Yesterday evening, we returned from our New Years vacation up to Northern California-into the Trinity Mountains and through the woods to Coffee Creek. We had such a great time. Tristan had the opportunity to play in the snow and experience life in the forest. We saw a ton of deer. We love Trinity so much that we’re going to work really hard this year to keep it in our vision, with hopes that we’ll be moving there in 2010! Keeping my fingers crossed and toes curled! The highlight of the trip was meeting with Eco Childs Play, editor, Jennifer Lance!! Psst…I may be writing for them (Eco Childs Play) soon!

Here are a few pics for you to enjoy!

Jennifer Lance & I

New Year’s Eve bonfire stacks.

Resort owners both turned 50 last year!

At Turtle Bay in Redding, CA. 

On the Sundial Bridge overlooking the Sacramento River

Will be back to blogging about the great green good(s) tomorrow…

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Happy New Year~ Wishing you and yours a wonderful year ahead.

May we all do what we can to preserve the planet and take steps to further our quest in the green movement.

Even if they’re only baby green steps…baby green steps are better than no green steps at all. By moving in that direction we can expand our knowledge of what we we as humans are capable of doing if we work together. SAVE THE EARTH!

Peace, Love & Green Happiness!

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Oooh boy!!! All I have to say is that I absolutely love chocolate BUT when it comes to ORGANIC, FAIR TRADE chocolate…move over because I’m in CHOCOLATE ZEN HEAVEN. Yes, that’s right chocolate zen!!! It’s unbelievably mouth watering goodness.

Last week, I received a lovely tin of chocolates to try from CocoZenMama whom I met on Twitter.  Boy, oh boy I say and say again…my tongue and senses fell deeply in love with the Chai Spice and Chocolate Orange Blossom with Almond truffles she sent to my home. Not to mention, a little sampler tin (Truffles To Go) with oh so yummy truffles inside that are to die for. Each and every bite is worth savoring. The flavors are so well mixed and the taste is outstanding. It’s organic, why wouldn’t it be!

If it doesn’t get any better than that- she also sent me a bar of Chocolate Mint soap, lip scrub, and lip balm. All from her store Coco~Zen all products are made with love. Oh my gosh, so it was my first time ever trying chocolate soap- who would’ve thought? It’s so luxurious and silky smooth. Again, I was in chocolate zen heaven. I’m not kidding. It smells so yummy too but of course, is not edible. What is edible is the lip sugar scrub she sent me.

This was a huge hit for me- I’m a lip balm fanatic- lip scrub queen and her lip scrub ROCKS!!! It’s made with brown sugar, organic essential oils and different flavors of chocolate- it’s genius- that’s all I have to say.  It left my lips feeling kissable and not looking flaky and dry like they tend to do living in the desert where it’s dry. Talk about lick your lips!

The lip balm is great too. It’s smooth and silky like the soap. I had to lick my lips and give it a try and I liked it. It doesn’t leave your lips brown either…I was a little hesitant, I must say. It looks like chocolate inside the tin but it goes on like balm no brown color that I could see. I love how all the items are packaged in a recyclable tin. It’s an added bonus. We’re talking gourmet chocolate body treats here people. All around goodness.

If you’re a chocoholic- you have to give Coco~Zen a try.  All of their chocolate treats are certified Fair Trade and are organic. So, while you’re supporting fair trade you’re also supporting a mom owned business. You’ll find different flavored truffles that you can also get in bulk and chocolate body treats that are so worth it! All for your mind, body and sweet tooth! They’re all about saving the planet too! Read about what’s going on with Cocoa Farming. Coco~Zen is doing they’re part to minimize the impact we can have on the planet- even when it comes to chocolate!

Experience Oneness with Chocolate - Experience Coco~Zen.

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Recently, I tried the Nurture My Body Organic Cream Cleanser. It’s fragrance free made without essential oils. It’s so silky and soft. I love it against my skin. The organic Cream Cleasner is great because it moisturizes while cleansing. I love that about it. There are no harsh chemicals in it either. It’s so refreshing in both aspects the fact that it’s made without all the junk yet leaves you feeling refreshed too. I have normal to dry skin and it left my face feeling hydrated. I really didn’t even need to moisturize after using it.

It’s made with all natural ingredients and is certified organic.  All of their products sound so wonderful and they’re all certified organic too! I’m a sucker for anything organic and chemical free. It’s a great feeling to know that what your applying to your skin (the largest organ) is not harmful. I certainly, feel so much better about using products like this and will usually buy them. Nuture My Body packages their products in a cobalt blue bottle to keep out UV rays, their products are 100% biodegradable, and not tested on animals. 

I’m really impressed with their standards…

What Nuture My Body Products Do Not Contain

• Pesticides
• Synthetic Preservatives
• Petroleum Products
• Propylene Glycol
• Parabens
• Sodium Laurel Sulphate
• MEA (Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide DEA, Oleamide DEA)
• Phthalates
• FD&C Colorants and Dyes
• DEA (Diethanolamine)
• TEA (Triethanolamine)
• 1,4-Dioxane

That’s a long list of ugly chemicals that I’d rather not intake. Nurture My Body has a wide range of products from skin, body, hair and baby! They even have gift baskets and sample sets for you to try out. Plus, just by simply entering your email and signing up for their newsletter you’ll be entered to win a Gift Box valued at over $50! The drawing is held monthly. Enjoy the benefits of free shipping if your order is over $75 dollars. 

Nuture My Body is a great place to start when you’re thinking about greening up your beauty routine. I’m happy that I was able to meet the owner Rich Arnold on Twitter. He’s a very kind person and that can only say one thing about his company - customer service is priority number one and his products are kind to the planet!! Be sure to check out Nurture My Body and start the New Year nurturing YOUR body!!

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Just thought I’d let you all know that the Eco Holiday Giveaways here at RYD has ended…

BUT, look for new giveaways come the New Year!!!

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I’m not sure if I mentioned my vlogging endeavor at NewBaby.com in a previous pregnancy post…so, I wanted to inform you all today that I have vlog going on at NewBaby.com! I have 5 submissions thus far and plan to continue to vlog through my pregnancy and beyond. It’s been a fun experience and I’m learning how to be a camera-woman too. It seems that the lightening has been an issue for me. I’ll get it figured out sooner or later…LOL!

In any case you can find the widget to NewBaby.com and my latest vlog on the right hand side column- do you see it? That’s me!!!  I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback either at NewBaby.com or here. I hope you’ll stay tuned for my latest pregnancy info while vlogging.

I have yet to share my 6 month update here but you can view the vlog by visiting NewBaby.com and looking it up under my moniker LaMamaNaturale. Basically, the last time I wrote about the pregnancy I was a bit worried about baby Clark’s heart as the ultrasound doc told me, Clark had fluid around his heart. We found out that the fluid is no longer there and he will be a happy healthy baby. It was from the cold I had weeks ago. Nothing more. I thank you all the people who supported me about staying positive about the condition.

The midwives predict that Clark will be bigger than Tristan. I predict the same thing- my intuition is telling me so!!! Since the beginning of my 2nd trimester I’ve gained a pound a week- totaling 25 lbs. of weight gain. The midwife, Aleks reported that this is a perfet weight gain and was very satisfied to see that I’m weighing in above my pre-pregnancy weight. For now, my emotional state is great and I’m looking forward to meeting baby Clark very soon. Come Jan 1- it’s going to go by so fast (due April 4) and I’ve already told Clark he’s the leader. I will follow his lead when he’s ready to make his presence into the world. We’re a team and we’ll work together for a smooth delivery!

I’m going back through my hypnobirthing book and reading some mantra’s like “my baby and I are one”, mantra’s to help with the labor and delivery AND also re-learning how to go into this birth aware but off into a state where I can be happy and calm. I’m still doing pre-natal yoga and I love it. I’m also working on all the pre-birth stretches. Needless to say, it’s prepare, prepare, prepare! Even though, I’ve given birth before I’m not expecting it to be the same as with Tristan.  :)

UPDATE: I would also like to mention that in my vlog above about the beverage Glow Mama… I state that you can find it in stores like Whole Foods- well, I want to correct that and mention to my readers that it’s only available in CA. at some stores and that it’s mainly available online!!! If your expecting or know someone that’s preggo and would be interested… visit their website www.drinktoglow.com

Its a great website and they also have a blog, you can follow for any updates- so get your Glow on!

OH! I forget to tell you all that Tristan my 19 mos. is basically weaned- the last 3 nights he’s slept through the night without nursing before, during or after. I have to say I feel a loss and sense of abdonement, if you will- it feels so different. I’m happy that he’s moving on and gaining more independence from Mommy but…he’s my lil guy and I enjoyed it soooo much. Guess, I shouldn’t be so glum about it- Clark is on the way and soon I’ll be nursing again. AND- it’s so funny too- Tristan has decided to call Clark - “CHUCK” he was saying Clark with no problems but one day a couple weeks back he started saying Chuck to refer to baby Clark. It’s very funny- but we’re NOT changing his name from Clark to CHUCK!!!

Anywho- tomorrow we leave for Trinity where will be staying at the Bonanza King Resort. I’m not sure how much blogging I’ll get to do before I leave. I have a few reviews to tell you about and will try to get them up ASAP! Other than that I’m not sure what my computer life will be like while visiting the wonderful area of Trinity. It’s probably going to be slim to none- but I’m taking the lappy and am looking forward to meeting up with a fellow eco-blogger, Jennifer Lance, from Ecochildsplay!!!

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 This year we didn’t receive as many Christmas cards as we normally do…(which I think has something to do with the economy). We still ended up with some cards though and a lot of us including myself wonder what to do with them. In the past,  I’ve packed them away before as keepsakes until I  realized it was ridiculous to do so as I had too many boxes taking up wasted space. I’m on of those kind of people that have a hard time letting go and can be a pack rat- but I getting better and it’s a goal for the New Year to be clutter free. Other years, I’ve tossed them into my recycling bin and bid them farewell just as I was preparing myself to do so for New Year.

This year I found out about a great program- The St. Jude’s Ranch Recycling Card Program!

From now until February 28, 2009, you can donate/send your holiday OR all occasion cards to:

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

This program began over 30 years ago it started with just Christmas cards but expanded to all occassion. The children of St. Jude turn the old cards into new. The children also receive payment for their hard work and learn the advantages of going green while doing so.

I think program is super  eco cool. I’ve already started my envelope and have a pile of cards (from previous boxes too- wink, wink, both X-Mas and all occassion). Another great alternative for your holiday waste plus you’ll be supporting a great cause.

What are you planning to do with your Christmas cards this year?!!?! Why not, donate them to support a good cause.

Have any X-Mas card recycling tips to share, pls. feel free!

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Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!  I can’t believe it’s already over with. It went so fast, didn’t it? Yesterday, I spent most of the day re-organizing this house. I took down all the Christmas decorations, including our tree. We would’ve waited to do it after the New Year but the tree was already starting to crisp. We’ve had it since the week after Thanksgiving so it was time- not to mention- we’ll be gone again this year.

We’re going up to Trinity to visit our friends for New Year’s. Plus, I needed a sense of normalcy back. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE X-Mas but it was time to get rid of the decorations and get our home back in order. It feels really good.

Today, we are celebrating my husband’s 30th birthday- so, getting back the house back in order is a huge advantage since we’re having company. It also means less time to blog!

I want to thank all of my new visitors and faithful readers. You mean so much to me and I look forward to more comment love and bringing you green news weekly as always! This year has been incredible- the launch of this blog has brought so many wonderful new friends and has opened new doors.

I’m very grateful. Keep coming back because 09′ is going to be filled with lots of excitement for me personally and for this blog! I’m planning to blog sporadically between now and New Year’s but after the New Year…it’s on, people.

Peace, Love & Green Happiness for the New Year AND always!

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Photo courtsey of instructables.com

If you’re like me you always have a few last minute gifts to wrap. It never fails…always something to do at the last minute!

Today, some of you are probably wrapping up a few gifts… I still have a few. If you’re trying to take the eco-friendly approach you can use newspaper or magazine paper as wrap. It’s been a tradition of mine to save bags from every occassion and re-use them. I have an entire box full of gift bags. These come in really handy.

I even save tissue paper if it’s not too torn or crimped and I love to save ribbon. All you have to do is iron out the ribbon if it’s too crinkled and viola’ you have a nice new ribbon, ready for use. Even gift boxes can be re-used. If you want your gifts to look a little eco fancy you can always wrap them up in scarves, ties, silks and fabric. The second hand store is great for finding old scarves, ties, silks and fabric. 

Using natural elements from the outdoors is a perfect way to top your gifts- pinecones, twigs, feathers and pretty leaves. It’s all about simplicity and creativity. If you’re really crafty you can always attempt to make bows using newspaper (can’t find the link for this one) or from all the scrap wrapping paper you’ve tossed to the side. If you can try to avoid using wrap all together but if you have stock piles of it, like some do then try to make this bow to top your presents with.  

You can also find a different approach here! This approach uses staples- you could probably nix the staples for tape or glue! These type of bows can be used for any occassion not just Christmas. Don’t have time to make these bows this year? You can find already made recycled bows at this Etsy shop- Shaggininapuppet! 
Wrapping is a lot of fun and brings out your creative/artsy side…this year try to bring out your eco artsy side.

Please feel free to share your tips or ideas…

If you happen to know the link for the newspaper bow or have the instructions for it…pls. share it!

 Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday!

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All good things come to end at some point…right?? Well, maybe not in some cases…but in this case- The Eco Holiday Giveaways are coming to a close and I have 2 more products up for grabs!!!

First, have the chance of winning a SKOY cloth pack! Have you heard of the company called SKOY?  

 If you haven’t, you might want to visit there site. I had the opportunity to test them out and OH MY GOSH-I’m in love! Are you a paper towel feen? My husband is…and I’ll admit I use them pretty regularly. We usually buy recycled paper towels but still all that paper and all those trees, it really breaks my heart. With SKOY you can say goodbye to the paper towel habit and look no further because Skoy is the answer to your problem.

Here are the benefits of using a SKOY cloth…

• 100% Biodegradable
• Absorbent
• Re-usable
• Machine Washable
• Dries quickly so it is not a bredding ground for bacteria- It’s really amazing!
• Can be microwaved or put in dishwasher to kill germs
• Absorbs 15 times it’s own weight and durable
• non-toxic, chlorine free and made using water based colors and inks.

It really is a fantastic eco European made product! It has many uses too…in the kitchen, bathroom, office, auto, boats, camping and more! I’ve used for the first time in the past couple of weeks and I’m loving it and spreading the word to friends and family. SKOY- Wet Wipe Wow!

 WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit SKOY and leave me a comment telling what your favorite 4-pack is!

Be sure to leave me a valid email address with your entry.

If you don’t leave your email address with your entry your entry will not count!!!

Pls. folks, this is part of the giveaway rules!!

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: There are THREE ways to earn extra entries!!! - PLEASE,  make sure to leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

• Copy & Paste the Recycle Your Day holiday button on your blog!
• Twitter This, or Stumble giveaway. Don’t forget to leave your Twitter name!!
• Subscribe to RYD feed and confirm subscription- only applies to new subscribers.

GIVEAWAY ENDS- Saturday, Dec 27, 2008- Winner will be announced on the 28th!

 Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize otherwise prize will be forfeited and re-draw will occur!

U.S. ENTRIES ONLY, PLEASE!

Good luck!   :)

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NEXT UP, we have a DVD on Pressure Cooking- remember the Green Up Your Cooking post about pressure cooking? Well, “The Veggie Queen” left a comment on the post.

In this 75 minute DVD, Jill Nussinow, AKA The Veggie Queen, gives you a fresh look at pressure cooking. Learn how to cut your cooking time in half with step-by-step instructions for 14 dishes, from breakfast through dessert!

Using a pressure cooker will help you:

• Reduce cooking time by 50% or more compared to conventional cooking techniques
• Decrease energy usage
• Keep your kitchen cool
• Make great tasting food with or without added fats
• Boost your nutrition by locking in flavor and color
• Make cooking meals change from boring to delicious

WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit The Veggie Queen’s site and and leave me a comment telling what pressure cooker you’d be interested in purchasing!

Be sure to leave me a valid email address with your entry.

If you don’t leave your email address with your entry your entry will not count!!!

Pls. folks, this is part of the giveaway rules!!

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: There are THREE ways to earn extra entries!!! - PLEASE,  make sure to leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

• Copy & Paste the Recycle Your Day holiday button on your blog!
• Twitter This, or Stumble giveaway. Don’t forget to leave your Twitter name!!
• Subscribe to RYD feed and confirm subscription- only applies to new subscribers.

GIVEAWAY ENDS- Saturday, Dec 27, 2008- Winner will be announced on the 28th!

 Winner will have 3 days to claim their prize otherwise prize will be forfeited and re-draw will occur!

U.S. ENTRIES ONLY, PLEASE!

Good luck!  :)

**** MAKE SURE YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT CONTEST YOUR EARNING THE EXTRA CREDIT FOR! THANKS! 

*** Winner’s are Julie and Gina! Thank you to all those who entered. 

 This complete’s the Eco Holiday Giveaways!!

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