I want to spend this week talking about some great Earth Day books for children and adults. I’ve had the pleasure to read some new amazing books over the past couple of weeks. I had high hopes of getting through 4 novels at the beach last week, but became a little distracted when I saw Ella run and jump into the 40 degree ocean. Gotta love little ones!

I was very excited to receive the newest edition to Little Green Books, I Can Save The Ocean- The Little Green Monster Cleans Up The Beach. This was perfect to read before we went to the beach and while we were there. Ella saw some trash while we were walking and wanted to throw it away just like the Max- the little green monster. I love how even preschoolers can pick up on the Little Green Books concepts!
This beautifully illustrated hardback book is about Max the adorable fuzzy green monster who loves to go to the ocean. At first, Max didn’t like to clean up after himself and left his trash on the beach. Then one day he went to explore the tide pools and saw lots of pollution. Max realized the trash made the ocean ugly, so he decided to help clean up the beaches. Max then started to spread the message to everyone that we need to make an effort to keep the ocean clean! When Max returned from his beach trip, he learned all of the things he can do from home to help keep the ocean beautiful. This is a wonderful journey for your child to go on before a trip to the ocean or just for reading enjoyment. These are simple concepts that truly make a hug difference!

The end of the book has a list of new words your child and Max have learned by the book. Each new word has a simple description that your child will easily understand. Here is an example for biodegradable: “Things like vegetables and paper that decompose naturally and will not harm the environment.”

All of the Little Green Books are printed on 100% recycled paper and printed with vibrant 100% vegetable based inks to help do their part in helping our environment. You can get I Can Save The Ocean at Simon & Schuster for $6.99.

The Giveaway: Little Green Books would like to give 4 readers a copy of I Can Save The Ocean

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST May 10, 2010 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 only to the US

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Follow Mkokopelli on Networked Blogs, Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog (1 each)
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
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (1 entry per day)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 entry total)
6. Go to Little Green Books and tell me a Green Tip, a Glossary term, or something that you learned
7. Become a Fan of Simon and Schuster on Facebook
8. Subscribe to the Little Green Blog RSS Feed
9. Tell me your favorite Little Green Web Game
10. Grab my button and post on your blog, Facebook page, or myspace page and link back in a comment

New disclaimer: I was sent this item to review from Little Green Books. This in NO way changes my opinions about the products or company. These are my thoughts, opinions and results.

We are headed back to the beach until Sunday for my big b-day 3-0 relaxation getaway/bash/cry fest. Hopefully I will have a internet connection and will be able to share some awesome reviews/giveaways while being away! But, just in case what happens like last week, I wanted to give you a heads up. Plus, I also have 3 novels to get through to tell you about for my Earth Day Eco-book week on the 12th. I’m VERY excited about these and can’t wait to be sitting in the sand while finishing them.

But back to the whole birthday thing… I’m a big birthday person. I even celebrate 1/2 b-days. I usually start a countdown after Christmas because I love celebrating so much. But this year, I’m not feeling it. I started the dreaded count down 3 weeks ago when it hit me it was so close- thanks to a dear friend who had to rub it in! You know who you are!!

I have loved being in my 20’s. Not to mention, I’m the youngest out of my friends which has always kept me the baby. But you can’t say you are the baby when you are 30! I love that you are still somewhat a young adult in your 20’s- not quite yet into the full adult stage. You find yourself in your 20’s. You get an idea with where you want to go and you start the journey to get there. And I haven’t accomplished half of the things I wanted to begin by 30- other than my beautiful daughter. And I’ve also always said I’d never have children past 30- so I can either have a baby this year, forget what I’ve said my whole life, or fight internal clocks and be happy with just one.

I’m just now starting to figure things out and I want more time. I want more time to say I’m still a 20-something. And yes, I’ve heard the 30’s are the new 20’s. But you know, it doesn’t make it any easier. In 2 days (oh man) I will no longer be 20 and will never be again. 😦 Maybe the 30’s will hold great things. But from what I’ve learned so far, it gets harder and harder every year that you age. So from this point on, I will no longer be celebrating my birthday. April 7th I will be celebrating the 9th anniversary of my 21st birthday. 🙂

Thanks for listening to my pity party. I will most definitely get over it once I hear the crashing waves, my best friends are by my side, I get to eat my favorite food, and I spend the day in the sun having fun. I now feel guilty for even moaning after reading that last sentence!

Hope everyone enjoyed spending the day with your families, had great egg hunts, and the bunny was good to your kiddos!

When I was asked to review the awesome KidsCraft Creative Cottage I was wondering where I was going to put a playhouse that is 42.25″L x 39.5″W x 54″H. My mom wasn’t thrilled with the idea since we are showing our house. But, it was TOO cute to pass down. And now that we’ve had it for 3 weeks, I highly recommend that everyone with small children purchase one!

The day after I sprained my ankle our Creative Cottage arrived. A friend needed me to watch her daughter last minute, so I called over my neighbor to help put the cottage together. It took all of 5 minutes to build. The sides easily slid into one another. Basically all you have to do is follow directions and fold the creases. The Creative Cottage kept the girls busy for 3 hours! I have never known any toy to keep both of them occupied- without fighting- for so long. They first role played that Ella was the princess and her friend was the dragon. They then brought her kitchen set into the house and played tea party. They even got pillows and blankets and had a short rest. I was able to sit with my ankle elevated while listening to them play. It was amazing!! You don’t need a TV to be a babysitter when you have a KidsCraft Playhouse. (You know when you are sick, you’ve done it too!) My mom also has loved it since I can easily stash kid toys inside if someone is coming to look at the house!

Since this wonderful day, Ella has enjoyed playing in her Creative Cottage by herself for hours. She has a flash light that she likes to shine inside. She also brings her kitchen stuff and dolls in. I love how creative your child can be with just a basic box. I’ve let her play in cardboard boxes, but they aren’t as durable. And it’s hard to cut a decent door and window. This has allowed her imagination (and mine) to flow! Today Ella found her Easter basket in her Cottage. 🙂I had great ideas of painting the house. I wanted it to look designer and paint flowers and windows sills. I put the first coat of paint on and the next day Ella took a crayon to it. But, it’s hers, so I’m not upset. I’m still deciding what to now do with decorating. I know I want to get glow in the dark stars for the inside and maybe glow paint since she likes to have the flash light inside. Still up in the air. But there are so many possibilities. You can see some amazing designs on the KidsCraft Facebook page.

The Creative Cottage is made out of 100% recycled cardboard material. It’s sturdy and easy to take apart and build. 4 children Ella’s size can easily fit into the playhouse. It has a functional front door, 5 windows, a sun cut out, mail slot, and chimney. You can get The Creative Cottage for $59.95.

KidsCraft Playhouses also has an amazing Shuttle Playhouse for $69.95 for your future astronauts. The Shuttle also can fit 2-3 children and from what I’ve heard, it’s just as easy to put together.

The Giveaway: KidsCraft Playhouses would like to offer 1 LUCKY reader a Creative Cottage or Shuttle Playhouse!!
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST May 10, 2010 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 the US

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Follow Mkokopelli on Networked Blogs, Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog (1 each)
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
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (1 entry per day)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 entry total)
6. Become a Fan of KidsCraft Playhouses on Facebook
7. Follow KidsCraft Playhouses on Twitter
8. Tell me what you would pick if you won
9. Sign up for the KidsCraft Playhouses Blog emails
10. Grab my button and post on your blog, Facebook page, or myspace page and link back in a comment

New disclaimer: I was sent this item to review from KidsCraft Playhouses. This in NO way changes my opinions about the products or company. These are my thoughts, opinions and results.

So Spring has officially sprung and I’m loving every minute of it… well, besides the pollen. Now that the weather is warmer and the bugs aren’t out quite yet, it’s the perfect time to spend with nature. I love to hike or take long walks but hate to carry a water bottle in my hand. I’ve read rave reviews about Earthlust bottles, which come with hook tops, and I was fortunate enough to get to review 2!

Earthlust bottles are made with 100% stainless steel. They range from $16-$24, and are well worth the price. I looked around and found a set of 5 aluminum bottles valued at $22. Most people would opt for the multiple cheaper bottles thinking that they both are eco-friendly and still an alternative for plastic. But, what many people don’t know is that aluminum needs to be protected from beverage erosion with a lining. Companies use epoxy resins to line the bottles (or cans) which commonly contain BPA. I’m sure you all are aware of the dangers of BPA, but I will name a few health concerns directly being linked: ADD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, diabetes, obesity, cancer, hormone disruption, and infertility. It’s so easy for people to turn their shoulders to this danger because BPA can’t be seen or truly tasted. Even though I have to say a bottled beverage or sauce tastes a million times better than a canned one. But BPA is a major threat- especially to our children. Luckily, there are stainless steel bottles like Earthlust that need NO linings and they keep your beverage pure.

Earthlust also has limited edition art work on each bottle. They are custom designed and are printed with non-toxic inks. The cap is made with #5 plastic- polypropylene which is BPA, phthalate, and PVC free. You can download the product test results here.

What I love about Earthlust bottles is the clip on the top. Here is my model showing off our new bottles:She obviously approves. We received the 1 Liter Silver Crow and 20 Oz. Swallow bottles. The Silver Crow bottle is too large to fit into a pocket in my new Dandelion tote, but it hooks perfectly to the key ring and the bottom of my backpack. The Swallow bottle is perfect to attach to your belt loop and it fits in cup pouches on bags.

Earthlust also carries a 13 oz bottle which is great for toddlers. Sport tops are available instead of the hooks if you prefer that over drinking directly out of the bottle. Next Fall I am going to have to get the Insulated Mug to keep my coffee in! It looks amazing. You can find other various eco-friendly related products at Earthlust and be on the look out for their new birds&bees line!

The Giveaway: Earthlust would like to give 1 lucky winner a 20 Oz. bottle of their choice!! Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST May 10, 2010 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 the US and Canada!

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Follow Mkokopelli on Networked Blogs, Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog (1 each)
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
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (1 entry per day)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 entry total)
6. Become a Fan of Earthlust on Facebook
7. Tell me where you can find Earthlust bottles in a store near you
8. Tell me something you learned about Earthlust as a company
9. Visit the Earthlust library and tell me something you learned
10. Grab my button and post on your blog, Facebook page, or myspace page and link back in a comment

New disclaimer: I was sent these items to review from Earthlust. This in NO way changes my opinions about the products or company. These are my thoughts, opinions and results.

I’ve heard about solar chargers but have never looked into them because I figured they would be expensive. That is until I was introduced to Budget Gadgets. They are a huge gadget store run from Shenzhen, China with the lowest prices available. Plus free shipping! It took about 2 weeks for me to get the product, but it was worth the wait. Especially since it was free shipping.

Budget Gadgets has 55 solar powered toys, chargers, flash lights, calculators, watches, lights and more! Their prices range from $1-$41. I was able to review their 7 in 1 Solar Power Charger for Cellphone/Digital Camera/PDA/MP3/iPod.
The Solar Charger description:

• Four phone connector Compliant with Four brandname cellphones ((standard configuration:Nokia, N70, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, model 3511 to Female Socket Connector & mini USB5pin 6 adaptors))

• Could also recharge Digital Camera, PDA, MP3, MP4 (The battery capacity under 1200mAH)

• Solar Power Converts efficiency is more that 15%

• The built-in high capacity rechargeable polymer lithium ion battery: 1600mah

• Charging time: Around 60 minutes(Depends on the different kinds of cellphones)

• The time needed to charge the built-in battery of solar charger is 10-15 hours with solar energy or about 5 hours via PC or AC adapter

The Solar Charger didn’t fit my phone, but Budget Gadgets is looking into finding one that will work with my cell. I was able to try the charger on my mom’s camera and my Ipod. It worked really well. It’s been cloudy and raining since I got the Solar Charger, but I did have 1 day to play with it in the sun. You can get the Solar Charger for only $18.24!! And if you order more than 1 you get a 10-19% discount!

You can get 5% off at the entire Budget Gadgets site by entering MM5OFF21 at the checkout.

This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered!
The great thing about becoming friends with companies on Facebook is getting to meet new people. If it weren’t for Dandelion’s post asking where to find their products in a town near you, I would have never found My Baby’s Green! My Baby’s Green is a family owned e-commerce business that is run from Charlotte, NC. I was very excited to meet another mom in Charlotte who shares the same values. My Baby’s Green just opened in January, so they are a growing site.

My Baby’s Green carries eco-friendly baby and toddler essentials, bath & body, cloth diapers, clothing, shoes, bags, lunch ware, and green toys. They have TONS of PlanToys and even the 2009 award winning Green Dollhouse– complete with recycling bins!You can also find lots of non-toxic teething toys and organic plush dolls. This would be great for Easter!
Their Earth Friendly Living category is filled with eco-lunch bags, corn feeding ware, snack bags, stainless steel bottles, diaper bags, messenger bags, and totes. These are great for anyone! Especially if you bring your lunch to work.

You know my bag obsession and since I met My Baby’s Green via Dandelion, I was sent their Canvas Tote Bag to review.This bag is sooo me! It is made with 100% organic canvas and has Peace Love Organic written on the front which is the message I try to preach! It has 2 large inside pockets that close with buttons, 2 side drink pockets, a large pocket with 2 buttons on the front, and the back of the bag is a large opening. It also has a key ring holder on the inside which in my opinion the best feature!! I always get my keys lost in the pockets since I pack so much junk in my bags. The only thing I would change would be to add a zipper to one of the pockets. But, it’s perfect in every other way! The rope handles are thick and won’t fray. This is a high quality bag that will hold up for years. You can get the bag at My Baby’s Green for $54.95. This bag is well worth the price!

Discount: You can get 20% off your first order at My Baby’s Green by entering special20 at the checkout!!

The Giveaway: My Baby’s Green would like to give 1 lucky winner a $40 gift certificate to their site!

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST April 14, 2010 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 the US and Canada!

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Follow Mkokopelli on Networked Blogs, Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog (1 each)
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
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (1 entry per day)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 entry total)
6. Become a Fan of My Baby’s Green on Facebook
7. Follow the My Baby’s Green Blog (bottom of the page)
8. Follow My Baby’s Green on tumblr
9. Follow My Baby’s Green on Twitter
10. Grab my button and post on your blog, Facebook page, or myspace page and link back in a comment

New disclaimer: I was sent this to review from My Baby’s Green. This in NO way changes my opinions about the products or company. These are my thoughts, opinions and results.

Just wanted to remind you about this AMAZING offer Franklin Goose has going on until March 31, 2010. I got a credit of $280 and have placed my order!
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In an effort to promote Franklin Goose and get more reviews on the products they carry in their e-commerce store, they are offering $5 in store credit for each product review you write. You can write as many reviews as you like as long as you have tried the product!!

Congrats to tree for winning the Seventh Generation Disinfectant Line!!

Congrats to Laureen for winning the Earth Mama Angel Baby Mint Herbal Lip Balm and Bath Blossoms!!

Congrats to Wanda, Lori A., and Francine for winning the Planet One Gifts Divine Chocolate Coins Imported from Netherlands!!

Thanks to everyone that entered!!! Be sure to enter the current giveaways:

• ecojot 5×7 and 6×9 Journals Ends 3/26
• Putumayo Rhythm & Blues CD Ends 3/27
• Moonrise Jewelry $25 GC Ends 4/2
• Elegant Roots $50 GC Ends 4/12