tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79535957691275710262024-03-07T13:17:35.627-05:00The Mindful HomeA Consumer's Guide for Environmentally Conscious LivingThe Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-18740054046543688082019-01-12T11:43:00.000-05:002019-01-12T13:58:26.700-05:00DIY Fairy or Wizard Potion Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My eight year old is very fond of making potions. In the past, she would typically root through the recycling for a bottle, then fill it with water, a little bit of soap and various items from outside like pine needles, seed pods, leaves and more. This christmas, I decided to give her potion supplies an upgrade. I considered offering this as a new selection to our business, <b><a href="https://www.hearthsidetoys.com/" target="_blank">Hearthside Toys</a></b>, but in the end it would not be very cost effective. This was her main gift from us and the materials added up! I thought this way people can choose to add as much or as little as they like, but I'd lay out exactly what I bought and how I did it. Others may choose to simply use this as inspiration and do their own thing. </div>
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I spent a lot of late nights trying to figure out just the right bottles and materials to use. I considered test tube and regular spice racks among others, but nothing seemed quite right. Finally I found <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073VHNCQK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"><b>these bulk glass bottles with corks</b></a>, and they come with cute little tags. Perfect! I admit I initially had grand plans of doing much more decorative writing and some drawings like flowers and leaves on each tag, but these were done on 12/23 at 11 o'clock at night, with my 23 month old screaming for me from the other side of the gate because he wouldn't sleep. Needless to say, I scribbled down the labels rather quickly! A warning: tying them was quite tedious as well. </div>
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Next came trying to package everything together. I knew I wanted to make it all portable, and have a place to display the bottles and store it all. The previously mentioned toddler is very curious, so this needed to be something she could play with and then put out of his reach with ease. First I found this <a href="https://www.target.com/p/stained-acacia-3-tier-spice-rack---threshold--153-/-/A-53234749" target="_blank"><b>acacia spice shelf</b></a>, and scored it for almost half off! It's still available as I write this. </div>
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The large blue painted crate with rope handles is from Michaels (only available in store) and was half off with a coupon. I found the additional potion bottles there too. Everything fits inside the crate perfectly, and it makes it very portable. We also added an old tablecloth so she can set up wherever and there isn't a concern about spills. </div>
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I added a few extras like my old mortar and pestle, and some skinny baby spoons we no longer use that were just the right size for the bottles. I also purchased <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N81AI0P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"><b>these stainless steel funnels</b></a> (and saved the other two for myself), to make filling the potion bottles easier. </div>
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Finally, it came time to fill the bottles!! I had scoped out the bulk spice sections at both Whole Foods and the local coop, but ended up getting everything at the coop. Hopefully you have a place with bulk spices near you, because these would get quite costly to order in larger amounts. The total to fill the bottles plus a little extra of each ingredient came to about $37. I just tried to choose things that would look cool and interesting to add to a potion, and included 3 ingredients to dye the water. Initially I considered trying to find some pink rosewater, but thought she'd use it up in an instant. Instead, I got beet powder, and it works beautifully to color the water a vibrant pink! I bought spirulina for green, and turmeric for a golden orange. You can obviously put whatever you like, but the list of what I chose is:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyVN844qTpwW8hTcKTIhXMqO8-L1zUJxqE3KsSoNjFe1YB0oAZ9uOFnlkBSguraIlbNUIDu2RfsE2xRKkfIKfJVX5U1WTqyHiIA7a5DAkSOR4jLuvbEaznpAMVkmQD53e455trS1Ps1bw/s1600/potion+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="414" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyVN844qTpwW8hTcKTIhXMqO8-L1zUJxqE3KsSoNjFe1YB0oAZ9uOFnlkBSguraIlbNUIDu2RfsE2xRKkfIKfJVX5U1WTqyHiIA7a5DAkSOR4jLuvbEaznpAMVkmQD53e455trS1Ps1bw/s400/potion+2.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
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<li>Hibiscus Flowers</li>
<li>Lavender</li>
<li>Calendula</li>
<li>Star Anise</li>
<li>Clover</li>
<li>Pink Pepper Berries</li>
<li>Dragon Well Tea </li>
<li>Chamomile</li>
<li>Juniper Berries</li>
<li>Turmeric</li>
<li>Beet Powder</li>
<li>Spirulina</li>
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On christmas morning she quickly got to work! In fact, she spent so much time making potions over the next twenty-four hours that she used up half of the ingredients! So you may want to stock up on extras to fill the bottles. 😊</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">© The Mindful Home, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited.</span></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-33788443238639586432017-07-10T00:20:00.000-04:002017-07-10T00:20:54.079-04:00DIY Fairy and Gnome Houses: Eco-Friendly Birthday Party Favors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m0unAs_rarXmHdEBClZBWd_xPldWBM4HbE9luzaychAfLrJh2pgXbMPjkj7OcJcdzoUKatJYyIv4hU6Eab0PQ3wHGmVVT-FFor-mARGsHURg1O6t8KVcDVyxHNxofxpf2hTXWOhIF7JB/s1600/Fairy+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m0unAs_rarXmHdEBClZBWd_xPldWBM4HbE9luzaychAfLrJh2pgXbMPjkj7OcJcdzoUKatJYyIv4hU6Eab0PQ3wHGmVVT-FFor-mARGsHURg1O6t8KVcDVyxHNxofxpf2hTXWOhIF7JB/s640/Fairy+house.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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As a follow up to my previous post on <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2015/10/eco-friendly-birthday-party-favors-and.html" target="_blank">Eco-Friendly Birthday Party Favors</a>, I wanted to share a new idea which we just did for my daughter's 7th birthday. We threw a woodland/fairy themed party, and the boys and girls (ages 4-8) created their own fairy and gnome homes. We also made a mushroom pinata, and cupcakes topped with homemade strawberry jam and white chocolate chips to look like toadstools.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUKCfIX_kcQduLQqaKIJI5AHSqqRsn_gcovtQLxwdfHwK4cZy0_9RuoQTaT_bFTF4GKms1VNVP7jSs5qQtKDX84OsI3o05kdZUJx98gAZ6G30cIvSZCFsnXOf2G3bepKzRfa2n0y2729W/s1600/Materials+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="1225" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUKCfIX_kcQduLQqaKIJI5AHSqqRsn_gcovtQLxwdfHwK4cZy0_9RuoQTaT_bFTF4GKms1VNVP7jSs5qQtKDX84OsI3o05kdZUJx98gAZ6G30cIvSZCFsnXOf2G3bepKzRfa2n0y2729W/s640/Materials+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE MATERIALS:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJH7BtAzmUpjLG48GjPfCwLwGhe3sWTIh6SvWa66XF-i6XMdPsalsUVAPhQiyVPh48M3hndZPAVbYaHZqJbhsWBycIY7n8gyIWf48m-0ehUJz6w0rOqshh3O4ZpYbXIVjbnqSUm1HBpui/s1600/materials.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1018" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJH7BtAzmUpjLG48GjPfCwLwGhe3sWTIh6SvWa66XF-i6XMdPsalsUVAPhQiyVPh48M3hndZPAVbYaHZqJbhsWBycIY7n8gyIWf48m-0ehUJz6w0rOqshh3O4ZpYbXIVjbnqSUm1HBpui/s640/materials.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></b></div>
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The materials we used for the houses were both gathered and store-bought. A few weeks before the party, we went on a hike and collected tree bark, pinecones and more. We already had a collection of acorn caps and seashells from various expeditions, but I did buy one pack of large spiral shells. We had scouted out places to collect moss, but as the summer progressed we discovered tons of moss on our own property. The morning of the party I put a little bit of soil in some plant trays that I had, and we moistened the moss after setting it on top of the soil.<br />
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The purchased materials were:<br />
- 8" terracotta saucers<br />
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- 4" coconut coir grow pots<br />
- colored glass "gems"<br />
- colorful stones<br />
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If we had more time, we would've collected the stones ourselves, but I was able to find them at Michael's with a coupon. For the things we didn't buy, it was a nice way of using up some of our collections.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE PROCESS:</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h3uAQDNAftqMq7S88xZ_hAZkKvuiPNLxB1i0nvMFNruCgATZy-uqsmqGQrJjQAVvpvX4MQOKkCEoH52B6frV_JCRLW2TDE2zhmN8DKItkRRs4g0_W0obfFWNBqI-TMeSrneqPAxhUjME/s1600/Table+Set+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="651" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h3uAQDNAftqMq7S88xZ_hAZkKvuiPNLxB1i0nvMFNruCgATZy-uqsmqGQrJjQAVvpvX4MQOKkCEoH52B6frV_JCRLW2TDE2zhmN8DKItkRRs4g0_W0obfFWNBqI-TMeSrneqPAxhUjME/s640/Table+Set+up.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
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I filled the saucers with about a half an inch of soil. I helped the children cut doors in the coir pots and they were able to use them as a starting point to rest bark and twigs and moss against them.<br />
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We didn't have a fancy set up, we just put some boards on sawhorses and covered them with a pretty tapestry. Aside from the moss, I didn't have enough materials for kids to access from both ends of the long table, so I just set them up on a separate table and the kids came and got what they wanted to use.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE RESULT:</span></b><br />
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They all did a wonderful job! Even the boys were engaged. In fact, I saw two of the boys later in the party back at the table tinkering with theirs to get them just right.<br />
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I'm adding a few photos of the pinata too, but I had to crop out the faces of the children in the finished image.<br />
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<br />The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-2619992038633498922016-03-01T12:21:00.000-05:002016-03-02T08:51:11.199-05:00Handmade Easter Basket Gift Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As an avid gardener, I am always thrilled to welcome spring! In our household, we tend to focus our Easter celebration on the joys of the season that lie ahead. Farms awaken and buzz with activity to prepare for the upcoming growing season, birds build their nests to nurture new life, and slowly the snow melts away to expose flower bulbs pushing up through the newly warmed soil. By February, I am usually brimming with excitement planning my garden and our Easter celebration. However, despite all the anticipation that the change of seasons brings, I always have a heavy heart when I think of traditional Easter celebrations. More than any other holiday, I think that it is typically the most problematic when it comes to environmental impact. For one brief moment every year, lawns are littered with plastic eggs, and candy is nestled into baskets overflowing with shreds of green plastic. <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/02/an-all-natural-easter.html" target="_blank">My first Easter blog post</a> offered numerous ideas for dying eggs naturally, filling baskets and many DIY ideas. This time, I wanted to focus strictly on handmade gift ideas. I am always inclined to gift a few quality, heirloom items over disposable ones. I am passionate about supporting artisans and crafters, and I think any of these offerings from these talented artists would make exceptional Easter gifts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFklwB23KQ56_uL30GqVGmMRHpszXnQ1EvW7RcvdHqCsp2NT21GxLyr555i2G8mh5aMpsuQc_Ey1iPw5fO7Gy2pJjbgB7CHgoGjlUqjCcxpq_cyx0N8NVHxzkzYL_aIbCQPKXb4H0J-1MS/s1600/Easter+Essentials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFklwB23KQ56_uL30GqVGmMRHpszXnQ1EvW7RcvdHqCsp2NT21GxLyr555i2G8mh5aMpsuQc_Ey1iPw5fO7Gy2pJjbgB7CHgoGjlUqjCcxpq_cyx0N8NVHxzkzYL_aIbCQPKXb4H0J-1MS/s640/Easter+Essentials.jpg" width="463" /></a></div>
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From handmade, small batch chocolate to baskets, these essentials support small businesses and keep plastic out of the environment. Hide small treasures in hand painted wooden eggs, or line your basket with a gorgeous grass green playsilk instead of traditional plastic "grass." </div>
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<b>Top Row:</b> Solid Wooden Eggs by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunnySprout?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Sunny Sprout</a>; Handmade Baskets by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ColeMamaCreations?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Cole Mama Creations</a></div>
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<b>Middle Row:</b> Grass Green Playsilk by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeneathTheRowanTree?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Beneath the Rowan Tree</a>; Personalized Easter Bags by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BIGOUDIBIGOUDA?ref=l2-shop-info-name" target="_blank">Bigoudibigouda</a> </div>
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<b>Bottom Row:</b> Floppy Earred Chocolate Bunny by <a href="http://www.laughingmoonchocolates.com/online-store/list-products/44/Easter/1" target="_blank">Laughing Moon Chocolates</a>; Hollow Wooden Eggs by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimpleGiftsToys?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Simple Gifts Toys</a></div>
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Looking for one special gift to celebrate the start of spring? This barn by <a href="http://bit.ly/1OugIjv" target="_blank">Hearthside Toys</a> is just the thing, with plenty of space for all of your child's farm animals. It has roomy, open access from all sides to make it easy for more than one child to play at the same time. As with all of Hearthside Toys buildings, it assembles to a sturdy structure without tools and slips apart to store in a flat pile when not in use.</div>
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What child wouldn't love these adorable, handcrafted treasures? Perfect to nestle into your basket!</div>
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<b>Top Row</b>: Easter Bunny Ball by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeneathTheRowanTree?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Beneath the Rowan Tree</a>; Felt Goat by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HollysMeadow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Hollys Meadow</a>; Easter Egg Toy by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeneathTheRowanTree?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Beneath the Rowan Tree</a></div>
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<b>Bottom Row</b>: Hens and Rooster, Woodland Creatures and Ducklings by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EvesLittleEarthlings" target="_blank">Eve's Little Earthlings</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87MkFBU4pEmnqD-Sym3-0JJlRoMjhqGsoqc37PfWpizkIClTlFM7JdfCK3CIkkJdibYD_JL7OtldEjqAFeTophYDc-DuLEBisHalWTlbHXf_OQjLQwXuQPpBw03EoZk1zkmFh8Ic2yqrn/s1600/wooden+creatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87MkFBU4pEmnqD-Sym3-0JJlRoMjhqGsoqc37PfWpizkIClTlFM7JdfCK3CIkkJdibYD_JL7OtldEjqAFeTophYDc-DuLEBisHalWTlbHXf_OQjLQwXuQPpBw03EoZk1zkmFh8Ic2yqrn/s640/wooden+creatures.jpg" width="576" /></a></div>
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Spark your child's imagination with these delightful spring-themed wooden creations.</div>
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<b>Top Row:</b> Hiding Easter Rabbit by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/brindbois?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Brin D'Bois</a>; Bees and Hive by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoRaccoonHollow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Two Raccoon Hollow</a></div>
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<b>Middle Row:</b> Woodland Creatures by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YoureInspired?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">You're Inspired</a>; Woodland Creatures by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoRaccoonHollow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Two Raccoon Hollow</a></div>
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<b>Bottom Row:</b> Butterfly and Duck Pond by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoRaccoonHollow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Two Raccoon Hollow</a></div>
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Things don't get much cuter than these cuddly handmade lovies! Another special gift for the child in your life.</div>
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Left to Right: Heavy Bunny Baby by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MimiDesign20?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Mimi's Designs</a>; Organic Sheep by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pingvini?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Pingvini</a>; Baby Snail by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Calinette?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Calinette</a>; Felt Easter Bunny by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennSewsFelt?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Jenn Sews Felt</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu0MdqUlrYKfKk5nAYfVtUmhKgPyazS3luvX_QS3WHmzBUyquxgz3Qe3X0KbuWwi-mlvTHXqXtiUTt-x1A_9SDB8JTpT48c_XRCa4vaLkBfjr8fl7Zjx3LTYJ-cJGlSax34J24ovCx88Y/s1600/play+outdoors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu0MdqUlrYKfKk5nAYfVtUmhKgPyazS3luvX_QS3WHmzBUyquxgz3Qe3X0KbuWwi-mlvTHXqXtiUTt-x1A_9SDB8JTpT48c_XRCa4vaLkBfjr8fl7Zjx3LTYJ-cJGlSax34J24ovCx88Y/s640/play+outdoors.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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I can't think of anything more springlike than being outside. These handmade toys will inspire children get outdoors and enjoy the spring!</div>
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<b>Top Row:</b> These Bird ID Rings and many more wonderful springtime goodies can be found at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tanglewoodhollow/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Tanglewood Hollow</a>; Wooden Slingshot with Felt Balls by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FromJennifer?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">From Jennifer</a></div>
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<b>Bottom Row: </b>Wooden Bow and Arrow Set by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FromJennifer?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">From Jennifer</a>; Bird Whistle by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SueCanizaresCeramics" target="_blank">Sue Canizares Ceramics</a></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-30112978075680762752016-01-01T13:04:00.000-05:002016-01-01T13:04:53.876-05:00Snug Organics Sleeper Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUopNGF5DkR5achfdvRCOR9uVMP5OpSrTOY3LQwWwVxbC9vEjJbCbD4zsJqwZMZFQ4f9ho_LwzosbXJCTPpHsyquq8vSSQR_ttiCARP48nhvv5Kzjow4mffzNh-z0b1KZwE_DXs-kDFuS1/s1600/snug+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUopNGF5DkR5achfdvRCOR9uVMP5OpSrTOY3LQwWwVxbC9vEjJbCbD4zsJqwZMZFQ4f9ho_LwzosbXJCTPpHsyquq8vSSQR_ttiCARP48nhvv5Kzjow4mffzNh-z0b1KZwE_DXs-kDFuS1/s640/snug+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I set out to do a review of this <a href="http://snugorganics.com/" target="_blank">Snug Organics</a> sleeper, I thought I was just going to be writing about a warm and cozy sleeper that was free of harmful chemicals. I had no idea that this single creation was going to bring me numerous blissful nights of uninterrupted sleep! For the past 2 years that my daughter has been in her own room, she has never stayed there until morning more than 2 nights in a row. Those nights would be incredibly sporadic, and the glorious times when she might do it twice in a row were even fewer and farther between. That is, UNTIL we received this sleeper...this bundle of soft, organic warmth and goodness.<br />
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Initially I thought it was merely a coincidence, until she started doing it every...single...time she wore the sleeper to bed, and the very next night if she was not in the sleeper, she would wake up and come into our room. So then I really put it to the test. She wore it 5 nights in a row! And every night, she slept in her bed until we woke her up in the morning. I thought, "Surely she must be going through a new phase in her life and maybe the night waking is over." until I put her in her warmest cotton PJ's the next night, and she was up again. Not once has she gotten up in the night while wearing the sleeper.<br />
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Why could this be happening? My only conclusion is that this sleeper is so warm, so snuggly and so incredibly comfy that she stays cozy and blissfully asleep all night long. She has a tendency to kick her covers off while she sleeps, so I usually go in and cover her back up before we head to bed. She typically wakes up about an hour or two before our alarm goes off, so by then she's probably cold from having no covers on all night. <br />
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All of this was such an unexpected bonus to what already was an incredible product. <a href="http://snugorganics.com/" target="_blank">Snug Organics</a> is based out of Denver, Colorado, and all of their products are made in the USA - cut and sewn by a women's collaborative. Made of soft, <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/environmental-policy/organic-cotton-benefits.aspx" target="_blank">organic cotton</a> fleece, they are free of flame retardants and great for the environment.<br />
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Why cotton fleece? "<a href="http://www.outsideonline.com/1998166/plastics" target="_blank">The Invisible Nightmare in Your Fleece</a>" discusses the dangers of synthetic fibers making their way to our waterways, after a 2012 study estimated that laundry water was sending 2 billion microfibers per second into Europe's waters.<br />
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"Of course, wool and cotton clothing sheds fibers, too. But those materials biodegrade. Plastics contain potentially harmful additives and can absorb toxins, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), that they encounter floating in waterways - and then get ingested by small organism, crustceans, and fish. These particles can accumulate in the animals' guts and tissues, potentially weakening immunity or disrupting their endocrine systems. Less is known about how that payload may accumulate up the foodchain." </blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyE28tJv3O_zTVTBc9FIM29SOoU9tVLIhqal9WD_G8LiusCoDfdn-72a1truySc1J8-7xO0Yw5IAB1XPE2BxFzCICCLNLPgk7e28k9O3G7LB6ISqjM4udnz_RUQgNJJpUM6wt9lc_jJNx/s1600/DSC_1495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyE28tJv3O_zTVTBc9FIM29SOoU9tVLIhqal9WD_G8LiusCoDfdn-72a1truySc1J8-7xO0Yw5IAB1XPE2BxFzCICCLNLPgk7e28k9O3G7LB6ISqjM4udnz_RUQgNJJpUM6wt9lc_jJNx/s400/DSC_1495.JPG" width="265" /></a>We've been using the sleeper for months now, and while I do air dry it, it has remained soft and durable. It has held up through many washes and still looks like new. I'm sure after one season of wear, it could easily be passed along to another child, and probably another after that! They are extremely well made and as I noted above, very warm and comfy. My daughter has been making me hurry it through the wash so she can wear it again. My very tall, 5 year old daughter is wearing a size 6, which is the size of most of her other clothing. Hopefully you will all appreciate how amusing this photo is. I could not get her to loosen up! And the sleeve are cuffed only because she was being fussy about it, they would've been fine unrolled and she wears them unrolled all the time now.<br />
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So if you're looking for something to keep your kids extra warm this winter, without chemicals and made of natural materials - look no further. Snug Organics has sleeper sizes all the way up to a size 8! They also sell sherpa overalls and top and bottoms sets in smaller sizes.<br />
<br />The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-83056851222550353512015-10-07T21:36:00.001-04:002015-10-07T21:40:28.321-04:00Eco-Friendly Birthday Party Favors and Crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever since I embarked on the parental rite of passage of throwing children's birthday parties, I have struggled with what to do about party favors. There is a growing movement to nix these once obligatory party staples, and I fully support that effort because goody bags often consist of throw away plastic items that are hardly used. Since I strive to live a plastic-free lifestyle, it's pretty much the last thing I want to send home with people. However, I still feel that nagging sense of duty to send the guests home with something, and hope that one day I can let go and embrace the party favor-free birthday.</div>
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Most recently, I opted to do something that could serve as an activity for the party, and the finished product could be sent home with the guest that made it. I have organized this post with examples of such activities, as well as store bought items that are nontoxic and eco-friendly. Some of the store bought favors could definitely be DIY ones as well, if you feel so inclined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1Q9XL9r_Nq8aLepiMZRcczc7UpQdKmlQqHz4S8NY9BCuc3xIuS5W8FtPXjNhA-m-su2PocAlZXRqiPbYlXrOuMun9Tjc-BU8DM01PHAVmZoMkL3P5Z4JoMe2RIC0-1JoTtUTg_aOy980/s1600/take+home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1Q9XL9r_Nq8aLepiMZRcczc7UpQdKmlQqHz4S8NY9BCuc3xIuS5W8FtPXjNhA-m-su2PocAlZXRqiPbYlXrOuMun9Tjc-BU8DM01PHAVmZoMkL3P5Z4JoMe2RIC0-1JoTtUTg_aOy980/s640/take+home.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is an image of the set up for my daughter's last birthday. I flipped some crates over on the ground, put a sheet of plywood on top, and covered it with some old fabric. Since the guests were 3-6 years old I had all of this prepared ahead of time, but older kids could certainly fill the pots with soil on their own. When they were finished, we passed around a few watering cans to give the freshly planted flowers a drink, and the children brought home what they planted. While it's not exactly a "craft," it was something that served as both an activity and a party favor.</div>
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This <a href="http://www.mommygaga.com/2012/06/how-to-make-a-bird-feeder-fun-summer-crafts-for-kids.html" target="_blank">birdfeeder project</a> from <a href="http://www.mommygaga.com/" target="_blank">Mommy Gaga</a> is great for kids of all ages, and if a guest has a peanut allergy, you could always substitute sunflower butter. </div>
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Decorating tote bags is an easy and useful project. You can get a kit complete with markers like the one pictured on the left from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/228436372/set-of-5-cotton-canvas-coloring-tote-bag" target="_blank">GoodsInFabric</a> on Etsy, or go to <a href="http://www.kokokokids.ru/2011/01/blog-post_17.html" target="_blank">Ko-Ko-Ko Kids</a> blog and find different ways to make stamps out of fruit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH_L4ejgUKFQyafZ8Tacv8L401kz8evNzN7eQO-brLDBvNaVu3xzmGZOPGhXr_BGHdTXlEtDQbWNNAuozuHBgNozuKQ-fKGeaA1V_W5cJDZUoBJZZhHuRdUnH_JrayC9sL51ifMZe30UB/s1600/birdhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH_L4ejgUKFQyafZ8Tacv8L401kz8evNzN7eQO-brLDBvNaVu3xzmGZOPGhXr_BGHdTXlEtDQbWNNAuozuHBgNozuKQ-fKGeaA1V_W5cJDZUoBJZZhHuRdUnH_JrayC9sL51ifMZe30UB/s400/birdhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.make-it-do.com/celebrate-it/the-woodland-party/" target="_blank">Make it Do</a> has a lot of wonderful ideas for throwing a woodland themed birthday party, including painting these birdhouses. They are very inexpensive at craft stores like Michaels, and make for a sweet take home gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctciit_BHuEblxtk6TsUnFPKOJo7n81CoXPLt_GpgE6Ni1kWhL_n7ThyphenhyphenZlN7Qw4H026GbpTLFdySP5F_hofmvxgGLsm99hyVn60o6md2ORrtsKWUiyvXIeZ13lArk_v-y5FZjBJib0hd1/s1600/bunnies+purses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctciit_BHuEblxtk6TsUnFPKOJo7n81CoXPLt_GpgE6Ni1kWhL_n7ThyphenhyphenZlN7Qw4H026GbpTLFdySP5F_hofmvxgGLsm99hyVn60o6md2ORrtsKWUiyvXIeZ13lArk_v-y5FZjBJib0hd1/s640/bunnies+purses.JPG" width="433" /></a></div>
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I am in love with these little <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2014/07/bunny-party-bunnies.html" target="_blank">pompom bunnies</a> and <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/09/tea-party-behind-scenes-cardboard.html" target="_blank">cardboard purses</a>, both from the very creative blog ikatbag. I found some additional pompom making <a href="http://www.kraftcroch.com/2011/06/pompon-over-rainbow.html" target="_blank">tutorial/photos</a> at kraftcroch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14_H-y7MSEJgAJxTIdIk29miRdjvr0Ut7C65cS7LNRmICr5GpHwfXi2madrTmnB97Y0ttcFujL1Q7Fu8h2iDKCjlgh7fP_KV5I7U9eEPURYX7Zc7efYuJu-rsESN2buLmCE1MArOVuQ9O/s1600/etsy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14_H-y7MSEJgAJxTIdIk29miRdjvr0Ut7C65cS7LNRmICr5GpHwfXi2madrTmnB97Y0ttcFujL1Q7Fu8h2iDKCjlgh7fP_KV5I7U9eEPURYX7Zc7efYuJu-rsESN2buLmCE1MArOVuQ9O/s1600/etsy6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Clockwise from top left:</div>
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<li>Personalized jars of play dough from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224745034/play-dough-party-favor-airplane-party" target="_blank">VintageBakeshopEtsy</a></li>
<li>Felt pirate party hats from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122507588/pirate-party-party-hats-set-of-10" target="_blank">ImFeelinCrafty</a></li>
<li>Wooden Yoyo's (available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OzarkRusticWood/search?search_query=yoyo&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">large quantities</a>) from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109557954/wooden-yoyo-hand-polished-party-favor" target="_blank">OzarkRusticWood</a></li>
<li>Felt Superhero Masks by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/226091423/lot-of-twenty-20-felt-superhero-masks" target="_blank">SuperFlySprouts</a></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8lZmT9bbUiR4B-QHbLizdM684q1UMr1P3_IJNKXzuMty57yrsgzVFwoqZZtgo7iTUaJyaCleqjy4RxhIcefxsaQmh_VILTAR0aUppRjKZyZE0LAHpGW9kpgwEacUkIZdxVjTEeXdlFHv/s1600/stubby+p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8lZmT9bbUiR4B-QHbLizdM684q1UMr1P3_IJNKXzuMty57yrsgzVFwoqZZtgo7iTUaJyaCleqjy4RxhIcefxsaQmh_VILTAR0aUppRjKZyZE0LAHpGW9kpgwEacUkIZdxVjTEeXdlFHv/s640/stubby+p.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I LOVE <a href="http://www.stubbypencilstudio.com/category/FAVR/Eco-Party-Favors/1.html" target="_blank">Stubby Pencil Studio</a>! If you're looking for eco-friendly, cute toys to send home with your guests, this is the place to look. They also have numerous craft and school supplies. If you've never checked them out, you definitely are missing out!</div>
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You can find <a href="http://www.magiccabin.com/jungle-fingermajigsand153;-push-puppets-set.htm" target="_blank">Fingermajigs</a> in different designs (including dinosaur and fairy) as well as these adorable <a href="http://www.magiccabin.com/oversized-wooden-stampers-with-adorable-animal-handles.htm" target="_blank">animal stamps</a> at Magic Cabin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdwWdaS-WKv4955bsY00rhqfk3-qpILNyxe4L0txHxavDDfVQFaT6vBcV-ltt9Wd-dW4DPVW4B25Z6Smqg78xbj4mikq6ynoh1Ye5kHWiwSPifIXKRmBV-UsKroLHIueb9-3qecnAlz-m/s1600/wooden+favors+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdwWdaS-WKv4955bsY00rhqfk3-qpILNyxe4L0txHxavDDfVQFaT6vBcV-ltt9Wd-dW4DPVW4B25Z6Smqg78xbj4mikq6ynoh1Ye5kHWiwSPifIXKRmBV-UsKroLHIueb9-3qecnAlz-m/s640/wooden+favors+flat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are only available in the UK, but they were too cute not to include! Plus, I think I have some fans overseas that this may help. <a href="http://www.partyark.co.uk/search.html?s=wooden" target="_blank">Party Ark</a> has numerous cute little wooden trinkets to include in your party favor bags. <br />
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Whatever you choose, hopefully this post will give you some new ways to approach the idea of a traditional goody bag.<br />
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" null=""><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-79577586877964691262014-02-18T16:22:00.001-05:002015-01-23T10:27:01.754-05:00The Definitive Guide to Safe Seeds: GMO Free Suppliers, Seed Starting Tips and Why There's More Than Monsanto to Avoid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So you're looking to start your own garden, and want to avoid the seedlings sold at just about every retailer out there in the spring that are sprayed with god knows what (<a href="http://news.msn.com/science-technology/pesticides-harmful-to-bees-in-garden-store-plants" target="_blank">like bee killing pesticides</a>). You've heard about Monsanto and <a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/" target="_blank">GMO's</a>, and would like to avoid those too. Unfortunately, the seed world is overrun with confusing information. I even found a largely circulated list of 131 heirloom seed companies that contained many big names - even Burpee!?! (Just because they sell heirloom seeds doesn't mean they don't also sell things from some of the most awful companies known to man)<br />
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I decided to get to the bottom of it all for some more definitive answers. The further I went down the rabbit hole, the more conflicting the information I found. For instance, Monsanto is commonly associated with GMO's. What many do not know is that in 2005 <a href="http://saveourseeds.org/downloads/monsanto_seminis_25_01_04.pdf" target="_blank">Monsanto purchased</a> a major seed supplier called <a href="http://www.seminis.com/global/us/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Seminis</a>. Many Seminis seeds are GMO free. What this means is that companies can sell seeds that are GMO free, even sign the <a href="http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/ViewPage.aspx?pageId=261" target="_blank">Safe Seed Pledge</a>, but are still selling Monsanto owned seeds. Yes, companies like <a href="http://www.johnnyseeds.com/t-ownership.aspx" target="_blank">Johnny's Selected Seeds</a> can have all the pages they want on their website with staff photos and info about their employee owned company, and it's true - Monsanto does not technically own them or any other seed retailer. Regardless of company ownership, the fact of the matter is that they still fill the Monsanto coffers by selling the Seminis seeds that Monsanto owns. (If you poke around on the Seminis site, you will notice the contact information for many of the people on there have Monsanto email addresses.<br />
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Unfortunately, Monsanto is not the only player in the seed game consumers may be interested in avoiding. Companies like <a href="http://www.syngentabiotech.com/biomain.aspx?mm=1" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Syngenta</span></b></a> and <a href="http://www.bayercropscience.us/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bayer</span></b></a> (and Bayer's subsidiary "<a href="http://www.hildsamen.de/eng_ueber_uns.htm" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HILD</span></b></a>") are being largely blamed for the decline of the bee population, when the pesticides they produce, neonicotinoids, were linked to "<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2013/Syngenta-challenges-EU-ban-of-bee-killing-pesticide/" target="_blank">damaging the nervous system of bees and other pollinators</a>." They have ignored requests to halt the manufacturing of such chemicals and are <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/26/opinion/international/bee-survival-in-europe.html?_r=1&" target="_blank">challenging an EU ban</a> in court. More recently, the pesticides were also found that they may be <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/dec/17/bee-pesticides-harmful-children" target="_blank">harmful to the developing brains of unborn babies</a>. Syngenta and Bayer are also big international players in the GMO game as well as producing all kinds of fun chemicals for us to consume. In fact, Syngenta is the <b><a href="http://www.chemweek.com/lab/Syngenta-Technology-to-boost-world-food-supplies_54666.html" target="_blank">number one producer of crop chemicals</a></b> - a fact you hear rarely hear even from those rallying against Monsanto. Not long ago, <a href="http://www.gmwatch.org/latest-listing/1-test/10560-the-worlds-top-10-pesticide-firms-who-owns-nature" target="_blank">Bayer was the number one producer</a>. It is worth mentioning that DuPont is equally nefarious, however, at least as far as I could tell they are not involved in selling any seeds directly to home gardeners. They prefer to "limit" their poisons to commercial use only, where their products can reach everyone worldwide.<br />
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Companies like Park Seed, Burpee, Ferry Morse, Stokes...all the big ones should be avoided if any of this is concerning to you. Just for kicks I emailed Gurney's and was told, "Contractual agreements do not permit us to give the names of our vendors." What I found quite upsetting were the number of companies that have SIGNED the safe seed pledge that are still selling seeds from the companies mentioned above. Again, because Seminis and Syngenta do produce GMO free seeds, they can get away with this. I by no means contacted every company on this list, but I did contact just about every one that had a website listed that seemed to have a substantial seed selection, unless it was very clearly defined on their website where their seeds came from (and even some of those I double checked). I was really disheartened to find that even smaller companies like Osborne Seed sold seeds from all three companies.<br />
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I asked each company if any of their seeds were sourced from Seminis, Syngenta or Bayer, and if any of their seeds came from China.<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fedco</b></span> - phased out Seminis in 2009, but via email confirmation, "<u>We do continue to offer seeds from Syngenta</u>. There are probably 20-25 varieties in our catalog from them them including a number of best-sellers such as Masai bean and Raven hybrid zucchine. We have a supplier code in our catalog and all the Syngenta varieties are coded as 5, meaning they are from a multinational company that does research in genetic engineering. We never knowingly offer any GMO varieties of seeds." </li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Territorial Seeds</span></b> - I should note that initially I was told they did <i>not</i> carry Syngenta seeds, and when I emailed them a second time to confirm their seeds were not from China, I got this response, "I need to correct the comment made previously about not getting seeds from Syngenta. <u> We do get about 25 seed varieties from Syngenta</u>."</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Johnny's Selected Seeds</b></span> - email confirmation they still sell Seminis varieties and also <a href="http://www.syngenta-us.com/seeds/vegetables/where_to_buy.aspx" target="_blank">Syngenta</a> seeds</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jung Seed</b></span> - list their Seminis varieties <a href="http://www.jungseed.com/GardenersCorner.asp?article=Jung+Seed+Company+Is+Not+Owned+By+Monsanto&aid=51&id=5" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Cook's Garden</b></span> - not phasing out Seminis and is owned by George Ball, the same owner of Burpee (see notice <a href="http://www.cooksgarden.com/gardening/content/the-cook-s-garden-gmo-and-monsanto-rumors-put-to-rest/cooks-garden-seeds.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Osborne Seed Company</b></span> (via email confirmation - Seminis, Syngenta and HILD)</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lake Valley Seed</b></span> (via email confirmation - Syngenta)</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery</span></b> - sources their seeds from Territorial Seeds (see above) among others</li>
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<b>Wouldn't answer yes or no:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New England Seed Company</b></span> - refused to answer yes or no because they said they couldn't say for sure, and also couldn't say for sure whether their suppliers source seeds from China</li>
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As I am trying to lay out all the info I found in the least confusing way possible, I will move on to part two of my question for these companies, which was whether or not their seeds were sourced from China. Now, it very well could be that there are perfectly acceptable growers of seeds of all varieties - heirloom, organic, etc... in China, but two things bother me about this. First, I am uneasy about China's reputation for regulation (or lack thereof). Second, I am definitely not alright with companies like<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (rareseeds.com)</b></span> <a href="http://bit.ly/1fttvPb" target="_blank">saying things like</a>: </div>
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<dd>"We work with a network of about 150 small farmers, gardeners and seed growers to bring you the best selection of seeds available! Many of our varieties we sell were collected by us on our travels abroad." </dd></div>
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Sounds like they really have a hand in selecting everything they sell and are in close contact with their "small" suppliers - doesn't it? Well, this is the email response I received from them. </div>
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"Today's seed trade is international in nature and China is a major producer of seed on the global market. It's safe to say,<b> a fair amount of what we purchase from distributors probably was grown in China</b>." </div>
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I'm sure there are people out there who will feel differently than me on this issue and still support them, but I find these two statements (the one from their website and the one they emailed me) a bit contradictory. To me, this sounds like their distributors are so large that they don't know what is coming from where ("probably" grown...) and they didn't just say it was a few things, they said a "fair amount." I don't have a problem with what they do, I have major issues with how they are presenting themselves.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GrowOrganic.com (aka Peaceful Valley)</span></b> also responded that "depending on the seed variety and specific lot, we may have seed that was sourced from China." It is worth noting though that they have a really great selection of organic heirloom seeds as well as lots of growing and homesteading supplies and tools.<br />
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In the interest of brevity, I will defer here to an excellent <a href="http://bit.ly/1gwSlBT" target="_blank">primer on seed terminology</a> on the High Mowing Seeds site. The bottom line is that organic heirloom seeds are most desirable, with organic open-pollinated seeds next in line. If you are interested in saving your seeds, it is key to seek these out over hybrids, because given the proper growing conditions they will "produce seed that is genetically 'true to type,' meaning that the seed will result in a plant similar to the parent." <br />
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The good news is, there are LOTS of wonderful companies around to choose from that have excellent seed selections and have no affiliations with any of the above. I have highlighted some of my favorites, and listed what I could confirm/research below that. If you are a company that qualifies and would like to be added to this list, please contact me via the email icon on the site.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1cS8dtY" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroDRwYMDl3bcUYTcqB9PoaoRIavF73mnRfOpk3oxAHAvAynL84abTzzTGcXmfSFLOgzh0VFgQM-Fi2M8M1v7x5BAy3AaBM6_8hVH4HYMdmWsoESWf_hInvX_wlfF5T3MTS5KHmLwYhrsn/s1600/high+mowing.png" height="90" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1cS8dtY" target="_blank">High Mowing Organic Seeds</a> has an excellent selection of organic, open-pollinated varieties, and also carry organic heirloom seeds. Over 60 varieties are produced right on their farm in <b>Vermont</b>, with the remaining supplied from other farms in Vermont, across the US and other organic seed producers around the world (but not China). <br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1mplap4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqNQZTpi7rE8tnixbnDAbGk6JiY-AR3k7TtltlN1It7K5cgWoin4z4N3A6m0aE9wvT8fbAEu2K1I1uVVe4yYQXzHEg9AHx891uKxJGF-w0hMzR_JGo_sHLlkMzQl_VeXShLFzFR5BtQzG/s1600/tomato+fest.png" height="132" width="400" /></a></div>
If you are a lover of growing tomatoes and are unfamiliar with Gary Ibsen's <a href="http://bit.ly/1mplap4" target="_blank">Tomato Fest</a>, then I am VERY excited to introduce you! They grow all of their seeds themselves in <b>California</b>, and ALL are organic and ALL are heirloom!</div>
<a href="http://bit.ly/1m2TDG9" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8nss5FGDymeTd18a37FD4B-lMNibLv2v49qPNRyL-AmRbkKedmp9vhXWPfasAzN1ZZ-97Z6IMn2_lHd4AWXf2BWlHZPrbnqch77eWlC0fohYFC2NqxC_b8AEL5MpElR0B85fVgIbekny/s1600/sustainable+seed+co+logo.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1m2TDG9" target="_blank">Sustainable Seed Company</a> grows over 1/3 of their own seeds on their organic farm in <b>California</b>, and the remaining seeds are sourced as local as possible - either within California, Oregon or Washington. They offer heirloom as well as organic heirloom seeds. They are part of the <a href="http://bit.ly/1gddheR" target="_blank">Heritage Grains Project</a>, and sell a nice selection of grain seeds as well (including organic grains).<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1dETHd9" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W7IWUUU0miHRQB-XZylRsIEhQq7HV1u9V549CU8jy1yAmPYKVKX9FovHLadsH3J4PVRtm3HeWv5XGXALD8-xhMAK5jp6YdgGnwPIzuBr6paOliRnhh7xgsQlI8Gh2JIWnQWOPt9EJ8Q1/s1600/redwood.png" height="185" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://bit.ly/1dETHd9" target="_blank">Redwood Seeds</a> is located in <b>California</b>, and according to their site, "We cultivate over 95% of our seed crops here, with the remaining varieties grown by several other local organic farmers. Seeds are harvested and cleaned by hand using fans, sheets and screens." Their seeds are organic, open-pollinated and heirloom.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1gBi9ge" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX5Qv3BO6Jl4ubK6aik91YZhv3Xx0KrWhajMcCI188vgy3fBSA_AaNsf79l4I-ZoKkA6ZZKqLSxlae1FXJAahWWIwSPX7OJCwefguCi11hAuAJqN9XmIGEMqonABjCufasQHGzDuTXfUt/s1600/filaree.jpg" height="200" width="111" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1gBi9ge" target="_blank">Filaree Garlic Farm</a> is a garlic lovers dream! They carry more than 100 varieties of garlic as well as some seed potatoes and shallot sets. Everything is certified organic and grown on their farm in <b>Washington</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.anniesheirloomseeds.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGqe2YBILJwGBYMxCctT4-UcjuQFK4ZGwWOzYZ2Xyuh1cy5uAYQ-lWMTfQ0J5vP82SUSZHWlCbjcthUiYNLriB1dlXqecwjx4Dgf74MzojADICSiWmyszrDcULlkvLdUiQHXoSsE7XqyA/s1600/annies.png" height="124" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.anniesheirloomseeds.com/" target="_blank">Annie's Heirloom Seeds</a> only sells heirloom varieties, and has a nice selection of organic heirloom seeds. They grow most rare and hard to find varieties themselves on their farm in <b>Michigan</b>, and also buy seeds from small farms around the US, as well as import a few from Europe.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1gZ9XVn" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nTt9jMOU4dgN5ZvZF9dHHKTqFqAAu9rGmAc9FTg0LE5DEAc0S-kk68wo03y-GA_8-EZiIvCx7uQRAQcqYJ9eFSwwfUKtZCMQNLPqfkKvlXH7IQZkeSRj0N92oNhMn4QOABdaiVLoGiip/s1600/Seed-Savers_Identity+copy.PNG" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
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Founded in 1975, the <a href="http://bit.ly/1gZ9XVn" target="_blank">Seed Savers Exchange</a> is a non-profit organization that promotes the preservation and utilization of heirloom varieties. <u>Membership is not required</u> to purchase from the online catalog, and a number of the selections there are organic. The headquarters are located in <b>Iowa</b> at Heritage Farm, where thousands of heirloom varieties are permanently maintained.<br />
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<a href="https://bitly.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIKaQVbKIJnzu_RjxhlpubmwClMkmx2hkhcDw4_CsgnwCzScJ_P3JKT_MJ9N_MxifppRlvCDugBLYk5yywNdm-vcG9EhQjx0VcV63UbUyWLMrIRi4vd6XHZHfcVVTnMEQlUed7tjb8BGF/s1600/scratch+and+peck.PNG" height="184" width="640" /></a></div>
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This company was too awesome not to mention. <a href="https://bitly.com/" target="_blank">Scratch and Peck Feeds</a> makes organic, whole grain feed for chickens and livestock. Their unprocessed feeds are made in <b>Washington</b>, with organic whole grains grown in the Pacific Northwest. They also have organic grains available in bulk. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst8t57gyxK7DndgnohWqqKAkFI4HE8aHRKIpQrsKMV1FUGOag0bK63DwJfsQMDY0Ak_E7AKAQ5M223rquvx0P-K_0FAmla0jkk0hCpc4pJ7yvFoe6O6OrMvDIndUjyppq-A3g7SIUvuhy/s1600/text+6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst8t57gyxK7DndgnohWqqKAkFI4HE8aHRKIpQrsKMV1FUGOag0bK63DwJfsQMDY0Ak_E7AKAQ5M223rquvx0P-K_0FAmla0jkk0hCpc4pJ7yvFoe6O6OrMvDIndUjyppq-A3g7SIUvuhy/s1600/text+6.PNG" height="92" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of the following GMO-free seed companies have no ties to any of the biotech firms mentioned above, or seeds sourced from China. Again, if you would like your company added to this list because you qualify, please contact me via the email icon on my site. I ask that only the companies themselves contact me (not, "I know of this or that company"), so that I can be sure these facts are verified.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Arizona:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nativeseeds.org/about-us" target="_blank">Native Seeds</a></span> - a nonprofit seed conservation organization devoted to preserving aridlands-adapted seeds</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1geE7Dr" target="_blank">Terroir Seeds (Underwood Gardens)</a></span> - All seeds are heirloom or open-pollinated, with some organic heirloom (see product description for organic certification)</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.westwindseeds.com/Heirloom_Vegetable_Seeds_Westwind_Seeds_s/20.htm" target="_blank">Westwind Seeds and Gardenscape</a>s</span> - all seeds are grown in the US and are chemically untreated and open-pollinated (not organic), many are heirloom</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">California:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.plantgoodseed.com/pages/seed-quality-statement-untreated-certified-organic-non-gmo-all-good-things-organic-seeds" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">All Good Things Organic Seeds</span></a> - all seeds are organic, some are organic heirloom with many grown on their own farm</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bountifulgardens.org/Aboutus.asp" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Bountiful Gardens</span></a> - specializing in rare varieties and medicinal herbs, all seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, and some are heirloom or organic heirloom *They do carry some Chinese herb seeds from Richters in Canada which does get them from China, but that is because it is their country of origin</li>
<li><a href="http://www.homefarmer.com/products/category/organic-seeds/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Home Farmer</span></a> - organic and untreated premium seeds</li>
<li><a href="http://www.naturalgardening.com/shop/about.php3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Natural Gardening Company</span></a> - organic and open-pollinated varieties, with some organic heirloom</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Seeds of Change</span> - <span style="font-size: x-large;">READ FIRST!!</span> all seeds are organic, some are heirloom and others are open-pollinated or hybrid. It is worth noting that while they used to be a favorite supplier of mine, they are not highlighted above (and I hesistate to even put them on here) because <b>they were purchased by Mar</b>s, and while they have since dropped out of the battle to label GMO's, Mars initially <b>contributed nearly $500K to defeat California's Prop 37</b> to label GMO's. You can read more about it <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_28683.cfm" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Colorado:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://botanicalinterests.com/botanical-interests/leader-of-the-packet" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Botanical Interests</span></a> - carry nice selection of organic as well as organic heirloom (all seed are untreated, but not all are organic)</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Florida:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.eonseed.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Eden Organic Nursery Services Inc</span></a> - organic, open-pollinated and heirloom varieties of not only herbs and vegetable but also medicinal, tropical and houseplant seeds</li>
<li><a href="http://shop.organicsanctuary.com/All-Organic-Sanctuary-Seeds_c2.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Organic Sanctuary</span></a> *ALL SEEDS ARE GROWN ON THEIR FARM - all are organic with many heirloom varieties</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Georgia:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://stores.seedsandthings.com/about-us/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Seeds and Things</span></a> - all seeds are heirloom (not organic), some grown on their own farm and all are from the US.</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kansas:</span></b></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.growitalian.com/pages/About-Us.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Seeds from Italy</span></a> - heirloom varieties from Italy, some organic - they are "the exclusive US distrubutor for Franchi Seeds, Italy's oldest family-owned seed company" (Franchi Seeds was founded in 1783)</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maine:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.mainepotatolady.com/productcart/pc/home.asp" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Maine Potato Lady</span></a> - a great source for growing organic potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic and shallots</li>
<li><a href="http://www.woodprairie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Wood Prairie Farm</span></a> - all organic Maine seed potatoes and vegetable seeds, many of which are grown on their farm</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Michigan:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.orchardhouseheirlooms.com/About-Us_ep_7.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Orchard House Heirlooms</span></a> - all seeds are heirloom, with some organic heirloom varieties</li>
<li><a href="http://organicheirloomplants.com/organic-heirloom-seed-c-24.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Organic Heirloom Plants</span></a> *ALL SEEDS ARE ORGANIC AND HEIRLOOM AND GROWN ON THEIR FARM (their original source was seed savers)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Missouri:</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://whiteharvestseed.com/about-us/our-history.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">White Harvest Seed Company</span></a> - all seeds are heirloom, with a small amount of organic, and some are grown there but the remaining are sourced from 5 companies (not the large biotech firms)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">New Jersey:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.dirtgoddessseeds.com/Organic_Vegetable_Seeds_Non_GMO_Seeds_s/1868.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Dirt Goddess Garden</span></a> - all organic with many organic heirloom varieties</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">New York:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.fruitionseeds.com/default.asp" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Fruition Seeds</span></a> - all organic and open-pollinated, grown in the Northeast for Northeast gardeners (all listed on their site)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.turtletreeseed.org/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Turtle Tree Biodynamic Seed Initiative</span></a> - all seeds are organic, open-pollinated and biodynamic, many are grown on their farm and all are grown by farmers who practice biodynamic methods.</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">North Carolina:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://sowtrueseed.com/our-seed/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sow True Seed</span></a> - some organic heirloom, some heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, plus some "ecologically grown" seed</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oregon:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.organicseedcoop.com/home.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Family Farmers Seed Cooperative</span></a> - all organic, open-pollinated</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wildgardenseed.com/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild Garden Seed</span></a> *ALL SEEDS ARE ORGANICALLY GROWN AT GATHERING TOGETHER FARM</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tennessee:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.whiteoakvalleyfarm.com/heirloom-seeds.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">White Oak Valley Farm</span></a> - all heirloom, <i>not</i> organic *MOST ARE GROWN AND PROCESSED ON THEIR FARM with the remaining varieties sourced from small US growers</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Washington:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cultivariable.com/" target="_blank">Cultivariable Seeds</a></span> - specializes in Andean root crops and other vegetables. *EVERYTHING IS GROWN, HARVESTED AND PACKAGED BY THEM (they are not certified organic, but do not use pesticides or herbicides)</li>
</ul>
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I must say I'm a little apprehensive about posting this, given the fact that there will probably be some seasoned gardeners and farmers reading this post! This is what has worked for me with my extremely informal set-up, and the little tips and things I've figured out from doing it year after year. If you've never grown your own seed before, you may find this section very helpful. </div>
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**Note that I have always lived in the Northeast so when I'm discussing direct seeding that should be taken into consideration**</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">EQUIPMENT:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Grow Lights</u></span></b> - <span 21.299999237060547px="">It really doesn't matter what lights you use. I personally have cheapo fluorescent shop lights. They are the full size 4 foot ones with 2 bulbs and I think they cost me about $8 each back in the day. I have FULL SPECTRUM bulbs, which have lasted me all these years and many moves. The bulbs will usually say of they mimic sunlight, and I did not have money for special order ones from grow supply places that cost 4x as much - I just looked for ones that say full spectrum or sunlight where they sell fluorescent bulbs and those have worked out fine. The most important thing about your lights, whatever you use, is that </span><strong 21.299999237060547px="">they have to be able to reach within about 1/2 inch of your seedlings once they emerge!</strong><span 21.299999237060547px=""> Otherwise the seedlings will pull to the light, and you will get spindly seedlings that will flop over. Then you have to mess around with trying to prop them up with tiny devices, and it's a pain. Best to know off the bat that the closer you can get that light, the better! Mine are set up on crappy tables in the basement with the shop lights hanging on adjustable chains above them. I have two lights hanging next to each other (4 bulbs total) and even with a tray centered under each light, the plants on the outer rows will pull towards the center so I rotate the plants sometimes. You may be able to rig something in a closet or near a window, but the window is not necessary. You could probably even use a cheap wire shelf/rack or something to hang the lights from the wire shelf above and put the tray on the shelf below if you can't put holes in your ceiling for hooks. But in our old house we just had those plant hooks that poke through the ceiling and they were strong enough to hold the lights. I also have cheapo clip on shop lights (big shiny metalic spotlight type ones) with a single full spectrum bulb in them that I clip nearby just to get some extra ambient light for those plants on the outer edge. You can use the little clear plastic greenhouse cover to keep moisure in until the seedlings emerge, but once they come up, you need to be able to get that light down to them and practically kiss the leaves!</span></div>
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<span 21.299999237060547px=""><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Heat Mats</b></u></span> - I had much better results once I started using these </span><span 21.299999237060547px="">to regulate the soil temp and keep the seedlings nice and toasty. These are a slightly pricier investment, but once I figured something out they've lasted for years. I've had 3 brands, and had the same problem with all. You MUST plug them into a power strip. For some reason they are finicky and the fuses blow in them easily, which renders them useless. Once I started using a power strip I never had a problem. I have never used the fancier ones that you can actually adjust the temp on and whatnot - totally unnecessary in my mind. A simple mat that stays the same temp at all times is fine.</span><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Seed starting mix</b></u></span></div>
<span 15px="" 21.299999237060547px="" font-size:="" line-height:=""><span 21.299999237060547px="">Hands down the best stuff I've used is the <a href="http://www.gardeners.com/Organic-Seedstarting-Mix/37-808,default,pd.html?start=3&q=seedstarting%20mix" target="_blank">organic seedstarting mix</a> from Gardeners Supply Company. It makes THAT much of a difference that I'm bothering mentioning it.</span></span><br />
<span 15px="" 21.299999237060547px="" font-size:="" line-height:=""><span 21.299999237060547px=""><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjrORIXWnxqTdqdL7EDxmGfgwLdcVEFNh2TctQtY-zzi6eITffSL_MWCgJpYwvCNgn0pWmIFBAD9UO3ll2vj_OJThYrkzdqTF4HgCZPFQM9wCjXCOCaQr_XIw43cKG-vhyp8p5A6yHNi/s1600/seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjrORIXWnxqTdqdL7EDxmGfgwLdcVEFNh2TctQtY-zzi6eITffSL_MWCgJpYwvCNgn0pWmIFBAD9UO3ll2vj_OJThYrkzdqTF4HgCZPFQM9wCjXCOCaQr_XIw43cKG-vhyp8p5A6yHNi/s1600/seedlings.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><strong style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Seed markers</u></span></strong><strong 21.299999237060547px=""> </strong><strong style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">-</strong><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> As much as I try to avoid plastic, wooden popsicle sticks grow mold and get disgusting and the writing washes away. On the same topic, those ecofriendly peat pots always grow moldy for me too. I stopped using them. A friend gave me stacks of tiny plastic pots so now I just use those over and over and write on them with a silver sharpie to mark what's in them, but before that I would break plastic forks/knives in half and write on them with a thin sharpie (you can use both ends). NOTE: For some insane reason, writing fades on clear plasticwear. A lesson I didn't learn until I went to plant and all my markings were gone! WHITE plasticwear works best if you decide to go this route, and then you can use it year after year.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Spray Bottle</span></u></b></span><strong 21.299999237060547px=""> </strong><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">- O</span><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">ne with a nice and even, fine mist is very helpful for watering before seedlings emerge and when they are tiny. If you use a mix with a lot of peat, you will see that sometimes the seeds can wash away if you just fill it with water from a watering can, but if you mist it very well, you will prevent this.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">PLANTING TIPS:</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Plant twice as many of each plant that you want to have. If you want 2 of a certain variety of tomato plant, try to grow at least 4 so you can choose the best plants. People are always happy to receive the rejects! :) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Within each pot/cell depending on what you use, I plant 3 seeds in a triangle. As they emerge, I pinch off the 2 weaker ones (IF all 3 come up). If you pull them out you may accidentally pull out the one you are trying to save by the roots - best to just pinch it between your nails and cut them off at the base. Once the first set of true leaves grow, you can pinch off the cotyledons, which are the first leaves that will sprout but look nothing like the true leaves (they are very simple looking leaves)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">I've never used a fancy seeding tool - just a white dish with a pair of tweezers to pluck the seeds from the dish and put into the soil. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top, especially with mixes with a lot of peat. It makes for much easier watering!<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Before filling your pots, get your potting mix evenly moist. THIS IS HUGE! I just keep my watering can there and have a big tub filled with all the potting mix and stir in the water a little at a time until it's moist but not soaking. I also mix in some worm castings at this stage, but not too much - once I put in too much and it surprisingly burned my seedlings and I had to start over!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Like I said, once you've planted your seeds, even immediately after they're planted (even though you've used a moist mix) mist them with a spray bottle.</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">If you are growing tomatoes and peppers, remember that you will probably need to upgrade to a larger pot after 3-4 weeks. Keep this in mind when thinking of soil, pots and most importantly.... SPACE UNDER YOUR LIGHTS! Those tiny little seedlings will not always be so tiny, and you need to make sure that when they're 8 inches tall you will have room for all of them and be able to space them out! This is not as problematic with tomatoes since even if they get spindly you can bury part of the stem and it will root from there, but depending on how small a container you start with for each plant, you will probably still need to upgrade and repot them at some point before putting outside.</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Square pots (whatever size - even the smallest ones) are ideal for helping to prevent your seedlings from getting rootbound.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Salad greens can be grown outside - no indoor lights necessary. I do still start mine in trays so I can control protecting them from the cold if I need to, since I haven't been able to afford row covers or cloches or anything like that. </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Carrots should always be direct seeded and grown where they will be growing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Cukes and beans and squash grow very quickly, and I almost always just wait until it's warm enough to direct seed them outside.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">© The Mindful Home, 2013-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited.</span><br />
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<br />The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-58490011269344622972014-02-13T12:20:00.001-05:002014-02-13T13:57:14.838-05:00Kirk's Fragrance Free Coco Castile Bar Soap Review - Non-toxic, Affordable and AMAZING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1nw45F8" imageanchor="1" nw45f8="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5gSt_tphul0mDUnco57kO4N8P-cbUXJj1JOQHhtmnpzcvRpmezrXVeO02Z0yfsGpY4IiPgAbGqozvYn0Uxrtbp_npjIcwORlipudGQsHlTlRd0rJZ-GNcyjxWp4tDz6xLc0vPF7qOH-K/s1600/kirks.JPG" /></a></div>
Navigating the world of "natural" personal care products can be a tricky one. Unlike USDA certified organic foods, personal care products can have terms like "organic" on the label and still be full of harmful chemicals. It can be overwhelming with the selection of handcrafted, non-toxic personal care items available, and while I love supporting small companies and I'm sure they are worth every penny, spending lots of money on such things is not really in our budget. Therefore, I am always on a search for the most easy to find personal care products that are also affordable. <br />
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One of the first changes we made to cut back on our plastic consumption was switching to bar soap throughout the house. Even for my face, I simply use a small loofah (that ends up in the compost bin) and the same soap I use for my body. When I started delving into the world of bar soaps, I was shocked to see the ratings many of them received on the Skindeep Database by The Envirornmental Working Group. Some that seemed so natural and harmless had high scores for toxicity. Others with lower scores would be $4-5 per bar and/or not very effective. Either they wouldn't lather well, they would dry out my skin or they would virtually dissolve in a soap dish in no time. <br />
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I am happy to report that I've finally found a soap that fulfills all of my requirements! <a href="http://bit.ly/1nw45F8" target="_blank">Kirk's Fragrance Free Coco Castile Bar Soap</a> is available in all sorts of stores so it is easy to find, it costs just under $2 per bar (<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/kirks-original-coco-castile-bar-soap-original/qxp301838?catid=185616" target="_blank">drugstore.com</a> has 3 packs for $1.66 a bar and it's easy to find additional discounts there), it's made in the USA by a family owned and operated business that began in 1839, and it has a ZERO rating for toxicity on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/468404/Kirk%27s_Original_Coco_Castile_Bar_Soap%2C_Fragrance_Free/" target="_blank">Skindeep Database</a>. It is also free of animal by-products, not tested on animals, contains <a href="http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/" target="_blank">no palm oil</a>, is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. <br />
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The simple list of ingredients is: coconut soap (saponified coconut oil), water, vegetable glycerin, coconut oil<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">**Note this review and skindeep toxicity rating are for the <b>FRAGRANCE FREE</b> version of the soap.**</span><br />
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So how did it work? It is perhaps one of the best soaps we've ever used! The lather is luscious, plentiful and creamy, and the coconut oil in the bar means it doesn't dry my skin out. Given how well it lathered I thought for sure it would fail my soap dish test, but it hardens back up quite nicely and is slow to dissolve. I should mention we do not have a traditional soap dish, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/InterDesign-Suction-Polished-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000SQNSL4" target="_blank">this one</a> instead (our bathroom sink is very wide) which helps it dry out quickly. However, we've had plenty of soaps that performed extremely poorly in this department on the same soap dish.<br />
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I could not be happier and more excited about this find! On my quest to seek out affordable, non-toxic, easy to find personal care products, this one is certainly a winner!<br />
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-50474324629698146592014-02-04T22:39:00.001-05:002014-02-07T09:42:58.372-05:00Quality Musical Instruments for Children and Babies (Including Eco Friendly, Made in the USA and Fair Trade)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">BABIES AND TODDLERS</span></div>
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If you are looking for something sturdy for your child to play, but aren't necessarily concerned about the quality of the sound it produces (which may still be very good), there are plenty of instruments to choose from. Brands like <a href="http://usa.plantoys.com/product/child-development-skills/musical/" target="_blank">Plan Toys</a>, <a href="http://www.janod.com/en/jouet-d-imitation-2.html#p=9" target="_blank">Janod</a>, <a href="http://www.hapetoys.com/us/en/pl/early-melodies/" target="_blank">Educo/Hape</a>, <a href="http://www.sevi.com/en/prodotti/Sevi-Toys/line/Musical+Instruments.html" target="_blank">Sevi</a>, and <a href="http://www.boikido.com/eng/Ours-toys/Musical-toys" target="_blank">Boikido</a> are just some of the companies that make drums, shakers and more for babies and toddlers, and most of them are made from eco friendly materials. I hope to one day see <a href="http://www.djeco.com/music/" target="_blank">Djeco's Animambo collection</a> here in the states, because I love it!<br />
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Stores with a decent selection of many of these brands are <a href="http://www.moolka.com/Musical-Instruments" target="_blank">Moolka</a> and <a href="http://www.oompa.com/search?type=product&q=*instruments*" target="_blank">Oompa</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/LWEkSA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDsWp1FCzmpMYLNf6FUbmwuCaZ9nTfBpcVrmCizczEmO6YdEe9m_6P9GHSmRUFtK1M1LHS5arixbgpLL2rNDetSOX8spgpfbIqW5eDT6_GVgRlKAvb9766hOZYofwgNxXBV_juf69X0uN/s1600/hohner+final.jpg" height="281" target="_blank" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was pretty excited to find this new line of <a href="http://bit.ly/LWEkSA" target="_blank">Green Tones</a> instruments made by Hohner. They are all made in India from sustainable rubberwood, and there is a great selection of drums, shakers, glockenspiels and more.</div>
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<a href="http://www.zitherheaven.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PvpKwBPeUdComuBj7_CqEFadXxFnVQQRvnj0PnSo_-PZonvQbgJl4j4UGIARB5Mv9cdd_WDrLHrP6ni4uRJPeFB_pwVGHpF0gNm7ZVXYunAcJR_A5Mr_hJ4fMXkVMFusKXGHKGrVMbNi/s1600/zither.JPG" height="284" target="_blank" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to say that these beautiful instruments are all MADE IN THE USA! Better yet, they are made of sustainable, North American hardwoods. <a href="http://www.zitherheaven.com/" target="_blank">Zither Heaven</a> has an unbelievable selection of all kinds of stringed instruments - banjos, ukeleles, mandolins, harps, psalteries and "Rock It Sticks" (a cross between a dulcimer and a guitar). They also carry thumb pianos, as well as all the accessories you would need from stands to strings to sheet music for children. Given the materials and craftsmanship, everything is exceptionally priced and when you purchase directly through the website, there is an additional <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12</span>% discount when you use the code "Everyday<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12</span>" at checkout. </div>
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<a href="http://www.jamtown.com/index.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MUixTHnVdZHh-uF2rXSxqo38yNvroEGBX1opIAw4qVAsiOWC1Q9s75P636bOcgL3rYdnng5dm4Mecfi0dJdRwD7cu_Geiy4u9-S4MAvQ5BbvJ2T_SG2sXws5TwLl4FMZV07h5oag0xGK/s1600/jamtown.jpg" height="284" target="_blank" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jamtown.com/index.html" target="_blank">Jamtown's</a> instruments are authentic and all fair trade - you can read about the company's practices for acquiring products <a href="http://www.jamtown.com/about.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. Their selection of handcrafted, indigenous instruments include drums, shakers, flutes and much more. They even have "<a href="http://www.jamtown.com/prod_rp.html" target="_blank">Rhythm Paks</a>" available that contain a combination of instruments.</div>
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<a href="http://www.everyonesdrumming.com/Kid-s-Drums-and-Percussion-Instruments-s/59.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVYJUt0BVSOok-ZCG2gCAkGSiyo6JGcfGSMN4DNv13qjoF4q6SGJ9tn5gqdbKQY3AqhpPdrzf4GB-ZMnr4TNhRLzH_EVz2uaUdzXoRWW9GtR1n6PTrbQXnNYLaYs69Zd54tx639mzy5m2/s1600/everyones+drumming.jpg" height="284" target="_blank" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.everyonesdrumming.com/Kid-s-Drums-and-Percussion-Instruments-s/59.htm" target="_blank">Everyone's Drumming</a> makes all kinds of drums like djembes, ashikos, talking drums and more. Their drums are MADE IN THE USA in Putney, Vermont. Their selection of children's percussion instruments includes some of their own drums like the mini djembe and the mini ashiko, as well as a number of other instruments imported from all over. They also carry many adult sized drums.</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1bwb4IF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKix7SdVM8_9piRZnqKaY_MXPcdiu66UgyqXdOPmqDpe8EsOueoOH_cGNyzUiEDEottWGuko5LXAMiCjDAYeu52AHjAtrNHwYKjcnq0eHiHpx2OZMRreIEnhwGD6tbX7CwE6bfObn7WIY/s1600/down+to+earth.JPG" height="284" target="_blank" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1bwb4IF" target="_blank">Down to Earth Toys</a> not only carries many of the brands featured above like Zither Heaven and Jamtown, but they also have a few unique items like the adorable beehive drum pictured above. All of their offerings including the toys and other products on the rest of the site are either made in the USA or fair trade. </div>
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<a href="http://www.beyond123.com/playme.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp_dt1qmFZIXx15zEQWHuC7lcWDUrVFAgk0qM7DQnDJL0jboCYcSJ007ruuGW46DZkgGLL_EcSolBFbRZYkOMuaLRy4MrWsfrzoIlZsXZAP8yUGsOa2sBCjDJQUddah1DUFDki4nNa3z2/s1600/playme.jpg" height="284" target="_blank" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were gifted some <a href="http://www.beyond123.com/playme/pat-bells.html" target="_blank">Playme Pat Bells</a> when my daughter was a year old. They are incredibly sturdy and the sound is wonderful. What I love most is that they really grow with the child. At a year old she could bang on them, and as she grows there are song cards that are color coded. They are often on sale for a deep discount on places like Zulily. I have also heard the <a href="http://www.beyond123.com/playme/xylophone.html" target="_blank">xylophone</a> in person, and it has a beautiful tone. This is a xylophone for people who want one that plays music. For those who may not know, the difference between a xylophone and a glockenspiel is that the xylophones are made of wood and the glockenspiels are made of metal. These will last years and years and are well worth every penny.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplSRs6b5LLJVjKB7d4BlK26zFct1LYJCHbuLwWiZyzAZzPIasERSyDuE4Q722KqgLt2RfI4ZkEq1Co1cZOsmIFFtTmxlTsvDjGjFBTiebfNgbjxPaOaegIzcKtk-Jaavj6qsC4JPmbr9B/s1600/misc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplSRs6b5LLJVjKB7d4BlK26zFct1LYJCHbuLwWiZyzAZzPIasERSyDuE4Q722KqgLt2RfI4ZkEq1Co1cZOsmIFFtTmxlTsvDjGjFBTiebfNgbjxPaOaegIzcKtk-Jaavj6qsC4JPmbr9B/s1600/misc.JPG" height="256" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a few great random instruments I wanted to share. We own the glockenspiel and it is durable, affordable and produces reasonable sound for the money. It has held up for years since purchasing it for our daughter's first birthday. Pictured left to right are:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.novanatural.com/rainbow-glockenspiel.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Glockenspiel</a> from Poland at Nova Natural</li>
<li><a href="http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1819" target="_blank">Handcarved Owl Gourd Shaker</a> from Peru at A Toy Garden - they also have many other wonderful instruments, including a cute <a href="http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=3560" target="_blank">owl gourd drum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.zoeborganic.com/deuz/mini-maracas-wooden-rattles.html" target="_blank">Mini Maracas</a> from France at Zoe B Organic - these are made of sustainably harvested wood and lacquered with natural vegetable dyes </li>
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<a href="http://auris-musical-instruments.com/all-auris-musical-instruments/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ix5xhDiA8cNnzdFlnoSA9Gbef_Dhh2r6kQnY0IQcoAq39S_1ybb5nN3IMyVkerHD183ykVzwnWXrFQ8hqum8ABtR82x48lqaITBwb89R0ur3cmrkTY2M-udMGDrMWwG30BLiqsmxo1wR/s1600/auris.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, I would be remiss not to include these exquisite instruments from Sweden. <a href="http://auris-musical-instruments.com/all-auris-musical-instruments/" target="_blank">Auris</a> handcrafted lyres, glockenspiels, xylophones and marimbas are some of the highest quality you can find. They come in diatonic and pentatonic variations, and you can find a few at <a href="http://www.bellalunatoys.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=auris" target="_blank">Bella Luna Toys</a>, <a href="http://www.novanatural.com/learning/musical-instruments" target="_blank">Nova Natural</a> and <a href="http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.search" target="_blank">A Toy Garden</a>. In Australia, <a href="http://www.honeybeetoys.com.au/catalogue/c270?tag=auris" target="_blank">Honeybee Toys</a> has an excellent selection - the largest I've seen anywhere.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-83027000488350389072013-12-31T08:35:00.000-05:002013-12-31T09:00:11.103-05:00Natural Rubber Pacifiers, Teethers, Bath Mats and Non-Toxic, Eco Friendly Bath Toys<div class="separator" style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<u>NATURAL RUBBER</u></div>
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Natural rubber is a wonderful option for those looking for pacifiers, teethers and even bath toys that don't contain <a href="http://www.healthychild.org/blog/comments/pvc_the_most_toxic_plastic/" target="_blank">PVC</a>, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/opinion/16kristof.html" target="_blank">phthalates</a>, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/opinion/sunday/kristof-big-chem-big-harm.html?_r=0" target="_blank">BPA</a>, etc... In addition to being non-toxic, they are made without petroleum from naturally sourced, sustainable material, and they are biodegradable. </div>
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<a href="http://www.natursutten.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAR5ottmrcuZ805hBu7JmobN4TsBITPDt7bi_D61sGREDf9L3Ddu5o2BE2dRo08fJdZELr5FP3d1H3nPaFcb1bt0cw9dgqvrlo1uVgAwDM6C34E1Y1kthVLR56nF1-K8-JNQWsXiExYK3/s640/natursutten+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I was pregnant, <a href="http://www.natursutten.com/" target="_blank">Natursutten</a> was the only company I found that made natural rubber pacifiers or teethers. It is a Danish company that manufactures their products in Italy. Since then, others have joined the natural rubber market.<br />
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<a href="http://heveababy.com/en/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmfsa4fvbRmVp9brphd0E4bmXX0eS3qvIBnUFKaMQefI5xQ_iuE5fgpa9Ir6Esi2crhbBM6ZryBIXDEtRvmIze5L6SgaJvFnvZHTmSbC6HMfQjx3Misci4LJMj1-SO_FLEovQYXD0zFID/s640/hevea+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://heveababy.com/en/" target="_blank">Hevea Baby</a> makes pacifiers, a teether and bath toys. My daughter adores the bath toys, and the advantage to them is there are no holes for water to get in and grow mold inside. Here is a video from Hevea about the process of making natural rubber toys.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="229" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/49905635" text="" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="407"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://sophiegiraffeusa.com/index.html" target="_blank">Vulli</a>, makers of the famous Sophie the Giraffe teether, came out with their "So'pure" line that includes a 100% natural rubber version of Sophie, as well as other toys like natural rubber cubes and balls. Made in France, the line seems to be continually expanding - most recently adding other animals like the mouse and bird pictured here. Some are easier to find in the US than others.<br />
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<a href="http://sophiegiraffeusa.com/index.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow4WWVcyLJInK7SeWZ4j6rYwBXOzr1BhtyvIQQMjfIqV97K2Y0JCpvcP4HgL5hhbCDTlCiAjxghqZZtU1KHlLuLDz2L0tVPAiZZjIt67ODDnGbt7aKfckqWoWwRyR9GzNkKcSqL9EMBN7/s640/Vulli+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, there is also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=lanco&sprefix=lanco%2Cbaby-products&rh=i%3Ababy-products%2Ck%3Alanco" target="_blank">Lanco</a>, a manufacturer of natural rubber toys from Spain, with teethers and hand painted bath toys. They have been around since 1952, and have a wide variety of bath toys and teethers that are becoming increasingly available here in the US.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=lanco&sprefix=lanco%2Cbaby-products&rh=i%3Ababy-products%2Ck%3Alanco" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivpFUJ__Pn5W31d9DIWbnMcpBWCb6ZfgkR-C28jYveXM1JqWQmwrrCv87FGTceNEYqcBLjuen1eePqWjCXPtaTlVAxLYKDnOO-YY49pJPoToND2h68UWe5WyJgFPOrGBTtplVF4w4uo9k/s640/Lanco+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>NATURAL RUBBER BATH MATS</u></div>
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The thing I like about these mats by <a href="http://www.vitafutura.com/mats/rubber.asp" target="_blank">VitaFutura</a> is not only are they made of natural rubber, but they are also made in Germany, whereas all of the others are from China. They are available in numerous styles, sizes and colors,<b> including white</b>. Most say they are natural rubber and made in Germany - please check the individual product descriptions on the link provided.</div>
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<a href="http://www.vitafutura.com/mats/rubber.asp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aS7DxbZXpvsZlubpWuaQOzP1kn-sMWGCqHktQdThQ8_26VvRpH9-l-c7VehIJ5aPpq9IA-daraO5Sws-4Mp4RZmqqsdMdO4ebAyM7YLIcvvsT096XGhOdpv3SDauKhSSCf5bqKzQ6ps7/s640/vita+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/search/search_result.jsp;jsessionid=71AC592B929FF781A8A8332178907340.vcs-app-12-p-app2?_dyncharset=UTF-8&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.facetSearchRequest=true&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.facetSearchRequest=+&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Frepository%2FFacetSearchTools.facetTrail=SRCH%3Anatural+rubber+mat&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Frepository%2FFacetSearchTools.facetTrail=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=Search&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.pageSize=24&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.pageSize=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.saveRequest=true&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.saveRequest=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMin=1&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMin=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMinVal=2&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMinVal=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSort=predicate&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSort=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortPred=numprop%3Adescending%3Arelevance&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortPred=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortOrder=descending&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortOrder=+&searchBox=natural+rubber+mat&_D%3AsearchBox=+&_DARGS=%2Fstore%2Fviews%2Fcommon%2Fcontent%2Ffragments%2Fsearch_box_head.jsp.searchFormInHead" target="_blank">Vermont Country Store</a> carries two different white mats made of natural rubber, sized for a tub and a shower stall. </div>
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<a href="http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/search/search_result.jsp;jsessionid=71AC592B929FF781A8A8332178907340.vcs-app-12-p-app2?_dyncharset=UTF-8&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.facetSearchRequest=true&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.facetSearchRequest=+&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Frepository%2FFacetSearchTools.facetTrail=SRCH%3Anatural+rubber+mat&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Frepository%2FFacetSearchTools.facetTrail=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=Search&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.pageSize=24&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.pageSize=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.saveRequest=true&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.saveRequest=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMin=1&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMin=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMinVal=2&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.refineMinVal=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSort=predicate&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSort=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortPred=numprop%3Adescending%3Arelevance&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortPred=+&%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortOrder=descending&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fcommerce%2Fsearch%2Fcatalog%2FQueryFormHandler.searchRequest.docSortOrder=+&searchBox=natural+rubber+mat&_D%3AsearchBox=+&_DARGS=%2Fstore%2Fviews%2Fcommon%2Fcontent%2Ffragments%2Fsearch_box_head.jsp.searchFormInHead" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybJM9GtkogUfHe6WH62ydHkPBuZFUuqRACYc2VbJ7ZUnO6CTpK5i0cwmPjCdoGzzGxCGKjWmAcOnhbXq0kQMez_CaZq7ADxPJ9OtRdxaU555_ngbArBgzGrCZTuYFkc2Gt7on8BmHKRrc/s640/vermont+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amazon has a number of other mats that are made of natural rubber. Pictured left to right are:<br />
<ul>
<li>A small mat from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Small-Rubber-Safety-Mat-Blue/dp/B003TFZ08A/ref=sr_1_24?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1388461017&sr=1-24" target="_blank">Slip Solutions</a> (also available in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Large-Rubber-Safety-Mat-Blue/dp/B003TFZ184/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388445907&sr=8-2&keywords=natural+rubber+bath+mat" target="_blank">large size</a>), which is very affordable and comes in 3 colors.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005S6EEAS/ref=twister_B00GLO2W7S" target="_blank">Kikkerland</a> makes mats in several cute kids designs like this whale one.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ginsey-Rubbermaid-Extra-Large-Rubber/dp/B0029LHCZO/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1388461998&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Ginsey</a> mats come in blue and white, in sizes medium, large and extra large. There is also a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ginsey-Rubbermaid-Shower-Stall-Rubber/dp/B0029LHD3A/ref=sr_1_9?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1388461998&sr=1-9" target="_blank">shower stall</a> size.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQB1TUdzN-3DsR8vVGBhTwk2ASZYdtcNWczRh135YlcbHVzfBYKOoAUs96HU-H4GuoBcHbOaP-j0-oAC9jqbX1BSY5NDHSB8jyqDD9r1sCH_7krf58V4FXkQ0TNEKuQqiNSuWsO3UqcKC/s1600/amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQB1TUdzN-3DsR8vVGBhTwk2ASZYdtcNWczRh135YlcbHVzfBYKOoAUs96HU-H4GuoBcHbOaP-j0-oAC9jqbX1BSY5NDHSB8jyqDD9r1sCH_7krf58V4FXkQ0TNEKuQqiNSuWsO3UqcKC/s640/amazon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>OTHER NON-TOXIC BATH TOYS</u></div>
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We love, love, LOVE our Glueckskaefer sailboat in the bath! We've had it for over a year now with no mold problems (we always let it dry out well after the bath). In fact, it still pretty much looks brand new. <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/wooden-bath-toys/" target="_blank">Little Spruce Organics</a> carries a few of these boats that are made in Germany, as well as some pine boats made in Maine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/wooden-bath-toys/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmgn0lAj8sFzZiqLsoGB5IjFy5PAkJlRRY-RX95y3nVpNPipNn8zJw7FK6eTB50W42AhI-GsfN8ipAd4ZTUgY_17L4nlDyjjVanWu-ah2RK7K0KMzHRKGWktd2R0AbJyeB75FfZHqd7UR/s640/wooden+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMadeThem?section_id=6491799" target="_blank">Mama Made Them</a> on Etsy has a great selection of wooden bath toys - all handmade in West Virginia. Some fans proclaim that they are sturdy and wonderful as is, while others have said that to protect them and get them to last even longer, occasionally rubbing them with a beeswax finish can be helpful. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMadeThem?section_id=6491799" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54bfVQsWzxRllLc85B0P824AaP3BCq9Kf4yIFK7JV0ujMl-r_x8TwX1-EP7iEmHxNV9R2E6nDelCa4OQaP3Ir4vP-q9aJXSWGoQH36VPR5g8kr9Ypdg6A5E8KGjMULAwJnTdTaDVxZYHe/s640/wooden+toys+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, you can always go outside the box when it comes to bath toys. Of course I have new things pictured here, but these sorts of things can be purchased at thrift stores, yard sales or even just passing down old kitchen tools. Stainless steel is a great option for the bath.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1VF6_4_Y2tQZe7StNyTJsusfvO5ZRsdOXrmHI5cjTz-8BueWuD95-DbpbIjyQhRsv3t28MvqeY4U80EXuu0G76lAhFs4zizd8ZGRcjw_DKDwIdwElVZas_XW-GC6N1o-c4O-Mk1coq8_/s1600/stainless+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1VF6_4_Y2tQZe7StNyTJsusfvO5ZRsdOXrmHI5cjTz-8BueWuD95-DbpbIjyQhRsv3t28MvqeY4U80EXuu0G76lAhFs4zizd8ZGRcjw_DKDwIdwElVZas_XW-GC6N1o-c4O-Mk1coq8_/s640/stainless+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F12%2Fnatural-rubber-pacifiers-teethers-bath.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-v_zib_OswYg%2FUsLKpy2AcuI%2FAAAAAAAACNo%2Fea5VQkdgQ1c%2Fs1600%2Ffb%2Bimage.jpg&description=Natural%20Rubber%20Pacifiers%2C%20Teethers%2C%20Bath%20Mats%20and%20Non-Toxic%2C%20Eco%20Friendly%20Bath%20Toys"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-90920288740950486642013-11-18T11:40:00.000-05:002013-11-18T11:46:15.475-05:00The Ultimate Etsy Holiday Gift Guide<div class="nobrtable">
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<td><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-etsy-holiday-gift-guide-for-toys.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9XqxGHmEShgfEePm3LXVyEjNOIkz49_ypLhvlq2cnQP-tLQrxs_H7wYW0w9FjrZ87ONyH2WZX9__6bgZknzgEpHNtlJG_EWqV9w5Z4Br81Z-LGo9PnJA9p81u8TMa2_4aXAm5WCb-ZxL/s1600/TOY+Final.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-etsy-holiday-guide-for-womens-gifts.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAf_7aQ3ysL_ZoXW5rcTb_RSK1VmshtzGuQtKVKjiH7Pz3EpdzwnOA44wXmR3kUYYvRCrWa4cAwxOik3AFtNSg-HrEXsS1q_nzdJ88ehLIrY7iTQVGk8EznPb3cOyCi2IYQqCVclAPHYN/s1600/womens+final.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-etsy-holiday-guide-for-household.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnZS0JJOxwbDWjJ0G1IwJSmE57aaefAuOxt98iS3kKxit2ChgLhsMA3UM_G5WAsxs0HN7VkIdeKFiI1tJdofaE_f_0ASw8yX-sKM8gm2WoeC1_kiTiA4MA6Bxl1pExafMXdX8Ul6gkDqH/s1600/household+final.jpg" /></a></td>
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<td><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-etsy-holiday-guide-for-baby-and.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtla6KTpxW1ccgMrPV3WuhnNEEXPqJKyuZ9VoMZOh3qY1yrTakc_3sletDgQJZgzVVr5OUm2UU5crMmjaas442FeXO7bwUT_BJhlMa95fvgDJIY3XYhN1QNsfiaGJ1pZlGjYPdythii-br/s1600/baby+kids+final.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-etsy-holiday-guide-for-crafters-and.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHdJOdFm0nr9PxmRbkJtJfzw1edSRBkT8j3Wx039DEYlJL1I_fEbgFoiu7zGgveYmxjjzq4MMC0sgIRx_Z1XaulToZYqRbT_0BvrkUUqYPK_mS_mFZqcSMNi0aZhnqhUl_JJN8AiwhQEM/s1600/crafters+final.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-etsy-holiday-guide-for-decorations.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1syE-YbDLShWr0fmiPTJWlAkEz3BjGxohnQbEKvqSmSVm2Yln14PjfMzb6Fvb21Xv63LFACe1zvFFfJ4K5H9Fh-Wd_CQK-ww_HXL1l4lPkDMIyhyphenhyphenbMMslq3OHPRB20ZdAMdCwlusiXAa/s1600/holiday+final.jpg" /></a></td>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">**Make sure to act fast on made to order items and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">note shipping times!**</span><br />
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<a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/more-gift-ideas-and-recommended.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpOMWTcLAbfLZhywamkL7s7QgOA27MM7NoIO1dfBgthiHOmKq2vnHES3L5X9hpZuZT_dTztyBC45l3It9TgNmX_1KwpFD29iVN_LH3SVvKLNJe1NiN0RgegyZsDqNEQHwhck7gm_054xt/s1600/gift+ideas.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fthe-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mbvQ2Gw_SFc%2FUopEJFd3vjI%2FAAAAAAAACI4%2FdtK8RviQBpI%2Fs1600%2Fpinterest.jpg&description=The%20Ultimate%20Etsy%20Holiday%20Gift%20Guide" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-67610672640060859552013-11-18T11:19:00.001-05:002013-11-25T17:24:00.671-05:00The Etsy Holiday Gift Guide for TOYS!!!<div center="" text-align:="">
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">CLICK <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> TO CHECK OUT ALL 6 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OrchardWorks" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Orchard Works</a></div>
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These hand carved wands are simply stunning, and yet, shockingly affordable given their high quality materials and workmanship. Made in Connecticut, they are the perfect gift for the budding wizard or magician in your life!</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMadeThem" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Mama Made Them</a></div>
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Mama Made Them toys are gorgeous, and they are made in West Virginia by a single mother on a mission to have affordable, quality toys for her son. She carries a wonderful selection of figures, buildings, floating bath toys, vehicles and even a kitchen. Check out some of her teethers and more</div>
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featured in the Baby and Kids Guide.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeneathTheRowanTree" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Beneath the Rowan Tree</a><br />
There is something so exquisite about this hand dyed ethically sourced silk. Beneath the Rowan Tree, located in Northern Ontario, Canada, specializes in these handmade pieces for open ended play. She also sells precious hand knit doll clothing (and silk doll capes too!), as well as scarves that are featured in the Women's Gift Guide. For those looking to make your own gifts, check out her patterns and tutorials featured in the DIY/Crafter's Gift Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/paintingpixie" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Painting Pixie</a><br />
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These hand embroidered creations from Painting Pixie in Colorado are impeccably made. One is more beautiful than the last. These gnome, fairy and elf dolls are all made with natural and renewable materials.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Smiling Tree Toys</a></div>
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For those of you who have never heard of Smiling Tree Toys, I'm very excited to introduce you! Their heirloom quality toys are made in Minnesota from sustainably harvested American hardwoods, and really, the beauty of these toys speak for themselves. For more of their teethers and baby toys, check out the Baby and Kids Guide.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/laurascaramella" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Petite Nola</a><br />
Petite Nola has everything your child needs to care for their baby - from stylish diaper bags<br />
to matching "Mommy and Me" dresses (for daughter and baby doll) to moses baskets and more. All are sewn in Louisiana with high quality quilting fabric. Let them be just like mom or dad with some of the hippest accessories I've ever seen for dolls!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/laurascaramella" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiY7LjH7bsbCbEX-YLQzvN47qQ0A5bhrF3s52TcJBas6uPl_TF6ZxDcz3nhiDvtUH-KMgEf1YZ3h_qjgivKdXsMudDTzq7hJwCgVG-cX7eaBEvF1u4Xb6S83BGw2sRFOa-_UqFR8_N-_h/s640/laura+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaWestWind" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Mama West Wind</a></div>
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Mama West Wind makes Waldorf inspired peg doll creations including gnomes, fairies, birthday ring dolls, rainbow gnome clothes pins, pouch pals, nature table decor & ornaments, math & punctuation gnomes for home & school. The these adorable creations are hand crafted with love in New Mexico.</div>
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For more, check out Mama West Wind's holiday ornaments featured in the Holiday Guide.</div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/outofmyhead" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Out of My Head</a><br />
I just love these doll sling sets and laundry basket with matching doll clothesline so much! You can find a number of designs to choose from, and all are ready to ship from Maine. They are affordable and beautiful! Out of My Head also makes baby items, which you can find featured in the<br />
Baby and Kids Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/outofmyhead" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQG7MibZxXq4fXzLkURyDGvpP4KpJslYF5xECmSbLrIh5V_T0HaQk5Jkj7qJXWA3HHOzqODWT2J2h375xB1NBohzVBXZEMn7bNLskDpGTembPBPIpRFBjc28b4xCxRlV8vfU1qZ_bksFz/s640/head+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shroompers?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Shroompers</a><br />
How cute are these little mushroom friends? Made in Victoria, Canada, these Waldorf inspired toys are hand stitched with wool felt and stuffed with wool. Non-toxic glue is used where necessary, and every single one is precious!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/earthgrowncrayons" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Earth Grown Crayons</a><br />
Ditch the petroleum based crayons this holiday and give the gift of these eco friendly ones instead, created by a mother of three in Minnesota. Made of wax from American grown soy beans that are pesticide and herbicide free, these vibrant crayons come in many unique shapes for that special artist in your life.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/earthgrowncrayons" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzyX5N70c0Bi0g2C9X2GBviwFN4im4J4S-uvx7lkTH-tGHImuk1K3Zb-2yhDFELHuTGHUHHcHlNqRy3LUbNiZMm2rxgc7-rTNXwKFphEfl13X9p7hE4m4nQjEzEVaoOfMQki1-kBu6zno/s640/crayons+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/aewoodentoys" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">AE Wooden Toys</a><br />
This NY based company makes a wonderful variety of wooden toys. I love this wooden sword with matching felt sash that comes in different colors! The lumber is sourced from the US and finished with non-toxic paints or finishes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/aewoodentoys" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncutynynRlu890VMKCyb_IdRALNh4ReN4q8f_-hR0Bc7fIS-cCOaJrBB3gS4Ienn5jOo_qdKjHmCqH3PYShsu4KT4gaWFnJpEOLOBXhRjmmJfIymvmoclCvD5JNupXXaAJmBrESBm1QVS/s640/ae+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/woolies" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Woolies</a><br />
Is there anything more precious than these hand knit creations? Made of wool yarn and stuffed with wool filler, Woolies also has other stuffed friends made of cotton chenille and organic cotton. Everything is made in Arizona, and there are a number of ready to ship items available.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/woolies" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTin-sUg6l8ZkfiTk9cMozX85PQB1YE88l7n1ehGWivYbtDFOKALwoJFIsjcYEYOdGJAJRtz9TBc6ma8xdvM8z2_nseH-ZJN4PdSmkfgCLLQHK-ShUBF-Hv9VsYBtRwxcML8ztMh6aIlp/s640/woolies+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleAcornLearning" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Little Acorn Learning</a><br />
A store devoted to nature based learning, Little Acorn Learning sells Waldorf inspired items like this paint board and paint jar holder, playstands and more.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleAcornLearning" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstu9smP0jS55PIiLwv9uBatC4Cclu_RwgDgyPuiw4lYwAaGUhfzsUr-fKsj7JegCN9k1f8rmlNg7WGyBjOk0nBF_28AdZv5JfD9LK9ZqfBESCkAw7njRfZdF3DyTBts0NlpjcjWUA4cbV/s640/acorn+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fthe-etsy-holiday-gift-guide-for-toys.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-3Jfh91EXCqo%2FUomL9pAU1qI%2FAAAAAAAACHQ%2FKObcQqplyvA%2Fs1600%2FTOY%2BFinal.jpg&description=The%20Etsy%20Holiday%20Gift%20Guide%20for%20TOYS!!!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-2293060356018026942013-11-18T11:19:00.000-05:002013-11-19T16:24:30.998-05:00The Etsy Holiday Guide for Women's Gifts<div center="" text-align:="">
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">CLICK <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> TO CHECK OUT ALL 6 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LBArtworks" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">LB Artworks</a></div>
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I am so, so in love with these bags! All the designs are drawn and cut by hand in Tennessee, and each individual purse is a unique thing of beauty. The wood for the buttons is taken from fallen branches, and the appliques are made of ultra suede so vegans can rejoice! LB Artworks also makes adorable matching wallets, card holders and key chains. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyOlyGirl" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">My Oly Girl</a><br />
These skirts are made from upcycled sweaters. Each is handmade in Washington, and My Oly Girl also makes embellished pullover sweaters, summer skirts and funky petticoats slips. In addition, you can find her Christmas stockings made from similar upcycled sweaters featured in the Holiday Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyOlyGirl" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDfzq5htOgaJzNK8yO4FZMP60EjK8QLXGHDVTaSMCJS7U42u5l7aAw5KD0rhoY_fZkgFUDesDo6kttop0v4_mXxnQbc711PIVOJPNy4XsSy1GXaM-qkF_sTfWFOc9PV4EfhxLhUg-KRys/s640/my+oly+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These quilted tote bags from Michigan are all made from thrift store t-shirts! At least two shirts are repurposed for each bag, and they come in a variety of sizes and fun designs.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeneathTheRowanTree?section_id=6511075" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Beneath the Rowan Tree</a></div>
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Treat someone you love to one of these stunning hand dyed infinite scarves. Made from USA sourced cotton jersey, these scarves are all dyed and assembled in Northern Ontario, Canada. </div>
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You can find many more items from Beneath the Rowan Tree featured in the Toy Guide</div>
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as well as the DIY and Crafters Guide.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Linkaa?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Linkaa</a></div>
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Made from upcycled felted wool, the mittens are lined with cashmere, and with the exception of the floss, all materials used are recycled. These gorgeous creations are all made with</div>
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optimal warmth in mind in Missouri.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Linkaa?ref=l2-shopheader-name" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfB1HAcA5Lnxf9sRwXEskG_vR-cQot11wbA62j3Gg7F4QJbfefq-atTBWioV_C9Ir4BoOwIQOgAbYC2482ZGuCaGOZSkzNatAKSz5Uqv5by8f64avMkQGcMViHtnhn06ZHIBkIAQGHXrI/s640/linkaa+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnisland" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Yarn Island</a></div>
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NOTE: <u><b>These ship from Istanbul, Turkey</b></u> so there <u><b>may not be enough time</b></u> for them to clear customs before the holidays for my US readers, but they were too spectacular not to showcase! There are so many different styles and colors to choose from, and while some are made with a combination of acrylic and wool, others are 100% wool. Such an incredible selection!</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnisland" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIIGWxm7778umcHfDeXBbKy_5yD8-7951qS90GapeYhHCVWn0axiATAU7hk9mosGsVCnQ6vz9w7cdIpWYBIvbdgqlTifD8ZbY3NVAirySsviTSrLXNKkATAq9D0TPXSc-IORJiQn4i2W2/s640/yarn+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-44682082810205227132013-11-18T11:18:00.000-05:002013-11-19T16:25:28.571-05:00The Etsy Holiday Guide for Household Gifts<div center="" text-align:="">
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">CLICK <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> TO CHECK OUT ALL 6 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/riverwoodtrading?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Riverwood Trading Co.</a><br />
From jelly spoons and spreaders to salad servers, all of Riverwood Trading's gorgeous<br />
products are one of a kind, handmade in Pennsylvania.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/riverwoodtrading?ref=l2-shopheader-name" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nEObYZYDW3DWPwy5Q5YRTkmKLBCNAJRTtgMsLbQchocFIikjEWu_4qbGoSp2lj0QcgmIwbilfGc4ZKOSsA3BFFFZPw769P6WzR0w3UnpGbXsAwXeJB3_2f8aenbGmYCuwVlzvG0IX1Kh/s640/riverwood+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Handmade <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/70838507/wooden-coffee-scoop-handmade-from?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Apricot Wood Coffee Scoop</a>, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/60132075/wooden-ladle-handmade-from-cherry?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Cherry Ladle</a> and </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167908927/handmade-cherry-utensils-gift-set-of-4?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank">Set of 4 Cherry Utensils</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMemoriesQuilts" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Sweet Memories Quilts</a><br />
Sweet Memories Quilts is based out of Toronto Canada, and not only do they make these beautiful and functional dish cloths, but their primary focus is organic and bamboo crib sheets and baby blankets,<br />
which are features in the Baby and Kids Guide</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMemoriesQuilts" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_6A51hUFeEoLaI3ieEZPqGaz9xqh17G_Y0k9fpItHGLbXiP1OJD4dAL5UxnqZtSjAWLCK3_YVkADqz2JfTUBpYlAAOHIeK8FQRhnzIhiVSsU29wQ1h1QdU6ABJUyHMvU2lJZwjUMkHCC/s640/sweet+mem+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">100% Organic, Hand Knit <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMemoriesQuilts?section_id=11045509" target="_blank">Dish Cloths</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(Available in 14 Colors)</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/freshpastrystand?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Fresh Pastry Stand</a><br />
These prints are inspired by vintage Pyrex designs, and are handmade in Florida.<br />
Fresh Pastry Stand also has an impressive selection of beeswax candles,<br />
some of which you can find featured in the Holiday Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/freshpastrystand?section_id=11550499" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VvCgiDIftUCfzTRYTsCb1OxB8WxbKhhk4iEQVlHA1O6VU7sE4CVG4caJJXiEtAlAUOBs_2BK7lG5w3KRQKCiR-xuqPmB_AMZazRuoG9Ag69nxiHB1LeAJBRX__GOPfoWPHwQV_3g4HlM/s640/fresh+pastry+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">100% Cotton <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/freshpastrystand?section_id=11550499" target="_blank">Tea Towels</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Printed with Water Based Ink</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Creativewithclay?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Creative with Clay</a><br />
This ceramic studio in Washington creates some of the most unique pottery I've ever seen.<br />
From mugs to bowls to dishes, there are many treasures to be found here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5Ophmxc1v4uuKR5uwdq_9KMK4BC81f2LbSRfrRfgUFddUGS2Ly82MNocoek5mVl9I4m7-MuRyX4VCnhZ6J6tCcxwgLDJF7IMvz7JOdSx-o2hIlkG5-I2L9rMctgBqokH80pldq8skpGD/s1600/clay+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5Ophmxc1v4uuKR5uwdq_9KMK4BC81f2LbSRfrRfgUFddUGS2Ly82MNocoek5mVl9I4m7-MuRyX4VCnhZ6J6tCcxwgLDJF7IMvz7JOdSx-o2hIlkG5-I2L9rMctgBqokH80pldq8skpGD/s640/clay+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115856889/olive-tray-serving-tray?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Olive Serving Tray</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/72471027/handmade-oil-vinegar-bottle-in-ice-blue?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Oil and Vinegar Bottles</a>,</span><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116029751/cheese-serving-dish?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheese or Butter Serving Dish</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://hyenacart.com/littlegreenhonu/5238/category/7/Unpaper-Towels" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Little Green Honu</a> (on Hyenacart.com)</span><br />
These sturdy and absorbent unpaper towels are the perfect gift for someone ready to explore going paper free! All Little Green Honu items are handcrafted with "warmth and affection" in Oahu.<br />
They also carry wool interlock diapering items, fitted diapers, children's clothing, trainers and underwear, as well as wet bags.<br />
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<a href="http://hyenacart.com/littlegreenhonu/5238/category/7/Unpaper-Towels" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx92dRiYYbBQio5b-8Ua5mGrGzJQd7M1qgXSUczizgiF3ZTJ-V0vRNZNbWtzwD11Vm2btCadyUf4EsPF6YRHNLVvKC966h-FpL1a_zqQQ9a14Ey_mX7RYxgvC2eGJgzIGWcig28zHyaKX/s640/honu+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 Ply Unbleached Birdseye Cotton Unpaper Towels </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(available in <a href="http://hyenacart.com/littlegreenhonu/mt/5238/29229/12x12-Unpaper-Towels-" target="_blank">12" x 12" </a>and <a href="http://hyenacart.com/littlegreenhonu/mt/5238/19519/6x12-Unpaper-Towels-" target="_blank">6" x 12" sizes</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">serged with your choice of variegated threads</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">The High Fiber Co.</a><br />
Thinking of phasing out plastic bags and paper napkins? The High Fiber Co. carries one of the best collections I've seen of truly plastic free snack bags, produce bags and napkins. These products with fun appliques and printed designs are all hand sewn in North Carolina.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp1h1C48OLq7MAQsdzeBWf6VjVhiSQjbQvrAe_-GB__y3Y1umGRO18iQnoa8gppZq8aqGDftPLt5Cm9TXSg-qD-w-pVS5KegUHypB8Q8QLgouNeAeqCGQr6e6Lf-EgLtMFusmdeG3Aqrz/s640/high+fiber+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">100% Linen <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco?section_id=10038520" target="_blank">Napkins</a>, Cotton Reusable <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco?section_id=7094388" target="_blank">Snack Bags</a> (available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco?section_id=7962305" target="_blank">sets</a>) and Produce/Bulk <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco?section_id=7924531" target="_blank">Shopping Bags</a> with Fun Appliques/Prints</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbanBrewery" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Urban Brewery</a><br />
These brew kits from Michigan are extremely customizable in size, and have an excellent<br />
selection of beer choices. A fantastic gift idea for the beer enthusiast in your life!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbanBrewery" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-fn0eAAvtklLIf3uvO8iwGyDBtQ3wmz9gZsHbjeiYcnHYdqg-l8m94Cf1QrIRAghVk8d5AQ32LROVfP_JhJXEjSNC5igX76To75El9RL1nIkxzZyLueTZIWzuK55IllAtYgFQugF1pq3/s640/brew+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-27222300232485752862013-11-18T11:17:00.000-05:002013-11-19T16:26:11.092-05:00The Etsy Holiday Guide for Baby and Kids Gifts<div center="" text-align:="">
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">CLICK <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> TO CHECK OUT ALL 6 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMemoriesQuilts" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Sweet Memories Quilts</a></div>
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There are so many beautiful selections for babies from this store in Toronto, Canada. Organic bamboo crib sheets in all sizes, swaddle blankets and hand knit organic cotton blanket buddies are just a few of the colorful items you will find here. For hand knit dishcloths, check out the Household Guide.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMemoriesQuilts" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSku1Zx4NI_vryhdvobKFWMv4ahyxs6f0EZoN_AxjcATN3qmyh5ZCBkPOhIzkVNLqfuifGUaSsExlbR2DIMTnBJ7WAhNJ3AxabWbwtEjQUBaajxTtvQXujsZ5dkBUrVLBiczk9dUE3SNe/s640/sweet+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/farmfreshfiber" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Farm Fresh Fibers</a><br />
Looking for adorable wool clothing and accessories for children and babies? Farm Fresh Fibers has a large selection of very affordable scarves, mittens, sleep sacks, baby leg warmers, clothing and more - all hand knit in Vermont. Check out their patterns featured in the DIY/Crafters Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/farmfreshfiber" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnjPIYmbIcFM3FbsEmXhfLNjH4seTX1VF4Fgc4shkg08I2_vy7Ojh8LH5wA5-upDFlo3v8v4BYaxQjg5CKaz1x0C5-I-pAacmOXih2BfPUc-pmY-q__lquFpxzc3WvOONn5f0OdRDvDzM/s640/farm+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunshineSalad" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Sunshine Salad</a><br />
These patchwork pants come in a range of colors and styles, and are available in sizes 6 months up to 8 years. There are even yoga pants for mom and cute patchwork skirts for little girls. I have had my eye on this company from Oregon for some time now, and I'm so in love with these colorful pants!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunshineSalad" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg896leaDYXhFd7LwD26ClhsRLQx0L_t6WGYafrz0srh6FkTPmMhwCTOCTuHg-xX9vXO9BxBh1mwMRe9sJljlXf-ruoIdxMbgKhACKXXgMbyhfJQwN2dFcnRNe34z87iMazaXD31ZF8T3r6/s640/sunshine+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Smiling Tree Toys</a><br />
These heirloom quality personalized signs, baby rattles and toys are made in Minnesota from sustainably harvested American hardwoods, and really, the beauty of these toys speak for themselves. For more of their products, check out the Toy Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib-c2Fn_9a3eV6PWg8hRSfBsZ5Fn9GmapaOrAJG4NWZy9pDDstBIy6lT6zmhcy9fRLJqS2x-aYTVv-453QoGWBlkBwgsBZUyM7s2TqngOf0jUTHyW-nf66hLBLL2KqEEEAUCr_gt1qn96/s640/smiling+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElleGanT" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">ElleGanT</a><br />
I really love these hats! ElleGanT is a NJ based store that sells hats in baby, children's and even adult sizes, all hand knit or crocheted from cashmere, alpaca or organic cotton. The designs are just adorable!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElleGanT" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK1bgR98rF_bayWdPbxyi47kb6-90O4FksnksBTQAX78hL9BfwOFntGonuZtVnJK3pAXW7AMkYIrmxWi7xJdfheNp442oMQn2PaDeuklaUn_E2YYQzHxbcXDqZRhR1H_FF8lGfobgcZj4/s640/elle+final2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><br /></u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heidiandfinnstudio" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Heidi and Finn Studio</a><br />
Looking for hip, handmade clothing for children and babies, or modern baby blankets and bibs? Heidi and Finn of Toronto, Canada has a great selection of very fashion forward designs. If you are interested in trying your hand at making them yourself, check out their patterns featured in the Guide for Crafters and DIY Gifts.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heidiandfinnstudio" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSaijCQ5rjs_deboC2QlfM2yp2Pv9_yqlFoG5HzxZ9xpk4UC7C4YkD3Bxx_8Q589kL1VRagdi7ui-6Ep9GMWTNFP-FL_vqkd1cKLSq_2mdo_ZomhhZBBOx3Hhd2sEAIkLVIzPZ9-cI8H_/s640/heidi+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GlyntPottery" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Glynt Pottery</a><br />
There's no need for ugly plastic nightlights with these gorgeous lanterns from Glynt Pottery! Fill your child's bedroom with the glow of stars, flowers and more with these beautiful ceramic designs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GlyntPottery" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uXvyzFI1AJe2fhPQH_5odJmWpUm8q_uxtFIWRc-f_Np1J6ZTc5GKV-UrrIpWwDn_xNcnsziM9bQuQH7RX-PPlzw-XePjmx4Xj5UTbj1G2dl8llktlJtodCi5HuGc75hKrfqgjkbA_bQo/s640/glynt+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/outofmyhead" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Out of My Head</a><br />
Breastfeeding advocacy bibs, burp cloths and tees are just some of the fun embroidered designs you can find from this store in Maine. There's also clothing, baby blankets and more with many designs to choose from. Out of My Head also makes doll accessories, which are featured in the Toy Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/outofmyhead" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbE_4TEB6ffOaA6s4Agr9c0zuonPlcr5vXqknX_aObJtmlCF6dYdbG3ysywQHo64tzYUcjy4sCEVhnDV-2PYN5AX1CBcmLVZXfbNWUelI3j52P6lMgpmSwkRFAvGBDTk4tFk9TDUHng2K/s640/head+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://woollybottoms.com/catalog.php" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Woollybottoms</a><br />
While not on Etsy, I could not complete a gift guide for baby and kids without highlighting these slippers made of upcycled sweaters, and footies made of cashmere. The slippers come in sizes newborn to 4T, and the footies are sized for infants to toddlers. All items are made by hand at the Woollybottoms studio in Arkansas.<br />
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<a href="http://woollybottoms.com/catalog.php" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlFRh49dSboPUlA7hlToQnoP6OjsGbrfFkapJunxvO3Z6u_3HZoooXHB3knmc83oaOrkKFmlaTLysupgJNMiHYPqUiX5Ir6ZbMprZRx2lT_Cr1QIx5rjCCDNI3Ri2B7gCm3wgKJWlp27m/s640/woolly+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMadeThem" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Mama Made Them</a><br />
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Mama Made Them toys are gorgeous, and they are made in West Virginia by a single mother on a mission to have affordable, quality toys for her son. These keys, teethers and stacker are the perfect gift for babies and toddlers. For more featured items, check out the Toy Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMadeThem" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL7u7rFgZaERUoiCHhNCYmsPhah72kANmCvZQwps-5bvkknM9P4U3Sbc8L1rPT0oiBp5o7uC0CfEhczLkG8kfjca2yA-ih6b6radsJ68sOJg98AOihDNJc5vi708ZLUaV4Qb0RTUUnOx_/s640/mama+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">The High Fiber Co.</a><br />
These organic cotton onesies and tees are available all the way up to a size 4T. They are handmade in North Carolina. To see more of these unique designs on snack bags and produce bags, check out the Household Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehighfiberco" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1PuigKJstwSeIBdBptY7XZwHcocbBDwiFcjJxJEsYtc6dswI7G3CnjCMvLHRqOkzc-hHClcFp0Hzs0RJLetMukPEScIKnDeLHMBx-vWvEyXjVPMIKqfOYDXEakloN4A7i5wiubGH87W8/s640/high+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-51533883388059740982013-11-18T11:16:00.000-05:002013-11-19T16:26:48.493-05:00The Etsy Holiday Guide for Crafters and DIY Gifts<div center="" text-align:="">
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">CLICK <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> TO CHECK OUT ALL 6 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewFineFabric" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Sew Fine Fabric</a><br />
As a fabric collector myself, I can honestly say I have never seen such an astounding assortment of fabrics! From mod to vintage inspired to children's designs, in organic and traditional cotton and even organic home decor fabric.. Sew Fine Fabric has it ALL! You're not going to find this stuff at the large craft stores, so take a look for yourself and buy your fabric from this shop based out of Ohio, where<br />
Jodi has done all the collecting for you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewFineFabric" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bJPZl2kuP9MlO8CgSimmSTRMlZPtrkYqOuPlk1YYuuuP2mKNIWIobi4TrVum1Yz_6IM-UfzVoqFbTM_r6biOGFELPage-Bih9gS22ZleuwzV_Ofa7NR6TLI8aD0Dd7DQjfyjpPfESS0y/s640/sew+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krisscraft?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Krisscraft</a></div>
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Get the knitter or crafter in your life one of these handy bags by Krisscraft. They are full of large pockets for organizing, and some even have matching knitting needle or sewing bags. THESE SHIP FROM THE UK but they are ready to ship, so if US readers act fast, they may make it in time for the holidays!</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krisscraft?ref=l2-shopheader-name" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismry2XJL_1scYvcsTDIPKOkhSCIkGEpDmKNMtFEwwshWQEMY94r9qApSdKSB6T3xPcv3lVJc5NI-EZpdibGRh_hjo1tJhyphenhyphenoAQl2kB6RxDJwf8ED8qBJ3ZhrfumOn_DJ1lgaCoupL-58Dt/s640/kris+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GlyntPottery" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Glynt Pottery</a><br />
Based out of Virginia, Glynt Pottery not only makes these wonderful yarn bowls that are perfect gifts for knitters, but they also have ring keepers and kitchen ceramics. Check out the very cool ceramic night lights featured in the Baby and Kids Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GlyntPottery" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx0P9ENiUUF8M6CoCylLo0V0WoHKBy7IXuIhe06Z95lKZiX6sN4bur6wvDSCrbmorqnB32Yz9gCQ-kiPCtnC8Ab6EU4PEO-qfUkzZTMkJ-v6Ly93iMuBq-4pBYaO7aB4t_1bTtLAbtOa3/s640/glynt+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeneathTheRowanTree?section_id=5779230" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Beneath the Rowan Tree</a><br />
There are numerous fun tutorials and patterns available at this store in Northern Ontario.<br />
Pictured below are dryer balls, a girl's twirl skirt and felted animals, but there are also instructions for<br />
satin flowers, mobiles, tie dying and more. Plenty of ideas for DIY gifts!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJS5MHkricRFTEgEVBVxMgw8nKcWteXwiZev_VV0ZrFyy0smKDQRnt9zphuWvd0SHh8Kj2A_gjUI1loZLUtmQx1mLsuUYmsxPxNZZsSWTLu0_A2XH73hivAkbG-6qCpVZqp2UtAwOB9NY/s1600/rowan+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJS5MHkricRFTEgEVBVxMgw8nKcWteXwiZev_VV0ZrFyy0smKDQRnt9zphuWvd0SHh8Kj2A_gjUI1loZLUtmQx1mLsuUYmsxPxNZZsSWTLu0_A2XH73hivAkbG-6qCpVZqp2UtAwOB9NY/s640/rowan+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/farmfreshfiber?section_id=14027040" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Farm Fresh Fibers</a><br />
Below are just a few of the patterns offered from this Vermont based store.<br />
There are several patterns for felted items as well as a knitted sleep sack. They also carry<br />
knit items for sale that are featured in the Baby and Kids Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/farmfreshfiber?section_id=14027040" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Zy5brWCkyX4xTpu48ByEvfPhzIS5l6cGw8QwFHwebh_TaSifoQzyNB5QdVzMkVPDnLGJq1eO73lc7EqJkpbHaCvF1AMnutjraq0fU2s7biXGAMY5N0OOjqeApK45GQK8JEsFCHFm_Ger/s640/farm+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PetitGosset" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Petit Gosset </a><span style="font-size: x-large;">(formerly Nobby Organics)</span><br />
These are just some of the absolutely adorable patterns/tutorials for doll clothing by Petit Gosset in NY.<br />
They also carry Ozark handspun and hand dyed yarns in gorgeous colors.<br />
Lots of material for special gifts!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PetitGosset" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ecgWkuVJ0S3fUOuLHn_uqbSI-8aPHZczwc67QOOtvWj5WgeeZuqP5KmrPz97kJi-Q33q3-mGg4KAjXhPku3h501f4_cxAknIAQNRlVzsgEXasTYOsFybf1UPFZaY0K0_nc4sH41gmdsm/s640/nobby+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DalaiMamaPatterns" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Dalai Mama Patterns</a><br />
I just love these sewing patterns for doll clothing by Dalai Mama Patterns, based in NY.<br />
From dresses to pants to jumpers, there's everything you need to clothe a precious doll.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DalaiMamaPatterns" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJubkRqguKDOEnRWOaYtyavW73xQ66l36kNOt_564QRIk9ZM9RSX1d2U9IoChCe5NBG4kENP1VOZWFfb_aqBQYg5E5EXqLzqx9krmUS0tCtL374VSdv8wMpT5YW9AvX4oVA3IP-TTqCz1/s640/dalai+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heidiandfinn" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Heidi and Finn</a><br />
For those looking to make that special child in their life some clothing for the holidays, look no further than Heidi and Finn, a shop from Toronto. These are some of the hippest pieces of clothing I've ever seen for children! Tops, bottoms, jackets and dresses - it's all here. If you'd rather purchase the clothing ready made, please check out their feature in our Baby and Kids Guide.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heidiandfinn" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UnmDe8MLL1qtnqdcQMW01BIEXAQI-aglepwJM5WYZKya9FqtQkJtPF65Uc1BNBWGoAEs9oOxwgouLqFku795m8tWjezolwadXo5NoklzFVzfSDqFV6Tg64GrnepojsVWvJT9wuaKQgiF/s640/heidi+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-59008058339885590712013-11-18T11:15:00.000-05:002013-11-19T16:27:20.973-05:00The Etsy Holiday Guide for Decorations<div center="" text-align:="">
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">CLICK <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ultimate-etsy-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> TO CHECK OUT ALL 6 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MelanieCuts" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Melanie Cuts</a></div>
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I was so in awe of these menorahs, serving platters and trivets from Melanie Cuts in Illinois. These are just a few of her stunning designs available. Definitely worth a look!</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MelanieCuts" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dKB4cud8b0uik_2rtQxODqEKWNmH3Kjrf4EpU3Tf9MtIBVTbNVjQwDtkv48W-9e_fP5u0-xKI9rN4-LF1ErBu_859b5hgELctgNpUFMPhGZenOvlyDgCk_le_JI208vLc9uuK6s2NWOq/s640/mel+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/freshpastrystand?section_id=14335625" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Fresh Pastry Stand</a><br />
Don't forget the candles for your holiday season! No need for petroleum based paraffin candles with these natural beeswax candles for all holiday occasions. Handmade in Florida, consider ditching the toxic scented candles and fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of natural beeswax.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/freshpastrystand?section_id=14335625" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllKGkRYfqhwcSifjB8QoOPCoPLm1nxwdqBXWXFZjPj0Xk4ZxpgCukHk98GMOVKIfXKKve45OdKIBkmIgLaolPwmm1TAScGdQ4aJjNvPtTXhQR7CMLWbDiBWoBZvbjSSD1QeIZnB-scLkE/s640/fresh+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/aliciatodd" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Cheerful Things</a><br />
I love these festive holiday wreaths and ornaments made from upcycled wool! All the materials are 90-100% wool, and handmade in Oklahoma. There are a number of styles to choose from, especially ornaments.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/aliciatodd" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdQY-BvnFoyzaETNVsfqszUeQP9u0qBZA1YPK6hUjD3RdTopzYPIVJAbNY9iZNWZM-ZixhYGdrRwo2uiw8AODMw5TSk5EHHagZAcQP2aUKO9dILPHlmr-goFzKKo4I6jLU94H9hUqgYOs/s640/cheer+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyOlyGirl?section_id=14135038" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">My Oly Girl</a><br />
These one of a kind stockings are made in Washington from upcycled felted wool sweaters. They can be personalized for an additional charge, and there's many unique designs available.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyOlyGirl?section_id=14135038" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOEh995HZ2HgvYiepCCuaekb9s3kVsXeH9Z7vpbLLsCCrOofxLOOuiabxFPuzNx1rGUVz3sZGhoGmYjNk3UPngOyKjqCv4I0dl3k6719wBJNoopHpUonz4_Nu8JJBe6j0WCWCaJvMTy5F/s640/oly+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86554898/nativity-deluxe-no-stable?ref=shop_home_active" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Mama Made Them</a><br />
This is a gorgeous handmade nativity set from Mama Made Them in West Virginia. Make sure to check out the Toy Guide for more items!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86554898/nativity-deluxe-no-stable?ref=shop_home_active" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjictY8fZrYLFA_ILa9eUb0v3SQ3xE2aisNUGT2McypUTHwOiaZVYyG0ZjpbNvm6ZopEGR1EsshAoL_iG0hRD5gTt4GaQ8PlMCD8SWcRGRoZcaEf9Uq_VXE9zWIQC-4dL1vxOc6nBCHhAKu/s640/nativity4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernFair" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Modern Fair</a><br />
These beautiful, roomy stockings are made with vintage European wool fabrics, and lined with USA grown organic cotton. They are all handmade in Canada, and are available with personalized appliques of initials, Hebrew letters and even a Star of David for those blending traditions.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernFair" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW0lQBaQoDJ7ReehXpJ4RWLi-BINGiskY4NDIUo4FqpKeUVwwplPy6t8mMsdY29ntb1bgVgCK3Pfd30tl28NKigVBNatEK2xOfA-yeKv5w3b1PcIdIbqUdKce4b5BdZTpJJ26RV81uyX-/s640/stocking+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaWestWind?section_id=10772347" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Mama West Wind</a><br />
I just love the simplicity of these vibrant, adorable, Waldorf inspired holiday ornaments and figures. All are handmade in New Mexico with upcycled wool felt.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaWestWind?section_id=10772347" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Zxqd9gYXGqJtqsHso9W7eB8mVzDg_xx59fWPfZ_GEsa1nuZ7aON4kb3-KitSqr5K4qYGg-IBdCJdaOR2jySBxZ8qGo9ZVd1xYELEOklkdf9wUSO8tCXRWvWcj8_evBwDEPL35w-F9w3v/s640/mama+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys?section_id=12124599" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Smiling Tree Toys</a><br />
From foxes and owls to snowflakes and mittens, with more than 20 designs to choose from there is something for everyone in this selection of personalized ornaments. They are made in Minnesota from sustainably harvested American maple.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys?section_id=12124599" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZfu43R4rSFdI64kha3BHi3rxNZoZV_4uffyly95LV6mq2_tRRnqZocn1zXNOz0vKcqZYJutm_-24Ma_lX0o3iITF8drHjbU9NPlOY_f6WuvRI9Y3Ectrv7pxm5Dkm4Gr56Wr7SZP5726/s640/smile+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-62282537458065461282013-11-18T11:14:00.000-05:002013-11-18T21:58:32.572-05:00More Gift Ideas and Recommended Retailers from The Mindful HomeI have compiled some previous posts with a few more gift ideas and ways to support smaller businesses this holiday season. Everyone always compliments my shopping bags, and they were a Christmas present that I requested many years ago. If some kind relative is asking for ideas for gifts, perhaps consider things you've seen here and always wanted to try, like Abeego or those stainless steel airtight storage containers. For more gift ideas for babies and kids, check out the tabs for other posts above. I have also compiled a list a great retailers below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/02/reusable-shopping-bags.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcht9cEncY8wPKT_i2fxUHRKVi2VbqZLEFOJ8XeE5Pq5O5hZ0pvWtug6cWEstWsSicqtEtCtHnTa0LLQ9ll3aalqfXAJ1ErBmONiDSXhdzY7Tb8pKtbMEuCBVip10F2dsMo9MAtgYc26Gy/s1600/shopping+bag.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Reusable<br />Shopping Bags</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-prepara-oil-mister.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkRmfZIGSNDZUZzu7598A0uvOshgwJ4RTT_a1niEnrG9LDDUsZEG4jcAM-Fkce9G8Hn91VP4hHZ4Dkazru-zmocwTIDb804xai-kMPJHhwALKWgzfZk0U9XanYFBOwZoJAXg46Dijn7Pd/s1600/oil+mister.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Prepara Glass<br />Oil Mister</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/02/eneloop-rechargeable-batteries.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgw8ZAWuW4jjxkGQVzXVfihpD-h7FHATYYKoq_Dv1qRGcyrBWzFw-p8Q8F_KMGKkfzOPCyA-PVn2tyHp3kULyYIl6rcRSQ2hc9hnyDt0cmiC-3h1YGUWM7TYn65TIlmUOH74HuOuE6fh1/s1600/eneloop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Rechargeable<br />Batteries</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/02/loohoo-wool-dryer-balls.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zrZYvBtX8x9j4FQ0-RgdL4Ff9wvg5b59sYo0FnCDifxu0tisZHtYrm6dG1Ng-nBEurIPcbkqB3PTMpORF8UV2giD3Oz6jjN8ld2zmNXPcQYnKXfjQ4y1wS7jfiBWBkEv2KSEalZeyzLq/s1600/loohoo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>LooHoo Wool<br />Dryer Balls</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/03/abeego-food-storage-alternative-to.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0r1j4FlqUzK6D6UcPgVCUzIb7CwhkG5fntxzqogpjxxv4Ea62K4xaYoq6-g_UaB4kJjTNr74ReP1tRFJuSzNzaRuXLfS9xlUhPjvgEvooDHUHLGv-jg464Jyta1B-TdVbJKrk5hy-QptP/s1600/IMG_4662+-+Wrap.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Abeego<br />Food Storage</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/eco-friendly-childrens-lunch-products.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWLtQJFiYnwFaNyHsxmJpPc1uy5MDYFdOLJZStwsZw7FivAThkYtyUlwjtWDN0IkAf6RMr62gOolqInZ5J_k3bDB_ss1yc5NxKup2GYJeHIkdweKgQYK9oL78qVVgqpzYtFAcnzwUHYzX/s1600/lunch.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Eco Friendly<br />Lunch Supplies</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/09/onyx-stainless-steel-ice-pack-and-ice.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2tIjj1-m4n4NF_XhJBwQnbBih_3Ofco-wvJxEV5KgbyQKeAqn_4ORncSegzMOoRL3XBNuCi4A7XtK86HrkPZLJaWOmS4aEQHoUx_OK3Cy_RiYECwqhhT04MhSwUaxaudzTxomP_fELA3/s1600/onyx+ice.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Onyx Stainless<br />Steel Products</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/eco-friendly-pet-supplies-hemp-collars.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaGHkTLjWybrtpljehNRLwnRexC5QrjOs6ZYVkHubJcAiQ2owL3uZHbehpLFUGqdMrUQ98u0s70uCdkY3TxUV1EJIgff35JIdUfE6eoD1RjrmmksUXPKcSXgNzmDLzS6ytEUwNP0-B6RZ/s1600/dog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Eco Friendly<br />Pet Supplies</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="nobrtable">
<table border="0" bordercolor="#4c2b0c" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="float: left; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr style="float: left; text-align: left;">
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
<tr><td><ul>
<li><a href="http://littlespruceorganics.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Little Spruce Organics</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.asmallgreenfootprint.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Small Green Footprint</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ecobags.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ECOBAGS</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/" target="_blank">The Tickle Trunk</a> (non plastic storage)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.stubbypencilstudio.com/Header_Footer_XHTML/Home_new.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stubby Pencil Studio</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=418656&u=751462&m=42762&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For Small Hands</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nest.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nest European Toys + Home</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Toy Garden</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.palumba.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Palumba</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.novanatural.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nova Natural</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bellalunatoys.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bella Luna Toys</span></a></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-67593467609261667452013-10-30T14:27:00.000-04:002014-02-06T23:55:24.692-05:00Cloth Diapering with Wool Part Two: Wool Care, Wool 101 and Wool FAQ'sSo now you've read <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/cloth-diapering-with-wool-everything.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Part One of my Guide to Cloth Diapering with Wool</b></span></a> and you're convinced you want to try wool. What next? This will cover everything you need to know!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CONTENTS:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#supplies"> SUPPLIES</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#measurements">TAKING MEASUREMENTS</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#washing">WASHING</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#lanolizing">LANOLIZING</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#lano">LANOLIZING MORE THAN ONE PIECE</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#drying">DRYING</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#shaving">SHAVING</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#problems">PROBLEM SOLVING/FAQ's</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#bleeding">BLEEDING WOOL/RESETTING DYE</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE ARE SOME OF THE MANY GUIDES I'VE PUT TOGETHER. MAKE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT TOO!</span></strong><br />
<div>
- <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-complete-guide-to-non-toxic-eco.html" target="_blank">The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic, Eco Friendly Baby Gear</a><br />
- <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/eco-friendly-childrens-lunch-products.html" target="_blank">Eco Friendly Children's Lunch Products</a> (many of these ideas you won't find anywhere else)<br />
- <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/04/non-toxic-summer-fun-including-pvc-free.html" target="_blank">Non-Toxic Summer Fun</a> (Including PVC Free Swimmies)<br />
- The 6 guides I put together for Mothering.com's <a href="http://www.mothering.com/community/a/sustainable-style-for-back-to-school-the-ultimate-guide-to-green-supplies" target="_blank">The Ultimate Guide to Green School Supplies</a><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="supplies">SUPPLIES:</a></strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">*NOTE:</span></strong> I have not used all of these products, but am listing them as "recommended" based on common use among experienced users in the wool diapering community. It is by no means all that is available - there are lots of wool care brands out there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-nLeoSbUgKQ-xcFDwCyTYjlIm3OS8Y1AQuDoO91fO2rpN4LOKg7iDaF-pMci8F83PUrVGEhOScwL0SkqyWu_uNl2QHyC-Vfcxr5Kj0d993p63EU___D-kzkHvwOWJvgSBB_2C1ETg_8I/s1600/65178-ecover-delicate-wash-1L11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-nLeoSbUgKQ-xcFDwCyTYjlIm3OS8Y1AQuDoO91fO2rpN4LOKg7iDaF-pMci8F83PUrVGEhOScwL0SkqyWu_uNl2QHyC-Vfcxr5Kj0d993p63EU___D-kzkHvwOWJvgSBB_2C1ETg_8I/s320/65178-ecover-delicate-wash-1L11.jpg" height="320" width="123" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">WASHING WOOL:</span><br />
<br />
It is not necessary to buy "wool wash" with lanolin, but it is certainly OK to do so if you like. Many use liquid baby soap (see brands below), or delicates wash. I personally used Ecover Delicates Wash to wash my wool, Seventh Generation Dish Liquid if it was really dirty, and thin shavings of Ewe Need It wool wash bar to emulsify my lanolin.<br />
<ul>
<li>Baby Soap/Shampoo: Earth Mama Angel Baby, California Baby</li>
<li>Delicates Wash: Ecover Delicates (purple top)</li>
<li>Wool Wash Bars: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/106991151/6oz-solid-wool-wash-bar?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Ewe Need It</a>, <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/sheepish-grins-lanolin-wool-wash-bar/" target="_blank">Sheepish Grins</a>, <a href="http://beegreennaturals.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=4" target="_blank">Bee Green Naturals</a>, <a href="http://www.gro-via.com/grovia-wool-wash-bar.html" target="_blank">Grovia</a>, <a href="http://www.kissedbythemoon.com/Lanolin-Wool-Wash-Bars-Moon-Shaped.html" target="_blank">Crow Mountain Crafts</a></li>
<li>Liquid Wool Wash w/Lanolin: <a href="http://beegreennaturals.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=6" target="_blank">Bee Green Naturals</a> (also available <a href="http://beegreennaturals.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=89" target="_blank">without lanolin</a>), <a href="http://woollybottoms.com/item_1668/Eucalan-Wool-Wash.php" target="_blank">Eucalan</a>, <a href="http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/laundry-Naturally-Luxe-WOW-Organic-Liquid-Wool-Wash.html" target="_blank">Naturally Luxe</a>, <a href="http://www.kissedbythemoon.com/Crow-Mountain-Crafts-Liquid-Wool-Wash.html" target="_blank">Crow Mountain Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/cjs-all-natural-liquid-wool-wash/" target="_blank">CJ's</a>, plus many more...</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">STAIN REMOVAL:</span> <br />
<br />
When removing stains on knits, it is important to be gentle and try not to rub but instead, pinch the stain remover into the knit. Rubbing the fibers together (the way you would to scrub a cotton garment) may cause felting. However, with interlock you can rub the stain remover of your choice onto the wool freely.<br />
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAIZR4sbcVfntChCAL-jHMvVCnLOVfS4uun-Uh56gO3k6Vf_xBOpYCqXTvtpsD8oI0OIYg2qPBIUDnrhKZAo7wGB9oUtkN3vNwFOwSZ6lvz9BRPiHRMV1hGBlWlgZ_bWsVlpZCDo8Rpda/s1600/fels-3-f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAIZR4sbcVfntChCAL-jHMvVCnLOVfS4uun-Uh56gO3k6Vf_xBOpYCqXTvtpsD8oI0OIYg2qPBIUDnrhKZAo7wGB9oUtkN3vNwFOwSZ6lvz9BRPiHRMV1hGBlWlgZ_bWsVlpZCDo8Rpda/s200/fels-3-f.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></a>
<li><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/seventh-generation-natural-dish-liquid-free-and-clear-25-fl-oz-1?csrc=GPF-PA-732913227334&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=732913227334&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=732913227334&gclid=CJe6udTLlLoCFUyd4AodHHsAMA#" target="_blank">Seventh Generation Free and Clear Dish Liquid</a> - great for stripping wool too!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.soap.com/p/fels-naptha-heavy-duty-laundry-soap-bar-662578?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_S&utm_term=ADC-200&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1555757677&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla" target="_blank">Fels Naptha</a> - found at most grocery stores and big box stores, it is one of the more widely used stain removers in wool diapering circles, but it does not have the most natural ingredients. Use with caution though, as some have reported fading after soaking with it.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nest.ca/index.php?product=RUS4701&c=65" target="_blank">Sonett Gall Soap Stain Remover</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kissedbythemoon.com/Buncha-Farmers-Stain-Remover_p_989.html" target="_blank">Buncha Farmers Stain Remover</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/laundry-Imse-Vimse-Stain-Soap.html" target="_blank">Imse Vimse Wash Away Stain Soap</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxHgkR6wHGZGWiSSlfaqw3SPE25T9DTF4YtiAc9fJuGKfx0SL-uzyh9-ihEJcttFDAjGDzEZgfMe5wSz8CpRzjF3Ky003BS4vRIfGFfAcvQIM-xZL96ULo0FUEMJIxisB8Ts1vMcfiEh7/s1600/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxHgkR6wHGZGWiSSlfaqw3SPE25T9DTF4YtiAc9fJuGKfx0SL-uzyh9-ihEJcttFDAjGDzEZgfMe5wSz8CpRzjF3Ky003BS4vRIfGFfAcvQIM-xZL96ULo0FUEMJIxisB8Ts1vMcfiEh7/s200/300.jpg" height="200" width="89" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">STRIPPING WOOL:</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
It is good to occasionally strip wool of lanolin, particularly when storing it for a long period of time or if it starts to smell funky. Soaking it with the soap listed below for a good 15 minutes and then washing with it should remove the lanolin. You may need to repeat several time to remove all of the lanolin, depending on how lanolized the piece was. This is also good for extra dirty wool.</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/seventh-generation-natural-dish-liquid-free-and-clear-25-fl-oz-1?csrc=GPF-PA-732913227334&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=732913227334&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=732913227334&gclid=CJe6udTLlLoCFUyd4AodHHsAMA#" target="_blank">Seventh Generation Free and Clear Dish Liquid</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">LANOLIN:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGBDRteOY-pVQ1Og0_7efzuvoN9MPByHycWAiGt4ky-nliz-lakjIOLu4GkFoKLaeIj4b4mUPQHn-P5SWncXBNZqgSo_FUNiSsUD3pBaxdktBywXiAb3zg8Vwm8VORXdDJoge3a38g0SW/s1600/DSC_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGBDRteOY-pVQ1Og0_7efzuvoN9MPByHycWAiGt4ky-nliz-lakjIOLu4GkFoKLaeIj4b4mUPQHn-P5SWncXBNZqgSo_FUNiSsUD3pBaxdktBywXiAb3zg8Vwm8VORXdDJoge3a38g0SW/s320/DSC_0849.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
You always, always want SOLID lanolin. Not liquid, unless you're using spray (I'll get to that) and while some say it's OK to use Lansinoh, the general consensus is that most people have issues with it not lanolizing properly, so it's best to stick to SOLID lanolin.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://beegreennaturals.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=5" target="_blank">Bee Green Naturals</a>, <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/sheepish-grins-solid-lanolin/" target="_blank">Sheepish Grins</a>, <a href="http://hyenacart.com/WildCoconutWear/mt/129/58857/WCW-Solid-Lanolin-Scented-and-Unscented" target="_blank">Wild Coconut Wear</a>, <a href="http://sloomb.myshopify.com/collections/wool-care/products/sloomb-solid-lanolin" target="_blank">Sloomb</a>, <a href="http://www.kissedbythemoon.com/Crow-Mountain-Crafts-Lanolin-Balm-4oz_p_929.html" target="_blank">Crow Mountain Crafts</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">SPRAY LANOLIN:</span><br />
<br />
Not to be confused with "liquid lanolin," spray lanolin can provide a little boost between officially lanolizing your wool again. Also, some who use interlock don't do lanolin baths and only use spray lanolin on the wetzone. The reason being that interlock is already partially felted, which pulls the fibers closer together and makes it denser and more leak proof than knits. For those who want to try wool but are scared of hand washing, I'd give interlock a try. You can technically wash it in a washing machine, and provided you change the diaper frequenly, you may be able to get away with using a lanolin spray instead of soaking in a lanolin bath. For more information on the difference between interlock and knits, see <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/cloth-diapering-with-wool-everything.html#typesofwool" target="_blank">Part One</a> of my wool post. <br />
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Some brands that make lanolin spray are:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.kissedbythemoon.com/CJs-BUTTer-Woolie-Revitalizer.html" target="_blank">CJ's</a>, <a href="http://www.thanksmama.com/Sheepish_Grins_Creamy_Lanolin_Spray_p/shg-008.htm" target="_blank">Sheepish Grins</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/alioops" target="_blank">Alioop</a>, <a href="http://www.kissedbythemoon.com/Crow-Mountain-Crafts-Lanolin-Mist_p_518.html" target="_blank">Crow Mountain Crafts</a>, <a href="http://beegreennaturals.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=7" target="_blank">Bee Green Naturals</a>, <a href="http://www.gro-via.com/grovia-lanolin-spray.html" target="_blank">Grovia</a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SHAVERS:</span><br />
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Yes, if you want to keep those little pesky pills at bay and keep your wool looking nice, you will need to shave it. It is not absolutely necessary of course, as it is mostly it is for aesthetic reasons, but if you want to shave it there are instructions below and you will need either an electric shaver or a pumice stone.<br />
<ul>
<li>The small (not the giant) <a href="http://sloomb.myshopify.com/collections/wool-care/products/evercare-fabric-shaver" target="_blank">Evercare shaver</a>, sold at many stores, is widely recommended. It is important to shave your wool BEFORE washing/lanolizing, so the blades don't get clogged up with lanolin.</li>
<li>I owned this small <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remington-Battery-Operated-Fabric-Shaver/dp/B0034BV6KA" target="_blank">Remington shaver</a>, and I think it shaves better, but it is a major pain to keep the battery cover and the lint catch from falling off while shaving.</li>
<li>As I will detail in the instructions below, some use pumice stones as well with success. This is a great plastic free option! And according to Shannon of <a href="http://woollybottoms.com/" target="_blank">Woollybottoms</a>, it is far more effective!</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="measurements">TAKING MEASUREMENTS:</a></strong></span><br />
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There are typically four measurements discussed when talking about wool and diapers. When measuring your child, <u>all measurements are taken with a diaper on</u>, to ensure proper fit over the diaper. It is easiest to use a flexible measuring tape. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">MEASURING YOUR CHILD</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<iframe align="right" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="3" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gSVFpwuizhI" width="300"></iframe>
<li><strong>Rise:</strong> this is the distance from front to back measured between the legs over the diaper, but snug against the diaper. Start measuring from one side of the waistband (i.e. front) and pull the measuring tape between the legs to the other side and end at the waistband. See the video for the demo. This is the FIRST measurement she takes in the video. When measuring your child, YOU WILL WANT TO ADD AT LEAST AN INCH TO THIS MEASUREMENT, to ensure that the wool completely covers the diaper.</li>
<li><strong>Inseam:</strong> Since the pant leg starts centered between the legs, with the diaper on, start centered between the legs and bring the tape measure down along the leg (as the pant would fall) and end where you want your pant leg to end. Don't forget to account for future growth spurts! :) Pant legs can always be cuffed initially. This is covered in the video as well.</li>
<li><strong>Waist:</strong> This is taken at the top of the diaper, similar to where you would measure your waist on yourself. See the video for demo.</li>
<li><strong>Hips</strong><b>:</b> Some swear that a hip measurement is more accurate and necessary than the waist, so with the diaper on, measure directly around the hips.</li>
<li><b>Thighs:</b> Simply measure around the top of each thigh where the diaper meets the leg to figure out the size leg holes you will need for soakers or covers.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>MEASURING YOUR WOOL</strong></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wool is typically measured right side in (not inside out) for all of the measurements</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="washing">WASHING:</a></strong></span><br />
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You will want to wash your wool when you can smell the urine even when it is dry. It is not unusual for the urine smell to be there when you first take it off and it's wet, but after the chemical reaction happens (see <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/cloth-diapering-with-wool-everything.html#usingwool" target="_blank">Part One</a> for details), it should be converted to salt and water and no longer smell. However, once the urine salts build up and it smells of urine while dry, it's time for a wash! Of course, it is also appropriate to wash when it's visibly dirty.<br />
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No matter what type of wool you have, the most important thing is keeping the temperature lukewarm - not too hot or too cold, so you don't shock the wool fibers with a drastic temperature change. Many describe the temp like baby bath water. You can use any product from the "Washing Wool" Supplies section above, and let it soak for a few minutes. If you are using a wool wash bar, just run water over it and use your hands to suds it up under the running water to fill your wash water. Always remember to never wring it out, just squeeze gently to work the soap into it. If it's really dirty, you may need to wash it a few times until the water runs clear. Note that some wool may bleed a bit, so it's important to distinguish what is dye vs. dirty water.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">**If you wash or lanolize more than one piece at a time, try to keep like colors together, as sometimes they can bleed and you can get dye transfer from one piece to another.**</span><br />
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With knits and upcycled wool, it is important to <u>always hand wash</u>, and take care not to agitate the fibers and rub them together too much to prevent felting. For more information on felting, see <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/cloth-diapering-with-wool-everything.html#usingwool" target="_blank">Part One</a>. <br />
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With interlock you may handwash or use the wool setting on the washing machine. I didn't have a wool setting, but never had any problem using the delicates setting on my machine. However, sometimes I would have to flip the temp setting back and forth while it was filling to get the water temperature right before adding my wool, and since I only had cold rinses on my machine, I would usually reset it for the wash cycle and fill again as before, or just rinse it by hand.<br />
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For stripping and stain removal, see the "Supplies" section above.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once your <strong>wool is clean</strong>, you can <strong>add it to STEP <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12</span> of the lanolization tutorial below</strong>.</span><br />
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NEVER LANOLIZE DIRTY/UNWASHED WOOL. If your wash water has cooled (which is fine, as long as it does so slowly and not instantly), you may want to very gradually warm it up until it is the same temp as your lanolin bath. Then squeeze out the excess water and add to the lanolin bath in STEP <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="lanolizing">LANOLIZING:</a></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><strong>READ THIS FIRST!!</strong></span> What is different about this tutorial? A few things... </div>
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I'm not going to lie, I struggled substantially with my lanolin mixture for, well, just about the entire time we used wool. UNTIL... I learned a trick at the very end. In the beginning I was using Ecover Delicates Wash to emulsify my lanolin (often recommended in the wool world), and I don't know if it was our super hard water, but I had a hard time getting the balance and getting the lanolin to emulsify. Either I'd give up and still have yellow pooling at the top, or I'd add too much soap and when everything was done it was hardly lanolized and all a waste of time. </div>
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Once I figured out the mix, and the fact that out of all the options, solid wool bars seemed to work best for me, I was still having issues with floaties. This supposedly happens when the mixture is shocked with cooler water and cools down too quickly, the already emulsified lanolin floats at the top of the water in solid white flecks. I continued to use wool because out of all lanolizing issues, this is not that problematic. All that happens is you will see those white flecks stuck to your wool, but once it dries you'd never know they were there. But I still longed for the perfect milky bath.</div>
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I'd try to leave the lanolin mix alone for hour(s) until it cooled down on its own without adding any additional water, but the floaties still showed up. Then one day someone was talking about the "ice trick" on one of the chat groups. It defied all logic. I was intrigued but skeptical. <br />
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I could kiss the person who introduced it to me! I could not believe the results! And it makes it so easy, because there's no fussing and waiting for it to cool. It's ready to go as soon as you're all done. So that is something very different about my tutorial - using ice to cool the mixture. It is shockingly effective and easy!</div>
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Another thing I mention is not lanolizing the entire pair of longies, legs and all. There are some that argue that the lanolin conditions the wool and is necessary to keep it silky soft. Based on my own experience, I disagree, but I'm sure everyone is different. I had longies that went through two winters, and I lanolized them the same way every time - only soaking the part that goes over the diaper and leaving the legs draped over the edge of my baby tub (it's like a bucket). Actually, I would moreso drape them over whatever I had inside the bucket to keep the longies submerged. Once the lanolin had worn off the top section, and they were due to be washed, I never noticed a difference between the lanolized portion and the legs. </div>
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I found this extremely useful for a number of reasons. First, it kept them cleaner, since the legs themselves were not sticky (even though some moms like how it conditions the skin of their baby's legs). Second, it dramatically reduced drying time! The lanolin definitely slows the drying process, and obviously out of all wool pieces, longies take the longest to dry. Without lanolin on the legs, it took less than half the time to dry, including the lanolized part. And finally, lanolin isn't cheap! It was definitely a means of conserving lanolin. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="lano">LANOLIZING MORE THAN ONE PIECE</a></strong></span></div>
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This is another area I personally struggled with mastering, UNTIL I discovered the ice cube method which made whipping up a batch super quick and easy. I would recommend starting with making a single batch above, and once you're familiar with the process, you can try to double or triple your amounts. For me, I just used mason jars and would whip up 2-3 batches at a time, alternating while I was preparing one I'd have another in the microwave, but you can certainly make it all in one container if you like. I would ultimately just pour the contents from all the jars in my tub and do 3-4 pieces together. Just keep in mind when washing or lanolizing more than one piece, to KEEP LIKE COLORS TOGETHER in case any of them bleed on one another.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="drying">DRYING WOOL</a></strong></span></div>
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Once your wool is done soaking in the lanolin bath, you have two options to get the water out. The first starts by gently squeezing the wool (NEVER wringing - it can cause felting) to get as much excess water out as you can. Then lay it on an absorbent towel, roll the towel up and compress it to try to wick as much moisture as possible from the wool to the towel. Then lay it flat to air dry. </div>
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The other way, which is what I've always done, is if you have a spin only cycle on your washer, you can either squeeze the water out first or just throw it in the washer dripping, and let the washer spin it out for you. My spin cycle did have two spurts of water in the beginning, so I would start it, wait out those two bursts of water to finish (so it didn't rinse off any lanolin) and then I would add my wool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9FhZT3wRZJAdFEQ-l_BMeTkby605uqDHV3xlR7y0bXZ029SmanIqpVRvRHQ2nkjwILTxqRsc-Cnvm20Lp3wwxs6NqjNVqhhgtYa2nmjX88bMgucJj50dfvqeiwRbKaGxm7fEELT0qSyQ/s1600/drying+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>.<br />
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You can dry your wool just about anywhere on any drying rack, but here is a coveted drying rack that blows air to the different levels. It's called the <strong>Hamilton Beach Quick Dry 4 Shelf Garment Drying Station</strong>. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find new. It dramatically reduces drying time, and if you use wool full time it is definitely worth considering and searching for!</div>
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When it's dry, your <strong>wool should feel slightly tacky to the touch</strong> in the areas that soaked in lanolin. Some like to add even more lanolin and make it very sticky, which is fine too!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="shaving">SHAVING WOOL</a></span></strong><br />
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If you want to keep your wool looking happy, then you will occasionally need to shave it when it starts to get covered in "pills" (those little tiny balls all over the wool). Whichever method you choose to shave, you will want to inspect knits and upcycled wool for any stitches that may be sticking out. If you shave them off then you can start a hole. It is rare for this to happen, but if you see a stitch sticking out, then simply take a toothpick and push it back through. See the video below, found on the <a href="http://sloomb.myshopify.com/collections/wool-care/products/evercare-fabric-shaver" target="_blank">Sloomb website</a>, for more on this.<br />
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It is important to shave your wool dry and BEFORE lanolizing, so for most this means before washing as well. The less lanolin the better, as you will clog up your blades and your electric shaver will meet its demise rather quickly, and if you are using a stone I can imagine lanolin would be problematic as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ELECTRIC</span><br />
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When using an electric shaver, you can go any direction you choose (some prefer up and down/side to side, some do circles...it really doesn't matter), but take care not to press TOO hard. This is another way you can accidentally put a hole in your wool. Don't be too scared though! When doing the main part of the piece (minus the edges - see note below) you can use a fair amount of pressure! You just don't want to be grinding the shaver down on the wool super hard.<br />
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Take great care around all edges! The top edge of the waistband and the bottom edges of the legs are major places for pills to form, but they are also easy places to lop a stitch off of knits (this is not a problem for interlock) if you press too hard. <br />
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<a href="http://woollybottoms.blogspot.com/2011/08/thow-your-sweater-shaver-away.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwAjvakMFF0goM2E3AwkXG5DErmMbAjfzNuIYULuBPg2QUSRkKqMDqTiEfBW1SbPYS-OhaBWNjrTAdud98UbRvbpQLao_t3_pNMNRO4oSk7cWVqWli-P3xy2WLyxaqzpOBfUhvyQEoQ25/s1600/20110803_41.JPG" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">STONE</span><br />
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Shannon of <a href="http://woollybottoms.com/" target="_blank">Woollybottoms</a> has written a wonderful <a href="http://woollybottoms.blogspot.com/2011/08/thow-your-sweater-shaver-away.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> on the benefits of shaving with a stone. You can see her photo of her results here. Believe me, Shannon has to shave A LOT of wool! Had I known of this post prior to my daughter potty learning, I definitely would've given it a shot! <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="problems">PROBLEM SOLVING</a></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WASHING AND LANOLIZING PROBLEMS:</span></div>
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<b>Help! My wool is bleeding on my diapers or it bled on another piece of wool!</b> - Dye transfer between wool pieces is difficult to remove, but you can always try to soak in Fels Naptha. The best way to avoid this is to group like colors together or wash/lanolize individually. Bleeding on diapers will usually wash out from the diapers in a few washes. For more info, see "<a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html#bleeding" target="_blank">Bleeding Wool/Resetting Dye</a>" below.<br />
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<strong>I added the soap to the melted lanolin and water and mixed it, but there are still yellow blobs floating at the top of my whitish mixture.</strong> - Simply add a little more soap (just a little at a time) and stir again until the yellow is gone and the mixture looks like milk.
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<strong>I got my mixture just right and looking like milk, but then little white chunks of lanolin are floating at the top of the mixture.</strong> - These are referred to as "floaties" and usually result from the lanolin mixture cooling too quickly. I have tried adding hot water and trying to fix it, but personally I was never successful (perhaps some out there have been able to fix it). But don't worry! You can still move forward. You will see the white blobs on your wool when it is wet, but when it dries, they will be unnoticable.
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<span style="font-size: large;">PROBLEMS AFTER DRYING:</span><br />
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<strong>My wool feels really, really sticky.</strong> - This is fine! The lanolin will wear off pretty quickly. Most aim for their wool to feel slightly tacky when dry, but some deliberately add extra lanolin to make it sticky so it lasts longer - particularly nighttime wool. But if you don't like it sticky, add a little less lanolin next time.<br />
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<strong>My wool doesn't feel tacky or sticky at all, and the pee is coming right through it.</strong> - There is such a thing as over-emulsifying the lanolin. It means you added too much soap to the mix or not enough lanolin. Add less soap <u>or</u> more lanolin next time.<br />
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<strong>My lanolin bath was perfect, my wool felt tacky when dry, but the pee is still soaking through it immediately.</strong> - If you have new wool, you may need to lanolize it 2-3 times before it is fully effective. If it is not new, then chances are you need more frequent diaper changes or more likely, you have a heavy wetter and need greater absorption in your diaper under the wool. If you have tried everything and you still need even more absorption at night, you can use a lanolized <strong>wool doubler</strong> between the diaper and the wool, which will add another layer of protection. Click to find doublers at <a href="http://woollybottoms.com/item_1672/Organic-Wool-Doublers.php" target="_blank">Woollybottoms</a>, <a href="http://www.loveybums.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=49" target="_blank">Loveybums</a>, and <a href="http://sloomb.myshopify.com/collections/accessories/products/woolie-doublers" target="_blank">Sloomb</a><br />
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<strong>My wool is scratchy and unpleasant!</strong> - This happened to me when I purchased a few hand knit items, and admittedly my Disana leggings were not as soft as I expected. This is easily solved with a soak or two in <a href="http://www.soap.com/buy?s=ecover%20fabric%20softener#fromSearch=Y" target="_blank">Ecover</a> or <a href="http://www.soap.com/p/mrs-meyers-clean-day-fabric-softener-basil-55856" target="_blank">Mrs. Meyers</a> fabric softener. While this is somewhat controversial and not recommended by everyone, I have personally soaked my wool for even a few hours and had no problems. I have also discussed this with a seasoned administrator of a wool chat group who recommends the same, however, not all will say to do so. But I have used Ecover and Mrs. Meyers to soften wool (machine knit, hand knit, upcycled and interlock) many times without any issues. It is important to ONLY use one of these two brands, as they are also recommended for softening cloth diapers because they do not affect absorbency. Usually I added it once the wool is clean to the final rinse water and let it set for a while before putting it in the lanolin bath.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7953595769127571026" name="bleeding">BLEEDING WOOL/RESETTING DYE:</a></strong></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">[This section on bleeding wool and dye resetting is <strong>courtesy of</strong> <strong>Holly from <a href="http://wildcoconutwear.com/" target="_blank">Wild Coconut Wear</a></strong>]</span></div>
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**It is highly recommended to wash and lanolize like colors together.**</div>
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Please know that there are SO many things that can go into creating a bleed issue, many of which are outside of our control (like the daily composition of a child's urine, even). The chemical balance in the water can change, and that can set up any number of bond changes with any number of dye techniques (be it interlock, knit, etc). <br />
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Do not panic if you get some dye on your diapers or clothes, the dye that is used on wool products is not the same type of dye used on cottons/bamboos/polyesters, etc... Your diaper may turn a slight shade of the dye, but this will wash out after a few washes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can reset the dye in your wool using the following method:</span></div>
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First, wash the item in tepid water with dish soap until the water is clear. Do not use wool wash for this, you want to use something like Seventh Generation Free and Clear Dish Soap (like you use for stripping). </div>
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Fill a large pot with a mix of 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part water (use enough liquid to totally immerse your cover/longies). Add your wool and push the wool down until it is immersed. Turn your stove to medium-high heat. When it gets hot and steaming (almost a boil), slowly turn down your stove to maintain a simmer. Avoid heavy agitation.</div>
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Allow to simmer for 15 minutes.</div>
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Turn the stove off and remove from heat and allow the wool and vinegar mixture to return to room temperature together. Gently remove your cooled piece of wool and squeeze out the vinegar. IT IS IMPORTANT TO LET IT COOL DOWN GRADUALLY TO ROOM TEMP!!!! You will NOT felt your wool as long as it is not exposed to drastic temperature changes combined with agitation.</div>
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Gently rinse the wool in a sink of lukewarm water, squeeze out and then wash normally to remove leftover vinegar. Your dye should be set now. Your water should be virtually clear with no color leaching into it.</div>
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If this continues to be a problem, you may have "touchy water" or a product scent that is causing your dye to loosen. Try switchign to unscented or EO (essential oil) rather than FO (fragrance oil) products. You can follow these instructions again, to try to reset the dye.</div>
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Some folks have had luck adding citric acid (which helps set wool dye like vinegar) to their water each time they bathe their wool. </div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fcloth-diapering-with-wool-part-two-wool.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ekMQnw_2bR4%2FUnE72VJdmjI%2FAAAAAAAAB1o%2FO3sKl3sZy9Q%2Fs1600%2FDSC_0849.JPG&description=Cloth%20Diapering%20with%20Wool%20Part%20Two%3A%20Wool%20Care%2C%20Wool%20101%20and%20Wool%20FAQ%26%23x27%3Bs"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">© The Mindful Home, 2013-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.</span>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-21445254029374509902013-10-25T23:17:00.000-04:002013-10-29T08:23:44.597-04:00Easy Fall Leaves ProjectThis was so much fun for me and my daughter I had to share!
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Go on a for hunt for leaves of each color of the rainbow </li>
<li>Cut into pieces </li>
<li>Arrange on cover of folder </li>
<li>Lay laminating sheet over entire thing </li>
<li>Press around pieces so they are sealed in </li>
<li>They retain color and folder can be used for drawings or projects</li>
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A folder was used here, but this treatment could undoubtedly be applied to any number of things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWfGhOPvT-PS0azKKwPmEeIfCGFH-pLmzYqHXOsXGUcZG53Rbrzd1ORe2XQq-iyE5IINWK50YT3V5h8gt9mO5bnf0G3tNtah4Yk16EKjrflJvwhQXREa9i2m2yLTiuup0e2Gh_APPClaB/s1600/1018131418a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWfGhOPvT-PS0azKKwPmEeIfCGFH-pLmzYqHXOsXGUcZG53Rbrzd1ORe2XQq-iyE5IINWK50YT3V5h8gt9mO5bnf0G3tNtah4Yk16EKjrflJvwhQXREa9i2m2yLTiuup0e2Gh_APPClaB/s640/1018131418a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Feasy-fall-leaves-project.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Hw2KJPzzaAU%2FUmsxONc1KCI%2FAAAAAAAAB08%2Fra6n-qsFd_k%2Fs1600%2F1018131418a.jpg&description=go%20for%20hunt%20for%20leaves%20of%20each%20color%20of%20the%20rainbow%2C%20cut%20into%20pieces%2C%20arrange%20on%20cover%20of%20folder%2C%20lay%20laminating%20sheet%20over%20entire%20thing%20-%20leaf%20pieces%20are%20sealed%20in%20so%20they%20retain%20color%20and%20folder%20can%20be%20used%20for%20drawings"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-42006842589576138712013-10-21T14:55:00.000-04:002013-10-23T20:33:31.321-04:00Eco Friendly Pet Supplies: Hemp Collars, Leashes, Beds and ToysPet collars and leashes are some of those products that few consider converting to more sustainable options, because we don't really think of soft, pliable nylon or polyester as plastic. However, aside from the obvious plastic clips on collars, most collars and leashes are indeed made of plastic, with the same detrimental impact of plastic production and disposal. <br />
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There are a number of companies that make wonderful, durable collars out of natural materials. Please note that the decorative ribbons used to embellish the collars with designs on them are made of synthetic materials. However, these companies are still supporting sustainably driven practices and hemp is an extremely durable base. Plus, they do offer basic products without any synthetics (just something to consider when looking at the decorative ones). <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.thegooddogcompany.com/" target="_blank">GOOD DOG</a></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thegooddogcompany.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlKzpCUmvTV7bEt5qRNoqtJ_cd9l5nmII40oSsROJHlK4Mc-ohwJleNzKVbkMoQ-X_OdgFRgWP4V_MKwEaTmYwi0LlizP_MezxdxsZwQrZcLkO4E6aII4yQpoCtP3hCjYlEjedw4Y9lqJ/s640/good+dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Good Dog leashes and collars are made in the USA with industrial hemp and certified organic cotton. They offer collars and leashes in a number of sizes and styles from <a href="http://www.thegooddogcompany.com/collections/hemp-toydog-dogs" target="_blank">toy dogs</a> to large breeds, as well as harnesses, <a href="http://www.thegooddogcompany.com/pages/cat-gear-collections" target="_blank">cat collars</a> and affordable hemp <a href="http://www.thegooddogcompany.com/collections/hemp-toys-dogs" target="_blank">dog toys</a>. We owned the corduroy style and it lasted for many years before needing replacing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.earthdog.com/hemp-products" target="_blank">earthdog</a></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.earthdog.com/hemp-products" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnNmSfnw7eIdhba_Ncz8vsF6U0n3IMqgfKjQhMfk2Mm2AeM1GOtbEAKIRTaY6dhLxpvL-i-KRJyRVenWy3uXWp4TrxtIi4p2NiQxfW8fJ3zZ7_y_CuH_VrHoqgnXsfvzug5KRV0eilx1O/s640/earth+dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When it was time to replace our leash recently, we'd started using a martingale collar so we gave earthdog a try. They have a huge selection of beautiful designs in their <a href="http://www.earthdog.com/hemp-products/decorative-hemp-line" target="_blank">decorative hemp collection</a>, and great colors in their <a href="http://www.earthdog.com/hemp-products/solid-hemp-line" target="_blank">solid hemp</a> line, which is what we opted for. They are extremely durable and soft and I anticipate both the collar and leash to last for many, many years to come. Earthdog not only makes dog collars, harnesses and leashes, but they also have <a href="http://www.earthdog.com/hemp-products/hemp-dog-toys" target="_blank">hemp toys</a> and hemp <a href="http://www.earthdog.com/hemp-products/hemp-beds-blankets" target="_blank">pet beds and blankets</a>. All of their products are made in the USA.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://greenbeandog.com/" target="_blank">Green Bean Dog and Cat</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://greenbeandog.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VSS2zTHBzE9qMRpxgU9Qe-zIx5XUksErStyIMkp0geYcm5SAH9IAlncXl6fFRHRA8tizicRsSBPaZQKfk8Il4JyrJFNPxj2Hc6lGD_S4D9nZU5vGYs0ITG088ZQoOAzDvfZlIHO3JjEw/s640/green+bean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Green Bean creates collars and leashes in numerous fun designs, as well as several <a href="http://greenbeandog.com/catalog_18.html" target="_blank">cat collars</a>. The webbing of the dog collars and leashes is made with 100% hemp and the cat collars are made with 100% cotton. The ribbon is grosgrain and all the products are handmade in Santa Barbara, CA.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiverDogHemp?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">River Dog Hemp (Etsy)</a></span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiverDogHemp?ref=l2-shopheader-name" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA54-2Ecqb3Eudxgjcb9xh4JvjRqNhbT9Kab_pCCRmIjz-m8FAcbhV-S9f8Fyl_PC-V9IB9RYs-tWnP-1r7rInU-Q52eQwV8iYv5y_cJHBXwmIiLMEF4FNcezGwn_10znhLWyZ62aOkdZZ/s640/river+dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love, love, LOVE the fact that these collars have metal clips! They are handmade and come in tie-dyed designs as well as few other variations like the ones pictured here. There are also <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/165891697/hemp-rope-dog-leashlead-5ft-long?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">braided hemp rope leashes</a> available.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.rawganique.com/HAcollars.htm" target="_blank">Rawganique</a></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.rawganique.com/HAcollars.htm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9xry2ZYLdLe1kUluMHpykX1HykAG-rv_PyLmemyh4ZOR3Ismk36_m37m1kuWtVu1TrfvDWFNpatxkLFwE8CsjcPNfzKXz3VmkRCoW_GLTbj12-akNNxgTekVFJEm1dQ1ozttNG-_cxVL/s400/rawganique.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rawganique products are made in Europe and even the hemp is sourced from Europe. They have traditional styles pictured here, as well as colorful braided hemp collars and leashes. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.planetdog.com/category.aspx?categoryID=63" target="_blank">PLANET DOG</a></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.planetdog.com/category.aspx?categoryID=63" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb2IXZihVIB3KzdQQ4NkKhv5C2k_rs8iEEM37u1ztR6tZR2qNE07-NVT5ePDzGcrdQ-_pe9YCX-Ww5pq8fKKfcjOe5aMyGCq0I0HDwmZrXRB2WMZxr1SKyLBZFjtP9wsyLMwOcSIkMZCg/s400/wood+chuck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Planet Dog does offer hemp <a href="http://www.planetdog.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HEMP/FLEECE COLLARS" target="_blank">collars</a> and <a href="http://www.planetdog.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HEMP LEASH" target="_blank">leashes</a>, however, they are lined with a polyester fleece and they are made in China. What I LOVED from their "Eco Friendly" section was this ball chucker made of bamboo and cork scraps. It can be purchased <a href="http://www.planetdog.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10980000" target="_blank">with</a> or <a href="http://www.planetdog.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10990000" target="_blank">without </a>the recycled plastic ball.<br />
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Feco-friendly-pet-supplies-hemp-collars.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-b0u7gWD8_Nc%2FUmVrvqKQ6-I%2FAAAAAAAAByg%2FfKJAo4TiNTg%2Fs640%2Friver%2Bdog.jpg&description=Eco%20Friendly%20Pet%20Supplies%3A%20Hemp%20Collars%2C%20Leashes%2C%20Beds%20and%20Toys"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-68531861765658123192013-10-17T14:09:00.001-04:002013-10-17T14:13:33.662-04:00The Truth About Glee Gum - Made with Polyvinyl Acetate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GN0GnlKmW3YYBFykmKR5-jNGfvaowyLh2kYRfLf7CoJWssF1RgICUHI74m9GgIq2M-FfT9BPoYmaDRMADBvSGLcKHu28JHT_53sGK8YxSp9pyoJzoA8jeMk-bRXc1-afp7opUypmnU_L/s1600/Glee+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GN0GnlKmW3YYBFykmKR5-jNGfvaowyLh2kYRfLf7CoJWssF1RgICUHI74m9GgIq2M-FfT9BPoYmaDRMADBvSGLcKHu28JHT_53sGK8YxSp9pyoJzoA8jeMk-bRXc1-afp7opUypmnU_L/s320/Glee+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you like gum, and you are concerned about what you put in your body, then you've probably heard about <a href="http://www.gleegum.com/classic-glee-gum.htm" target="_blank">Glee Gum</a>. A glimpse at their website provides numerous blurbs about what harmful things are NOT in their gum, as well as what good things are their gum. (Note that it says their gum base "contains chicle" but does not say it is entirely made of chicle.) However, there is no definitive list of ingredients available. There are countless factoids about how their gum is a healthier option and better for the planet, but the fact of the matter is they are dancing around their ingredient list for one reason: <strong>it contains Polyvinyl Acetate</strong>.<br />
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Yes, Glee Gum contains <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_acetate" target="_blank">Polyvinyl Acetate</a> - a synthetic vinyl polymer commonly used in glue. Perhaps what their company says is true, and there is indeed no other way to make gum, but I'm not OK with a lack of transparency when it comes to things like this. I hardly qualify having a synthetic vinyl polymer base as "all natural" like their boxes say.<br />
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I was alerted about this issue by a friend who contacted the company back in April 2012. After she told me about it, I followed up with the same question, and received verbatim, the exact same response. The only thing that was different was that in her email it says at the end that they hope to debut a 100% natural gum base by the end of 2012. That part was obviously changed in my recent correspondence, which you can find below.<br />
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Hello, Amy,<br />
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Thanks for your email and your interest! Here's the long answer to the question of gum base. All the digestible parts of Glee Gum are natural-- the sugar, the flavors, the coloring, etc. This is why we consider the gum natural. The FDA has a definition for gum base, the indigestible part of the gum, which encompasses a variety of approved ingredients, including some synthetic ones. We are proud that our gum base is as natural as we can get it (no anti-oxidants, and containing chicle). And we are hard at work on a new formula for the gum base which will not include anything synthetic. Unfortunately, we are limited by the gum base products which are commercially available and FDA-approved, and the creation of our own, unique gum base has been a lengthy process. We still think the gum base in Glee Gum is the best, most natural, and greenest of the available options for chewing gum here in the States. But it is not yet perfect, and -- while the exact formula remains confidential -- it is unfortunately NOT yet 100% natural. At the present time, chicle comprises 1/3 of the gum base. <strong><u>It still contains polyvinyl acetate</u></strong> (though NOT vinyl acetate). We hope to offer new and improved, 100% natural gum base later this year. We can email you a notification as soon as we have it. (We will also want to shout it to the world!) Thanks again for your interest!</div>
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Yours in Glee,</div>
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Molly<br />
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fthe-truth-about-glee-gum-made-with.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_G-15BrYQCU%2FUmAnILu5C0I%2FAAAAAAAABxQ%2FNQkaWxBdZHU%2Fs1600%2FGlee%2Bimage.jpg&description=The%20Truth%20About%20Glee%20Gum%3A%20Made%20with%20Polyvinyl%20Acetate"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-56729396852829163772013-10-07T13:34:00.000-04:002013-10-07T13:37:50.422-04:00Graze Organic Lunch Tote and Sandwich/Snack Bag Giveaway!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZU9mMnkCqwYtvJmwj6dV7czG2T5q1nWmGWSHzrP5HzJagiybBJThdeBf50m_LjGMduv0YT4YRhfN8PQZ29Q7T9WGgTpowv2Oxb7m1oiR7JJ28wZ8qRIdoxhbjoJTqQ81RYRcaSZJ7znN/s1600/graze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZU9mMnkCqwYtvJmwj6dV7czG2T5q1nWmGWSHzrP5HzJagiybBJThdeBf50m_LjGMduv0YT4YRhfN8PQZ29Q7T9WGgTpowv2Oxb7m1oiR7JJ28wZ8qRIdoxhbjoJTqQ81RYRcaSZJ7znN/s400/graze.jpg" width="354" /></a><a href="http://www.grazeorganic.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Graze Organic</a> makes sandwich and snack bags, lunch totes and napkins. They are all made from 100% certified organic cotton, and the fantastic prints are all hand silk screened with non-toxic, water based inks that do <em>not</em> contain PVC or plastisol. All of their products are sewn locally by small, family-owned operations in California. They are sweatshop free and use fair labor and wage practices. <br />
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Graze Organic bags and napkins are a stylish way to make trash free lunches, while supporting a conscientious company that is mindful of sustainability and the fair treatment of workers. My favorite thing about Graze Organic is that their products contain no plastic liner, as many often do. If you are looking for a truly non-toxic way to package your food, without worrying about what chemicals are leaching into your lunch, then check out Graze Organic bags. They are machine washable, easy to care for, and still offer the ease of packing everything in without bulky containers. Their totes are roomy and accommodating for any lunch, and very hip! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKs9AXyR2RbbmUpsmNCUxwpFGqlbGFH9c6Fk2GcKRHePZad7-XzyRBARTXVWI7jo5cnaP15obhsypp0VelZFFPUGi_bbLfDaOVkVuaJBoz9NPdj-wWEWEepByyABcERoLQvDz4-l31rNa/s1600/prod_bags_s1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKs9AXyR2RbbmUpsmNCUxwpFGqlbGFH9c6Fk2GcKRHePZad7-XzyRBARTXVWI7jo5cnaP15obhsypp0VelZFFPUGi_bbLfDaOVkVuaJBoz9NPdj-wWEWEepByyABcERoLQvDz4-l31rNa/s1600/prod_bags_s1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Leslie and Heather have been oh so generous to offer up a very large prize for one lucky reader! The winner will receive their choice of <a href="http://www.grazeorganic.com/prod_totes.html" target="_blank">lunch tote</a>, as well as the <a href="http://www.grazeorganic.com/reusable-deluxe.html" target="_blank">5 piece deluxe set</a> of bags pictured here! Enter to win in the rafflecopter box below!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00768c7/" id="rc-00768c7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-42238639970987801362013-09-17T12:51:00.000-04:002013-09-17T13:12:21.411-04:00Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Pack and Ice Cubes ReviewWhen I was putting together my post on <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/eco-friendly-childrens-lunch-products.html" target="_blank">Eco Friendly Lunch Products</a>, I was searching for plastic free ice packs. I am pleased to report that I finally found some, and they are AMAZING!<br />
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I discovered a stainless steel manufacturer, Onyx, that makes a number of fantastic products. Many of which I will be reviewing in the future, because Carolyn so generously sent me many of their fabulous items to sample. Two of those things were their <a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/20-ice-cubes-" target="_blank">ice pack</a>, and the <a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/20-ice-cubes-" target="_blank">6 pack of ice cubes</a>. The ice cube tray is pictured on the left, and the ice pack is on the right. These things and more are all available for sale at <a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/" target="_blank">The Tickle Trunk</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QhpwLMQHpXXWI1OAGiA7xtPuZ9uOKZe8_zBDMweE4IbC8UoSCn-AeiCQ3mJaApCXwdMiiBaPQtfY1ULKen0HgImHdxc3kSYlLlxodOxo4uDGo8q0u-RMiUluixvB7Dhfgaxdj6-lCk4J/s640/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QhpwLMQHpXXWI1OAGiA7xtPuZ9uOKZe8_zBDMweE4IbC8UoSCn-AeiCQ3mJaApCXwdMiiBaPQtfY1ULKen0HgImHdxc3kSYlLlxodOxo4uDGo8q0u-RMiUluixvB7Dhfgaxdj6-lCk4J/s640/DSC_0717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been using the ice pack in my daughter's lunch for a week now. It is approximately the size of an iPhone, and super sleek. It is very easy to fit into a lunch bag, and it is filled with distilled water. No toxic substances here! This tiny pack has exceeded my expectations. I didn't think something so small would stay cold for very long, but I put it in the lunch bag at 8am, and when I take it out at around 4pm it is still slightly cold, so I know it's doing its job until lunch time. I love, love, love it! It slips in so neatly between items, and it's design lends itself to having direct contact with whatever container you are trying to chill. You can even sandwich it between two containers (like some of their awesome <a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/22-airtight" target="_blank">airtight stainless steel</a> ones - more on those later) and keep both of them cold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhS8Nh_TUfEJ30gqNTo-mnKeXq9BKW4psgEW4S0h1uo5E84OhIB-EhM-R7u0t9bmhfly52zY2oAbw3dx_VfCI7hVB580gq5kZOjHINftUc7FSFPj_NBVA8PqXRTuQCXe3OnLDeJ0oSyF5/s1600/DSC_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhS8Nh_TUfEJ30gqNTo-mnKeXq9BKW4psgEW4S0h1uo5E84OhIB-EhM-R7u0t9bmhfly52zY2oAbw3dx_VfCI7hVB580gq5kZOjHINftUc7FSFPj_NBVA8PqXRTuQCXe3OnLDeJ0oSyF5/s640/DSC_0718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then there were the ice cubes. These are some of the coolest things I've ever seen! Straight out of the box they were almost sexy. So sleek and even beautiful, and I love the little stainless steel storage tray. Like the ice pack, they are filled with distilled water and are dishwasher safe! I put a butter knife in the photos to show the scale. These are such a fantastic concept for so many reasons. I personally hate diluted beverages. That is obviously not an issue with these, and 3-4 cubes will nicely chill a drink that starts at room temperature. I love white wine but can't stand when it gets warm. Now I have something I can add to keep my glass chilled without diluting it. And while I've yet to try it, as Carolyn pointed out to me, these cubes can be used in lunches as well, because they can be submerged directly in whatever it is that you would like to keep cold. Put a cube in a cup of yogurt or applesauce, and pop it in the dishwasher when the day is done. They can also be used to cool something down quickly like a bowl of oatmeal, or soup for a toddler that's too hot. I see no seams on these cubes and foresee them lasting forever, so they are definitely a very worthy investment! You can purchase the cubes <a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/ice-cubes-/99-stainless-steel-ice-cubes-.html" target="_blank">individually</a>, and there is also an <a href="http://www.thetickletrunk.com/ice-cubes-/54-stainless-steel-ice-cubes-.html" target="_blank">8 pack</a> in a plastic tray with a pair of tongs available.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaDxwgsV8kPSd16g5HPUb9z4bmYNbAQT3nA00Pdm57nqO_nYFMe_lgMlqlcZuz8i1yHXrAbAeA2HL-6t0d4dGWQGGfyEbHGG1IfHxSc-UV4lJn_CzyXJR1mEQncUU_meBGIPcTK3vwfLB/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaDxwgsV8kPSd16g5HPUb9z4bmYNbAQT3nA00Pdm57nqO_nYFMe_lgMlqlcZuz8i1yHXrAbAeA2HL-6t0d4dGWQGGfyEbHGG1IfHxSc-UV4lJn_CzyXJR1mEQncUU_meBGIPcTK3vwfLB/s640/DSC_0719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am very excited about the Onyx product line and look forward to reviewing more of them in the future. They are all very high quality, and seem exceptionally durable to last a lifetime.</div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F09%2Fonyx-stainless-steel-ice-pack-and-ice.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lqp2CHwOdU4%2FUjh_qDO6GbI%2FAAAAAAAABrY%2F2h1mbSZHQhY%2Fs1600%2FDSC_0718.JPG&description=Stainless%20Steel%20Ice%20Pack%20and%20Ice%20Cubes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-74873259771526851002013-09-04T21:56:00.000-04:002013-09-04T22:02:01.024-04:00Eco Friendly Potty Chairs, Seats and StoolsFrom chairs to toilet seats, there is no need to opt for the traditional hard plastic seat that will be stuck in a landfill forever, because there are many alternatives available. Both have advantages, and in the end we used both. My husband built her a chair complete with a removeable stainless steel bowl that we used in the beginning, which was great because when it took her 30+ minutes to go at first, I was not stuck in the bathroom all that time waiting. She could sit in the living room and go, and I could get things done in the meantime. However, once she started to go very quickly, I began to ask myself why I was still cleaning up pee and poop out of a bowl, when I could put her on a toilet? So the chairs are nice when they take a long time to go, because you can put them anywhere, but the obvious bonus of going on the toilet is the only thing left to clean up is a heiny.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53707226/star-potty-chair-by-heartwood-natural?ref=col_view" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr1BMoFOqvGTPtQETH5jx8KA3GjCZk1L9zvWiNl1eW7esXNpWb1u5GLH8vGnbBVRO8uRkYGOE16QCWi_ryIXSpIne4tdrNu-NivxE9vdGaaRSgEjjULJ-4OY9PKBHYvDfVbbHGHnjUggn/s200/il_570xN_431436077_hw5x.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53707226/star-potty-chair-by-heartwood-natural?ref=col_view" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Heartwood Natural Toys Potty Chair</span></a><br />
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This is the chair that my husband used as inspiration for our chair. While we did not used the chair from Heartwood Natural Toys, we did love the chair my husband made. I love that there's no plastic whatsoever, and if ever their was a potty seat that could be considered an heirloom to pass down in the family, this is it! <br />
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<a href="http://www.dutchcrafters.com/Amish-Kids-Potty-Chair/p/2496?gclid=CN7LnOG667UCFcme4Aod8DsAjw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBQlAxPmMq04vXFj3Qo8EFRxRsw004ldy2PZxy1Zy-mq9w6ZrRin2rFfREZJYyI5dqHIk43kNpsbLY9LAA6Vy8GgaLIhY7KfvB3H3bTvoCs2reLVp1mz-F9fqjbMn7YzNuLOUWit9kF-s/s200/pid_2496-Amish-Pine-Potty-Chair-10.jpg" width="178" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dutchcrafters.com/Amish-Kids-Potty-Chair/p/2496?gclid=CN7LnOG667UCFcme4Aod8DsAjw" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amish Kids Potty Chair</span></a><br />
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Available in numerous stains and finishes, this seat is again, another heirloom quality seat that could be passed down and used by future grandchildren. It even comes with a book holder and toilet paper holder. I like the book holder idea, as that is how we occupied my daughter in the beginning when she'd sit there forever waiting to go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78566097/the-little-denver-wooden-potty-chair?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=potty+chair&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=handmade" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyquBSgrVt1BiBUj6LJxDhtJZHmqagQFCTUnF7LafeEYfr2aFq0Ijq3Z2UnuqOZLa6qNzd7kjSjMvZJD-EiiyPviFZg9zuUccUuBRxafbozt6w4RSsm-MiQ0BW4JgnIU_wTJbnxkzcw44/s200/little+denver.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78566097/the-little-denver-wooden-potty-chair?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=potty+chair&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=handmade" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Little Denver Wooden Potty Chair</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WonderWoodShop?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">The Wonder Wood Shop</a> on Etsy had a variety of styles of potty chairs, from more elaborate designs similar to the Amish chair above, to this simple, space saving design. It comes in several finishes, including white.<br />
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<a href="http://www.becothings.com/newbornpotty.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH2liwTt9FbXkNh2Q05Ltp8-QU3B1vU6dROvBD15fTZX2714_aFM-x_9NYkooUtK0dY7y-j7Tt9ub576exII81Hf_r-361FkcF47rUtjXQ0i17s7TK6BUTRBIXr-jov3gucMb_biM_ex1/s320/becopotty00.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.becothings.com/newbornpotty.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">BecoPotty</span></a><br />
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Still can't part with the idea of using a plastic potty chair? <a href="http://www.becothings.com/index.php" target="_blank">BecoThings</a> has you covered! The material is a <a href="http://www.becothings.com/materials.html" target="_blank">plastic replacement</a> made from plant waste material. They are approximately 80% bamboo fibers and rice husks, mixed with a resin to bind the fibers. When buried in a moist, warm environment like a compost heap or underground, the BecoPotty will break down and fully biodegrade in approximately 2-3 years. They are well reviewed and available <a href="http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/Becothings-Beco-Potty" target="_blank">here</a> in the US, in 3 different colors.<br />
<a href="http://www.becothings.com/becostep.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewWxKDZjFSWj9YC24lNa_hi8cl9svpBvbSh4l6em4QIQXAjtfwsiKeZwYRXP3k_XLeafT_4QCGeXZSYxeZawUXsD5w0vdlzc4zQduI6zn8DXDdxPxdAKBQEZQQ6nma75eT_E93NbKWMo8/s200/step00.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.becothings.com/becostep.html" target="_blank">BecoStep</a></span><br />
BecoThings also makes a step stool out of the same material as their potties. You can find it in the US at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becothings-Becostep-Friendly-Step-Stool/dp/B005FDT0CQ" target="_blank">amazon.com</a> <br />
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<a href="https://www.ginsey.com/bamboo-potty-seat" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yvC-Vbl1eRerJWXux1Clrmrqz-InX6IzlAZRxqAHfMlYzLqsrgL68h2ecqVQN3sVTV0GSrUC4RXxYv4izGWt7hVqSY672AMd5aUSUSpm3QQ8eHypYogUQYmojfktLTLFtw86Nxru06pE/s200/bamboo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.ginsey.com/bamboo-potty-seat" target="_blank">Growing Up Green Bamboo Potty Seat</a></span><br />
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For those who prefer a seat to slip onto their own toilet, this little seat is made of pesticide free bamboo. No plastic or foam - a great affordable option!<br />
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<a href="https://www.ginsey.com/node/1628" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg22CvL6M4ml8S02657Fc7eRq9oBqeIj2BASrJcKZdw_JeuJcddAQGXUYTf19Xg6z07WDV6Pm53B5qQj8dBnx4xhCgRFeWfLbk7Y1c0JWymWBA5rdFEnaVI__bDI5fb5dnXJa6FxSiqyvj/s200/stool.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.ginsey.com/node/1628" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Growing Up Green Bamboo Step Stool</span></a><br />
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While a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=wooden%20step%20stool&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ" target="_blank">quick search on Etsy</a> will provide you with hundreds options for wooden step stools that can even be personalized, there is also this bamboo one by Ginsey from their Growing Up Green collection.<br />
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F09%2Feco-friendly-potty-chairs-seats-and.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-PGpKdTnm6VI%2FUiYOWndrkKI%2FAAAAAAAABpc%2F1cJcdQ099jc%2Fs200%2Fil_570xN_431436077_hw5x.jpg&description=Eco%20Friendly%20Potty%20Chairs%2C%20Seats%20and%20Stools%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953595769127571026.post-88128918504014905422013-08-23T16:25:00.002-04:002013-08-23T16:28:04.340-04:00Disana Wool Leggings Review and GIVEAWAY! Sponsored by Little Spruce Organics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLlJWwXHcu9WPHFXco-kCqUHRcvtTC7pXDXGiOFpyfxD75lQwSeQtHSkm5Wq8yNSE7lgwwPcGzHqZ9MhZaKYYczYw46yD16By2VjwSMvExnrSfV-Vrse4GGRJ6lqSCoNKHTEN3cXuEink/s1600/disana+rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLlJWwXHcu9WPHFXco-kCqUHRcvtTC7pXDXGiOFpyfxD75lQwSeQtHSkm5Wq8yNSE7lgwwPcGzHqZ9MhZaKYYczYw46yD16By2VjwSMvExnrSfV-Vrse4GGRJ6lqSCoNKHTEN3cXuEink/s640/disana+rainbow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm2OVqKZ63rkrJPp-XZI9uDqhis8o4ZHA4iEX5u3ipA1nzdHzLFqnvOzOXSIOnBb7n31BYMkAFfGLJbwaHL-Esh4SIl507Tz7Q9X4bLzYfotJkgUsLgJjXda2M31ZDNwtDrF9s_5nSYn1/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm2OVqKZ63rkrJPp-XZI9uDqhis8o4ZHA4iEX5u3ipA1nzdHzLFqnvOzOXSIOnBb7n31BYMkAFfGLJbwaHL-Esh4SIl507Tz7Q9X4bLzYfotJkgUsLgJjXda2M31ZDNwtDrF9s_5nSYn1/s400/front.jpg" width="265" /></a>By now maybe you're starting to pick up on the fact that I LOVE WOOL! If you don't know much about it, then please check out my guide to cloth diapering with wool. The next giveaway in the wool extravaganza has been brought to you by the fantastic store, <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/" target="_blank">Little Spruce Organics</a>. I love this store almost as much as I love wool! Such a unique selection of items made from natural materials, and phenomenal customer service. If you'd like to learn more about Little Spruce Organics, you can check out my review of their store and some of their products <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/04/spotlight-retailer-little-spruce.html" target="_blank">here</a>, or just go see for yourself!<br />
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<a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/disana-organic-merino-wool-knitted-leggings/" target="_blank">Disana leggings</a> are awesome. We purchased three pairs of these last fall, and I can't wait to use them again this fall and winter. They are comfy, cozy, and nice and stretchy. Made of 100% organic virgin merino wool, the leggings are long lasting and adorable. These photos were taken today, with one of the three pairs we wore multiple times per week all last fall and winter. With a wash and shave they look brand new! <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/disana-organic-wool-knitted-sweater/" target="_blank">The sweater</a> happens to be Disana as well, and is sold by Little Spruce Organics too! <br />
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What do I love about <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/disana-organic-merino-wool-knitted-leggings/" target="_blank">Disana leggings</a>? Well, besides how comfy they are, they have a unique feature in their stretchiness. They are the only thing I've found that can fit comfortably and easily over the thickest of the thick wool soakers and covers. They themselves are designed to be used only as daytime covers between frequent changes, but I ended up only washing them with some wool wash containing lanolin and leaving it at that. (Don't worry, part two of my <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/cloth-diapering-with-wool-everything.html" target="_blank">diapering with wool guide</a> will be out in another week or so with everything you need to know about wool care!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0JUhapXEuityA7nsum_KUgB9YdjjPohHMU9arR-c2_jqUbJ-gaeeCt9orKf-H6moX5k3hMEtzUdmIJjo7ZoFLHZ-Zz8057Jct_mfvM3nWZc0ZHEF1vUPOQhqysbmA9KZN6A5d_qKl21K/s1600/side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0JUhapXEuityA7nsum_KUgB9YdjjPohHMU9arR-c2_jqUbJ-gaeeCt9orKf-H6moX5k3hMEtzUdmIJjo7ZoFLHZ-Zz8057Jct_mfvM3nWZc0ZHEF1vUPOQhqysbmA9KZN6A5d_qKl21K/s400/side+view.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
What I DID use them for is to wear over all of my summer wool. Got thick Sustainablebabyish covers that are typically worn alone? THESE will fit over them! Interlock, knits...you name it. Why does this rule? Because I found soakers and covers to be a little easier to lanolize than longies. So I could save my pricier longies for wearing out and about, and I was able to get so much more use out of all of our soakers and covers by wearing them all winter long under the Disana leggings. <br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">In all of these photos, we got out the old diapers for demo, and she's wearing an XL Sustainablebabyish OBF diaper, a LG Sustainablebabyish cover and Disana leggings sized 98/104 (2-3yrs). They all fit last fall/winter as well, and the leggings we had cuffed back then. She's currently 39 inches tall and 35.5 lbs. Last fall she was 36.5 inches tall and 32 lbs.</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUgVil641m2BCy3BHO277DJ08y1eQybrNO8hU2nbQhXfUKGl8NwZg7qGqy-xN0c_jfis0zY3apxyNLmpPXItWyP1CiKPtCWPYfQ9xrO6dFlK6IRTJL4Udsph2Xvs3zvb94jqtrVjtJ0ZI/s1600/close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUgVil641m2BCy3BHO277DJ08y1eQybrNO8hU2nbQhXfUKGl8NwZg7qGqy-xN0c_jfis0zY3apxyNLmpPXItWyP1CiKPtCWPYfQ9xrO6dFlK6IRTJL4Udsph2Xvs3zvb94jqtrVjtJ0ZI/s400/close+up.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fit over XL fitted diaper and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">large sustainablebabyish cover</span></td></tr>
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Another great feature is with the leggings design they are easily cuffable, so that means it's easy to get two winters out of them. Not only are you saving money buying fewer longies and getting more out of your summer wool, but you don't need to buy more Disana leggings the next year either! <br />
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They also happen to come in a gorgeous rainbow of beautiful, vibrant colors. It is worth mentioning that these leggings do pill a little more than most wool we owned, so be prepared to shave them. I will also say when they first arrived they were not as squishy as they have since become. After giving them their initial bath, I soaked them in some Mrs. Meyers fabric softener (you could use Ecover too) and after two washes and soaks they were super soft! (Confused about "shaving" and soaking... just wait for part two of my <a href="http://themindfulhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/cloth-diapering-with-wool-everything.html" target="_blank">wool guide</a>!) We ended up using them mostly around the house at home and for bedtime, but she still wore these out as well plenty of times. When we lost power during hurricane Sandy for 9 days and our house's temperature inside got down into the low 50's, I was so grateful for these leggings! <br />
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<a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/" target="_blank">Little Spruce Organics</a> is providing a pair of these fabulous 100% organic wool leggings in YOUR CHOICE of colors and size from their IN STOCK collection. When the contest is over, the lucky winner can <a href="http://www.littlespruceorganics.com/disana-organic-merino-wool-knitted-leggings/" target="_blank">check out their site</a> to find what's in stock, and they just recently got a shipment in so they have just about everything. To enter, see the rafflecopter box below!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00768c5/" id="rc-00768c5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemindfulhome.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Fdisana-wool-leggings-review-and.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rUq4fnB6GEk%2FUhe5vM_STdI%2FAAAAAAAABnc%2FRKNvPsUmhTQ%2Fs1600%2Fdisana%2Brainbow.jpg&description=Disana%20Wool%20Leggings%20Review%20and%20Giveaway!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>The Mindful Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023927725828926108noreply@blogger.com4