Baby Grows Green

All Natural Baby Powder for More than Babies

2011-02-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

Mix up your own non-toxic, green and clean baby powder with this simple recipe. Find a favorite sugar shaker, salt shaker or cleaned jam jar with punched holes and combine:

1/4 cup cornstarch
10-12 drops of favorite essential oil - lavender, lemon, orange

Consider this Pampered Chef shaker with top or scour your local thrift store or pantry and up-cycle using an old jam jar with a few holes punched. Hot glue some ribbons around the jar to coordinate with your baby's nursery.

Here's to clean tushies and more!!

Snack Attack Goes Green

2011-02-02T15:41:00.001-08:00

Pack a ton of nutrients, stave off hunger and feel great about the good work you're doing for the old bod. Try this little snack mix that keeps the team at Satsuma Designs working and playing hard with the little satsumas.

Satsuma Snack Mix
- 2 handfuls organic roasted almonds (no salt)
- 2 handfuls pepitas (the inside of a pumpkin seed - incredible source of iron for a little seed!)
- 1/2 a handful chopped brazil nuts (only need a little of this to get the great benefit of selenium)
- 1 handful dried cranberries (can sub raisins or whatever's in the pantry in terms of dried fruit)
- 1 and a dash more handful of dark chocolate chips or chunks (try chopping your favorite semi-sweet bar into this)

Combine in a reusable baggie like ReUsies or old jam jar with top. Mix it up and enjoy!!

10 Tips for Clean, Green, Eco-Serene Laundry

2011-01-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Not many love it, but there may perhaps be something satisfying about conquering the endless cycle of laundry that comes with a family, pairs and singles. Who's ready to confess that finally slaying the dump, sort, wash, dry, fold, put away dragon feels mighty nice?

Make it even nicer by keeping it green and eco-clean. Here are some tips to keep the family looking and smelling fresh and keep the salmon swimming.

1. Only machine wash in full loads in cold water or warm for whites
2. Line dry when weather and time permits
3. Machine wash once per week – even an active family of four should be able to accomplish this goal in 4-6 loads (one FULL load per person plus linens and a delicates)
4. Hand wash and line dry delicates (no machine washing as suggested above)
5. Use an enviro-friendly wash detergent that’s phosphate, chlorine and the other ‘nasties’-free 6. Make your own all natural washing machine detergent with a recipe of soap flakes, washing soda and borax
7. Spot clean apparel and toys with lemon juice and set out in sunshine – for colder, clear winter and fall days, simply lay items in a sunny window for the same result.
8. Dress and sleep in all natural fibers
9. Choose naturally anti-bacterial fabrics such as bamboo rayon
10. Fluff or time dry in dryer

Tighter fold please.

Satuma Gives Baby The Shirt on Her Back

2011-01-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

Satsuma Designs launches their debut apparel collection in organic, cozy bamboo and cotton blends in colors to please baby boys and girls (and their respective sugar mommies and daddies). Not yet available for sale at http://www.satsumadesigns.com/, but soon. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek!

Veggie Mind Tricks

2010-11-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

It's simple and could be simply zany, but one way to increase your veg intake is to make them too accessible to miss. I recently swapped my fruits for veggies in my more accessible fridge drawer (in my left handled unit, that's the left hand bottom drawer). My kids are constantly accessing that left hand drawer and now they get a rainbow of beta carotene, vitamins E, C, et al. And guess what, they're magically delicious (with a little steaming, butter and/or brown sugar!).

And don't forget to make some of those veggies organic. Check out The Daily Green's Dirty Dozen to keep kiddos (and you!) healthy and green.

Bon appetit!

image courtesy of Full Circle Farm a NW CSA

2010-11-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Let's hear it for Cool Moms! If you’ve got the urge to purge in Seattle, CoolMom would love to receive your gently-used toys, games, books, puzzles and kid gear for our used toy sale.

They'll have donation barrels in place until next Thursday, November 11th. They promise your toys will go to loving hands and the proceeds will go to fund things like our car seat recycling drives, walking school buses, and Earth Day activities like the Green Lake pinwheel wind farm. A portion will also go to FamilyWorks food bank and resource center.

Donation barrels can be found at:
• PCC Fremont
• PCC Green Lake
• John Stanford International School (42nd Street entrance)
• Greenwood Elementary
• PCC Green Lake
• Phinney Neighborhood Association - foyer of blue building
• Small Faces Child Development Center - 9250 14th Ave NW

The sale is from 9:30- 1:30 on Saturday November 13th at the Wallingford Boys and Girls Club.

Thanks for keeping your toys out of the landfill!

Locally Lavish Fashion from Seattle's Top Eco-Designers

2010-10-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

EcoLavish returns for its third year as the only eco-friendly fashion show in Seattle. Half Past Lavish Event Production could not be more excited to bring this event’s unique style and flair to Seattle. EcoLavish features local fashion and jewelry designers and encourages guests to consider shopping locally in an effort to be eco-conscious. $25 GA ticket.

The EcoLavish Fashion Show will be held on Thursday, November 11th, 2010. The doors will open at 7pm with the show beginning at 8pm. The first 50 guests will receive eco-swag bags. Each year EcoLavish continues to grow and this year will be no exception. Designers already confirmed include Cameron Levin Couture, Vian Hunter, based in Madison Valley, and Twice Blushed, located in Ballard.

Premiere sponsors of EcoLavish include Herban Feast Sodo Park, MODE Organic Salon, Bamboo Beats, and Grand Event Rentals.

Recycled Rainwear!

2010-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Kamik Kid's SLOSH Rainboot, shown in Plum.

Is your family on the prowl for some fantastic new rain boots? If the answer is yes, or even if it’s no, I urge you to check out the Kamik website. Whether you’re in the mood for classic yellow, or something with a little more funk, they offer stylish recycled rain boots for the entire family. What better way to keep your little one’s toes dry and cozy than to slip them into rain boots made from recycled materials? This particular brand of boots is unique (besides their wide array of colors, styles and sizes) because when you outgrow your pair of boots, they can be sent back to the manufacturer for recycling!

Even if you prefer to stay indoors when the weather conditions are less than desirable, check out their line of slippers made from recycled boiled wool. I’ve worn and LOVED their women’s slippers. They’re unbelievably comfortable and lasted for quite some time. Much like their rain boots, they offer a multitude of colors and are available for the whole family. Slip your sweetie into this beige pair of slippers decorated with a tiny puppy appliqué.

Photo courtesy of Kamik

The Bedtime Blues.

2010-09-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

It seems many of the babies and young children in my life are having trouble sleeping. I decided to research some tips to help during nap time. My first step was a call to my mother because I am more than aware that I was a "difficult child" and therefore was certain my sleep habits fit into this "difficult child" persona. Her advice was simply to swaddle the baby in a soft blanket and try different rocking techniques. She also found some relief in a few aromatherapy solutions (chamomile, rose and lavender essential oils to name a few). Even as a seasoned child-care provider, I still have yet to perfect "the swaddle". Companies like Satsuma Designs and Swaddle Designs have created the perfect size swaddling blanket taking away the complications involved with wrapping up your little one. If you're in the market for a new swaddling blanket check out Satsuma Designs' brand new flannel swaddling blanket, perfect to keep your baby stylish, comfy and cozy this winter!

My second step was a trip to the library and found a fantastic book: Rock-a-Bye Baby: 200 Ways to Help Baby (and You!) Sleep Better. This book is jam packed with great ideas. This book has everything from schedules and swaddling techniques to uses of aromatherapy and body positioning. There is surely something in there for every mother and child.

Third (and final… for now) came my quest through the depths of the World Wide Web. I came across the Nap Nanny. The site claims “The Nap Nanny mimics the contours of a car seat, the comfort of a baby blanket and features maximum stability”. With a safety strap and waterproof lining this seems like the perfect way to get those fussy babies to sleep. Like any other product it is important to read and follow the safety recommendations (don’t put carrier on counter, table, or inside the crib).

Photo courtesy of Satsuma Designs LLC

Baby Gifts Galore!

2010-07-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

So excited about the launch of the new Satsuma Designs' baby gift sets and new products.

The Bamburp is a one-of-a-kind burp cloth fashioned in soft organically grown bamboo velour paired with ultra-absorbent bamboo terry cloth to keep baby messes (cute as they are!) to a min. $10 or $18 per pair.

Bambibs are the most eco-luxe dining accessory in bamboo velour and soft organic cotton flannel to keep every clean and cozy. Extra long satin ties keep the business in place. $12.

How Does Your Garden Grow: Big, Small or Italian, Tomatoes Are The Way To Go

2010-05-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Baby Grows Green garden planting day was followed by a day of drizzle to soak those little roots. This gray Monday called for a soak under the Happy Lamp, but the dreary weather was great for the veggie patch.

Our tomatoes loved the rain the most. As mentioned in the inaugural garden post, we put down two kinds of tomatoes - Roma and Sweet 100, a juicy little delicacy that we grew heartily last year. Aside from being adorable and delicious, ounce for ounce, tomatoes are a super food for everyone.

With their bright red features, tomatoes boast lycopene, an antioxidant, and beta carotene, the same good stuff found in carrots. What's more is the incredible concentration of Vitamins C and A and their helpful dash of potassium and iron.

To get the most from these little gems when planting, consider investing in a $3-5 dollar tomato stand or circular 'trellis' to get them up off the ground and producing right away. We staked and strung our tomatoes last year, which worked 'okay', but we sadly sacrificed some of them to the slugs et al. This year we're doing it right!

How Does Your Garden Grow? Easy, Organic Veggie Planting

2010-05-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Mother's day was a beautiful day in the northwest! The weather was perfect for planting a modest, but abundant selection of veggies to start the season. We hope to share our bounty with you, dear readers, and show how easy and cost effective organic gardening can be.

At the Baby Grows Green veggie patch we started with a raised bed approximately 4'x8' (32 sq feet), tilled up the soil with our metal rake, amended it with a $10 bag of 15% chicken manure mulch and went to town.

Here's what we bought, planted and spent.

- 4 plants - Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes

- 2 tomato stands

- 1 bag onion sets (approx 50 set) These are little gems! They're already seeded and sprouted onions that when harvested early make nice scallions and held a little later a nice small scale onion for salads and sauteing.

- 4 small spinach plants

- 3 Roma tomato plants

- 8 mesculun mix lettuce plants - great salad starts with a mix of green and purple lettuces

- 8 Paris lettuce plants - bright green, soft leaves - think mix of butter with romaine leaves

Grand total = $50 at our local nursery

We can't wait to share our harvest with you!

All Natural Window Cleaner: Really Streak Free

2010-05-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

I've tried nearly every home-made, kitchen concocted all natural cleaner out there, but have never done glass cleaner. Maybe it's because I never clean the windows or could be I'm more counter and frig handle obsessed.

Either way, this morning I got fed up with the little streaky mits on our back door and set to work. I used my trusty mix of 1 part water, 1 part distilled white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works great too and smells a bit nicer), and a few dashes of tea tree oil for its naturally antibacterial properties.

I spritzed a little of this over the window panes and wiped away with a sheet of yesterday's newspaper to fabulous results. Really!

I'm convinced and won't it be nice to see through those windows for once?

Happy Monday from Satsuma Designs!

Pass on the Grass

2010-03-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's Holy Week and it's easyto forget that this time in sacred. But don't you agree that there's no forgetting that it's Easter Basket a Makin' Time! We'll play along and decorate the eggs. This year with homemade dye and natural decorations, but we will resist the grass.

You know Easter basket grass. The stuff that you find mid-summer in the couch whose half-life is 1,000 years and goes straight to the landfill. Look, I know it's a buzz-kill, but there are alternatives.

Here are a few ways to make Easter basket giving just as bright and bunny-ful sans the day-glo colored grass. Consider using:

- Shred up some all magazine pages. If you don't have a shredder or paper cutter, use a pizza wheel or head down to Fed Ex/Kinkos and use theirs.

- Make your basket sizzle with your own zizzle and fold up accordion-style a few sheets of seasonal construction paper and cut into 1/8" strips. It's fast and easy. Use these cut up again as confetti for the next birthday card you send to Grandpa.

- Abandon basket grass or filler altogether and give one gift wrapped item. Use an old scarf or a scrap from the fabric bin.

I know you can think of other great solutions, just keep on walking when you approach your local 'Easter Extravaganza' aisle.

Have a Blessed Easter.

No More Nail Clipping Cries!

2010-03-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I don't really miss the end of my pinkie that my Dad nicked off while clipping my nails as an infant? Oh, no, I didn't? That's because I DO MISS IT!

Satsuma Designs has an organic and affordable solution to the anger, guilt (Dad?) and anxiety that clipping baby's nails can evoke. Check out our brand spanking (no necessary) new Organic Bamboo Baby Scratch Mittens ($8/pair). These little gems fashioned with an adorable gros grain ribbon tab for easy on/off will keep baby's gnarly nails from inflicting permanent damage on that soft, fragile little skin.

Come on folks, protect the next generation!

Enjoy!

Eco-Chic Expo Blooms on May Day in Seattle

2010-03-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! There's exciting news from Seattle’s sustainability community. This May 1^st marks the first Eco-Chic Expo: an interactive green lifestyle event at the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center.

Co-founded by Satsuma Designs and two other eco-chic companies, Tread Light Gifts and mamaswap.com, the event is sure to be a great May Day full of tips, tricks and products to live a little greener the event.

Eco-Chic Expo is free to the public and will feature products, services and demos some of Seattle’s leading sustainable lifestyle companies from every part of life: design, home, fashion, food, baby, beauty, and more.

Come join us in May!

Valentine's Day!

2010-02-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

As commercialized as Valentine's Day has become I still love it. It is yet another reminder for me to show the special people in my life how much I love them. Most holidays leave me with a gaping hole in my wallet, and sadly this one is no exception. This year I was determined to do Valentine's Day on a budget (ahh, the life of a college student!) while making a conscious effort to make sure my choices are good for the earth too. I made collage/mosaic cards from scraps of paper and words from old magazines and newspapers. I set out with $5 and I was able to get glue, some glitter and a few other decorations.

For those of you with something in mind other than homemade cards I found some awesome gift ideas for moms and babies alike!

For moms:
I have been a fan of LUSH products for years and I love that they make their products from fresh organic fruits and veggies, and safe synthetics. They only purchase ingredients from companies that do not test on animals. The Floating Island Bath Melt is one of my favorite products. I always end my bath feeling relaxed and refreshed. Yet again maybe I just like this bath melt because it's shaped like a cupcake!

For baby:
Inhabitots' "Heart for Haiti Onesie" is made from 100% organic cotton with a sweatshop free design. What's even better than the adorable design is the fact that 50% of the proceeds will be sent to CARE to contribute to the Haitian disaster relief effort.

Photo courtesy of LUSH.

This chore is not a bore!

2010-02-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Well, for some, this might be a bore but my favorite thing to do is laundry. I love shopping for laundry detergent, and figuring out ways to organize dirty laundry. I enjoy spending time folding clothes and organizing them. Don't get me wrong, I love all types of cleaning products but laundry detergent is my absolute favorite. To me there is nothing better than taking a load of wash out of the dryer and seeing all the sparkling clean towels, shirts, and socks. It may seem a bit exaggerated but I speak the truth. I've been noticing the eco-downfalls in my lifestyle and my choice of detergents has been no exception. Until recently I followed the tide (pun intended) but no more! I have discovered some wonderful detergents that are phosphate-free, dye-free, higher concentration, with a biodegradable or plant based container.

My two favorites:

Method Laundry products:
Their products are ultra concentrated and contain a plant-based formula. To top off the quality of the soap, the bottle that holds the detergent is made from 50% recycled plastic. This is by far the most concentrated detergent I have come across and the easy pump feature makes doing laundry less messy-- no more drippy lids with soap residue in the cap!

Seventh Generation:
The Seventh Generation detergents have no dyes or fragrance, no phosphates, are safe for septic and gray-water systems, contain no animal derived ingredients and are hypoallergenic. They have options for 2x concentration as well as a detergent formula specifically for babies!

Both products have pages with coupons on their websites along with laundry and cleaning tips.

Remember when shopping for detergent to consider the type of washing machine you own. If you have a front loader, look for detergent marked with HE (high efficiency). The high efficiency detergents will help keep your washer in working condition (if you use regular detergent on a front loading machine you can cause serious mechanical failures) and keep your clothes cleaner. If you have a top loading machine it works best to let a powder detergent dissolve in a few inches of water before washing your clothes.

If for some reason you are looking for something eco-friendly to wash in an environmentally friendly fashion check out Satsuma Designs' line of blankets and bedding. I can't imagine anything better than a fresh, clean bamboo velour crib sheet fresh from the laundry :)

I enjoyed writing about detergent so much.... I think I'll go do some laundry!

Photo courtesy of Seventh Generation

The toothbrush blues.

2010-02-09T10:34:00.001-08:00

I was unfortunate enough to catch the oooogy sickness going around last week. Being a germ-a-phob I make it a point to replace my toothbrush immediately after my ooogy sickness has gone away or anytime my toothbrush is compromised (falls on the ground or in the sink--a simple rinse of water does not suffice!!). I finally realized how destructive my habit could be to the environment, so I set out to find a quality eco-friendly toothbrush, and find I did!! Preserve sells an awesome toothbrush made entirely from recycled yogurt cups. This product is BPA free, made in the USA (meaning less fuels are used transporting from country to country AND it helps keep jobs in the US), and my personal favorite part about this product... it is NOT tested on animals! There are tons of great colors available as well as your choice of bristle firmness. They also have a jr toothbrush for the kids. Their products can be found at Trader Joe's, PCC, Metropolitan Market as well as many other stores. Check out their whole line of personal care products and other awesome recycled items on their website.

If you're in the market for other bath products check out Satsuma Designs' all new, all natural bamboo washcloths. These washcloths are ultra soft, ultra absorbent and a great way to wash up tiny faces after washing tiny teeth :)

Happy brushing!

Photo courtesy of Preserve

$20 or Less to a Great, Green Nursery: Pull One Over On 'Em

2010-02-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

One way to sweeten or spice up any nursery decor is so simple, it gets over looked. I'm talking about drawer pulls or nobs on baby's dresser or toy chest. Now before you run to baby's room and start unscrewing those tired and scratched nobs to toss, scan your art supply bin for a few colors of craft paint (non toxic!) and grab sketch pad and pen(cil). Get ready to update your drawer pulls into a custom look just for your little bundle.

Consider spelling baby's name, giving life to your favorite pregnancy doodle or writing baby's first words on individual, updated nobs.

Or search the garage for some thick gauge rope/twine and turn baby's dresser into one fit for the high seas.

And if you want some more inspiration to brighten baby's abode, check out these ADORABLE hand-painted nobs from SweetMixCreations.

Photo courtesy of SweetMixCreations

Create and Eco-Luxe Nursery for $20 or Less

2010-02-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

It's not much of a brainstorm, but I'm always thinking about ways to share some easy, yet savvy and affordable sustainable design ideas. At Satsuma Designs we create all natural gifts and gear for baby and home in organic materials. We focus on soft goods - bamboo baby bedding, organic cotton burp cloths, bamboo hats, onesies and more, but we know as well as any parent that cute bedding is NOTHING without a great bed to complement. Likewise a green nursery doesn't have to look like you appropriated garage overflow to baby's room.

With a few updates, each for less than $20, we'll help you create a one of a kind, superb looking nursery that will please even your toughest critic, baby, of course! So, stay tuned for this series that I hope you, dear reader, will enjoy and put to good use.

String Beans for the Long, Lean and Everyone In Between

2010-02-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Leave it to moms to find a solution to anything! Two northwest moms in search of pants that fit their long, lean and growing kiddos launched String Beans Clothing Co. This adorable site features a few styles of pants sure to please young and older shoppers.

What's more is their sustainable approach to clothing. They invented cufflinx(TM) shown here to give their pants or any pair an extra l-o-n-g life. The no-sew solution adds a great looking cuff to any pair of pants. In a couple of dozen print options there's something for every style seeker. It's so green!

Photo courtesy of String Beans Clothing Co.

Would you Like Milk with your Cookies?

2010-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Where were Milk Makers when mommy needed them?! I was able to nurse my kids, but I could never make enough milk to pump. I know, I know, supply goes up the more you nurse, pump, nurse, pump. But seriously, when are you supposed to eat, groom and sleep? Oh right, not until your babies are grown!

Now there's a solution to this common connundrum - Milk Makers lactation cookies. A friend introduced me to these elegantly packaged cookies that offer a boost of Vitamin B, flax and all things natural to help with milk production. They're around 200 calories per cookie, but each one is big enough to satifsy and remember you're helping yourself and your little one to healthy and wholesome mommy milk.

If you're not in the milk making market, they make a great gift! I might package my next Satsuma Designs Bento Gift Box with a bag of these babies - yum, yum.

I'm excited to see what's next from Milk Maker's kitchen! Milkcakes, Cupcakes, per chance?

Photo courtesy of Milk Makers

Green Art in a Rainbow of Colors from Lex Modern

2010-01-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Let your junior activist make a sustainable statement with this rockin' collection of kid and baby-friendly art from an inspiring Arkansas Artist Mom! It's Eco-friendly, Eco-art from Eco-excellent Lex Modern. The wall art and assorted ornaments (all customized!) start at $25 and up. Jazzing up the nursery was never so easy and fun.

And complete the green nursery with baby bamboo bedding from Satsuma Designs!

Photo courtesy of Lex Modern

Tic-Tac-Toe.... WHOA!

2010-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have been shopping at Ten Thousand Villages for years. It is a free-trade store with retail establishments all over the United States.

I absolutely love this new spin on a timeless game. Made from all natural material and vegetable dyes this game is not only eco-friendly but it can withstand even the worst your kids put it up against. Whether giving it as a gift, of purchasing it for your own kids this toy will withstand the test of time AND no two sets are alike making your child's playtime experience uniquely full of fun!

This store has option, after option of great gift ideas for kids, babies, and practically every other member of the family. Items range from musical instruments, jewelry, home decor, and even outdoor. Most everything in the store is handmade from natural materials or recycled materials. You can also find the tastiest chocolate :) I hope you can find many treasures here just like I have. Follow the link to find a location near you!

Photo courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages

Help Haiti

2010-01-20T22:52:00.000-08:00

I’ve been reading and watching the news and all my mind can focus on is the complete devastation in Haiti. As someone who lives a comfortable life with plenty of food, a warm place to sleep and the access to an education it has always been important to me to involve myself in the community. After Hurricane Katrina I spent a week in Mississippi helping rebuild and I have been involved with trips around the local community building, painting and supplying food for those in need. I’ve been racking my mind with ways in which I can help the people of Haiti. Since I cannot leave the country right now (I have school, I've done nothing criminal!) I concluded that I would donate blood. The American Red Cross website is full of information as to where local donation centers are located, as well as other information as to how to help in the Haitian relief efforts. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Catholic Relief Services, Partners in Health, and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) other great sites to learn more about getting involved in helping the people of Haiti.

Photo courtesy of CNN

Build! Build! Build!

2010-01-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

Before I get to blogging I figure I should introduce myself to the Baby Grows Green followers. My name is Kira but I like to refer to myself as "Kira the Intern". I am the latest addition to the Satsuma Designs team and I am really excited to be a part of this wonderful company! I will also be a contributing writer to the blog, I hope everyone is as excited about this as I am :)

I live in Seattle and I am ALWAYS looking for things to do when the weather is less than desirable. Some of my favorite rainy day activities include taking a trip to the local art museum (The Seattle Art Museum offers free admission to all on the first Thursday of each month), a local historical site (The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is a fun learning experience for kids), or a trip to the public library (The Seattle Public Library offers storytime at most of their locations). One of my all time favorites has to be creating a funky art project. I was putzing around on the internet looking at fun crafts when I came across the Disney website. Disney provides us with a great "green" way to put our recyclables to good use, keep the kids occupied and provide them with inexpensive new toys!

This calls for:
-Boxes (Cereal, pasta, oatmeal containers etc.)
-Paper (Newspaper, wrapping paper left over from the holidays and construction paper work perfectly)
-Tape or glue (Masking tape works best but scotch tape will suffice)
-Drawing equipment (Crayons, markers, paint, it all works!)
-Toothpicks, popsicle sticks, dowels, film canisters, or other inexpensive household items

Cover the boxes in paper and decorate to your heart's desire. You can make "stone" pathways out of bits of paper or a chimney from an old paper towel roll. An old film canister could be made into a mini trash can (or recycling bin).

I love this craft idea and have every intention of using it next time I babysit or next time it rains. I'll just have to wait and see what comes first!

Photo courtesy of Disney Family Fun

Hopscotch for Big (and little) Boys and Girls!

2009-12-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

A friend tipped me off to this ADORABLE tee shirt collection from Seattle called Hopscotch Tees. The designs are fully customized and the aesthetic superb. I picked one up for my beloved's Christmas morn using our son's name and birth year. Cute. It's a subtle homage to his little one too so he can wear it to play hoops, but not catch flack for wearing a picture of his kid on his belly (I mean 4-pack!).

All tees are soft and natural 100% cotton for babies, toddlers, kiddos, moms, dads, and g'rents.

Go play a round of hopscotch!

Photo courtesy of Hopscotch Tees

Hottest Holiday Tips Come in GREEN

2009-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

Mamas, papas and babies hear this! Eco to the People is running a rockin holiday contest and giving away great green gifts for the whole family.

Just share your best, brightest and greenest holiday tip here via 'comment' and you'll be entered to win a suite of sweet swag in the bag at right. Anything goes - celebrating, shopping, eating, gardening, transporting, shipping, living, loving - so share your best.

Don't delay, enter right away (before the 12/17/09 deadline anyway)!

NEVER Sleep Train Again!

2009-11-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

No more 'cry it out'. Want to know how? I thought so.

Bamboo Velour Crib Sheets, of course!

Satsuma Designs has just launched one our newest products for the eco-luxe enthusiast. We know it's a splurge, but this crib sheet, which fits all standard and deep crib mattresses with and without piddle pads is DURABLE, naturally antibacterial, CRAZY soft, absorbent (possibly a moot benefit now that tears are in the past), and easy to clean.

Sweet dreams!

2009-11-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Late last week I had the good fortune to participate in a panel discussion about sustainable textiles at the ITAA annual conference. The ITAA is the International Textile and Apparel Association. Its membership includes academics, administrators, researchers and other interested parties committed to outreach in textile and fashion eduction and industry.

On the panel I represented Satsuma Designs and small business using sustainable resources in a commercial application, O Ecotextiles was there to share incredible date on green textiles for interiors and the Sustainable Style Foundation (SSF) was in the house too. Rebecca Luke from SSF helped moderate the panel that touched on the entire life cycle of 'green' textiles. I came away really appreciating SSF's mantra that even a little green step, is a step in the right direction.

As they say at SSF "look fabulous, live well, do good". More on SSF to come!

Happy Life Through Pie

2009-10-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I discovered last night that pie making is an art, a science, easy and a total joy!

As one of two students at Kate McDermott's Art of the Pie class I learned the classic method for making probably the world's most excellent pie - according to my husband and many others. We floured, rolled, sprinkled, poured and cored our way to happy tummies. Kate's Heritage Organic Apple pie recipe combines a variety of seasonal apples that each has its own sugar and 'bite' profile, which makes each taste of the pie a discovery.

I need to check in with Kate on whether I can share her recipe to spiritual and emotional enlightenment. So stay tuned and eat up!

My pie and ticket to a dozen roses, or something nice above. Photo courtesy of Kate McDermott.

If the weather outside is frightful...

2009-10-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite and greenest mode of transport is walking. I like it because I feel better for it, breathing fresh air makes me happy and I get to keep the car parked on the curb. But as a Seattleite I face the now almost daily drip, drip, shower, squall, drip of our overcast and soupy skies.

I thought it might be helpful to pull together a short checklist of Must Haves to keep you and the kiddos on your pegs (and in the stroller) in spite of inclement weather.

- Stroller hood - doesn't have to be a fancy rain guard, consider jury-rigging an old folding umbrella to the side of the stroller. You'll look thrifty and hip. Others will wonder if that's some great new, but retro mommy-gear. Check out Portland's Shedrain!

- Raincoat with hood or raincoat without hood and hip waterproof hat. And consider making your own up cycled rain slicker from old plastic bags. Found this wicked site that can help you do it - Craftzine.com.

- Boots - check out Hunter Wellies made of 100% recycled material. This pair benefits the earth! Try swapping for a pair on MamaSwap or other barter/consign site.

- All weather blanket for babes. check out Tuffo and WooBee all weather blankets from Rain or Shine Kids (love this company name!)

- To-go cup of Joe and you're ready to rock and roll!

C-U-LTR, Gotta Bounce!

2009-10-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Not a Cadillac, more like a tricked out Prius, is one way to describe Bloom Baby's Bouncer Lounger. This bouncy chair screams sidecars and cosmos, from a bottle, bien sur.

It's made of a patented material called stylewood, which basically sums it up. Offered in an excellent array of trend-forward colors, Bloom has upped the standard on baby soothing techniques. My guess is 20 minutes in this and baby is happily dreaming.

Check it out at Best Baby Organics where you can save 15% store wide through 10/30/09 while they're gearing up for the holiday season.

No goods or services provided for this review. Photo courtesy of Best Baby Organics/Bloom Baby

2009-10-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

A friend told me about tea tree oil. It's used in aromatherapy and is naturally antiseptic and antibacterial, which makes it a super all natural cleaner. I picked up a 4 oz bottle of NOW Tea Tree Oil from Amazon, but this stuff goes a LONG way so am recommending a 1 oz bottle here.

In an 8 oz spray bottle I mixed 1 teaspoon tea tree oil with a cup of white vinegar to create my new all purpose cleaner. I tackled the powder room first where my preschooler is learning to use the toilet and it works like a wonder! The vinegar and oil make it smell clean and I feel really good about spraying this cleaner in highly kid-trafficed areas.

Word to the wise, tea tree oil comes with warnings because it's so concentrated. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. I wrote Danger/Poison on the outside of mine and put it in our locked closet. And with that paranoid warning, enjoy!

Satsuma Designs in St. Joseph's (BABY) Corner

2009-10-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

As CEO of Satsuma Designs I'm so happy to share the news that 5% of every purchase, every day at our site helps Northwest babies in need through the incredible work of St. Joseph's Baby Corner in Seattle.

St. Joseph's Baby Corner provides items necessary for the health and safety of babies and toddlers living in poverty. Started in 1988 by two amazing women, Jeannie Jaybush and Renée Leet, St. Joseph's Baby Corner has distributed millions of dollars worth of donated and purchased baby items through dozens of local community-based agencies and organizations.

At Satsuma Designs we do what we do for our love of babies and creating cozy, useful gear to keep them happy and healthy. I hope we can do the same for babies who need us most.

You'll see more here about ways you can help. Please standby. Thanks for stopping!

Strike A Flower Yoga Pose with Lotus Mat

2009-09-08T14:07:00.002-07:00

Back to school is a great time for resolutions and that includes healthy parents and kids. Try out a few yoga poses before school or after to tone up and increase flexibility. Try the FLOWER POSE shown here at ehow.com by instructor, Nora Forziati.

Make sure you have the right gear for you and the kids. Stock up on the Lotuspad eco yoga mats. Save 20% today on orders of $75. They're gunk free, cute and made of TPE, the new replacement for PVC in many eco-friendly products. Look for new eco-plastic products from Satsuma Designs.

Stopping The Madness: Holiday Card Consumption Dilemna Solved

2009-09-08T14:07:00.001-07:00

I know. It's only October, so why is it normal, necessary or healthy to be planning the family holiday card? It's not, but as a busy lady, I get a big dose of 'I'm in control!' from planning stuff like this.

Part of my angst for the entire project comes from the dozens of cards I'll send and receive. I love all the greetings and seeing the beautiful little faces of friends' kids, but that's a lot of paper, stamps and adhesive in the mix and I like to conserve.

To calm my scrooge-like tendencies, I'm considering Green Field Paper Company's Grow-A-Note holiday card selection. These customizable, totally eco-friendly cards can be planted in the spring to grow a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers. The cards and envelopes are made of post-consumer recycled materials, but you're on your own with the stamps! And, they're running a promotion, up to 15% off orders. ($1.24/card with envelope on bulk orders).

Happy Holidays?!

Photo courtesy of Green Field Paper Co.

Yummy Teething Relief

2009-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Being a baby is hard. I know it's hard taking care of said baby too, but consider the changes for the little one, a la producing teeth! Here's an organic teething treat to soothe even the fiercest snaggle tooth babes.

Satsuma Designs Tasty Teething Pops:
You'll need:
- 1 soft banana
- 1/4 c organic blueberries, washed
- 1/2 c plain yogurt (we go full fat FAGE for my beanpole - working to fatten her up)
- food mill/grinder (KidCo's is great. $15.99 at Happy Baby Products)
- small bowl
- spoon
- small sized ice cube trays - holes should measure <1" Munchkin mesh teether - $7.59 for a pair at Amazon. Available with PRIME too - free shipping with annual fee)

Please:
Send banana and blueberries through foodgrinder, mix with yogurt. It should be juicy enough to then spread out in ice tray (do that). Freeze until hard (couple of hours). Pop out fruity cubes and insert into mesh teething/snack pouch.

Enjoy the gummy bliss!

No Labor Day: Easy Peasy Back to School Prep

2009-09-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is setting as school and work schedules loom ahead. Take the next few days to relax and rejuvenate by planning favorite family outings. Whether fun means hitting the backyard or park with the kids, cooking a new and sustainably sourced meal, or soaking up the last few chapters of the summer read don't sacrifice the lull before the proverbial storm.

And if planning for the transition to fall gives some satisfaction plan to sketch out goals for greening up your lifestyle. September is a great time to tackle a checklist to sort, purge, donate, recycle and organize space and attitudes.

Consider tackling the following Back to School Green Family Checklist:

- Sort, clean and recycle outdoor toys that may have seen intense use these last few months. Get the kids help sort into three categories: Active, Store, Donate. Clean up all three categories with a good scrub down (watch water usage!) and box into totes or bag up for the recycling center. Be sure to Sharpie mark the Store bins for easy retrieval next Memorial Day.

- Compile school supplies at the Home Store by hitting the family junk drawer and mom/dad's office first. Challenge the family to fulfill teacher's supply list with items you already have to save cash and consumption. Highlighters, pencils, erasers, ruler, calculator, notebooks, loose leaf paper, folders, binders, crayons, markers (washable), and more could be just a drawer away.

- Fall into fashion by sorting closets. Add some flare to old combinations with new accessories instead of all new apparel. Check out FamilyFun Magazine's great way to re purpose old sweaters by felting them into updated cuffs, bracelets, headbands and more.

- Make a Green lunch routine. Cut out waste during school lunch by getting kids involved in menu planning and packing. Take the chance to talk about recycling and cutting back on waste. Discuss ways to conserve. Consider a bento-style lunch box instead of baggies. Talk about menus to ensure that what gets packed, gets eaten.

And when you've sorted, cleaned, organized and purged let your trash become some one's treasure. For donation and recycling options take your bounty to your local charity or consider a recycle/free-cycle option in your area such as Swap Mamas, a nifty exchange for all kinds of bartering.

Ideal Bite Shares How to Eat Your Greens

2009-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of Ideal Bite. I appreciate a website whose mantra is A Sassier Shade of Green and sends daily tips on green living backed by facts, figures and a great editorial voice that's not preachy, but peppy.

Today's Bite is all about genetically modified produce and how to figure out what you're buying at your market in a nano-second. Turns out those tacky (I mean sticky) little stickers are really useful. Ideal Bite shares:

Look for the PLU codes on the labels stuck on your fruits and veggies.

A four-digit number means it's conventionally grown.
A five-digit number beginning with 9 means it's organic.
A five-digit number beginning with 8 means it's genetically modified.

Neat!

Go Back to School with a Green Goodbyn

2009-08-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

I think there could be entire blogs dedicated to greening up lunchtime. Perhaps there are, but I'm too lazy to Google it right now. Enter, Seattle-based Goodbyn, a company that has created an incredibly stylish (kid-stylish) bento-style lunch box that's very eco-responsible. It's the first product from byndoo, a design braintrust developing healthy kid products.

According to the Goodbyn site, they've spent over a year researching best practices for design, production and more and have launched a lunchbox to meet needs the of kids and care givers alike.

For $34.95 you get a high quality lunch box with trays and top for any lunch combo imaginable. What's more is the cool custom art that each Goodbyn Kid can create with three sheets of stickers. And the whole thing is dishwasher safe (remember to only run full loads).

They also have a school fund raising program that gives almost 15% of the purchase price to your school. Consider looking into customizing stickers for your own school.

Neat (and tidy)!

Photo from Goodbyn

Recycling Storage from Storables

2009-08-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with Storables. I can always find a solution to my organizing needs; this time it was their Medium Frosted Tote Storage Basket . I needed a handsome way to stage my daily recycling and yard waste in an open kitchen shelf next to the sink/diswasher area. These handy little baskets are $3.95 each and come in a few sizes. You don't need to buy new baskets (better if you don't), but finding a pair of attractive baskets/boxes that will hold juicy food scraps and drippy recycled glass/tin items is key to any easy, green kitchen.

Plan to empty these each night to fend off fruit fly infestions (currently battling one) and you're grinning and green!

No More Mobby (Mom/Job) Guilt with Flexjobs.com

2009-08-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky or as I prefer, I worked hard to get lucky. I run a business part-time - Satsuma Designs - and get to take care of my kids the other 20 hours a day. My work background is varied and so I get to pull from a lot of different experience to run my business. But when I think about my next life/career phase I think about what I could do part-time, ideally from home. It's a totally green work solution: no commute, low overhead, less consumption (fewer lattes and trips to Anne Taylor). I know I'm not alone in dreaming about this Utopia. And today I took one more step up that ladder and discovered Flexjobs.com.

If you have an email account, then you've received nasty spam offering $700/week to become a mystery shopper or thousands a month to work at home - doing what I know not. And so the concept of finding a nicely compensated part-time, work from home gig seems impossible. Until Flexjobs.com. They're a great resource/recruiter that vets thousands of flex-time, work from home jobs in dozens of categories (sales, writing, tech, transcription...) and takes the fear out of this new work model.

There is a fee. They're running a special for their monthly service and looks like it's $49.95 for the year. They claim a 100% guarantee, which I like. The testimonial (if they're legit) are inspiring and I'm half considering a test drive.

Everyone likes options, right?

Leftover Mexican Magic: Quesadilla Redux

2009-08-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoying leftovers is a great way to 'green' your eating. Whether it's repurposing Monday night's dinner into Tuesday's lunch or doggie bagging it out of your favorite neighborhood haunt, having tasty vittles ready to reheat and eat is easy and yes, renewable.

But what to do with those delicacies that taste MUCH better than they look after a day in the fridge, a la quesadillas or pizza. It may be hard to imagine leftover quesadillas making it into the rotation, but if you're like me, you love a BIG veggie, meat and cheese filled tortilla that may be too much for one meal.

So wrap it up and refrigerate and when you're ready to nibble it again, simply pan fry it without any oil or butter for 5 to 10 minutes and you're back on the beaches of Baja!

Muy delicioso!

Tweet, tweet

2009-05-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

Satsuma Designs is twittering! It's fun and creative and a way to converse, learn and share. Exciting!

Haiku for the rest of us

2009-03-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Chuck E Cheese our mouse
To delight and exhaust when
Kids need a night out

School Rules: Limit Lunchbox Waste

2009-03-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Helping the kids go green? One of the easiest ways to share an eco-friendly philosophy with your kids is through meals. Whether recycling food scraps in the compost bin or yard waste container or packing a waste free lunch for school, little hints add up to big results.

There are some great tools to limit lunchbox waste. Here are a couple I love!

Check out Mama Goes Green for great BPA-free and organic products. Check out the LapTop Lunch Bento Box System. The $34.95 price tag sounds steep, but consider how many Ziploc (R) baggies you'll save!

And to keep the kiddos hydrated and plastic free, sling a web around this Spiderman Thermos. The inside is Stainless Steel and non-reactive. This is better than other aluminium lined options.

Keep it green!

WWW.messoflettersandnumbers.COM

2008-11-23T15:50:00.001-08:00

I think part of being green is being efficient with resources, time, and web addresses. I just love TinyURL.com. You can turn any URL into a short, efficient, manageable on. Good for send links.

Try it. Copy this great article on green baby showers in which Satsuma Designs is mentioned http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/baby_showers/photos_baby_shower_guide/3 and paste into the field at TinyURL.com.

Now make things Tiny!

New Baby: Green of the Green

2008-11-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Whether you're waiting for the arrival of your first and checking out some green parenting tips here, or have a brood of little green kiddos at home, you'll likely remember the last days of pregnancy in one of two ways. Total recall or complete mental block. I find myself in total recall as I'm 1 days into being overdue with our second child. So fun!

Leave it to Google to help ease my pain. If found a great list of 101 things to do when you're overdue (or close). Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE of About.com is right on! My first pick was number 14 - recalculating your due date. I figured, hey, science and the highest grade electronic baby imaging machines might be wrong. Sadly, I found out the due date calculator put my due date one day BEHIND. Calm.

Guess next I'll tick of #69 and avoid #67.

Oh, and check out The Gift Idea blog where you'll find gift ideas like this fun and zany plush toy.

Enjoy!

Piperlime Goes Green?

2008-11-15T20:29:00.001-08:00

While I could only find a handful of eco-friendly collections at Piperlime that use recycled materials in their products, site such as Terrasoles and Simple, the company (a division of Gap Inc.) has a fantastic partnership with not for profit Soles4Souls. According to Piperlime, they've donated over 3mm pairs of shoes to people in need since starting the program in 2006. Kudos!!

Oh and if you're a recently new visitor, you can do a VERY short 5 question survey and donate $$ to one of five charities - Boys and Girls Club of America, my personal pick Dress for Success, among others.

And you may or may need license to consider an investment in this season's hot new riding trend, there are some great albeit not so green selections at the site. Free shipping and returns too. Forgive me?

Giddy up!

Say Happy Holidays in Green This Season

2008-11-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

If you haven't started the annual hunt for your clever, elegant and amply photo-holed holiday card, it's time dear friends. Yes, mid-November is a great time to start searching for designs that inspire and holiday cards that are clean and green.

I was excited to find a pretty large range of 100% recycled paper options in beautiful card stock, along with vegetable and soy based inks, topped off by shops that use 100% renewable energy. That does make for a bright holiday season!

Check out Paper Shouts' holiday collection. Cards are printed on 100% post consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper and ship with envelopes in 50% PCW. You can do better than that for envelopes, but it's a start. Prices range from $1-$2/card.

GORGEOUS Chicago-based Snow & Graham stationers has an elegant offering in which they use 100% PCW paper and vegetable based dyes.

And RedStamp.com has a great custom card offering using 30% PCW paper made by 100% renewable energy. They don't saw what kind. Could be offsets, but something's better than nothing.

Now, warm up those fingers, get clicking and practice your penmanship.

Happy green holidays!

How to Adopt a Green Attitude (and Drain)

2008-11-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Getting your family and little ones excited about evironmental stewardship doesn't have to mean sacrifice and Saturday's spent with other volunteers hauling away debris from parks, etc. What it can mean though is taking an active role in your micro-community or neighborhood to ensure that green stays green.

A couple tips to make it happen.

- Always pick up litter you see on the sidewalk or roadside. Keep a couple of recyclable plastic bags in your jacket pocket and car so you'll always have something on hand to carry away garbage. Always be careful with what you pick up and let junior identify the litter while you handle it.

- Adopt a Street or Drain in your neighborhood. Seattle has an excellent program that's becoming very popular to protect the over 78,000 storm drains in our city from clogging after our what seems weekly torrential downpours. Participants are asked to adopt at least 4 drains to keep free of leaves and debri. The city provide reflective vests, rakes, yard waste bag and pick up services in return. GREAT idea for a neighborhood group or a few families to undertake. Same thing for adopting a street.

But look, you don't need a bureacracy to get help the environment. If your city or town doesn't have a program in place, make your own program and promote it on local mom blogs, your Facebook page, a flier at the organic produce market you frequent and anywhere else you can reach an audience. Thanks.

So get out there, enjoy the fall colors by adding a little green to the pallette. Stay dry!

We The [Green] People...

2008-11-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

...of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Amen!

And thanks to our Constitution and the liberties and freedoms it protects for each of us, organizations that promote and support green living can thrive in our economy. One such is Green People, a full and growing database of green minded companies ready to serve.

I found the Search function by category to be the easiest, as opposed to using the Search Field in the upper right of the home page. Here's how:

- Choose your category, click

- Choose your zip code and distance from home/work you prefer, as close as 5 miles, as far as 200 for more rural communities

- Voila! Shop on and Enjoy!

Secret Revealed: Why Scandanavians Are So Beautiful

2008-11-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

Well here's one reason anyway - all organic lotions and potions from a great NW based company called KO Denmark. With a growing collection of totally natural bath and body products, KO Denmark makes feeling and looking beautiful pleasant, easy and best of all green.

Their custom blend of all natural neroli and jasmine flowers is totally exotic and has an incredibly soft, but aromatheraputic fragrance. Check out these ingredients: "organic aloe juice, brazilian jojoba oil, organic black willow bark, indian rose water, neem oil, indian jasmine grandiflorum oil, tunisian neroli oil and vitamine e. Also free from paraben, mineral oil, artificial color, artificial fragrance, glycols or animal testing."

It says to apply daily. Well, of course!

Enjoy!

Green Holiday Shopping: The Do Not Mail List

2008-11-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

Bravo Pier 1! The purveyor of all things bright and seasonal has a great link on their site, which is also listed on the back of their catalogs to make it easy and anonymous to get off their mailing lists. I never have a problem calling customer service of any of the what seems like hundreds of catalogs, but it's nice to just get it done online.

Simply go to the remove link and take care of business.

I personally like Pier 1's offering and am equally impressed by their commitment to customer service and letting green minded (and junkmail-phobic) folks have it their way.

Thanks P1!

You Know You're a Parent When...

2008-11-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

You sing the much loved folk song Edelweiss (made popular by the Von Trapps in The Sounds of Music) more than 15 times to help you toddler get back to sleep after a 1:30a crying jag that has him screaming MOMMY and you crying, swaying and singing on his bedroom floor. "Hang in there!", I tell myself

Capturing Junior's FIRSTS the Green and Easy Way

2008-11-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

There's no greener way to capture your little one's FIRSTS than through digital media - photography, video, and more. But if you're like me, you're overwhelmed with all of the tools and services available to shoot, edit, share and print (on recycled high quality papers) junior's life affirming antics.

Now there's Media Mamas to help you find your way one click or deleted file at a time. The company was founded by four media savvy mommies and is committed to "...supporting healthy families by using technology as a tool for self-expression, communication, and advocacy. " Nice.

They've just debuted their Seattle-based series of workshops from Video Shooting and Editing 101 to one on how to blog your heart out. The classes are great for beginners through power users. Let's hope they start some online sessions too.

Enjoy!

Great Green Gifts

2008-11-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

Peekaboo Picks has spotlighted a great list of green gifts and companies to check out in their Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide.

I think my favorite Pick is Luxoskid where creative genius and founder Susi turns mom's (or dad's, grandma's, whoever!) Goodwill or Salvation Army bound garb into one of a kind couture for kiddos. It's an incredible use of otherwise wasted material and oh so green.

Totally brilliant, I say. Check out this knit shift at right. Tres chic, mademoiselle!

Satsuma Designs' founder speaks out about important parenting topic

2008-11-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, best practices for this oh so green and natural ritual - cutting baby/toddler nails! Read on and enjoy.

Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen by DIOR

2008-11-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

All right, a little off the green topic, but I realized that this product has given me the energy (or look of it) to go find what is green out there for our families and little ones. For this, I pay homage.

It's Dior's Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen and it's ridiculously great. Here's why I love it.

1. Great form factor. Feels like a nice bold Sharpie in the hand and has a nice heft. The kind of feeling you get when you're holding a good soup spoon. You know, feels classy.

2. Brush applicator. Very soft natural bristles capture the liquid shadow concealer/under eye camouflage and spread it out beautifully below the eye or any other place on the face.

3. Color options. I'm an 002. It comes in three shades that I think would work for most.

4. Name. Radiance Booster. Yes.

Price is high at around $30/$33, but worth the splurge. Enjoy!

You Know You're a Parent When...

2008-11-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

You find a nice, half eaten strip of bacon camouflaged in your dark brown family room rug. Yum!

Mean, Green Halloween

2008-10-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's too tempting to shop for costumes these days. With retailers such as Pottery Barn offering a huge range of the cutest get-ups, it feels easy to lay down the Amex (the one that pays 1.5% back to a 529 college savings plan through Fidelity, of course) and buy up a little ghoul ensemble for your little gobblin(s).

But let me share fun, cheap and easy alternatives. Go home grown and green in the process. Even if your kiddos are obsessed with the current Sprout hero/heroine, there are ways to create excellent, one of a kind costumes that will scare the neighbors and your kids when they think back - boo!

Here are a few:

Cowgirl/boy - what you'll need: rope and hanger for a lasso (no 6 shooters here), traditional hat (make one of out of construction paper or brown felt if you don't have one), bandana or red/blue scarf, blue jeans, checked or other shirt. And if you like to sew or glue gun things consider an easy vest or chaps. Yeehaw!!

Ghost - white pillow case - standard, queen or king size (for tall gobblins) - cut head and arm holes, if you like.

Jack o lantern - orange fabric for a hat/hood, black clothing - top and bottom, drama wax to black out top and bottom front teeth, a smiling gobblin

Working woman - dress her up in an old suit and don't forget the attache for candy handling. You could really rock the neighbors world with some rimless glasses and an updo - a la you know who Ms. Palin.

Get the picture? Fun, fun-ee, cheap, easy, gives you a few extra hours back from planning, driving, buying, etc. And it's all green.

Just watch for sugar shock.

You know you're a parent when...

2008-10-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'm easy to please in general (not really, but I can dream) and find myself chuckling (yes, chuckling) now and again (mostly again) when I realize how different life is with kids. This cliche opening litteraly runs through my mind when I'm struck by an example - you know you're a parent when...So I've decided to make it a bit of running commentary, mostly for me and if you enjoy it - I want to hear about your 'you know you're a parent when...' I'll post and we can chuckle together. fun!

Here goes. The curtain rises.

You know you're a parent when...

You discover a breast/nipple leakage pad (oh, and I'm sure they're green) attached to the back of your favorite black hoodie as you pull it from the drawer. When faced with the mystery of 'how the h***?' you realize it's the crack organizing and laundry sorting of your two year old. (btw, nothing is folded in that drawer either).

Shop Til You Drop for a Great Cause - Magnolia Moms

2008-10-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday (10/28), Magnolia Moms is hosting their annual event and winter coat drive. Satsuma Designs will be there to support the cause! It’s a great time to get in a little affordable holiday shopping and support local companies who make up the backbone of our NW economy.

Shop Til You Drop for a Great Cause
Location: Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall
3301 West Dravus Street, Seattle, WA 98199 US
When: Tuesday, October 28, 6PM-9PM

The Magnolia Mom's Trunk Show & Coat Drive has grown! The 6th Annual event will feature over 30 local vendors & artists, fashions from Vixen, a raffle & silent auction--all in a new location with plenty of parking (Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall).

Admission: one new or gently used child's warm winter coat or a recommended donation of $15

All are welcome!

An Apple A Day...

2008-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Keeps my toddler happy. It's nice when the kids acutally like fruits and veg. It also doesn't hurt that our favorite apple varieties tend toward the sweet - Gala is the best!

But with the fall harvest and all the gorgeous apple displays at our local grocery, we're still given pause when comparing the prices of conventially grown versus organically grown apples. In our area there's about a 100% difference in price $2.99/lb. for organics and around $1.49 or even less for conventially grown. Oh, and we live in Washington, the nation's largest apple producer. Hmmm.

We still opt for the organics and spend a little more time picking out those that don't have any slashes or noticable bruising to ensure a bit longer fridge shelf life. It's worth it to know we're avoiding the chemicals and supporting the growers to keep our lands green. And if you're looking to lower the apple bill, try mixing in other organically grown fruit and getting your kids excited about a fruit salad. You cut and/or peel and they mix. Add some orange juice, fizzy water and/or other fruit juice to give it some zip.

So next trip to the grocery, pick up a few apples and keep your little ones happy and out of the clinic this cold season.

Stay healthy and enjoy!

Home Grown Green Carpet Cleaner

2008-10-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

Doesn't this picture make you want to go green?

Me too!

One easy way is to tackle stubborn carpet spots and all over cleaning with a home made solution of laundry detergent and water.

For spot removal, mix a tablespoon of eco-friendly detergent with a cup of warm water. Use a fingernail brush or stiff sponge to first dab in your cleaning solution then scrub, scrub.

Mop up excess moisture with your sponge or dishtowel. Comb your fingers through the carpet to get the fibers back up and into shape. Let dry for a few hours et voila! Feel free to comb fingers through at any point in the drying process to give yourself piece of mind that the carpet will come out looking like new.

As always, when trying something for the first time, do a little spot test to confirm it's the best solution for your carpet.

Good luck!

The paradigm shift - BYOSB - Bring your own shopping bag

2008-10-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly Sunday shout out to all the thoughtful Safeway shoppers who bring their own bags. It's clear to me that the green consciousness level is rising and everyone seems to be along for the good ride.

Kudos!

Milk it! BPA-free, Glass Baby Bottles for Green Babies

2008-09-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, plastic is getting a bad, bad rap especially when related to baby bottles or how about Chinese Baby Formula and for good reason. So to stop the maddness and scare tactics, it's best to just look for a tried and true alternative - glass bottles for babies.

It's likely that you baby's health is the top priority when choosing nursery and feeding supplies, but glass bottles can be expensive. Baby Grows Green did some price checking and here's what we found.

Evenflo - 3-Pakc 8-Ounce Glass Bottles - A steal at $6.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond

Nature Pure - 3-Pack 8 oz. Glass Baby Bottles - $10.99 Direct from the Manufacturer

Dr. Brown - 2-Pack Natural Flow 7 oz. Standard Neck Glass Baby Bottle - On Sale for $12.99 at Drugstore.com

Born Free - 2-Pack 9oz. Vented Glass Bottles - $19.99 Direct from the Manufacturer

babylife - Single 9 oz wee•go™ bottle - $18.00 Direct from the Manufacturer - Expensive!, but definitely the cutest of the bunch with a bpa-free sleeve to protect the bottle from bumps and bangs in the diaper bag, car floor, etc.

Go Green, Get Rich

2008-08-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well maybe not, rich-rich, but there will be more money in the kitty at the end of each garbage, recycling and yard waste collection bill. Consider that the average person generates 4 pounds of garbage per day and what that adds up to for the environment and the family's bottom line. Now consider the alternatives.

Here's a fun Garbage Quiz from the fine folks who run King County, WA to get you thinking and acting!

We just downsized to a smaller garbage can and will save more than 50% of what we were paying. We inherited a larger can from the sellers of our home and got the wind knocked out of us on our last public utility bill about the cost of that large can. I promptly called our utility and requested a can 1/2 the size, which will be delivered after the holiday weekend. Considering we were only using 1/2 or less of the can anyway, we're home free.

But what's more is that we realized we're having an easy and profitable time sorting waste and makin great use of our yard waste/compost bin and our recycling tubs.

Bonne Maman: Great Jam and Green Living

2008-08-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

My other, occasionally better half thinks this is too obscure to count as green living, but here it is. I think the Bonne Maman Preserves jars are beautiful and now have a couple that I'm using as cups, but think they'd make great herb planting containers, vases for the powder room, Q-tip receptacle and Lego or Playmobile holders.

Tell me if you agree. Thanks!

To buy, visit your local grocery or organic, green and good, Fresh Direct.

Salmon Season: Chinook Book is Worth a Cast

2008-08-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'd heard of this Seattle and its environs coupon book that boasts over $3,000 in savings through their featured enviro friendly merchants and discovered their website today - EcoMetro. They work in 4 other regions and have an easy to use search function by category.

The Seattle Kids section features a good, known and reputable list of retailers, activities, etc. for kids and families. I appreciated the detailed information I found on consignment shops for kids gear.

I hope they expand the service and their Chinook Book coupon model to more cites.

Gone fishin!

Farmers Markets: Helping Baby Grow Green

2008-08-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

There's no other response to my discovery of Local Harvest a site that provides zip-code based info on farmers market locations, local CSA(Community Supported Agriculture) groups, Co-Ops and more than total enthusiasm and reverence for the good people who have digitized incredible amounts of local information for use by many.

Serving baby organic, healthy food that's grown locally is a great way to support the environment and fun too! But where to find such manna? At Local Harvest, you simply type in your zip code or city and state to retrieve local (walking distance!) info on where to find your nearest farmers market or CSA. CSAs is the closest I'll ever be to a farmer, but I love the concept that supports local producers using organic farming methods. As Local Harvest puts it:

"A CSA is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become "members" (or "shareholders," or "subscribers") of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some CSAs also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season. A CSA season typically runs from late spring through early fall. The number of CSAs in the United States was estimated at 50 in 1990, and has since grown to over 2000."

And each listing gives the location, website if possible and any other pertinent information. They make the caveat too with a message that says when the last update to the informaiton was made, so always good to double check it on your own.

Enjoy thinking globally and acting locally at your own community's farmers market!

Where to Shop: Baby Consignment Stores

2008-08-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you're searching for gear for baby and want to go green by updating the nursery with used items like a moses basket or other merch that can be covered in your own and new organic linens, check out a few of these online baby consignment resources.

MyKidsCloset.com is a great site that connects buyers and sellers across the country. Plenty of moms with merch looking to offload and update with other like minded greenophiles. While the search function didn't reveal results in my neighborhood for 'moses basket', I found plenty of 'crib' options under the Browse Tab.

Kids Consignment Sales where a click on Sales Directory takes you to a map of the US where you can select your state and all the local retailers and other consignment networks are listed with contact information.

Happy Shopping!

How to Shop Craigslist.com and Others

2008-08-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

In the interest of keeping used products and merchandise moving through the 'system' and lightening the load of our landfills, Craigslist exists as a great local resource to find new homes for old stuff. I've been using the site in west coast cities for six or seven years and have never had a bad, much less disappointing experience.

Whether searching for home decor, stuff for the baby, Satsuma Designs sales reps around the country, singing lessons or help wanted, the Craigslist community has never treated me wrong.

Until now, and mind you, it's not that dramatic, but there were definitely a few misreps about the 'antique' hutch I went to scope for a new addition to our dining room.

Sadly, the 'solid wood' turned out to be veneer, the 'antique' status (100 years old+) was open for debate and its current location was a haul from home.

And so in the spirit of Caveat Emptor, I thought it wise to post a few buying tips for sites from Craig et al.

1. Always negotiate on price.
2. Don't drive more than 20 miles to a prospective purchase (not only is gas a consideration, but if it turns out to be a bust, you won't be as bummed). Instead try searches on your city and local neighborhoods and try to stay in a 10 mile radius of home.
3. Can pay cash, but get a written receipt even if it's on a piece of scrap paper.
4. Try to speak to the seller before either arranging a viewing or purchase. It's good to get the sound of the person you're dealing with. In the hutch case, the seller sounded like a gem, but obviously not that informed about what he was selling.
5. Ask questions on the phone and take a list on the visit.
6. Bring your measurements of the location it will go or in the case of something that is to hold something else, a sample of what it's to hold. Eg. With the hutch, I took a plate and a wine glass to ensure they'd fit.
7. Take a camera to snap for either later comparison or time to mull over for a final decision.
8. Have fun and feel good about reusing someone's once loved X, Y or Z!

Recycling for Toddlers

2008-08-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

When baby grows green it's never too early to teach ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Toddlers as young as two can begin to understand the concept of recycling and taking care of the environment with a little coaching and fun!

Here are a few things to try with your little ones to encourage life long green waste management.

1. What kind is this? Let your toddler help you sort types of recyclable materials. Whether sorting into your city's recycling bins or your own tubs, take time to show the difference between plastics, bottles, newspaper, other paper and food scraps that can either be tossed into a yard waste bin or composted.

2. Green arts and crafts time. Encourage toddlers to color, paint and draw on both sides of his/her paper or sketch pad. Try telling a story with each days new art installations. Monday through Friday should reveal some fun Mad Libs!

3. Please turn off the water, Mommy! Instill good water conservation habits by telling your toddler about the importance of turning off the water faucet when not in use. Whether brushing teeth, washing hands before meals or helping wash vegetables for meal time, show and tell your toddler to use water carefully. Listen to him/her begin to instruct you!

Good luck and enjoy!

Sleep Easy, Little One

2008-07-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Discovered that CoolerChoices.com carries a great line of all natural crib and toddler mattresses from Naturepedic. You've heard the horror stories about the nasty off gassing in adult mattresses. Unfortunately, the same is true for the smaller versions. Naturepedic's No-Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress is the simple and affordable solution to an otherwise daunting buying decision.

CoolerChoices shares, "The No-Compromise™ Organic Cotton Classic is simply the healthiest crib mattress available. It is waterproof, firm and eliminates potentially harmful chemicals from your child’s crib. It will provide your child with a more natural, healthy and comfortable sleep environment."

You don't have to compromise on a restful night's sleep for junior (or you!) any more.

While you're at CoolerChoices, check out Satsuma Designs. Enjoy!

Earth Friendly Goes Junior Luxe!

2008-07-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Think 'green' means scratchy and too au natural when it comes to blankets, wraps and other fabrics? Wrong!

Satsuma Designs' partner B This and That offers an incredible nursery throw and adult throw blanket in a heaven-sent blend of cashmere and silk. Available in baby soft colors - powder blue, baby pink, cloud (ivory), and more, all items are dyed using eco-friendly, Swiss dyes that are good to the environment, ensure a durable blanket and are easy on skin.

Don't miss these sleeping beauties!

Satsuma Designs blog is now Baby Grows Green

2008-07-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Seemed more fitting. You'll discover ways to go green without the pain or guilt. Enjoy!

Defending Baby's Teeth from Green

2008-07-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

I discovered these great all natural baby and toddler tooth wipes from My Dentist's Choice at One Mommie Goodie today. What a great idea! My tried and true method for cleaning our son's teeth is to basically put him in a gentle head lock and run the brush over top and bottom in all of 1.5 seconds. With these tooth wipes life could indeed be easier.

It says they're flouride, paraben and sugar free, which sounds like they've taken all the fear out of an already intimidating ritual. Yay!