Mindful Momma

Treat Yourself to Something Green for Mother's Day!

As I've been oogling over some of the Mother's Day gift guides that have come my way, I've been wondering whether or not very many men actually end up seeing them. After all, many of theses guides are found on Mom-focused blogs and websites - places my husband certainly doesn't go for gift ideas.

Not that I'm complaining. My husband is actually really awesome about making Mother's Day special! But I got to thinking that maybe Mother's Day could be a day to justify buying or doing something special for yourself....as in scheduling a massage, treating yourself to a lunch out at your favorite cafe or even buying something you are coveting from one of those gift guides!

When I treat myself, it's usually with pampering body care products, fun shoes or pretty jewelry. Want to see what I'm dreaming of this Mother's Day?

Jewelry from the Andean Collection - made with tagua nuts, acai seeds and other eco-friendly materials:

Organic Skincare from Medicine Mama's Apothecary - Hand-crafted skin creams made with soothing honey, purifying propolis and moisturizing organic oils (get 10% off your order with code MothersDay):

A pair of sporty new shoes from Kigo - Minimalist style shoes made with recycled CYCLEPET fabric and PLUSfoam outsoles. Use discount code FORMOM for a 20% discount through 5/16/12:

 

Earrings from Etsy seller Kelly Johnston - made from vintage Lucite, crystal, metal and wood beads:

A sweet pair of summer sandals from Jambu - made with partially recycled outsoles and packaged in an awesome reusable box (perfect for Legos!):

A really nice facial soap from True Body - made with shea butter, Maurita Flexuosa fruit oil and other natural, sustainably derived oils:

Do you ever treat yourself for Mother's Day? What is your favorite gift to give yourself?

 

 

(Disclosure: I received free samples from Medicine Mama, Kigo, Jambu and True Body in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Green Kid Crafts to the Rescue!

Are you participating in National Screen Free Week? We are and our boys are not exactly happy about it. Fortunately, the weather has been nice so there has been lots out outside play time.

But when the complaints started up, I pulled out a craft set from Green Kid Crafts and we got busy making Pirate gear. Green Kid Crafts is a craft subscription company that delivers earth friendly crafts right to your door. For $19.95 a month you get a delivery with 3 craft projects every month. Each project comes complete with everything you need to make the project (except for scissors and glue). The materials are all non-toxic and sustainable. Many are repurposed or made with recycled content.

My 7 year old just loved the Pirate Loot kit!

He was especially thrilled with the money pouch and the homemade Pirate coins. We made a ton of them!

The crafts are geared toward kids ages 3 - 8 but even my 11 year old got in on the fun and I ended up making a money pouch for him too. So basically, this kit was the launching pad for hours of imaginary play. The TV, computer and iPad were temporarily forgotten! What's not to love about that?

What are your favorite crafts to make with your kids?

(Full disclosure: I was sent a sample of Green Kid Crafts in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Cool Eco Crafts on Pinterest

Are you a Pinterest fanatic yet? It's hard not to be when there are so many cool things to discover.

I've been getting a lot of visitors to my blog via Pinterest so I thought it would be nice to return the favor and share some of the blogs behind some of my favorite pins. These are from my Eco Crafts Pinterest board:

Zakka Life shares a fun coin purse made out of a yogurt lid. I have tons of fabric scraps and plenty of yogurt lids just waiting for a project like this. Wouldn't this be a fun gift for the kids to make for Grandma?

If this isn't the sweetest homemade craft ever, I don't know what is! Kristen from Bloesem Kids used stamps made from okra to create these hand-stamped gift tags. Now if I could only get my kids to eat the okra too!

This soda bottle jewelry stand is just brilliant! Jen from EPBOT even provides a tutorial so you can make one yourself! Since I don't typically buy bottles of soda myself, I'd have to go dig through someone else's recycling bin to get the bottles. I'm highly tempted.

Have you found any good eco craft ideas on Pinterest?

 (Images used with permission)

How to Make Homemade Soap Out of Soap Scraps {Tutorial}

Sometimes I think I'm a bit too frugal. I've been saving up soap scraps in a mesh bag for a couple years now, without a solid plan of what to do with them. Finally, when the bag was overflowing, I did some research and realized you could make new bars of soap out of old soap scraps. So I tried it and the results were.... interesting. My new soaps are perfectly usable but not quite as wonderful as I was expecting. Let's just say, I won't be giving them as gifts!

There doesn't seem to be one tried and true recipe for making new soap out of old soap. Just follow these simple steps and be prepared to wing it depending on the type and amount of soap bits you have.

Start with a bunch of soap scraps. The more the merrier!

Grate the soap bits with a cheese grater. Soft, glycerin based soaps will be easy to grate but some soaps are quite difficult to grate and produce more of a soap dust than soap flakes (cover your nose & mouth so you don't inhale any). Some of my soaps were so hard that I just broke them into bits instead of grating them.

Put the soap flakes in a microwave safe, glass container. Add a little bit of water - about 1 Tablespoon per cup of soap flakes (I did not measure mine). Keep in mind that the more water you add, the longer it will take your soap to dry in the mold. Microwave the mixture in about 30 second intervals. Mix after each time. In my case, the soap mixture never "melted" completely. There were still chunks of soap showing but everything got very soft and mushy.

As you can see from the photo below, I made two batches - one was smoother and one was more chunky. I actually like the chunky look because you can still see the colors from the different soaps. At this point you can add some essential oil scent if you would like. I added a lavender chamomile blend to one of my batches.

Spoon the soap mixture into your mold. I used muffin tins and I sprayed them with cooking spray first just to make sure the new soaps wouldn't stick. I've heard you can also use a bread pan and then cut the large soap into slices.

(This is not a pretty picture of my well worn muffin tin....)

Let your soaps dry out for a few days or even a week before you try to take them out of the mold. I was expecting my soaps to be a bit drier and more solid. Instead they are soft and will break apart easily if you try.

Like I said before, these "new" soaps are perfectly good but won't win any beauty contests. The pretty colors of the original soaps are largely gone and the resulting colors are a bit greyish. However, I've been using one in the bathroom and it works just fine! Next time though, instead of going to the effort of molding the soaps, I might just melt the scraps down and turn them into liquid hand soap or laundry soap.

Do you save soap scraps? What do you do with them?

 

(this post is linked up over at Your Green Resource)

On Being a Pack-Rat and Other Green & Healthy Things

Sometimes it's great to be a pack-rat. Like the other day, when I discovered these green glass bathroom accessories while "shopping in the basement". I had saved them from long ago, when our second floor bathroom was green (now it's blue). Don't they look good in my new third floor bathroom?

I just love reusing things! Meanwhile, I'm on a mission to clean out the clutter in our basement so we can finally empty out our storage space.

Blog Hopping

You've head of pink slime, but do you know about the woman behind the petition to ban pink slime from school lunches? Her name is Bettina and her blog is called The Lunch Tray. I took a peek around her site and here are my thoughts: she's a really good writer, she has a lot to say about nutrition and food choices and she shares some easy, kid-friendly recipe ideas. She's also got a lot of great links - be sure to check out her blogroll on the right hand side of her blog.

Going Greek

Have you tried Stonyfield's new YoKids Greek yogurt? It's organic, low-fat, high protein (6 grams per cup) and tastes like a cross between yogurt and pudding.  Stonyfield sent us samples and we gobbled them right up! :)

Pin of the Week

I haven't had much time to spend on Pinterest lately but since Easter is coming up, I want to share this great pin on making natural egg eye. Be sure to click through to the original post for the video tutorial with techniques and tips for really cool looking eggs like the ones in this photo.

Wishing you a green & healthy weekend!

Favorite Multi-Tasking Beauty Products

Multitasking. We all do it, for many different reasons. Here's a reason you might not have thought about: using products that have multiple purposes is better for the planet! It means you are buying less and reducing waste, two very important aspects of lowering your environmental footprint.

The beauty aisle is a great place to look for multitasking products. Next time you are shopping for personal care or cosmetics, look for a power product that can do the job of 2 or 3 individual products. Here are some of my personal faves:

Revolution Organics Beauty Balm

• This all-in-one beauty balm gives cheeks, lips, eyes and decolletage a healthy glow
• 100% natural, made with 85% certified organic ingredients
• Hydrating formula contains organic olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter and more
• Mineral-based pigments for natural color
• Buy it!

True North Organic Body Butter

• Softens skin from head to toe
• Reduces frizz and adds shine to hair
• Great deep conditioning treatment for hair
• 100% USDA organic
• A whipped blend of shea butter, coconut and other moisturizing oils
• Wonderful natural scents
• Buy it!

J.R. Watkins Soothing Baby Balm

• Not just for babies!
• Use as a boo-boo healer, a lip balm or a hand softener
• 100% natural ingredients including extra virgin olive oil and soothing camomile and calendula extracts
• Fragrance free
• Convenient stick makes it easy to take on-the-go
• Buy it!

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer

• Daily moisturizer with full spectrum, SPF 15 sun protection
• Made with at least 85% certified organic ingredients
• Organic fruit juice base is loaded with antioxidants, and phytonutrients for age-defying benefits
• Buy it!

What are your favorite multitasking beauty products?

 

(Full Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products in exchange for my honest opinion.)

DIY Necktie Bag Tutorial

 

Do you know anyone who still wears neckties other than your grandpa? I happen to love neckties (so many cool fabrics!), but sadly, they seem like a dying fashion trend. Here's a fun craft project to make with those long-forgotten neckties you still have lying around the house or the cool, vintage one you found at the thrift store. Just follow these simple steps to turn a necktie into a cute little bag for your cell phone, iPod or mad-money! (sewing machine not required)

Here's what you need:

Necktie

Coordinating thread

Velcro closure

Decorative cord for strap

Here's how to make it:

Step 1: Cut necktie at 13 inches from the wide end of the tie.

 

Step 2: Fold cut edge under 1/4" and then another 3/4".  Press and pin to secure. Hand-sew the bottom edge closed. This will create the channel for the strap.

 

Step 3: Open up a few inches of the center seam of the tie. This will make it easier to fit things inside the case. (You'll know what I mean when you look at the tie.)

Step 4: Fold the tie in half (wrong sides together) so the bottom edge reaches just below where the tie becomes a triangle. Using a slipstitch, hand sew the side seams through the top layers of fabric. Do not sew the front and back of the case together, or you will not be able to put anything inside!

 

 

Step 5: Add a Velcro closure (follow manufacturer's instructions).

 

 

Step 6: Thread cord through channel. Cut to desired length and sew together or secure with a knot. Hand sew the cord in place.

 

 

Have you ever made any crafts with old neckties?

(Note: This project was first published in my book, Practically Green: Your Guide to EcoFriendly Decision-Making. Check it out for even more green DIY ideas!)

Lessons from the Lorax: 5 Ways to Help Your Kids "Speak for the Trees"

Unless you are living on a different planet, you've probably heard that Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is coming to town. Everywhere I look, there's another advertisement or product endorsement mentioning it. The adaptation of the classic book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is about to hit theatres on March 2nd and I can't wait to see it!

When Universal Pictures asked me to be part of a 12 stop, Lorax inspired, blog tour, I was happy to oblige because there are so many lessons to be learned from this story, which manages to be both beloved and a little bit controversial at the same time.

 

 

The Movie

The Lorax, in typical Dr. Seuss style, is full of silly characters with even sillier names. From what I've seen in the trailer, it has huge appeal to both kids and adults alike. Still, it deals with a very serious, environmental topic - what will happen if we use up all the beauty in our wonderful world? I'm so glad to see this message being broadcast to a national audience. Let's hope people listen.

The Lesson

The lesson that stands out for me is that we must all do our part to preserve this beautiful planet we are so lucky to live on. I think it is critical to start at an early age, teaching kids to take responsibility for how they treat the earth. Help your kids "speak for the trees" by establishing eco-minded chores and actions like these:

Conserve water - Teach kids to turn off the water when brushing their teeth and to take shorter showers.

Save energy - Make kids responsible for turning off the lights when they leave the room. Show them how you lower the heat at night or when you leave the house.

Recycle - Let kids help sort the recycling (with supervision for younger kids) and take it out to the curb on recycling day.

Pick up trash - Get kids involved in community garbage pick-up events. Teach through example by picking up trash you see around your neighborhood and disposing of it properly.

Get in the garden - Involve your kids in growing something, whether it is a garden at home or a community plot; one tomato plant or a huge veggie patch!

The Blog Tour

Yesterday, my friend Lori from Groovy Green Livin shared her Lessons from the Lorax post.  After me, there are only 4 stops left, including Sommer at Green & Clean Mom tomorrow. Check out all the stops on the blog tour - each one has a different perspective!

2/20 New Green Mama

2/21 The Green Parent  

2/22 Eco Child’s Play

2/23 The Smart Mama  

2/24 My Plastic Free Life  

2/27Retro Housewife Goes Green

2/28 Groovy Green Livin

2/29 Mindful Momma

3/1 Green and Clean Mom

2/2 Moms Going Green Blog

2/3   Kitchen Stewardship

2/4 Nature Moms

Do you plan to see The Lorax movie? How do you teach your kids to "speak for the trees?"

(Full disclosure: I was compensated by Universal Pictures to write this post. All opinions are my own.)

 

LunchBots New Quad and Trio Containers

 

 

LunchBots stainless steel containers have been at the top of my lunch packing list for many years. Now this innovative little company has two new styles to add to their coffer of containers:  The Quad and the Trio. Both are perfect for when you want to pack a mix of healthy foods instead of one big sandwich.

Eco Strengths

• reusable
• plastic-free
• high-quality food grade stainless steel
• no toxic coatings or linings
• eliminates the need for plastic wrap or baggies

Fav Products

We have been testing out the Trio LunchBot and it is terrific! Crackers, cheese, trail mix or a hard boiled egg fit well in the square compartments and the long, skinny space is great for cucumber and carrot sticks or apple slices.

Second Thoughts?

At $20 each, it would be a bummer to lose one to the lunch fairy (like the sock fairy, only in the lunchroom.)

Sale!

Use coupon code MOMMA for 10% off and FREE SHIPPING on all items at LunchBots.com. Code good through 2/29/12. 

(Full disclosure: I received a free LunchBots Trio in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Free Your Sole with Nada Shoes

 

Have you ever run barefoot? By now you've probably at least heard of the barefoot running trend. It's not for everyone but some people swear it's better and easier on your body to run without the weight and barrier of shoes on your feet. Since most people don't really want to run barefoot in the streets or on rough terrain, companies have created shoes using minimal materials that simulate the barefoot experience while providing some protection for your tender little tootsies.

Nada shoes were designed for exactly this purpose. Nada shoes have an ultra-thin 6mm midsole and they weigh only 3.5 oz. The minimalist design claims to naturally strengthen your feet, improve posture and alignment and reduce the likelihood of injury in the long run.

 

Eco Strengths

This small company is pretty eco-progressive compared to most shoe manufacturers:

• 25% recycled rubber in the midsoles
• Recycled polyester mesh upper
• No toxic foams or adhesives used in manufacturing process
• Carrying bag made from recycled polyester
• Boxes made from 100% post consumer waste 
• Factory runs on 50% solar power

Fav Products

I am not much of a runner and I don't have a lot of interest in running barefoot, except maybe at the beach. Lucky for me, Nada makes two styles of shoes. The flagship running shoe is called the Nada but they also have a cute little ballet flat style called Zip for everyday use.

I've been wearing a pair of Zip shoes around the house. It's a perfect slipper substitute! Come warmer weather I will try wearing it on my walk over to the gym for yoga class or to the park with the kids.

Second Thoughts?

$75 to $85 a pair seems like a lot for such a minimal shoe. If I were an avid runner, I probably wouldn't hesitate but I might think twice to purchase a pair just for breezing about town.

Nada shoes are currently only available in women's styles.

Are you a barefoot runner? Have you ever tried a pair of minimalist shoes?

(Full Disclosure: I received a free pair of Nada shoes in exchange for my honest opinion.)