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Aspiring greenie? Green Start’s board books not only cover sustainability issues — they are made from 98 percent recycled materials and printed with soy-based ink. "One Tree" teaches kids how trees grow, how they change throughout the year, and how they support the eco system around them. The pictures are simple, but feature bright colors that children can relate to. And, if you really want to make it an environmental lesson, read the last two pages (which are for adults), where you'll learn more about the “issue” featured in the book, and find tips on how to get your children involved and interested. ($6.99)

Jewelry is a little pleasure that I can’t seem to get enough of. I (used to) love to wander around boutiques and search online for handmade finds. Now that I spend my shopping time searching for kid stuff, I rarely indulge in my own simple pleasures. Then again, part of being a mindful mama is finding ways to take care of ourselves, right?! Thus, I recently came across some mama-made eco-friendly jewelry, in the shape of a ring that drew me in. Aimee (the mama who makes it) calls it a patchwork ring, but my toddler loves to point it out and call it my bubble ring. It’s delicate and modern, and the circles (or bubbles if you ask my kiddo) make me smile, especially on those days when I’m running around in them. Jewel Street Designs was born about 14 years ago, after Aimee’s daughter was born with a cleft palate. Being a SAHM, she uses her creative energy to create jewelry from recycled silver and copper. Did I mention the price is right? ($14-$62)

There are some days that I just hate my diaper bag. I despise how big it is and how it stores so much, yet I can't find anything, especially in the middle of one of "those" diaper changes. So, I was thrilled when I received my Patemm Pad. Created by mama of four, Grace Welch, the Patemm Pad is designed to be a diaper bag and changing pad — all in one convenient, fold-with-one-hand pouch. Named after her two eldest children (Patrick and Emma), Welch created the pad design when she, too, began to find her diaper bag overwhelming.

The design is relatively simple: a round mat that enables mamas to change even the squirmiest of kiddos (or my daughter who always seems to touch those disgusting airport walls mid-diaper change). The mat contains dozens of pockets that can hold anything, from diapers and wipes to a change of clothes. After you're done, you fold it in and roll it up — in any direction. Yes, a mama product that doesn't require a manual! The pads are available in 100 percent GOTS-certified cotton that's machine washable (but not waterproof), or laminated cotton that is PVC-, phthalate- and formaldehyde-free. ($55+)

The “stuff” in Lana Organic toys comes from organic cotton fields in Turkey, and is part of a local production initiative that supports fair-pay pricing. The materials are gathered and sent to crafty mamas, who sew these darling animals together in their own homes, through the auspices of the bioRe quality label for control regulations and certification. The design is unique and oh so lovable — just look at him! I love the dragon appendages that flop around, as my son tucks him under arm and toddles around the house. Lana Organic's stuffed animals are irresistible and totally innovative. 

The brilliant folks at LeapFrog have done it again. They’ve taken the attention-grabbing, unarguably entertaining concept of the video game and made it educational and active! Zippity features beloved Disney characters (Mickey, Goofy, Tigger, and Handy Manny to name a few) in a series of eight pre-loaded games. Each game features two levels of learning and play action, focusing on age-appropriate skills, including number and letter recognition, memory, music, basic math, problem solving, art and more. My energetic preschooler loves Handy Manny Fix it Up, which teaches Spanish vocabulary, and Goofy’s Fancy Dancing, which allows her to work out some of the ants in her pants (while exercising her brain, too!). It’s certainly the antidote for cold weather stir craziness! ($79.99)

Moms have a lot of decisions to make regarding the use of medicine to treat or prevent our children’s aliments. When looking for safe, natural alternatives that stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms, homeopathy is a choice high on my list. Hylands Kids’ Kit and user’s guide provides six popular remedies developed by Dr. Maesimud Panos. Treat runny noses, earaches, nosebleeds and more. The Bumps 'n Bruises Ointment is a favorite — especially with toddlers — or make that kids in general! ($29.99)

Motherhood can be rough on your complexion — sleep deprivation, worry and laugh lines, sun damage from afternoons at the park. For those of us who lack the time (or funds) for an official day at the spa, EmerginC’s vitamin C + retinol mask comes to the rescue ($47.50). A clay-based cocktail of supercharged ingredients, including lemon juice, vitamin C, green tea and retinol, this mask tones, tightens and exfoliates, reducing the appearance of fine lines and diminishing dark spots from pregnancy or sun damage. Results are immediately noticeable! Plus, a little bit goes a long way, which means you'll glow for months, all for less than the price of one facial.

For all of the artsy, creative mamas, Abby Pecoriello’s “Crafty Mama: Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects” is a must-have boredom buster! Set up your own Crafty Mama group (with or without the kiddos), and construct a unique photo puzzle, brag book, fringe blanket, chalkboard placemat and much more. Pecoriello provides fun, hip projects for crafters of all skill levels (most of which can be completed during a toddler’s nap). Offering practical tips on editing digital photos, creating jewelry, and mastering the art of iron-on transfers, “Crafty Mama” will inspire the timid and give the skilled nearly a year’s worth of one-of-a-kind projects. Fire up the glue gun!

Keep your cuddly cubs, frisky fawns and pensive owlets stylish and warm with MissFitt & Co’s infant and toddler hats. Handmade with super soft wool felt (no itching or scratching here) in an array of beautiful colors, the designs are just as practical as they are cute. Creator Wendy Allen derives inspiration from the flower gardens and woodlands surrounding her cottage in North Carolina. Bonus: She makes gorgeous hats, scarves and mittens for mamas, too. ($45+)

Nothin' - thanks to Francie Pants. These adorable boy short- style diaper and panty cover-ups have your little ladies covered from age one to sixteen. Featuring sweet and sassy prints, and a stretchy, washable and durable poly-spandex blend, Francie Pants are a stylish way to let your active girls be active girls, without compromising their modesty. Darned under dresses, over tights, or as my four-year-old would have it, all by themselves - these pants are playground climbing, floor-sitting, handstand and cartwheel ready, just add your gal. Each pair comes with a chic collectable paper doll, and all are made in the USA. What's not to love? ($16.50)

Biodynamic gardens across the globe supply the ingredients for Weleda's line of natural skincare products. Weleda, which is named after the Celtic goddess of wisdom and healing, relies on Mother Nature as opposed to the laboratory for its healing ingredients, making the line perfect for both mama & baby. The baby care line features calendula, a recognized anti-inflammatory, which helps soothe both sets of chapped cheeks. I loved the cream so much that I even put it on my face, and found it was neither too heavy or too light-it was as if Mother Nature designed it specifically for my dry-as in I live in Colorado-skin. And, maybe she did. Luckily for my daughter, Weleda has a mama line, too, so I don't have to use all of her healing cream. The travel set, featuring five of the baby favorites is a steal, too, at only $13.

I'm not ashamed to admit it: I'm a cloth-diapering nut. I take great pride in saying that I've bought approximately three packages of disposable diapers in my entire parenting career (kids' ages: almost 4 and 14 months). I've even, with a great deal of pride, made diapers from old t-shirts and sheets. So yeah, I'm what some might call a purist. Which is why I barely acknowledged gDiapers when they first came out. Flushable liner? Pshaw. I ain't afraid of no poop. But when they came out with their own reusable liners-and ridiculously cute designs-I had to give them a try. And oh my! These little ruffle-bottom pants don't just make my little girl's outfit, they are her outfit. And for the more ick-averse among us, gDiapers really are a great way to reduce the environmental impact of babyhood without going hook-line-and-stinker into the world of cloth-diapering. ($18.99)

I’ve been waiting for fall ever since my daughter’s Satch & Sol slippers arrived, not because she couldn’t wear them any other season—but because I bought them big in hopes she’d wear them longer. These handcrafted, felted wool slippers are my hands-down favorite cool weather pick—and not just because they’re stylish and functional. Founder Susan Bell, has created a truly green company, partnering only with artists involved in fair trade co-ops. Most of the wool slippers are created by artisans in Mongolia who receive livable wages, helping to strengthen the local economy. Satch & Sol, in fact, was recently admitted as a member of Green America. Functionally, these slippers rock. The felted wool is soft, while the suede soles provide ample amount of traction—even for my 1 ½ year old learning to walk on hardwood floors. And, did I mention the designs? Featuring bright and fun colors, unique embellishments (including my fave- the flower), and even adult sizes, who else is ready to cozy up? $32-$42.

It's one thing to wear your passions on your sleeve-it's an entirely other thing when your kiddos can too. Tiny Revolutionary was founded on the premise that "All Change Begins Small"-both literally (with our kids) and figuratively (with the first step). T-shirts sport retro designs with meaningful, but not "beat you over the head" slogans, including the organic "I am the Future" tee, and "I'll Change the World Someday," which is also available as a onesie. At least $1 of every tee sold goes toward such charities as Engineers Without Borders or Ethiopian Orphan Relief, while $20 of the "This Shirt Saved a Life" tee goes to Africa Aid! Some slogans are a little more tongue-in-cheek, including my fave: "More Milk, Less War," helping to promote The International Breast Milk Project, a charity that provides donor breast milk to babies orphaned by poverty, disease, and you guessed it-war. Let the revolution begin!

My dad tells me stories about being force-fed cod liver oil as a kid. It was not only the worst part of his day, but also, it seems, one of the worst memories of his childhood. Fast-forward 70-odd years, and it's hard to believe that fish oils are now the highlight of my three-year-old's day, thanks to Nordic Naturals' Nordic Omega-3 Fishies. These yummy gummy fish deliver 68 mg of EPA, 45 mg of DHA, and 23 mg of other omega-3s. And not only are they not pure torture for the recipient, they actually work as bribed. Wouldn't great-grandma be proud? ($34.95)

Is your diaper bag leaving you with diaper-bag back? (You know what I'm talking about-the one hip out, one shoulder forward hunchback who can't find her keys?) Check out GoGaga, an innovative line of bags, all featuring their patented shoulder strap, which is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the bag (no matter how heavy!) across your back. The new recycled line is made from 72 % recycled polyester, and is available in a variety of styles, whether your bag is exclusively for diapers, or for yoga, or for work, or some odd combination of all three.  But seriously, I love how versatile the bag is; that it doesn't scream "diaper bag", yet keeps bottles cool, diapers stored, toys contained, and my back in place. ($128)

I'm always in awe of the creative mama's we spotlight on our 'Mama Made Mondays'. This week, Charmaine shows off her crafty mama skills with this unique crayon & pad holder for all of your monkey's on the go.  Stick it in the diaper bag, the back pack, the car seat, or even your purse (though you may need to resist the urge to swipe it as a wallet-especially with some of the custom prints available).  It's great for coloring on the go, and if you're toddler is anything like mine, just the mere organization and reorganization of crayons & the pad can buy you at least 10 more minutes in the waiting room or in the highchair...not to mention that oh so fascinating button closure (another few minutes perhaps).  The best part? No more broken crayon pieces melting in back seat (or am I the only one remembering back to the perma-wax smell in our family car---ahh the smell of childhood!).   Take advantage of free shipping for back-to-school season- thanks mama Charmaine!

We all want to do some good in this world, right? I mean, that’s what makes us mindful mamas, no? But with kids to tend, lunches to make (healthfully), and jobs to do, it seems “save the world” has a tendency to find itself at the end of the daily chore list. If only we could do it in our sleep … Well, buying a pair of stylish pajamas (called Punjammis) from the International Princess Project might not actually let you save the world while you catch your zzz's, but it will go a long way toward helping families a world away. The pajamas help women and children escape enslaved prostitution in India by giving them an opportunity to “support themselves with skill and dignity, to heal in body and spirit, and to live lives of freedom.” The pajamas are beautiful. Their purpose, even more so. ($35)

In an ongoing quest to wean myself and my family from environmentally evil (but indisputably practical) plastic goods, Zoe B’s Kidishes are heaven sent. Made in France, these tempered glass place settings are ubiquitous in the homes and lives of our European counterparts, because in addition to being 100 percent recyclable and shatter resistant, they’re also dishwasher and microwave safe. My daughter is particularly fond of the cup, which is perfectly sized for little hands. Goodbye melamine, bonjour Kidishes!

We're not talking about the kind of butter that adds pounds to your hips, but instead the kind of butter that makes those hips smooth. Enter Shea Terra Organics divine butters and oils. Founded by Tammie Umbel, a mother of 12, Shea Terra Organics features indigenous oils that are sourced in a sustainable, socially conscious manner. Rich in vitamins A and E, the Shea Nilotica butter ($16) helps soften dry hands and cracked heels, and even makes those not-so-secret stretch marks seem a little bit less prominent. Plus the 100% organic East African Shea Butter is sourced from a Uganda women’s co-op, helping support their local economy. The cream is so indulgent and rich you’ll want to slather yourself head-to-toe (as I do) every night before bed. I also love the Mama’s Gold Stretch Mark Oil, ($24) featuring shea butter oil, pumpkin seed oil, carrot seed oil, and a variety of other healing oils and herbs. The bottle features a hand-pump (resulting in less waste), and is smooth, not overly fragrant, and leaves your skin feeling lustrous—even on those “I’m so pregnant I could pop,” days.

No matter how green toys are, they are still little germ magnets when in the hands (and mouths) of babes. Keeping toys and surfaces clean can keep kids healthier by reducing the spread of viruses, but with the nasty chemicals in most conventional cleaners, I’d pick the cooties over them any day. A new company called Dapple Baby offers up cleaners that are actually clean, even by my standards, and are developed especially for babies’ and kids’ things. I love their toy cleaner spray, but they also have wipes, as well as dish soap that’s formulated specifically to remove milk, odor, and film from baby bottles. Seriously, if they can get me writing enthusiastically about cleaning, you know they’ve gotta be good. ($19.99 for a 3-pack; available at toysrus.com)

I don’t ask for much in a sippy cup. Cartoon-character branding? Not my thing (though a certain Dora-adorer in my house would kick me if he could read this). Give me a cup that doesn’t leak, doesn’t leach toxins into my kids’ purified water, and doesn’t scream media conglomerate, and I’m happy. Add in the ability to keep cold drinks cold and warmish drinks warmish, and I’m handing over my credit card. The Thermos Foogo line has it all, and with a sippy cup, straw cup, and food container, they’ve anticipated all the needs of both my easy-to-please kids and their picky mom. ($11.99–$15.99)

After reading one post by Amanda Soule at her blog, SouleMama, I was hooked. Here was a mama of four, who was cooking with joy, embracing motherhood, and actively creating beautiful things—all on a mama’s clock. (And, not in that supermama, "I'm better than you" kind of way.) Her creativity impresses and inspires, making me want to break out and try sewing again, forgetting the “D” I received in Home Economics back in the day. Soule’s new book, A Handmade Home, released this week, features her beautiful creations, designed for the mama (or papa) that wants to bring a little bit of creativity, and well, a more homey feel to their abode—without being kitchy. The projects are labeled by skill, and I'm pretty sure that there are several that I could even do. (She also notes which projects are suitable for little hands, if you have helpers.) Embracing her eco-ethos, all of the projects utilize repurposed, reclaimed, or vintage materials. I love the Memory Tree Quilt Art, featuring scraps of her kiddos old clothes, and am tagging the Portrait Bookmarks for our holiday Christmas gifts. The beauty in the bookmarks is in their imperfections. That’s my kind of sewing. ($21.95)

When Nora was born, I had no shortage of lotions and potions to leave her soft, clean, and smelling sweet as summer. But for me? Sticky nipple creams, antiseptic nether-region ointments, and sitz baths. In that context, I would have fallen in love with Noli and Nali’s Tropical Goddess Butter just for the name, but luckily I didn’t have to. Its creamy, rich, antioxidant and fatty-acid–infused goodness made me feel fab despite the postpartum flab. I give it full credit for how quickly my belly returned to almost-prepregnancy condition. Or was that just through the lens of my baby goggles? ($24.98)

When I saw the title of Frommer’s latest travel title, 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up (2nd edition), I was intrigued. How many of these must-visits had I visited? (And how many actually occurred during my youth?) Unfortunately, not too many on either account. But, perhaps in direct contradiction to the books’ title, these places are places that everyone will enjoy—and I mean everyone. Reading through 500 Places is like taking a journey through the best of National Geographic and Travel & Leisure—but with families in mind, including when to visit the Cayman Islands so that your kiddos can experience the pirate festival; how to drive the Appalachians and keep everyone interested, ultimately avoiding the “are we there yets.” From seeing the national parks through a youngster (or teens) eyes to visiting the romantic Taj Mahal, this book gives you the inspiration—and more importantly—confidence to keep on truckin. Hands-down, this is my new go-to book when planning a family vacation.

Do I love to have my ducks in a row? Sure. But as a mom, that's a sometimes impossible feat. That doesn't mean I can't strive for some semblance of order in my life, though, which is why I need WasteNotSaks in my life. These reusable snack bags are not only eco-friendly and mama made, but the prints are impossibly cute. With hip (and orderly!) patterns like 'ducks in a row,' the bags are as artful as they are useful. WasteNotSaks was born from a full-time mama, part-time pediatrician-turned-crafter of reusable kiddo gear. Her two young boys treasure their sacks and love to use them again and again—as do we.

Looking for a creative way to keep your kids (or half the neighborhood) entertained? The Kodo Kids Chalk Spinner takes a perennial favorite and makes it move and spin, allowing creations to come to life. Designed for both home use and public spaces—there is even one at our favorite local coffee shop, that keeps my daughter entertained through an entire latte—we love how these chalkboards capture the imagination without any blinking lights or obnoxious noises. Plus the spinners are made in the U.S. out of non-toxic materials, including low-VOC paint and recycled formaldehyde-free MDF. Yeah, baby!

Like many mamas, I’m a big fan of the Tea Collection for its vintage-cool, yet, modern clothes for babies and kids up to the age of 8. I mean, how cool is it that you can dress your kiddo in 60s styles without spending hours at the thrift shop? (Although that’s pretty great, too.) And, with the launch of their Purity collection, I’m even more thrilled. The line is part of their “basics,” featuring long-sleeve tops and leggings made out of 100% organic cotton that match perfectly with their fabulous prints. (Leggings and tops, $25) Grab a pair of the Purity Organic Leggings in Quince and match it with the vintage floral Mohri Dress, and you’ve got one stylish babe. Multi-tasking mamas like me love how easy it is to mix and match with the Tea Collection, where each top matches with at least 3 different bottoms, and visa-versa. (We just wish the entire line was organic!) P.S. Good news, or bad? They have a great summer sale going on right now….

Imagine a childhood full of gnomes, fairies, and castles. Imagine a childhood free of phthalates, plastic, and lead. Sounds like a world both kids and their earth-loving moms would adore. Which is exactly why we adore ImagineChildhood.com, the brainchild of Sarah Olmsted, who created the blog and store to inspire creativity, encourage exploration, and essentially take back the childhood we all once knew. Her little shop features handmade, unique, heirloom-quality goods and toys, including the Butterfly Wagon. Built for two children, this wagon is made out of sustainable hardwoods, features back rests made from hand-carved willow bark, and is treated with a lead-free finish. Beyond the aesthetics, however, this wagon is sturdy; my daughter and I have bounced down gravel paths and crossed waterways looking for trolls, and have never had a flat tire. ($199) Be forewarned: Pour yourself a cup of tea when visiting the site, you’ll want to sit, savor, and yes, drool.

I have to confess: I have a profound attraction to flash cards. The fact that they’re a tried and true educational tool only makes me more likely to splurge on them, especially when they are as artful as the Alphabet Animal Flashcards by Lisa DeJohn ($14.95). Perfect for toddlers, the sturdy paperboard set features rounded corners and an A to Z collection of DeJohn’s beloved animal illustrations, including some less familiar creatures like impalas and urchins. And for the 5-and-up set, already masters of the alphabet, I love the idea of teaching environmental stewardship with eeBoo’s Respect the Earth Flash Cards ($11.95), which offer practical suggestions like “Only run the water when you are actually using it,” and “Think before you open the fridge.” Who cares if my daughter can't read yet: I'm putting these up all over the house!