Woolzies Dryer Balls Giveaway

You all know how much I love green products.  Anything that makes my home more energy efficient brings my heart energy too - I seriously get excited it.  So I was eager to put the Woolzies dryer balls, made from fine New Zealand wool, to the test.  They are a natural fabric softener guaranteed to last for at least 1,000 loads of laundry.

If you've been following my blog for a while, you know that Cort is prone to eczema.  I have to be extremely careful to avoid any chemicals or perfumes in the laundry.  Well Woolzies are hypoallergenic, chemical free, and ecofriendly.  They didn't aggravate Cort's sensitive skin at all.  And even better - they significantly reduced the amount of static in my laundry.  I even had a "heavy static" load in (two flannel shirts, some flannel pjs) and when I took it out to put in the laundry basket I didn't notice the typical crackling of static that I usually do this time of year.  That made me quite happy.  The dryer balls also reduce drying time by 25% - which means you will save on energy in the long run.  Plus, you are reducing your carbon footprint by not using all those dryer sheets! 

Overall, I was super impressed with these high quality dryer balls.  I have used some plastic dryer balls for a while now, but I felt like these were much more effective in reducing static, and I love that they last for so long.  I think they'd make a wonderful gift for someone cloth diapering a baby or moving into a new home! 

Want to win a set?  Woolzies is giving away a set to one lucky reader!  Just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway to enter.

Disclaimer:  I was sent a set of Woolzies dryer balls for review purposes.  The opinions above are my own.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Reusable Bags Dilemma

About a year ago, I invested in a set of really good reusable bags.  Not your average $1 reusable bags, the ones I bought are made to last. They're a matching animal set from Envirosax.  Designed to hold over 40 pounds, they are durable, cute, and roll up so tiny that I can carry two spares in my purse.  I adore them.  I've given them as gifts to loved ones, and have even purchased a set for my husband's car. 

I'm devoted to using bags that aren't plastic.  I always try to remember to pull one out, even at places like the pharmacy, although I admit there are occasions I forget.  Most days, though, I have my bags with me and am prepared to use them, even though it might take the cashier just a little bit longer, especially when I have a lot of stuff.  I take good care of them, making sure I wash them after use.

So with all this effort, it's important to me that I'm not carelessly adding plastic to the landfills.  Which is why when I get to the grocery store I'm always hoping for an efficient bagger.  One that isn't afraid to fill them to the brim, that doesn't feel the need to double bag my onions in harmful plastic so they don't get onion peels in my bags (hey, look, they're clean, that means I don't mind washing them!).  I realize their intent, while environmentally naive, is well-meant. 

Last weekend, though, I had the worst checker I'd ever had.  Oh, she was nice and all.  She just couldn't bag for anything!  I'd brought in 4 of my Envirosax, and over time I've become quite accomplished at being able to eyeball a cart and know exactly how many bags I need.  If I have more than I can bag, I stop shopping (seriously).  Anyhow, this checker kept putting two items in a bag and handing it over.  While she chatted on about how busy they'd been that day, I secretly redistributed the items into another bag and slyly placed the empty bag back on the kiosk for her to fill again. 

I never said anything.  I remember what it was like to be a cashier from a stint in college at Toys R Us; I still recall dealing with lousy shifts, disgruntled customers, and micromanaging bosses.  The last thing you need is some bossy customer trying to tell you how to bag groceries.  Even if they say it nicely.  So I continued to try to redistribute and shuffle bags back as quickly as I could without her noticing, but she got into the plastic bags anyhow.  The horrors!  Twice I emptied plastic bags and slid them back empty onto the holders.  Yet I still ended up with four plastic bags (half full) and four reusable bags (half full) in my cart.

I told the cashier that I hoped her afternoon was quieter than the morning had been.  And I went on my way, knowing that we would reuse the plastic bags at least once before sending them on to a landfill.  There was still a part of me, though, that felt awfully bad about those plastic bags, although I think it was good I left her alone to do her job.  I'm sure you're thinking - four plastic bags?  That's such a small thing.  And it is a small thing, but I feel like not using plastic bags is a tiny way I'm making a difference in my daily life.  Yes, a part of me kept saying on the way home, but it matters to me.  The plastic bags matter to me. 

Readers, when you feel really passionate about something, do you say anything?

Linking up today with Pour Your Heart Out.

Jungle Roo Cloth Diapers Review and Giveaway

I've been cloth diapering the twins for close to two years now.  It's become such a part of my daily life that I don't think about it much anymore.  It was the right choice for our family, because we like to reduce our carbon footprint where we can, and because it was cost effective.  But it was also a good choice for our family because I've got one child prone to diaper rash, and another prone to eczema, and soft cloth diapers make for happier bottoms.  Plus, cloth diapers have personality! 

I've always wanted to do a cloth diaper review, but had never had the opportunity, probably because I just don't blog about it too often (even though it is our primary form of diapering, and I do love it).  Recently, Jungle Roo Cloth Diapers sent me a direct message on twitter to see if I would be interested in doing a review and giveaway for them.  So I went and checked out their website and loved all their fun choices - giraffes and sharks and all sorts of cuteness to choose from.  I picked the tiger roo minky - my high school mascot was the tiger, so I'm still a little partial.

 The tiger minky roo has a leakproof exterior suedecloth lining that will not pill after numerous washings.  Three rows of rise adjustment snaps allow it to fit from 9-30 pounds and the hip snaps prevent wing droop. 

 The diaper includes a 3 layer microfiber insert. 

 Reid was a little bit shy about modeling diapers.  Meanwhile, Cort was quite jealous, begging for a chance to wear the "tiger diaper" and have his picture taken.  Cort, however, is potty trained, so he was out of luck this time. 

 I thought the fit was really good.  As Reid romped around I didn't notice any big gaps in the legs or anything.  He seemed quite comfortable in it as well. 

 The microfiber insert wasn't quite as thick as some others we've tried, so if you have a very heavy wetter at night, you might want to use a second insert.  They have extra inserts available at very reasonable prices.  Personally, we didn't encounter any leaks, so it was effective for us as is.  And the cuteness factor on these diapers is outstanding!

Want a chance to win a Jungle Roo Cloth Diaper?  It's the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day, one of my favorite holidays!  Just click on the "Read More" beneath my signature for a chance to enter.  You might check them out on twitter and Facebook.  They are doing a fantastic sale right now through Earth Day of their bestselling 6 packs of diapers for $99.  You can also use the code TWOBEARS for an extra 18% off any order, from now until May 1st. 

Disclaimer:  I was provided with one Jungle Roo diaper for review purposes.  The opinions stated above are my own. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Space Rocket Ship Craft from Tissue Boxes for Earth Day - Tissue Box Challenge!

Every year I get pretty excited about trying to do some crafts out of supplies that would normally go in the recycling bin.  So for this year's Earth Day Tissue Box Challenge, I've been saving Kleenex boxes for ages. In fact, I feel kind of guilty as to how many we've amassed in the past year - do we really use that many tissues?!  I wanted to use as many as I could in a craft, to clear some space in my hall closet.  Since Pierce's biggest passion right now are all things space, we decided to create a rocket ship.

First, we glued together the tissue boxes.  I also cut off the end of a 2 liter soda bottle and glued/taped it on the top to make the nose of the space ship.  Pierce helped with all the glueing. 

 Then I took it out in the yard to paint it.  Pierce cut out the letters I drew on red foam and glued them on the rocket. 

The best part of this craft?  All your little friends can take a ride in the rocket ship!  The boys had fun filling it with some of their favorite stuffed animals.

 It took all 3 boys to get it launched, but finally we saw it zooming across our living room and headed towards space! 

This has been a fun craft for the boys and they've certainly enjoyed playing with it over the past couple of weeks!

Now is your chance to link up to the Annual Tissue Box Challenge for a chance to win fun prizes.  First, grab the code for the button and paste it into your blog post.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.twobearsfarm.com/" title="Two Bears Farm"><img src="http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy247/jdaniel4smom/TissueBoxChallenge2012.jpg" alt="Two Bears Farm" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Then come back and add your blog post all about the cool craft you've created with your kids to the linky:





Please be sure to visit the blogs of at least 3 other participants and leave them some comment love about their crafts!  Prizes include a $20 Amazon gift card for first place and a craft kit to make 2 monsters from plastic bags for second place:

Judging will be done by Red Ted Art.  Have fun!

Earth Day Tissue Box Craft Challenge, Coming Soon!

Do you have tissue boxes sitting in cabinets waiting to be reused and recycled?
The 2nd Annual Tissue Box Challenge is going to start next week.
JDaniel4sMom and I will be hosting the challenge this year. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to celebrate Earth Day, create something with your children using tissue boxes, and win a prize. Plus, you can visit other participants and find fun ideas for other crafts you can make from old tissue boxes. 

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.twobearsfarm.com/" title="Two Bears Farm"><img src="http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy247/jdaniel4smom/TissueBoxChallenge2012.jpg" alt="Two Bears Farm" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

How does it work?
•Reuse a tissue box to create something fun with your children.
•Create a post about your creation that includes a link to the Tissue Box Challenge or the challenge badge.
•Share your post on the Tissue Box Challenge linkup between April 16th –April 23rd.
•Our wonderful judge Maggy Woodley of Red Ted Art will select a first and second prize winners.
What are the prizes?
The first prize winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card.
The second prize winner will win this fun craft kit to make two monsters from plastic bags:

How cute is that?  All you have to do is come up with a fun creation for the contest and link up next week!  I participated last year (I wasn't hosting then) and my craft won 3rd place - check it out here if you want an example.  I can't wait to see what you make!

What to Buy the Green Eco-Friendly Person in Your Family (Gift Guide)

I'm slightly obsessed with products that help the environment or promote green living, and I thought I'd throw together a post of some of the items I have tested myself and love dearly.  Just in case you're looking for the perfect gift for your granola cousin your eco-friendly cousin. 

1.  Dryer Balls.  Find them at Target for under $5 for a set of two.  As an added bonus, they are the right size to be used as a stocking stuffer.  And they last for ages.  Mine actually help my clothes get dried about 15 minutes more quickly than if I don't use them - and saving energy makes me happy!

 2.  Envirosax.  These reusable shopping bags roll up into tiny sacs, easy to slip into a purse.  They are incredibly durable, holding up to 40 pounds, and come in such fun, trendy designs.  I have the Animal Planet set of 5, but you can find a design for just about anyone.  I always get comments from the cashiers on how cute they are.  $5.99 and up.

3.  Mesh produce bags by Flip and Tumble.  Yet another way to cut down on the overuse of plastics in our world.  Light and easy to use, just toss them in the wash after shopping.  $10.95 for a set of 5.

 4.  Cloth diapers by Fuzzibunz.  Because babies can be green too!  Fuzzibunz are the best cloth diaper I've ever known and loved - the twins have been in them for almost a year and a half now, and they are still holding strong.  One diaper will run you about $19.99.

 5.  Living with Ed, Seasons 1 and 2, on DVD.  A lighthearted, humorous tv series on living green to the extreme?  Yes please!  Prices range from $7 - $22.50 each.

6.  Drying rack.  You can pick these up at Target for around $13 and skip that energy-sucking clothes dryer all together!  They fold up conveniently - I've got mine stashed to the side of my dresser where no one can see it when it's not in use.

7. A Trader Joe's gift card.  Because you can't go wrong with gift cards and - let's face it - you can't go wrong with Trader Joe's.  (Dear Trader Joe's:  All I want for Christmas is for you to build a store in Roanoke, Virginia).  

 
8.  Shaklee Basic H2 cleaning product.  A little goes a long way, and a bottle will last for ages!  Plus, you can use it on anything, and it doesn't have a bunch of nasty chemicals.  You'll also be supporting a really awesome business that is running a 'net-zero impact on the environment' company.

9.  Patagonia is another company that works hard to reduce the global environmental footprint.  Not only that, but they make high quality gear for anyone that loves the outdoors - and for all ages too!  The boys were handed down little puffy Patagonia vests as infants and we loved them so dearly!  Retail around $70.

10.  Reusable lunch containers.  There are so many fun choices out there - and anything that cuts down on plastic sandwich baggies is a win-win situation.  One of our current favorites is the Fit & Fresh Kid's Little Dipper.  It has a section to go in the freezer to keep cold before assembly, and then a little compartment to put dips in.  It's also BPA free.  Pierce especially loves to take it to school stuffed with apples and peanut butter for dipping. $10 for a set of 4.

 There you have it!  Some of my favorite green products, just perfect for your environmentally friendly friends and relatives.  You know what would be even better though?  Win some wonderful green products right now, in my Eco Natural Soaps giveaway!  You can go enter here!

Disclaimer - I wasn't provided anything for this gift guide - it's just a list of things around the house that we know and love.  Also, the images were snagged from Google.  

Eco Natural Soap Review and GIVEAWAY!! (Perfect Stocking Stuffers!)

I've been following the Eco Friendly Homemaking blog for a while now, and I love her simple and interesting posts about living green and being thrifty.  For a long time, I've been interested in trying some of the products from the Eco Natural Soap store.  So when Alicia contacted me about doing a review and giveaway, I was so thrilled!

The products I chose to review were a Joint Pain Relief balm (I'm a runner, of course I need that!), the Foot Relief balm (again, runner, hello!) and the Wrinkle and Age Spot Relief Chlorella Soap.  I also got an extra sweet surprise - some of the lip balm.

The Joint Relief balm was the first thing I sampled.  I opened up the jar, took a whiff, and was flooded by horse show memories.  It smells just like the Vetrolin liniment I used to use on my horse's legs after a horse show.  The wintergreen scent is delicious.  I've had a spot on the bottom of my heel that has felt like a stone bruise for a few weeks, and I've tried different ointments but nothing had been able to penetrate. So I put some Joint Relief balm on, and I liked how it wasn't greasy and how it didn't burn.  I didn't pay much attention, but 10 minutes later I realized as I walked across the hard tile floor that my heel was no longer hurting!  I was fascinated that it worked so well.  So a day later, when a very sore throat and swollen eustachian tubes were making it difficult to swallow, I turned to the Joint Relief balm again.  I know it isn't supposed to be for that sort of thing, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try, and I was desperate.  I put it on, and once again returned to what I was doing and forgot about it.  And once again, about 10 minutes later, I realized that I was swallowing with ease.  No pain, whatsoever.  You all, this stuff is the bomb.  I have just never experienced something that so gently but effectively relieved pain.  

The next thing I tried was the Wrinkle and Age Spot Relief Chlorella Soap.  I have some age spots I've been fighting on my left cheek for the past 2 years or so.  I love the smooth lather this soap gives, and after rinsing, my skin feels not only clean but well moisturized.  It does have seaweed and cucumber, so while the smell is not offensive in any way, if you like sweet or floral scents you won't find it in this bar.  You will enjoy how soft your skin feels afterwards.  Age spots don't disappear overnight, of course, so it'll be a few weeks before I can tell a difference there, but I do love how this soap makes my skin feel!

The last thing I wanted to try was the Foot Relief balm.  I have a tendency to lose toenails from all the running I do.  I'd love to find a preventative for that, and was thinking maybe this would help, as it does cool things like fight fungus and ease pain in tired feet.  Certainly, the two middle toes will be losing their nails from the half marathon I just ran, but it won't happen until January or February.  I would love to prevent it if I can!  The balm is also non-greasy and smooth, and while it smells different than the Joint Relief balm, it has a pleasing smell as well.  I like the way my feet feel pampered after using it.

And of course, I enjoyed the lip balm too - perfect for this time of year, when cold and winds can cause so many chapped lips.

So by now you've got to be wondering how you can try some of these items for yourself!  You can go purchase these and many other eco-friendly products at Eco Natural Soap.  While you're there, decide what one item you want to try most, and come back and leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway for 3 items from Eco Natural Soap!  The winner gets to choose one body balm, one bath soap, and one lip balm!  these would make the best stocking stuffers ever (if you could bare to share, of course).  For a second entry, let me know that you are a follower of this blog in a separate comment.

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org on Monday, December 5 at noon.  Winner has 48 hours to respond by email (so don't forget to include it if it's not in your profile when you enter) or another winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Disclaimer:  I received 3 products of my choice to review from Eco Natural Soap.  The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

This giveaway is now closed.

Spookley the Square Pumpkin Recycled Tissue Box Halloween Craft

If you have kids, you're probably familiar with the cute story of Spookley, the Square Pumpkin.  It's long been a fall favorite in our house.  This year we decided to make our own Spookley, using items we found around the house.

Our supplies were an empty tissue box (yay, recycling!), a glue stick, some orange foam sheets (you could also use orange construction paper, or you could also have your child paint the box orange) and some green construction paper.

I gave Pierce a choice between drawing the pumpkin face himself or letting me draw it.  He asked me to draw it, because he wanted the pumpkin to look just like Spookley.  Once the face was drawn, Pierce glued the foam sheets and stuck them to the Kleenex box.  On the top piece, we had two orange pieces, so we could tuck a piece of the green stem underneath for added security.  Then we curled the green stem around like Spookley's.

A quick and easy craft - that ended up being a puppet as well due to the opening from the Kleenex!  Pierce really liked his Spookley the Square Pumpkin puppet!

This post linked with the Halloween crafts at Jdaniel4smom's blog.

Children Inspire Designs Handcrafted Bird Ornaments - A Review

When I first checked out Children Inspire Design and started reading about their mission, I immediately fell in love with their products and their philosophy.  A grassroots cooperative program called PEACE helps women from semi-rural, economically challenged areas in Mexico and Haiti transcend their lives of poverty through bringing them art and hope, mostly created using recycled materials. In addition to products like journals and wall prints, they have the most wonderful bird mobiles -

I was drawn to these handcrafted bird ornaments, beautifully created by their artist Rebecca.  Birds and flight represent hope and freedom.  I thought to myself these whimsical little birds are a powerful symbol.  And then I thought of our Christmas tree.  If you've been following my blog for a while, you might remember that our Christmas tree is full of sentimental ornaments.  We try to have ornaments representing various family members and events, that have been passed down or handmade.  Each year as we unpack the ornaments, we talk about what each one represents.  How perfectly these little birds would fit on our tree - not only to remind us of our family commitment to recycling and conserving where possible, but also to be socially conscious to the world around us. 

And it occurred to me that part of being socially conscious is sharing a product that you love and that aids disadvantaged communities.  So Pierce and I decided that we wanted to share two of our treasured bird ornaments with the teachers of his Pre-K program.  It's a federally funded program in a rural community, and many of the children come from lower income families.  The Children Inspire Design moto is "Inspire Children. Save the World" and I think that's something Pierce's two teachers are embracing every single day in their classroom.

Please go check out the products at Children Inspire Design.  They would make wonderful and unique gifts for the holidays!  As for our little red bird, he's going to hang out in an honored spot just above the kitchen sink until our Christmas tree goes up in December.

Disclaimer - I was sent a set of 3 bird ornaments in exchange for this review.  All of the opinions expressed are my own.  And truly, I love being able to work with a company that is not only earth conscious but also socially (and globally) active and responsible - it warms my heart to have a product in my hands that I really believe in, and that represents so much more than just a material good.

Guilt

We've lived here at Two Bears Farm for twelve years, and during that time have never logged the place.  We have 72 acres total, the majority of which is wooded.  The woods haven't been logged since the 1970s, as far as we know.

Mostly, I was opposed to logging because of the thriving wildlife.  I think of the birds and squirrels who live in the trees.  Who find their meals there.  Who may have been living in knotholes and nests for many generations.  You're probably thinking I'm a sap by now, but those animals have every right to their trees.  Not to mention other negatives - like the spreading of kudzu (of which we already have too much) and the erosion of land. What can I say?  I'm an environmentalist at heart.

Oh, I know that logging has it's good points.  Overly dense forests are prone to wildfires and all that (case in point - our neighbors set fire to their property a few months ago - I think their teens were probably smoking but they offered the firemen some wacky not-so-believable excuse).   And we are not clearcutting our land - rather thinning the older trees, which will allow for new growth.

Still.  When I heard that first big old tree crash to the ground, my heart shuddered.  Sadness filled my lungs and made it hard to breathe, just for a moment.  Nevertheless, we need the money right now, so it is what it is.

To assuage the guilt, I have taken on a few projects around the house to give back to the earth.  I finally started a recycling center, which is a semi-big deal since we don't have anywhere to recycle in our county, and will have to transport these items to a recycling place in the city.  I also invested in a reusable paper towel set, a drying rack, and dryer balls (which make the clothes dryer, when you do use it, more efficient).  These things are in addition to the small efforts we make daily already like cloth diapers and composting.

I know it's not much.  Not enough, really.  But it's something.  And hopefully these woods of ours....well hopefully they won't be logged again for at least another 40 years.

This post will be linked up tomorrow with Pour Your Heart Out at Things I Can't Say. 

I am guest posting over at My Mad World today.  Please go visit and say hi - there's an easy kid's craft and a very funny picture of Pierce too! 

Earth Day Festival

This past Saturday we went to an Earth Day Festival.  It was so much fun!

Lots of great samples.  Paul and I got to try mead, which tastes like honey, and we both really liked it (although we each preferred a different type). 

I think the highlight of the samples was this: 

Pierce planted a flower. 

This will go in our garden: 

Home Depot was there with various building projects, so Pierce grabbed a boat kit: 

There was a bounce house.  I would've liked to have let the twins have a go, but there were a bunch of really big kids in there (Pierce was actually the smallest kid jumping). 

The Pout-Pout fish strikes again!  We made a spinning top.

The lady glued the Pout-Pout fish picture to the top of the cd, then glued a soda cap on top to spin it, and a marble on the bottom.  It makes a wonderful spinning top! 

After all the excitement, we headed to a local park to let the boys stretch their legs. 

The twins had fun running through this little playhouse. 

Pierce handled the driving: 

And Reid rocked out this fish thing. 

Earth Day really should be every day!

Earth Day - Memory Lane Friday

Memory Lane Friday is a weekly blog carnival where you can link up with your memories.  All are welcome.  This week's theme is Earth Day.  While that might seem like a challenging topic, it really isn't.  You could blog about a nature hike you took, a craft you made using recycled items, a pet frog - anything that celebrates the earth!  Earth Day just happens to be one of my favorite holidays.  I love that it embraces the earth and doesn't involve candy or presents.

My sophomore year of high school I was tormented by a little subject called CHEMISTRY.  Oh how I suffered through that class.  In the spring, when Ms. Bohince gave us an optional extra credit project, I was all over it. I needed all the help I could get.  The challenge was to create a costume out of recycled items for Earth Day. 

I raided old milk cartons, newspapers, cardboard boxes, rope, construction paper, string, an old wooden dowel, and a can of silver spray paint.  Here's what I created:

A knight costume!  Not so bad, eh?  I did get my full extra credit, and I think I managed to pull a B in the class when it was all said and done.

To link up, just add your website to the linky:

Be sure to visit other blogs and leave a comment.

Next week is a 'no theme' week.

Have you entered my GIVEAWAY yet?  It ends tomorrow!

Earth Day Mystery Tissue Box Nature Craft Game

We made a fun craft for Earth Day using old tissue boxes.  First, I cut out the plastic in the windows of the boxes.  Then, using contact paper, I connected the three of them.

Next I cut some material to cover the holes.  I used an old curtain that had some flower designs on it.  Yeah, my stuff doesn't really match, but that's not the point.  

I used a hot glue gun to attach the flaps at the top of each box. 

Now, go find some fun nature objects to place inside the mystery boxes.  I found a feather, an acorn, and a rock.

The boys just loved feeling inside and trying to guess what was in each hole. 

Then they placed their own treasures in the boxes and had me guess.

It was very entertaining! 

This post is linked to: