BitsyBirdie Featured on ModernMums.com in Dr. Geary Recommends: Healthy Resources

We're delighted to receive the recommendation of Dr. Natalie Geary, MD. Bitsy Birdie is featured in her October 23 "Dr. Geary Recommends" column for healthy resources. She especially likes the Green Toys Cookware and Dining set, "One of my favorites is the Green Toys Cookware and Dining set that provides your kids with a colorful set of cookware, plates, bowls, cups and utensils. Cooking toys are an important learning tool for children to learn about pouring and mixing, as well as pretend play . . . " To read the full review click here.

Bitsy Birdie in Cool Mom Picks Safer Toy Guide

Bitsy Birdie has been honored as one of the 2008 Cool Mom Picks Safer Toy Guide's featured toy sellers. We're absolutely giddy with glee, so we're offering you, our Bitsy Birdie blog readers, a special 10% discount. Use discount code "bbblog" at checkout through 11/15/08.

Treat Them Well - Ten Healthy Halloween Treats

A couple of years ago, mommy guilt overwhelmed me and I could no longer bear to pass out candy bars and gobstoppers to impressionable little ghouls and goblins on Halloween night. Two giant Costco packs of David Sunflower Seeds sat ready, and I steeled myself for being Halloween blacklisted by the neighborhood kids. Much to my surprise trick-or-treaters smiled and exclaimed "Sunflower Seeds!" as we dropped them into their bags.

Even kids dig healthy when it's done right.

If you're nervous about experimenting with healthy treats or just looking for some new ideas, here's a list of ten healthy Halloween treats to get you started:

1) Sunflower Seeds
2) Yogurt Covered Raisins
3) Banana Chips
4) Trail Mix
5) Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
6) Pretzels
7) Animal Crackers
8) Mini Flashlights
9) Mini Playing Cards
10)Mini Footballs

For the bonus round, keep a little cash in your pocket. The first Halloween after we bought our home, I ran out of candy. We didn't really know any of the parents in the neighborhood well and expected few, if any, trick-or-treaters. As I saw a great throng of witches and warlocks and ballerinas gathering at our front door, I realized the candy in our biggest bowl wouldn't make it through the round.

As I opened the door, they realized it too, and the bigger kids and teenagers pushed their way to the front. As they walked away with their candy bars, I reached into my pocket and handed each of the little trick-or-treaters left standing disappointed a dollar. I'll never forget seeing one of them running back to his parents yelling, "She's giving away dollars!"

Because You're Never Too Old to Have Fun

When I saw these Weplay toys at the spring toy show in Pomona, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. They didn't disappoint. They are as much fun to play with as they look.

The toy designer was at the show, and I got to speak directly with her. Her enthusiasm for the design of each toy was rivaled by her sheer joy at demonstrating them. As she explained them I realized they were meant for much more than just fun.

Weplay focuses on developing the whole child, the mind as well as the body by incorporating the principles of Tai Chi into their designs. Their developmental value is so great I almost hesitate to call them toys, but they are so much fun to play with, how could I not?

The Too Cute Kimono in Totally Eco-Chic

Made of buttery soft organic cotton in rich fall tones, the Kate Quinn Organics Kimono dress is one of our most popular items.

It's one of the pieces that sold me on carrying this line. The styling and colors are subtly sophisticated, and the cotton is so soft you'll want to snuggle up and sleep in it. Kate Quinn's designs have been featured as top picks in USA Today, Parents Magazine, Baby Couture, and more.

The company is located in Seattle, and Kate is real mom with real dedication to organic children's apparel and environmental awareness. Each garment is crafted with care in India from organic cotton.

There's lots of good Karma here.

Upcycling, Martha Stewart Style

Here's a great opporunity to earn double brownie points by doing something good for the environment and creating something adorable at the same time.

Martha's offering free templates online for turning those old sweaters into adorable little stuffed animals and ornaments. Patterns are complete with step-by-step instructions and simple enough to be hand-sewn.

To check out this eco-friendly craft idea at MarthaStewart.com, just click here.

Take A Ride In The Lovebug

When I saw this little hardwood beauty, I knew we had to have it. It's made in the USA by Holgate Toys. Easy rolling wheels and an easy-grip handle make it a great fit for toddlers' little hands. It's fuel efficient and built to last.

Find Your Conductor Hat, It's Time to Play!

When I saw this Plan Toys Railway Station Set, I couldn't wait for it to come in June. It's new this year and sure to please moms and kids alike. With Plan Toys' excellent safety history, innovative designs, and awards for educational design, this is a great option for parents looking to buy kids their first train set or looking to replace trains tainted with lead paint.

The railway station is a complete set and even stores in its own box that becomes a small bench seat! Great for making clean-up easy.

Supporting the Environment through Green Advertising

In our ongoing effort to walk the walk, as well as talking the talk, we're focusing our advertising efforts online and working with environmentally conscious partners. Bitsy Birdie is now a retail member of the Surfrider Foundation, is listed on OrganicLinker - The Organic & Eco Directory, and is running featured advertising on Cool Mom Picks.