Monday, April 21, 2008
A Whole World Celebration!
Please enjoy this e-card for Earth Day. The kids will love it and you can click around the links to find all kinds of great eco-tips! The art and music are from Whole World, the book featured in the post below.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Free Book for Earth Day - Whole World mini ed.
In celebration of Earth Day, Barefoot Books is offering a free book with purchase!
Whole World provides a global conservation theme for the 1950's vintage folk song "He's got the whole world in his hands" by making the lyrics more gender inclusive and tying it all together with environmental end notes and eco-tips for living green. The vibrant and playful illustrations depict faces and scenes from around the globe. This book was featured on Oprah's O-List in February 2008!
(you must follow the image link for the offer)
Whole World provides a global conservation theme for the 1950's vintage folk song "He's got the whole world in his hands" by making the lyrics more gender inclusive and tying it all together with environmental end notes and eco-tips for living green. The vibrant and playful illustrations depict faces and scenes from around the globe. This book was featured on Oprah's O-List in February 2008!
(you must follow the image link for the offer)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Earth Day at the Gym
Welcome to my first product review. Well, I have placed reviews on some web sites. Comments on commerce sites that I felt were important to share with other would-be consumers on Snow Shack and Amazon, travel reviews on Yelp and Trip Advisor, and a few book reviews on eBay and Shelfari, but nothing on my blog yet. I’m new to all this stuff.
Then I got my REI dividend and used it to purchase the Multi Towel Lite XL and Medium.
This is a fantastic towel. I bought it because it struck me what an impact gym towels must be taking on our planet. Each gym member, using 2-3 towels only once before they go in the laundry... All that water, all that bleach and detergent... Not Good. So this was to be my little part. The towel has exceeded my expectations and is a joy to use. It is really soft, packs small and light, and washes well. It holds such a tremendous amount of water that any dampness in the towel is hardly noticeable after a shower, it can be packed in the carry bag without getting stinky, and dries quickly when you hang it. The microfiber is also gentler on your hair and skin! If you need one more reason, I’ll add that it is quite attractive to wear; the thinner fabric is much more flattering than thick clumsy terry cloth. The moss green (actually called “glade”) should look nice with just about any skin tone. The XL (49.5 x 39.x inches) is more than large enough to wrap around an average body. It’s a little weird to use at first, almost grabbing the water off your body; but these towels have come a long way from the Speedo Chamois I used in the 80’s. The reaction in the locker room has been the Raised-Eyebrow-Followed-By-Slow-Nod look – so I’m hoping this will catch on.
So what about the slimy gym equipment? The medium towel (27.5 x 15.5 inches) is about the size of a standard hand towel. I understand you may not want to re-use a towel that has been on the floor or between your body and the weight bench. I alternate its use with a day of free weights and, if need be, a day with a gym towel.
Gym, camping, home, travel... ask the hotel to remove their towels from your room, you won't need anything else, and you'll be that much closer to Living Barefoot!
3 more things you can do at your gym to improve the environment:
1. bring a re-usable water bottle
2. shorten your shower
3. unplug the hairdryer
Then I got my REI dividend and used it to purchase the Multi Towel Lite XL and Medium.
This is a fantastic towel. I bought it because it struck me what an impact gym towels must be taking on our planet. Each gym member, using 2-3 towels only once before they go in the laundry... All that water, all that bleach and detergent... Not Good. So this was to be my little part. The towel has exceeded my expectations and is a joy to use. It is really soft, packs small and light, and washes well. It holds such a tremendous amount of water that any dampness in the towel is hardly noticeable after a shower, it can be packed in the carry bag without getting stinky, and dries quickly when you hang it. The microfiber is also gentler on your hair and skin! If you need one more reason, I’ll add that it is quite attractive to wear; the thinner fabric is much more flattering than thick clumsy terry cloth. The moss green (actually called “glade”) should look nice with just about any skin tone. The XL (49.5 x 39.x inches) is more than large enough to wrap around an average body. It’s a little weird to use at first, almost grabbing the water off your body; but these towels have come a long way from the Speedo Chamois I used in the 80’s. The reaction in the locker room has been the Raised-Eyebrow-Followed-By-Slow-Nod look – so I’m hoping this will catch on.
So what about the slimy gym equipment? The medium towel (27.5 x 15.5 inches) is about the size of a standard hand towel. I understand you may not want to re-use a towel that has been on the floor or between your body and the weight bench. I alternate its use with a day of free weights and, if need be, a day with a gym towel.
Gym, camping, home, travel... ask the hotel to remove their towels from your room, you won't need anything else, and you'll be that much closer to Living Barefoot!
3 more things you can do at your gym to improve the environment:
1. bring a re-usable water bottle
2. shorten your shower
3. unplug the hairdryer
Friday, April 4, 2008
Starting a Business...
Running my own business has allowed me to rebuild my business skills and has provided our family with a "candy jar" to afford a few extras. This month's promotions makes getting started with a nice set of products even easier! If you want to find out more, please contact me.
(please note that our reps do not make a commission off new sign ups or sales of starter packs)
(please note that our reps do not make a commission off new sign ups or sales of starter packs)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
TV Tune Out Week
Well, here we are in the midst of TV Tune Out Week (March 2 -8), as prescribed by the Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood. When my preschooler brought home the button and booklet, I have to admit that I didn't think much about it. We watch a fair amount of TV in our house, but not a level that I am uncomfortable with. A little TV means that I can get a chore done more efficiently, take a phone call quietly, or cook dinner safely.
But when last Sunday morning rolled around, on a whim, I thought "Why not?" and announced to my family that we were going to give this a try. The response from my 6 year old, keeper of the remote, was immediate and violent. "NO!" he yelled, stomping his feet. "What will you miss that's so important?" I asked. "I'll be BORED." he complained. His reaction told me that we needed to do this and the first few hours were rough. The boys were killing each other and the noise was deafening. I regretted my decision almost immediately, but we pressed on and survived until our babysitter arrived and my husband and I headed out to dinner, happy that we had planned a little break.
The tide turned completely the next morning. Our early risers were found in the living room WITH THE TV OFF! They didn't ask for TV all day and I didn't hear a constant mantra of "I'm Bored". Instead, the kids colored, played Legos, had imaginary adventures, played games, constructed puzzles, and took naps! Not only did we read books, but Max sat down to practice reading and writing; my husband thought I started a home school program. I'm not sure what little good-fairy loaded them onto the bandwagon, but I am forever grateful.
The following days have been just as successful and I am optimistic for the rest of the week. The boys have been much more creative in their play and, in spite of the first afternoon of noise and fighting, our house has been an overall more peaceful place. I thought the TV was keeping them quiet, but I have learned that they are actually capable of entertaining themselves quietly without electronic assistance. Who knew?
I would highly recommend TV Tune Out Week for all families. I'm not sure when I will reintroduce TV back into our house, but I think we'll hold off a few days beyond next Sunday.
New Spring Titles from Barefoot Books are keeping us occupied!
But when last Sunday morning rolled around, on a whim, I thought "Why not?" and announced to my family that we were going to give this a try. The response from my 6 year old, keeper of the remote, was immediate and violent. "NO!" he yelled, stomping his feet. "What will you miss that's so important?" I asked. "I'll be BORED." he complained. His reaction told me that we needed to do this and the first few hours were rough. The boys were killing each other and the noise was deafening. I regretted my decision almost immediately, but we pressed on and survived until our babysitter arrived and my husband and I headed out to dinner, happy that we had planned a little break.
The tide turned completely the next morning. Our early risers were found in the living room WITH THE TV OFF! They didn't ask for TV all day and I didn't hear a constant mantra of "I'm Bored". Instead, the kids colored, played Legos, had imaginary adventures, played games, constructed puzzles, and took naps! Not only did we read books, but Max sat down to practice reading and writing; my husband thought I started a home school program. I'm not sure what little good-fairy loaded them onto the bandwagon, but I am forever grateful.
The following days have been just as successful and I am optimistic for the rest of the week. The boys have been much more creative in their play and, in spite of the first afternoon of noise and fighting, our house has been an overall more peaceful place. I thought the TV was keeping them quiet, but I have learned that they are actually capable of entertaining themselves quietly without electronic assistance. Who knew?
I would highly recommend TV Tune Out Week for all families. I'm not sure when I will reintroduce TV back into our house, but I think we'll hold off a few days beyond next Sunday.
New Spring Titles from Barefoot Books are keeping us occupied!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Poetry with Kids
I read poetry with my boys last night. We undertook some pretty heavy prose; The Tyger by William Blake. Max (6 yrs) crinkled his forehead, thinking. As I finished the poem he smiled a crooked smile. Pleased, as any boy might be, with the fierce imagery. But a little confused too; clearly, he understood on some level that this poem has considerable depth. He made a comment that it rhymed and sounded scary. “That’s a wonderful observation”, I said. “I did you like it?” He nodded.
Beck (3 yrs) roared like a tiger, enjoying it in his own, age appropriate way.
Without bogging the six year old down in Blake’s beliefs of creation and religion, we discussed the poem on more simple terms. We spoke of the simultaneous beauty and danger of nature. How words have power to create vivid images and the meaning/use of metaphors.
We sat down with poetry before (light and fun "children's" poetry too) and each time I am reminded how important it is to develop this side of their literary appreciation. The creative license that is given to poets to work untethered by the regular laws of grammar and to use our language artfully, delights young minds and challenges us all to think outside the box. This morning, home sick from school, Max has been working on sounding out words and writing them down. I don’t think it will be too long before he writes the first poem of his own.
Beck (3 yrs) roared like a tiger, enjoying it in his own, age appropriate way.
Without bogging the six year old down in Blake’s beliefs of creation and religion, we discussed the poem on more simple terms. We spoke of the simultaneous beauty and danger of nature. How words have power to create vivid images and the meaning/use of metaphors.
We sat down with poetry before (light and fun "children's" poetry too) and each time I am reminded how important it is to develop this side of their literary appreciation. The creative license that is given to poets to work untethered by the regular laws of grammar and to use our language artfully, delights young minds and challenges us all to think outside the box. This morning, home sick from school, Max has been working on sounding out words and writing them down. I don’t think it will be too long before he writes the first poem of his own.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Going to France!
I started distributing books for Barefoot Books mainly so I could fill our home library with unique and meaningful children's literature by this environmentally conscious and globally minded independent publisher. I had hoped that by starting my own business I would also find an outlet for my creative energies, have some "Me Time", and rebuild my career skills (after being out of the sales/marketing and sales training workforce for 6 yrs). One year later, my Barefoot Journey has fulfilled all those goals and taken me further than I dreamed... all the way to France! As the 2007 "Best US Newcomer", I will be attending the Barefoot 2008 International Summit, an intimate meeting at the Toulouse home of our company Founder and CEO, to discuss the direction of Barefoot's future and review the new products in the pipeline! Barefoot is a relatively small company and I look forward to all the opportunity in store. In our digital world of computer tots and Wii kids, it's extremely rewarding to be able to bring families inspiring art and story in a high quality book that children can hold in their hands and treasure throughout their lives. Thank you to all my current and future customers who have made this possible.
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