Little Speckled Frog - an eco-chic children's boutique

Going Postal!

2012-01-26T14:13:00.008-05:00

Watching my kids play a game of "post office" today gave me the idea for reusable envelopes that my girls could use on their "deliveries". Today's game consisted of delivering each other "letters" (magnetic letters from the refrigerator) in paper envelopes. Of course once the sealed but overloaded envelopes reached their destination, they were ripped to pieces and the girls needed a new one to return to sender. Realizing what a mess and waste this was making, I quickly whipped up some reusable envelopes from felt. I think these will be great in continuing their imaginative games as well as a fun idea to use for valentine cards we distribute to friends. Add a cute heart button, stamp, or embroider the recipients name on the front and you have a unique and creative Valentine gift. And I know there are cute little mailboxes everywhere this time of year, so you can deliver these envelopes in style. The possibilities are endless!

1) Cut a "house shape" (rectangle with triangle on top) out of felt like this:

2) Fold the rectangle up and sew the sides closed. You can use a machine to sew or do this by hand. I also trimmed the edges with my pinking shears, which I think looks so cute.

3) Fold down the triangle top to close like an envelope.

4) Sew on a button and cut out the button hole.

Sew simple!!!

P.S.
The game of "post office" is great when you have a preschooler learning to read and write. Send him/her a question that requires a word answer that (s)he knows and they will be excited to answer your letter
and send it back in the mail. I was also able to incorporate a little "lesson" about punctuation. Never too early to start, right?

Homemade How-To: Granola

2012-01-23T05:00:00.066-05:00

Granola is one of my favorite winter-time breakfast foods. I love it with milk or over yogurt. I also love it as a snack on family hikes and outings. There are so many fun kinds of granola available for purchase. And I often take advantage of them in the bulk section of my grocery store. However, it's just as easy to make granola at home. The recipe I follow is not the fanciest, but I am almost sure to have all the ingredients on hand, any time, any day. And I love that little helpers can take part in the stirring and measuring quite easily.

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cup regular oats

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 Tbs brown sugar

2 Tbs oil

1 cup rasins

1 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees

2) Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl

3) Combine water, honey, syrup, sugar, and oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.

4) Pour syrup mixture over oats and stir to coat. Spread the oats into a greased jelly-roll pan.

5) Bake at 325 degrees for 35 min or until golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes.

6) Remove from oven and place in large bowl. Stir in raisins and dried cranberries.

7) Cool and eat or store in an airtight container.

What are your favorite granola ingredients?

New Product: Dilly Giggles Organic Lip Balms

2012-01-11T16:08:00.026-05:00

We are excited to introduce a new line of eco-chic children's products to the store. This time it's Dilly Giggles, a mom-founded company that produces 100% natural, 99% organic lip balms. We love that this mom-entrepreneur started her business "as some fun-filled, mom & daughter experimenting in their own kitchen". And we love that the products are 100% natural and 99% organic (apparently there is not yet an organic form of some ingredients). Who wants unnatural ingredients near their children's mouths? Instead, you can choose from Fairy Cherry, Magical Mint, Ooh-la-la Vanilla, and Sassy Citrus.

And I haven't even mentioned how darn cute these balms are! Each flavor sports an associated image of either a fairy, mermaid, french cat, or unicorn. So fun!

The lip balms are made in the U.S.A and would make great Valentine gifts, Easter basket stuffers, and Birthday gifts or favors. Only $4 each! Get your's today!

Product Review: EIO Kids Cup

2012-01-10T05:00:00.038-05:00

I recently received an EIO Kids Cup for my 2 year old daughter to try out. And I have to say, it is absolutely AMAZING!!!! Hands down the best cup I have ever used for this age group (the cup is recommended for 18mth to 5yrs). Through the power of the written word, I will endeavor to describe this miraculous, awe inspiring cup to you.

Wait for it, wait for it... {insert drum rolllllllllllllllllllllllll}... It's a glass canning jar, with a silicone sleeve, and a plastic (BPA free) screw on cap. "That's it?", you say and scratch your head. "Yep, that's it", I reply with a knowing grin.

So why am I making such a big fuss about this very simple cup? Well it's the simplicity of this cup that makes it pure genius. First of all, it's glass. Yes, glass. As in that substance created from heating sand and other natural minerals together. The stuff that has been around for thousands of years. The stuff that does not leach BPAs, into your child's milk or juice. That glass. And that glass comes in the form of USA-made canning jars. You know, those super-cheap jars you can find just about anywhere and probably have some in your house already.

Now this is not the first glass kids cups we have tried. The particular ones we had previously also had a silicone sleeve, but the glass was much thinner and we had 2 break within a month. As I'm sure you know, broken glass on the floor with little kids and their bare feet is scary! Besides being thin, the shape of this "other cup" was strangely tall and thin, making it impossible to find a replacement glass (I do believe the manufacturer sold replacement glass cups, but after spending a fair amount of money plus shipping costs, I really didn't want sink more money into these cups). With the EIO Kids Cup, even if the glass breaks, you can easily replace it with a low-cost canning jar which you might even already have. That being said, I don't think breaking is something you will have to worry about. The glass of the canning jar is thick and the protective silicone sleeve very generously envelopes the majority of the glass. My daughter has actually dropped the cup several times now (twice in one day - oy vey, that was a crazy day!) and not even a crack. Score for simple materials!

However, I think the true beauty is that it transitions with your child. Once they have taught themselves to properly sip from the cup, you just remove the trainer portion (cap) and voila - a regular, big kid cup. And speaking of the cap - it is simply wonderful too! It easily screws on to any 8 oz. canning jar which makes my life so much easier. We have a no juice after lunch rule, so if my daughter hasn't finished the juice in her cup and it's after lunch, I just move the cap to another canning jar filled with milk or water and she's back in business! The remainder of the juice goes back in the fridge for the next day. Most impressively though, is that the EIO cup's cap is so very easy to clean. There is no spout, or straw, or anything that can harbor mold. And don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about! I remember the first time I noticed there was mold in my daughter's old sippy cup. I was absolutely appalled! I ran the lid and spout through the dishwasher twice on super high heat, and scrubbed the dickens out of it, but I still didn't feel like it was completely clean. Gross! With the EIO Cup, there are no crazy crevices and thus nothing can hide. Major score for reducing the need for a multitude of cups and keeping things clean and healthy!

And lastly, this was not something that I was aware of, but prolonged use of "traditional" sippy cups (those with spouts), can cause speech and dental problems. Who wants to inflict that on their child? Score for smart design to promote healthy development!

The only down-side is that the cup is not spill-proof . The EIO website considers it "spill-resistant" and on their Frequently Asked Questions page, responds that "Neither is a plate, but we teach our children to use it. EIO encourages healthy habits and seeks to teach children mealtime skills". True! The first time my daughter drank from the cup, she did douse herself, but ever since then, it's been smooth sailing.

I also love that these cups were created by an inventive mama who had had enough with messy, plastic sippy cups. She wanted to create a simple, healthy, convenient and economical cup for toddlers. I think she succeeded. What do you think? Is this a product you would like LSF to carry? If so, let me know!

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Post-script:
I wrote this a while ago but have held-off posting because my daughter suddenly refused to drink out of the cup. I of course didn't want to post about something that I could no longer say was working for us and was ready to scrap the whole article. As it turns out, my silly little two-year old just didn't want to use the top anymore! She wanted to drink like a "big kid", with just the jar and silicone sleeve. In essence, she had taught herself to drink! While I am not completely at ease with her using a lid-less cup yet, I am so happy that the EIO cup gave her the confidence to drink like a big kid. Hats off to EIO cups! Or should I say lids off?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:43:00.004-05:00

I hope 2011 was a good year for you. It was for me both personally and professionally. Professionally, Little Speckled Frog celebrated it's 4th year in business and 3rd on the web. We are growing by leaps and bounds!

And to start this year off right, we have some really exciting new things in store for you. New brands, an updated website where product descriptions are made better with reviews from you, and a monthly newsletter keeping you up-to-date on the ways of the Frog.

You can sign up to receive the newsletter here:

Happy 2012, everyone! I wish you happiness and health in the new year.

Christmas Cheer!

2011-12-18T14:47:00.003-05:00

This time of year we like to show the people in our lives how much they mean to us. A gift given to a friend is a small gesture that lets them know what a big part they play in our lives. Friends, neighbors, teachers, and co-workers are all people in our lives worthy of a small token of thanks and appreciation.

Our family wanted to give a small, handmade and totally usable (and re-usable) gift this year. And these "cookie in the jar" gifts fit the bill! I added chalk board paint to the front of the jar so after Christmas, the jar can be used just about anywhere to organize and label whatever is inside.
Here's how I did it:

1) Paint a square (or shape of choice) in chalkboard paint on the front of the glass jar. Allow it to dry according to manufacturer's directions.

2) Fill with ingredients of your favorite cookie in jar recipe. The recipe I used can be found here.

3) Cut a square of fabric to fit over jar's lid. Place top of the lid on the mouth of the jar, then cover with the fabric. Finally, screw the rim of lid on and your fabric will be securely attached. Attach recipe and voila - your gift is complete!

What do you like to give to those special people in your family's life?

Reusable Gift Bags

2011-12-08T20:49:00.003-05:00

This year, I am finishing up the rolls of paper gift wrap and starting a-new. My hope is that next year we can use only the cloth gift bags I have been creating! I LOVE fabric, and can't think of a better way to be "eco-friendly" with present wrapping than by using beautiful fabric instead of paper. My bags are the same design I package all my fabric buntings in and are so simple to sew. I encourage you to try one or two!

1) Fold fabric in half (right sides together) the size you want the bag to be. Use the folded edge as the bag's bottom.

2) Pin one of the sides closed.

3) Cut a length of ribbon to use as the bag's closure.

4) Fold the ribbon in half, and place between the two layers of fabric with the ribbon's end slightly sticking out of the unpinned side of the bag.

5) Pin the "ribbon side" closed, making sure to catch the two ribbon ends with the pins

6) Sew both sides closed. Be sure not to close bag's top.

7) Finish the bag's top and sides with pinking shears.

8) Turn bag so that right sides of fabric are showing and your bag is complete!

Stay Warm with Little Speckled Frog!

2011-11-15T11:55:00.002-05:00

Winter's on the way! How is your little frog going to stay warm? With one of these great products of course!

1) Aden + Anais Natural Muslin Cozy Sleeping Bag - $39.95

2) Organic Sherpa Cotton Snug Bug Set - $69.00

3) Kicky Pants Eco-Friendly Bamboo Long Sleeve Pajamas - $34.00

4) Organic Egyptian Cotton Baby Gowns - $24.00

DIY Eco-Craft: Fabric Scrap Wreath

2011-10-19T20:48:00.004-04:00

Life has been non-stop lately. While that can be a good thing, it can also really wear you down. Sometimes I just need a little quiet alone time to relax and rejuvenate. And while a week at an all-inclusive spa would certainly do the trick, I will settle for some independent craft time.

I actually came across the directions for this craft while looking for the Halloween wreath my neighbor made. However once I saw this one I knew I had to make it! For some reason I can not part with even a tiny shred of fabric (unless of course I know its going to one of my friend Lorie's craft projects) and thus I have a large stash of fabric scraps awaiting use. The craft also costs little if any money and couldn't be easier to make, which makes it perfect in my book!

So I just sat down one night in front of the television with my husband and tied my scraps on to the wire hanger which I bent into a circle (I think the directions say to use a wire wreath form found at a crafts store, but I have a few old wire hangers I thought I would use). I even added some fabric from old, stained clothing and it worked perfectly. It's fast, easy, cheap, and uses recycled materials. So very eco-chic!

Rose Garden Remedy

2011-10-17T02:52:00.008-04:00

A rose is a rose is a rose. Unless of course they look like my scraggly, puny plants. Ugh! My beloved knock-out roses planted as a hedge along side of my house look pitiful. They are east facing and receive full sun, so we are led to believe its the soil causing their stunted growth. Unfortunately since we planted them against the house, there is a lot of fill dirt, rocks, and cement in the soil. While I can't remove all of that, I can start amending the soil which I have been doing with our compost-created soil and eggshells. Eggshells, you say? Yes, eggshells.

I wasn't sure if it was an old wives tale or not, but through internet research it appears there is some truth to using eggshells to promote rose growth. Eggshells are made up of about 95% calcium which is extremely important to plant growth. The shells also contain lime and protein, all of which contribute to chemical balance of the soil making happy, healthy plants.

So I am separating out my eggshells from the rest of the compost-bound food scraps, breaking them up and applying them directly to the soil surrounding the rose bushes. Though it's fall and the roses should begin to wind down for the season, I am hoping this preparation will pay dividends in the Spring. I will definitely let you know!

Do you have any great gardening advice to share? Please feel free to comment below. I love hearing new ways to economically and naturally tend my garden.

OCTOBER SPECIALS: Frightenly Good Deals on Halloween Legwarmers

2011-10-09T22:35:00.004-04:00

This month's special is our Autumn/Halloween themed baby legwarmers. With the weather starting to cool down, what better product than the very versatile legwarmers for baby? They also complete baby's tiger, cow, ladybug, bumble bee, or pink leopard Halloween costume. Regularly $7.50, they are on sale this month for $6.00!!! (While supplies last. Offer ends October 31, 2011 at midnight EST).

Moo Cow

Tiger

Leapin' Leopards

A Gift Basket for Twins!

2011-09-18T22:38:00.002-04:00

I recently had a request for a gift for twins - a baby boy and girl. And so, I created the Double Delight - Gift Basket!

It contains:

1 - "Dots" Organic Short-sleeve Babybody, Pink 0-3 mths
1 - "Dots" Organic Short-sleeve Babybody, Blue 0-3 mths
1 - Organic Lovie Blanket, Pink Bunny
1 - Organic Lovie Blanket, Blue Elephant
1 - Organic Egyptian Cotton Swaddle Blanket Set, Pink & Natural
1 - Organic Egyptian Cotton Swaddle Blanket Set, Blue & Natural

These great gifts sit in a large natural wicker bassinet basket, enclosed in reusable netting and topped off with a green speckled bow! While this gift basket is for a boy and girl, I could easily make it whatever combination suits your gift-giving needs. Please email me at mamafrog@littlespeckledfrog.com and let's create something together!

SEPTEMBER SPECIALS: Back to School

2011-09-05T14:47:00.002-04:00

We are celebrating back to school with a sale on select baby legwarmers for $6.00! Check out the styles below:

Old School Tube Sock

Garnet & Gold

Orange & Blue

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T14:29:00.002-04:00

Through a fun suggestion from Lindsey Morrow, a local doula and blogger, I thought I would share my birth stories. (Though like my breastfeeding post, I might take me a little while to get it done!).

I have never really put either of my girl's births into words. I wrote down times of things happening and a quick quote or two, but most is still floating around in my head. It's something I would love to have in writing so that I can share with them one day. If you haven't already, it might be a great thing to do with your partner today, and reminiscence about that amazing time in your life.

Happy Labor Day, Mamas!

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

2011-07-31T22:02:00.003-04:00

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), I thought I would write a little about my own breastfeeding experiences with my kids.

Stay tuned...

End of Season Sale!!!

2011-07-24T16:24:00.002-04:00

We are having a great end of season sale on some of our best-selling items like:

Kicky Pants bamboo short-sleeve pajamas, $23.00 (regularly $26.00) in pond blue and pink lotus.

Kicky Pants bamboo short-sleeve dress, $23.00 (regularly $32.00) in pink lotus, spring grass, and natural (orchid & bark are currently not on sale).

Organic Cotton Baby Blossom Dress by Under the Nile, $19.60 (regularly $28).

Don't miss these great deals! They will be gone soon! Stock up now!

Homemade How-To: Presto Pesto!

2011-07-20T21:04:00.012-04:00

Our summer garden is in full swing! I am the herb person and my husband takes care of the veggies (which consists of just tomatoes & peppers this year). I always have more basil than I know what to do with, and it has started to flower and become leggy, so the easy solution is to make pesto. And it is SO easy to make.

Here is what you will need:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place the basil and pine nuts in a food processor, pulsing to make sure they are ground up. Add the garlic and pulse a few more times. Next, add the olive oil to the food processor mixture and blend. Then add the cheese and blend again. Add the salt & pepper and voila!

You have freshly made basil pesto - so fast & so easy! I then place the amount I will not be immediately using (or make extra) in ice cube trays and freeze them. Once frozen, I transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and keep in the freezer until ready to use. When needed, I just throw a couple in the microwave to defrost and then throw them into pasta after that. Enjoy!

JULY SPECIALS: Perfect for the Birthday Girl!

2011-07-01T21:25:00.018-04:00

July is the birth month of my second daughter. So, this month's specials are all things perfect for that sweet little birthday girl! Don't forget that we have a great gift registry - that's not just for baby shower gifts - so you that gift givers can be sure they are purchasing just the right gift.

July Specials:

Piggy Paint Gift Set - Birthday Bash

Hand-Embroidered Flower Dress

Good Earth Ballerina

Good Earth Fairy

These sale prices are good until the end of the month (July 31, 2011) and are limited to stock on hand.

Sophie is Back! And She Brought a Friend!

2011-06-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

Sophie the Giraffe is back in the store! She sold out during the 50th birthday celebration sale we had in her honor. This time though, she brought a friend! A sweet little teether made of the same 100% natural rubber as Sophie. It's name is Gnon - part of the Chan Pie Gnon collection (from the French word champignon, which means mushroom). So cute, so soft, so chewable. Get your's today!

Glam Spa Party - Pizzazzerie Giveaway

2011-06-17T09:46:00.002-04:00

Have you heard? Little Speckled Frog was part of a Glam Spa Party by Sugarsticks Parties and Rinse & Repeat Kids Salon, photography by Kerrigan Studios. And what a party it was! Food, fun, fashion and glam for the birthday girl and her guests. We provided eco-friendly Piggy Paint nail polish for the girls as well as a couple of cute handmade skirts for them to wear on this glamorous day.

You can check out more party pictures at Pizzazzerie and enter to win the giveaway, worth $150! Contest ends June 23rd, so enter today!

Credits:
Sugarsticks Parties: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarsticksparties
Rinse & Repeat: http://rinseandrepeatkidssalon.com/
Kerrigan Studios: http://www.kerriganstudios.com/
Happy Little Mokey: HappyLittleMonkey.Etsy.com
Swanky Baby vintage: www.swankybabyvintage.com
Efil Bath Colelction:www.efilbathcollection.com
Lucy and Leo Cupcakery: http://lucyandleoscupcakery.com/
Little Speckled Frog: http://www.littlespeckledfrog.com

Now Available at Rinse & Repeat - Piggy Paint!

2011-05-09T21:13:00.002-04:00

As you know, Rinse & Repeat - a kids' boutique salon is home to some of our fabulous eco-chic products. With the addition of Piggy Paint to Little Speckled Frog's line, we thought what better place to display than at Tallahassee's only kids' salon? So, if you need a new shade of Piggy Paint's great non-toxic nail polish, head on over to Rinse & Repeat. And tell them Mama Frog sent ya!

Mom's Time Out - Summer Festival

2011-05-06T01:32:00.001-04:00

We have vendors lined up for our June 4th, Mom's Time Out event. This event will be bigger than the previous two and will include fun for the whole family! Check out our website to find out more about this event and the wonderful mom-run businesses you will meet there!

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs!

2011-05-05T23:34:00.004-04:00

And the winner is....

2011-04-02T14:46:00.001-04:00

The winner of the Miss Mermaid giveaway is lucky #11 - "Gwynn"! Congratulations! Please email me at mamafrog@littlespeckledfrog.com and I will get you in contact with Miss Mermaid, herself.

Meet 'em Mondays - Miss Mermaid

2011-03-28T00:01:00.007-04:00

It has been a while since the last "Meet 'em Monday" post, where I introduce you to the great shops and people I have encountered in my personal and professional life. They have become "Friends of the Frog". So I am happy to share this recent interview I had with Helen Storey, the woman behind Miss Mermaid - a fun little etsy shop that is making a splash with its funky fabric and playful designs.

Mama Frog: Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Where are you from? What are some of your favorite things to do?

Miss Mermaid: I’m a Florida girl (Go Gators!) who had to leave the state to find her one true love. Both of us music majors, Chris and I met on the marching band field in Mississippi and the rest is history. We’re back in Florida now and have two awesomely creative daughters (ages 2 and 4) who make us laugh all day. Chris is a music teacher (guitar and percussion) and I stay home with the girls.

Our day pretty much consists of caring for our chickens, working in the garden, crafting and getting dirty outside (on occasion there is laundry folding that happens but not nearly as often as our other activities!).

We love these $1 bird houses from JoAnn Fabric.

They make great Fairy Houses and work really well as incentive in keeping little hands off the fabric in the store!

Mama Frog: What is Miss Mermaid? Why did you decide to start this business and what makes it different from other etsy shops?
Miss Mermaid: My daughter Ella loves giving nicknames to people. Before her sister Violet was born she named her ‘Vi Baby’. Violet is two now and the nick name is still hanging in there! One afternoon Ella named herself Garden, Violet was Princess and I was named Miss Mermaid. It didn’t take long before I decided that would be the name of the future sewing business I had brewing in my head.
I decided to start Miss Mermaid as a creative outlet for myself and also to bring in extra income for our family. I’d like to think Miss Mermaid is different than other etsy shops because I really try to let my personality come through in every product. Whether it is in the AWESOME fabric I choose, the random pocket sewn on a skirt or the fact that I will never use anything but 100% cotton fabric for clothes. I ask a lot of questions of my clients to make sure they are getting exactly what they have pictured in their head.

Mama Frog: What does the future hold for Miss Mermaid?
Miss Mermaid: The future of Miss Mermaid.......well, I have several ideas- 1 or 2 will be released into the store sometime in April. Here is a hint...Miss Mermaid is not just for children! I plan to create eco and sensitive skin friendly items for all ages.

Thanks so much, Helen! Can't wait to see what new items MissMermaid releases next month! Until then, Helen has graciously offered a set of reusable cloth napkins to be given away to one of our lucky fans. Below are several ways to enter for a chance to win:

1) Like "Miss Mermaid" on Facebook

2) Follow Miss Mermaid's Blog - "The Miss Mermaid Chronicles"

3) Follow Miss Mermaid on Twitter

For each of the above tasks you complete, please leave a separate comment stating which you did. These will count as multiple entries in the giveaway, giving you a better chance at winning!

CONTEST ENDS on Friday, April 1st at 12mindnight EST, with winner being announced on Saturday, April 2nd. Good luck to all!

LSF is now available at Rinse & Repeat!

2011-03-06T21:07:00.002-05:00

Have you heard the great news? We've just made it easier for Tallahasseans to shop for their favorite Little Speckled Frog products! That's right, our products can now be found at Rinse & Repeat - a kids' boutique salon, located in mid-town Tallahassee! So far we've stocked R&R's shelves with Sophie the Giraffe, the natural rubber teething toy sensation. And we hope to add a few more items in the coming weeks!

If you haven't been to Rinse & Repeat yet, you owe it yourself & your kids. First of all, its Tallahassee's ONLY kids hair salon. But its not the uniqueness that makes it so great. Its the thoughtful and welcoming atmosphere that makes getting a haircut there so much fun! From the comfortable furniture, to the well-stocked playroom, to the entertaining cartoons, and fun decor and treats, its obvious, that Rinse & Repeat puts your kids first! Their goal is to "change getting haircuts from a chore to an enjoyable and positive experience". And speaking of haircuts, they are done by the fabulous Suzi Mojock, who you probably know from Green Peridot. Yes, she and her husband own R&R and you are bound to run into them and their three girls there. Its such a great family atmosphere, you can't help but want to go.

So, the next time you are at Rinse & Repeat enjoying your child's fantastic haircutting experience you can also pick up one of Little Speckled Frog's great green children's products. We are very excited about this partnership with Rinse & Repeat and know you will be too!

MARCH SPECIALS: We're Marching into Spring!

2011-03-01T15:03:00.007-05:00

Spring is on its way! Here in Tallahassee, Spring is exceptionally gorgeous, with all the colorful flowers and rolling green hills. You can't help but want to be outside!

Thus, Little Speckled Frog's specials for the month of March are all about enjoying the outdoors with your family. Whether it be a stroll through the park or a picnic by the lake, our sweet March specials are sure to get you outside and loving it!

While enjoying the fresh air on a sunny day at the park, you will definitely need one of our adorable organic stroller toys - "Bailey the Bee" and "Calvin the Caterpillar". They are both on sale for $7.95. We are also offering our Aden + Anais muslin swaddle blanket sets in "Mod about Baby" for $42.00. These 100% cotton muslin swaddle blankets have a light, open weave which keeps babies cool and prevents overheating. They are quite large, measuring at 47'" x 47", making them prefect for impromptu picnics, nursing covers or stroller covers when it gets a little too sunny. And the "Mod about Baby" set features caterpillars, frogs, bees, and fish on the blankets - so they are very "outdoorsy"! Enjoy!

Homemade How-To: An Apple a Day!

2011-02-20T22:40:00.004-05:00

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Let's hope that's true, as our family has been battling sickness for almost three weeks now. We all just want to feel better! So, today I pulled out my old juicer (the one my mom used for me when I was little) and made some pure, 100% natural apple juice for the family. Delicious!

There really is nothing hard about juicing. You just need a good machine, and some good fruit.

I used these very flavorful, Golden Delicious organic apples.

You just chop to fit and stick them in!

This is what the remaining pulp looks like. I usually make apple-carrot muffins with the pulp, so there is virtually no wasted fruit. And there is the juice in the container below.

We often add carrots to the apple juice or juice oranges for an extra healthy dose of vitamin C. I am still amazed how sweet, pure natural juice is.

My girls love it! So cheers! Here's to keeping the doctors away!

Mom's Time Out @ The One Week Boutique

2011-02-18T20:53:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to announce that the second Mom's Time Out (MTO) event has been scheduled for Saturday, March 12th. It will take place during The One Week Boutique's half-price sale. As one of the MTO organizers, I can tell you that this will be a fabulous opportunity for shoppers to score some amazing deals on consigned children's products as well as learn about some of the incredible products and services offered by our Mom's Time Out vendors. So mark your calendars - Saturday, March 12th, at the Tallahassee Mall. We will see you there!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

2011-02-03T11:37:00.006-05:00

While much of the country is experiencing terrible winter weather this week, it almost doesn't seem right to post our outdoor fun. But heck, I live in Florida and have to endure some pretty nasty stuff during the summer, so here goes...

The girls and I made bird feeders from found pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed this weekend. I am sure you all have done this before, but in case you haven't, here is what you will need:

Supplies:
1) Pinecone
2) Peanut Butter
3) Bird seed
4) Butter knife or spoon
5) String or ribbon
6) Plate or bowl

Directions:
1) Tie the string around the top of the pinecone.
2) Use the knife or spoon to spread the peanut butter in and around the pinecone

3) Pour the birdseed on the pinecone. Then roll the pinecone around in the bowl to pick up any remaining seed.

4) Tie the other end of the string to a branch in a tree and watch the birds enjoy!

While this is an incredibly easy project to do with the kids, I have also used it as an opportunity to learn more about the birds in our area. We have the binoculars and a bird book ready at all times and the kids just love pointing out the birds they see to me. We've been keeping track of those we see at the feeders, in the yard, and on our travels. So far we have confirmed Red Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Finches, and a Bald Eagle (at St George Island). Can't wait to continue this in the Spring!

Power of Mom - Time Keeps on Tickin'

2011-01-31T15:07:00.001-05:00

My latest article for Sugarsticks Parties' "Power of Mom" series was published today. Hop on over to Sugarstick's Blog and check it out!

The article is entitled "Time Keeps on Tickin'" and is about time management for busy, working moms. If you are like me, you feel that there is never enough time in the day. It takes so much to keep organized and on schedule, it often leaves little room for spontaneity. In my article, I wrote about some tips and tricks I plan to utilities that might allow for more freetime in the day. What do you do to keep organized with day-to-day tasks? How would you spend extra time if you had it?

And the winner is...

2010-12-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

The winner of our giveaway for an organic bunny or bear is lucky #10 - "colorwithwords.com"! Please contact me at mamafrog@littlespeckledfrog.com and let me know which sweet organic friend you choose.

Mom's Time Out Giveaway!

2010-11-26T16:37:00.004-05:00

As one of the Mom's Time Out organizers, we are excited to host a giveaway to prepare you for all the free treats and fun shopping you will experience at the December 5th event.

If you haven't heard about Mom's Time Out yet, then you need to visit our Facebook page and learn more about this great event. In short, the event arose out of a meeting between four mama-owned businesses: HappyLittleMonkey, Ecological Babies, Rinse & Repeat, and Little Speckled Frog. We wanted to promote local, parent-run businesses and give moms a fun "time out" to shop and meet other mothers. We will have over a dozen vendors at the event, and countless door prizes from some fabulous local shops as well as free treats from Lucy & Leos Cupcakery, Red Eye Coffee, Bagelheads and Uptown Cafe. If you are in the Tallahassee area, I hope that you will stop by and take a "time out" for yourself!

In the meantime, enter to win our giveaway for your choice of "Baby Abigail" (our organic knitted bear) or "Baby Victoria" (organic knitted bunny). Both friends are 9" tall and made with certified organic and natural cotton, with safe embroidered details. They arrive in a gift box crafted from recycled materials which make them prefect for holiday gift-giving.

There are several ways to enter for a chance to win:
1) Like "Mom's Time Out Tallahassee" on Facebook
2) Like "Little Speckled Frog" on Facebook
3) Follow Little Speckled Frog's Blog
4) Follow Little Speckled Frog on Twitter
5) Share a link to "Mom's Time Out Tallahassee" on Facebook

For each of the above tasks you complete, please leave a separate comment stating which you did. These will count as multiple entries in the giveaway, giving you a better chance at winning!

CONTEST ENDS on Thursday, December 2nd at midnight, with winner being announced on Friday, December 3rd. Good luck to all!

We will be closed 11/15 - 11/21

2010-11-15T00:44:00.003-05:00

Please note that we will be closed Monday (11/15) - Sunday (11/21). Orders placed during this time will not ship until Monday (11/22). Thanks for understanding!

The Ultimate Compostable Bowl!

2010-10-17T17:28:00.007-04:00

Last year, when I was planning my oldest daughter's 3rd birthday party, I started researching compostable dinner/serveware. I found a few cool pieces made from leftover sugarcane stalks (see "Earth-Friendly Tableware" post) and another option made from fallen leaves (see "Green Planet Parties" post). We ended up using compostable Dixie paper plates and bowls that were made from 90% recycled material. It ultimately came down to the fact that the Dixie products were locally available and cheaper than the ones I found on the internet. I want to try the other options someday, but until then, I have found an even cooler serving option - fruit!

The other night at a neighborhood party, one of the lovely ladies served us sorbet in hollowed out fruit (lemons, oranges, pineapples, and coconuts). While she did not create these delectable concoctions herself (she got them at Costco of all places!!!), it seemed like such a fun and easy project to do. The best part (besides the delicious sorbet) was that when you are done with your dessert, you just toss the whole thing into the compost pile! I love this idea and see a beach/luau party incorporating these desserts in my future!

Homemade Playdough!

2010-09-23T14:53:00.004-04:00

We've made playdough before (see July 18, 2008 post), but weren't too happy with the results. It was not very easy for my little one to manipulate and seemed to get stuck everywhere! So, I found this new recipe today and am going to try it out this weekend. I will let you know how it goes!

Playdough Recipe:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 pkgs unsweetened Kool-Aid (or similar unsweetened drink mix)
1/2 cup salt
3 Tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups boiling water

Mix together flour, Kool-Aid, and salt.
Add oil and boiling water. Stir quickly, mixing thoroughly.
Knead well when cool enough to handle.
Store in airtight containers or ziplock bags. It does NOT need to be refrigerated.

* I might also add some cinnamon for a great seasonal smell!

------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Up:
We have really liked the play dough made from this recipe. The smell and color are great and it is so much easier to manipulate than the previous recipe we tried.

Happy Little Monkey's Tree - a new blog

2010-09-14T14:39:00.002-04:00

Our friends at Happy Little Monkey have started a blog and we were lucky enough to be included in one of the first posts - "Is it Easy to Be Green?". Please hop on over to read this new blog and tell the monkeys we sent ya!

LSF on Amazon.com!

2010-09-10T15:13:00.005-04:00

Little Speckled Frog products are now available on Amazon.com, one of the largest shopping sites ever! We will slowly be adding inventory and testing out this new storefront. Would love to hear any comments you have!

Meet 'em Mondays - Ecological Babies

2010-09-06T21:36:00.003-04:00

Today we are introducing you to Ecological Babies, one of the original "Friends of the Frog"! We met Ecological Babies way back in November 2008 (see post). Since that time, we have happily watched this Tallahassee company grow and prosper due to its amazing owner Jen Starks. Jen is truly committed to helping families live simplier, "greener" lives. She goes out of her way to provide natural parenting information to the Tallahassee community through workshops, one-on-one sessions and her community involvement. Her hard work and dedication have transformed this mainly cloth diaper store, into a fulfledged natural parenting store, offering everything from environmentally safe laundry detergents to glass tableware. We look forward to seeing more great things to come from Jen & Ecological Babies!

Pedoodles on Sale!

2010-08-31T15:07:00.007-04:00

We just saw a preview of next season's Pedoodles shoes! Can't wait to show them to you! Until then, we are running a special on all current styles. Just use the coupon code "ped2010" for 10% off your TOTAL order, which must include a pair of Pedoodles eco-friendly children's shoes. This sale ends September 30, 2010.

Meet 'em Mondays - Little Speckled Frog

2010-08-30T22:44:00.003-04:00

Why are we meeting Little Speckled Frog, you ask? Isn't Little Speckled Frog that fabulously adorable online boutique, known the world over, that specializes in amazing "green" products for stylish babies and children? Well, yes we are, thanks for the complement (blushing) but we have also expanded into the wonderful world of Etsy! I love to sew, and had so much fun making the bunting flags for my daughter's 3rd birthday (see post), that I thought I might create a few to be sold on etsy. I plan to add more items to the shop when I get a chance, but for now, I am focusing on environmentally friendly party/holiday/occasion decor. I am working toward the concept of a "party in a bag", where there will be coordinating fabric tablecloths, napkins, decorative bunting, etc. These can be used within a family to celebrate occasions year after year, or shared among friends. The best part is that there won't be the waste commonly associated with parties - no disposable party streamers, plastic tablecloths or paper napkins. I will offer themes, and many options for customization, so if this is of interest to you, please "heart" my etsy store - Little Speckled Frog and be on the the look out for fun, new things from LSF on etsy!

Melons, schmelons!

2010-08-26T10:01:00.005-04:00

So remember those "watermelons" that were growing out of the compost pile (see July 14, 2010 post)? Well, low and behold, they were really pumpkins!!! I can't believe it either! The last pumpkin we threw in the pile was probably around November (9 months ago), so I never suspected a pumpkin vine. Anyway, upon our return from vacation, we found our poor pumpkin vines shriveled up and lifeless. We "harvested" the pumpkins, though they were far from mature, and mowed down the vines. We returned the unripened pumpkins to the compost pile, so that maybe they will surprise us again next year!

Guess this was a little taste of my dream of owning a pumpkin farm (I've had this burning desire ever since watching the television show "Little People, Big World", where they own this amazing farm in Oregon). Still working on that and my little organic herb farm. One day, one day...

Interviewed by Casey Yu Photography!

2010-08-25T22:06:00.003-04:00

I almost forgot to post about the interview Casey Yu did on us last week for her "Locally Owned Wednesdays" section. Casey Yu is a local photographer and "Friend of the Frog". I was honored to be featured on her blog among the ranks of other great Tallahassee businesses. So, without further ado, here is the interview: http://www.caseyyuphotography.com/locally-owned-wednesdays/little-speckled-frog/

Homemade Blueberry Yogurt! Mmmm!

2010-08-24T00:24:00.009-04:00

I was lucky enough to receive a HUGE bag of locally grown blueberries from my neighbor the other day!

Knowing we would never finish such a large quantity before they went bad (even though my girls are voracious blueberry eaters), I decided to whip up a batch of my homemade yogurt with blueberry sauce. Many people are surprised when they hear I make my own yogurt, but it is really quite easy and so delicious!

Here is how you do it:

1) You will need a yogurt maker machine, which requires a little investment (usually around $40-$50), or you can get a hand-me-down one from the '70s from your mother in law, and it doesn't cost a thing!

2) Follow the instructions for your machine. Mine are pretty simple. You boil milk, let it cool to a certain temperature, and then add a Tablespoon of the "starter" (plain yogurt). Then you divide the milk/yogurt liquid equally among the cups and place them in the yogurt maker. Put on the lid and wait 10 hours. After 10 hours, place the yogurt cups in the refrigerator to cool.

3) Plain yogurt is a little sour for my taste, so I usually add a fruit sauce. I used blueberries for this sauce, and all you need to do is boil the blueberries and add the desired amount of sugar.

4) Mix the fruit sauce with the yogurt and you are done! Enjoy!

Meet 'em Mondays - Mason Twain

2010-08-23T22:16:00.014-04:00

Meet Mason Twain, a unique etsy shop and alter-ego of my very talented sister. The shop is titled "arts and things by Mason Twain", which couldn't be more fitting because her talent lies in taking "things" and creating pieces of "art" out of them. Currently she is focused on repurposing items into exquisite modern jewelry pieces - vintage earrings into cocktail rings and chandelier pendants into necklaces.

Make sure to stop by Mason Twain to see what fun new designs are on the horizon!

New Product: Vanilla Teething Rings!

2010-08-04T15:42:00.004-04:00

Also new to the store are these sweet little vanilla-scented teething rings made by Vulli, the makers of Sophie the Giraffe. They are the safe teething choice for baby because they are BPA and Phthalates free. They come in a pack of two, so you are never without! Check them out in our store: http://littlespeckledfrog.com/item_110/Vanilla-Teething-Rings.htm

Ooh La La! Sophie the Giraffe is here!

2010-08-03T00:04:00.006-04:00

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our little French friend, Sophie the Giraffe. This adorable toy is made in the French Alps, just as is was back in 1961!

As the story goes, Sophie the Giraffe was "born" on May 25, 1961 (St. Sophie's Day) at a time where baby toys were only available as farm animals or pet figures. Monsieur Rampeau came up with the idea of designing a giraffe, which would stand out in the baby toy market. He also created Sophie from 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of a Hevea Tree and with food grade paint, making her safe for playing and chewing. Sophie was also created in a size that was perfect for little hands, and she squeaked when squeezed, making her an immediate success all over Europe! Get your's today: http://littlespeckledfrog.com/item_109/Natural-Rubber-Teething-Toy--Sophie-the-Giraffe.htm

Meet 'em Mondays - Happy Little Monkey

2010-08-02T22:50:00.036-04:00

I have decided to start "Meet 'em Mondays", where I will post about some of our favorite friends. This Monday we are beginning with a very special "Friend of the Frog" - Happy Little Monkey! HLM is an adorable Etsy shop that currently focuses on baby items such as swaddling blanket and burp cloth sets, diaper cakes, bibs, diaper covers, and more. All their handmade items come wrapped and with a handmade tag, ready to give!

The owner of HLM is a stay-at-home-mom to two little ones, for whom she sews all the time. She attributes her love of sewing to her mother and inspiration for the products to her mother-in-law, but the talent and creativity are all her own! Be on the lookout for some really cool new products from this store in the future! And be sure to join the Happy Little Monkey Facebook page so you won't miss out on any of the news.

Friends of the Frog

2010-07-25T18:08:00.001-04:00

Have you visited our "Friends of the Frog" page? These are personal and professional friends of ours that deserve your patronage. Please check them out! I plan to do I little "get to know our friends" segment every week, so if you know of another great business or organization that should a "Friend of the Frog", please email me at mamafrog@littlespeckledfrog.com with their information. Thanks so much!

The One Week Boutique

2010-07-23T14:28:00.009-04:00

We are very excited to announce that we will be one of the sponsors of The One Week Boutique this fall (October 3-10)! The One Week Boutique is "Tallahassee's largest kid consignment event". The boutique offers thousands of gently used children products for sale each season. Its a great way to make some money on the children's items you no longer need, and enables you to snatch up some things you want at a great price. Plus, since everything is taking on a "second life", its the eco-friendly way to shop! It's a win-win for everyone!

So, if you are in the Tallahassee area, and are interested in consigning or shopping at The One Week Boutique, visit their website for more information. www.theoneweekboutique.com

Help! I've created a monster!

2010-07-14T23:54:00.020-04:00

Help! I've created a monster! A reduce, reuse, recycle monster. Its my three year old daughter. Apparently, I've taught her too well...

She does not allow a single toilet paper roll, milk carton, or jug of any kind to leave the house. I have explained to her that what we put in the recycle bin is picked up and taken to a place that makes them into new things, but she insists that we skip the middle man and do it ourselves. While I applaud her enthausiam, and am thankful she has the "green gene", I really am growing weary of thinking of things to do with all this stuff! I find myself sneaking recyclables out to the garage at night, just so I don't have to hear how "this would make a good spy glass", or "I need that for my art project".

Here are a few of the projects we have recently done. Let me know if you have anymore great ideas, because I am SO over toilet paper roll rainmakers!!!

1. Trees for our "village"/"town"/"farm"

(Cut two slits in paper roll and slide in tree top shaped construction paper.)

2. Fire logs for our "campout"/"indian village" (we were playing Pocahontas that day)

(Cut shallow circles into two of the rolls so that they stack on top of each other. You could use leftover red or orange tissue paper to make flames.)

3. "Feet" for our coloring book pals

(Give coloring pages new life by cutting out the characters and taping them to the paper rolls.)

4. The "Box-mobile"

(self-explanatory)

Sun Chips Compost Experiment - Week #5

2010-07-14T23:04:00.007-04:00

Okay, okay, I know I said I would post pictures of the composting chip bag every week, and its been a month without a compost post. But in my defense, I haven't exactly been able to get to the chip bag to photograph it. You see, we are very ~~lazy~~ "hands off" in regards to our compost pile. We like to let nature do its thing. And very often, nature's thing is not to turn the compost pile and we end up having things grow out of it. Last year, the very best tomatoes we ever ate came from a plant that grew out of the compost pile. Several years before that we had two avocado trees start growing in there (they eventually died, but they were so cool!). And this year, we have the mother of all watermelon plants growing out of our compost pile. Seriously, this thing is HUGE and has taken over the compost pile and everything around it! My husband so very carefully mowed around the vines so I could walk around back there, and I was able to find at least 7 good size melons on the plant. With the almost daily rain we have been getting, I am thinking these things might actually make it! Yippee! So, I apologize for the lack of chip pics, but promise you some big melons very soon!

Last Day to Save!

2010-06-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day of our Super Summer Sale! We've clear out a bunch of inventory, but there are still some really great finds. Happy Shopping!

Sun Chips Compost Experiment - Week 1

2010-06-14T14:38:00.009-04:00

So, we purchased a bag of Frito Lay Sun Chips this weekend, for the sole purpose of trying out the cool new compostable bag. It was absolutely not to satisfy my craving for a deliciously salty snack or the reason I hurriedly scarffed down the last crumbs. I am just very interested in the future of compostable food packaging and want to do my part. ; ) Anyway, here our experiment begins. The picture below is Day 1 in our compost pile (which so needs to be turned, by the way!). Per Sun Chip's website, it should take about 14 weeks to decompose. I will try and update weekly with a picture.

The New Website is Here!

2010-05-01T15:59:00.003-04:00

The new site is finally here! Please take a look around and tell me what you think! I went with a top navigation bar in hopes that it will make choosing a category even easier. Most of the categories have remained the same. The most exciting new feature is the gift registry. Please think of us for the next "birth day" or "birthday" you are celebrating!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T21:31:00.002-04:00

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Our family treats Earth Day like New Year's, in that we make a yearly resolution to do something better for the environment and ourselves. This year's resolution is for "Meatless Mondays". What will your Earth Day resolution be?

Kicky Pants PJs are here!

2010-04-21T16:00:00.008-04:00

Kicky Pants bamboo pajamas are here! We are currently stocking Lotus Pink and Pond Blue short sleeve pajamas in sizes 3-6 mths, 6-12mths, 12-18mths, and 18-24mths. Retail for $26.00. More colors to come!

Earth Day Savings!

2010-04-21T09:19:00.004-04:00

Earth Day 2010 is tomorrow, but you can start saving today with our 20-10 sale! 20% off all orders of $50 or more, and 10% off orders over $35. Use codes "EarthDay20" and "EarthDay10" at checkout. Sale ends at midnight tomorrow (April 22nd), so act fast!

Luck of the Irish!

2010-03-16T22:44:00.002-04:00

That's right, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day - your lucky day! Little Speckled Frog doesn't just want you to wear green this St. Patty's Day, we want you to save some too! So, all purchases made tomorrow, March 17th 2010, are eligible for a 20% discount. So what's the catch? You must be a fan our Facebook page and then look for the coupon code to be posted on our page tomorrow morning. That's it! No minimum purchase and same great $1.99 shipping we offer everyday. So, if you haven't already, become a fan today!

Welcome Spring!

2010-02-22T09:47:00.009-05:00

Saturday was the first day of Spring and we celebrated by heading outside to enjoy the fabulous weather. My husband and oldest daughter planted their tomato and pepper plants and we can't wait to see how they grow!

Little Speckled Frog is Getting a Makeover!

2010-01-28T08:49:00.001-05:00

We are in the process of revamping our site! The new site will include a fully integrated gift registry as well as several other upgraded features. We are also working on a logo which has been a long time coming! Can't wait to unveil it to you. Until then, I am working hard to load all of our products into the new system. Stay tuned!

Kate Quinn Organics on Sale!

2010-01-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Kate Quinn Organics are on sale - 25% off - through their online store. YOU MUST USE Coupon Code: NEWBABY2010 to get your sale discount.
Coupon expires January 31, 2010 and is not valid on clearance items and cannot be combined with any other offer. We don't currently offer KQ at... Little Speckled Frog, but love their style and hope to soon!

Reflecting on 2009!

2009-12-29T09:25:00.004-05:00

I hope you have accomplished the goals and resolutions you set for yourself at the beginning of 2009. My goal for LSF has always been to slowly grow the company, keeping in mind our customer's needs and expectations. I resolved to have superior customer service and offer new and exciting products at great prices that benefit the health and safety of children (our BIGGEST priority!!!). From the feedback I have received over the year, LSF has met and exceeded expectations in all those areas!

So, I have thrown in one more benchmark for good measure and it is to reach 110 Facebook fans by the close of 2009. Facebook has personally been a great place to catch up and stay in touch with old friends, so I know it will also be a great place for new LSF friends to gather and find out more about what we have to offer.

Please let any of your family and friends who are interested in natural and healthy children's products know about our shop and Facebook page. While I am still honing my resolutions for 2010, be assured that they will include even bigger and better things for the coming year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T11:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of Little Speckled Frog's customers, friends and supporters! We are thankful for all you have done to help us grow! Enjoy tomorrow with great family and friends!

Birthday Party Recap

2009-11-22T22:21:00.047-05:00

My daughter's third birthday party went off without a hitch! Even though there were raisins floating in the ice bucket, I forgot to turn the bubble machine on, and am not exactly sure when we ran out of lemonade for the guests, I am considering it a complete success, because the birthday girl had a fabulous time (and so did I)!

The theme was "barnyard" birthday and we transformed the backyard into our very own farm. My goal for the party was to try and incorporate some environmentally-friendly ideas, and though I accomplished a few, there is still a lot more I can do...

Below are pictures of the reusable party "streamers" I made. This was the first of my attempts to "eco-fy" the party. The party banners/streamers took a little while to sew but we have already used them twice and are putting them up as decoration in the play room until we need them for the next shindig. It was definitely worth the effort and I can proudly say "no ugly, disposable crepe paper streamers were used in the making of this party" - Hooray!!!

My next attempt was with the party favors. I know that the most eco-friendly option for party favors is to have none at all, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I guess I am still in the habit of thanking people with tangible items. Here is a picture of the recycled crayon favors we made for the party guests. At least I can argue that these are handmade and from recycled products!

I wrapped the crayons in bandanas, calling the bundle an "apple" to be given to their stick horses we had waiting for them in the playhouse "stable". Both of these things were *totally* made in China, but I am choosing to think of these as imaginative play pieces the children can use for a long-time, and not some cheap disposable toy.

New Pedoodles for the Fall & Winter!

2009-11-20T23:14:00.000-05:00

Pedoodles, our favorite eco-friendly shoe, have just released their new shoes for the colder months! For those of you who don't know about Pedoodles, here are a few great facts about these shoes:
* Constructed from "Eco-Friendly" premium leather remnants which are safety tested for children
(Free of Lead, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Mercury, Selenium and harmful Amines).
* Exclusive PedFlex™ flat rubber soles provide durability and traction both indoors and out
* Comfortable, flat footbeds for proper foot development
* Simple Velcro closure keeps shoes securely on feet, no laces to tie or come undone
* Flexible, breathable design with wide toe box promotes healthy conditions around developing feet
* Soles are made with recycled materials to help reduce global waste. They're also safety tested
(Passes British Safety Standard BS 5665-3 and European Standard EN71-3)
* Unique Pedoodles styling works well as a casual or dress shoe

We love Pedoodles and hope you will too!

Thanksgiving Idea

2009-11-19T14:52:00.013-05:00

Looking for a low-cal dish for Thanksgiving? Try our organically grown veggies from Under the Nile. They are made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton and are great for teething or playing. They're machine washable too!

Don't Let the Holidays Fly By!

2009-10-29T15:22:00.009-04:00

Can you believe that Halloween is this weekend? Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, then Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years. This time of year is jam-packed with fun and festivities! Not to mention great photo opts with the family!

We've got you covered if you are looking for an adorable outfit for your little holiday angel! Very soon, we will be offering three styles of the very popular "Angel Baby" outfits. Perfect for holiday pictures! Available in sizes 0-6mths, 6-12mths & 1-2yr.

New Color for Kicky Pants Bamboo Dress!

2009-10-25T23:51:00.008-04:00

We have added a new color to our selection of Kicky Pants Bamboo Dresses! The new "Bark" colored dress is a beautiful dark chocolate brown which is prefect for fall & winter and looks smashing with our Bamboo Ruffled Pants. Now available in size 2T!

Under the Nile - Back in Stock!

2009-10-20T11:04:00.011-04:00

We just received a shipment from Under the Nile and our wonderful organic baby basics are back in stock! Favorites like our super-soft 100% Organic Egyptian Cotton Swaddle Blanket Sets, adorable Bunny Blanket Friends, and the very popular Organic Newborn Gift Basket are ready for purchase. Come an get 'em!

Party Countdown!

2009-10-11T16:49:00.017-04:00

Well, its a little more than a month away from the big "Barnyard Birthday Bash" we are throwing our soon-to-be three-year-old daughter! I just sent out the email invitations - via evite.com (to view the invitation, see May 4th post). By not sending traditional paper invitations, we have taken the first step in trying to make this birthday a little more eco-friendly. I know it will be impossible to make every aspect of a child's birthday party "green", but I am working under the motto "every little bit helps"! So far so good!

I have secured the drinkware (old Mason jars that I have asked family and friends to save). Using glass jars will add a cute touch to the farm theme and it eliminates the need to purchase paper/plastic cups that will need to be disposed of. For the food, I am going to have to use disposable plates (can't think of an alternative), but as I have mentioned in previous posts, there are some very cool environmentally friendly options. So that is still on my to-do list.

As for decor, I am sewing reusable birthday banners and will post pictures of them soon! I have also decided to make crayons for the guests (either to use during the party or as a take-home gift) by recycling old broken crayons and melting and molding them into farm animal shapes. Should be fun!

Well, more to work on. Will update soon!

Chi Chi Amor Has Captured Our Heart!

2009-10-08T16:55:00.011-04:00

We are excited to introduce a new eco-friendly clothing line to our growing collection - Chi Chi Amor! Chi Chi Amor was created by two friends who met while pursuing doctorate degrees in Anthropology. Their love of other cultures gave birth to the idea behind Chi Chi Amor - "eco-friendly, globally-minded clothing for kids".

All of Chi Chi Amor's products are hand-made by Guatemalan artisans, and many are made from repurposed fabric from the traditional shirt and skirt worn by indigenous Mayan women of Guatemala and Mexico, known as “huipil” and “corte”.

Ellaroo Mei Hip Carriers - Super Duper Sale!

2009-10-01T08:47:00.005-04:00

We are clearing out the last of our Ellaroo Organic Mei Hip Carriers and are offering them for the incredibly low price of $75.00 (they retail for $89!). I love my Mei Hip carrier and use it often when my oldest daughter is tired of walking (can be used with a baby that has head control and weighs up to 35 lbs).

So why are you getting rid of these carriers if they are so wonderful you may ask? Long story short, Ellaroo has moved its headquarters out of the country making importing the carriers to the US too costly for us at this time. Thus, we have made the decision to discontinue carrying Ellaroo's organic baby carriers. We've been bound by Ellaroo's wholesale conditions to maintain the MSRP of $89.00, but since we will no longer be working with them, we are selling the carriers for $75.00! Its a great deal!

Mama Frog Meets Some Woodland Friends!

2009-09-28T15:17:00.008-04:00

My quest for organization in my children's rooms has led me to the Etsy store - Maple Shade Kids. The store states that they "create eco-friendly children’s room décor and art using sustainably harvested wood, rescued wood, colorful papers, non-toxic glues and sealers" and boy are they cute! The shelves, peg racks and wall art depict playful woodland friends, perfect for any fun-loving youngster! And hung at the right height, the peg racks are an adorably convincing way to get toddlers to hang up their clothes! And the shelves would be great for books and special treasures kids seem to accumulate so many of!

What a fun find!

Happy Fall!

2009-09-22T15:01:00.009-04:00

Happy Fall Ya'll! This is my favorite time of the year! Even though Florida doesn't exactly transform into a showy landscape of autumnal colors, you can still feel and smell and taste the season's arrival. Festivals start popping up, animals begin scurrying around, and the food this time of year starts to take on bolder, hardier flavors. Ahhh!

My first daughter was born in the fall and it was hard to dress her in traditional pastel pink that time of year, so I didn't! I have always loved deep, rich colors like Tomat Kid's fall line of organic onesies with their deep purples and harvest oranges. I also love that the Tomat onesies offered at Little Speckled Frog, are made from 100% certified fine ring-spun combed organic cotton, with graphics printed with water-based silkscreened inks, making them environmentally friendly as well as soft and cozy for your little one. The short sleeve versions sell for $24.00 and long sleeve for $26.00. They truly capture the essence of Autumn! Enjoy!

Upstairs: The Final Frontier!

2009-09-21T14:34:00.000-04:00

With two kids under the age of three in the house, the thought of having a clean and organized house is now just that - a thought. A lovely, but delusional thought nonetheless. My new strategy is to throw things in the direction of where they belong, hoping the toy or article of clothing will find its way back home. Unfortunately, with the kid's rooms being upstairs, and my throwing arm not what it used to be, not much gets put away up there.

Hence my mission -
to explore new organization and storage solutions
to seek out eco-stylish options, and
to boldly go upstairs and not stub my toe (as no one has done before)
this is the mission of the Mama Frog!

Am hoping this project will help us all "live long and prosper"! Will keep you posted on what I find!

The Solution to All Your (Diaper Related) Problems!

2009-09-15T15:25:00.017-04:00

So, after two and a half years, I apparently forgot what it was like to have a newborn in the house. The constant feedings, sleepless nights, spitting up, crying, the list goes on and on! Not to mention that this time around I have an almost three year old who needs my attention too! Mama Frog thinks she might lose her mind!

But, I guess what slipped my mind the most (or frantically scurried into the farthest recesses) was the diaper changes. Newborns average 10-12 diaper changes a day and I can assure you that my daughter is an overachiever! We are using cloth diapers again, and though I do use disposable wipes while I'm out and about, at home I use cloth diaper wipes too. With my first daughter, I made wipes by cutting flannel swaddle blankets we didn't use (I could swear we received 50 of them!) into squares. However, after repeated washing, the squares just didn't hold up. So, I began using the Organic Cotton Baby Wipes we now sell, with a little soap and water (sometimes just plain water will do the trick). Then you just toss the wipe in with the other used cloth diapers and wash them all together! Easy "pee"sy! : )

There are many other recipes for wipe solutions. Some include adding olive oil to keep baby's skin soft, tea tree oil as a disinfectant, and other essential oils for sweet smells. Zany Zebra Designs has a fun list of recipes to try as well as some very unique cloth diapers - check them out!

Some people soak their wipes in the solution so its as convenient as a container of disposable wipes. Others use a squirt bottle or the like. Experiment and see what works for you. Either way, its an inexpensive and simple thing to do. Almost a no-brainer! Which is good, because I know mine is gone!

MiYim - Organic Toys

2009-08-31T15:27:00.012-04:00

We have just added some fabulous new toys to our organic toy collection! MiYim's line of organic toys are safe and chemical free, not to mention soft, cuddly and adorable!
What we love about MiYim is that there are no chemicals or harmful substances used in making of their products. They use the "PureWaterWash™ process" to create the charming colors. Untreated cotton thread is woven into gently flowing fabric and brightened with nature’s own plants and minerals. The fabric is then hand dyed repeatedly in soy-water to set the color. As a result, each miYim™ toy has its own unique appearance and color variance. Also, each miYim collectible is housed in a handmade box crafted from recycled materials. So from start to finish, you can be sure that MiYim's products are as safe as they are fun! Check them out at Little Speckled Frog today!

Facebook Fans!

2009-08-15T16:19:00.000-04:00

Wanted to let you know that Little Speckled Frog is now on Facebook! Please join us and become a fan so you can be the first to hear about our new products and specials!

New Shipping Price is $1.99!

2009-08-02T23:55:00.005-04:00

Beginning today, all Little Speckled Frog orders will ship for $1.99 - all day, everyday, no matter how big or small your purchase! We're saving you some "green", baby!

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

2009-08-01T17:04:00.001-04:00

Happy World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) to all those nursing mamas out there! Keep up the good work!

Kicky Pants have arrived!

2009-07-22T15:22:00.007-04:00

Our latest shipment of cute and comfortable Kicky Pants Bamboo Basics has arrived. We are once again stocked up on the very popular bamboo coveralls in sizes newborn through 24 months! Hooray!

Kicky Pants are coming!

2009-07-15T17:18:00.001-04:00

We are experiencing a severe shortage in our Kicky Pants stock. Please be patient as a new shipment is due to arrive shortly!

The Littlest Speckled Frog!

2009-07-12T17:20:00.004-04:00

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of the newest member of the Little Speckled Frog family - Mackenzie Joell Fulton, born on July 6th at 11:17pm! She is healthy and beautiful and we are so blessed to have her in our family!

Little Speckled Frog closed 7/4 -7/12!

2009-07-03T15:23:00.001-04:00

Please note that Little Speckled Frog will not be filling or shipping orders from July 4th until July 12th as we await the arrival of our baby girl! Business will resume July 13th. Thank you for understanding!

July Shipping - Only $1.76!

2009-07-01T14:30:00.001-04:00

Well, the $.99 shipping couldn't last forever, but we are offering $1.76 USPS First-Class Mail shipping (3-5 days) on all orders until the end of July in honor of the United States of America's Independence Day - July 4, 1776! Don't miss out!

$.99 Shipping Extends Through June!

2009-06-01T14:53:00.002-04:00

It may be these hot summer-like temperatures causing me not to think straight, but since the $.99 shipping has been so well received, I have decided to extend the offer through the end of June! That means $.99 First-Class USPS Mail shipping (3-5 days) on all orders, no matter how big or small. Take advantage of this great deal while it lasts. I might just return to my senses next month! : )

Recycled Cardboard Play - Take Two!

2009-05-30T08:49:00.011-04:00

As you may remember, last month I attempted to recreate a darling cardboard kitchen set I found on the blog Forty-two Roads. Well, as that didn't quite turn out as I had hoped (my daughter told me the refrigerator looked more like a car and proceeded to turn it on its side, jump in and pretend to cruise along humming - vroom, vroom), I pretty much had abandoned the idea of transforming an old cardboard box into a useful play structure.

Low and behold, I ran across these recycled cardboard play structures at Green Party Goods. Below is their castle design.

There is also a Lemonade/Advice Stand, Teepee, Rocket, Dollhouse, Playhouse, Airplane and Chair set. You can personalize your particular model with paint or crayon. Quite amazing! While the price tags on these little beauties seems equally amazing ($95 for the castle), it may be the just the prompting I need to again put box cutter to box and try my hand at another cardboard transformation. You can never have too many box shaped cars ya know!

Earth-Friendly Tableware

2009-05-12T14:57:00.007-04:00

Isn't it funny how once you learn a new word, or hear about a new product or place, it starts popping up everywhere? As I was reading the new June 2009 issue of Martha Stewart's LIVING magazine, I ran across some more cool biodegradable tableware made from leftover sugarcane stalks. After use, these inexpensive cups, plates and trays can go into the compost instead of the landfill! Green Home, an online retailer of the tableware, states that the "compostable cups will biodegrade within 30 days in a commercial composting facility, and within 90 days in a home composting system". Pretty cool!

Green Planet Parties

2009-05-05T16:09:00.015-04:00

I just found this adorable online store - Green Planet Parties. They offer great "green" party supplies and ideas for any type of party. For baby showers, they sell adorable duck-shaped thank you cards that once planted will bloom flowers including: baby's breath, powder puff asters, and black eyed susan flowers!

For birthdays, they offer fabric party banners and goodie bags with treats for various age groups and party themes. In the 0-3yr group, there are wooden wands (perfect for any crafty little fairy princess party), bean bags (could incorporate this into a toss game and take-home treasure), eco-notebooks (use for a party scavenger hunt and take-home goodie), and much, much more!

While I plan to make the banner and goodie bags for my daughter's farm party, I am looking to purchase some of their "green" tableware. They offer 2 sizes of "Sugarcane Bagasse" plates that are made from pulp left over from the processing of sugar cane. These plates are biodegradable and compostable. I think they are pretty reasonably priced: 25-6" plates for $5.49 and 25-9" plates for $6.49.

They also offer "Earthens", made from dried leaves of the Areca palm tree as they naturally dry and fall. No trees were harvested to produce these plates, as well as no pesticides, color, wax, or dye was added during manufacturing. These plates are a little more expensive (25-7" plates for $12.95 and 25-9" for $14.95), but they come in various shades of cream and brown, and are truely unique to look at!

I will also have to get the beewax candles, just bee-cause!

Scavenger Hunt & Brain Storming

2009-05-04T10:10:00.023-04:00

Update on the birthday party planning:
Well I have begun rounding-up items from around the house that we can use for the party. The actual idea for the outdoor "farmyard" party came from a bean bag throw game we have (shown below), so that is definitely going to be incorporated.

I am dividing the planning into 5 categories.

INVITES:
While there are plenty of adorable do-it-yourself invitation ideas out there, I decided on this barn-themed one (see below) from Evite.com. With an online invitation, there is no expense and no waste, so I am keeping to my earth-friendly promise! Also, guests can easily respond and I can quickly get a count of how many people are attending.

COST: $0

DECOR:
As it will be an outdoor party (weather permitting), I don't think I need much in the way of decor, but found a checkered table cloth which will be great for the food table. Other than that, a few balloons (I know balloons aren't eco-friendly, but are a must have for my child), and that's that.

COST: $

GAMES/ACTIVITIES:
My plan for this three-year-old birthday party is that there are no structured games. I plan to set up different "stations" for the kids to rotate around to and do what they please. The first of these games will be the farm-themed bean bag game. Since only 3 bean bags came with the game, I thought we could use some plastic Easter eggs (which we somehow end up with, though I only use real ones!!!) for additional objects for the kids to throw. We will pretend they are chicken eggs to keep with the farm-theme!

Will have to come up with some other games...

COST: $0

FOOD:
Will be spending money here. Thinking BBQ and someone else cooking!

COST: $$

GOODY BAGS & THANK YOUS:
Not sure what to do here yet. Need to research...

COST: $

New Spring Dress and Toys!

2009-04-24T10:44:00.001-04:00

Our new shipment of Under the Nile products arrived! Be sure to check out this season's adorable Organic Blossoms Bubble Dress and Organic Cotton Toys:

And we are STILL offering $.99 shipping until the end of May!

Birthday Count-down Begins!

2009-04-23T15:33:00.006-04:00

So, I have begun working on ideas for my daughter's 3rd birthday party. Yes, I know she doesn't 3 until November (another 7 months), but with a baby due in early July, I am figuring my summer (and life) might start getting a little more hectic. Thus, I figured I'd use this time to start pre-planning for the birthday bash. Can't call me a procrastinator!!!

This will be her first "real" birthday party. Her 1st and 2nd birthdays were family-only events, but I think she is ready to have a party with friends this year. Since my daughter loves farm animals I am planning on a Farm themed party. I am also exploring ways to make a child's birthday party a little bit "greener". No paper plates or disposable plastic forks, and NO cheap plastic party favors!!! The plan is also to spend as little money as possible! Aside from food, I hope to make or re-purpose household items into party decorations and games, keeping my expenses to a minimum.

My first mission is to scavenge the house for usable items. I will let you know how that goes. Feel free to add your comments!

Sweet Beauty Products!

2009-04-22T21:15:00.011-04:00

You know how I love give-aways! So its no surprise that I have entered yet another of Posh Little's give-away contests. However this time, I am "hungry" to win!

The prize is a 4oz bottle of Baby Lotion AND an 8 oz bottle of Baby Cleanse from the company Sweet Beauty. Now, this is the first I have heard of Sweet Beauty, but I am sure it won't be the last. Perusing Sweet Beauty's website, I found that they offer "organic chocolate spa treatments" - yes, I said spa and chocolate!!! What girl can resist that combo? Not to mention they use organic and natural ingredients - check out their ingredient list and see if you don't start salivating too!

While we here at Little Speckled Frog love our Earth Mama Angel Baby products, I must admit, we might have to make room for some of this chocolately delight. Yum... Wish me luck!

Happy Earth Day to You!

2009-04-22T08:04:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Earth Day today! Be sure to celebrate! Whether that means you and your family commit to taking the next step in your part to protect the environment, or just taking a moment to appreciate the amazing and wonderful nature that surrounds us, please make sure you honor this special day!

Great New Kicky Pants Prints!

2009-04-06T20:46:00.010-04:00

Hooray! Our new Spring shipment of Kicky Pants bamboo prints arrived today! You are going to love the new looks! My two favorites are the Layered Ruffle Dress in this fun and fabulous polka dot print.

and the Ruffled Romper in Spring Grass Waves:

Both are absolutely adorable and made of the same soft and silky bamboo fabric you have come to expect from Kicky Pants. Check them both out today!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2009-04-06T20:27:00.005-04:00

Little Speckled Frog is celebrating its one year anniversary this month! Thank you to all of our loyal and supportive customers! You have made our first year a great success!

I am sure you have noticed we are making some changes to the site. First of all, we are playing with some fresh new website looks and there may be a new logo on the way! Also, we are looking into phasing out some product types and concentrating mainly on eco-fashion. This has been a great year of learning and growing for us, and we hope you like the new changes that are on the way. As always, we appreciate your comments and thoughts. Our goal is to provide you with the very best in eco-friendly products, which we believe creates a healthier, happier life for you and your family. Please let us know if we are doing our job!

Thanks again and we look forward to serving you for another fantastic year!

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

2009-04-01T14:23:00.016-04:00

Well, whether the saying is true or not, April 1st has brought with it rain, rain, and more rain. Let's hope my flowers are drinking this up! Knowing we would be staying in today, I conned my two year old daughter into helping me organize my closet. The "organization" turned into a fashion show with her in my high heels and her father's baseball caps - very couture! Anyway, because she was such a good helper, I promised that after her nap we would play "house" - her new favorite game. "House" consists of dressing and redressing a baby, putting baby in the pretend bath tub to wash her and then taking all the play food I have neatly tucked away in bins and throwing it on to the floor for a "picnic". While that is all fine and good, I really think this game of house could be enhanced with a play kitchen so that my daughter could hone her culinary talents (and I wouldn't have to pick up the mess after each picnic).

Anyway, looking at some of the play kitchens online sent me into sticker shock, so I got to thinking about how I could make her one. I looked at plans to build your own wooden play kitchen, but as a 6 month pregnant woman, I don't think I need to be slinging around power tools in the garage each evening. Then I thought about boxes. I get tons of large boxes with shipments of products, so I started searching for plans I could convert to cardboard. And (drum-roll, please)... I found the kitchen shown below at this blog: Forty-two Roads.

The kitchen creator constructed this adorable kitchen completely out of recycled cardboard, contact paper, and wire hangers. She has an Etsy store where she sells the plans. I am going to be a copy-cat and try to make my own today so we can play with it this afternoon, but just in case an engineering degree is required for such a task, I will definitely add her Etsy store - Forty-two Roads to my favorites list and come back and buy her plans (at only $12 I might just do it anyway!).

Stay tuned for pictures of my little cardboard creation!

Another Tallahassee Diaper Service!

2009-03-24T15:47:00.014-04:00

Wow! Just after singing the praises of Ecological Babies on a great feature article promoting clothing diapering in the Tallahassee area, I find another Capital City cloth diapering gem - Ashley's Diaper Service. Boy, Tallahassee is really getting spoiled!

Ashley's Diaper Service is new to the Tallahassee area and officially opens on April 6th. They are a full-service cloth diaper laundering service, providing 100% cotton prefold diapers and wipes, with scheduled weekly pick-ups. They will also wash your own personal diapers. I was happy to read on their website that they "are careful to ensure the proper handling and healthy laundering of baby diapers. [Their] wash process uses minimal chemistry at very high temperatures in commercial machines [and] is free of chemical fragrance, and uses biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents".

Ashley's Diaper Service also sells a variety of cloth diaper and training pant options. Two of my favorites are the Starbunz diaper covers which feature adorable animal faces, and the Drybees Lacies with 3 rows of lace on the bottom. So cute! Be sure to check them out!

Ecological Babies in the News!

2009-03-24T09:40:00.006-04:00

Our friends at Ecological Babies were featured in a newspaper article in today's Tallahassee Democrat. Congratulations!

You can check out the article at: http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903240301