the little hedgehog

What's Working for Me? -Day 5 #FlatsChallenge

2013-05-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in this years Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry and today's topic is, What's Working for Me.

I am actually surprised at how quickly 5 days has gone by! In thinking about these past 5 days and what has worked for me, I have also had the opportunity to think about what hasn't worked as well for me.

So, what has been working for me? Flats! I have found a real appreciation for the simplicity of flats. I am loving how hard working flats are. I also am loving the 100% cotton flats and the bamboo and hemp blends (rather than synthetic materials) and am finding myself truly surprised at how absorbent they are. I haven't had any leaks during the day! I have mostly used the origami fold, jo fold and the pad fold. I have yet to try the diaper bag fold with little Riley. I really like the versatility of folds- you can do something easy, like the pad fold or you can get fun with your folds! I have used covers with Riley since he was born and only recently added pockets to his diaper rotation (not during this challenge, of course!). I have enjoyed using flats so much, that I have actually been toying with the idea of selling a good majority of my pocket diaper stash. *gasp!*

I also really love hanging my diapers outside. I definitely think that this is something I will keep doing after the challenge is over. Not only is it better for our energy consumption, but it brightens laundry and makes it smell super fresh! So, overall, the Flats Challenge is working pretty well for me. It's working well enough that I will definitely keep on diapering with flats and hanging my diapers outside.

On the flip side, there are some things that aren't working so well for me. Mainly, it's the washing part. It's not that I can't wash diapers by hand, it's more of a time thing. I was doing just fine the first few days when I would wash the diapers every time I had 3-4 dirty diapers. But then, I slacked a bit and let the diapers from the day pile up in the bucket. I had too many to wash in my little bucket, so I had to fill up the tub. It was much more time consuming and it just took the enjoyment out of handwashing. It's definitely best to stay on top of washing diapers, because once it goes for too long, it is overwhelming and then I just don't look forward to the washing.

The other thing that hasn't been working quite as well as I would have hope for has been night time diapering. Little Riley has woken up wet one morning and damp another. The other mornings he has been dry, so it's been about 50/50 for waking up dry. I'm still working on it though!

So, there are some pros so far and some cons, but overall, it has been easier than I thought and I have found a new appreciation for the simplicity of flat diapers and line drying really appeals to me.

Are you taking the Flats and Handwashing Challenge? What's working for you? Anything not working for you?

Thoughts on Handwashing- How am I doing? - Day 4 #FlatsChallenge

2013-05-23T21:38:00.002-07:00

I'm participating in this years Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry and today's topic is Handwashing.

I don't think that handwashing is all that difficult. It's time consuming, but not hard. I think that one of the things that I worry about is whether or not I'm using enough soap and getting the diapers clean enough. There's always the "sniff test" though and once the diapers are clean, I haven't smelled any residual pee or poof smell. So, that's got to be a good sign!

I was worried about how things would go with little Michael wanting to "help" me every step of the way. He wants to help wash the diapers, but since I wash them using gloves and don't use something separate, like a plunger, I'm not super comfortable letting him help me with the dirty diapers. He does get to help me hang them to dry on the drying rack, and that's fun! He is a super great helper and I love that his heart truly desires to be helpful.

Here's a look at how I was and dry my diapers:

Washing:

Rinse diapers. If they're just wet, they get a quick rinse in the tub. If they're poopy, they get sprayed with the diaper sprayer in the toilet.

Warm soak.I fill my little bucket with warm water and 1/2 tsp of Allen's Naturally detergent, then I agitate the diapers for a bit and then let the diapers and wipes soak for approx 30 min.

Rinse. I dump the dirty water out and rinse the diapers.

Wash. I fill my little bucket with hot water and 1/2 tsp of detergent. I try to wash about 2-4 diapers at a time. More than that, and I have to use the tub, rather than my little bucket. I agitate, swish and scrub my diapers for about 15 minutes or longer, depending on how dirty they are. I may even let them soak for a bit. It just depends on how dirty they are.

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse. I dump the dirty water, then rinse the diapers under warm, running water for a few minutes. Then, I fill my bucket with warm water and swish and dunk to see if there are still any bubbles. Then I dump the water and rinse with cold water.

Wring Out Diapers. I wring out the diapers, as best I can and then take them downstairs to hang on my portable dryer.

Drying:

Hang to Dry. I take my wet diapers and hang them on my portable clothes line in the sunshine. I make sure to use clothes pins, because I learned (the hard way) that they will blow off the clothes line and land on the grass.

Let Dry. I am blessed that the weather here is so nice. All week it has been sunny, 80+ degrees and it has been breezy. Perfect weather for drying clothes! As the flats soak up the sun, they get nice and crisp and white!

Take Diapers Inside: Once dry, I bring them inside, take them off the clothesline and shake them out to shake out the crisp, stiffness.

Fold and set aside for the next diaper change!

So, how am I doing? Pretty good. While I don't mind washing them by hand, it is a but time consuming. I have really come to appreciate my washing machine! One thing I learned is that when you wash gloves by hand with gloves, you need longer gloves! I am using regular dish/cleaning gloves and the length is a bit too short. So, when I am washing the diapers, some of the water sloshes up into my gloves. :p All-in-all though, I really do enjoy hanging my diapers outside! They smell so fresh! I really like being outside in the fresh air and it is really nice to think about the energy that I am saving too!

Are you taking part in the challenge? How are you doing with handwashing?

Nightime Diapering with Flats and a Funny Story - Day 3 #FlatsChallenge

2013-05-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in this years Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry and today is an open topic day.

Ahhh...night time. One of my worries was whether or not flat diaper would keep little Riley dry while he was sleeping. I was hoping to get through the nights unscathed and wake up next to a happy and non-soaked little boy. Well, after 2 nights in flats, the score is

Woke Up Dry: 1

Woke Up Wet: 1

Bummer. Sorry Riley. The first night was great. I used the Zabi Baby Bamboo flat diaper in an origami fold. I have actually put him to bed with this diaper before with great success. Well, I made sure that I washed it and hung it outside to dry yesterday, so I could use it that night. I did the same thing for night two: Zabi Baby bamboo flat diaper, origami fold, cover, pj's, done! Well, he woke up this morning and his diaper had leaked out the side. Rats. It wasn't a huge leak, but still. As I was changing him into a fresh diaper and a new outfit, I realized that the diaper wasn't as snug around his legs as it probably should have been. That's probably why it leaked. The flat was actually still dry a little in the back too! I am amazed at how much a bamboo diaper can absorb! Tonight I will have to double check my work and make sure that the diaper is snugger around little Riley's legs. Hopefully tonight we will be leak free!

Now for my funny story! So, the first day of the challenge, I didn't get a chance to wash my flats until late afternoon. I hung them on my portable drying rack in the last bit of sunshine in our backyard. It has been 80+ degrees and breezy here, so I was pretty confident that they would dry. Well, I got caught up with diaper changes, making snacks, dinner, playing, cleaning, feeding Riley, snuggling, reading books and all that fun stuff that goes along with toddlers and babies ...and totally forgot about the flats that were hanging outside. We went to bed, I woke up in the morning and realized that I left them outside! Whoops! I asked hubby if the sprinklers had gone off that morning. He thought that maybe it was one of the "off" mornings for our sprinkler, so he dashed outside and brought in the flats, No such luck! *Palm to forehead* They were sopping wet! Double rats!

So, back upstairs they went for another wash and rinse. I have no idea where the water comes from that comes out of our sprinklers or if there is anything in the water, like chlorine or maybe it is even reclaimed water. Ewww. There was no way I was putting that on Riley's bum! Thankfully, with 18 flats, I still had enough for the day. Moral of the story: Even when your busy, take a peek outside before going to bed, to see if you left anything out there!

Are you taking part in the Flats and Handwashing Challenge? What do you do at night? Any funny stories from your flat diaper experience?

How did I Prepare for the Flats and Handwashing Challenge? Day 2 #FlatsChallenge

2013-05-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

*This post contains some affiliate links*

I'm participating in this years Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry and today's blog prompt is: How did you Prepare? List your supplies, where you bought them, how you made them, how much you paid, etc.

It was actually pretty easy for me to prepare for the Flats and Handwashing Challenge. Since I had done the Flats and Handwashing Challenge with little Michael when he was little, I already had the flats and Snappis. I also already had all the diaper covers I needed, since I have been using covers with prefolds, fitteds and flats with little Riley since he was born. Everything was clean and ready to go too, since it was all already in my rotation. I simply took my pocket diapers, fitteds and prefolds and put them away for the week.

With Riley, it has been so nice to see how reusing our initial cloth diaper investment is saving us money now! Now, that's not to say that I refrained from buying Riley new diapers! Buying some key, sized pieces for Riley's first few months was definitely needed. But, reusing the flats and Snappis from when Micahel was a baby has been great! I really love having everything that I need for Riley! I can really see how buying cloth diapers and then being able to reuse them can save you sooo much money!

So, what am I using (or, rather, re-using)? Here's a list of my supplies and how much they would cost, if I had had to buy them:

18 Swaddlebees/Blueberry Flats ($16.95 x 3 packages of 6 = $50.85 ) *I actually received these for free from Swaddlebees for the first Flats and Handwashing Challenge*

2 Hemp Babies Flats ($7.50 x 2 = $15)

1 Zabi Baby Bamboo Flat ($12.99)

2 Snappis ($3.97 x 2 = $7.94)

2 Blueberry One-Size Coveralls ($16.95 x 2 = $33.90)

2 Bummis Super Whisper Wraps - Sz Small ($12.97 x 2 = $25.94 )

18 Thirsties Wipes ($11.75/package of 6 = $35.25 )

Diaper Sprayer ($44.95)

Sample of Allen's Naturally to wash with (I received this in a swag bag at the Great Cloth Diaper Change) ($1.73)

Small bucket to wash diapers in

Gloves (pack of 2 = $3.99)

Frost Drying Rack from Ikea ($14.99)

Total Cost = $247.53

Divided by 2, since I've used them on 2 children = $123.76

Not bad! Of course, you can always choose less expensive wipes, covers or flats and not use a diaper sprayer. Then there is the cost of detergent, which is a reoccurring cost, and more, since you're not just using it for a week. I also didn't go out and buy all of these things at once. I slowly added to my cloth diapers as I had extra money and as I had a need. I also received some things for free, like the flats. If I was looking to start cloth diapering with flats and covers, I think a dozen flats would be plenty and 4 covers are nice, but I would probably start with 2 or 3 covers. I would also get cheaper wipes. Some of my supplies have been invaluable though, like the drying rack from Ikea. Best $15 spent! I use it all the time and not just for diapers. It is so nice to be able to take it outside and sun some whites or dry a small load of laundry.

Also, even if you went out and bought everything I listed here for $250, imagine how quickly you would spend that on disposable diapers and wipes! Some families would spend that much in a few months on diapers and wipes. I have taken that $250 investment and used it for 2 diapering 2 children!

For this challenge though, all I spent was $3.99 for a pair of gloves! I had everything else!

Why I decided to take the Flats and Handwashing Challenge - Day 1 #FlatsChallenge

2013-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Flats and Handwashing Challenge is here! I'm participating in this years Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry )with the help of little Riley). This event will run for a week, starting (today) May 20th and it goes until Sunday, May 26th. There are over 300 families participating (both bloggers and non-bloggers) in this event!

The basics of the rules are simple: I can only use flat diapers, I can't use a washer and I can't use a dryer. Whaaaat?!? Why? Why on earth would I give up the luxury or using my washer and dryer? Well, that's just it. A washer and a dryer truly are luxuries. Sometimes I take them for granted and I rarely think about the fact that there are people out there who struggle to come up with the money to take clothes to a laundry mat or who simply don't even have access to a washer or dryer. When I was growing up, we lived in the country and had a clothes line in the back yard. We had a dryer, but it only got used on rainy days. We hung our clothes on a clothes line and the sun and wind dried our clothes! They smelled fresh and clean and our whites were always white (thanks to the suns whitening powers).

Now, you might also be wondering what a "flat" is and why I would want to use them. A flat diaper is that "old fashioned" diaper that uses a fastener of some kind (pins, Snappi, etc) and a waterproof cover. Flat diapers are made out of a single layer of fabric (usually cotton, although it can be any material as long as it is a single layer) and can be folded in a variety of ways to be fastened around your baby. They do require a waterproof cover to keep your baby dry. So why flats? Why not just keep using my regular pocket cloth diapers? Well, I've been thinking about that and in a word, simplicity. It would seem that pocket diapers or All-in-one diapers might be easier and in some ways, they are. They don't require folding, fastening or an extra cover. But, sometimes I think the less "fancy" flat diaper truly is a simpler diaper. It washes up easily and the large square shape lends itself to being very versatile in how you can use it and fold it for the most absorbancy.

I did the Flats and Handwashing Challenge with little Michael in 2011. He was a year and a half!

I learned so much about folding flat diapers and washing by hand! I actually enjoyed the week more than I thought I would. But, diapering a year and a half old vs. a 5 month (almost 6 month) old, exclusively breastfed baby is a little different. First, I realized that I don't remember that many of the folds. Then, there's the poop...this should be interesting! At least bf poop is water soluble! Then, my other concern is trying to wash and clean these diapers with 3 year old wanting to help!

I decided to take part in the Flats and Handwashing Challenge in order to help bring awareness to the fact that there are families out there who struggle to provide clean diapers for their babies. There are families who balk at the price of disposables, but don't know there are other options out there. There are families who don't have luxuries like a washer, dryer or fancy cloth diapers, yet they may be unaware that there are affordable and reusable options. I hope to show that flat diapers are an affordable way to diaper your baby and that hand washing is absolutely doable.

I hope you enjoy following along with me as I take this challenge! Do you have any questions for me about the challenge? Anything in particular you would like to see? Are you participating in the Flats and Handwashing Challenge?

Thoughts and Musings from Little Michael

2013-05-17T11:29:00.003-07:00

Little Michael is so observant of the world around him and I'm pretty sure he hears everything. Sometimes he says things that make me think, "Really!? He's only 3!" The other day, we were in the car and headed home, when we had the following conversation:

Michael: What color does green and orange make?

Me: Ummm...probably a brown-ish color

Michael: What does brown smell like?

Me: Well, colors don't smell, but things smell and things can be colorful. Like dirt. Dirt is brown and it smells earthy.

Michael: Is there dirt in outer space?

Me: I'm sure there is dirt in outer space! Dirt is everywhere.

Michael: Are there meteorites in outer space?

Me: Yes! Yes, there are meteorites in outerspace!

So smart! I don't remember saying that meteorites were in outer space! I am constantly amazed at the thoughts he puts together and how our conversation went from color combinations to meteors! I'm sure every mom thinks her kids are super-duper smart and talented and clever... and I'm no exception! I think little Michael is all of those things and so much more!

"Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love" Cookbook Review & Giveaway!

2013-05-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

I feel that I am really blessed that little Michael likes to help me in the kitchen. When he hears me start to work on a meal, he usually drops whatever he is doing to come running into the kitchen to ask, "Can I help? Can you get my stool?" My little chef is a big help and he loves to wash, chop, stir, measure and mix. I really noticed, that over the past year, little Michael has gotten a little pickier about his food. Healthy foods that he would happily eat a year ago now take more effort to remind him that yes, he does in fact like this dish. One of the perks to having a little kitchen helper was that when he helped me cook, he was more eager to try the meal. If he says he doesn't want to eat something, I start talking about how he helped me make it. Did he remember how we chopped the veggies? Did he remember mixing up the sauce or dressing. Then he will get excited about how he helped mama cook and (usually) eagerly give the dish a try. After trying something new, I always ask, "What did you think?" and more often than not, he replies, "It's good!" Ahhh...success! Food and toddlers is such a delicate dance.

Since little Michael is such an enthused, budding young chef, I am always looking for recipes that are easy for him to help me with, healthy and yummy! So, when the opportunity came along to test out a new, kid-friendly cookbook, I was super excited! Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love by Tracy Griffith is a brand new cookbook that is full of healthy, fun and gluten-free sandwiches, wraps and other easy to make snacks and sauces. The goal with this cookbook is to make cooking easy through an emphasis on preparation, using healthy ingredients that you have on hand and providing simple recipes. When the process is fun for kids, eating their creations becomes fun too.

I liked that these recipes are both healthy and gluten-free. Now, little Michael isn't on a gluten-free diet, but, these recipes are healthy, yummy and having a little less gluten in his diet isn't going to hurt him! I may even find a benefit to reducing some of the gluten he eats as I continue to make the recipes. I feel that there is definitely an increase of parents seeking gluten-free options. Some parents truly need gluten-free options for their families and some have simply chosen gluten-free as their style of eating. I love that this cook book is packed with so much variety! It really expands the gluten-free world and shows the creativity and fresh, healthy ingredients that you can cook with.

Little Michael and I have tested out a few of the recipes so far and one of our favorites has been the "AI CARAMBU!" Wrap and the "Green Slime"! Something about having a little boy and getting to tell him that we were going to make Green Slime to put on his lunch was just awesome! Even hubby perked up when he heard it!

Little Michael and I had a great time making this for lunch and I was so impressed with how well he made his own wrap! I helped with the chopping, shredding and dicing (the knife-work), but he did the mixing, spreading and assembling! The Green Slime is super yummy as a spread for a wrap and it is also a tasty dip for carrots, pita chips and bell peppers!

Little Michael and I have had some great fun in the kitchen and have discovered some new fun, healthy and easy dishes to make. Best of all, little Michael has really enjoyed eating these meals! One of my favorite things about this cookbook is that there is a picture for just about every, single recipe! It really helps me to know what a meal is supposed to look like when you are done, so I really appreciate all of the colorful pictures. This is a great and easy to use cookbook - whether you are looking for some gluten-free recipes or simply looking for a way to add extra veggies and other healthy ingredients into your kids meals.

Interested in picking up a copy of Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love? You can buy the book at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will receive one copy of the book, Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love by Tracy Griffith. ($19.99 value)

***Giveaway is open to the US only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.*** Giveaway will end May 31st at 12:01am EST.
Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided the opportunity to host this giveaway at no cost to myself. In exchange for this post, I received a digital edition of this book. This has not influenced my opinion of the product. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

5 Months Old!

2013-05-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Little Riley-man is 5 (well, technically 5 and 1/2) months old now! He is such a happy little baby and loves laughing and braking out into smiles. His big brother makes him smile and laugh like crazy! He especially seems to enjoy watching little Michael run around. He watches him as if he's wondering why he can't do that too. Poor little Riley is teething like crazy! There is drool everywhere! Some days I go through 3 onesies in an afternoon because he gets so wet and soppy!

Riley loves to grab onto his foot and roll from side to side. He has gotten really good at picking up toys or his paci when they are in front of him or if you hold it out for him to grab. He loves to be bounced and can really let out some good belly laughs when he's tickeled. He is turning into quite the talker too! He goos and gurgles, coos and even lets out some pretty loud squawks! He is starting to move toward to "potted plant" stage too! Oh my! He can sit up for just a moment before he rolls over to one side.

Riley has become really good at mimicking facial expressions. If you make a really big smile at him, his face will just start beaming! Riley has been playing peek-a-boo with us too! He will grab a burp rag or his little owl blanket and slowly cover his eyes. Then, sometimes, he waits for me to say, "Peek-a-boo!" and take the blanket off his eye or sometimes, he will take it off himself. Then he smiles and giggles! It is so cute!

Riley is still breastfeeding! Yay! I am so happy that we are at 5 and a half months and still going strong. We haven't started any foods yet. I have noticed Riley starting to watch me eat and he's giving me puppy dog eyes, as if he's trying to say, "feed me!" I'm not sure if we will start with purees at 6 months or maybe go with baby-led weaning. I haven't quite decided yet.

I can't believe how quickly these last 5 months have gone by! Riley is getting so big! I especially notice how long he is when someone else is holding him. Slow down baby boy! Riley is such a happy little guy and he is definitely my little sunshine! Five moths have gone by - 5 months to keep getting to know about our wonderful baby boy!

Wordless Wednesday: Just Another Day at the Park

2013-05-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Little Hedgehog Cooks: Toddler Tofu Nuggets

2013-05-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

The other night, I asked little Michael if he wanted chicken or tofu for dinner. He quickly answered, "Tofu!" I was trying to think of something different and fun to make for little Michael, when I came up with the idea to make him some Tofu Nuggets! I wanted something that he could pick up with his fingers or use his fork with and I wanted it to be a "dippable" item.

Here's how it all went down:

Little Michael wanted to help me make dinner, so, first we gathered our ingredients:

Flour,
1 egg
Bread Crumbs
Spices (we used salt, pepper and paprika, but you could use any combo you know your little one loves)
Organic, Firm Tofu
Coconut Oil

Next, we did our prep-work:

Step 1: Pour some flour into a shallow bowl

Step 2: Whisk 1 egg in a small bowl

Step 3: Pour some bread crumbs into a shallow bowl and then mix in spices

Step 4: Slice your tofu into large cubes (about chicken nugget size), then take a paper towel and firmly press onto the tofu to help absorb any extra liquid. (little Michael had fun doing this part!)

Step 5: Put a large pan on the oven on medium heat and melt 1 TBS or so of coconut oil in it

Time to make the Tofu Nuggets

Step 1: Dredge your tofu in flour (this is the part little Michael got to help with)

Step 2: Dip in the whisked egg

Step 3: Roll in the bread crumb mixture

Step 4: Place in the pan on the stove, until the bottom is golden brown, then turn

All done!

Now, let them cool and put them on a plate for your little one with some fun dipping sauces and enjoy! Little Michaels dipping sauce of choice is hummus! Yum!

Does your little one have a favorite dinner meal or have you just discovered a new, easy to make meal?

Wordless Wednesday: Dennis the Menace Park

2013-05-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

We Did It! Setting a World Record at The Great Cloth Diaper Change! #GCDC2013

2013-04-27T23:21:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday, on April 20th, little Riley and I got a chance to take part in The Great Cloth Diaper Change! Hubby and little Michael joined us, to cheer us on and take pictures! We attended the event at Babies in Bloom in Vista, CA. This was the same place that little Michael and I did The Great Cloth Diaper Change in 2011! It was so much fun to go back to the same place and take part in setting a world record for a second time!

We got there a bit early and I got a chance to chat with some of the other moms and as I checked in, I got a great goody bag that was packed with fun cloth diapering samples, babylegs, reusable snack bags, a snappi, and a cloth diaper cover! We all got to go into the store about 20 minutes before the event and I ended up sitting next to a mom whose little boy was born on the same day as little Riley! Small world!

Hubby and Little Michael were watching me from outside

The lovely folks at Babies in Bloom did a few raffle giveaways and then took some pictures of us all holding up the clean diaper that we would be changing our little ones into. Then we had a countdown and the change began! I changed little Riley out of a bumGenius 4.0 in Moonbeam and into a bumGenius Artist Series: Tiny Socialite Collection by Chelsea Perry in the Eiffel Tower print. I paired that with a "Cloth Rocks" shirt by Kim Rosas over at Dirty Diaper Laundry. He looked so cute!

The totals from the event have come in too! It looks like there were 181 locations that submitted ttheir results to Guinness, setting a NEW world record of 8,331 babies changed into cloth diapers at one time! There are still some unofficial results from other locations coming in and the the current unofficial total (including from events that didn't qualify per the stringent Guinesss regulations) is 10,029! Guinness should confirm the record within the next week or so. Wow! That is a lot of babies!

I am so glad that we got the chance to take part in this event! It is such a fun way to raise awareness about cloth diapers and set a world record!

Happy Earth Day! How We Celebrated

2013-04-23T00:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

I hope that you all enjoyed your day! Little Michael and I spent the day talking about Planet Earth, why it's important to care for it and different things that we can do to be good stewards of the Earth and what God has created.

Little Michael has been really fascinated by the birds that have made our backyard their home. I'm pretty sure a nest full of baby birds just hatched, since I can hear tiny little "tweet, tweet, tweets" from the small tree on our side yard. That combined with (what I assume to be) a mommy and daddy bird darting in and out of the tree add up to a new birdy family! I have been trying to think of ways that we can make our backyard as attractive as possible to our little birdy friends and bring in some Earth Day relevancy to little Michael.

I had been looking around Pinterest for some craft ideas and this morning, as we finished up our milk, the light bulb went off! A recycled milk carton bird feeder!

I washed out the milk carton and little Michael helped me gather our supplies.

*Additional tools not pictured: scissors and/or a razor blade to cute the milk carton open with.*

Creating your Recycled Milk Carton Bird Feeder:

Step 1: Clean out your milk (or juice) carton

Step 2: Cut an opening on each side of your carton with the razor blade/box cutter/scissors. You can cut whatever shape you want. I made a "house shape" (square with a triangle on top). :) *note: this is one of the "adult" parts of this craft. I did not let little Michael help me with this part. He is 3, so this would be up to your discretion as a parent and your confidence with your childs ability to use sharp instruments.*

Step 3: Puncture a hole beneath your opening for the stick that the birds will perch on. *note: this is another part of the craft that I did, since I used our razor blade to cut the hole.

Step 4: Push the stick though one hole and then through the other. I used a candy/lollipop stick that I got at the craft store in the candy making section. I had it on hand and you can use whatever you have in your closets. Other ideas: chopsticks, twigs from outside, un-sharpened pencil...

Step 5: I punched a hole on either side of the top of the carton, right under the triangle where the top seam is. Little Michael picked out his pipe cleaners to thread through the holes and we twisted them together. You could also use yarn or string.

Tadaaa!

Step 6: Fill the bottom with bird seed

Step 7: Take outside and hang it somewhere where you will be able to see it easily. We hung ours from our patio cover. It is the perfect spot! We can see the birds fly in to have their snack from our back slider door. The birds have been expressing their thanks by singing so beautifully for us!

This was such a fun and easy craft for us to do together! Although there were some aspects of it that little Michael couldn't do all by himself, due to safety concerns by me, he still had fun!

Books We're Reading this Earth Day:

Plant a Tree for Me! - A Sesame Street board book where the monsters from Sesame Street talk about how trees are good for the environment and it goes through the life cycle and seasons of tree.

What Do You See? - This is a fun lift-the-flap book about endangered animals that teaches children that they can help them survive. Bonus- the book is made from 100% recycled materials!

One Tree - This book is about the life cycle of a tree and the different animals and insects who benefit from it. One tree can be a home or food to so many different creatures! I also love that this book is made from recycled materials, printed with eco-friendly inks and the last page has some great info that helps parents further the conversation of eco-conscious choices with their little ones.

Little Helpers - A cute book about how all the little things we do every day can make a big difference to the planet.Also made from recycled materials, printed with eco-friendly inks and the last page has info that helps parents further the conversation of eco-conscious choices with their little ones.

We had a such a fun Earth Day! How did you celebrate?

I'll be Breaking a Record (Again) at The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2013!

2013-04-17T22:55:00.001-07:00

The Great Cloth Diaper Change is almost here! Haven't heard of The Great Cloth Diaper Change before? The Great Cloth What....? you ask. The Great Cloth Diaper Change is an event where moms (and dads) get together to set a Guinness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed at the same time. All attending parents will change their babies diapers at the same time. This will happen at each locations local time, meaning the change will be happening around the globe when the clock strikes 11:00 AM!

This will be my second time attending the event and I'm super excited! I attended the first ever Great Cloth Diaper Change in 2011 with little Michael! It is such a fun time to get together with other cloth diapering parents and then we all scramble to change our little ones diapers at the same time! Not only is this a fun cloth diapering event to try to break the Guinness World Record for those of us who love cloth diapers, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to help spread some awareness about reusable diapers!

Here's a fun little "history in numbers" about The Great Cloth Diaper Change:

The first Great Cloth Diaper Change was in 2011:

There were 5026 simultaneous cloth diaper changes!
I am proud to say that little Michael and I were counted in this world record!

The second Great Cloth Diaper Change was in 2012:

There were 8,251 qualifying participants
189 locations
Happened on 4 continents
Unfortunately, little Michael and I did not get the chance to participate in this one, since he was almost completely potty trained by then.

This year, at The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2013:

There are 285 hosts that have registered!
Riley and I will be making history and be counted in this world record!

I will be attending The Great Cloth Diaper Change at Babies in Bloom in Vista, CA with little Riley! I went to the GCDC at Babies in Bloom for the very first event in 2011 with little Michael! This year, I will be wearing a Cloth Diaper Advocacy Shirt from Kelly's Closet (affiliate link) and little Riley will be sporting a "Cloth Rocks" tee from Dirty Diaper Laundry, paired with a bumGenius diaper!

I am so excited that I can attend the same event and (hopefully) break the world record with Riley! What a great way to spend Earth Day!

I'll Be at the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2013 - Will You? What location are you going to?

*some of the above links are affiliate links and sales resulting from shopping through those links will benefit The Little Hedgehog. I seek to only recommend sites that I also enjoy shopping from. Thank you!*

Wordless Wednesday: Toes in the Sand

2013-04-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ettitude Eco Living Event: Bamboo Sheet Set Giveaway 4/16-5/14 #ettitudeECO

2013-04-15T23:41:00.001-07:00

Creating a safe sleeping environment for the family can be a challenge today with toxins in nearly all mattresses and bedding. One material that is a great choice for your bedroom is bamboo, it is grown without pesticides and is a rapidly renewable resource. It's the perfect solution for adults and kids with sensitive skin as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

In addition to bamboo sheet sets, Ettitude has a vast selection of bamboo comforters, duvet covers, crib sheets, pillows, mattress protectors, and towels to name a few. Ettitude was founded on the simple idea that all home and family essentials should not only be practical but also be unquestionably safe, Eco friendly, beautiful, and convenient.

Our Favorite Features of the Ettitude Organic Pure Bamboo Sheet Sets:

Available in six beautiful colors (white, sand, coffee, gray, aubergine, blue nights)
Equivalent to around 1000 thread count in cotton, luxuriously soft and silky!
Naturally antibacterial, great for sensitive skin and allergies
Wicks sweat away from body, cool in the summer, warm in the winter
Made from bamboo, a pesticide free, sustainable, and rapidly renewable resource
100% biodegradable
Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Easy care - cool wash, line dry

Purchase: You can purchase Ettitude Organic Bamboo sheet sets directly on their website.

Win It! Ettitude is generously blessing one winner with an Organic Pure Bamboo sheet set in your choice of size (twin, full, queen, king, or California king)!

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to Ettitude and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends May 14th at 11:59 pm, open to residents WORLDWIDE, ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: AnaB Social and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. I was not compensated for this post.

4 Months Old!

2013-04-06T16:56:00.001-07:00

My-oh-my! Little Riley turned 4 months old on March 27th! I still have visions of him as a newborn and am both amazed at how quickly he is growing and a little sad that time has to keep moving forward at such a rapid pace. I am so happy that I feel like I have soaked in these 4 months.

Riley is our smiley little guy! He is so happy! He usually has a ready smile or even a laugh for whatever silly face you make at him. Michael absolutely loves his little brother! He loves talking to him in a sing-song-y voice and giving him kisses. Riley has just recently discovered the hilarity of raspberries on his belly ...and Michael has discovered how fun it is to give them! He is so loved.

Riley is discovering new things daily. It is so fun to watch! He has recently started grabbing his left foot and kind of rolling from side to side ...while I try to change his diaper. Our little Riley man is also teething (poor guy)! He is fascinated with his new found ability to grab onto things and manipulate them in his hands. Most of the time, they end up in his mouth, because, hey, they might be good on the gums! One of his favorite things to do is to pop his pacifier in and out of his mouth. He also is a big fan of gnawing on the rubbery side of his pacifier.

He still spits up after nursing. I'm not sure if it because he is eating too much or I'm not burping him enough during feedings, but hopefully he will outgrow it soon! On a positive note, Riley is still exclusively breastfeeding!!! Hooray! I am so happy that it is going well. All I can say, is that I am so thankful for determination, a hungry little boy and Motherlove's More Milk Plus! (This is huge for me because I ended up supplementing with little Michael by 1 month and he was done nursing at 6 months - it broke my little heart)

He's still not "sleeping through the night" and that's ok with me. He usually wakes up every 1 to 2 hours to be nursed back to sleep. On rare occasions, I get a 4 hour stretch and those are awesome! Thank goodness for our co-sleeper that is attached to the side of our bed - it really does make things easier. Then, on nights where he seems to be waking every.20.minutes, I pull him into bed with me, he lays in the crook of my arm, he can nurse whenever he likes and we both sleep. He's what I call a nursing "snacker". I love watching him sleep (I love watching both boys sleep, actually). Their faces are so peaceful and serene - it's just beautiful. Sometimes, I just want to scoop them up to hug and squeeze them while they sleep and tell them how much I love them. Then, I restrain myself - they're sleeping! Leave them be! Haha!

4 months to learn about the ins and outs of our newest little man. I am so thankful for each and every day with our little Riley. I love you Riley!

Relish Reusable Sponsor Spotlight: Woolzies Dryer Balls #RelishReusable

2013-04-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Relish Reusable Green Giveaway Hop is going on right now! You can enter the giveaway HERE! My wonderful sponsor for this giveaway event is Woolzies Dryer Balls!

When thinking about areas of the home to start using reusable items, the laundry room is definitely an area that you can "green"! I no longer use dryer sheets or fabric softener (not only because they contain harmful chemicals, but they are a big no-no when cloth diapering!), but I still want my laundry to be fluffy and soft. Well, wool dryer balls are the perfect solution!

I was recently introduced to Woolzies and they are a wonderful company that creates handmade wool dryer balls! Woolzies are handmade with 100% pure New Zealand wool. They work by bouncing around in your dryer, which helps to separate and create space between the items in your dryer. This helps the hot air in the dryer to circulate better and dry your clothes faster. On average, Woolzies cut down on drying time by 25% per load. They also help reduce static and wrinkles. Shorter drying time is better for the environment and it saves money on your electric bill!

Woolzies generously sent me one of their boxes of wool dryer balls. Each box comes with 6 dryer balls. Using wool dryer balls is a great way to soften your laundry naturally! Unlike plastic dryer balls, they are PVC free and unlike dryer sheets and fabric softeners, they are chemicals free. I have been using them for a few weeks now and I think they are great! They have a permanent home in my dryer (unless little Michael snitches one to play with it). I think that the dryer balls have done a great job of fluffing my laundry - it seems light and soft afterwards. I also have noticed that my drying time has been reduced, probably by about 15 minutes per load.

Woolzies are perfect for our cloth diapers too! I dry my prefolds, flats and wipes in the dryer and they are done lickety-split. No worrying about chemicals or fragrances that may irritate delicate skin! I feel that the Woolzies dryer balls are made exceptionally well. Each ball varies a little (since they are handmade), but they are all just a bit bigger than a tennis ball. They are firm and I don't think there is any need to worry about them ever coming apart. They are nice and soft and light - which I think lends to them being pretty quiet as they tumble around in the dryer.

Woolzies are the perfect reusable dryer ball to add to your dryer! Ditch the disposable dryer sheets, say bye-bye to the chemicals and switch to a natural, eco-friendly alternative!

Each box of Woolzies is $34.95 for 6 wool dryer balls. This price includes FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the USA! Interested in adding some reusable Woolzies dryer balls to your laundry routine? You can BUY a box of Woolzies HERE.

One lucky person will win a box of Woolzies from the Relish Reusable giveaway hop {going on from April 1-15th}! Make sure you ENTER HERE for your chance to win!

*Thank you to Woolzies for providing me with the opportunity to host this review at no cost to myself. This has not influenced my opinion of the product or company. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Thank you again to Woolzies for sponsoring this review!*

Wordless Wednesday: He Can Write His Name!

2013-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Relish Reusable Giveaway Hop! {Ends 4/15}

2013-03-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Relish Reusable Giveaway Hop hosted by Measuring Flower and Eco Crazy Mom! I have teamed up with a group of other green bloggers to bring you a bunch of fun, eco-friendly, and reusable giveaways worth a minimum of $25 each. So, after you've entered our awesome giveaway below, be sure to "hop" on to the next blog to enter their giveaway as well. You can find a list linking to all the other blogs towards the bottom of this post. Don't forget to enter the event's big grand grand prizes, including $200 of reusable products donated by Reuseit.com!

Woolzies is sponsoring the Relish Reusable Giveaway prize on The Little Hedgehog! Woolzies has graciously offered one lucky winner box of Woolzies containing 6 handmade woolen dryer balls.(ARV $34.95) - Review: HERE

***Giveaway is open to the US only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.***
Giveaway will end April 15th at 12:01am EST.

Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This event’s hosts and the participating bloggers are not responsible for any sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes, but will do their best to ensure that each winner receives their winnings.

*Thank you to Woolzies for providing me with the opportunity to host this giveaway at no cost to myself. This has not influenced my opinion of the product or company. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Thank you again to Woolzies for sponsoring this review and giveaway!*

Tic Tac Toe Socks Review & Giveaway!

2013-03-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

Quality counts when it comes to socks! I have learned the hard way that it doesn't pay to buy cheap socks. Over the last few weeks, I feel like I have thrown away so many socks that have gotten holes in the heels. *Note to self: stop buying the cheapest packs of socks!* So, as I look to replace almost all of the socks for hubby, little Michael and I, due to "hole-y" socks (and Michael's feet have grown lately) and of course, little Riley needs some cute socks for his tootsies, I am looking for socks that will last. I am looking for socks that will hold up to a little boy who runs, jumps, slides his feet in and out of shoes and who wrestles with socks as he yanks them off his toes.

I was recently introduced to TicTacToe and their line of socks and tights. TicTacToe has been a staple in physical shops since 1985 and they recently made the move to the online marketplace with a new website, www.tictactoesocks.com! Their socks are fun, vibrant and have a great selection of prints, patterns for boys and girls. A huge plus is that their socks are well made. The colors have stayed vibrant with many washings, the socks are made well and I don't forsee any hols cropping up anytime soon! I feel that they are going to hold up well to an active little boy! Baby socks are pretty easy - litle Riley isn;t really going anywhere yet and their main function is to look cute and keep his toes warm - check!

TicTacToe generously sent me four different socks - 2 pairs for each boy! For Riley, I received the Puppy 3-D Bootie and the Organic Striped Cushion Bootie in baby blue.

The Puppy Booties are so, ridiculously cute! I have never had booties like this for Michael or Riley, until now. I didn't know what I was missing out on! I was actually surprised at how well they stayed on, especially since Riley is really getting a good work-out these days with his kicking! They are soft, stretchy and easy to slip on his little toes.

I love that Tic Tac Toe carries some organic options! When it comes to clothing, I always look for organic options first and really appreciate when companies go the extra step to incorporate organic cotton into their materials. I love knowing that organic cotton is touching his new, delicate skin! These socks are super plush, thick and soft! They are nice and stretchy and have room for Riley's feet to grow. I really love that they have non-slip tic tac toe grippers on them - it will be perfect when he starts to toddle around! (That's never going to happen, right? He's going to stay a baby forever!)

Tic Tac Toe also sent the Sports Field: Glow-in-the-Dark socks in blue/orange and the Blue Stripe Socks with turquoise for Michael. These socks are great! They fit Michael well, they are fun and they seem like theyare going to hold up to lots of wear. I also like that they have held up really well to multiple washings and the colors are still vibrant.

I love the fun colors in the stripe socks!So cheerful!

I've always been pretty "Plain Jane" when it comes to socks - I buy fancy colors like white and black. It is so nice to mix things up and have some fun socks for the boys! Tic Tac Toe has some really fun and colorful socks (plus tights for girls!). They would be perfect to add to your little ones wardrobe or tuck a pair into your little ones Easter basket - they would fit perfectly in an Easter egg!

Head over to the Tic Tac Toe website to shop the great new styles or connect with them on their Facebook page!

THE GIVEAWAY!

Tic Tac Toe has generously offered one of my readers a $25 grab bag of TicTacToe products! (Winner can specify child's age and gender)

***Giveaway is open to the US only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.***
Giveaway will end April 11th at 12:01am EST.

Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Tic Tac Toe for providing me with the opportunity to host this giveaway at no cost to myself. This has not influenced my opinion of the product or company. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Thank you again to Tic Tac Toe for sponsoring this review and giveaway!

Woolino Baby Sleep Giveaway Event

2013-03-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wish there was material for baby wear that would keep baby dry, warm in cold weather, cool in hot weather, naturally breathable, without chemicals, and easy to care for? I'm here to tell you that merino wool is all of the above! It's really a miracle material that's perfect year round for everyone, but especially for kids.

Woolino merino baby sleep sacks have a host of amazing features. It is perfect at home or on the go and fits into a compact pouch. Strategically placed snaps make the size adjustable and diaper changes easy. Your baby will be comfortable in a Woolino 4 Season baby sleeping bag in temperatures ranging from 63 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a travel bag, room thermometer, and it is in a plastic-free, ready-to-gift package!

The merino baby swaddle blanket and hat are great for those first three months before your baby fits into a merino baby sleep bag. Babies have a limited ability to regulate their own body temperature, the merino wool swaddle will keep your baby comfortable and snug from birth.

Our Favorite Features of Woolino Merino Wool:

Naturally anti-microbial, anti-fungal
Naturally fire resistant without the use of harsh chemicals
Regulates body temperature
Sustainable, 100% natural Australian merino wool
Machine washable
Super soft on baby's skin

Our Favorite Features of the Woolino Baby and Toddler Sleep Sacks:

Available in two sizes, 3 to 24 months and 2T to 4T
Seat belt slot for easy transfer from car to crib
GOTS certified organic cotton outer

Our Favorite Features of the Woolino Newborn Swaddle/Blanket:

Large square size, 90 by 90 cm
Comes with matching newborn hat and swaddling instructions
Naturally stretchier, easier to wrap, and stays in place
Unlike shaped swaddles that are quickly outgrown, the wrap can be used as a stroller blanket, in the car, as a nursing cover, sun shade, etc.

Purchase: The 2013 Collection Woolino 4 Season Baby Sleep Bags retail for $119 (baby) to $139 (toddler) each, you can purchase it on the Woolino website. The swaddle set retails for $69. The Woolino products are also available on Amazon and select retailers across U.S. and Canada.

Win One! Woolino is blessing one of you with a 2013 Collection Woolino 4 Season Baby Sleep Bag in your choice of size/color AND another winner will receive the Newborn Swaddle Set.

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to all participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends April 23rd at 11:59 pm, open to U.S. and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. AnaB Social, The Little Hedgehog and participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Spring Into Green Mothers Organic Giveaway Event {Ends 4/8}

2013-03-24T22:49:00.002-07:00

Welcome to the Spring Into Green Mothers Organic Giveaway!

I've teamed up with Eco-Crazy Mom and an amazing group of bloggers to celebrate the grand opening of the Mothers Organic store, and bring you the chance to win a fantastic prize pack valued at $375.00!

Come check out the Mothers Organic Grand Opening March 25, 2013!

The Mothers Organic motto is simple: happy shopping for the everyday eco-mama. Why? Because we've all been there before. Confused by labels and not knowing which products were safe for our kids. Overwhelmed with information. That's why eco mama Kelly McKnight and her husband created Mothers Organic. They wanted to make it easy for moms to find a variety of safe, tried and true eco-friendly products in one convenient place. Every product at Mothers Organic has been hand picked and carefully reviewed by Kelly and her team of eco mamas with the belief that if it's not good enough for their family, it's certainly not good enough for yours. Finally, a place where moms can shop with confidence - we invite you to give it a try!

Shop their amazing selection of stainless steel baby bottles and sippy cups. Check out their line of Melissa & Doug puzzles and toys for babies and toddlers. Stock up on your nursery layette - complete with swaddle blankets and bunting. At Mothers Organic you'll find a great selection of natural bath and skin care, organic apparel, health care essentials and much more.

Shop now and save with free shipping on all orders over $75!

Celebrate with us and enter to win!

One lucky eco mama will win this awesome Mothers Organic prize pack worth $375.00:

Boba Carrier ($120.00 RV) Green Toys bundle ($70.00 RV) Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 ($15.00 RV) In2green Eco friendly baby & kids blanket ($70.00 RV) Seventh Generation bundle ($100.00 RV) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Conscious Box 3 Month Subscription Giveaway!

2013-03-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Conscious Box is a company that I have just been introduced to and am so glad that I have! They are a monthly subscription company that is "...dedicated to introducing you to the most ethical, sustainable, and honest businesses that create the purest products available." Their mission is to discover natural products and deliver them to your doorstop every month in a box that is packed to the brim!

How Does Conscious Box work?

With each months subscriptions, Conscious Box will introduce you to new companies and products. Each box is full of healthy, unique and natural goodies for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Every month's box is a surprise and you are sure to discover some new favorites! With products ranging from organic food to vegan beauty and options like Vegan and Gluten-Free boxes, Conscious Box has something for everyone!

Interested in a monthly subscription? You can subscribe to Conscious box for one month, 3 months, 6 months or for a whole year! Conscious Box has also generously offered my readers a 50% OFF discount for any Conscious Box subscription. Use code: DISCOVERNATURAL

-OR-

You can enter to WIN a 3-month Conscious Box subscription – that's a $59 value!

***Giveaway is open to the US only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.***
Giveaway will end April 2nd at 12:01am EST.

Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Conscious Box for providing me with the opportunity to host this giveaway at no cost to myself. In exchange for this post, I will be compensated with free Conscious Boxes. This has not influenced my opinion of the product or company. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Thank you again to Conscious Box for sponsoring this review and giveaway!

5 Fun Eco-Friendly Toys to Spark Your Little Ones Imagination!

2013-03-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

It's always a challenge to keep kids from going crazy with cabin fever in the winter! Below are 5 fun picks to keep the kids entertained and their brains active while they're stuck inside.

Glob’s Natural Paint Packets
Whether the kids want to paint-by-numbers or have more fun outside the lines, this 6-pack of natural vibrant paints will help them tap into their creative side. And they're great for egg dying too! $12.00

bObles Multi-functional Furniture

Instead of climbing up the walls, have the kids climb on the furniture. bObles created a line of fun, whimsical and well-designed kids furniture in shapes like elephants, crocodiles and chickens that turn into steps, boats, tables, seats, balancing pieces and more. bObles encourages motor function, imagination and, most importantly, fun! From $49.00

CitiBlocs

Who doesn’t love building things? Think about how much fun kids can have with Citiblocs, eco-friendly, affordable wooden toys. They encourage your kids to spend hours at play, exercising their minds and building up cities with the 100- or 200-piece block sets. From $25.99

Box Play For Kids

Looking for ways to encourage your kid’s creativity while also teaching him about being green and eco-friendly? These adorable sticker sets are made to be used with boxes you’d normally recycle, including the numerous milk cartons, mac & cheese boxes and egg cartons you no doubt go through. So they’re having fun while you upcycle something that would normally get tossed. From $3.00

Wee Can Too Veggie Crayons

Little kids love putting things in their mouths and with these vibrant crayons made from organic fruit and vegetable powders, it’s OK! We’re not suggesting you substitute the crayons for their regular, healthy regimen of produce, but now they can color and have fun while you know the products are safe. $11.00

I hope that these are some fun and inspiring ideas for you to do with your little ones, whether you are stuck inside because of snow, rain or even a sick day! These 5 fun picks can be found at Abe's Market - a wonderful online shop that is full of natural and eco-friendly goodies!

*Note: This post contains affiliate links. I try my best to only recommend products and sites that I think my readers will enjoy.*