Created by 3 Green Moms (actually it was 4 but they thought 3 sounded better) sitting around a kitchen table in 2008. They knew that many families were looking for easy, convenient ways to be green and avoid waste. So they put their passion and energy together and 3greenmoms was born. Their mission - to design a colorful, fresh alternative to the plastic baggie.

Whether you care about our environment, saving money, eating healthy, or looking stylish, LunchSkins are the answer to your plastic baggie blues -- they offer an environmental benefit (reduce landfill waste), a practical benefit (they can be used hundreds of times and save you money over the long run), and a healthy choice (food tastes better in a pastry bag).

Available in Canada at Rockpretty Baby

ferm LIVING is a Danish company that aims at designing and manufacturing interior products with a graphic touch. The product range consists of wallpaper, WallStickers, textiles, kitchen items, a large KIDS collection and much more great stuff to come…

I first came across this *coat tree* and loved the idea. The WallSticker comes with an additional "stem", so you can make your Coat Tree WallSticker higher by adding a piece of the extra stem. 

For more information check out ferm LIVING.

I have to admit as *green* as I'd like to think I am the one thing I & DH use in abundance is Paper Towel! Here's a company who has created a product to help say goodbye to the disposable paper towel. Did you know...

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You can choose one for $6, a 3 day supply for $25 or a 5 day supply for $31. There's even bulk pricing available (see site for details). Check out People Towels for full details and to order your supply.

Five Day Supply Pack

I reluctantly became one of those moms who oddly found joy folding my newest collection of cloth diapers. 3 years ago I put up quite the fight while talking to another mom about cloth diaper. I didn't think it was possible to enjoy using them, after all their purpose isn't the prettiest. I made the jump and bought 2 dozen of the hottest diapers on the market, Bum Genius.

These are one size pocket diapers and for those of you who don't know, this is one of the simplest cloth diapers to use on the market. The soft, waterproof outer fabric keeps the diaper trim on your newborn and toddler. Soft, sueded inner fabric gently wicks moisture away from your baby's skin. Super stretchy, gentle leg and back elastic with rolled out casings keeps the yuk in and help to keep red marks away. Stuff the shell with a super absorbent insert and you're good to go. It goes on just like a disposable with the easy to use velcro tabs and adjust in rise depending on the size of your baby.

They cost just under $24 a diaper (including a newborn and toddler insert). You may think that sounds like alot but when you do the math the savings are amazing!

• 24 diapers (the recommended amount for the FT cloth diaperer) @ $24 =  $576
• Approximately $40/year is the estimated washing costs.
• Total cost to cloth diaper your baby from newborn to 3 (approx. age of PTing) $696
• Average cost per change $ 0.10

Compare that to this (thanks to Diaper Decisions):

Disposable Diapers

Prices for disposable diapers come from the least expensive package of 2 popular brands from a discount chain store.

Size	Length of time in size	Changes per day	Diapers used	Cost per change	Total Cost
Newborn	2 weeks	12-16	48 in package 196 used 5 packages	$0.41	5 packages x $16.23= $81.15
Size 1	10 weeks	10-12	104 in package 770 used 8 packages	$0.24	8 packages x $22.88= $183.04
Size 2	12 weeks	10-12	88 in package 924 used 11 packages	$0.27	11 packages x $22.88= $251.68
Size 3	12 weeks	8-10	96 in package 756 used 8 packages	$0.33	8 packages x $30.72= $245.76
Size 4	12 weeks	6-8 changes	64 in package 588 used 9 packages	$0.36	9 packages x $23.68= $213.12
Size 5	24 weeks	6-8 changes	58 in package 1176 used 20 packages	$0.40	20 packages x $23.78= $475.60
Size 6 Training pants	48 weeks	6-8 changes	48 in package 2352 used 49 packages	$0.48	49 packages x $23.00= $1127.00

Grand Total: $2577.35 (this is American pricing so it may vary slightly in Canada)

Average cost per change: $0.36

Not to forget that's over 6700+ disposable diapers thrown into our landfills. It's estimated that a disposable diaper takes 500 years to decompose. Not that anyone knows for sure as they haven't been around long enough.

Despite my wonderful Save Mother Earth speech one of the HUGE drawing factors is the ease and lets face it how incredible cute they are!

You can find the newest Bum Genius 4.0's at Rockpretty Baby. In case you're interested in a little variety check out Fuzzibunz (another one size pocket diaper) and GroVia (an organic alternative hybrid) cloth diapers. 

I'm in love with the simplicity of this Scandinavian designed line of children's furniture. In particular, their 5-in-1 crib/bed. The Leander Bed is made of a moulded European beach wood and available in 3 classic finishes... White, White Washed and Walnut.

The non-toxic water based laquer, oval fluid shape & Eco-tex covered mattress make this bed the most natural choice for your child. The theory behind this unique concept is, though the bed may transform through-out the stages of your child's life it will always be reconizable to them. Smart! 

Here's what Leander has to say:

A child is a life in growth

Enjoy the moment while the child is a new little person because they grow up so quickly. The Leander bed changes with the child and follows the child’s development; from the baby age to the junior age.

The bed is five pieces of furniture in one design. It is built in parts that are assembled so the bed always suits the child’s age and needs. You get all parts including mattress parts when you purchase the bed.

The round, soft forms make the Leander bed a wonderful piece of furniture to use. The spring mattress contributes not only to a comfortable night’s sleep but also ensures good ventilation.

Facts

• The bed is five pieces of furniture in one complete design
• The bed changes form and size according to the child’s needs and age
• The cot 70 x 120 cm – junior bed 70 x 150 cm
• The bed is manufactured in moulded European beech
• Surface treated with water-based lacquer
• The adaptable mattress has pocket springs for improved lying comfort and ventilation.
• The adjustable mattress cover is Eco-Tex 100 cotton, washable at 60°
• Included are 2 fitted sheets and the conversion kit for every stage.

The Leander bed can be found in Canada at Babybot. For the month of July, you'll receive the custom fit bumper pad at no additional cost! 
Check out Leander's website to learn more about this and other products they produce.

Valentine's Day Giveaway!!

Valentine's Day Giveaway!!

Spread the cloth diapering love on Valentines's Day and win a diaper of your choice!

Entering is easy and free - Go to THIER website www.acornsoaks.com and post back on HER blog what product you would most like to have. You MUST do this step, or she won't be able to find you!

For extra entries you can:

1. Join HER Facebook group

2. Follow HER on Twitter (acornsandoaks)

3. Tweet about the contest

4. Follow HER blog

5. Do a blog entry about the contest.

Please post on HER blog for each additional entry!

Good luck and have a fantastic Valentine's Day!


Contest closes at midnight tonight and the winner will be announced Monday on HER blog!

A fresh new look for the nursery

With 5 collections to choose from there's something for everyone at Oilo. My 2 favorites are the Navy Wheels Motif and the Spring Green Modern Berries featured on here.









I love that they offer a complete nursery with custom lighting, gliders and pillows. With the options to buy a complete set or individual items to complete your own nursery makes shopping easy. Very reasonably priced too at $399us for a crib set.

For more information on the Oilo Company.

Love love love these LunchBots containers. The perfect soloution for packing lunches.

LunchBots are a healthy alternative to plastic containers for packing lunch to go. Made from the highest quality 18/8 stainless steel, LunchBots do not leach chemicals like plastic does. Prices range from $16.99-$20.99

LunchBots come in two sizes, the regular size is perfect for Mom/Dad or the older hungrier child and a small "Pico" size is great for smaller snacks on the go or the preschooler. You can also choose the single compartment container for the larger meals like a sandwich or salad.

Plus the added bonus is they are Eco-friendly and reusable means saving money and the environment!

Click here to read more about LunchBots and to pick up yours today.

So my little pumpkin starts her first year of preschool. I don't know who is more excited me or her? Anyway, I've officially started her back to school shopping. I need to find her a backpack for carrying her morning snack and for carting home all her crafts that I know they will make.

I came across Skip Hop Zoo Packs. I was super familar with the brand as I've seen their amazing diaper bags and of course the Palette plate that I've raved about in the past. The Zoo Pack is the little kid backpack where "fun meets function!" Whimsical details and durable materials make this the perfect on-the-go pack for kids on-the-go! Features: BPA-Free, Phthalate-free, PVC Free; insulated pouch for snacks; adjustable mesh bottle pocket; padded, adjustable comfy straps; write-on nametag inside; easy to clean lining. Plus they come in the cutest animals, Penguin, Dog, Mouse& Monkey.

The only difficult issue is picking which one...

Check them out at Gingerbread Monkeys

I can't remember how I came across them but I immediately fell in love with everything about them. Little Sapling is a small family company out of Boise, Idaho. Their goal is to make toys that will be beautiful to look at, fun to play with and cherished for generations. Little Sapling's are toys will be passed down for generations.

The wood used for thier toys is either reclaimed or FSC Certified hardwood and is sanded satin-smooth. They use a local beeswax and organic jojoba oil finish to bring out the natural beauty of the woods. All teethers are left bare.

+ All the paper products and packaging Little Sapling Toys uses is recycled and recyclable.
+ They will plant a tree through Trees for the Future for every toy sold.
+ They participate in Idaho Green Power Program to offset our business and personal energy usage.

The boxes used to package Little Sapling Toys are 100% recycled (80% post consumer) and recyclable. Fragrant and attractive wood curls protect the toys during shipping and provide a pleasing presentation when given as a gift. Each toy comes with a toy information tag which includes care instructions.

The Wood Rattle with curvy handle was what started it all. A beautifully crafted This Maple and Walnut Polka Dot Rattle is a stunning and durable gift for an infant to enjoy with all his or her senses. Rattles are easy to grasp, inviting to chew, soothing to hear and interesting to study.

The Polka Dot Rattle is about 5.5" long and 1.25" at its widest. The curvy handle, a satin smooth sanding and beeswax finish reveal the natural beauty of Maple and Walnut. $38usd

One of their originals products was the Solid Maple Teething Squares. Ideal for babies to grasp and chew. Each square is sanded satin smooth, left unfinished and measures approximately 2.75" x 2.75. $8usd

Their line has expanded to include new teething shapes, cars & developmental toys for those ever learning minds and little hands.

Check them out at Little Saplings Toys

I found it very frustrating shopping for the nursery. I want art to hang on the walls that wouldn't cost me a fortune, that were colorful and appealing to my child & me. The and me was the most challenging part. Most of what I found was either the typical mass produced cutesy animals or big box companies with their Mascots. So not what I was interested in.

I came across Cici Art Factory. There are 4 collections to choose from.

• Liz Clay's wit & whimsy collection features her most popular portrait designs as giclée prints on canvas. These high-quality prints use up to 8 inks to achieve rich tonal values and colour breadth, ensuring the paint strokes look as realistic as possible. They're printed in Canada and mounted on stretcher frames made from BC lumber. Comes ready to hang. $99cdn
  
• Portraits capture the memory of your child's magical preschool years with a custom portrait. Each hand-done original painting lets you catch the interests and personality of your little one today – so that you can treasure them forever. Cici Art Factory's whimsical kids' portraits are keepsakes that will be passed down from generation to generation. Starting at $350
  
• Lotsa, If one colourful image is great, imagine what Lotsa great images would add to your child's room. Modernize your kid's rooms with original paintings of repeating shapes and vibrant colours. Hand-done? Yes. Unique? Yes. Chunky paint? Check! Entertain and engage both little and big eyes alike. $60cdn
  
• Prints, Bring bold punches of colour with these X & O Animal and Wit & Whimsy paper prints. Each print is professionally printed on wind-generated, FSC certified 80 lb paper and is packaged in a clear, biodegradable sleeve. They're signed and dated on the front and measure 8" x 10", 11" x 14" with a white mat. Easy to frame. $30cdn
  

Great affordable art that you'll find something that appeals to all. I also love that they are Canadian.

Check them out at Cici Art Factory or one of my favorite stores Raspberry Kids.

Coming from one VERY sleep deprived mom I can highly recommend this product. My daughter really was the perfect sleeper except for one thing, she woke every night at 3am, like clockwork. She went down no problem at 8pm and would sleep till 8 or 9am but this middle of the night wake up call was getting to me after 2 years. I was pregnant with my 2nd and desperately searching for something that would solve our issue. I came across this, The Cloud b Twilight Turtle.

The Cloud b Twilight Turtle is the first plush constellation nightlight ever created, transforms any room into a starry night sky (and it really does work) to help comfort children to sleep. From within his plastic shell, Twilight Turtle projects a magical constellation of stars onto bedroom ceiling and walls in three soothing color options. Twilight Turtles shell illuminates like a nightlight to help ease children's fear of the dark.

This interactive and educational toy includes eight actual constellations (such as The Big Dipper) embedded in the star pattern. Parents can sit with their children and identify these major constellations using the wonderfully illustrated Twilight Turtle Star Guide. Twilight Turtle helps make bedtime fun for children of all ages.

My daughter was easily able to turn it on at bedtime and pick her color of choice. We then would have a little sing-along to Twinkle Twinkle (thank goodness someone thinks I'm a good singer) and then off I went. When the middle of the night wakeup call would arise instead she would turn on her turtle and not a peep. I on the other hand still continued to have my 3am wakeups, I guess after 2 years of it, it was going to take some time to break the habit. Maybe I should of invested in another Twilight Turtle for myself.

Now they also make Twilight Ladybug an adorable option to the Twillight Turtle.

Check out the Twilight Turtle and Friends at Bug & Blossom

Well lunch time around my house was getting, lets say, boring. Boring for me to make and I think boring for my daughter to eat. I mean, how many creative ways are there to make a sandwich?

One day, on my frequent window shopping trips I came across the Palette Plate by Skip*Hop. Right away I was attracted to the bright colors and the cool unique design. I picked one up and rushed home to prepare my pumpkin her "new" lunch. I cut up some chunks of pepper, cucumbers, olives & cheese and tossed them into their own individual cups. Threw in some whole grain crackers in the plate section and added her favorite drink. Well it was a hit!

My pumpkin loved how everything had it's own spot and it was filled with some of her favorite finger foods. I loved that once it was placed on the table that was where it remained thanks to the skid proof bottom. Also the shape makes it difficult for little hands to pick up so that was an added bonus. The great thing was once she was done eating I could snap the lids onto the containers and them right in the fridge stacked for a later snack.

The Palette Plate comes with:

• Lift-out individual bowls are microwave safe
• Skid-resistant area for cup
• Skid-resistant base
• Mix it up in the big bowl
• Includes three translucent lids for storage
• Matching utensils

You can find the Palette plate and many other great Skip*Hop products at Crocodile Baby.

How much would my daughter love to have the entire Safari collection in her bedroom.

Beetling was created in 2006 by a mom. Kristy was not satisfied with simply painting the space or applying one-dimensional cutouts so she began experimenting with different options to create 3D art. Shortly after Beetling was created. An amazing collection of 3D art made out of an innovative, non-toxic, designer blended foam base. Currently they have 4 series, The Safari, Solar System, Nursery Rhymes & Noah`s Ark. Some of them are a bit pricier but some pieces do start as low as $50.

My personal favorite is the Safari series with 6 foot tall giraffe and her baby, a zebra and trees. These incredible life like creatures would sure to bring a smile to any childs face.

This would look amazing in a child`s bedroom, playgroup space or a daycare.


Price for complete collection is available by request from them.


For the out of this world adventurer there`s the Solar System collection. The solar system with astronaut, provides great detail of all the planets of our solar system along with a very lifelike rendition of our own Beetling Astronaut, comes complete with all the planet names.

Great for the classroom or playroom too!

I think this collection is very resonably priced at just under $500 plus it would suit a young child right up into their teen years.


Check all of these and more out at Beetling

I've now been cloth diapering my children for almost 2 years. Anyone who knows me would never of expected me to keep it up. I must say even to myself I didn't think I would either but don't tell anyone else that. To my surprise it was so easy to learn and with the amazing options available it couldn't get any easier. Even the spouse is into it.

Well during my online hunting of some of the cutest styles and brands available I came across this great shop. Acorns and Oaks carries some of my personal favs along with a few others that are now on my wish list.

Grobaby - A one-size organic in the yummiest of colors suitable for either a boy or girl.

Gro Baby is a modern, one-size diapering system. Its unique, waterproof shell and organic cotton soaker pad minimizes waste and cost. When the soaker pad is wet, simply replace with a fresh, dry one!


Fuzzi Buns One-size pocket diapers

One-Size Fuzzi Bunz have the coolest adjustable leg elastic, allowing you to make the diapers fit a teeny tiny baby and a big toddler! They come with two sizes of inserts, too!

With numerous prints and colors for both boys and girls you won't have a problem finding something you like. The only issue is keeping yourself from buying one of EVERYTHING.


Why should I cloth diaper?

• Less waste in our landfills
• Save hundreds of dollars each year
• Healthier for baby, less diaper rash
• No Dioxins
• They’re cute

Check out these and other cloth diapers and accessories at Acorns and Oaks.

After the huge BPA scare came out I threw out ALL plastics in my house even the so called ''safe'' plastics. Biggest issue was what was I going to use as utensils for the kids? After scouring the new I came across Bambu. What a wonderful alternative to plasic!

Bambu has a wonderful line of organically grown bamboo utensils for baby and child. Perfect size for little hands yet Mom or Dad can use them to when helping their little one out. There are two sizes available, a 2 pack of Baby Fork/Spoon Utensils and a slightly larger Childs Fork/Spoon Utensil pack. Both reasonably priced. The great thing about both utensils is that they actually work. The prongs on the fork can actually pierce food, something I always found frustrating about the plastic utensils. They were too blunt to actually poke food and never made it to the mouth without falling off. The spoon has the perfect shape, allowing even the runniest of baby food to stay put.

One of my favorite items is the Bambu Spork. I love this 2 in 1 concept of a spoon and fork. Again it's perfect for little hands especially those just starting to self feed. Even my 1 year old enjoys using it and has totally grasped the concept of both ends. My 3 year old just loves alternating between both sides. It's also is my must have when going out to eat because of then need to only need one utensil.

Some interesting facts I learnt about Bambu the company & bamboo the product:

• It's a great, sustainable resource.
• Can easily be grown organically as it flourishes easily.
• It's naturally antiseptic.
  
• Washes easily by hand.
• Bamboo is durable, sturdy and strong - harder than Red Oak and Maple.
• Products can be made in rural environments, reducing industrial and urbanization impacts.
• The bamboo used in all the products from Bambu use the Moso bamboo is not a species consumed by the panda.
• Also Bambu donates a portion of all proceeds to For the Planet and 15 other non profit organizations around the world.

Bambu utensils and other non toxic products are available at Rockpretty Baby

How much do I love this company. This is an amazing, modern and innovated company. Started by four dads, Bloombaby re-designs the necessities for every baby, from highchairs to bouncers to cribs. You won't want to hide these!


One of my favorites is the Alma Urban Crib

dream . roll . store

alma urban cot/crib is all about style, mobility & storage

a beautifully designed folding wooden crib, with stainless steel detailing, that is the perfect choice for parents looking to bring a little contemporary chic to the nursery or home

designed for urban spaces, elevated living, co-sleeping & grandparent/second homes, alma’s unique and simple patented fold is as appealing as its minimalist outlook & ease of mobility

alma has two mattress heights combining the benefits of a newborn bassinet or cradle with a cot/crib; a modern easy folding bed that can be used from newborn to two years

Check them out at Bloombaby

What a brillant idea!

For kids 6 months - 5 years old, the European-designed HandySitt transforms any adult chair into a high chair.

7 different finishes: Natural or black painted birch, with red, brushed steel or black metal arms, or our classy Antique. Optional accessories such as 5 point safety harness or seat pads are available.

It costs $159, comes with FREE shipping, a 60 day - No questions asked - Money Back Guarantee. The best part of all it ships in Canada from BC.

Available at Minui Handysitt

In an effort to make it easy and affordable for any organization, from full-scale businesses to work-at-home-moms to purchase an ad, this simple advertising format is offered:

• 125 x 125 ad space
• Ads rotate every time the page is refreshed or if the user navigates to a different page.
  
• Affordable pricing: 30 Days for $20. Save with 90 Days for $50.
• Advertising can start on any day of the month - you will receive an invoice after the ad is posted, with the start date of the ad.

I'm just a girl married to a wonderful guy with 2 beautiful children...oh and I LOVE to shop!

When I became pregnant with my first I was overwelmed with Teddy Bears, Hearts, Flowers, Animals and Cartoon Figures on all the baby products. I knew I couldn't be the only one who was seeking something more modern. I became obsessed with scouring the internet finding the newest, coolest, "why didn't I think of that" products. I found the modern gear existed but typically at the small mom and pop shops. I know want to share all that I found and continue to find in my daily seaches across the wonderful web.

I hope you enjoy

Modgirl