I recently received The ABCs of Yoga for Kids book by TeresaPower, coloring book, and poster and I can’t tell you have fantastic theseproducts are. I am always looking for more interesting ways to incorporate yogainto my young ones lives. Let’s face it the good old A,B,C’s can get prettyboring after a while but these products actually liven them up. My children areactually asking to do the poses in the book. The quality of the illustrationsis very high as well. Next time you are looking for a birthday gift that theyaren’t going to receive duplicates of consider one of these ABC’s of Yoga forKids products, it’s sure to be a hit at the party.

 

The The ABCs of Yoga forKids is a colorful very easy to understand book where each page is a letterof the alphabet and a corresponding yoga pose. It is a fun read, a book thatreally gets your little one moving. The color book is a great way to get themto remember which pose goes with which letter. The poster is just a funreminder to do the poses everyday. I also think that the poster would be greataddition to a pre-school environment. This is a great product for children’syoga teachers and parents alike.

 

 With this book children can:

·        practice yoga a healthyactivity for everyone’s life

·        learn the alphabet

·        read the explanations ofthe yoga poses

·        imitate the funillustrations

·        become calmer and moreself-aware

·        develop flexibility,coordination, focus, and strength

 

Some of our favorite poses from the book are:

·        The dog –“Stretching from a nap.  On my hands andknees”

·        Theflamingo – “Standing tall, I bend one leg, and hold onto my knee”

·        The lion –“I look to the sky.  I give a mightyroar”

·        The pretzel– “My hand then stretches directly behind me”

 

Power says “I have practiced yogamyself for over 25 years, and have taught yoga for seven years. I have seenoverwhelmingly positive results in the children I teach, and want to share mylove of yoga across the nation and around the world.  If our next generation could learn to calm themselves, while atthe same time building strength and fortitude, our world would be a betterplace.  With more body awareness, kidscould make better choices for keeping their bodies healthy, both mentally andspiritually.”

 

I’m always looking for a new yoga game to play with thechildren. I really enjoyed these products and think that your children wouldtoo. I’m sure that I will be using these products for years to come.

 

 

Having two children of my own and wanting to encourage everything green I’m always on the prowl for the latest green products. I also like products that a little off the beaten path. Here are a few that I found.

• My children always love a flashlight. One can ask why something so simple is so entertaining but it just is. Life+Gear GlowSticks (LED light) deliver that and more: they are also flow sticks (perfect for Halloween) and energy signaling devices (great for earthquakes too). They only cost $4.99 and can be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Staples, Spencers, Target and HomeDepot.
• I don’t know about your children, but mine always want a really cool clock in their room. Now I found one that is unique and eco-friendly: the Bedol water powered alarm clock. That's right, it runs on tap water and without batteries ($28). Bedol encourages clock owners to donate the money that they save on batteries/electricity to an eco-cause. The clocks also have a really unique water drop design that is sure to please.
• The Ikea SUNNAN solar desk lamp with an LED bulb - I got one of these lights for the children, but I’m thinking of stealing it for myself because I never realized how handy it is to have a light that is cordless. Just charge the solar panel on the base of the light for 9 -12 hours in the sun and get four hours of full light! Maybe when I buy one for myself, I'll also donate one to a family in a developing country so the children can do their schoolwork after dark. Available at Ikea for $19.99.
• Little Bird Tales is a online service for kids that provides a green alternative to creating books, art, sharing photos and creating stories. You simply type their message, upload family photos or artwork, record kids’ voices narrating the message then watch it playback as a slideshow that can be emailed out. This is also a great way to send really unique e-holiday cards without hurting any trees. They also have a special offer: a 30-day package that will allow your family to create as many holiday “bird tales” to share with an unlimited number of recipients for $4.95.
• OrganicKidz has a stainless steel baby bottle that is convertible to a sippy cup and will also be available shortly as a water bottle too. I love that this product can be used for years rather than months. It also helps keep beverages cool. They have several attractive styles too.
• Are you looking for a really unique way to encourage your children to drink water and exercise? Then check out Swiggies the wrist water bottle. It’s a great way to drink and go. They are BPA-free too. ($12.95 per set)
• How about a Mr. Green rubber duck? It's available by itself or in a gift set with green natural soap, gift notes on recycled paper included. This is a great twist on the old fashion yellow variety. ($11.99/$19.99)
• Shains are recycled accessories that empower kids/tweens to make their own statements and change them whenever they want. Shains are available as backpack clips, ponytail holders, bracelets, cuffs and bookmarks. They come in really nice bright colors too. My daughter especially loves the bracelet. (starts at $4.50)
• Chicobags’s are made from recycled products. They have a wide variety of styles and even a cute limited edition line that would make great gifts. They have an adult as well as child friendly line. What I like about these bags is that they are really light weight (some bags are too heavy to carry along everyday but these are not), very compact and come with a self-included pouch.
• Ecogear bags are all organic cotton, super eco-friendly, and they come with bamboo toggles. The colors are fantastic and bright. My children love to have their very own eco-friendly bag to take places. The backpack styled bag was my children’s favorite.
• Gourmet scented colored pencils are all the rage this year, and their cases are made from 100% recycled newspapers! Yesterday's news colored pencils are made from recycled Chinese newspapers and is fun gift to give.

Kelly Neylan is a registered yoga teacher, reiki master, eco-entrepreneur/advocate, and author of the upcoming book Little Bodies Big Souls: How Stories from Yoga and Children will Change your Life. Submissions are being accepted at Little Bodies Big Souls.

We all want to help the environment but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. I know what you are thinking… this is going to be a hassle, or expensive but it’s not. As a mother of two and the owner of several businesses I’m here to tell you if I can do this anyone can. Here is a guide on how to reduce your lunch waste. Remember, reducing is the new green recycling model. If the environmental impact doesn’t move you, maybe I can appeal to your sense of frugality? According to Waste Free Lunches, the average disposable lunch costs $4.02 where the reusable lunch costs only $2.65.  Add that up for every person in your household and you might just have yourself a vacation fund in a year ₁. Here are just a few facts to get you fired up to make some positive changes:

 

• 80% of the 28 billion plastic water bottles every year by Americans end up in landfills _2.
• The average sized American elementary school generates 18,760 pounds of lunch waste per year ₃. That’s 3.5 billion pounds of garbage a year.

 

 

Top 10 Fast Ideas to Green Your Lunch

 

1. Use a reusable lunch bag, preferably a PVC free one. PVC is a plastic that has been identified as being produced with carcinogens and toxic chemicals that can leach out. PVC products are often labeled vinyl or have the number 3, V or PVC underneath the universal recycling symbol.
2. Use reusable food containers (stainless steel containers, plastic reusable bags, and soft reusable sandwich wrap or pouch varieties). 
3. Ditch the bottled water or juice box habit in favor of a reusable bottle. 
4. If you must use aluminum foil to wrap something use recycled aluminum foil or natural recycled parchment paper.
5. If you must use plastic bags then re-use them by using a product such as Bag E Wash for the dishwasher or wiping them out the old fashion way.
6. Bring re-usable cutlery from home.  You can use what you already have in the kitchen or there are also nice bamboo travel ones as well, if it has to be disposable for a particular event then use biodegradable cutlery.
7. Use cloth napkins rather than paper ones; it saves you money, too. I was able to find brand new ones at yard sales, dollar stores, and on clearance racks. I found that dark colors work best for children. I wash them weekly with my regular laundry, so it’s no extra work.
8. Consider buying organic food, it is healthier for your family and better for the environment.  Go to local farmers’ markets or consider joining a local farmers CSA in order to get cheaper organics.
9. Buy items in bulk with as little packaging as possible. Buy large containers over single serving ones and then put a single serving in your reusable containers. This will save you money as well. 
10. Compost your food scraps. You can use a plastic storage tub, a compost bin, or a worm bin to do this.  There is an option to fit everyone's home or situation. Create wonderful soil rather than waste with your food scraps.

 

 

Favorite Eco-Friendly Lunch Products

 

• For wrapping sandwiches I like the wrap-n-mat.  It's a plastic-lined, Velcro-closure, cloth reusable sandwich wrapping device so you don't have to use disposable plastic wrap to wrap your sandwich every day.  It folds out to form a nice eating area as well.
• To wrap snacks and cookies, I like the snackTAXI snack sacks. SnackTAXI is also a mother inspired business as well -- always a bonus in my book. I ran right out and bought more of these because I liked them so much. They also now have a sandwich version too. You can beat their cute designs.
• If you have a tight fit in your existing lunch bag I would recommend the innovative collapsible water bottle the Vapur.  Another brand I like for lunches or to replace sippy cups is the Contigo autoseal kids mug. I liked this mug idea so much that I’m ordering a full sized one to use when I teach yoga.  A full sized bottle for you thirsty ones is Project Earth H2O.  A percentage of every purchase goes to support environmental charities. You can also now customize Sigg bottles with names or pictures at Café Press. A company with customer service bar none is EcoUsable and they have great water bottles too with optional nice sleeves for gripping called water wrapz. I had the best customer service experience with this company and have never forgotten it, they really stand behind their products.
• Cool Tote’s are insulated lunch bags with a variety of fabric choices that are very well constructed. I’ve had one of their bags for years and it still hasn’t worn out. If you are going to put a drink bottle in it I would recommend the larger sized bag. Bazura’s lunch boxes are made from recycled packaging. Yubo is a unique lunchbox and container system that allows you to change the outside designs.  Later this year they are adding an attached drink system as well. My daughter went crazy over the peace sign version of this lunch box. The Laptop Lunch bento box system is a very sturdy and popular system as well with many options.
• When you need a pre-packaged snack for on the go, try Tasty Baby organic fruit snack in eco-friendly packaging. Both of my children thought these tasted as good as the less healthy varieties. I am all about promoting organic food options.

 

Do you want to inspire others?  You can download a free waste-free lunch poster from the EPA as well as a waste-free lunch letter to send to parents.

 

Kelly Neylan is a registered yoga teacher, reiki master, eco-entrepreneur/advocate, and author of the upcoming book Little Bodies Big Souls: How Stories from Yoga and Children will Change your Life.  Submissions are being accepted at Little Bodies Big Souls.

 

 

End Notes

1.    “What does it cost to pack a waste-free lunch?” n.d.,  http://www.wastefreelunches.org (accessed Oct. 2009).

2.    “Facts about Plastic Bottles” n.d., http://earth911.com/plastic/plastic-bottles/facts-about-plastic-bottles/ (accessed Oct. 2009).

3.    “How to Reduce Waste in Your School” n.d., http://www.epa.gov/osw/inforesources/news/2007news/03-school.htm (accessed Oct. 2009).

Some companies have chosen to send in product samples for review and testing purposes.

 

 

Shop for Mother's Day at The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop and party with us on Twitter to celebrate! Join The Mom Entrepreneur on Monday, May 4th from 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST for a twitter party celebration. We will be announcing our Mother's Day line up of offerings at the Co-op Shop, sharing tips for balancing motherhood and running a company, and giving away some amazing prizes. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and chat the evening away with dozens of mom entrepreneurs. For complete details, click here…>

I've been around the block a few times with Neti pots so when I was approached to try another one I have to admit I was skeptical.  I'm comparing this product to the original ceramic neti and to the plastic travel variety that I already have. For those of you who haven't heard of the neti pot it is used for sinus clearing. It is a part of ancient yogic body cleansing techniques that have been more recently discovered by the general public probably because they are so effective. They have even been recently touted by Dr. Oz on Oprah. They are helpful for allergy and colds. I also used one when I had colds during pregnancy since you can not take most over the counter medicines while you are pregnant (check with your doctor for pregnancy related medical advice). You add hot water and non-iodized salt to the pot and then pour it through your sinuses. I found this product to leak much less from the nostrils than the previous ones that I have tried. I also like that  it is made of recyclable PEHD (PolyEthylene High Density) material. I have to admit it has now become my most favorite neti ever!

www.rhinohorn.net

Opinions stated from BuddhiWear reviews are personal opinions.  BuddhiWear is not responsible for any purchasing decisions or consequences of purchasing any products mentioned.

Earth Day is almost upon us. It's time to make a plan. These two web sites can help you.

Earth Day Web Site
http://www.earthday.net/

National Parks Week
http://www.nps.gov/npweek/

Great New Book Helps International Charity Save the Children

 

Do you love a good book or know someone who does? Or do you care about poverty and the environment? If so, this thriller is a must-read!

 

'Deftly and intriguingly written, "What if...?" is a thriller that fans of other novels such as "The DaVinci Code" will relish. Highly recommended.' John Taylor, Midwest Book Review.

 

‘What if...?' is a real page-turner, blending political intrigue and roller-coaster action with a thought-provoking exploration of how we might build a green, socially just world where every man, woman and child truly is equal. Shootouts, car chases and conspiracies are interwoven with human rights and environmental crises, creating a chilling, real-life picture of the world and a story that's as moving as it is thrilling.

 

It's about a mysterious New Yorker who's catapulted to fame by the media when he seems able to heal with just a touch. Exploiting his celebrity status to reach people, he wages a political war to end global poverty which thrusts him into a deadly struggle with the White House that likes the world just the way it is: under its control - poverty, disease, wars and all.

 

Steve N. Lee, the author, says, "I wrote ‘What if...?' because I had a terrific roller coaster of a story to tell. Whilst researching its themes, though, I couldn't help but be moved by what I learned: poverty kills 24,000 children every single day. Knowing that, I can't sit idly by and do nothing - for every book sold through this website $4 goes to the charity Save the Children which feeds the world's poorest kids."

   

If you'd like a great book that makes a real difference, or to give a copy as a gift, see: http://www.ChangingTheWorldToday.com 

 

"Lee's vision is precise, poetic, and skillfully crafted. It's great writing with a great story, very well told." Nicholas Grabowsky, Bestselling Novelist

BEETLES AND BUTTERFLIES

 

Join Autumn Wilson of Yoga Chai and Valencia Wood as they present Beetles and Butterflies: The Sustainable Journey Workshop Series for mothers and daughters (12 years old and up). The ladybug beetle symbolizes love, protection, good cheer and luck. More, the butterfly symbolizes freedom, strength, change, rebirth and prosperity. The Beetles and Butterflies series will focus on the inner journey of sustainable and authentic transformation, refreshment and renewal for Butterflies (Mothers) as we move into a New Year of an unprecedented global shift and change. Also, the workshops will offer ways that mothers can connect with their Beetles (Daughters) to impart the essence of transformation by sharing their energies to change, grow confidence and nurture well-being through discussion (thought shifting, breath work and nutrition, etc.), the development of individual Balance Sheets and relaxing, restorative yoga movement. Individuals and Mother-Daughter Pairs are Welcome! Dates March 28, April 25, and May 23rd.

 

Workshop Cost

$30   Per Workshop (Individual)

$45   Per Workshop (Mother and Daughter)

$80   Pre-registration entire series (Individual)

$125          Pre-registration entire series (Mother and Daughter)

 

** For Call Autumn Wilson of Yoga Chai or Valencia Wood for Group Discounts (Five or More).

 

Location

Yoga Chai

1744 Columbia Road NW

Washington DC 20009

T: 202.746.9642

 

For More Information Contact

Autumn Wilson : Yoga Chai | T: 202.746.9642 | E: info@yogachai.com

Valencia Wood : Beetles and Butterflies | T: 410.227.4103 | E: beetlesbutterflies@gmail.com

Last year I attended a fantastic reiki holistic retreat in Reisterstown, MD. They had several top notch reiki and energy healers and some fantastic speakers. I really felt energized and alive after attending. I also met some of the nicest people there and I still talk to them too. There will be a lot going on during the retreat weekend such as an Reiki/Energy Share on Friday evening! QiGong with Karl Ardo! Shamanic Drumming with Ann Hughes on Saturday evening! (Bring your frame drum, to particpate) Readings with Aurora! Morning Yoga with Kelly Neylan! Shop in our store for CDs, books, crystals, t-shirts, natural body products and original jewelry by Juelles! AND MORE!

So if you are ready for an energy buzz and to feel more alive I'll look forward to seeing you there.  BuddhiWear will also be in the shop so stop by and say hi.

The retreat is open to everyone 18+. One does not have to be a Reiki Practitioner to attend.

MAY 29, 30, 31, 2009 (This is the weekend AFTER Memorial Day weekend!)

Please see http://www.edenlifejourneys.com/retreats.htm to sign up or for more details.