Evergreen Moms

Road trip essentials within reach

2009-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Like most toddlers, my son has a knack for drifting off to sleep about half way through a 45-minute car ride. Even the tiniest car nap inevitably leads to nap resistance once we get home. And that means a cranky baby (and mama). So as soon as I see those eyelids start to droop, I'm handing snacks, books and toys over the seat in rapid succession. Of course this this isn't the safest way to drive so I'm hoping the Kiddie Kangaroo can help solve this dilemma.

The Kiddie Kangaroo is a handy organizer for the car seat that gives children easy access to whatever you wish. The Kiddie Kangaroo simply lays across the seat with the center buckle fitted through the hole to keep it in place. Then the pockets drape over the outside of the car seat like saddle bags. All that's left is to fill the flexible dividers with all the road trip essentials. No more handing snacks over the seat while driving. And if the little guy starts to take a dreaded car nap, remind him about that special book you tucked in the pocket. You can also use it in a stroller for additional, accessible storage. Finally, a solution to the startling screech!

$20 at Kiddie Kangaroo< EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Receive a 25% discount on your order from Kiddie Kangaroo with the code evergreen25. Offer expires 12/31/09.

Advent Calendar Roundup

2009-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas may be over a month away, but advent starts in just a few weeks. This year skip the disposables and try a reusable advent calendar your family can bring out year after year. Some you fill with your own treats or activities, others come pre-filled with toys. Wooden boxes, felt wall hangings, modern garlands, nativity scenes and more--there's an advent calendar to fit every style in our roundup below.

Top row, left to right: (1) Felt "paper" chain, $50 at Humble Bea (2) Printed cotton bags, $58 at Jodii (3) Assignment tags for filling an advent calendar, $7 at Ormolu

Second row, left to right: (4) Magnetic advent boxes, $38 at Polka Stripe Studio (5) HABA advent calendar game collection, $36 at KangarooBoo (6) DIY advent calendar with spools, free instructions at Just Something I Made

Third row, left to right: (7) Buckets of Joy advent calendar, $68 at Garnet Hill (8) Woodland forest scene, $17 at Playmobil (9) Telluride felt advent calendar, $69 at Pottery Barn Kids

Bottom row, left to right: (10) Wooden advent calendar, $25 at Target (11) Reusable sticker advent calendars, $13 at Mudpuppy (12) Wooden nativity with magnetic figurines, $50 at Amazon

Evergreen Moms has affiliate relationships with Amazon, KangarooBoo and HearthSong.

Start your circle of giving

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

As an avid Project Runway fan, I particularly love the challenges where they create beautiful couture garments from everyday found materials. From the aisles of a grocery store or their own apartment, I'm in awe of what they create from everything from trash bags and throw rugs. For the same reason, I adore these leaf shaped bowls made from recycled magazines.

But the story doesn't end there, not by a long shot. These beautiful pieces of art are brought to you by Mountain Avenue in support of a program which helps street children in Vietnam. In fact, this unique online shop purchases their products from fair trade organizations and individuals, ships with minimal packaging and allows you to select a non-profit partner to receive a large portion of your purchase price. They call this their "circle of giving" and I can't think of a better description. So buy these beautiful recycled bowls and let your circle of giving begin.

$20 for the pair at Mountain Avenue

Thanksgiving toys for your little turkeys

2009-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

	Those little hands that want to "help" the adults prepare the big meal? Keep them occupied with their very own turkey to stuff and bake. The felt on this cutie-patootie toy is made of recycled post-consumer plastic bottles and the whole thing is machine washable. The drumsticks even come off! $25 at Bug Bites Play Food
	If you're handy with a crochet hook, your pre-solids baby can still get in on the Thanksgiving meal with her very own squishy turkey drumstick rattle. This pattern by Cynthia Rae gives you the option of making it with or without the shaker--in case you want a little quiet at the dinner table. $4 at Candypop Creations

These boots are made for puddles

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Though we were thankful for a rain-free Halloween this year, my toddler did manage to find any and all lingering puddles. By the time we were done trick-or-treating, he was soaking wet clear up to his knees. Oh well, he had fun and that's what matters! But to save him from another cold walk in wet pants and shoes, I'm getting him these booties from Stonz Wear.

Clearly they are adorable but behind all that style lies major functionality. For starters, the booties can be worn over shoes, socks, bare feet, footie jammies, even Halloween costumes. The double toggle design allows them this versatility and keeps the booties in place. Plus the coated nylon material is water and wind resistant and the fleece lining keeps those feet nice and toasty. You can even machine wash and dry these durable booties!

Stonz Wear is a mom-run, Vancouver BC company and these booties are NAFTA products and CPSIA certified. Of course, only a mom would create a product with this kind of convenience and cuteness!

$47 at Stonz Wear

GIVEAWAY! We have a pair of the sailboat booties pictured here in size large from Stonz Wear to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us which design of Stonz Wear booties are your favorite. Leave additional comments as bonus entries if you subscribe to our feed, tweet about the contest, have our button on your blog or are our fan on Facebook. Contest closes at midnight PST on November 14th. Our standard terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

Read them a story, even when you're far away

2009-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

My kids love getting packages from their aunt, and with good reason. For several years now she's recorded CDs of herself reading children's books aloud and sent them to the kids along with a copy of the book. They love to pop in the CDs and read along. And when she comes to visit they're tickled to hear her read live and in person. It's like the preschool version of a celebrity visit.

The new online storytime service A Story Before Bed builds on her idea--only simplifying the process (hurray!) and taking it digital. On the A Story Before Bed website, you use your webcam to record a video of yourself reading a story from their collection. The child sees the book on their screen alongside your video (check out a demo). They can even click to turn the pages themselves--if they skip ahead in the book, the video skips ahead with them, just like you would if they were sitting in your lap. The video stays in their virtual "bookshelf," where they can watch it as often as they like.

Payment isn't required until you're ready to send off your recording to the lucky kiddo, so you can browse through and record (and re-record, for you perfectionists) as many books as you like before committing. They're still adding books to their titles list, but there some cute options there.

It's a personal, eco-friendly, and inexpensive gift idea for young children. And a clever way to love on kids who are far away, whether you're an out-of-state relative or just a parent who can't be at home one night. They also offer free recordings to deployed members of the U.S. military, to give them one more way to stay connected with their children back home. When you can't be at their bedside, sometimes being inside their computer is the next best thing.

$7 at A Story Before Bed

For the gamers out there

2009-11-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Long, long ago, before I was a mom, I whiled away the hours on many mindless and carefree activities. One such activity happened to be a mild addiction to playing Super Mario Bros. I swear I would start a game and poof, there went two hours. My how things have changed!

When I saw these knitted critters from Vancouver's Ami Amigurumi by Leanne, my heart skipped a beat. There were the friends and foes of Mario in 3-D! I know the Halloween candy is still lingering but these would make terrific stocking stuffers for the gamer in your life. As for me, I want these on my desk at work as a reminder of those carefree days gone by.

$13-34 each at Ami Amigurumi by Leanne

Come together

2009-11-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Halloween madness is over (although the candy lingers) and we're heading into one of my favorite stretches of the year: the time of gathering again and again with the people we love the most, both family and friends.

This rustic burlap pennant calling us to "gather" is painted with acrylics and aged for a romantic look. The basic white easily transitions from November to December decor. Like the look, not the message? Because each banner is made by hand, custom orders are no problem.

$18 at Funkyshique

The bible of canning

2009-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

We're running out of pantry and freezer space after a recent marathon canning session. That's right, we can and we're proud of it! With a half dozen apple trees dropping fruit faster than we can consume it, we've learned the value of canning applesauce to enjoy all year round. And we turn raspberries into freezer jam. Oh, and I can't forget the pears!

Last year we discovered the ultimate tool in canning, the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. Whether you're new to canning or a seasoned pro, this book is a must have in your kitchen library. Of course, everyone recognizes the trademark Ball jars and now they've put their canning expertise in writing with this clear, thorough handbook. You'll find step by step instructions and 400 recipes running the gamut from Strawberry Jam to Singapore Chili Sauce. And if you get into a pickle (pun intended), the Home Canning Problem Solver section will give you the answers you need. Now if you'll excuse me, there is some homemade applesauce calling my name.

$16 at our affiliate Amazon

A little touch of luxury

2009-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

When I hear "Maclaren," I immediately think of our trusty stroller, still going strong after years of use. But the English company recently branched out with Beginning, a line of aromatherapy products for babies and adults. And it's just as well-done as their strollers.

Maclaren sent their comforting room mist and baby massage oil for us to try out. Both smelled heavenly: floral mixes of lavender, geranium and mandarin. The massage oil was a blend of organic oils, including personal favorite jojoba, and smooths right in to my daughter's skin after her bath. The room mist was something I hadn't used before. They suggest regularly putting a touch of spray in the room when your baby is relaxed and sleeping, then using it when you're away from home to trigger that sense of comfort, which I thought was a lovely idea. I'm sure I'm not the only one with babies who resisted going to sleep anywhere unfamiliar. (Although I'm afraid my kids haven't been able to enjoy the room mist yet, because I keep spraying it around my own room. It smells so nice!)

The full line includes everything from diaper cream to bath milk--even a lotion designed to relieve mums' tired legs. The prices are steep for everyday use. But they're worth keeping in mind for shower gifts or other baby presents, when you'd like to give something practical but don't want to hand over the usual drugstore products. Quality products in lovely bottles and pretty (although a touch excessive) packaging. Just the type of small extravagance that is so fun to give.

Starting at $6 at CSN Baby

No batteries required!

2009-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

As a mom, one of the advantages of eco-friendly toys is the noticeable absence of loud noises (coming from the toy anyway). But I'll admit that the kiddos sure enjoy pushing a button and hearing a resulting sound. So, enter Ecotronic Toys with a happy compromise. The kiddos get their noises and lights but there are no batteries required!

By some magic that I don't pretend to understand, kids can simply shake, squeeze or wind up these toys to keep them fully charged. My son is currently obsessed with the phone so the Eco Phone is perfect for him. From rocket ships to flashlights, there are several toys to chose from. And they all come packaged in ingenious Gekopak which is biodegradable, easy to open and made exclusively from recycled paper. These are toys that both kids and eco-conscious moms will love!

$14-32 at Raspberry Kids or our affiliate Amazon

A calendar that just keeps on going

2009-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Lisa DeJohn's illustrations have been everywhere from Land of Nod catalog covers to Godiva's Easter packaging. Now they've shown up on a delightful perpetual calendar that would be equally at home in a cheerful family kitchen or on a grown-up's desk. Wheels turn on the back to show the month, date and day of the week, floating in whales' thought bubbles or tucked into a village house. But my favorite feature by far is the tiny wheel at the tip top that rotates to show the day's weather. It's like preschool calendar time all over again.

$10 at Buy Olympia

This jewelry envelope is just right

2009-10-26T00:01:00.001-07:00

I've tried many different options to safely transport my jewelry when I travel. From a divided utility box to a soft sided cosmetics bag, I've run the gamut. I felt like Goldilocks as I weeded them out one-by-one for being too big or too disorganized. Finally I've come upon a solution that is just right!

The Elizabeth Jewelry Envelope from Aster + Sage is small in size yet big in storage making it perfect for travel. Pin earrings to the 2 felt pages, stow necklaces in three individual pouches and tuck bracelets into the large inner area. With my simple jewelry tastes, I can't imagine ever filling all the nooks and crannies in this envelope. Made from recycled felt, it is not only stylish but also durable and hand washable. Now all that is left is to plan your next trip!

$30 at Aster + Sage

No-mess, all-fun birthday cake

2009-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

This cute little birthday party paper playset comes complete with everything from party hats to candles. One slice of the cake even pops out for serving.

Four bucks gets you an 8-page PDF file you print out and assemble at home--all you'll need is cardstock, glue, scissors and tape (preferably double-sided).

It works equally well as a toy or decoration. Use it to add a quirky handcrafted touch to a birthday celebration, or let the kids play party to their hearts' content.

$4 at Portland's Mahar Drygoods

Giraffes and monkeys and bears, oh my!

2009-10-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Are you still looking for Halloween costume ideas for your kiddo? Before you make a desperate dash to the nearest chain retail store, consider creating a costume that does double duty. Pick up a helmet hat from Seattle's Finny's Funny Fleece and voila, instant costume! Fashion the appropriate style of tail to brown pants and you can top it off with the monkey, giraffe or bear helmet. Or cut some polka dots out of colored electrical tape and stick them to an old pair of pajamas for the perfect complement to the monster helmet. Once you have the hat, you can just use your creativity to complete the semi-homemade costume.

The added bonus is that after the big night of trick-or-treating, your kiddo has a new winter hat. The helmet style helps it stay put, even for the most reluctant winter hat wearers. And they're made from anti-pill fleece so it will still look adorable at the end of the cold weather season.

$24-28 at Finny's Funny Fleece

A new comfy carrier for bigger kids

2009-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

I've raved before about the Sleepy Wrap, which I used constantly during my baby's first several months and recommend all the time to new parents. So when the makers of Sleepy Wrap asked if they could send me their new Boba carrier to try out, I immediately said, "Yes!"

The Boba is a basic soft structured carrier (SSC), picking up where the Sleepy Wrap leaves off to hold children ages 1-4 years. So let's tackle the biggest question: how does the Boba compare to the other popular SSCs, like the Ergo?

Organic fabric comes standard on the Boba.
The Boba boasts a lovely streamlined, simple look, much like a mei tai without the long ties. It's less busy and buckle-y (the shoulder straps don't detach). There are built-in elastic bands at the ends of the waist and arm strap webbing that let you roll up the extra and secure it out of sight instead of leaving it dangling. (Wish that feature came on the chest strap, too.)
Part of the Boba's streamlined look comes from the fact that it lacks the Ergo's sleeping hood, toy ring, and front pocket--features which many folks find useful. My kids never cared for the sleeping hood, but the pocket has come in handy and we use the attachable backpack a lot when we travel. What you gain in fashion with the Boba, you lose somewhat in function.

The Boba has ingenious footstraps, the first I've seen on a carrier, to keep bigger kids' legs at a comfortable 90 degree angle. The adjustable fabric loops took a little fiddling to figure out, but the website instructions helped.
The padded waist is wider, which I found more comfortable and less prone to squish out my (ahem) love handles.
The body is taller by a good 1.5-2", keeping my kids snuggly pulled in toward me. My (tall) four-year old insisted on being the first to try out the Boba when it arrived. I was surprised at how comfortable it was wearing him in a back carry in the Boba. The high 16" body did a great job of supporting his back and keeping him close to my body--a key element of a comfortable carry. The same was true with my one-year old in a front carry.
The Boba's longer body means it won't work well for most kids younger than 12 months or so, whereas you can start using many SSCs and mei tais with babies as young as 4 months (or earlier with added infant inserts). I prefer stretchy wraps and slings with wee babes, but if you're wanting to use an SSC with a baby, you'll need something smaller than the Boba.

I've been reaching for my Boba almost every day, even after the novelty of having a new carrier wore off. I love the look and feel, and appreciate that it's easy to throw on and not too elaborate. It fit both my husband and I well after easy adjustments. Comfy, chic, and well-designed--the Boba is a great addition to the carrier world.

$99 at Boba Carrier

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Free shipping on all U.S. orders or $3.99 off any order outside the U.S. with coupon code 'evergreen'. Offer expires 11/17/09.

Mittens for sharing

2009-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Getting my son to hold my hand is a monumental task. During the winter, you're likely to catch me holding an empty mitten and chasing after a bare-handed toddler. Until I found Smittens anyway!

Smittens are like the tandem bike of mittens. Each wearer gets one mitten and then a double-opening mitten for hand holding. Made from 100% Polyester Polartec, they're toasty warm and machine washable. Whether you're keeping track of an energetic toddler on a cold winter walk or snuggling with your sweetheart, I think you'll agree that Smittens are nothing short of brilliant.

$34 at Smittens

GIVEAWAY! We have a pair of red parent/child Smittens to give away to one lucky reader! Congratulations to our winner, Swtlilchick! Thanks for entering, the contest is now closed.

A bicycle tool kit from a city that knows cycling

2009-10-19T02:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not a cyclist myself, but my husband often bikes several miles to and from work. And--because his bicycle is not exactly what you would call "new"--he has more than once found himself stuck on the side of the road with a busted tire or other problem. Somehow always when it's dark and rainy.

He would have been much better off had we discovered the Bike Cozy tool kit a long time ago. Rachel of A Better Cycle--a down-to earth, independent bicycle shop in southeast Portland--has designed a canvas tool roll with cyclists' needs in mind. It holds all sorts of tools needed to do basic fixes on the go, including patches, wrenches, tire levers and more. Wind it up tight with its velcro strap and it's easy to stow--and find--in a backpack or pannier. Available with tools or without.

I'm thinking this would make a great gift for the bicyclists in my life, both casual and serious. (Are you thinking about holiday shopping yet?) And I also have my eye on her toe cozys, which promise dry feet for the truly dedicated who ride in rainy weather. Bicycle accessories designed by someone who knows and loves cycling--how could you go wrong?

$15 (without tools)-$30 (with tools) at Bike Cozy

GIVEAWAY! Bike Cozy is giving away a whole batch of goodies to one lucky reader: a pair of shoelace wranglers (to keep laces away from bike chains or from tripping children's feet), four 1" bike-themed pins, and a bikey doodle notebook and bookmark! To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us which item from the Bike Cozy shop interests you the most. Leave additional comments as bonus entries if you subscribe to our feed, tweet about the contest, have our button on your blog or are our fan on Facebook. Contest closes at midnight PST on October 28. Our standard terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

EVERGREEN FREEBIE! Convo Rachel at Bike Cozy over at Etsy (click on Contact BikeCozy--you'll need an Etsy account) and she'll send you your choice of:

set of 3 spokecards to decorate your bike
set of four 1" bike-themed buttons, or
pair of shoelace wranglers

No purchase necessary! Just mention Evergreen Moms and include your pick and mailing address in the conversation. (Bike Cozy promises not to use your address for anything besides sending you your goodies.) Thanks, Rachel!

A new life for those beautiful bottles

2009-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

My hubby likes to keep old wine bottles with particularly interesting labels or bottle colors. While it's a lovely little assortment, it tends to be a dust collector and a toddler hazard. These trays from d'Pholk Designs are a terrific way to reuse those beautiful wine bottles.

Though there are other flattened bottle trays out there, the d'Pholk Designs versions are special for a couple of reasons. First, each tray is decorated with bead and wire designs for added pizzazz. And second, a wine cork cheese knife is also included for added value. This would be a terrific conversation piece at your next gathering or a great gift for a wine lover.

$18 at d'Pholk Designs

Keeping little legs warm

2009-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

With the rain and cold finally showing up here in the Northwest, we're pulling out our stash of legwarmers for the kids. I consider baby legwarmers a staple in the colder seasons. Both my son and daughter wear them under pants for a little extra warmth that can easily be pulled off if the day gets warmer. They make my daughter's diaper changes a breeze when she wears them in place of tights. And they're perfect for covering the inevitable gap between pants and ankle when she's being held in my arms or in the carrier.

British Columbia Agoo--whose fashionable, functional kidswear is a favorite of ours--also offers a great Leg Huggers line of leg warmers for girls and boys. Every soft pair is made from bamboo fibers, providing a nice, light layer of sun protection and warmth.

$10 at Agoo

DISCOUNT! The mom-owned Inspired by Finn has a wide selection of Agoo Leg Huggers and for a limited time, you can save 25% when you use coupon code 'Legwarmers' at checkout.

Agoo has an afiliate relationship with EGM and we receive a small percentage of any sales made through the Agoo links above to help support this site.

Hard working table

2009-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our kids' activity table is used for everything from finger painting to tea parties to trains. In fact, I don't think there is an item in our playroom that gets more use! (As you can clearly tell from the play dough wedged into the seams.)

With that kind of daily use, this all-important table must be durable, non-toxic and beautiful. Just like this handmade solid wood activity table from Oregon's Dennis King. Made from reclaimed woods and no-VOC, formaldehyde-free finishes, this table is eco-friendly and non-toxic. It's also incredibly functional thanks to the handy center console where you can store those crayons or trains or stickers. And the bright green trestle base adds a splash of color to the natural wood top. Form meets function in this hard working table.

$195 at Dennis King

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Save 20% on your purchase of a children's activity table from Dennis King when you mention Evergreen Moms in the notes to seller section.

Noodles!

2009-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I thought I had seen all the felt food there was to see. Veggies, fruits, cookies, sandwiches, breakfast items... But somehow I had missed (drumroll, please) felt pasta:

Penne or bowtie. Too cute. (Her beautiful felt pie slices are also worth a peek.)

$5 at BeckyM

Happy 1st anniversary EGM

2009-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's Evergreen Moms' 1 year anniversary! And of course, I had to look up the traditional first year anniversary gift which is (drum roll please): paper. If you're anything like me you're thinking "paper...that's it?" Let me assure you that I couldn't make that up. So in keeping with tradition, we are celebrating our anniversary with paper. A very unique paper. A paper that we hold near and dear. A paper that we simply cannot live without. A paper that...

Oh who am I kidding? We're having some fun with Flat Out Fun's embroidered toilet paper! I can't help but think that only a local shop would come up with such a clever 1st anniversary gift.

Disclaimer: Husbands, we cannot be responsible for the consequences of making this embroidered toilet paper the only anniversary gift you buy for your new bride. Don't say we didn't warn you.

$5 at Flat Out Fun

Halloween treat bags go green

2009-10-09T00:01:00.001-07:00

Repurposing a pillowcase as a trick-or-treat bag on Halloween night is probably the most eco-friendly option. But if you're looking for something a little more festive but still green, consider these reusable treat bags:

	A petite cloth treat bag (just a tad larger than a sheet of paper) with carrying slots sized for toddler/preschool hands. For the littles who only make it one block before pooping out for the night--the small bag gives them the satisfaction of a full sack of treats. (Convo the shop owner if you'd like one in a big kid size.) $4 at Love Me Ragged *Giveaway below*
	This smiling pirate is silkscreened onto a cloth tote that will have a long life as a book bag after the candy is gone. It can even be personalized with your child's name. See also the more sinister skull-and-cross-bones tote, available in oh-so-girly pink. $10-15 at Portland's Munchkin Designs
	After Halloween, this limited edition ChicoBag becomes a handy reusable shopping bag, with a 25 lb. carrying capacity and built-in stuff sack. If you don't like the idea of breaking out a Halloween-themed bag at the grocery store year-round, go for an original ChicoBag in plain black (which has the added benefit of not detracting from the kiddo's fabulous costume). $5-6 at ChicoBag

GIVEAWAY! Love Me Ragged is giving a treat bag away to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment telling us what you used to collect your Halloween candy stash as a child. Congratulations to winner lilyk!

P is for plaid

2009-10-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Remember those retro-fabulous plaid sport coats? Um, yeah, neither do I. Well those old plaid, tweed, herringbone and check suit jackets (that we're far too young to remember) have found a new life as custom alphabet pillows in the hands of Hilary Cosgrove. These clever creations come in any letter to suit your fancy. Though they would be a fun conversation piece in any living room, I also think they would make terrific art for a child's room. Picture them mounted to the wall as a one-of-a-kind plush monogram!

$65 at Hilary Cosgrove

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Mention Evergreen Moms in the notes to seller section at checkout and save 15% on your order from Hilary Cosgrove.