Back to School (or, what to buy if you DO have money!)

My post from last week was all about Back to School on a budget. Well, I recognize that many of you probably enjoy spending money on new products, and thought it was time to share some of the stuff I would love to buy from my favourite stores!  

Mastermind Toys

This backpack from Bixbee is adorable! I love that it's a horizontal design for little ones, and with every backpack purchase, Bixbee will donate a schoolbag with supplies for a child in need!

We love our Bento Box! This stack of colourful containers provides a fun, practical way to pack on-the-go meals . Stack them directly into your lunch bag or use them inside your bento box. The extra large container is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and leftovers.

Me to We: Staples

This year Me to We is partnering with Staples and ACCO Brands to launch its first line of eco-friendly school supplies. Each purchase gives back by helping a child in a developing community with things like healthy school lunches, notebooks and pencils. I love this portfolio design with "hello" in several different languages!

Well.ca

I do have to say that Well.ca is one of my favourite places to shop online! I love that shipping is free over $25, and they carry all of my favourite eco-friendly brands. And with weekly sales, I always manage to save on household and beauty products (pssst....Green Beaver products are 20% off this week!)

I'm loving this tote from Keep Leaf!

Terra20

Kids in the Capital really appreciates Terra20's focus on a healthy environment and community. I recently read their blog post on Sling Sisters - we own some of their snack bags, and I love them! They're super easy to clean out, and are great for anything from fruit/veggies, to crackers and cheese.

Where are you shopping for back to school?

March 2012: What you might have missed

Activities for Kids It's that time of year and many of us are thinking about going to the sugar bush. Or staying a little closer to home for a treat at Sippy Cup Cafe. We also got to hear about the Whales Tohorā exhibit that's open until September at the Museum of Nature. (Don't miss out on it - it sounds fabulous!) Finally, we got to hear about going to see The Lorax at the movies.

If you're looking for some fun things to do at home, you could do some bean bag games at home. A great way to introduce your children to environmental consciousness is to choose eco-friendly activities to do. Here are a few fun ideas inspired by Pinterest.

Cooking and Crafts

This month Alicia's green crafts in honour of St. Patrick's day were a real hit! We also talked a bit about beading with kids.

It's always wonderful to make things with children - particularly food. Slow cooker chili is a simple one to get the kids in on - "dump and stir"!

Parenting Tips

Have you ever gone on a long drive and wondered how you'd stay sane? We got some good tips for keeping kids happy this month. We also heard from a veteran mom and organizer about how to keep your children's toys organized and manageable - for them and for you.

Karyn from Tail Wags gave us some incredibly valuable advice about helmet safety. If you read nothing else - don't miss this post. Finally, our question of the month was all about potty training and finding out all the methods that have worked for different families and children.

Social Media Mondays

We talked about how parents can manage raising children in this age of digital sharing and almost-constant connectedness. Related, we shared a few fun videos we've been watching with our families recently.

KIC Community

We've received a number of pictures already and there's still time if you want to contribute to our Call for Pictures. We'll have a new banner up next week showcasing a few kids from the capital!

What have YOU been up to this past month!? :)

More Eco-friendly ideas from Pinterest!

by Gwen My love of Pinterest continues! It is such a great spot to see the many things others are sharing and pinning that I would not have otherwise seen. If you haven't joined yet, try it out! It may quickly become the way you choose to spend most of your spare time :)

Here are 3 of my faves from the past week: 

How to deodorize your home naturally - Any time you have an unpleasant scent in your home—fish from last night's dinner, burned food odour...you want to get rid of the smell fast. This is a natural way to freshen up and make your place smell amazing. Image credit: One More Moore

Avocado-Chocolate Pudding Recipe - I have personally made this dessert and it is delicious! So delicious that you won't believe it is actually good for you. Avocados are super healthy and super delicious and serve as the base ingredient in this delicious treat. Image credit: Forgiving Martha

Walnut Boat Craft - Spring is in the air which means plenty of rainy days and plenty of puddles to play in. The kids will love this simple craft made out of empty walnut shells, toothpicks and a few other items you most likely have around your home. Play with the boats in puddles or indoors. Image credit: hiphiphoorayblog.com

Check out my last set of eco-friendly Pinterest picks where you will learn How To Make Reusable Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets and More! 

Do you have a favourite eco-friendly pin? If so, please share it in the comments! 

Gwen is a mom of 2 and owns/operates Nayla Natural Care, an online store that specializes in carrying the best organic, natural and eco-friendly products.

How To Make Reusable Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets and More

by Gwen Since I've discovered Pinterest, I can't begin to tell you how many new recipes I have tried, how many DIY's I have done and how many new things I have learned. It is such a great way to share the millions of ideas found on the internet and an even greater way to bookmark, or "pin" what interests you so you can come back to it later.

In the past week, I have pinned lots :) Here are 3 of my faves:

How to make reusable and non-toxic dryer sheets - We all know that store bought dryer sheets are not healthy for us right? Follow the step-by-step instructions in this post to make your own eco-friendly, safe and effective dryer sheets.   Image credit: Live Renewed Blog

What to Do With Broken Crayons - If you have kids, you have broken crayons lying around your house. I know I sure do. This post lists 10 eco-friendly and creative ways to re-use them. No need to keep throwing them out!

DIY Felt Food - I have a thing for felt food. I just think they are all so adorable! And yes, my kids love them too :) So when I came across this  DIY felt food kit on Etsy, I took note and pinned it. The price is very reasonable for what you get and once you are finished making everything, you'll have the satisfaction of saying you made them with your own 2 hands!   Image credit: sweetemmajean on etsy

Do you have a favourite eco-friendly pin? If so, please share it in the comments!

Gwen is a mom of 2 and owns/operates Nayla Natural Care, an online store that specializes in carrying the best organic, natural and eco-friendly products.