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You Capture: Comfort

Monica — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:43:05 +0000

Now that baby Evan is sleeping better (for the time being, at least!) and spending more time with Daddy, one of my goals is to participate in blog challenges that help rekindle my creative side. I’ve been a lurker on many blogs for the better part of one year but this week’s You Capture challenge, hosted by Kidnapped by Suburbia inspired me because the theme is Comfort. Here are recent images that represent the comforts in my life.

Blueberries are a never ending source of amusement. Thankfully they always comfort Evan.

Olivia’s gives her Na-Na some milk. Watching her nurse and carry her dolls is a comfort to me.

Yay for Grandma! Need I say more?

And Sleeeeeeeppppppp. I love sleep more than anything. Evan sleeping on my chest and in our bed will always be some of my fondest memories. OK, so obviously I didn’t take this shot…but I edited it in Photoshop!?

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You Capture: Comfort

Babymoon Giveaway Winners…

Monica — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:00:45 +0000

Thank you for entering the latest giveaways and taking part in my extended Babymoon! (a sweet smelling baby..can you blame me?)

Here are the names of the winner’s:

The Baby Organic Skin Care products go to commenter #6: PsychMamma!

The awesome Puddlegear Mudsuit goes to commenter #53: Sandra!

And the three eco books are for commenter #10: Gail!

Congratulations! I’ve contacted you by email. Please respond asap so I can get these prizes out to you.

Giveaway: Puddlegear Makes A Big Splash!

Monica — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:47:17 +0000

This weeks giveaway is just in time to celebrate the rain showers that bring spring flowers into bloom. Head outdoors and make a splash without compromising your healthy green values on your kids rain gear.

I’m a big fan of Vancouver based company Puddlegear for bringing a great play option to the North American market. They carry the European made Abeko rain gear that is free of PVC and Phthalates. Instead the gear is made with ATEK – a Polyurethane-coated stretch fabric. It’s a very light, soft, tear-resistant material that is wind and watertight and tolerates normal temperature changes.

I did initially have some questions about the ATEK fabric as it is a Polyurethane. I was advised by the company that there are no Phthalates, no PVC coating (both affect sperm count and are known carcinogens). Also, the polyurethane in its fully expanded form is an inert chemical and so it has no smell and no chemical off gassing when properly done the way Abeko does it. This leaves no chemical waste and is not harmful to the environment.

I find that this gear is a healthier and more environmental alternative to the traditional PVC coated rain gear that European companies have boycotted since 2001! North America??? We’re still waiting! (yeesh)

The Abeko gear has also gone through the ÖKO-tex process which tests for over 100 chemicals and guarantees that products passing their standards are much safer for your children.

A note about PVC from Puddlegear:

Puddlegear is PVC free – many Environmental groups concerned about chemicals in our world refer to PVC as poisonous plastic�many kids rain suits are made of this dangerous plastic. It poisons our world from the manufacturing practice until well… who knows because it’s not biodegradable… Scientist believe that it never stops off gassing. Without organs to filter these toxins out of your child’s blood these poisons go straight through your child’s skin to collect in the body. This is referred to as “toxic load”.

Liv got to test drive the Benny Jacket with the Olle pants on a heavy day of rain on the wet coast. The pants are just awesome because they have patches on the rear and knees (great for making mud pies!) and with fully adjustable straps so they’ll fit for years. I suggest getting the gear in a larger size and a neutral color like red, black or blue (I got pink!) so you can hand the gear down to your younger children.

I also like this gear because it is light weight and breathes, unlike regular PVC rain gear. We will be able to layer clothing under the jacket to suit the variety of BC weather conditions. On an aesthetic note, I was stopped almost immediately by another Mom admiring her rain gear. It IS excellent quality and it shows. She also really liked the thoughtful reflective light strip on the jacket.

PuddleGear products are available for children from ranges from 6 Months to 9 years old. They carry jackets, pants, mitts and hats. Order from their website PuddleGear.com. You can grab a rain jacket for about $50-$60 and they will last a very long time!

WIN IT: My next Babymoon Giveaway is the Hilde “Muddy Buddy” one piece rain suit (compliments of Puddlegear!) Is this suit awesome or what?!!

This Muddy Buddy prize is available in sizes 70-90 (6 months to 2-1/2 years) Winner gets to pick the size in either Pink or Blue. This is a prize valued at $95!!

There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post, answering this question: What is your favorite activity to do with your family during the spring and summer?

2. To get a second entry. Subscribe to the HealthyGreenMoms feed and then email me the “code” at the bottom of any article either in your feed reader or HGM email feed.

Email the code to healthygreenmoms (at) gmail (dot) com. Put the entire “code” directly in the subject line. (The subject line is all I need!)

(There is only one secret code and email required for all the “babymoon giveaways.” If you emailed me on this or the previous giveaway – you automatically have a second entry for the rest of the “babymoon giveaways” There’s no need to email me again)

3. To get a third entry. Blog, tell your Facebook friends or tweet about this giveaway and leave me another comment telling me what you did!

Winner selected randomly. This contest ends next Monday, May 4th at midnight PST. Good luck!

Giveaway: Baby Organic USDA Skin Care

Monica — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:00:23 +0000

I’ve been using the Natures Paradise “Baby Organic” skin care line on Liv’s skin for a few months. After 2 years of trying everything under the sun (considered safe) I have finally settled on 3 brands.

The Natures Paradise “Baby Organics” line is one of the very few companies who have taken the initiative to capture 100% USDA Certified Organic seal. A product that is USDA Certified Organic means that it is the safest product you can buy. It is not made with any chemical or synthetic ingredients.

Natures Paradise recommends: When you buy product, look for: “Certified Organic by *****agency.” The certifying Agency must ALWAYS be printed on the back according to regulations. If a product claiming to be “organic” does not have a certifier’s name, then this product has NOT been certified or inspected by the USDA.

The moisturizing lotion has been great for us. It is very rich and one of the only products I have found that keeps her skin soft and nourished through the next day or two. I would say it’s a very good choice for any child that has dry skin or eczema. (We also added Omega-3′s to Liv’s diet with great success)

The other product I love is their hair & body wash. With most brands I’ve tried, I find they leave her hair tangled and scalp dry. This wash is definitely the most moisturizing I’ve found so far.

The Baby Organic line comes in unscented or coconut. They boast: No Pesticides, No Parabens, No Artificial Ingredients, No Synthetic Preservatives, No GMO’s, No Fragrance, No Propylene Glycol, No Phthalates, No Sulfates, No DEA, No Nuts, No Animal Products

**Prize includes 5 products, not 6 as shown in picture**

WIN IT: To kick off my Babymoon Giveaways, I am giving away 5 coconut scented products from the “Baby Organic” line. The products include: 8 oz Conditioning Shampoo & Body Wash, 6 oz Moisturizing Lotion, 4 oz Baby Powder, 4oz Baby Coconut Massage Oil and 2oz Hand Sanitizer.

There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post, answering this question: Do you think there needs to be more regulation for baby skin care products or do you generally trust the FDA’s guidelines for product safety?

2. To get a second entry. Subscribe to the HealthyGreenMoms feed and then email me the “code” at the bottom of any article either in your feed reader or HGM email feed.

Email the code to healthygreenmoms (at) gmail (dot) com. Put the entire “code” directly in the subject line. (The subject line is all I need!)

(There is only one secret code for all the “babymoon giveaways.” If you email me on this giveaway – you automatically have a second entry for the rest of the “babymoon giveaways” There’s no need to email me again)

3. To get a third entry. Blog, tell your Facebook friends or tweet about this giveaway and leave me another comment telling me what you did!

Winner selected randomly. This contest ends next Monday April 27th at midnight PST. Good luck!

Help Me Celebrate During Our Babymoon!

Monica — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:52:09 +0000

I’m stealing a few minutes away from this amazing Babymoon to update you on the next few weeks here at HGM.

First, you’ll soon be reading some articles that I prepared in advance to coincide with our Babymoon. It’s springtime and commonly regarded as the optimal time to rejuvenate your health so I hope you enjoy what I have planned.

I also have some fantastic giveaways that I saved up to celebrate Evan’s arrival. They are, of coarse, all baby themed and there’s some pretty sweet stuff to win, if I do say so myself!

Lastly, I just wanted to thank all of you for your word of encouragement and support as I navigated through the roller coaster ride of emotions and scenarios of the last few weeks. There was so much going on inside of me, from frustration, fear and hesitation to sheer will, empowerment and elation. I appreciate you taking this journey with me and offering your wisdom from the time we found out about Evan’s kidney, to firing my doctor and embarking on the quest to have a pain free and unassisted birth.

I couldn’t be happier right now and having your support meant the world to me.

Great Links: Ahhh…More time to read!

Monica — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:29:17 +0000

(Image: Lavilleautady)

Here’s a few links I’ve saved in the last 2 weeks that caught my interest. This is my first week at managing my new (more balanced) schedule and I find I am actually sleeping much better! Yay.

I am counting the days to the ultrasound on Monday and busy sorting newborn clothes graciously given to me (I’d forgotten how small those sleepers are!) I also found a beautifully simple baby bassinet for our bedside. We’re soooo close…the waiting game is definitely underway!

And now for the links:

Verad from MomGrind talks passionately about the dangers of antibacterial wipes. What do you think, is this an appalling product or a valuable household item?

Evelyn at Attraction Mind Map discusses the parenting delima of discipline. Is spanking really effective? How about the naughty chair? Raising kids and removing fear.

Mike King guest writes over at MarkandAngel.com. He shows us 8 ways we can inspire others. Always a good reminder!

Sommer from Green & Clean Mom has a great project for Blogher09. Follow her journey, join in and get dirty with her!

Leslie from Recycle Your Day is only slightly further along than me in her pregnancy. She has a cool post about her up and coming water birth at home, plus a video. A great resource!

Gal Baras discusses how childen learn to edit their behavior in order to avoid perceived trouble, and raises the question, are your kids free? Great point to consider if we want to raise creative children for the future and worthy of discussion.

Daphne at Joyful Days has written a great post on how to write a personal creed. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and her post is a great first start. She even shares her personal creed with us. Thanks!

I recently created a HGM Facebook page, so if you use Facebook, come visit and add yourself as a fan! This is a great place to let me know about your cool discoveries or ideas and to start a discussion about hot topics. I have also updated my about page and created my profile at www.newbaby.com where I plan to vlog the last few weeks of my pregnancy and hopefully to record some Hypno Birthing in action – from the waist up, of coarse!

Have a great (and relaxing?) weekend! Feel free to share any great reads you’ve come across or comment on today’s links.

Great Links: A “Lovely” Day To Launch…

Monica — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:00:18 +0000

Today I’m thrilled to announce that after some very late nights we are finally ready to introduce our latest project to you. I teamed up with my pal Sommer@Green & Clean Mom to fill what we think is a void in the market for a quality organic baby resource. Sommer and I are excited to combine our passions for creating a healthy and safe family environment with our commitment to living a little greener each day with the launch of our new blog Organic Baby Products 101!

As a new mom, I spent much of my (limited) free time searching for as many alternative products as possible because I wanted to reduce my daughters exposure to environmental toxins. I quickly became frustrated at how time consuming it was to find a good variety of organic baby options or a wide selection of online baby boutiques to choose from. They were out there, but the nature of Google searches kept yielding me the same results from the same stores. I also noticed that eco baby categories are an after thought for many mom and baby sites so there isn’t the same commitment to provide continuous resources for eco-minded parents.

Sommer and I thought it would be great to be able to go to one site and find a wide selection of organic baby product reviews, browse the directory of organic baby boutiques, and read relevant articles for raising a natural and healthy family. Basically, we search the web and connect you with the best organic baby resources so you don’t have to!

Tomorrow is Valentines Day (xoxo) and we are officially launching Organic Baby Products 101 with a fun giveaway for Moms, because you work so hard. Please come and visit us, say hi and let us know what you think?! Sommer and I would love to see you.

We will continue with the launch (and some more great giveaways, hint hint) throughout the week so make sure you subscribe to the Organic Baby Products 101 RSS feed to get in on the action!

Wishing you a wonderful Valentines Weekend, I love ya!