Speesees is a fabulous organic and fair trade children’s line, with their factory located in San Fransisco. They carry fun clothes, toys, accessories, blankets, towels and more. Their cotton is 100% organic, which means no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used in its cultivation. Speesees fabrics are treated with low-impact + herbal dyes, prints are made with pigments/pvc-free plastisols and they skip the formaldehyde and dioxin all together. There will be an awesome giveaway coming up in September, so stay tuned. But until then, get some Fall shopping done and get 20% off at Speesees by entering thankyou at the checkout. Feel free to order Ella the Eliza Jane dress in a size 3 or any other clothes! 🙂


I’m going to leave you with several quotes from the Speesees catalog that I loved!
“Each step of the journey is the journey.” – Zen saying
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -Lucille Ball
“A better world has gotta start somewhere. Why not start with you & me.” – Tom Robbins
“I think that maybe if children were in charge we would get somewhere.” – James Thurber

This has been a crazy week, especially since E is cutting her last 2 molars and the word brat can’t begin to describe her. But, I just read a story on Focus Organic, which made me remember a topic I wanted to talk about. I was watching our local news this week when I heard the headline, “Organic Study Shows Organic isn’t any Healthier.” I got a bit hacked off by the headline and did some research online. Not any better.
First of all, the “major” study that was done by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine didn’t even look at pesticides in the products they tested or look at the environmental impact of organic farming practices! HELLO!!! That would be the main reason we switched to organic foods. A peach is a peach. Whether it’s grown with or without pesticides. I didn’t think there would be any nutritional difference between the two. The study said, “What it shows is that there is little, if any, nutritional difference between organic and conventionally produced food and that there is no evidence of additional health benefits from eating organic food.”
No additional health benefits? But, the study also added, “Also, there is not sufficient research on the long-term effects of pesticides on human health.” Well, maybe they should have done research on that before they make headlines informing people that it’s not healthier to eat organic foods!
I didn’t eat organic foods until my daughter started eating table food. No, I wasn’t a super mom that made her own baby food. I did buy her organic purees and felt confident in that choice. But after I started eating organic, I started to lose weight. In the past year I’ve lost almost 30 pounds! No, I haven’t done anything different other than that. But what made me decide on going organic was the thought of eating chemicals. Think of it this way- would you spray bleach on your veggies before eating them every day and think it’s safe?
I looked up cancer on an internet search and this is what I found, “Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells.^[4] These abnormalities may be due to the effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, or infectious agents.” Notice the word chemicals! Aren’t pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, growth promoters and PCBs all chemicals? 7.6 million people worldwide died of cancer in 2007. Is anyone else thinking it might have something to do with the chemicals in our food?
Until numerous studies are done saying that chemicals used in growing food is safe, I will still be buying organic. I advise anyone who wants to make a important choice, do their research and not rely on headlines. I have found the Harris Teeter line of organic foods are the same price as name brands and taste much better.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

I’ve teamed up with Best Baby Organics once again to host a dual giveaway for a Bamboo Belly Bandit! We will combine our entries for 1 lucky winner!
This Eco-friendly bamboo post-pregnancy Belly Bandit helps tighten and shrink your tummy back to your pre-pregnancy shape! The Belly Bandit post-pregnancy abdominal binder is a seamless 9″ elastic band designed to apply pressure to the abdominal area after delivery.The Belly Bandit provides support and compression to abdominal muscles while preserving its shape and durability. It compresses the portion of the body it’s wrapped around, forcing the lower back to straighten and taking tension off this area. By constricting the abdomen, the Belly Bandit provides better support and more confidence for the new mom recovering from her obstetrical experience. You should see results within 4-6 weeks!

How to Enter: Simply visit Best Baby Organics web-store and find three maternity, post-pregnancy, or baby products you like the most and then leave a comment listing the three items. Don’t forget to list your email address as well, otherwise we can’t contact you in case you win.

Rules:

1. One winner will be randomly selected by random.org
   
2. The deadline to enter is August 31st, 2009 Midnight EST. Winner will be announced on September 1st, 2009
   
3. The winner will be able to choose size and color of the Belly Bandit Band. If we don’t hear from you within 7 days to claim your giveaway another winner will be chosen.
   

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, Mkokopelli on Twitter or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to Mkokopelli by email (on the right sidebar)
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one
6. Subscribe to Best Baby Organics (on left sidebar)
7. Subscribe to the Best Baby Organics Blog

Jessilyn82 said… CommentsCounter=CommentsCounter+1; document.write(CommentsCounter) 214

Signed up for the kokopax newsletter

July 26, 2009 9:27 PM

Congrats! And a BIG thank you to Kokopax! You can still get 10% off at Kokopax by entering mk2009 at the checkout!

Looking for fun, fabulous and functional things for babies and parents? Check out Kangaroodle and get 15% off by entering Mkokopelli at the checkout. They have over 2,000 products varying from clothes to bed-bath- and diapering. They have a great organic line of blankets, bibs, burp cloths, clothes and more!

This contest has ended. Thanks to all that entered!

What better way to show love to your grandparents or your child’s grandparents than by giving them a Eco-friendly personalized charm??? I am in LOVE with The Pretty Peacock and won a very special necklace from them a month ago thanks to Sandier Pastures. Ella means “beautiful fairy woman,” so this couldn’t be a more perfect necklace for me. I’ve had tons of compliments and I couldn’t ask for a better piece of jewelry!

The Pretty Peacock has a Eco-friendly line called Good Karma. Each piece is hand made with 99.9% fine silver. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% composition. The millions of fine silver particles are actually ‘reclaimed’ silver pieces from the tech industry. Fine silver is high quality, high grade silver without the alloys that cause many people to have an allergic reactions. No mining is needed to procure fine silver which saves the planet from surface scars, loss of depleting elements and acidic by-products that leach out into our water table and soil.
The Pretty Peacock is offering one of my lucky reader’s a Circle Sparklette charm from the Good Karma collection, which would make the perfect Grandparent’s Day gift! There is still 6 more weeks until Grandparents Day, so there is plenty of time to order. The Circle Sparklette is a thick silver circle with your 8 character personalization on the back that goes along the curve. The birthstone of your choice is embedded into the ‘eye’ of the flower on the ornate pattern.The silver charm is not hollowed and the pattern is actually part of the silver and not etched. Each Circle Sparklette is sold separately, but if you have more than one child, multiple charms look great together. You can also purchase a Rolo chain necklace for only $28!

The Pretty Peacock also carries a men’s line that includes cuff links, rings, dog tags and more.

The Discount: You can make any purchase at The Pretty Peacock and get 10% off plus FREE shipping until August 17th. Just enter ELLA at the checkout. One use per customer.

The Giveaway: One reader will win a Circle Sparklette charm with their choice of birthstone and 8 character personalization.

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. August 17, 2009 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 abroad.

How to Enter: Visit The Pretty Peacock and check out their other eye catching pieces of jewelry and leave a comment about which one a special grandparent in your life would admire. 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, Mkokopelli on Twitter or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar)
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one
6. Sign up for The Pretty Peacock’s Newsletter
7. Go to The Pretty Peacock and tell me something you learned… there is some cool info in the FAQ section

I’m in love with Green Volcanic Clay! Atlantis Natural sent me a bottle to try and I’m more than impressed. When I was pregnant my face broke out like never before. Ever since then, I’ve had teenage acne and little white spots under my eyes. The Green Volcanic Clay has gotten rid of my white spots and is totally clearing up my skin. You put the Clay on like a mask and rub off any excess clay. You leave the mask on over night and you won’t believe the results when you wake up! Green Volcanic Clay isn’t just for acne. It helps heal wounds, cuts, and injured tissues with external application faster, and with far less scar tissue. It’s especially recommended for someone who is undergoing surgery. I was waiting to get a scratch just to try it out and it only took a day before my cat scratched me. The Green Volcanic Clay didn’t burn like peroxide does and it healed in 4 days. Majority of the cat scratches I’ve had have ended up infected, but with Green Volcanic Clay– I had none.

The Green Volcanic Clay is made up of ash from volcanic lake areas and chlorophyll. It contains no preservatives, artificial colors or added chemicals. Chemical analysis show no traces of pollutants such as mercury or lead. If the Clay dries out, all you need to do is add purified water to restore it to a paste like consistency. You only need a dab for a boo boo or mask, so the bottle should last you a while. Conductivity studies have shown the Clay has a high content of negative ions beneficial to humans and other animals. It provides a natural electric charge to organs promoting regeneration. So the Clay will help with inflammation, swelling, and even sinus issues. The Green Volcanic Clay is only $15.99 from Atlantis Natural and the price is a steal!

Contest has ended. Thanks to all that entered! You can still get 20% off at Nimli! Just enter SUMMER09 at the checkout
I know it’s a little bit early to start thinking about Grandparents Day, but if you want to make sure your order gets to you in time… 6 weeks will be here before you know it! I came across a very chic natural and organic site called Nimli. They have fabulous products for adults, kids and pets. Whatever your organic needs are, they can meet them. I absolutely love their kids line of clothes, shoes, blankets and furniture. But this blog is about the wonderful grandparents in our lives, so how about treating them to something special.
Nimli has amazing shawls that are great for every occasion. The Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl is very versatile and the 72X22 inch fabric can be worn in many different ways.

These are just a few ideas, but you can get more creative. The Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl is made of the finest natural fabrics of Pashmina (a type of cashmere wool made from Persian Pashm) and 30% Silk. The stylish shawl comes with fringed ends that add an extra flare. The Pashmina and Silk create a natural warmth that would be great for the Fall and Winter days or evenings. It is tightly woven, light-weight and has a elegant sheen. I love the shawl can be worn casually or it can dress up any outfit. You can get the Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl on sale at Nimli for only $34, originally $150!! Or you can enter the fabulous giveaway and take your chances. You or your grandparents will adore this shawl!

The Discount: Nimli is offering all of my readers 20% off any purchase- good until the end of the year! Just enter SUMMER09 at the checkout

The Giveaway: Nimli is offering one LUCKY reader a Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. August 14, 2009 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 only open to US residents.

How to Enter: Visit Nimli and check out their other amazing products and leave a comment about another gift you’d want to give to one of the grandparents in your life. 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, Mkokopelli on Twitter or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar)
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one
6. Sign up for Nimli’s Email Updates and join them on FB, Twitter or My Space
7. Tell me your favorite Nimli Green Discovery

Thank you to Nimli for this great giveaway! Good luck to everyone and happy shopping!

Potty Training Concepts Winner

Alicia Arnold said… CommentsCounter=CommentsCounter+1; document.write(CommentsCounter) 67

I tweeted http://twitter.com/aliciagiveaways/status/2732057797

The Laurie Berkner Band “Rocketship Run” CD Winner

furygirl3132 said… CommentsCounter=CommentsCounter+1; document.write(CommentsCounter) 11

I signed up for the Laurie Berkner Band mailing list.
My daughter loves Laurie Berkner, she has such great music and her lyrics are pretty funny, thanks so much for such a wonderful giveaway, glad she FINALLY has a new CD out!

Eloise

July 18, 2009 12:56 PM