Written by Britney Manuel from BtanJerine and A Simply Raw Life When it comes to gardening I have the proverbial “black thumb of death”, a gardening mass murderer if you will. I think that plants come to my house specifically to live out their last days! That being said, I knew that I bit off more than I [...]

Homemade dishwasher detergent
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art A little over a year ago when I was living in Los Angles I considered myself to be one of the more eco-friendly, earth loving, attachment parenting kind of momma’s. Then I moved to Portland, OR. These moms here are in an entire league of their own [...]

Dying easter eggs naturally
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art I am a little bit addicted to holiday crafts, food, celebrations, decorations and all else that goes along with each and every special holiday. Some traditions I have done since I was a child and I continue to enjoy these special traditions with my own children and [...]

Painting with Produce
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art Using new and different materials in art gets my children excited to create! I added some fruits and veggies to the paint table to let them explore with different shapes, colors and textures. It not only amazed my children as they discovered with this new painting technique, [...]

How to create an inviting art area for kids
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art When I first became a mother I struggled with how to stay creative myself and not to lose my own love for creating art. Sure, I could have considered my new art of blending peas and carrots into beautiful purees something to look forward to, but I [...]

Glitter Pine Cones
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art Crafting and holidays seem to go hand and hand in our house. I am always looking for something that is appealing to both my five and two-year old and more importantly that each can easily do and enjoy doing. We made glitter pine cones to welcome the [...]

Christmas Tree made from Books
We have a slight obsession for books and old book stores (happened after we said adios to the TV). So this year we decided to bring our love of books to a whole new level by making a Christmas tree from them. I saw the idea on Facebook, and knew it was perfect for our [...]

DIY Play Kitchen (from old computer desk)
I always get a thrill out of Trash to Treasure projects— and this one is definitely one of my all-time favorites. Kaley from Dualey flipped an old particle board desk into an adorable play kitchen for her son. The details that they included in it are incredible— a nightlight in the oven, a pullout cutting board [...]

Give thanks with reclaimed toys
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art I love decorating my home for the holidays—not only with my children, but with things that they have made. A bonus for me is when it’s something other than macaroni art (not that I don’t love every single piece of painted pasta that my children have given [...]

Thanksgiving Craft Ideas to keep the kids entertained
I have been a crafting machine over at Kiwi Crate— and it sure is fun. I think doing crafts with the kids (and surrounding ourselves with twigs, pinecones and lots of felt) helps the season feel more real. To help get into the Thanksgiving spirit with your kids, why not make some of these crafts. They are Jen-approved— which means they are simple [...]

Halloween Craft idea #7: Soap Bar Mummies
These cute little soap bar mummies are right up my alley! I am not much for a spooky halloween— I like cute things and googly eyes are a sure winner in my book. These cute little mummies are the perfect craft for preschoolers— simple to make and they look great. It’s amazing how many emotions [...]

Halloween Craft Idea #6 : Q-Tip Skeleton
My fascination with anatomy started when my husband and I were dating in college and took a life drawing class together. Now with kids in the picture, we try share our passions with them— and art and anatomy are definitly in the mix. This simple craft really teaches kids a lot about what lies underneath [...]

Make your own fairy-tale tutu
Written by contributor Melissa Allen of Green Owl Art Making Halloween costumes is something I love to do. I can create unique and special attire for my children to wear Halloween night and it teaches them to be creative and resourceful (and that is priceless in my book). I was taught to make a tutu as a [...]

Halloween Craft Idea #5 : Witch’s Broomstick Bag
Make an eco-friendly witch’s broomstick with this fun Halloween favor bag. All you need to make a broomstick are two lunch-sized paper bags, string, and a stick (or tree branch). This craft will inspire some creative flying imagination play. And if you are hosting a Halloween-themed party, this makes the perfect party favor bag. Stuff [...]

Halloween Craft Idea #4: Eggshell Ghost Mobile
Give your child free reign to draw ghost faces on reclaimed eggshells with permanent marker. I love how my daughter gave each ghost face their own unique facial features. This is the perfect Halloween decoration for your home or to hang up in a classroom. Check out how we used dental floss as our string to create [...]
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HOW TO BE SORTA-CRUNCHY•••
1. Adopt a plant-based diet with green smoothies
2. Start using coconut oil (for almost everything)
3. Ditch the paper towels and use cloth napkins
4. Make Trash to Treasure Art Projects with your kids
5. Unplug the TV and reconnect with your family
6. Furnish your home with second-hand treasures
7. Be the change you wish to see
8. Teach your kids responsibility and effort with important work—chores.
9. Save the world we live in and bike around town
10. Upgrade your kitchen to eco-friendly pots and pans

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