Simple Steps to a Green Valentines

Make this Year a Green Valentines 

Valentine’s Day is the  time we celebrate the love in our life

PND sat down with Janice Croze from 5 Minutes for Mom to share some great greens valentines finds.  Hopefully this video will inspire you to find greener ways to celebrate your special someone.

This video was filmed using the Sony Handycam HDR PJ10,provided by Sony 

Products Featured in the PND Green Valentines Video

With Janice Croze from 5 Minutes for Mom

Organic Candle Company  $14 – 29

Coco Zen Truffles $8 – $15.50

Chocoholikcs Lip Palette from Jane Iredale $35

Monica Hall Spa Vanilla Night Nectar $95

Five Bamboo Boyshort $12, Shelf Cami $14 & Bamboxers $17

 

A green valentines day – it’s simpler than you think!

Share your Green Valentines Ideas

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Sharing My First Job for #vlogmoms

Remember Your First Job?

I Share My First Job for #vlogmoms

This week on #vlogmoms I share my unique first job, along with a little insight into my upbringing.  The video froze while I while was talking a little bit about the job… and what it was like training my replacement… who was a 30 year old man.   I was 13, needless to say that interesting.  Can you imagine having a teenager train you to do your job?

 

Next weeks topic – What was the best piece of advice you recieved as a Mom? What was the worst?

Share Your First Job With Us?

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8 Simple Tips For Hosting a Healthier Superbowl Party

Superbowl… quite possibly THE party of the year in many homes across the country.  Not exactly a time most people pick to be healthier or greener for that matter, but why not?  Why not host a fabulous party that is a little of both? Use these simple tips to get  started!

As long as you serve up delicious options your guests will be delighted to have healthier choices in the mix.  We all know that everyone is going to splurge on Superbowl calories, but there are many options you can offer your guests that are both delish and healthy.

Serve Food On Real Plates

Years ago our family invested in 100 simple 10″ round plates, we pull them out for every party.  It does require a little extra washing, but it sure cuts down on how much waste your party will generate!  Find them reasonably priced at IKEA, Cost Plus, and Pottery Barn.  Our initial investment has been recouped many times over.

 

Use Post Consumer Recycled Papergoods

Switching to Post Consumer Waste (PCW) recycled paper napkins can make an impact.  If every family replaced just one package of 500 count napkins it would add up to 2.4 million trees. Imagine the impact if ALL the superbowl parties in America chose just one paper product that was PCW!

Consider Featuring Organic Drinks at the Bar

Organic Vodka will make the game day martini’s a win, try Rain Organic Vodka & Square One Organic Vodka, mix with your favorite recipe!  No Superbowl would be complete without beer, so check out your local breweries and see if you can’t find an organic brew or two to offer your guests.  Heading to a party… pick an organic spirit to offer your host this year!

Fill Your Spread with Dips

Skip the Cheesy Artichoke dip, instead offer a few varieties of hummus which are rich in iron & vitamin C, guacamole – which helps lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and is chock full of lutein and vitamin E,  Black Bean Dip which is high in both fiber and antioxidants, Salsa even the mild salsa is high in Lycopenes, Vitamin A, B6 & C all while weighing in at a about 4 calories per Tablespoon (be sure they have no added perservatives or additives).  Oh… if you haven’t tried whole wheat pita chips, try them for a healthier chip alternative.

Offer Platters of Fruits & Veggies with Dip

Not only will all the color  brighten up your super bowl spread, but your guests will also much guilt free!  You can find platters ready made at costco, your grocery store… or for more delicious offerings select your own – avoid the plastic waste, allows you to pick organic options, and saves money too!

Don’t Serve Up  GMO’s

Buy Organic Tortilla chips.  Corn is one of the largest Genetically Modified crops in the US.  Simply selecting organic will ensure you aren’t serving GMO’s to your guest… The US regulations don’t allow for any GMO ingredients to be used in organic foods.  This is an area where the organic option doesn’t typically cost more

Better Protein

Serving hot dogs?  Look for nitrate free.  Hamburger’s?  Go with free range organic beef.  Yes… it will cost a little more, but it will taste much better.  While you are it… serve them up on Whole Wheat Buns!

For another protein option that is low calorie  serve a platter of cocktail shrimp.  To keep this play sustainable look for wild pink shrimp from Oregon, or check this list for other sustainable shrimp options.

Skip the Soda Cans & Bottled Water

What?!?  Yes.  Skip the soda cans & bottled water.  Or cut drastically back  the offerings.

For Water, get a few pitchers and fill them with Filtered Ice Water, and use glasses.  We mark them with a sticker so guests won’t need to use multiple glasses throughout the party.

IF you just can’t bear to give up soda, go with the larger size bottles, or if you want to add an extra element of fun… invest in a Soda Stream and guests can mix master their own sodas!  It will be the talk of the party!

Have a Great Party!

You may not be ready to tackle every one of these moves… yet.  But, consider choosing just one or two to get started…

Your guests will have a great time and neither their health nor the environment need to be sidelined.

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New Years Resolutions: Progress Report

Progress Report:  How are You Doing with Your New Years Resolutions? 

I have become a part of #VlogMoms.  Every week one of our members will select a topic.  Coincidentally, the topic chosen was a progress report for New Years Resolutions – and Resolutions happened to be the subject of my last video blog.  I’m happy to share my progress.

 

Next weeks topic – Jobs we had as teens or college students – should be fun!

Share Your New Years Resolutions with us!

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New Years Resolutions

Do You Make New Years Resolutions? 

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to evaluate where you are and focus on changes you might want to make.
I’d love to hear about your New Years Resolutions, big or small!  We are far more likely to achieve our goals with the support of a strong community around us!

Share Your New Years Resolutions with us!

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#diva4d A Few Ebay Auctions to Benefit LA Homeless Missions

 

 

Still have a little holiday shopping – check out the #diva4d Ebay Auctions?

We have listed 29 items for sale

• Tegu Magnetic Blocks
• Derma E Skin Care Ki
• Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Kit
• Cloth Diapers
• Baby Bottles & Sippy Cups
• Check out the auction items here!

100% of all proceeds going directly to the Union Rescue Mission.

Don’t feel like shopping?  But want to make a tax deductible donation.  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  Everyone who donates by December 15 will be entered to win a one night stay at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa!

#Diva4d is my birthday wish. As a milestone year it became important to do something worthy of the occasion.

Homeless Shelters have seen a 55% increase in the women and children coming to their doors. Seeing people living on the street saddens me to my core, so with the resources of our homeless shelters stretched to the limit it became the focus of my efforts.

Support the #diva4d Wish

• Click Here to donate to support the Missions.
• Social Media Savvy? Pledge to support the #diva4d Hashtag and help us raise both awareness.
• Online Auction – our event supporters have donated some GREAT products! We will be auctioning them off via ebay and donating 100% of the auction proceeds to the Missions.

 

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A Party With Heart – #diva4d

 

 

 

You’ve seen the hashtag – and want to know – what is #diva4d?

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

#Diva4d is my birthday wish. As a milestone year it became important to do something worthy of the occasion.

Homeless Shelters have seen a 55% increase in the women and children coming to their doors. Seeing people living on the street saddens me to my core, so with the resources of our homeless shelters stretched to the limit it became the focus of my efforts.

The Goal: House & Feed 20 People, for 20 nights at a cost of $40 per night.

20 people for 20 nights cannot be done on my own. YOU know how much I love you? I promise to love you even more if you help make this grand scheme a reality.

Moreover – I’ve done the math – If you not only get involved yourself, but if you inspire 3 people to donate $20 – and those 3 donate $20…. We will make it happen!

Shared through 3 networks of people with each of us inspiring 3 people to take action. We ensure 20 people are warm and fed for 20 nights. Together we can make a difference.

Support the #diva4d Wish

• Click Here to donate to support the Missions.
• Social Media Savvy? Pledge to support the #diva4d Hashtag and help us raise both awareness.
• Online Auction – our event supporters have donated some GREAT products! We will be auctioning them off via ebay and donating 100% of the auction proceeds to the Missions.

 

NOTE -  A few people are having trouble finding the BOX on the crowdrise site for joining the #diva4d team.  Once you choose which of my “projects’ you want to be a part of… On that page – look at the top right and you’ll see an orange donate now button…. look straight down… and you will see the black join the team “button”.

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The Best Family Present

 

 

What Makes a Family Present Great?

One of the best family presents we’ve gotten recently has been a trampoline.  Truth be told, when we decided to move forward and get a trampoline – I really looked at it as a gift for the children.  Something they would love combined with a great physical activity. Win. Win.

What I didn’t anticipate was how much fun it would be for the whole family!  Our family consists of a 4, 6 & 14 year old and all 3 loved the new addition to our back yard!   And while the lil’s all enjoy trampoline time… I’ve found that mama loves it too.  Sometimes I’ll just sneak out without the lil’s catching me and I’ll jump until I’m breathless.

I also didn’t anticipate how much the lil’s would want to jump together as a family, and how much fun it would be to jump with them – talk about heart prints.

 

I asked friends to Share their Favorite Family Present EVER !

Fitness & Fun

I  discovered – I’m not alone in LOVING the trampoline!

Kadi Cobb Prescott mom of 7 (yes 7!!!)  said they bought a giant trampoline. “Our kids got it from Santa five years ago and still use it all the time!”

Gena Martinez Morris from the Morris Bunch said “My dad got our family a trampoline a couple years ago. It was the best gift ever and the reason my 3 year old daughter hops everywhere she goes!”

Amy Benton Bradley from Freaky Perfect even  bought a mini tramp  for my son’s Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). It helps calm him down when he gets worked up. But we ALL love it!

Memberships

Kate Canterbury from The Guavalicious Life got her family a membership to the zoo for her daughters’ first Christmas. “We used it almost every week. Not only did it help create some wonderful family memories, it also motivated me to get out of the house since we could just duck in for an hour or so whenever we wanted. Plus it wasn’t another toy that cluttered up the house when the girls got tired of it”.

Travel

Katja Presnal of Skimbaco Lifestyle took her immediate and extended family on Ski trip to Park City Mountain Resort for Christmas with extended family was the best family gift we ever got!

Three years ago  Maricris Guadagna from Zensible Mama bought her family a Plane ticket to visit family in the Philippines.  “It was the first time for my daughter and hubby to meet the rest of my family. It was one of the most expensive purchase but totally worth it.”

Resourceful Mommy, Amy Lupold Bair surprised her family with a getaway to Disney World! “I didn’t even tell my husband when I booked it!”  Lisa Douglas from Crazy Adventures in Parenting also took a surprise Disney trip last Christmas. Andrea Peskind Katz of Great Thoughts  also planned a surprise family trip to Disneyworld.  They gave kids wrapped Minnie Mouse shirts with a poem telling them we were going. “Screaming ensued! Awesome!”  It sounds like Disney and surprises go hand in hand!

Quality time together and memories that will last a lifetime.

Handcrafts & Creativity

Kelly Kinkaid from Kellyology said “My Grandmother-in-law makes hand crafted quilts for every baby born and for every new family member added by marriage. It’s a fantastic tradition, and each quilt some how represents perfectly each person it is made for.

Lolli Franklin from Better In Bulk has embraced her craftiness, “One year I made fleece blankets for each of my kids. I purchased the fabric (personalized for each… child) and cut and tied the blankets all in secret. I would wait til the kids were in bed before pulling everything out each night. I was an awesome surprise and I loved that I not only made them something personal, but that their big gift from me was not a toy. That was 5 years ago, and all 5 of my kids still use their blankets.

Rajean Campbell Blomquist was creative in announcing baby news and making a treasured gift, “Right after I was married we found christmas ornament frames and I put the ultrasound to our baby girl inside for my parents, his mother, our two oldest daughters. We hadn’t announced yet that they’d be grandparents again and big sisters. It was really sweet & surprising.”

All in all it seems the best family present is one that encourages family time together and naturally the lasting memories follow.

Love Letter to the FTC – I was sent a trampoline to review by Jumpsport – writing this post was not a part of the agreed upon review – although having the trampoline was the inspiration behind it.

So… Travel, Something homemade or will your family bounce into the new year on a Trampoline?  As you get ready for this season of giving are you considering a family present…?

 

 

 

 

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JumpSport DoubleBounce Trampoline Review

Yes.  I said DoubleBounce!

We stalked trampolines for a couple of years… researched… stalked some more… and when were in the final stages of shopping and  ready to move forward with a JumpSport trampoline.   I reached out to ask a few questions…If you are shopping and at all confused or overwhelmed call them.  They are great, they’ll tell you exactly which trampoline will work best for the needs of your family – and if you are on the wrong track – they’ll set you right.  During the process (might have helped that I reached out on twitter)  they offered to send us a trampoline for review.

Number for  JumpSport (888) 567-5867 they’ll respond to all your trampoline questions.

Trampoline Safety

Before I discuss our trampoline experience.  Let’s address the controversy about the overall safety of trampolines.  Statistically there are a reported 100,000 trampoline injuries annually – initially this may sound like a lot.  But, consider for a moment that Bicycle figures are 3 times worse,  I’m confident that 99.9% of parents would never dream of not allowing their child to ride a bike.

Our family decided that the exercise & other benefits far outweigh the risks.  Having an activity that easily and readily encourages such a great physical activity.  Add to that my personal childhood memories and the joy I recall from going to my friends house to jump on their (non-enclosed) trampoline.  We all somehow survived.

Why We Choose JumpSport DoubleBounce from the AlleyOOP Line

• JumpSport makes the safest trampolines.  From impact reducing DoubleBounce technology to enclosures.  They are the industry leader.
• JumpSport was the first to market trampoline enclosures – and one way their enclosures are better than the competition is that they have an overlapping net entry instead of a zipper.  Zippers tend to get broken and left open, leaving windows for accidents to happen.
• The BEST warranty in the trampoline industry.
• We really wanted a trampoline that would grow with us and work for our multi-aged & staged family.  The JumpSport team thought  the best trampoline for our family would be the 14′ DoubleBounce and if the lil’s take to gymnastics and need a firmer bounce we can always add more springs!

The DoubleBounce Difference

With a number of trampoline injuries occurring when the bouncer lands on the bed, JumpSport created the DoubleBounce & AirShock – these two technologies result in jumping that is 50% more forgiving on the joints then a traditional trampoline bed, so there is less pressure on joints – for young and old alike!

DoubleBounce Competition

The only other brand I considered was the SpringFree.  I didn’t choose the Springfree option after watching a video of the flexible rods – on the trampoline’s exterior – easily cut carrots in half as someone bounced on the trampoline (Watch Video Here).

JumpSport Warranty

Jumpsport offers the best warranty in the trampoline industry.  With a lifetime warranty on the frame & poles and 5 years on all the other parts including the enclosure net.  This is compared to other manufacturers offering 3 months and SpringFree trampolines at 10 years on the Frame and 2 years on the net and mat.

JumpSport Trampoline Accessories

In addition to having the safest trampolines – JumpSport has some great accessories.

• Mister – We live in the Valley of Los Angeles and the addition of the Misting unit that JumpSport offers for the DoubleBounce and all their models is priced at $99 and enabled us to jump straight through the peak of summer our HOT LA summers.  Of course we were running back and forth between the pool, but without the misting unit the bed  is SUPER hot… turn on the misters for a few minutes and you can happily bounce through the high temps.
• Basketball Hoop – My teen loved the basketball hoop – and he spent a lot of time playing ball with his brother and sister.  Anything that encourages that is a huge plus in my eyes.  Note – the hoop and ball are not full size, but no one seemed bothered by it’s smaller diameter.
• Video of Teens Shooting Hoops

• Ladder – I can’t imagine how tricky it would be to get in and out of the trampoline without a ladder – $60.  I would consider this a must have accessory – so much so I’m surprised it is an add on and not standard equipment.
• Tent – One accessory we are considering adding is the tent – they sell two variations priced from $99 to $169.  During the summer the lil’s had a campout… and if they continue to enjoy sleeping outside – the tent would be a fun addition.

Installation

If you aren’t handy, many shops offer installation.  The pros can have you set up and jumping in just a couple of short hours!  If you are in the Los Angeles or Mission Viejo  area our DoubleBounce was installed by Swings n’ Things and they did an excellent job!  Not only that… it was magic, they knocked on the door, I told them were we wanted the trampoline, less than 2 hours later we were jumping on our DoubleBounce!

Los Angeles (818) 222-4967
Mission Viejo (949) 770-7799

It’s  worth noting that JumpSport is a family business based in California.  Thinking of getting a trampoline of your own – not sure which one is best for your family – give them a call the DoubleBounce was right for us, but you perfect bouncer may be another model.

Love letter to the FTC – all opinions stated in this post are my own – JumpSport sent PND the DoubleBounce for an honest review. 

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Survive Cold & Flu Season: Natural Antibacterial & Germ Fighting Solutions

Antibacterial Products Don’t Need to Be a Toxic

Fighting germs typically involves ambushing it with chemically derived antibacterial products, exposing your family to potentially harmful toxins. Watch this video and I’ll share the options we use in our home.

Please be sure to SUBSCRIBE – very important -  also add PND as your YouTube friends too!

Share your natural Antibacterial solutions?

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