Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• There’s a Healthy Child Healthy World virtual party happening at And That’s All I’ve Got to Say About That. Check it out!
• Natural as Possible Mom has two kids that sleep great—and she shares how yours can, too.
• Do you apologize to your kids? Parenting By Trial and Error does, and she explains why.
• Yum! ReadyMom’s Best Ever Banana Muffins look delicious.
• Want to get creative with this year’s holiday cards? Try Origami Mommy’s easy tutorial for a pretty, flowery option.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Next time you need a wholesome way to distract your toddler for a few minutes, click here.

This adorable title from Barefoot Books has a catchy song to go with it, sung by the popular SteveSongs from PBS. And psst, it’s even educational—your kid will be counting pigs and cows with the farmer as he drives that tractor all around the farm. You may get the “drivin’ my tractor down a bumpy road” melody stuck in your head, but it’s so upbeat and sweet, you won’t even mind. And if you and your kid fall in love with this bouncy tune, you can buy the book and CD straight from Barefoot Books.

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Crunchy Domestic Goddess grapples with BPA in canned goods, and says it might be time to cook her own beans.
• Any mom with more than one kid is knows all about sibling rivalry—but what about with twins? Here’s what The Bean Blog has to say.
• Wow! Waldorf Mama’s photos capture the beauty of autumn.
• It’s the simple things that count: Muthering Heights finds joy in the everyday.
• Mom Goes Green says gather your bottles and cans! November 15th is America Recycles Day.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Pampers disposables give babies a better night’s sleep than cloth diapers? We’re not sure we believe it, and neither is The Cloth Diaper Blog.
• Green & Clean Mom has the tools to help your family get through cold and flu season—naturally.
• The Soft Landing Blog explains whether or not it’s safe to wash plastics in the dishwasher.
• Ever wonder what it’s like to homeschool? Renaissance Mama answers your questions.
• This Mama Makes Stuff gives us some crafty inspiration in the form of a homemade infant wrap dress.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Pink and Blue Avenue shares easy, DIY baby food recipes like apple cabbage or green beans, collards, and rice.
• Halloween is just around the corner, and The Full Mommy has trick-or-treating safety tips.
• Flu season in full swing, but A Mama’s Blog wonders about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine.
• Is your kid a daredevil? You’re not alone, says TeachingMommy.
• SafeMama shares her pick for (adorable) PVC-free rain gear for kids.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Looking for another way to preserve fall fruit? NatureMoms says try dehydrating!
• More about meat: Why families should choose organic beef, according to Annie’s Organic Baby.
• Fruit flies are annoying, but EnviroMom knows an easy way to banish them from your house.
• Out of the Crayon Box shows how easy it is to make a DIY play kitchen—out of an old nightstand!
• Looking for a fun costume idea to enter in our DIY Halloween costume contest? Try Helping Little Hands‘ poodle outfit.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Heather at A Mama’s Blog is training for the Komen Denver Race for the Cure.
• Feeling foggy? Learn the top three ways to get energized at Mom On The Run.
• GeekyMomma gets back to teaching, and notices that while the kids have stayed the same, other things at school have changed.
• How do you know an item you’re buying is really green? Tree Hugging Family shares their criteria for green product reviews.
• A new way to use pumpkin: Kingdom Twindom shares her method for pumpkin pie puffs.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Have you heard about the new eco-conscious documentary, My Toxic Baby? Directed by mom Min Sook Lee, it chronicles her journey to find safe, sane, and affordable ways to raise her child in a world full of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Motivated by baby care products that she describes as a “mountain of stuff [that] seemed so completely unnecessary”, Lee sought to share her parenting journey with others in an attempt to let moms and dads know about the healthy, chemical-free alternatives that exist.

My Toxic Baby recently made it’s debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, though there’s no word about future premieres. However, you can learn more about the documentary—and even order a copy—at mytoxicbaby.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Are you a city mom or a country mom? Being the latter, BusyMom discusses her fascination with life in New York and Chicago.
• We found out from Wisconsin Mommy that September 23rd was National Family Game Night. Perhaps a little late, but who says your family game night can’t be September 28th instead?
• Petite Planet recounts the childhood pleasure of hanging out under the kitchen table, and links to some cool photos, too!
• How to get your kid to like broccoli? The Mom Slant explains why she doesn’t buy branded character foods for her family.
• Mom-101 recalls her own ballet experience when taking her daughter to her first class.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Life transitions of all kinds can be tough for kids and grown-ups alike. The Tranquil Parent finds wisdom in the words of Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne.
• On our quest to always be a little greener, Pure Mothers asks: Can environmentalism go too far?
• Mama-Om documents her son’s experience with the giant octopus tree. Talk about kids exploring nature!
• Caught up in the Swine Flu scare? Mom Go Green shares tips to keep your kids safe.
• Via Green Me: Due to the recent BPA controversy, Patagonia has terminated their relationship with SIGG.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Are peaches still available at your local farmer’s market? If so, try canning some of them for the winter with this tutorial from Naturally Knocked Up.
• The Tranquil Parent encourages moms and dads to check your child’s car seat to make sure it’s properly installed.
• Next time you have an opportunity to take a relaxing bath, try Frugal Granola’s recipe for Mama’s Passion Bath Salt.
• Make and Takes says you can  preserve family memories by  encouraging your kids to journal.
• Slowly but surely, cities are providing curbside composting. Learn about it at Green Mama’s Pad.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Trying to cut back on grocery bills? See how Melanie of My Little Patch of Sunshine does it.
• Crunchy Domestic Goddess is encouraging families to reduce their impacts on the planet with the Ditch the Disposables Challenge 2009.
• Apple season is upon us, and GreenStyleMom takes her kids to pick their own. Fun!
• Tree Hugging Family knows greening your trash bags isn’t the most exciting thing–but it’s still important.
• Ever thought about how the color pink affects gender cues? PhD in Parenting makes some interesting points.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Too many tomatoes? The Green Baby Guide has ideas on how to use them!
• Nature Moms Blog says kids in the city need adventures, too–and she’s got some great suggestions!
• PrairieMama copes with her little one’s first day of kindergarten.
• Learn how to stop procrastinating and get more done with tips from The Tranquil Parent.
• What are you grateful for? Waldorf Mama gives thanks on Gratitude Friday.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Funny stories of the last week of summer from Green Kiddos.
• On our never-ending quest to live more earth-friendly, Green & Clean Mom reminds us that we’re only human.
• Chicky Chicky Baby realizes her kids won’t be kids forever.
• Crafty projects like felt toys and cute skirts, from Nested.
• According to The Green Mom Review, SIGG’s reusable bottles for kids do contain BPA.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

With earlier bedtimes and wake-ups, homework assignments, and busy schedules, going from lazy summer to regimented autumn can sometimes be tough on kids. Instead of making an abrupt switch, use the next few weeks (or days, depending on when school starts in your area!) to create a gradual transition to the new school year with these ideas:

• Start the conversation. Begin talking about the upcoming school year as a family. What are your kids most excited about? What are some of their goals?
• Complete summer reading assignments. Since middle and high school students usually have to read novels, they’ve probably long since created a long-term plan. Younger kids can get away with reading their shorter assignments the night before–but why wait? Tackle summer reading now, and discuss the material together.
• Reinstate routine. Part of summer’s charm is that routine often flies out the window. However, now is the time to get your little one used to the idea of the school year schedule, so gradually reinstate earlier bedtimes and wake-ups.
• Give them something to be excited about. It can be something as simple as a new lunchbox or colored pencil set, but kids will be excited about new school gear if they get to pick it out.

For more back-to-school resources, including greening your school and healthy school lunches, check out kiwimagonline.com/backtoschool.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffter

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• PrairieMama’s friend, Joe Heywood, guest blogs about the importance of attunement, and how it can improve parent-child relationships.
• Read one mom’s thoughts about the benefits of breastmilk over cow’s milk, then check out how others weigh in with the Breastfeeding Carnival at Pure Mothers.
• So simple (and fun!), why didn’t we think of this? This Mama Makes Stuff does homemade bread with cookie cutters.
• You’ve tried cloth diapers, but what about cloth wipes? Learn how to make them work for you at the Cloth Diaper Blog.
• Living green definitely goes hand in hand with saving money. A lot of us are pinching pennies now, but the Green Baby Guide wants to know: were you frugal before the recession?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Today we’re talking with Micaela Preston, a stay-at-home mom of two living in Minneapolis, MN. Her blog, Mindful Momma, focuses on sharing advice for “living green without going broke”.

First, tell us a little bit about yourself: Where do you live? How old are your kids? What sorts of things does your family enjoy doing together?

I live in Minneapolis, MN, which is the GREATEST CITY EVER in the spring, summer and fall.  Winter?  Not so much.

My husband John and I have two boys - Drew is 9 years old and going into 4th grade and Liam is 4 1/2 but everyone thinks he is 6 because he is so tall.

Minneapolis is full of bike trails and one of our favorite activities is to go on family bike rides.  We started our kids on bike rides at an early age - using a hand-me-down Burley bike trailer and then later graduated to a trail-a-bike attachment (found one cheap at a garage sale!) and then of course to biking on their own.   I highly recommend biking as a great outdoor activity for any family!

What motivated you to create Mindful Momma?

I started my blog about 3 years ago and there’s an interesting story behind it.  We used to belong to Costco and I got in the (bad) habit of buying bottled water by the case…because it was cheap!  When I finally realized just how wasteful that was, I went to REI and bought fancy, plastic reusable water bottles for the whole family…and vowed to stop buying bottled water.  Only weeks later, I read an article about BPA in polycarbonate plastic bottles and realized that was the type we were using.  I was SO frustrated!!  I had only recently discovered the blog medium and was instantly hooked on the conversational style used in blog posts….so I decided to start my own blog about my adventures in living a green & healthy life with my family.  I had absolutely no idea where it would lead me…

(more…)

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Crunchy Domestic Goddess warns moms to be wary of greenwashing when it comes to packing school lunches–ditch the organic Oreos in favor of homemade granola bars!
• Check out The Artful Parent’s creative take on watercolors, which sounds like a great rainy-day activity.
• Learn all about the health benefits of wheatgrass, plus how to grow it at home from Earth Mama.
• Slugs on the Refrigerator takes some time to step out of her family’s pattern of busy-ness.
• PhD in Parenting calls for more flexible parenting and maternity leave.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Packing lunch is easy when you’ve got your own garden! Crunchy Domestic Goddess muses over her homegrown cucumbers.
• Muthering Heights is looking for natural colic remedies. Share your advice!
• Ever have a hard time remembering whether or not you turned off the oven upon leaving the house? Locked the front door? Boost your memory power with a simple tip from The Tranquil Parent.
• Tree Hugging Family discusses the benefits of green curriculum in schools. Teach ‘em while they’re young!
• The new school year is just around the corner! Get ready with Non-Toxic Kids’ eco-friendly back to school guide.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Looking for earth-friendly ways to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay? Check out Pink and Blue Avenue’s all-natural ideas.
• Gift of Green turns popsicle sticks into decorative Countdown Sticks, so your family can count down til the Next Big Thing that’s going on.
• You’ve considered cloth diapers, but what about cloth baby wipes? Read all about them at Green Baby Guide.
• EnviroMom weighs in on making climate change part of the curriculum for high schoolers.
• Looking for a summer treat to help you cool off? Try The Green Parent’s mouth-watering recipe for Blackberry Chocolate Frozen Yogurt.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Did you know you can recycle drinking straws? What about envelopes with plastic windows? Change Becomes Change has a list of recycle-friendly items that may surprise you.
• Mommy’s Favorite Things helps us sort out all our eco-laundry questions.
• It’s Money-Saving Monday over at My Little Patch of Sunshine. Find out how business loyalty cards can help your budget.
• Eco Women has compiled a whole list of resources for moms looking to be greener, with links regarding everything from car seats to strollers to healthy toys.
• Read all about one mom’s experience with potty training bootcamp at Green Kiddos.

Also, we want more of your blogs! We got a great response on last week’s post, but KiwiLog is still looking for more mom blogs to feature in our blogroll. Please share your links!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

As a parent, you jump through hoops to find the safest cribs, carriers, strollers, and changing tables for your little bundle of joy, but unfortunately, these items don’t usually come with ingredient labels. Many child products are made with fire retardants, which contain toxic chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Exposure to PBDEs have been linked to health problems including cancer, birth defects, hyperactivity, and reproductive disorders.

Last month, the California Senate proposed a bill to ban fire retardant chemicals on kids’ products. California is currently the only state in the nation that requires these items be fire retarded. Unfortunately, the cheapest way for manufacturers to comply with this law is to make all products according to California standards. So whether that baby crib is going to New Jersey or to California, it’s going to contain fire retardants.

If the bill passes in California, it’s likely that manufacturers will stop adding the fire retardants to products, making the whole nation a bit safer.

Won’t the ban on fire retardants mean that kids will be in danger of fire? Not exactly. Even if a fire retardant product were to catch fire, it’s still not fireproof; the retardant only offers six to 12 seconds of flame resistance. Still, if you feel more comfortable buying a fireproof product, go the natural route. Many baby mattresses are made with wool, which is naturally fire retardant, and there are also products made with naturally flame resistant cotton fibers.

-Stephanie Hacker, editorial intern

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Calling all crafty moms! Origami Mommy shares a tutorial for DIY baby booties.
• Confessions of a Mean Mommy discusses the pleasures of a few camp-free weeks of summer with her boys.
• With new outbreaks and recalls being announced so frequently as of late, Mindful Momma’s post on the importance of food safety couldn’t come at a better time!
• Plastic, plastic, everywhere. Learn about what drinking straws are made of, as well as some alternative options, courtesy of The Soft Landing blog.
• Renaissance Mama chronicles her family’s experience of an all-American summer activity–blueberry picking.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Are you a tea fan? Tree Hugging Family reviews Earth Mama Angel Baby’s organic Mama-To-Be tea sampler (thumbs up!), and holds a tea sampler giveaway.
• Lots of us have been experiencing never-ending rain, clouds, and cool temperatures. Beat the summer gloomies by looking on the bright side with Secret Mom Thoughts.
• Pure Mothers serve up an environmentally-responsible slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.
• If you’ve yet to do any berry picking this year, GreenStyleMom’s experience will inspire you.
• Mindful Momma admits it–you can’t be 100% green 100$ of the time! Check out the eco-confessional.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Muthering Heights marvels at her daughter’s growing sense of curiousity about the world around her.
• Just in time for Father’s Day: The Green Mom Review talks earth-friendly shave gel for dad.
• Got any birthdays coming up? Try this yummy carrot cake recipe, courtesy of Thrifty Mom to Three Boys.
• Kingdom Twindom shares her experience with natural oatmeal baths for baby.
• Balloons are festive, but they’re no party for the environment. Learn why at Mom Goes Green.
• Enviromom beautifies her pantry with earth-friendly shelf paper.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, help Heart Gallery Philadelphia promote adoption awareness on June 20th with its Fourth Annual Gala exhibit. On display at the Please Touch Museum during the month of July, the exhibit features portraits of 30 foster children awaiting adoption in the Philadelphia area. The Heart Gallery seeks for the exhibit to raise awareness for the need of adoptive families through providing a face and voice to some of the children in the area looking for their “forever family.”

To learn more, visit heartgalleryphiladelphia.org.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Looking for some quotable inspiration? Sweet Serendipity has some kid-related words of wisdom.
• Green Kiddos has the scoop on cloth diapering 101.
• Mothering Nature borrows a hilarious tradition called Not Me Monday. Just read it!
• Get ready for Father’s Day with some dad appreciation, courtesy of The Bean Blog.
• Cut yourself some slack! The Tranquil Parent tells how to give yourself a break.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• EnviroMom made compost! What about you?
• Got an old cell phone you’re looking to get rid of? The Clothesline tells you how.
• If you live in Northern California, check out The Green Parent’s guide highlighting local, earth-friendly stores, markets, forums, and events.
• Tree Hugging Family compiles a great list of eco education websites for kids and teens.
• More news on the dangers of BPA, courtesy of The Smart Mama.

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Fun, summer family moments abound in SouleMama’s photograph post.  Think rhubarb pie, dandelions, and puppet shows!
• A timely topic: PhD in Parenting talks about explaining the recession and teaching financial literacy to kids.
• Curious about the world of homeschooling?  Learn about the curriculum of a 4th grader via Renaissance Mama.
• Mothering Nature imperfectly comes to term with imperfections.
• Looking for a good morel recipe?  Mindful Momma has you covered with Asparagus and Morel Bread Pudding.

-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Curious about the meanings behind different eco certification labels?  Tree Hugging Family breaks it down.
• The Tranquil Parent explains how to host a clothing swap–perfect for families on a budget!
• Mom Goes Green reflects on the massive amount of plastic we use in our lifetimes.
• Eating locally and sustainably is important, and there’s no better time to do it than the spring and summer.  If you’re not yet a believer, let Green SAHM convince you.
• Cloth Diaper Blog discusses the merits of swim diapers.

-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• With summer fast approaching, it may be time for you to check out some camps for your little ones.  A Little Bliss helps parents in their summer camp search.
• What are you putting off?  The Bean Blog shares why procrastination is bad for your health.
• When it comes to children reading, the earlier the better.  Great Books 4 Kids shares some cool reads that will teach your kids all about knights and castles.
• Mommy in Pink has got Mother’s Day covered with gift ideas and giveaways. May 10th is just around the corner!
• In The Mommy Trenches has recipes for the moms on-the-go.  Kid- and husband-approved meatballs that don’t take all day?  Sign us up!

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

-Our hospitals use a lot of energy and produce a lot of waste.  A guest blogger at Crunchy Domestic Goddess explains how staying healthy is one more way we can help the environment.

-A timely post: Learn how going green with your baby can save money, courtesy of Green Baby Guide.

-Green SAHM tells the merits of greening your hair care routine.  Who says you need to wash every single day?

-We all know the importance of getting our kids to be active outdoors.  The Tranquil Parent has great tips for outside fun.

-Mom Goes Green talks about the effect of pesticides on our children.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

With a full line of body care products for pregnancy, labor, post-partum, and breastfeeding, Earth Mama Angel Baby has new and expecting moms covered in organic goodness.  The line was created by moms who view pregnancy the way our foremothers did, as a phenomenal natural process to be honored accordingly.  Their offerings feature eco-friendly packaging and 100% natural, vegan ingredients for lotions, potions, sprays, and oils you can feel good about.  We’re big fans of their Mama-to-Be Tea Sampler, which makes a cool, unexpected shower gift.  Learn more at earthmamangelbaby.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Today is our Gotcha Day. This is the anniversary of the day, 10 years ago, that Maylee became my child. Many adoptive families celebrate their own “Gotcha Day”,  “adoption day” or “family day”. Whatever they call it, it’s an important holiday for most adoptive parents and their kids. As I tell my daughter, our first Gotcha Day was the happiest day of my life⎯it was the day I won the lottery, it was the day that all of my dreams came true.

Chinese adoption is much different now than it was 10 years ago. The regulations are stricter, with marriage, health and even certain body mass index requirements.  The wait for a Chinese baby is on average three years (for us, 13 months). A friend  of mine is expected to get her child in the year 2015⎯an almost unbearable amount of time to wait for her dreams to come true. So, my family is very, very fortunate.

Ten years later, my baby is a tween; she loves to draw and write, and wants to learn Chinese calligraphy. She’s not crazy about the Jonas Brothers, but she likes the Naked Brothers. She cherishes her Chinese heritage and gets upset when kids in her class talk about inferior Chinese-made products. She sings our national anthem with pride and jumped for joy when Obama was elected. She is American in every way. But on Gotcha Day she is, to me, still Mao Xiao Qiong, the smiling Chinese baby that was placed in my arms by a tearful nanny from the orphanage.

Happy Gotcha Day to Eric, Gwen, Perri; Kurt, Meghan, Nina, Ella; Dan, Leslie-Jean, Bethany, Miriam, Cristian, Carl; Steve, Kelly, Alex; Doug, Sara, Kailyn and most of all, to my angel, Maylee.

–Maxine Wolf, CEO & Publisher, KIWI Magazine

It’s time again for another round-up of the best of the mom blogosphere!  Here’s what’s going on…

• Hopping on board the backyard vegetable garden train this spring?  Nature Moms reviews garden tool sets and gear for your little farmers-in-training.
• To school or not to school?  Read about Mama-Om’s journey on her family’s decision to send their son to school or stick to unschooling at home.
• Green Baby Guide puts the bokashi bin, an indoor composting system from Japan.
• Forget balance.  Instead, Healthy Green Moms says we should be seeking harmony.
• The Soft Landing Blog covers possible legislation for federal ban of BPA in children’s food containers.  Yes!

What’s happening on your blog?  We want to know!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

If the name Pure and Little doesn’t give you enough warm fuzzies, try their logo on for size: Organic. Baby. Love.  Ahhh!  I’m sold.  The company offers organic baby clothing, bedding, and accessories like bath products, books and music, and plenty of plush toys.  Spring and summer babies can keep comfortable in Pure and Little’s organic cotton onesies (we love the peace out natural), while fall and winter babies will stay toasty with a unisex kimono jacket.  But my very favorite?  The Baby Fred monkey plush.  He just looks so happy!  More at pureandlittle.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

If a Prius is beyond your budget right now, try a new kind of hybrid: gDiapers.  Perfect for the eco-conscious mom-to-be who isn’t quite ready to embrace cloth diapers full on, gDiapers are made of a washable cotton outer with a disposable, plastic-free liner that can be flushed down the toilet, composted, or tossed in the trash (they decompose in about 90 days.)  A starter kit is available at gDiapers.com, or try their gBaby Shower Gift, featuring the starter kit, an extra cloth outer, and a case of flushable refills.  Oh, and the “g”?  It stands for green!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Traditional Medicinals, a tea company featuring all-natural, herbal brews, helps new moms and moms-to-be achieve health and balance.  Their organic Pregnancy Tea combines a blend of herbs like alfalfa and spearmint used by women for centuries to nourish the womb and prepare it for childbirth.  Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from Organic Mother’s Milk, made of anise, fennel, and coriander.  And all women will get a boost from Women’s Liberty, which promotes healthy hormonal balance according to Chinese medicinal practices.  Learn about all their teas at traditionalmedicinals.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Purple and Carrot, discuss. Purple carrots can now be found in a fruit & veggie drink for kids. First Juice, Inc. just introduced two new flavors, blueberry+purple carrot and peach+purple carrot. And, if you are wondering…yes, purple carrots are real! Furthermore, their darker complexion brings antioxidants similar to blueberries and red grapes.

It is sold in an 8 oz. reusable and recyclable, spill-proof, BPA-Free sippy-top container that is convenient for parents on-the-go. The First Juice 32 oz. bottle is great for refills.

Read about the history of the purple carrot and First Juice!!!

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and wondering if adults can drink this too…?

In an effort to foster community and help parents help each other, we’ve rounded up some of the best offerings from eco-minded mom bloggers.  Here they are!

-Eco Child’s Play reviews Bringing Home Nature by Doug Tallamy, a book aimed at helping families create their own native backyard habitats.

-Is it better to purchase a conventional, second-hand crib, or buy a new one that’s certified greener or safer?  Green Baby Guide discusses.

-Not sure what to do with the piles of boxes you have in your garage?  Looking to get some boxes on the cheap while still avoiding waste?  Visit Mom Goes Green.

-Inhabitots explores attachment parenting, as well as the merits of an arm’s reach co-sleeper.  Learn more about attachment parenting and other sleep training methods in the March articles by Moms Meet.

-Mom Go Green is gearing up for warmer weather with an outdoor bat house.  It keeps mosquitoes at bay, and provides some fun nighttime entertainment!

-Marygrace, KIWI intern and blog enthusiast

It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural

Sweet Pea Products knows sensitive skin.  Created by a certified infant massage instructor who was dissatisfied with the lack of natural baby massage oils, all items with the Sweet Pea name are 100% natural and fragrance free.  With a collection of unique baby products including serenity balm, lavender and tea tree soap, and herbal tub teas, Sweet Pea will calm your child’s skin while giving you a piece of mind.  Enjoy a 20% discount with coupon code KIWI.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of lavender

It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun.  What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups.  Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms

Earth’s Best’s new diapers are chlorine-free and contain corn- and wheat-absorbent materials.  Made with annually-renewable resources to reduce petrochemicals, they pair perfectly with Earth’s Best durable, chlorine-free wipes, which are all-natural and contain soothing vitamin E and aloe.  Soft and gentle, they’re perfect for stashing in your diaper bag to double as on-the-go hand and face wipes.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and trying to be reliant on renewable resources

Sock seams making your child scream? Made with a polyester and lycra blend, SmartKnitKIDS socks are seam-free and comfy as can be.  They’re available in white, pink, purple, navy and black, and come in a variety of sizes for kids of all ages.  Check them out at therawear.com and use coupon code KIWI for 10% off at checkout.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and seam-free friendly

Feel the difference of natural with Noli n Nali skincare line, available for both mom and child.  Certified organic, these eco-friendly products nourish the body from the outside in with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula.  Think soothing belly butter and nipple salve for moms, and gentle shampoo, bubble bath, and detangler for little ones.  Use coupon code KIWI for 25% off your purchase.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of body nourishment

Helping build healthy bones by aiding in calcium absorption, vitamin D is an important nutrient that’s often hard to find in foods.  Baby Ddrops are an easy way to provide your child with the daily recommended amount of vitamin D, minus the unpleasant taste or clumsy droppers that often accompany supplements. The unique bottle dispenses 400 IU of vitamin D in one easy drop, which can be used while breastfeeding, on baby’s pacifier, or mixed into a child’s food or drink.  For $2.00 your next purchase, call 888-234-5656 and mention code KIWI!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and promoter of vitamin D 

Check out the Lil Diaper Depot for a great selection of eco-conscious products. You can ditch disposables for good with their organic cloth diapers, or swaddle baby in an eco-fleece baby blanket made from recycled soda bottles. The company caters to moms, too, with super-soft, organic nursing pads, extra-comfy body pillows, and stylish diaper totes. Pick up a gift certificate for an upcoming baby shower, or register for your own. Receive 10% off your first order with promo code KIWI9 before 2/28/09.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of eco-conscious proudcts

Your baby can stay warm in the cold with this adorable 100% organic cotton baby cap. Sold individually or in sets, it makes a naturally wonderful gift. Cute and comfy, these caps are a must have. For only $6 your baby can rock this hat in natural or brown. Receive 20% off when you type KIWI20 at checkout! Get it now at Wee BE Organic Baby Cap.

– Brittany, KIWI intern and green enthusiast