Carolsue!
Thanks for entering! We’ll contact the winner by email. Stay tuned for our next “Green Month” giveaway!
Go Green, Baby!
Going green for your baby is really not that hard now. Whether you’re a self proclaimed “Tree Hugger” or just trying to do a small part, there is something out there for everyone. It seems like the recent demand and interest has driven retailers to carry more of a selection, even in Birmingham!
Big Box retailers are getting on board and more and more boutiques are popping up specializing in, or offering a wide variety of “Green” products to choose from. And the best part is, they are becoming more and more affordable.
Here are some of the things that we here at BirminghamMommy.com use and or love!
Petit Collage Bamboo Mobile- (Also featured in our buying guide) Sustainably harvested from bamboo plywood and made and packaged in the USA by a non profit that employs disabled adults, this decor is modern and sensible. There are several designs to choose from to match any nursery, kid’s room, or play room. Swaddle in Homewood is a local spot to check out.
Cotton Muslin Swaddling blankets- Brilliant! These breathable and stretchable swaddling blankets let babies self-regulate their body temperature. It even softens with use and washing, so it only continues to get better and better. Guaranteed to become baby’s blankie in no time! Also available at Swaddle in Homewood, in a variety of colors and hip designs.
All things Method! This even goes beyond baby, they have so many wonderful products available it’s easy to intergrate some “Green Cleaning” into your household.. ( which will also be good for baby, say bye-bye to the 5 second rule!) Their baby products are gentle, and smell Oh, so good! Smelling of Rice Milk and Mallow, you will almost want to eat your kids up when your finished getting them ” Squeaky Green.” If you know of someone having a baby, this “Bundle of Joy” bundle would make a great gift. From diaper cream to laundry soap, Method makes everything you need to make your baby green.
Cloth diapers have come a long way since the days of cotton and a safety pin. They are making a come back and they are actually stylish. Bambino Mio is an environmentally safe solution to a stinky problem. Not sure how the system works? It’s really quite easy and you can get a starter kit complete with instructions. Properly place the cotton “nappy” over the little bum, and cover with a “nappy” cover. Disposable liners are also available to add extra protection and absorbtion. You can find these at local retailer Swaddle, in Homewood. Another great brand is gDiapers, available at Babies R Us.
So, what if you aren’t ready for the commitment of cloth diapers? It’s alright, try out Seventh Generation Chlorine Free diapers. While these will still end up in the land fill you can feel good in knowing that you helped reduce the amount of chlorinated toxins released into the environment. In fact, if every household in the United States replaced just one package of diapers processed with chemicals containing chlorine with these diapers, we could prevent 2800lbs of chlorinated hydrocarbons from polluting our air, lakes and streams.
Whether you’re hard core or just the slightest shade of green, I think we all agree that anytime we have a chemically safe alternative for our kiddos, it’s probably a good thing!
So next time you are looking to try something new, try one of these products, our environment (and your baby) will thank you!
Gimme 5: It takes a village… a village and a portable entertainment device
Gimme 5!
Tips from a mediocre Mom, neatly packaged in list form
~Kristine Gresh
It takes a village… a village and a portable entertainment device
Sure, it’s nice to be able to “do it all” and feel that sense of Supermomma pride, but sometimes the cape needs a rest. And so do you. Plus, kids benefit from ‘other’ people getting involved in their upbringing. They need to experience other voices, other sources of information, other noises, smells and sights. And it helps them realize that they are capable, independent and one part (albeit an adorable one) of a great big world…not just a world that exists when their parents are around. How to make it happen? Read on…
1 Ask for help from your inner circle – but don’t stop there!
It’s great to have family in the vicinity to spend time with your child. It’s also a perk to have friends and babysitters that you trust. And this is a great start. However, they are treating your child according to YOUR directions, YOUR wishes, and sometimes in YOUR house. It’s a baby step for those uncomfortable leaving their children, but it shouldn’t be the only time child and parent separate.
2 Take advantage of local MDOs/preschools/camps.
This is the option that will do more for your child. Someone else (that you trust, but that doesn’t take direction from you) will be in charge. Preschool and “Mom’s Day Out” programs are the best and easiest ways to get your child to listen to someone else, to follow instructions, but also to question authority when confused, and maybe most importantly, to see that things are not going to fall apart simply because you’re not around. Start with a half-day, move on to a few days a week. Or try a camp, some lessons, something. But something where you are not 10 feet away with a camera.
3 Visit (frequently) libraries/book stores/computer labs.
Go forth and read. Let your child read (or be read to). Fiction and non-fiction! Don’t forget to pick up the books that explain thunder, or pinpoint where the Galapagos Islands are, or describe how guitars are made. Let your child see you researching information from sources you trust. Ask him what he’s curious about/fascinated by and plop down in that section of Barnes and Noble. Or google it. Bing it. Whatever you have to do. And this can be done from a very early age, with appropriate “literature” (whether that’s a picture book or The New York Time’s website). Just help him understand that in order to “know” stuff about the world, you have to read and research and ask follow-up questions, then read and research more…
4 Demonstrate friendliness…to the Earth.
If your child finishes a yogurt, studies the container, and asks if it should go into the garbage or the recycling container next to it, you’re on the right track. Strong work. Kids need to grow up thinking about the Earth and what they (as small but already-significant individuals) can do to protect it. Yes, it helps them grow up “thinking green,” but it also is a small way of illustrating the relationship between human and planet. Not to get all hippy or philosophical, but kids need to realize there is life outside their walls, their town, their country. With Earth Day occurring this month (April 22), now would be a fantastic time to start making small household changes if you haven’t already…carrying reusable bags, turning lights off, planting your own vegetables, etc. Just make sure to explain as you implement some of these projects, so they get the connection.
5 TVs/iPhones/video games aren’t evil.
Well, let me clarify…catching a glimpse of Jersey Shore may lead to brain deterioration, but other than that, a little entertainment can be a good thing. So let the kiddos put in a DVD while you take a shower long enough to condition, let them play on your iTouch when there’s traffic, and let them watch the latest “Sid the Science Kid” on YouTube. You’ll have some “me” time and so will they. Sure, no one wants kids who sit still too much…but no one wants kids that can’t sit still either. So strike a balance. Children need to have different ways of occupying their time. And if some of it seems indulgent and mindless, don’t panic. Similar to how you like to unwind with your favorite show on Sunday night or that one game of iPhone “Word Warp” in the carpool line (what, it’s fun!), it’s ok for kids to spend some (some!) of their time “goofing off” and indulging in some fun gadgets/shows, etc…
Basically, just remember you’re not in this alone – and you shouldn’t pretend to be. It’s not benefiting you or your offspring. Rely on friends, teachers, books, and a little Mario Bros to help get you through … and to show your kids there’s a bigger world out there ready for them when they’re ready for it!
Kristine Gresh is a freelance writer who thinks it’s ok to have just one child… and to enjoy an afternoon cocktail with a friend instead of cleaning…and that it’s definitely ok to jump on hotel beds. krisgresh@yahoo.com
Upcycled Clothes, it's like recycled couture!
Imagine using your discards to make high quality, original clothes! You will smile when you see your hip and modern kid, and your wallet will sigh a breath of relief. It’s time to rethink couture…
Moms in Birmingham love to dress their children. Stroll around any given shopping center and you’ll see some cute outfits on the tots of the town. The next big thing to hit Birmingham is upcycled clothes. This is how it works: you use old clothes and repurpose them to make unique boutique style clothing for your kids. It’s sustainable and fashionable!
Upcycling is nothing new. Turning hand-me-downs into something amazing and high quality is the new angle. Upcycled garments are often superior in quality to mass manufactured clothing. The very nature of upcycling requires a very hands on approach to design and construction, and the result is kiddie-couture!
Jayme Lillie designs some amazing upcycled clothes. She taught us the ins and outs of upcycling. She’s even contributing to a book being published soon, Crafty Planet Goes Green. She also loaned us some of her fabulous frocks for our NBC fashion show, thanks Jayme!
Why bother to upcycle? It’s green, it gives a garment a second chance at life and keeps it out of landfills. The fashion reason? Originality. It’s extremely difficult to reproduce upcycled garments in any kind of large quantity, ensuring that the garment one chooses is one of a kind.
Can “regular” people do it at home? Are there any easy first projects?
The beauty of reclaimed clothing and accessories is that there are many projects beginning crafters can accomplish. It takes a bit of planning and a willingness to think outside the seams. A beloved T-shirt can be transformed into a useful eco friendly grocery tote with just a seam and scissors. A lovely vintage pillowcase can become a sweet dress for a little girl with just a bit of ribbon. An outdated wool sweater can be easily felted in the washing machine and made into a handbag, legwarmers, a scarf… whatever you can imagine!
Some wonderful starter projects:
Kids Lounge pants from a t-shirt
Men’s button down shirt into a girl’s dress
And for those of you who prefer to stay away from the needles… we have a few local recommendations for crafty help! These ladies can sew, so you can let them inspire you!
Melanie at Polkadots and Pinstripes (she turned an ugly man’s shirt into a cute girl’s dress, magic!)
Donya at the Pitter Pat House (ask about her mens’ tie project!)
Candice at Butterflies and Rainbows (crafty and creative!)
Meanwhile, at the youth soccer game…
The sun sets slowly behind The Piggly Wiggly. Across a four-lane road clogged with rush-hour traffic, a dozen three- and four-year-olds gather on a dusty field. Clothed in new cleats, heavy socks, too-long shirts and varying degrees of disinterest, the kids eye each other, their coaches and the goals. These final things appear to be important to all the grown-ups, but few of the players seem to understand why.
This is youth soccer.
After much cajoling, each team offers up five players. One player sits in the dirt, his hands folded in his lap. Another is crying. A tiny boy in an enormous, shiny shirt fiddles with his sunglasses. Two girls at midfield discover, gleefully, they are wearing identical shoes. A coach blows a whistle to capture everyone’s attention and ask an important question before the game begins.
“Where’s your goal?”
The kids avoid eye contact. My daughter strokes her chin thoughtfully. Another child stares off at the slow-moving traffic at the edge of the field. One of the more reluctant players wanders off the field toward his mother.
“Your goal is over there, folks,” the coach says. He is clearly skilled in the game – a font of soccer strategy.
As play finally begins, my husband and I notice our child is quite a runner. Her teammate kicks the ball forward, and Miss D. drops back, runs in a wide arc around the knot of kids surrounding the ball, then dashes out ahead of them. Aside from a couple of moments when her coach invites her to kick from the sidelines, Miss D. never touches the ball. But she runs. Hard.
After half-time, Miss D. is still running, this time toward me to gasp for water. It’s 83 degrees at 6:30 in the evening, and Miss D.’s soccer uniform covers most of her body. Her face is red. She takes a drink, then sprints back to the game, turning around to give us a thumbs up. She high-fives her coach, then continues with her strategy to run circles around the ball, making sure to never, ever kick it.
A couple of the kids turn out to be pretty good, and each team scores a goal or two. Miss D.’s team scores at least one goal against itself. At the end, none of the kids asks who won, and I’m almost certain none of the adults knows.
The parents gather on the field in two lines facing each other, arms outstretched to form a tunnel. The kids run through, and we cheer them as they pass. Miss D. looks confused, but when I find her afterward, she smiles.
It’s a relief to see her smile. After all, her daddy and I spent most of the game screaming, “Kick it! Kick the ball! Miss D.! Kiiiiiiick it!” We clearly lost our minds in under an hour and turned into the types of horror-show parents we would have scorned and judged in our previous lives before kids.
Miss D. doesn’t appear to be scarred by our enthusiasm; at least, not yet.
“I like soccer,” she tells me in the car.
“I’m so glad, sweetie. What do you like about it?”
“I really, really like the running,” she says.
And if her little, pink cleats never touch that ball all season, that answer leaves me satisfied.
Country-Fried Mama is a transplanted Yankee raising two girls in the land of college football, sweet tea, and refined manners. Visit her blog at www.countryfriedmama.com and follow her on Twitter @countryfried.
52 New Things – Week 13
Jamie –
My new thing this week was….I baked a cake from scratch. I confess…I’m a box-cake girl. I finally tried my hand at baking a homemade Red Velvet Cake, and it was…awful. It was dry and hot pink! But the frosting was fantastic, so I ate that instead.
Angie –
This week, I saw a new movie.. We were bored on Saturday, my husband was vegging out on Basketball so I loaded up the 4 year old and we went to see “How to Train your Dragon.” This movie was EXCELLENT!! I highly suggest seeing it in the theater, in 3D – I don’t normally like 3D, but I think I might have enjoyed this movie more than the 4 year olds.
Trish –
My new thing was to try a new recipe every day. It worked out to only be 4 in the week, 3 of which were desserts!
For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!
Eco-Style: A Birmingham Mom Buying Guide
Chil
dren’s Toys
Kids will leap for joy when they see this Rooftop Garden Home by Hape
Help them develop those skills with this unique tower stacking toy by Plan
And a definite winner – this Bamboo Hot Rod by Hape!
Brand new to the market, released in time to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary month, check out Greenzy’s, give a Greenzy a home and they will plant a tree in your honor!
Life Accessories
We love these market feed bags – perfect for hauling your pool gear, heading out to Pepper Place or any place else! These also make great teacher gifts!
Need style? Want eco-friendly too? Not a problem. Check out June 15. Lovely.
Plastic baggies are so 2002 – check out these reusable snack bags – fun prints at Reusies, super-hip style at Graze Organic and sweet style at theENDpeace on Etsy.
Children’s Clothing Picks
Let baby in on style too – organic style! Check out Little Revolutionary T
We love the easy style and happy colors of Happy Green Bee Organic Kids Clothing!
Globally-minded, Hip Organic Clothes for your kiddo – check out Chi Chi Amor!
Looking for classic colors, sweet shapes? Check out French Baby Organics
Babylegs come in organic cotton too!
And one of our favorite clothing companies ever. Ever. (These clothes almost NEVER show wear. Even after being handed-down!) Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Clothing!
Luxury. Organic. Yummy. Kate Quinn Organics
Women’s Clothing & Accessory Picks
Like, whoa. This 3-way dress/skirt from Viva Terra could get you through Summer (and beyond!) with ease.
This dress can get you anywhere, anytime. Seriously – Art on the Rocks to a backyard BBQ.
We love the ease of this skirt. Go for a stroll through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens or wind your way around The Summit. It works!
Accessories
Alchemy Goods Bag – available at EnviroCitizen – we love!
Check out this Paisley dreamboat from Ecogirlonline!
Sonia Kashuk’s limited edition “Natural Beauties” line of eco-friendly tools and makeup is the way to go. I’m in love with the cork clutch/ brush set.
Nursery
Check out these adorable wooden mobiles from Petit Collage – Available at Swaddle in Homewood
This delicious crib bedding is both organic, modern and moderately priced! Available from The Land of Nod
Give the gift of natural! This luscious ABC Organic Reversible blanket is gorgeous!
We’ve mentioned Kate Quinn Organics above – but they also specialize in bedding and furniture – modern & fresh – just how we like it.
Other
**photos from Viva Terra, GiftedImaginations.com, Plan Toys
Pets on the Plaza with the Summit and Birmingham Humane Society
If you have a soft spot in your heart for animals, this is an event you will want to attend. Join the Summit, The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, and Do Dah Day for this great outdoor event that will be fun for the whole family, including those furry little 4 legged loved ones!
Happening on Saks Plaza it will be a pet adoption festival, complete with live music, dog training seminars, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, giveaways and our favorite, Pet Characture Drawings!!
The mobile pet adoption vehicle will be in town for one day only, if you adopt a pet at the event, you will receive a $20 Summit Gift card, it’s a win/win!
Mark your calendars now for this awesome event that goes to help a wonderful organization!
Friday April 9th – 10am – 4pm
Free for the whole family!
For more information on The Greater Birmingham Humane Society or how to adopt a new 4 legged family member of your own, visit their site
Happy Green Bee Clothing
**This giveaway is closed. Thanks for entering! Winner to be announced shortly! **
The nice people at Happy Green Bee Organic Clothing sent me a darling little top to try out. I love it and my daughter wears it often (I’m sort of stripe-happy right now). It’s lightweight, organic (= soft) and colorful! I’ve been happy with how it’s held up during washes and wear. I am also happy with their clothing selection online and am currently planning a few Spring purchases.
They use the following description to tell a little about themselves, we think it sums things up nicely: “Where childhood is a time for high-energy play, creative exploration and wholesome natural goodness. Discover comfy organic cotton, simple stylish designs and cheerful colors to be mixed and matched in endless combinations for organic kids’ clothes that are as fun to buy as they are to wear.”
Want to know more about organic clothing? Check out this link from their site.
Not only do I get to try out a piece of their darling clothing, but so do one of you! Register for your chance to win a chemise from the company!
You can register by doing the following:
- Just comment below, once per day!
- You can also grab ONE additional entry by visiting their site and telling us about a product you’d love to have.
- You can also grab ONE additional entry by subscribing to the Birminghammommy.com monthly newsletter
**For EACH entry, you must return to this page and comment or your entry will not count. If you already subscribe to the Birminghammommy newsletter, just comment to let us know! **
The giveaway ends Monday, April 12th at Noon CST, no late entries will be counted.
*The item reviewed was provided by the company Happy Green Bee Clothing at their expense. Please see our review policy with any questions you may have*
April Giving Highlight – Casey's Cause
In honor of National Volunteer Month, this month we will be dedicating our Giving Highlight to Casey’s Cause. We continue to find it amazing what friends and loved ones can do when they come together to honor the love and life of a child they’ve lost.
Casey’s Cause was incorporated in March 2007 by a group of family and friends of Casey Marie Grant, a seven-year old girl who was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a rare blood platelet disorder. Nine days after being diagnosed, Casey passed away on January 25, 2007 from a massive hemorrhage.
Jason and Christine Grant have a passion for promoting the awareness of ITP. “When Jason and I left the hospital we were determined to do something, anything in order to help others affected by ITP. We did not want anyone else to have to walk in our shoes and believed that by spreading the word about ITP we could make a difference.” Says Christine.
Supporting the research efforts of the Platelet Disorder Support Association who work with doctors and patients assessing lifestyle changes as a result of symptoms and treatments of ITP, Casey’s Cause also supports the ITP Foundation whose research efforts are based worldwide and start at the cellular level. In addition, they have teamed up with the Charley Foundation to support a weekend camp for children affected by ITP and their families. Other funds are utilized to assist families, local or elsewhere, with the needs of their chronically ill children.
5 out of 100,000 children are diagnosed with the most common age group being 2-5 years old, 20% of those children will have ITP long term or chronic. Treatment is either to suppress the immune system which decreases platelet destruction or to improve platelet production. ITP is difficult because there is no specific treatment plan, while it may not be a life threatening disorder it is absolutely life altering for everyone involved.
The 3rd Annual Casey’s Cause 10k, 5k and Fun Run will be held Saturday, April 24th, at 8:00am, benefiting Camp Charley – a weekend camp for kids with ITP and their families.
For more information or to Register for this years race – you can do so online until April 22nd.
If you would like to make a donation or would like more information regarding Casey’s Cause, ITP, or to find out how you can help or volunteer with this special organization, visit their site at Caseyscause.org
Advertisements
