Bonus post: Last-minute Easter basket goodies

(Searching for the perfect Easter basket? Don't miss our round-up of alternative Easter basket options.)

Wondering what to put in the Easter baskets this year? Forget the dollar aisle--fill your children's baskets with some of these great treats. It's not too late if you hop (heh) right on it.*

Top row, left to right: (1) Bunny wood puzzle, $16 at Tactile Baby (2) Hand turned wooden top, $3 at Urban Turn (3) Cloth eggs (jingle bell optional), $18 for 6 at The Polka Dot Tot Spot

Middle row, left to right: (4) Marshmallow peep soap, $5.50 at Good Karma Soaps (5) Wool and wood fairy wand, $14.50 at Dream Child Studio (6) Wooden rolling duck, $8 at Woman Wood Worker's Natural Wood Toys

Bottom row, left to right: (7) The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes, $7-12 at our affiliate Amazon (8) Rubber band powered tug boat, $15 at Wood Toy Shop (9) Sidewalk paint powder, $13 at Sidewalk Sensations

* Don't take our word for it, of course--be sure to check with with the shop for shipping times to your area

Read more...

DIY--with a little help from your friends

How many times have you flipped through a magazine or browsed on Etsy and thought, "I bet I could make that"? Then realized you had no idea where to begin.

YouCanMakeThis.com thinks you can make it, too--and they want to show you how. The mom-created site provides downloadable instructions on how to make everything from clothing and jewelry, to hair accessories, children's crafts and party cakes. The instructions are written by everyday women who have an expertise in a certain area. They try to recreate the experience of having someone sitting next to you, walking you through a project. Each guide even includes step-by-step photos, so you don't need to worry about getting confused by a bit of jargon. It's like a personal craft tutor in your computer.

You have to poke around the site a little to find the gems, but they are there--including the wonderful Bugga Bugs felt toy patterns we featured in December. Or this furry monster backpack that makes me want to learn to crochet.

It's almost enough to make a craft-challenged person like me believe she really can make something.

Prices range from Free to $33 at YouCanMakeThis.com

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to S Denton, our winner of $50 worth of YouCanMakeThis.com patterns: instructions for an adult/child apron, reversible patchwork bucket hat, easy-fit kids' pants, fabric handbag, women’s wrap skirt, and a child-size tie.

Read more...

A necklace that packs a punch

So maybe I can't fly through the air like a speeding bullet. Or leap tall buildings in a single bound. But I've worked a conference call while diapering a baby with one hand and playing trains with the other. And you better believe I bring down the arm of justice on squabbling siblings.

Finally someone recognizes my role as superhero of my own personal graphic novel. The creative comic book-inspired necklaces from Seattle artist Marlo Miyashiro are as fun as they are unique. From Shazam! to Biff!, the hand-cut, hand-stamped charms make me think of Saturday mornings watching Batman reruns and Superman cartoons. My personal favorite is the Kapow! necklace. Certain to give you the power to punch through that to-do list.

A great gift for a superhero mom who can laugh at the madness of life with kids--or any woman in your life who kicks a little ass.

$24 at I Make Cute Stuff

EVERGREEN SPECIAL OFFER! Your gift with any I Make Cute Stuff purchase: a free repurposed fabric zippy pouch from Tote2Go, another creative enterprise by Marlo Miyashiro. Offer good when Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) is mentioned in the 'notes to seller' section during the checkout process.

Read more...

Alternative Easter Baskets

(Looking for goodies to fill your new eco-friendly Easter baskets? Check out our suggestions for children's Easter basket treats.) I love Easter but I hate those cheap, multi-colored woven baskets and plastic grass that inevitably end up in the garbage. So this year, I set out to find some great alternative Easter baskets that can be used all year round. Here are some of my favs including just one of many thoughts on their post-Easter use.
	This little basket from Washington's Harmony Threads is big on charm. The adorable woven hippo print will last well beyond the bunnies and chicks of Easter. It's padded to hold its shape and the dual handles make the goodies inside easily accessible. This could be a great organizer for hair accessories. $15 at Harmony Threads (discount below)
	This springy pink tote bag made from recycled felt makes a terrific eco-friendly Easter basket. The bag can even be personalized with an embroidered name for an additional fee. And after the last jelly bean is gone, it's the perfect way to keep coloring books and crayons at the ready. $10 at Made By Jackie (discount and giveaway below)
	As the weather gets warmer, it's time to dust off that bike and add some flair with a liner from Betty Basket Liners. They're lined with interfacing and have sturdy straps and organization features which let them do double duty as a handbag - or in this case, triple duty as an Easter basket! $68 at Betty Basket Liners (giveaway below)
	An engineering marvel to be sure, this wood bunny goes from a flat trivet to a standing basket in a flash. The cook in your life will love receiving this clever Easter basket. And as an added bonus, you then get to enjoy all the tasty treats it will be filled with all year round. $23 at MnM Treasures
	Brody & Ma gives galvanized metal tubs a face lift with decoupaged designer fabrics. The perfect blend of durability and style, these tubs would be a special way to give the gardener in your life a lovely Easter lily. $18 at Brody & Ma (discount and giveaway below)
	Old plastic milk jugs get a new lease on life as this terrific sand play set from Green Toys. Use it to collect eggs during the Easter egg hunt on the big day. And then watch your little one dig and play in the sand box the rest of the year. $20 at Kangaroo Boo
	Green, red and white dinosaurs blend to a camo pattern that's decidedly non-traditional for Easter. But your dino-crazy kid will love it! After he's devoured all the treats, he can use it to haul around his dino figures or race cars or whatever else he's into at the moment.$18 at Baffin Bags (discount and giveaway below)
	Seattle's Gooder Goods reinvents neckties as these sturdy little bowls. Filled with candy, these would make a terrific Easter Basket for Dad. Then he can set it on the table in the entryway to hold his cell, keys and loose change at the end of each day. What a stylish and eco-friendly organizer! $10 at Gooder Goods (special offer below)

EVERGREEN DISCOUNTS!

• Harmony Threads - Enter the code NWMOM20 in the notes to seller at checkout to save 20% off your purchase. Offer expires 4/4/09.
• Made By Jackie - Mention Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) in the notes to seller at checkout and save 10% off your purchase.
• Brody and Ma - Mention Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) in the notes to seller at checkout and save 15% off your purchase.
• Baffin Bags - Mention Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) in the notes to seller at checkout and save 10% off your purchase.

GIVEAWAYS! Contests end April 1st at midnight PST. Winners will be chosen at random. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Good luck!

• We have the felt tote bag pictured above from Made By Jackie to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, send us an e-mail with "MadeByJackie" in the subject line and tell us which product in the shop is your favorite.
• We have your choice of basket liner in the Edge size from Betty Basket Liners to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, send us an e-mail with "BettyBasketLiners" in the subject line and tell us which liner in the shop is your favorite.
• We have a $20 gift certificate for the Brody and Ma shop to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, send us an e-mail with "BrodyandMa" in the subject line and tell us which product in the shop is your favorite.
• We have the dinosaur fabric basket pictured above from Baffin Bags to giveaway to one lucky reader! To enter, send us an e-mail with "BaffinBags" in the subject line and tell us which product in the shop is your favorite.

EVERGREEN SPECIAL OFFERS!

• Receive a free 1" recycled wallpaper pin with any purchase from Gooder Goods. The pins are made from vintage wallpaper that the shop owner's grandma used to collect!

Read more...

A bib that plans ahead

Once baby starts eating solids, it sometimes seems impossible to bring along everything you need for a meal on the town. You forget to bring along a bib. Or you remember the baby bib but forget the spoons. Or manage to pack all the gear but forget the food. (Erm, am I the only one who's left behind the food?)

We can't help with the forgotten food, but for the rest of it, check out the handcrafted Dining Out Travel Bib. The front is a colorful cloth bib sized for baby or toddler. Built-in pockets on the back hold utensils and wipes. Then it wraps up into a neat little package you can easily carry in your bag until it is needed. It's even small enough to toss into a purse when you're not up for taking out the whole diaper bag.

Available in two versions: the original quilted bib with disposable wipes and plastic utensils, or an organic cotton bib with a cloth wipe rag and bamboo spoon (shown above). Making it a thoughtful baby gift for any friend, no matter how green they may be.

$22-35 at Odannysgirl

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Save 10% off your order (excluding shipping) at Odannysgirl when you mention Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) in the 'notes to seller' during checkout.

Read more...

Sick bags with style

Growing up, anytime I felt sick, mom would grab the "puke pan." A huge bowl used solely for one purpose. (I'm sure you've gathered that purpose from the bowl's subtle name.) While this idea works well at home, moms of motion sick kids know the challenge of dealing with...um..."sickness" on the road. Cleaning that stinky mess out of a car seat on the side of the highway is one quick way to ruin a road trip, that's for sure!

For life's on-the-go emergencies, keep a stash of Chuck the Yuck bags on hand. These watertight and smell resistant bags may not be green but they just might save your Spring Break road trip to the coast. Large enough for adult usage, these are also a necessity for moms-to-be battling morning sickness.

Chuck the Yuck bags are clearly an invention only moms could have come up with. And the three moms behind this clever product also happen to be sisters who donate a portion of the proceeds to the ALS Association in memory of their Dad.

$5 for 3 bags at Chuck The Yuck

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations toLiza767, winner of 4 sets of bags from Chuck the Yuck.

EVERGREEN SPECIAL OFFER! Free shipping on your order from Chuck the Yuck with the code FREESHIPPING.

Read more...

Monster tees that make you smile

I've been on a monster kick lately, loving them on everything from toys to clothing. Maybe it has something to do with living with a rambunctious three-year old? Hmm.

My latest monster-ific find is the Portland-based Dishy Duds. Fun, bright monster faces are the perfect twist on scary beasts. The cotton appliques are done by hand, giving each monster a unique look. Their cute t-shirts and hoodies come in sizes for infants through adults--why not outfit the whole family?

Up for a slightly more complicated effort? Your kids can use the fun drag-and-drop game at the Dishy Duds website to design their very own monster face shirt. So cool!

If the delicious kids' shirts weren't enough, owner Jennifer McMullen keeps her operation environmentally-friendly, with recycled/reused packaging and biking to the post office. And she donates 10% of profits to Mercy Corps' humanitarian aid efforts in Darfur. Making hers some of the kindest monsters around.

$23-28 at Dishy Duds

Read more...

A blankie and so much more

I used to think baby blankets simply needed to be cute, soft and warm. But that cute blanket loses its charm after it falls on the ground for the millionth time. That warm blanket doesn't help when it slides down the stroller and gets caught in the mucky wheel. And that soft blanket becomes a giant sponge when you spread it out on the damp grass for tummy time. Needless to say, I quickly learned that not all cute, soft and warm baby blankets are created equal.

The Go Blankie from Portland's own Plum Tot has a few simple features that amp up the functionality of the traditional baby blanket. Of course the padded cotton or soft minky fabric makes the Go Blankie cute, soft and warm. But the other side is made of water and wind resistant nylon making it the ideal playmat on dewy grass. Side ties let you attach the Go Blankie to your baby carrier or stroller so it stays in place. A drawstring lets you pull it tight around baby or adapt it as a nursing cover. It's truly the only baby blanket you'll need!

$66 at Plum Tot

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to our winner of a $15 gift certificate to Plum Tot, CandG~ Jill W!

Read more...

Cards to keep you motivated

I have one of those hate-hate relationships with exercise. I hate to do it but I also hate how I feel when I don't exercise. So I reluctantly drag myself out of bed (nearly) every morning and get my 30 minutes in. But to keep up this routine, I'm constantly searching for motivation.

Whether for the endorphin-junkies or the exercise-adverse like me, Washington's Banana Blossom Press has the perfect card to keep us motivated. The clean and simple black and white designs are printed on recycled cardstock. Many of the cards focus on running and the collections range from celebrating an exercise milestone to encouraging someone in training.

I particularly like their "reasons" collection. The outside lists reasons from "high school reunion" to "skinny jeans" and the inside follows up on the sentiment with "whatever your reason for working out, good for you." Receiving that card would sure help to get me out of bed in the morning!

$3 ea at Banana Blossom Press

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to our winner of two sets of 5 cards from Banana Blossom Press, Roxy!

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Enter the code NWMOM at checkout and save 20% off your order from Banana Blossom Press. This offer is only valid at the Banana Blossom Press website, cannot be combined with other discounts and expires on April 30, 2009.

Read more...

Simplify dinnertime

Meal time in our house is not a simple matter. With a mix of carnivores and veggies, answering "what's for dinner" is a game of mental gymnastics. Six O'Clock Scramble has come to our rescue! The Scramble is an online weekly menu planning service filled with nutritious, easy to prepare, family tested recipes.

Each week I receive a newsletter with recipes for 5 healthy meals each with a suggested side dish. If I don't like the choices, I can simply log-in and select a different recipe from the database. A grocery list is automatically generated to reflect my customized meal plan which makes shopping a breeze. The meals can be prepared in under 30 minutes and use 10 ingredients or less, many of which were already in my pantry.

Sloppy Joes get a healthy face lift with bell peppers, onions and carrots added to the ground turkey (or Boca Soy Crumbles). My picky 1 year old didn't even notice the veggies. The Chinese Stir Fry balances the ease of frozen veggies with a simple yet tasty homemade sauce. I used tofu in mine and chicken for the carnivores. Another hit! Pretty much all of the recipes have been easily converted to vegetarian. In fact, many of them recommended vegetarian options. With a small family of 3, we had more leftovers than we could handle at first. But after I began cutting the recipes in half, we have the perfect amount for lunch the next day.

The Scramble has streamlined dinner prep, added more veggies to our diet and even saved us money. I would estimate that our weekly grocery bill has dropped by 10-15% now that we're only buying food we need. That savings more than pays for the subscription price. Nutritious, fast meals that save money? I only wish I had subscribed sooner!

$20 for 3 months, $30 for 6 months or $55 for a year at The Scramble

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Save $5 off a 6 month subscription or $10 off an annual subscription to The Scramble with the code TWITTERMOMS.

Read more...

One for your mad scientist

I'm a fan of crafts for kids which let me be lazy about prep work--meaning the kind that come in a box. No worrying about having enough supplies on hand or forgetting the instructions. And if they're also educational? Even better.

Like this tin can robot kit from Green Science Mechanics. It contains everything you need (save an empty can and batteries) to turn a used soda can into a moving robot. Think of it as a creative recycling project. Buy a couple and set them on a wobbly race across the kitchen floor.

$15 at Escapade Direct

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Save 10% on your entire order at Escapade Direct. Enter NWMOM into the Source Code box at the bottom of the shopping cart page. Valid for any size order; offer expires 12/31/09.

Read more...

A brilliant bathtub

I'm always amazed at the sheer volume of stuff you need to travel with an infant. When we were away from home for a few days shortly after my son was born, one of the challenges was how to bathe him on the road. The sink or tub didn't seem safe at that age and we couldn't pack the giant baby tub. So we ended up bringing one of those giant bear shaped sponge thingys. While it provided cushioning, it didn't provide support. And it didn't didn't dry before we were ready to leave so we then had to pack home a damp sponge. Eck.

The smart folks at Washington's own Puj Baby have created a brilliant baby tub. It is portable, easy to store, dries in a flash and fits in any standard bathroom sink. Plus it's made of a soft non-toxic, anti-bacterial foam to cradle your baby safely and comfortably. The perfect solution for road trips or small bathrooms.

$99 at Puj Baby

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Enter the code nwmom at checkout to receive a 20% discount on your order from Puj Baby.

Read more...

Here comes Peter Cottontail...right to your baby's feet

Do we really need to add any commentary? Look at these--adorable and perfect for Spring! We don't know who will love them more, you or your little one.

These felted infant shoes are crocheted with natural Merino wool yarn and handmade to order by Portland resident Lacey Smith. Available in sizes 1-7 (0-24 months) or in itsy-bitsy sizes so her doll can have a matching set. As if we weren't already swooning from the cuteness of a single pair.

$32 at Pretty Little

Read more...

This one was just right

When I made the switch from my big handbag to my new Borsa Bella wristlet, I needed a cute, compact wallet as well. Just something small that could hold some cash, my driver's license, a couple of credit cards and change. Population 1's Addison coin purse has been the ideal solution. At around 4", it's the perfect size to hold just what I need. And the clasp allows me to clip my keys to it and toss it in my pocket if I choose. But the best part is the great print. Mine is a grey pinstripe with a celedon green lining for that pop of color. It coordinates well with the bold print of my wristlet without clashing yet it also looks completely chic all on its own. I love the black & white print called "branches" shown here too.

$15 at Population One

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Enter the code NWMF20 in the notes to seller section to receive 20% off your order from Population One.

Read more...

PVC-Free Raincoat Roundup

If there is one thing we know here in the Northwest, it's rain. For our kids to have any hope of enjoying time outdoors during the spring, a good raincoat is essential. Not that we mind. When did a little rain ever hurt anyone?

Turns out it's not the rain we should be worrying about. Rain gear often contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a chemical that shows up in all sorts of flexible, waterproof items (think bibs and shower curtains). Unfortunately, PVC releases some nasty toxins over its lifespan. Is a non-toxic raincoat really too much to expect? Luckily, companies are beginning to offer safer choices. Below are some of our favorite options for PVC-free children's rain gear.

	Lightweight and mesh-lined, the nylon Discovery Rain Jacket is a good fit for a spring rain. When folded into its own pocket, it's easy to stow in the backpack for unexpected shower. Loose fitting to accommodate layers underneath, available in five bright solids and two prints. (sizes 12M-10) $27 at L.L. Bean
	The Wind at Your Back Anorak boasts sturdy nylon oxford cloth with a soft cotton lining, drawstring hood and easily adjusted sleeves. It costs a pretty penny, but will look as good as a hand-me-down on your third kid as it does new. (Seriously.) Well worth hitting up a Hanna Andersson outlet store or hunting one down on eBay. (approx. sizes 18m-12) $70 at Hanna Andersson
	Hatley Raincoats easily take the prize for best prints of the bunch. No boring polka-dots here--instead you'll find horses, pirates, apples and (our favorite) space aliens. Take your pick of unlined or lined and pair it with matching rain boots and umbrella for ultimate cuteness. (sizes 12M-7) $34-44 at Hatley
	From stand-by Land's End, the Kids' Rain Slicker is another durable workhorse. It features an adjustable hood complete with a handy visor to keep out rain. Comes in seven solid colors or ten prints. Check out the matching rain pants, too. (sizes 2T-20) $36-40 at Land's End
	If the prices above have you reeling, take heart at the cotton-lined iPlay raincoat. The look is a tad less trendy, the construction a little less durable, but it will set you back less than $20. And it's just as PVC-free. (sizes 18M-4) $17 at Target

Read more...

Sweet treats

Sure, we've all seen felt food by now, from oranges to pancakes. But a shop which specializes in felt desserts? Come to mama.

Washington-based shop Sugar Chic Baby takes sweetness to a whole new level with its line of felt cupcakes. Colorfully detailed and stuffed until they have just the same feel as an actual cupcake, they honestly look good enough to eat. What really pushes it over the top is their sweet homemade smell, courtesy of vanilla scented essential oils. I'm not ashamed to admit I've indulged in a sniff or two of the ones in my kids' play kitchen.

Perfect to tuck into an Easter basket or send through the mail when you can't be there to bake the real thing. And wouldn't they make adorable party decorations or favors at a little girl's birthday?

$8 at Sugar Chic Baby

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to Leah, winner of a scrumptious felt cupcake!

Read more...

For your royal highness

Whether you want to add a special touch to your kiddo's special day or just have some fun on any ole day, the crowns from Washington's World of Whimm are the perfect addition to the dress up box. Soft and flexible, the crowns come in three sizes so they're sure to fit any King or Queen.

If your royal highness is not feeling very royal today, you might want to check out the amazing mermaid tails or super hero gloves. At the World of Whimm shop, you're sure to find just the right creation for your creative kiddo.

$20 at World of Whimm

EVERGREEN DISCOUNT! Mention Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) in the notes to seller section to receive 15% off your order from World of Whimm. Offer expires 6/1/09.

Read more...

Planning for birthday nostalgia

The other month my parents and I were looking through old photos of my childhood birthday parties, laughing at the outdated clothing and trying to piece together how we celebrated each year. Did I really insist on a Holly Hobbie cake two years in a row? (Yes.) And why are there no photos of my thirteenth birthday? (Newly sprung teenage angst.)

Those sorts of shared memories form the concept behind the Happy Birthday to Me Journal, a keepsake album for recording kids' birthday celebrations. There is space to note down everything from birthday guests to favorite gifts to special memories. Use the pockets to tuck away small momentos: an invitation or a party napkin. The twelve pages aren't numbered by year, so no worries if you aren't starting right at their first birthday.

A compact and easy way to record those tiny memories you'll smile at years from now--even that handmade frosted cake that melted in the summer sun (true story).

$15 at Buy Olympia

Read more...

Hip Hip Hooray!

My hubby stays at home with our kids so we are always on the look out for activities which give them (hubby included) a chance to socialize. One of our long time favorite activities are the play classes at Gymboree Play & Music.

On the surface, these classes are just plain fun. Who wouldn't love a padded, indoor jungle gym? Especially in the winter! But dig a little deeper and you'll find that your little one is learning a multitude of age appropriate developmental skills as well. Both of our kids walked at 10 months and I think it's partly to do with their time at Gymboree play class. Between seeing the other kids walking and finger-walking from activity to activity, they were certainly motivated to move.

The classes flow between group and individual play so your child can move at their own pace. We love the bubbles and parachute time that ends each class. Gymboree sells the greatest bubbles that have staying power like no other! And yes, they are affiliated with the Gymboree clothing stores so you regularly get those coveted Gymbucks just for enrolling.

Contact your local Gymboree Play & Music location for prices. You can attend a preview class for free before making a commitment.

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to Kyndra, winner of one of the signature Gymboree toys, a 12" parachute (a $44 value).

EVERGREEN SPECIAL OFFER! The owners of the Cedar Hills and Lake Oswego, Oregon locations are offering 2 free introductory classes for new families, no purchase required. And should you decide to enroll, you can also receive $7 off your first month's tuition! Just mention Evergreen Moms (formerly Northwest Mom Finds) to redeem this offer.

Read more...

Simple truth

A wee river rock adorned with two simple words clipped from a vintage book. Give it to a favorite friend or leave it out as a reminder to yourself. From the ever-creative Portland artist Cori Kindred.

$8 at Cori Kindred

Read more...

When eco and modern team up

You're a modern mom who likes to live eco-friendly. But sometimes that green aesthetic is just too crunchy for your tastes. We hear ya, we hear ya. Fortunately the smart mama behind Seattle's own boopalina + bebe has created a kerchief bib that is the perfect blend of modern style and eco-friendly materials.

The kerchief style is totally hip as well as functional for the drooler and dribbler crowd. And the contemporary prints are a refreshing change from the typical animal and truck motifs. Our favorite is the twig print for its beautiful simplicity. Each bib is finished to perfection with an organic fleece backing and metal snap closure.

Sometimes, you can have your cake and eat it too!

$14 at boopalina + bebe

GIVEAWAY! Congratulations to gkstratos, winner of 2 kerchief bibs from the boopalina + bebe shop.

Read more...