City Map Plates
City Plates
are beautiful dishes which are as beautiful as they are useful. They’re porcelain plates featuring a downtown area of a major city printed on a black background. Cities available are Chicago, Berlin, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Washington D.C.If you purchase the New Orleans plate, 15% of proceeds will go to recovery and rebuilding of 1300 acres of city parks which were damaged.
Inspiring the Organizing Mom (or Dad)
So you’ve heard us talk about it again and again. Probably because it’s a never-ending process in our homes. Getting and staying organized is a battle that we fight day in and day out. Of course, there must be some out there that can start and stay organized. Unfortunately, that isn’t us. Peter Walsh is one of our compatriots in this war to keep our homes neat and clean. Thankfully, he’s just come out with a great DVD, It’s All Too Much with Peter Walsh, to not only tell us how to get our homes (and lives) organized, but to show us exactly how to do it.
I loved reading “It’s All Too Much.” I had purchased a copy of the book on my own before attending one of two webinars with Peter last year. I love that he starts you off focusing on what exactly you want from the space to be de-cluttered. It’s important and I think a step missing in other organizing programs. I love that he shows some helpful products and tips for each room. You can literally watch the section on living rooms and then do your own immediately after. As always, Peter gets me motivated to tackle those rooms that I just couldn’t get the energy up to work on before. He shares some great recommendations on products, offers ideas on how to best use your space, and then sets you off with the motivation you need.
You can purchase a copy of It’s All Too Much with Peter Walsh on DVD at Amazon.com
If you have a teen at home, you’ll definitely want to check out “It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together.” In this book, Peter outlines a plan that is perfect for teens and helps them to organize their rooms and then use the same techniques on their school and family life. Written for a young adult audience, it includes examples and quizzes.
To learn more about “It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together,” visit Amazon.com
*We received a copy of the DVD and book for this review.
Post from: Mom’s Favorite Stuff
Inspiring the Organizing Mom (or Dad)
Organizing in the New Year
“We are waiting and not doing.” Lea Schneider
I was shaking my head as I read this. Oh yeah, I do this. I think. I study. I learn….but I’m really just waiting. Waiting for the perfect moment when I can think, when I have time, when the kids aren’t sick, or when I have a little less going on. Ms. Schneider is talking about the time we waste before we actually get to work on organizing our homes and ourselves.
Now most of you probably set up your goals for organizing back at the beginning of the month so why am I posting a review for an organization book at the middle of the month? Well, if you’re all like me, your energy level for resolutions has begun to wane. You’ve had sick loved ones or parties to clean up from or just a general holiday hangover. It’s a lot of excitement and then a lot of blah. Bad weather and the tightening of budgets make it difficult to maintain our motivation. This is where Growing-Up Organized: A Mom-to-Mom Guide has been one of two things that have really helped me (I’ll be posting a review of the second later in the week).
Growing-Up Organized is both funny and practical. The best is that it is written with the working mom in mind. Time is short and when moms pick up a book, it means more than an investment of money but our time, also. This book is worth it on both accounts. Not only does Schneider give us the run down on how to organize our home but also how to teach organization to our children. Let’s get real here. We can’t do it all, especially for the 18+ years our children will live with us. This is where finding ways to get our little ones and our big ones involved in organizing and then maintaining our homes. Schneider offers tips on organizing the various rooms in your home and at what age you can expect your child to help at. I found the ‘mom-to-mom’ tips to be extremely efficient and doable.
You can learn more about the author, Lea Schneider, at Organize Right Now or purchase a copy of the book at Amazon.com
*We received a copy of the book for this review.*
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Learning About the Business of Food
A few months ago, I attended a mom blogger event sponsored by Stonyfield Farms, where I heard Gary Hirshberg, founder and CE-Yo of Stonyfield, talk about the importance of organics. Gary was featured on the documentary Food Inc, and when the DVD was released, Stonyfield sent me a copy of my own.
I already talked about how inspired I felt after watching Gary speak, but the DVD inspired me even more. While I know this really does tell only one side of the story, I think it’s important that every single person understand where their food comes from. After all, food is what fuels your body, and eating the wrong foods can lead to all kinds of serious health problems.
So, what have I changed? Well, my family will be participating in a farm community supported agriculture program starting this spring. This will ensure our family eats hormone and chemical free meats that are raised in an open, and grass fed environment.
Regardless of your food opinions, it’s worth checking out Food Inc to learn more! You can find Food, Inc. at Amazon.com.
Disclosure: I received this Food Inc DVD at no cost, and this post includes affiliate links.
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Learning About the Business of Food
Portable Water Dish and Leash: A Great Gift for the Dog
You may be wondering why the World Wrestling Federation changed its three letter acronym from WWF to WWE. The short version of the story is, WWF belonged to the World Wildlife Federation. I say this so you know that the purchase of this gift will go to help endangered animals and not Big Show or The Miz
This is a very convenient set of three items for your dog. The first is a portable water dish made of nylon, which is easy to clean and which you can take anywhere, fill with water at a local drinking fountain or rest room, and let your buddy drink to his delight. The second and third are a sturdy collar and leash. All are embroidered with the distinctive WWF Panda logo, letting the world that your buddy cares about his fellow animals around the world who are not lucky enough to have a master who waits on them hand and foot (or paw and paw). The set is yours for a donation of $50.
On the next hot summer day when you’d otherwise be saying “dang, I forgot to pack the water dish”, he or she will be grateful you remembered!
Best charities to donate to for Haiti Earthquake relief
You’re probably seeing the devastation of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti on your TV screens, and you may be inspired to donate to help those who are suffering.
But while it’s important to give, it’s also important to be very selective in your giving. Unfortunately, for as many wonderful, generous, and giving people there are out there, there are also those who would not hesitate to take advantage of the disaster for their own greedy gains. Just like giving a dollar to a homeless person on the street, it’s gotten to the point where you almost become suspicious of giving to anyone because you don’t know whether your money is going to be used for good or for bad. No doubt you’ll see emails and Facebook entries and Tweets in the coming weeks. Some will be legitimate, others will not be.
There’s a great site called Charity Navigator which is one of the best sites on the Web for reporting on charities. They are an unbiased source of information on charities, and they rate charities by how efficiently they are run. It’s the source I always go to first before I decide whether or not to give.
They have a special page dedicated to Donations for Haiti Earthquake Relief. It includes a list of very important things to keep in mind when planning your Haiti donation, and also have a list of the top-rated, best run charities that have a history of relief work in Haiti (even before the earthquake). There are obviously dozens of other great charities not listed on this page; if you wish to give to one of those charities, just be sure to do your homework first.
Charity Navigator has even gone so far as to identify specific work that some of the charities are doing. This includes the following (click on the link to go directly to the charity’s site).
American Red Cross – Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the Red Cross is a premier emergency response organization. Sending tarps, cooking sets, and hygienic supplies for thousands of families and helping with those who need blood. Help is being provided by local citizens who are volunteers, who will be supported by Red Cross Disaster Management personnel.
Americares - A nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs, founded in 1982. Sending millions of dollars in medical equipment and supplies including antibiotics, pain relievers, bandages, to survivors with traumatic injuries.
CARE – One of the world’s largest private international humanitarian organizations, committed to helping families in poor communities, originally founded in 1945 to provide relief to survivors of World War II. Have over 100 emergency team members and staff on the ground coordinating with U.N. agencies to distribute food.
Convoy of Hope – Established in 1994, Convoy of Hope was formed to network churches within communities to help people. Charity specializing in feeding the hungry and providing pure drinking water to people in need. Have set up a command center outside Port-au-Prince to distribute food, water and supplies.
Direct Relief International – Since 1948, has been providing medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. They’ve set up an emergency airlift providing over $2 million in medical supplies and medicine.
Doctors Without Borders – Created in 1971 to provide medical assistance to people of nations in crisis, based on principles of medical ethics and impartiality. They’re treating people on the ground and are setting up an inflatable hospital.
Food for the Poor – Established in 1982, this is the largest international relief organization in the United States, whose goals are to improve the health, economic, social and spiritual conditions of the men, women and children they serve. They’re an interdenominational ministry, following the principles of Matthew 25:31-46. They’re distributing hundreds of containers of urgently needed medical supplies, rice and canned food.
Partners in Health - Founded in 1987, this is a charity that was first established in Haiti to help provide health care to its poorest people. They’re organizing medical personnel volunteers and gathering supplies.
Save the Children – Founded in 1932, this is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need. Have been in Haiti for over 25 years and will be providing food, water, shelter and child-friendly space. Save the Children is also providing refuge for other aid workers, as their offices in Haiti did not suffer the structural damage that others did.
Water Missions International - Founded in 1998 after Hurrican Mitch devastated Honduras, this is a Christian nonprofit organization which provides clean, safe water to people in developing countries and disaster areas through a variety of technologies. They have full-time staff in Haiti and are assisting in getting clean water back to its people.
Most of these sites have active blogs and Twitter feeds where you can follow the progress of their work.
Whichever of these charities you decide to give to, do give generously and let’s keep on giving even the celebrities stop talking about it, the pictures stop appearing on TV, and everyone has gone onto the next thing.
Exciting News: I’m One of the #FrigidaireMoms
You may know that one of my resolutions this year is to learn how to bake. I’m thrilled to say that I’ll have a brand-new Frigidaire Range & Microwave next month, which will definitely make things easier.
My current range & microwave were here when we purchased our home back in 2005. One of the burners was broken when we moved in (the largest of the burners, natch), and one broke about a year later. It’s a decent stove, but definitely the bottom of the line, so I’m looking forward to having FIVE burners (rather than two), and much more oven space for all of my baking adventures.
Front of the Frigidaire Gas Range
I’m planning on having lots of fun testing these appliances and working on my resolution, with blog posts and vlogs chronicling my adventures. Look for them starting in February or March, after my appliances are delivered. In the meantime, take a look at how beautiful and sleek these Frigidaire appliances are. I can’t wait!
In other news, today, Frigidaire is launching a new campaign featuring Jennifer Garner, in support of the Save the Children foundation. Visit www.maketimeforchange.com to play the Spin & Win game for a chance to win prizes including a new time-saving Frigidaire Affinity washer/dryer. Every day you “take a spin”, Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children as part of a $250,000 commitment.
Frigidaire Microwave
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Range/Microwave to facilitate my review
Post from: Mom’s Favorite Stuff
Exciting News: I’m One of the #FrigidaireMoms
Body Moisturizing Lotion which promotes healing thorugh art.
Kiehl’s ‘KAWS’ Creme de Corps
is a body moisturizer formed under a partnership between Kiehl and New York-based artist KAWS.In the U.S., 100% of proceeds from sales of this lotion will go to assist RxArt, a non-profit organization which promotes healing through exposure to original fine art. RxArt brings art programs to pediatric hospitals.Spending time with sick kids and introducing them to beautiful fine art is a wonderful way to boost their morale, inspire them to enjoy the beauty in life amid the difficulty they’re going through, and help the healing process.Creme de Corps is available in three sizes with KAWS’ limited-edition artwork.
Jeans That Fit Moms, But Aren’t Mom Jeans
Like many moms, my body just isn’t the same since I had my kids. Jeans especially aren’t as easy to wear, and the choice between tween fit and mom jean really isn’t all that appealing to me. At face value, the name “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans” was a bit scary to me, because I was afraid they were those all too dreadful mom jeans. But, I was wrong – totally, totally wrong!
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are hands down, the absolute best jeans I’ve worn on my post-kids body. They are made with a mom’s body in mind, and don’t hide or camouflage your curves. Made with just a bit of spandex, they fit fabulously, and even make your body look a size smaller (but still curvy). They are truly magic!
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are available in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, including petite sizes (obviously essential for my 4′11” self). The ankle length jeans even fit me without shortening, which is often a problem for me. To learn more about Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, visit their Web site.
Post from: Mom’s Favorite Stuff
Jeans That Fit Moms, But Aren’t Mom Jeans
Neogreene Lunch Box and Wine Bottles Holder by GreenSmart
Do you remember my review last year of Neogreene laptop cases? Well, GreenSmart has just introduced a food and beverage line with beautiful lunch bags and stylish wine bottle holders.
Neogreene has the following features:
- All water based adhesives
- No Chlorine
- PVC & Lead Free
- No Formaldehyde
- No VOCs – which means no smell
- 25% less petroleum than neoprene
- 25% less energy (compared to producing neoprene)
- Even the green coloring of the Neogreene is a water based dye
I received both a lunch bag and a wine bottle holder for review, and both are stylish, beautiful, and best of all – environmentally friendly.
There are several styles of lunch bags, depending on your personal taste and preferences. While I chose the blue ice Sifaka, I was really wavering between that and the Margay, which looks like a mini laptop case! It’s so stylish and fun, and best of all, it’s safer and better quality than lots of other lunchboxes (and more environmentally friendly than disposable bags).
The wine bottle holders are sleek and stylish, and are great for keeping bottles cool or warm, and also are a great housewarming gift (along with your favorite bottle of wine)! Available styles are the Finback (one bottle) or Bowhead (two bottles).
Are you wondering what the unique product names represent? They are endangered species, and GreenSmart now donates 10% of net profits to the World Wildlife Fund and other environmental organizations.
To purchase, visit GreenSmart’s Web site, and with the code GSTW25 you can save 25%.
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Neogreene Lunch Box and Wine Bottles Holder by GreenSmart