a new project w/ seventh generation (#fighttoxins)

Sharing some exciting news today: I'm teaming up with Seventh Generation over the next few months to help spread the word about their Toxin Freedom Fighter Campaign! 

 

Here's a crazy, eye-opening statistic for you:

More than 80,000 chemicals available in the United States have never been 

fully tested for their toxic effects on our health and environment. 

And according to the National Resources Defense Council, our main chemical safety law (which is 37 years old, by the way) -- the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) -- makes it virtually impossible for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action against dangerous chemicals. So dangerous, in fact, that some of those very chemicals are known to cause cancer (and other serious health issues).

Here's the GOOD news: Seventh Generation, which has spent the last 25 years creating a healthy home by delivering plant derived products using bio-based ingredients, is taking a stand on the issue. Here's where YOU can have a hand in real change. The Toxin Freedom Fighters Campaign is collecting signatures (with a goal of 100,000) and headed to Congress on April 30, 2014. The signatures will strengthen the movement behind chemical reform and will demand that decision-makers change the necessary laws. 

Simply put, we deserve better. And by signing this petition, Seventh Generation is giving us a voice.

I'm really thrilled to be working on this campaign with Seventh Generation. I've long been a fan of their products (especially since becoming a parent), but additionally, I love that this is a large company with heart. A company that believes in making a difference. A company that is committed to our earth, our health and a toxin-free life. And they're willing to fight for it. 

Join me in spreading the word about the Toxin Freedom Fighters Campaign. You can sign the petition and spread the word HERE. I'll be sharing posts, a Pinterest board and tweeting about all things Seventh Generation periodically over the next few months, so be on the lookout.




Disclosure: Compensation and product has been provided to me by Seventh Generation, but all opinions expressed, as always, are my own.

a day trip to beacon & brooklyn

I turned 36 last weekend. *Gulp.*

Instead of pondering the number and what I've done so far, what I'd like to do, and the feeling that time's a wastin'... I'll just say that at 36 there is much to be grateful for, and it starts and ends with family and friends. 

I spent the weekend celebrating -- on Friday night, our family of 4 went out for sushi. It was the girls first time with chopsticks, and while it was a little comical to watch them maneuver their beginner sets, they did a lot better than I was expecting! Too funny.

On Saturday, my actual birthday, I slept in for a bit (the best present ever) and we hopped in our car for a quick trip up the Hudson to the Dia: Beacon in Beacon, NY (though we recently got a car, this trip is easily doable by Metro North). I've heard about the Dia for years but this was our first visit, and luckily the weather was perfect for a day out of the city. The contemporary art collection, located in a former Nabisco box printing factory, houses some pretty impressive works by Andy Warhol, Richard Serra and Blinky Palermo (the name alone makes me an instant fan).

The space is enormous, and we had a blast just roaming around the halls checking out the collections (please note: I snuck the photos with my iPhone as cameras are forbidden indoors. And yes, I'm still feeling guilty about it!) There is a cafe inside the Dia where you can eat before heading back to the train (in walking distance of the museum), but we opted to drive up to Main Street to check out the town a little and have lunch. We found Homespun Foods after reading about it online, and I have to say it didn't disappoint -- the only drawback being the crowd in the restaurant... hence those good reviews! 

Such a perfect day. 

On Sunday, I headed out for another day trip - Williamsburg! - to check out the Brooklyn Flea with friends and a yummy brunch afterwards at southern-themed Extra Fancy (I owned my SC roots and got the shrimp and grits... so good!). I have to admit I don't get to Brooklyn very often, and when I do, I honestly feel like I'm a tourist walking around. Sad but true. Much like the Dia, I'd been hearing about the Flea for a while and was curious to check it out. The vendors ranged from the hip and cool to straight-out-of-someone's-basement, but we had fun just walking around and taking it all in. And I bought myself a little birthday gift: this vintage necklace (pictured below). Love!

Best of all? Hanging out with friends, who I don't see nearly as often as I'd like. Yup, 36 is starting off alright.

a day in the park with stork sak (and a giveaway!)

I hate to jinx it, but I think spring may be in the air?! I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway. We spent a day in Central Park over the weekend and soaked up every last bit of the sun... the girls were so happy they hardly knew what to do with themselves. Here's hoping this warming trend continues...

 Our day in the park was also a perfect opportunity to use my new Stork Sak diaper bag. I'm loving my new "Bobby" -- Not only does it look great and isn't so obviously a diaper bag (always a plus), it's roomy with plenty of space for a day out. While the space and pockets are great, I also love that it's a lightweight material, so you don't feel like you're lugging around a suitcase all day. And here's one of my favorite parts... it comes with a matching insulated snack bag! So handy and perfect for our day's snacks. Lastly, I like that there are several ways to wear the bag, depending on what -- or who! -- else you are managing at the moment.

And not that I'm trying to rush forward in time, but I'm excited about the fact that this design can easily translate to a weekend bag after we're officially out of the diaper zone. "Bobby" and I have really hit it off, and I see us having a long relationship ahead... hee hee.

Fun news: I've teamed up with Storksak to give a "Bobby" bag away to one lucky reader (winner will choose color)! Check out the following (easy) ways to enter this giveaway on Rafflecopter. US residents only, please. I'll draw a winner next Wednesday (3/19). Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I was given a StorkSak bag for the purposes of this review (and a second one for a giveaway). All opinions expressed herein are my own.

a long winter in nyc... good thing there's plenty to do

Want the good news or the bad news first?

Okay, bad news: it's March, and winter is still going strong here in NYC. Snow falls about once a week, the wind and cold are thoroughly depressing and it takes an hour to get out of the house with small children (hats, shoes, snow pants, gloves... you know the drill). I think I speak for most of the country when I say we are ALL DONE WITH WINTER.

Snow... snow... and more snow.

Now to the good news. There is SO much to do in NYC with kids, and you can be kept occupied easily on the weekends without everyone in the family succumbing to cabin fever... and thank goodness for that! While Husband was out of town, I did my best to keep us all entertained. Here's a roundup of some of our activities:

Kidrockers at NYU's Skirball Center
The Big Red Chair Family series has joined together with Kidrockers and The Skirball Center at NYU to present a series of concerts that both adults and children will love. We had such a blast listening to two bands, Caveman and The Pizza Underground (the latter is a Velvet Underground tribute band dedicated to pizza. Incidentally, Macaulay Culkin is a member... only in NYC, people!). The Skirball Center is a beautiful venue, too, and right off of Washington Square Park.

The next show, which features Adam Green and San Fermin, will take place on March 29th. Tickets and more info can be found HERE. While the age recommendation is 3-13, Vivian at age 2 was rockin' in her seat!

Angelina Ballerina, the Musical
Not sure this one needs further explanation! If you have a little girl that fancies herself a dancer and wishes she could attend Camembert Academy, then this is the show for you. The Vital Theatre, on the Upper West Side, is convenient to get to and the show is the perfect amount of time without being too long for kids to start getting antsy. It's upbeat and charming, and the cast even comes out after the show so kids can get autographs. Really cute! Ticket and show information can be found HERE.

Yes, this is the best I could do in terms of photos that day.

"Bessie's Big Shot" at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Once again, the City Parks Foundation and its amazing puppeteers are putting on a charming show in Central Park's Swedish Cottage. I'm a big fan of the theatre (just love the history behind the building and the peaceful, "hidden away" aspect, right in the middle of NYC), and the storyline of "Bessie" is really heartwarming. Girls loved it! Tickets and more info can be found HERE.

I just realized that my children are in full winter gear in every photo. Ugh. Bring on spring!! In the meantime, have fun taking advantage of all this city has to offer (hint: it's a TON.)