ZoLidays Blog

Family | Soup on my mind

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Cold weather usually means soup for dinner in my family. It is my go-to comfort food and is a staple in my meal rotation during winter months. It usually shows up at least once if not twice a week. Lucky for me, my family loves soups. I love that they are simple to prepare and fits well with a healthy eating plan. It's also a great way for me to get my girls to eat more servings of a variety of vegetables.

So for winter months, here are some of my family's favorites:

Spinach & Broccoli Soup - great way to get more greens into your diet.

Butternut Squash Apple Soup - hearty goodness and perfect with crusty french bread.

Minestrone Soup - loaded with veggies but you can also mix it up and use what vegetables you have on hand.

Chili - not a soup but a cold weather favorite. I play around with this recipe by loading it up with more meat - italian sausage and beef sirloin. The girls then dress it up with their own favorite additions - cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc ... This is usually served with a side of corn bread.

PS. I'm not big into buying kitchen gadgets and usually will make what I have work but last year I broke down and purchased an immersion blender and WOW ... making soups just got a whole lot easier. So now, instead of doing batches in my blender, I pull out my immersion blender and puree right in the pot. Makes clean up a whole lot simpler as well.

Material Matters | Take a pass on Styrofoam

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Pacifica's Nurdle Beach - photo by Ian Butler

Use of Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene foam) is pretty widespread. It is used extensively in packaging, building installation, disposable cups, containers, toys, electrical devices, automobile body parts, etc ... It is one of those materials that is difficult to avoid but should be avoided. Polystyrene which is identified as resin number 6, is made from the styrene monomer which is linked to a host of health issues - skin, eye, respiratory irritation, depression, fatigue, and central nervous system damage to name just a few. Just last year, it was added to the list of potential carcinogens by the US Department of Health (2011 Report on Carcinogens). Benzene, another known carcinogen is also a component of polystyrene foam.

Besides the health concerns, there are also environmental reasons to avoid polystyrene. Styrene is not a biodegradable material nor is it easily recyclable. So when you toss that styrofoam cup or container into the trash it eventually finds its home in a landfill where it will remain for about 500 years before breaking down. However, Styrofoam is more likely to end up as litter given it's lightweight nature (how often do you see styrofoam being easily blown by the wind from place to place even though it had been disposed of properly). And as litter, it makes its way into our parks and waterways where it becomes a choking hazard to the wildlife.

Given the negative impact to both our health and our environment, you would think that this material would have long been eliminated. However, this material is so cheap and convenient, it is entrenched in our society and near impossible to eliminate completely.
The best alternative is to phase it out gradually and focusing on areas where we can make an impact - namely takeout containers, plates, and cups.

You can avoid Styrofoam by carrying reusable mugs and containers with you when you eat out. You can also encourage the restaurants you frequent to switch to safer and more sustainable alternatives or your can petition your city to ban the use of polystyrene containers for food. Many cities, including San Francisco and Burlingame (where ZoLi office is located), have already banned the use of polystyrene foam for food containers. In fact, California is trying to get a statewide ban (SB 568) - prohibiting restaurants, grocery stores, and other vendors dispensing food in expanded polystyrene containers beginning in 2014. You can help reduce Styrofoam litter by writing your local Assembly Member and urge them to support the bill at the next vote. Click here to take action. More information about this issue and bill can be found from Clean Water Action.

Product FAQ | How to replace the BOT straw?

2012-01-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Lately one of the questions we get most frequently from our customers is "how do I change the straw in the BOT straw sippy?". So rather than provide a lengthy explanation, we thought a quick video might do the trick ... please click and watch.

The straws in the BOT straw sippy are made of silicone and will need to be inspected for wear and tear. Replace as often as needed.

Email us at customerservice@zolibaby.com if you have questions about any of our products. Who knows, it might inspire a blog post!!

ZoLi News | Busy Elves ...

2011-12-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

We've been quite busy this last week packing up some of your favorite products to arrive at a Nordstroms near you. Look for SUMO, OTG, and BOTs (green, pink, and blue) in the kids department at the store and online very soon.

Kid Reads | Magic of a good book

2011-11-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love finding good books and introducing them to my 2nd grader. Z is a voracious reader and now as part of her homework, she needs to read 20 minutes a night so she goes through books like there's no tomorrow. The other day, I was in the library so was asking the children's librarian for her suggestions. She recommended quite a few which I had checked out and while Z loved all the books, the clear winner was The Boxcar Children. She finished the book in just a couple of hours and quickly asked me to get more since it was a series. These books are about the Alden siblings and their adventures.

These are definitely our current fave and I love that there are 19 books written by the original author - Gertrude Warner.

Family Fun | Soccer Mayhem

2011-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

Let the craziness begin. This past weekend was kind of a milestone for the Shaw-Hong family - our youngest is now in U5 division for soccer. So now, it's double the fun. The girls all just look too cute in their ten sizes too big uniforms and going after that ball beehive style : )

As for my older daughter ... for some reason, it's "clicked" for her this year. She's definitely engaged and enjoying it much more this season.

It's going to be a fun, crazy soccer season for both my girls.

Family | Getting back into the lunch groove

2011-08-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Z started the new school year today. For me, it means the beginning of a year of packing lunches. I have a confession ... I don't enjoy packing lunches. In fact, I dread the whole process. Last year, it got so bad that Z ended up with more hot lunch days than not. Thankfully, Revolution Foods is our school's hot lunch provider so she was at least getting a fairly healthy, well-balanced lunch (or that is what I tell myself).

Today is the first day so it's a new beginning. This year, I'm going to approach the task of lunch prepping the way I tackle work projects ... strategize, plan, and execute.

Like any projects, there are always some parameters -- I can't do sandwiches since Z will have nothing to do with sandwiches or anything resembling a sandwich. No leftovers either for the same reason. And all lunch options must be edible at room temperature since they don't have the option to heat up their food.

In order for me to have a variety of healthy lunch options lined up, it's going to take a bit of planning so here is my game plan:

Stock up on smaller, reusable containers, thermos, and snack bags. Of course, they need to be all BPA and phthalate free options. SUMO anyone?
Plan out weekly lunch menus. I do this for dinners so why not for lunch as well? I will start with about 5 - 8 items in the rotation that I know Z will eat and then edit as the year progresses.
Stock up on weekly lunch items when I do my weekly shopping based on my menu planning so I'll always have what I need.
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables at the beginning of the week and store in ready to go containers to be tossed into lunch bags in the morning.
Pre-pack crackers and dry snacks in to-go containers so they can be tossed into lunch bags at the last minute.

I'm hoping with some prep work, I can avoid the "what to pack" panic attacks I had last year and have healthier, relatively "tasty" lunch options that Z will actually eat.

We'll see how well I do ... I'm always open to suggestions so I would love to hear from other moms on how they survive packing lunches for the grade school crowd.

Green Steps | Avoid PVC in your School Supplies

2011-08-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is now winding down and we are shifting to back to school mode. Retailers switch out their displays to showcase Back to School (BTS) merchandise right after July 4th but I've been burying my head in the sand to avoid it. Unfortunately, I can't anymore. I have three more weeks until my girls start school so BTS shopping is in full swing in my household. New backpacks, lunch bags, binders, shoes, socks, etc ... but before you buy, there are a few things to keep in mind.

While we may be up to speed on BPA and phthalates in personal care and baby products - we may not be as aware of the muck lurking in binders, lunch bags, and backpacks. This muck has been linked to learning and developmental disabilities, asthma, obesity, and cancer. The reason is the majority of school supplies are manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is one of the most hazardous plastic for our health and the environment. PVC contains quite a concoction of chemical additives - phthalates, lead, cadmium - all of which are toxic and can pose unnecessary dangers to your child's health

The best thing to do is avoid PVC and seek out PVC alternatives when buying school supplies. CHEJ just release their updated 2011 Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies. Use it to help you make smarter and healthier choices for yourself and your children. By taking these small steps, you too are Growing a Greener Future.

Kid Reads | The Gruffalo

2011-08-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

My usual book recommendations are for beginner readers since I was on the look out for challenging yet age appropriate books for Z. This time; however, I'm recommending a book for the younger set (3 -5 year olds). I had forgotten about this book since my younger daughter was only interested in books with princesses, mermaids, or fairies. But one day, she came home asking me whether gruffalo's were real @!#?!! Apparently, they had just read The Gruffalo at school and she loved it. We loved this book and the sequel (Gruffalo's Child) so had gotten them to read to Z when she was about this age. So, just imagine L's excitement when we told her that we had the books at home.

Needless to say, both became her favorites and was read many times over in the last few weeks. Its a fun, easy read about a how a mouse outsmarted other creatures intent on making a meal of the mouse in the woods.

Green Steps | BPA & Phthalates ... should we still be worried?

2011-07-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

We've all heard of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates - those chemicals that wreak havoc on the health of our families. The question we need to ask ourselves is - with so much attention already directed on these chemicals, do we still need to be worried?

BPA and phthalates can be found pretty much anywhere, so unfortunately the answer is yes. But the good news is that there are some pretty simple steps you can take to minimize your exposure.

Some simple ways to limit exposure to BPA:

Replace polycarbonate bottles (baby bottles, water bottles). Luckily, there are lots of options available. You can choose glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic.
Choose food containers made from glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic.
Don't heat food in plastic regardless of BPA-free plastic or not.
Avoid microwaving or adding hot foods or beverages in plastic.
Avoid canned foods as well as canned pre-made baby formula - these cans typically use a protective liner made of BPA-based epoxy. Instead, if formula feeding, opt for powdered baby formula and choose fresh or frozen food whenever possible.
Skip getting fillings or dental work done while pregnant or nursing.
Always wash hands after handling money and prior to eating.

Ways to avoid phthalates:

Eliminate teethers, bibs, place mats, and shower curtains made with PVC and replace with safer alternatives.
Choose personal care products that are labeled phthalate-free. Double check ingredient lists to make sure they don't contain diethyl phthalate (DEP), Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Same with household cleaning products - plant-based, unscented products are good options or you can make your own cleaning supplies using vinegar and baking soda.
Avoid scented candles and air fresheners since many of them often use phthalates to give them their fragrance.
Choose plastic wrap and bags made of polyethylene instead of vinyl.
Toys today should already be manufactured without the use of the offending phthalates but check the ones you already own since they may have been made prior to the ban.
Avoid products or packaging marked with #3 recycling code, V or PVC.

It's overwhelming to stay on top of it all so I choose to eliminate the culprits from things that impact my family directly. Since I have young kids, that meant I was super cautious about choosing items that go into their mouths (bottles, sippy cups, teethers), on their skin (shampoos, soaps, lotions, sunscreen), and things that could emit harmful fumes in the air around them (yup, no more scented chandles or air fresheners in our house). It's all about not being overwhelmed and making small and simple changes.

Product News | STUCK to you

2011-07-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Meet STUCK - the newest member to our feeding family. Some of you may remember STUCK from last year ... yes, it's taken us this long to perfect it.

STUCK is a complete bowl feeding solution - includes a super-sticky suction bowl, tray insert for keeping sides and snacks at bay, as well as a travel lid and wide handled utensils designed especially for toddlers learning to self feed. And what makes it even better is that each component "nests" inside the large bowl so storing it at home or when you're on the go is a snap.

Getting this suction bowl just right was important to us ... we "stuck" to it from concept to creation so it seemed only appropriate that we called it STUCK.

Available August 2011

Green Steps | 2011 EWG Dirty Dozen & Clean 15

2011-06-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of a list girl, so I have been using EWG's Dirty Dozen list for a while now to keep me on track in reducing pesticide exposure for my family. EWG just released an updated 2011 shopper's guide and there are a few things to note:

- apples have now moved to the top of the dirty dozen
- cherries are no longer on the list (yay, organic cherries were not easy to find)
- cilantro for the first time made an appearance on dirty dozen - good thing I'm growing my own cilantro this year
- sweet potatoes are on the clean 15
- mushrooms are on the clean 15 for the first time

The Dirty Dozen list is made up of produce that has the largest concentrated amounts of pesticides and the Clean 15 are the ones with the least. So when I shop, I use these as guides to help me choose which fruits and veggies I definitely buy organic and which ones I can buy conventional without feeling guilty.

Ingredient Matters | Here comes the Sun(screen)

2011-06-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

School is officially out for the summer and the sun is finally making a presence here in the Bay Area ... it's time to start slathering on the sunscreen for those long days spent in the sun. But which one is safe to use?

Best bet is to look for natural sunscreen products made with natural ingredients and avoid ingredients such as oxybenzone (potential hormone disruptor), retinyl palmitate (form of Vitamin A which may not be safe when exposed to sunlight), parabens, and phthalates. You should also take into consideration whether you prefer titanium dioxide or zinc oxide ... my preference is zinc oxide since some studies have classified titanium dioxide as carcinogenic. And whether you want micronization or nanoparticles - Healthy Child Healthy World has a good article on understanding micronization and nanoparticles.

You can keep the above in mind and do your own research or you can go to: SafeMama's 2011 Sunscreen Cheat Sheet or EWG's 2011 Sunscreen Report. They do all the research for you and provide you a curated list for you to choose from. Easy peasy ... now you're armed and ready for the sun.

Family Fun | Z's Summer List

2011-06-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I had written that I had Z come up with her own list of activities that she wanted to do this summer for our "unplanned" days. I loved her list so wanted to share what she came up with:

hang out at home
join a summer reading program
zoo
Academy of Sciences
Great America
Gilroy Gardens
swim
plant flowers
Aquarium
berry picking
beach
movies ... Cars 2 and Judy Moody
music in park
picnics

All in all, I think she did a great job. Loved her #2 - that was completely unprompted. I think she may be a nerd-in-training like her mama : ) What are some of the items on your to do list this summer?

Family Fun | Keeping Summer Simple

2011-06-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation officially kicks off this Friday. No more waking up early to get the kids ready for school. No more packing lunches. No more mad morning scramble. YAY!!!! I can’t wait.

For me, summer conjures up images of warm lazy days, lemonade stands, swimming, bike riding until dusk, running through sprinklers, picnics, summer concerts … but that doesn’t seem to be what kids are experiencing today. Nowadays, summer for many means a continuation of crazy, hectic schedules filled with sports camp, acting camps, French lessons, violin lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, swim team, tennis team, enrichment programs… you name it. Admittedly, as a working mom, I was tempted to fill Z’s summer days with the myriad of opportunities available, but I am going to resist this summer. Instead, I want to slow things down and bring back the type of summer I remember from my childhood (to an extent).

While the thought of enjoying lazy days is ideal, I know I need to be realistic – I have two girls who are active, social beings and love being BUSY. Twelve weeks of doing nothing would bore them to death and drive me I-N-S-A-N-E!!

So here are some things I’m doing in my attempt to scale back yet “plan” things so that I’m prepared for those inevitable cries of “I’m bored!” and “What should I do now?”

Only sign up for one summer camp as an anchor and build the remainder of summer around the camp we select.
Plan a few weekend trips and one longer family trip
Brainstorm a list of activities for some of those unplanned days

Since Z is older, I had her come up with a list of things she wanted do this summer. The parameter was that it had to be local – nothing requiring having to get on a plane.
As a family, we came up with some other things to do which included activities for “bad weather” days and “hot-hot” days.

Plug some of these activities on our summer calendar and post the remaining ones on a board in our kitchen. This is for those times when the natives get restless and start complaining … I’ll send them to the board to pick an activity.

Being able to "reclaim summers" is not something all parents can do especially if both parents work out of home, so I am thankful that I get to have this luxury as an entrepreneur. I’m looking forward to the next couple of months. What about you?

Kid Reads | Pippi

2011-05-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like the quirky and spunky Pippi Longstocking? I loved these stories as a child and was looking forward to introducing Pippi and her many misadventures to my 7 year old. This 2007 edition received a makeover from Lauren Child (creator of Charlie and Lola) - with her trademark collage of photography and illustration, she somehow made Pippi even more fun and lovable than I remembered. Both my daughter and I got a kick reading it.

Ingredient Matters | Avoiding the muck in food

2011-05-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

As moms, we strive to make healthy choices for our family. We know it's better to eat whole unprocessed foods but sometimes, when we are in a pinch and short on time, it's hard to not reach for something packaged or frozen so that we can get dinner on the table.

So for those times when processed foods inevitably finds it's way into my shopping cart, how do I make sure that I'm still making good choices?

There are a few basic rules I go by when purchasing processed foods:

- Read the ingredient list and steer clear if I see anything of these on the list -

artificial food coloring (easy to spot because food coloring names usually has a numerical value in it - Red 3, Yellow 5, Blue 2)
trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils)
high fructose corn sugar
bleached white flour
monosodium glutamate (msg)
sodium nitrates

- Avoid if there are more than 5 ingredients, if there are too many items listed that I can't pronounce or anything with a cartoon on the package

- Shop the perimeter at most supermarkets and only purchase processed goods from places like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods where they make a concerted effort to not allow items with artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives on their shelves.

I try my best to to make good safe choices for my family when it comes to products and foods but like most busy moms, there are times when I become overwhelmed with the choices and draw a complete blank .... so keeping these basic things in mind helps me preserve my sanity and still make good choices.

Product News | Meet Sumo

2011-03-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

...big bro to On-the-Go (OTG). Fans of our OTG told us that they needed a bigger container now that their kids were growing and snacks became bulkier.

Introducing a bigger, badder version of our OTG. This one is no match for those strawberries, cuties, or even pretzel sticks. SUMO can accommodate snacks for your growing tot or even just bigger appetites.

Show all

Family Fun | Traditions

2010-12-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

2010 hoot

2009 monsters

2008 divas

The first holiday we spent together as a married couple, my husband and I went shopping to find an ornament to put on our first tree together. Finding an ornament quickly became our thing each year. Post-kids, this "tradition" has evolved. Rather than going shopping to find "our" ornament of the year, we've turned this into a craft activity that I do with the kids to get into the holiday spirit. So now, along with getting our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving and decorating our house (both inside and out), we make 3 - 4 ornaments to go on the tree.

I don't sew very well nor am I the most crafty of people, so it really has to be something simple. It's really amazing what you can do with a glue gun, some paint, felt, and accessories ...

Because the last few years I've become obsessed with making felt ornaments (great for hiding mistakes), another "tradition" has grown as an off-shoot ... the girls get a plushie of the same design as the ornament in their stocking.

What are some holiday traditions you've started with your own family?

Material Matters | Why do you tempt me so?

2010-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Melamine dishware have come a long way … beautiful designs, bold colors, AND virtually unbreakable!! Whether its in stores or online, they always seem to be there tempting me ... so why do I resist?

These dishes, often referred to as melamine are actually made of melamine resin. Melamine is an organic compound that alone has very low toxicity, but to make those cute hard plastic dishes and cups, melamine is combined with formaldehyde under heat and pressure to create melamine resin. That's right ... formaldehyde!!!

As with most things, more research is required before you can draw a definitive conclusion but initial studies show that leaching does occur, especially when melamine resin is in contact with warm or acidic foods and beverages.

Personally, the thought of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, possibly migrating into the foods I prepare for my children is not something I’m comfortable with ... so, I am choosing to err on the side of caution and avoid the use of melamine dishes and cups until more scientific evidence says otherwise.

If you already have some in your household, there is no need to chuck them all out the window. Just exercise some caution when using them. For instance, don’t use them in microwaves, don’t serve extremely hot or acidic food or beverage in them, and when possible, hand wash your melamine dishes/cups using mild soap and warm water. However, if you choose not to use them ... melamine can't be recycled, so I would repurpose them for use in play kitchens.

For more information on melamine and melamine resin check out these great articles from Safe Mama, Healthy Child Healthy World, and The Soft Landing.

Events | BCM Biggest Baby Shower

2010-11-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

Just got back from NY from the BCM Biggest Baby Shower event. The gals over at BCM sure know how to put together an event. It was beautifully done with an amazing turnout - over 400 expectant moms. I had so much fun speaking to all the other moms and introducing them to ZoLi products, meeting all the other cool brands, and just catching up with people. I wasn't able to take more pictures since I was *busy* speaking to all expectant moms, but check out Big City Moms for some other great photos.

We are on a whirlwind tour ... next stop, Toronto for the BabyTime Show.

Family Fun | Friendly Neighborhood Boo - Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

One night earlier this month, we came home to find a basket full of goodies on our porch along with a picture of a ghost and a little poem explaining we'd been Boo'd.

Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborhood and this tradition? My girls were so excited ... wondering who boo'd them and planning what treats to put into their boo basket and who they should boo.

So if you don't have this tradition in your neighborhood, start one next year:
1. Prep two Boo baskets / bags ready with treats

2. Print out two Boo-grams. You can use the one above or below which I found online.

3. Print out the Boo Poem:

You’ve Been Boo’d

Now it’s your turn to “Boo” two other people in the neighborhood.
You should “Boo” these people within 2 days of receiving your treat.

Hang the ghost on your front door so that everyone can see that you have been “Boo’d” and will not Boo you again.

This will also let you know who you can Boo.
Fill 2 bags with candy and treats.

Copy this letter and the ghost twice. Include treats, letter, and ghost in your bag of goodies for the neighbors that you choose.
After dark, and only with an adult, “Boo” 2 of your neighbors.
Do not let the person that you are “Boo’ing” see you, for it adds to the fun of it all.
Place the treat bag on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and run!
It will be fun to see how many ghosts will appear in our neighborhood by Halloween.
Please keep it safe and enjoy!

4. Deliver the basket, picture of ghost, and poem to the neighbors of your choice - ring doorbell & RUN!!!

Goal is not to be seen so it remains anonymous and have some good ol' halloween fun.

Kid Reads | Dorrie's Back!!

2010-10-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

On Mondays my daughter's class goes to the school library for a little bit of story time and to check out their books for the week. This week she came home with "Dorrie and the Blue Witch". Seeing that book brought back a lot of memories. I loved the Dorrie books as a child!! It makes me smile seeing my daughter pore through the book with the same delight I did growing up. I had forgotten all about Dorrie and Gink but am thrilled that through my daughter they are now back.

Events | BCM Biggest Baby Shower November

2010-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know, I love NY!! So I'm heading there on Nov. 2nd for the Big City Mom's Biggest Baby Shower. Go to Big City Moms for more details. Hopefully, I'll see you there.

Events | ABC Kids Expo 2010

2010-10-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

gummy stick

buzz b.

bot - the amazing straw sippy

Product News | Buzz B demo

2010-10-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

For those wondering how babies react to buzz b? Check out the reaction of this happy baby.

Events | ABC Kids Expo 2010 Recap

2010-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

ABC Kids Expo is always a blast and this year was no exception. We had loads of fun catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. See some of the images below:

What can I say ... Ju-Ju-Be knows how to have FUN! Check out their gorgeous bags new bags at ju-ju-be.com.

The ladies from Itsabelly know their stuff. Go to their site for more info about the breadth of their services at itsabelly.com.

Taryn from Parents Mag - all things pregnancy, babies, birth, and more.

The one and only Jayneoni Moore - the brains behind the Boom Boom Room Golden Globe gifting suite.

Daily Candy editors ... need I say more.

Post show dinner with Alicia from The Soft Landing

Night out with the gals from Chelsea & Scott @ Eve's

@ Eve's with Joe from Ju-Ju-Be

with Kristin @ Eve's

Jack @ ZoLi Booth

Events | Transforming our space

2010-10-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

blank slate

arrival of our shipment

putting it all today

almost there

product detailing

woohoo ... almost done

open for business!!

Design | Wish I were 4 again!

2010-08-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

I want to PLAY! Modern Playhouse, started by two San Francisco moms to create sophisticated havens for your little one. These dwellings invite creativity by virtue of it's simplicity and are constructed from sustainably sourced and non-toxic materials -- making them perfect for eco-conscious, modern families.

Craft bag anyone?

2010-07-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Today I came across this great site and great product which I just have to share -- the online store is called romp and the product is the above treasure trove of craft items for your child to explore their inner artist. The story behind the concept of the store is great too -- a designer and mom who want to engage kids' natural and sense of joy with the world with products made of natural materials, great design, handmade goods, and unique surprises. Love the concept. Now, if only they would start carrying baby products ... maybe they would consider ZoLi.

Green Steps | Fruits of Labor

2010-07-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

A while back, I posted that I would attempt planting my own vegetable garden. I'm happy to report that I did do it and it's been great fun. Both my girls got involved in the entire process from the selection of what to plant to the actual planting and the watering. A lot of impromptu water play ensued from watering the plants. And, now we are seeing the fruits of our labor.

Design | No Blade Fan

2010-06-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

They've done it again - took something ordinary and made it extraordinary. The Dyson "Air Multiplier" has no blades, which means no finger hazards to worry about and easier to clean. This thing really works. With warmer weather, fans are a staple in our household so this is definitely going on our list of "musts" for the summer.

Giveaway | buzzzz buzzzz ... BUZZ B

2010-06-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting Buzz B's back in stock. To celebrate, we are running our first ever giveaway. Here are the multiple ways you can enter:

1) "like" us on Facebook and post why you need a Buzz B
2) recommend ZoLiBaby to 3 friends and have them post on our wall who recommended them. This will count as and additional entry for you and an entry for your friend
3) visit our site and post another ZoLi product you can't live without on our FB Zolibaby page

Multiple entries allowed so increase your chances and do all 3. Entries must be received by 6/25.

Good luck and thank you.

Design | Why not a Fishcondo?

2010-05-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mamaista is one of our favorite sites for all things baby, tots, and moms. They had featured this great modern home for your pet fish which I just had to share. The Fishcondo as it's called by designer Teddy Luong, is sure to fit into your modern home. Available at unicahome.com.

Material Matters | Phthalates are everywhere

2010-05-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's in raincoats, shower curtains, IV tubes, steering wheels, cosmetics, air fresheners ... they are everywhere. So why does it matter? Studies show that phthalates are hormone disruptors and are emasculating. Do you agree? Check out this segment from 60 minutes:

Watch CBS News Videos Online

So are phthalates really harmful? Without conclusive results either way, for now I will err on the side of caution and avoid as much as possible.

Green Steps | Earth Day is right around the corner ...

2010-04-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 22nd is Earth Day!!

There are a lot of great ideas on how to help celebrate Earth Day and join the movement for sustainability -- some grand some not so grand, but the key is to take action and better yet, make changes that last beyond just 1 day.

So to kick off the week, I'm pledging to join the Meatless Monday movement. I have to admit, I was perplexed yet intrigued when I heard I could reduce my carbon footprint by eating less meat. I understood the health benefits but it wasn't until I did some research that I "got" the environmental benefits of eating less meat.

Eating less meat means I'm creating less demand on meat which in turn means I'm doing my part to slow down the impact on climate change. That is because meat industry generates nearly 1/5 of the man made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change.
So what's cooking in my kitchen tonight? Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with a side of steamed broccoli. There are lots of yummy recipes to choose from on Meatless Monday so check it out.

Next up, creating my own vegetable garden ...

Green Steps | Ten Tips for Greening Your Baby's Environment

2010-03-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Feeding, clothing, and caring for your baby has evolved a great deal in the last few years. There is a plethora of information out there, especially as you're trying to green your baby's environment but wading through it all can be quite cumbersome. The one thing you want to do in maintaining a green environment for your baby is reduce your baby's exposure to toxins. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Paint room using low- to no-VOC paints
This is the one thing that every new parent does to get ready for their new addition. If you're pregnant, do not paint the room yourself. Have someone paint it for us and choose either milk-based paints or low- to no-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). Paint at least one month before baby is due so the paint has time to cure.

2. Avoid new carpeting
That "new" carpet smell that you often smell is actually toxic chemicals off-gassing. Leverage existing flooring you already have but if you really need to put in new flooring, choose floors made of natural materials such as natural linoleum, sustainable hardwoods NOT treated with chemicals or cork. If you really like the warmth of carpet, choose natural area rugs made of wool.

3. Look for furniture made of sustainable solid wood
When looking for furniture and cribs for baby's nursery, choose pieces made from sustainable wood or wood untreated with formaldehyde and finished with non-toxic stains or paints. New items which you are unsure whether it is treated with formaldehyde or not should be left outside for a few days to off-gas.

4. Invest in natural fibers and organic materials for bedding and clothing
Your baby will be spending all their time either wearing, being swaddled, or sleeping on ... so make sure you choose natural materials that are not grown or treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Cotton is a crop that attracts a wide range of insects so conventional cotton crop depends heavily on pesticides and chemicals throughout its growing process whereas organic cotton uses methods both safer for environment as well as people.

5. Eliminate mattress covers and diaper changing mats coated with PVC's and latex
These items are often overlooked in green homes, yet can contain some of the highest levels of toxic chemicals. If vinyl is difficult to avoid, make sure you leave it outside for a few days to air out before bringing inside the home.

6. Avoid bottles, sippy cups, teethers, and toys containing BPA and phthalates, and PVC
For bottles choose either glass or safer plastics such as polyethersulfone (PES) or polypropylene. These materials do not leach the hormone disruptor BPA. For teethers and toys, opt for ones made of organic cotton, natural wood, or inert materials such as silicone.

7. Choose the right diapers
There are many good options available on the market today so whether you choose to go with cloth or disposable, you have options. Reusable diapers are not what they used to be. When choosing cloth, go for fitted diapers made from eco-friendly material such as hemp, bamboo, or organic cotton with either velcro or snap closures for convenience. For covers, choose organic wool since it is warm yet breathable and helps minimize diaper rash. If opting for disposable ones, choose those that are non-petroleum based and compostable.

8. Go natural for skincare
For babies, less is more when it comes to skin care. Avoid items with ingredients such as petroleum, paraben, sodium laurel sulfate, and phthalates. Instead look for items that are natural, organic, and fragrance-free. Olive oil is a great baby lotion -- natural and unperfumed.

9. Green naturally with plants
Plants not only add color and visual value to a home, but they also work as a natural air pollutant reducer. Some even absorb formaldehyde that seeps into the air from existing furniture and paint. The best plants are Areca Palm, Boston Fern, Chinese Evergreen, Dracaena, English Ivy, Spider Plan, and Peace Lilies.

10. Wipe out chemical cleaners
Clean all nursery's surfaces, furniture, bedding, and clothing with gentle, natural, non-toxic cleaning products which are now readily available at your local retailer.

Family Fun | Walking down memory lane ...

2010-02-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

Needing a break one day, I decided to go across the street to the PEZ Museum. The museum/store has been around for 15 years and I have never yet stepped into it. I am so glad I finally did ... it was definitely a walk down memory lane ... saw some quirky original pez dispensers but more importantly, they had original Colorforms on display. Remember those? I had forgotten all about them but now, am excited to introduce them to my girls.

Design | Not just any old blocks ... these are modern, eco-friendly version.

2010-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this great toy as I was searching for gift ideas for a birthday present.

Traditional block set + precision cut = endless opened ended possibilities = FUN!!!

These blocks can be stacked just like traditional blocks, but there's more ... with the hollowed out middle, it adds a whole new dimension to "just" blocks. These areblocks and tinker toys combined!!

What kids wouldn't want to receive these? And since these blocks are made using sustainably-harvested woods, non-toxic coloring and come in recycled packaging ... what parents wouldn't want to gift these?

Green Steps |... a WAKE UP story for parents

2010-02-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

I was gearing up to write a post about avoiding toxins but instead found this great video from Healthy Child Healthy World in my in box. I couldn't have said it better -- simple changes to ensure a healthier world for your child. Please watch and share.

A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.

Design | Hoot! Hoot!

2010-01-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

I love owls -- anything with owls, really. I am always on the lookout for cool owl items. With Valentine's Day right around the corner I'd thought I'd share with fellow owl lovers two of my favorite items.
Butter cup bloom: beautiful, whimsical plush owls with a pocket in the back for special messages. I think I'm going to get one for my daughter to use as a tooth fairy pillow.
sweet tooth designs: very cool eco-friendly jewelry - my favorite is the owl collection. I got one and my daughter who shares my quirky obsession with owls got one of the smaller ones as a graduation gift last June.

Anyone else have any cool owl items/sites to share?

Green Steps | Avoiding the "Dirty Dozen" & Making Healthier Choices

2010-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Statistics show that 45% of American adults make resolutions each year and of those only 64% keep their resolutions after one month and 46% after 6 months. As we come to the month benchmark, I thought I’d share a great downloadable tool from the folks over at Environmental Working Group that will help those of us who made the resolve to eat healthier stay on track -- a wallet-sized guide listing the 12 fruits and vegetables that carry the highest levels of pesticides and conversely the ones with the least amount. The wallet guide is quite handy but now they even have an iPhone app that will most definitely help me make smarter choices when buying produce.

This list has been updated and of note potatoes, spinach, and raspberries have fallen off the list and replaced by kale, lettuce, and carrots!!

Family Fun | Long haul flight

2010-01-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

Every two years, we as a family take a long haul flight overseas to visit relatives. We never used to think twice about hopping on that plane for the 14 hours trek back to Asia, but with the addition of Zoe and Lila, this trip becomes a bit more challenging and comes with a lot more planning. Luckily for us, Zoe is a rock star traveler. She loves flying and has a natural wanderlust so packing her up is not difficult; however, the jury is out on Lila. This year's flight was the litmus test. As she has become more aware, mobile, and a LOT more ACTIVE, were were biting our nails in anticipation to see how well she would do. Verdit is in -- GREAT. No need for the Benadryl we had packed as a last ditch resort (I know, I know ... please don't judge). A couple of things worked to our advantage -- direct flights and late night flight times. After checking in, we let them run around the airport to burn off some energy before boarding the flight (oh, did we get some looks from people hoping we wouldn't be on their flight). Once we boarded and after the initial excitement, the hum of the engines quickly lulled both girls to sleep before we even reached cruising altitude. They stayed asleep until the last 4 hours of the flight but we were armed with enough activities (movies, movies, and more movies) to keep them occupied until we landed (..whew)! Now, jet lag is a whole different story.

Design | Move over play dough, here comes BUBBER

2009-12-14T23:55:00.000-08:00

When the sales person at our local toy store mentioned the name to me, I just had to take a closer look. Upon closer inspection, my conclusion is that this product is not only incredible, but the name is ingenius. Bubber is this amazing non-toxic, gluten free modeling compound with a light, dry texture you can shape, roll, imprint, and cut just as you would with play dough. With Bubber, kids still get all the benefits of playing with play dough -- open ended play, creativity, and fine motor skills development, but without any of the mess, smell, or residue. Plus, Bubber never dries out so you can play with it over and over again. This is my new go-to eco-gift for the 10 and under crowd.

Kid Reads | Judging a book by it's cover

2009-12-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

I love giving books and getting books. Given the time of year, I've been on the hunt for chapter books to read to my own voracious beginner reader and am thrilled to discover two great books. The first is NICOLAS by Rene Goscinny, a collection of 19 escapades of a mischievous schoolboy and his friends. It was originally published in French in 1959 and is now available in English with wonderful illustrations by Sempe. The second is MY FATHER'S DRAGON by Ruth Stiles Gannet, adventures of Elmer Elevator on Island of Tangerina and Wild Island. Both these books caught my eye at my daughter's schools book fair because of the feel of their heirloom quality cloth cover and illustrations. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but with these two, I just couldn't help myself ... it also helps that both these stories are classics that never get old. I can't wait to give these to my daughter and to starting reading them to her.

Behind the Scenes | What's in a name?

2009-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Many of you may wonder how I came up with the name ZoLi … or not. I’m sure if you gave it some thought you would probably guess correctly. Yes, the company is named after my two children – both girls. The first two letters come from the name of my oldest, so her name is fairly easily to figure out. The last two letters comes from youngest … this one is a bit more challenging. The first person to respond with the correct name will win a ZoLi On-the-Go. There is one rule - people who know me and my children can not submit ... I'll take care of you later : )