I am a huge fan of small eco-friendly boutique shops because they are usually the most creative and offer innovative eco-friendly solutions.  I have received a tiesthatmatter eco-friendly clutch bag as a giveaway to a lucky reader.  In order to have a chance to win this giveaway, you need to signup for the free eco-friendly email newsletter.

www.tiesthatmatter.com makes pillows and fashionable bags out of used ties.  The proceeds are used to support women in need living in Atlanta.  The company supports a simple and real social cause that offers eco-friendly functional and fashionable solutions to our carryon needs.  I love the concept and business model: used ties repurposed to pillows and fashionable purses and carryon bags with proceeds going to women in need.  Support their efforts today!

To find more about their products, please visit www.tiesthatmatter.com.

We are just a few weeks away from 2011 spring camp for kids.  To keep children busy during the spring break, you can visit a number of national parks or zoos.  However, for those of us who prefer to stay local, a quick easy trip to the library can uncover wonders.  First, approach the librarian and ask if he or she is aware of any spring camp program for kids.  If so, you are in luck.  If not, do not be discouraged, suggest to them that they have a zoo instructor bring some animals to the community center in the library for a zoo day.  Better yet, call a number of local zoos and find out when they are available to arrange a half day for a library based event.  Most zoos will do this for no or minimal costs because it is free publicity for the zoo and the library will be willing to have the event or program hosted at the library as long as someone is willing to do the legwork.  Finally, once the event is organized, tell all of your friends and family members to participate in the program.  Based on the program success, the library might increase the number of such events in the future (this time even without you making the phonecalls).

The following is a link to one example of such a program: www.virginiazoo.org/education/library-programs.asp

Peter Rabbit Organics has added three new additions to their delicious all natural, squeezable puree products: Sweet Potato, Corn and Apple; Pea, Spinach and Apple; and, Carrot, Squash and Apple.  They sent me samples of these new products to try and my kids were delighted.  In the midst of the harsh winter and what seems to be never ending rounds of colds, having them eat healthy is high on my priority list.  These easy puree snacks are healthy and delicious.  My kids finished the pouches in a single setting.  I was a bit skeptical with the Pea, Spinach and Apple combination but they loved it, too.  

This is a great alternative to those cheesesaltine crackers that my kids devour afterschool.

For more information about the above products, please visit www.peterrabbitorganics.com or just purchase them at www.amazon.com.