Bento Boxes!

As an on the go mom of a 3 1/2 year old boy, I am so excited to introduce a BRAND NEW product for Ecological Babies. Keepin' Fresh Kids Stainless Bento Boxes! If you thought all we carried was cloth diapers, you are in for a treat! Preschool moms, rejoice! Your boring snapware/tupperware days are over.

Check out the super cute pink one with little fishies! I'm no kid, but heck - I'd carry that in my lunch box any day.

The prints on the sleeve are super cute, without being cute-sy. They are kind of like a cross between old-school Pyrex and Japanese anime cartoons. You can choose

from alligators or little fishies, and the silicone seals are either pink (fishes), green, or blue (both with alligators).

The boxes are from Innobaby, and feature a stainless steel inner dish with a BPA free plastic sleeve that goes over it. The sleeve keeps the outside of the container at a steady temperature, so it is comfortable for the child to hold, regardless of the temperature of the food inside. They hold 15 ounces, which is plenty of space for a portion of pasta and protein, or even a sandwich with some chips or fruit on the side.

My favorite feature is the secure lid with silicone ring seal, which snaps on tight to create an air and liquid tight seal, keeping the child's lunchbox (or your tote bag) nice and clean, and the food nice and fresh. But unlike most snapware, the seals on this can actually be opened by a child! Here's my big boy, demonstrating how easy it is to open the box.

"Hey Mom! I really like the one with the alligators!"

If you're one of those fancy, crafty mamas with all the nifty little Bento accessories like tiny containers and toothpicks with cartoon faces on them, there is plenty of room for creativity. If you are looking for a little inspiration, no need to head to EBay for Bento accessories - think of things you already have in your kitchen.

In my experience, kids love variety of color and texture (but not too much or it's overwhelming), but they like it SEPARATE! Rule #1 of meal presentation in my house is - thy foods shalt not touch, and thy textures shalt not blend. Easy solution? Divided trays for meals, and foil and medicine cups for snack boxes. Fold up a piece of foil to double thickness and make it an L-shape, and it can contain softer foods like the strawberries here. A medicine dispensing cup is a perfect portion size of peanut butter or other dips, like hummus.

The boxes are just $16, and would be a perfect addition to rev up your child's lunch box or your trusty tote bag. They would also make an adorable (and practical!) gift to put in your child's Easter basket. Happy packing!

Claire Williamson, representative for Ecological Babies

(850) 228-8322

You can read more about the Innobaby bento lunch boxes here: http://www.ecologicalbabies.com/bento.htm

Homemade Goo

We're ready for hours of playtime using only a few ingredients that we already have around the house.  Whether we're at home, at a restaurant, traveling, or at a playdate, this goo is a hot ticket item in our house. Good news-it doesn't leave a resitudeo to stick to anything but itself!

8 oz white or carpenter's glue
3/4 cup water
food coloring (optional)
1 teaspoon 20 Mule Team borax
1-2 TB water

Combine first three ingredients.  In a separate bowl, combine the last two.  Add the borax mixture to the glue mixture, stirring until a "blob" forms.  Remove the blob from the mixture. Add a new batch of the borax mixture to the glue mixture.  Repeat the process until the glue mixture is all gone.  Knead all the blobs together.  Store in an airtight container.

Most of all, have FUN!

Peace,

Jen




Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 574.275.1235

Simplify Your Diaper Bag

Holy smokes!  I just cleaned out my diaper bag (can't tell you that last time that happened) and it's no wonder I can't find anything in there...ever.  My diaper bag has become a dumping ground for random items I need during each trip, yet I don't make the effort to clean it out right after a trip.

I found single socks, random toys, 3 chapsticks, spare clothes, spilled Easter candy, 3 pairs of sunglasses, extra pair of shoes, sunscreen, receipts and way too much more to list individually.  Recently, I've thought that I need a  bigger diaper bag.  Not today!  Today, I completely cleaned out my bag (literally, as my diaper bag is going through a wash cycle right now!) and am going to attempt to be better at keeping it at bag. I really only need a few things in there for each outing. Instead of thinking that I'm saving time by keeping a bunch of things in the all the time, I want to lightly pack the bag each day (or the night before) and cater it to our plans for the day.  Not only will I be carrying a lighter load but I will actually be able to find what I'm looking for in there with ease.  I can't tell you how many times I didn't think I had an item in there that I wanted only to find it deep in the bottom of my bag buried under junk.

What's in YOUR diaper bag?

If you'd like to ditch the idea of a "diaper bag" all together, I have an alternative suggestion.  Pack a wet/dry bag for all your diapering needs.  In the dry part, put only the amount of diapers necessary, a onesie, & wipes.  Once the diaper has been soiled, you put it in your wet part of the bag.  Then all you need is a small purse for your belongings.  If you plan on only changing the diaper in the car, leave it there until you do the change.  It feels so freeing to only carry around a small purse these days.  Sometimes, I even stick my credit card, ID, and phone in my pocket and do errands.  It's wonderful!!!




Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887

Ready, Aim.....FIRE!

This is it everyone.  So far I've felt nothing but absolute support from everyone and I know you're itching to play a significant role in seriously making some positive changes. All that's required is for you to flood the policy makers' emails and the media contacts with letters asking them to take this issue seriously.  Good news- I've make it VERY simple for you to do this and I promise it will take maybe 2 minutes MAX.  Below are 2 letters for you to simply cut and paste into an email body.  The first is the big guys who have to make the decisions on everything.  The second is to hopefully grab more media attention, in case the "big guys" still need more pressure.

A Couple of Notes:
1.  Send a mass email cc'ing everyone from each section.  That shows them that they aren't the only ones who are hearing from you.  It adds the pressure and intensity of what you're saying.
2.  The BIG guys have hidden emails.  I have their link to email them below and they will receive the letter individually.
3.  The optimal time to send these emails are Sunday evening and Monday morning.  As the week presses on, they have other "issues" to compete and catch their attention.
4. I'm not asking but FEEL FREE to send the same email everyday this week...maybe even next week.  We want them to think we're not going away.

Policy Makers:

Richard.anderson@delta.com, allison.ausband@delta.com, Heidi.gould@delta.com, toby.broberg@delta.com

FAA Hotline: http://www.faa.gov/contact/safety_hotline/
SUBJECT: "Infant in Arms" Safety Regulations Need Updating!

To Whom it Concerns,

I am writing to ask you to review and update your safety policies regarding “infant in arms.”  A friend of mine, Jen Starks, was recently escorted off an airplane because a flight attendant attempted to force her into following an FAA “regulation” that did not exist.  While the attendant acted poorly and abused her position, the situation illustrates the importance of proper guidelines and adequate instruction of parents and flight staff regarding infant safety on airplanes.  Parents should feel secure in knowing that the regulations have been purposefully constructed to ensure safety and all involved should be adequately educated on the proper procedures.  I am joining with many other people in this movement and believe that the situation requires serious consideration.  I hope that you will join with us and work towards improving standards and ensuring the excellence of air travel in the U.S.

Sincerely,

______________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA:

belkin@nytimes.com, chris@elliott.org , eileen@takingthekids.com, abratton@ap.org

SUBJECT: Join Us--"Infant in Arms" Safety Regulations Need Updating!

Hi,

I am joining with many people in a movement to improve safety standards and policies regarding “infant in arms” air travel in the U.S. A friend of mine, Jen Starks, was recently escorted off an airplane by armed police because a flight attendant attempted to force her into following an FAA “regulation” that did not exist.  While the attendant acted poorly and abused her position, the situation illustrates the need for proper guidelines and adequate instruction of parents and flight staff regarding infant safety on airplanes.  Parents should feel secure in knowing that all regulations have been purposefully constructed to ensure safety and all involved are adequately educated on the proper procedures.  Jen’s story has recently appeared in Mothering Magazine, and I am asking you to write a story that puts additional pressure on policy makers to update and improve guidelines and education.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887

Step 1 Achieved: Local Media Coverage

 Tonight, my story was shared on our local news highlighting the greater issues with Delta's safety regulations in question and accountability for their flight attendants.  This was a great jumping point for us, especially since the station made it the lead story for the 5pm news.  By being the lead story, it reiterated how significant this issue really is and how it has potential to make some real positive changes in regulation and our experiences flying with Delta.

Next, we REALLY need someone national to pick up the story and run with it.  Delta isn't going to make any changes without some serious attention and pressure.  Here's the link to the story:

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/103754494.html

The best way to keep up the momentum is to copy this link on your Facebook, Twitter account and continue to ask your friends to spread the story around.  Delta cannot get away with treating families poorly and should be providing us with extra consideration during our flights.  

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887

Delta's First Offer of Compensation-Take it or Leave it?

Yesterday evening, I received a phone call from a Delta Customer Care Representative.  I can't tell you how nice it felt to have someone from Delta eager to hear what happened, empathize with what I went through, and apologize for it.  Instead of blaming me, she listened and asked questions.  After hearing the whole story, she said there will be a thorough investigation on what happened.  We'll see!

After apologizing, she said she wanted to make it up to me by compensating me for my plane ticket and offer me some sky miles. I was thrown a little off guard, since I figured nothing would be offered until the investigation went through.  At that point, I had the opportunity to take the offer and let the situation go.  Perhaps I should. After all, being heard, apologized to, and refunded was a nice gesture.  Over the last few days, however, I have realized that I might have the opportunity to be a voice for all the other mamas (and dads) to listen to our concerns about flying with children, change/improve the regulations, and request all parents to be better informed on how to keep our children safe inflight.

Here's the bottom line:

Rebel with a Cause- Best Case Scenario, Can you Help?

After reading all your responses, I realized that this situation with Delta is bigger than my lone experience.
I want to discern my ultimate goal/what would correct everything. Of course, we'd all love to have free flights the rest of our lives and for the delta attendant (whom somebody nicknamed Cruella the Attendant!) to make a public apology for the way she has treated myself and others on the plane.

But this isn't really about just my situation.  It's about much more. 

Rebel with a Cause-Delta's 2nd Response (Small Victory!)

I just received an email from the Delta Social Media Team.  Here's what they wrote:

Dear Ms. Starks:  We have had the opportunity to review your posting on the “Raising a Green Family” blog and have initiated an internal investigation on the matter. 

Rebel with a Cause- Delta's First Response

 SO, I filled out my complaint online (see my Part 1-My Complaint to see what I wrote) and received an auto-reply (listed below). I wonder how many people complain on a daily basis and am sure they probably won't do much unless the press gets hold of this story.

Rebel with a Cause (Part 2)-My Complaint

 Here's the statement I submitted to Delta.  If I receive a response, I'll post it!  Thanks everyone for your support!

Rebel with a Cause :o)

This past weekend, I was almost arrested for misconduct on an airplane.  I wasn't the obnoxious drunk or a physical threat to anyone, although I wished I might have had a little buzz as I was escorted off the plane by police when we landed.  The story?

Some Survival Tips for Traveling with a Toddler & Infant 22 hours in the Car

We recently took a road trip with our two kiddos (6 mos & 2 yr, 8 mos)up to Indiana to visit both sides of our family. Since I'm currently still recouping from it, I'm not sure I'm going to do it again. Then again, I said that after Rita Clare's birth and somehow got back into the idea :o)

Gone are the days when we could make it in a long day for 12-14 hrs. Now, we break it up into 2 nights and 3 days, in order for it to be bearable. I know, that's a huge difference! Last summer, we purchased a pop-up camper so we could make our trips into little family holidays rather than pure torture.

This post is just going to be some tricks we used on during our car time. Rita Clare, our 2 yr old, was the hardest to please but we anticipated this.

RC:
1. Bag of surprise gifts wrapped in tin foil- I purchased little items from the dollar store that she could use either in the car or some time on our trip. (Silly Putty, gel pens, capsules that grow in water, jump rope, sunglasses, stickers, candy, cd)
2. Pipe Cleaners- great fun to manipulate and doesn't make a mess!
3. Colored pencils and a note pad (blank)-don't dare bring crayons in the car, risking a lost one to melt somewhere.
4. Water coloring pad
5. New markers that only show colors in a specific coloring book-it's quite amazing!
6. Borrowed DVDs and a new one.
7. LOTS of cds.-I included kids sing a longs, some calming ones, and some of mine I haven't heard in a while. If I'm happy, then the car is a lot more pleasant!
8. Activity book with dry erase markers. Actually, I wise up early on and we only used these during some down time on our trip when I was with her. She really liked them those.
9. LOTS of books. She's really into the seek and find books.
10. A doll to play with.
11. FAVORITE snacks-string cheese, pretzels, graham crackers were the biggest hit.
12. Finger puppets and songs with finger gestures- RC now knows what each finger is called and can sing "Two Little Blackbirds" all by herself.
13. Talking about things outside of the car.-Great distraction, especially when she wanted to wake Tyler up by screaming or when stuck in traffic.

Tyler:
1. We packed about 8 different toys. It was nice when RC would fall asleep and he started to fuss.
2. Mesh food eater. This was great when we tried stalling him from nursing. It always seemed to happen that we'd be less than 30 minutes from our destination and he'd have a meltdown. Then we'd all kinda start to melt down too. He liked the cheerios and bananas but boy he was a mess after the nanners! We also put ice in there a couple times.
3. Butt and Back Massages! Every time I took him out of his car seat, I'd nurse him and change him. Then I'd let him play on his belly while I gave him a good rub down. I'm sure his little tush was aching during some of those long hours.

All in all, they we both champs! We were lucky when they'd both fall asleep at the same time. That was basically our break during our traveling days (no fun). On the bright side, I almost finished my sweater I'm knitting for myself-woohoo!

Do you have any good travel tips I didn't mention? I'd love to hear them!



Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887