Monkey Baby...going green

Let's pass the Kids-Safe Chemicals Act in California!

2009-04-07T12:34:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to share with you that I took action to protect children from toxic chemicals. You can too.
It is critical that we get as many people as we can to show Senator Boxer that people support her efforts to protect our children’s health.
Check it out here: action.sierraclub.org/keepkidssafe

Ecostore USA is in the news, thanks to us mommy bloggers!

2009-04-07T01:43:00.007-05:00

Recently I had the privilege of testing some very wonderful eco-friendly products for Ecostore USA. Being "green" products I jumped at the chance to get my hands on some samples and I couldn't wait to blog about them and write a nice little review for their company! You can read more here in this great news article about how "Bloggers help power growth of company".

These are the products I sampled!

As for the products that I received, I have been more than happy and impressed by them! The first item I tried was their Lemongrass Soap. It has a wonderfully aromatic lemony-zest scent. What a satisfying indulgence! It was as if my shower was transformed into a spa! The rich lather was very invigorating.
Next on my sampling agenda was the Baby Body Wash which my own two children were more than happy to make a splash with. Bath time turned into fun time when I told them we had received a new body wash in the mail! They couldn't wait to try out their surprise package! It was gentle on their tender skin and I really liked the fact that it had a light aromatherapy scent. Most importantly I could rest assured that it didn't contain any nasty chemicals, so I knew it was safe for my babies!
Last but not least, I gave the Spray Cleaner a shot in my bathroom. Once again, I was amazed by the cleaning power. It left my sink and toilet sparkling like new! With no overpowering smells, I didn't even have to hold my breath while cleaning (as I would have with other cleaners on the market). It has a very light clean scent. I just sprayed it on and all the dirt and grime was easily wiped away in no time! Having no nasty chemicals, it's naturally antibacterial and safe to use!

Products are available in Meijer's 185 stores in 5 states. Look for a store near you! Or visit Ecostore USA to learn more!

P.S. Ecostore USA is offering free shipping for orders $25 and up through out April for Earth month!

I'm walking 60 miles in the Breast Cancer 3-Day!

2009-04-01T16:06:00.002-05:00

I have taken on an incredible challenge. On October 2 - 4, I’ll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days, camping out at night with thousands of other women and men taking this journey with me.

It’s for an event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Every advancement in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention in the last 25 years has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant. They are working hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising at least $2300 to help bring us closer to that goal.

Please consider making a donation.

Without a cure, one in eight women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s why I’m walking in the 3-Day. Because everyone deserves a lifetime.

To make a donation, go to http://www.the3day.org/goto/christinechen. I would like to reach my fundraising goal by July 1st, so don’t delay!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for your support!

What's going on???

2009-03-19T14:58:00.002-05:00

Baby shampoo should be safe, but it might contain unlabeled, cancer-causing chemicals, according to product tests from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. It's just another example of how the cosmetics industry and the FDA are letting us down.

To learn which products were tested, understand what it means for your family's health, and write a letter to your elected officials asking for truly safe cosmetics for kids and grownups, visit http://www.safecosmetics.org/toxictub.

GET INVOLVED and Show us YOUR Cutie!

2009-03-07T13:27:00.002-06:00

I would love to post a few photos and stories about YOU (my readers!)!
Contact me and let me know about the funniest things your kids say or do! If you submit photos of your child along with your e-mail, you'll almost certainly receive a post! I'd love to hear from you!
Show me your adorable tots (small file sizes please) and share your funniest photos!
Or share some of the funniest things that your child has said... I'd love to post some really funny stories here! Let's make this a more interactive place! Don't be a stranger! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!!!

Dapple and Skip Hop Announce Exciting New Promotion!

2009-03-07T12:56:00.003-06:00

I recently received an e-mail from Jesson Burnam, writing to me on behalf of Dapple (www.dapplebaby.com) – makers of baby-safe, baby-specific green cleaning products – to let us know about an exciting new promotion with Skip Hop (www.skiphop.com) – makers of innovative parenting products. Throughout the month of March, anyone who visits the Skip Hop website and purchases an item from their Feeding Product Line (Splash bottle drying rack, Mate stay-put mat & plate, Palette plate feeding set, Chow baby food organizer, Table fun feeding set, Single bottle bag, triple bottle lunch bag) will receive a free travel size Dapple baby bottle & dish liquid!

Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Liquid uses natural ingredients to zero in on the milk residue and odor left behind on baby bottles and cups, and get all your grown-up dishes clean, too! It features green technology to target milk residue, and natural baking soda to combat odor. Dapple Dish Liquid is 100% free of phthalates, parabens, SLES, preservatives, and synthetic dyes and fragrances. It’s also biodegradable and preservative-free. Their 3 oz. travel size is airline carry-on-friendly, and great for trips! And that's a wonderful thing with summer and vacation time coming up soon!

Updates on Monkey Baby Boutique!

2009-02-26T00:17:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd let you all know that I am planning to relaunch my Monkey Baby Boutique sometime this summer... I'm in the process of adding new products to the site and updating and editing some of the old ones.

Monkey Baby Boutique will be a specialty online baby shop that carries only the best products for you and your baby. I research each product line that I'm going to carry so that you can shop with confidence.

Interested in submitting a product?

I'm currently looking for unique inventions to carry in my boutique. I would love to help you realize the full growth potential of your products. If you are an inventor, designer, or baby fashionista and are interested in seeing how I can help you... please shoot me a message!

Mama's got a new Bag of tricks!

2009-02-19T15:54:00.002-06:00

We are all trying to be environmentally responsible with our shopping bags, but are you having a hard time organizing the bags themselves? I would love to introduce you to an Austin company that has invented the first system of reusable shopping bags! Real Simple magazine has just called it the "smartest system!"
Blue Avocado makes 3 different kits of shopping bags for all three of the different purposes we need:

Hauling (shlepping bags)
Ventilation (produce bags)
Insulation (cooler bags)

All of the bags actually fit together into one kit when you're finished using them for the day. And their site says, "...by using a BlueAvocado pod instead of plastic bags you avoid 200 plastic bags and 9.5 lbs of CO2e if you use the bag for a whole year. That's the equivalent of NOT driving 11 miles."

I think these bags are just the cutest! And I love how they organize back together into a neat little package. I am so impressed!

So... here's a question. How do you remember to take your bags with you when it's time to go grocery shopping? Blue Avocado has some tips on this here. Feel free to tell us your own tricks in the comments!

House hunting in the Bay Area

2009-02-19T02:02:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to provide a quick update to all of my loyal readers and to also apologize for not posting more frequently! The last couple of months have been quite an adventure!
I took my kiddos back home to spend Christmas in Oklahoma with my family whom I hadn't seen in 2 years. We had a wonderful time! It was great seeing my brother and sister and all the nieces and nephews again. I just wish I could go back more often!
Since returning to the Bay Area it seems we've been on a non-stop roller coaster ride house hunting. It's been fun but I'm hoping that we actually find something soon. We've been renting for over a year now and it will be so nice to finally find a place that we can call our own again!
I will keep you all updated on the progress. We are going to view some more homes this weekend. Until then... I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the New Year!

Don't Forget to Vote Today! ...and then grab a free coffee at Starbucks!

2008-11-04T12:47:00.001-06:00

Just a reminder to everyone that today is Election Day! Get out there and Vote if you haven't already! I Did!
Also did you know that several businesses are offering FREE perks to those wearing an "I Voted" sticker? Now, there’s no excuse not to vote!
Big businesses like Starbucks (coffee), Ben & Jerry’s (ice cream), and Krispy Kreme (star-shaped doughnuts with red, white and blue sprinkles) are handing out tasty treats!
Will you take advantage of the freebies?

Green Goes with Everything

2008-10-03T12:32:00.003-05:00

Sloan Barnett, the Green Editor for KNTV here in San Francisco, has just released a new book. It is packed with common sense and sass, product picks and practical tips, Green Goes with Everything; Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet is a must-read for anyone who wants to be green AND clean, and for everyone who wants to take simple steps to safeguard the health of their family and our wonderful blue planet.
According to Barnett, human beings are saturating their bodies, their children's bodies and their homes with noxious waste, pathogens and carcinogens. This book is divided into seven clean-it-up chapters full of solid information and helpful tips aimed at greening different areas of your life, such as how to best filter household water. Barnett's well-written environmental call-to-arms is passionate and authoritative; her findings correlating childhood illnesses with ordinary-and highly toxic-cleaning supplies is alarming.
This book is a must read for anyone who cares about the health of their family and our wonderful planet!

I'm a Living Green House Party host!

2008-09-22T16:01:00.002-05:00

Because I was among the first host finalists to set up my Living Green party online, I was confirmed as a host and will be receiving a free party package to share with my guests shortly before the party. I can't wait to spread the word by inviting my guests to my party, where fun and affordable ways to create an eco-friendly home will be center stage.

On October 4th, I will gather friends and family to discover how to “live green” with loads of simple, affordable help from Better Homes and Gardens and Green Works.™

My party is just a couple of weeks away. All across the country hosts are planning their Living Green house parties. I'm sooo ready to have a great time at my Living Green House Party!

Using the Library is a great way to go Green!

2008-08-04T14:26:00.002-05:00

Did you ever think that using the library would be a "green thing" to do? Can you imagine how much paper we could save by using this community resource instead of buying all of the books that we read? Most of us buy a book, read it once, and then let it sit on our bookshelves for years. Reading books from the library is a great way to save resources and be green!
The library that I use, here in Sunnyvale, CA., actually has some books that have been used to an incredible extent. There are hundreds of books in their collection that have been checked out more than 100 times! They also have dozens of books that have been checked out more than 200 times, and one book that has been out more than 300 times! It's a rare book that can take that much wear and tear without being rebound at some point to be kept from falling apart.
If you're curious as to which book was out more than 300 times, it is "If Tomorrow Comes" by Sydney Sheldon. A close runner up is "C Is for Corpse" by Sue Grafton.
The library is also a great place to find several "green titles", offering advice on everything from how to travel, cook and garden green, to making your house and workplace energy-smart.
I'm currently reading "Green This! Volume One" (greening your cleaning) by Deirdre Imus, and "Green Babies, Sage Moms" (the ultimate guide to raising your organic baby) by Lynda Fassa.
So, if you haven't already gotten a library card, why not get one? It also makes for a great place to take the little ones on an outing, and find free movies to check out as well!

How to Raise a Healthy Child, In Spite of Your Doctor

2008-07-29T02:40:00.005-05:00

I just ran across a wonderful book today! How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, renowned pediatrician and author advises parents on home treatment and diagnosis of colds and flus, childhood illnesses, vision and hearing problems, allergies, and more. PLUS, a complete section on picking the right doctor for your child, step-by-step instructions for knowing when to call a doctor, and much more. I encourage every mom to get this book! Chapter 7 is not to be missed!
He teaches that a Fever is one of our body's defenses against disease. Here is one of his quotes "Measures to reduce temperature, such as drugs or sponging are worse than unnecessary; they are actually counterproductive!" Fever reducing medicines can actually cause liver damage. We want to work "with" a fever.
Another great resource is the book titled The How to Herb Book (it's a wonderful book to have) Learn how to use onion juice for an ear ache! We do not need to depend on antibiotics for ear aches!
I recommend these two books as must haves for every home library!

Make Your Summer Traveling 'Greener'

2008-07-23T12:49:00.003-05:00

Are you looking for a way to make your Summer Vacation a bit 'greener'? 'Going green' doesn't mean you have to stay at home. You just need to find a greener way to travel. You can reduce your carbon footprint (the amount of carbon dioxide & other greenhouse gases that your daily activities emit) by purchasing carbon offsets and choosing to use low-carbon transportation both during the trip and at your final destination.

By buying carbon offsets, You can shrink your footprint significantly.
Native Energy offers business specific types of offsets which include offsets for travel companies, events and business travel. With Native Energy you can support specific projects, such as the Wanner Family Dairy Farm Methane Project. Native Energy also offers renewable energy credits, which are much like buying green power from your utility company. You can choose from either 100% wind power, 100% methane power or 50% wind/50% methane. It would cost $24 to offset a flight from JFK to LAX. Carbonfund prides itself on offering the lowest prices, sells offsets to support projects in renewable energy, and energy efficiency & reforestation. These offsets sell for $5.50 per ton. Offsets for the that same flight would cost $4.92. These are just 2 of the more than 50 carbon offset retailers in today's growing market. So with so many choices, how do you know if one is better than the other? A good carbon offset should be verified or certified by a third party, meaning that they comply with the Gold Standard, the Voluntary Carbon Standard 2007 or the standards set by Green-e Climate.

The offsets sold by Carbonfund and Native Energy are both verified by The Gold Standard and VCS 2007. In the meantime, Green-e Climate in February became the first U.S. certifier of consumer carbon offsets. To this day, Green-e Climate has only certified carbon offsets from 4 retailers: 3Degrees, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Community Energy & Renewable Choice.

This summer, let's all choose to ease our guilt that is caused by our travels by buying carbon offsets. Let's offset the greenhouse gas emissions by financing projects that add clean energy to the power grid and reduce the overall demand for fossil fuels!

"Green travel is more than where we go and what we do; it's how we travel. If we journey with a respect for Earth's resources and inhabitants, we contribute to a world which supports healthy growth, both in nature and in human relationships."
- Visit Earth Routes for some WONDERFUL reservations & resources for green travel!

Tips for storing fresh produce in the fridge...

2008-07-22T13:46:00.004-05:00

Is there really a way to store delicious, fresh vegetables that will keep them fresh longer? I always run into the problem of buying too much and then losing some to spoilage, because we don't eat them fast enough! How I hate wasting tasty vegetables!

So... I thought Id share some general tips that I recently found on storing produce:

1) Most fruits should be kept OUT of the refrigerator unless it is on the verge of spoilage. Everything that is normally considered as fruit is included in this rule, including tomatoes, but not zucchini. The refrigerator is a dry environment that dries fruit out, fills it with strange odors and flavors, and sabotages the natural taste.

2) There is also no need to refrigerate potatoes, onions, or garlic if you have a dry cupboard in your home in which to store them.

3) A lot of produce suffers from being washed and then stored. You should not store washed basil or mushrooms in a plastic bag. Try washing your green leafy items at once so that you can quickly pull them out later for salads. If you ever end up with wet lettuce or salad mix, try adding a paper towel inside the plastic to absorb the moisture. This keeps them moist enough that they don't wilt.

4) Almost all other veggies will wilt, shrivel, pucker, and rot at a more rapid pace if not enclosed in some type of vapor barrier. Crisper drawers never really work, so try reusing plastic bags (which is another way to recycle them!), which traps some of the moisture and delays spoilage. Tupperware-type containers also work very well!

Always remember to consume your vegetables on a first-to-rot, first-to-eat basis. Try not to worry too much about which type of bag you use. Buying fresh, healthy, local food is a higher priority.

Lettuce eat veggies!

A Hip Hangout for Haute Mamas!

2008-07-22T03:35:00.004-05:00

I would like to share a little about a great Blog-based community site that I am a proud member of. It's called Posh Mama! There you will hear from a variety of authors... on fashion, beauty, style, interiors, fitness, health, high tech gadgets and more!!!
*Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network is a positive and upbeat community made up of women from around the world. You will feel immediately welcomed as it is the sweetest spot on the 'net. Come hang out, network and make some great friends at www.poshmama.com.
Come join us and be an Original Posh Mama! It is the Hip Hangout for Haute Mamas!
Stop by and visit me at MyPlace on PoshMama and say "Hi"! See you there!!!

Healthy Whole Food Meals are Quick, Easy and Delicious!

2008-07-14T03:43:00.005-05:00

A whole food diet is the key to a long and healthy life. New recommendations encourage consuming more fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day. This is easily accomplished by eating terrific-tasting, nutrient-rich whole food meals made in the Vita-Mix machine.

Make whole food juice that's full of fiber and flavor in under a minute.
Cook soup from scratch that's hot, hearty and satisfying in just 4 minutes.
Make frozen treats that are full of fruit and low in fat in only 30 seconds.
Grind fresh whole grains into flour and knead dough for healthy home made bread in one 5-minute operation.

Start your 30-day no-risk in-home trial today and we'll give you FREE Standard Ground Shipping!
Click here to get started - https://secure.vitamix.com/redirect.aspx?index.aspx?COUPON=06-003350
After you click on the link above, be sure to scroll down on that page and watch the demonstration. You'll learn how to make a wonderful Garden Fresh Cocktail!

121,197 children under six poisoned by household cleaners last year

2008-07-01T03:51:00.006-05:00

photo credit: Women's Voices for the Earth

Did you know that the levels of pollutants in our indoor air is 5 times more than the level you’ll find outside? It's also a fact that women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside the home. (This can be specifically attributed to the contact they have with household cleaning products).
There are 73 million homes with children under the age of 18. Poison Control reports that 121,197 children under the age of six were poisoned by household cleaners just last year. The other issue with household cleaners today is that asthma rates are also escalating far beyond what any scientists can explain. Scientist believe that asthmatic reactions can be exacerbated by the kinds of cleaning products that people have in their homes.
So, there are all kinds of health issues and problems that involve our little ones that are crawling around on our floors and breathing in the fumes from the products we are using. I believe it's our responsibility to really share this information with other moms out there, because most consumers have no idea that the things they're using in their homes can actually cause them harm. People assume that most products that they buy should be totally fine for them to use in their homes, and that's simply not the case.
I would love to share a safe, "green" cleaning alternative with you... Changing the products you use can really change your life as well as being safer for our planet. Please take a moment to visit my safe, "green" cleaning site.
I say "green" because, just one of our household cleaning Starter Kits does the equivalent of these 3 things:

eliminating 108 pounds of packaging waste
eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas
...and the equivalent to planting 10 trees

You can also listen to a 3 minute recorded message that gives you an overview on our products. Just dial 1-925-924-3000
Consider buying a product that is safer for you, your home and our planet!

Gerber Organic House Party

2008-06-27T14:08:00.006-05:00

I'm so excited! I just checked my e-mail and found out that I have been chosen to host a Gerber Organic House Party! Over 7,000 people applied, and amidst this extraordinarily high interest, I’ve been selected as one of their hostesses! You can view my own party URL by clicking here.

If you haven't heard about House Party, I'd like to share this great site with you! You can receive amazing discounts and free stuff from brands you know and love. All you have to do is host a party with a few friends and family in your own home. It's a lot of fun! I've hosted several of their parties already! (TOMS Style Your Sole Event, Hershey's Bliss™ Chocolate Party Event, and more...) Just click on the banner below to check it out for yourself and join for free!

So far the most meaningful House Party I have hosted had to be the TOMS Style Your Sole event. Please view this TOMS Shoes "Style Your Sole" Host Greeting. It explains everything. My hope is that I support TOMS Shoes 100%!

TOMS Shoes "Style Your Sole" Host Greeting

Greening Our Water

2008-06-26T01:39:00.019-05:00

Did you know that much of the world gets by on 2.5 gallons of water per day? But here in America we average using 400 gallons per day!
This is where Harvesting your greywater comes in. Water that has already been used but that is still clean enough for other jobs is called "greywater". This can include water from your sinks, showers, dishwashers, and clothes washers. Greywater can be recycled with simple practices such as emptying the fish tank into the garden instead of the sink. The bottom line? One way or another, we can all do our best to avoid putting water down the drain when we can use it for something else!

Another issue I would like to touch on is Bottled Water.

Bottled water has never gone down smoothly with many environmentalists, who view it as an extravagantly wasteful way of quenching a thirst. For the most part, bottled water is alot of hype. In most first-world countries tap water is provided by a government utility and is tested regularly. (You can actually look up your water in the National Tap Water Quality Database) Bottled water is not well regulated and studies have shown that it is not even particularly that pure. A four-year study of bottled water in the U.S. conducted by the NRDC found that about one-third of the 103 brands of bottled waters tested contained levels of contamination -- including synthetic organic chemicals, bacteria, and even arsenic. And believe it or not, most bottled water isn’t really “spring, artesian or mineral ” and is just regular tap water anyhow. Read the label to find the source the next time you pick up a bottle of water.
Infact bottled water is more expensive per gallon than gasoline and it also incurs a HUGE carbon footprint from the transportation, and then in the end to the discarded bottles. Making PET (polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic derived from crude oil) bottles for water consumes 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, that's enough to fuel 100,000 American cars for a year! Worldwide, 2.7 million tons of plastic are used to bottle water and 86% of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter.
If you like to keep a bottle of water with you on the go, Switch to Filtered Tap Water and a Reusable Water Bottle. Let's Make Thousands of Plastic Water Bottles 'Disappear'!

Check out the
CamelBak .75L Better Bottle with Classic Cap (BPA-Free)
It's an awesome reusable bottle!

And if your water at home tastes funny, try the BestWater Filtration Systems. They improve taste and odor, reduce common contaminants, and even have a Reverse Osmosis System.
To learn more about your city’s water quality, check out National Tapwater Database.

Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World

2008-06-24T14:09:00.003-05:00

Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World

Can your pocketbook save our planet? The author of Big Green Purse says it can!

Out of every dollar spent in the marketplace, women are shelling out 85 cents. That's a huge percentage from us girls -- and author Diane MacEachern says it could be put to enormous good. In her book Big Green Purse and in interviews around the country, the longtime conservationist is urging women to use their pecuniary powers for positive change. But how does smart shopping fit in with a buy-less message, and could saving the planet really be this easy?

Author Diane MacEachern has something she calls her big, green purse that, she says, carries the power to influence the marketplace to "create a cleaner, greener world."

Visit her website, Big Green Purse, and sign up for her One in a Million campaign, a pledge to shift at least $1,000 of the yearly household budget to more sustainable goods. That's a shift, she explains, not an additional expenditure: When choosing fruit, choose organic apples; when buying a bottle of lotion, look for one without phthalates or parabens; if you must buy a car, find one that fits your needs but is also fuel efficient. Still, her first piece of advice recommends us to always buy less.

Enter and Win: Teething Bling Contest

2008-06-21T03:03:00.006-05:00

Smart Mom, LLC, was started in 2002 as a way to promote pretty and practical ideas for real Moms. Their first product line, Teething Bling pendants and bangles, has been an enormous success and they appreciate all the support and encouragement they’ve received thus far. They use only the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone in their Teething Bling™ line. The material is also non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly!

Don't miss your chance to win your very own Teething Bling for you and your little one compliments of SmartMom Jewelry. Amy from SmartMom was gracious enough to provide 10 sets of pendants (that's right, I said TEN!) for HerBigIdea.com listeners and readers! Winners will get to choose their favorite color.

Teething Bling^® products are 100% lead-free.

To enter:

1. Simply go to the SmartMom Jewelry website and find your favorite color pendant.
2. Then write a comment in the blog post on HerBigIdea.com telling her which color you would love to have.

Rules:
1. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
2. One entry per person.
3. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on June 30, 2008.
4. A random winner will be chosen from elgible entries.

GOOD LUCK!

Please take 30 seconds to get involved...

2008-06-20T00:47:00.002-05:00

If you know anyone who has had a Mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Infact, a dear friend of mine back home had to have a double mastectomy just last year. Although hard to believe, insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for at least 2 days after surgery. Please take the time to make a difference! Please copy this to your blogs and/or send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're still reading this, I hope you'll take 30 seconds to vote on this issue and pass it on to others you know who will do the same. There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through' Mastectomy where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached. Lifetime Television has put this bill on their Web page with a petition drive to show support. Last year over half the House signed on. Please Sign the petition by clicking on the link below. You need not give more than your name, state, and zip code.

Sign The Petition Here

PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family, and on behalf of ALL women, THANK-YOU!

Big Bird Unmasked!

2008-06-17T01:18:00.002-05:00

I grew up watching Sesame Street and have always loved Big Bird! So, it's hard to believe that my children are also now watching the same program that I loved as a child. What a surprise to finally "meet" the man behind the mask! For 40 years, Big Bird has remained the same age — but the man who plays him hasn't. Amazingly enough, I haven't either. It's no secret, I will be 42 this year ...and I feel like I've known Big Bird my entire life! I hope you'll enjoy this video as much as I have!

Help save homeless shelter pets

2008-06-10T02:28:00.001-05:00

I would like to recommend a fun game that also lets you save pets! You can find it at http://www.experienceproject.com/savepets.

The Experience Project is a free, anonymous community. Come check out personal stories about every possible life experience-- including your own-- and meet people just like you. I actually stumbled upon this through a friend's profile on facebook. It works the same as the Free Rice campaign.
Please help save homeless shelter cats and dogs by playing the simple trivia game. Each correct answer sends food to shelters to help save innocent pet lives. Save Pets Today!

A Green Opportunity!

2008-06-06T13:28:00.003-05:00

Ever since moving here to California, I've developed a new attitude toward the foods we eat and the health we have in this country. It seems that everywhere I turn, people are talking about "Going Green"! As a result, I've begun to seek better health for myself as well as developing an environmental responsibility. Being a stay-at-home Mom, I've also been looking for ways to earn some extra cash from home to help out with our family finances. So it felt only natural when I found a home-based business where I could combine all of the above into one package.
I'm so glad I have been blessed with the opportunity to be able to give up rush hour traffic and corporate demands. I'm passionate about creating a new life with this company and am ready to share what they have to offer with everyone I meet (especially other Moms). I'm ready to help anyone build better health, wealth ... or BOTH! I know that if I can do this ANYONE can! We are all a part of the NEXT GENERATION WHO WANT IT ALL, AND I BELIEVE I HAVE FOUND A COMPANY THAT OFFERS IT ALL!
I feel empowered by our company's vision for what we can do to make this country and this world a better place! I feel like I'm on a mission to educate and help other Moms to have better health and the opportunity to be a WAHM (work-at-home mom) all at the same time! My hope is that you'll let me help you succeed in personal, environmental and financial health.
To find out more about what I do, feel free to contact me by visiting "...going "GREEN" couldn't be easier!" or click on the button below! Then click on Contact Me at the top of that page!

Kermit - It's Not Easy Being Green

2008-06-02T00:20:00.001-05:00

I'm not really sure what made me remember this song tonight, but of the blue the title just came to me. Maybe because I'm "Going Green"! Anyways, I just love Kermit the Frog! So, I Googled the song title and this is what I found! I just had to share it with everyone... Maybe it will bring back some happy memories as it did for me! Enjoy!

Mother Earth knows best

2008-05-28T02:36:00.004-05:00

It seems that everywhere we turn, it's becoming chic to go green... I was amazed when I ran across this article... It seems they're using organic mattresses in cribs and educating toddlers about recycling at eco-daycare centers across the country. Early outreach may help these tots sustain green habits through adulthood ... and if they're lucky, they might even squeeze in some mandatory nap-time, too.
Check out the article " Eco-day care center introduces toddlers to 'green' " at the Seattle Times website.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

2008-05-26T02:00:00.003-05:00

Here's a message every parent should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn' t
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS WITH ALL OF THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW
WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS, BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES.
LITTLE EYES SEE ALOT.

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)
influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today?
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

FREEBIES! Playtex BPA-free Bottle and YoMommy Yogurt 4-pack

2008-05-10T01:46:00.003-05:00

I just found out from my sister that Playtex is giving away free samples of the Playtex® Drop-Ins® Original Nurser System, which are BPA-free! Now that I'm more aware about the problem of BPA leaking into our drinks, I couldn't wait to pass this awesome offer on to you!
Just go here and fill out the form, and you'll receive your free gift in the mail!
http://www.pla ytexbaby.com/bpafree/info.html

I also discovered today that you can receive a coupon for a FREE YoMommy Yogurt 4-pack! Limit one request per household through May 31, 2008, while supplies last. Just go here for your free trial!
http://www.yobabyyogurt.com/yomommy/freetrial/
YoMommy is the first organic yogurt especially made for pregnancy, nursing, and beyond...

Pay it Green!

2008-05-05T14:52:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to share this website with you.
I thought you would be interested in PayItGreen. They even have a Green Calculator!

What's Your Financial Paper Footprint?

Calculate how much you can reduce your environmental impact by switching to electronic billing, statements and payments!

PayItGreen is a simple, safe and smart way to have a positive effect on the environment.

Learn More

Are you Thirsty for Change?

2008-05-04T23:41:00.003-05:00

Wow! Green and Clean mom has another awesome contest going on this week! She is actually GIVING AWAY 5 PUR Water Filtration Systems! Yes you heard me right! Check out her blog post:

Help Cindy Crawford and be a winner!!!! Keep it PUR contest!

Did you know that Cindy Crawford together with PUR Water Filtration Systems are part of a big campaign, Thirsty for Change, to help provide safe drinking water for children in impoverished countries? Cindy has designed a Sigg water bottle with all of the proceeds going to support the campaign. Go to, Thirsty for Change, buy a water bottle and help children in third world countries have safe drinking water. What could be better than knowing you are helping someone in need each and every time you use your new water bottle? And having a reusable water bottle also helps out the environment! Filter, Reuse, Reduce! Now go enter the contest!

Save gas, Save time! Shop from Home!

2008-05-01T00:59:00.002-05:00

I just joined My Power Mall today... What's so great about this program is that it's 100% FREE to join and you earn rebates on your own shopping! You can shop from over 1000 stores for things that you already buy every month... Click on the banner above to learn more about how you can also start earning money just by giving Power Malls away! It's a Win Win situation!

WIN 2 BPA FREE Sippy Cups- A review and a sippy good time!

2008-04-19T01:30:00.003-05:00

Well Green and Clean MOM is at it again with another fabulous BPA free giveaway! This time she's got TWO awesome sippy cups up for grabs going to one lucky winner! Who wouldn't want their little ones sporting a couple of these sleek and stylish sippies while resting assured that they were also drinking from Safer, Healthier cups? Below you'll see a sampling of the cups she has tested and reviewed at her post titled "WIN 2 BPA FREE Sippy Cups- A review and a sippy good time!"

Test Cup A:

Test Cup B:

Test Cup C:

Test Cup D:

Test Cup E:

Test Cup F:

I think Test Cup A, the 7oz Foogo Stainless Steel Sippy is the absolute cutest! But Test Cup B, the Foogo Stainless Steel Leak Proof Straw Drink Bottle is a close second... I like the fact that they both keep liquids cold and safe! (For up to 6 hours in the 7oz Sippy, and 12 hours in the Test Cup B style!) How great is that?! I hate throwing milk out because they don't drink it right away and then it has spoiled after setting out for a couple of hours.
Anyways, Green and Clean MOM recommends shopping at The Soft Landing for all your BPA, PVC and Phthalate Free Shopping! So, go check out her blog and don't forget to enter her drawing! You could be her next lucky winner!

What troubles lurk while mommies are working

2008-04-08T03:57:00.003-05:00

Wow! I found someone else online that is going through "kinda the same thing" as me! But she was actually brave enough to blog about it before I was!
Diary of a Wannabe Work at Home Mom posted a blog titled When Mommy Works Bad Things Can Happen. I was Totally relating while reading this because it just so happens that while I was online trying to catch up a bit today, my 2 year old decided to take it upon himself to squeeze toothpaste all over the bathroom rug and then fill the sink with water so he could float all of our toothbrushes in it along with his rubber duckies, etc! My 4 year old finally alerted me by yelling "Mommy! Brandon made a mess!"
At least the toothbrushes weren't floating in the toilet! I guess it could have been worse!

It's been a painful week...

2008-04-07T19:04:00.001-05:00

I apologize to everyone for being away for so long! I have actually been recovering from a Very Painful infection... My right fallopian tube became infected about a week ago and I ended up in the ER with excruciating abdominal pain... As of today I'm feeling 100% better! I've battled with some female health issues for a couple of years now, but this was one of the worst episodes I've had in a awhile! So once again, I'm sorry for my absence, but I think I'm ready to get back to blogging again!

Win a BPA FREE CamelBak Water Bottle!

2008-04-04T01:19:00.002-05:00

Green & Clean Mom has an awesome contest going on right now over at her blog. You can win one of these sporting cool CamelBak bottles and be sassy and green just like she is! This is a new water bottle that is BPA free. (there really is danger involved and a risk when we use a plastic cup leaking BPA) Just click on the icon above or follow the links in this post to visit her blog to learn more about her mission and for your chance to win. But hurry! The contest ends April 8, 2008 at 12am EST

Helping the environment one candle at a time!

2008-03-21T02:41:00.002-05:00

A Shameless Plug...
I just wanted to share with you a little about my newest business venture this evening. It doesn't hurt to mention it... and everyone loves candles! Right? I feel like I'm a mom on a mission!
I just joined an All-Natural Gourmet Candle business opportunity. I've always loved candles, but have only recently become more aware of the toxicity of burning paraffin wax. Most candles fill a room with toxic, carcinogenic smoke and soot. In fact, burning paraffin candles releases many of the same toxins as diesel fuel.
Here's a little background info on the process of making paraffin wax. It begins at the bottom of an oil barrel (the worst 5% or so that has been rejected by the gasoline industry). This by-product of crude oil is then mixed with another less-than-enticing substance known as industrial strength bleach. This is what gives wax its pleasant whiteness. As if that weren't enough, they then add stearic acid and a few other minor ingredients, and you have the very wax burning in most of your homes. Shocking isn't it?!
As soon as I became aware of these harmful toxins being released by paraffin wax I didn't want to expose my friends, family, or children to it anymore. That's why I was thrilled when I discovered an alternative non-toxic wax which is made from ingredients such as vegetables and other natural, renewable sources. It's entirely non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. It also burns practically soot free and it smells better than ANY candle I have ever smelled! Honestly!
The clean glass and absence of black soot on the inside of the candle-holder is definitely comforting, when it is considered that this soot is the same substance being breathed when a paraffin candle is burned.
Note: Many soy waxes are not what they seem to be. The law only mandates a small percentage of the wax to be soy-based in order to be called soy wax. Therefore many soy waxes are still made mostly of paraffin.
There are also many other benefits of using these delicious smelling organic candles. Apart from being a healthy alternative to paraffin, the scents smell true-to-life from top to bottom, and they burn SLOW and EVEN too (retaining their fragrance stronger and longer).
Last but not least, using these all natural waxes supports a renewable U.S. resource rather than an imported, limited oil supply. Let's support our U.S. farmers! Please visit my Organic Candle website to learn more about these wonderfully safe candles!

I also want to make mention of a movement taking place on March 29th. If you haven't already heard about Earth Hour, click on the banner below to visit the site. I have already signed up to take part in this global event!

Let's turn off the lights and light a candle instead!

Footed sleepwear for adults!

2008-03-17T03:53:00.003-05:00

Have you ever envied your children when they're wearing their comfy-cozie sleepers? I've always thought it would be nice to have a pair of them myself (especially on those cold winter nights)! My daughter will be 4 years old in less than a month and her toes are already trying to poke through her pajama feet... Until now, I thought she was going to outgrow her "footed sleeper" stage... But as I was browsing through my Entrepreneur magazine this evening (Feb. 2008 issue) I found a small listing for Jumpin Jammerz - Cute, hard-to-find and fun footed-pjs!
Aren't they just the cutest most comfy looking things you've ever seen?

They have provided these fun footed-pjs to thousands of customers worldwide; and it doesn't stop there! Their Jammerz have even been worn by an ever growing list of celebrity clients! I think I really need to get a pair of these for myself!

“No Constitutional Right to Homeschool”?

2008-03-17T01:17:00.005-05:00

I just received an e-mail from my mother that contained some disturbing news. Being recently transplanted to the state of California, I immediately decided that this was something that deserves some attention.

Not more than two weeks ago, a California appeals court declared in In Re Rachel L. that the vast majority of parents in the state of California may choose only between sending their children to public and/or private schools. These three judges believe that the parents are unqualified to teach their own children. Tens of thousands of children in California are currently homeschooled, but that wasn't enough to convince these three judges, who boldly proclaimed that “parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children,” unless they are certified by the state to teach. The California court refused to recognize the rights of the parents as fundamental rights. According to the court, homeschooling could not be a legitimate educational option because it would place “an unreasonable burden on the state to have to supervise each and every home in which a child was being educated.”
In a recent Press Release Governor Schwarzenegger declared that “parents should have the right to decide what’s best for their children.”

90210 organics

2008-03-06T03:58:00.007-06:00

My friend Sarah and her business partner, Jennifer, have decided to open their own online Baby Boutique that reflects their love of all things natural and organic. These two California moms wanted to share their passion for living naturally with the rest of the world, and what better way to do just that than to open their own shop! 90210organics.com
In their shop you'll find high quality organic fashion, natural baby products, and beautifully handmade accessories, all personally handpicked by Sarah and Jennifer. In Sarah's words, let them "inspire you to live the natural life you were meant to live.”
Here is a small sampling of what you will find there:

Organic Dish Cloths/Exfoliating Wash Cloths

Cozy Cocoon Organic Leopard Cocoon

Ecobaby Cozy Rattle Large - Maiden Love Flora Spring Green Elephant

So what are you waiting for? Go visit them today where Being “green” is not a trend, it is a way of life!

the Boo Boo Baby Booty line by Rheba James

2008-03-04T01:07:00.006-06:00

I stumbled upon the cutest little baby shoes tonight, while reading through my Tot Trends Weekly online magazine. I just had to share these with you! I actually found them in a posting on the Editor's blog titled "Beautiful Baby Shoes by Rheba James".

Rheba James designs the most surprising and wonderfully decadent baby shoes! Boo Boo's are her most recent design, inspired by the delightful babies in her life. Aren't they adorable and oh so beautiful? It's too bad that my kids are too big to wear them. They are only available in 0-3 and 3-6 months at RhebaJames.com.

Let's try this again!

2008-02-26T03:56:00.004-06:00

Okay... Let's try this again! It's already 2:00am and once again I'm still awake, working on some of my business stuff online. Seems that as of lately this is the only chance I get! I've been really sleep deprived this past week. Let's see if I can finish this post without one of the kids waking up!
They should sleep good tonight though... I recently joined a "mommy group" that I found through "Meetup" and today was our first playdate with them... About 5 moms showed up at the park (with babies in tow). I'll have to say that I know I was the oldest mom there! But it was nice to get out of the house for a bit and to enjoy some fresh air. And the kids got a much needed chance to burn off some of their energy! We stopped at Taco Bell on the way back home and then it was straight into the bath with them! You see... while we were at the park, Caitlin took it upon herself to dump a handful of sand down Brandon's back, which made it all the way into his diaper! Ahhh... the joys of motherhood!
By the way, I do apologize for not keeping up with this blog as I had intended. I've been focusing a bit more on my other 2 blogs lately. But I am going to do my best to start posting here again as well...

I've also added a link to my Monkey Baby Etsy shop on the side bar. So feel free to check out what I'm offering over there right now too! You'll find one of my original knitted hoodie patterns, which Caitlin is modeling above, and a couple of pairs of my soft soled baby shoes!
Well, until next time... I think I'm going to try to get to bed a little earlier tonight!

We made it!

2008-02-19T05:37:00.002-06:00

We are finally settling into our new home in the San Francisco Bay Area. We arrived last month, but have been so busy getting organized. More to come... I hear a wee one waking up just now!

Our move is finally on again!

2007-11-28T01:20:00.000-06:00

Well, my husband's new job with Yahoo is finally finalized! He's supposed to report to work on Jan.7th, 2008! So we're back in the process of getting ready to move to Sunnyvale, California. The Silicon Valley will definitely be a change from the frigid wintery weather that we're experiencing here in the Chicago area right now. We've even had a few snow flurries already! Now we're just waiting on the movers to see when the big moving day will actually be! Along with preparing to move, we're also planning a couple of trips to visit family over the holidays. So... I may not be posting to my blogs as often as I'd like to during the month of December either.
But have no fear! Once we get settled in the Bay Area, I will be back and ready to keep on postin'!

Our move is on hold!

2007-11-09T00:05:00.000-06:00

Well our move to California is sorta on hold right now. Due to a series of unfortunate events, everything has been delayed and is actually up in the air until further notice. My husband is still waiting for the Final Offer letter to arrive, which they say they are still working on. Needless to say it has been a bit frustrating. I guess I'm being taught a lesson in patience!
Anyways, I decided to start working on my Monkey Baby Boutique website a bit again until we have more concrete info on our move. I had put everything on hold. But with the holiday season approaching, I don't want to miss out on offering my new merchandise during the busiest shopping time of the year!
I did spend a little time today just browsing the web and checking out a few other blogs, and I wanted to share this REALLY CUTE fabric activity book that I found.

I am considering trying to make an activity book of this type to add to my Boutique. Of course it won't be exactly like this one, but something similar... I wouldn't want to "copy" this design! Anyways, check out the blog she wrote and read the cute poems that go with each page.

California Dreaming...

2007-10-13T03:07:00.001-05:00

Wow! How things can change overnight! One day I'm at Hobby Lobby buying fabric and planning my next project (to make some cute little stuffed toys to sell on my website) and the next day my whole life takes a new turn! My husband just got accepted into a new job in California and they want him to start working on Nov. 1st! That's less than three weeks away! So, needless to say I have not been updating this blog because I have been a busy, busy bee! I didn't want anyone to think that I've abandoned this blog, so I thought I'd better let you all know what's going on. For the next couple of weeks, I'll be sorting through everything in my house (from my kids' toys and clothes they've outgrown, to all of my knick knacks that have been stashed away in closets). We'll be downsizing big time! We're going to be selling our 4 bedroom house and moving in with friends out there until we can find a place of our own. Everything will be in storage and we may just get a small apartment to begin with. *sighs* I've already donated tons of things to NCCS, and I am also Freecycling alot! So, if you don't hear from me for awhile, never fear! I will be back with new adventures to tell you all about! My California Dreaming is becoming a reality! Until next time...

Potty Training Update...

2007-09-27T13:06:00.000-05:00

Well it's been about 3 and a half weeks since we started Potty Training, and Caitlin took right to it! I think she had a couple of accidents during the first week, but after that it has been smooth sailing! She has pretty much stayed dry ever since she had an accident during our garage sale excursion the first weekend. I felt so bad, because I didn't have any extra clothes with us... We had just decided to walk the neighborhood.
I'm still putting a pull-up on her at night though (for sleeping) just incase... But she's even been staying dry through the night. So I think we're just about home free! I'll give it a bit longer before I remove those... Now, if only Brandon will train as easily! *keeping fingers crossed*

Kids not eating their fruits and vegetables?

2007-09-21T10:33:00.001-05:00

I have a shameless promotion that I just wanted to share with you... It's a wonderful product that contains 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains! My family and I have been taking this for nearly 2 years now! Getting my kids to eat their veggies has always been a struggle... But I found something that they do like and it's "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables!" I take the capsules myself, but they have these wonderful gummies for the kids and they love them!

Check out the website and let me know if you have any questions! You can even place an order online, directly through my site... It's such a simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to your child's diet, every day.

Hilarious Baby Shower Video

2007-09-21T01:24:00.000-05:00

My sister just sent me this link through e-mail and it had me totally cracking up! You've got to check it out... This has got to be a new mother-to-be's worst Baby Shower nightmare! It's actually very funny... as long as it's not your shower!
Click Here to view!

Monkey Baby Boutique Update!

2007-09-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

I finally got the eco-friendly Hemp Baby Slings listed in my shop! I'm really excited about finally finding some Organic product companies out there that are willing to work with me!
I also had another fabulous find a few days ago! As you all know, Robeez are all the rage these days! I even posted a pair of the Robeez Monkey Red Soft-Soled Leather Shoes in a previous post.
Well, by serendipity, I stumbled upon a young graphic designer in Portland, OR that is actually crafting and designing this style of shoes herself! The quality is comparable to Robeez, with unbeatable prices and unique, one-of-a-kind designs! So... of course I contacted her and she has agreed to let me carry her shoes in my shop! You've got to check them out! They are so adorable!
Just click the Bugaloo link on my page!

(update on Nov. 9,2007) The Bugaloo shoes are no longer available on my website... The designer is taking some time off from crafting these for a little while)

I'm also in the process of adding Soft Star Baby Shoes to my site. These are also amoung the most popular soft soled baby shoes these days. They're lightweight, flexible & breathable, and their designs are recommended by children’s podiatrists for simulating barefoot conditions.
There you have it! I have been a "busy bee" lately... Staying up until all hours of the night... researching products, contacting companies, and working on stocking my inventory! Nobody told me that this would be so time consuming! LOL But I'm loving every minute of it! And I can't wait to find the next "gotta have it" item!

Pretty Momma Slings

2007-09-06T15:51:00.000-05:00

Well, as if you couldn't tell, I've been really focusing on Monkey Baby Boutique lately... I've been adding some finishing touches, and seeking out new merchandise to add... Nothing but the BEST for my little Monkeys! I will never sell anything that I myself don't really love!
Anyways, I found these awesome Organic Cotton Baby Slings, so I just had to add them to the Shoppe. I will also be adding eco-friendly Hemp Baby Slings soon.

These are Pure, natural and chemically-free grown cotton! How wonderful for the environment this cotton is, and great for your baby as well. Afford your baby the luxury of snuggling up in this chemical free grown cotton! Carry your baby in style with these delightful, eco-friendly baby slings, and forget about those awkward, mass-produced baby carriers. Pretty Momma Slings are designed with comfort and ease in mind, and are fashioned from certified 100% Organic Cotton to ensure the ultimate in coziness and durability.
These slings are fabricated with unique and powerful adjustable rings to ensure effortless use, and safety. Tested for strength and resilience, these slings can safely cradle a tender premature infant, up to a child weighing a hefty 35lbs.

Robeez Monkey Red Soft-Soled Leather Shoes Red

2007-09-06T03:14:00.000-05:00

I think these Shoes are Possibly the cutest shoes around, Robeez's distinctive line of footwear is as adorable as it is practical. Medical professionals and child experts agree that babies should wear soft-soled shoes during their formative years. Made from the softest leather imaginable and appliqued with mischievous monkeys, these fun little shoes promote healthy foot development. The ankle band is elasticized for a comfortable yet secure fit -- you can trust they won't come off until you take them off. Perfect for indoors or light outdoor use, the textured, skid-resistant suede sole offers protection but still allows your baby to feel the floor and gain balance when cruising around.
Just click on the image above for more info or to purchase these cute little shoesies! Or, visit my website: Monkey Baby Boutique for more choices!

Monkey Baby Halloween Costume!

2007-09-04T11:52:00.000-05:00

Halloween will be here before we know it! I stumbled upon this adorable Baby Monkey Infant Halloween Costume. So I just had to share it with you!
This Baby Monkey Costume includes the headpiece and the Monkey Costume romper with inner leg snap closure and nonskid soles. 100% Polyester. Hand wash with cool water. Line dry. No bleach. Click on the image to purchase it!

Let the Potty Training Begin!

2007-09-02T03:26:00.000-05:00

I took Caitlin shopping for BIG GIRL panties yesterday! Then we went to the library and got a couple of children's books that dealt with Potty Training. (so we've been reading those) I also picked up FOUR books for myself on the subject. I figured I better get educated so I'll know how to deal with the frustrations and accidents that will happen along the way! They didn't have the book that I was really looking for. The one about Potty Training in less than a day. Maybe I can find it on eBay? Anyways, Caitlin was so excited when she woke up this morning, because she couldn't wait to wear her Princess panties! All in all, the day went pretty well, with only two accidents. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Share a Square Program

2007-08-30T16:16:00.000-05:00

I've finally started a separate blog for one of my favorite obsessions, Crochet! You can view it HERE @ Cafe Crochet... I thought that this would also be the perfect place to share a bit of info about a program that is dear to my heart because it involves children.

If you crochet, you'll want to visit The SHARE A SQUARE PROJECT.
It is ongoing right now and they are searching for people with big hearts.
140 afghans will be given to children at Camp Sanguinity in JULY 2008.
Please visit their blog for more info!

Our trip to Brookfield Zoo

2007-08-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

I meant to get these zoo pictures posted a few days ago, but life happened! Here are a few of my favorites! I thought that this polar bear and her baby were just too adorable! I couldn't believe I caught such a cute pose!

"Daddy" held Caitlin up so that she could get a better view of the elephants:

I myself loved seeing the giraffes!

I wish I had gotten some good pictures of the monkeys, as they are my favorite! But my camera battery kept dying and I didn't catch any really good ones... Most of them were too far away to really see anything... Oh well, maybe next time!
Then it was time to go home! Brandon was all tuckered out after all that walking... He was soon fast asleep in the car on the way home...

Amigurumi Crochet

2007-08-27T02:52:00.000-05:00

I love to crochet! I don't know if anyone else finds these little Japanese characters as adorable as I do, but I thought I'd share a pattern with you! I received this free pattern from Lion Brand yarn in my e-mail tonight! I'm definitely going to have to make this for Caitlin! You can view the pattern by clicking HERE!

Toy Recall

2007-08-27T00:49:00.000-05:00

As I was glancing through today's newspaper, I noticed an article about the Toy Recall... As a parent, I've been shocked at the number of items they've discovered that contain high levels of lead. Just recently I even heard that some vinyl bibs purchased at Toys R Us were among the list! Anyways, back to the article that I read today... I can totally relate to the author, Desiree Chen | Tribune staff reporter... You can read her story here: Can't they recall a toy because parents hate it? I REALLY relate with this paragraph:
"My husband and I fight a constant battle with a growing collection of toys that the kids have outgrown or rarely play with, yet which they ferociously protect whenever we try to, shall we say, move them along." Yes, this could be my husband and I that she's writing about!
On to the Zoo! We DID make it to the zoo yesterday! Against all odds! I will have to post some photos tomorrow... They're still on my digital camera at the moment. We had a great time despite my aching feet! I wore a brand new pair of Bass sandals and they rubbed sores on my toes and heels... Ouch! Guess I should have broken them in first...
The kids loved the zoo and they did wonderfully until we stopped to sit down and eat lunch. They wouldn't sit still. The only high chair left had a broken buckle, so I couldn't strap Brandon in. He kept standing up in the seat. Then a couple of minutes after my husband had left to find a restroom, Caitlin decided she wanted to go with him. So she took off in the direction that he had gone, and here I was with Brandon in one arm, chasing her all the way across the restaurant and halfway down the staircase! (Mind you, our food and the diaper bags were still sitting on the table) So you can imagine how frustrated I was! It's seems funny now looking back, but I was definitely not laughing at the time!
Brandon fell asleep in the car on the ride home... Little guy wore himself out! He actually wanted to walk most off the time while we were there. Caitlin on the other hand, wanted to ride in the stroller. Once we got home I realized just how tired I was too, so I hit the hay with the kids!

Brookfield Zoo & Serta Counting Sheep

2007-08-25T00:54:00.000-05:00

Weather permitting, we are planning a trip to Brookfield Zoo tomorrow! Yesterday we were under a Tornado Warning... with lots of rain... hmmm... and as I type this it just started raining again! Hopefully it will all clear up by morning... (fingers crossed) Caitlin is really looking forward to going to the zoo... and to be honest, I am too! I've always loved the zoo! Especially the monkeys! My absolute faves are the Golden Lion Tamarins and Marmosets! I've loved them since childhood...

I just downloaded all the pictures off my digital camera to make room for the zoo photos that I hope to take tomorrow... Here are a couple that I couldn't resist sharing with you!

Oh Brandon! What a messy mess!!! Doesn't he look like he's trying to hide from me? I will normally feed him myself if it's something really messy (to avoid this)... But I thought I'd let him have a go at it for a change!

Look out behind you! Is that a giant sheep? No, it's just a cardboard stand-up of the Serta Counting Sheep that we ran into while shopping at Menards. I couldn't resist getting a picture of the kids with it! You can actually view Sheep Commercials and download desktop wallpapers HERE!
Look at the time! Well, I think I'd better get some sleep if I'm going to get up early tomorrow... I look forward to sharing our zoo trip with you!

My little monkeys!

2007-08-23T02:30:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a picture of my 2 little monkeys, Caitlin and Brandon. I can't keep them out of the kitchen cupboards! I actually had to empty nearly everything out of this one except for my Tupperware!

Is there anybody out there?

2007-08-23T00:24:00.000-05:00

I just added a counter to my blog this afternoon, because I am curious as to whether anyone has found me yet. So far it's still only showing 1 visitor, and more than likely that was me! I'm really new at blogging, so I'm anxious to see how this works and how long it takes to show up in Search Engines, get visitors, etc... I'm actually reading a book about blogging that I picked up at the library. It's titled Blog Wild! and it's written by Andy Wibbels. It does have some helpful tips and information in it... But the tutorials in the book are based on the TypePad platform. All in all though, I think the book is worth checking out if you're new at blogging!
While I'm on the subject of the library, mine has a section of books that are for sale. These have mostly been donated and are in "like new" condition at bargain prices! I bought one the other day that caught my eye, and it only cost me $1! It's titled The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D. I couldn't pass it up because the cover reads "The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old" Wow, this sounds exactly like what I need right now! I plan to start reading it next. I'll let you know what I think and whether it helps out or not.
On a lighter note, I finally got a chance to watch a movie tonight after the kids went to sleep. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, which I also checked out from the library! I had never seen it, but had wanted to ever since I saw previews for it when it came out. That just goes to show how often I get to see movies! Anyways, it wasn't what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. It has a lot more depth to it than I thought it would.
Last but not least, I added some banner links to the right hand side of my frontpage today. Be sure to sign up for the FREE BABY STUFF and then check out the Limited Edition Pink Jogging Stroller (which benefits breast cancer research), I think it's so cute!

Play Dates and Potty Training

2007-08-21T17:07:00.000-05:00

We've just gotten back from our play date/lunch date with my friend Mary. My daughter and her daughter are only a few months apart in age, so they really get along well... And the one on one "mommy time" is also a rare treat for me!
Anyways, this blog may actually morph into more than just my kid's everyday antics, as long as you don't mind a peek into my personal life! I'm thinking about sharing info on some of my recent discoveries, fresh new toddler and baby products, and sensitive topics, along with some of our daily struggles... Right now I'm on a hunt to find Potty Training methods... My friend Mary potty trained all three of her children using the Potty Training in Less Than a Day method as seen on Dr Phil. There's also a book by the same title which I may have to get! She actually used the book. Sound to good to be true? Well, it worked for her, so I think I may have to give it a shot! My daughter turned 3 in April and it's still a daily struggle with her! Does anyone out there have any other tips or ideas?

Innocence

2007-08-18T02:31:00.000-05:00

The children were nestled all snug in their beds... Don't they appear so innocent when they're sleeping? It's 2:45am and I'm about to head off to bed myself. Seems like lately this is the only chance I have to do any research! I've got so many ideas swimming around in my head for my new online Boutique "Monkey Baby". My original plan was to only sell products that I had handmade myself. But time is not on my side right now. So I'm searching out some fresh unique items to add to my store.
If you or someone you know might be interested in submitting a product, I would love to hear from you. Just shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment here!

Another day in the jungle...

2007-08-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well this morning started out with a bang! Brandon had already pulled leaves off of my artificial tree, pulled a mound of CD’s down from my CD tower, and dumped nearly half a box of cereal on the floor… All before noon! The cereal incident actually happened while I stepped outside to check the mail… Does anyone else’s children do these things? Sometimes I wonder! I’d love to hear your monkey tales too! So, leave me a comment with your stories!

My Little Monkey Baby!

2007-08-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

I thought this would be a fun place to share some of the antics that I find my “little monkeys” doing on a day to day basis… I have a 3 year old daughetr, and an 18 month old son, Brandon, who has just become a real climber! As of lately I’ve found him flipping over the back of our couches and even standing on the kitchen table! Can't keep him in his playpen, because he climbs right out! So it's become more of a toy box than anything else... If I step out of the room for just a second, I never know where I’ll find him next! Yesterday he actually pulled down the kitchen curtain! Does anyone else out there have children like this?