Category Archives: Natural

6 Ways To Save Monarch Butterflies With The #NWF

Living in the lush mountains of upstate New York, we are blessed to be surrounded by acres upon acres of lush meadows and fields.  My kids have always been around nature.  In fact, I still remember when my daughter was entering 3rd grade, we were to look at the milkweed plants to try to find a Monarch Caterpillar.  We did and we sent it in to her class.  Every year the third grade does this and they raise the caterpillars and set the gorgeous Monarchs free.

We are in a crisis though, since 1990 the Monarch populations has decreased by 90%.  I have noticed how rare it is to see a Monarch but was surprised to learn we lost such a large percentage.  The more I thought, I could not recall seeing  even see one last year.   The beautiful yellow Swallowtail butterflies are prevalent and feed on the many succulent perennials in my garden.  I have to do my part this year to try to bring the Monarch population back!

You may be wondering what we can do. It’s as easy as planting Milkweed.  Milkweed serves as a food source, nursery and home for the Monarchs.  The National Wildlife Federation says there is hope for the Monarch if we act now. Below you find 6 ways to save Monarchs with the  NWF.  This information and more is on their website so click the links below to learn more.

NWF-Save-Monarchs graphic

Six Ways to Save Monarchs with NWF

  1. Help Save Grasslands – America’s native grasslands are critically important for monarchs. They offer both milkweed for monarch caterpillars as well as nectar plants for adult butterflies (and many other pollinators too). Today, more than 90 percent of native grasslands have been converted to cropland and development. Grasslands are disappearing faster than any other ecosystem in North America, and that’s a big problem for monarchs.  Join NWF in fighting to save grasslands for monarchs.
  2. Support Highway Habitat Corridor – NWF and USFWS are working to create a coalition of agriculture leaders and highway transportation organizations to plant milkweed and nectar plants along monarch migratory flyways and in other important monarch breeding grounds along key Midwest and Texas corridors.  Learn more about highway habitat corridor plan and how to support it.
  3. Plant Milkweed – You can make saving the monarch personal by planting milkweed in your yard or garden. There are many milkweed species found in North America, so no matter where you live, there’s at least one species native to your area. You’ll be rewarded not only with he knowledge that you are making a difference, but by attracting monarchs to enjoy. Find out what milkweeds are from your region.
  4. Don’t Use Pesticides – Monarchs are insects, and so spraying insecticides will kill them. Make the commitment to avoid spraying pesticides in your yard. Find out how to garden organically.
  5. Create Monarch Habitat– NWF’s Garden for Wildlife program can teach you how to turn any outdoor space into a complete habitat for monarch. Just provide food, water, cover and places to raise young.  It all starts with what you plant and you can create a habitat garden in your own yard, at your office, your church or the local school grounds. Entire communities are launching efforts to create monarch habitat. Learn how to create a wildlife-friendly garden.
  6. Join NWF Affiliate Efforts in Your State — Eleven of NWF’s state affiliates are active partners in the Garden for Wildlife program, teaching people how to create habitat for monarchs and other wildlife. They offer regional expertise and resources, offering native milkweed seeds, running monarch tagging and citizen science efforts and even working on legislative solutions. Joining these efforts is a great way to get involved on the local level. Find out if your state’s NWF affiliate is working to protect monarchs.

Milkweed Seed Finder Graphic

I hope you will join me in doing our part to create a natural habitat for the Monarchs.  Please let me know if you plan to participate.  I am really looking forward to seeing more and more of these beautiful creatures.  I know we will if we all do our part.  So, are you in?


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Filed under Education, Gardening, Health, Life, Mommy Ramblings, Natural, Nature

Frieling Smart, Round Planter Review & Giveaway!

If you like fresh herbs for your cooking but can be a little forgetful with watering plants, the Smart Planter from Frieling may be just what you need.  Ideal for kitchen herbs and more – the Smart Planter lets you know that the plant needs water before it is too late.  No more chiding yourself about your brown thumb.  Now it’s easier than ever to cultivate tasty herbs right on your windowsill.

frieling smart planter green

Frieleng Smart Planter

FEATURES:

  • Innovative cotton wick irrigation system: Simply add water to the white flower
  • Integrated flower rises or drops down to indicate water level
  • UV resistant, ABS plastic pot (will not discolor)
 Frieling is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Frieling Smart Round Pot Planter . Thank you Frieling  for the review product and for sponsoring this green and healthy giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Frieling Smart Round Pot Planter Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Cooking, Gardening, Giveaway, Health, Home, Kitchen, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Natural, Review

Amber Artisans Healing Baltic Amber Jewelry

Have you heard about the healing powers of natural Baltic Amber?  Closely examined, the composition of natural Baltic Amber is dominated by Succinic Acid, the key to our own body‘s natural immune system – and equally rare. When natural Amber comes in contact with our body, it creates not only healing but also peace and calm. Since Baltic Amber supports our immune system through contact, it also provides a form of energy that restores physical well-being.

raw amber bracelet

Amber Artisans creations  are as unique in their composition and abilities as you are. Whether you’re looking for a remedy to reduce bodily aches and pains or mental stress, natural Baltic amber adapts itself to your condition and works with you immune system to create the perfect solution.

Amber Children's Bracelets

There are so many facets to the healing power of Amber such as promoting good health, providing recovery from addictions, healing the mind and spirit and so much more. Many wearers believe that Amber also inspires prosperity and success.

mens-Amber -bracelet

Along with the significant impact of healing mid, body, and spirit, Amber Artisans jewelry statements are exceptionally beautiful and stylish. You can enjoy being in fashion regardless of your person fashion statement. Amber jewelry comes in a variety of shapes and colors and will fit well with any wardrobe for the fashion conscious. More importantly, no one but you knows what incredible healing you’re experiencing while wearing it.

Children-Teething-Necklaces

Every single amber healing bracelet or amber healing necklace designed by craftsman that has been working their trade for many generations is a work of art.

I have heard about the healing properties of Baltic Amber and we have featured other products before on our blog.  I was eager to try one of the adult necklaces and after browsing the Amber Artisans website chose the 20″ Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Healing Necklace and was also sent a ring and some raw amber stones.  

Amber healing-necklace-rainbow sunshine

The beads on the necklace are beautiful and polished to perfection.  They are so smooth and beautiful.  The ring is colorful and comfortable as it is stretchy and I find during the day I move it from finger to finger.  It is soothing just to hold the necklace and the ring when I am switching it from finger to finger.  I really do feel like thy are making a difference in my spirit and I have only recently started wearing them.  I really want to get a bracelet as well.

Amber Healing-Neclace-Rainbow-Sunshine-1

Mommy Ramblings has added Amber Artisans to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Baltic-Amber-Necklace

Baltic-Amber-Necklace-Ring

If you have been eager to try Baltic Amber for its healing properties, take a look at all the great designs on Amber Artisans website.  They have bracelets, rings, teething necklaces, adult necklaces and more.

Amber Artisans is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky reader will win a Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Adult Healing Necklace.  Thank you Amber Artisans for the review necklace and ring and for sponsoring this terrific giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

Amber Artisans Adult Healing Necklace Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Christmas, Fashion, Health, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Natural, Review, Shopping

Natural Handmade Soap 20% Discount From The Mohawk Valley Trading Company!!!

The Mohawk Valley Trading Company is offering a 20% discount off all of their Handmade Soap from 07/5/14 through 07/19/14 with the Discount Code “Mommy Ramblings Handmade Soap 20% Discount”.

tea-tree-oil-soap

Handmade Soap and Natural Skin Care Products from the Mohawk Valley Trading Company are made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic or artificial fragrances, dyes, detergents, preservatives or any other toxic or harmful surfactants, degreasers, plasticizers, reproductive toxins, pesticides, carcinogens, industrial chemicals or hormone disruptors.

Mohawk-Valley-Trading-Company-Soap-Goats-Milk
Instead, they are made with:

Goat’s milk, shea butter, natural plant oils including; olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, palm oil, castor bean oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and other botanical sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts.

• 100% natural plant-based essential oils distilled or pressed from fresh citrus peels, flower petals, spices, tea tree leaves, herbs and other naturally fragrant botanical materials.

• Beeswax, propolis and raw honey.

Mohawk-Valley-Trading-Company-Soap-Castile

In addition, using the same coupon code, you can also receive a 15% discount on all Mohawk Valley Trading Company 100% Pure Beeswax Candles, Maple Syrup and Honey .

For more information please visit: http://www.tenonanatche.com/handmade-soaps-natural-organic.htm


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Filed under Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Natural, Shopping