Green is the new everything

I've been reading a wonderful book called 'Gorgeously Green' by Sophie Uliano. My Mom bought it for me and it arrived in the mail today. (Thank you Muv!) I've nearly finished it.

It really is eye-opening to see how many little changes that you can make to have a 'Green' life-style and still maintain it in keeping with how it's always been.

Sophie - a fellow Brit living in the States, has become a real role model; all in the space of one day! I only hope that in the months and years that follow this sunny, albeit slightly chilly day, my son might feel the same way about me. A real role model. Doing the very best I can to nurture and love him, and to point him in the right direction toward a bright future.

Play Time

Little Dude recently acquired a music table. It's one of those toys that drives you crazy after a while, but he really enjoys it. He prefers the buttons that play music than those that teach him the ABC. I don't blame him to be honest!

My husband and I have recently been discussing what to buy him for his 1st birthday. The subject of toy that he can push came up. I'm all for it, but can't help feeling a little disheartened. My little guy will be walking very soon and I'm totally unprepared.

The slightest hint of him growing and adding new skills to his repertoire sends me into emotional overdrive. Did I blink and miss a year? My husband doesn't understand it. He's so excited that Little Dude is becoming more interactive, I don't think he realises just how much I loved those first couple of months full to bursting with snuggles that didn't involve him trying to escape my arms. Don't get me wrong - if it is at all possible, I love my Little Man more than ever. I love watching him play, laugh and learn. But I miss that newborn feeling.

I never realised that my son turning one would have such a huge impact on me.

Earth Day

It's wonderful that we have a whole day devoted to keeping our planet healthy. I am a huge supporter of Earth Day. It's a great way to teach our kids about the importance of doing our bit for our environment. But in my honest opinion, every day should be earth day. Even if the activity you do is simply recycling your yogurt pots or hanging the washing in the yard to dry instead of bunging it all in the dryer.

We live in a society that is starting to become more Eco-conscious, where people are questioning food mileage and using energy efficient appliances. Magazines are really pushing the usage of alternative housekeeping methods. Why don't we celebrate our earth every day, and make a real effort to stop ourselves from pushing the 'self destruct' button?

April 24 is Earth Day. For more information on Earth Day and Eco-friendly tips that you can use throughout the year, visit www.earthday.net

Birthday blues

Little Dude is turning one next month, so naturally we have decided to have a small party to celebrate. After finding the perfect invitation and sending it online, I feel like I've been punched in the gut. My little guy is nearly one and I have no idea where this year has gone. It feels like yesterday when I held him in my arms for the first time. Now he's walking around the furniture and playing patty-cake with me.

If I hear one more person say "next thing you know, he'll be asking you for your car keys" I'm going to scream. Not only because it's annoying, but because I feel like the time is slipping away and I have no idea where it's going.

Still, I love watching him learn and develop. I love catching glimpses of his little personality. I love that he is now able to crawl over to me and climb into my arms for snuggles. I guess it's all just a part of growing up - not just for a kid, but for a Mama too.

Growing Veg

I have been growing some herbs for a little while now. I get so excited when I see new seedlings appear. So when our family took a trip to the local 'Home Depot', I took a stroll through the garden center.

It felt like a candy store! All kinds of vegetable packets and grow kits lined the shelves and a variety of bulbs hung on stands. But what amazed me even more were the amount of people buying these little packets ready to take home and nurture.

My Husband and I would like to have a few veggies growing in the garden for a couple of reasons; to be more self-sufficient and to teach our son that food does not grow on shelves in a supermarket. We want him to have a healthy attitude to food and a good understanding of where it comes from. We want to do our bit for the environment and reduce our family's food miles.

So to see other families huddled around the seed section choosing which vegetables to grow, really made my day. I'm so glad to see kids learning about nature and being involved in where their food comes from. It's so important for kids to be out and about learning new things instead of being sat indoors watching television.

Spring is definitely here and I can't wait to tuck into my greens. I'm looking forward to Little Dude being able to enjoy them too - not just by eating them, but by watching the magic as they grow.

Mystical Hair

I've always been conscious of my style and the way I look, which is why when I walked out of the salon a year ago I was mortified that the stylist had turned me into a member of an 80's rock band. Just give me my hot pink, electric guitar and I'll be on my way.

It's taken a year to grow it out to a reasonable length from which I can start to repair the damage. Don't get me wrong, I have had it trimmed during that time, but today I was finally able to wave good bye to the worst hairstyle I've ever had to endure.

There is something so liberating about watching locks of hair fall to the ground and emerging from the salon feeling like a new person. Today was no exception. In fact, today it was even more poignant. I actually felt my age again. After carrying around all of those excess years in a ponytail it was a huge relief to be able to wear my hair down and look like I belong in the 21st century.

Finding a good stylist can be a mission for most women and I've certainly paid my dues. But now I can honestly say that after 19 months of looking for that perfect hair cut, I found it. Mama- welcome to the new millennium!

If you're still looking for that perfect stylist, give Monique and Dana a try at the Mystic Salon and Spa, in Mystic, CT! More details to follow. . .