Mama Speaks

The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company

Waste of Paper

By now we should all know the benefits of recycling, right? If not, tsk, tsk you haven’t been paying attention and may I direct you over to our Green Speak archives? For the rest of us who are already lugging out our paper goods and plastic bottles to the curb each week and keeping our eye out for new products made from those recyclables, I’m sure even we can admit some things are better off with a one time life span. Let’s saaay poop for example, would probably be one thing that wouldn’t have many other uses aside from the occasional fertilizer. Or would it?  The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company is one of the few that had the foresight to see “want not, waste not” and scooped up elephant dung and turned it into boutique quality stationary.

The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company along with their impressive process can turn one elephant turd into about 10 of their beautiful and odorless – yes I double checked, journals [$11+]. The journals come in several jewel and earth tone colors and coordinate perfectly with their stationary. But check out their ready to give gift sets next time you’re looking for that hard to please person in your life. I’m sure we’ve all gifted a journal or two to the high school grad or the mom-to-be, it would be a nice alternative to give a gift and a conversation piece all in one that literally let nothing go to waste.

The cycle doesn’t stop there. With every purchase, The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company gives back to the elephants by donating a portion of the proceeds to elephant welfare and conservation. Recycling is something we should all give a crap about and fortunately elephants give a lot of it.

 

- Cara

Greenzapalooza

Mama Speaks will be heading out to Chicago's Grant Park this weekend to cover the amazing Lollapalooza and Kidzapalooza. There will be bands and fun and people galore but what there won't be is collateral damage to this planet of ours. Lollapalooza's
founder Perry Ferrall says, “When we make the effort to end global warming, we are in effect saving the world. There is not a single square foot of land that hasn't been adversely affected. Please join us in this noble and urgent cause. It is everyone's responsibility to return the world to her original health and beauty.” He's doing all he can to stick to his word.

The festival itself is walking the walk by running generators and light towers on biodiesel, working to make their office 100% carbon neutral, serving local, organically grown foods on paper with recycled/recyclable or combustible plates and paper products and banning people from passing out promotional paper products. Oh, you know the flyer pushers and the trail they leave.

Attendees can do their share by carpooling or using public transport as a means to arrive at the fest and you can also purchase carbon offset credits along with your ticket. The Lollapalooza BeGreen™ Fan Tag [$5] will offset 682lbs of co2 which is the equivalent of not driving 757 miles. The weather man promises some serious heat this weekend so bring along your own water bottle to refill or at the very least be sure to recycle and refill one purchased at the fest.

When it comes time to stock up on concert merch head over to Green Street to find vendors with eco-friendly apparel and goods and you can support Lollapalloza and the city of Chicago's pledge to Green together by taking the environmental pledge.

We'll be tweeting the days away so be sure to follow us if you aren't already and if you happen to be attending to be sure to let us know.

boob

Abreast Of The Rest

Maternity and nursing-wear is unfortunately known for not being of the trendiest sort, but every now and then I find a little treasure for those of us that appreciate smart design and luxurious fabrics with distinct functional features.

boob (what a name, I know!) is exactly that and then some, offering a collection of nursing and maternity clothes to suit every shape and style. Dresses and tops that accommodate a growing belly are their specialty, and they also flatter the motherly figure. The concept behind boob’s creation was due to every mother’s right to be able to nurse in comfort and style, and for the expectant mother to also be comfortable in clothes that will last longer than just nine months.

I’m admittedly in love with the Bubbles Tie-Back Dress, originally $125. Anything that looks like "normal" clothes instead of maternity usually has me smitten. The Single Button Hoodie, originally $90, makes me almost wish I had a little bit longer to go in my pregnancy so I could justify buying it for fall. But I have pieces in the breastfeeding collection like the Nursing Dress, originally $115, to look forward to. Go beyond just a nursing tank and plain tee and splurge a little. It's your right!

-Steph

Tiny Legacies

Necessary Luxury

Having to endure boring and uncomfortable convertible car seats is one of the many crosses our little sweeties have to bear.  Growing up is hard, so babes deserve a little pampering (more than the 24 hours a day attention they already get, of course). 

A snazzy car seat cover might seem a little indulgent, but one second of feeling how soft the Tiny Legacies car sear covers feel to the touch--and you quickly see how you can help your baby turn from sad prisoner to a happy passenger in no time. 

Tiny Legacies covers, especially the to-die-for stylish and chic BoHo Blossom pattern, are padded and-YES-even washable.  They may be a bit pricey [$76], but the snuggle factor alone makes these covers worth the investment.  My niece-ling is not a fan of the car, but I know every little bit we do to help her plight can make her rides more comfy.  We all gladly bend over backwards to make those pitiful eyes turn to giggles, and I know her BoHo Blossom is helping reach that goal.

-Arianne

Children's Organ Transplant Association

The Cause: Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA)

The Purpose: To help children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fund raising assistance and family support.

Be Informed: More than 90,000 US patients are currently waiting for solid organ transplants with up to 100,000 more searching for a cord blood, marrow or stem cell match. Each day about 74 people receive a transplant and each day about 17 people die waiting.

Get Involved: We urge you first and foremost to become a donor. You can become specifically involved with COTA by becoming a volunteer or making a donation.

Market Sling

To Market, To Market

Like their luxurious yet simple crib bedding, Serena & Lily's signature Market Sling [$129] is in a class of its own.

With delicate embroidery on 100% organic cotton, I'll wish you luck in choosing from the Grass/Marigold, Cloud/Petal, and the Flax/Sky Blue. The Market Sling is definitely a great first carrier as it has no buckles, straps, or rings to figure out. Just promise me you'll refer to the sizing chart for the proper fit. This is in both yours and your baby's best interest.

I'm definitely won over by smart packaging and design, so to say I fell in love with the Market Sling's box alone is an understatement. This makes it a perfect gift for an expecting friend- just add a bow. Or, since you certainly deserve it, treat yourself. It's like butter to touch, inside and out, pure bliss.

I admit that I am drawn to a baby carrier that is pretty, but remind you (and myself) that function does matter most of all. This type of one-piece sling must be worn correctly and in the right size. Then you can enjoy the pleasantries of wearing your baby close and looking absolutely stunning while doing it.

-Steph

Chiarakruza

I puffy pink heart...

I can't say enough about good, comfy clothes while pregnant- they are a requirement. But that does not mean you have to forgo fashion and class. There are such companies out there that cater to the expecting with fresh colors and styles, and most importantly, supreme comfort.

Chiarakruza (the name alone is fun and makes me hum La Cucaracha but anyway...) features stunning looks in silky smooth fabrics and shapes for the growing baby belly. I found my Sam Tee [$68] a perfect travel companion this past weekend as I jet-setted to chilly San Francisco. Not only did it fare quite well in my suitcase, it also kept me warm and stylish during a night out on the town. I absolutely love the length and fitted cuffs. And the biggest test of all- a good washing when I got home- has it still looking like it's never been worn.

This is not a time in your life to downplay those new Mama curves. Embrace your shape and still look like you're right off the pages of the latest fashion magazine. The Isabelle Jacket [$75] can dress up a tee or add spice to a mod dress. Everyone knows the importance of a good fitting pair of jeans no matter if you're having a baby or not. The Daniella Pant [$106] is a gift straight from heaven. And every Chiarakruza piece can function as perfect after-baby wear, too, without looking like after-baby wear.

It's no wonder Chiarakruza is a huge hit with celeb moms-to-be. Add some of the Chiarakruza collection to your closet and it is sure to be the celebrity of your own wardrobe.

Win it!
We're giving away a Sam Tee (winner's choice of size) to one lucky reader! To enter email, giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Sam as your subject and let us know the name of Chiarakruza's founder. Deadline is 07.29.08

-Steph

Recycline Preserve

Preserve Your Teeth

Here at Mama Speaks we love to bring you products that are functional, that help--not hurt the planet, and of course that look fabulous in every way.  It's not always easy to find such products, but the more we as consumers demand them, the more and more these items will be created for us. 

Everything from my couch to my kitchen bowls is bought with thought, and I am careful to put my money towards companies I can stand behind.  This is why I was excited to try out Preserve toothbrushes.  A company that creates all of their beautiful items from recycled plastic--plastic that used to be a Stonyfield Farms yogurt cup!  Each preserve item is beautifully and colorfully made, so I hoped the toothbrush met the "functional" requirement that I set to each item that enters my home. 

These toothbrushes did not disappoint.  They are curved to reach every inch of pearly white, and the bristles are soft enough to keep this mama's sensitive gums from crying out.  They come in so many cute colors that I can pick a different one each time the old wears out. 

And what to do when that toothbrush hits the expiration date you've set?  We've all been told to replace our toothbrushes every three months or so, and you can sign up to Preserve's subscription plan to make sure you never miss a beat in getting that new toothbrush when you need it.  Also, don't throw away the old one!  You can print out a postage-paid envelope and send in your old Preserve items, including the toothbrushes, tongue cleaners and razors.  Save up a few of those before sending to save on paper and fuel.  The items are ground down and turned into plastic lumbar for park benches, decks and more.

You can find Preserve toothbrushes at Target for cheap [$2], and the rest of the Recycline family of products at various other retail stores.  Go here to get a coupon to save you even more.

-Arianne

Baby Be Mine Maternity

Accentuate That Bump

This has been one of the best fashion seasons to be pregnant. Empire waists and full styles are in, as well as fitted looks to hug your growing belly. Show it off, I say. And I do.

I love when I can stretch my maternity wardrobe by wearing my non-maternity tops- thanks to the cleverly invented belly band. Baby Be Mine Maternity has one of the best selections I've seen of Belly Bands. These bands are worn around your baby belly and underneath your favorite shirt. If the shirt is a little short, all the better so that you can see your fashionable band. And if your pants are a little big or low, the bands cover you there, too.

I think at least a couple Belly Bands are an absolute necessity, and I'm all over the Bamboo Black [$24] as it is naturally breathable and made from actual bamboo. Have fun with other styles and patterns like the black, white, & red floral Jolie Fleur [$22] or make people guess with a big Question Mark [$22] in white or black.

Baby Be Mine Maternity Belly Bands are available in sizes one to four. Consult the sizing chart for your best fit. And hang on to your bands for a while after baby is here. They are the perfect way to transition from maternity to regular clothes again, and awesome for covering a postpartum belly while nursing. That's a band I'm all about joining.

Win it!
We're giving a way a Bamboo Black band (size 1)! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Be Mine as your subject. Giveaway ends 07.27.08

-Steph

Green Speaks--Kiwi Magazine

More Green For Your Life

In our quest to be a little more green every day, it always helps to find more information on how to get there, without breaking the bank. 

Kiwi Magazine is dedicated to helping you have a healthy family that has an eye on our planet's future.  They feature articles in every category from healthy kids recipes to ideas for cleaning up the planet.  They even have a huge section of printable puzzles and games for your kids to enjoy.

Kiwi Magazine got their name from the obvious:  the sweet and invigorating, and of course GREEN, fruit--the kiwi.  The people behind the magazine even have a blog that they update regularly.  Try out Kiwi Magazine and I know you'll welcome it into your reading.

Win it!

We're giving away a one year subscription to Kiwi Magazine!  To enter email, giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Kiwi as your subject. Let us know where the kiwi fruit comes from. Deadline is 07.25.08.