Author: mkokopelli

mkokopelli https://mkokopelli.wordpress.com With a BA in Creative Writing, I have always had a passion for telling a story. When I graduated from UNCW, the job market was scarce so I pursued my other love, photography. I managed a photography studio for 3 years before starting my own company, M&M Photography. As luck would have it, one of my clients worked for the Charlotte Observer and asked me to join her team in launching their new mom website, MomsCharlotte.com. During this time, I had a baby and after learning some disturbing things about big name baby shampoo, I started researching children’s products and eventually family products. I began a blog, Mkokopelli, as a side project to document all of the things I was learning and to share my knowledge with other concerned parents. Mkokopelli led me down many exciting roads as I got to work with amazing companies and organizations. I began freelancing for several big named eco-friendly businesses including Inhabitots, Stonyfield, Franklin Goose, Earth Mama Angel Baby, The Baby Grocery Store, Juice Beauty, rocklovepeace, and Sacred Pregnancy. After having my second child, I decided to focus my talents on social media content as well as video editing. My current clients are a multi-billion dollar real estate company based out of Dallas, TX and a NC therapist who specializes in Transformative Insight Imagery. When not writing, I enjoy hiking, traveling, photo journalism, poetry, reading, nature, politics, activism, and painting.

This Moment

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{this moment}

A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

Mat Kearney Young Love

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I have to admit I’m stuck in the 90’s when it comes to music. I never truly made it past 1999- if I ever made it that far. So when the opportunity comes along to check out new artists, I usually jump right on it.  

I was sent a copy of the newly released album Young Love by Mat Kearney which was released August 2, 2011. I have to say that it was perfect timing because this is a awesome end of the Summer album. It’s so happy and upbeat. Not really poppy, but catchy. It’s a fun album and I bet a great show to catch! 

“Hey Mama” was the first hit released on May 11 and it has to be my favorite song. You can check it out here on YouTube:

If you aren’t familiar with Mat’s music you’ve probably heard some of his previous hits on 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows.  Mat’s been winning over crowds on tours with everyone from John Mayer and Sheryl Crow to Keane and The Fray. 

You can purchase Young Love on iTunes for $9.99. 
1 Hey Mama
2 Ships In The Night
3 Count On Me
4 Sooner Or Later
5 Chasing The Light
6 Learning To Love Again
7 Down
8 She Got The Honey
9 Young Dumb And In Love
10 Rochester
11 Seventeen

Mat on Tour This Fall

Mat is hitting the road in September playing nearly 40 shows in US & Canada.  Tickets on sale now.

9/14          Jacksonville, FL       Murray Hill           
9/16          Charleston, SC         Music Farm           
9/17          Athens, GA               GA Theater           
9/18          Carrboro, NC            Cat’s Cradle            
9/20          Charlottesville, VA   Jefferson Theater           
9/23          Louisville, KY           Headliners           
9/24          Cincinnati, OH          Bogart’s           
9/25          Cleveland, OH          House of Blues         
9/27           Interlochen, MI        Corson Aud           
9/29           Urbana, IL                Canopy Club           
9/30           Milwaukee, WI         Turner Hall           
10/1           Des Moines, IA        People’s Court          
10/2           Omaha, NE              Sokol Auditorium           
10/4           Bloomington, IN      Bluebird           
10/5           St Louis, MO           The Pageant           
10/7           Oxford, MS              The Lyric        
10/8           Pine Mountain, GA   Callaway Gardens          
10/9           Birmingham, AL      Workplay Theatre 
10/20         Nashville, TN            Cannery           
10/23         Washington, DC       9:30 Club           
10/24         Baltimore, MD           Ram’s Head           
10/25         Lancaster, PA            Chameleon           
10/27         Allentown, PA           Crocodile Rock         
10/28         New York, NY            Webster Hall           
10/29         Philadelphia, PA       Theater of Living Arts   
10/30         Albany, NY                 Northern Lights       
11/1           Northampton, MA      Pearl Street 
11/2           New Haven, CT          Toad’s Place            
11/4           Boston, MA                House of Blues        
11/5           Portland, ME              State Theatre   
11/6           Burlington, VT            Higher Ground           
11/8           Montreal, QC              Petite Campus
11/9           Toronto, ON                Opera House           
11/11         Buffalo, NY                 Town Ballroom           
11/12         Pittsburgh, PA            Rex Theater           
11/13         Detroit, MI                   St. Andrews           

11/15         Columbus, OH            Newport Music Hall
11/17         Chicago                       House of Blues
11/19         Madison, WI                 The Majestic

11/20         Minneapolis, MN             First Avenue

*These are my thoughts and opinions. I was sent a CD to review by One2One Network and this in no way alters my feelings of the product. 

Nohi Kids GIVEAWAY

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This giveaway is over! Thanks to all that entered! Congrats to Terra H!! 


I can’t believe it will be September in just 4 days! This Summer has seriously flown by!! Now school has begun and it’s time to start thinking about Fall clothing. Yes, it’s hard to think about warm clothes when it’s 91 degrees outside, but if your kiddo is anything like mine, she has no Fall clothing that fits. 


As I was browsing through organic clothing companies, I came across Nohi Kids and seriously fell in love. They have such vibrant clothing with fun spunky patterns! With a name like Nohi Kids, there is a good reason why, “In the Maori language, nohi nohi means “to be small.” In Japan, Kodomo Nohi, one of the most popular national holidays, is a day to celebrate children. And in Hawaiian, Nohi means brightly colored and vivid. So I suppose a Nohi Kid is a bright, vivacious little thing just oozing with personality!” Sounds just like my E and they most certainly live up to their name! 


Nohi Kids uses Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton, bamboo, and a little bit of spandex for elasticity. They also use low impact, water based inks. Nohi Kids sizing is from 0-3 all the way up to 7/8 yr!! (It has been sooo hard to find older kids organic clothing!) Nohi Kids makes bodysuits, dresses, skirts, tees, pants, blankets, and more!



Nohi Kids was nice enough to send us a sample of the Sash Dress with Balloon Bouquet in Pink, but turns out it was a size 4 when E is a size 5/6. But it totally worked out since the dress can be made into a tunic! Above is E wearing the Balloon Bouquet dress paired with the 3 Button Teal Leggings. The leggings are a 5/6 and very true to size.


I absolutely LOVE how vibrant they are in person and how super soft they feel. I really like the bamboo organic cotton blend and can’t wait to see more of their clothing. I have my eyes on the skirts and tees!! The fabric ratio is 50% organic cotton, 48% bamboo, and 2% spandex and meets all CPSIA regulations.


Check out the cute line of Nohi Kids organic tee shirts for boys and girls!!




Nohi Kids Fall line is now available online and in select stores.



GIVEAWAY: Nohi Kids organic clothing would like to give 1 lucky winner a organic tee shirt of their choice!

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST September 15, 2011 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to EVERYONE!

How to Enter:  Go to Nohi Kids and tell me your favorite item. Click on “Comments” to leave your post. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!

EXTRA entries:  You must complete the “How To Enter” before making any extra entries. Make sure you leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one.

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter, Follow my blog on GFC, Follow on tumblr, Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry for each    one)
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified (3 entries)
4. Blog, Tweet, or send a message on FB and leave a link here (1 entry per day)
5. Follow Nohi Kids on Twitter 
6. Become a Nohi Kids Facebook fan
7. Leave a comment on the Nohi Kids Facebook page with your fav item
8. Tell me a store near you (or online) where you can find Nohi Kids
9. Make a Nohi Kids purchase (get 10 entries)

This Moment

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{this moment}

A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.


Where to Begin When Wanting to Live a Eco-friendly/Non-toxic Lifestyle

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I love that my mom is my biggest supporter when it comes to our eco lifestyle. I love that she shares the info that she has learned from me to her friends and family members (even the ones who don’t want to hear it) and she stands firm, especially when children are involved. Several of her amazing friends have asked her where to begin, so I created a list that I thought I’d share with you in case there are things you don’t know about!


Phone Apps:
If you have a iPhone, download the following free apps: GoodGuide and Healthy Child, Healthy World. They make shopping soooo much easier! The GoodGuide is just starting, so once they build up, it will be awesome. You will be able to scan barcodes at the store to check the safety rating!! Healthy Child, Healthy World has an amazing pocket guide with Safer Plastics, Eat Healthy, Safer Baby Gear, Safer Sunscreen, Safer Baby Food, Safer Cleaning, Safer Repellents, Safer Formula, Baby Body Care, Personal Care, and Easy Steps.

The Beginning:
  • The best first step into eco living is to check out the EWG SKin Deep and test a few personal care items you have or your child has. This will make you want to learn more!

  • Healthy Stuff tests toys, pet products, kid products, home goods, car stuff, and more for hazardous chemicals and also has some great info:

  • If you are shopping online, you can also use the GoodGuide. They score 1-10, 10 being the safest. My advise is to avoid anything under a 7 or 8.


Learning the basics:
My TOP Favorite Eco Companies. (I love many other companies, but I can’t list them all and all categories.)


Personal Care:
Toys:
Organic Clothes:

If you are eco, what are some of your favorite companies? There are so many other amazing companies!!

How Low Can You Go? GIVEAWAY

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This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered! Congrats to Itsme for winning!


My eye opening experience about toxic chemicals in personal products was when I was challenged to look up E’s shampoo on the EWG Skin Deep website. When I saw that the hospital recommended brand scored a 4 (a moderate hazard/health concern) and contained neurotoxins, hormone disruptors, allergins, and could cause organ system toxicity, I decided it was time to make a change.

Some people might say that moderate health concern products are no big deal and that some people are just overreacting. But, when you add up all of the moderate health hazard products, your body is swarming with potential toxic, organ altering chemicals. Children can’t break down the chemicals as fast as adults, so it’s even more critical to buy them pure low hazard items. 

This is why I’m happy to bring you the Earth Mama “How Low Can You Go?” Challenge and giveaway! 


It’s Toxic Limbo time! Sing with us, “All around the natural world, gonna get the toxins out!” How low can YOU go when it comes to safe, natural personal care products? Take the Earth Mama How Low Can You Go Challenge to find out!

It’s a surprise for most people to learn that cosmetics are not regulated by the FDA.  Did you know that cancer-causing chemicals are commonly added to everyday products like baby shampoo and hair-straighteners?  Current research shows that these multiple low-dose chemical exposures add up to damage our health.  And, even worse, the timing of exposure at certain points in your baby’s development may have even stronger effects on their health.



Here’s the challenge:
Gather some of the most common pregnancy and baby care products you use regularly on your pregnant (or nursing) body or on your baby. (You do not need to be pregnant, anyone can participate!!) You can include shampoo, lotions, soaps, diaper cream, stretch mark oil, hemorrhoid cream, etc.  Go to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Skin Deep database and enter a product name in the search field (for example, Angel Baby Shampoo Body Wash). Look for the Hazard Score for that product. The Hazard Score tells you the toxicity rating: 0 is lowest, 10 the most toxic. Click the product if you want to see specifically which ingredients add up to create that score. If your product isn’t listed, ask yourself why.  Is there something in the ingredients list that the company might not want you to see?  If your product isn’t listed, you can enter individual ingredients to check their toxicity rating.
Add up the Skin Deep toxicity rating for all the personal care products that you use on a daily basis on your pregnant or nursing body, or on your baby, to find out what your score is. Then answer these questions.
1. What was your Skin Deep toxicity rating score?
2. Were you surprised with the score and/or ingredients?
3. What would you like your score to be?
Here is our list and scores:
Me- even though I’m not pregnant, I wanted to know my score:
Juice Beauty Organic Facial Wash (facial cleanser) 2
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Powder (acne treatment) 3
Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter 0
Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash 0
Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Baby Bottom Balm 0
Earth Mama Angel Baby Earth Mama Body Butter 0
Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray 1
Skin Free Whipped Tamanu Butter 1
Auromere Toothpaste- all 0’s
Skin Free Deodorant- all 0’s 
Honeybee Gardens JobaColors Eye Liner 1

John Masters Shampoo 2
Total: 10


E:
Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash 0
Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel (baby toothpaste) 2
Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Baby Bottom Balm 0
Total: 2


I am happy with our scores. It took 2 years to get us this low, so if you have a high score, no worries! There are no right or wrong answers, and everyone wins when mamas are informed and empowered. The biggest surprise is how high the toxin score can be, even for products that are labeled “natural” or “organic.” The only way to lower your score is to know what to look for, and there’s a whole tricky business trying to trick busy mamas with unclear labeling. That’s why Earth Mama supports the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011.
Here’s the action and how you can make a difference!
The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 needs your support! The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 (H.R.2359) is designed to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients and that ingredients are fully disclosed. It’s pretty simple, right? Earth Mama Angel Baby is hoping you’ll use this handy action tool from our friends at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to tell your rep to close the loopholes that allow “cancer-causing chemicals in baby shampoo, hormone disruptors in fragrance and lead in lipstick.”
Enter to Win the Prize!
Visit any participating blogging mama’s website and complete the following steps to be entered to win Earth Mama’s A Little Something for Baby, filled with zero toxin essentials for an angel on the go. This is a fabulous gift set that is great for baby showers, traveling, and even moms can enjoy some of the products, I know I do!


One winner on each participating blog will receive: 

A Little Something For Baby Includes:

Giveaway ends Aug. 31, 2011 11:59 p.m. EST. 
Make sure you do #1 before getting any extra entries!! 

  1. Take the How Low Can You Go challenge and leave your score in a comment. (1 entry) If you list the products with their score (like I did above) you can get 5 extra entries. 
  2. Use the Action Tool to contact your representative  (5 entries)
  3. Share your score on Earth Mama’s Facebook page, on Twitter with @EarthMamaHQ, on the Mkokopelli FB page, on Twitter using @Mkokopelli. Make sure you link to the How Low Can You Go post and leave a comment with the link to the shout out. Please leave a separate comment for each entry! 

Also keep in mind that the Skin Deep scores change as products are reformulated and new data emerges, so they are not fixed.  We recommend you visit the database often and sign up Campaign for Safe Cosmetics email updates on their Get Involved page.

HABA 2011 Educational Fun

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E began homeschool this week, which has been loads of fun! I have been preschool homeschooling her for the past 2 years without any structure, but this year she is started kindergarten, with some 1st grade stuff mixed in. 

Now I’ve been in search of some fun manipulatives and came across the awesome press release of HABA’s  2011 line. I thought some of these were amazing, so I had to share my favorites! 

These are all great for 3+ (though the first game might need supervision) and can be used in various ways. I love toys that can grow with a child so they are able to play and learn on their own. 

 Animal Upon Animal Balancing Bridge • $36 

Flamingo, giraffe, panther, bat and iguana start the adventure of their lives when they set off on a big journey. But there is a wobbly, hanging bridge leading over the four valleys they must cross. Luckily, the strong crocodile helps. Each player gets their secret stacking assignments. Your task is to pile the wooden animals shown on your assignment cards on the hanging bridge being sure the designated ones touch each at some point. Whoever proves to be the most skillful will accomplish the assignments first and win the game. A stacking game with animals for 2 – 4 Players. Recommended for ages 5 – 99 

Bambini First Counting Fun Beads • $22 
Besides helping toddlers to develop hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills, this colorful and fun threading toy teaches early number recognition. Contains: 10 numbered, wooden beads with number on one side and corresponding number of pictures on the other side, 1 threader and a cord. Made in Germany. Recommended for ages 3+. 

Building Blocks First Number Fun • $35 
Whether building towers or doing first arithmetic these building blocks offer both possibilities. Two cubes can be written on with chalk – the solution of a problem for example. Ideal for becoming immersed in the world of mathematics and numbers. Numbers or arithmetical operations are printed on each side. Contains: 15 cubes (2 of which can be written on), 2 pieces of chalk and 1 sponge cloth). Recommended for ages 2 – 6. 

 Building Blocks First Letter Fun • $58 
Discovering letters while constructing is no problem with these building blocks. They even allow words to grow vertically. Four dice can be written on with the included chalk so that longer words may be constructed. Ideal for exploring the universe of words. A letter printed on each side of the cube. Contains: 30 cubes (4 of which can be written on), 2 pieces of chalk and 1 sponge cloth). Recommended for ages 2 – 6. 
You can buy all 4 sets at Maukilo, which is owned and operated by HABA. 



HABA is known for their sustainable wooden products, usually beechwood, with non-toxic water based stains that are made in Germany. Maulkilo also has thousands of other amazing toys and brands. 


What are some of your favorite educational toys?

This Moment

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{this moment}

A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.


Hello Sugar

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I made it!! My 100 day 15 g a day sugar challenge kicked me in the tushy, but luckily I changed some things and made it! 
 
Biggest impact: I lost 13 pounds!! Granted, I dropped most of the weight in the first month, but I didn’t gain it back. This has been great. Now I need to exercise on top of keeping the sugar low and hopefully the results will be even better! I’d love to hear some exercise tips in this heat! I haven’t felt like doing anything!
 
But back to the changes…
 
For starters my taste buds have completely changed!! I tasted sweet tea today and could barely drink it! Speaking of teas… I have never liked herbal teas. I have some Earth Mama Angel Baby teas around the house and thought I’d have a cup of the Organic Monthly Comfort Tea to help ease some cramps, and I loved it! Now, I tried the same tea last year and it wasn’t my thing. So I then tried the Organic Peaceful Mama Tea and it was wonderful! Might I say, I added no sugar or even honey and they were delicious. I was stoked that I can now switch to caffeine free teas when I’m ready to kick that from my diet… because it’s coming soon.
 
Another thing that has changed is how I view food. I want to eat healthier because of this. I am label reading even crazier than before. I’ve found all sorts of nasty ingredients hiding in things- especially MSG. I think it’s trying to make a come back, so beware.
 
I have loved our weekly fruit pops and will continue to do these for our deserts. They are 100% fruit, smashed, frozen, and sometimes mixed with plain yogurt.
 
So on my 101 day to celebrate I had to make this:
I didn’t even count the sugar… If you want the recipe for the Organic Banana Pudding, check out my Tumblr page! I try and post recipes for pops or other goodies on there. Or you can follow me on Pinterest where I post them as well. If you need a invite, email me.
 
I was asked a lot if I’d go back to sugar once this was over, and honestly I doubt it. I think I will as a treat every now and then, but I’ve really enjoyed learning other flavors. I feel healthier and hope to continue this journey.
 
Hope everyone has had a wonderful week!
 
 

 

This Moment

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{this moment}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.