Natural Pod a Review & Giveaway *CLOSED*

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A few weeks ago the lovely company Natural Pod sent my son some wooden toys to review! I was so thrilled to rip open and the box and see what was inside. If you haven’t heard of Natural Pod you’re missing out! They sell some really quality toys- toys that will last for generations. They believe in allowing your child to open up their imagination and while being creative all at the same time. You can’t find that in a battery operated toy, it makes noise, it races across the floor, it may even sing you a song! Battery operated toys to some degree, don’t allow for openness and creativity. 

Wooden toys offer children a much bigger picture. A picture that we all painted in our minds as children….the land of imagination. It’s so important for children to learn, explore and be adventurous. The toys over at Natural Pod allow for this is so many ways, on so many levels. I want my son to have a vivid imagination and I want him to create several play worlds and use his own mind. It’s like with the television, it already gives you the story. With natural toys you have to go beyond that which is why I LOVE, encourage and support the world of natural play.

Another reason we love wooden toys is for sustainable reasons and also the fact that their built to last. Natural Pod calls it Heirloom Toys. Natural Pod sent over three Fagus vehicles- Van, Speedy and the Mini Bus-PLUS a water waves stacking toy!

 

My son really enjoys the mini bus, best. He loves to roll it across the floor and put the peg people in sideways. He was attracted to it, right from the start. Although, he sure likes vrooming’ his Van and Speedy across our tile floor as well. But, he usually brings out the bus from his toy box and plays with the peg people. I think he likes the colors and the fact that it has options. Sticking those peg people in sideways is his idea of fun.

When I opened up the water waves stacking toy he immediately began to break it up and turn them up side down. He was interested to see how they perform. I showed him how to stack it and instantly he began to count…he’s only 19 mos. so he doesn’t count well…but it did initiate a mathematical sense. He also tossed the pieces into his dump truck and would dump them out. It was neat to watch him use them in different ways. He enjoyed stacking them too but not as much as dumping them and knocking em’ down. What can I say he’s a boy! Maybe, for Christmas we’ll get him the boat so he can enjoy being a sailor for the day.

The toys sent over are not your average plastic piece of junk the craftsmenship is outstanding and performance is incredible. Knowing that they’re non toxic and painted without lead chemicals is quite a relief. I’m happy to have Natural Pod toys in our home and will definitely share their site with others.

Natural Pod has a wide selection of toys to choose from. In the November- December issue of Mothering magazine; Natural Pod was nominated (as well as a few other toy companies) for having the best natural toys of 2008!!! You have to see the play kitchen sets they’ve designed which is one of the toys that received recognition from Mothering magazine. They’re not to be missed. The wood used to make these kitchens carries the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label which means the wood originates from well managed forests. Natural Pod cares about environmental sensitivity while also caring about your childs creative needs. 

Be sure you check out Natural Pod’s blog too! Where they share their journey of natural play and open it up to us to share as well. Natural Pod has quality wooden toys and I highly recommend them for your holiday list this year!  ;)

Okay, so now is your chance to win a free gift from Natural Pod!

 WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit Natural Pod  and leave me a comment telling what your favorite item is!

** Winner will have the option to choose ONE of the following items reviewed - Mini Bus, Van Speedy or the Water Waves stacking toy.

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

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- Monday, Dec 8, 2008 Winner will be announced on the 9th! 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!   :)

*** The winner is Janet F. – Congrats!

Thank you to all those who entered.  Remember to keep coming back more giveaways will soon be posted- STAY TUNED!

*** Update*** Giveaway rules!

I completely forget to mention this part in my Eco Holiday Giveaways post-

Since they’re several giveaways going it’s only fair that one person win only ONCE!

So, please, be my guest and enter in all the giveaways…you just can’t win em’ all- sorry!!!

I hope you understand. Thank you to all of you who are participating and good luck!!!! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Celebrate with a giveway from Trees Instead! *CLOSED*

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Let’s celebrate with another giveaway…

I was introduced to Trees Instead through Twitter. I’m sure glad I found out what they do. This eco company will plant a tree in honor of any occassion and send a card. You can choose from birthday’s, weddings, memorials, to birth, get well wishes and many more. Dedicating a tree is an original and memorable idea. It’s like the gift that keeps giving. 

A tree that will grow and live for years and years. A tree that has been planted in your name or that of your loved ones…how cool would that be?! Just thinking about the effect this can have on the planet makes these special cards a must. Plus, as a bonus you also receive a tree certificate that indicates the tree number.

Trees are planted in areas of reforestion areas or where trees are needed such as fire devasted areas. The type of tree that is planted depends on forest needs and tree species. You can send this eco friendly gift anywhere in the U.S., Israel, and to the Amazon.

Trees Instead is making it easy for you to think green this holiday season by offering two holiday cards!!!!

One lucky winner will have the option to send it anywhere in the U.S. &

One lucky winner will have the option of sending it to The Holy Land

                    “As the Christmas spirit grow, so will the tree” 
                                                       OR
 ”As the miracle of Hannukah grow in your Heart; so will the tree in Israel”

Since they’re are 2 winners for this giveaway you can only enter once- take your pick!

 WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit Trees Instead  and leave me a comment telling me what the impact of tree can do for the environment.

*Hint- you can find it answer below “How it works”.

AND- DON’T FORGET to mention where you want the card sent U.S. or Holy Land - this way, I know who’s entering for what!!! 

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

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 6, 2008 Winner will be announced on the 7th! 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!   :)

*** WINNER’S  for this giveaway are Donielle at Raising Peanuts  and Jennifer at Eco-Office Gals! Congrats, Ladies!

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Tis the Season, with Pear Tree Greetings- A Giveaway! *CLOSED*

 

Today, I’m excited to announce a giveaway that will hopefully get you in the spirit for the holidays! Pear Tree Greetings is a holiday card company that offers a variety of cards to choose from. You’ll find speciality cards, pocket cards, photo magnet cards, contemporary style, religious, Hanukkah cards,  what they call NOW cards, AND those adorable photo cards that are ever so popular. 

 What I really like about Pear Tree Greetings is the simple fact that they also offer RECYCLED photo and standard holiday cards. The cards and envelopes are made from 100% post consumer fibers. You can also choose from their boxed collection,  go green and purchase their 100% de-inked post consumer fiber cards!!! Pear Tree Greeting believes in doing what’s RIGHT for the environment.

The greeting cards at Pear Tree are unique and not your ordinary type of card. The images are bright and full of holiday fun. Pear Tree Greetings offers baby announcements, photo gifts and scrapbooking accessories as well.

Oh, and if you really want to be green this Christmas you can send out their “Holiday Cheer” e-card that is super cute! Upload your photos and you’re set! No stamps, no envelopes to lick,  no waste!! My kinda cool. 

The prices at Pear Tree Greetings are affordable and in these times that’s exactly what we need. I’m impressed with the designers who created Pear Tree. They’re women who are in their mid-twenties and mother’s who wanted to create affordable and unique holiday cards. I’d say they’ve done a terrific job!

 Since I believe in doing what’s RIGHT for the environment too,  what better way to celebrate the holiday season with a giveaway from Pear Tree Greetings! I’ll definitely envy the winner on this one!!  ;)

 One LUCKY winner will get $25.00 off their order!!    

WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit the Pear Tree Greetings site and leave me a comment telling what your favorite recycled card is.

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

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- Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 Winner will be announced on the 8th! 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!   :)

 

 

** We have a winner- Allison won the $25 off code! Congrats.

Eco Holiday Giveaway, Book- The Diaper Free Baby *CLOSED*

I found a great read at the library a few backs. The Diaper Free Baby, The Natural Toilet Training Alternative by Christine Gross-Loh. A must read for you any of you who’ve considered or are willing to try what is known as elimination communication or E.C. Immediately, when I saw the words “Diaper Free” I knew it was a book for me. Just after I had Tristan, I heard about E.C. and thought it was an incredible way to potty train your child or as some like to call it potty learning!

The book outlines what E.C. is and how it is beneficial. Elimination communication does not have to begin in the newborn stage but it’s obviously the best place to start! There are two chapters that cover middle infancy and one for toddlers. Applying the E.C. method with your newborn could yield fantastic results- a one year old that is potty trained! Now, wouldn’t that be a saving grace.

I’m really hoping to start this method with Tristan. I’m really inspired by this alternative and can’t wait to see the results both with my toddler Tristan and Clark- my baby to be! In case, you don’t know what E.C. is-it is a gentle way of potty training your child through cues, signals, timing, and intuition to address an infants excretive needs partially or completely avoiding diapers. Basically, you’re helping your infant become in tune with his or her body.

Going diaper free and watching my sons using the potty at an early age would be phenomenal.

I’m preparing to start this method with my 19 mos. old son- whom I’d like to be potty taught by the time his baby bro, Clark arrives! Think of all the diapers you’d save from going to a landfill by attempting this process.  If I could have Clark potty taught on or before his first birthday…I think I’d be on cloud nine. Wouldn’t you be?

It’s a very informative book and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s thinking a little greenier or thinking about going diaperless. Think of all the money you’d save without diapers and you’d also be saving the earth too! It’s and interesting read and a common practice in 75 other countries. In fact, one study states that 50 percent of the world’s children are toilet trained by age one!!! Here in the United States the average age is 3 yrs. old. 

“Believe it or not, your child was not born wanting to go to the bathroom in a diaper. Like other mammals, human babies are born with the instinct not to soil themselves”

Learning to identify and respond to my childs potty needs just makes sense to me. You’ll find motivational stories and testimonials throughout every chapter.  The author is a mother of three -and each one had an individual path but were all E.C.’d! I’m very eager to get started!

 WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit The Diaper Free Baby  site and leave me a comment telling me where the author resides.

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

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 6, 2008 Winner will be announced on the 7th! 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!   :)

*** We have a winner and the book goes to Michelle R.! Congrats, Michelle!

Thank you to all who entered and are entering the giveaways!

 Remember, you can only win once during the Eco-Holiday Giveaways!  

Neat Solutions, Table Topper Giveaway! *CLOSED*

 

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

Awhile back, I wrote about these really cool sticky placemats for eating on the go!  Today is your chance to win a pack (18). I love these eco-friendly placemats and hope you will too. They’re a must in your baby’s diaper bag. It’s nice to know that my son is eating off a sanitary, and non toxic mat! It could be a lot worse when you consider all the germs that are on restaurant tables. Ewww. BPA, PVC and phthalate FREE!!! Completely biodegradable too!

WIN IT NOW! All you have to do is visit Neat Solutions tell me your favorite product (besides the table topper) and come back here and leave me a comment!

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

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. Please, leave your Twitter name!
• Subscribe to RYD feed and confirm subscription- only applies to new subscribers.

GIVEAWAY ENDS- Friday, Dec 5, 2008 Winner will be announced on the 6th! 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!   :)

WINNER of the Neat Solutions, Table Toppers is Lis! Please, check your inbox for an email regarding your win!

Recycle Your Day Eco Holiday Giveaways 2008

 

It’s Christmas time- you know what that means!!! This year add a little ECO too it.

Here at Recycle Your Day it’s all about about Giving Back to Nature! Christmas is all about giving, so why not, gift your loved ones or yourself with a little eco love. In the eco chain of things it’ll end up being something you’re giving back to nature. You better not pout you better not cry cuz I’m telling you why La Mama Naturale’ has checked her list twice and believes you deserve something ECO nice.

This week will be full of eco giveaways!

All of the items that will featured are in some way giving back to Mother Earth. She deserves a special gift also and that just means we need to do our part to help protect it.

So with out further delay…

Here are the eco-fabulous gifts that we’re giving away…

-TODAY: Monday, Nov. 24  A pack of Table Toppers from Neat Solutions. Biodegradeable placemats that are BPA, PVC & Phthalate FREE! 

These retail at $8.99.

       

Tuesday, Nov. 25 The book The Diaper Free Baby – The Natural Toilet Training Alternative by Christine Gross Loh.

This book retails at $15.95.

 

Thursday, Nov 27 Holiday cards from Trees Instead! Which means you get to send one holiday card to a loved one and a tree gets planted in their name!

 Trees Instead is giving away two holiday cards one for anywhere in the USA and one for The Holy Land!

                     “As the Christmas spirit grow, so will the tree” 
                                                       OR
 ”As the miracle of Hannukah grow in your Heart; so will the tree in Israel”

Retailing at $4.99 each. 

Friday, Nov 28 Natural Pod is generously donating a wooden toy… I will post which toy shortly…TO BE CONTINUED.

There will be more giveaways going on throughout the month of December-which include a Pressure Cooking Cookbook from The Veggie Queen, a felt bucket from Tiny Decor, Skoy cloths, doggy treats of your choice from Paw Luxury, and many more!!! Don’t miss out!!! 

Rules for each giveaway will be posted!!!!

It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas!

Christmas is almost here!! I can’t believe how time fly’s. But first, Thanksgiving is this week, are you all excited? I am. It’s definitely my favorite holiday aside from Christmas. What are you bringing to the table this year? Have you thought about going green this year. Like say, baking or cooking using all organic/local ingredients? Whatever you do this Thanksgiving whether it be green or not- I hope you enjoy it. I hope you relish (no pun intended) the moments you get to spend with your loved ones. This year, my sis is having Thanksgiving dinner at her house. She really likes to get fancy and frilly too. She’s a great cook- and she might even use a few organic recipes, for her lil’ sis- ME! I won’t count on it though and will be grateful for whatever she has on the table for our feast.

I do get to bring a few of my specialities and will definitely be using organic ingredients. I’m bringing deviled egg, in which,  a portion of those eggs will come from our very own Henrietta and Dixie. I’m also making a Corn and Rice Casserole that I found over at The Pioneer Woman Cooks (she’s becoming my new idol). It’s a fabulous treat. I’ll be using homemade butter for that one and as I said organic ingredients. In addition, to those Thanksgiving delights, I’m also going to make my famous stuffed mushrooms! Oooh boy. The table is going to be full of some yummy goodness that really only comes once a year for us.  

At Christmas, we keep it pretty basic…but still there’s plenty of feasting going on that day too. My mom has already said that Thanksgiving is going to be here at my home next year. I’m not sure, how it’s going to happen seeing as though we live in a 900 sq. ft. home. They keep joking that maybe the weather will be nice and we can have it outside (we leave on a little less than a 1/4 acre)- Yeah right. I guess it’s just family and they’ll just have to manage. LOL! 

I hope everyone has a Happy Turkey Day and remembers to go green! Remember to keep it simple- cloth napkins vs. paper, beeswax or soy based candles for lighting the table, bringing in leaves and pine cones for decor…it’s super simple. It’s all doing when doing what you can to go green during your Thanksgiving day holiday. As I always say- Every little bit counts!!!

What are you’re plans for Thanksgiving? How will you incorporate a touch of green into your holiday?

Stay tuned *** Recycle Your Day, Eco Holiday Giveaways-2008 is about to begin- HENCE, the title of this post!!!! ***

Happy Thanksgiving!! Gobble, Gobble!

 

And the gender is….

I know some of you have been waiting in anticipation to find out whether it’s a girl or a boy! I’m delighted to announce that It’s a BOY!!!!!  

Clark Nicholas…due on April 4, 2009

I knew it…I was destined to have boys! I’m so happy that Tristan will have a little play buddy. When I called my mom to give her the news she could tell I was grinning and she kept telling me “You’re smiling…you’re smiling…no, it’s a girl!” I had to keep repeating to her that it was a boy and we saw his parts- LOL! She really wanted me to have a girl. Sorry mom! I really wanted another boy. My husband thought it was a girl too. But, you know what in the end it’s a blessing no matter what. By the end of the call with my mom she was happy for us.

Baby Clark is much more active than Tristan was- but then again I think with your second pregnancy you’re more aware and know what movement! I’m really glad we found out because it only took that moment to become entirely connected with Clark.

In case you’re wondering how we picked the name- well Clark is after my grandfather- Joseph Clark and Nicholas is after my husband Tyler. Tristan is named after Tyler’s grandfather, William.

Okay, so know you know the baby’s gender. Maybe, I’ll have a guessing game later for the weight and due date…wouldn’t that be fun???

Aside from baby Clark, next week I’m going to start my Holiday Giveaway so be sure to stay tuned there’s going to be some great eco-prize giveaway’s going on here- Don’t miss out!!!!

Guess the baby’s gender!?????

What a long day! All the suspense and excitement…plus the traffic on the LA freeway’s, can you say exhausting! We made it just in time for our appoinment arriving at 10AM on the spot. Normally, for an appt. I try to be early to fill out paperwork. It was just a crazy busy morning and while listening to the radio on the way down, just about every freeway had an accident on it or some sort of hold up. The 405 freeway, was packed with bumper to bumper traffic. I was beginning to think we were going to be a half hour late.

Well, luckily that wasn’t the case and we made it for our appointment just in the nick of time. My husband had to drop me off in front so that he could find a spot to park. All my nerves were worked up so at this point. Entering the building  I took a deep breath, then pressed the button for the elevator. As I made my way up to the 5th floor of the tall grey building I made my way down the hall to the office smiling. I signed in and sat in front of the window. I was filled with joy and relief at the same time. We made it! Not only that, but my mind was bursting in excitement…finally…we we’re going to find out the sex of the baby!

At 20wks. I’m feeling great and lot’s of movement.  It seemed that the baby was especially active this morning. Maybe, because we mentioned to Tristan that we were going to find out whether he was going to have a brother or sister and while doing so mentioned it to the baby. I had my feelings about about the what the gender could be and was pretty convinced. My husband’s thoughts were different but either way we knew this baby is a blessing. The suspense was killing me but in just a matter of time we were going to be told It’s a …..!!! My hubs walked in about 10 minutes later and after 30 minutes of waiting – my name was called. As I hopped on the table and lay back, relief had come over me and I felt comfortable and confident. Don’t ask me why, but I just became at ease and was ready for the announcement of the gender.

Not only that, but what I truly wanted was to see the baby and hear the Dr. tell me everything was going to be fine. The nurse typed away on the computer and asked a few questions. She then asked us if we wanted to find out the gender or if it was going to be a surprise. We told her we’d like to know and with that she turned the screen our way and placed WARM gel onto my belly and began the ultrasound. As soon as I saw the baby- I knew the sex…it didn’t take but a moment’s glance. The nurse circled around a few times and relayed to us what the sex of the our baby. My husband and I were overjoyed with excitement!

The Dr. came in after she measured the baby by computer and he was very calm and collected. He circled around and finally said he was happy with what he saw. He continued to circle and asked if I had a cold recently…which I did. He then told us that the baby has fluid around his heart and that it’s usually common when the mother has suffered a cold. Just then all the excitement was taken from me and worry set in…but he reassured us not to panic…further stating that the if there was an abnormality it would show up and the measurements would be off. He further stated that the baby has long arms and with abnormalities such as Downs their limbs would be short. He said that he was not panicking about it and that we shouldn’t either.

He recommended that we talk to the genetic counselor in case we had questions and for some reassurance. My poor husband…the look on his face! The genetic counselor reassured us as well that colds in the mother can create fluid around the heart and that we shouldn’t be alarmed. Since they wanted to rule out a maternal infection they did a blood draw and I’ll have the results soon. Just from what the Dr. said I didn’t want to put any fear into my mind. After scheduling another appt. for 4 wks. (need to check baby’s heart to make sure fluid has not increased) and leaving the office…I called my family and announced the great news. Hubs called his family as well.

My sis works for an OBGYN and told me not to worry that it is very common for that to happen. I know it sounds horrible. I’m once again feeling confident and comfortable. We will hope and pray that it’s just from the cold not something serious. With that, I’ll leave you with the ultrasound pictures. I’m going to let you guess for a couple of days for a little fun and then I’ll announce.  It’ll be fun….for me anyway!! LOL!

Please, please feel free to comment but don’t leave me any horror stories…honestly- I’m all about positive thinking and I hesitated in the first place to give out such information. I just ask that you respect that wish and embrace the happiness I have saved. It’s my mode of operation. I’m asking you not to worry either. I hope you can understand. I will delete comments that I feel are going in a negative direction!

Okay, now that were past that…

Here’s a profile picture…

 

 and a smiling happy baby!!  Hi Mom! Hi Dad!

 

Take a guess…what is the baby’s gender????  This is only for FUN- hope you’ll still play even though no prize is attached!! ; )

I will announce the gender on Friday!

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