The Green Walnut | The Talking Walnut

sayonara, stinker: ubbi diaper pail

Feb 082012

If there’s one thing about I won’t miss about the baby years, it’s being rid of diapers/pull-ups, once and for all. The stink alone is enough to compete with my already stuffed nose; I can’t imagine what it will be like to be allergy and diaper-free someday! Because of my tenured experience with potty training, we’ve experimented with all types of diaper pails over the years: those of the simplistic step-on/drop-in variety that use specially designed bags, to the “green” models that work with biodegradable liners. While many pails have promised a style that resembles something other than a glorified garbage receptacle, we’ve yet to find one…until now. The sleek lined, wildly hued ubbi diaper pail cleverly conceals the ugly business that lurks inside its vast interior. Call it the Superman of diaper pails, the ubbi is made with coated steel to lock in those nasty scents that manage to permeate even the most air-tight nurseries. Because it doesn’t require any special bags, the ubbi works with any standard tall kitchen garbage bags or, if you’re green-minded, any cloth diaper pail liners. Putting practicality aside, we’re tickled pink over its wide range of color options: from hot pink, to punchy purple. Hey, if someone is still in diapers at your house, might as well make a fashion statement. Your nose will thank you.

In a Nutshell: Diapers are a dirty business. Fortunately, here’s a new pail that doesn’t make the entire diapering process stink so much!

Tags: diaper pails, eco-friendly diaper pail, ubbi diaper pail

weekly wardrobe: petites frites bibs

Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Green Walnut

Jan 262012

When my older daughter was born, I received a gift of seven bibs, each one embroidered with a different day of the week. An adorable concept…if only the bibs hadn’t been white. Once she grew and moved on to solid foods, it wasn’t long before those beautiful bibs were permanently stained with mashed peas and peach puree. The “Friday” bib looked more like “Fdy,” while “Sunday” became just plain old “day.” (Easy for a sleep-deprived mom to figure out which bib to wear, but somehow I don’t think that was the point…) That’s why we can appreciate the Day-of-the-Week Bib Set from Petites Frites , a collection that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch. Made from an ultra-soft, two-ply cotton blend and colored with baby-friendly dyes, these bibs come in two assortments–rainbow and cornwall–and are awash in a eye-popping palette that will stand up to spit-up, strained peas and everything in between. We’re especially fond of the mood monikers, a different one reserved for each day of the week. We can relate to “Foggy Friday,” and are optimistic for a “Sunday Funday.”

In a Nutshell: Pack a little punch into your baby’s mealtime routine with a variety of bibs that will get you through all those round-the-clock feedings.

Tags: baby bibs, baby shower gift, Made in the USA baby products, organic baby clothing, Petites Frites

cold play, kiddie-style: maclaren toys

The Green Walnut, The Playful Walnut

Jan 022012

The forecast is calling for scattered flurries later this week. I guess that means winter is officially here, whether I choose to accept it or not. And when the weather calls for below-freezing temps, that means the party must move indoors. Because some little walnuts we know were fortunate enough to receive gift cards, in addition to the standard loot this holiday season, that means they’ll be ready to hit the local toy store faster than you can say Fijit (yes, we have one in our house, too…maddening, isn’t it?). Since Mom still has a say in their purchases, we tend to steer towards the battery-free, imagination-driven options. And if they happen to be made from high-end, all-natural materials that are kind to our environment? So much the better. Just in time for the cold weather, Maclaren has come out with an arctic-themed toy collection that can stand up to the hard knocks of indoor play. There’s the Rufus Polar Bear Rocker, made from natural oak and destined to be a playroom staple for years to come. And when your little cub needs a respite from all that rocking, the Arctic Puzzle is a delightful choice for dexterous little fingers. Not only are the wooden pieces beautifully crafted, but this menagerie of animals is ideal for sparking storytelling ideas and learning about the arctic. Exactly how many more days are there until spring? (sigh…)

In a Nutshell: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Embrace winter with these well-made, cold-weather toys that don’t involve frostbitten fingers or cold feet.

Tags: artic puzzle, Fijit, kids' rockers, Maclaren, puzzles, Rufus Polar Bear Rocker, winter-themed toys, wooden puzzles, wooden rocker

fresh start: maclaren beginnings

Bathing Walnuts, Diapering for Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut

Dec 212011

Right about now, I’m feeling like the holidays are catching up to me. I’m all shopped out, have more wrapping ahead of me and still need to go out and pick up last-minute essentials like extra tape and batteries. Speaking of which, I could use a little recharging myself…can you relate? If the holidays have left you a bit frazzled and you realize you still need to make it to New Year’s without losing your spirit, it’s time to indulge yourself. No, I don’t mean to spring for that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing all season. I’m talking about something to invigorate your senses and start your day off right. Maclaren’s beginning collection is exactly what this weary mom desires. It’s a new line of organic bath and body care products that your entire family can use. We love the eye-opening scent of the shower elixir that gives you that fresh-from-the-bath smell, and as your day winds down, slather on some beginning body lotion for a calming effect. Other products in the line include shampoo, body butter and lip/cheek balm–winter essentials for dry, parched skin. With New Year’s right around the corner, beginning is a timely way to start off 2012 on a healthy, happy note.

In a Nutshell: New year, new you. The body/bath line that’s gentle enough for babies works on big kids, too. Here’s to babying yourself in 2012!

Tags: baby skincare, Maclaren, Maclaren beginning, organic baby products, winter skincare for kids

keep on strollin’/buggylove

Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts

Nov 222011

I don’t care if my daughter is closer to 4 than 3 years old; I’m not ready to part with her stroller just yet. A trusty, solid ride, her Maclaren Volo goes wherever we go, and has lasted us 7 1/2 years…and counting. While this stroller has seen its fair share of country roads, sandy beaches and other landscapes, it’s naturally had a few bumps and bruises along the way. If your pocketbook tells you that you’ll be hanging onto your own set of kiddie wheels for a while, it helps to maintain the look and feel of a sweet ride. Apparently, the folks at BuggyLOVE had this in mind when they created their line of organic stroller cleaning products. Whether the culprit is dried spit-up, caked-on formula or grimy sidewalk residue, this sweet-smelling kit is tough on stains, but gentle on little noses. Making a diaper change on the fly? Spray down your stroller seat with FreshLOVE and prove that poop can, indeed, smell like roses. FabricLOVE takes the sting out of stained stroller seats with a clementine-scented spot remover spray (if my 3-year-old could eat this stuff, believe me, she would). For the squeaky wheel who always gets the grease, there’s WheelLOVE and finally, PolishLOVE to keep them looking (and smelling) like new.

In a Nutshell: Take good care of your ever-trusty stroller with these natural cleaning products, and chances are you won’t need to replace it until the last baby is all grown up.

wash ‘n fluff: teddy needs a bath

The Green Walnut, The Playful Walnut

Nov 142011

My young heart was broken. After receiving Hoppy the Bunny for Easter one year, I happily took my stuffed animal outside to play in the backyard. Sadly, a muddy afternoon and a white plush rabbit did not make the best match; it wasn’t long before poor Hoppy was desperately in need of a bath (as was his mother–a.k.a. Me). While a bit of spot cleaning may have returned Hoppy to near-normal, his fur was still uncomfortably wet and he didn’t seem as happy as pre-springtime romp. Ever take a blow-dryer to a stuffed animal? Not very pretty. How my long-lost stuffed pet would have benefited from Teddy Needs a Bath. This eco-friendly cotton washer/dryer bag made especially for the care and repair of stuffed animals and other soft toys adapts a simple concept. The difference between this product and your average pillow case? For starters, the size: a generous 20 x 30 inches–offering up plenty of space to fit an entire menagerie of first friends. The zippered top prevents toys from tumbling out and wreaking havoc with your major appliances. The best part? It goes from washer to dryer without a hitch. That means you don’t need to read the labels of each stuffed animal to ensure they are dryer-safe. So, whether your child’s favorite plush pal fought a battle with the lawn and the lawn one, or has seen one too many spit-ups happen, Teddy Needs a Bath will have him looking as good as new. As for Hoppy, he has happily retired to a green meadow in the sky, nary a mud puddle in sight. The End.

In a Nutshell: Your little one doesn’t have to part ways with his more-than-gently-used Teddy (much as you wish he might!). This practical purchase will prove its worth as you give new life to little loved ones.

Tags: laundering stuffed animals, Teddy Needs a Bath, washer/dryer bags, washing stuffed animals

skin saver: 911 rescue cream

The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut

Nov 112011

I’m two seconds away from calling my dermatologist. Sporadic blasts of cold air, coupled with excessive hand-washing to ward off cold/flu season, have laid the groundwork for an eczema flare-up…and there’s no turning back until spring. Here at The Talking Walnut, we can’t get enough of lotions and potions that vow to combat winter-dry skin on kids and grown-ups alike. Because we’re especially mindful of products that are safe for the environment, we love a product that’s as good for us as it is for our planet. And if it looks attractive on our nightstand or in the nursery, then so much the better! I’m sure I’m not the first mom to sneak some of her kid’s stuff (after all, I am the girl who misted herself with her mom’s Norell perfume way back when…). So sue me if I decide to sample some of Butt Naked Baby’s 911 Rescue Cream . The name alone cries out to me in my time of need, wrestling with parched skin. Smooth some on and you’ll see for yourself how skin drinks in the moisture-inducing, organic ingredients like shea butter, white and green tea extracts and sunflower seed oil. We love that it works on practically any problematic area of skin and with just a small dab, your skin feels better almost immediately. Thanks to 911 Rescue Cream, maybe I won’t have to call my doctor after all…

In a Nutshell: Dry skin emergencies call for 911 Rescue Cream. This is one wintertime remedy you’ll need to have on speed dial.

Tags: 911 Rescue Cream, all-natural baby products, Butt Naked Baby, organic skincare

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