New from Envirosax Bags: Sesame Street Faves

Who doesn't like Sesame Street? From Oscar the Grouch to Cookie Monster and now fairy-in-training Abby, favourite kids show Sesame Street has something for everyone – even adults. The latest reusable shopping bags from Envirosax featuring favourite Sesame Street characters are perfect for anyone who wants to take a retro eco walk down memory lane. The bright colours and cartoon-like graphics combined with the practical benefits of these handy Envirosax bags: lightweight, water resistant, holds 44 lbs., no toxic chemicals, reinforced seams, folds down to the size of a piece of sushi, make Sesame Street a hit with adults too! Ideal for shopping, our funky Sesame Street Envirosax bags are good for carrying pretty much anything from sports gear to books to picnics and more. For an economical option, check out our Envirosax Sesame Street 5-pack pouch.

The Best Green Gift for Christmas 2011

We started out in November on a search for the Best Green Gift for Christmas 2011. After 2 online votes and a final draw the results are in. Hopscotch Natural Nail Polish for Kids is the Best Green Gift for Christmas 2011 as chosen by you, our customers and friends. A total of 33 different gifts were suggested by our community and voted on. Two nominees were tied for first place - Hopscotch and our Brown Bird Insulated Lunch Bag from So Young Mother. A tie-breaker vote followed and the winner was Hopscotch with a total of 50 votes over the lunch bag's 37 votes. As four different people recommended Hopscotch as the best gift, we held a random draw to determine the winner of the $25 gift certificate to be awarded to the person who suggested the winning gift. The winner of this draw was Debbie S. " ‎**GASP** Thank you! I will make my acceptance speech a short one! So excited! Guess what I am going to order???? Hopscotch nail polish!" she said. Honourable mention goes to Jamie M. who nominated the So Young Mother Lunch Bag and a big thank you to all who participated for helping us find the Best Green Christmas Gift of 2011!

Elton John & our Recycled Wool Animal Puppets

Post by Louise

Ever wonder what A-list celebs like to play with? In the case of Elton John, it's more fun if it's recycled - especially if it's a puppet!

In a recent interview on CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show, Sir Elton hammed it up with a recycled wool animal puppet - the very same we carry here at Lavish & Lime.

Check out a clip of the interview here. Go directly to the puppet show at count 13:40.

Sir Elton clearly loves the puppet. We've decided we love stars doing impromptu puppet shows!

Recycled wool animal puppets are available in Canada at eco boutique Lavish & Lime. Choose from dog puppets, frog puppets, giraffe puppets and monkey recycled wool puppets.

Stuffies with Purpose: upcycled pillow pals

It really is amazing how many stuffed animals kids can accumulate. At our house, the stuffie population feels overwhelming at times - despite semi-frequent cullings that more often than not end with 'not that one, I love that one.' That's why when we came across these purpose built Pillow Pals, we breathed a sigh of relief.

Yes, they're adorable, lovable and yes, being handmade of reclaimed wool they're ultra soft, cuddly and planet-friendly. Yet, even more importantly for us - in the realm of stuffed animals - they have a purpose. Each one of these eco-friendly animal stuffies are designed in such a way that a child can really snuggle with them and lay his/her head down on them. Perfect for watching TV, napping wherever or snoozing in bed.

If you're a sewer, a crafter or simply love to follow along with Martha Stewart, you're in luck. The Canadian designer behind our Pillow Pals is featured on marthastewart.com where you can download templates and follow instructions to make your own Pillow Pals.

Or if you're like us and sewing an actual pillow seems rather daunting, you can simply order these adorable eco-friendly stuffed animals handcrafted in Canada by experts and we'll send them to you pronto. Being made from reclaimed wool, each stuffie is unique but you can choose from a happy hippo in generally girl-ish colours or an adorable dog in browns and blues.

Also from this designer are our popular reclaimed wool animal puppets - choose from our dog puppet, giraffe puppet, frog puppet or monkey puppet.

For more eco-friendly gift ideas for kids, visit Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about eco-friendly craft projects, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Valentines Giveaway: Win a Hopscotch Kids Natural Nail Polish + Remover

We love seeing little divas all decked out but what we really love is when they glam it up with natural products that we know won't cause them harm. Our girls love Hopscotch Kids Natural Nail Polish (so do we) and with our Valentines Day 2011 Giveaway - we hope you do too!

Our Hopscotch Kids Water Colors nail polish is completely water-based and produced with none of the harmful toxic chemicals found in most nail polishes. There is no formaldehyde, phthalates or fd&c (toxic colouring). This safe nail polish does not result in yellowing or drying of the nails, there's no awful 'chemical smell' to deal with and it is 100% biodegradable. The more you use it, the more it actually conditions and nourishes nails.

Choose from nine different Hopscotch Kids Nail Colors with great names, including Red Rover, Ice Cream Soda Pop, Bubble Gum in a Dish, Teddy Bear, and Peter Pumpkin Eater.

We believe in giving gifts that we think kids will actually use, not abandon immediately after opening. One of our best Valentine's gifts for kids along this line would be a Hopscotch Kids Natural Nail Polish plus a Hopscotch Natural Nail Polish Remover - we're certain these great Valentine's gifts would make any little Valentine swoon.

HOW TO WIN A HOPSCOTCH NAIL POLISH OF YOUR CHOICE - for Valentine's Day
Leave a comment below telling us which colour of Hopscotch Kids Natural Safe Natural Polish you'd like to win, why and you might just win it PLUS a Hopscotch polish remover ($25 value)! Please include your email address so we can contact you if you win. Random draw will be on February 8th so we can ship the prize in time for February 14th.

Extra entries: join us on our Lavish & Lime Facebook page and tell us below for two extra entries.

Good luck!

This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only.

Hopscotch Kids Water Colors Safe Natural Nail Polish is available at Lavish & Lime. For adults, check out our Scotch Naturals Watercolors Nail Polish, from the makers of Hopscotch. For more greener living ideas, please come by and browse our eco boutique at www.lavishandlime.com.

Win an Eco Kids Craft Kit of your Choice

We love Christmas gifts but one thing we dread is all the packaging - especially the packaging on gifts for kids. That's why we got really excited when we came across our new line of US-made eco-friendly craft kits for kids.

The focus is on top quality, eco-friendly crafting materials - not extravagant packaging. In fact, these kids craft kits come in a simple, reusable ziplock plastic bag. It's the contents of the bag that will take any crafty kid's breath away. Gorgeous glass beads, super soft felt doll cutouts and jewellery pieces, handmade paper and more!

Choose from six different kids craft kits:

• doll making
• felt jewellery
• book making
• wire & bead art
• bubble wand making
• creativity kit with a little of everything and lots of idea suggestions.

HOW TO WIN A KIDS CRAFT KIT OF YOUR CHOICE - for Christmas
Leave a comment below telling us which eco-friendly kids craft kit you'd like, why and you might just win it! Please include your email address so we can contact you if you win. Draw will be on December 15th so we can ship the prize in time for Christmas.

Extra entries: join us on our Facebook page and to tell us below for two extra extries.

Good luck!

All of the eco-friendly kids craft kits above are available at Lavish & Lime. For more greener living ideas, please come by and browse our eco boutique at www.lavishandlime.com.

Taslie Turtle Giveaway Winner

We're so excited to be able to ship a Taslie kids natural skincare product for free with our Taslie Giveaway, hopefully in time to be used as a Christmas gift. And the winner of our Taslie Giveaway is Hannasmom - congratulations!

Hannasmom - please contact us at customerservice@lavishandlime.com with your details so we can ship your prize of an adorable bottle of Taslie Turtle Natural Moisturizing Lotion to you.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Keep watching this space - we'll be doing another giveaway real soon.

All natural Taslie skincare products for kids, including the Taslie 3-in-1 body wash /shampoo/bubble bath plus Taslie lemon creme moisturizing conditioner, are available online in Canada at eco boutique Lavish & Lime. For more ideas about living life a little greener, visit Lavish & Lime.

Natural Art Supplies: Clementine Natural Felt Markers Now in Canada

We're so excited - our Clementine all natural art supplies have arrived! We're particularly keen on the NEW Clementine natural felt markers. They're made from all natural plant and animal pigments - no toxic chemicals. They're the first of their kind on the market and they're safer than most standard markers.

Say goodbye to worries when you see your little one hard at work doing some self-tattooing! These naturally non-toxic felt markers are not harmful.

Clementine natural markers currently come as a pack of four colours: pink, yellow, orange and purple. These are the first of the colours Clementine has been able to master with their vibrant natural pigments. They are currently working on a full range of colours including green and black, which should be ready for the fall.

Not only are these felt tips pure and simple, so is their packaging. The box is recycled, recyclable and made by with soy ink in a wind-powered facility.

We've also just received Clementine natural rocket crayons and Clementine paint is on its way. We're certain you and your little ones will love these vibrant, natural art supplies as much as we do!

Clementine natural markers and a great selection of natural art supplies are available at online eco boutique Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about natural art supplies, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Egg-Shaped Crayon Rocks: sugar-free Easter treats

Easter treats don't have to be sugar-laden to be loved. For a sugar-free eco alternative to the traditional chocolate and candy treats, try our egg-shaped crayon rocks made of natural soy wax.

The kids will love the unique shape and the bright colours they can create with these pastel-like crayons. You'll love the fact crayon rocks are made in the US from sustainable soybeans and that the pebble shape encourages and strengthens the proper tripod grip (to help with handwriting).

Give natural crayon rocks for Easter and you'll be letting loose your kids' creative streak rather than their sugar streak. Plus, on Easter Sunday, isn't it nice for them to have something to do?

Crayon rocks come in packs of 16 and 64. The 16-pack comes in a lovely natural muslin drawstring bag. The 64-pack of crayon rocks comes in a flat recyclable box.

Visit Vancouver-based eco boutique Lavish & Lime for crayon rocks and more eco-friendly Easter finds plus loads of ideas about living life a little greener. If you have any thoughts or ideas about great Easter gifts, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Kids Jewelry from China Found Toxic

We want to indulge them with pretty things, but not put them at risk. Unfortunately, that's exactly what's been happening with cheap necklaces and bracelet charms made by Chinese manufacturers substituting cadmium for lead and selling them for distribution throughout the US and possibly Canada.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen and ranked as No. 7 out of 275 hazardous substances in the environment. Cadmium can affect brain development and doesn't have to be ingested to cause damage. Children can be exposed to low levels by sucking or biting a piece of jewelry.

The US Product Consumer Safety Commission has been conducting tests and Health Canada says it's going to launch an investigation. According to the CBC, jewelry with the highest levels of cadmium has been found to come from three sources: Wal-Mart, dollar stores and girls' jewelry chain Claire's.

But concern doesn't stop with cadmium. There seems to be plenty of lead in children's jewelry too. Health Canada reported in December that half of the kid's jewelry it had tested in 2009 was made of almost pure lead. Apparently, targeted testing of 67 suspicious pieces found 39 had illegal levels of lead.

Read more about the investigation into tainted kids' jewelry here.

There are lots of safer and smarter options - from our own backyard. Our little princesses need not go without. Buying Canadian and buying quality makes sense. So does choosing materials like sterling silver, porcelain and pearls.

This pink cupcake charm necklace and porcelain blue heart pendant come with 1" extenders on the chain, so the necklace can 'grow' as she does. This baby heart charm bracelet and girls' heart charm bracelet come with an additional upsizing option. While these pieces may cost more than their dollar store counterparts, they can last for years and in the long run are well worth the money.

Visit Lavish & Lime for a full range of quality children's jewelry. If you have any questions or comments about tainted kids' jewelry or buying local designs, we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Top 10 Green Gifts for Christmas 2009

Looking for something a bit different? The products on our Top 10 List have made the cut for their innovative designs, bright colours and uniqueness. Most are new to the market this year. Feel good about the gifts you give - give green.

1. Bedol Water Powered Alarm Clock
For: Him/Her
Why it made the list: A clock that runs on tap water is not only cool but the greenest a digital timepiece can be. Plus the unique water droplet shape gives it a contemporary look and it comes in pink - plus charcoal, green and blue.
What makes it green: No batteries, no electricity, no chemicals - just 100% natural power from water makes this clock run.

2. Herbal Tea Pocket Garden
For: A tea drinker with a penchant for gardening
Why it made the list: You can blend your own tea. There's seeds and gardening stakes to grow your own herbs for tea plus a guide telling you how to harvest and blend your own. Pocket Gardens also available for: wine lovers, chocolate lovers and chefs. $17
What makes it green: Five varieties of natural seeds, natural wooden gardening stakes - all in a recycled steel container.

3. Recycled Rubber Passport Holder
For: Him
Why it made the list: It's classic black with a slightly edgy, grooved look. The fact that it's waterproof and features protective rustproof brass corners makes it ultra practical. Matching travel wallet and business card case too. $22
What makes it green: It's made from tires that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Made in Canada.

4. Envirosax La Boheme Resuable Shopping Bag 5-Pack Pouch
For: Her - teacher, friend, sister-in-law
Why it made the list: These newest designs are so gorgeous there's no doubt they'll be used for much more than groceries. Give up the bulky store logo'd bags in favour of these handy little numbers that fold down to the size of a piece of sushi yet carry the equivalent of 2 plastic bags of groceries. The 5-pack is a money saver - great for splitting and using as stocking stuffers. $43 What makes it green: Reduces plastic bag use and the amount of non-biodegradable plastic going into our landfills and oceans. The inks and dyes are all eco-friendly.

5. Ancient Roman Glass Trio Necklace
For: Her
Why it made the list: This necklace takes recycled glass jewelry to the next level - the three pieces of glass are 900 to 1200 years old and date back to the Roman Empire. The glass was unearthed in the last few years in Afghanistan and some of it still has rustic sedimentary crust. $60
What makes it green: Recycled glass pieces. Made in Canada.

6. Natural Girl Power Beauty Sleepover Kit
For: Green-minded tween girl
Why it made the list: An all natural product with funky packaging made specifically for girls. Contains 6 different beauty products that smell fruity, wonderful and they're all natural so safe for young girls to use. $25
What makes it green: Each product contains real fruit and floral extracts, plus veggie-based cleansers, soy and natural beeswax. No parabens, no aluminum - no harsh chemicals. Made in Canada.

7. 6-in-1 Solar Educational Kit
For: Green-minded tween boy
Why it made the list: This one kit produces 6 different workable models he can play with for hours after he builds them. All the parts and tools are included in the kit and there's no need to buy batteries. $23
What's green about it: Teaches kids about the value of alternative solar energy. No batteries required.

8. Reclaimed Wool Animal Puppets
For: Any child
Why it made the list: They're soft, cozy, funky, fun and bright. They encourage imaginative play and creativity and look just as good on display as decor in a child's room as they do on a hand. $33
What's green about it: Made from reclaimed wool sweaters. Made by hand in Canada.

9. 70-Piece Natural Log Cabin Building Set
For: Children 3+
Why it made the list: The logs are hand cut and fit together easily and snugly to create larger structures than most building sets. Building helps children develop problem solving skills and creativity. Comes packaged in a 100% natural cotton bag tied with rope. $25
What's green about it: Made using wood obtained from mills that follow sustainable forest management practices. Each piece is tumbled for a smooth finish and left in its natural colour - no dyes, no harsh chemicals. Completely non-toxic.

10. Classic Eco Teddy Bear
For: Baby/Any child
Why it made the list: Cute is in and this bear is it. Super soft and luxurious looking - like traditional plush - but good for the planet too. Matching baby bear available. $36
What's green about it: Made by hand from 100% soy fibre. The stuffing is 100% kapok, a golden silky fibre known for its hypoallergenic qualities and softness. Kapok is a sustainable rain forest crop.

For these and other unique and affordable green gifts for everyone on your list, shop Canada's eco boutique Lavish & Lime or call toll free 1-877-216-5463, in Vancouver 604-922-2220 and we'd be happy to help!

Puppets Make the Perfect Christmas Present

You want them to learn to use their imagination and develop their creativity, so why not give a gift that helps them do just that? A puppet is perfect.

Puppets let kids be kids - and through role playing, someone or something else. They encourage imaginative play and are flexible - they can be played with alone or with others. Whether the puppet is based on a familiar story like Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood or even Eric Carle's The Hungry Caterpillar, or whether it's generic like a wizard or pirate kids can both act out stories they've seen and heard, or create something that's entirely their own.

We strongly believe that puppets are a valuable toy for kids and have been on the hunt for some for a while. Just in time for Christmas, we found two very different types that we absolutely love - and hope you do too.

The first is a line of 100% natural wool puppets handmade in Nepal with fair trade and fair wages. Because the wool is natural, the colours are amazingly bright and the detail is truly impressive. These puppets are primarily wet felted in one piece so there's minimal stitching (except for detail), making them stronger and more likely to last longer. The story and finger puppets also come in lovely handmade gift boxes.
This range includes hand puppets like the quirky pig and dog, story puppets that include a hand puppet plus 3-4 finger puppets and then sets of 4 adorable finger puppets, like the Princess and the Pea or generic Pirates. The unique Hungry Caterpillar story puppet set includes 2 hand puppets plus about 16 pieces of food. These puppets make great gifts and stocking stuffers - at a great price.
This is a photo of the sewing room in Nepal where all the stitching detail is done by hand.

Most recently, we picked up a range of upcycled puppets made here in Canada. The characters are unique, adorable, full of colour and perhaps most interestingly, each one is unique. While we do carry 4 different animal designs: monkey, dog, frog and giraffe, each one is slightly different as they're made by hand from a variety of soft, reclaimed wool sweaters.
We consider handmade products mini works of art and more often than not when they're as well made as these are, they become treasured favourites for years to come.

Check out our full range of soft toys and gifts at Lavish & Lime where you'll find great Christmas gift ideas that are good for the whole family - and the planet too.

Does your child have a favourite puppet? Did you when you were growing up? If you have any thoughts or ideas about puppets, we'd love to hear from you! Just leave a comment below.

Accessorize those Rain Drops: Rain Hats for Kids

While there may be snow already in other parts of Canada, here in Vancouver it's all about the rain - at the moment.

After our great summer, we honestly can't complain. In fact, to us born and bred West Coasters, the grey days are a bit of a comfort at this time of year. For kids however, they're not so great. There's more clothes to wear, boots and hoods that never stay on and if they do, they don't seem to protect their little faces from getting soaked.

Next time you bundle them up to play outside on a rainy day, consider adding a wide-brimmed rain hat to their gear. Not only does the brim protect their faces - and eyelashes - from being laden with wet drops, but the velcro chin strap keeps the hat on so there's no more need for you to worry whether a hood is on or not. Plus, unlike a hood, the hat allows a child full peripheral vision and doesn't cover the ears. They're also lined with a viscose from bamboo/cotton blend that's ultra-soft and keeps their heads warm.

The best part is these hats are made in Canada and feature colourful and funky prints that kids love. Choose from flower power, paisley or pink bloom for girls and a stripey blue bucket style for boys. Even better, for the next two weeks they're our Rainy Day Special and have been reduced by 15% - shop now while stocks last!

Browse our collection of kids rain hats at Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or ideas about playing in the rain or rain gear, leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

3 Ways to Green Your Halloween

Who says you can't be green and spooky too? Here are three ways to enjoy a spooktacular Halloween that's fun, good for you and the planet too.

1. Choose non-toxic face paints and pencils
There are loads of products out there for making up your little lion, pirate, princess, witch or black cat, but aren't you just a little concerned about the potentially toxic ingredients you're smothering on your child? And what about the washability factor? Then there's the quality, ie. do they actually work.

Lyra is an established European art supply company that's been around since 1806. Their pack of six face painting pencils is dermatologically tested and non-toxic. The leads are extensively compressed (for high intense colour) and encased in a wooden barrel for easy handling. You don't need to dip them in water to start painting and they wash off easily with warm water. Check out Monday's review on ParentingPink.com for more. These top quality pencils are made in Germany and come in two different colour packs of six - the basic has the primary colours plus green, black and white and the plus pack includes gold, silver, pink, purple, orange and brown.

For more coverage, try these plant-based body and face paints. They're all natural and completely toxin-free - ideal for any little witch, devil or ghost with sensitive skin. They're also made in Germany. And for dressing up nails and eyes without the nasty chemicals, try made in Canada water-based nail polish or mineral eye shadow in bright blue or glittery pink.

2. Choose eco-friendly decorations
With eco being the trend, why should Halloween be the exception? Admittedly, spooky and gruesome does translate well into highly toxic plastics found at the dollar store but why not go green on October 31st with biodegradable classic pumpkins - carved and glowing or even painted - hay bales, ornamental corn, cobwebs fashioned out of hemp string. Give the little ones a pack of non-toxic window crayons to go crazy with on the front window - rather than splurging on throwaway paper or cardboard decorations that tend not to last.

3. Choose local for costumes
If buying Canadian to help lower your carbon footprint and support the local economy and jobs is important to you, stay the course for Hallow's Eve. There's no need to stray. These kids' helmet covers are made in Ontario and ideal to top off any Halloween costume. Choose from a red devil, lion, shark, zebra, pig, bunny or turtle. They'll keep your little one's head warm during the big trick or treat and beyond. These covers stretch to fit any helmet - bike, ski, snowboard, skate, equestrian - and not only increase visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads, rink, etc. but encourage kids to wear their helmets and provide added warmth.

For the ideal black cat costume that doubles for dance class, there's a lovely all-black tutu - often a challenge to find - made in Vancouver.

If you're pressed for ideas, there's always rentals - a great way to reuse. Don't forget local thrift stores and charity shops are are virtual costume treasure troves - and supporting them means you also support a good cause for a Happy Halloween all around.

Enter our contest to win a Glam Pack for a green Halloween simply by telling us about your best ever Halloween costume. If you have any thoughts or ideas about how to green Halloween, we'd love to hear them. Please leave a comment below.

5 Ways to Keep Kids Busy this Summer

Now that we're well into July, the seemingly eternal kids' question 'I'm bored, what can I do?' seems to be gaining momentum.

Here are 5 surefire ways to keep them occupied - at least for a little while! They're the traditional to-do's, tried and true.

1. Play Outside
The weather's beautiful. You grab your hats, water bottles, insect repellent and head out for a walk in the great outdoors. Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes into it - depending on their ages - up pops the 'I'm tired/I'm bored of walking' comments.
The Naturebag Eco-Activity Kit is a great little bag to take along on any outdoor adventure. It's packed with loads of great activities to keep the kids engaged and includes a step-by-step guide for parents to lead them. It was created by two mompreneurs (one a former educator) with the aim of getting kids outside and exploring nature rather than watching tv/playing video games/sitting in front of the internet. It's received a glowing endorsement from artist and naturalist, Robert Bateman.

2. Read
Find out if your local library has a summer reading club and join! Every library - at least in BC - is offering a summer reading club for kids, Summer Reading Club 2009 - Follow the Reader.
For preschoolers, there's the Read-to-Me program where a record of books the preschooler shares is kept on a special card. You can drop in to the library for weekly stickers, stamps and reading suggestions.
For beginning readers to those in Grade 7, there's the Summer Reading club where members are given a special registration package that includes a Reading Record. Kids are encouraged to report their readings, watch for special weekly programs and prizes. In September, certificates and medals are awarded.

3. Bake
It may take longer and it will definitely end up being messier, but baking with kids is a great way to engage them and you'll have something yummy to show for it - usually.
Try banana bread, sugar cookies, in season blueberry/raspberry muffins, cupcakes (can't get enough of those sprinkles) or granola bars. Sugar cookies are one of the most time consuming but - similar to playdough - kids love rolling the dough and cutting out the shapes, then either putting on sprinkles prior to baking or icing them once they're baked. The more unusual the cutter shapes the better. This is a great set of natural cutter shapes - featuring a moon, butterfly, fish, toadstool and bird - or go for a gift set that includes a lovely wooden rolling pin too.

4. Create Art
Arts and crafts are always a hit and usually the messier, the more fun. Try modelling clay that simply requires a few days to air dry, then the kids can paint it or older ones can chisel/shape it as they wish.
Soy-based, pebble-shaped crayon rocks are great for developing the tripod grip that prepares children for writing, as are triangular coloured pencil crayons. Why not give them their own special sketchbook for Summer 2009 so they can create what essentially becomes a visual diary. Check out these super funky, recycled kids sketch books that are made in Canada.
Don't forget face painting - a true source of hours of fun. We've found some great non-toxic, wooden face paint pencils from Germany that don't require any water and they wash off easily, but not so easily that they disappear within minutes of being drawn on. And you can always focus on 'tatooing' hands and arms too!

5. Write Letters
Who doesn't like receiving a real, honest-to-goodness letter in the post? Kids in particular absolutely love it. Encourage developing penpals, writing to cousins who live out of town and why not start a chain letter? A bit of work, but it has its rewards. We couldn't believe how excited our daughter got when she received one for a sticker club last week. She wanted to write the letters and post them right then and there! She can't wait to receive her 36 packets of stickers. Neither can we...
Here's the text for the sticker club chain letter, it's a good one to catch their interest because pretty much all kids love stickers!

Dear X

Welcome to the sticker club! Please send one packet of stickers to the person listed as Number 1. Move my name to the first spot and place your name in the second spot. Then send this letter to 6 of your friends.

If you cannot do this within 6 days, please let my mom know because it is not fair to those who participated. Within 2 weeks, you should receive 36 packets of stickers! It is lots of fun to see where all the stickers came from…and also nice to get some mail.

Good luck and thank you for joining the sticker club!

1. Name
Address

2. Name
Address

For more ideas about keeping kids busy, visit Lavish & Lime. Do you have ideas, thoughts or comments about keeping kids busy? Please add them below! Everyone who leaves a comment before July 31st will be entered to win a sport size all natural sunscreen from Soleo Organics.

The Creators of Naturebag Open Up

We love Naturebag and the two Canadian mompreneurs who developed it. Here Naturebag creators Sylvie DeSousa and Katharine Byers talk about the challenges of developing a new product, making partnerships work and why it's so important for kids to get outside.

1. How did you come up with the idea of Naturebag?
We wanted a fun and easy way to get children outside. We thought it would be easier to give families a 'kit' so they wouldn't have to change their habits too much or try to think up or research fun outdoor activities. "It's all in the bag" came to mind and we just went from there, thinking convenience and ease for parents and fun outdoor time for children.

2. Why is it so important for kids to get outside?
We are all hard wired with the need to spend time outdoors.
Viewing screens has become a child's full-time job. Kids are plugged in 24/7, watching an average of 25 hours of TV a week (Gentile & Walsh, 2002) and then logging additional screen time on the Internet, browsing the Web, playing video games, and engaging in whole new verbs, like IMing and Facebooking.
Richard Louv, author of 'Last Child in The Woods' coined the phrase nature-deficit disorder to describe the "human costs of alienation from nature" (p. 34), including diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illness. Just when students need contact with nature more than ever, they have abandoned it.
A Canadian study found that children whose school grounds include diverse natural settings are more physically active, more aware of nutrition, more civil to one another, and more creative (Bell & Dyment, 2006). Another study discovered that children playing in green settings have reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder (Taylor, Kuo, & Sullivan, 2001).
The more studies are published, the more they agree: exposure to nature raises test scores; increases creativity, cooperation, and self-confidence; reduces stress; and enhances cognitive abilities.
We could go on and on, but we think you get the picture. Take your kids outside... NOW!

3. You've created a brand new product - something from nothing. What's been the most difficult part?
The sourcing of the 10 items that make up the Naturebag. We were so determined to find the best quality for the children who would end up using the Naturebag and also wanted to respect the planet in the process. We had to research everything: fair trade working conditions, organic cotton, rubber wood, soy crayons, recycled paper, cardboard, pencils, hemp. You'd think we were there as a society, that ethical products were easy to find. Well, think again!

4. You're two busy mompreneurs. How do you make your partnership work?
Ahhh, it's a match made in heaven! Without meaning to sound overly corny, it's really one of those things that was meant to be. Katharine and I work so well together, with our priorities straight and complete respect for one another. We complement each other perfectly with different strengths for the business and both have a great sense of humour which is terribly important I might add when you start a small business!

5. What's the best part about your work?
Working with Katharine (says Sylvie), working with Sylvie (says Katharine) and getting feedback from parents that are grateful that they have found more balance in their lives since spending more time outdoors.

Thanks for the insight ladies! Sylvie and Katharine's innovative Naturebag is available at Lavish & Lime. Do you have ideas or tips about getting kids outside? Please add them below! Everyone who leaves a comment before July 31st will be entered to win a sport size all natural sunscreen from Soleo Organics.

3 Reasons Every Kid Should Keep a Hat On

Finally, summer feels like it's on its way - and they say it's going to be a hot one. Time to start gearing up for some serious sun protection.

Everyone should keep their heads covered, but with kids it's critical:

1. Up to 80% of sun damage is received by 18 years of age;
2. Teaching them to wear a hat at a young age will help kids develop good sun safety practices and avoid the risks of melanoma later;
3. A hat helps protect their eyes from glare, especially if kids don't always wear sunglasses.

Choosing the right hat is key. The best hats for sun protection have at least a 3-inch brim (8 cm) all the way around. Baseball hats do not protect the ears or back of neck.

For kids, a hat with a chin strap works best - not only so it doesn't go flying off on the boat, but for the little ones who are anti-hat you can simply put it on (despite the protests!) and soon they'll forget about it and move on. Hopefully.

Fun and funky patterns will also work towards encouraging kids to wear a hat. For boys, try a safari animal or classic fire truck print. For girls go for a groovy flower hat complete with a big gerber daisy on the front or an ultra stylish 'ma cherie' fifi the poodle hat in yellow and minty green.

Alternatively, try the revolutionary adjustable hat. With an elastic around the hat's circumference and a toggle at the back, this hat can be constantly adjusted for a custom fit and years of wear. It only comes in two sizes: 0-2 years and 2-8 years, so if you have any doubt about sizing, this is definitely the hat for you.

So get out and enjoy the summer sun - just be sure to grab a hat for the wee one first.

Visit Lavish & Lime for a great selection of kids sun hats in prints and solids from size 0 and up.

Bobs & Lolo Rock with Gold Award

A big CONGRATULATIONS to local children's entertainers Bobs & Lolo for winning a coveted 2009 Parents' Choice Gold Award!

The award goes to their latest album Action Packed, featuring songs like Muscles, I Love Bugs!, Snappy Snacks and more. The Parents' Choice Awards program honours the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, and of varied skill and interest levels. It's considered a 'prestigious' award among children's products and has been described as the industry equivalent of an Academy Award.

Here's what long-time Parents' Choice music critic and staff writer at the Los Angeles Times, Lynne Heffley, has to say, "Bobs & Lolo, a.k.a. Robyn Hardy and Lorraine Pond, meet a challenge that sinks many would-be children’s artists: presenting frankly good-for-you messages without sounding preachy or patronizing. The duo’s smooth harmonies and frolicsome approach impart refreshing life to original songs…instead of sinking under their own worthy weight, these tuneful tracks float and shimmer like soap bubbles in the sun.”

We first saw the dynamic duo about three years ago at the Harmony Arts Festival here in Vancouver. Our daughter (now six) still absolutely adores them and both of us freely admit theirs is the only kids' music we actually like and find ourselves humming to... on a continual basis! The gentle Cindy Seahorse on their Sea Notes album, is a particular favourite. This latest win doesn't surprise us in the least.

Well done, ladies!

Listen to the award-winning Action Packed album and the entire Bobs & Lolo collection here at Lavish & Lime.

Easter Gift Ideas + Beet Bunny Cupcakes

It's a just a week until Easter and most of us are thinking about a little chocolate and perhaps a gift that lasts beyond Easter morning.

For kids, how about a green rabbit insulated lunch bag, little yellow chick purse or an adorable keepsake bunny sculpture that's individually signed by its Canadian artist?

We also spotted this fantastic recipe on Vitamin Daily to keep the little ones busy - and happy - and had to share it. A friend has a book filled with loads of recipes where you can squeeze in different veggies to make sure the kids are getting all the nutrients they should. This is a cupcake recipe like that - and it sounds yummy! It's definitely made it onto our next-rainy-day-must-try list.

Beet Bunny Cupcakes

Ingredients
1 cup margarine or butter (softened)
1 ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs 3 oz dark chocolate
2 cups pureed beets (5 medium beets)
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

Method
Boil beets until soft and then place in blender and pulse until smooth puree forms. In a mixing bowl, cream ¾ cup butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, mix well. Melt chocolate with remaining butter, stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Blend chocolate mixture, beets and vanilla into the creamed mixture (it will appear separated). Combine flour, baking soda and salt, add to the creamed mixture. Line muffin tins with cupcake papers and fill ¾ full. Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes.

Finishing Touches
Use a simple butter cream icing but cream cheese icing would also be delicious. To make a bunny face simply sprinkle coconut over the icing, cut large marshmallows in half and decorate with pink sprinkles for ears, and use little candies to create the eyes, nose and cheeks.

For more great Easter gift ideas, visit our online boutique Lavish & Lime.