sunny side up: plan toys breakfast set

 The Green Walnut, The Playful Walnut
May 082012
 

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, can I count on breakfast in bed or, better yet, a little extra shut-eye? Fat chance on either one, but not for lack of trying. My almost 8-year-old won’t stay in her room a minute past her regular wake-up time, and my feet have always hit the ground before my hard-working husband (and no, I’m not trying to butter him up by saying so…although I hope he can take a hint about a certain pair of slippers I’ve been eyeing). But, I digress! Even if I can’t have my first meal of the day in a horizontal position, I can bask in the glow of fond memories of my daughter happily preparing a pretend breakfast of pancakes, orange juice and hot tea in her pretend kitchen. I don’t drink OJ, but never had the heart to break the bad news to her. And when you’re a mom, it’s the thought that counts and so I happily “munched” on syrup-less pancakes and slurped my unsweetened tea. So when I recently laid eyes on Plan Toys’ new Breakfast Menu, those thoughts of simpler times came rushing back at me. What’s even nicer is that this collection of well-crafted food is night and day from the plastic playthings stocked in my older daughter’s fridge. Plan Toys prides itself in its design of non-toxic sustainable wood; this is one purchase you’ll feel good about making. Whether you “sample” the eggs on toast or “nibble” the crispy bacon, you’re sure to delight your favorite preschooler. My compliments to the chef…and Happy Mother’s Day to all!

In a Nutshell: Pretend breakfast means no dirty dishes! Sounds like the start of a wonderful Mother’s Day to us…

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practicing sun safety: green babies sunscreen

 The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut
Apr 242012
 

Today I am recovering from Mohs surgery. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s a dermatological procedure that removes cancerous skin cells. Having been blessed (or shall we say “cursed”?) with a Irish complexion, it’s my second time I’ve had this procedure in five years, and one I hope my own fair-skinned daughters will not have to experience. Sunscreen usage wasn’t nearly as prevalent when I was growing up as it is today; we spent our childhoods blissfully ignorant of the sun’s harmful rays. And while I remembering my mom slathering me with that infamous Coppertone scent, there were clearly times when we missed a spot or two, or endured a painful burn after failing to reapply lotion after a long day of sun and surf. Because of my own experience, I am particularly mindful of protecting my girls’ skin when we head out for a day at the beach. As much as they protest about having to stand still for “sooo longgg,” I’d much rather them learn early on about the importance of adequate protection–instead of having to learn the hard way. Because it’s never too soon to start using sunscreen, I’m hoping more moms will add sunblock to their diaper bags when heading out to beach or park this coming season. One particular brand to consider is the new Green Babies zinc oxide sunscreen. Featuring a broad spectrum SPF 30, this water-resistant lotion is safe for babies ages 6 months and up, and is PABA-free. Whether you choose the unscented version or the one enhanced with tangerine essential oil, you’ll love how it goes on smooth and doesn’t leave behind that greasy feeling that many brands seem to do. Because it’s formulated to work on tender kid skin, as well as tough grown-up bodies, it means one less bottle to pack. And a sunburn-free day can really feel like a day at the beach after all.

In a Nutshell: Since May marks National Melonoma/Skin Cancer Awareness month, make it a smart summer by stocking up on sunscreen that works for everyone in your family.

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future nest egg: alex toys 2 birdie banks

 The Green Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Apr 182012
 

My 7-year-old told me she didn’t have to flush the toilet this week…in honor of Earth Day, that is. So, in the name of science, we’re doing our part to conserve energy and save the planet. Just don’t hold me to that type of bathroom etiquette! Instead, we’ve got our hands on 2 Birdie Banks, an all-in-one environmentally-friendly craft kit that gives more than it takes. It comes with 2 makeshift banks (fashioned from recycled paper) that kids can outfit with coin slots and lids before decorating them with colorful squares. Using the included sponge brush, kids can easily affix the paper tape with glaze and wait a while for their creation to dry (the kit is designed for ages 6 and up, so younger, ambitious artists may need a little assistance from a grown-up). Even if you don’t consider yourselves crafty, this set has the makings of a fun indoor-day project, just in time for April showers (yeah, we’d be happy to see a few raindrops these days). And if that means I can use the bathroom in peace, so much the better.

In a Nutshell:  A bird in the hand may be worth two in the bush, but in this case, we’ll take 2 birdies any day.

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h-2-whoa!: pottery barn kids klean kanteen

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Green Walnut
Apr 092012
 

Know many kids these days who don’t have their own water bottles? Me neither. Most of the grade schoolers we know have been carrying their own beverages as early as first grade, and if your child brings her lunch often, it’s almost a given that she’ll carry one along. No longer reserved just for summer camp or the soccer field, water bottles are everywhere. And if there’s a staple product that I know we’ll be using again and again, I’m more inclined to invest in a more expensive model that stands up to wear and tear than settle for an inexpensive, flimsy model that we’ll inevitably wind up replacing again and again. In my houses, we go through water bottles like…well, water. One look at my 7-year-old’s and I wonder if she’s not part beaver (does she chomp on that spout or what?). So once she’s worn me down (and the bottle has had its day, too), I’m considering a “higher-end” model that will last well into third grade. Enter the Klean Kanteen, part of this summer’s Pottery Barn Kids collection. We like that this bottle isn’t too bulky or big to lug around (she’s not a camel, after all) and that it’s easy to open (for a rising 8-year-old who doesn’t want to ask the lunch aids for help every day, this last point is especially important). Moms with built-in BPA-free radar will appreciate the environmentally-friendly design, while kids themselves will love that they can get theirs personalized for a few extra bucks. And after all the dough you’ll save from replacing those bottles every year, we’ll drink to that.

In a Nutshell: Summer’s coming…kid got all her gear? Here’s a water bottle that goes from knapsack to beach bag and well into next school year.

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disposable me: icky products

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Mar 282012
 

Lunch out with little kids is no picnic.  Because many of our local restaurants must keep up with a steady flow of kiddie customers, we sometimes dine atop tables that are, shall we say, not exactly up to snuff? Combine that with having to wait for your food indefinitely, and you have the makings of a rather unpleasant dining experience. For moms eating out with little ones comes a new line of eco-friendly products that won’t make the intended fun turn into a fiasco. Icky Products Color Me Placemats are ideal entertainment for kiddies in waiting (for their chicken fingers, that is). One handy box contains 10 stick-on, biodegradable mats and 3 non-toxic crayons, so little ones can busy themselves and eat their yummy meal without picking up the latest bug. Just stick one of these in your diaper bag the next time you head out for a bite, and you’ll be set…at least until dessert. And if you’ve got a little one in tow, Icky’s Disposable Bibs are great in a pinch. These terribly convenient paper bibs come 12 in a pack, and are compostable to ease your guilt in helping save the planet. We’ve seen our fair share of green products and know how much they get a bad rap for being unfashionable. Well, don’t worry about sacrificing style with these babies. They come in fetching Matisse and Blast Off prints to keep your little darling looking as good as that food tastes. Bon appetit!

In a Nutshell: Going green on the go? Here’s a couple of feeding time finds to whet your appetite…

 

they’ll be singing for their supper

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a pocketful of poisies: muny pocket dress

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Green Walnut
Mar 262012
 

My 3-year-old is at a bit of loss when she doesn’t have pockets. These days, she is constantly picking up stones, flowers and other treasures courtesy of Mother Nature, yet never seems to have a spot for safekeeping. While her standard outfit of pants and tops usually offer plenty of pocket space, we’re often at a loss when it comes to dresses. It’s one of the many reasons we love the oh-so-adorable Maggie Pocket Dress from MUNY Shop. This vintage-style one-piece is the perfect pull-over for the precocious preschooler: one who loves to dress up, but who needs her clothing to accommodate her sense of adventure. We love the contrasting print of striped pockets offset by the sweet flower bodice of this 100-percent cotton design. Those puckered short sleeves are ideal for a girl-on-the-go who can afford to slow down, especially when there are so many backyard treasures to unearth. The Maggie Pocket Dress is machine washable and sized by age (1-4 years).

In a Nutshell: Just in time for spring, this stylish, yet casual little girls’ dress is perfect for Easter egg hunts, backyard parties or any other occasion that calls for casual, comfortable attire.

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not your basic bottle: pura kiki

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut
Mar 212012
 

Back in the day, figuring out what bottle to feed your baby with wasn’t considered rocket science. Buzz words like BPA and PVC didn’t have moms on high alert, worrying whether their child would ingest toxic substances while drinking from her “ba-ba.” Plastic didn’t conjure up images of towering landfills, but was simply something you used to box up your leftover meatloaf. But because today, we live in a different world and have a myriad of product choices, figuring out what’s best for our kids can be a bit more challenging–even when it comes to something as ordinary as selecting a baby bottle. Well, we had an eye-opener this week when we learned that some of those bottles dubbed “BPA-free” may, in fact, may still leach harmful chemicals. One product that isn’t confused about its identity is Pura Kiki, the bottle that proudly wears the 100-plastic-free label across its base. Made from stainless steel and medical-grade silicon, Kiki features a non-plastic nipple designed to stay put (that means no leakage). And even if you have a fussy child who prefers a particular nipple or spout, this bottle works with other major brands, such as Avent, Dr. Brown’s and Born Free. Once your baby has graduated to a sippy cup, simply upgrade her bottle to a sip-style spout. We like the fact that Pura also makes stainless water bottles for big people, so your whole family can drink safely. Cheers!

In a Nutshell: BPA what; PVC whom? Don’t worry about deciphering the latest acronyms. With Pura Kiki, your baby can enjoy her ba-ba–and so can you.

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re-fined dining: re-play kids’ tableware

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut
Feb 292012
 

My daughter’s very first “big girl” dinner plate has finally met its maker. After countless washings and many meals, the barnyard animals lovingly laminated on the divided sections are practically peeling off. A bit of a dining hazard…unless you want a side of toxic plastic with those mashed potatoes. These days I know I’m not alone when keeping an eye out for kids’ products that don’t have a zillion potential dangers lurking in their construction. And when it comes to mealtime, I’m especially mindful of safety first. It’s why the new Re-Play line of kids’ dishware and cutlery calls out to moms like me. Made from recycled milk jugs, this line is as environmentally-friendly as it gets. At first grasp, I could tell these products were tougher than they looked; the springtime hues of these sturdy plates, cups, bowls and utensils belie their sturdy exterior. Not only could we load up those plates with a well-rounded meal of chicken, rice and veggies, but they stood up to one dish-washing after another. Plates that don’t fall apart at the seams make this mom very happy. (And not having to explain why a horse on that plate no longer has a head  is even better…)

In a Nutshell: This line of BPA-free kids’ dishware will make you “re-think” exactly what kind of dinner you’ll be serving up tonight.

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good snacking to go: kraft and stonyfield farms

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut
Feb 272012
 

As I empty out the remnants of snack foods from last week’s winter break, my bag tells the tale of our between-meals diet. Mini boxes of raisins, discarded cracker wrappings and crushed Goldfish dot the interior like a modern day version of abstract art. (While I strive to make mostly healthy choices for my family, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to a stray gummy bear squashed in there.) Because we spent our February break in and out of the airport, portable was the name of the game and let’s just say that after three days of Triscuits, my girls craved a little something different. Since we’ve returned home, I’ve had the good fortune to come across two snack-worthy treats for traveling diners–especially those with bite-sized appetites. Granola lovers will delight in the latest snack bar incarnation: Kraft MilkBite. A combination of milk and whole-grain granola makes for a satisfying, mid-morning (or afternoon) treat. We like that the good stuff is cleverly disguised in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and–believe it or not–chocolate (!). We put a few bars through some “rigorous” testing and found them to be a real crowd pleaser. If you’re a mom who’s on the lookout for no high fructose corn syrup, you’ve found it with MilkBite. And if you’ve got a yogurt lover in the house who’s finally tired of yogurt tubes, Stonyfield YoKids Greek is all the rage. It has the rich consistency of the Greek yogurt fad that’s making headlines, without adding to waistlines. Packed with protein and calcium and available in strawberry and raspberry, this is one richly rewarding food choice. We’re big fans of yogurt as it is, so when this family decided to “go Greek,” there was no turning back. Maybe someday, my entire family will graduate to full-sized meals with all four food groups (sigh). In the meantime, we’re savoring healthy eating via snacktime!

In a Nutshell: Kraft MilkBite is, bar none, a nutritious alternative to ho-hum granola bars; Stonyfield YoKids Greek gives sophisticated kids a sampling of haute cuisine, dairy-style.

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tangled up in green: bayberry naturals detangler

 The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut
Feb 242012
 

Life as a mom is hardly a Bob Dylan song. The days of being completely carefree and going wherever the wind may take me are on hold…at least for now. Instead, my routine follows its own predictable rhythm of bus stops, preschool drop-offs, homework, dinner and the three B’s: bath, book and bed. Even with a schedule that hums like a well-oiled machine, there’s always those little snags that slow us down: a pair of shoes whose dread wears out, a backpack whose zipper that goes unstuck and kids’ hair. You heard me right on that last one. Yup, combing and styling my girls’ finer-than-fine hair is a never-ending battle. On the one hand, I have a 7-year-old who can’t quite grasp the concept of parting your hair on one side and keeping it that way. And the 3-year-old’s stubborn streak carries over to having her clips match her clothes…and deciding to pull them out no less than 5x a day to see what they look like (ever hear of a mirror, kid?). Fortunately, I’ve gotten one kid hair-styling task mastered–and one that no one messes with–and that’s untangling. I love the idea of hearing a comb slide effortlessly through their poker-straight locks, fresh from the bath. And that’s thanks to a simple spray of Bayberry Naturals’ Organic Leave-In Detangler. This is truly the fruit of the hair goddesses–and it smells like it, too. Because this detangler works best after it sits on your hair for a minute or two, it gives this time-pressed mom another moment to choose a book for storytime. If you’re a fan of green-minded kids’ products, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Organic Detangler contains no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates and no artificial fragrances or dyes. Let’s just say it’s as healthy to smell as it is to put on those precious little heads.

In a Nutshell: No messes with these tresses anymore. Because the only “Tangled” in your life should be a Disney movie.

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