See this at: ecochildsplay.com| Added on 09/09/08

Like this post? Subscribe to our RSS feed and stay up to date. This weekend we had a 40th birthday for my husband and I almost cried at the waste. The fact that we are moving and have already packed most of our dishes made it that much more difficult... See more

Like this post? Subscribe to our RSS feed and stay up to date. This weekend we had a 40th birthday for my husband and I almost cried at the waste. The fact that we are moving and have already packed most of our dishes made it that much more difficult to keep things eco-friendly. Besides using disposable dishes and leaving the food out so long that it spoiled, I accidentally dropped three quarters of the cake before anyone got seconds. I felt terrible all the next day, not only from the cake drop and the late night, but also because we quadrupled our weekly garbage and recycling output in a matter of hours. At first I thought it might be possible to do my time right here on Eco Child’s Play by writing a post about WHAT NOT TO DO when throwing a birthday party. However, I got side-tracked reading all of the eco-entertaining DO’s already covered, including the used book donation idea which I loved. This got me thinking that a theme party might be a great way to reduce waste, and convince... See less

See this at: ohdeedoh.com| Added on 07/24/08

Our sister-in-law needs your creative ideas! Do you know of any good ideas for a 2nd birthday party for boys? We are considering hiring a professional puppet show act because I don't know how we can entertain little toddlers... Good question. Two can... See more

Our sister-in-law needs your creative ideas! Do you know of any good ideas for a 2nd birthday party for boys? We are considering hiring a professional puppet show act because I don't know how we can entertain little toddlers... Good question. Two can be a challenging age, but with the right planning, this can be a great party! Babycenter UK has some good ideas for planning that 2nd birthday party. They suggest a jungle/animal theme or an art party with drawing, play dough, or collages. You don't need a lot of structured activities. The toddlers will enjoy some free play time, or something like handing out bubbles outside and letting them play for a while. Keep the party fairly small in size, and don't forget the birthday cake! Readers- tell us about your 2 year old's birthday party! See less

See this at: momadvice.com| Added on 07/15/08

What a busy holiday weekend this was for us! We celebrated Ethan's sixth birthday with his dream party- a LEGO birthday party. I must say that I tried to put a lot of effort into this one and he was the happiest little boy I had ever seen! What's a... See more

What a busy holiday weekend this was for us! We celebrated Ethan's sixth birthday with his dream party- a LEGO birthday party. I must say that I tried to put a lot of effort into this one and he was the happiest little boy I had ever seen! What's a LEGO party without a LEGO cake though? I had bookmarked a recipe in my notebook entry for a LEGO cake, but we were entertaining a lot of people and the cake would not cover the amount of people that I needed it to. I also did not want to try and cut and make shapes out of a sheet cake. I opted to prepare two cake mixes in loaf pans to create this cake. One cake mix per loaf pan, cooked as directed, but cooked for at least an hour (mine took approximately one hour and ten minutes to cook these cakes at the same time). I then froze the cake overnight which helped keep the crumbs at bay and made it easier to decorate. I did use the marshmallows, but opted for blue and yellow for colors. This cake was extremely difficult to frost around and on... See less

See this at: cbsnews.com| Added on 07/01/08

(CBS) When you really think about it, a child's first day of beauty consists of only a few minutes under the scissors - a snip here and a snip there, and voila! Doesn't seem like that big a deal, but if you're a parent then you know how tricky that... See more

(CBS) When you really think about it, a child's first day of beauty consists of only a few minutes under the scissors - a snip here and a snip there, and voila! Doesn't seem like that big a deal, but if you're a parent then you know how tricky that baby's first haircut can be. So, in Monday's Perfect Parenting segment, The Early Show has brought in expert Cozy Friedman, whose chain of Cozy's Cuts for Kids keeps them coming back for more. Here are Friedman's tips to keep your baby smiling instead of crying: * Call in advance to see which stylist is good with children. Don't expect just any stylist to be adept at cutting children's hair - stylists should be trained or have experience dealing with babies. * Visit the salon with your baby before the haircut appointment ,so the child knows what to expect. Or, bring the baby in for a parent's haircut so the child knows it's a friendly place. * On haircut day, come prepared. Bring snacks or special treats like a lollipop or a book --... See less

See this at: groups.google.com| Added on 06/25/08

Can you all remind me again of the names of places? My friend needs to find a place to take her son. THX!

Can you all remind me again of the names of places? My friend needs to find a place to take her son. THX! See less

See this at: amazon.com| Added on 06/12/08

Amazon.com: Cakes for Kids: 35 Colorful Recipes with Easy-to-Follow Tips & Techniques: Matthew Mead: Books

Amazon.com: Cakes for Kids: 35 Colorful Recipes with Easy-to-Follow Tips & Techniques: Matthew Mead: Books See less

Highlights: You Save: $6.38 (32%)

See this at: cocoandme.com| Added on 06/09/08

I baked this set of trains for my kid’s best friend’s 4th birthday! I kept the icing simple with just three colours & as minimal as I can allow it. I stayed away from using sugary gum drops & other store-bought sweets because: One, as a parent I... See more

I baked this set of trains for my kid’s best friend’s 4th birthday! I kept the icing simple with just three colours & as minimal as I can allow it. I stayed away from using sugary gum drops & other store-bought sweets because: One, as a parent I wouldn’t want my 4 year old introduced to those things yet, & Two, icing them is so much cheaper! :) Handmade paper flags glued to cocktail sticks: I decided it’s better if the flags were not white. It will be lost in the background, & the coloured flags... See less

See this at: echoage.com| Added on 02/28/08

* Home * | * All We Do * | * All You Do * | * Contact Us * | * Pass It On * | * ECHOage Your Party * | * Sign Up * | * Login * ECHOage Reminder * | * Find a Party * | * Privacy Policy * | * Terms of Use * | * Payment Terms * | * Site Map

* Home * | * All We Do * | * All You Do * | * Contact Us * | * Pass It On * | * ECHOage Your Party * | * Sign Up * | * Login * ECHOage Reminder * | * Find a Party * | * Privacy Policy * | * Terms of Use * | * Payment Terms * | * Site Map See less

See this at: ohdeedoh.com| Added on 04/13/08

A great place to look is on preschool teaching sites ... I used to be a preschool teacher and they have great websites dedicated to what types of toys you should be looking for, what types of activities to be doing and what not. I would definately... See more

A great place to look is on preschool teaching sites ... I used to be a preschool teacher and they have great websites dedicated to what types of toys you should be looking for, what types of activities to be doing and what not. I would definately echo the art supplies ... this is the best time to get them really involved with creativity ... and although it seems like it takes lots of time and is messy its definately worth it the skills that they will be developing. I always purchase my art supplies in bulk online or at school supply store and make sure to have lots of variety (an easel is really fun outside in the summer as well!) just make sure when you are buying your supplies you are getting things that are fit for toddler age (paintbrushes with big handles and lots of bristles, spill proof paint pots etc...) A sand and water table. My son would rather go on our patio and play at his table than he would go to a playground. My 15 months old son's favorite toys aren't really toys. He... See less

See this at: mamasource.com| Added on 04/22/08

From: Kellie L Date: Tue. Apr. 22, 2008 fisher price makes a train that is called geo trax. it is so cool. we started my son on this at an early age and he still plays with it. and every year they put out new pieces to add to the collection. and just... See more

From: Kellie L Date: Tue. Apr. 22, 2008 fisher price makes a train that is called geo trax. it is so cool. we started my son on this at an early age and he still plays with it. and every year they put out new pieces to add to the collection. and just so you knwo we have stepped on it and tripped over it maybe times and not a piece has ever broken!!! See less

See this at: mamasource.com| Added on 04/07/08

From: Angie B Date: Mon. Apr. 07, 2008 At the last 1 year old birthday party we went to, I picked out some cute bath toys. It was great because no one else had thought about them and the little girl didn't have any either! Just make sure they're ones... See more

From: Angie B Date: Mon. Apr. 07, 2008 At the last 1 year old birthday party we went to, I picked out some cute bath toys. It was great because no one else had thought about them and the little girl didn't have any either! Just make sure they're ones that the little ones can chew on! One thing my kids loved was those toy cell phones. They're inexpensive and my kids still love them (ages 5 & 3 & 1) My son (age 1) also really likes his ride on toys and his loader by CAT/Tonka. Clothes are always nice and Target usually has really good clearance items. Another place to look for less expensive gifts is Tuesday Morning (if you have one in your area) Have fun shopping and getting ideas for yours when he turns one! :) See less

See this at: groups.google.com| Added on 06/23/08

I am sure this has been asked a million times. We are having a belated birthday party for DH on Saturday. As long as it is nice out we plan on being outside. I am looking for some good munchies to have out for us to snack on into a night of drinking... See more

I am sure this has been asked a million times. We are having a belated birthday party for DH on Saturday. As long as it is nice out we plan on being outside. I am looking for some good munchies to have out for us to snack on into a night of drinking adult beverages. See less

See this at: groups.google.com| Added on 06/17/08

I would pay $15 for the first cut. But how do they stay in business with that many locations? Are they really that busy? I have a feeling Aurora is not going to like her first haircut...

I would pay $15 for the first cut. But how do they stay in business with that many locations? Are they really that busy? I have a feeling Aurora is not going to like her first haircut... See less

Highlights: 17 my dear. There's coupons online though. I think maybe $2?

See this at: ecochildsplay.com| Added on 06/17/08

My children’s birthdays are only two days apart, so we have only one party. That party is rapidly approaching, and though I ask guests to not feel compelled to give gifts and to consider the planet when doing so, my children like to give out party... See more

My children’s birthdays are only two days apart, so we have only one party. That party is rapidly approaching, and though I ask guests to not feel compelled to give gifts and to consider the planet when doing so, my children like to give out party favors to their friends. There is nothing I hate more than coming home from a birthday party with a bunch of dollar store junk we have to get rid of immediately. Now, GreenPartyGoods offers solutions for eco-friendly birthday parties. GreenPartyGoods explains their company’s motivation for offering parents eco-friendly solutions for birthday parties: While walking my dog through our local park and watching families disassemble their parties, I was horrified at all the waste that ended up in the garbage cans. Bags of plastic utensils, plastic table cloths, crepe paper and cheap goodies bags filled with dollar toys headed for land fill. This is what motivated me to create GreenPartyGoods. Here are some of my favorite green party goods offered... See less

See this at: mothering.com| Added on 06/17/08

My ds will be turning one in August. Many family members/friends have asked what he might like for his birthday. I'm having a hard time figuring out what to suggest. If i don't suggest anything (to...for example my mother in law) i'm worried he might... See more

My ds will be turning one in August. Many family members/friends have asked what he might like for his birthday. I'm having a hard time figuring out what to suggest. If i don't suggest anything (to...for example my mother in law) i'm worried he might get some cheap MIC plasticy yuckiness that will end up in a landfill a few months down the road. What did you suggest when family members asked you? | __________________ I'm Hollywife to Matt and AP mama to ds Nolan (8/26/07) with TOF. Heartrepair on 12/7/07. : and new to cloth diapers! See less

See this at: cooks.com| Added on 05/26/08

1/2 pt. heavy cream, whipped until fluffy To prepare cake, beat together mashed banana, oil, eggs and yogurt until creamy. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and beat well. Spoon into 2 round oiled and floured 9" cake pans. With a spatula smooth... See more

1/2 pt. heavy cream, whipped until fluffy To prepare cake, beat together mashed banana, oil, eggs and yogurt until creamy. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and beat well. Spoon into 2 round oiled and floured 9" cake pans. With a spatula smooth the batter evenly in pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool. To serve, slice the strawberries into a bowl. Crush a few with back of a spoon to make a sauce and generously spoon over bottom cake layer. Top with remaining cake layer, the rest of the strawberries and the whipped cream. Serve immediately. Serves 8. See less

See this at: groups.google.com| Added on 04/15/08

He still likes his Bounce and Spin Zebra a lot, I think it's a Fisher Price toy: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc07b3127cceb2cd11d5605e000000... In the past few months, he has really gotten into books. He has his favorites that he will bring... See more

He still likes his Bounce and Spin Zebra a lot, I think it's a Fisher Price toy: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc07b3127cceb2cd11d5605e000000... In the past few months, he has really gotten into books. He has his favorites that he will bring to me every day - he'll grab it off the bookshelf (or, more often than not, the floor), hand it to me and plop down in my lap for me to read to him. He has a nursery rhyme book and a lullaby book that he particularly likes me to read, also Tails, the Sandra Boynton books, and Babycakes. He's getting more into cars, too - he has kind of a soft rubber one that he likes to push around, I forget who makes it though! We have a couple of tents for him - he likes to play in them, but they're a PITA to put away and they take up a lot of space when they're out, so he doesn't get to use them much! On Apr 15, 11:53 am, "Mrs.Erin&Taz" wrote: See less

See this at: resadesign.com| Added on 04/08/08

This twist on spring combines a beautiful sky blue with edgy gray, black, a bit of orange, red and our beloved green apple. Matches perfect with "Green Apple" and "Tangerine"-coming soon. Shirt $13.50

This twist on spring combines a beautiful sky blue with edgy gray, black, a bit of orange, red and our beloved green apple. Matches perfect with "Green Apple" and "Tangerine"-coming soon. Shirt $13.50 See less

Highlights: Newborn Gown :: $20