Dear mommy and daddy,

I am so cozy in here right now with a lot on my growing mind. It seems that the world I am entering is full of great promises and hope but there is also a lot of concern over our planet and the health and well-being of us little ones. It doesn't look like the planet is the place it used to be where we could roam free in the fields without worries about pesticides and other toxic chemicals. I thought I could help you along a little bit on what we wee ones need so that you can protect us once we arrive in your arms. Besides, mommy is busy preparing for my birthday party and she could use some extra help!

It can be daunting when making the switch to greener personal care products, but once you get educated on the toxic chemical ingredients on product labels, it will become easier to shop for safer alternatives. Although by no means a chemist, I have found a quick and easy way to shop the labels. First I scan the item and look for any parabens, PEGs or any dyes (D&C or FD&C ) This usually narrows my search and if any of those ingredients are on the label it goes back on the shelf. If none of these are listed I continue to read and go down my list. I am turned off by any hard-to-pronounce ingredients or extra long listings. Here are what you need to look out for and why:

Parabens:(methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl and butyl) skin irritants, hormone disrupter and have been lined to breast cancer

How can we find time to replenish ourselves when our plates are already so full? We take care of the kids, the husband, run the home and by the end of the day are so wiped out that the last thing we feel like doing is to exercise. This is a personal struggle and one I am hoping to overcome in 2009. It is so vital that we move our bodies, get in tune with them and learn the powerful healing elements of our breath. Since I don't consider running after toddler an exercise, how can we implement exercise into our daily or even weekly routine?

*Find something you love,so it doesn't seem like a chore. My whole world changed once I started to do Yoga over 12 years ago. I had finally found my “home” and I always looked forward to it. We should move our bodies in sync with our spirits. I HIGHLY recommend for you to look into a Yoga class. There is nothing in this entire universe that deeply connects your mind, body and spirit while giving you a healthy, flexible body. It is NOT a religion and works lovely with whichever spiritual path you are on. It is divine. Added bonus? A healthier more vibrant physical body.

1. How to set those New Years Resolutions as Intentions to nurture yourself and lead a greener lifestyle!

RENEW: Week One

It may seem superficial to begin with our outer layer, but I though it would be playful enough so that we can get to those more urgent matters like eco-friendly health and wellbeing! Sometimes a pretty blouse or lipstick might inspire you to take better care of yourself and to really nurture your inner spirit (or diva!) so that you have more joy and love to give to your family and friends. Renew can start with your closet!

*Take a look at your outer reflection and reflect on your personal style, the face you are showing the world around you. Does it represent who you really are, your true authentic self? Whether that be glamour mama or tie-dyed hippie, it doesn't matter. It is what you feel comfortable and lovely in!

Well at least I think they are funny...

1. To convince someone, anyone, to have a home birth. Since having my second at home I have entered the true state of BIRTH JUNKY. It is the most magical, spiritually uplifting experience to witness a woman go through this natural rite of passage and the closest I have ever been in the presences of God, Spirit or whatever you want to call it, when a baby is being born into the world. The power and intensity of it all is so amazing! I need my annual fix. I will take your pictures, rub your back, sit in the closet or feed you for a week:) if you would like to volunteer!Come on! You know you want another baby!!

2. To deeply bond with my still nursing 3 year old BOY. My second weaned himself at almost 4 and Rumi will surely beat that. I will hold him and ponder this little spirit in my arms, even as I am left there with breasts the size of raisins. Thank the heavens for padded bras...

Welcome 2009

Happy New Year! I hope that all of you had a wonderful Holiday Season filled with lots of joy and good health! We sure had fun with our two boys, as their excitement over everything and anything related to a fun party was reason to celebrate!

As we enter 2009, I like to take time to reflect on the year past to see where my life journey has taken me, both personally and professionally.2008 was a year of many challenges and triumphs, but overall an exciting and fruitful year. What I do know is that owning a business with 2 small children under the age of 5 is intense to say the least!

After much reflection I also know that in order to enjoy the year ahead of me I need to release my high expectations of perfection both in the home and at the store. This is not to say to let everything go to pot, but rather to focus on the priorities and surrender to the natural flow life has to offer. For us at Belly Sprout the priority is family. We are truly a mom and pop shop and it is not unusual to see the whole family working in the store on any given Saturday.

Are you ready for that Holiday party? Here are some Green Glam tips to get ready while making sure the kids are fed, bathed and happy!

Like it?! Watch out for my singing debut on line soon! I'm trying to convince Rumi to be my back up singer:)

Oh! And just to see if you're reading these blogs...go to the end of this fantabulous song to see what I'm giving away!

On the 1st Day of Christmas my tree-hugger gave to me

*A subscription to Green Guide magazine

On the 2^nd Day of Christmas my tree-hugger gave to me

*2 Klean Kanteens

and a subscription to Green Guide magazine

 * We will post pictures by the weekend!

My favorite book of the Season is "A Greener Christmas" by Sheherazade Goldsmith and offers a multitude of beautiful ideas for the Holidays. At Belly Sprout this year Jennifer and I took bags of anise flowers and cinnamon sticks to decorate plain stock Christmas cards and hang tags for our customers and added elements of raffia and colorful yarns. We strung pine cones, long cinnamon sticks and wooden snowflakes with hemp string to decorate our windows. The cinnamon sticks were wrapped in raffia and used as decorative pieces throughout the store. Oranges stuck with cloves made the store smell divine. For our Creative Seed party last week, we used clipped foliage from Laurels tree to decorate the table of food using wooden trays, and recycled napkins and cups. Pine cones were gathered by Rumi and myself to fill large vases. Here are some other fresh and green ideas from "A Greener Christmas":