I think the Environmental Working Group (EWG) read my mind! I LOVE the cosmetics database and access it a couple of times a week to check out beauty/bath/sunscreen products. I always wished they had a cleaning product database to round off my toxin reseach. My life would be complete! (Okay, I admit it, I'm a nerd....)
Well, guess what? The EWG has announced that a Cleaning Product Database is in the works!! (I wonder if I should make a cake to celebrate the occasion....).
EWG writes:
"The first edition of the EWG Cleaners Database is due for release in fall 2012. Already, our research has turned up products loaded with extremely toxic compounds banned in some countries. Some of their ingredients are known to cause cancer, blindness, asthma and other serious conditions. Others are greenwashed, meaning that they are not, as their ad hype claims, environmentally benign. Still more hide the facts about their formulations behind vague terms like "fragrance.""
Click here for a sneak peak at the site.
Want more? Here's a snipet from their famous "Hall of Shame" - some of the worst offenders in the cleaning product industry.
In the meantime, I'll be planning a personal launch party. What do you think? Potluck or catering?
Ready for the labor of love? Pregnancy is an extraordinary time filled with love, laughs and well, labor. Here we will discuss the bump, celebrate the birth and welcome motherhood. You may find moments of clarity, moments of insanity, heart-felt discussions, love, compassion and oh yes, loads of advice.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Hatch in the News!!!!
Jennifer Borget from YNN, Time Warner's 24 hour news station is interested in doing a story on baby planners for her segment "Growing Up Texas." What? Pitter patter my heart! Being on TV is not my idea of fun, but an experience I don't want to miss.
The two weeks leading up to the interview were torture. What will I say? Will we be able to get our message across? What do I wear? Two weeks of worry. Two weeks of planning.
Jennifer arrives at Alisa's house alone. She is camera person and interviewer. She is super sweet and makes us feel comfortable. Thoughts race through my head. First and foremost, stop sweating!! Jennifer is ready and I am first! Yikes! I run to the bathroom for a powder check. Stop sweating. Don't ramble! I know I ramble!
Camera on, camera ready. The questions begin and I talk and talk and talk and talk. My passion for this business came overflowing out of my brain, out of my mouth, out of my heart and out of my sweat glands. Done! Finite! That was easy. Alisa's turn. What a pro! So poised. I want a re-do!
Then more waiting. We would be on the air in two weeks. Another two weeks of waiting and worrying. What's done is done I suppose and I trusted that Jennifer would do us up good!
Viola! The finished product. Go Hatch Baby Planners! Bring on the mommies!
You may have heard of wedding planning or financial planning, but now, expectant parents can hire a planner.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO!!
http://austin.ynn.com/content/living/growing_up_texas/283713/growing-up-texas--planning-for-your-newest-addition
The two weeks leading up to the interview were torture. What will I say? Will we be able to get our message across? What do I wear? Two weeks of worry. Two weeks of planning.
Jennifer arrives at Alisa's house alone. She is camera person and interviewer. She is super sweet and makes us feel comfortable. Thoughts race through my head. First and foremost, stop sweating!! Jennifer is ready and I am first! Yikes! I run to the bathroom for a powder check. Stop sweating. Don't ramble! I know I ramble!
Camera on, camera ready. The questions begin and I talk and talk and talk and talk. My passion for this business came overflowing out of my brain, out of my mouth, out of my heart and out of my sweat glands. Done! Finite! That was easy. Alisa's turn. What a pro! So poised. I want a re-do!
Then more waiting. We would be on the air in two weeks. Another two weeks of waiting and worrying. What's done is done I suppose and I trusted that Jennifer would do us up good!
Viola! The finished product. Go Hatch Baby Planners! Bring on the mommies!
Growing Up Texas: Planning for your newest addition
You may have heard of wedding planning or financial planning, but now, expectant parents can hire a planner.
It’s a growing trend, helping new parents through the trials and changes of having a baby. Those in the baby planning industry say it's quite different from any other type of planning.
"Baby planners help expecting parents get ready for their baby," Hatch Baby Planners Co-Founder Nicole Rinaldo said. "It's completely different than having a baby, preparing you for your whole life. It's an amazing experience, something that's going to completely change your life."
From helping parents find specific doctors or midwives to home baby-proofing and sending out baby announcements, planners can take care of some of the things you don't want to, so you have more time to for the things you enjoy.
"You do not have to spend every weekend up at the baby store examining everything then still coming out frustrated. We can go in and say 'Ok, you need this kind of stroller? Here's four, take a look at those and let us know what you think,'" Hatch Baby Planners Co-Founder Alisa Copeland said.
Gear is constantly changing, along with national standards and regulations, and it’s a baby planner's job to know the difference and tell you about it.
"There are a lot of parents out there who work up until the baby is born and they do not do anything. We're for the people who really just don't have the time to invest," Copeland said. "We're not for everybody, but for the ones who need us, we're there from beginning to end."
From the clueless to the carefree, it's a service that could help relieve some of the new pressures of parenthood.
A baby planner can also help a mom who is on bed rest during her pregnancy. They can cost anywhere from $50-$150 an hour depending on the service. In many cases, the planning can continue to the child's first birthday party or beyond.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO!!
http://austin.ynn.com/content/living/growing_up_texas/283713/growing-up-texas--planning-for-your-newest-addition
Friday, February 17, 2012
Milk and Honey Wash
Did you know that 70% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body? I've decided to take a step-by-step approach to replacing all of my toxic beauty products. The most recent change was with my facial products. I replaced my face soap with a milk & honey wash, and my face lotion with 100% jojoba oil. My skin feels so soft and looks so healthy!
Jojoba oil can be purchased at Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, or Central Market. To reduce the chance of contaminating the oil and having it spoil, it’s best to purchase a separate glass container to use for dispensing. Get a bottle that has a medicine dropper. Sterilize the bottle in boiling water prior to using. You can then squeeze out a few drops at a time. A little goes a long way! It also works fabulously for removing eye make-up.
Milk and honey wash:
1 tsp. honey (organic is best)
1 tbsp. milk
Mix together and you’re set to go! Prepare fresh for each use.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Your nursery may be cute and sweet, but is it healthy?
Your nursery may be cute and sweet, but is it healthy?
Ready to build that beautiful new nursery for your baby? There’s a little more to it these days than which motif to choose. Over the last several years, there has been a growing awareness of toxins in our environment. This applies to your new nursery as well. You want to think everything is safe when you buy it from your favorite baby store, but just because it is on the shelf, does not mean it’s safe. The government does not regulate many of the toxins that manufacturers use. So it is up to the consumer to be aware and beware!
“As long as your not eating off it, it should be fine.” I’ve heard this statement and this is far from the truth. Did you know that the air in our homes is often far more polluted than the air outside? The products we buy contribute to the air quality in our homes. Some items actually emit the toxins they are made from into our air and sometimes you can actually smell it. Think of fresh paint, something plastic you just opened or a new piece of furniture. Sometimes its not so easy to smell but it’s there.
Good Morning America recently did an investigation where they tested the air of a newly painted, furnished nursery. What did they find? Are you sitting down? The air in the nursery contained 300 different chemicals. Outside of that same home they found only 2 chemicals. The crib mattress itself contained more than 100 chemicals. Can you imagine putting your baby down on that? You can read about the study here: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/the-indoor-pollution-threat-you-may-not-have-known-existed/
The laws are not there yet to protect us, to protect our children. There are some wonderful groups who are working to change that, but for now its about information and action. This may seem overwhelming, especially when all you want to do is get ready for that new little life.
There are many steps you can take and many products out there to consider. Thankfully the word is getting out and manufacturers are responding.
California has responded to this crisis with new regulations. One way to shop is by checking to see if the item meets the California standards. There are great new paints that emit low to no volatile chemicals. There are now flooring options that are safer. In furniture look for real woods and make sure you check how it stained or painted. At the very least, you must air out that room before baby comes home.
Please take the time to learn about every item you put in your new nursery or call us. I will do that for you. A cute and sweet nursery - a plus, but a healthy nursery - a necessity!!
Ready to build that beautiful new nursery for your baby? There’s a little more to it these days than which motif to choose. Over the last several years, there has been a growing awareness of toxins in our environment. This applies to your new nursery as well. You want to think everything is safe when you buy it from your favorite baby store, but just because it is on the shelf, does not mean it’s safe. The government does not regulate many of the toxins that manufacturers use. So it is up to the consumer to be aware and beware!
“As long as your not eating off it, it should be fine.” I’ve heard this statement and this is far from the truth. Did you know that the air in our homes is often far more polluted than the air outside? The products we buy contribute to the air quality in our homes. Some items actually emit the toxins they are made from into our air and sometimes you can actually smell it. Think of fresh paint, something plastic you just opened or a new piece of furniture. Sometimes its not so easy to smell but it’s there.
Good Morning America recently did an investigation where they tested the air of a newly painted, furnished nursery. What did they find? Are you sitting down? The air in the nursery contained 300 different chemicals. Outside of that same home they found only 2 chemicals. The crib mattress itself contained more than 100 chemicals. Can you imagine putting your baby down on that? You can read about the study here: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/the-indoor-pollution-threat-you-may-not-have-known-existed/
The laws are not there yet to protect us, to protect our children. There are some wonderful groups who are working to change that, but for now its about information and action. This may seem overwhelming, especially when all you want to do is get ready for that new little life.
There are many steps you can take and many products out there to consider. Thankfully the word is getting out and manufacturers are responding.
California has responded to this crisis with new regulations. One way to shop is by checking to see if the item meets the California standards. There are great new paints that emit low to no volatile chemicals. There are now flooring options that are safer. In furniture look for real woods and make sure you check how it stained or painted. At the very least, you must air out that room before baby comes home.
Please take the time to learn about every item you put in your new nursery or call us. I will do that for you. A cute and sweet nursery - a plus, but a healthy nursery - a necessity!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Win Baby Planning Services!!
Win Baby Planning Services! We are taking nominations for any first time parent one who wants the assistance of a Baby Planner during their pregnancy. Consulting services will be provided free of charge, minus the cost of any supplies. The winner will receive a customized package based upon their needs. See our website for list of consulting services. Nominations will be accepted until midnight, February 12, 2012 and a winner will be announced Valentine's day, February 14, 2012. Nominate a friend, a loved one, or yourself! Just send us an email at hatchbabyplanners@gmail.com with your name, your nominee's name and due date, with an explanation of why they could benefit from our assistance.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Gender reveal party!!
Oh how I wish I had known about this when I was pregnant. A party to reveal the gender of your baby, how fun is that? Not only do your guests not know the gender of your baby, but neither do you. This secret information comes from your doctor to us. Then we get to planning!
Your party gets underway. Your guests are arriving. The women are ooing and cooing over the bump. The men are giving their congratulatory handshakes and pats on the back. Everyone is snacking on baby sized portions of food. All the moms in the group are sure they know the gender of your baby by the way you are carrying that bundle in your tummy. All the fathers are telling the dad-to-be how his life is about to change. The old pro parents are dramatically sharing war stories and triumphs. "Five days straight with no sleep? Ah that's nothing. I had been up 10 days straight, when...." And then, just as everyone is relaxing and enjoying the time with your friends and family, an announcement is made. "Everyone come hither! For now tis the time for the big celebratory climax." Everyone gathers around the cake table. Whispers and giggles flutter about the room. Grandma Jane gives a knowing nod as Grampa Joe's chuckle fills the room. Aunt Sally smiles widely. Your best friends Carry and Mark hold each other lovingly. Your mom gives you a hug. You take your knife in your hand and your spouse places his hand lovingly on top. Slowly it slips into the white, creamy, frosting and through the letter "B" on downward into the cake. The sugary smell of decadence fills the air. Out comes the knife with tiny crumbles of cake clinging to its blade. What do you see? Is it pretty, perfect pink? Or is it beautiful, bold blue? Wait..... do I see a crumble of pink and a crumble of blue? Twins?......... who knew?
We did!!!!! And now so do you!
Your party gets underway. Your guests are arriving. The women are ooing and cooing over the bump. The men are giving their congratulatory handshakes and pats on the back. Everyone is snacking on baby sized portions of food. All the moms in the group are sure they know the gender of your baby by the way you are carrying that bundle in your tummy. All the fathers are telling the dad-to-be how his life is about to change. The old pro parents are dramatically sharing war stories and triumphs. "Five days straight with no sleep? Ah that's nothing. I had been up 10 days straight, when...." And then, just as everyone is relaxing and enjoying the time with your friends and family, an announcement is made. "Everyone come hither! For now tis the time for the big celebratory climax." Everyone gathers around the cake table. Whispers and giggles flutter about the room. Grandma Jane gives a knowing nod as Grampa Joe's chuckle fills the room. Aunt Sally smiles widely. Your best friends Carry and Mark hold each other lovingly. Your mom gives you a hug. You take your knife in your hand and your spouse places his hand lovingly on top. Slowly it slips into the white, creamy, frosting and through the letter "B" on downward into the cake. The sugary smell of decadence fills the air. Out comes the knife with tiny crumbles of cake clinging to its blade. What do you see? Is it pretty, perfect pink? Or is it beautiful, bold blue? Wait..... do I see a crumble of pink and a crumble of blue? Twins?......... who knew?
We did!!!!! And now so do you!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Our baby is coming along!
Alisa and Nicole are expecting!! We are about to Hatch! This, our 7th month, has been full of progress. We are nervous, but expect opening ceremonies to be very soon, oh I mean birthing ceremonies.
Have a great name for our cute little Logo guy/girl? Comment below.
Have a great name for our cute little Logo guy/girl? Comment below.
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