A new Costco membership OR renewal plus some freebies is only $55.00. I am all over this one personally. I have been going with a friend and using her membership for the past couple years but this has increasingly become a hassle and we would like one of our own. We like to buy bulk coconut water, coffee, and rechargeable batteries there mostly but they also have lots of organic offerings.

KidCraft Wood Toys – Trains sets, sandboxes, dollhouses, puppet theaters and lots of other good stuff. My daughter has the Glitz & Glamour Dollhouse and it is very high quality and will last for many, many years.

Slyvan Products - Great for homeschool or for summer learning. We have used (and enjoyed) several of their products in years past.

Sprout Non Toxic Nail Polish – Conventional nail polish has all sorts of toxic nasties in it so I always try to buy safer, non toxic versions for my daughter. Sprout is one brand I have not tried yet but perhaps today is the day to order some. :)

What do you think? When you have a limited budget can you justify the purchase of a hybrid over a regular sedan with great fuel economy?

A guest post by Sam Peters

Even though my husband set me up with an amazing aromatherapy massage and seaweed wrap for Mother’s Day, he insists that all he wants for Father’s Day is the laughter of his little girls. Sweet sentiment, but he’s still getting gifts. I went to my daughters for their ideas: my youngest insisted that we get him a tiger and my oldest swore up and down that he told her that he wanted a tuutuu, bless her little lying heart. My girls are a trip.

My husband, the father of the year in my opinion, who takes time off work to be a room “mother” with me and tosses a football around out with my daughters calling them Lil Namath and Lil Montana deserves a something extra special on the day designed to honor him. I’ve been busy choosing between a wide variety of great gifts that don’t dent the earth and suit his personality.

Recycled Golfballs

Dixon Golf out of Tempe, AZ produces an eco-friendly line of balls called Dixon Earth. The balls are 100% recyclable. Dixon pays for returned balls. Sustainability informs everything that this company does, they encourage their employees to carpool to work and have outfitted their manufacturing facility with LED lightbulbs and low-VOC paint. Dixon even encourages golfers to go after that sliced ball by providing up to a $6 return for a dozen used golf balls.

Animal Adoption

Even though my daughter insists there is room for a tiger in the treehouse out back, I believe the laws in our jurisdiction against the keeping of exotic animals prevent her dreams of tiger ownership from becoming a reality. As a compromise, I found that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) offers the adoption of endangered and threatened animals. On making a donation we may help protect and symbolically adopt a tiger or a three toed sloth or a host of other animals. Donations go to support WWF’s mission to prevent threats like poachers, deforestation, and global climate change from impacting the biodiversity of the planet.

Sweet Treats

If you look at my husband’s dental chart, all of his teeth are sweet teeth. Shari’s Berries has an amazing line of chocolate covered strawberries and delicious cookies  available to be shipped right to your door, including some super cute strawberries dipped to look like baseballs, footballs, and basketballs for Father’s Day!

Homemade

My girls decided to collect and recycle pretty paper they received throughout the year. The paper makes great handmade greeting cards, but they decided to use it to make a sweet little scrapbook full of collages of their favorite memories with their dad. So far the book includes learning to ride bicycles, playing hide and seek, and my husband flexing his muscles. They think it’s hilarious!

My girls and I plan a great Father’s Day in addition to the gift giving. After a pancake breakfast, we’re going to go on a long family hike on a nearby trail. We look forward to lavishing him with praise and pampering. Hope your holiday with your husbands and fathers is a great one!

Anyway my purse is actually in pretty decent condition. Its part of my dedication to minimalism that I carry a very small purse. It only has room for a wallet, phone, keys, and my Sony Walkman MP3 Player pretty much. Sometimes I might carry a pen. I can tell right away if I am carrying excess stuff because it begins to bulge and look funny thus indicating I need to go through it and declutter. I own two purses/handbags total and both are tiny. They are also both thrift store finds. It works for me. I never have a hard time locating anything in my purse. :)

As you can see the only items that did not belong are the receipt, the business card from the awesome guy who recently fixed my 12 year old’s iPod Touch, a movie ticket stub (Oblivion – which was okay but not great), about $1.30 in spare change, and two mint candies from Olive Garden. I forgot they were in there and they were slightly melty.

Even though it was an easy job I am feeling rather accomplished now on this great day of purse cleaning. How about you? If you clean out your purse and write a blog post about it or if  you share a photo via social media leave a link below!

The big C. Cancer.

I have quite a bit to say about cancer actually because it became a big part of my life 6 years ago next month. I clearly remember the moment when they told me it was cancer that had been making so sick for he previous months. I was so relieved to finally KNOW why I was so sick that I think my doctors thought I was not facing up to facts. I had stage three cancer for sure and they feared that it might have spread to my liver. I went under the knife knowing that I might wake up to hear that it had and my cancer would be fatal. The news was ultimately good though. They removed a large section of my colon and most of my lower lymph nodes but since I was so young they were optimistic that I would be able to fly through chemo and put the cancer chapter behind me.

It wasn’t so easy in real life though. I was lucky to have a fantastic support system and I was lucky that I did not need to work to survive and take care of my three kids, one of whom was just a baby. Every day I was so grateful for what I had and the people in my life because every day I sat next to people (in treatment) who didn’t have these things. I saw who folks who had to work 40 hours a week while undergoing chemo or end up jobless and thus without insurance for their care. I saw others who had to leave treatment altogether because they no longer had the money or insurance for it. It made me so angry that only people of means could get the care they needed. You hear certain politicians talking all the time about how everyone has access to healthcare in this country regardless of means. In actuality they mean that everyone has access to emergency healthcare. A chronic disease does not apply. I found out I had cancer and I had options. Many, many others do not.

These days I have a lot to say about cancer organizations, what they do, and where the money goes. I have a lot to say about whether or not they are actually looking for a cure or a way to keep the disease atm machine alive and kicking. No matter what side of the fence I am on though I cannot deny that they do try to provide better access for those without means. They try to provide screening for those that cannot afford it and that they have a place to stay while going through their ordeal and that they have rides to get there and back. I sat alongside many people helped by organizations like these.

One of these is The American Cancer Society. They turn 100 years old this year and have played a role in nearly every cancer research breakthrough in recent history. What impresses me most though is all that they have done and continue to do to help those with limited means.

American Cancer Society Goals

• Continue to ensure lifesaving cancer research gets funded.
• Undertake a historic research study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) that will help us understand how to prevent cancer and save lives. The goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the US by the end of this year.
• Make sure that people facing cancer have the help they need, like a free place to stay during treatment and a ride to get there.
• Keep fighting for everyone to have access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

It’s incredible to think that we spend about a third of our lives in bed. This makes it all the more important to ensure you get a good night’s sleep every night, aiding your mood, attention levels and appetite for the next day. However, if you’re struggling to drift off or stay asleep, then it’s time to rejuvenate your sleeping space. Here are a few tips to go eco and help create a healthier you and a healthier planet, so you can sleep easy:

1.) Perfect Furnish:

De-cluttering over-crowded surfaces is a great way to freshen up your bedroom. To still create a warm, cozy feel adorn your room with light, comfortable furnishings, such as upcycled blankets, throws and rugs, and re-cover cushions using spare materials. A softer, clear bedroom will mean a clearer mind, allowing you to shut off more quickly at night. You’ll be sleeping like a baby again in no time.

2.) Go Green:

Potted plants placed around the room will circulate the air and help to reduce stuffiness. Fresh flowers will also emit uplifting light scents, deodorizing the room naturally without the need for chemical aerosols and sprays, and will certainly brighten up the look of your bedroom too.

3.) Smart as Paint:

Decorating your bedroom with soft, neutral tones will help instill a sense of calm and tranquility into your sleeping haven. Consider using natural, non-toxic paints, which don’t produce harmful, pungent fumes and so are better for the earth and you.

4.) Good as New:

Before you chuck out that dusty old bedroom dresser or table, why not give it a quick coat of pure wood oil, or some colored natural paint? This will give your vintage piece of furniture a great visual lift and a whole new lease of life, adorning your newly spruced room.

5.) Mattress Matters:

The best way to ensure a good night’s sleep is to have the best and comfiest bed, so your body can stretch out and relax as you sleep. Mattress Online offers some fantastic eco-friendly mattresses, such as cooling organic cotton. Natural mattresses ‘breathe’, reducing the amount of harmful toxins inhaled from regular processed, synthetic mattresses. These can help to reduce some respiratory problems, ensuring your soothing sleep is a breath of fresh air.

Making some eco bedroom-friendly changes will make a big difference to your sleep, health and well-being. These are just a few ways to help you snooze while you help the environment, so the rest is up to you.

Just sharing another amazing ebook bundle. This is one is super focused…it is all about fertility.

I have no need for it personally because my baby making days are long behind me but I think I would have loved to have this resource way back when. If you struggle with fertility, and a lot of people do, then it has lots of info for you. Even if you are super fertile (like I am/was) there is still lots of great info on being healthy before you get preggo and on healthy childbirth. It’s a great collection so be sure to check it out!

A guest Post by Sam Peters

I get invited to a lot of baby showers and that means I buy a lot of gifts for new moms. I think it’s really important to give eco-friendly gifts—better for the baby, mom and the environment.

To buy eco-friendly baby shower gifts always choose items:

• • ·  made from 100% natural materials that are chemical free, or

• • ·  made from recycled products, or

• • ·  that are Fair Trade products, or

• • ·  that are reusable or recyclable.

Most baby shower gifts fall into three general categories: practical, sentimental, or something for mom. Here are some suggestions and guidelines for finding eco-friendly gifts in any of these categories.

Practical

New moms to be often register for practical things like bottles, strollers, and baby monitors. Shopping for something off the registry is courteous and always appreciated. Go eco-friendly when you can. For example, choose something like clothing. Often the eco-friendly choice is higher quality—and frankly, more expensive—so mom will appreciate the upgrade.

Always look for fabrics that are 100% natural, chemical-free fibers. For toys, stay away from plastic and synthetic materials and opt for wooden or other natural materials. Another great gift idea is natural baby skin care products that are gentle for babies and great for the environment.

Sentimental

Sentimental gifts are a good choice if you have a close relationship with mom or she already has most of the necessities. Everyone always coos over handmade blankets, hats and at baby showers. These are a great eco-friendly choice because, of course, you have control over the types of materials you use to make them.

High quality books are a wonderful choice that will be used time and time again for years to come. Select books with particular meaning to you, or from this great list: Building Baby’s First Library: 25 Must-Have Books. Be sure to write a personal note on the inside cover with the date.

Personalized gifts are always a hit at baby showers. You can go with a classic gift like an engraved silver baby spoon, or add personalized embroidery to onesies or blankets.

Something for mom

Sometimes, a gift for mom is the way to go. Consider things like reusable nursing pads, a breast pump, comfortable all natural PJs, a baby care book, or a basket of all natural spa products to pamper herself.

Gift certificates for a massage or spa service will remind her to take care of herself which many new moms forget to do. Another great idea is giving her a gift card for a healthy meal delivery service that she can use after the baby is born when she’s going to be too tired to cook for herself.

What if mom isn’t into eco-friendly?

While it is important to look for eco-friendly baby gifts, you also want to respect what mom likes and values. Be sure to consider these questions:

• ·  Is she registered? If so, consider buying something off the registry.

• • ·  Does she have other children? If so, she likely has some staples of parenthood already.

• • ·  Is the baby a boy or girl? If the mother doesn’t know, or isn’t telling, you’ll need to stick with gender neutral gifts.

• • ·  Has mom picked a nursery theme yet? If so, you might look for something that coordinates.

You don’t want to force eco-friendly on her so if she’s not into cloth diapers, by all means, don’t give them to her. You don’t need to give bags of pampers either though. Instead select something like onesies or bedding, based on the answers to the questions above, where you have lots of great eco-friendly options.

When it comes to gifts I am all about the experience rather than “the stuff”. In fact, unless it is vintage Pyrex or Le Creuset I think I would rather not have to find a place for new trinkets, gadgets, or other products. I try to live with simplicity and minimalism in mind. I am constantly decluttering and pairing down. Accepting gifts that I don’t absolutely need makes me a bit anxious. It makes me that way because I am worried about where I will keep it (whatever it is) that is out of the way and I am worried that if I ultimately decide NOT to keep it, I will be wracked with guilt. I appreciate the thought and I adore you for trying but stuff just doesn’t push my happiness buttons.

So what does push my buttons? LIFE. Living life.

It may sounds simplistic but I am a simple gal. I love to experience new things and make memories. For that reason I would much rather have that gift card to AMC Theaters rather a gift card to Old Navy. I would much rather have a voucher for ziplining than I would a new purse.

For $25 or less I can dance the waltz, ride into the sunset on a horse, or try my skills with a sword. For $25 or less I can stuff myself with sushi, treat myself to bubble tea after my workouts every day for a week, or maybe even step into a kickboxing ring. And that is just this week. Next week I might have a whole different lineup of adventures to choose from. How so?

When Nerd Wallet asked moms what they would like to get for Mother’s Day under $25 I decided to go with a Groupon gift certificate or an actual Groupon deal purchased for me as a gift, ether would make me happy. Why? It’s easy really. Groupon allows you to try something new (food, entertainment, life skill, spa experience, etc) and support a local business (also very important to me). I don’t have stuff cluttering up my house and I have something fun to do…a new memory to make and treasure. I am also somewhat of a Groupon junkie already.

I took a quick look at what is available in my locale and saw these opportunities (all for $25 or less):

A haircut and highlights
Seafood dinner for two
Kickboxing classes
A mani pedi
Sushi
Yoga classes
Ballroom dancing classes
Frozen Yogurt
Bubble Tea (Love!!)
An evening of bowling
A canvas painting class
Horseback riding lessons
A fencing lesson
A vegetarian dinner
More sushi… cannot go wrong with sushi

As I said, good food, good fun, or just some special pampering and me time. It is all available with a Groupon gift card.

What you rates higher for you? Physical gifts or experiences?

#1 – Compost. Tea bags compost beautifully in your garden or compost bin. Simply add them to your compost heap and let nature takes its course. If you have rosees you can also break open the bags and spread around the base of your bushes. Roses LOVE tea!

#2 – Under eye soother. Used tea bags, particularly chamomile bags, can be cooled and placed on achy, puffy eyes for a wonderful soothing relaxant. Works great to soothe pink eye too.

#3 – Use on sun burns. Peppermint tea bags are great for sunburns. Let them cool and then place the bags on the burnt areas. You can also place the bags in your bath water and soak!

#4 Dry Poison Ivy. Use a wet tea bag to rub on affected areas and allow to dry. This helps dry the area out so that it can heal faster.

#5 – Use on cuts and razor burn. Used tea bags are also great on cuts and bruises. You can use any variety but green tea, peppermint and chamomile have good soothing qualities.

#6 Scented sachets – If you like strong, fragrant herbal teas then open the bags after brewing and spread the contents on newspaper to dry. Add the dried tea to homemade perfume/potpourri sachets.

#7 Add to potted plants. The bags can be added to pots just above the drainage layer at the bottom. They will retain water allowing you to water less and they will leach valuable nutrients into the soil for the roots.

#8 Clean house. You can rub tea bags on mirrors and windows to get rid of hand prints and smudges. Tea can also be used to clean the toilet. Just give the bags a second soaking in the loo and 30 minutes later, scrub as normal. No chemicals!

#9 Soak smelly feet – Add multiple tea bags to some warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes. Perfect for when the kiddos play outside all day with no socks on!

#10 Hair conditioner – Re-soak your tea bags in some warm water for 10-20 minutes. Use that water to do a final rinse of your hair. This will condition it and make it super soft.

Do you have any creative reuses of your own to share?

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time then you know I am a big time movie fan. My first job was at a movie theater (which I then became manager of) and this was by design because a job perk that I got to see as many free movies as I wanted…me and unlimited friends and family. For years I saw just about every movie released. I often think it would be nice to get a movie theater job again because movies have become so expensive. Heck, I would gladly take on a part time job picking up popcorn and mopping up sticky soda pop if it means I get tons of free movies again. I have been cleaning up snot, puke, and other gross stuff as a mom for years. That would be like a vacation.

For me it is all about the story. Movies transport me to another world and I get to live someone else’s exciting, dangerous, and inspiring life for a couple ours. I love my own life too, don’t get me wrong, but ever since I was a kid I have just loved living in the fantasy worlds created in books and movies. I have already started my mental list of movies that I absolutely must see this summer and at the tippy top is the animated eco film called EPIC. I am sure it will be the block-buster movie of the summer for families.

It looks to be the ultimate in story, fantasy, and fun while also having a hugely important message about the environment and stewardship. We have to get messages like this across to kids in a way that really reaches them and resonates with them. It is getting harder to do with all the distractions that abound today but I think this movie will accomplish it. If I can pair my love of movies with my passion for environmentalism AND take my kids along for the ride…well sign me up for opening day!

EPIC is a 3D CG adventure comedy that reveals a fantastical world unlike any other. It is made by the same geniuses who brought us ICE AGE and RIO (which we all adore) and it tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who strive to keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who want to destroy it. A young girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe and she teams up with an elite band of leaf warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures, to save their world…and ours as well. This film stars Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Christoph Waltz and Amanda Seyfried. It comes out May 24th.

Team ENERGY STAR is currently running a promotion (much like they did last year) to get kids excited about energy efficiency and they are doing a clever tie in with EPIC. They are hoping to help kids associate their own actions to save energy with protecting the planet, just like the heroes in the movie. Maybe they won’t find themselves in a fantastical world where they have to fight alongside leaf warriors but their actions DO matter. They DO make a difference. They can do their part at home, every day. This ENERGY STAR initiative is really about empowering kids (and families) to protect the climate and reduce pollution with easy, money-saving actions.

So how do you get started? Well, you probably already care about these issues and are working towards energy conservation as a family already. To join ENERGY STAR though and make it a focus this summer, visit their web site and download all the interactive materials they have for us, including a nifty Action Kit and a Home Check-Up list. Children are also encouraged to share their energy-saving stories. If they decide to do so then they will become eligible to win some great energy-saving electronics that further reinforce the message that saving energy can change the world.

So are you ready to make it a team ENERGY STAR summer and see the movie EPIC as a family? I know we are!

Watch the trailer below…

DISCLOSURE: I will receive four tickets to see EPIC in exchange for writing about this amazing initiative.

Families with small children especially battle them because little slices of orange, apple cores, and banana peels don’t always make it to the compost or garbage bin right away. Sometimes in the warmer months we have to set up several homemade fruit fly traps in different rooms but MOSTLY we have to deal with them in the kitchen, where the fruit lives.

It has begun. This morning, after spending most of the weekend out of town, I discovered a melon that had gone bad. As in ooze dripping onto the floor bad. Fruit flies were having a wild party. Within 10-15 minutes I was able to wrangle those rascals into a jar and with just a few items around the house.

Homemade Fruit Fly Trap

You need:

Mason jar
Vinegar (I use ACV or rice vinegar)
Paper – A single piece folded/wrapped into a cone
Fruit – a single piece of really ripe fruit (I used a chunk of apple)

First you need to get rid of any over ripe fruit and thoroughly clean up any resulting mess. You have to take away their food so they will want to go into the jar. After that is done add the vinegar and fruit to the jar and then insert the cone, narrow part down. The fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar/fruit and will make their way down into the jar but will not be able to get out. They will either drown or you can walk the jar outside and release them. Hope this helps!

Baby powder, baby lotion, baby oil, diaper cream…think about all the products marketed to moms of infants. Many times moms come to believe they absolutely need to have on these on hand. We need them at home, we need them in the diaper bag, we need little travel sized versions stuffed among the diaper cake at our baby shower. It is a huge money making racket for unnecessary products. Unfortunate really because that money is needed elsewhere in most budgets. Even worse though is the fact that these products may not be the safest things to be slathering all over your baby’s skin. In fact, they may be downright toxic.

Online this week I saw a tidbit about a company I have talked about oodles of times previous. According to this news site the FDA suspended the license of Johnson & Johnson for one of their plants. Now surely they have not been permitted to be selling unsafe products for babies right? Actually yes. This article highlights a problem found in 15 batches of baby powder.

Kamlesh B Shende, FDA joint commissioner (drugs), said: “There were unacceptable levels of ethylene oxide, which is a trigger for cancer. Ethylene oxide was being used to bring down microbial load in the powder by sterilisation. But it was found that there was ethylene oxide residue in the talcum powder, which is primarily used on infants. In light of this, we have suspended the licence.”

I cannot find many other sites reporting on this so I can investigate the validity of the claims but this is not a new issue. I already wrote about a some unsavory things found in baby shampoo and bubble bath. You probably already know how bad talc is and talc is in most baby powders. Our government is attempting to make these consumer products a bit safer but they are super slow and they don’t go far enough. Not even remotely far enough. We as consumers have to boycott chemical cocktails disguised as baby products.

You don’t even actually need baby powder. If your baby’s skin is too moist then let them go diaper free for awhile or try cloth diapers, which keep them dryer than paper diapers wrapped in plastic. You can also make your own baby powder.

Homemade Baby Powder Recipe

1 1/2 cups Arrowroot Powder
1/2 cup powdered rose petals or powdered chammomile flowers (organic)
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup white clay, powdered (can also use rice powder)
10-15 drops lavender or chammomile essential oil (optional)

Sift all ingredients together into a mixing bowl, add the essential oils and mix well. Transfer to a shaker style container for easy use. I like this stainless steel powdered sugar, cocoa shaker. Alternatively you might also use a sprouting lid and a mason jar.

You and your baby can do without most of the conventional baby powders. Either avoid them altogether or try the DIY route. To the health of your family!

Getting organized is good for your health. I know my mental attitude and outlook improves a hundred fold when my house is clean and orderly. When it is chaos, my life seems to mirror that. I am grumpy, unmotivated, less likely to be patient with my kids, and less likely to make good decisions. Who wants to cook that healthy slow food when the kitchen is a wreck and the pantry is so stuffed I cannot find the things I need? Ordering takeout starts to sounds a little too good. Likewise who wants to sit and pay their bills online when their desk is stacked high with papers, schoolwork, and overdue library books?

When the clutter and chaos gets a bit much I find that I personally will look for reasons to get out of the house, wasting gas and money because I will find some small reason to go to the store and then walk with away stuff I didn’t really need. This just compounds the problem and highlights another benefit to clearing the clutter…it’s good for the planet too. To get that clutter free existence we need to let go of the clutter and avoid acquiring more. Sounds so easy right? Why is this so hard to do?! Let’s break it down into three easy steps…

1. Purge All The Stuff!

Go through your home room by room and get rid of things you don’t NEED. Sort them into boxes labeled Donate, Garage Sale, Craigslist, Recycle, etc. Find new homes for these items pronto because they are only dragging you down and there are people out there who may truly need them.

* Go through the wardrobes of everyone in the house. Pack away seasonal clothing that will likely last another season or that can be handed down, mark them clearly, and store them in the basement or garage. Donate or sell items that no longer fit or that no longer make sense. Does any one person really need seven pairs of khaki shorts or nine pairs of jeans? Probably not. Purge clothing that you hope will fit you someday. Live in the present and if the clothes don’t fit right now, get rid of them.

* Get rid of gifted items that you don’t need/use. Everyone probably has a few things that they hang on to because they were a gift and not because they actually want them. Take a stand and get rid of them.

* Get rid of things that bring up bad feelings. Do you hang on to certain items because they were pricey and you feel guilty about letting them go and for buying them in the first place? Get over it, we all do it from time to time but it is just nonsense to keep the items and let them make you feel bad every time you look at them. Try to sell them first, even if you lose money. If you cannot sell it then donate it. Your peace of mind is worth it.

* Ask yourself about all of your belongs: “Do I love this? Have I used it in the past year? I am likely to use it again? Does it make my life easier/better or does it collect dust?” Teach your kids to ask these same questions.

* Pack up hard to part with items and try a trial separation. After one year has passed and you haven’t used the items in the box…they need to go. Don’t even look at them first, just donate them.

2. Organize All The Stuff!

Everything you end up keeping needs to have a home.

* Employ baskets (my fave!) and storage boxes to tuck things away. Try to avoid plastic storage tubs if you can for environmental reasons. Check out my post on Non Plastic Storage Container Solutions.

* Keep counter tops clean and clear, if you cannot then go back to step one and keep purging.

* Use shoe racks or hanging shoe organizers to keep shoes off the floor.

* Designate a place (an inbox) for incoming mail and all papers from receipts, to warranties, to school permission forms. Go through it daily! Don’t let piles form.

* Invest in double duty furniture aka a coffee table with built in drawers or perhaps an antique trunk that can double as a coffee table.

* Mount shelves inside windows. This space often goes unused but special collections, jars, vases. etc will look stunning with natural light as their backdrop.

3. Maintain!

Once your home is clutter free and beautiful hopefully you will want to keep it that way. Heaven help the child who throws their backpack down on the floor after I have thoroughly cleaned and decluttered!

* Walk children through the steps they need to take when entering the house…put shoes away, hang backpacks on the hooks in the closet, socks need to go in the basket in the basement, toys and other personal belongs need to go upstairs to their rooms (and be put away) right away. Once they get used to this expectation it becomes normal.

* Find ways to fix things you currently own instead of being so quick to buy new. Check the Internet and eBay for parts and for step by step instructions on how to fix just about anything under the sun.

* Think hard about all new purchases. Do you absolutely need this? Where will you keep it?

* Avoid purchases that bring with them lots packaging waste that you will have to throw away or recycle.

* If you like to hit up yard sales just make sure you actually need the items you buy and donate a few you already have to make room for the new.

How do you keep your home clutter free. Share tips below!

There are TONS of these ebook bundles being sold all over the blogosphere. I have been pretty selective about which ones I promote here otherwise I would literally be promoting something every other day it seems. I guess this is a good thing though because it means ebooks are being widely supported and it is such a green and minimalist format. I know I am hooked! You can read them on your computer, on your smart phone, and on tablets anywhere, anytime. For book junkies like me it is just too good to be true. :)

Anyway… this week I wanted to highlight The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle. You get an incredible ebook library of homemaking books for a super low price. 97 books for just 29.97!! If you bought everything on it’s own then you would be paying over $600 so it is an amazing value. I also love the topics…mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools. There are some topics that don’t appeal to me, like the spiritual/religious stuff but for that price you can afford to disregard the ones not applicable to you.

To sweeten the pot, the sellers have also teamed up with 10 companies to bring you over $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free!

DEAL NOW CLOSED!

I always like to say that to go green or to make your house a healthier place to be you don’t need to break the bank. You do usually do need to spend a little though to makeover your home. Mainstream products are made as cheaply as possible and with little regard to the safety of the consumer. Products that are made to last and that are safer usually have a higher price tag attached. That quality costs a bit more unfortunately but it is well worth our time to consider. We can of course get by where we can using old tees for rags and dishcloths or using bar soap and baking soda to make homemade laundry detergent. That frees up some money to invest in some quality home products that are safe and green.

It is a constant, gradual process too. When I started searching for greener and safer alternatives I didn’t throw all my old stuff away and replace them with better alternatives. I started with one thing at a time and took it step by step. I got rid of all Teflon coated pans and bought up stainless steel and cast iron ones. Out went the dryer sheets and in came the wool dryer balls. I replaced my plastic food storage tubs with glass ones I picked piece by piece at yard sales. I still make changes here and there. I don’t have a perfectly safe and green home, I just do what I can and make changes where I can.

I was inspired by the Healthy Home Makeover Contest being offered by Mighty Nest to make a Healthy Home Makeover board on Pinterest and highlight some of the products I think are important to a home makeover. Some I would like to have myself and some I already have but all are good places to start when you want to make some changes.

If you want a chance to win a home makeover from Mighty Nest worth $500 enter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was compensated by Mighty Nest for participating in this blog campaign.

Step 1: Get Rid of the Stinky Stuff

You have to remove the source of any unsavory smells before you can bring on the fresh. Don’t try to mask odors, get rid of them. This often means doing a bit of cleaning…

• Use vinegar, Castile soap, baking soda, and citrus oils (lemon, sweet orange, lime) to thoroughly clean surfaces, sinks, tubs, garbage cans, and any other areas where smelly stuff lurks
• Launder bedspreads and pillows
• Clean your carpets, upholstery, rugs, and drapes – Try this Natural Carpet Cleaner Recipe
• Pour boiling water down drains and crush up some lemon peels in the garbage disposal
• Clean up any pet areas thoroughly
• Clean underneath couches, recliners, and other big pieces of furniture

Step 2: Improve Air Circulation & Ventilation

• Open doors and windows whenever you can, even if it is for 5-10 minute increments
• Change your furnace/AC filter
• Bring live plants indoors
• Run an air purifier

Step 3: Bring on The Sweet Smells

• Bake/Cook – Put some beef stew on the crockpot or bake some Banana Zucchini Bread
  
• Put cut flowers and herbs in vases
• Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to two cups of baking soda, sprinkle on the floor, leave for 5- 10 minutes and vacuum up
• Burn a beeswax or soy candle with a natural cotton wick – I am loving Caldrea candles at the moment
• Wash laundry and sheets with essential oils (tea tree, peppermint) and then hang outside to dry
• Simmer sweet stuff in a pot… try things like cloves, cinnamon, apple peels, orange rinds, dried lavender, bay leaves, etc.

Lastly take a deep breath and enjoy…

If you have a baby on the way or your little bundle is already here then no doubt you want to ensure you have a green friendly and non-toxic nursery—read on! In these days of eco consciousness, for us to keep our children’s world as safe as we can, we need to start in our home and what better place than your baby’s first environment (after the womb of course)? Perhaps you don’t have a separate nursery because you co-sleep. That great! We just need to make sure all of baby’s hangouts are safe as possible. Experts abound to tell you all about making sure you have outlet covers and no stuffed animals in the crib. Few tell you about the potential toxins that could be lurking in the paint you used on the walls or the new mattress you bought for their crib or bassinet. Even fewer will tell you that you don’t need a fraction of the baby stuff being marketed to new moms.

This is serious business but it is actually getting very easy to outfit a nursery or sleep/play space with safe and green materials. When you also acknowledge that babies actually NEED very little by way of stuff then your job is even easier. You don’t have to go broke buying all the stuff in a baby catalog. Be honest…that stuff is more for you than for baby. They don’t care if their nursery is the perfect color combination of celery and aquamarine. All they care about is the touch, smell, and sound of their mom and dad. They are probably never going to care about how cute you decorated that nursery so your energy AND money is better spent elsewhere. Here are…

10 Tips For a Safe and Minimalist Nursery

1. If you are painting for baby use zero VOC paints or natural paints such as milk paints. Your color options may be slightly reduced but wall color is not as important as the potential for you and your baby to be breathing in noxious chemicals.

2. Avoid new carpeting. Carpet harbors all sorts of nasties like, mold, mildew, dust, dirt, and allergens. If at all possible go with hard wood flooring and wool rugs.

3. Use natural baby care products and avoid the conventional top sellers. You actually don’t need all the baby powder, baby oil, and lotion that the magazines and TV ads tell you that you do. If you must purchase some of these items stick with natural brands such as Earth Mama Angel Baby but in all honesty you can usually eschew most of these products.

4. Choose to use cloth diapers. They really aren’t that much more work (just a few loads of laundry) and they are way cuter than throwaway diapers. They are better for your baby’s skin/health and they are the planet friendly option as well.

5. Select an organic and/or natural mattress wherever your baby will be sleeping. Conventional mattresses are doused with nasty chemicals and flame retardants. Baby mattresses are often covered in plastic which tends to off-gas for a long time. Organic cotton or wool mattresses for cribs and bassinets are available.

6. Spring for organic sheets too. Your little one will be in close contact with all the chemical nasties in conventional options, as will you, for many hours each night. In the beginning they also spend a great deal of time napping. Their sleep environment should be as safe as possible.

7. Everyone’s clothing should be washed in safe, natural detergents but especially that of babies. Soap nuts are a good option…they are fruit with natural soap in them and they can be used repeatedly in the wash to clean clothing naturally.

8. Buy essentials ONLY. Wear your baby and you don’t need a pack-n-play. Change your baby on the bed and you don’t need a changing table. Grab a reusable tote when you leave the house (the kind you use for groceries) and you don’t need a diaper bag. Ask yourself how much you REALLY need for your new baby. The answer is…not much.

9. Use an air purifier in the baby’s room to clean the indoor air and remove allergens and other air born contaminants that are lurking there. Living plants are another great choice.

10. Buy a baby sling or wrap. Bouncy seats, baby walkers, strollers…you don’t really need them. Just get a nice quality, organic baby wrap and you and your partner can wear your baby. Both of you will relish the close contact.

When tackling the nursery and getting ready for your new baby just remember that the more “stuff” you buy or bring into the house the more you have to worry about potentially as far as chemical nasties and pollutants are concerned. It is best to go minimal and be on the safe side and to be more conscious about the few things that you do buy. The best part is that you can afford to be choosier because you aren’t throwing money after useless stuff that baby doesn’t need. Everyone wins.

What conventional and popular baby items have YOU found to be a waste of time and money?

Our Fairy Gardens have been wonderful for my children in so many ways. They delight in the creativity and imagination that goes into planting their fairy gardens. They spend hours playing in them through the Spring and Summer months and into the Autumn too. They are out in the warm sun and breathing in the fresh air. They are working with soil and moss and stones. They are learning about gardening and noticing how the plants in their gardens change over time. They are taking on responsibility as they water and weed their magical spaces. They are learning so much, though if you asked them, they would say they were only ‘playing’.

This year, Teddy wanted to make his own ‘little’ Fairy Garden. We set off to The Goodwill in search of the perfect container. He soon spotted a little basket and we bought it for 99c.

This is how Teddy made his Fairy Garden:

Step 1 : Preparing the Container

Just about any container will do for your Fairy Garden. As moss loves to be watered often, it’s important that the container has holes in the bottom so that it will drain well. If your container doesn’t have drainage holes, you can make them by using a battery drill or a hammer and a nail. Teddy had fun using my drill to make holes in the bottom of his basket.

Step 2 : Soil

He filled his container with good potting soil, leaving the soil an inch or two from the top of the basket.

Step 2 : Plants

Many garden shops sell moss in large 1 foot flats. Teddy chose a sweet mini pansy to add to his garden too. We measured the diameter of the basket and used a sharp knife to cut just the right amount of moss to insert into the container. We cut a small hole in the moss for the pansy and planted it too.

Step 3 : Accessories

There are many online Fairy Garden Shops that sell the cutest Fairy Garden furniture. Teddy has a tiny metal chair and he added a sweet cocktail umbrella to give his fairies some shade.

Voila… you have the cutest little garden that is sure to attract the fairies in your neighborhood.

I hope Teddy and I have inspired you to make your own Fairy Garden. If we have, I hope you join us on my blog, The Magic Onions to add your sweet creation into our annual Fairy Garden Contest.

Also, for lots more Fairy Garden inspiration, visit my Fairy Garden Page.

Here are some of the Fairy Gardens we have made over the years…

Blessings and magic,

Donni