Hey all. Sorry about the late winners post. We had a little family emergency today – nothing big, just enough to keep me crazed. In any case, today I’ve got the winners of our Artterro Eco-friendly Art Kits Giveaway!

Just in case you forgot, each winner will get their choice of either an Artterro Wire & Bead Kit (shown above) or an Artterro Wool Felt Bug Kit. Plus, both winners will score an awesome kid-friendly Artterro Art Journal Kit. It’s a great eco-friendly prize.

I’ve drawn 2 random winners from all eligible entries, and they are…

AEKZ2 who said, “My daughter and I love to make bead necklaces and bracelets. We’d love to win the wire and bead kit.”

AND

Kamber who said, “My son loves to work with scissors and cut and paste, he is also getting into drawing. I think he would love the wire and bead set.”

Congratulation to both winners. I hope you love these art kits as much as we do. I’ll be contacting you within a day with more information.

Thanks to everyone who entered. If you didn’t win, you might want to visit our amazing sponsor Artterro anyhow. All of their art kits are hyper affordable. Also, stay tuned, I’ve got another really cool green kid giveaway coming up very soon from a super slick and new eco-company.

Big hugs to Artterro for sponsoring this giveaway! To learn more about them, visit the following links:

• Artterro website
• Follow Arterro on Twitter
• Join Artterro on Facebook
• Read their blog

Engaging young children in crafty projects is a great way to grow your child’s imagination and it can help them develop lifelong skills such as creativity, hand-eye coordination, critical thinking and so much more. Plus, if you go with green-art supplies and kits, crafts can teach your child about green living.

Artterro makes eco-friendly arts and crafts easy and affordable for all green families, and this is your chance to try one of their amazing art kits for FREE!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!

Two Growing a Green Family readers will win a nice eco-friendly kid prize package. Each winner will receive their choice of either an Artterro Wire & Bead Kit or an Artterro Wool Felt Bug Kit. Plus, both winners will score an awesome kid-friendly Artterro Art Journal Kit. That’s enough crafty fun for many a rainy day!

• Read my review of the Artterro Wool Felt Bug Kit
• Learn more about eco-friendly Artterro
• Read my review of more Artterro craft kits

GIVEAWAY DURATION

This giveaway starts today, January 24, 2012 and ends on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment on this post, telling me a little bit about what sort of arts and crafts projects your child enjoys doing. For example, if it was me entering, I’d say, “My son loves playing with clay, drawing comics and doodling.” Also let me know which kit your child would want if he or she wins – the Artterro Wire & Bead Kit or an Artterro Wool Felt Bug Kit.

IMPORTANT RULES

• U.S. residents only please. Although Artterro (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On February 2, 2012 I’ll draw two random winner from all eligible entries, post the winning names here and also email the winners.
• If you win, you’ll need to email me back within a week with your contact info. If you don’t email back, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind and I’ll choose an alternate winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but Artterro. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

Yesterday I posted the top ten most popular green family posts of 2011. However, in order to have room at the top, some posts do have to hit rock bottom (sad). It always surprises me to see what my readers don’t find interesting.

Still, if you want to be a rebel, and go against popular consensus, you may want to check these posts out. Sure they weren’t the most popular, but in part, that’s because some were new (as in December new). Plus, unpopular or not, maybe you’ll still learn something.

Least popular green family posts of 2011 – from most to least popular

1. What does being a green parent mean to you?
2. Choose Your Green Shade of Grocery Shopping
3. Alternatives to conventional schooling – even for single parents
4. Tips for a less consumer-minded holiday season
5. Signs your child may be overweight
6. Food industry wants to keep BPA in food – big surprise
7. Make the most of shopping at the local farmers’ market
8. Homemade Memory Game Craft Project
9. Why U.S. parents are in denial about childhood weight issues
10. Where to find an organic Halloween pumpkin

Interesting mix. No one wants an organic pumpkin?

I’m running a bit short on time today. Cedar and I got immersed in some Zelda paper crafts, then I had to write a huge debate post for a client. Time got away from me. In any case, instead of something new today, how about something popular to fall back on? One thing is clear, you people REALLY love ice pops, play kitchens and sunscreen.

The most popular green family posts of 2011 (most popular at the top)

1. 50 Amazing Homemade Organic Popsicle Recipes & Ideas
2. Non-Toxic Popsicle Molds for Homemade Popsicles
3. DIY Green Toy – Nine Affordable Play Kitchen Sets
4. Ten cool BPA-free reusable water bottles for kids
5. Stainless Steel Non-toxic Popsicle Molds
6. Only 8% of sunscreen safe – find your best eco-friendly summer sun protection
7. Ultimate Eco-Friendly Play Kitchen Guide
8. DIY Green Project: Make a reusable waste-free lunch kit!
9. Best non-toxic sunscreen for 2011 – safe sunscreen choices for kids and adults
10. How To Build a Solar Cooker

Enjoy!

Hey all. Today I’ve got the winners of our miYim Winnie the Pooh Organic Plush Giveaway.

In case you’ve forgotten, both winners will receive an adorable 100% organic plush of their choice (one of the choices shown above).

• Learn more about the organic miYim Disney Collection.

So, I’ve randomly picked two winners and they are…

Carolsue who says, “My favorite was (is) Pooh; my daughter’s is Tigger.”

AND

Kaylie who says, “I loved Eeyore growing up. Whenever a sibling was complaining I would mock them in the “I’ve lost my tail” voice. Hehehe, always put a smile on our faces! My kid’s favorite is Tigger. T-i-double g(uh)-er!”

Congratulations to our winners! Remember, I’ll be emailing you for more info asap, so watch your email. Thanks to everyone else who entered and big hugs to miYim for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway.

We’ve been talking a lot about how to scale down your holiday spending and keep it green – this contest will help you do both. Just in time for the holidays, you may win an adorable organic gift for your child, simply by entering this fun giveaway.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!:

Two Growing a Green Family readers will each win their favorite Winnie the Pooh organic plush doll from the miYim My Natural Disney collection. If you win, you’ll have your choice of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger or Piglet. All are totally adorable and 100% eco-friendly.

• Learn more about the organic miYim Disney Collection.

GIVEAWAY DURATION:

This giveaway starts today, December 5, 2011 and ends on Monday, December 12, 2011. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post, telling me which Winnie the Pooh character was your favorite growing up (mine was Eeyore) and also tell me which character is your child’s favorite now.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• U.S. residents only please. Although miYim (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On December 12, 2011, I’ll draw two random winner from all eligible entries, post the winning name here and also email the winner.
• VERY IMPORTANT! If you’re the winner, you’ll need to email me back by December 15, 2011 with your contact info. I know that’s quick, but it would be nice to get these sent out maybe in time for the holidays. If you don’t email back by the 15th, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind and I’ll choose another winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but miYim. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

Hey there all. Today I’ve got the winner of the awesome Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food Giveaway.

In case you’ve spaced it, our winner will be receiving a very nice sampler pack of Baby Gourmet, USDA certified organic baby food. The sampler includes 15 pouches and all nine Baby Gourmet flavor taste sensations.

• Learn more about Baby Gourmet organic baby food.

Just a quick reminder, if you haven’t entered to win a great starter pack of Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food, today is your last chance.

Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food is a new line of USDA certified organic baby food created by mama and Baby Gourmet company founder, Jennifer Broe.

Each Baby Gourmet food item is cooked up in a kitchen, not a lab and is made healthy with:

• USDA Organic certified food
• No thickeners or fillers
• No added sugar
• No added salt
• Kosher too
• Comes in BPA-free re-sealable packaging

Enter now!

The other day I told you about a brand new organic baby food – Baby Gourmet. If you’re interested in your baby trying this organic baby food, today is your lucky day, because you may just win some if you enter our Baby Gourmet giveaway!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!:

One Growing a Green Family reader (including one very lucky baby) will win an awesome sampler pack of Baby Gourmet, USDA certified organic baby food. The sampler includes 15 pouches and all nine Baby Gourmet flavor taste sensations.

• Learn more about Baby Gourmet organic baby food.

GIVEAWAY DURATION:

This giveaway starts today, November 4, 2011 and ends on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post, telling me what stage your baby is at eating-wise – it’s okay if your baby hasn’t started on solids yet. AND tell me why you’re interested in feeding your baby organic food.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• U.S. and Canada residents only please. Although Baby Gourmet (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. and Canada for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On November 13, 2011, I’ll draw one random winner from all eligible entries, post the winner’s name here and also email the winner.
• VERY IMPORTANT! If you’re the winner, you’ll need to email me back by November 18th with your contact info. If not, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind, and I’ll choose another winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. or Canada mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but Baby Gourmet. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

You know how I’m always posting about homemade popsicles? People probably think I’m a little obsessed, and I suppose that estimation wouldn’t be too far off the mark. Recently, I was thinking about why I like homemade ice pops so much, you know, beyond the eco-benefits and such, and my brain flashed back to Saturday morning cartoons.

If you were born in the 70s or 80s, then you probably remember Saturday morning cartoons too, and if you remember Saturday mornings, then maybe you remember this…

This got me thinking about other cartoons, and I also was likely heavily inspired by this classic Sesame Street cartoon.

I remember making these at my grandma’s house, with grape and orange juice and sometimes (gasp) Kool-Aid. Of course, now we know that there are better things than plastic wrap, paper cups, food coloring laden Kool-Aid and toothpicks. Also, these always turned out rock hard (I didn’t know about water-sweetener ratios). Still, as a kid, I remember that I thought freezing juice was pretty much genius. Ah, the good ol’ days.

More stuff I love this week…

A really good read about how Your Kids Don’t Owe You Jack.

An amazing Japanese kusudama paper ball tutorial. Basically, awesome paper flowers you can make – use recycled paper!

A great green reminder from Peggy to wash your reusable bags, but not the food in them! Uh oh.

Does Good Cancel Out Evil? – Something I’m always thinking about, and I guess someone else is thinking about it too.

Okay, this is old news, but somehow I managed to miss it entirely when it was bouncing around the web before. Most likely because I’m not an animal person. It’s so worth a look though – Deadly Leopard Seal Tries to Feed Live Penguins to Photographer (Video) AND the much more awesome slide-show.

We’ve been discussing sunscreen a lot, and along those lines, I just saw some interesting new research about how honeysuckle may create an effective natural “sunblock” for clothing that shields its wearers from ultraviolet rays. Cool if it works, right?!

Have you read anything cool this week? Let me know in the comments.