Super Balls

I come to you with a hidden laundry secret, particularly for my cloth diapering mamas.

Wool dryer balls will save you time and money.

These seemingly simple little balls reduce drying time, are safe to use (all natural fibers also make them antimicrobial and they can be safely scented too!) and will help you keep your diapers longer because the less time they are exposed to the high heat of a dryer the longer they last. That time you save also cuts the electricity you use so, bonus savings! They have also been shown to naturally soften your clothes and diapers without chemicals and reduce static.

So how do they work?

They work by improving the circulation and air and heat in the dryer. Unlike the plastic ones you may have seen, these are quiet and chemical free, they have no rough surface bumps to catch on your clothes and the natural fibers of wool reduces any unpleasant smells too. Just toss a few in with your clothes or diapers and let them work their magic! The more you throw in the bigger the savings but the makers recommend you start with four in each load.

You can find these amazing dryer balls at Baby Awearness of course, and I highly recommend them to any cloth diapering mamas because they really will help your diapers live a little longer. After a while PUL that has been washed and dried on high temperatures will start to wear out, or the aplix will start to curl and need replaced, these are normal in the life of a diaper but this is a simple, effective way to reduce that wear and tear.

As far as a sustainable living choice, you don't have to have a baby in diapers to benefit from these little laundry savers because the same magic works for your clothes.  If you're concerned about the environment the decrease in the use of electricity is great and since they're made of wool and not plastic they are less harmful to produce (plus sheep can grow more wool).  Less time spent waiting on laundry or buying new clothing, less static and softer clothes with no chemicals and more money in your pocket is a good thing for any family!

Baby A Exchange Launches

Start the new year off right! Out with the old and in with the re-newed!

Join us this Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 10 - 4 pm, as we celebrate the launch of  Baby A Exchange (BAX) at Baby Awearness in Manoa Marketplace. This will be the first and biggest "Buy-In" event of the year!  

From 10 am to 4 pm during BAX's "Buy-In," we will hand pick high-quality, gently-used goods from the public. This is a perfect opportunity for you to off load those not-so-perfect items received during the holiday season, or simply to clean out your closets. Join us and and invite your friends along in getting a fresh start in 2011 (and a little extra cash)! 

Baby A Exchange is a store by the community, for the community. 100% of our items will be bought directly from local customers to keep pre-loved goodies from going to waste. We curate for the high-end and the eco-friendly, offering clothing, toys and accessories for both mama and baby. No more sifting through piles of junk at the thrift store or waiting months to get repaid at a typical consignment shop. We give cash or store credit for your items on the spot. You'll get more value for your stuff if you're willing to accept trade (store credit) instead of cash.
 

We only buy and sell the best at Baby A Exchange.
BAX accepts high-quality, gently-used cloth diapers, carriers, toys, clothing and other parenting accessories including maternity clothes.
Think "boutique eco-fashion" -- not Goodwill. For all accepted items,
you will have a choice of being paid in cash, store credit,
and/or donating any portion of your payment to a local non-profit.

Additionally, a portion of proceeds from all Baby A Exchange purchases will be donated to various non-profits. Non-profits interested in being a beneficiary of the Baby A Exchange, should contact Amanda@babyawearness.com. 

For guidelines and further details on how BAX works, read here. If you have any questions or need to speak to a team member, please call the store at 808.988.0010.

Re-wrap for the Holidays

by Lani Lee

Image courtesy of Loopto

Somewhere between the hours of being a mother and intervals of unexpected calm, I manage to indulge in an old love: making crafty things. Whether in the form of yarn, fabric or paper, I love to knit, crochet, sew, create homemade cards, and more. Long before I spent sleepless nights caring for a baby, I used to have all nighters furiously binding off that last-minute scarf or hat gift.

This year, with limited time, I decided that all I could manage was making my own "wrapping paper." Inspired by my upbringing with a Japanese mother and an affinity for all things zakka-like, I chose to make furoshiki to use in lieu of wrapping paper.

Handmade furoshiki using traditional Japanese printing techniques

Image courtesy of thelinkcollective

Furoshiki is simply a square piece of cloth that is used (and re-used) as a wrapping, lunch bag, or carrying sack. Traditional furoshiki often was made of silk with shibori or designs similar to those used on kimono garments. The furoshiki featured above is created with a modern design twist using complex, artistic techniques, but for D-I-Y or home purposes, the least you have to do is cut a square piece of fabric and sew the edges.

Image courtesy of thelinkcollective

Here is a great tutorial of some different ways to use furoshiki. You also have to check out this jazzy video tutorial here!

For those of you who don't sew or can't get your hands on a furoshiki, you can embrace the Green Grocery Bag Challenge. You can read more about going green for the holidays here.

'Tis the Season to be Giving

By Anna Lahr at Baby Awearness

When I think of the holidays I always think of giving back to the community.  One thing I like to do is really look at all of the "junk" around my house and determine what I don't need anymore.  I know I'll be getting some new things (holidays and our anniversary actually fall in that time frame!) so I try to make room for the gifts we exchange as a family. I also like to start out the New Year feeling fresh and positive and one way I do that is to "de-clutter" my house.

I remember when I was a child my mom would ask my sister and I to go through all of the things we didn't want or need anymore. We did this a few times a year, usually in the summer before we started school as well as in the winter time, this coincided when we usually got new clothes so I think my mom was on to something ;) When we were done we'd take the bags of toys, books, shoes and clothes to a local thrift store, our favorites being the ones that gave back to the community in some way other than just selling goods.  Fittingly, these were also some of the same stores we went when we were shopping for new clothes! Looking back I'm very glad my mom instilled this practice in us. We never grew up thinking we were too good for used items and in fact got a lot of nice things we otherwise may not have been able to afford. We weren't "poor" but I think we were able to afford a lot of other nice things like camp or vacation because my mom saved us money on things like clothing.

Fast forward to being pregnant with a daughter of my own and I'm hearing from every angle "New babies can be SO expensive!" Since my husband and I were tight on money I looked for ways around this. I bought used, accepted hand-my-downs and looked on freecycle as much as I could. My daughter's cloth diapers were either free from freecycle or friends or bought from other moms whose children had already loved and outgrown them.  When my daughter outgrew some of those diapers (and I had to make room for more, of course!) I passed them along to a friend of mine who was new to cloth diapering.

I recently went through a lot of my daughter's teeny tiny things and either donated them or set them aside. Some of them I plan to offer up to Baby A Exchange and others I'm holding on to in case I have another baby... somewhere down the road.

The beautiful thing to me about all of this is the continuing life these items have had and will continue to have. I have been blessed and been able to save a great deal and what I did have to spend I feel good about because the money either went to another family or helped some charitable store provide services to the community. There's less wasted on packaging and production and I feel confident in the quality of these products because they've stood the test of time for me and others.

In a world plagued by consumerism and waste this makes me feel like I'm making a difference. Instead of mindlessly consuming "throw away" items I'm recycling and paying it forward. I especially love it this time of year when money is tight and people are trying to provide for their families an enjoyable holiday season.  I get to feel a little better about all of the blessings I've received without feeling guilty that there are others less fortunate because I'm doing something to help them. Every body wins!

On Saturday, January 8th, from 10am-2pm, Baby Awearness will host a “buy-in,” when the store will handpick high quality, gently used goods from the public. This is a perfect opporuntity for families to off load those not-so-perfect items received during the holiday season, or to clean out their closet for the new year. If unable to attend the Buy In, interested sellers should set-up a meeting with a Baby A Exchange representative.

For all accepted items, the customer will have a choice of being paid in cash, store credit, and/or donating any portion of their payment to a local non-profit.  Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from all Baby A Exchange purchases will be donated to various non-profits. Non-profits interested in being a beneficiary of the Baby A exchange, should contact Amanda@babyawearness.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Frances Moore Lappe Coming to Honolulu!

A great opportunity to meet a revolutionary leader in the alternative food movement -- Frances Moore Lappe will be presenting a series of lectures at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on November 4th and 5th. Mark your calendar!

Diet for a Small Island Film Series

Come watch three inspiring films on food, agriculture, and democracy!

"Diet for a Small Island" Pre-lecture film series on food democracy
Monday nights at 7:00 PM at Church of the Crossroads, Weaver Hall

October 4 (Mon)  7pm
Ingredients: the local food movement in the US (73 min)
Discussion to follow with Robert Bates, documentary film maker.

October 11 (Mon) 7 pm
Power of Community: How Cuba survived peak oil (53 min)
Discussion to follow with Travis Idol, Associate Professor of Tropical
Forestry at UH.

October 25 (Mon) 7 pm
Malama Haloa: Protecting the taro (39 min)
Discussion to follow with Mark Stride, Hawaiian homestead farmer.
Film series will conclude with talks on November 5th and 6th featuring
Frances Moore Lappé, author of 18 books including Diet for a Small
Planet.

Films are free and open to public. Both talks are at Church of the
Crossroads, 1212 University Avenue, Honolulu. Tel: 808-949-2220.

For more information about the Watada Lectures Series, visit our blog

For the film series, please email Travis Idol at traviswidol@gmail.com.

Honu Guide 2010

The year is flying by but don't let it pass without enjoying some great savings in the HonuGuide!

You can find favorite eateries and shops from Peace Cafe to Whole Foods.

But this little booklet is more than a coupon book. It also features great articles and tips about creating a sustainable lifestyle in Hawaii and features some of our most progressive businesses and individuals who are leading the way in green living.

At only $20, it is a fabulous deal! If you're interested, you can pick one up from us.

Baby Awearness has a coupon in there too:
Purchase 2 One-Size Reusable Pocket Diapers and get 50% off the 3rd Pocket Diaper. Expires 12/31/10.

Have you been eating from the Dirty Dozen?

The Dirty Dozen is a list of most pesticide-contaminated foods commonly consumed by Americans. The list is compiled by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization that researches safety of food and consumer products. The EWG gathered data from pesticide testing done by the US Dept. of Agriculture and the FDA. Different fruits and vegetables were tested a minimum of 100 times each and, in most cases, testing was done after the food had been rinsed and/or peeled. Young children, pregnant and nursing mothers can be at most risk for health problems if they are regularly consuming pesticide-contaminated food.

The good news is that many of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables are easy to find in Hawaii throughout most of the year, especially at local farmers markets. Island farmers markets often have produce listed in the Dirty Dozen (like spinach, kale), but are grown by local farmers who do not spray their crops. These lists can be great tools for helping you decide what to buy when you can’t always afford organic. The EWG even has an iPhone app you can download to keep the lists handy when you’re out shopping. The full list of 49 tested fruits and vegetables is available here: http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php (HS)

The Dirty Dozen (most contaminated)
    1.    Celery
    2.    Peaches
    3.    Strawberries
    4.    Apples
    5.    Blueberries (domestic)
    6.    Nectarines
    7.    Sweet Bell Peppers
    8.    Spinach
    9.    Cherries
    10.    Kale/Collard Greens
    11.    Potatoes
    12.    Grapes (imported)

The Clean 15 (least contaminated)
    1.    Onions
    2.    Avocado
    3.    Sweet Corn (frozen)
    4.    Pineapples
    5.    Mango (subtropical)
    6.    Sweet Peas (frozen)
    7.    Asparagus
    8.    Kiwi (subtropical)
    9.    Cabbage
    10.    Eggplant
    11.    Cantaloupe (domestic)
    12.    Watermelon
    13.    Grapefruit
    14.    Sweet Potatoes
    15.    Honeydew Melon

Super Babies Need Super Foods

Earlier in June, we wrapped up another successful installment of the Super Baby Foods class taught by our very own Ashley Lukens, co-owner of Baby A.

Read here for more compelling information to go organic and/or make your own meals for baby.

If you would like to sign up for the next class scheduled on July 25, please contact the store or e-mail us at info@babyawearness.com

Cloth Diapering 101 in a Nutshell

The following information is a great handout for caregivers. Parents who want to cloth diaper can use this to encourage family members, sitters, or others who will help watch baby to cloth diaper as well. If you cannot print this out, always feel free to stop by the store and we can give you copies of this handout. 

It’s Easy!
Modern cloth diapers are as easy to use as disposables. Elaborate folds, pinning, dunking and swishing are no longer necessary. Instead of tossing used diapers in the trash, you’re putting them into a closed diaper pail or zippered wet bag to be washed and re-used.

Why Are More and More Parents Choosing Cloth?

•  Saving Money 
• a full-time supply of cloth diapers cost less than half of what disposable cost and they can last through multiple kids!
•  Environmental Benefits
• Over 300 lbs of wood, 50 lbs of petroleum feedstocks and 20 lbs of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for ONE baby EACH YEAR*
•  Each disposable diaper takes 250-500 years to break down*
•  Health Benefits
•  Cloth diapered babies experience less diaper rash and they are not exposed to harsh chemical gels and toxic byproducts from the bleaching process.
•  Dioxin (a carcinogen), Tributyl-tin (hormone-disruptor) and sodium polyacrylate (similar to the substance linked to toxic shock syndrome) are some of the chemicals that can be found in disposable diapers.*
•  Human feces is tossed into landfills inside disposable diapers adding to contamination of ground water and spreading of diseases. With cloth diapers, poop is immediately discarded into the toilet so you won’t have poop-filled diapers sitting in your home all day long. Not only is human waste getting disposed of properly (so raw sewage isn’t going into the landfill) you’re cutting way down on potential odors.

* Real Diaper Association

Types of Cloth Diapers

All-In-Ones
These diapers have a waterproof cover on the outside and absorbent layers on the inside.  They easily fasten on with Velcro or snaps.  This is a one-step diaper.

Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers have a waterproof cover on the outside and a microfleece layer on the inside which goes next to baby’s skin and wicks away moisture.  There is a pocket where you stuff a microfiber insert for absorbency.  You can customize the absorbency of the diaper by adding more or less inserts in the pocket or changing the material of the insert (microfiber, cotton or hemp).

Prefolds + Covers
Prefolds are usually made of cotton and have extra layers sewn into the center.  They can be fastened around baby’s legs with a Snappi or diaper pins or folded in thirds and placed inside a waterproof cover. 

Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers are usually made of cotton, hemp or bamboo.  They are contoured and fasten around baby’s legs with Velcro or snaps.  To be waterproof, they require a cover.

What To Do With Wet and Dirty Diapers
Many parents get a kitchen-size trash can with a lid and line it with a waterproof bag called a pail liner, designed to hold cloth diapers.   Wet and dirty diapers can be stored in the pail until wash time (usually every other day).  Flushable liners are available to contain solid waste.  Place the liner inside the diaper.  It will catch solid waste and let liquid pass through the liner and poop can be picked up and flushed down the toilet.  Another option is getting a diaper sprayer to attach to your toilet.  Hold the dirty diaper over the toilet and use the sprayer to rinse waste into the toilet.

Non-Toxic Spring Cleaning

 Many commercial cleaners are made of synthetic ingredients, detergents and petroleum products as well as may contain additional perfumes and dyes that do nothing to aid cleaning. They can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and give off dangerous fumes. Luckily, these products are not necessary to keep your home clean. There are plenty of safe and effective non-toxic alternatives and are often times cheaper too!

Distilled White Vinegar:  The acidity in vinegar makes it an effective germ-killer and ultimate all-purpose cleaner.

• Use full-strength as a mirror and glass cleaner.
• Use to clean tubs, showers, toilets, countertops and floors.
• Spray on mildew or put a vinegar-soaked rag on a mildewed spot and leave on for a few minutes. (Stains left behind by mildew can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, but test a small area first)
• Use 1 part water and 1 part vinegar to spray in the air to dispel odors.
• Dissolve mineral deposits from faucets and fixtures with a vinegar-soaked rag, held in place with rubber bands. Let sit for a few minutes up to a few hours, then wipe with a wet cloth and dry with a clean cloth.

Baking Soda:  a mild abrasive when mixed with a little bit of water to form a paste that is great for scrubbing stubborn stains and grime. Baking soda is also well known for reducing odors.

• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your garbage pail to absorb odors.
• Safely scrub your sink with baking soda and water. Stains can be cleaned from porcelain with hydrogen peroxide by pouring over stain and rinsing immediately.
• Fix sluggish drains by pouring ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and chase it with a cup of white vinegar. When fizzing stops flush it with very hot water. 
• Clean pet (or toddler) accidents from mattresses by dampening spot with vinegar and water then pour on baking soda and rub it in well. When dry, vacuum up the dried baking soda.

Make your cleaning routine even greener by ditching the paper towels in favor of reusable rags. Thicker washcloths will work great for everyday housekeeping like wiping the counters, floors and cabinets and will last a long time. Old t-shirts, socks and underwear can be used for the dirtier jobs (like greasy messes) where you can have the option to toss them when you’re done. (HS)  

References:  Green Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck

Going green with baby rooms

Decorating your child's bedroom or playroom scores high as one of the more fun tasks we can do as parents. It draws on parents' creativity, enjoyment, and love to build a beautiful space for their child to grow up in. A nursery project may also compel functionality to ensure child-proofed features and convenience for the parents and caregivers who will spend considerable time there as well. However, before one gets too caught up in color swatches, another matter to consider is folding in eco-friendly options to maximize a child's health and safety.

Here are a few ideas to make your baby/child's room "green" and environmentally safer:

• Use low or no-voc paints. Another fun way to decorate a room without the labor or exposure to walls of paint is to blik it.
• Find furniture made of natural woods with non-toxic finishes. Also, lay down natural wood floors such as bamboo. With carpeting, select natural and non-allergenic fibers.
• Choose an organic mattress and crib bedding over non-organic sets. Mainstream cotton is a major crop that utilizes chemical fertilizers and pesticides that often retains residues within the material.
• Do select a room for your baby or child in the house with open windows to allow fresh air and natural sunlight. Though, be careful how you arrange furniture in the room; keep cribs, tables, and other furnishings that little ones can climb upon away from windows, especially if you live on upper levels or floors.

• Minimize plastic toys, if possible (check out our "Let's Talk Toys" blog entries by store manager Julliet Lowe). Instead, have wooden toys or toys made with no-lead paints and natural materials available for baby to play with. Also consider toys that spark the imagination and can double as learning tools. Contexture mobiles, for example, are designed with a nature and recycling theme. They add great decor as well as inspire awareness of the natural world.

Photo credit: Contexture Design

• For general cleaning, use natural or organic cleaners to keep baby's environment toxic-free as possible.

By providing a household that is safe as well as eco-friendly, children will become familiar with such concepts that will make growing into responsible stewards easier and more fun. For further information, check out some tips by the U.S. Green Building Council. (LL)

Precycle: Think before you need to recycle

These days, everyone talks about recycling from consumables such as plastic bottles and clothes to building homes with reclaimed woods and making artwork out of trash.

But how about considering the act to precycle?

To precycle basically means to take action to reduce your trash and consumption before you reach the need to recycle.

Some easy ways to precycle include:

Buy foods in bulk.
For added points, you can also reuse a plastic bag or container for pouring your cereal, rice, grains, nuts, and trail mixes at the store. Don’t forget to bring your own reusable grocery bag too.

Frequent your local library
Instead of buying books all the time, consider going to your neighborhood library to borrow your next few reads. If you need to clean out your shelves and recycle, the library is a good place to donate second-hand books.

Limit or avoid junk mail
There are services available to get off mailing lists that sell your name and address to more mailing lists. Also sign up for e-mail newsletters and messages from businesses and favorite organizations.

Bring your own take-out containers
Whenever you eat out and need to pack those leftovers, don't ask for a "doggie bag." Get in the habit of bringing your own containers. You waste less food and create less trash.

Carry your own chopsticks or utensils
Disposable chopsticks and plasticware not only are items waiting to become trash but the energy and natural resources required to manufacture them are enormous.

While recycling is better than doing nothing, it still requires a great deal of resources to do. By taking a thoughtful step not to use something in the first place -- especially disposable items -- can sometimes make even a greater difference than trying to recycle or repurpose an item later. (LL)

Five fun ways to Step Lightly but Live Fully on the Earth

Spend time with your little ones outdoors

While high-tech, high-touch is the twenty-first century way, consider spending at least one time out of the week interacting wuth your child through outdoor play. Go to a park, hang out at the beach, take a hike, or recreate at the zoo. Being around nature is not only healthy but an important way to nurture an appreciation for the environment. Spending time outdoors can help teach our little citizens about the natural world and inspire them to grow into greater stewards of the planet.

Enjoy handmade gifts

Next time you need a gift for someone, try making something! If you rather purchase a gift, consider buying an item that is handmade. Handmade things are unique, special, and usually created by local artisans; the money you spend will go further in stimulating your local economy as well as probably having a smaller carbon footprint.

Sharing with others

Since children often outgrow so many of their things from clothes to toys, consider swapping with friends and family. Make a party of it! Or from time to time, when appropriate, consider buying second-hand or consignment items over new. These are all the little ways that add up to reducing, reusing, and recycling things out of potential landfills.

BYOBC means "Bring your own beverage cup"

A personal canteen is the hottest new accessory next to belts, bangles, and reusable bags (see fun tip #5 below). These days, when you offer your own cup at your favorite cafe, most will reward you with a small discount. Studies and research are revealing more and more that reducing or eliminating the consumption of plastic containers is definitely a healthier, less wasteful, and even more economical way to go.

Use your own shopping bags

Whether for groceries or other kinds of shopping, the more you use your own bag the better. Like plastic bottles, plastic bags are one of the most notorious genre of trash. These days, reusable bags come in great colors and patterns that are light and easy to tote around. (LL)

New Classes and Events at Baby aWEARness

Happy October Everyone!! Time flies. I can't believe we are already approaching Halloween! Next week is going to be an awesome week at Baby aWEARness. We are FINALLY going to get our Mom & Baby Yoga class going, something I know so many of you have been looking forward to. We are also starting our 4 week Keiki Seminar Series with Pualani Ramos, having another Vaccine Lecture, and gearing up for Keiki Sign Language on Tuesday October 20th. Also in the works - the Baby aWEARness Cafe! I haven't forgetten about all you moms interested in having a yummy place to go with your kids midday. We have had some wonderful chefs and moms come in and we're getting all the details figured out. Stay Tuned! We look forward to seeing you in store. Cheers, Ashley and Nicky

Mom & Baby Yoga With Liz Bowen Saturdays, 9am **Begins October 17th**

Keiki Seminars With Pulani Ramos Fridays, 6:00pm (October 16th-November 6th) Keiki Seminars are for parents of young children and early childhood educators. Learn the crafts, songs, rhymes, and techniques of the Waldorf early childhood curriculum. Auntie Pualani of Na Pualani Preschool will share with you the Waldorf curriculum for the preschool - kindergarten. A series of 4, hands on, informative workshops are designed to give parents insight and techniques to enhance the parenting experience and give early childhood educators new ideas and inspiration for their classrooms. Each class is 2 and half hours long. Session 1: Child Development, and Child Behavior, Session 2: Songs, Rhymes, Games and Imaginative Play, Session 3: Arts & Crafts and Baking, Session 4: Stories and Literature that Support Language Acquisition and the Imagination. Learn how to get your child to comply without a struggle; learn how to choose a good toy; learn fun and easy games to play with your child; learn how to choose the right book to enhance your child's language skills; learn how to make finger puppets from felt, how to make homemade bread and so much more.

Keiki Sign Language - Beginner Play Class

With Lisa Krietzer
Tuesdays, 9am (October 20th - December 15th)
SIGN UP TODAY!

Beginner Play Classes start October 20th! They provide a playful environment where caregivers and their hearing children learn ASL signs and research-proven Signing Smart strategies - such as how to bring signs into your child's world and how to recognize your child's early signs - while making signing simple, fun, and successful! Classes aret $150 for the 8 wk session and include the handbook and two DVDs.

About the Instructor
Lisa Kreitzer is originally from Oahu and received her Master's degree in Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Lisa spent several years working in public school systems, both on Oahu and in Oregon, as an elementary school counselor. She has been involved with the Signing Smart™ program since 2003 both as a participant and instructor. Lisa received her mentoring for the Signing Smart™ Play Classes from Dr. Reyna Lindert, co-founder of the Signing Smart™ program. She has seen first hand, with her own children, what an amazing tool signing with hearing infants and toddlers can be. Teaching families how to incorporate signing into their everyday lives has been a wonderful experience!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Breastfeeding Support Groups

Led By: Naoko "Nicky" Lawnsby, Dr. Sylvia Pager, Kristin Speltz, and others Fee: Free When: Every 1st Monday of the Month @ 10:15am Every 3rd Saturday of the month @ 10am Have questions about breastfeeding? Want to share your questions and experiences with other breastfeeding moms? This class, led by an IBCLC certified lactation consultant, can provide you with the support you need to continue breastfeeding. Call 988-0010 or email nic@babyawearness.com for more information

Creative Crafts for Kids October 19th, 10:30am Has the economic recession taken a bite out of your kids' entertainment budget? Let a former elementary teacher show you how make the most out of what you already have on hand. Learn how to make play-doh and finger paint with common ingredients found in most kitchens. Discover a new use for old, broken crayons, and be prepared to take those cardboard boxes out of the recycling bin. Cost: $15

email ashley@babyawearness.com if you'd like to attend!

Bucket Gardens!

Bucket Gardens is a recycling project that uses 5 gallon buckets, recycled from the food industry and recycled paint from paint suppliers to create individual "Bucket Gardens". Children paint a bucket and have their very own personalized garden to plant. Na Pualani Learning Ohana provides paint, brushes, the buckets cleaned and ready to paint and all other supplies and expertise. It's a great activity for parents and children to enjoy and it's a green project that turns a used bucket into a garden. Bucket Gardens is a great learning activity for a variety of venues including businesses and parties and proceeds from these activities go towards supporting the Bucket Gardens in the Schools Project. Bucket Garden Workshops have been held at the Haleiwa Farmer's Market, Whole Foods Market, Kokua Market and Baby AWAREness. For more information please visit our website: napualanilearningohana.vpweb.com Or call: 262-3253