The Cause - TOMS - Everyone Needs Shoes

So, have you seen the commercial? Have you heard of TOMS shoes and the One-for-One movement? It is pretty awesome stuff! Almost daily, when I get frustrated by running out of a grocery item or by an appliance or car breaking down, I try to keep things in perspective by reminding myself of the realities of others all over the planet. The truth is that I am beyond blessed, I am wealthy compared to the masses. When my son complains that he doesn't want to eat what is on his plate I try and remind him also, "Sweetie, there are children all over the world and even in our own town who haven't had one bite to eat this week. Feel thankful and pray for those who have no hope." But honestly, does it make any difference in the world when all we are is mindful of others? The difference is made when we take initiative and do something for others. That is what Blake, the founder of TOMS, did. Click here to read his moving story and become part of the cause. Find out how you can give a pair of shoes to a child in need by purchasing a pair of shoes for yourself or someone you love.

I personally think the kid's shoe are adorable! As a family we are committing to save all of our spare change this summer. When fall clothes shopping comes around, our children will each get to choose a pair of TOMS to wear as a reminder throughout the season.



What's even cooler? My dad and I are working on a partnership between TOMS and our church. Wouldn't it be awesome if all 7000 of our members gave a pair of shoes to a child in need?! Woo hoo!

What are you gonna do?

Snackalicious

On occasion I come across a new snack product at the grocery store that makes me smile. This is a nice contrast to the normal - me scouring the aisles for ANYTHING that is 1)Organic 2)Healthy in general and 3)EASY. Seriously, wouldn't it be nice if the store just wouldn't even sell the junk?!

Here is a tiny list of some snack products that I love and have enjoyed personally.

Mac n' Cheese is an afternoon snack favorite with my kiddos. Annie's is good stuff. It is made from mostly organic ingredients and is junk free. The only thing that would make it even better is whole wheat pasta.



We love cheese in this house! My favorite is feta. The kids love these cheese sticks, and so does their Mommy .  This is an easy on-the-way-out-the-door snack. We buy Horizon Organic Cheese Sticks.



Yogurt is so yummy and great for digestive health. Also by Horizon these Yogurt Tubes we reserve for mornings when we are on our way to a playdate or the library.



Thursdays is a special day around here. We get up early and head to church where I teach the babies and my children get to play with their buddies. The only catch is I have to send a snack with each child to bible class. All I have to do is throw a couple handfuls of these into a pouch and we are on our way. Our favorites are the Just Peas and Just Blueberries from Just Tomatoes. (PS- Sometimes I send FRESH fruit and veggies too!) I buy the organic option, duh.



My latest discovery Smashies!!! Oh my goodness how I love the people who invented this amazing product. This apple sauce is organic with no additives. Talk about EASY and mess-free. My 20 month old daughter has not yet mastered the spoon, so these save my booty.



The truth is, I would LOVE to feed my kids the muffin tin way everyday! But that is a whole 'nother post!

Incredible Deal!!!

I cannot express to you how much I adore getting a great deal. I always shop clearance racks. Around Christmas I always make a trip to discount stores like Ross, Marshall's, and the like. Last night my Mom and I took a trip to Tuesday Morning. Boy did we hit the jackpot!!!

This year for Christmas I wanted to buy my daughter a dollhouse. There are several earth/kid friendly options out there. I wanted the wood to be natural, the paint to be vegetable based, and for it to be made somewhere other than China. My two favorites are from Ryan's Room and Plan Toys. Well, last week I went ahead and ordered the Plan Toys Chalet. Typically it had been selling for around $130 without the furniture. I found it online, including a starter set of furniture, for $127 with free shipping. I felt pretty good about it...until last night.



I'm walking the aisles of Tuesday Morning scanning for items on my list when all of a sudden..no it couldn't be...a Ryan's Room dollhouse!!! They are selling a $150 doll house for $70 - no joke. On top of that, they have all of the room sets of furniture (regularly $16-25) for $6-10. It was so hard to not buy one of everything!

Tuesday Morning also has lots of wooden toys and puzzles. Someone please got partake in this deal, it would make me feel so much better!

Try This Product: Kups 4 Kids

Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.

For months I had been fretting over cups. Seriously. I loved the simplicity of the plastic straw cups for my kids. But I was worried about BPA. I didn't want to poison my kids...but every drinking cup available locally was plastic. UGH!

Then I found this.



Man, I love this thing! It is stainless, spillproof, and maintains temperature for 12 hours. They even have blue for my son and pink for my daughter, no more fighting over drinks!

For babies they have a sippy cup. These are available at mainstream super stores and online.



Buy one.

National Babywearing Week

Try This Product Tuesday

In this family we love nature walks!!! Every once in awhile on a rainy day the kids go stir crazy. I say, "Why stay inside just because it is wet outside, a little water never hurt anyone!" So out we go. But first we must don the proper rain attire. That is where these come in...


By GIESSWEIN

A raincoat is a raincoat. But rain boots...these are special. What makes them brilliant is the adjustable gusset around the calf. Once your child tucks his pants into the boot you can tighten the gusset and voila - no bugs, dirt, or moisture can get inside.

So, take a chance, go out in the rain!

Doin' Our Part

So lately I've been thinking about whether or not we are doing our part to clean up the environment. I feel compelled to do so much more. But here is our pewney list of so-far's...

1. Recycle plastic, paper, and glass

2. Reuse as much as possible. (I have a huge box full of things I don't think anyone would want if I donate it, BUT I don't want to put it in the landfill...UGH!)

3. We have a composter in the backyard and I just started putting all of our leftover and expired food into it. Its gross - but we will use it to fertilize our garden next year.

4. Cloth Diapering. I love it! Big bonus: we save money too. In the words of super hottie Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs, "You gotta go BROWN in order to go GREEN."

5. We use all natural body care and household cleaners that don't pollute our home or the environment.

6. No plastic bags for shopping!

7. We make a constant effort to conserve on electricity. We don't leave small appliances plugged in, we have a programmable thermostat, and so on.

8. My husband takes the bus to work! HUGE one! Plus it saves money! You wouldn't believe some of the stories he comes home with...he should start his own blog.

9. We use toys, clothing, furniture, and so on that are made from natural and renewable resources or recycled materials. (wood, bamboo, cotton)

10. Going paperless! We do as much online as possible - bill pay, banking, party invitations, communications, ect.

11. We buy almost all Organic foods and have cut beef from our diet at home.

Things I want to do to be a better steward...

-Recycle Metal
-Buy locally grown produce & GROW my own produce
-Get a CLOTHESLINE and hang most our laundry rather than using the dryer.
-Use natural make up
-When we finally build our dream home on our land I want to be OFF THE GRID!

*How are YOU going green? Leave a comment and my next post will be a collection of the ways my readers are 'Doin your part'. Can't wait!!!