Simple Earth-Friendly Shopping Tips: Guest Post

Lord knows that while I see the importance of making environmentally-friendly decisions, often convenience wins out for me.

Enter Caroline from Eco Baby Boom, who answered my call for guest bloggers, and is sharing here all sorts of quick and easy changes we (okay, I) can make to do our part to preserve our world for our children and grandchildren.

Take it away, Caroline!

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We all have very busy lives, and sometimes even though we may feel strongly about certain things, we have to take shortcuts and decide what is most important and what really needs to (and will) get done.

Fortunately, making earth friendly decisions often does not require much more time or effort. Sometimes the results even simplify our lives.

Here are a few earth friendly tips. Relax and enjoy them as they are all about SHOPPING!


1. Buy Organic. It's better for your health and the planet. Organic growers do not use any pesticides/insecticides and cannot knowingly use GMO's (genetically modified organisms) in their products. This lessens their impact on our planet while keeping your health safe.


2. Choose glass, over plastic. Glass has a much smaller carbon footprint than plastic. Glass can also be recycled an infinite number of times and there is no danger of chemicals leaching into your food or drink, even when heated. Stainless Steel bottles and containers are also a better option than plastic. It has a much bigger carbon footprint than plastic, however, because it is extremely durable, it is still a better choice to generally fast wearing plastics. A solid ss thermos can be a good option for a warm lunch if you want a kid-proof container. Stanley makes a very sturdy one that keeps food nice and warm. Warm the thermos with boiling water before adding the pre-warmed food.


3. Choose reusable containers or bags. Nowadays there are a great selection of earth friendly containers and pouches to use when packing lunches. I love Gogo bags and smitten pouches. They can be thrown into your laundry when needed. I find they also encourage healthy snacking as you can easily fit the soft pouches in your pocket/handbag. Enjoy sandwichs, nuts, raisins and more on the go! Bonus, they also come in a variety of stylish patterns.

4. Buy local, whenever possible. This one is a no-brainer. Again, this often has a positive impact on your health as well, since many fresh fruits & vegetables are sprayed with chemicals to slow down their aging process and often sprayed again upon arrival to ripen if needed. Often these foods were picked weeks if not months earlier and travelled here by container ship, causing the food to lose many of its nutrients.


5. Avoid non-recyclable material packaging. Buy your foods in bulk to avoid the plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic and other materials that create unnecessary waste. Bring your own cloth / paper bag. You can put your items on the scale then bag them. You may even save a little since you will not be paying for the packaging's weight.


6. Give credit, where credit is due or request change. If you are happy with a change for the better (or the worse), let the business know. Companies will often make better choices if they think the consumers care. I always buy mushrooms in bulk and will never take the pre-cut pre-washed shortcut because they are only ever available in styrofoam packaging. Recently, I spotted some mushrooms packaged in a recyclable code identified plastic container. I still choose the bulk ones but took a minute to email the supplier and let them know that I cared about their choice to package their product in a better way.


7. Buy Once. It is always worth taking the time to research a potential purchase before making your final decision. This can avoid having to buy several products before finding the right one for you. Amazon has ratings and reviews for items on their website. Look for a high rating, preferably with many reviews rather than just a few. Many other websites offer similar product reviews and you don't need to purchase through them to view the ratings.

Remember, every little bit counts and it all adds up to a better world.

Caroline from Eco Baby Boom
www.ecobabyboom.com

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Walmart's Frugal Heroes Challenge: Summer Style Under $100

When I was asked to be part of the Walmart Frugal Heroes Challenge, I couldn't resist! Bloggers were provided with $100 challenges to choose from, or given the option to come up with our own. Some of the suggestions:

• Feed your family of four for 4 days on $100
• Dress two children for summer on $100
• Get a head-to-toe summer outfit for either mom or dad for $100
• Decorate your outdoor living space for $100
• Redecorate a bedroom or family room for $100
• Host a child’s birthday party with 5 guests for $100

As tempting as the other options were (especially as I saw other bloggers' posts/tweets going out), my kids have tons of summer clothes, we just finished picking up outdoor accessories and girls' rooms aren't due to be redone for a bit. So I decided to shop for myself, and committed to the "Head To Toe Outfit" challenge.

I hit my nearest Walmart, fortunately alone, but on a timeline due to plans later in the evening, so I had to focus! As I began to browse, I decided to tweak my challenge slightly. Instead of going with one head-to-toe outfit, I would try to pick up all of the "Summer Style" items I had on my list, keeping under the $100 cap. Here's how I did:

Maxi Skirt

Bright Printed Tank

Colourful Dress (I love this one, and green is a different colour for me!)

Sunhat

Sunglasses

Swimsuit

Pink Nail Polish

(Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure is my fave. I have tons of their shades for pedis,

though I'm a total gel nails convert when it comes to my fingers).

I had a few other non-challenge-related items in my cart (you know, vitamins, pot holders, random stuff), so once my challenge selections were rung through I asked the cashier for a total....and it was just over $91. So I figured, "What's summer fun without some beverages?" and threw in the plastic wine glasses I had picked up for poolside safety. (Also because we had friends over a few weeks ago in the hot tub and one was enjoying wine served in a red solo cup. Which believe me, is even less safe.) For the purposes of full disclosure, the fourth "glass" put the total just over $100 (but it's not like I'm capable of buying an odd number!)

I had planned on modeling my purchases, but while I am quite content with my post-two-baby-body (despite all of the self-esteem messages out there, I'm still not sure it's truly socially acceptable to say that) I'm quite sure that my students and their parents don't need to see me in a bikini. Except the ones that come over to swim at my house, but they don't take pictures and share them with thousands of people. That I know of.

So what do you think? Everything I need for Summer Style, and all under $100! Thanks for the opportunity, Walmart!

Were you part of the Walmart Frugal Heroes Challenge? I'd love for you to leave a comment below with your challenge and a link to your post. I can't wait to check out how everyone else fared!

Multitasking...For Dummies? My New Treadmill Desk

The picture says it all, really, but my Dad custom-built this amazing treadmill desk for his crazy multitasking daughter. Doesn't everyone want to write articles and report cards while they exercise?

Next step...finding a way to bling it up a bit so it's not so plain looking. Thoughts?

This Mom's Recommended Reading

In addition to about 20 magazines (they are my motivation for the treadmill), I read three books over the March Break:

{Note: it didn't really take me this long to write the post - I had to hold off on publishing it until closer to the release date for one of the books.}

Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun

Recommended on Twitter by Kathy Buckworth, I was hoping this one would have general tips about speaking, but it's actually geared more towards those on a professional speaking/lecturing circuit. (It's also a bit scholarly - there are footnotes, people!) I did pick up some good ideas though, and the anecdotes about the author's own speaking experiences are entertaining.

Everybody Has Everything by Katrina Onstad

This Canadian choice was also a Twitter recommendation (Cityline's Tracy Moore tweeted out one Saturday that she had spent the afternoon reading by the fire, so I asked what she was reading, and it was this). While the bare bones of this plot could go into chick-lit territory (infertile couple inherit friends' child after car accident) Onstad would never let that happen, and there is nothing light and fluffy about this story. It is heavy stuff...I actually felt physical pain several times as I read it (the anguish related to marriage, parenting, work, friendships). But Onstad is an incredible writer and I would definitely recommend it.

Don't Lick The Minivan and Other Things I Never Thought I'd Say To My Kids by Leanne Shirtliffe (release date: May 2013)

 

Another Canadian pick, this one's nonfiction, and a humorous account of the author's experiences, from being pregnant with twins while living in Bangkok, to dealing with delayed postpartum depression and the toddler years through kindergarten and beyond. This one (sent to me for review) is fairly light and fluffy and very funny (though we all know every parenting issue is tryingly real), and a good read as well (I'd suggest cracking it open every time you need a break from the book named above). The quote that resonated with me the most: "The best thing about being a teacher is having the summers off with your kids. The worst thing about being a teacher is having the summers off with your kids."  After nine days of family togetherness on the March Break (with a much-appreciated sleepover at Grandma's in the middle) we were all ready to get back to school!

Note: Leanne Shirtliffe is a fellow (and much better known) Canadian mom blogger, writing  at Ironic Mom. Check her out, and tell her I sent you! (She doesn't know me, but she will then.)

Since the March Break, I've also enjoyed:

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg



As a mom with paid employment outside of the home (was that politically correct enough?) this book is eye-opening and motivational in regards to the status of women as leaders in the work force. As many readers and critics have noted, not all women want to "Lean In", and many are not only content but actually very fulfilled in a non-leadership role at work (just as many women are fulfilled at home full-time with their children) but I enjoyed the book and the glimpse into the life of the mom of two and COO of Facebook.

My most recent read was:

The Honest Life by Jessica Alba

I'm not embarrassed to say that I am a junkie for books by celebrities, but this one is less an autobiography than it is a how-to book for living a greener, healthier life. (Purchasing products from Jessica's "The Honest Company" is of course strongly recommended, but she mentions many other brands too). I'm going to be blunt and say that I am too lazy and/or picky to follow a lot of the tips, but those who are passionate about this type of lifestyle (with your food, home, fashions, etc.), especially those with young kids, will love this reference guide. Lots of colour photos of Jessica, her family and home as well.

Jessica Mulroney: The Momterview

Jessica Mulroney is one busy woman. Wife and mother of twin boys, she is also a Style Expert for Birks Jewellery, and is helping spread the word about the new Skinny Cow lower-calorie chocolate treats. Jessica kindly agreed to answer a few questions for This Mom and my readers.

Jessica

This Mom: You're from Montreal - a city I love to visit, but so far not with kids. Any recommendations for things to do in Montreal with my girls (ages 5 and 7)?

Jessica Mulroney: The Old Port of Montreal is a family-friendly destination with street performers, carriage rides and lots of great food -- but I would make that trip in the summer, otherwise the only thing that you will remember from that trip will be the COLD!

TM: Your husband is, of course, e-Talk's Ben Mulroney. Do you get the chance to meet many celebs through him, and are you still star-struck about anyone or does it all seem like no big deal now?

JM: I have met a few celebrities, like Michael Bublé, but when we meet, it is often in social settings: dinner or just hanging out, so they never seem like celebrities to me, just regular people.

Ben and Jessica with twins Brian and John

TM: Where do you go for parenting advice?

JM: My first stop for parenting advice is my parents and in-laws. After that, other family members, like Ben’s sister who has 4 kids. I have to admit webMD has saved me a few times! Although I try not to get answers from the web, there are some great mommy blogs like Savvy Mom that I do enjoy reading.

TM: What milestones have your twins reached lately?

JM: Counting to 10 in French was a big one! That was just today and I couldn't believe how quickly they picked up a second language.

TM: I'm sure when it comes to your in-laws, most people ask about Ben's dad (former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney), but I actually want to know how Mila is doing. When I was a kid, I thought that (next to my own mom) she must be the coolest mom ever. I even wrote her fan letters and still have the replies she sent me! So, what is she up to these days?

JM: She is absolutely amazing. She still travels the world with her husband, but finds time to be a grandmother to (soon to be) 10 grandkids! And when we spend time with them in Montreal or Florida, the house is always warm and inviting. Add to that her various charitable causes and she has more on her plate than most women I know.

Yep, still have 'em!

TM: While it seems like Spring has barely sprung, I know you took in Fall Fashion Week in Toronto not long ago. What are some of the trends for 2013 that caught your eye?


JM: I always enjoy Fashion Week in Toronto. Canadian designers are on the cusp of breaking through internationally. Supporting them and our Fashion Week is a major step in helping achieve that goal. If our designers can have a world class showcase for their talent, it won't be long before the rest of the world catches on. Here are some of the most wearable trends for fall 2013:

1) Green, green and more green... every shade to fit you need.

2) Statement Coats... Splurge on a great over the top coat next season as you would a pair of shoes! It will instantly glam up your look!

3) Rounded Shoulders... It sounds scary but actually looks quite elegant. Whether it is in a sweater or a cocktail dress, this look is definitely in for Fall.

4) Classic patterns... lots of pinstripes and plaids mixed with solid turtlenecks. A look that never seems to go out of style!!!

TM: Why put your support behind the new Skinny Cow products (I love them too, by the way)?

JM: I think it is important to remember to indulge, but to do so intelligently. If we deprive ourselves of decadence, then, in a moment of weakness, we can undo all of the hard work we have done. Skinny Cow gives us all the chance to feel like we are cheating, even though we aren’t!


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Thanks, Jessica!

You can follow Jessica on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jessicamulroney
and check out her 10 Jewellery Essentials here: http://www.birks.com/Birks-Style-Expert/essentials.htm

Calling Guest Bloggers!

This Mom Loves is looking for some enthusiastic guest bloggers for the Spring and Summer seasons!

Do you have a particular area of expertise or top-ten-tips to share with my readers? Photos and ideas for a birthday party theme you've tried out? Perhaps you could post about the family attractions in the major city closest to you, or share information about a parent or child topic that's near and dear to your heart? Do you have before-and-afters of a great reno or project? Or maybe you're hoping to get some exposure for your own blog or business and you're willing to write about anything?

Guidelines:

• I'm open to a large range of topics, but please be familiar with my blog before making a suggestion. I often cover parenting issues, education, organization, decorating, health, books and other types of entertainment. (Pretty much the all-encompassing "Lifestyle" category, though the recipes are few and far between.)
• The language here is clean and I don't get too incredibly controversial, but I certainly welcome opinions that differ from my own.
• I'd be pleased to have you link to your own blog and/or business (which is usually the point for guest bloggers), but I'm not looking for any product reviews or pseudo-commercials.
• Photos (of you and/or the topic you're covering) would be great to enhance your post.

For further information or to inquire, you can leave a comment below or e-mail me: katewinn77 at yahoo dot ca.

Thanks!

ET Canada's Cheryl Hickey Welcomes Baby Number 2

Congratulations to Cheryl Hickey, husband Kevin Foley, and son Jaxs who welcomed baby girl Nyla to their family on Wednesday April 17th, 2013.

Cheryl tweeted out a photo of the new little 8 lbs, 1 oz sweetie late that evening:

Throughout her second pregnancy, Cheryl continued her hosting duties on Global's ET Canada, and was featured in a number of magazines, including Today's Parent, discussing her maternity style. She often tweeted out pics of her bump fashion, including these shots:

You can read my Momterview with Cheryl (one of my most-read blog posts ever) here: http://thismomloves.blogspot.ca/2011/08/et-canadas-cheryl-hickey-momterview.html, and follow the now mom of two Cheryl on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CherylHickeyETC

Wednesday Words From the Gospels

Wait! Don't surf away/delete this e-mail just because you aren't Catholic. Or Christian. Or a believer at all. Even if that is the case, I would be hard pressed to believe that there isn't a single tidbit of advice, encouragement or support for you to glean from any of the quotes below. Give the words a chance to change your day.
As you may remember, it was my New Year's resolution to read the Bible, and I have already shared my favourite quotes from the Gospel of Matthew. I have since made my way through the other three Gospels, and have collected here the passages that meant the most to me.

Mark

"Let the children come to me, do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 10:14

"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." 10:27-28

"One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, 'Which is the first of all the commandments?' Jesus replied 'The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." 12: 28-31

Luke

"Love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the most high." 6: 35

"Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." 11:9

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." 14:11

John

"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." 8:7

"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." 11: 25- 26

"I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." 13:34

And the final words of the Gospels:

"There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." 21:25