebook, EFFBlog & PlaSmart

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US & Canada Only. Giveaway ends November 22nd.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided product to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Healthy from the Start

If you want to raise happy and healthy children you want to get them eating right from the start.  Instilling a love for healthy foods is essential.  Children can learn early on to love flavors and colors and appreciate trying new things.  Start early and you won't be sorry!

I was recently introduced to a new book called Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers by Anni Daulter.  This book is such an amazing and beautiful resource.  It offers a loving and practical approach to introducing your children to healthy foods. 

Organically Raised is full of amazing, delicious and colorful (beautiful!) dishes from simple first foods to complex dishes and sinfully nutritious deserts!  The imagery in this book doesn't hurt either.  It is quite inspiring for even the busiest cook.  I have three little ones and can't wait to make more of these for my family.

What's so wonderful about these recipes is that they aren't just great for babies and kids, they are great for the whole family.  I love this approach to feeding kids and nurturing their love for colorful, flavorful healthy foods.  This book is a must have for any parent who cares about what goes into their child's body.

You can pick up a copy of Organically Raised on Amazon.  You will be so happy that you did and as it will fast become one of your favorite recipe books

Do your little ones have any favorite healthy recipes?  Any tips or tricks to getting your little one to try new things and eat well?  Please share!  I would love to hear them, and I'm sure others would as well.