Approximately 1 week after planting seeds

Approximately 2 weeks after planting seeds

After two weeks, we definitely have growth from the carrots, and since the seedlings are the right height (3 inches or more), we will be transplanting them to larger pots outside this week. Since it hasn’t been 30 days yet, I’m not giving up hope yet on the lettuce, although I will say that initially, I did see some sprouts.

Seeds of Change is working to help families grow their own gardens.  As a family, we are trying to eat more locally grown, organic foods.  Since we strive to eat fresh wholesome foods, organic produce comprises a large part of our grocery bill.  I dream of one day having an entire garden filled with fresh, organic produce that I can pick fresh from our backyard. For families looking to begin gardening, I highly recommend their kits because everything you would need to get started is included.  For example, I never know what kind of soil to buy and the kits include organic planting mix.  I also like the fact that the pots are designed to biodegrade into the grown (how’s that for minimizing our carbon footprint?).

Here are some of the other things we’ve been planting:

Over the past few weeks, I learned a few things about gardening and now know what I’ll do differently as we continue to grow our garden.

1. Growing a garden takes time and commitment.

2. Too much or too little water will determine whether or not seeds will grow.

3. Most plants need plenty of sun, so be sure to plant during optimal seasons.

4. The type of pot the seeds are planted in is as important as the soil.

5.  It may take more than one attempt to be successful.

Seeds of Change offers these tips for those of us who are just beginning to garden:

Plant outdoors with at least six hours of direct sun, easy access to water, and sufficient drainage

Plant during a season when there is no danger of frost at night, no variable temperature swings from day to day, and daytime temperatures of at least 70 degrees

When you water, be sure the soil is moist (you’ll know because it will crumble into small pieces).  If you can squeeze the water out, it’s too wet and if it’s dusty and falls apart, it’s too dry.

For more information about Seeds of Change or to begin your own organic garden, just visit Walmart.

One of the things I particularly enjoy about being part of the Walmart Moms Program, is the opportunity to highlight the corporation’s greener products and sustainable initiatives.  One of my two tracks is sustainability, and every month, I peruse the store, looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and find products and foods that are safe for our family.

Each year (traditionally around the Spring when Earth Month is celebrated), Walmart holds it’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, to spotlight those areas where they’ve achieved success and what sustainability looks like in the future for the corporation. I always find this particular meeting to be interesting and informative, and come away inspired and honored to be working with Walmart.

Sustainability is right for the business and the right thing to do – Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke

The quote at the beginning of this post really defines Walmart’s approach in all areas, specifically as a leader in sustainability.  This year, the company will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary, and according to Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke, aims to put sustainability deeper into the business.

So where has Walmart achieved success in the area of sustainability over the past year?  Here are some of the highlights from the past year:

1.  You know the wires that often secure toys in their packaging?  The ones that are nearly impossible to remove, even as an adult?  Walmart replaced them with a sustainable alternative, saving 1 billion feet of wire from ending up in landfills.  That is enough wire to wrap around the earth 8 times!  Yikes!

2. Walmart has worked hard to eliminate more than 80% of it’s waste in US stores.  The result is that this waste does not end up in landfills.

3.  Over the last year, Walmart has increased it’s amount of locally grown produce by 97%, which now accounts for 10% of all produce sold in Walmart stores nationwide.

4.  In 2011, Walmart saved it’s US customers over 1 billion dollars by lowering the price of produce

5.  Through Walmart’s global direct farm program, they’ve helped over 10,000 small and medium sized farmers in Costa Rica, Central America, and Mexico by teaching them sustainable agriculture.

6.  Over the past two years, Walmart has exceeded it’s goal of selling 100 million CFL light bulbs.  Through the 460 million light bulbs sold, they’ve saved $15 billion in utility costs which is the equivalent of saving the emissions from 25 million cars.

7.  Walmart is currently at 80% of it’s goal towards having zero waste.  The income they’ve realized from recycling is equivalent to the profit from 40-50 Supercenters and emissions from 2 million cars.

8.  Walmart’s fleet vehicles drove 28 million fewer miles yet delivered 65 more million cases.

9.  Since 2007, Walmart has saved 1.7 million dollars from 100 solar sites built, most of which are in California

Little things add up to big things - Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke

One of the most interesting concepts introduced is Walmart’s new Sustainability Index.  We are a generation seeking information and we not only want to know that the products we use and consume are safe, but that they were made well and produced in a responsible manner.  The Sustainability Index is a way for customers to evaluate a product’s environmental impact, simply by reading the information on the package.

To succeed, stay out in front of change – Sam Walton

There is a lot of emphasis within the corporation about helping customers save money so they can live better.  Oftentimes, sustainability isn’t the first word that comes to people’s minds when they think about Walmart.  As a leader in the industry, Walmart is constantly asking the question, “what does it take to play an even bigger role on sustainability?”

If you’re interested in learning more about Walmart’s sustainability initiatives, I encourage you to check out Walmart’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting online.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

Many of you know that my son was the main reason I started becoming more purposeful about the products we use in our home.  We were living in Edinburgh, Scotland, and on one particular afternoon as we were preparing to go home, my husband started cleaning our flat.  The chemicals he was using were so strong, I became nauseated from the smell and took a walk to get some fresh air.  I ended up at the local library and started doing some research about cleaning products and pregnancy.  I was astounded at what I was reading…afraid even that the small amount of time I was in our flat could have possibly done something harmful to our unborn baby.  I haven’t used a conventional cleaner since that day, five years ago.

Five years ago, finding “natural” alternatives to conventional cleaners was challenging because for the most part, there weren’t many companies offering greener options and finding those product was equally difficult.  Today, my biggest challenges include finding “green” products that are effective, and sorting through the abundance of options available to find products that are in fact better for our family and the environment.

We are long-time users of Seventh Generation’s greener, safer products.  Both of our children have grown up using the diapers and wipes and their Free & Clear laundry detergent is a favorite in our household.  Their cleaning products are effective and easy to use.  I also find that they last a long time, making the investment that much more valuable.  In the last couple of years, I also started using their personal care products and feel better about what I’m using in and on my body.

In the spirit of Earth Month, I was asked to participate in a cleaning challenge where I would replace my conventional cleaners with Seventh Generation’s cleaners.  As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Seventh Generation has partnered with The Lorax to help bring Dr. Seuss’ message of sustainability to today’s modern families.  You’ll find an image of The Lorax on many of the brand’s products, which was purported to remind families of The Lorax’s message and inspire environmental awareness as well as a love for reading.

Since we already use Seventh Generation’s products in our home, I thought I would go a step further.  Initially, I received Seventh Generation’s Natural 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Disinfecting Wipes, Natural Dish Liquid, Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner, and Bathroom Cleaner. We also received a copy of Dr. Seuss’ book, The Lorax.  Since we do a LOT of laundry around here, I wanted to see if there was another way I could make my routine efficient.  While shopping at Sprouts a few weeks ago, I picked up Seventh Generation’s new Natural 4X Laundry Detergent. Could this little bottle still get me the 66 loads I can get with their full sized, 2X detergent? Ok…so I didn’t count the loads, but the detergent lasted forever!  Thankfully, I have a setting on my Whirlpool Duet Washer where I can adjust the concentration of the detergent using the Precision Dispense function.  The machine does all of the work and I felt like the detergent lasted a long time…well over the month.

The other step I took was to introduce my mother to some of Seventh Generation’s products.  While she has dabbled a bit in greener cleaning products, she’s never made a commitment to purchase them.  I gave her the Bathroom Cleaner and Multi-Surface Cleaner to use over the month.  She is very sensitive to smells, and despite the botanicals used, never felt like the scents were overwhelming.  After cleaning her bathroom and kitchen each week for a month with the products, she never felt like she had to use additional products to achieve the type of clean she prefers.

My husband and I are committed to raising our kids to be environmentally aware.  My son knows the importance of turning lights and water off and putting trash in its respective place.  We’ve been dabbling in gardening as a family and my husband and I are leading by example.  When The Lorax was released in theaters, we read the book as a family nearly every night.  We love it’s timeless message about being conscious of how our decisions impact the environment and really feel like greening our clean is one simple way we are making a difference.

For more information about Seventh Generation’s products, or to learn more about what you can do, visit their website (they also have a blog!).

She is considered to be the world’s most prominent expert on chimpanzees and spent 45 years studying the species in Tanzania.  Her institute has been innovative in establishing community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa.  As I sat and listened to Dr. Jane Goodall last week, I was intrigued by her knowledge and inspired by her passion for this endangered species.

As you know, Disneynature Chimpanzee was released in theaters nationwide this weekend. The film follows the story of Oscar, a young chimp struggling to survive in the African forests.  Dr. Jane Goodall served as an advisor to the filmmakers, and having spent as much time as she has studying this incredible species, we all wanted to know how and when her love for chimpanzees began.”Well, I wanted to go to Africa when I was ten,” she recalled.  “And that was because of “Tarzan.”  I find it fascinating that even at the young age of ten, she had the foresight to know where her fervor would take her.  Goodall remembers wanting to live with the animals…to write books about them.  It wasn’t until she actually traveled to Kenya and was offered the opportunity to study chimps that her passion for these animals was solidified.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the social and familial behaviors of chimps that are portrayed.  For example, when Isha nurses Oscar, she looks at him like a mother would look at her child.  Because the film depicts these animals in such a positive way, it was important for Dr. Goodall to emphasize the fact that as sweet and cute as they may seem, chimpanzees should be left in the wild and not taken for pets.  Over the next two decades, it has been predicted that chimpanzees will become extinct in 10 different countries and the greatest threat to their survival is humans.

As much as I strive to make a difference, there are times when I feel like I’m not doing enough. I’m only one person and like many, conservation and environmental responsibility sometimes seem so far out of reach. “…spend a little bit of time each day thinking about the consequences of the choices you make.  What you buy.  Where did it come from?  How was it made?  What do you eat?  Does it involve cruelty to animals?  What do you wear that does involve child-slave labor or sweat shops?  How many miles has it traveled?  How was the environment damaged?”  It’s all about those simple steps…those small changes that become big changes.  What we do matters and it’s crucial to understand this concept in order to effect change.

While Dr. Goodall was not involved with making the film, her influence permeates the story from beginning to end.

When you see Disneynature Chimpanzee during opening week, a portion of the film’s proceeds will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to help preserve this incredible species.

No compensation was received for this post.  Travel expenses provided by Disney.

Photos: Disney

It wasn’t until I had children that I really started thinking about my carbon footprint.  As an expectant mom, I spent a good amount of time reading about the things I could do to minimize my baby’s exposure to toxins.  It was during my first pregnancy that I began eating natural, minimally processed organic foods, switched to all-natural cleaning products, and started being purposeful about the products I purchased. Fast forward a few years, and I’m slowly introducing the concepts of sustainability to my children.  We read books and watch films that introduce these concepts to children in meaningful ways. My husband and I also talk to my son about turning lights off, conserving water, recycling, and being “kind” to the earth.

One of the areas I’m incredibly passionate about is food.  Many years ago, we eliminated chemicals, preservatives, and other unnatural ingredients by choosing not to purchase those foods.  We strive for fresh, natural, and organic foods when feasible, and I actually carry a list of the foods with the highest pesticide residue in order to prioritize my organic purchases.  Last year, my husband had the brilliant idea to plant a garden because not only would we have access to fresh, local produce, we could grow organic.

We’ve been eating the lemons and tomatoes off of our trees and we all love the fact that we can simply go out to our backyard and pick what we need when we need it.  To deepen our shade of green, we decided to plant more vegetables with my son a few weekends ago.  Seeds of Change offers Kids Garden Starter sets which make it easy for parents to plant fruits and veggies with their children.  Everything you need to get started is included such as planting pots, Organic Certified Seeds, planting mix, an easy grow guide, and more.

After reading the instructions (which are straightforward), we spent some time in our backyard planting.  My son already understands the concept of growing fruits and veggies in order to eat them straight from our yard, however, we’ve yet to explain to him what “organic” means and why it’s important.

This month is Earth Month and to continue reducing our carbon footprint, we planted carrots and lettuce.  It takes a few weeks for them to bloom, so I’ll update you on how green our thumb is once they do.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.  ~Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

Photo Credit: nkzs

Stress…It comes in varying forms. It’s the morning rush to get everyone out of the house…the traffic jam on the 405 freeway…the work meeting…the job interview…the night before a vacation…

Stress isn’t always bad…there are many positive life changes (marriage, moving, going to a new school) that cause some degree of stress.  Chronic stress..the type of daily stress one might face in a work or home environment is more likely to have detrimental health effects.

Photo Credit: benipop

So how do I deal with the day to day stresses of life? Work/life balance, finances, sick kids, travel etc.?  Here are my top 5 ways to reduce stress without prescription medication!

1.  I strive to take care of myself. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains all provide that additional buffer my body needs to handle daily stress.

2.  I work in a bit of pampering. I absolutely LOVE massages, facials, scrubs and any other skin/beauty treatment I can get at the spa.  This dedicated time focused on me, helps me unwind and regroup better preparing me to focus on the days and weeks ahead.  Tip: Next week (April 16th through 22nd) is Spa Week where you can get massages, facials, scrubs and more for just $50 (what a steal!). Can’t get to the spa?  Draw a bath and incorporate some aromatherapy salts.

3.  I unplug and take time off. Everyone needs a break. Everyone!  If you’re like me, and have a difficult time stepping away from work, scheduling down time (even a vacation) is crucial to ensuring you get the relaxation time you need.

4.  I took up a hobby!  Ok, so maybe writing a blog isn’t a hobby per se, but that is exactly how it started.  My husband and I travel-blogged our way through Europe and I enjoyed it so much that I started a blog after my son was born.  And here we are, almost 5 years later.  While it’s definitely become more than a hobby, I still thoroughly enjoy this creative space to write and express my thoughts, feelings, and musings.

5.  I have a strong supportive network.  Whether it’s figuring out how to help my children go to sleep or whether or not a work opportunity is a good fit for our family, it’s those strong relationships that I rely on.  My husband, mother, and close friends are there for support, advice, a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear.

Photo Credit: C3 For Stress

Last month, I spent a few days getting immersed in a wide variety of natural products at Expo West in Anaheim, CA.  One of the many brands I met face to face was C3 for Stress, makers of an all natural flavored drink mix containing a blend of botanicals, vitamins, and minerals to help ease the symptoms of stress.  The mix was developed by the three professionals who launched Elixir Teas & Tonics, a store and line of herbal products and beverages to help ease stress. Designed to work in just minutes (15-20), C3 typically results in a general feeling of calmness. As I experienced, it’s not uncommon to feel a slight numbing sensation but it wasn’t uncomfortable or lasting.

C3 is offered in single serve packets that can be taken on the go and mixed with water.  I like the fact that the product is free from stimulants and sedatives and only uses natural ingredients.  The additional vitamins also provide that boost I need to keep me going throughout the day.  While most people only need 1 packet, up to 3 can be taken in one day.  Enjoy C3 hot or cold when you feel the symptoms of stress coming on.  I envision using this when I travel or engage in public speaking…two situations where I tend to get uncomfortably stressed.

It should be noted that the FDA has not evaluated the claims made by C3 and thus, you should read the FAQs and do your own research to determine if C3 is right for you.

Right now, you can try C3 out for just $4.95 shipped (the starter kit includes 5 packets).

Win It!  One of you will win a $75 SpaFinder Gift Card.  To enter, simply leave me a comment with the number one way you reduce stress.  Comments will close on April 23rd, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Pinterest (It’s the new thing to do!) : )

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a @spafinder GC from @c3forstress @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/89bu4fd ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Gift cards provided by C3.

This year I endeavored to do something different. I’ve been researching and exploring the concept of upcycling, which in essence means taking something you’d typically throw out and making something new (and better) with that item.  After a bit of brainstorming, I decided to take a 1/2 gallon Almond milk carton and convert it into an Easter basket.  A stretch?

After I cut off the top third of the carton, my son and I covered it with construction paper.  Together we decorated it with felt stickers and markers.  I used Walmart‘s Easter grass made from recycled paper and included an Easter book (Pooh’s Easter Basket), an Easter Sock Monkey, some felt bookmarks we made with Creative Hands SmART Kit, GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce, and Justin’s Maple Almond Butter. The entire basket cost me $18.06 plus tax (and I could make another basket without having to buy much more than another Sock Monkey and book).

The Easter aisles are lined with candy and toys, and this year I was looking for something different…something lasting.  I wanted to give each of my children something unique and festive that would still benefit them. My son loved the fact that we turned his milk carton into an Easter basket.  He enjoyed decorating it and it gave us something creative to work on.  The book is one we’ll read in future years and the Sock Monkey can tag along on trips or be snuggled with at bedtime.  Since it’s difficult to come up with candy-alternatives, I thought that individual, on-the-go applesauce packets and maple almond butter packets would still satisfy their sweet cravings while packing in a bit of nutrition.

Have you ever tried upcycling? I’m curious to see what you’ve created…

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

Photos: Rockin’ Mama

All items can be purchased at your local Walmart.

The obvious question begs…what to do with all of that “stuff”?  Because my husband and I are certain that our family is complete, I’ve been slowly donating our baby gear to expectant friends and our local Salvation Army.  I regularly go through their clothing, pulling out what no longer fits to add it to my pile of donatable items.  And then there are those items that I’d really like to sell because I’ve either invested in them or they have some value.  I’ve dabbled a bit in Craigslist but the idea of meeting a complete stranger either in an agreed upon location or my home makes me wary.

Enter Palcycle, a brand new social commerce website that allows people to buy, sell, and trade items among trusted users.  Once you’ve signed up for an account (it’s free!), you simply import the contacts you trust and then start browsing and listing items you want to sell.  When you list an item, you can upload an image and a video, set your price and condition, and whether or not you’re open to a trade. Because the site allows you to link up your social networking sites such as Facebook and Google +, you could choose to link up your listings to these accounts.

There are a variety of ways I envision utilizing the site.  For example, I have some gorgeous dresses I bought for my daughter when she was a baby.  She barely wore them (as is the case with most nice childrenswear).  I’d really rather not just give them away to the Salvation Army.  So I can either try to sell them amongst my trusted network or trade them for “new” clothes for her.

While there are a variety of ways to free yourself from the things you no longer want, I like Palcycle for the social component.  It’s always optimal to buy, sell, and trade with people I know and trust.

Win It!  To celebrate the launch of the site, I have a$10 Starbucks gift card and a BPA-free reusable bottle to giveaway to one reader. Simply register for a free account with Palcycle!  Comments will close on April 4th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow Palcycle on Twitter

“Like” Palcycle Facebook page

Follow me on Pinterest (It’s the new thing to do!) : )

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a @starbucks GC from @palcycle @rockinmama ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Products for review and giveaway also supplied.

In less than 2 months, we will celebrate Earth Day, founded “to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment” (Wikipedia). On April 2oth (to coincide with Earth Day), Disneynature will release Chimpanzee, the fourth nature documentary film about a baby chimp named Oscar who finds himself deep in the forests of Africa. In the next couple of months, I’ll have a wealth of information to share with you about the film because..Next month, I’ll be heading to Orlando for the red carpet premiere of the upcoming Disneynature film!

In previous years, Disneynature has donated a portion of the film’s opening week proceeds to the Jane Goodall Institute and this year proceeds will be donated specifically to the Institute’s “See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzee” program to help protect this animal and it’s habitats. We’ll have the opportunity to interview Dr. Jane Goodall, the directors of the film, and Dr. Beth Stevens who serves as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Citizenship Environment & Conservation for The Walt Disney Company. Given my passion for the environment, I’m very much looking forward to speaking with the team that helped realize this film.

Our time in Florida will include a stay at the Global Resort Homes, nature-themed activities (thanks to the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau), and a visit to Walt Disney World. One of my life goals is to be well-traveled and I’m always looking for unique ways to travel as a family, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to experience a stay in the resort vacation condos. My friend Kas wrote a great review of Global Resort Homes earlier this year and given the fact that we’re a family of four, it seems like the ideal way to vacation. Conveniences like a full kitchen, individual bedrooms, laundry appliances, and space ease the stress of travel, particularly with small children.

You can find more information about Disneynature Chimpanzee and Global Resort Homes on their respective websites. We’ll be tweeting our experience here: #DisneyGlobalEvent

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Chimpanzee courtesy of Disneynature and Global Resort Homes.

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