Category Archives: Recommendations

April Rain Song

Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.

Langston Hughes

I read that the poem represents the poet’s life and how easy it is to take it for granted.
It is also possible that he was just delighting in a beautiful rain shower on the streets of Harlem, as my 2 year old recently did in New Orleans.

This poem is beautifully set to music and imagery in my favorite children’s dvd series- Classical Baby. It’s featured on The Poetry Show which is for slightly older children- probably ages 3 to 5- and even as an adult I love it.

And are you looking for pvc and phthalate free, non-toxic rain boots? Look no further and click here.

Enjoy the rain!

Places, Recommendations

Spring Cleaning and H&M

Holly 5 Comments

Happy spring!

Thinking about organizing and spring cleaning? I recently read two articles in the same day that could not have been more opposite.

First, The Minimalist Mom who, if I am counting correctly, only has 16 items of clothing in her closet.

Then, I read about Beth Shak- the professional poker player who has a shoe collection reportedly worth around $1 million which she stores in four password-protected closets.

Both articles offered organizing tips.

I relate more toward the woman with 4 shoe closets- one of my favorite movies from childhood was “Overboard” with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell…not necessarily for the storyline, but for the incredible rotating shoe rack he built for her.

And as for minimalism- I can barely go away for the weekend with only 16 items in my overnight bag. Perhaps my love of clothes and shoes is a byproduct of my pre-motherhood career. Perhaps it’s because I’m my mother’s daughter.

Whatever the case may be, like most of us, I often find myself in need of paring down and doing a bit of spring cleaning. I hate the thought of adding to landfills, and have found a great way to recycle old clothes, that are not in good enough condition to donate.

H&M

From their website: “Every year tons of textiles are thrown out and end up in landfill. As much as 95% of these clothes could be used again; re-worn, reused or recycled – depending on the state of the garment.

sco friendly H&M

Producing new resources – such as cotton – to make garments at one end and wasting them on the other does not make business sense. Also it doubles the stress on our environment. This is why we have launched a global garment collecting initiative as the first fashion company in the world.”

Customers are encouraged to bring in unwanted garments of any brand and in any condition to H&M stores in all 53 markets to be given a new life. And they give you a voucher for 15% off any item in exchange for your bag.

Most “fast fashion” has a negative impact on the environment. But H&M maintains a commitment to sustainability and their operations are run in a way that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

They have set seven ambitious commitments:

Provide fashion for conscious customers
Choose and reward responsible partners
Be ethical
Be climate smart
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Use natural resources responsibly
Strengthen communities

I have always loved H&M, and knowing about the H&M conscious program makes me love them even more.

Here you can read more about their sustainability. And next time you’re thinking about throwing out an old t-shirt or pair of socks, take it to H&M instead!

Ask Holly, Products, Recommendations

What Should I Take To The Hospital?

Holly 4 Comments

“I love your post on having a baby in the hospital naturally. I will be having my first baby in about a month and would love to hear your suggestions on what I should take in my birth bag. Thank you!”

Anna J

Hi Anna- thanks for the question. The post you are referencing is How To Have a Natural Childbirth in a Hospital. It can be done! I’ve done it twice. And yes, it’s a good idea to be prepared with a well stocked birth bag!

Here is a list of things to have in your birth bag:

1. A music player and a great playlist. This was SO important to me and got me through some tough moments. It is now such a joy to remember the songs that were playing when each of my babies was born. My playlist had empowering songs, some hard rock, lots of Hawaiian, Willie Nelson, hymns, classical music, singer/songwriter, you name it. I can not recommend this enough! And now with all of the great wireless speakers on the market, it will be super convenient. We love this Jam Box.

2.Organic Preggie Pop Drops, lollipops, gum, etc. I found I needed a variety of these with my first baby.

3. Lavender essential oil- lavender dulls and eases uterine pain, increases the strength of contractions and has an incredible calming effect.

4. Rescue Remedy . I used this with my second baby, and I was so calm while I was in labor. Even during transition. It was pretty unexpected, but I welcomed the feeling!

5. Organic Lip Balm- Important! Labor makes lips chapped!

6. Hair ties or a head band. Just be prepared to want your hair out of your face pronto. I went with about 10.

7. Socks. My feet got super cold during labor and delivery. Though I must not have been wearing any socks during my second baby’s birth, because I still remember the delivery nurse complimenting me on my pedicure. The color was Meet Me On the Star Ferry by OPI (I love that OPI has take the top three toxic chemicals out of their polish!)

8.Nursing pillow. Mine is organic, and I’m convinced it is the best one on the market. I used this to get comfortable during labor, and then when I had my baby I used it immediately to position him during breastfeeding. Since it is all organic with no fire retardant chemicals I felt comfortable putting my brand new baby on it, AND I had laundered the case in safe, non-toxic laundry detergent!

9. Organic and Natural baby products to use on the baby for his or her first bath. I’m not sure what the hospital uses, but I can be pretty sure it’s not the first chemical I want touching my sweet baby’s new skin. The nurse at the NYC hospital where I delivered my firstborn cackled with delight that I had my own baby shampoo, lotion and oil. She said in her 22 years as a baby nurse, this was the first time she’d been requested to use specific products. I’m sure it’s become more common in the last 5 years.

10. Nipple Cream. Breastfeeding a new baby hurts. A lot. It gets better (to the point where you won’t feel a thing) but in the first few days, use this!

11. Nightgown and robe. I did not want to have to wear those awful hospital gowns for my whole stay, so I bought a black nightgown and robe one size larger than my usual size and wore that.

12. Middle of the night snacks- Unless you want to eat the graham crackers the hospital supplies (the ones they gave me had trans fat in them, which I know passes into breast milk so I couldn’t eat them.) I had trail mix, dark chocolate, and a variety of whole food bars.

13. Hot water bottle- the old fashioned kind. It comes in useful for lower back pain during labor. I also used it to warm up the baby’s bed before laying him in it, so he wouldn’t be shocked by cold sheets. Put it where he will lay for about 5 minutes, then remove it before laying him down (obviously.)

14. Toiletries and cosmetics- you’ll want your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash and razor. Especially if you have to share a shower with another new mom like I did in New York City. Side note- that first shower is amazing. Don’t forget your make-up: think visitors, photos, etc.

15. Slippers- (what non-Hawaiians call flip-flops). Very important for walking around the hospital floor- especially after that first shower!

16. Nursing bra- I have a few favorites. Check out Japanese Weekend, La Leche League Wrap ‘N Snap Nursing Bra and Elle Macpherson.

17. Clothes for the ride home for you and baby. I prefer anything in a kimono style for baby, as putting clothes over their little heads was terrifying to me in those early days. Try KicKee Pants or Kate Quinn Organics

What have I missed?

Nutrition, Recommendations

Food Focus: Sea Vegetables

Holly Leave a comment

In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs.

The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails.

Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a large array minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body.

Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your food repertoire can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.

My kids love to snack on seaweed out of convenient packets- especially Dulse (has a bit of a jerky texture) and Nori

I also like to add a strip of Kombu to soups to impart extra minerals, and adding a strip while cooking dried beans will make the beans softer and easier to digest (ahem, less gas!)

Products, Recommendations

Holiday Shopping Guide For Kids ages 0-5

Holly Leave a comment

Looking for something fun, eco friendly, safe, non-toxic or just different for your little one? We have a 5 year old and a 2 year old, and here is a list of some of their favorite things.

All the items on this list are eco-friendly and non-toxic toys, or they promote active or educational play.

These make great gifts for both boys and girls:

Age 3 months+

We LOVE these Indestructible books that don’t scratch the baby when he chews on the pages!

Indestructibles: Baby Faces

These amber teething necklaces really worked for our boys. Amber is a fossilized resin that contains a powerful antioxidant and analgesic called succinic acid. When the amber lies against your baby’s skin, his body heat will warm the fossilized resin and allow the release of the healing and pain-relieving properties. Plus, they are totally cute!

Certified Baltic Amber Baby Teething Necklace w/The Art of CureTM Jewelry Pouch

Sophie was peeking out of our 3 month old’s stocking on his first Christmas.

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether

The green beans were my baby’s favorite.

Under the Nile Organic Cotton Veggies in a Crate

Age 1+

Kids as young as one love these blocks, and my husband enjoys playing with them too. I love gifts that keep their interest for YEARS!

Tegu Tints Pocket Pouch 8 Piece

This was a one year old birthday gift in my house, and both of our boys have loved playing with it:

City Beads

How cute is this truck? We’ve had one for 4 years, and it’s still a big hit.

Green Toys Recycling Truck

Age 2-4

This balance bike is one of the best things we own. Transitioning from it to a regular pedaled bike (no training wheels) was as easy as putting our 4 year old son on the bike. Our 2 year old has been riding it since about 22 months, and LOVES it.

Classic Balance Bike

My son was 10 months old when he hopped on his brother’s scooter for the first time. He was thrilled when he got his very own for his 2nd birthday. We love these scooters- they are also great for big cities (and travel to big cities!) as it helps the little ones keep up with our long strides. Then when they get tired, you just let them stand on the scooter as you pull them along. Genius. And super fun!

Mini Kick Scooter – Red

Who doesn’t love a tool box?

Work Bench ‘N Box

I have had countless cups of tea and bowls of soup and platefuls of cookies from this set. I love the gender neutral color, and that they are made out of recycled milk cartons!

Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set

Happy Shopping!