5 Eco-Friendly Ideas for the Fall

The temperatures have cooled off. The leaves have started to turn orange and yellow colors. The garden is slowing down a bit. The warm Summer months have ended and we have entered a season of rest. Summer months are usually filled with lots of outside time, family travel, and just more activities in general. When the weather become cooler, we stay inside, we warm up together under a blanket and watch a movie, and we rest during the Winter. Here are some of the eco-friendly ideas we are implementing this Fall.

1. Upgraded Water Filter System

I finally decided to upgrade our old Brita water pitcher filter to a more robust and purifying system like the Berkey water filter system. I also purchased the fluoride and arsenic filters to help us to have the most pure water we can have in our home. I have been wanting this water purifying system for a long time and am so excited to finally have it setup and in use.

I chose the Big Berkey size, which is perfect for our family of 3. This provides enough water for at least one day. I can tell a subtle taste difference in the water between the old Brita water pitcher filter and the Big Berkey water filter system. I'm glad our family finally made this investment in more pure water.

2. Canning More

I have been canning homemade apple butter for a few years. I've canned some other vegetables, like peppers, in the past, but really have not gone outside this comfort zone. This year, after my parents brought me 4.5 boxes of homegrown, organic apples from their back yard, I had to venture out to try new recipes. In addition to the apple butter, I canned sliced apples and apple jam. It was not as hard as I imagined it would be.

As the Summer growing season wraps up and there is an abundance of harvest, I want to try my hand at canning vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and salsas.

3. Using Our Food Storage Supply

Being prepared for an emergency situation, whether natural or man made, is something that is very important to me. I feel like there have been so many natural disasters this year. It is good to be prepared for those. I try to keep a short term food supply in the deep freezer, regular freezer, pantry and downstairs in the laundry room. Our laundry room has a huge storage closet. I purchased a few heavyweight plastic bins with locking lids to store dry goods. The plastic bins help to protect them from any critters or bugs.

One of the things I have not been as good at is using our short term food storage supply. Therefore, this is on my list for soups, stews, and crockpot meals as I use the beans, grains, and frozen meat.

4. Thrifting

I have been so surprised at the amount of nice and high quality items that I have been able to find at thrift stores. Initially, I got into thrifting because I was not able to find an older style of jeans at one of the popular jeans stores, but I found them at a local Goodwill. I knew the exact style and size that fit me so well. I found that style at thrift stores. Since I started thrifting, I have bought lots of adorable decor items for the home, stuff for the kitchen, and wooden toys for my son. Don't be afraid of the thrift store!

5. Drive Less, Walk More

Even though our neighborhood does not have sidewalks and we do not live in an area that has a lot of shopping and restaurants close to us, we still try to walk as much as possible. There is a little shopping center about one mile away. When I need something from one of the stores there, I will take my 3.5 year old in our BOB jogging stroller and either run or walk there. We also try to combine trips to store that are close so we are not driving from one place to another. Taking a toddler in and out of a car seat multiple times is hard enough! My son is at the age now where he can walk quite a bit and I take advantage of that.

These are 5 eco-friendly ideas that we are implementing for the Fall. Some of them we were doing already, but want to kick it up a notch.

What are some eco-friendly things your family is doing this Fall??
 

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I'm Back from My Break

For those of you who follow me regularly, you might have noticed that I have been missing from the blogging world for a few months. I took the summer off from blogging to focus on my family and the photography business that I started. However, I missed blogging and I am now back in full swing. Let me tell you about what is coming up on All Natural Katie blog.

I will be writing reviews about natural and eco-friendly products for the home, for babies, and for families. I love sharing great products with my readers. As my toddler is growing up (3.5 years old now), I will be writing about toys, clothes, and shoes. I will mix in some baby items here and there. My main focus right now is providing safe, non-toxic items in our home.

I will also be writing about where my family is at with our green living practices. Over the past couple of years, we have implemented new eco-friendly practices, but phased out some other ones. A part of the process is to re-evaluate every once in a while: what is working for your family and what is not working. When children come into the mix, it is even more important to periodically re-evaluate. Priorities change and we might have less time on our hands. Some of our eco-friendly practices were put on hold, but we implemented others. I will share what we are doing inside our home and for our yard. 

I am looking toward getting back to posting regularly. In the mean time, tell me what you would like to see. Also, tell me what you have been doing in your home or what you would like to implement in your home. Is there anything you are struggling with? Is there something that you implemented successfully?

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Easy Ways to Give Back With Your Kids [February]

One of my parenting goals for this year is to do more volunteering activities with my 3 year old son. While we have done some activities to give back to the community, I usually need motivation to get execute the activities. Giving Families is a great organization that provides Good Mail Challenges, which are monthly activities that parents and children can do to give back to the community together.

The Good Mail Challenges are sent out on a monthly basis in the form of a newsletter. Each month, there is an activity to give back to the community. Alternative activities are also available in case the main activity cannot be completed for any reason. I really like the alternative options because they do not make me feel like I have to complete the one activity to give back to the community. I have several activities to choose from that fit my family and schedule.

Let's talk about the challenges! The February challenge was to visit a nursing home during "Social Hour." Visiting elderly neighbors allows us to make new friends and bring brightness to their days. Since my son is under 3 and it was the sick season, we decided to look at one of the alternative activities. remember not to take sick kids to nursing homes!

For our February challenge, we chose to bring a meal to a neighbor who was recovering from a medical emergency. We baked banana muffins and prepped a chicken pasta casserole. Then, my son and I took the meal and snacks over to their house. Instead of taking the stroller as we usually do for walks, we both walked on foot because the neighbor lived close. The neighbor was very grateful for the delicious food we brought. On the way back home, we talked about helping friends in need. It was a great activity to do together with my son!

One of the things that I like about the Good Mail Challenges from Giving Families is that I have great suggestions for ways that our family can give back to the community together. I can choose an activity that is appropriate for my son's age and fits without our schedule.

Become a member to receive monthly Good Mail Challenge newsletter (via snail mail). You can even have them sent in your child's name so they can get excited about receiving mail!

Or sign up for a free email newsletter with tips and tricks on raising compassionate and giving kids.

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How to Fill Up Wall Space [ad]

One of the exciting things about moving into a new house is determining how to turn an empty house in a home for your family. Furniture, window fixings, and decor are all options for making a house more personalized. Between area rugs, comfy pillows, floral arrangements, and plants, it doesn't take long before any space starts to look lived in and beautiful. 

However, there is one space that many people struggle to fill. It's a space in every single room and while many people experiment, it doesn't always turn out right. This particular space is the wall. Walls are in every single room of a house and they're very important to the structure. However, many people don't know how to effectively decorate them. Consider these ideas to fill up wall space and create a beautiful living environment. 

1. Mirrors
Mirrors are interesting pieces to add to a wall. Think of mirrors as picture frames with real-time subjects. When most people see a mirror, they gravitate toward it so they can see their reflection. Mirrors are available everywhere from consignment shops and thrift stores to department stores and antique shops. 

2. Murals 
Mural wallpaper gives a sense of elegance to any room they hang in. When many people think of murals, they often think of museums or really uptight boutiques with tons of breakable items. Murals are a beautiful way to transform the walls in a home. Because they are often so ornate and beautiful, a person can use the mural as the main decor and keep everything else in the room monochromatic. Mural Sources sells tons of different mural pieces at a variety of price ranges. There are also lots of different scenes to choose from include ones with an American emphasis and others with a European or Caribbean emphasis. 

3. Paint 
Paint is often the go-to source for many people. It really can make a huge difference when it is used on walls. When dealing with paint, it is important to choose the right color to evoke the desired ambiance. A trend that's growing in popularity is the statement wall. The statement wall is one wall with a strong color pop to really stand as the accent in the room. Many people choose a daring color for the accent wall and then work around it. For a bold statement, some great choices for the accent wall include cobalt blue, sunflower yellow, brick red, charcoal gray and deep plum. 

These ideas are enough to get any person started on their project of filling the walls. With a few picture frames, creativity and dedication, the wall spaces will completely turn a house into a home.

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Tips for Relaxing at Home Without Spending a Fortune [ad]

Everybody gets stressed out, and most of us get stressed out on a weekly basis. Whether you’re dealing with stress from work or your personal life, you don’t want to carry that around with you all the time.

That’s why it’s so important to de-stress after a long work week or simply when you need it. But if your stress comes from not having enough money, you can’t go get a massage or spend your money on a fancy dinner with friends. So what do you do?

Use this guide to help you learn more about inexpensive ways you can relax at home. 

Make Your Favorite Meal

You shouldn’t eat just for comfort, but the idea of comfort food isn’t a new one. When people feel stressed, sometimes a meal that they really love is all that it takes to get them back on track.

Cooking at home can save you a fortune. Meals do not have to be elaborate. Simple and delicious recipes can be easily found online to make yourself and your family a delicious and nutritious dinner. Open a bottle of wine, enjoy a beer or have a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

You just might feel better than you think after only a few hours in the kitchen. However, those of us with children might have not the time to spend a few hours in the kitchen cooking and enjoying adults beverages, so here are some other tips to help unwind (after the kids go to bed!).

Try a Relaxing Bath

Sometimes taking a few minutes out for yourself can really make all the difference in the world, so why not try a relaxing bath? Scented products that you really can make a basic bath even more enjoyable, but you don't have to spend a fortune on them.

Items like patchouli shampoo and bath bombs can make a simple bath a lot more pleasant. Pick out your favorite scents and keep them on hand for when you need a little bit of time to de-stress after a hard day.

The cost of a relaxing bath, even if you include the water, is probably less than $1! You’re not going to beat that with any other activity.

Watch a Movie

If you’re like most people, you probably have streaming services like Netflix or cable television. If you do not, then pop in a movie! Movies can be rented for free from your local library. All you need after a hard day is to escape to another world once in a while, and nothing does the job quite as well as a movie.

My favorite movies are romantic comedies. They make me laugh and make me feel better. Choosing something lighthearted versus an action movie or a scary movie is the way to go. Cuddle up with the one you love and relax at home without spending a fortune.

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Luxury Maternity and Nursing Cover [review]

Once you become a mom, the stuff that you take with you when you leave the house seems to multiply! Though I have downsized over the months and years, I try hard to find products that are multipurpose. A maternity and nursing cover that can be worn at least 15 different ways is a must have nursing item for any pregnant woman or nursing mother.

Boho Mama Nursing Cover      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. 

The Good	The Not So Good
Made from organic bamboo fabric	Snaps might need reinforcement
Soft and stretchy

The Boho Mama nursing cover is not just a nursing cover, but a must have accessory for every pregnant or nursing mom. The cover is made from organic bamboo with a little bit of spandex. This combination makes for very luxurious feeling fabric. I am a very touch oriented person and want soft items for my child.

The nursing cover is a combination of a true nursing cover and a nursing scarf. The size is a bit bigger than what I would usually wear as a scarf, but I could see myself wearing it during the colder winter months. It's nice that it can just be thrown on like a scarf or a cover for myself instead of stuffing yet another item in the diaper bag. If I do need to put it in the diaper bag, the cover takes up very little space.

Usage: There are many different ways to use the Boho Mama cover, here are some of them:

1. Wear it around your neck like a scarf.
2. Wrap around your shoulders like a shawl.
3. Wrap around the baby as a blanket or swaddle.
4. Use as a cardigan or wrap around yourself.
5. Wrap around baby while baby wearing for extra warmth.
6. Use as a car seat cover.
7. Use as a changing pad.

The beauty of investing in the Boho Mama cover is that it can be used during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, and beyond.

My Thoughts: I really like the Boho Mama cover. Although I am no longer breastfeeding, I still have a 2.5 year old toddler to take care of every day. One of my favorite things about the cover is that I can use it in so many different ways. I like having a blanket/cover type item with me when I leave the house, whether I need to wrap something around my shoulders to stay warm, or I need to change a diaper on the go. The cover is a good size and is similar to my pashmina scarf that I wear all the time. I am 5'4 and have a slim athletic build, so the larger size worked as a good shawl/torso cover.

The Boho Mama luxury nursing wrap is the perfect gift for a baby shower or a sprinkle shower. A classic nursing cover with a modern feel and function will make any mom feel special. Get rid of the big cotton tent around yourself and the baby and cover both of you with breathable, soft fabric.

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Molkky Wooden Outdoor Game [Review]

Our family loves to spend time outdoors. Staying at home with my son gives me the opportunity to take him outside every day. Whether we are visiting a local park, picking green tomatoes from the garden, or just walking around the yard, we always feel better after getting some fresh air. When our extended family joins us, we take the outdoor games out of the garage and enjoy the outdoors. Molkky is an outdoor wooden game for all ages and all fitness levels. 

Molkky       
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Made from solid unfinished PEFC wood	Unfinished wood is rough (needs sanding)
Suitable for all ages and group sizes	Wood gets dented after a few games

Molkky is an outdoor throwing game that comes from Scandinavia and some call it Viking Bowling. based on a combination of chance and throwing accuracy. Molkky is an updated version of an old Scandinavian "throwing game" called Kyykkä that has been around for hundreds of years. One of the best things about Molkky is that just about anyone can place, no  matter the age or the skill level. Groups of all sizes and ages can play together.

Usage: Molkky can be played on grass, gravel, beach, dirt, or any outdoor surface. The wooden pieces are sturdy. The Molkky set includes a wooden carrying crate. Everything is made from 100% natural and unfinished pine wood sourced from sustainable Finnish forest with PEFC certification. I love that this outdoor game is non-toxic and uses no chemicals to finish the wood. After a game simply clean the molkky pins with a damp washcloth.

Play: The pins are arranged in a formation and the skittle pin is thrown to try to knock down some of the pins (similar to bowling). The pins are round and roll after they are knocked down. Each turn the pins are put back up exactly where they rolled from the previous turn so the entire playing area starts to spread out. If a player can skillfully knock down only one pin their score for that turns equals the number on the top of the pin knock down the No. 12 pin 12 points. The first player to knock down exactly 50 points wins the game but be careful not to go over 50 points or you will go back to 25 points.

My Thoughts:

My two favorite things about Molkky is that the pieces are made from unfinished PEFC wood (no exposure to toxic chemicals) and that the game can be played by anyone. When our extended family gets together, we have kids anywhere from 2.5 years to 12 years and adults. Everyone can play this game together. The older kids were able to participate and had a good time playing on a team with the adults. My 2.5 year old son tried to stack the pieces on top of the skittle pin. On a hard surface like the drive way, the pins rolled away too easily, so we switched to grass and it worked much better to keep the pins in the same area.

My two least favorite things about Molkky is that the unfinished wooden pieces are rough. The pins need to be sanded to make the surface more smooth, especially if children are playing with the pins. For the higher price point, I would expect that the unfinished wood surface would be smooth. The pins also got dented after a few games (and some rough play from the kids), but this usually happens with wooden toys.

The wooden Molkky game is an investment, but the pieces will last for a long time in our house. I would like to see the company pay more attention to details like sanding the wooden pins to make them more smooth. I like the storage box and our family has enjoyed playing the game.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest.

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Tips for Eating at a Nice Restaurant with a Toddler

I love good, gourmet food. When I first gave birth to our son, I was hesitant to take him to nice restaurants. What would people think if I brought a baby? Would he cry and cause a scene? Well, yes, babies and toddler crying and causing scenes can happen anywhere. I prefer to dine in local establishments, so I had to figure out how to take my child to nice restaurants.

Here are my tips for eating a nice restaurant with a toddler.

1. Ask if they have high chairs/boosters (or bring your own - we have a Prince Lionheart Pod that straps on to any chair).
2. Dine early and allow 30 minutes for food to arrive at the table. 
3. Request a booth or a table close to the door (in case you have to quickly sneak out with a screaming child). 
4. Bring a bag of activities, books, toys, and let your toddler pick one item out at a time. 
5. Bring snacks and/or dinner (in case your child does not want the ordered meal).

My 2 year old son currently doesn't sit in the high chair for more than 15 minutes, so we get him out and sit him in a chair or a lap with activities. If my parents are with us (on the rare occasion), then my mom usually takes our son out to walk around.

We use some or all of these tips depending on which restaurants we are going to and how long we will be there. Every child is different, so customizing to your child will set you up for a successful dining experience. Don't give up your favorite restaurant, bring a few extra items and adjust your expectations a little.
  

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Swim, Sun and Fun [Giveaway]

Are you ready for summer? We are! The M.O.O.N. group and we are hosting one of the biggest giveaways of the summer. There are many prize packages for just about any item you would need to have a blast this summer. Click on the corresponding links to enter to win the other prize packages. 

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Swim, Sun, and Fun Giveaway!!  Summer is one of those exciting times of year no matter where you live or how old you are!  This giveaway  is about celebrating the season in every way.  Prizes include outdoor games, pool/beach gear, vacation essentials, outdoor sporting goods, entertaining and more.......
I have to thank each and every wonderful sponsor who helped truly make this giveaway event possible!

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug, Tyrneathem, Java John Z's, 
and A Ladybug on the Go

Please be patient with our bloggers websites and load times since this is such a large event.  The forms may take a little extra time AND it may seem like this one has a little extra work to enter.  Even though each of the packages have their own giveaway form, you will find that most of the entries are identical.  This way if you like/follow a page in one you will already have it done for the next!

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Piczzle Photo Puzzle [Giveaway]

As a Christmas gift for the grandparents, we ordered a customized photo puzzle with a photo of their grandchild. The gift went over very well, especially since they enjoy doing puzzles. I love that Piczzle offers customized photo puzzles that you can order every year with updated photos. Enter below for a chance to win a small Piczzle puzzle.

Sponsored By ~ Picczle

Hosted By ~ Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By :

My Silly Little Gang!

Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews

Michigan Saving and More

Romania and Missions

&

Bloggin' With NiNi

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive a Small Piczzle with their own Picture and Words!

Piczzle ~ Create Your Own Photo Puzzle.

Giveaway Dates ~ 6/12 9AM EST until 6/28 9AM EST

Entrants must be 18 years old to enter and giveaway is open to US residents only.

Any questions, email mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook,

Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only

in the United States. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.

This giveaway will end at 9AM (EST) on 6/28/15!

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook!

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Backyard BBQ Event [Giveaway]

With the warmer months finally here, spending time outside playing and cooking food on the grill is back! Whether you want to have a low key family BBQ evening or host a big cook-out with family and friends, the items in this giveaway will you do just that! This event it hosted by Dixieland Reviews and Co-Hosted by: Mom 'N Daughter Savings, Southern Mom Loves Deliciously Savvy, Joyful Gifts by Julie, Susie's Reviews & Giveaways, Amy & Arons Real Life Reviews, Michigan Savings & More, Finger Click Saver, Keeping Your Cents, Life of a Southern Mom, Imperfect Women, Babs Projects, The Savings Opportunity, Heartbeats ~Soulstains, and My Starlight Blessings. Please be sure to visit our awesome Co-Hosts, these are some amazing bloggers!

Sponsors: We Love Travel Deals and Skinny Ideas.

Prizes: (See photos above!)

Prize 1- Weber BBQ Grill -arv:$499
Prize 2- Smoker - arv:$248
Prize 3- Patio Set-arv:$599
Prize 4-Very decorative Cooler: arv:$99
Prize 5- Stainless Steel BBQ Set- arv:$62
Prize 6- Portable Gazebo- arv:$249
Prize 7- Gorgeous Patio Firepit- arv:$119
Prize 8- Croquet Set- arv:$40
Prize 9- Dart Set- arv: $37
Prize 10- 132" Movie Screen AND Projector! arv:$235 & $270 respectively.

There will be 10 winners total, one winner for each prize!

Terms & Conditions: PLEASE READ AS YOU ARE AGREEING TO THESE WHEN YOU ENTER!

Must be 18+ and a resident of the US to enter. Void where prohibited by law. All entries from all tools will be combined and they ran through random.org to ensure a fair drawing. All winning entries will be verified, if task on winning entry was not completed and the entry was taken anyway, that entry will be disqualified. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond. If no response is received, winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be chosen. Winning email will be sent from marie@dixielandsdeals.com so please add it to your safe list. We do not spam, nor will we ever sell your email address. We hate spam as much as you do! Prizes are shipped by sponsor. Participating bloggers not responsible for shipment of prizes. Not associated with Facebook or any other social media outlet.

By Facebook terms and conditions, we cannot require you to 'like' any Facebook page, we can only ask you to visit them. But it's because of the participating bloggers and sponsors that we are able to bring you such great prizes, and we do appreciate it when you like our pages, plus then you'll know when we have another awesome giveaway! But it is still up to your discretion as to whether you like the page or not, and you will not be penalized.

Please direct any questions to marie@dixielandsdeals.com.

Once winners have responded with their mailing information, they will be listed on the WINNERS PAGE. We list first name and last initial to protect privacy. These names are ONLY listed once we receive the mailing info from the winner.

Entry-Form

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Eco-Friendly Winter Clothing [Sponsor Highlights]

All Natural Katie would like to introduce the series of eco-friendly winter clothing. Clothing and accessories that keep your child warm during the cold winter months can be natural and eco-friendly! This series is focused on handmade products sold on Etsy. Etsy is a great marketplace for finding eco-friendly, natural, handmade products that are going to last a long time. Without further adieu, the sponsors are listed below.

_________________________________________________________________
Belly Bear Baby Gear

Belly Bear Baby Gear focuses on using what is available to make what is needed. Most of the products are made from repurposed/upcycled materials, including wool, cotton, fleece, leather, etc. I will be reviewing a pair of upcycled wool longies and wool soft soled shoes.

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Passport Baby

Passport Baby can be called the expert on sleep sacks, or kindersacks as they like to call them. Kindersack is the original European baby sleeping sack. Passport baby offers year-round sleep sacks as well as warmer sleep sacks for those who live in colder climates or prefer to keep their nursery cooler.
_________________________________________________________________
Snug as a Doodlebug

Snug as a Doodlebug sells high quality, functional accessories for every baby. From adorable designs on the sleep sacks to hats, scarves, and mitten clips, this Etsy shop has your child covered for the cold weather months. I will be reviewing an all-season sleep sack. The all season sleep sack can made with leg openings or a closed bottom.

_________________________________________________________________
Snug Organics

Snug Organics is one of the few business that sells 100% organic cotton pajamas. Snug Organics was inspired by the simplicity and longevity of clothing from generations past. I will be reviewing the 100% organic cotton sherpa sleeper is the best seller. Cotton sherpa is similar to fleece and keeps a child warm.
_________________________________________________________________

All Natural Katie would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the sponsors! Reviews of the items mentions will be coming soon. In the mean time, I encourage you to check out their shops and like your favorite items.

>> What is your favorite winter accessory??

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Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas 2014

As we get into November, my mind turns to the upcoming holiday season. Now that I have a toddler in the house, I am even more careful about selecting eco-friendly and non-toxic gifts. I hope this list will give you some good ideas for your own children, significant others, friends, family, etc. Some of the items we own and use. I would recommend these products. Other items we would like to receive as gifts this year (denoted with WANT). I will continue to add to this list as ideas pop up.


Holiday Gifts Under $25

Tropical Traditions - non-toxic body and beauty products would make a great basket or great bonus gifts. We use Tropical Traditions natural soap on a daily basis. They also started carrying a great selection of pure essential oils.

Halo Organic Sleep Sack - we have been using organic cotton Halo SleepSack Wearable Blankets for almost 1.5 years. These sleep sacks are perfect for all seasons to keep baby warm and comfortable. Cotton provides breathability and reduces the possibility of babies overheating.

Stainless Steel Straws - Eco at Heart makes wide straws that are perfect for any drink or smoothie. The straws come with a cleaning brush.

Eco-Kids Eco-Finger Paint (WANT) - powder based paint made with natural ingredients and natural colors. Mix powder with water to create paint. No need to worry about the baby or the toddler putting it in their mouth.

Epicurean Eco Plastic Cutting Board (WANT) - I have a regular Epicurean cutting board and would love to have a bigger one in the eco plastic.

Mason Jar Pour Caps (WANT) - this is a perfect gift for any Mason jar lover. Transform canning jars into containers for drinks, snacks, and more. Sizes available for regular mouth jars and wide mouth jars.


Holiday Gifts Over $25

Swell Stainless Steel Water Bottle (WANT) - I need to replace my old stainless steel water bottle and need something that can withstand dropping by a toddler. I love the shape of this bottle. Insulation helps to keep drinks cold.

Organic Cotton Half Apron (WANT) - I have never used an apron, but have found myself always searching for a towel. This organic cotton half apron from A Green Kitchen is adorable and functional.

ERGObaby - 19 months later, we are still using the ERGObaby carrier on a regular basis. The baby carrier was especially useful during the recent 18 month sleep regression. My 19 month old son weights about 24 pounds. Wearing him in the ERGObaby is still comfortable.

Envirosax Shopping Bags - I have a couple of these and I absolutely love them! The handles are big enough that I can easily sling them over my shoulder, even when I am carrying a toddler with the other arm. Strong as can be! Easy to stuff in any bag. Purchase a set or just one reusable shopping bag.

Excalibur Dehydrator (WANT) - I have a cheaper dehydrator that works very well, but I have always had my eye on this one. I love the polyscreen tray inserts and large capacity.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven - I use my Le Creuset Dutch Oven (in Cobalt) for just about anything. I feel comfortable that toxic chemicals, like those in non-stick pans, are not leaching into my food.


If you have any questions about these products or our experiences with them, please contact me. I am always willing to share eco-friendly and green products for your baby and your family. Happy holiday shopping!


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to where I usually shop. Your purchases support this blog at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I feature and recommend only brands and products that I myself would use.

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Earth Weave Area Rug [Giveaway]

Welcome to the Earth Weave Carpet Mills Area Rug Giveaway, hosted by the Green Moms Network. Today we’re excited to share a truly safe carpet company with you, and offer you the chance to win one of their safe, non-toxic and natural area rugs!

 When you’re thinking about re-carpeting your home, what are the things that are most important to you? Many people rarely think about the toxins contained in most carpets, padding and the adhesives used to install them.

Indoor air has been found to contain 10 times as many pollutants as outdoor air. So it’s increasingly important for us to be aware that toxins that will be emitted into the air in our homes from carpet, that we otherwise wouldn't think much about.

Did you know that new carpets contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's), which include acetone, benzene, ethyl benzene, formaldehyde, styrene and toluene? Many of these compounds are listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s register of Extremely Hazardous Substances.

They also contain substances known to be carcinogenic, including p-Dichlorobenzene, styrene (classified as a reasonably anticipated carcinogen) as well as other chemicals that are known to cause nerve damage, respiratory illness and hallucinations. In addition, new carpets are usually treated with other toxic chemicals, including brighteners, artificial dyes flame retardants, stain repellents, and moth proofing (a known neurotoxin).

And you’re not safe just because your carpet is Green Label Plus Certified. These carpets contain harmful chemicals, which are deemed to be low emitting in regard to volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) but the SBR adhesive buried within the backing is made up of more than 20% stryene and over 70% butadiene. This is where the term Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) comes from. Even synthetic carpets such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyester carpets can display the Green Label Plus Certification. Consumers are not made aware that chemical laden synthetic carpets meet the same testing standards as the wool carpets that claim to be "green", "eco"' "natural" etc.

Even the padding used under most carpets is not safe! According to studies, the padding most carpet companies use contains flame retardants that are considered toxic.

Fortunately, there is one company that offers all natural, non-toxic carpet, area rugs and padding – Earth Weave Carpet Mills Inc. Their innovative product, Bio-Floor, is made using undyed, untreated, wool together with hemp, cotton, jute and natural rubber.

Don’t be fooled by other companies that claim to be “green” or “natural.” Bio-Floor is the only truly nontoxic, all natural, healthy carpet made in North America. It’s great for people and families concerned about the toxins in their home and the environment.



Earth Weave starts with the finest, most resilient wool available - British wool. There are no dyes, pesticides, moth proofing or stain protections used, which contain toxic chemicals negatively impacting your health. The primary backing they use is a combination of cotton and hemp (which is a great fiber due to its strength, durability and mold/mildew resistance). Earth Weave is the only carpet manufacturer in North America to incorporate an all-natural primary backing where the rest of the industry uses synthetic polypropylene for their primary.

The adhesive used to lock the wool yarns into place is natural as well, and is derived from the rubber tree. Paired with an all-natural jute secondary backing, the carpet is entirely biodegradable.

If you’re thinking about re-carpeting your home or business be sure to ask for Earth Weave at a carpet dealer near you. It’s the purest, healthiest carpet on the market, so you can feel confident it’s the best choice for your family.

Enter the Giveaway

Now onto the giveaway! If you’ve read this entire post, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to offer my readers a chance to win a completely safe and natural 4’ x 6’ area rug from Earth Weave Carpet Mills. The winner will receive the Pyrenees Wheat Rug, valued at $375! This mid-weight rug (38 oz.) is constructed with a distinct two color pattern. It’s very durable and soft, and made from the finest natural un-dyed, untreated wool available.

This giveaway runs through September 28, 2014 at 11:59 pm EST and is open to US residents only. Enter for your chance to win via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: All Natural Katie was not compensated for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact Chrystal at Green Moms Media with questions about this giveaway or for help organizing one for your brand.
  

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Replacing Plastic with Glass and Stainless Steel [#CTWW]

Now that my baby is a toddler, he is on the move. As he is able to play more on his own, I can get a few chores done around the house. I have realized that I spend a lot of time doing chores and activities in the kitchen. From doing dishes to prepping food, the kitchen has become my most important room. I want to create an environment where family time means cooking and eating together. This week's challenge fits perfectly with creating a safe and loving environment in the kitchen.

This week's challenge:

This week, go into your kitchen and look for at least one way to make it greener. You might choose to do something simple like add an aerator to the faucet, convert to cloth towels instead of paper, replace a light bulb with a CFL or LED, or unplug an appliance (especially those with clocks). Maybe you are in the market for new cookware, dishes, etc. and could look for green options. Does your kitchen need paint? Perhaps you grab a brush and use non-VOC colors. You might even be considering a kitchen remodel and could search out the most appropriate Eco-friendly cabinets, counter tops, flooring, etc. The idea, this week, is to look around your kitchen and make a green improvement.

A lot of eco-friendly improvements have been made in the kitchen over the past few years. Let's recount:

1. Natural dish soap (Tropical Traditions Dish Liquid)
2. Natural dishwasher tablets
3. Glass food storage containers
4. Organic cotton towels
5. Stainless steel and 100% silicone utensils
6. Stainless steel and cast iron enameled cookware
7. Unplugging most appliances when not in use (aside from oven and microwave)

As with any effort to improve our lives, becoming eco-friendly and green in the kitchen is a continuous effort for us. Yet, this effort also presents challenges and needs for compromise. After a couple of years of trying to transition away from paper towels, I have come to accept that it is just not going to happen. The paper towel roll still hides in the cabinet above the stove. I still put out small towels for wiping up spills. And I purchase recycled paper towels. Since converting to cloth towels is not in our future, I am currently focusing on food storage containers.

I have acquired a good collection of glass storage containers for storing leftovers and reheating. The beauty of glass storage containers is that they can be used to reheat food in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven. No need to dirty another dish. Since glass tends to get heavy, I have started purchasing stainless steel containers. Though these cannot be used in the microwave, they provide a lighter eco-friendly option for storing and transporting food. Next on my list is to purchase 3+ cup containers for storing food. This will eliminate the need for plastic storage containers that I currently use.

The plastic storage container cabinet is still overflowing. This cabinet has become one of my toddler's favorite play areas. He loves taking out the containers and lids, stacking them, banging on them, etc. Some of the containers and lids have cracked. These will be repurposed for other storage uses (nails, small toys, etc.), donated (if in good shape), or recycled. I try to repurpose and upcycle items before recycling. However, you can only have so many plastic containers.

>> What is one eco-friendly improvement that you can make to your kitchen??
  

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6 Ways to Naturally Relieve Stress

This week, I noticed some of my telltale signs of stress - shallow breathing, holding my breath, feeling anxious. Maybe it was that my 14 month old son has started waking up in the middle of the night on a regular basis again (at least once per night, plus waking up earlier in the morning). Maybe it was all of the discussions my husband and I have had over the past 1.5 weeks with relation to family items. Maybe it was the extra strong coffee I made.

I was running around feeling productive because I was getting so much done around the house, yet I could not stop feeling anxious when I sat down for 5 minutes. After a few minutes of reflection on how I arrived at this point, I focused on how to relieve stress at home. Here are the 6 ways to naturally relieve stress that I use on a regular basis.

Running

A good cardio workout helps to get the blood moving through the body, oxygenates the blood and the brain, and gives a rush of energy. Running helps me to reflect, process and clear my mind. Running on a regular basis helps me to stay calmer and be more patient with my toddler.

Going Outside

Breathing fresh air is always good for our bodies! A walk around the walk for 5 minutes has helped me many times to calm down, relax and regroup. There is something about nature that is calming. Going outside can be a walk around the yard, the neighborhood, or running an errand.

Cleaning and Organizing

Organizing clutter, like piles of clothes, toys and other random things lying around, by putting it away in its rightful place is therapeutic. Cleaning out weeds in the garden or the yard helps to focus my mind on one task instead of my mind running in many different directions. Scrubbing dirt helps to get some of the aggression out.

Talking

Keeping emotions bottled up can increase the stress level. A quick call or text message to my husband or a friend to let them know of an aggravating situation eases the tension. No details need to be given, just the point of acknowledging the stressful situation helps my mind to refocus on moving forward.

Prioritizing

Being a full time stay at home mom is a 24x7 (plus more) job. Keeping the toddler changed, fed and happy while keeping the house clean and in order is a monumental task on most days. I constantly have to tell myself that the game has changed and I need to change my expectations by prioritizing. Focusing on one room per day or spending 5-10 minutes cleaning up clutter is more realistic.

Taking a Bath

Taking a bath with calming essential oils like lavender is a great way to unwind the mind and the body. After the running, the cleaning and organizing and carrying around a 24 lb toddler, my body aches. A hot bath is the perfect solution for my achy body. The quiet time helps me to reflect and the hot water relaxes my tired muscles. I am always ready for sleep afterwards.

These are some of the techniques that I use to help myself relieve stress naturally. Though an adults-only all-inclusive beach vacation or a regular massage at a spa sound heavenly, they are not always possible or feasible. Techniques that can be used on a daily basis to keep myself calm and sane work better in the long run. I can assess how stressed I am and if I need to do anything about it. Remembering to focus on myself for a few minutes every day is a great reality check.

>> What are some of the ways that you relieve stress on a daily basis??
  

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A Perfect Family Day

More than one year later, my husband and I are still trying to figure out how to balance family time and personal time. Today was a perfect day. We balanced family time and personal time very well. We even enjoyed a homemade meal on the breezeway patio!

Local Strawberry Picking
Family time (with extended family).

Plant Shopping
My personal time.

Homemade Grilled Pizzas
With homemade pizza crust and a dessert pizza using the freshly picked strawberries from this morning.

>> What does your (realistically) perfect day look like??
 

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Lumenx Mountable Bicycle Light [Review]

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Whether I am running or biking outside in the early morning or late evening hours, or just taking a walk, safety is always my first priority. I want to make sure that cars can see me on the road. A bicycle headlight and a rear bicycle tail light are the perfect combination to ensure safety and protection. Lumenx offers a high quality mountable bike light to ensure that you can see the road and oncoming cars can see you.


Lumenx Mountable Bicycle Light       ($35.77)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Easy install and removal	Package does not include instructions
Shines up to 500 feet
Fits any bike

Lumenx is front mountable bicycle lights are one of the highest quality bicycle lights. Easy install/removal, waterproof LED light that shines up to 500 feet and durable military grade aluminum make Lumenx mountable bicycle lights a great investment for your safety. Lumenx LEDs are shockproof and have a higher light output and life span than incandescent bulbs. Advanced Focusing Lens design allows up to 500 feet visibility and 1x-2000x zoom and flash mode.

Lumenx is so confident in their ability to light up the path in front of you and increase your safety, that they offer a full refund if you are not satisfied. No hassle, 2 year money back guarantee!

I installed Lumenx mountable bicycle light on my adult bicycle. The installation was quick and easy. I removed the screw from the connector piece, placed around the handlebar, and screwed it on. The connector piece has a thick piece of rubber that provides cushioning and protection. I love that the bicycle light is easy to install and remove in case I would want to use it on a different bicycle. The light fits any bike, whether adults or child, street or mountain.

The zoom capability allows you to adjust how much of the road ahead you want to see or just use the flashlight to illuminate yourself to oncoming cars. The flashlight is made from durable military grade aluminum and seems like it would be able to withstand shocks and drops very well. The flashlight can be removed (while keeping the connector piece on the bike) and used a flashlight in an emergency situation.

Keep yourself and your family safe with Lumenx front mountable bicycle light. Easy installation and removal (no tools) and a bright light that shines up to 500 feet offer the protection and safety that you need. The bonus rear tail light is also easy to install and shines continuously or flashes so cars coming from behind can see you.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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