Friday, September 30, 2016

Supporting a green infrastructure

Have you heard the term "green infrastructure" or wondered what it meant? The green infrastructure is basically the structure that supports life. That's why it is essential for communities to maintain, restore, and enhance the functions performed by this green infrastructure (critical environmental, social, and economic).

Unlike gray infrastructure, which refers to things like roads, water and sewage facilities, and electrical systems, the green infrastructure needs individuals (in addition to corporations and municipal organizations) to help improve and sustain it. 

Image courtesy of Rostislav Kralik

Here are a few ideas to get you started on your way to boosting the green infrastructure in your community:

  • Plant trees. Trees help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They also improve water quality as rain puddles in the canopy of leaves and releases back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. When planted in the right location, mature shade trees can help lower your home energy bills by shading your home from the hot summer sun.
  • Design your garden with native plants that are designed by nature to conserve water and provide appropriate food and shelter for the wildlife in your own backyard. They also help reduce erosion and runoff.
  • Consider a green roof. This type of roofing system uses vegetation to absorb rainwater and reduce heat absorption, thus providing additional insulation for your home. They also extend the life of your roof and improve the air quality in your neighborhood. 
  • Plant a rain garden. These slightly depressed gardens hold onto storm water runoff and filter pollutants. Rain gardens naturally improve water quality and protect waterways while adding beauty to your sidewalks.
  • Install a rain barrel. Unfortunately, rain barrels are illegal in some communities. But if you're living in an area where they're legal, rain barrels can improve the green infrastructure in around your home. Water stored in rain barrels provides oxygenated, un-chlorinated water for your plants, which can lead to a thriving garden.
If we all do our part, we can strengthen and improve the green infrastructure in our communities.

Keeping it green with the infrastructure,


Thursday, September 29, 2016

Thursday's Truths & Tidbits -- four tips to help improve your life

Do you remember the smell of mothballs when you walked into your grandparents' house? Hopefully, it's just a memory for you. But if you're still using mothballs in your closets, you might want to consider getting rid of them. Why? Because they contain the chemicals paradichlorobenzene (PCDB) and naphthalene, known carcinogens.

Click here for a recipe for a natural moth repellant that combines rosemary, mint, ginseng, thyme and cloves.

While looking for some helpful hints to share, I couldn't help laughing at this one from Health Magazine (April 2008):

"An antioxidant in extra-virgin olive oil can protect against brain-cell damage, according to a recent study. Plus, women who eat a Mediterranean diet, often rich in olive oil, seem to reduce their risk of dying (from any cause) by 20 percent."

Did you get that ... "reduce their risk of dying by 20 percent." Really? So, why hasn't this immortality secret gotten out? In any case, it looks like extra-virgin olive oil is really good for you and your brain.

Image courtesy of Jean Beaufort

Allergies seem to be worse than usual this month in Western Pennsylvania, mostly because of the lack of rain. Or so I’ve heard. Did you know that eating locally produced raw honey will help ward off seasonal allergies? Apparently, the pollen in the honey will work to build up an immunity to those things that normally set your eyes a-itchin' and your nose a-runnin'. How cool is that?

But remember ... because of the chance of botulism, NEVER give honey to infants! 
 
And a final tip for this week: Flowers inspire. According to researchers at Texas A&M University, an arrangement of fresh flowers in your office will bring out innovative ideas and solutions to problems.


Those are my truths and tidbits for today. Hope you found something useful here.


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Does Grandma Have a Mustache? Say what?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received compensation and/or product in exchange for my honest review.


Does Grandma Have a Mustache? is the intriguing title of a new book of poetry for kids by Rita Ann Fleming. And what kid wouldn't want to sit down with their favorite book reader and listen to these poems, many of which tell a story? I know I couldn't wait to read them to my grandchildren after I received my copy in the mail recently.

This isn't some flimsy paperback book either. The hardback comes encased in a bright red jacket cover with lovely pencil drawing illustrations on front and back done by Abigail Marble, whose lovely and often comical illustrations are throughout the book. The back cover bears a Grand Parental Advisory which reads: CAUTION! Be ready to spend quality overtime with your grandchildren as they repeatedly request that you read these fun-filled rhymes with them BEWARE! Compelling questions may be encountered!

Whatever does that mean? 

Well, after reading The Toy Trunk on page 12, your grandkids just might start asking you about the toys you played with as a child. This poem makes mention of many of the toys my sisters and I played with when we were growing up. How many of these do you remember?

  • Chatty Cathy
  • Kewpie Doll
  • Howdie Doodie
  • GI Joe
  • Baby First Steps
  • Raggedy Andy
  • Betsy Wetsy
  • Barbie (okay... I know. Every generation alive has heard of/played with Barbie dolls.)
  • Lamb Chop (who can name the puppeteer?)
  • Hush Puppy
Can the Fairy Find Me? might bring up questions of how mythological beings (like the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny) can find them when your grandkids are having a sleep-over at your house.

Why an Appendix? could prompt the question, "What is an appendix?" And after reading Escalators, your kiddos might ask, "Are there really alligators living under escalators?"

And, of course, there's the age-old question: Do adults really have eyes in the back of their heads. That's what you'll be talking about after reading Eyes Where?

I really liked the way some of the poems referenced things in earlier poems. It gave the book a sense of continuity.

Overall, you and the kids will delight in these 64 original poems. I know I did. While most are silly, there are a few serious ones that could tug at the heart strings. Like this one:

In the Middle

You'll find me in the middle,
stuck somewhere in-between
the oldest and the youngest,
I'm seldom heard or seen.

I'm squeezed between my sisters,
I'm neither big nor small,
Sometimes I do not wonder if
I'm noticed much at all!


Available on Amazon for $17.95, this is a quality hardcover book, perfect for lap time with Grandma or Grandpap. It is also available on the website with a free shipping offer through December 20, 2016. It would be an awesome Christmas gift when coupled with a weekend of games, baking, and reading with your grandchildren. 


The poems contained within these 106 pages made me smile, chuckle, and tear up a bit (see In the Middle). But at times, they also made me cringe. 

As a children's book editor, I never seem to be able to remove my editor's hat while reading. My virtual red pen is always uncapped and ready to mark up the pages. Unfortunately, there were several places in this collection of poetry that had my red ink flowing.

While the rhyme and meter was spot on for most of the poems, there were a few with forced rhymes that didn't work for me and a few with missteps in the meter. I could overlook that, due to the quality of the poetry in the rest of the book. However, I could not ignore misspellings, as they are inexcusable to me. In particular, on page 36, the word somersault is misspelled summersault. Cringe. There were a couple of punctuation errors/typos as well, which had me begging the question: What kind of editor did Fleming hire? Examples: Instead of "We" on page 93, it reads "Wwe." There is a missing end quote on page 63 and a missing period on page 69. And, even though she does it correctly throughout the rest of the book, there is a period outside the quotation mark on page 44. Am I being nitpicky? Perhaps. But like I said, I'm an editor and I just can't ignore mistakes other editors should have corrected.

On page 100, Fleming writes: "There's rules to put your toys away." It should read, "There are rules..." Perhaps she was using creative license for the sake of meter, but I hate teaching children improper grammar. It's just a pet peeve of mine.

Above all the errors, there is one that, to me, is inexcusable. In the poem, Mulberry Street, Fleming alludes to many books by a well-loved children's author. It's a cute poem. But the last line reads, "Thank you, Dr. Suess!" Seuss is spelled wrong and I wanted to cry! 

Hopefully, since pointing out the errors, Fleming will be able to have them corrected for future orders of the book. I can only hope so, because for me, I would have rated the book more highly had it been free of these grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors and typos. 

Because I have a reputation to uphold as an editor, I couldn't post a review without pointing them out. But I did thoroughly enjoy this book overall and I hope you will give it a chance. It's rare to find poetry books of this quality in children's libraries these days. I recommend putting this book on the shelf to be read again and again!

Reviewing it for you,






Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Cursive Makes a Comeback!

Image courtesy of Karen Arnold
I read something encouraging today in a local paper. Apparently, cursive writing is making a comeback! And it's about more than just ensuring our kids and grandkids can read historical documents and generations-old correspondence as they get older. After realizing the mistake they made by eliminating cursive from their curriculum, more and more schools are going back to teaching it. Why? Because of the unforeseen benefits. Apparently, writing in cursive helps in brain development, memory retention, and fine motor skills. 

Those who developed the Common Core education standards failed to realize that handwriting instruction improves children's composition, reading comprehension, brain function, and motor skills, as mentioned above. According to a 2012 study by Saperstein Associates in Columbus, Ohio, students who are taught handwriting are better able to focus and organize their thoughts on paper. Excellent.

Here in Pittsburgh, one school district eliminated cursive instruction due to the Pennsylvania Core Standards. With focus on typing and test-taking, there simply wasn't time to teach it at Montour. However, last year, they resumed teaching it to the kids in first through fourth grades.

During the 2014-15 school year, North Hills School District, where my own kids attended, joined the ranks of other districts resurrecting the dying skill after research demonstrated the benefits of looping, continuous writing style. 

"Cursive is a special kind of motor challenge because the goal is to put all the letters together of a word with very little lift and touch (of the pen)," states Rand Nelson, president of Peterson Directed Handwriting. "Each new word is like a brand new magic trick."

While cursive writing is not a required course in Pennsylvania (shame on them), it is required in Alabama, California, Georgia, and Louisiana. The Goddard Schools, specializing in early childhood education and STEAM learning nationwide, teach cursive with the Handwriting Without Tears program. 

So, despair not, fellow cursive advocates. Our voices are being heard and research is backing us. I predict cursive handwriting to become part of the "new" curriculum in every school district in the not-too-distant future.

I'm curious, however, about all of you homeschoolers in the community. Are you teaching cursive to your youngsters or do you believe it's an irrelevant practice? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.



Monday, September 26, 2016

Free educational resources from the Arbor Day Foundation

Image courtesy of George Hodan

Looking for a good resource to teach your kids about trees? Arbor Day offers educational activities that are free for download and can help you, as a parent or teacher, instill a love of nature and appreciation for trees in the children you interact with on a regular basis.

The site includes:

  • Tree-themed games like Treevial Pursuit and Who Wants to Be a Treellionaire?
  • Tree trivia
  • Activities to learn about cholorophyll, seed germination, energy benefits, and more
  • The basics of tree identification
  • The life of a tree


Log on at www.arborday.org/education and start downloading! You might even learn a thing or two. I know I did!

Don't you love it when resources are this easy to find and are FREE? Enjoy!



Saturday, September 24, 2016

Aquagear Filter Pitcher Giveaway! $69.95 RV


Sponsored By: Aquagear

Hosted By: 

Love, Mrs. Mommy

Co-Hosted By:


Winner will receive

an Aquagear Filter Pitcher - a $69.95 RV!


With all the news about the toxins in municipal tap water, this giveaway couldn't come at a better time! After many years of testing, Aquagear has been proven to be the industry leader when removing harmful contaminants commonly found in municipal tap water. The contaminants include, but are not limited to, chlorine (99.99%), lead (97.5%), fluoride (90%), mercury (99.6%), trihalomethanes (99.99%) DDT (98.8%), and Chromium-6 (99.87%). You can even check out their website to review their Testing Certificates and their raw data from their most recent test completed in October 2015. 

Click here to read Love, Mrs. Mommy's full Aquagear review!  



Open To US entries - Must be 18+ to enter Giveaway Dates ~ 9/24 12:01 AM EST through 10/10 11:59 PM EST

Good Luck!


Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Love, Mrs. Mommy received an Aquagear Filter Pitcher at no cost to facilitate the above-mentioned review. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Heading home


Who says you can't go home again? To help relieve some of the pressure of what I've been calling "The Worst Summer EVER," I'm planning a trip back to my hometown. I'll be staying with my friend, Dawn, who graciously transformed one of her bedrooms into "my" room, using furniture from my mom's house after she died so I could find a small piece of "home" whenever I needed it.

Throughout the past three years, Dawn and her husband have warmly welcomed me into their home time and time again. It's a lovely home in the country surrounded by lovely vegetation, birds, flowers, and even an inground swimming pool. The subdued colors of the home create a peaceful oasis, whether indoors or out. This, my friends, is exactly what I need right now.

As my Manheim family is dwindling, I want to go there and spend some time with my remaining relatives. So I'm looking forward to that as well. And I might even throw in a trip to the beach with my cousin. While my initial plan was to have a fair amount of alone time, it looks like my schedule is filling up with people time instead. And that's okay. I'm just in need of some healing time and I'm counting on the magic of time away to provide me with exactly that.

Wish me well. I'm hoping to come back revived and ready to face the fall.


Thursday, September 22, 2016

Thursday's Truths & Tidbits -- It's about the ivory

When it comes to issues affecting the health of our families and the environment, there is way too much bad news. But today, on Thursday's Truths & Tidbits, I have some good news to share about elephants -- you know those big, gray animals that are hunted down like, well ... animals ... just for their ivory tusks. It's so sad when a magnificent animal is gunned down for trophy or, in this case, for something like ivory. 

Photo courtesy of Lynn Greyling

So here comes the good news -- the Obama Administration has issued the final piece in a series of regulations to significantly limit the commercial ivory trade in America. The states most affected due to having the three biggest state ivory markets are California, Hawaii, and New York. The legal ivory trafficking in the U.S. is all but over with this near-total ban. Of course, that won't stop illegal poaching and trafficking, but it's a start. It's an acknowledgement by the government that what has been going on throughout the decades is unacceptable and punishable by law. 

If I were an elephant, I'd be trumpeting loud and clear.

Caring about the planet and its inhabitants,


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Custom photo books at 15% off. Limited time only!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.



Your memories deserve more than a lifeless screen! Breathe life into your photos and turn them into beautiful keepsake photo books that will last for generations.

AdoramaPix's custom books are high quality and display your images in rich detail. Choose from gorgeous linen, hardcover, and leather covers as well as 6 stunning paper finishes. Stop swiping and start printing your family memories with AdoramaPix photo books!

Click here to shop now.

15% off photo books. Use code: PhotoBook15. Sale ends 11/05/2016 11:59 p.m. EST


Fresh breath. The essential fashion accessory...

... or so it says on the box of Moondani Natural Breath Mist
that was sent to me to review. Yes, this is a sponsored post and I received product and/or compensation in exchange for my honest opinion.




My honest opinion is it's simply wonderful! Packaged in a purse or pocket sized glass spray bottle, it's convenient to have on hand for whenever the occasion calls for fresh breath. You know, times like when

  • you've just downed your coffee in your travel mug in the carpool line and your kiddo's principal comes out to your car to speak with you.
  • your spouse comes home early for some "play time" while the kids are at school and you've just finished a garlic roll.
  • you're in line at the grocery store and your high school crush saunters in and spots you.
  • you are meeting your spouse's boss for the first time.
  • you're at a party eating all the wrong things and you realize you'll stop eating once you freshen your breath.
  • you wake up feeling amorous (keep a bottle right by the bed).
  • your kiddo wants to smother you in little boy or little girl kisses (not that they'll care what your breath smells like, but you might!)
  • your mouth feels gross and brushing your teeth isn't an option.
Oh, the list goes on and on. There are countless reasons why you need a breath freshener on hand. And countless reasons why you don't want to resort to the commercial ones that may be full of toxins.

That's why you really need a bottle or two of Moondani on hand. Seriously. The mint flavor is refreshing and it's effective against bad breath odors. There are no additives, no preservatives, no alcohol, and no sweeteners. Plus it's vegan and cruelty-free.

Here are the ingredients, in case you were wondering:
  • distilled water
  • organic vegetable gylcerin
  • ginger extract
  • cardamom oil
  • fennel oil
  • natural flavors
And it's Made in the USA in Bloomingdale, Illinois. By the way, did you know that the word 'moondani' means 'everlasting' in Farsi? Cool.


Moondani Natural Breath Mist gets Green Grandma's Two Green Thumbs Up Award this week. I love it and so will you!

Reviewing it for you,


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

When stress builds up, it's time to do something about it. #stressless


Twenty-six years ago, I was thrown from a horse and broke my back in two places. That alone would cause a fair amount of stress, but when adding in my circumstances at the time, the stress barometer hit an all time high. You see, I was widowed one year before and was raising two small children alone. Not only that, I didn't have any family living close by to help. As a matter of fact, my mother lived closest to me at 250 miles away. Not a good time in my life.

Sometimes when I'm extremely stressed, I try to look back to that year and am comforted somewhat in knowing I survived. The stress did not win. I did.

How about you? Do you ever look back on your life and think, "Wow. How did I ever survive that?"

This past summer was one of my worst. The previous months included several deaths of family members and friends. The deaths continued throughout the summer months, with the latest being my aunt on September 8th. Enough! My husband's heart attack on June 4th threw us off in many ways. Like I said, it was a bad summer. My stress levels have been through the roof. Normally, I spend time out in nature to de-stress, but quite honestly, for the majority of the summer, it was just too hot. I was indoors in the air conditioning more often than not, and I missed my usual summer time spent on my back porch watching the birds, butterflies, squirrels, and deer. That certainly added to my lousy summer. Now, as I look forward to fall, the weather remains oppressively hot (mostly because of the humidity). "Cut me a break!" I want to scream at no one in particular. Yes, I'm stressed and grouchy. 



However, I would be even more stressed and grouchy if it weren't for a couple of my favorite Hyland's Homeopathic items. For instance, I've been taking some of their Calms Forte to help me sleep at night. During the day, I occasionally reach for their Nerve Tonic. Both products work to lighten my mental overload. They help me to relax. And since they're natural and homeopathic, I'm not polluting my body with pharmaceutical remedies. 

I wish I could take comfort in knowing that more than 70% of Americans suffer from stress, but I don't. I wish I were in the minority here. 



Hyland's recognizes the problem and wants to help. On Monday, September 26, 2016, they are launching Hyland's 5-Day Stress Challenge. There are going to be some great prizes for 1,000 participants Monday through Friday that week. Click here to join in the challenge and learn new ways to effectively deal with stress.

Be sure to follow Hyland's on FacebookInstagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube so you can keep up with the daily challenges!



So... how do you stress less?


Monday, September 19, 2016

When it comes to my grandkids, what causes me to worry?

While I'm no longer a worrier by nature, there is something that concerns me. More and more children are being injured or killed by furniture that tips over. Quite honestly, this wasn't even something I gave any thought to when my children were young. But now, with my grandchildren, it's a concern. And apparently, a valid one.

Did you know that every two weeks, a child DIES from tipping furniture, TVs, or appliances? Yes, my concern is a valid one. A recent study of kids' furniture by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealing the following findings:

  • Two-year-olds are the age group most affected by tip-overs, and most are likely to be killed.
  • Children ages two to five accounted for 77% of total incidents (*NOTE: that doesn't mean older kids are not at risk)
  • The age range of children injured is wider than the age range of children killed by tip-overs.
  • Fatalities accounted for 12% of total incidents.
  • Head injuries (37%) were the most common category of injury.
  • Almost all (98.7%) of head injuries are related to a TELEVISION tipping over on a child.
We're constantly hearing about furniture recalls AFTER a child has been seriously injured or has died. But what about the ones that have yet to be recalled? Kids in Danger (KID) put a sample of 19 dressers and chests through stability performance tests. The sample chosen for testing represented dressers and chests commonly found in children's bedrooms. The testing was conducted at the UL Furniture Center for Excellence in Holland, Michigan and was based on the current ASTM-International furniture safety standard, followed by new testing protocols developed by KID. The new tests were designed to be more representative of real-world scenarios, including foreseeable use of furniture by kids and the stability of dressers that contain clothing. The additional testing was also to see what additional margin of safety some units may possess. 

What did the testing reveal? Widespread non-compliance with current voluntary standards as well as to additional typical use scenarios those standards do not address.

Here are some of the results:
  • Only nine of the 19 units passed performance tests based on the current tip-over safety standard, ASTM F2057.
  • Only two units passed all tests, including the additional testing protocols added by KID.
  • The weight of as television or anything placed on top of the unit did not decrease the stability of the furniture.
  • Furniture placed on carpet is less stable than furniture placed on hard floors.
  • Many units remained stable when more than 70 pounds was placed on an open drawer, while others tipped with less than half that weight.
Based on the findings of data and testing, KID recommends increasing consumer awareness of the danger of furniture tip-overs and knowledge of the actions needed to keep children safe. You can do your part by sharing this post with other parents. They also want to see improved furniture stability, accomplished by strengthening standards, making those standards mandatory and enforceable, and promoting changes in furniture design.


According to KID  executive director, Nancy Cowles, "Better designs, stronger standards and enforcement of the standards are needed. We urge furniture manufacturers to look for design solutions to unstable furniture. The top performing units in our testing had innovative designs including a wider base, interlocking drawers, or heavier back panels to increase stability."

The CPSC's #AnchorIt campaign emphasizes the need to attach furniture to a wall with a tip restraint. Of course, easier, tool-less tip-over restraints would increase the likelihood that parents would take action to ensure that safety of their children, but these have yet to be developed. Further research is needed.

Lisa Siefert, founder of Shane's Foundation, said, "This project is an important step forward proving the current safety standard falls short. Going forward a stronger standard, in addition to manufacturers using safer designs for increased stability, is necessary for keeping children safe."

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky adds, "Parents should have peace of mind that furniture in their home is safe, but today's voluntary safety standards are insufficient, putting children at risk. We need stronger rules and better compliance to prevent tragic accidents from furniture tip-overs. The furniture industry must act to improve safety, and the CPSC and Congress must hold the industry accountable."

It is my hope that by publishing this post, more parents, grandparents, and caretakers will be made aware of the risks to children in our homes. Please, please, please, don't let one of your precious little ones become part of these tragic statistics.

Caring about you and your kids,


Friday, September 16, 2016

Here Comes Baby Giveaway! Over $708 in Prizes!


Sponsored By: 

Nested Bean, Sebamed, Royal Rascals, Vacucraft, Pink Polka Dot Boutique, Lily Method, Bellema, Nursery Necessities, Lil' Sidekick, Bjingles, Ikkletots, Newbie Shade and BumpBar

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy


1 Lucky Winner Will Receive Over $708 worth of baby goodies!!


Plus, 5 out of the 13 prizes are Winner's Choice! Details are listed under the descriptions...


I just love participating in awesome giveaways. And this giveaway is as awesome as it gets. Just check out what you could win!

Nested Bean 

Nested Bean was formed with a purpose of helping parents care for their newborns with intuitive, medically backed, and the safest products. The Zen Swaddle and Zen Sack incorporates TouchSense technology. TouchSense technology imparts a calming pressure (like a mother resting her hand on their baby's chest), by using lightly weighted areas. This triggers a self-soothing response in the nervous system. Such a technique is proven to help regulate stress by stabilizing heart rate, blood pressure and reducing levels of cortisol. Winner has their pick of either a Zen Swaddle or Zen Sack in their choice of size, up to a $44.99 RV!

Sebamed

Sebamed is sold in over 85 countries and has changed the lives of people from all over the world. If you’re dealing with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, sensitive skin, or just looking to maintain healthy skin, Sebamed offers a variety of collections. Each line serves its own purpose and is formulated to the same pH level of 5.5, whether it’s their classic collection for sensitive skin, or their baby care, anti-aging, or acne lines. From hydrating lotions that soothe irritated skin to facial toners that continue a youthful glow, Sebamed has the type of skin care products you are looking for. Winner will receive a Complete Sebamed Baby Gift Package with a $62.99 RV!

Royal Rascals 

This is the #1 safest rear view mirror for rear facing baby seat. It's easy to install onto your cars rear seat headrest and it's fully adjustable with tilt and turn function and anti-judder mount. This baby care mirror is also in safety yellow for greater LPV detection, as your peripheral vision is drawn to yellow quicker than any other color. Grab your baby's reflection at a glance without dragging your attention off the road for more than a moment. Winner will receive this mirror along with a free Baby On Board sign, a $21.99 RV!

Vacucraft

Vacucraft Inc makes environmentally conscientious food storage products and have developed a food processor for babies called the Green Baby. The goal is to make it easier and cheaper to prepare fresh food than purchase ready-made pasteurized baby foods. With a press of the button it steams, cooks, and then purees the food in pulse mode. The parts they use are all BPA free Tritan and are stain and crack proof. Green Baby comes with a set of 6, 4 oz. vacuum seal containers. Winner will receive the Green Baby, a $200 RV!

Pink Polka Dot Boutique

The Pink Polka Dot Boutique has been creating custom nursery bedding and baby products since 2010. They offer a wonderful variety of many styles from your traditional baby bedding and nursery prints, to the new modern look. They offer everything from the essentials of getting your nursery started, through the growing ages of years to come. There are even gift baskets and sets to send those loved ones for every special occasion. Winner will receive a custom-made changing pad cover from their choice of fabric, a $25 RV!

Lily Method 

The Lily Method process was developed by Dr. Alene D’Alesio, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and mother of four girls who all loved pacifiers. After struggling to wean her first daughter, she knew there had to be an easier way. From that experience came this patented Pacifier Weaning System that has been tested and perfected over the past 5 years! For ages 6+ months and it's BPA and latex-free! Winner will receive the Lily Method, a $19.99 RV! Check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review here!

Bellema 

​Bellema is committed to providing superior quality breast pumps and breastfeeding accessories to enhance a mothers nursing experience. Their designs and development are backed by a dedicated R&D team that includes over 20 experts! By combining years of expertise and reputation, they have gained trust from nursing mothers around the world. Winner will receive a Bellema Professional Care Effective Double Electric Breast Pump, a $199.99 RV!
Nursery Necessities offers premium baby products that are designed to provide comfort to infants while also offering hassle-free solutions for parents and caregivers. They even offer a one-year, no hassle money-back guarantee! Winner will receive the Nail Whale, a $13.99 RV. Check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review here!
Lil’ Sidekick can adjust to secure any item, from a small crayon to a large stuffed animal and it quickly secures to anything (such as a stroller, car seat, baby carrier, high chair, and grocery cart). Lil’ Sidekick is made of a safe, durable, and FDA approved material right here in the USA. It’s dishwasher safe, can be cleaned on the go, and be used as a teether. Winner will receive a Lil' Sidekick in their choice of color (blue, pink, charcoal, or green), a $10.95 RV!
The Bjingles Baby Heartbeat Monitor is a wonderful way to listen and record your baby's first movements. This set comes with two headphones, perfect for you and your significant other to listen to your baby together. Plus, you can play your favorite jingles to your baby. The perfect way for you and your family to bond with your baby before he/she arrives. Winner will receive a Bjingles Baby Heartbeat Monitor, a $49.99 RV! Check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review here!
Ikkletots Bandana Bibs are a contemporary and colorful solution for drooling and teething babies! These highly absorbent bibs are soft, comfortable and very functional. Thanks to the adjustable snaps and generous size, these bibs are ideal for babies and toddlers. Winner will receive their choice of either gender neutral or girl style bibs, a $16.99 RV!
Newbie Shade is a family-owned and operated company that came into existence due to their desire to shade their new little baby girl from the bright California sun. This shade is fully compatible with infant, convertible, and all-in-one car seats. It provides full shade coverage, while still allowing for the use of a backseat mirror attached to the center seat. Winner will receive their choice of Newbie Shade, a $25 RV! Check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review here!
BumpBar is an obstetrician formulated pregnancy nutrition bar. It’s non-gmo, certified gluten-free, vegan, preservative free and contains folic acid, calcium, and iron! A healthy way to get the nutrients you need for both you and your baby. Winner will receive a 4-pack of BumpBars, a $16.99 RV! Check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review here!

Open To US - Must be 18+ to enter 
Giveaway Dates ~ 
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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Thursday's Truths & Tidbits: What to do with all that mail?

I decided to reinstate some of the old Green Grandma features, like Review it Wednesday and Thursday's Truths & Tidbits. I hope you'll find these posts useful and relevant to your everyday life.

Today, we're talking mail and the environmental nightmare it has become. Do you ever want to scream at your bulging-at-the-seams mailbox filled with junk mail? Granted, junk mail is better than bills, but that's another topic altogether and I don't want to go there.

Just last week, my husband and I were appalled when we discovered this stuffed into our mailbox:




What to do? What to do? We considered taking them down to the post office and plopping them down on the counter, demanding an explanation. But they'd probably just shrug and we'd be wasting our time. We thought about letting Altmeyer's know because, after all, it was their money that was wasted. But then we wondered if they'd even care.

One thing was certain: we cared. And it bothered us immensely. What would you have done?

Anyway, this takes us back to today's topic: What to do with all that mail?

One thing we've been doing for years and will continue to do. Recycle! There are many organizations, like churches and fire halls, that benefit from the paper we recycle. Did you know that most everything you receive in your mailbox is recyclable? That includes
  • catalogues, staples included
  • envelopes with plastic windows
  • business cards
  • even mail with paper clips attached (although I remove them and reuse them in my office)
Paper soiled by food or grease will compromise the other paper in the recycling bin, so please discard it in the trash. Because we're a little bit concerned about privacy, we do rip off or blacken out our names and address before recycling. Shredded mail compromises the fiber of the paper, so it is usually not accepted in the paper recycling bins.

In addition to recycling your unwanted mail, there are also ways to reduce how much you actually receive. You can opt-out of mailing lists by contacting companies and asking them to remove your name from their list. While that is most effective, you can also click here to sign up to reduce your junk mail.

As far as bills are concerned (I know, I wasn't going to mention them), you can always switch to online billing or automatic payments directly from your bank. That, at least, will cut down on some of the more unpleasant things lurking in your mailbox each week. 

That's it for this week's Truths and Tidbits. Like I said, I hope you found it useful.

Keeping it green,



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