Things we love: baggin’ your own groceries

Growing up, we were all threatened by our parents with the old “do you want to end up bagging groceries?” line when we slacked on homework.

Maybe in the days of paper or plastic this would have been a decently effective tactic. But in today’s generation of BYOB (bring your own bag), bagging groceries doesn’t seem so bad.

Saving the Earth’s resources one reusable bag at a time – and looking stylish while doing it – feels pretty darn good.

I carry half a dozen canvas bags in my trunk and a fold up version in my purse at all times. You never know when the shopping itch is going to strike, and you don’t want to be that anti-green gal who has to opt for plastic in a pinch.

A couple of my well-loved bags are on their way out, and I just stumbled upon a fabulous replacement: Neela Bags. Also founded by two lovely female entrepreneurs, Neela is helping us live more environmentally-friendly lives in a functional and super stylish way.

Starting at $6.00, they’re an inexpensive way to help you do your part to help save this little place we live in.

> shop neela bags

Mommy diaries: off to school, too soon?

This week is Lillie and my last week alone together 5 days a week. We are peas in a pod, a gruesome twosome and pretty much attached at the hip. The great thing is she is a sweet and funny girl. The bad thing I think she's getting a little bored of me.

I do, occasionally, have a babysitter one day a week to get Mom stuff done. And lately when I'm getting ready to leave for the day, Lillie is almost excited to see me go. A nice thing, yes, heartbreaking, you bet. Either the sitter lets her watch as much TV as she wants or she is really excited about having outside stimulation.

But, next week my little pea will be heading to a mother's day out program two days a week. Am I ready, I don't know. Is Lillie ready, we will see. Mostly I'm afraid that I might be starting her too young. The germs, the scheduled routine and lots of new faces.

My only saving grace is the way she reacts to having a babysitter. My hope is that school will provide her new world of information that I'm not providing. And, a five hour block of time that is all about kid fun instead of adult errands and just plain ol' mom. Fingers crossed it goes well; we will know next week.

Culture shot: extreme makeover – toy edition

Growing up, I remember hearing my parents reminisce about the “good old days” when kids played outside, video games were a futuristic nonsense concept, and kids stayed out of mom’s hair by roaming the neighborhood with their friends from dusk til’ dawn.

I remember thinking they sounded so old fashioned, and right then-and-there vowing to never consider my childhood “the good old days”. I would remain cool and hip forever, always accepting change and remaining youthful. Never thinking the newest music was too loud and obnoxious, the latest fashions were inappropriate and sloppy, and sweatless extracurricular activities were a total waste of time.

As I read (and completely agreed with) Babble.com’s hilarious post today about “The 20 Worst Toy Makeovers”, I realized that I had sure enough become just like my parents. Why couldn’t the mega toy companies leave well enough alone?

Strawberry Shortcake was just fine with her frumpy hat. And last time I checked, Cabbage Patch Kids were babyish and powder-scented, not covered in blue highlights and sporting a crop top.

You have to check out the rest of their top 20 list for a good chuckle…and unfortunately for a reality check that you’re getting old and becoming your parents.

Style file: Olympic Fashions

The Olympics are the best. It is so amazing to watch these athletes that have trained most of their lives to compete on the world's stage. Their perfectly athletic bodies are well, far from this mom's physique. Which makes Olympic fashion and uniforms so fun to see. Some, really well done and others, might need a little work. Here are pics of some Olympic fashions.

Mommy diaries: A little whine and cheese

Oh, terrible two's how do I loathe thee? I remember my mom saying I was really good at whining. Her friends used to comment on it and my ever patient mother learned to ignore it, I suppose. As genetics would have it, Lillie has discovered the fine art of whining.

It's not necessarily what my little one is whining about, its usually the tone. There's a place in your middle ear that vibrates severely as your little one whines at a high pitch. I read an article on BabyCenter recently that was describing how toddlers actually don't know the difference between whining and normal speak. And the way to curb it was to remind them to speak in a normal tone once the whining begins.

So, I tested this wonderful idea on Lillie. Not happening so much. Somehow if my little stinker isn't getting what she wants, the whining still continues. Normal tone reminders and all. And the more she whines the quieter I talk, so she can hear the difference.

I guess this is one of those things the two's bring us that are a little unpleasant. If this is as bad as it gets, then we will be doing just fine. From what I hear, however, two year olds find more tricks up their ole sleeve. I think I might purchase some earplugs.

Things we love: IKEA’s beaming blossoms

IKEA, IKEA. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1. creative displays that force me to re-think my space
2. high-polished looks at dirt-cheap prices
3. uber-friendly clerks around every corner
4. everything you need (and stuff you never knew you needed) under one roof
5. $.99 frozen yogurt cones at the end of a 3 hour journey

Whether looking for something specific or just killing a Sunday afternoon, I absolutely love wandering the IKEA maze, hunting for Eurotastic treasures along the way.

As a superfan of whimsical décor for littles, among my favorite spots along the arrow-lined path is the children’s area. With creative storage solutions, sleek furniture, and ultra-hip knick knacks abound, even the most design-challenged parent can make a truly unique and cool space for their kiddos.

Last weekend I discovered the most adorable nightlight on the face. The three-dimensional shape of the bud adds interest, the warm pink glow of the light removes any fear of the dark, and the clever green cord adds charm to what is typically the most unattractive part of any electronic device.

If I wasn’t 30 years too old for this one, I’d line a whole wall in my room with these babies. And at $9.99 a pop, you can afford a whole field of them.

> Smila Blomma wall lamp at IKEA.com

Culture shot: postal produce

A self-proclaimed (quasi) hippie that will probably never let go of over-processed breakfast cereals, I’ve become a total organic snob when it comes to produce.

Aside from supporting the locals and keeping my body free of pesticides, I just think “green” greens taste substantially better. And browsing the chilly aisles for new and unusual in-season veggies is an adventure for me.

But that’s probably because my grocery-getting runs are without little ones under foot. I realize that unless you’re able to nab the 12-foot-long kiddie cart with the built in car, the produce aisle is typically sped through at 100 miles an hour to avoid any mishaps involving an entire end cap of cantaloupe.

Thanks to a new wave of environmentally-responsible home delivery services, stocking your fridge with healthy eats is easy, surprisingly affordable, and a lot less stressful than toting your tots to store.

Austin’s Greenling was my first introduction to this brilliant concept. Though I just learned about it and have yet to sign up, I don’t see any reason not to once I get a free minute to fill up my virtual basket.

The long and short is that you tell them what you want, when you want it delivered, and then you eat it. It’s fresh-from-the-garden goodness without the back-breaking labor.