Clean Your Indoor Air

Weather is starting to cool down, in some parts of the U.S. there has been snow!

Before you shut those windows for the cold, did you know that the EPA has named indoor air quality one of the top five environmental risks to public health? In fact, indoor air quality can be almost 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Curious as to why?

When we bring things into our home, or use certain products in the our home...the pollutants get stuck inside. We have gotten really good at making our home energy efficient, so it traps VOCs (volatile organic compounds) inside.

Want a quick easy way to help your indoor air quality?

Open the windows!

That is right, even for 10 minutes a day.

Now before you start worrying about wasting energy or freezing...you don't have to open them all the way. Even just cracking a few throughout the house can help get fresh air in...and take bad air out.

If you want to go a step further, bring in some indoor plants...such as English ivy, peace lily, Gerbera daisy or spider plant. These will help clean your indoor air.

Might I encourage you to dig even deeper?

Look at the cleaning products you are using. Many of them are giving off some pretty strong chemical smells. Those aren't healthy.

When you bring in new furniture made from particleboard there is some off-gassing (release of VOCs)of VOCs that can pollute your air.

Fresh paint, unless you used a no-VOC formula, gives them off.

Kids toys, new beddings...all these things off-gas in some way (organic/natural fabrics are safe as well as actual wood if it hasn't been treated with a harsh finish).

Scented candles, plug-ins and some fragrance oils (essential oils are not fragrance oils and are safe) pollute your air.

Now, not all of these can be avoided...they can be hard to find and out of our budgets...but opening your windows (and switching to more natural cleaning products) can make a big difference.

Are you concerned about your outdoor air quality? Head over to the AirNow, put together by the EPA, to check out current air quality.

Jacki can be found blogging about natural living, parenting and homeschooling over at Crafted by Mama. She is on Facebook and Twitter. Her shop, Crafted by Mama, sells kids clothing and a little something for mama. She recently opened her reusable item store Green Mama Shop to provide reusable, earth friendly items for home and family.

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Meet Etsy Seller eLeMeNOPkids

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop eLeMeNOPkids

eLeMeNOPkids has been selling on Etsy since May 2012, they specialize in all things KIDS! They hand paint wall letters for your child's room, and also make various educational and fun activities geared toward keeping your little one learning, and using their IMAGINATIONS through pretend play! Today they are sharing a little about their shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I was motivated to start my shop when I saw how many people loved my hand painted wall nursery letters. It expanded and grew over the past year into including more educational items for children, and I'm so grateful for the unending support I get from my customers.

What is the story behind your shop name?
Well, I was originally just painting nursery wall letters. And I knew I wanted my shop name to be something cute and "kid-y". And "LMNO-P" is kid-friendly and is all about letters, so I went with that. After a year I added the word "kids" to the end of my shop name so it could reflect what my business is all about.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
What surprises me the most is how many friends I've made online! I think I have more online friends that physical friends! I've really gotten to know a LOT of my customers, and I just can't believe the amount of support I receive--daily! It's incredible!

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favorite creations are my wooden toys. I am a Montessori-lover at heart and I love how my wooden toys encourage imaginative, yet educational invitations to play.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
It's hard to find time to add more products to my shop. I'm blessed to be busy, and I struggle with finding the balance between family and running the shop, but I'm very intentional of only working a certain number of hours a day. I don't want my little one to remember me just sitting behind my sewing machine or computer all the time.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I firmly believe play is the way children learn. It is fun for them and they can learn about themselves, the people around them, their environments, and build skills needed for the big world! Most of our toys are great for any child, and are even greater for those children who have autism, sensory problems, dyspraxia, and any other learning disability where they may need simple activities to keep them learning through play. I am inspired to create toys for those children who could benefit from having sensory toys that encourage open-ended play.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I think someone would describe me as fun-loving and creative. My husband would just call me a chatter-box.

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not working, I'm spending time with my family. They are the reason I have the honor to run my own business. My little one loves having me home with him, and my husband is amazing to work so hard so that I can stay home and do something I love. If I'm lucky enough to get a few minutes of "alone" time, you will find me taking a hot bath, reading a book, or laying on the floor playing with my puppies.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I just want to thank anyone for supporting me these past 2 years. I'm eternally grateful for all of the friends I've made through my business.

eLeMeNOPkids is offering 15% discount on all orders over $15. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYKIDS" at checkout. Valid until 14th October 2013.

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Pumpkin Harvest Party !

Fall is my favorite time of year ! The colors , The weather and the start of the holiday season . Harvests and pumpkins is what this months theme is all about . Embrace mother nature and all the amazing colors that are October and November . Set a theme with oranges, yellows, greens and browns you can even have a splash of maroon/wine red as well.

Location for this party is simple and easy outdoors and if you do not want to do the whole party outdoors for weather reasons you can do half inside and half outside . A lot of the local farms are great and set up for pumpkin picking pretty early I would call and ask if they throw birthday parties on premises.

The invites are the first thing your guests will see about your event and you should choose them with the theme and colors associated with the event . This invite from TooCuteInvites is adorable with 3 little pumpkins adorned with Glittered vines . The wording layer also has a fall inspired banner and leaves . Although they seem girly they can be done in a boy version as well .

 

Once the invites are in place its time to dress that little one ! Here are some great examples for birthday outfits and accessories. This dress from MySweetSunshine is stunning its a very stylish color block dress in  Coral, Brown and Black  perfect for any birthday girl ! She can also wear this great hair bow by CuteNCurlyBowtique made with the same color scheme ribbons with a little pumpkin in the center . Now for the little guys I love this shirt from JCoolCreations it is a little truck carrying a pumpkin and add his name for that special little detail.   

 



Now that you have decorated the little ones lets decorate the party area ! To bring the outdoors in every craft store has leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows . I would decorate with the leaf garlands and wreaths on mantles , stairways etc. Buy little wagons and fill them with pumpkins and have them displayed in the rooms as well . Table linens can be fun fall patterns in the colors we discussed before and make little napkin rings out of  ribbons and tie in one of the little leaves from the garland or packs they sell of just leaves.These Pumpkin Centerpieces from CoffeeKidsNDolls are perfect for your table scape's and you can also tie in the balloons too to make it more fun for the kiddies. This Banner from RockAByeBabyStore is so cute in Burlap fabric and chevron letters that can be made coordinating colors . If you are A DIY mom you can download this adorable printable party from

PolkaPrints has everything you need to set this event up . You just fill out the information you need and print at home or any printing shop.

Favors are your way of thanking your guests for coming to your party and to remember the special day ! I love the Burlap or Flour Sack look I would buy these pumpkin Iron-ons from Alphabulous and Iron them to a favor bag making it look even more fall fabulous. For the little favors I love these adorable pumpkin crayons from ScribblersCrayons they are the perfect size for little hands and every kid loves to color ! I would even make my own little coloring book using Kraft paper , ribbons and printable pages from the Internet . Use the Kraft paper as the front and back covers they add 4-5 coloring pages and punch holes with a full page hole puncher and tie it in with fall inspired ribbon and personalize with a great stamp or write in the childs name on the front cover ! These great pumpkin hair clips from KristinsKeepsakes are made from felt and ribbon and are so cute to hand out to your little girl guests ! Add all these Items and some candy into the bags and you have an great party favor .

 

Activities and games for this theme can be anything outdoorsy ! Set up a pumpkin patch in your yard and have the kids Pick and paint there own pumpkins. Have a harvest scavenger hunt add fall items they can collect in little baskets and they can be busy collecting them with friends as teams or on there own. Bobbing for apples is always fun and kids love anything with water involved.

 

Food is always fun and yummy this time of year . Pumpkins are EVERYWHERE as far as flavors so make mini pumpkin pies , Pumpkin cheesecakes and pumpkin dip ! Caramel apples are a must as well as apple turnovers. Make mini chicken potpies or little pumpkin shaped grilled cheeses using a pumpkin cookie cutter. Always think of the kids first some may be picky but if you make it fun I am sure they will love it.

 

I hope you enjoyed these items as much as I did putting them together for you ! Please remember when you order from EtsyKids you are supporting parents just like you . Everything is made especially for your party and as I always say if you don't see something please use the ask a question button because I am sure they will make it wok for you !

 

Here are some Amazing Coupon Codes just for you .

 

TooCuteInvites - Harvest10 for 10% off your order  expires 10/31

PolkaPrints - Harvest2013 for 15% off

Alphabulous  - Save15 for 15% off

Rockabybabystore - HARVESTROCKABYEBABY - for free domestic shipping expires 11/30

MySweetSunshine - Etsykids10 for 10% off

KristinsKeepsakes - Fall15 for 15% off

ScribblersCrayons - ETSYKIDSCRAYONS10 for 10% off of any order over $20 until the end of November

CoffeKidsNDolls - 10Free for 10% off

JCoolCreations - EKIDSJC20 for 20% off

CuteNCurlyBowtique - Etsykidsblog  for 10% off expires 10/31

 

If you are an EtsyKids Team member that has a Party/Favor/Birthday or Baby shower item store and would like me to share your items please contact me anytime !

 

 

Happy Celebrating
Xo
Adriana

Adriana's shop is Too Cute Invites, Unique handmade invitations and party accessories. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter for updates and new items

 

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Treasury Challenge #19 - Bedtime Stories

The theme for the EtsyKids Team treasury challenge #19 was "Bedtime Stories". Our team members created lots of beautiful treasuries featuring some amazing items, but the winner with 136 views is...

'The Little Red Bear Riding Over the Goodnight Moon ' by leahslittlebowtique

AUTOGRAPHED Illus. Chil... RisingStarArt $17.95	Little Red Riding Hood ... YumYumBaby $28	Whimsical Owl Painting,... nJoyArt $50	Swinging from the Moon,... FigDesignGall... $24
Custom Halloween Toy St... magicalattic $140	Bear art original paste... LaurieShanhol... $110	Stuffed Animal soft toy... baraqada $27	Blue & Green Stars and ... KatieClairesC... $22
Mini Quilt Security Bla... FrayedFuzzies $20	Little Red Riding Hood ... nenimav $45	Children Wall Decor Hed... ucuspucus $26	Fabric owl pillow, owl ... CraftaholicSh... $25
Lamb Baby Mobile - Baby... hingmade $98	Farm mobile - cow and m... LullabyMobile... $164	Rabbit Book Holder Wall... WalterSilva $45.95	Childrens Vinyl Wall De... KidsCorner $29.5

Thank you Leahslittlebowtique for creating such a lovely treasury!

Leahslittlebowtique makes woven headbands, elastic hair ties and more.I think the little red bear would look just adorable in this red headband! Visit her shop to see more of her wonderful creations.

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Its out! Our New Autumn 2013 Shopping Guide!!

This week we launched our latest edition of our EtsyKids Team shopping guide! Featuring all new products, from A to Z, for babies, toddlers, kids and teens!

Custom Felt Garland - f... HandmadeCuddl... $12	Super Hero Twin Set - L... rhoadworks $25	Charming Maxi Skirt and... pinkmouse $59	Baby Headband, Headband... lepetitejardi... $27.95
Boutique Menagerie Girl... SimplySwankyB... $35	Mint Mohair TeddyBear ... LittleBearCom... $40	flower garden. custom. ... leilasflowerg... $27	Slouchy Hat Pink Wool, ... ThatsTheCutes... $28
Christmas Chevron Peasa... sultrysplendo... $32	Child Robes-Girls-Bath-... tanjadlyn $68	Fuchsia Soccer Hair Bow... ransomletterh... $8.5	Hand Knitted Stuffed Be... cotuitbayknit... $110
Ash Gray Elephant Nurse... ModernSwitch $12	Photo Christmas Card, H... WhimsicalCrea... $14.99	Personalized Sock Monke... auntyanndesig... $32	Corduroy Monogrammed Ju... personalitych... $45
Elf Hat for Newborn Whi... alpacakids $36	Girls Peasant Dress Pep... HotLavaClothi... $44	Minky Baby Girl Patchwo... KristensCover... $58	Princess Disney Hair Cl... KutieKlipz $32.95
Hand Knitted boy sweate... CasitadeLana $45	OWL Print KINDERGARTEN ... CoffeeKidsNDo... $17.5	Appliqued Pirate Girl B... JuvieMoonDesi... $47.99	XL Handmade Wool Chris... reetmomma $45
Custom Handpainted Canv... myartsybaby $55	Christmas Made to Order... msliesenfelde... $25	Red and White Felt Flow... MyLittlePixie... $18

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