10 Tips for Clean, Green, Eco-Serene Laundry

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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