Left, left, left right left. Start marching towards a greener life with Your Daily Thread’s “Going Green Boot Camp”! http://bit.ly/cbVZR3

Your Daily Thread, LA’s guide to daly green living, is launching a “Going Green Boot Camp” where you can go from an “eco zero” to an “eco hero”!  In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, YDT is kicking off a month long boot camp to train you on how to go green. They are taking all levels- whether you have never recycled before or are an experienced green citizen, their program will enhance your green lifestyle….

Here are the details:

What: Sign up for YDT’s free “Going Green Bootcamp”

Why: Get whipped into shape from an Eco-Zero into an Eco-Hero. We’ll be covering the complete gamut of green living tips, ranging from energy usage to sustainable fabrics and everything in between.

Where: From your computer anywhere in the world (You don’t have to be an Angeleno to join)

When: The bootcamp starts April 5, 2010 and goes for 20 days (business days that is)

Who: Hosted by yours truly, Your Daily Thread

Think you’re already an Eco-Hero? We’ll be offering advanced tips too to help you “earn your stripes” and develop even more green cred.

They also have a going green starter kit you can purchase to help kick start your green transformation! For more information, visit YDT at YDT.com.

Squeezable fruit…might be the best thing since sliced bread… http://bit.ly/bzYh6s

Yep- I jumped on the bandwagon and tried this new AMAZING snack for little ones…squeezable fruit! My guy tried the Peter Rabbit Organics (conveniently available at starbucks) brand in Mango, Banana and Orange…and he LOVED it! I tasted it too, of course, and its much like a fruit smoothie. Completely organic, with nothing but fruit in it, I know he is getting a healthy snack. With a simple packaging design that allows you to grab the pouch and take it anywhere, then feed right through the opening at the top (and reseal if you dont finish it all), there is virtually no mess at all (not like dragging fresh cut fruit somewhere, or even letting your little one go after a banana…which we all know ends up between fingers, behind the ears and somehow down the pants)- this fruit snack is easy and clean and healthy. The particular flavor and brand I chose has 33% of his DV for Vitamin C, which after a week with croup and other viruses, is very important to me! You can also try the Revolution Foods Mahsups organic brand (available at Whole Foods), or Smashies Organic (available at Amazon.com).

Just in…The Safe Mat by thinkbaby! Non toxic and high performing for the best yoga or pilates session! http://bit.ly/cT9Zfg

Consumer Product Safety Commission issues warning about suffocation hazards associated with sling carriers… http://bit.ly/dCV0as

On March 12th the government issued a safety warning for baby sling carriers as a result of 14 deaths over the past two decades. The focus of the warning came from a recent death and lawsuit regarding the Infantino SlingRider, which is being blamed for the tragic death of a young boy only 6 days old. We at Bloumebaby care deeply about the safety of all children and see that as the core of our business model. In response to this recent warning, and as a retailer who offers the Serena & Lily market sling, we wanted to share this statement directly from Serena & Lily in hopes to answer some questions and relieve some anxiety.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a general warning regarding suffocation hazards associated with the use of sling carriers for babies on March 12, 2010. As always, Serena & Lily is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations for each of its products, including its baby slings. Going forward, Serena & Lily will continue to comply with all applicable standards and regulations, both voluntary and mandatory, as they are developed. Your children’s safety and security is our number one priority.

Please review the instructions for use (currently included with every sling) before using your baby sling. Remember, you should always be cautious when using a baby sling for babies younger than four months of age. Your baby’s face should be visible to you at all times while in the baby sling, the baby sling’s fabric should be kept away from your baby’s face at all times, and parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight should use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings. Please see the attached warning from the Consumer Product Safety Commission for further details.”- Serena&Lily

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us directly via the blog or via our website bloumebaby.com .

Under the Nile Egyptian Cotton Basics are finally here!! Check out the adorable, super soft and very affordable… http://bit.ly/b4rzyS

Daylight savings means more sunshine… http://bit.ly/aMdUow

and that means it’s time to start thinking about sunscreen again. Although many parts of the country are just barely feeling the warmth of the golden sun, we are fast approaching spring and with daylight savings time giving us an extra hour of afternoon sunshine, it only feels right to start talking about sun protection. Whether you are out at the park, the beach, the farmers market or strolling around town, your little one’s young and delicate skin can get too much sun in a short amount of time. Their skin is ultra sensitive and needs protection from the sun’s harmful, and healthy, rays. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ”for babies under 6 months of age, sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body such as the face and the backs of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available. For babies over 6 months of age, test the sunscreen on your baby’s back for a reaction before applying it all over.” - AAP website

Of course I am a huge fan of natural and organic sunscreen…not just for your little one, but for you as well! Although it’s especially important for your little baby to only be exposed to natural products when possible…especially with sunscreen and lotions. You see, “Infants and children have what is called a high body surface to volume ratio. What this means is that proportionately babies have more skin for the size body as compared to an adult. Sunscreens are made of chemicals. On the older child and adult, the chemical exposure is relatively minimal because the body surface ratio is smaller than a baby. Therefore, babies get a higher “dose” of sunscreen than do those older.”- Ivillage- parenting.

My pick is Erbaviva’s all natural sunscreen. It’s non-greasy titanium dioxide-based creamy formula quickly absorbs into your skin. It has sweet almond and avocado oils as well as organic lavender and chamomile essential oils that all nurture and moisturize your skin. It is synthetic free and ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.