Tuesday August 20th, 2019...Morning Thoughts

Trash on a beach that could harm wildlife and wash into the ocean.

Things I’m thinking this morning in no special order....

Yesterday when I brought my Klean Kanteen water bottle to Dutch Bros to get a drink refill we exchanged conversation like we do with the staff. This time though the guy working the drive through window told me about his bracelet 📿 he was wearing that he bought on 4Ocean. He told me that every bracelet purchased they remove a pound of trash from the ocean. They also give back to wildlife as well. Each bracelet has a different colored cord made from recycled plastic bottles and beads made from recycled glass bottles ♻️. He had bought one that benefited sharks. I think I might purchase a dolphin one to help 4Ocean fund their cause.

One of my biggest pet peeves are cigarettes 🚬. I do not smoke and have never seen the appeal to it. To me it is a nasty habit that needs snuffing out. I have tried to understand why others around me do, but I guess I will never understand. I am allergic to tobacco smoke. I had asthma as a child and my grandmother smoked inside her home, so when ever we visited I would be bombarded with second hand smoke. She would try to take it outside while we were there, but the smell was in the walls, the furniture, their clothing, etc. I loved visiting her because I loved her, but I remember wishing she would quit smoking 🚭 and that my grandpa would quit chewing tobacco. I wanted them to live longer. My grandma died when I was young. The cigarettes probably didn't help her. I also hate when smokers throw their cigarettes on the ground. Don't they understand that is littering!!?? The cigarette has a filter made of plastic that is not biodegradable. Not only that, but some of the chemicals that make up cigarettes are toxic to wildlife and can contaminate ground water and the environment.

My friend and I were talking about my desire to go plastic free and she said that she is using cloth menstrual products and love them. I had looked into cloth pads when I was doing cloth diapering with my kids, but I never took the plunge for some reason. I did previously try a menstrual cup but I fell out of habit of using it and since I have such heavy flows the menstrual cup was a bit impractical. I would like to once again pursue the cloth pad option instead. Regular mainstream feminine products cause so much waste and the companies that make them do not have to disclose what they actually make them out of. This information is not listed on the packaging and apparently doesn't have to be since they are considered a "medical device". I would feel better about using organic cloth ones that I could wash and reuse. They would be better for the environment and my health.

I hope your Tuesday is wonderful and relaxing.

Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green! Book Review

I received the book, Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green!, free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Go Green is the first in a series of books by Disney that motivates families to live sustainably and more eco-friendly. This book is filled with fun projects that families can do together while teaching about making good choices to help save the planet and live a healthy life. It often made us pause to connect with the outdoors, ourselves and others. Mickey & Friends educate kids about what they can do to make a difference one step at a time.

Nature Mandalas

This book is a wonderful wealth of information for younger children. It is also a great homeschool tool and a wonderful book for Earth Day! My girls who are 4 and 7 loved looking through the book and doing the activities with me. Their favorite activity from the book was on page 67, making mandalas. If you don't know, a mandala is a symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe. The word comes from Sanskrit meaning "circle". Nature Mandalas are fun to make with found objects in nature. Teela and Zari loved finding and then arranging the flowers, pine cones, small rocks, seeds, sticks, walnut shells, acorns, leaves, etc. in a circular pattern on our sidewalk in front of our house. If you live near the ocean you could also do this after you combed the beach for treasures like: driftwood, sea glass, shells, seaweed, etc. This repurposes natural things to become a beautiful work of art. I loved that the book also talks about the three R's - reduce, reuse/repurpose, and recycle, planting a garden and composting too. I believe that the secret to good nutrition and other good habits is to start teaching children good things at a young age. The Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green! book is a great start to get your child thinking about how to make the world a better place.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Pierre the French Bulldog Recycles Book Review

I received the book, Pierre the French Bulldog Recycles, from Skyhorse Publishing free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Pierre the French Bulldog Recycles is an adorable hardcover book by Kate Louise and illustrated by Bethany Straker that helps us teach recycling to our children in a fun way. The story is about a French Bulldog named Pierre that loves to dig holes and bury his treasures in the yard. When he digs his old stuff up he places them in the trash and then realizes that two of the items could have been recycled, but the trash truck comes and takes the trash away to the dump. Pierre decides to chase after the truck to get the items back. But can he get to the landfill in time?

Our carload of recycling and the book, Pierre the French Bulldog Recycles.

As a parent I try to instill in my children good habits and one of them is to be less wasteful by recycling. Our family recycles as much as we can. Once we get a car load full we go and drop it off. Mixed paper, cardboard, glass, #1 & #2 plastics, tin & aluminum, and motor oil & antifreeze all get recycled at our local drop-off recycling site.

My girls and I love Pierre the French Bulldog Recycles. Its illustrations are colorful and fun. I made a game out of the pictures for them to find Pierre in each turn of the page. You can spot him in his black and white striped shirt. I also had them point to things in the dump that could have been recycled, reused, or repurposed. It was a great teaching tool. Teela also enjoyed reading it to Zari and showing her the pictures again. This is a wonderful book for Earth Day!

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing for sending me this book for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Zero Waste or Waste Free Living: My Challenge to You

Unfortunately humans contribute too much waste to landfills every day. If it is out of site it is out of mind. But really this shouldn't be how we think. Just take a look at your trash can and how much waste you throw away daily in your household and at your work place. It shouldn't be a lot, but I am fairly certain that if you haven't adopted a waste free or zero waste way of living you still have a fair amount of trash per day. Society has thrown us into the idea that if it is convenient it must be better. This is usually not the case. We need to remember the first R in the old adage Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Rarely do we think about reducing our waste because it is so easy to just throw the rubbish away. I am going to be doing different posts throughout the year of how I am trying to change my family's lifestyle to a more sustainable one and tips and tricks to help you do the same. I also have questions in this post for those of you that have already made these changes for the better.

I have been trying to find solutions to my family's huge amount of trash that we throw away every day. We recycle/reuse/repurpose what we can but I still find that we throw away an excessive amount of waste and I find that the majority of it is plastics and other things that cannot be recycled and packaging materials that are evil, i.m.o...like Styrofoam.

As a review blogger I get packages from all over the world. Some are packaged better than others. It is hard when you get packages with things packed in plastic, zip ties, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts that are not biodegradable. I love seeing things wrapped in brown paper, cardboard, compostable containers, twine, reusable twist ties, fabric, yarn, and biodegradable packing peanuts, etc. I wonder if asking the people sending the items to send them more eco-friendly would help? Have you ever done this?

Going out to eat can not just be hard on the wallet (and sometimes stomach), but on the environment as well. Fast food and take out produces the worst amount of waste when it comes to restaurants. Plastic containers, lids and straws are a prevalent take away from these, as is Styrofoam. To eliminate this waste we need to bring our own containers with us to pack the food and drink into or make our food and beverages at home. I know many who bring a reusable cup with them for their coffee they get on the road. I wonder if it can be done for other things as well...like when you bring home leftovers from a restaurant or get take-out? Have you ever tried this?

Some of the lovelies in my pantry. A start to a waste-free life.

I know we have a choice for paper or plastic sacks or bags while checking out at the grocery. Choosing paper is a better choice than plastic and you can even bring your own reusable bags from home to use. Places around the country are also banning plastic bags from being used in grocery stores or offer a recycling option. But have you ever thought about the packaging on food and drink that you are bringing home? I know I used to not give it much thought, but now that I am also giving more thought to eating healthier with a nod to organic, non GMO, and raw foods I find myself being even more aware of other things I am bringing into my home too. There are ways to get around the packaging at the grocery store.

• Refuse: Say no to products packaged in plastic or Styrofoam.
• Make your own at home. We are already growing an organic garden and orchard and have chickens who lay eggs. We are also planning on doing aquaponics: growing fish and a garden that in turn give each other nutrients to live and grow. Our neighbor also hunts and fishes and shares some of this with us. We are also going to be slowly transitioning to making our own cleaning supplies, personal care products, etc. too so we don't have to deal with that packaging as well.
• Buy local. Buy from local farms, farmer's markets and co-ops.
• Bring reusable bags and containers to the store with you for filling with the below items.
• Buy from the bulk section (the section of the store with bins filled with dry goods).
• Go to the Deli, Seafood, Dairy, and Bakery Counter more for your meats, cheeses, and baked goods and have them package them in paper or other recyclable material. 
• Purchase unpackaged produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are wonderful and healthy. Buy organic to make sure you don't get toxic stuff with your food and watch the packaging.

There is even a packaging-free, zero-waste grocery store, called in.gredients in Austin, Texas. It is revolutionary and the first of its kind in the US. Hopefully we can get more grocery stores like this one to spring up all across the States.

The folks at these blogs are helping my family and I along our journey to live better and make the better choice of living waste/trash free. They know the ins and outs of living waste free and they want to helps us all to become waste free with them.

• Zero Waste Home
• My Zero Waste
• Trash Free Living
• My Plastic-Free Life
• Zero-Waste Chef
• Trash is for Tossers

I am going to challenge myself  and my family to get towards my goal of a waste free life and I am challenging you to do the same! What are you doing or are going to do to move towards this challenge? Have you thought about this topic much?

DIY Upcycled Ideas for Washing Machine Parts

We've replaced our clothes washer about 4-5 times (I lost count) this past year because of different things failing on them. One didn't agitate anymore, one soaked our floor as it died, one had its spider joint crack, and the others had similar issues. They were "Craigslist Specials" because frankly we couldn't afford brand new ones. We couldn't believe that we were going through so many washing machines because the first one lasted about 6 years.

I always try to look at the bright side of things when things just don't seem like they are going right. I try to have a "When life hands you lemons, make lemon-aide" kind of attitude.  I wanted to turn a bad situation into something good. This is what I came up with...

Top loading washing machine with the stainless steel drum exposed.

My husband taking the washing machine apart.

The stainless steel drum of our old washing machine (to be used as a fire pit or planter).

Washing machine drum container gardening.

• Upcycle a drum of a washing machine and use as a fire pit/BBQ, drink cooler, planter, seat, footstool, small end/coffee table or lamp/light! If you have a washer with a stainless steel drum/tub it will last longer for these projects than the other metals and plastic ones shouldn't be used for the fire pit. The drum has natural air holes for the oxygen to circulate while the fire is going for a fire pit. You can also set it on an old over sized metal dish from a Satellite TV provider. The stainless, metal or plastic drums can also be used as the perfect planter...just set a flat rock or affix a metal plate over the large hole in the bottom. It even has natural draining holes so that the soil doesn't get too soaked when you water your plant(s). You can also attach it easily to a DIY stand. Here are some other neat ideas for a seat and lamp and too!

Front loading washer glass door window.

Front loading washer glass window upcycled for a fruit bowl.

• Upcycle the glass door window of a front loader to a stylish fruit or mixing bowl. Just take the glass bowl shaped window off the door, remove extra parts, clean it up, and voila...instant fruit bowl!

Front loading washer top upcycled to a magnetic board.

• Upcycle a side or top piece of the washing machine for a magnetic or dry erase white board. This is great for use in your office or homeschool! My kids love this and since ours was the top piece of a front loader it has brackets at the top that you can use to hang it easily on the wall!

Washing machine hose upcycled as a water bucket filler.

• Upcycle a washing machine hose to be used as a bucket filler for water. These hoses are shorter and easier to handle than a long gardening hose for this purpose...especially around the farm when buckets of water need filled daily. We also got some 2-way and 4-way faucet expanders/distributers/extenders at the hardware store to let us use the faucet water from the same spigot even while the washer is all hooked up and running.
• Upcycle a washing machine into a chicken coop! This clothes dryer was even made into a chicken coop. I am sure a front loading washer could probably be used the same way.

These are my ideas to get your creative juices flowing. You can get the plans for all of these projects by searching for them online. There are many different ways to make some of these. Choose the best suited for your own needs. You can also find tutorials on how to take your broken washing machine apart. Different makes and models come apart differently.

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: If you do any of these projects I am not liable for any injuries that happen. Make your best judgement and try not to get hurt.

UncommonGoods Recycled Glass Bumblebee Nightlight and Tube Kneeling Pad Review

We received products free from UncommonGoods to facilitate this review.

UncommonGoods is a unique online store with some very unusual items (some handmade) that you don't find in every day shopping usually. Their products make great gifts for the holiday and Christmas season! Click here to see some unique affordable gifts they have under $50. They also have some really interesting facts or what they call "Uncommon Knowledge" posted around their website and feature some of the artists and designers of their handmade goods in highlights on some of the pages on their website and their print catalog. They are committed to the environment and print their catalogs on recycled paper and there is also products in their store that are made of recycled materials. In their Better to Give Program they donate a portion of each order to your choice of non-profit organizations: American Forests,Women for Women International, City Harvest, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

I was recently approached by them to pick something from off of their website that was under $65. I picked two items. One was the Recycled Glass Bumblebee Nightlight and the other item was the Recycled Tube Kneeling Pad.

Bumblebee Nightlight, seeds, and packaging.

The Bumblebee Nightlight arrived in a recycled cardboard box with shredded newspaper all around to protect it from breakage. It came with the 4 watt bulb needed to create the ambient light. It also came with some weedy wildflower seeds to spread around for the bees to collect pollen grains to pollinate the flowers with and nectar to convert to honey. I love this! My bees are going to be very happy! Wildflowers are some of my favorite flowers and I love that I can give back to the earth and help the bees at the same time.

Bumblebee Nightlight with room light on and with it off.

The Bumblebee Nightlight by Vawn and Mike Gray of Reborn Glass located out of Cape Coral Florida is definitely something worth buzzing about. It is a gorgeous nightlight that is made with recycled broken bottles that were rescued before they reached the landfill. Each one is unique and are fused and formed in the kiln. The art glass is textured with its purple blooms and adorable plump bumblebees. Its curved form hugs the light perfectly and I love the warm soft glow it makes. So Bee-autiful :) Click here to see some unique lighting from UncommonGoods.

The Recycled Tube Kneeling Pad in use.

The Recycled Tube Kneeling Pad by Flat Tire Décor located out of Milwaukee Wisconsin is a great gift for any gardener or anyone who works on their knees. This extremely durable pad is smooth and flexible. The rubber exterior is made of reclaimed industrial tire inner tubes and the inside is lined with a inch thick cushion of anti-fatigue foam. It is also naturally slip resistant, water resistant, abrasion resistant, and easily wipes clean. This cushion is so comfortable for my knees and the curved semi circular shape is contoured where you can shift left to right without repositioning! It works on dirt, cement, brick, wood, stone or other surface. I no longer get my knees dirty when I garden and my knees don't feel stressed. I can garden longer and not feel any pain. Besides gardening I can see this being used for other jobs that have to be done on your knees. I also think that it would be an ideal seat for watching a game in the stands or having a picnic while seated at a park bench or picnic table. It does become hot if in direct sunlight. It also has a study nylon strap that you can carry or hang it from. 37" L x 14" W x 1" D, Strap: 30" L Click here to see some wonderful gifts for women from UncommonGoods.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Orkin Home Education Kit & Flashlight Giveaway & Blog App

The Orkin Home Education Kit includes:
• 2 Orkin Factoids 11x17 Posters
     - Poster #1 - The Pollinators
     - Poster #2 - The Recyclers
• 1 Orkin bug-finding flashlight
• 20 Rubber Toy Creepy Crawly Bugs

Be your own Orkin man! Use the flashlight and fun posters to learn about how every creature plays a part in our ecosystem.

About Orkin
Is your home at risk? The best way to protect your home is education. How much do you know about household pests? They don’t have a place in your home, but pests do have a place in the world. From science and forensics to art and culture, pests play an important role.

Take the Pest Test Quiz to find out how well you know about our tiny neighbors!

Orkin are EXPERTS in bug science and developing customized solutions for keeping your home pest-free!  

PEST CONTROL DOWN TO A SCIENCE.



Blog App:

• The Pest Test! QUIZ - See if you know your bug science by taking this quiz and testing your pest knowledge!
• Bizarre Bug Facts! PDF - Get the facts on these creepy crawly critters from the experts at Orkin!
• View the Orkin Man in Action! GIFs - Watch these exciting Orkin Man GIFs that prove he’s part scientist, part superhero! 

WIN IT
Prize: Orkin Home Education Kit & Flashlight.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Orkin Blog App I am getting a Orkin Home Education Kit & Flashlight free for my readers as a giveaway. Thanks to PartnersHub and Orkin for providing me this promotion information and free product. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this blog app and giveaway.

Frugal Dog/Pet Tips (Sponsored Post)

Our dog, Prince, with his rubber chicken.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting product for posting. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store.

Owning a pet is a lot like having a child. It isn't cheap. People sometimes splurge on their pets out of love on luxuries that they really can't afford. After all, your pet is just as much part of the family as your kids or spouse. There is nothing wrong with spoiling your pooch or pet with frivolous things if you have the money. When it comes down to it though, all your pet really needs is regular interaction with you, exercise, a nutritious diet, and preventive care. Here are some frugal dog/pet tips to save some cash and still keep your pet healthy and happy.

• Rescue a pet. Finding the perfect pet is a daunting task sometimes. Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Look to rescuing a pet from a shelter or pound instead of buying a pet from a breeder. Usually doing so will save you money and give a pet in need a good home. Other places you could look are Craigslist and Freecycle. We found our dog using Petfinder and got our dog, Prince, at a shelter. We were looking for a dog that was great with kids and was part poodle because they are usually hypoallergenic. Prince is a large standard poodle/coon hound mix. We had a long drive to get him because the shelter that had him wasn't as local, but he was worth it.
• Spend time with your pet. Give your pet the much needed attention it deserves. Scratch it behind the ears or stroke its fur. Take your dog to the park, dog park, on a walk around the block, or play fetch. Interaction and exercise is a wonderful part of the equation to keeping your pet healthy and happy. This is cheaper than buying your pet lots of toys or taking it to the pet spa.
• Use alternatives to expensive treats. If you use praise or positive reinforcement verbally or with positive contact (or both) you might be able to cut down on the number of treats you give your pet. Alternatively there are fruits and veggies you can safely feed your pet for treats. You can also make your own pet treats as there are a number of recipes online using ingredients that you probably already have around the house.
• Give your pet a nutritious diet. Pick a pet food that your pet likes. If your pet doesn't like it, they won't eat it. Don't skimp on quality and get one without the fillers and extra ingredients you can't pronounce. Fillers usually cause gastric and bowel problems. Buy in bulk, it is usually cheaper in the long run. Use coupons or gift cards! Don't overfeed your pet. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems for your pet. There are also people foods that should be avoided for pets at all costs.
• Use preventative care. Know how to care for your pet and give your pet what they really need. Keep your pet's vaccines, medication, and veterinary checkups current and up to date. Keep their heartworm, flea and tick medication up to date. Practice good hygiene and exercise with your pet. You can bathe, brush teeth, groom and clip your pet's nails, etc. all yourself at home instead of taking them to an pricey groomer, spa, salon or boutique. With a pet clipper and practice you will become a pro. Also, spay or neuter your pet, as this also reduces potential medical expenses.
• Keep a pet savings account or buy insurance. It is cheaper than pet insurance. However; if you can afford insurance it would be wise to keep it for your pet just in case an emergency arises. Then you won't have to pay all that money for vet bills out of pocket all of a sudden. If you do get insurance know what you are paying for, read the fine print before signing up and shop around to find the best deal for the most benefits. Also make sure your current vet accepts the insurance you pick. Pet insurance is sometimes the more economical way to go.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose. The best pet product doesn't have to be the most expensive one. Old holey socks tied in a knot or a good stick are great tug of war/fetch implements. Other things can be used or reused for a pet purpose instead of what they are currently being used or not being used for. Look around and think outside the box. Thrift store finds are great!
• Find a pet sitter. When you have to leave your pet at home for an extended amount of time finding a reliable, caring and affordable pet sitter close to you is key. Doggie Daycare might not be as cost-effective. If you have a friend or relative that can watch you pet for little to nothing and does a good job that is the best situation. If you don't have those options you can try DogVacay or a similar service. Also you could try finding one through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. They might have affordable pet sitters that you can try in your area.
• Go on a pet included vacation. If your having trouble finding a good pet sitter maybe you could take your pet with you. Just make sure the places you book are pet friendly. There are a lot of pet friendly hotels: motels, rentals, attractions, restaurants, etc. out there that offer options. If you don't know, ask ahead! We went on a long road trip across the USA with our dog, Prince. It was a lot of fun and he enjoyed all the time he spent with us along the way. You can also purchase a Traveling with Your Pet guide by AAA to help you on your travels.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store. I will be receiving a special engraved dog bowl that teaches my dog to eat slow and a $25 gift card to a store of my choice for free for posting these tips. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Conscious Box Giveaway

Conscious Box is offering a free month for this giveaway to one lucky reader. This post is also an affiliate post. Thank you for supporting my blog. I will also be given a month free to review later myself for posting about them.

Conscious Box is a subscription to a monthly delivery service that ships out natural, healthy, earth-friendly and sustainable products in a box to your front door so you can try them out and find new favorites. They carefully pick the products that go into the boxes and the businesses that make the products. These businesses are all trying to make the earth a better place to live on, have ethical practices and have pure and sustainable products. Each box is packed with 10-20 products from these companies. The products range from natural beauty to health food to non-toxic home goods. Monthly subscriptions cost $19.95 per box.

After subscribing and finding new favorites you can leave reviews and ratings so businesses can improve their product, packaging, and business as a whole. You will also be earning points along the way to apply savings to your favorite products.

WIN IT
Prize: 1 entrant will win a free month of Conscious Box.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Conscious Box is providing the giveaway prize free of charge for a lucky reader of this blog. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this giveaway. The links in this post are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Celebrate Earth Day with Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood!

Do you remember as a child watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood? I sure do and it was one of my favorite TV shows as a child and now for my children. Now The Fred Rogers Company has created a very cute TV series called Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood that is based on the Neighborhood of Make-Believe from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. An all new, extra special episode premieres on April 22 (check local listings) for Earth Day – just in time to help young viewers learn the importance of cleaning up, picking up and recycling.

The new show features two adorable stories. In Neighborhood Clean Up, a wind storm blows through town making a mess of the Neighborhood playground and no one can play. King Friday proclaims that it is “Clean Up Day” and everyone helps restore the playground by throwing out and recycling the trash. The Neighborhood children – along with young viewers at home – learn that, by working together, the playground can be ready for play again in no time! And in Clean Up Time, Daniel and his best friend O the Owl are playing “farm” at Daniel’s house. They are having a lot of fun, but are also making quite a mess! After losing his watch in a messy room, Daniel realizes that cleaning up and putting his toys away will help him find it. And the great clean-up begins!

Inspired by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the upcoming special Earth Day-themed episode, here are some simple and fun ideas for celebrating the special day (and Mother Earth) together with your toddler/preschooler:

• Proclaim your own “Clean Up Day”! Tidy up your yard, and clean out the winter clutter. While you’re at it, find out what kind of trees, plants and wildlife are “at home” in your backyard and neighborhood, too! 
• Plant a garden! Pick out the kinds of vegetables you’d like to grow or design a flower bed together – kids love to get their hands dirty! If you live in an apartment, you can create a beautiful flower or herb garden right on your terrace or windowsill. 
• Help beautify a park or playground! Get a group of parents and preschoolers together and visit a local park to help make sure that it’s trash free and ready for playtime! 
• Recycle together! Invite your children to get in on the act of recycling! Have them assist you in tying up those newspapers and magazines, collecting the cans and bottles, crunching the cardboard boxes – and making sure that everything goes in its proper bin. 

Here is a short clip of one of the episodes:

Earth Day from GC on Vimeo.

And don’t forget to tune-in to the brand-new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Earth Day episode together. It’s another perfect way for families to make Earth Day a special day in their neighborhood! If you miss these episodes make sure to check your local listings and you can catch the show at another time.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: PBS Kids and Grand Communications provided this information to me to share with you. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for posting this information.

Green Toys Airplane Review

Green Toys make eco-friendly toys and tableware that are made from recycled plastic milk containers. This plastic is high-density polyethylene (or HDPE) and considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around. Their products have no Phthalates, BPA, PVC, melamine or external coatings with lead paint. Green Toys are made in the USA in California where they have very strict toy safety and environmental laws. They are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. This packaging is easy to open without having wrap rage.

They have play vehicles, outdoor toys, kitchen play, building toys, and tableware. I received a Green Toys Airplane free to review on my blog. My 10 year old son took to this plane right away. He loved it the moment he laid eyes on it. This airplane has a single seat for a small pilot. My son could fit a single Lego man, Playmobil person, Fisher Price Imaginext person or something similar in size in the cockpit. This made it even more fun for him as he could have fun taking his little toy people for rides in his new eco-friendly flyer all around the house. The plane's propeller spins manually and it has two-wheels that also spin for landing gear. The wings and tail are rounded to make it more safe. My girls love the plane too and can grasp it easily for a great take off even with their small hands.

Dimensions: 9"L x 9"W x 4"H.
Recommended for ages 1 and up.

"Like" Green Toys on Facebook HERE. Follow Green Toys on Twitter HERE.

BUY IT
You can buy the Green Toys Airplane on the Green Toys Website for $14.99. Comes in two colors: Blue and Red. (We received the blue version.)

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Green Toys for sending me product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Green Toys Salad Set Review

Green Toys make eco-friendly toys and tableware that are made from recycled plastic milk containers. This plastic is high-density polyethylene (or HDPE) and considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around. Their products have no Phthalates, BPA, PVC, melamine or external coatings with lead paint. Green Toys are made in the USA in California where they have very strict toy safety and environmental laws. They are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. This packaging is easy to open without having wrap rage.

They have play vehicles, outdoor toys, kitchen play, building toys, and tableware. I received a Green Toys Salad Set free to review on my blog for my Holiday Gift Guide. The Green Toys Salad Set includes a serving bowl, salad plate, 2 serving utensils, 3 lettuce leaves, 3 sets of cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 2 red peppers, onions, mushrooms, and fold-your-own oil & vinegar and salt & pepper (total of 16 pieces).

When I received it I was surprised that the salt & pepper, olive oil & vinegar were made of a flat sheet of cardboard and had to be put together with their tabs to form a 3dimentional toy. I thought that these were a bit difficult to put together and they had no instructions with them to help with construction. I guess I didn't see in their description that they were "fold-your-own". These are also not too practical for children to play with as they are easily crushed because they are hallow inside. Also if your child puts things in their mouths these will soon be goners. I do not see them lasting for very long. They are very cute though when folded into their shapes and my daughters seemed to still like them even though it frustrated them a little when one came apart or crushed under their little grips.

The serving bowl, salad plate, 2 serving utensils, 3 lettuce leaves, 3 sets of cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 2 red peppers, onions and mushrooms were high grade plastic and very durable. These meet FDA food contact standards and are also dishwasher safe. These are interchangeable and compatible with the other kitchen sets from Green Toys. These are also stackable as they each have a fit together design.

My girls love to pretend they are cooking in their play kitchen. They constantly bring me pretend dishes they have created to "try out and taste". They loved this set. I love how the toy teaches good eating habits. So many play food sets these days have foods in them that aren't that healthy. I think teaching good habits when children are young is best. This salad is the epitome of "green". If you want your kids to eat their greens and also think green get the Green Toys Salad Set!

Bowl: 7-1/4" diameter at top, 3" at base, 2-3/4" H
Utensils: 7" L
Plate: 6-1/8" diameter
Pieces: approximately 3" W

Suggested for ages 2 years and up.

Closing thoughts: I still believe the Green Toys Salad Set is worth the purchase price even with the cardboard pieces. The pros of this toy definitely outweigh the cons. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

"Like" Green Toys on Facebook HERE. Follow Green Toys on Twitter HERE.

BUY IT
You can buy the Green Toys Salad Set on the Green Toys Website for $19.99.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Green Toys for sending me product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Mohawk Home Rug Review and Giveaway

Since we have moved into the home we live in now we have made a lot of upgrades to our home. We have redone both front and back doors, made a cement doorstep that is wheelchair friendly, re-rocked the driveway, repainted the house, re-roofed and upgraded the skylight in our kitchen, put in a large stainless steel double sink in the kitchen, remodeled both bathrooms, etc. When we moved in our backyard looked like a jungle. We had to go through and rip out all kinds of thorny locust bushes and raspberries that were taking over. I have since had a lovely garden back there with vegetables and herbs growing in it and the grass is lush and green now.

One thing I didn't have though was a lovely doormat to welcome guests to our home. My doorstep was very bare until I received the Mohawk Ocean Doormat to test and review for free on my blog. It was just the right touch that it needed.

If you have read this blog for long you know that I love the ocean. This doormat has wonderful sandy browns, aquamarine blues, and grassy greens. I think my favorite square on it is the Sandpiper because it reminds me of my father-in-law who used to own a business with the same name. The sailboat is a close second because it reminds me of a dream my husband and I wanting to build a large sailing vessel someday to sail the ocean in. This Coastalhome Snapshot is the perfect thing for my front doorstep.

This Mohawk doormat is made of 100% polyester facing and 100% recycled rubber backing. It is a good size, 18" x 30", for welcoming and is very durable for all weather types. It is also functional as well as beautiful since it removes dirt and debris from shoes and feet as you come in and can be easily cleaned with a vacuum or shaken out. You can also rinse as needed with a garden hose and then let it air dry. My rainy weather here in Oregon sure makes cleaning this doormat easy.

Mohawk Home offers more than just doormats. They have a wide selection of area & accent rugs, indoor/outdoor rugs, kitchen rugs, bath rugs and rug pads with different patterns, color, and style. You are bound to find one that you just love. Watch this video to find out more. Mohawk Home makes safe and sustainable products. Just look for their GreenWorks symbol on their items and you will be getting something using recycled rubber and/or fibers, ecocotton, and/or natural fibers.

BUY IT
You can find Mohawk Home products online at retailers like Home Depot, Kohl's, Lowes, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, & Sears, Walmart and JCPenny.

WIN IT
Prize: Win a Mohawk Home item valued up to $19.99 (includes doormats, kitchen rugs, bath mats, and rug padding).

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Mohawk Home for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler Review and Giveaway

The Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler attaches to the inside of a cabinet door to collect recyclables out of sight and keeps your counters clear. The bag is durable, machine washable, and made of recycled material. Collect your recyclables and then easily lift the bag from the lid and cabinet by the handle to take them out to your recycle bin.

• Hinged lid attaches easily to cabinet door with over the door hooks or screws
• Bag has wipe-able leak-proof liner and is machine washable for easy cleanup after possible spills inside
• Bag is soft-sided allowing for flexibility inside any cabinet
• Bag is made from 65% post-consumer resin, meaning it is recyclable too
• Packaging is made from recyclable material, making it very earth friendly
• Convenient handle for transport to larger receptacle for recycle pick-up
• 5 gallon bag holds 36 uncrushed 12-ounce cans and is large enough to fit 1 gallon milk jugs
• Great for single stream recyclers
• Great for apartment living

My Thoughts:
Last year I found out that our city does pick up recycling, but unfortunately here it isn't highly advertised about because the city doesn't want to pay more for it than they think necessary. We only get one day each month to put out recyclables for them to come and pick them up and so as you can imagine it piles up quickly, especially for my family of 6. A lot of people in my neighborhood don't know about this service my city provides or just don't do it because of the inconvenience. I do it every month now and I hope that the city changes so that it is picked up more often and so that more people know about it.

I received the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler from Rubbermaid to try out for free and review on my blog. I thought this was a great product to add to my Spring Gift Guide as it is very eco-friendly and it is for recyclables. It was fairly easy to put together and I tried it with the only cabinet that I thought would work with it, my kitchen sink cabinet since it is an open cabinet with no shelves in the way for the bag. I found, however; that when installing the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler with the over the door hooks and then shutting the cabinet door, the lid to the recycler hit the side of the bottom of my sink. So, for my cabinet it didn't really fit well inside, but my sink isn't original to the house and has a larger basin than the old one had, so I think that plays into it a little. I could still install it with the screws though and it would fit, however; I don't really like the idea of putting more holes in my cabinet door even though they are not the nicest cabinets and the place where the screws go in on the product is made of plastic and looks a bit like it might break if I did. With the screws I would still have to install the whole product a lot lower than it says to in the instructions and the screws are a little long so they would go through my thin cabinet doors also. If Rubbermaid made the hook's length to be adjustable that would make it a whole lot better in my opinion.

Otherwise the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler is a very good product and is great for recyclables. I placed mine on the outside of one of my cabinets because it wouldn't fit any where else...so not very hidden, but it is attractive so I don't mind looking at it. I also love the strap on the bottom of the back of the bag to help tip it over to dump out the stuff into the recycle bin outside. It is space-efficient if placed out of the way, compact, durable, washable, and easy to use.

Other uses you can use the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler for:

• In the kitchen to store dirty kitchen linens before they go to the wash.
• In the laundry room for your unmentionables or delicates and/or hand wash only items.
• In the kitchen to store plastic grocery or shopping bags in so they can be reused.

Link Up with Rubbermaid:
Follow them on Twitter @Rubbermaid. Visit their Adventures in Organization Blog. Fan/Like their FaceBook page.

BUY IT:
The Hidden Recycler is currently available for purchase online at Rubbermaid.com and in store at Meijer.

WIN IT:
Prize: Win a Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Rubbermaid for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Icebox Knitting XOB Upcycled Knit Cap Review

In the spirit of Spring which officially starts March 20th and Earth Day which is April 22nd I am featuring Icebox Knitting and their XOB Upcycled creations on my Spring Gift Guide this year. "Xob Upcycled hats and accessories (say Zob) employs this concept: upcycle what you've got and create fun!" They upcycle thousands of wool sweaters and suit jackets to make new things. They stitch together the useable pieces and accent them with boucle’ yarn turning them into new products and then recycle the rest of the textiles. This process is very earth friendly and the end product is unique and beautiful. They have hats, caps, arm warmers, hand warmers, mittens, headbands, scarves, pillows, sweater monkeys, stockings, blankets, and bags. They are available in the color options: blue/green, brown/tan, black/grey, or brights. Fabric patterns vary and are one-of-a-kind.

Icebox Knitting sent me a Knit Cap to review and my son, Jaedan, loved it! The one we received is in great gender neutral colors for both him and I to wear it. Although, I probably would have got one in pinks and purples like the other one in the picture above if I were buying one for myself. The cap is warm to wear in the brisk air and very well made. They make so many other different hats too not just this kind. I also love their Xobomber hats and their Pom hats too.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product. Icebox Knitting provided me with the product for free to try and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Eco-Friendly Green-Our-Earth-Contest

Earthday is coming up on the 22nd of this month and what better way to celebrate than to enter to win some green Earth Day goodies! ImagiPLAY and Seven other Eco-Friendly Companies are Honoring Earth Day this year with a Green-Our-Earth-2011 Contest giving away $800 in earth friendly prizes!

For the month of April, children and their families are invited by ImagiPLAY and seven other eco-friendly companies to send photos and descriptions of their “green deeds” to the Green-Our-Earth-2011 Contest. All participants will receive a 15% coupon code good on our sponsor’s websites through the month of April and will be entered into a raffle to win hundreds of dollars worth of earth-friendly prizes. Winners will be announced on May 1st.

The contest is the brainchild of Malini Goel, founder of Global Green Pals. “I am a huge fan of the participating companies, whose business practices show that it is possible to both be successful in business and do the right thing,” says Goel. “My Grandfather told me, ‘Use your education as a broom to clean up Mother Earth and find like-minded people to do it with you.’ And here we are doing just that - companies and customers working together to promote earth stewardship.”

“These small companies make some of the finest, most innovative earth-conscious products on the market – but because we’re all small, we can sometimes be difficult to find,” adds Barbera Aimes of ImagiPLAY Toys. Instead of staying to ourselves and competing with each other, as most companies do, we’ve decided that a cooperative effort like this is much more in keeping with our values of earth stewardship and fair play and creates a win-win situation for us and our customers.”

The eight participating companies and their websites are as follows:

ImagiPLAY – www.imagiplay.com (wooden toys and soft dolls)
Global Green Pals - www.globalgreenpals.com (soft dolls with eco themes)
Eco-Kids - www.ecokidsusa.com (art supplies made from natural ingredients)
Mimi the Sardine – www.mimithesardine.com (eco-coated organic cotton tablecloths, bibs & more)
Kids Konserve – www.kidskonserve.com (stainless steel lunchbox solutions)
Uncle Goose – www.unclegoose.com (USA-made alphabet blocks)
LunchBots – www.lunchbots.com (stainless steel lunchbox solutions)
JAMTOWN – www.jamtown.com (musical instruments from all over the world)

It’s easy to enter:

1) Go to www.green-our-earth-2011.com
2) Click “Enter Contest”
3) Submit a description of what you do to Green Our Earth and/or a photo showing the same
4) You will automatically receive a coupon code good for 15% off all eight sponsor’s websites through April
5) You will be entered into a raffle to win $100 worth of prizes from our sponsors! (8 winners will be selected on May 1st)
6) Visit their group facebook page to see your entry & share with friends! Green-Our-Earth Facebook Page

So get out your camera, sharpen your pencil, and tell them about all the great ways you help our good old Mother Earth, from recycling cans to planting trees to using solar energy and saving whales. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to, so please also share here!

Open to all 18 years of age or older. Contest begins on April 1, 2011 at 12:00 a. m. Eastern Time ("ET") and ends on April 21, 2011 at 11:59 p. m. Eastern Time. See more rules on website.

Here is my entry:

I homeschool and love to teach my children the importance of being Earth friendly. In my experience in teaching I find that it helps to learn by doing, especially if by doing you can make the world a better place. As a family we reduce, re-purpose, reuse and recycle. We also try to: open windows to let in fresh air and sun when it is a nice day, save rainwater for our lawn and garden, plant a food garden each year, save electricity by turning off lights when not in use and using eco efficient light bulbs and appliances, buy local and go to farmers markets, use reusable containers for food and drink (including when we are out traveling), swap clothing and other things with people or give them to thrift stores or consignments or re-purpose things, use rechargeable batteries, use natural cleaning supplies and hygiene products and cloth diaper. We try to buy organic, all natural, nontoxic, eco-friendly, biodegradable and/or sustainable products when ever possible. I have included a picture of my oldest son. He has been collecting pop tabs to donate to the local Ronald McDonald House, one we have stayed at when my daughter, who passed away April of 2010 at the age of 6, was in the hospital nearby.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received an email about this contest this on Facebook and entered this myself and thought my readers would like the chance also. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. No monetary exchange took place.

Aladdin Do The Reuse Challenge

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aladdin. All opinions are 100% mine.

Aladdin, the company who is well known for their reusable food and beverage container products, is giving all of us a challenge. They call it the Do The Reuse Challenge. It’s a 30-day commitment to give up disposable paper cups, water bottles, or food containers. Everyone is welcome to participate (the more, the better!), and 9 families will be blogging about their experience on their website. These bloggers are families and people just like me and you.

The Aladdin products make it easy to reuse because of their fantastic reusable food and beverage containers! You will save money and be helping save the environment by being eco-friendly and reducing waste, reusing, and recycling what waste you have already made! By accepting one of the Do the Reuse Challenges you’ll be able to get discounts and free shipping on selected Aladdin products through their website, www.shopaladdin-pmi.com. That way you can save a little on Aladdin mugs, water bottles and snack containers, which will in turn help you save even more.

So go ahead, accept the Do The Reuse Challenge! Save money and the environment! You can even blog or share this information and your own personal experience doing the challenge on your website or anywhere you can share it. Make an impact! One person can do so much...spread the word!

Fan/Like Aladdin on Facebook!

Here are some interesting facts:
● 7 million barrels of oil are used to produce the disposable bottles that Americans go through in only one year.
● In the USA, fifty billion disposable water bottles are used per year. That is 137,000 per day and 1,585 per second!
● It costs about $165 a year to make drip coffee in the comforts of your own home versus $636 to purchase drip coffee at your local coffee shop.
● Unless we do something about this, twenty-three billion paper coffee cups will be thrown out in 2010.
● Pack a lunch instead of eating lunch out and you will save money and not be creating so much waste! $9 will generally cover a decent lunch out...that is about $2,350 a year if you buy rather than pack a lunch five days a week!

My garbage collection facility here where I live never told us about their recycling program...even though they have one in place. We were creating about three trash cans full of trash just from my family in only one week! Now that we know about it we are recycling and two of the trash cans are filled instead with things that our garbage collection will take to recycle. We are down to one trash can now of items they won't take except on regular garbage days. My family is trying to do its best at reducing, reusing, and recycling where we can. I love to have my kids use things like toilet paper tubes and egg cartons to make art, planters, etc. I am planning on cloth diapering again with my new baby once born. I am disgusted by all the waste people produce and just throw away since so much can be reduced, reused, and recycled! My family will be trying out the Aladdin Do The Reuse Challenge and seeing what we can contribute. We love to be eco-friendly when ever we can!

I Love God's Green Earth by Michael and Caroline Carroll Review

I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

I Love God's Green Earth by Michael & Caroline Carroll teaches kids about how the care of creation can draw them closer to God. I love this book because it has practical projects to help care for the Earth for kids to do on every page. I love teaching my kids how to help with the environment and make it a better place for all of us to live.

I Love God's Green Earth has 90 days of devotions. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, “Facts” section that goes into the science behind the topic of the day, a “Connection” section to help kids link both the biblical truth and scientific facts to the scripture, and a “What Can I Do?” section with a takeaway action (react, read, readopt, reconnect, reconsider, record, recycle, reduce, reflect, refresh, refuse, regift, rejoice, relay, renew, replant, request, research, respect, restore, rethink, retrace, reuse, review). Jokes, riddles, and fun facts are also included at the end of each devotion to make this book more fun, informative, and interesting. You should read each devotion in order because each builds upon the previous one. I love that these devotions/devotionals are educational and spiritual as well as eco-friendly and they teach kids to be more responsible and take care of their surroundings.

Since we already recycle and compost I was looking for something from the book that we need to do better. One of the things that we have been focusing on as a family is Day 26, Bug Spray Gone Bad, which focuses on using safer methods than harmful toxic pesticides to get rid of pests for gardening and other things. These methods are so much better for the environment and I have been learning about going totally organic with my gardening technicians. One of the things we want to do is introduce more beneficial bugs to our garden, like: ladybugs/lady beetles, praying mantises, spined soldier bugs, lacewings, earthworms, nematodes, honey bees, mason bees, etc. These bugs eat bad bugs, enrich & improve the soil, and pollinate the flowers to make the garden lovelier and more prolific. This book briefly goes into how to help by: teaching us that marigolds attract beneficial ladybugs that eat harmful aphids and including a recipe for a all natural weed killer that can be used as a safe alternative.

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1, KJV  

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse... Romans 1:20, KJV

We see His creation all around us. It is a testament to God's existence. His creation is precious and sacred. We need to take better care of the Earth and all that dwell here, including ourselves both for our physical and spiritual well being.

This book is a wonderful Christian alternative to all the secular books teaching about going green that are out there. I love the scriptures and biblical message that this has to offer. As a Christian mother I embrace books like this. I recommend this to Christian parents or caretakers everywhere.

To read the first chapter of this book, click here.

BUY IT


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER:  Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers because I am a part of the Tyndale Blog Network for letting me know about this product and for sending me a free advance viewer copy of I Love God's Green Earth: Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation by Michael & Caroline Carroll to read and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.