Celebrate Earth Day with Mommy Tyme Gifts

In support of Earth Day- Mommy Tyme Gifts is coming out with some new Eco Friendly products! During the next few weeks, Mommy Tyme will be introducing several items in the "Mommy Tyme for Tomorrow" line.

Recognize that we only have one planet to live and share, thus we all have to do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. If you are like me, you have probably heard it over and over again- the controversy with global warming, the dangers to the ozone layer, the declining water supply, pollution, the importance of recycling- but what do you really do? I have thought in the past, "does my recycling of a few water bottles really change anything?" - Yes! It does! Everything matters. Every action you do today will impact tomorrow.

You don't have to change everything overnight, and most of the changes you make will save money, be better for you and your family, while still promoting a better planet for our children. Start small- make sure all of the lights are turned off and everything is unplugged before you leave the house. Don't turn the air conditioning on until it is sweltering hot. Support company's and buy products that are made with environmentally safe procedures or that use recycled materials in their packaging.

I remember how careless I used to be with energy, fuel, and waste... I think it all changed for me (gradually...) when my son came into my life. I want him to have a green, clean, healthy environment- so, I have to change today for a better tomorrow. You can make it fun, too! My son is our "Patrol" and he goes around the house a few times a day checking that everything is unplugged, that lights are off, TVs are not on in two rooms, our cell phone chargers are not still plugged in with the phone no longer attached, etc. When he finds something, he "tells a ticket", meaning he finds one of us and "tells us to unplug it". He is learning responsibility, environmentally appropriate behavior, and his game serves a useful purpose. We also take "treasure walks" with a bag in hand, and pick up all the garbage we find along the way. The challenge is to see who can fill their bag the fastest! He has become very conscious of litter and waste, which is important for all of us. Start these lessons now and your child will have more respect for their world as they grow...

With all of this in mind, I decided to take some time and evaluate my ingredients, procedures, and purposes of some of my products. I have revamped and create some new items I am excited to show off in the next few weeks- I have been working on these for a while and have a ton of ideas for more... but, I wanted to have a few items to introduce along with Earth Day. I have also created a new blog that will focus on How To's, ideas, products and ways that we can continue to focus on tomorrow by our actions today- I hope you will stop by and offer a comment or thought at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com To really kick off the new blog, I will be offering some freebies, prizes, and give aways! Make sure to follow the blog, comment with your contact info. and enter, enter, enter....

From now until Earth Day I will continue to present new items, articles and ideas for a better planet! If you have a blog, idea, or product that you think is eco friendly, feel free to post the link and comment here! I will be thrilled to show you off and get it the realization it deserves! So stay tuned, check back often, and keep thinking "GREEN"!

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Who said Wire and Oil Doesn't mix?

So, you are down to those hard to buy for, last minute gifts, right? Not only that, you might want to give yourself a treat after all the holiday stress you have endured... Well, check out these two superb artisans I found on Etsy...

Small Footprints- an eco-conscious artisan jewelry designer and Art 1st- a talented artisan in oils and more...

I am literally awestruck when I see their work- It is really a treat for a crafter like myself to come across someone's work and instead of saying to myself, "I think I can make that", I say, "Wow! I gotta have that!". I say this because there is no way I can begin to touch on the artistic expression they have compiled in their shop on etsy and at their blog! Truly, take a moment, grab a cup of coffee, and just browse. Really look at the pieces they have for sale.

Let me share a few of my favorites- and how they make a living, I have no idea, because their work is affordable to the average Joe like me!

This one is called Memories of the Bay and you can find it at their Etsy shop, Appealingtou

Isn't this gorgeous?

Now, this one is my actual favorite, and I have kept an eye on it for sometime.  I love the blend of colors, I love the energy and intensity in the strokes- This one is called Rage and again, you can find it on the Etsy shop!

I adore these earrings created by Small Footprints!  Mexican Smiles.  Wouldn't these go great with a classy evening look, or standing on the beach in a simple vacation wrap?  These are just amazing, and so creative!  Keep in mind that Small Footprints strives to use recycled materials, eco-friendly metals and pieces, so you can truly feel good about these items when you adorn them!  This, too, can be found on the etsy shop!

These are definitely my cup of tea!  I think these are so creative and unique!  How fantastic with the color blends?  The dangles?  Where else are you going to find such a fun accessory at such a great price!  Check out the etsy shop at: 

• www.Appealingtou.etsy.com 

But, readers, we are not finished yet... There are still the blogs to discuss....

Visit the Reduce Footprints Blog throughout the entire year..There are some fantastic articles for the socially aware individual that hides inside you!  Great tips on how to be "green" without giving up everything, wonderful vegan recipes, and so much more!  Really!  In fact, there is a great list compiled right now of Winter Shopping Sites of Handmade and Artisan vendors.  I can not imagine the amount of work that must have went into this... I have struggled to keep up with my holiday series, but somehow, Small Footprints has generated an enormous list of great artisans who have some significant Holiday Sale items!  So, check it out, then subscribe and keep up to date with the ways you can help to preserve and nurture this planet we all share!
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

http://4oneaday.blogspot.com is another great blog hosted by my Featured Artisans today!  Here is where Art displays his work for review, comments, and more... Wow!  There are even more great pieces here!  You will find items not listed in the Etsy shop like, December Eve (below)- How incredible?  I have the perfect place for this, and I could just get lost in the imagery.  How can such a skilled and talented artist not be splattered all over the place?  His work is worth an investment; In a few years you are likely not going to be able to touch work by Art as he will be discovered and lining our most prestigious institutions.  A gifted artist does not remain hidden for long.... I truly encourage you to visit the blog.  If you cant afford a piece right now, at least reward yourself with the opportunity to explore his work.

I would love to hear your comments... did you check out the blogs?  did you visit the etsy shop?  What do you think?  Are you as impressed as I?

Well, I have several more artisans I want to explore, so I am not shutting down the Pursuit of the Perfect Handmade just yet.  I think we will extend and continue to review some of the unique and extraordinary artisans, crafters, and vendors out there.  I thought it might be nice to locate some suppliers and marketers/advertisers also, who may have ideas, tips, etc. to help promote our finds along their journey!  So, if you know a person who is amazing with their hands, send them here and ask that they comment with their shop, blog, link, etc and leave a brief description of what they do... And if you are the artisan, same thing, just leave a comment with your link, blog, etc so I can check you out!  I will let you know when I am going to post a review of your shop/items!\

Subscribe to the blog so you can keep an eye on what is coming out, the latest trends, and the hidden, undiscovered artisans out there....Soon to be the creme de la crop of the Handmade Marketplaces....

PS- Take a moment and visit the new web site at http://www.mommytyme.org 

Also, scroll down/up and find the butter bar giveaway!  I am giving away another extra large handmade bath bar to the winning entrant!  This was going to end on the 20th, but since the site crashed I am extending it for a few more days!  Good luck!  To enter read the rules in the Butter Bar Giveaway Post!