Eco Friendly Recycled Bags

I would like to introduce Matt from Eco Friendly Marketing Solutions - he's working for a great cause, please read.

Eco friendly recycled bags have seen their popularity surge in the past few years. They have a dramatically reduced environmental impact. So far this year nearly 318 billion disposable paper and plastic bags have been wasted and are piling up in landfills. Many countries across the globe are passing laws to tax or ban plastic bag usage and people are starting to act on the
Earth's behalf. Together we can help save this planet with every bag we reuse. Seattle's bill for taxing plastic bags was just voted down, but it is just the beginning and a sign of change. Communities need to continue to strive towards a solution and be proactive about setting an example for others.

8 Reasons to Say NO to Leather

by Beth Doane

Many people have asked me why I have personally stopped buying and wearing leather products and I really think the reasoning is so simple once the facts are known. So, to help us all get up to speed on the issues we have laid out the basics here.

Saying no to leather products is not just a statement against animal cruelty, its a statement about our need to be conscious of what we consume for the sake of our planet. Here are eight reasons why:

1. The process of leather production has devastating results. Not only does it inflict unnecessary and often cruel suffering upon millions of innocent animals but the chemicals used to treat leather are often toxic and can leach into our water-systems and even onto our skin.

2. Most animals slaughtered for their skins endure the horrors of factory farming. Factory farms are mass production facilities for animal products, and like any product it’s all about how much, how fast and how cheap. These facilities are notorious for animal overcrowding, un-anaesthetised castration, branding and tail-docking as well as dehorning. Ironically many of these animals are used solely for their skin, wasting the rest of the animal.

3. Not only does the leather process cause intense animal suffering, it also causes mass damage to the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), factory farms are the biggest sources of river, lake and stream pollution. The farms are also the biggest users of water and almost half of the water consumed in the U.S. is used to raise livestock for food and leather.

4. Another major concern with leather production is the output of waste and chemicals that result from the process. A report by the U.S. Senate Agricultural Committee, released in 1997, revealed that livestock raised for food and leather produce 130 times as much excrement waste as the entire human population in the U.S. That’s a lot of crap!

5. Unlike the human population, there are no waste-treatment systems used for our nations livestock. This means that because of the concentration of this “poo” we get ridiculous cases of pollution, human illness and even death in areas where livestock operations are concentrated.

6. Tanneries (leather making factories) treat animal skins with a number of minerals and chemicals that can have dangerous and even carcinogenic results. For example, the EPA has stated that all waste containing chromium is hazardous. Chromium is just one of many mineral salts used on leather to keep them from biodegrading. So, when we buy a pair of leather shoes or a handbag, these chemicals are in contact with our skin and we have no way of knowing just what levels of chromium were used.

7. It’s obvious that livestock production within the U.S. poses an array of complicated issues but the cattle industry abroad is just as terrifying. Overseas there is often less regulation of animal safety or humane treatment than here in the USA and a report recently released by Greenpeace explores how the cattle industry in Brazil is slaughtering not just cows but also the Amazon in order to meet the high demands for leather and livestock.

8. As the demand for leather continues to rise, more of our world’s most delicate ecosystems will be cleared to create grazing space for the cattle. (See “How Cows kill Rain Forests.”) Brazil has also become the fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gasses as a result of the deforestation process-and of course cows. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

To make matters worse, the Brazilian government is financing further expansion of the cattle industry, which will likely result in the continued deforestation of the Amazon.

These are just some of the reasons it is vital for consumers to be aware of what we are really supporting when we purchase leather. If consumers continue to accept the status quo, the destruction of our Earth’s most important source of climate control, the Amazon, will continue; the inhumane and heavily under regulated treatment of animals will continue; and the massive consumption of vital resources by livestock farms will continue.

What Can We Do?

As we always want to stay focus on the positive and be pro-active, there is plenty we can each do to help.
Take action now!

1. Remember to purchase the faux leather and vegan products that are available because true fashion should never be cruel.

2. Visit the Greenpeace Web site and demand change from the companies using leather from the Amazon to create their products.

Here in the U.S., four states – Arizona, Oregon, California, and Colorado – have already enacted farm animal cruelty legislation. Write to your legislators and demand action in your state!

Without the support of us as consumers, companies will never be inspired or forced to change their practices. The power is truly in the hands of the people–so wear what you believe in!

. . .

About the author: Beth Doane is a fashion designer and consultant focusing on eco-conscious product development and marketing. She founded and designed the internationally acclaimed Rain Tee collection and Andira International.

Ya say it's your Birthday....

Happy Birthday!

Once again I try to think of what to write about. Then it hit me - birthdays! The latest designs my sister worked on are everything to do with b-days (as she refers to them). Hers are just as clever as Sandra Boyton's - "Hippo Birdie Two Ewe" but none-the-less she doesn't think so. She created the following.

There are generally five questions that can go along with birthday etiquette. We begin with a new baby - "Is it a boy?" or "Is it a girl?" Then progress to - "How old are you?" (this one works best with little kids - it gets into dangerous waters with women!) Eventually we wander into - "When is your birthday?" and finally the old "What's your sign?"

So I'm posting three images here to celebrate bdays. One for "Happy Birthday" or "Happy bee-day!" - and the other two are "It's a Boy!" and "It's a Girl!". The fourth and fifth images are spin offs and say "I'm a Boy" and "I'm a Girl" for babies who's parents get annoyed with admirers guessing the wrong gender.

Oh and by the way, she happens to be a "Leo" because her birthday is in August (today) and she usually celebrates with our family, we sing "Happy Birthday" (not well!) eat cake and ice cream, open gifts and enjoy spending some time together laughing and handing over insulting age cards - and yup, today's her birthday and she claims she can hear the Beatles singing to her! Life is good! and if today is your birthday - Happy Birthday to ya!

Can you say Fabulous, Fresh & Fruity 3 xs Fast?

Can you say Fabulous, Fresh & Fruity 3 xs Fast?

Find fabulously fresh & fruity fun

I guess getting to blog every day or week, isn't happening exactly. I have to admit I'd rather be dancing and that's not happening anymore - so when I'm not filling orders, socializing on Facebook, tweeting on Twitter or spending time with my daughter and family I'm doing dreaded house cleaning and other fun chores. eeeek!

Although the title of this post sounds like it could be a rave review of a drag show, its' nothing quite so entertaining, just some of my thoughts and scribbles to tell you about. It doesn't feel like I have anything clever to express at this moment and "this moment" is about all I have to fit in a blog post, so I'm going for the quick post and leaving wit to the wind. I really do try to eat healthy, of course I rarely succeed. I do honestly love my veggies but not so much fruit. As a special message for kids and moms, I am instituting the "do as I say not as I (don't) do" rule of thumb. Check out some of our new designs, there are five designs i all and they are fabulously, "fresh & fruity and fun too! Who doesn't have a sweet peach in their brood?!

We have a bunch more designs that are being worked on for Twins, Halloween and Dog lovers and more. Sort of all over the place, but it's that artist thing, everyone discusses out loud that I can't quite control. So please stay with me, have a little patience and for goodness sake, if you actually found me and are reading this gibberish - write to me already! Oh and by the way, I was totally stoked (even though I don't live on the West coast) and so I have to tell ya - the "real" Nia Vardalos DM'd my sister on Twitter - ha! "Ha" like in can you believe it and I swear it's true! More another time...

I once was a Steinert Spartan...

It's been a while since I last posted, so my apologies to anyone that has actually visited my blog. I've been busy on Face Book. A turn of events put me back in touch with classmates from elementary through high school years. Names and faces were truly foggy at first but as more people reached out with the familiar FaceBook "request a friend", I found the years flying back to me with memories of kids and smiles, from forgotten days, standing right in front of me - and it was yesterday once more.

It's been alot of fun recalling old times, friends and places till the wee hours of the morning and all from home through a free social network! It's a really comfortable platform to re-introduce yourself to classmates from long ago, without the odd conventions and competitions that begin with any reunion. There is a kinder, more even playing field that comes with a written social gathering, especially as adults now. People say what they think with a certain amount of tact and humor. If someone has an opinion that differs, others often post comments, as if to defend that person from being judged too harshly, it's like team effort. There are photos shared to show our accomplishments over the years - usually of each others kids and all the stories to go along with family life. Of course there are all the "old" pictures scanned from school yearbooks and treasured photos that we all can look at now and make fun of. We can look back on the imperfections and insecurities of the past and gain support, compliments and admiration through a little older and wiser reflection now. In some instances, apologies are even passed along, amending past indiscretions and making today better somehow.

I had forgotten so much about the times I once loved and even those I couldn't wait to forget but now it's a different feeling altogether. These old and new acquaintances that have come together, are like an addiction each day. There is now common ground for those who wish to participate. It's not just the same schools we attended, there are no more unapproachable boys or girls, no more awkward times, rivals or clicks that we once struggled with. There is no longer the need to judge by looks, money, popularity or lack thereof. We've grown up in some respects it seems and have come to learn about human frailty and faced some of life's uphill climbs. Maybe we've discovered we're no longer the most popular kid, teacher's pet, star athlete or coolest, hotshot, geek, freak, stud, beauty queen, on the blocks.

I kept thinking what could I draw in honor of my old classmates. Only one thing repeats in my head and even if no one buys it, it will have been created out of pride and affection. I was once a Steinert Spartan, and so a new logo came into my head. All Hail Spartans! - the above design is for all of you and in place of the the word "Alumni" - also available is: "Cheerleading", "Sports", "Marching Band", "rock" and a few other designs that can also be personalized with softball, swimming, track, student, future student, you get the idea. I'd sure love to know what you think - good or bad. Don't worry, if it's bad I'll delete your post! ;) The design will be available in "Lyndas Line Art" Zazzle store under Fun Gifts: School spirit.

Turns out, we're just boys and girls that needed to learn what is important in life. There will always be those personalities that still think social standing, looks, power or pretentious manners matter - but in truth, it seems that friendship, family, laughter and compassion are at the top of the list. The rest we'll figure out as we go and now, no matter where in the world we are, we have some familiar faces, new names and shoulders to lean on - for a time to laugh, a time to cry and a time to say goodbye.

Baseball Fever - Yes, it's that time of the year!!

One of the latest designs that popped into my head came from something I've been around all my life. It's something my Dad and my uncle loves. It has now consumed my brother, along with his sons, one of them has even been inducted into this competitive activity. It comes around every Spring and lasts all Summer and is known for it's infectious addiction, especially with regard to men but there are woman also fall prey to this seasonal epidemic which has grown to pandemic proportions. It is an outdoor event which many become excessively dependent on and at it's worst compulsion is known as the dreaded "Baseball Fever"!

Baseball starts out as a sport played with a bat, ball, bases, gloves, two teams of nine players each, a big diamond, some hot dogs, peanuts and of course cracker-jacks. Oh yeah and there's always a big guy with a face mask and some padded equipment that makes everyone mad and he gets yelled out through most of the game (most likely practicing for a political career). The goal is to score runs by hitting a pitched ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of diamond shape. Players are either at bat or in the field - or dugout, if they stink. The teams switch between batting, fielding, getting three outs and scoring runs & errors. Throughout the game, the players spend time swinging a bat, adjusting their hats and cups, spitting, chewing, catching, throwing, running, sliding and cussin. This goes on for nine innings. The team with the most runs, usually wearing the dirtiest uniforms, at the end of the game - wins.

The best explanation of this legendary sport and American past time is well know and can be found here: Who's On First? In honor of this time honored sport and it's sickness - is my baseball fever design with all the men in my life - in mind - they're all young at heart. So take me out to the ballgame and Good luck on your new team - CJ!

Safe Water - H2O - Let's Test it!!

I just found this great article on how to test your very own H2O - I always wonder about my own water and what is in what I'm drinking. Even though we get those pamphlets from our local water plant, I still wonder if it's accurate and true! So read on and find out if your water is what you think it is, I am curious to see your findings - please post a response if you end up going for it! I am going to test my water from my tap and from my filtered tap - can't wait!! Good luck!

Getting Ready for a Great Independence Day?!!

We actually did come up with some new designs but they never made it to the tablet for the July 4th holiday, sorry! We do however have a few Patriotic designs for the baby and they have been pretty popular. As you know our way to get people to laugh is to come up with some clever belly and bum sayings and designs, let me pass a few by you! We have the every popular american flag (with a cute face) for a boy or a girl - the girl's flag says "Little Miss Independence" and the bum reads "Littel Fire Cracker" - the boy's belly says "Born in the USA" and the bum reads "Home of the brave" - that one always cracks me up! And we have the symbolic Eagle - I love him and a cute Horsey that represent the "Yankee Doodle Dandy"!

Sooooo, let's hope for Mr. Sunshine this weekend while sitting back and enjoying the fireworks, festivities, food and fun but let's also remember while we're staring into those beautiful colorful lights what the 4th of July is all about - The Declaration of Independence, the document signed by John Hancock 224 years ago today, it reads: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Happy Independence Day everyone!

We're missing an Angel & Our King of Pop =(

King of Pop & Angel - Gone

There is no way I can't NOT post something about two legends passing, it's major news and certainly worthy of a few words of tribute for these respected entertainers. When I first heard the news that MJ was rushed to the hospital my daughter asked Mommy is he going to die? I was thinking no way and told her oh no honey I sure hope not, then the shocking, sad news flashed "The "King of Pop"- icon legend, 50 yr old Michael Jackson was dead of cardiac arrest". After all on this same day, we just learned that Farrah Fawcett the 1970's icon, lost her courageous battle with cancer - she was my favorite Angel and had the best hair ever, she was beautiful!

After watching a story about Farrah Fawcett on abc's 20/20, it was very sad to watch and hear about her struggle with cancer since 2006, from her longtime romantic partner Ryan O'Neal and Jaclyn Smith, Fellow 'Charlie's Angel. In fact, I learned much more about her then I ever knew, she was very bright and an extremely talented actress and sculptor. There was a documentary that chronicles Fawcett’s fight against cancer called Farrah's Story, which was an uplifting, painful and inspiring - even though I am only half way thru it. May she rest in peace and Ryan find his way without his angel as well as her son.

When a celebrity as big as Michael Jackson dies, the world stands still for a moment. Afterall, this man changed the music world, just as the legendary, Elvis before him had done. He had eccentricities that seemed outside the box from where the world watched, like many that have passed though time and left their incredible marks in history. His "Thriller" album, "Billy Jean" and Bad, they were works of genius in dance and music. His signature style of "moonwalking" the sequined white glove, black loafers, white ankle socks and finally the black fedora made the pop singer an '80s fashion icon. May his soul and spirit rest in peace - we will never forget what he did for music and dance!! I being a huge lover of dance and music, will certainly miss what he would've brought to us if he were able to remain on this earth longer - I had always wished I had a chance to witness his greatness in concert - Janet was the closest I got.

So a few days after our iconic losses, I think back to my own personal losses of those I loved and the battles still to be fought and I've walked away with a new idea and that is to "change" and "get brave"!

Sum Sum Summertime - It's finally HERE!!!!

It's the time of year women either hate or love bathing suits - they get reintroduced into our lives, along with weight issues, pale complexions, flip-flops or sandals and a host of other time honored rituals. It's all good and time consuming but well worth it! Summer brings watermelons, strawberries, peaches and plums into season - ahhhh the fruit and all it's beautiful colors! And last but not least summer vacation - where should we go? I know.... let's head to the beach!! We live in New Jersey, so it's a given - Long Beach Island is the place to be! Best time of the year - in my opinion!!



Summertime!! The rain has been over loading us here in NJ but we are ready for Mr. Sun to shine down on us! This time of year, kids are happy, school is over, swimming is in, pools are open, heat sets in, humidity visits and frizz is the new doo. Time to head to the beach, sit in traffic for an hour each way, fight off biting flies, jellyfish stings and rogue beach ball attacks, once you're at the beach, deal with crabby kids and strangers and finally face the painful "color" acquired cause we didn't think we'd burn this time.

The shore does offer the promise of ... the soothing sounds of the ocean, the familiar seagulls squawking, the smell of the saltwater and coconut suntan lotion is in the air, basking in the sun on the beach. Spending a memory with friends and family, spending money on good fun, just knowing it's gonna be a good day, the problems of the world can wait and for a while life is good. Maybe Summer comes along just in time each year. The fourth of July, Patriotic picnics will be here before we know it! So let's all beach out and leave our worries behind!! =]

Very cool house for the little ones!

This may have nothing to do with organics, but it will help your kids enjoy nature a little more by putting them out in it!! These little homes are too cute and I do confess that I saw it on Jon & Kate plus 8, that's when I fell in love.

They are called "kids crooked house" and everything is a little crooked - hence the name! =] Simply adorable. The price isn't so adorable, but maybe one day the price will come down or maybe you have a handy hubby who can try and build it on his own. Hey, at least he won't have to worry if anything is straight!!.

Anyhow, I just thought these were too cute to not mention, so hop on over and check them out!
Click to watch the video Crooked House
Don't forget to check out Green Start Baby Art for the cutest organic baby clothes and the best personalized art around!

Graduates = Genius w/Honors

Okay so this doesn't pertain to anyone I know personally - yet! However, I do believe that one day it will hold true for one of my nephews or nieces. In fact these overnight grad designs were made with them in mind. There's a bookworm in "Thinkology" for Evan and Kylee, they both love books. Evan is the oldest and is the "wiz kid", he's been reading since he was two and aside from the alphabet, numbers are yet another draw for this brainiac! CJ is Evan's younger brother, just graduated elementary school and received the Presidential Academic Achievement Award, like his brother before him! Obviously, the boys are no slouches and the girls are both young, talented - singing dancers, sure to be future geniuses and I look forward to what they will each achieve in the future. In the meantime, I made some quick designs, ideal for fun graduation gifts, from preschool, elementary & middle school students to high school seniors and college grads cause everyone can use a smile. Hope you find something to make you smile.
By the way Happy Father's Day - and incidentally, my Dad was voted BEST DAD in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!

Schools Out!!

... all Summer! - It comes around every year during June. along with graduations and proms. When my youngest niece completed kindergarten this year I listened to parents standing nearby and laughed at some of their comments in Facebook and Twitter, regarding the end of the school year. Naturally, a few funny thoughts came into my mind and the warped doodles began. Out of it came an entire water world collection of fish & portholes - they could also be considered "watercolors". Call them whatever you like, hopefully my sense of humor will appeal to you and maybe they'll workout for a graduation gift or a beach theme for your child's bedroom or perhaps they'll just be a fun shirt for you or the kids, or at the very least they'll make you smile. So happy Summer!

Do you Tweet?

If you haven't started tweeting yet, make sure you do. It's actually kind of fun! You start out slow and then you start reading other people's tweets, you start tweeting some more and then before you know it - full blown tweetiction is upon you! No, that's not a word, I just made it up! =) But make sure to follow us on http://twitter.com/GreenStartBaby.

Celebrity Moms in the News!

Okay, insincere apologies all around - but I needed a way to get your attention ladies. I'm just gonna get right to it - I could really use some answers! I'm hoping this simple question will generate a lot of feedback - so here it goes.

What do Moms want for kids today?

Of course it depends on each individual and how many kids, their children's needs, ages and on and on. I think there are always strong generalities at play when women shop though and that's what I'm hoping for specifics about. I'm daring to ask the questions that every shop owner trying to sell products to all sorts of Moms, Grandmas, new moms, expecting mothers, step moms, adoptive moms and women with kids in general - wants the answer to.

What do Moms want for their kids stuff?

Do moms want to imitate celebrity lifestyles by purchasing celebrity endorsed baby products or is there a preference for (often-woman owned) independent, online stores that often have awesome stuff and great finds with extremely reasonable prices for the craftsmanship! Do you look for ... cute clothing, original baby nursery decor, eco green products, kids room decor, removable wall stickers, wall art, wall murals, personalized art, animals, graphics or objects, cute t-shirts, gift wrap, certain colors, what specifically calls your name when you shop?

Please do women everywhere a favor, click the links to the stores listed below and come back with your answers if you're not sure about your choices. Free parking, no traffic, no lines and shipping costs can't compare to the rising gas prices, plus you can do it ANY hour of the day or night and do it all, without makeup - sweet!

By the way - did I mention the awesome Give-away your replies will give you a chance at?!

Click here to get the details.

Shop with everyday celeb Moms - take a look at where stylish, hip

Moms are spotted shopping these days.

Bella Baby Art

Green Start Baby Art

My Goodness Duds

Etsy

Lyndas Lines

Family Inks

KidzArt

Dance the Night Away

Check Out their new site Green Start Baby Art

On Green Start Baby Art - My Goodness Duds and Bella Baby Art have come together and reached for the stars, literally! Movie stars that is!! The Rockin RoyalTee Prince blues design was created for Matthew McConaughey and Camilla Alves new baby boy and personalized with the baby's name "Levi". While the Rockin RoyalTee Princess was given to Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott's precious baby girl and personalized with "Stella" as well as Natalie Morales, Joe Rhodes and baby boy Luke.

...from Green Start Baby Art in conjunction with My Goodness Duds & presented through EcoBabyWorld