Weekly Updatehttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/en-US2008-10-11T19:40:32ZSquarespace Site Server v5.0.0 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Recycling-The Dirty Little Secrethttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/10/7/recycling-the-dirty-little-secret.htmlSite Author2008-10-07T20:15:46ZDid you know that if you recycling your water bottle with the lid attached, it will more than likely be tossed directly into the trash? It's a shameful secret you might not know. The time it takes to remove the cap - no, the cap isn't always made of recyclable material - is time "wasted" by the sorters so the entire bottle is put into a pile on the way to the dump. From now on remember to separate the bottle and lid, or better yet, cut back on your use of plastic water bottles. There are so many conflicting reports out there and the levels of plastic recycling have gotten even more confusing. Try to find a BPA-free (Bisphenol-A is the plastic that degrades right into your beverage or food with overuse) until the dust settles over the use of plastics in reusable containers. We like this CamelBak version available at rei.com.

]]>It's Your Duty As A Citizenhttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/10/1/its-your-duty-as-a-citizen.htmlSite Author2008-10-01T23:20:30ZI like to keep this site and its content on the light side, but allow me this rant, I believe it needs to be said. I was watching an early morning chat show and became outraged. The host was interviewing several women of various ages about the candidates and the issues. There was a middle aged woman who actually said, "I don't like either candidate so I will not be voting." What? Not voting? What planet was she from? Voting is not only our right as a woman but our duty as a citizen. What kind of example is she setting for her kids? Women, in this country, were only granted the full right to vote less than 90 years ago and there are women alive today who were refused the opportunity to vote in even local politics. There are other countries today that still do not allow women their voting rights. Not vote? Get your head out!

There is no excuse to not vote. You can vote in the comfort of your own home with an absentee ballot. You can register online for free at Justvote.org

]]>Help for Little Bumshttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/9/16/help-for-little-bums.htmlSite Author2008-09-16T19:10:10ZWell, bums that get diaper changes on a regular basis. Tired of trying to imagine how many wipes end up in the landfills? We just found these great little cloths by Bummas. These are so great because they can either take the place of a wet disposable wipe or they can dry off babies bottom after using a wet wipe. This cuts down on diaper rash without creams or ointments-another bonus for delicate skin! They are re-usable, eco-friendly, highly absorbent and chemical free. They are perfectly sized and the pack comes with enough to always have one handy. We use them as bath time wash cloths and at meal time as well. Stop using a wipe (that comes with perfumes and dyes) every time and try these little Bummas. For more info: bummas.com

]]>Dairy-Free Products You Need to Tryhttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/9/2/dairy-free-products-you-need-to-try.htmlSite Author2008-09-02T21:18:28ZWe've recently gone somewhat dairy free in our house. For allergy reasons, of course, but we also decided to try some new products that we normally wouldn't consider a staple in our kitchen. To replace our cereal milk, we tried Almond Breeze® from Blue Diamond (don't get me started on why we don't have soy-based products in our stash either). This replacement is lactose, gluten and cholesterol free. While nothing can replace the actual flavor and texture of true cow's milk, these products received four out of four thumbs up. The chocolate was the big favorite-surprised?

We also decided to try the Blue Diamond Nut Thins® crackers in our snack bag for Kindergarten. They are tiny but packed with taste. Made with natural California almonds and nuts, they are wheat-free and gluten free. We really enjoy the variety and flavors and anything that makes "snack time" selection easier for me wins my vote!

Find out more: Blue Diamond Growers

]]>Who Says You Can't Go Home?http://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/8/19/who-says-you-cant-go-home.htmlSite Author2008-08-19T21:46:20ZOk, so it is a Bon Jovi song...but I did go home recently and I agree, you CAN go home. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't go to my parent's house, but to the city where I spent 13 of my 18 years at home. I live in a large city now and the town I visited is extremely small. Only a few of my close friends still live there and going back brought a flood of memories. My house (our last and favorite historic military housing) was in between tenants so I got to wonder through it and look for my initials in the closet which no doubt has been painted over several times by now. Of course, anywhere we moved my mom was able to make it a design home, but it looked smaller and the yard would've made my dad cringe.

The town was a refreshing change from the craziness of LA. Things moved at a drastically different clip and progress has come slowly. I rather enjoyed it that way. If you are planning a trip "home" consider yourself lucky to have lived there no matter what. A town's personality is a reflection of the people and if you lived there, embrace the past.

]]>Zebags-New Eco Fashion Baghttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/8/5/zebags-new-eco-fashion-bag.htmlSite Author2008-08-05T21:22:26ZA bag with a rich history and it looks great. These Zebags come in several sizes but the original is perfect for toting along to the market, playground, beach, gym or work. It's perfect for all the stuff  we need throughout the day. Each Zebag is handmade by a group of Artisans in Kenya. Since they incorporate hand weaving into their everyday lives, each bag takes roughly 2-3 weeks to complete. The income the bags bring enables the families to gain economic independence and alleviate poverty.

Find your bag here: zebags.com]]>By Kids for Kidshttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/7/24/by-kids-for-kids.htmlSite Author2008-07-24T16:39:47Z

Since we just finished pre-school (complete with cap and gown), we are spending the summer gearing up for Kindergarten. We are very excited but the change is a little scary. New school, new kids, new teachers, the works. This website offers inspirational t-shirts designed by kids. We have the appropriate "kindergarten rocks" t-shirt to help us get ready. This web site also offers a design your own shirt page, a voting section for designs and more. A former elementary teacher, Meri Zeiff, launched the brand to counteract the negative messages and expressions she was seeing on the playground. Find out more here: verymeri.com.

]]>Best Kid's Party in the USA Contesthttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/7/15/best-kids-party-in-the-usa-contest.htmlSite Author2008-07-15T16:49:13ZPeppersandPolly.gifAre you already thinking you might need a little help with your next party? Do you have some amazing ideas for the festive occasion but need help with the execution? Enter this contest for a chance to win the ultimate in kid's parties. Worth over $4000, this prize is an astounding compilation of invitations, decorations, music, party favors and more for 25 kids ages 1-13. Best yet, Lisa Kothari from Peppers and Pollywogs will be organizing the event. You need to enter the contest no later than July 31st for your chance to win. Put your most creative ideas to work for you and win this great contest. For more info and to enter, visit www.pepperspollywogs.com
]]>Facebook-Yes, Just Like In Schoolhttp://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/6/30/facebook-yes-just-like-in-school.htmlSite Author2008-06-30T17:22:43ZFaceboook.gifSo I thought I was the last one to join, but since I asked a few friends over the weekend if they were on Facebook and they asked "what is that" I thought I would update everyone else who didn't know how fun this site is. I really thought it was for students, given that it was called Facebook...but there are so many people on the site young and old. I joined and within a few days I had reconnected with old friends, family and coworkers. I even found a friend from a junior high I attended briefly 25 years ago and found she lived only the next town over. I am already playing (well losing by 100 points) a scrabble-like game and I have seen updated photos of my friends and family. I like anonymity so others online can only see my profile if I say they can. It's a nice way to keep in touch. www.facebook.com
]]>Did You Know?http://www.lilypadplace.com/weekly-update/2008/6/23/did-you-know.htmlSite Author2008-06-23T22:44:31ZI am sure you have heard about just how many plastic bottles end up in landfills, BUT did you know that even though you put your plastic bottles in the recycling, they could still end up tossed in with the trash? Most recycling centers only recycle the bottle portion and not the lid....so if you keep them together, they get tossed into the trash at the recycling center. Separate them if you have to use them.

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