Green Parenting Tips

I’ve noticed that the topic in everyone’s conversations these days (aside from employment and the economy), is going green. It’s all over – TV, newspapers, magazines – you name it and it probably has something about going green. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great. I do think it is important to care for the environment, but everything I hear to do to help seems to be on a larger scale. So it got me thinking, what could I do as a parent to help the environment? Well, I discovered some simple green parenting tips to follow, which can help save the environment.

Tip#1 – Rethink the baby wipes

I was on one of my most favorite sites, babycenter.com, and they had an article on steps to take to go green and something caught my eye. They reported that most baby wipes take several hundred years to break down. To be honest, I never really gave much thought to wipes or the footprint they leave on the environment. I read that on average people use about 5,000 wipes per baby, which means there are a lot of wipes in landfills. So as an alternative, I found that there are companies that have created 100% biodegradable wipes. One company I’ve seen in particular is Nature Babycare (www.naty.com), and they offer a variety of biodegradable products including biodegradable wipes.

Tip #2 – Switch to cloth diapers

According to an article from the Mother Nature Network, kids use an average of eight diapers a day until they are potty-trained. So if you take an average age of 2 ½ years to potty train a child then you are looking at approximately 7,300 used diapers and that is just for one child! Just think of all the diapers out there that are in landfills for years (along with the wipes). An alternative to using disposable diapers are today’s version of cloth diapers. I know what you are probably thinking, “cloth diapers, never”, but the thing that makes it different from our parents’ time is the inserts that fit inside the cloth diapers. A company called gDiapers has created a 100% biodegradable insert that is actually safe to flush down the toilet.

Tip #3 – Purchase wood toys instead of plastic

In the book, Green Parenting, it says that plastic and battery operated toys can contain hazardous materials such as phthalates or plastic softeners. This can be dangerous for many reasons, one primarily because it seems that most babies learn by putting things in their mouths, I can personally attest to this, my child is at this stage and puts everything in her mouth. So the answer to this is to purchase wood toys finished with nontoxic paint instead of the plastic ones. They may not be as shiny or as loud (which actually may be a good thing for parents), but they don’t contain the dangerous toxins which is key. The company Wooden Toys carries over 500 wood items that are each crafted with non-toxic paint and 100% child safe design.

Tip #4 – Toy and clothing swaps

As most parents have probably seen, it is amazing the number of toys, activity centers, and clothes. that are recommended for babies to grow and learn. Personally, my daughter’s clothes and equipment seem to outnumber our belongings by at least two to one, and she is only four months old! Not only are these things generally bulky and take up space, but it can also get expensive keeping up with her development. To try to combat this, I‘ve started to see parents exchanging toys and clothing. This can help save a lot of money plus it can save on storage space.

Tip #5 – Make your own baby food or buy organic

In an article on green parenting called “10 Tips for Green Parenting” they say that “in addition to being better for the environment, natural healthy food from the start reduces the later risk of heart disease, allergies, behavioral problems, and many other ailments”. Whether this is completely true or not, it is something to think about. One way to do this is by making your own baby food. This has been a “hot” topic for many of my friends with babies, and I’ve read that it is pretty easy to make yourself. But if you like the idea but would prefer some assistance to make the job easier, then Williams Sonoma has a product called the Beaba Babycook. It is a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster in one small appliance that makes it easy to prepare fresh, healthy meals for a baby (I haven’t tried it out personally but it looks easy). But if making baby food isn’t your thing you can always purchase organic baby food at your local grocery store, which is also healthy and nutritious.

The author, Brooke Drake, writes for Bounce Energy

Are you feeling a little toasty this holiday season? Would you love to be one of those people who can stand up at the drop of a hat and offer a clever toast? Do you hold back because you aren’t sure what to say or do you resist the urge because you aren’t sure of the correct protocol?

Few people seem to hold back for fear of committing a faux pas. Nevertheless there are rules regarding toasting and if you want to be the polished professional at the office party or the business dinner, here are a few pointers on the correct way to perform a toast:

The host should always be the one to start the process. Before beginning it is that person’s responsibility to make sure that everyone’s glass is full. After the host has offered a toast, others may follow suit.

Toasts should be short, simple and sincere. The five-page poem that covers the honoree’s entire life up to that point is more appreciated by the one who wrote it rather than those who have to listen to it.

If the group is large, it is not necessary to clink glasses when a toast is made. Instead, just raise your glass and take a sip. If the group is small and you wish to touch glasses, look the other person in the eye when you do.

Use proper toasting etiquette. Sipping is safer than guzzling, especially if the toasting is going to be extensive.

Gentle is better than hearty when it comes to clinking. You don’t want to be remembered as the one who smashed the glass and bathed everyone around you in red wine.

When you are finished, use a concluding phrase like “Here’s to?” or offer a phrase such as “Cheers.”

The recipient of the toast never drinks or raises a glass. Doing so is somewhat like patting yourself on the back. Instead, the person being toasted may rise following the toast and respond with a word of thanks or by offering another toast. There is no need to stand unless the recipient would like to say a few words in return.

Although it is traditional, alcohol is not necessary to perform the toast. Sparkling water, plain water or any other beverage may be used.

Finally if you want to avoid becoming tipsy while toasting, raise the glass to your lips, but don’t drink. No one is watching to see if you are actually swallowing.

There are many occasions where a toast is appropriate including weddings, anniversaries, christenings, birthdays, reunions or for the birth of a child. If you know you will be attending one of these special occasions then you should prepare your toast in advance. Write it down, keep it brief and practice until you feel confident. Be sure to speak slowly and loud enough for all guests to hear. Start by stating the name of the honoree and your relationship to him or her. Offer a witty and memorable toast and you will be a sought after guest for all social occasions.

“No toast except his own should last longer than 60 seconds.”
- Mark Twain

© 2009, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Reprints welcomed so long as article and by-line are kept intact and all links made live.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author featured in the Wall Street Journal and many other off-line and on-line publications. Lydia shares her business etiquette tips in her monthly e-zine, her blog and on Twitter. To register for these free services visit her business etiquette site today!

Visit their official Website to learn more and watch the trailor: Shorts Movie

Shorts is set in the suburb of Black Falls, where all the houses look the same and everyone works for BLACK BOX Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, whose Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX is the ultimate communication and do-it-all gadget that’s sweeping the nation.

Other than keeping his parents employed, however, Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX has done nothing for 11-year-old Toe Thompson, who just wants to make a few friends…until a mysterious rainbow-colored rock falls from the sky, hits him in the head and changes everything. The Rainbow Rock does Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX one better: it grants wishes to anyone who holds it. Before long, wishes-gone-wrong have left the neighborhood swarming with tiny spaceships, crocodile armies, giant boogers…and outrageous magical mayhem around every corner.

But it’s not until the grown-ups get their hands on the Rock that the trouble really starts. Now Toe and his newfound friends must join forces to save their town from itself, discovering along the way that what you wish for is not always what you want.

Now for the Prizes!

On August 24th Momz will announce a Grand Prize Winner and two First Prize Winners!

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One Grand Prize Winner!

The Grand Prize Winner will receive the complete prize pack listed below as well as the Shorts “Phlat” Ball (Transforms from a 9” flying disc to a 6” ball when thrown)

• Kids Backpack (two styles!!)
• “Green Splat” T-shirt
• Lollipop
• Sticker sheets
• Frisbee
• Beach ball
• Hat
• Yo-Yo

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Two First Prize Winners!

Our two First Prize Winners will receive all of the items in the photograph of the prizes and listed just above!

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Enter to Win!

You can enter to win by sending us an email (admin [at] momz.com) with your first and last name OR by simply adding a comment to this post (see the bottom). The contest ends August 24th so please enter today! (Note: We never rent, sell, trade your email address. It will only be used for this contest.)

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Contest Rules

You must enter no later than midnight August 24th. Only one entry per person.

RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION:

BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, ENTRANTS RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND EACH OF ITS RESPECTIVE PARENTS, DIVISIONS, AFILIATES, SUBSIDIARIES, AGENTS AND ADVERTISING AGENCIES (COLLECTIVELY, “WBEI”) FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES, DAMAGES, RIGHTS, CLAIMS, AND ACTIONS OF ANY KIND ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY SWEEPSTAKES-RELATED ACTIVITY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE REMOVAL FROM THESITE OF, OR DISCONTINUATION OF ACCESS TO, ANY MATERIALS), OR RESULTING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE AWARDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, AS WELL AS CLAIMS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION, AND/OR INVASION OF PRIVACY.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

IN NO EVENT WILL THE WBEI BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF ANY ACCESS TO AND/OR USE OF THE SWEEPSTAKES SITE, THE DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES SITE, THE REMOVAL FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES SITE OF, OR DISCONTINUATION OF ACCESS TO, ANY MATERIALS, OR THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF, OR ANY HARM RESULTING FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF, OR PARTICIPATION IN, ANY PRIZE AWARDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE SWEEPSTAKES, ALL PRIZES, AND ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED ON OR THROUGH THE SITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

This fiction book is fascinating and I suspect most girls (including you!) will enjoy the journey Yndico takes when she accidentally slips into a dimension where past, present and future merge simultaneously. Yndico’s adventures are intertwined with philosophical and everyday life themes to evoke critical thinking, discussions and dialogue.

Summer time is the ideal time for such a unique read!

Sandra Olajide’s bio is almost as interesting as her new book… she is an internationally celebrated  singer songwriter that has performed on evry continent for Heads of State. Royalty and world leaders. Sandra is married, has two children, and lives in Los Angeles.

Visit her Website, YndicoIs to get a better sense for what’s in store for the reader.

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An amazing video to match this amazing new book:

AMAZING New Book "Yndico"

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What is Savings Angel?

1. Savings Angel takes local advertised grocery & household good prices and places them in a searchable database. They do this weekly. More importantly they do this for each area they’re currently operating in so the offers are from stores in your immediate area! They do not “mash” all cities together.

There are big differences between stores and coupons in different cities. Their city-centric approach gives you more accurate information for your hometown and increases your success.

They don’t bombard their members with endless ads, spam, or surveys in the hopes of revealing some kind of “special coupon.” Their approach is more like that of “consumer reports”. They run no ads on their Website and abhor spam as much as I do. They really are on a mission of save members the most money possible.

Each week they compile over 1,500+ databases of coupons that can be used on each advertised item, adding this information (along with the coupon location) to the data.*  Together, this information allows you to shop for items you normally buy, but at the best possible savings.

* You’ll be regularly alerted to special “deals” and purchase/coupon combinations that make quality products very inexpensive or even free! You’ll be in shock of how inexpensively you can feed your family!

They spend what might take you 30-40 hours each week compiling manufacturer coupons & rebates with store sales – matching them up to scientifically – giving you the shopping pattern that will result in the lowest monthly grocery bill. We call this “Enlightened Shopping.” Most members report being able to cut their monthly grocery bill in half – especially after about six weeks of “building up supplies.”

They also provide education and training on creating more abundance in your life – including education on better shopping, saving, and giving. Would you believe that it can actually be FUN to move forward financially?

If they are in your area please visit their Website to learn more. Just click on the image or your city below.

Happy savings mom!

Enroll Now: West Michigan | Mid-Michigan | Detroit | St. Louis | Minneapolis / St.Paul
Cincinnati / Dayton | Washington D.C. | Phoenix | Atlanta | Iowa

BABY SIGNS is based on American Sign Language and will help encourage the use of non-verbal gestures to communicate. Research has proven that babies who are taught to use signs to express their basic ideas before they can say words are happier because they can communicate with others.

For more information visit: BABY SIGNS

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• A Copy of the Baby Signs Pop-Up book ($25.99 value)
• $50 Babies ‘R Us Gift Card

Four First Prize winners will receive:

• A Copy of the Baby Signs Pop-Up book ($25.99 value)

To enter simply add a comment. You don’t have to say anything nice about the book or anything bogus like that. Just comment that you want to enter and we’ll include you in our random drawing at the end of July. Winners will be posted on our site, emailed, and the prizes shipped in early August.

Of course if you win and want to send a pic or two of your baby reading BABY SIGNS that would be wonderful!

Good luck!

How do they do it? They will share that with you in their book and their new TV show on The Learning Channel.

The deeply religious Duggar family has not avoided the inevitable spotlight having 17 kids might bring. In fact they are right at home (literally) with the cameras and spotlights on them. In October of this year they had a new TV series launch. The show, “17 Kids & Counting!”, is all about their family and airs on The Learning Channel.

There is of course a family Website with tons of pics and other family information. They even offer a book about their family. You will find it here – Duggar Family Website

If you are looking for recipes that will satisfy a large family without breaking the bank why not check out the Duggar Family recipes? Clearly they’ve had to learn how to feed a big family on a budget! – Duggar Family recipes

And be sure to try your hand at the ‘Name That Duggar‘ game! An actual online game created to test your skills at recalling the names of their 17 (and now 18) children. LOL!

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as: NBA 5.0, NFL 3.0, and Ipod with headphones 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. What can I do?

Signed,

DESPERATE

DEAR DESPERATE,

First, keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Please enter command:  ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta. Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.) In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend: Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Here’s the link: Inducing Labor

Ten Commandments of Etiquette for Communicating with People with Disabilities to help you in communicating with persons with disabilities.

1. When talking with a person with a disability, speak directly to that person rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter.

2. When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. (Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting.)

3. When meeting a person who is visually impaired, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.

4. If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen to or ask for instructions.

5. Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others. (Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.)

6. Leaning on or hanging on to a person’s wheelchair is similar to leaning on hanging on to a person and is generally considered annoying. The chair is part of the personal body space of the person who uses it.

7. Listen attentively when you’re talking with a person who has difficulty speaking. Be patient and wait for the person to finish, rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, a nod or shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Instead, repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond. The response will clue you in and guide your understanding.

8. When speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair or a person who uses crutches, place yourself at eye level in front of the person to facilitate the conversation.

9. To get the attention of a person who is deaf, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively to determine if the person can read your lips. Not all people who are deaf can read lips. For those who do lip read, be sensitive to their needs by placing yourself so that you face the light source and keep hands, cigarettes and food away from your mouth when speaking.

10. .Relax. Don’t be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common expressions such as “See you later,” or “Did you hear about that?” that seems to relate to a person’s disability. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re unsure of what to do.

Credits: Ten Commandments of Etiquette for Communicating with People with Disabilities, National Center for Access Unlimited