The EcoChic

Hey! It’s me – The Eco Chic – did you miss me last week?  We went on a fabulous family vacation for a few days to Disney World before I jetted off to the Big Apple for BlogHer!  As soon as I got home I had a minor medical procedure scheduled and that is why you haven’t heard much from me this week.

See a year ago after we had Lil’ B we KNEW that we were done with the childbirthing.  We’ve always wanted 2 kids – no more – no less!  I made dear hubby an appt to have IT done – and then I cancelled it.  WHY?  Because the baby that he is wouldn’t schedule his own appointment and wasn’t happy with the place I chose (they didn’t do laser) – so I told him he could find a place and set up the appointment.  Then I had my follow up/annual OB appointment and we discussed other options.  Seeing how we were totally happy with our family of 4 – she mentioned Essure to me.  It’s a permanent birth control option that is done in the office with minimal side effects and minimal pain.  Where do I sign up?  It’s so much easier than having to hold his hand while he sat on his butt NOT making his own appointment – so I booked my procedure.  A little over a year ago I had the Essure procedure done and was suppose to follow up with a scan to make sure it was effective within 3 months. 

A year goes by – (seriously this is very typical of me to procrastinate!) – and my annual appointment was due again.  So I decided to have the scan done before I went in for my appointment.  To my surprise they told me that one side of the Essure did not implant properly and wasn’t working!  I’m the other 0.20% of the population where a procedure DOESN’T work properly!  Yeah me! (Yes – I’m very sarcastic today)

Of course my appointment with my OB had very little to do with the annual poking and proding – and more to do with scheduling a time to fix the Essure.  How do you fix a botched Essure?  TUBAL LIGATION!

So a week before we leave for vacation I scheduled my second procedure to prevent us from having more kids.  This time it was going to be an actual surgery and I was NOT looking forward to this.  So I jet off to Disney and NYC only to come home to a pre-op appointment and surgery.  Hence – why I’ve been out of touch this week.  On Tuesday I checked in for the procedure and spent the entire day at the hospital waiting – and waiting – and recovering.  The only time I’ve ever been in a hospital as a patient was for childbirth – so this was a new experience and one I’d not like to redo. 

Three days later I’m still in minor pain – my stomach is bruised – and I ache in my neck and shoulders.  They say this is normal after having air pumped into (and out of) your body.  All I know is that I don’t slow down and I don’t take days off to mend well.  My parents were here to help out the first night and then everyone left and went back to work.  I attempted to go back to work (from home of course) the next day and found myself unable to focus much on the projects I was working on.  Yesterday and today have slowly gotten better but I’m still not back to my SUPER MOM capacity! 

The kids will be home in a few minutes so I should probably go change out the laundry and do some dishes before they start hanging off my leg again.  See – being a mom doesn’t ever stop – even when you have surgery.  As soon as I get caught up with PTA projects and Chruch projects I’ll be happy to tell you all about BlogHer - maybe by then I’ll be a little less sarcastic!

What about you?  Are you done having kids?  Have you made it official?

Explanation – Sunday after church my son gives me his art project from Sunday School.  He then explained to me that the blue pipe cleaners represent water and the brown represents oil from the spill.  He’s SEVEN years old – and THIS is what he thinks about!  It makes me sad that he has to think about oil spills and environmental damage – but that’s the world we live in.

With summer fast approaching – and your dream beach vacation already booked – what do you need to pack for your wee ones to make the beach fun and relaxing?  Being a Florida girl (at least for the last 5 years) I’ve found some important things you don’t want to forget on your next trip.  

If you aren’t lucky enough to be staying ON the beach your bag might be a little more like mine – our beach is about 10 minutes away.  For those of you who are staying ON the beach you may need to modify the list slightly.  

Me Top Beach Accessories: 

-Beach chairs, blanket, and towels.  I’m more of a blanket/towel girl while my husband likes to lounge in his beach chair.  We found some great beach chairs at Target that are very functional – especially when you are toting a tot!  Our chairs have a backpack strap on them and a pocket for storing you towel, shoes, or wallet.  This type of chair costs a little more but it’s worth the investment so you can throw it on your back and go.  

-Family Beach Cabana Tent.  With a new baby last summer I had to find a way to keep her protected from the sun and sand so we could enjoy our day at the beach.  One Step Ahead sells the Smarties Cabana Tent and I was hesitant to invest in it.  The reviews were ok – but not great – and at $79 it’s not a small investment.  The main problem with the reviews was folding the tent back into the cute little bag it comes in.  I found a video online that shows you how to fold the tent and I would recommend watching AND practicing before you head out to the beach.  Once you get the hang of folding it back it’s a piece of cake.  Why do I recommend the tent to my friends?  1) If you are breastfeeding the tent provides fold down sides for privacy.  2) The tent comes complete with a backpack carrying case and is lightweight.  3) The tent is a great place for babies (and big kids…or mommies) to play or nap in the shade.  Roll the sides up and the breeze can blow through the tent or down for a little more privacy.  We never go to the beach without our tent! 

-Sunscreen.  While I haven’t researched all the available sunscreens on the market, I do know that The Safe Mama has.  If you are concerned with Parabens and other toxic chemicals that are in your beauty products be sure to check out her Safe Sunscreen List.  We currently use a mix of questionable products that I’m sure aren’t on the list – but baby gets Earth’s Best which is paraben free.  It’s a little thick and hard to rub in but it will certainly keep her from getting burned.  Whichever brand you use –please don’t forget the sunscreen!  You will turn into a baked lobster in under an hour! 

-Sunglasses and hats.   Protect your eyes from UV rays – and your babies’ eyes too.  They make baby sunglasses and hats that will keep them safe from the damaging rays. 

-Snacks.  Pack a small bag or cooler with snacks and drinks for yourself and the kids.  There is nothing worse than having to leave the beach because you’re hungry.  Eco-tip: Bring a reusable bottle filled with ice and water.  

-Trash bag.  I try to always throw in a grocery bag (yes – we still have a few) to take with us.  We always find trash littered on the beach and it’s a nice lesson to teach your kids.  Typical items we ALWAYS find are straws, cigarette butts, and bottle caps.  Most public beaches have trash cans placed as you exit the beach so just toss it in the can before you leave.  

-Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags!   Yes – we take our cloth diapers with us to the beach!  While they do sell special swim diapers (in cloth and disposable) a standard cloth diaper used without the liner works just as well (if not better).  And don’t forget the wet bag to toss your wet diapers and swim wear into before you leave.  

Now – if only there was a perfect accessory to keep all the sand out of my car!  It feels like we take the entire beach home with us by the looks of my backseat.  

What about you?  Have a beach trip planned?  What are you taking with you?

If you have been a reader of mine since the early days you may remember my love of TerraCycle.  If not, feel free to read some of my past posts about this great company.  And despite the foul associations that are sometimes given to Wal-Mart it is our closest store for those quick items that we all need.  Now if you mix TerraCycle and Wal-Mart together and what do you get?

Great NEW TerraCycle products that can ONLY be found at EVERY Wal-Mart in the United States ONLY in April in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day!  Can you hear me screaming here people?  This is fabulous! 

As soon as they decide to fix the water main break that happened yesterday at our local Wal-Mart (which is undergoing some MAJOR renovations to bring us a Super Center!!) I am making a trip up there and will be taking pictures of the display to share with you all!  Look for it where their Easter Display use to be! 

I think my kids might just be getting some new TerraCycle gifts for Earth Day this year!  Earth Day is kinda like Easter in this house…my kids get eco-gifts on Earth Day from The Eco Chic. 

Join TerraCycleon Facebook and keep up with all the exciting things they are working on.  They even have giveaways on their Facebook page just for their fans.

Here is a great video I found on YouTube about TerraCycle!

Here are a few deals and steals that I’d like to share with all of you!  Great eco-minded companies!

Franklin Goose- Start a wishlist or gift registry during the month of December and share it with friends and family.  Franklin Goose will randomly selected winners to receive one item from their list!  Maybe they will grant your wish!  Great wooden, soft, and recycled toys for the babies and tots!  Coupon code 15077b61 for Free Shipping on all orders over $50.  See full review HERE.

Sprout Baby - Use coupon code SBBL055to save 15% off your first purchase.  Sprout Baby sells organic baby food, cloth diapers, and much more!  Only 7 days left to register to win $2500 cash in their First Birthday Bash! See full review HERE.

aden + anais – Great organic cotton muslin swaddle blankets and more!  Lil B doesn’t go anywhere without hers. 
From Dec. 3 – Dec. 18th you can save 15% off anything on their site with coupon code celebrate.  See full review HERE.

Dittany Baby: Save when you shop at Dittany Baby with the following codes!  ***Be sure to enter theecochic@gmail.comin the comments box at checkout so I can receive my “Refer A Friend” credits.  (THANK YOU!!)  See full review and enter the giveaway for a Mei Tai baby carrier HERE.  (Giveaway ends Dec. 10, 2009)  
                            ”10off20” for 10% off of a $20.00 order
                            “20off50” for 20% off of a $50.00 order
                            “35off100” for 35% off of a $100.00 order

Picnic Basket Crafts on Etsy:   Etsy is a great place to find homemade items when you don’t have the time to make it yourself.  PBC makes homemade spa and body treatments along with other cool items.  Coupon code Eco Chic Blog for 10% off your next purchase.  See full review HERE.

Rockin’ Green Soap:  Use coupon RockinHoliday and receive 10% offyour purchase.  Great eco-friendly detergent formulated especially for cloth diapers.  Scents I’ve tried…pumpkin crunch, peppermint cocoa, cherry lemonade, and buttercream.  Next on the list to try…Mango Sorbet! Yummy!

Giveaway Alert! Win an autographed I’m Me! CD by Charlie Hope from Challenge & Fun!  ECO-ngratulations Nancy S! Check your email!

I bet you are saying, “Who’s Charlie Hope?”  I was saying the same thing when I got this CD but I am soooooo in love with her (yes, Charlie is a girl) and her music.  I’m Me! is Charlie’s debut album that features a mix of traditional kids songs and original numbers written by Charlie herself.  I popped the CD in my car and my son and I were instantly humming along to the catchy tunes.  Now it’s become our album of choice as we go back and forth to school each day. 

I’m Me! won silver in the Parent’s Choice Award in 2009 so I’m not the only one who loves Charlie Hope.  I can’t wait to get a copy of her follow-up album World of Dreams to lull my Lil’ B off to sleep. 

Website: http://challengeandfun.com/index.php
Twitter: http://twitter.com/challengeandfun
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Challenge-Fun/

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Craftsburykids
Peapods

Win It! One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of I’m Me! from Challenge & Fun.  To enter visit Charlie Hope’s website and tell me one thing you learned about her.  Leave your response below (this is a mandatory entry).

Extra Entries:
-Enter any of my other Eco-Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways (Leave a comment telling me which one’s you’ve entered.)
-Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
-Subscribe using Feedburner or other reader (Leave your email addy)
-Add my button to your blog or site (Leave a link to your blog)
-Blog about this giveaway and the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide  (Leave a link to your blog)
-Share this giveaway with your friends (Leave me a comment telling me how)

Giveaway open worldwide to anyone over the age of 18 yrs old.  Must leave a comment for each entry with a maximum of 10 entries total for this giveaway.  Giveaway ends December 10, 2009 at midnight (EST).  Entrants must leave their email to be contacted if they are selected.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER!

Giveaway ended! ECO-ngratulations Nancy S!

More from the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide.

*This post was sponsored by Challenge & Fun.

Giveaway Alert! Win a Labyrinth Balance Board from Challenge & Fun.   ECO-ngratulations Cindy! You win!

Do you suffer from video game and television addicted kids?  Give them a Labyrinth Balance Board this year and you may want to play it with them.  The board is made here in the US from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).  It includes three small balls that fit on the boards maze.  Place the balls on the board and try to maneuver them from the outside to the inside (or vice-versa).  Just be sure to keep the balls away from the younger babies and tots…chocking hazard! 

Challenge & Fun has two different sized boards.  We have the full size board and our almost 7 year old can manage it quite well.  The Jr. board would work well too but I like the challenge of the full size board myself.  Shhhh…don’t tell him I’ve been playing with his toy!

Website: http://challengeandfun.com/index.php
Twitter: http://twitter.com/challengeandfun
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Challenge-Fun/

Where to Buy:
Museum Tour

Win It! One lucky reader will win their own Labyrinth Balance Board from Challenge & Fun.  To enter visit Challenge & Fun and tell me one thing you learned from their site.  Leave your response below (this is a mandatory entry).

Extra Entries:
-Enter any of my other Eco-Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways (Leave a comment telling me which one’s you’ve entered.)
-Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
-Subscribe using Feedburner or other reader (Leave your email addy)
-Add my button to your blog or site (Leave a link to your blog)
-Blog about this giveaway and the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide  (Leave a link to your blog)
-Share this giveaway with your friends (Leave me a comment telling me how)

Giveaway open to residents of the continental US over the age of 18 yrs old.  Must leave a comment for each entry with a maximum of 10 entries total for this giveaway.  Giveaway ends December 10, 2009 at midnight (EST).  Entrants must leave their email to be contacted if they are selected.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER!

Giveaway ended! ECO-ngratulations Cindy!

More from the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide.

*This post was sponsored by Challenge & Fun.

Giveaway Alert!  One lucky reader will win an I Cherish Planet Earth Book and Memory Game from Challenge & Fun.  ECO-ngratulations Jennifer T! Check your email!

Challenge & Fun is a great online store that features eco-friendly gifts for babies and kids.  Since I normally write about the baby stuff I’m super excited when I get the opportunity to write about eco-friendly products for my older child.  I think he might get a little jealous with all the baby stuff! 

I Cherish Planet Earth is a great eco-friendly book that teaches kids how to respect the Earth.  It comes with a matching game with images from the story.  This is a great gift for both preschool and elementary age children alike.  I think the classic memory was one of my sons first board games at about 3 yrs old and he stills enjoy playing it at almost 7 yrs old. 

Website: http://challengeandfun.com/index.php
Twitter: http://twitter.com/challengeandfun
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Challenge-Fun/

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Three Sisters
MyToysMart.com
Tree Hollow Toys
My Little Green Room

Win It! One lucky reader will win their own copy of I Cherish Planet Earth from Challenge & Fun.  To enter visit Challenge & Fun and tell me one thing you learned from their site.  Leave your response below (this is a mandatory entry).

Extra Entries:
-Enter any of my other Eco-Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways (Leave a comment telling me which one’s you’ve entered.)
-Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
-Subscribe using Feedburner or other reader (Leave your email addy)
-Add my button to your blog or site (Leave a link to your blog)
-Blog about this giveaway and the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide  (Leave a link to your blog)
-Share this giveaway with your friends (Leave me a comment telling me how)

Giveaway open worldwide to anyone over the age of 18 yrs old.  Must leave a comment for each entry with a maximum of 10 entries total for this giveaway.  Giveaway ends December 10, 2009 at midnight (EST).  Entrants must leave their email to be contacted if they are selected.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER!

Giveaway Ended! ECO-ngrations Jennifer T!

More from the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide.

*This post was sponsored by Challenge & Fun.

Giveaway Alert! Win a $15 gift certificate for Piggy Paint!  Giveaway ended! ECO-ngratulations Nancy S! Watch your email!

Now that Lil’ B is almost a year old (January) it’s cute to paint up her little piggies!  She’s a little squirmy but if I catch her while she’s snoozing I can get them painted up and dried before she realizes what I’m doing. 

Piggy Paint is non-toxic, odorless, and kid-friendly nail polish perfect for you little ones and their piggies.  They come in a great variety of colors and work just like the fancy store brands you find filled with nasty chemicals.  Lil’ B kept her Girlz Rule (purple) on for over a week before I needed to touch them up.  Piggy Paint would make a great gift or stocking stuffer for any age girl on your list…I’ve even been spotted sporting Girlz Rule on occasion (like right now)! 

Buy It!  During the month of November you can catch a really great deal on their Jingle Nail Rock Gift Set which is on sale for only $23.50 (Reg $27.50).  Save even more by using coupon code ECC015L for a 15% savings on your purchase between now and Dec. 15th, 2009.  Piggy Paint offers free domestic shipping on all orders over $25 so buy a few sets as gifts and keep one for yourself! 

Win It!  One lucky reader will win a $15 gift certificate from Piggy Paint.  Just visit Piggy Paint and tell me how you would spend your money…leave your comment below. 

Extra Entries:
-Enter any of my other Eco-Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways (Leave a comment telling me which one’s you’ve entered.)
-Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
-Subscribe using Feedburner or other reader (Leave your email addy)
-Add my button to your blog or site (Leave a link to your blog)
-Blog about this giveaway and the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide  (Leave a link to your blog)
-Share this giveaway with your friends (Leave me a comment telling me how!)

Giveaway open to all residents in the US over the age of 18 yrs old.  Must leave a comment for each entry with a maximum of 10 entries total.  Giveaway ends December 7, 2009 at midnight (EST).  Entrants must leave their email to be contacted if they are selected. 

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER!

Giveaway ended! ECO-ngratulations Nancy S!

More from the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide.

*This post was sponsored by Piggy Paint.

Giveaway Alert! Franklin Goose is giving one loyal reader a $25 gift certificate to use at their online store.  ECO-ngratulations Alysia! Watch your email for details on how to claim your $25 gift certificate from Franklin Goose!

Franklin Goose is an online retailer that sells just about everything you could want for your babies, tots, or kids.  Franklin Goose specializes in environmentally friendly toys, rattles, art supplies, organic plush, organic clothing, cloth diapers, feeding, furniture, books & CDs.  One of my favorite items is the Fruit Stained Stacker by TickiTackiToys.  Made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and stained with fruit and vegetable juices you can be sure that this toy is safe for your little ones. 

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/franklingoose
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/FranklinGoose 
Blog:  http://blog.franklingoose.com/

Holiday Savings!  Free shipping on all orders over $50 from now through Dec. 1st, 2009. Coupon Code 15077b61.

Win It!  Want to win a $25 gift certificate from Franklin Goose to spend on that special eco-baby or tot? 

Giveaway closed! Eco-ngratulations Alysia! Watch your email for details on how to claim your $25 gift certificate from Franklin Goose.

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Franklin Goose and leave me a comment telling me what you would buy if you won. 

Extra Entries:
-Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
-Subscribe using Feedburner or other reader
-Add my button to your blog or site
-Blog about this giveaway and the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide
-Share this giveaway with your friends

Giveaway open to all residents in the US over the age of 18 yrs old.  Must leave a comment for each entry with a maximum of 6 entries total.  Giveaway ends November 30, 2009 at midnight (EST).  Entrants must leave their email to be contacted if they are selected. 

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER!

More from the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide.

*Franklin Goose sponsored this post.