5 creative uses for your lunchbox…

Now that summer has arrived, lets take a collective “ahhhh” for the break from making daily lunches.  Wait.  I’m still making lunch everyday.  Let’s take a collective “ahhh” for the break from making lunches at 6:30 in the morning!

Don’t just hang up those Goodbyn (and Bynto) lunchboxes all summer, though, they have hundreds of uses. Here are 5 creative ways to use your lunchbox.

1. Potluck:  Bringing a salad to a friend’s cookout?  Don’t let it get soggy before you get there.  Separate the ingredients in each Goodbyn section & use the water bottle for the dressing.
2. Minor First-Aid Kit:  We seem to be going through several ice packs at baseball lately.  Turn your Bynto into a mini first-aid kit.  A section for bandages, another for gauze and ointments, and freeze the water bottle to use as an ice-pack.
3. Jewelry Organizer:  The long sections of our Bynto are perfect for organizing bracelets, watches, and necklaces.
4. Herb Garden:  Create a new kitchen centerpiece.  Grow different herbs in each Goodbyn compartment; you’ll have 6 varieties at your fingertips!
5. Bathroom Organizer:  Limited counter space?  Keep essentials organized and off the counter!
   

Daily Green Special:  All Goodbyn & Bynto lunchboxes are on sale!  Purchase two or more lunchboxes and we’ll add a set of small ice packs free!  Just write “icepack” in the checkout notes and we’ll add the free ice pack set to your order.  Free offer valid until tomorrow’s post.  Happy Thursday!

Temperature’s Rising…

Yesterday was the first day of summer vacation and my son spent it sick on the couch.  As a kid who NEVER sits down, plays anywhere with anyone, and generally expects others to have the same level of energy, it’s almost eerie to see him lie on the couch and not even ask to play.

Usually when the kids are sick they get one day to completely do nothing and watch tv. By day two, I’ve had enough of tween tv (why do they all have to yell?) and put the cabash on tv for the day. Ever since the kids were small I kept a “sick box” for them: miscellaneous activities, a new book, and a little treat. They enjoyed working on forgotten projects and playing with old toys that seemed new again. But, once they felt better, the box went back in the closet.

Since my son’s been asleep for almost 12 hours, I have a hunch that today will call for our “sick bag.” What’s in ours? It’s loaded up just like our Kids Busy Bag. Not only is this perfect as a “sick bag,” it’s great for car trips, siblings stuck at endless sports tournaments, grandparent’s houses, or even at a favorite aunts. It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained at your favorite childless friend’s house, letting the two of you have a glass of sangria and catch up!

So, what does this all-around entertainment bag include?   A Bynto lunchbox (great for snacks or small-piece toys), recycled cardboard small Calafant kit (markers included), Let’s Go Green activity book, Made by Me Kit, 24-pack Alpino earth-friendly color pencils, Organic 479 Popcorn, and an organic cotton mesh bag with drawstring to hold all of the items together!  Wow, that’s one busy bag!  And it’s on sale today…

Daily Green Special:  Today only, our Kid’s Busy Bag is on sale.  Stock up now for gifts, summer vacations, restaurant activities, or the dreaded sick days.  No coupon necessary, but the sale price is only valid until tomorrow’s post.  Happy Wednesday!

Soap What??

It’s funny how life sometimes throws ironic coincidences at us.  I planned on using today’s post to introduce a great new product of ours, I didn’t plan on having to use this product all night long!

You already know about (and love!) our amazing Yoreganics stain remover; now it’s time to meet Yoreganics Soap Nuts.  Soap what??  Actually they aren’t nuts, but dried soap berries (they look more like small walnuts) from the soapberry tree (Sapindus Mukorossi) found in Nepal and India. It’s outer shell contain saponin, which creates a natural soap in water.

Since they have none of the harsh chemicals typically found in detergent, soap nuts are perfect for those with eczema, allergies, psoriasis, and anyone looking for a safe laundry alternative. My favorite thing about soap nuts? They get serious STINK out of clothes! Yes, those fabulous sweat-wicking materials that are great for working out, but stink forever after…not anymore! Cloth diapers, yep. Smelling bike shorts, yep. Son’s 7 hour bout of projectile vomitting all over three sets of sheets & blankets last night, you got it. The smells are gone, not masked with fake “fresh scent,” simply gone.

Safe to use in top or front load washers.  Even gentle enough for hand-washing delicates.  Available in 5 load travel size or 8 oz.- 80 load bag.

Yoreganics soap nuts are USDA and EcoCert certified organic.  They’re also hypoallergenic, biodegradable, antimicrobial, economical, vegan, gluten-free, fragrance free, and cruelty free.

Daily Green Special:  Purchase an 8 oz (80 load) Soap Nuts bag and receive a free travel-size (5 load) Soap Nuts bag.  Just write “soap nuts” in the checkout notes and we’ll add the free travel-size to your order.  Offer valid until tomorrow’s post.  Happy Tuesday!

Memorial Day Weekend…

Six years ago I remember thinking that my daughter will never be as “grown up” as the huge 5th graders.  Yet, today she is almost my same height,  and it was the last morning I walked my daughter to elementary school.

For the past month my step-father has been by his brother’s side in various hospitals as he prepares for an entirely different transition. They have spent countless hours reminiscing about life as children, teens, and paths as adults.

For me, I see “memory” in Memorial Day: an opportunity to reflect on past moments with those who are still here to share them, and those who are not. There are heroes on the battlefield, and there are everyday heroes.

While this Memorial Day weekend will certainly have its fill of parades and cookouts, it’s also a time to reflect on the servicemen/women who’ve given their lives for our country. Though I’ve had relatives who’ve fought in battles around the world, I know that I am fortunate that they all returned safely home. Too many cannot say the same.

This Memorial Day weekend find a moment to celebrate all of our fallen heroes: military, firemen, fathers, neighbors, friends, and family.

Daily Green Special:  Raise a glass to those you’ve loved and lost.  Give a call or hug to those you love that are still here.  Send a package to a solidier.  Save $10 off your $25 purchase with the coupon code: MOMENTS12.  Offer valid until Tuesday’s post.  Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Giving treats a grown-up twist…

Yesterday we talked about five must-haves for your bbq parties.  Today, is all about adding a little grown-up twist to some favorite treats.  These will definitely become summer-time favorites.

Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops:  Sure, these lollipops are fabulous on their own, but wait until you use them as cocktail stirrers!  My current favorite is Trader Joe Pomegranate Limeade (with a bit of added tequila!) and a Pomegranate Punch “stirrer.”  A close second is a classic margarita with a Mango Tango stirrer.  Think of the possibilities for Strawberry Smash or Sour Apple!

Endangered Earth Chocolate Squares:  Everyone loves a gooey s’more; but, I’m not a fan of Hersey (unethical treatment of workers nor the taste).  Our Endangered Species Chocolate squares give a classic s’more a boost with additions of mint, cranberry & almond, or my favorite, dark chocolate!  And, the squares are already the perfect size for your graham of choice.

Organic Madras Coconut Curry & Cashew Popcorn:   Leave the Cracker Jacks and ballpark popcorn for the kids, this kicked up flavor is all for us! The addictive curry and delicious cashews are a match made in heaven.  You’ll have to get your own box, though, because I’m not sharing!

Daily Green Special: Spend $15 in delicious treats and receive a free bag of Organic Fleur de Sel Caramel Popcorn. Just write “TREATS” in the checkout notes & we’ll add the free popcorn to your order. Offer valid until tomorrow’s post. Happy Thursday!

Fire up the grill!

It’s BBQ season!  Time to fire up the grill and dine al fresco.  I love hot weather, and I love eating outside even more.  For me, Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of improptu cookouts with friends.  I even have a new dress for it!

(side story!) On our Austin getaway (mom, sister, & I) we saw several college-age girls setting up racks in front of a rather upscale boutique.  The first item they hung up was a casual long dress that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of, but we still weren’t certain what they were doing.  Of course, we had to ask.  College girls, take note, this is a great idea.  Turns out, every season these sority girls hold a resale (of their upscale digs!) while partnering with a local store.  The proceeds of their resale, and a portion of the boutique’s sales, all go to the selected charity that season.  Great idea.  At 5″3, I was a bit leery of a long dress, but they assured me that it was a fantastic “patio party” dress.  So, for $15, I helped foster kids and found a fabulous dress for this weekend’s bbq!

So, aside from a fun “patio party dress,” here are five must-haves to keep on hand for this grilling season:

1. Limoncello Soy Candle:  Our US, non-GMO, hand-poured, soy limoncello candle not only smells great, it’s a natural citronella as well.  Available in two sizes, but this limited edition three-wick (burns for over 100 hours!) is perfect for backyard patios.  Keep mosquitoes away with a pure essential oil blend of  geraniums and lemon-thyme.
   
2. Recycled Jersey Apron:  Every grill-master needs a great apron.  Combine their love of sports with their love of food.  Hand-crafted from recycled jerseys.  Even if the burgers are bit burnt, as least the chef looks great cooking!
   
3. Natural Bug Spray:  While the limoncello candle will keep the bugs off the patio, don’t forget about the kids playing Ghosts in the Graveyard!  This natural bug spray won’t leave eyes burning, but will keep the bugs from biting.
   
4. Upcycled Vase:  Another great part of summer… no need to buy expensive flowers for your events.  Cut some favorites from your yard (or a generous neighbor’s!) and create your own bouquet.  Then, dress them up in our upcycled vases!  Handmade in Florida with non-toxic paints, recycyled papers, and vintage rhinestones, these recycled bottles turned amazing vases will add fun color to your table.
   
5. Two Brothers Beer Soap:  A perfect little something-something to say “thanks for inviting us to your bbq!”  This organic, handmade soap is made with Two Brothers Brewing beer.  Available in Cane & Ebel and The Bitters End.  Stock up for the summer & all of those last minute invites!
   

Daily Green Special:  Spend $20 on our bbq party “must-haves” and receive a free FACESTICK sunscreen (keep your afternoon party guests protected from too many rays!).  Just write BBQ in the checkout notes and we’ll add the free sunscreen to your order.  Offer valid until tomorrow’s post.  Happy
Wednesday!

Red, White, and Blue sale!

It’s Memorial Day weekend.  What better time to display your true patriotism!

(SpaRitual: Life of the Party, White Light, Twinkle)

In honor of all of the men and women who’ve died for our country, here’s to the Red, White, and Blue.  Our Green Pieces American Eagle plantable puzzle is no piece of cake.  Share it with your favorite Vet (or at a VA hospital) putting it together.  The puzzle will take long enough that you’re bound to hear a few reminiscent stories of great American history.  When you’re finished, plant the pieces and grow wildflowers; a perfect souvenir of an afternoon well spent.

Heading out to a Memorial Day Parade?  Don’t forget your Red and Blue Vapur bottles!  It’s supposed to be toasty warm this weekend, stay hydrated!

Daily Green Special:  Save $5 off your $25 purchase of any of our eco-friendly Red, White, and Blue!  Use the coupon code AMERICA.  Offer valid until tomorrow’s post.  Happy Tuesday!