Mama Speaks

Green Toys

We're Going Green! And Plastic?

Before our babe was even born my husband and I vowed to keep our toy purchases tame. No flashing lights or crazy sounds, just simple open ended fun. In that vein, we try to stick to wooden toys whenever possible. While it's almost always possible to find a wooden alternative there are certain toys that, as much as I cringe to say it, work better when plastic. And as summer approaches I'm running into that group of playthings more and more.

The almighty sand bucket and it's shovel, sifter, rake cohorts are ALWAYS plastic. Cheap, flimsy, painted, foreign plastic. Ok, so I have seen a sand set or two featuring metal tipped, wood handled tools, but I'm not alright with possible weapons mixed with toddler impulse control. Definitely not ok with that. If you're with me, I am happy to report that FINALLY we have found a Sand Play Set that while plastic, is safe, and green and local!

Enter Green Toys (swooning goes here), all of their products are made in California, USA from recycled plastic milk jugs. So you drink and toss, they grab and reprocess that bulk of HDPE (high-density polyethylene - considered one of the cleanest, safest plastics around) into amazingly cool play things. The current line up of Sand, Tea, Cooking and Dining Sets and Indoor Gardening kit [$20-$40] are all made with out ANY traces of Phthalates or BPA and there is no exterior paint or coating eliminating lead worries. Of course a company this amazing also thinks about how the product gets to you. As a result, all toys are packaged in corrugated cardboard that is 100% recyclable and free from any plastics, ties or cellophane.  I should also add that these aren't flimsy throw aways, our sand bucket is one of the thickest I've come across and the shovel is sturdy enough to stand up to some serious hard labor, err, sand castle-ing.

So, the next time one of the relatives insists that plastic toys are just fine, because you sucked on them for years and turned out ok, you can agree and then give them a nice little intro to Green.

Win it!
We're giving away one Green Toys set of winners choosing. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Green Toys as your subject. Let us know which is your favorite and get it in by midnight April 30.

Thomas Paul Melamine

Dish It Up
 

Can you be in love with a dinner plate? Yes, you can. Practicality meets fashion in dinnerware with the Thomas Paul melamine collection. These complementary dishes are all about the personality, and not about the matchy matchy. Behind dark cabinets no more-you’ll rethink just where you store your plates, because these belong on display. A perfect hostess gift or treat for yourself- just when is the last time you gave your dinner table a makeover?
 

Available in dessert or dinner plate sets of four [$28, $36]. Sturdy and fun, the Thomas Paul melamine collection is also a big hit with the kids. Each plate is a different pattern and color, so everyone gets to be unique. Hide them in the dishwasher if you must as they are dishwasher safe, but these dishes, my friends, are even a delight to hand wash.

Thomas Paul goes beyond your cupboards and also offers wall art, rugs, and pillows to accent your home with fresh but classic colors and styles. It’s retro for the retro and modern for the modern. Each creation and design opens itself for interpretation by the decorator. This is how you can fall in love with even a dinner plate…

-Steph

Robeez Weekend

Everybody's Walking For The Weekend

The weekends are for sleeping in (yeah right), breakfast in bed (still waiting) and frolicking on the beach (only with earmuffs, here).  This kind of fun needs rockin shoes, even for the littlest of feet, and we've been loving the new Robeez Weekend [$28] line of soft-soled shoes.  Barefoot is best for walkers-in-training, but when doing the training outside it's good to cover their toesies with something soft soled. 

Most of us have seen or owned Robeez, I'm sure, but these new weekenders have a new look.  There's a white sole, tab at the heel and striped elastic that makes them look like those slip on basics of yesteryear (hint: rhymes with "mans").  Just like regular Robeez, the weekend style stays put on tiny heels, and the solid colors will go with pretty much every outfit.  While you slip on your "mans", let baby slip on the Robeez Weekends and head outside to test those walking skills.

Win it!
We have to pairs of Robeez Weekend shoes for our readers! (winners choice of size and color) To enter, email giveaways(at)mamaspeaks.com by midnight April 29 with Weekend as your subject.

-Arianne

Seek and You Shall Find

Our Mama Search is officially a wrap and we are happy to report, it was a huge success! We sent out 260 applications and received 76 back by our deadline (and another 30 or so after- sorry ladies!).

After pouring over them all and some careful consideration we have found two amazing mamas to join our team! We'll offer some official introductions in the coming week but we promise you'll love them as much as we do.

Thanks to all who applied!

MetroMamma Wrap

It’s All About The Bling Sling
    

There’s yet to be another wrap to come my way that is as luxurious and classy as the MetroMamma MetroWrap. It’s like your favorite tee shirt and best going out accessory all in one. You’ll not only want to wrap your baby right up in it, but you’ll be covering yourself up with this sleek, unique fabric, too.
 

Wrap carriers are so simple- just one really long piece of fabric!- but they are a little overwhelming your first couple times. It doesn’t take long at all to be wrapping your little burrito like a pro, and the MetroWrap shines above any other I’ve tried.
 

I’m honestly having a hard time choosing my favorite features… the four colors available are subtle and stylish. Select from Manhattan Black, San Francisco Chocolate, Savannah Rose, or Seattle Sage. The Original MetroWrap [$80] will accent every wardrobe, and since it is completely adjustable, it will also compliment all figures and curves.
   

For those of us with a bit more sparkly of characters, opt for one of the five Bling MetroWraps [$130] to showcase your personality. Hardcore Mamas must have the Angel Wings (and let’s face it, I’m not what you’d call hardcore and I so want that Angel Wings bling), and whether you’re the queen or your little one is the princess, the Crown bling design will be sure everyone knows you are royalty. But most importantly, every MetroWrap follows the two key rules in babywearing: keeping baby secure and keeping Mama in fashion.

Win it!
We're giving away a wrap from MetroMamma! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Metro as your subject and let us know which wrap is your favorite. Giveaway ends April 26, 2008.
 

-Steph 

My Royal Heinie

For Your Royal Heinie.

My husband's worst fear is that I'm going to ask him to get something out of the diaper bag for me. It's in serious need of organizational help. He gets a little frustrated with the diapers  and the wipes just threw in amongst everything else. My Royal Heinie [$38] has truly made the best out of my diaper bag. Now instead of scurrying and rummaging through the bag in need of a wipe, I just grab the Royal Heinie which has a "unique, patent-pending, built-in smart wipes™ dispenser."  Ingenious. All my diaper necessities: diapers, wipes, ointments, can all fit nicely into the Royal Heinie.

The strap can be adjusted to fit your needs. It can be made into a shoulder strap, or just a small loop for hanging on your stroller. It's perfect for a quick trip to the restroom while at the mall. It truly is just grab and go. Now when we're out, my husband's blood pressure doesn't have to elevate on account of my poor diaper bagging skills. He just has to reach in, pick up the Royal Heinie and everything he needs is conveniently together in one stylish bag.

Chesapeake Ribbons

Just Cinch It

So often, cute belts for kids are overlooked by clothing designers or made but are too bulky and fussy. We've had one childs' belt (just one!) in our house for years, and it's been handed down the brother-line just because it's the only belt I could ever find that was funky and functional.  It's orange (yet worn all the time despite the lack of matching) and the ribbon/D-ring style that we all love.  I have yet to find another belt for my boys that was worth the money or the fuss--until now.

Meet Chesapeake Ribbons, the brain-child of a regular stay-at-home mom looking to fill a void in the hair ribbon and ribbon belt arenas.  Chesapeake Ribbon belts are made really well and are fun enough to be a gift for a friend or a special item for your little one in need of some cinching.  No shocker here--our personal favorite is the Black Skulls [$12-14], or as my son calls it, the "pirate belt".   Perusing the other styles, you'll find something for everyone.  The simple yet classic child, the preppy child, the sporty child, the one of a kind child (custom make your belt!) and of course the emo child.  In case you were starting to covet a belt for yourself, you can also find these adult sizes.  Go ahead and turn this little fashion accessory into a fashion statement, and I'll even look the other way while you and your child wear matching belts at the next playgroup.  At least they'll be cool.

Want it?
Enter mamaspeaks at checkout for 20% off your order through 10.31.08

-Arianne

Mama Search Countdown

Just a reminder that all applications for our Mama Search need to be in our inbox by midnight April 23.

Earth Day 2008: Simply Green

What is Earth Day? 
Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities.  Since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world for us all.

Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in Earth Day Network campaigns every year, and we at Mama Speaks are thrilled to give you our take on this massively important day.

Where to begin?

The first place to start bringing the heart and soul of Earth Day back to your family is by taking an overview of your lifestyle. Author Sophie Uliano has written the book Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly LIfe to help with just that--lifestyle change.  Gorgeously Green is practically the bible on green living for women who are new or veteran to the eco-conscious way of living.  You'll find ideas for your beauty, body and bungalow, and that's just scratching the surface.  There's a handy checklist to see where you fall in your green living ways that is very helpful in really evaluating what you can and cannot change.  I love Sophie's commitment to "simple", as I have a hard time committing to green principles that aren't also simple.  The book is full of ideas and resources, and I think that it's a must-have for new eco moms-in-training.

Want to get in on the action?

There are many ways you can get involved. Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event where you live. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. The possibilities are endless! Do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.  You can go here to see the Earth Day 2008 Calendar (even though a lot of events were held over the weekend, there are still plenty of things to attend, so be sure to check it out!) and find out where to head first.  Also, the peeps at We Add Up are starting a revolution of awareness with the idea that "no one can do everything, but everyone can do something". Using organic cotton tees, they've come up with a fun and immediate way for each of us to get "counted" in the fight for our Earth.  Go to Wee Add Up to get your own number hand printed on a tee, or on a tote saying "Neither" (as in, "Paper or plastic?  Neither."), and help show the world that each of our choices really do add up.

A fun and easy change to make at home is getting rid of the plastic bags.  We are a big fan of reusable bags, having reviewed several here at Mama Speaks.  The latest we've added to our reusable family is Hero Bags. Not only are they made from recycled cotton and come in a large and medium sizes [$15-17], Hero Bags has also come out with a kicky little Mini Hero [$16.50] that you are sure to find irresistible.  Perfect as a lunch bag, the Mini Hero also became the perfect reusable companion for my kids while we're out and about.  I swoon over Hero Bags' simple and funky angel wing logo, and have happily added them to our growing collection.

We all know that breast is best for it's health benefits and it's the most environmentally sound as well. But if you're reaching for a bottle we have one safe and sound for you. With all the fuss in the news about toxic plastics, it's a good idea to focus on which plastic products we CAN bring home to the kids.  Green To Grow has come out with a line of BPA-free plastic baby bottles [$8-11] that are as cute as they are healthy.  Made from PES plastic, these bottles have a natural golden color to them that we simply love.  We work to make sure what's going into our babies is safe, so it's important to take that concept all the way and ensure a safe bottle to boot.

Not only is it crucial what we put IN our bodies, but also what we put ON our bodies.  Most of the creams, body butters and lotions on the market today are full of chemically laden fragrances, a disturbing amount of alcohol, and many other frightening and unnecessary fillers.  We're big fans of all natural body skin care that actually works, and one of our favorite's can be found on Etsy.  FlipFlopMamma has created her own perfect blend of ingredients to make some seriously soft and delicious body creams.  My favorite, the cookie dough scented Bee Good To Your Body Butter [$12.50] leaves me in a predicament of whether or not to eat it or put it on my skin.

As you can tell, we really care about your health and the health of our planet, which is why we review scores of green products and run weekly green speak features to give you the low down on what's good and what's not.  Also, our friends at Ideal Bite offer fresh, down to Earth green living ideas in "bite-size" servings--right in your inbox.  You'll love the easy and simple ways they think of to explain and encourage us all to live healthy and guilt-free.  Go here to sign up for their daily newsletter.

Enjoy Earth day, and remember that even one change can make a difference!

Want it?
15% off with Green to Grow with code mamaspeaks.
20% off the Mini Hero tote with code mamaspeaks.
10% at We Add Up with code earthday.

Win it!
We're giving away Bee Good to Your Body Butter, a We Add Up tee, and a copy of Gorgeously Green! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Earth Day as your subject. Let us know which prize you'd like and share on thing your family is doing to be a little more green this year, you may enter up to 3 times, once for each prize. Giveaway ends April 22.

-Arianne

Mother's Day Mama Speaks Style