Momprenuer Makes ECO-Friendly Bamboo Napkins, Hopes to Help Saving the Planet

FabiKins eco-friendly bamboo napkins make saving the planet practical.  A former business manager and new mom wanted to reduce her family’s trash contribution to local landfills and teach her children how the smallest endeavors can significantly impact the planet.

Geraldine Anders created FabiKins an eco-friendly bamboo and organic cotton blend napkin company that does away with the need for disposable napkins. Inspired by healthy living, wanted to bring beauty and ecological consciousness back to the dinner table.  She discovered her children and guests had never touched anything so soft!

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The mission of FabiKins is to reduce paper waste, save trees, teach environmental awareness through action and help the planet.  FabiKins uses only Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified bamboo and organic cotton.

Bamboo is one of natures most sustainable and renewable resources, it’s fast growing, naturally antibacterial, hypo-allergenic, uses no fertilizer or pesticides in order to grow and is 100% biodegradable. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 bamboo has been certified and tested to not contain any harmful substances.

Geraldine’s products also use organic cotton, which is the best choice for FabiKins because it is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment helping to avoid harmful pesticides leaching into our waterways and drinking water .These would also be great if you were on the HCG diet and needed fabikins to use while you were on the HCG drops. Just a thought. Make sure though you research andy HCG diet dangers or side effects and know what you are getting yourself into. It's safe but you must do it right.

But if you do do it right you will avoid any HCG side effects that are possible.

FabiKins are handmade in the USA and make fabulous personalized eco-friendly gifts.  The website offers a wide selection that ranges from the whimsical to understated napkins.  FabiKins are great for dining, picnics, lunchboxes, and meals on the go for minimizing waste and are naturally antibacterial.

FabiKins save trees and money.  On average, a family uses 2,200 paper napkins per year, except for while on the hCG diet plan, where you are eating less so you use fewer napkins.

FabiKins also make cleanup a cinch because of the high-absorbency, naturally four times more absorbent than cotton, low-scratch factor of the cloth.

For more information about eco-friendly napkins, visit www.fabikins.com.

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Elaine H., September 8th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in mompreneur

Watch Videos on FoodNetwork.com to Learn About Fun, Healthy Dishes for Kids

 

FoodNetwork.com  provides culinary help for momprenurs and dads with an array of healthy, easy, kid-friendly recipes and a new “cooking for kids” video series.

For some cooks, the arrival of fall means trading tomatoes, corn and lemonade for squash, sweet potatoes and apple cider. But for mom and dad cooks, the changing of the leaves means trading the relaxation of summer for harried meal preparation. Luckily, FoodNetwork.com, the top food and cooking site on the Web is here to help, with an array of healthy, easy, kid-friendly recipes.

With FoodNetwork.com’s great ideas, you’ll never have to coax your kids to the table. Start the day off right with Whole Grain Waffles, then spice up your child’s lunchbox with the simple and fun Take-to-School Taco Bar featuring easy and healthy recipes for guacamole and salsa. After school, watch your kids go ape over Frozen Chocolate Bananas, then fill them up at dinner with Mini Meat Loaves with Mac & Three Cheeses.

For more simple kid-meal ideas – with step-by-step instruction to boot – check out FoodNetwork.com’s “Cooking for Kids” videos (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_kids), hosted by kid-food expert Cricket Azima. The food editor for Kiwi Magazine and author of Everybody Eats Lunch, Azima offers the how-to for five great meals and snacks ranging from Breakfast Pizza to Tortellini Totem Poles. Her relaxed style and clear, easy instructions will make you look forward to cooking for the kids.

FoodNetwork.com even helps you make sure your kids are staying healthy with tips from dietician Shirley Fan. Check out some of Shirley’s ideas:

  • Set a good example: Food attitudes of parents are the strongest predictors of food likes and dislikes for children.
  • Create a regular meal schedule: Kids will snack less when there are set meals.
  • Have sit-down meals together. Designate family dinner nights to encourage connectedness and conversation.

For all you busy mompreneurs, next time you’re looking for a meal that will make everyone happy (and healthy!) be sure to consult FoodNetwork.com for all the inspiration and instruction you need in one easy place!

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Elaine H., September 7th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Video

Mompreneur and Dapper Snappers Inventor on Her Big Idea Internet Radio Show

Dapper Snappers Mompreneur

Fix droopy drawers in a snap with Dapper Snappers!

Be sure to listen to the Her Big Idea Internet Radio Show on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. PDT / 2 p.m. EST hosted on Blog Talk Radio.  I will be chatting with Michelle, the inventor of Dapper Snappers.

Dapper Snappers is an elastic band that keeps your child’s pants from drooping.  Michelle’s products help thin children and their parents find clothes that actually fit!It’s a perfect accessory for your child’s back-to-school wardrobe.

You can purchase Dapper Snappers at www.dappersnappers.com. They come in packs of three – both in boy & girl colors for $15 or you can buy them individually for just $6!  And coming soon, build your own Dapper Snappers.

Be sure to set your reminders because this interview is not to be missed!

~Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

1 Comment

Elaine H., August 4th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women, Interviews, mompreneur

Pre-Order Elmo Live: This Year’s Must Have Christmas Gift

Elmo Live

We’re barely into the month of August and I’m already thinking about finding this year’s “must have” Christmas gift.

Fisher-Price has announced that starting on August 5th, we will have the chance to get a jump on the hottest toy of the holiday season as retailers offer the opportunity to pre-order the already acclaimed new Elmo Live.  This pre-order opportunity offers the best chance of purchasing the Elmo Live doll on October 14th when it goes on sale in stores nationwide.

Just like the phenomena of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996 and TMX Elmo in 2006, there’s already a buzz about the newest Sesame Street sensation. Elmo Live debuted at New York Toy Fair in February – the toy industry’s major event – and instantly became the talk of the show. Video footage featuring a sneak peek of the toy quickly spread throughout the Internet with postings on thousands of blogs and websites. With all of the excitement, top toy retailers are already planning major events to support the toy’s launch on October 14th.

This year, in an attempt to fill the expected crush of consumer demand, Fisher-Price is working with retailers including Wal-Mart, Toys“R”Us, Target, Kmart, amazon.com, eToys.com and more, to offer a special opportunity to pre-order the toy online at their individual websites.

“We would like to see that everyone who wants an Elmo Live will be able to get one,” says Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands. “This pre-order opportunity offers the best chance to those who order now that they will have Elmo Live on October 14th when it goes on sale in stores nationwide.”

This pre-order opportunity helps Fisher-Price and the retailers gauge early consumer demand, while there is still some time to adjust production plans to increase the total number of products to be manufactured. And for those who order now, it is a good bet that product will be available for them, if supply is tight later in the season.

Simply magical best describes the new Elmo Live. In this truly life-like creation, for the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his head moves back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.

This is the most life-like Elmo ever developed, according to Gina Sirard, Fisher-Price vice president of marketing. “With today’s technology, we’ve been able to make the magic between child and toy even more seamless and exciting than ever,” she says. “This Elmo is packed with unprecedented movement and an abundance of creative content, never before featured in a plush product.”

My 18-month old son Aidan has recently discovered Elmo and Sesame Street, I think I may have to pre-order Elmo Live for him.  Elmo Live is recommended for children 18 months and up.  It will retail for approximately $59.99.

~Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

2 Comments

Elaine H., August 3rd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, News, Uncategorized

Holiday Golightly – Group Travel Planning for Girlfriend Getaways

Holiday Golighty - group travel planning for girlfriend getaways

When it comes to bachelorette parties, today’s savvy ladies are turning to more sophisticated options for the final hurrah. A recent survey* by Holiday Golightly, an online group travel planning service designed specifically for girlfriend getaways, finds an overwhelming 88% of respondents are looking for more upscale options when it comes to bachelorette party themes, leaving the days of strippers and raunchy accessories behind.

One of our most popular features is the new ‘Divvy it Up’ tool, enabling groups to enter and divide moneys owed at the end of the trip. It’s free to use and effectively eliminates the check-splitting headache – which more than 70-percent of survey respondents claimed was a struggle!

In fact, 61% of respondents reported they prefer a bachelorette weekend away with a mix of activities, as opposed to one wild night out in their own town – and more than half (57%) are willing to pay up to $400 for said getaway. However, of those invited to bachelorette events this year, a notable 66% indicated the weakened economy may somewhat impact their bachelorette plans, but another 21% were ready to open their wallets no matter what.

Economy aside, in terms of planning a bachelorette party, respondents cited the scheduling headache that accompanies organizing a big group as the biggest hang-up (37%), followed by dividing and collecting funds (32%) and selecting activities (19%). Helping address these needs, Holiday Golightly offers girlfriend groups in-the-know itineraries to destinations far and near, as well as a number of online tools, ideas and advice to help any frazzled planner.

“Holiday Golightly is designed to be any woman’s first-stop resource when faced with the daunting task of planning a girls’ getaway,” said Kerry Rupp, Holiday Golightly founder. “One of our most popular features is the new ‘Divvy it Up‘ tool, enabling groups to enter and divide moneys owed at the end of the trip. It’s free to use and effectively eliminates the check-splitting headache – which more than 70-percent of survey respondents claimed was a struggle!”

In addition to free planning tools and getaway advice, Holiday Golightly features a range of itineraries available for girlfriend groups to book. Trips are themed to each destination and include optional activities hand-selected by the jet setting Golightly girls to ensure the sophisticated, yet carefree getaway ladies are looking for. Trips even come complete with the insiders Golightly Guide pointing guests to the hottest spots in town.

Perfect for bachelorette parties, Holiday Golightly has packaged one-of-a-kind trips for any bride and her best friends to partake. From spa-inspired getaways to culinary escapades, explore bachelorette party packages at Holiday Golightly’s special “Bachelorette Bidnezz” page, including:

**Vegas – a go-all-out getaway complete with coveted VIP passes, concert tickets, sassy makeovers and even a Botox party!

**Chicago – de-stress in the Midwest with comedy club tickets, cooking classes and private chocolate tasting party (no one sticks to their wedding diet anyway!).

**Martha’s Vineyard - a relaxing hotel, sunset sailing, plus glider flights, horseback riding and more – how spoiled can you get?!

All Holiday Golightly prices are determined by final activity line-up. For more information on the Holiday Golightly packages, online planning tools and in-the-know travel tips, visit www.holidaygolightly.com.

Holiday Golightly is an online group travel planning service and resource designed specifically for girlfriend getaways. On the travel planning and booking side, Holiday Golightly offers several trip destinations itineraries – complete with in-the-know-activity options – to ensure girlfriend groups have a fabulous trip! In addition to its planning services, the Holiday Golightly site is loaded with free destination ideas, insider info, real-life advice and sleek trip tools – including the popular Divvy It Up cash divider and collector feature – to help any frazzled planner.

Kerry Rupp, Founder of Holiday Golightly.  Kerry spent a number of years in Very Important Professional Positions, which is shorthand for “she really knows what she is doing,” in the business sense. She brings over 13 years of strategic planning, marketing, business development and operational management experience from Classmates.com, Jobster, LexisNexis, McKinsey & Company, Sterling Commerce and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).

So what makes Kerry a perfect person to open a travel agency?  Here are the numbers:

  • 45 – The number of States in the U.S.A. she’s been to (although 2 were really just drive-throughs – they still count)
  • 8 – The number of States (in the U.S.A.) she’s lived in
  • 3 – Foreign countries she’s lived in ( Canada – yes, it counts – Germany and Italy)
  • 46 – Foreign countries she’s visited (give or take a few), including 10 in Central America and the Caribbean, 5 in South America, 19 in Europe, 10 in Asia and the Pacific Rim.

For more insight about the company’s founder and Holiday Golightly, follow along at Blogiday Golightly, a lifestyle blog offering witty girlfriend gossip every day of the week.

~Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

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Elaine H., August 2nd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Inspirational Women

Make Money Online By Joining the 30-Day Challenge Today

Earlier this month I joined the Thirty-Day Challenge. In a nutshell…The Thirty Day Challenge is about making your first $10 online. Join today, because the fun starts August 1.

For a full 30 days Australian Ed Dale is going to coach me and thousands of others, exactly how to start my own Internet business and generate income online without spending a dime. This is no get rich quick scheme, it’s all about putting in a little hard work and making your first $10.

That’s right, this is going to cost zip, diddly, nothing, nada, ziltch. The entire training program is free, and you won’t have to spend a thing to get your business started and begin making money. Since this coaching sessions are free, I thought I might as well check it out!

This is the third year of the challenge.  After looking through the website’s forum, I’ve only read raves about the previous challenges.

You can sign up at www.thirtydaychallenge.com today! And don’t worry, you’re not behind, just make sure you get yourself registered with the challenge website and with Twitter on or before August 1!  (You can “follow” me http://www.twitter.com/herbigidea).

Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

4 Comments

Elaine H., July 31st 2008 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Business Tips, News

A New Social Network May Keep the Doctor Away

The 29-Day Giving Challenge is a a pay-it-forward type of social network created by Multiple Sclerosis sufferer Cami Walker.  The goal of this network is to change lives, one gift at a time.

Feeling desperate and hopeless after spending eight days in the hospital related to Multiple Sclerosis, 35-year-old Cami Walker, decided to take an odd “prescription” from an African medicine woman. The remedy? Give away one thing each day for 29 days.

“I thought the suggestion was crazy at first, but decided it wasn’t going to hurt me to try it. Things couldn’t get much worse,” said Walker. “I was shocked by how quickly things turned around for me. By day 14, I was able to walk without my cane and many of my MS symptoms subsided. I was able to start working part-time again by day 29.”

Now, several months and many daily gifts later, Walker says she is still improving. Walker was so inspired by the changes in her health and other areas of her life that she decided to turn the 29-Day Giving Challenge into a worldwide giving movement. Today 29Gifts.org has givers taking part from all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Many of Walker’s fellow givers are dealing with serious health challenges, including various forms of cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, post-polio syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. And many are reporting positive changes in their conditions.

Givers commit to the Challenge by signing up on a social networking website where they can share stories in personal blogs and meet other givers. Their gifts can be anything: time, money, things, or kind words. Over 1,200 inspiring giving stories have been posted on the community site at www.29Gifts.org.

“Giving is a way to focus on what’s right with me instead of what’s wrong,” said Walker. “The simple addition of giving mindfully to another person each day has improved my state of mind and had a positive impact on my health–far more than any medication I take. I’m experiencing fewer MS symptoms and when problems do flare up I cope better with them.”

I recently joined this network and I look forward to starting my 29-day challenge today!  There are currently 713 members but Cami has a goal of inspiring and reaching 2,000 members by September 29, 2008.  Imagine how many people can be touched by this social network revolution?

To join the network or to find out more information about the 29-Day Giving Challenge please go to: www.29gifts.org.

Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

1 Comment

Elaine H., July 30th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women

Welcome to the World Jack David!

I am proud to announce the birth of the newest addition to our family, Jack David!

Little Jack was born on July 7, 2008 at 12:01 pm.  He weighed in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20 inches.

8 Comments

Elaine H., July 30th 2008 | Posted in Fun Stuff, News

All Woman Tech Start Up Launch New Affiliate Shopping Widget

tinymassive.gif

The world of interactive shopping widgets just got some girl power. The other day I stumbled across this new online affiliate shopping widget produced by an all woman start up company called TinyMassive.

Former merchants and co-founders Kate Hiscox and Lauren Miller recently launched the TinyMassive shopping widget. What a great way to support women and also make a little money on the side with your blog, website and social networking pages.

The impressive thing about the TinyMassive widget is that it scans the page the widget lives on and then brings up relevant products that the visitor may be interested in purchasing. Also, the widget’s sleek design adds to your blog’s overall look and feel unlike most of those unsightly Google advertisements. You are also given five choices of ad sizes to embed into your site: 728×90, 160×280, 250×250, 160×600, and 125×125.

Signing up to be a TinyMasive affiliate is really easy, all you need is a website, blog, or social networking page and a PayPal account. Just go to the publisher’s section, fill out the simple three-step form and then install the Javascript code in one of your widget text boxes!

If you have an online store, you might consider signing up as a merchant with TinyMassive by visiting the merchant’s section.

While selling online, the co-founders were frustrated with the return on investment from leads delivered to their stores via shopping comparison engines and widget networks.

“From the moment a shopper enters a comparison shopping site or interacts with a product widget, a wealth of behavioral data is available,” adds Miller.

But unfortunately Miller found that informative data was not used or even give to the merchant.

TinyMassive is made up of a passionate team of women innovators, merchants and world-class developers with expertise in search and social network development. For more information, please visit http://www.tinymassive.com.

Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.

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Elaine H., July 26th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women

Must Have Monday: More Fun Stuff

I love these Recycled Industrial Plastic Cuffs from Uncommon Goods.  I’m a big fan of the cuff bracelet and when you can combine your accessories with going green, that’s a win, win situation in my book!

Keep your iPod safe with these adorable Neoprene iPod Cases.  These a definite must have item!

Check out these RECYCLED FLIP FLOP MATS fresh from the Flip-Flop Factory.  What a neat idea to help keep your house clean!

No more burnt fingers with these this Silicone BBQ Glove.  Great for grilling outside or for use indoors during the winter season.

2 Comments

Elaine H., July 14th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff
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