v 5 issue 36: Live Naturally

This weeks issue is all natural from organic clothing to respecting our environment. When it comes to going green, we say start them young.


Cover by Amanda Elkins






1 The scent of schoolgirl charm sweetly rises from the stitches of this all organic dress from Origany. A full bodied espresso roast cotton forms the A-line sculpture, but the added blue pockets, slightly ruffled sleeves, and rounded collar extend the aroma. Works well by itself or when teamed with leggings and an undershirt. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off purchases.

2 A perfect addition to any gift basket, the super absorbent organic terry velour of Swaddle Design's Hooded Towel keeps baby warm and dry after tubbies or swimming. Available at IzzyBelle's in a blue or pink mod circle print trimmed with a coordinating satin. The towel gets a picture perfect presentation from a neat rolling, a pretty bow, and the signature card label. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off purchase.

3 Little Society has taken on the challenges of outfitting our youth with earth friendly trends and raising our awareness of endangered species. The short sleeved hoodie in a mandarin orange color has a rare frog hopping out of the lower pocket to represent the long list of jumping amphibians which may not be with us much longer.

4 The history, science, and benefits of swaddling are explained and admired in the 84 pages of Swaddle Love by Raegan Moya-Jones. Pass on the benefits, and the tradition, by pairing the book with one of the amazing muslin wraps from the organic collection @ aden + anais. The large size and breathable fabric of these swaddles truly surpasses the competition.

5 A brilliant red peacock bestows it's beauty onto a pink onesie of equally impressive quality. Organic cotton lends a hand to the silky soft texture and feel of the snap bottom shirt found @

My Little Paroka. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off purchases.

6 With an ingredient list consisting of oils from the plants & fruits of Mother Nature, Naturity bathes the bodies of Mommies in edible moisture. The entire Organic Motherhood Line has acquired a "zero" toxicity level, ensuring safe products for you & your baby. Products can be purchased separately or packaged together in a New Mother Gift Box! Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off with purchase thru 4/18/10. Free domestic shipping on orders $50+.

7 Pale in tone, but bursting with style. Three bumbling blowfish putt their way through the bubbles of a fantastic shirt from Dadoo Kids. The citrus shaded onesie is made of a super soft 100% organic cotton and is printed with eco-conscious water-based inks. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off purchases.

8 One little monkey is jumping for joy over comfort and a snug fit. The Short Johns from Hanna Andersson offer the ultimate in cozy, cool jammies through stretchy organic cotton and smooth flatlock seams. Nighty Night!


This weeks mom tips:
Are Your Household Cleaners Safe?

There is nothing more frightening than a child making his or her way into your household cleaning supplies. It’s a parent’s worse nightmare! To this end, it is important to find alternative ways to clean a home without jeopardizing the health of your children or your family. We are all trying to become more environmentally aware of the dangers of toxins, not only in our home but as it relates to polluting our air, waters, and landscape.

Are your household cleaners safe? If not, here are some measures you can take to make your home a healthier one.

Vinegar, Borax, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, and Baking Soda are all the ingredients you can use to clean your entire home. They are safe, non-toxic, and can do just as good a job as your more toxic household cleaners.

Let’s begin with windows. Instead of using a popular brand of glass cleaner, use water with vinegar and lemon juice to spray onto your windows. Vinegar can also be used to clean surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom; just add salt and water. If the oven needs to be cleaned, use liquid soap, Borax and warm water. Borax can also be used as a disinfectant in hot water as well as for cleaning toilets.

Polish your furniture with olive oil and lemon juice. You can also use lemon juice to polish copper kettles; just add a bit of salt. For use in the bathroom, use baking soda and warm water. This can also be used to unclog the drain by pouring the baking soda down the drain with a cup of vinegar.

At a time when pollutants are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer; while gas and oil fumes are literally killing our natural resources; it is time to take a hard look at what we can do as individuals to decrease the toxins from our air and water. Perhaps if we begin to use alternative methods to using brand named household cleaners, we can send a clear and definitive message to these companies that toxins are no longer an acceptable form to be used in any capacity. It all begins with our taking a stand, it all begins at home.


Raising Eco Friendly Kids
It seems today’s society is becoming totally apathetic to the world around them. Many children in particular are more concerned with playing the latest video game and don’t really pay much attention to the environment around them. It may seem hard to get your children to show an interest in the world around them, but you can get them to care if you start early and take small steps. You may not make a difference overnight, but you may just make a difference in the future of the planet.

The first step in raising your children to be eco friendly is to be eco friendly yourself. You can tell your children to be respect the environment all you want, but you’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t practice what you preach. You may not be Captain Planet, but you can start with small steps to get involved. Follow the practices of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Use natural and environmentally friendly products. Get involved with local organizations that help protect the environment.

Once you’re involved in eco friendly practices, start getting your kids to help as soon as you can. You can start out simple by having them put their own recyclables into the bin, or even have them ride along with you when you take your bin to the recycling center. You can have them help you build a compost pile, or just go shopping with you at the organic food store. When I was a child, my mom would get me to pick up trash that was lying around, and I still pick up trash I see to this day. Just remember to start small and work your way up to bigger steps.

The people who do the most to help the environment are the ones who know the most about it. That’s why it’s important to start your child learning about the world around them early. While you should do your best to teach them on your own, you can also get some help from the experts. Many zoos and nature centers offer educational classes for children as young as three years old. These can be a valuable resource in helping small children start to learn about the environment and to expand their knowledge as they get older.

Get your child involved in volunteering. If you work or volunteer for an environmental activist group, get your children involved as soon as they are old enough. Many areas offer volunteer organizations for teens and young adults. The first place to look is with the places where you found classes for young children. The most important part is that your child gets involved on a larger scale than just within your family. This also helps them meet other people their age who also care about environmental issues.

While children will inevitably be resistant to volunteering and doing extra work or chores at some point or another, they will still gain an appreciation for their environment that will last their whole lives.