One Part Sunshine

Gift Ideas for the Naturalist Mom

onepartsunshine — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 03:29:28 +0000

With Mother's Day coming up, I thought I would post a list of gift ideas for moms who love nature and the outdoors. This post is in no way a hint for my husband and children (did that sound believable?). If you know an amateur naturalist or someone who loves hiking, gardening, nature art and photography, reading about the outdoors, or just being outside, then read on. I made sure to include ideas that are no-cost and low-cost. I also tried to include gifts that are eco-friendly and don't involve purchasing more stuff.

The post Gift Ideas for the Naturalist Mom appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Green Your Halloween Treats

Cindy Young — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 21:37:28 +0000

Halloween treats are known for being over-processed and full of sugar, artificial colors and artificial flavors. Many candies, especially the super-cheap ones or those that are designed to look like eyeballs or spiders, are made in places like China, which isn't exactly known for putting out safe products. Do your part by handing out all-natural, organic treats.

The post Green Your Halloween Treats appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic School Supplies

Cindy Young — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 02:08:42 +0000

When I choose school and art supplies for my son, my primary concern is whether they are safe. I look for terms such as "certified non-toxic" and "100% natural." I know that kids (and adults for that matter) have a tendency to stick things like pencils and glue in their mouths. So, it is extremely important that the school supplies don't have toxic materials in them such as PVC, phthalates, lead and BPA.

The post Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic School Supplies appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

At-Home Learning Tools

onepartsunshine — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 01:03:16 +0000

In these uncertain times of Covid and quarantine, many families are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory with online or at-home schooling. As a homeschooler for the past ten years, I am no stranger to the challenges of learning at home. Whether you have made the switch to homeschooling or your child will be learning remotely through public school, you may find yourself and your child struggling with the change. The best advice I can give you is to put yourself in your child’s place.

The post At-Home Learning Tools appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Sticking it to Non-Stick: A Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware and Bakeware

Cindy Young — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 17:47:39 +0000

You do not need to use non-stick cookware. I have not owned a single non-stick pot or pan in thirteen years, when I decided to avoid non-stick coating at all costs. Why? Because it is full of pretty nasty stuff. Toxic chemicals in non-stick coatings have been linked to cancer, birth defects and more. Read more for ways that I avoid non-stick coatings and for a shopping guide to safer bakeware and cookware options.

The post Sticking it to Non-Stick: A Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware and Bakeware appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Creating an Anxiety-Free Closet

onepartsunshine — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:47:30 +0000

My closet is not a comforting place. When I enter it, I am overcome with anxiety. The sheer volume of clothes is enough to put me into a state of panic. I am also overwhelmed by the piles of clothes that are one or two sizes too small for me; the bargain purchases that I wore once; and the poorly made and misshapen clothes that make me feel like staying at home when I wear them. I have read a plethora of literature about decluttering and why it is so important. So now is the time to clear the clutter from my closet and to replace those items with quality, sustainable clothing.

The post Creating an Anxiety-Free Closet appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Plastic-Free Coffee

onepartsunshine — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:35:08 +0000

If you are anything like me, you need a little boost in the morning, especially after a sleepless night with a cranky toddler. And the last thing you want to do is worry about scary stuff in your coffee. Conventional coffee makers and Keurig machines have a great deal of plastic in them. When you expose plastic to boiling hot water, the plastic degrades and releases toxins such as BPA and phthalates.

The post Plastic-Free Coffee appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Shopping Guide: Natural Deodorant for Men

onepartsunshine — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 00:35:00 +0000

After more than six years, I am still using my homemade deodorant, and I am still loving it! It is not an anti-perspirant, but it keeps the smell in check and it lasts all day. It even works to neutralize smells if you forgot to put it on in the morning. My husband, however, is not in love with my deodorant. So, I am on a mission to find a nice, "manly," natural deodorant for my husband. One that is free of nasty ingredients such aluminum and parabens. I've done some research and found the following options.

The post Shopping Guide: Natural Deodorant for Men appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Shopping Guide: Organic Women’s Underwear

onepartsunshine — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:20:04 +0000

For a woman, underwear is arguably the most important piece of clothing. The wrong pair of panties can contribute to yeast infections, UTIs (urinary tract infections), bacterial infections, bad odor, and even pain during intercourse. To avoid all of these unpleasantries, you need to be choosy about the type of underwear that you buy.

The post Shopping Guide: Organic Women’s Underwear appeared first on One Part Sunshine.

Give Your Kids a Tribe (instead of more stuff)

onepartsunshine — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 19:09:52 +0000

I have learned many important lessons during my eleven years as a parent. When you have to be somewhere, plan to leave at least 30 minutes early in order to get there on time. Embrace your kids' individual personalities instead of trying to fit them into a preconceived idea of the perfect child. Laugh at their nonsense knock-knock jokes. Put together that ocean puzzle with them for the thousandth time because you will regret not spending the time with them later. And give your children a tribe instead of more toys.

The post Give Your Kids a Tribe (instead of more stuff) appeared first on One Part Sunshine.