Recycling, Giving Back, and Making Money for your Schools...

I've heard a very good message over and over again this week, its this video. Everyone who wants an inspirational message should listen to the video. In the video it talks about life lessons and meandering thoughts. The message talks about doing one thing every day that scares you. Think about that for a minute...Sometimes your ahead, sometimes your behind, the race is long. But if you could do that one thing every day, what would it be? How would it change your day? How would it change another persons day?

I thought about this early on in the week...I've been hearing for the past month that our daughters school has a Paper Drive. If you are not familiar with this, parents bring in newspapers, magazines, phone books, and office paper to the Paper Drive and at the end of the paper drive the school gets money for the amount of paper they turn in. If your school doesn't have a Paper Drive program, it's a great idea. Research it, talk to someone, and act on it!

Okay so I'm going to do one thing a day that scares me...Wow, that could be a lot of things, but finding something that scares me in a positive way to change the world. First thought, okay keep collecting papers and take it to the school drive. Nope nope that just wont do...Why wont it do? Because yes if every parent brings in newspapers that's a lot of newspapers right? But what if you could double that and how would you do that?

Our office has a huge recycling bin full of office papers, the box is taller than I am and certainly 3 times the size of an average person. If there's 20 people in the office and each person recycles their paper once a month that's nearly about 200 people recycling their paper. Asking around the office proved to be a great way to give back to the school and recycle at the same time. If more people did this for one paper drive could you imagine the impact it would make? So think about it...What is one positive impact change to make that would scare you to step outside your box.

Remember to wear sunscreen,
Your Friends at Vanny Bean

Reusable Trays for Kids

My challenges at the grocery store include three things that are asked for inevitably, why is it that kids go crazy in a grocery store...so much to see, feel, look at and food companies do a great job of advertising! I struggle with the frozen food isle, bakery section, and the check out line due to all the candy that little hands are able to grab.

There is one particular item every time that is asked for...Anyone? Anyone? Yes, maybe you also have a child that asks for this same meal, chicken nugget convenient meals that come in the blue trays...Company remaned nameless but wow, I must say you have marketed this fully packagable high in fat and calories, terrible tasting meal to kids and have done a pretty good job of it...A definite A+ for my child asking for this meal every time. I usually give into this request out of time desperation at some time in the week, it's easy quick and usually includes some vegetable and let's not forget the hook line and sinker for all kids the gummies or the pudding with sprinkles.

When the meal is done, I don't want to throw away the tray and it seems that I could use it for something...The past few times, I have been tossing away this calorie packed preservative kids meal and cooking a chicken strip in the oven, adding some grapes, and corn to go along and Viola...a kids meal that looks and tastes better than a frozen one any day, time, money, and a plastic tray all saved in a day...

From our kitchen to yours,
Vanny Bean

Paper or Plastic?

Am I the only one who's noticed at the grocery store lately or for a while now...they never ask you for paper or plastic! Unless you routinely shop at Whole Foods where they don't even ask, it never seems to be an option anymore unless you request paper, you always get plastic.

At first, it seems like a trick question...which one is greener, better, and all around a cleaner choice for the environment? Plastic effects wildlife along the coast so those on the coast should choose paper but if you are in the Heartland plastic is the bag of choice. Both are taxing on the environment, Paper Bags use 14 million trees each year and cause 70% more air pollution than plastic bags. However, Plastic Bags each year use 12 million barrels of oil for plastic and 4 times solid waste, and lasts up to 1000 years. 1000 years is a crazy amount no matter how many times you 'reuse' the bag or recycle it. Choosing biodegradable bags whenever possible take up far less space but are not commonly available. So is there a right answer? I try to choose paper whenever possible even though I can fit more and carry more in plastic bags...The answer my friends is carrying your own shopping bags and using neither paper or plastic.

Cloth bags are reusable and if you set them in your trunk, you will be able to easily remember at the grocery store so you won't struggle with the moral battle at the check out of paper or plastic. Check out these A-Mazing statement bags with the 'Reduce Reuse Recycle' Tote for a fun day of picking some things up at the store...

Your Babies Can Paint and Color with Wee Can Too

Yes that is right, if your baby is able to eat solid foods, then they can paint. Wee Can Too is an all natural, organic, vegetable and plant powder based art product that is even edible for your wee artists. Wee Can Too offers finger paints, chalk, and crayons for babies, toddlers, and school age children. The concept 'Art from the Start' was developed my a young mom searching for a healthier natural way for her baby to paint.

Wee Can Too started in 2007 by Sarid Ditton who had a passion for organics, cooking, and the safety of her children. There are many products on the market that say 'non toxic'. If you look at the ingredient lists on the back of the products and see Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, and Yellow 6 Blue 1 these are all dyes that can cause behavioral and hyperactivity problems in children as well as many other cancer causing agents. Most art products do not have to disclose their full ingredient list. All these dyes are bad news and should have no place in a young child's imagination at play. Our organic all natural finger paints have a tactile texture that's very stimulating for young children and is great art therapy for autistic children.

Wee Can Too offers all natural art supplies for your children. We realize that you want choices for your children and do not want to have to buy the art product on the shelf because it's the only one available. Wee Can Too believes in giving every child the opportunity to create masterpieces.

Be Healthy, Be Beautiful, Be You...Love Your Friends at Vanny Bean

Nursery Works in House and Ready to Ship!!!!

Nursery Works is one my favorite nursery lines, with their stylish seating, American collection and sleep well mattresses. It's so simple to choose Nursery Works because they are an Eco Conscious company. Just a few facts:

They've never had a recall and plan on keeping it that way
Paint is super safe that is used on the furniture
Going above and beyond the CPSC regulations and standards
Never settling for good enough, but always settling for the best of the best
Obsessed over quality-you have the assurance of knowing that your nursery by Nursery Works is safe with their Quality Assurance team
All about the little details proving success and named for one of the top 100 Fastest growing companies in Los Angeles for 2009

Nursery Works provides modern style and clean finishes.Rockers and Perches are in stock and selling fast so place your order today at Vanny Bean. The Sleepytime Rocker is extra comfy and spacious and is now offered in our favorite Rosette and Delft colors. Shop the new lower rocker prices and have your self a sleepful night...

Decorate your Nursery in Style for 2011!

Cheers at Vanny Bean