The summer season has so much to offer:  backyard barbecues, swimming at the pool or lake, vacations at the beach...and SHOES!  I always look forward to shedding my bulky socks and shoes and pairing some adorable flats or sandals with the latest summer fashions.  I don't know what it is, but most every woman I know loves shoes, which means that finding a source for top-quality footwear that won't break the bank, is a must.

PlanetShoes.com not only offers a huge selection of stylish shoes, they also do so in an eco-friendly way.  You see, they are big fans of Mother Earth, but understand that everyone wants to look good too.  That's why they endeavor to bring you the best shoes, bags and other accessories in the most eco-conscious way possible: with a commitment to both their customers and the planet.  Keep reading to learn more!

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It seems that all small children have a favorite stuffed animal, soft toy or "lovey" of some kind.  These valuable companions usually go everywhere with your child: outside to play, at the table during meal times and definitely off to bed during nap time and bedtime.

The more cherished a toy is to a child, the dirtier it seems to get and the more delicate you must be when the toy needs cleaning.  Tossing it into the washer and dryer is definitely the easiest method of cleaning your children's toys, but being exposed to the inner parts of the washer and/or dryer can result in ripped and ruined toys.  :cry:

That's why I'm glad that there's Teddy Needs a Bath!, an eco-friendly, high-quality, 100% cotton washer and dryer bag that makes washing your child's toys, clothes and shoes super easy.  Keep reading to learn more!

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Summer is a season for fun in the sun, but because I live on the Gulf Coast, it's also a season for caution and keeping a wary eye on the seas.  I've lived my entire life in and around the Houston area, but here lately, hurricane season has been especially destructive and deadly.

Since virtually every area in the country is prone to one type of natural disaster or another (earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding), it's essential to be prepared in the case of an emergency.  This summer, I'm glad to know that my family will always have a ready power source with which to charge our portable electronics and cell phones, thanks to the Juicebar Multi-Device Pocket Solar Charger from CableOrganizer.com.

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Once again another annual celebration of all things green, Earth Day, has come and gone.  While many people offer advice on being kind to Mother Earth around this time, too many of these tips don't quite coincide with frugal lifestyles.  In an effort to dovetail these two purposes, here are 22 budget-friendly ways to go green and live more harmoniously with our planet.

1. Sign up for the "no solicitation" registry.

That way, you can avoid getting credit card offers and other ads which will reduce paper clutter and save trees.

2. Shop online to reduce your carbon footprint and save money.

According to a study by Carnegie Melon's Green Institute, shopping online reduced carbon emissions by 35 percent. The abundance of online coupons from such sites as FreeShipping.org makes this green practice a no-brainer.

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My mother sent me this amazing video clip and I'm surprised at just how much this story affected me.  I was enthralled and enraptured and in the end, had a huge smile on my face.  If you're looking for a feel-good story to brighten your day today, then by all means click play!

Now that the weather is warm and the grass is green, my family will undoubtedly be outside enjoying it.  You see, I have a rather outdoorsy kind of brood who can always be found riding bikes or taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Couple that with Riley's brand new kiddie pool in our backyard and the fact that our local swimming pool is opening this weekend and we'll really be soaking up the sun's rays.  Because my daughter and I are both very fair-skinned, we slather on the sunscreen whenever and wherever we get the chance.  Of course, have you ever wondered what you're REALLY putting on your skin when applying sunscreen?

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