Who can resist this sweet little apple?

This is Clementine NW’s Final Monday Madness sale, but it is going to be the best one yet! Everything will be on sale up to 60% off for one day only.

There are very limited quantities on some items, so don’t let these amazing deals pass you by! What are you going to pick up today?

Or as my son reminded me yesterday, it’s the Autumnal Equinox. It doesn’t feel as much like fall today as it got close to 90! But… I think we’re getting ready for fall colors, cooler weather, pumpkins, fires, hot drinks, and warm clothes!

What do you look forward to in the fall?

you need to try! One of the best choices you can make when trying to go green, especially with babies and kids, is to choose reusable over disposable. The amount of disposable products out there is just mind boggling. Honestly, it may be a little more difficult at first. But once you get going, you really will get used to it and you may even like it better!

10 reusable products you should be using (or at least trying):

1. Diapers. Cloth diapers save you money in the long run, especially if you use them for multiple children. Compared to disposables: They save trees and plastic consumption. They reduce the amount of untreated waste going into our landfills. And they don’t expose baby’s skin to unnecessary and toxic chemicals that can be found in conventional disposable diapers.
2. Swim Diapers. Durable, they work great, and I have found that they aren’t any harder to use than the disposable ones. The place my son took baby swim lessons actually required them since they were better for the filtration system they used. Plus the reusable swim diapers are so much cuter!
3. Wet Bags. There are wet bags made specifically for use with cloth diapers, but any waterproof bag will do. Wet bags are wonderful for cloth diapers, but also can be used for wet/dirty clothes, swimsuits, dirty bibs, anything you can think of that you wouldn’t want touching all the nice clean things in your diaper bag. Skip the plastic bags!
4. Bibs. There really is no need for disposable bibs at home. Even if you are going out to a restaurant or a friend’s house, take along a cloth bib or two and your wet bag to put the dirty one in after use.
5. Changing Table Pad. I have yet to see a diaper bag that does not come with a changing pad (be sure to avoid Microban which contains the pesticide Triclosan). You can also buy so many different types of quick change sets that allow you to store a diaper, wipes, diaper balm in a nice little compact set. Why buy, or use, the disposable ones?
6. Wipes. I know this change can be a little harder to make, but it isn’t all that much harder than the cloth diapers! Just keep a little spray bottle handy, filled with water or special cloth wipe solution, to wet the wipe before using. Your baby will appreciate the softness of a cloth wipe on her skin and you’ll appreciate the cost savings and knowing there are no unnecessary or toxic chemicals touching baby’s skin.
7. Reusable nursing pads. Well these are more for mama than baby, but still important. They are made out of some great materials, organic cotton, wool, organic cotton/hemp blends, wool/cashmere blends to name a few. There a lot of benefits to you, not just the environment, by choosing reusable nursing pads. They provide good air flow, reducing the risks of infection. They keep your breasts warm helping with circulation and milk supply. They don’t contain toxic chemicals that can irritate the skin, and are just not healthy for you, your baby, or the environment.
8. Cloth Napkins. For wiping dirty faces and hands, boogie noses, or any other messes or spills, cloth napkins are easy to use and easy to wash. Using these doesn’t make anything really harder, it’s just doing it, making the change.
9. Baby Food Containers. We’ve talked about our love of glass bottles and making your own baby food, but we haven’t said much about the containers to store breastmilk and/or homemade baby food. I believe that glass is better than plastic, and some plastics are better than others, but reusable containers of any material is by far the better choice. Take care with freezing, as some things should not be placed in glass in the freezer.
10. Reusable Shopping Bags. I know this one seems like a no-brainer as every grocery store and “go-green” article tells us that we need to use our reusable bags when shopping. So many people are still not doing it and not using it everywhere they could. Anytime you are going to be purchasing something that ordinarily goes into a bag, clothes, toys, groceries, take your reusable bag!

Any other tips for reusable baby products? Which do you use and why or why not?

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” -Lao Tzu

We all need a little more Zen in our lives! Today’s 50% off Monday Madness sale items are the Zen Organic Cloud Tee and Monkey Pants set and the Zen Organic Plum Tee and Monkey Pants Set. You can also accessorize with the Organic Cotton Bear Red Stripes, Zen Organic Booties Red Stripes, and Zen Knot Cap all at 25% off!

Sckoon’s famous Monkey Pants are a must have for any baby. I don’t know how many compliments I got on them for my baby girl, so cute! Sckoon is such a great company. They make such fun, unique, and above all organic clothes that you aren’t going to find just anywhere. Sckoon organic clothing is designed in Soho, New York, manufactured at environmentally conscience fair trade factories, and certified by Demeter (international biodynamic certification board) and AGRECO (USDA Accredited Certifying Agent).

**We’ve only got one Monday left in September. That means that we have one more Monday Madness left and it’s going to be a good one! If you have any suggestions we’d love to hear them!**

This week was fun thinking about the important role that grandparents play in our kids’ lives. I grew up with grandparents several states away. I saw them maybe once a year and did not know them well. They were not involved in our daily lives. They weren’t there for birthdays or holidays or school plays. My kids are lucky that most of their grandparents are within  a couple hours drive. They get to see them often and I know will reap the benefits of that.

I sent out a call to some of the grandparents I know of young children to send in something from their perspective on being a grandparent. My mom sent me this that was written a little over three years ago:

I went to see my grandson tonight, to give my daughter a rest.  The new baby she carries is in a hurry and my girl must take it easy.  So dinner, bath and bedtime have become a ritual for my grandbaby and me. But, tonight he is sick. He’s been sick for a few days and he is so small and so quiet. And it hurts me.

I remember when I was mommy and one of my girls sick.  I remember watching them; listening and anxious until they were well again.  Now I watch and listen and fret over this boy, who is my heart.
I want to feel exasperation at his 2 year old antics, feel excitement at his 2 year old feats.  I do not want to fear for him as I tuck him in bed and urge a sip of water and blow a kiss.

His Mama is calm and I admire that.  But I see her watching and listening, too. We both know he will be fine soon, will be his usual rambunctious self and  I’ll be glad.

Tonight, though, when I drove home I cried.

And now for the announcement of our Grandparents day winner! We had such great responses it was too hard to choose, so we went with a random.org generator. And the winner is…. Slee! We will be sending an e-mail with your gift certificate. Thanks everyone for the thoughtful comments.

Grandparents have it great, or so I’m told! They can enjoy their grandkids, but without all the drama and responsibility that goes with being a parent. Grandparents can be more relaxed, they can take the time to just focus on the kids without worrying about the loads of laundry that need to be done or the dirty dishes in the sink, and they can just be fun! Do all the things the parents can’t (within reason of course!), spoil them with sweets and treats, but remember your attention is what little ones need the most.

Top 10 Activities Grandparents Can Do With Their Grandbabies (that parents will love you for):

1. Sing. Sing a song. This is one of the first ways you can bond with a new baby. Singing while rocking, bouncing, walking, and snuggling will all help you become a familiar and loved person to your grandbaby. If you don’t live nearby, you can have mom or dad let baby listen to you sing over the phone, web cam, or a recording of you singing.
2. Take her for a walk. Whether you can be the hip grandparent that babywears or pushes the stroller, however you can get outside it will be good for you both. Babies love to be outside and love for you to tell her all about her world. As she grows, walking to the park and doing the swings and slides will be great fun!
3. Take photos. Take photos of you, your life, your grandbaby, anything and everything. One thing that my kids’ Grammy and Granpa have been sure to do is take pictures with me in them! Usually I am the one behind the camera, so it’s nice having some record of me with my babies.
4. Make something with the photos. When my oldest was about 18 months, we had photo magnets made of all the families of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Having those reminders of his family, some which are far away, was so helpful to him feeling connected to them. Photo albums are great too, especially if there is someone to tell stories about all the people in the pictures as you look at it.
5. Read. Reading to babies can begin as early as you want. By the time he turns one, your grandbaby will have heard all the sounds they need to be able to talk. The more beautiful language they are exposed to the better. Recording your voice reading some favorite books (babies also love repetition!) or reading with them on the web cam or phone is a great option for long-distance grandparents.
6. Make her smile, make her laugh. There are so many ways to make a baby giggle and I am sure you have a few tricks up your sleeve yourself! Sharing a laugh can be the best bond two people can have, even if one of those people is just a wee one.
7. Play. Simple play for newborns into more interactive play as they grow. Old favorites like “Pat-a-Cake” and “This Little Piggy” are always a hit. If you’re entertaining at your home, be sure to have a few simple, safe toys on hand. Really your grandbaby is going to benefit from any interactions you have.
8. Write letters. On special occasions or anytime, write a letter to your grandbaby. Be serious, be silly, be simple, be poetic, be yourself. Then you can either send them along or keep them and give them once you think your grandchild is old enough for them.
9. Let them be messy! Especially if you are also in charge of the clean-up. Take them out stomping in mud puddles, let them finger paint, let her try the spoon or cup by herself, let her play in the water or sandbox. She will love you for it!
10. Start a tradition. Traditions are something that your grandbaby won’t understand just yet, but keep it up and he will grow to look forward to them year after year. Think of something new based on your interests or think back to traditions you might have had growing up.

Please leave any comments with ideas of activities you love to do with your grandkids or that you would love to see your baby’s grandparents do!

Don’t forget to comment on Sunday’s ‘Happy Grandparents Day‘ post for a chance to win a $15 gift certificate!

At 50% you can’t afford not to get one!

This Monday Madness is special was created with grandparents in mind! If you are ever going to have baby at meal time, over for a swim, or any time they are going to end up needing a bath you are going to be so glad to have a fun washcloth and hooded towel!

These are made with the finest organic Egyptian cotton so you know that you have only the best for your baby (or grandbaby). Feel safe knowing that the organic Egyptian cotton is made without pesticides and chemicals by a fair trade company.

The organic hooded towels are perfect for snuggling up a newborn or chasing after a wet toddler at the beach. The organic frog and duck washcloths are perfect for entertaining babies and kids when you have to wash their faces or sticky hands.

Shop now at Clementine NW: Organic Hooded Towel and Frog Washcloth Set or Organic Hooded Towel and Duck Washcloth Set

“Grandparents can do more for us than anyone else in the world; they sprinkle stardust in our eyes.” -Alex Haley

A very happy Grandparents Day to all the grandparents out there! Grandparents are so important in kids’ lives. Grandparents can buffer the effects of adverse life events, they can encourage and support their grandchildren’s activities, they can take the time to really listen, they can spend time doing simple things, and all of this is so helpful to boosting kid’s development.

We hope that no matter where your grandchildren live, that you can have a wonderful, fulfilling relationship with them. There are so many ways to stay in touch, whether you live close by or far away.

This week we are going to focus on the grandparents. So be sure to come back to check out what we have in store for you!

Now tell us, what is your favorite thing about being a grandparent? If you’re the parent, share what the best thing is about your kid’s grandparent? The best comment will win a $15 gift certificate! Comments will close Friday at noon PST and winner will be announced by 3pm PST.

Edited 9/18: Our winner was announced today!

So I have spent the last day and a half combing through old photos of my three as babies, well one still is but that’s beside the point… I spent so much time reminiscing that I never got the chance to put up my photos! Here are a few favorites from each and you can see me attempting to use those tips I have continued to attempt to put into practice!