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

Modern Baby Journals for Newborns

Vanny Bean just added a wonderful modern baby journal line called Two Giggles. Two Giggles was invented by a mother of two looking for a book that well let's face it, wasn't so bland, boring, and uneventful. A book that captured the moments and essence of children with a bit more uniqueness.Two Giggles motto is Children's Beauty, Innocence, Humor, Laughter, Smiles, Frankness, Time. They all disappear so fast. So why not make a memory that you can record for a lifetime.

Two Giggles was recently featured in Pregnancy and Newborn in the "What's Hot Now" section for great design, inside and out! Recorded to be a super hip memory book that is a perfect place to jot down moment you want to remember forever.

Let Two Giggles be your Modern Baby Journal.

Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

Holiday Cheer

The time is near, you can almost smell it in the air. Signs of people hustling around and making lists checking them twice, and trying to find out who’s naughty and nice. Baking cookies, hot chocolate, and decorating the tree are just a few things that come to my mind. Each year, I take out the wooden manger and there’s one ornament every year that has my heart. It’s always at the bottom of the box and I always tend to forget it’s there until I open the box. It’s the Christmas from Heaven ornament. I pull it out and read the message:

Merry Christmas from Heaven

”I still hear the songs I still see the lights

I still feel your love on cold wintery nights
I still share your hopes and all of your cares

I'll even remind you to please say your prayers

I just wanted to tell you you still make me proud

You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment to stay in His grace

I came here before you to help set your place

You don't have to be perfect all of the time

He forgives you the slip If you continue the climb

To my family and friends please be thankful today

I'm still close beside you in a new special way

I love you all dearly now don't shed a tear

Cause I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year”

It's a suttle reminder to make me think about the person I am today and how I became this person.

The holidays are a time of joy, love and celebration. Honor those you love by hanging a special ornament that shows your love. The holidays are a time of celebration for every religion and every belief. Show your loved ones and family how much they mean to you, even in the smallest of ways!

Many Blessings upon you and your family this holiday season,

Love Vanny Bean

Holiday Gift Ideas

What an exciting year at Vanny Bean, we thought we would kick off a list of our favorite gift items of the Season. As you know shopping for someone special can be difficult, whether it's your own child or someone elses. We have put together our top 10 list for you to make shopping a little easier for that special baby in your life:

1. Organic Edible Finger Paint- A seasons must to decorate the halls, the walls, and anything else your little one's heart desires. All natural, organic, and edible in case of the ugh oh times! Have fun and rock out with our Wee Can Too paints.

2. Heirloom Teether Set- These set of 3's are all natural wooden teethers for your baby. Rock Love Peace is one of our favorite brands ready to change the world one mind at a time, what better way then to start with the young!

3. Organic Baby Shampoo Gift Set- Sum Bo Shine has it goin on with this Baby Shampoo, Baby Oil, and Baby Lotion that are all organic goodness meant to rehydrate and refresh your baby's sensitive skin.

4. Bella Baby Sling- Try one of our all natural slings for the hard to shop for best friend on your list. We could all use an extra hand or two as mama's.

5. Tummy Tubs- Probably one of the coolest inventions in bathing your baby to date, the Tummy Tub acts like your child is still in the womb. This easy to use bathing invention is sure to be something they probably don't have yet!

6. Hooded Towels- Oh baby it's cold outside, so wrap that baby up in Cotton Monkeys extra large organic towels.

7. Polar Bear Rocker- All aboard the Santa Express with this sleek Polar Bear Rocker, lets rock away to this natural oak rocker that will be just in the nick of time.

8. Change a Starter Kit- This one isn't exactly for babies, but for any friend or family member that cares about the environment, the Change a Starter Kit is a fun way to share the giving of the season!

9. Modern Baby Journal- Two Giggles presents an all Modern Baby Journal that is sure to have you writing away precious moments in no time.

10. Nursery Works Rocker- Oh Mama, it's time to Rock the Night Away...The fabulous Nursery Works Rockers are modern, comfortable, and an item on any new mothers wish list for a bonding experience. Made to the industries highest standards, this rocker is built to last.

Nursery in Nursery Works Style

Vanny Bean has a keen eye in modern furniture and is proud to carry Nursery Works as a top designer in modern furniture for your nursery. Nursery Works provides you with handcrafted, contemporary furniture for comfortable living. Built on bridging modernism and elegant style with classic looks is what Nursery Works is founded on.

Looking for a comfortable rocker, you'll fall in love with the Empire Rocker with it's classic look. Feeling a little sleepy, take your nap on the Sleepytime Rocker and drift off to sweet dreams. Do you read a lot of stories, you'll love our extra wide seated Storytime Rocker.

Best of all, Nursery Works uses renewable materials, low VOC finishes, and enhances safe products with fresh modern day style.

Email us at customerservice@vannybean.com to secure your rocker today!