Long gone are the days when eco-friendly was synonymous with tree-hugger and hippie. Today’s new shade of “green” is hip and fashionable…some even say it’s the new black. Bridging the gap between popular and fashionable culture and environmental responsibility is a critical part of supporting the environment and reversing the damage that has already been done to it. With couture clothing designers using organic fabrics and vegetable dyes, and luxury car companies producing hybrids, sacrificing quality and aesthetics are no longer part of the “green” equation. Even luxury paper products are going green!  Read more... (568 words, estimated 2:16 mins reading time)

Tags: Arts and Crafts, Collecting, creativity, Family, gift wrapping paper, Going green, Holidays, picture frames, recyclables, scrapbook pages, Scrapbooking, shopping, Supplies

When we look for new and exciting ways of teaching our children, many parents invariable overlook the easiest and proven, most effective learning method of all time: PLAY.

Consider this true life scenario.

Watching the TV news just last week I saw pictures of young boys in war torn Afghanistan, laughing with glee as they kicked a football amongst the ruins of their homes. Their joy in this simplest of activities was evident; their play was natural and not a performance for the camera. After all of the trauma they had experienced they were using a simple activity to get their lives back on track.  Read more... (584 words, estimated 2:20 mins reading time)

Tags: birthday morning, effective learning, expensive gift, expensive toys, familiarity, gift wrapping paper, glee, initial excitement, lasting impression, latest gadgets, learning experience, life scenario, little ones, shiny toys, simplicity, springboard, time at home, true life, young boys