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Archive for the ‘Fitness’ Category

Green Baby Bling

Monday, March 1st, 2010

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A friend of mine recently told me about a fabulous company called Bling Baby: sassy, sparkling clothes and accessories for baby.  It turns out, it was her friend who started the company and her first baby girl who was inspiration for its inception.

Here’s the founder, Jennifer Linder’s story:

Let’s face it…all girls are born LOVING bling.
The minute I found out that my friend Carolyn delivered a baby girl I could not wait to deck her out in something pink that sparkled! I was surprised how hard it was to find the perfect, personalized baby gift. (Even in a big city like Chicago). I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. I guess I’m more of a “chip off the old block” than I ever thought. My mother has always encouraged me to satisfy my artsy side through various craft projects. Since I couldn’t find the perfect gift, I decided to make my own design for Taylor and that is where BLiNG-BABY was born.
I love the idea of creating personal designs for children that are affordable and adorable. Whether it be their name, nickname, initials or just something endearing to Mom & Dad, make it sparkle and say it in BLiNG!

boys_hats1My first reaction was, “cute story and cute stuff” but I’m not huge on sparkles and I’m going for organic cotton as much as possible for my baby girl.

AND THEN………

Then I discovered the Bling Baby Organic Cotton Line!  Personalized caps and onesies made from 100% organic cotton.  Fabulous!!!

pinkstripe2I only wish we had a name picked out so I could order up some stuff now.  I promise I’ll put some pics up once this little green bean is born with her wearing all sorts of sparkly, personalized garb.

If you’re like so many women out there and you want to live a healthier, greener life without giving up the fun and fashion you’ve always enjoyed, Bling Baby’s organic cotton line offers the solution.  Fabulous, fun, fashions for babies that are made from organically grown cotton to boot!

Here’s to Jennifer for following her dream….and helping to fill our babies’ closets with cute and eco baby bling!

Also on SaraSnow.com



“My Mom Hugs Trees” and other Fresh Reads

Monday, February 15th, 2010

A few months ago I was in New Jersey speaking at the Holistic Moms Network annual conference.  It was while I was there that I met the woman responsible from some of the freshest children’s books I’ve seen in a long time!

0978532619As a soon-to-be new mom of the tree-hugging variety, I became particularly fond of My Mom Hugs Trees.

“The story depicts a love and enjoyment of nature and life.”  Summer (the main character) is convince that she has the “weirdest mom in the world.”  Who else hugs trees, rescues bugs, sings with birds, and talks to flowers?  Of course in the end she learns to love and appreciate her mom as much as the trees and bugs that her mom so dearly loves.

Also from the Solar Publishing My Mom series, comes My Mom Eats Tofu, about Summer dealing with her mom’s crazy efforts to plant seeds, eat organic foods and compost; and My Mom Stands on Her Head with Summer learning about yoga, t’ai chi and meditation.

Solar Publishing is a children’s multimedia publishing company, helping young people learn to respect and embrace nature & humanity in alternative and fun ways.  Their mission is to enlighten the lives of children through media that instills a sense of connection to nature and humanity.  Every book is printed on 100% recycled paper and they plant a tree for every product sold.

Reading that’s good for all of us.  Gotta love that!

Also on SaraSnow.com

A Great New Book: “One Child, One Planet”

Monday, January 25th, 2010

I was sent a book to review just before the holidays and delayed telling you about it, thinking I’d wait until a little closer to spring.

sb-img-oneOne Child One Planet is a breathtakingly beautiful book with words that will inspire the young and young at heart to enjoy and preserve this planet of ours.

“Children of all ages will be captivated by this loving tribute to Mother Earth, her gifts and her greatest concerns. Young or old, everyone’s actions make a difference. Loose-rhyming text and awe-inspiring photography are woven into a family treasure that will create excitement and responsibility toward the planet.”

A fellow Michigander, Bridget McGovern Llewellyn wrote One Child One Planet “to show children that Earth is a fragile and precious gift, and inspire them to care for such a treasure.”

Back in her college days, Bridget encouraged her friends to recycle (though it was far from stylish at the time) and she carried her own Buffalo Bills to-go mug for coffee and hot chocolate around campus.   Today she is a wife, a mother of five, and now an author; one who is passionate about helping children see the beauty of the world around us.

On her site she lists “a zillion things we can do for the planet.”  Things like:

  • When grandparents ask, “What would you like for your birthday?”, impress them by asking for a tree! Plant it somewhere special. The tree will clean the air, and you will treasure it much longer than any toy.
  • Go for an “ Eco” walk, picking up debris along the way. You enjoy nature while nature enjoys you!
  • Limit time on electronics: TV, computer and video games. Lift your spirits by playing outside instead.
  • See if your school recycles paper. If not, inquire about starting a green club.

I hope you’ll pick up a copy of this book (available on her website and Amazon.com) and share it with all of the kids in your life.

You can follow Bridget on her blog for more inspirations.

Also on SaraSnow.com


New Wave Enviro Goes to the Olympics

Monday, January 18th, 2010

teamNew Wave Enviro Products, makers of fantastic reusable bottles, lunch pails and more, has announced that they will be the exclusive and official provider of stainless steel water bottles for the U.S. Ski Team and the U.S. Snowboarding Team  at (and leading up to) the 2010 winter Olympics in February.

Both team logos will be available on New Wave Enviro Products’ stainless steel bottles beginning next month.

According to their press release, New Wave Enivro was the first company to introduce stainless steel drinking water bottles to the health food industry after their founding in 1993.  The company also boasts having developed and introduced the first BPA-free plastic bottles made from Eastar (a reusable yet recyclable bottle), the first reusable bottle made from corn resin (it degrades in 80 days in a commercial composter), and the first lunch bag made from 100% bamboo.

Using healthy (for the planet and for my body) drinking containers is something so important to me.  At home I drink from glass and ceramic cups and mugs and when I’m out and about I drink from reusable BPA-free plastic or stainless-steel bottles.  A few years ago I gave New Wave Enviro bottles as stocking stuffers to all of my family members.

Make the better choice and select healthy reusable bottles – better for you and for the planet.  It’s exciting to hear that two of the olympic teams are now on board!

Also on SaraSnow.com

Charting Plastics in the Ocean

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

So, you’ll probably never sail around the world.  I’m sorry, maybe you will, but chances are it’ll just end up on that list of things that sound really cool to do but never make it on your calendar.

Just the other day my Aunt Judy emailed me about a friend of hers, Jon T Howard, a singer/songwriter and artist who works by day for EcoUsable, makers of those fantastically cool BPA-free stainless steel water bottles with the built in water filter.

Enjoy filtered tap water on the go instantly filtered as you drink through the ech2o Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration System! This exclusive top removes up to 99.99% of pollutants for up to 100 gallons of great tasting filtered water.

Back to Mr. Howard.  For a short while he’s taking a break from his desk at EcoUsable and instead is, well, he’s sailing around the Atlantic (not quite all the way around the world).  Impressive nonetheless!

He is on an expedition with Dr. Marcus Eriken and Anna Cummins of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation to explore the North Atlantic Gyre.  Together they’re joining a crew of 14 aboard the Sea Dragon, a 72 foot research vessel.  They will be examining the role plastic pollution plays in transporting POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) in the marine environment.

They’re somewhere near Bermuda right now and while the levels of plastic that they’ve found are so far less than those found in the Pacific Gyre, they expect that there will be a much denser accumulation of debris once they get to the center of the gyre.

You can discover along with him by following his blog chronicling his adventure:  http://jonthoward.blogspot.com/

Wishing Jon a safe journey home and a successful venture in this environmentally important mission!

Also on SaraSnow.com

Exciting News!!

Monday, December 21st, 2009

I’m taking a break from my GREENER WAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS tips for a day to share some very exciting news.

Ryan, my husband, and I are so excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby! Our little ‘greenie’ will arrive in early June.

Like for so many women today, it has been a long road for us to get to this point.  But, true to my natural background, instead of going the conventional fertility doctor route, I sought the advice of naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists.  And through a series of their treatments, as well as diet and lifestyle alterations, I am now 4 months pregnant.

We’re both so excited, to say the least.  And I look forward to sharing with you my experiences with a greener pregnancy, natural childbirth and raising a baby in the most organic and natural way.  And I look forward to hearing your thoughts, experiences and suggestions as well!!

So, happy holidays!  I know these are certainly happy holidays for us!

Sara

GREENER WAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Get Creative with Gift Wrap

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Sadly, it isn’t hard to believe that an extra four million tons of wrapping paper and shopping bag waste is created during each holiday season.  In fact, half of the paper America consumes throughout the year is used to wrap and decorate consumer products.

Is all of that added waste necessary?

This holiday season, why not get creative with your gift wrapping?  Here are a few ideas on how to do that.

Use newspaper:  by selecting different sections of the paper you can personalize your gift giving – sports for dad or that sporty girlfriend, the comics for your little brother or nephew, or the home & garden section for the enthusiast on your list.

Use recycled paper: this can work two ways.  The best way is to reuse the paper that your birthday or some other gift came wrapped in.   The other way is to use wrapping paper that is made of recycled paper.  Thankfully, all kinds of goods made from post-consumer recycled waste are getting easier and easier to find.  Look for recycled content wrapping paper everywhere gift wrap is sold.

Recycle your wardrobe: an old t’shirt, sweater or scarf works beautifully as elegant and colorful gift wrap.  Add a decorative ribbon and you’re done.  For gifts of wine or bottles of bubble bath, try slipping them into the sleeve of a flannel or sweater and secure both ends with a ribbon.

Also on SaraSnow.com

GREENER WAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS; Reusable Bags by BlueAvocado

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Just in time for the holidays, BlueAvocado has created new kits from a new kind of material to help satisfy all of the greenies on your list.  (see the coupon code at the bottom of this post!)

BlueAvocado is a mission-driven lifestyle products company that makes it easy to do good while getting it done.

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The BlueAvocado gro-pak system is designed to replace environmentally

harmful plastic and paper grocery bags, features five separate component bags made of recycled materials.  The system replaces 15 plastic bags per shopping trip.  Durable, compact and stylish, the gro-pak system meets all your shopping needs – ventilation (for fruits and veggies), insulation (for hot/cold), and collapsibility (for easy sto-n-go).

The BlueAvocado gro-pak system features two “Veg” bags – lightweight, ventilated produce bags; a “Pod” – a collapsible, ultra-light, all-purpose grocery bag; a “Gro” – a sturdy bag with an adjustable strap for shoulder or hand carrying; a “Chil” – an insulated bag that keeps groceries hot or cold for up to three hours; and a “Pak” – a cute carry-all tote that holds and folds the entire system neatly together. All together, the gro-pak system holds up to 100 pounds of groceries. Each BlueAvocado gro-pak component bag also features the world’s first audited “Carbon Impact Label” detailing the carbon emission reduction associated with each trip to the grocery store and plastic bags avoided which can total up to 1000 plastic bags annually.

And as of just recently, these gro-pak kits are now made from a certifiable recycled REPREVE fabric. Meaning, the gro-pak – collapsible, reusable shopping system – just got greener!

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Out for the holidays, BlueAvocado has created 8 kits perfect for gift giving.

They have the holiday cruiser kit, which includes a Pak, an insulated Chil bag and two Veg produce bags ($49.99); the stocking stuffer kit, made up of two Pod stuff ‘n go bags (these are THE PERFECT bag!) and a Veg produce bag ($19.99);  and six others.

The Pod stuff ‘n go is the bag I never leave home without.  And I’m not the only one.  Hollywood A-listers like Jenna Elfman, Kate Winslet and Tina Fey are joining the ranks of BlueAvocado fans.

And I’m excited to announce that BlueAvocado is offering a special 20% discount to my family of friends and readers. Simply enter the promotion code goodgift20 at checkout to enjoy 20% off your entire order! You can now be the ultimate gift-giver this holiday season. Whether you are looking for gifts under $19.99, teachers gifts, or even to treat yourself – check out BlueAvocado: http://www.blueavocado.com and don’t forget your promotion code at checkout: goodgift20!

Also on SaraSnow.com

GREENER WAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS; Organica Deluxe has 5 gifts under $10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Organica Deluxe has been a longtime favorite gift-giving site of mine.  They make finding gifts for any occasion (birthdays, Valentine’s day, Mother’s day, etc) easy since you can search by occasion, price, or recipient.  They strive to make sure all of their items are natural, organic, sustainable, or fair trade, and that they’re all luxury.

Just in time for the holidays they have selected 5 items for $10 and under…perfect for hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.

Here are 3 of my favorites

198SHORT JEWEL VASES – SINGLES
Made from 99% recycled glass, these colorful gems will sit pretty almost anywhere they land. We think they look great lined up all in a row – with or without flowers. Fill with liquids or blooms any time of the year. Order more than one and make your own set.
RED AND PINK AND ORANGE available.
177ORGANICA DELUXE TOLLHOUSE
Vanilla laced and loaded with organic semi-sweet chocolate.
An upscale and decadent expression of the classic tollhouse tradition.
Please eat upon arrival OR freeze and thaw when ready to enjoy! (4 extra large cookies).
237NOTES THAT GROW
Recycled pressboard box with 100 sheets of handmade notes to keep by the phone for taking messages or leaving friendly reminders. Plant in your garden. Keep it moist. Watch it grow!
Made from bush bark that grows high in the mountains of Nepal. After harvesting, it regenerates so forestation is preserved. These notes are acid free, text weight paper handmade by generationally trained craftsmen. In buying this product, you are also contributing to economic enterprise that preserves a traditional way of life.  (note:  this one tips the scale at $12, instead of $10)

Also on SaraSnow.com

GoodBelly for your Overly Stuffed Belly!

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Feeling a little stuffed after the weekend?  It’s likely due at least in part to the obscene amount of food you ate and to the fact that your body is having a hard time digesting it.

Now is the perfect time to start the GoodBelly 12 Day Challenge.

GoodBelly is a probiotic fruit drink with 20-billion active cultures that are clinically proven to improve digestive health and strengthen immunity! That’s more than you can get from any yogurt and, as someone who drinks it almost daily I can safely say, it’s a lot more delicious and, with the single serving cups, it’s a lot easier to drink on the go!

All GoodBelly products are made with antioxidant-rich fruit juice and are dairy-free, wheat-free, and soy-free, a change for people who think active cultures can only come in dairy rich yogurts.

goodbelly-plusGoodBelly comes in a quart-sized probiotic fruit drink in four flavors and the GoodBelly Plus probiotic fruit drink with 17 essential vitamins and minerals in three flavors.  Both products feature 20-billion live active cultures of Lp299v and are meant to be enjoyed daily to maintin healthy, strong digestive health.

And as if 20-billion wasn’t enough, there’s now the GoodBelly BigShot 50 with 50 billion probiotics per serving.  GoodBelly BigShot 50 is a new super charged dose of 50 billion live and active cultures and features the powerful probiotic strain Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v (Lp299v) which has 16 years of use and over 17 clinical studies to support its efficacy.  It’s clinically proven to help keep bellies healthy and immune systems strong.  One 2.7 ounce single serving “shot” of the BigShot is designed for occasional use during digestive flare-ups, pre and post antibiotic treatment, or during periods of feeling particularly run down.

With over 70% of your immune system located in your digestive tract (your gut), core digestive health is a vitally important contributor to your over-all health.  Your digestive tract has an important job.  It’s responsible for sending nutrients to your vital organs and eliminating toxins. A healthy gut means a healthy body.

Probiotics (healthy bacteria) that are clinically proven to adhere to the intestinal wall (like the Lp299v strand found in GoodBelly) will form a barrier of healthy bacterial to actually help prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites from passing into the bloodstream.  With cold and flu season here, there’s never been a more important time to support core digestive health.

So, go with your gut – take the GoodBelly ChallengeTry GoodBelly for 12 days. If you don’t feel better, they’ll give you your money back, guaranteed.

Also on SaraSnow.com