Free Cards Winner - April Williams Photography - November and December Art Offerings!

It is with honor and pride that I announce that the Free Cards Friday winner this week (technically from last week) is April Williams, of April Williams Photograpy.

April and I have been friends since the tiny days of playing dolls - and that is a long time - we lost touch for awhile while we went off and set up our families and such, but are now thankfully re-connected.

She has become a talented and creative photographer and I am dying to introduce you to her work.

See the April Williams Photography portfolio here.

BOTH PHOTOGRAPHS: Copyright April Williams Photograhy. 2009

I'm thrilled that we both chose the creative path, and this photo to the left is my favorite - what I wouldn't give to have had my Daddy at my wedding...

Thank you for the inspiration, April, and thanks for keeping in touch.


Hey All!
I've got some new fun things planned!


NOVEMBER will be called the Month Of Giclees - with a new Limited Giclee Edition being introduced each Thursday.

Each week's release will be a surprise!

They will be introduced here on the blog http://www.paintingmotherhood.blogspot.com/

on my Facebook pages and into my Etsy Online Gift Shop As well as Twitter

above image: Spending Time - now proudly on display at The Uncommon Gift in Camas, Washington. Learn more about Spending Time.

DECEMBER will begin a new Mini Collection - I'm working out the numbers, but they will be larger than the 8x8s and once the original sells, I will make 8x8 prints available of the pieces - I know this will be a thrill to many, since there is ONLY ONE original!

I'm very excited and already working on ideas - there are only 9 originals left in the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection! Can you believe it!?

I will keep you abreast of changes and upcoming details.

Any feedback, ideas or comments are welcomed, have a wonderful day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Free Cards Friday - Grand Opening at The Uncommon Gift in Camas WA

Howdy - it's FREE CARDS FRIDAY! Comment on this posting and be in the running to receive FREE cards via mail. I will choose the winner and send the cards on Monday!

An update: Most of my brand new paintings are hanging, throughout September, at Sixth Street Gallery in Vancouver Washington http://www.sixthstreetgallery.com/.

Except the VERY newest piece Home and

You May Say I'm A Dreamer (also very new) are both hanging at The Uncommon Gift in Camas Washington - on 4th avenue.

Tonite, Friday September 25, is the Grand Opening of The Uncommon Gift from 5-8pm!

The shop also offers prints of my paintings, original art from a few local artists as well as creative and unique gift and home items from a variety of artists and locations. What a fun place to shop!

The Uncommon Gift is a gorgeous place and I'll be there for the opening in the late evening. I'd love to see you there!

Have a great day, and DON'T FORGET to comment - I'd love to send free cards to YOU!

You can always view current locations, prices and status of paintings on my Price List get there from the website http://www.kmberggren.com/ - if a painting is not shown on the Price List, that means it is no longer available.

Also, don't be afraid to ask about Layaway Options - if a piece moves you, you should have it - that's the way I feel - and I'd like to help you to own it.

Love &Sincerely, Katie

2 New 8x8 Paintings for this Brisk Fall Day!

Happy Fall!

Two New 8x8 Paintings have just been added to the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection - http://kmberggren.com/portfolio-85-85.htm

I can hardly believe there are only 9 left after these two!

Thankful Joy ~ This painting inspires me to feel thankful joy ~ brought on by a simple moment with not much to do.
My boys and I spent the afternoon, recently, beading necklaces and bracelets ~ my intricate mood led to the little flowers!

Simplicity ~ The connection between these two had me awe-inspired, as my son had just a couple days ago sat comfortably in my lap playing with my necklace.
My boys and I spent the afternoon, recently, beading necklaces and bracelets ~ my intricate mood led to the little flowers!

NOTE: I Snaffooed on last weeks email - so last week's paintings are also fresh and ready to go! Reconnect and Heart To Heart - find them all here http://kmberggren.com/portfolio-85-85.htm


I wish you an inspired day!

Don't forget that tomorrow is FREE Cards Friday on the blog - comment on tomorrow's post and be in the running to win! http://www.paintingmotherhood.blogspot.com/

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Priorities, Conquering Excuses & 3 Paintings in Process!

The below article, first posted in the Fine Art Views Daily Newsletter, rang true with me and so I requested permission to share it with you.

Time and time again I, as an artist and friend, hear similar statements from others whom I believe have an incredible talent to change the world.

NOTE: While reading, please substitute "art" for any passion or career-direction that suits you - photography, knitting, medicine, business...

Make Your Art a Priority
by Keith Bond

I enjoy swimming laps 2 to 3 times a week. When I first started, I was frustratingly slow and I needed many rests. It was almost embarrassing to have swimmers twice my age lap me over and over. Yet, I had made goals and over time I improved. I reached several milestones and would then set my sights on new goals. I won’t be winning any swim competitions any time soon, but I look back on where I started and I see tremendous improvement.

This past week, however, I have had a cold. Prior to my cold, I had a few conflicts which prevented me from swimming. So this morning was my first time swimming laps in a couple of weeks. I noticed a marked difference in my performance. I could not swim as far nor as quickly as I had just two weeks ago. Granted, I may still not be totally recovered from my bout with the little virus, but it is also true that when you stop exercising for a period of time, you lose ground. The longer the absence, the more is lost.

The same holds true with art.

Neglecting Your Art Results in Lost Ability

Perhaps you have devoted years to your art. Maybe it’s been only a few months. Don’t risk losing the progress you have made by neglecting your art for a period of time. You must continue to work at your art or you will lose it bit by bit. This is true of both the technical skills and creativity. You must work on both constantly, just like exercise.

Have a Productive Routine

Also, just like with physical exercise, the rate of improvement will depend upon your routine. Do you spend adequate time? Do you practice specific exercises to work on certain areas which need improvement? Do you have somewhere to do it? Is the set-up hindering your ability? Are you giving it your all? Do you push yourself? Or do you just dabble here and there once in a while?

Even When You Don’t Want To

Some mornings I didn’t want to swim because I wasn’t up to it or I didn’t feel like it. But when I made myself do it, I found that I got into it within a short time. Even if I didn’t get all the way into it, I felt better afterwords and it helped me maintain what I had worked so hard for.

Likewise, you may have those days when you just can’t find your muse or you just aren’t in the mood. But if you just make yourself do something, you will find that you will usually get into it and your creative juices will begin to flow. At least do something related to your art.

Conquer Your Excuses

There are many, many reasons why we put off doing things. Why do you neglect your art? What prevents you from getting into your studio? Identify what obstacles you have and then set up a plan to conquer them. If art is truly a priority in your life, you owe it to yourself to let it take its rightful place. Don’t use excuses. Conquer them. Rearrange your life to make art a more prominent part of it.

Make Time

If you truly want to make progress with your art; if you truly want to improve; you must set aside time to work on it. You must make those times productive. We could all use more time. But consider everything you do in the day. EVERYTHING. I’ll bet you could find things that occupy your time that aren’t as important to you as art. Some tasks you cannot remove from your to-do list right now. But many can be removed. Artist Scott Christensen wrote:

Don’t use [time] as an excuse! I really advanced as a painter when I was “distracted” by another job! I taught in a public school and coached two sports. Athletics took up most of my time on weekends and my family was very important to me, but I painted.

I want to take away your excuse by giving you one simple truth: we all have the same amount of time at our disposal. How we use that time is very important! (Note: I cut this quote out of a magazine several years ago. I wish I knew which magazine, so I could give proper credit. I want to say that it was International Artist, but I may be wrong.)

“Yes,” you say, “but my situation is different…” STOP! That is another excuse! Don’t use excuses. If art is truly important to you, you will find the time.

If everything else on your list is more important, then focus on them, not art. Either way, don’t use excuses! Yes, I am being blunt. Sometimes we need a kick in the behind. Sometimes we need to hear it like it is. Do you want to improve in your art? Do you want to maintain what you have worked years to achieve? Then make your art a priority.

-------------------------

This article originally appeared at the following URL:
http://clintwatson.net/blog/13673/Make-Your-Art-a-Priority

This article is reproduced with permission.
Copyright 2009 - Keith Bond

Learn More about Keith Bond at: http://keithbond.com/

Keith Bond's Blog: http://keithbond.com/blog

-------------------------

NOTE ABOUT IMAGES: The above images are process shots from paintings I am currently working on.

Painting EVERY DAY continues to be my vow - I have missed a couple days in the last couple years, but I do my very best. I'll be honored to show you these paintings (the second two are commissions) when they are complete - and probably somewhere in between!

See more motherhood-themed paintings in the online portfolio!

Have an inspired night - now GO DO WHAT YOU LOVE! Or make dinner, whichever comes first :)

Love & Sincerely,

Katie

A Busy Successful Monday - Available 8x8s - Free Cards Winner

Today is a busy Monday for me - but it has been successful, so far.



I've begun the week-long task of keeping track of everything I do, every minute of the day - as a way to track down my time-suckers.



I'm working through the SmARTist telesummit 2009 and the pre-work has asked me to identify my three main business concerns - one being Time Management.



For goodness sakes, I'm a mother of two with a job that could easily be full-time, a home to take care of... meals, cleaning, dishes, occupying little ones, laundry, vacuuming ... how could I not be excellent at time management? Just like my fellow mothers who are reading this. We are Truly Amazing - and don't let anyone (even yourself) tell you differently.



However, I sometimes feel, at the end of the day, that I didn't get enough done - or, most likely - I didn't get the right items done.




Thus, the minute by minute activity capture...

I'm crossing my fingers for some good epiphanies at the end of the week.

I've included here, there available 8x8 paintings from the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection - the series will run through October, and

November has something FUN in store for us all...

I have it planned and am wondering when I should let it leak.






Here's a clue: GICLEE (larger scale, high-quality, archival representations made from an original painting)


Here's a question: WHICH ONE? If you could get your hands on a giclee of ANY of my paintings (see the portfolio here) which one would it be?

I'd LOVE to have you COMMENT with your choice :)

I'll leak more later :)

The available 8x8s are, in order from top to bottom:


Heart to Heart,
Reconnect,
Tenderness,
Pieces of Me,
Embrace,
June, and
Point of View

learn more about the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection here


Two of these paintings, Reconnect and Heart to Heart, are available in the Etsy Shop under 8x8 Originals and the others are on display but very much available with a touch of notice.

I wish you an inspired and successful day!

Terri is the Free Cards Friday winner, THANK YOU ALL for playing!

Love and Sincerely,
Katie

Free Cards Friday - Home is complete!

NOTE: This counts as Friday's post because tomorrow morning I have to run out for a massage at the beautiful and relaxing Elements Day Spa and Salon, DARN!! :)

Now, on to business...

**********************************

The first cassette tape I owned was Billy Joel's - Innocent Man - I nearly wore it out.
I still have that tape and have ever since I was a little girl. It's beat up and dusty and I don't even own a cassette player!

Bily Joel's (older) music has always moved me and several seem to be written just for me. One in particluar (playing as I write this), "You're My Home" contains a message that speaks to my heart:

"... when you touch my weary head
and you tell me everything will be all right
You say use my body for your bed
and my love will keep you warm throughout the night

Well I'll never be a stranger
and I'll never be alone
wherever we're together
that's my home..."

Home is now hanging at The Uncommon Gift in Camas Washington (due to open to the public on Friday, September 25 - grand opening from 5-8pm that evening). What a luxurious environment, I'm honored to have my paintings hanging there.

Remember! Comment on this post (here or on Facebook ) and be in the running to win Free Cards!)

Have a lovely and inspired weekend,

Love & Sincerely, Katie

2 New 8x8 Paintings - New Art To Start The Day!

I hope you are expecting a beautiful Fall day!

Two New 8x8 Paintings have just been added to the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection - http://kmberggren.com/portfolio-85-85.htm

Heart To Heart (top) ~... Raw, earnest, yearning, pressing, provocative, emotive... read more: http://kmberggren.com/g235.htm



Reconnect ~...The idea of the fusing of two forms as a way of reconnecting after being apart for too long... read more: http://kmberggren.com/g234.htm


I wish you an inspired day!

Don't forget that tomorrow is FREE Cards Friday on the blog - comment on tomorrow's post and be in the running to win! http://www.paintingmotherhood.blogspot.com/

Love & Sincerely, Katie

You May Say I'm A Dreamer & Home

Just because a piece is hung doesn't necessarily mean it is completely done :) I reserve the right to add TLC to my paintings for as long as they are in my care :)

I picked up a painting from the beautiful gallery Love Art! Gallery in Portland Oregon last week, in order to prepare it for showing at The Uncommon Gift in Camas, Washington next week.


When I looked at the painting again after being away from it for several weeks, I realized that it needed some warming up!

Another afternoon in the studio with You May Say I'm A Dreamer (left) and it is now as warm and cozy and I intended it to be :)



A second painting, Home, is well underway in my studio right now (as my little one sleeps peacefully in my bed). Here are my thoughts behind this painting:

The first cassette tape I owned was Billy Joel's - Innocent Man - ah, I loved him. I still have that tape and have ever since I was a little girl. It's beat up and dusty and I don't even own a cassett player!

Bily Joel's (older) music has always moved me and several seem to be written just for me.

One in particluar (playing as I write this), "Your My Home" contains a message that speaks to my heart.

"... when you touch my weary head
and you tell me everything will be all right
You say use my body for your bed
and my love will keep you warm throughout the night

well I'll never be a stranger
and I'll never be alone
wherever we're together
that's my home..."

Home is based on a recent 8x8 titled Time In - Time In was actually a study for Home, and I realize there are also influences of Linger, an earlier painting, showing up here.

Lately, I have had some trouble with focusing on all that is required of me and have found myself falling back into multi-tasking, which I believe helps me to achieve half of a lot of tasks, versus completely fulfilling one or two.

I realize that I'm not keeping promises to myself as I should be - and I'm trying to change that - especially in regard to the actions that in my soul I know are best for me, like sleep!

Any other work at home mothers feeling the same?

Please have an inspired week, and a special thank you to Kristin, who is the Free Cards Friday winner from last week!

Love & Sincerely,
Katie

Procrastination & Free Cards Friday!

I have been needing to share this article with you - written by Stuart of Creativity Pro.

The Pyjama Time concept was created by Cindy Wider, author of Paint In Your Pyjamas!, and tutor with Drawspace.com

Procrastination - how to overcome it

Life is so busy. There are so many distractions. So many things to keep your eye off the ball. It’s almost a full time job being an administrator of your own life.
Everybody has their hand out wanting money. Bills keep coming in. Friends demand to be Facebooked, MSN’ed, Twittered.

Then there’s the quality time that you must spend with your nearest and dearest. Not to mention if you also have a job to help keep the bread and butter on the table. HDTV’s and Iphones all tempt you to fritter away time, and if you’ve got kids (like me) you could go seriously bananas with all the possible myriads of distractions.

At the back of your mind though is the nagging thought that you must do something towards your life purpose, your grand dream, your big goal, the thing that you dream of doing above all other things. If you’re not careful you’ll start to beat yourself up over not doing the things you need to do to work on that too.

What can we do? What should we do?

For me the answer comes packaged in two short phrases:

“Pyjama Time” (or Pajama time if you prefer the US spelling)

and “Just show up at the table”

These phrases were coined by my Wife, Cindy Wider, when she wrote her book “Paint In Your Pyjamas”.

Often, when it comes to our big dreams and aspirations we think that we need to set aside big blocks of time to achieve them. We promise ourselves that one day we will reserve some uninterrupted time to work on them. The trouble is those big blocks of time never come. Life stays busy.

Pyjama Time refers to the small blocks of time that we have in our day to day lives that, if left unattended, can be just frittered away on other unimportant things. In a super busy life the trick is to be ready to recognise and grab these bits of time, and use them to progress on whatever goal we have in mind. These blocks of time might actually be when you are in your pyjamas (for instance, first thing in the morning before the rest of the family is awake) or during the day when you have a spare 5 minutes here or there, minutes that otherwise might be wasted by zoning out in front of the TV or picking up a trashy magazine.


note from Katie: this concept REALLY works for me, although I didn't have a name for it until I read Stuart's article...


To use your pyjama time effectively you need to set yourself up so that no matter where you are or what you are doing, if you spot some pyjama time, you are ready to use it effectively towards your big goal. The idea is that over an extended period of time all these little pyjama time moments add up until eventually you reach your goal.

The phrase ‘just show up at the table’ encourages me to do something towards my goal even when I have no idea how to achieve it or I am completely uninspired to do anything. For instance this morning I had no idea what I was going to write about, but that did not deter me from just showing up at the table (ie sitting down at my desk) knowing that the very act of doing so would make something happen, even if I did not know what that something was.

So if you’ve been promising yourself that you really should get on with creating some new artworks for that exhibition you’ve dreamed of, then why not try using your pyjama time and just show up at the table!

Eventually all those little pyjama time moments will add up and you’ll find yourself at your own glittering art exhibition opening night. Surely that’s worth turning off the telly for (or whatever it is that you spend small spare moments doing right now).

That reminds me of an old Johnny Cash song that my parents used to play. “I took it one piece at a time, and it didn’t cost me a dime..”, referring of course to an entire Cadillac car that (in the song) was built by stealing one little piece at a time over a number of years.


note from Katie: as you know, Johnny Cash is one of my all-time favorites :)


Go on, steal some pyjama time for yourself, and just show up at the table. Off you go now. You’re wasting valuable pyjama time by reading this article any further!

**********************

Thank you, Stuart and Cindy! I love these concepts and I think about them frequently - if it weren't for those quick stolen moments between other activities and before the day has started, I would NOT be where I am right now :)

Remember, today is Free Cards Friday! Comment on this post, here or on Facebook and be in the running to receive Free Cards via mail.

Have a wonderful and inspired weekend!

top image: Point of View - an available 8x8 - learn more here about the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

2 New 8x8s Have Been Released, Happy Fall!

Happy Thursday morning!

I love Fall. Fresh, crisp, windy ~ gold and yellow... I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Fall morning.


Two New (each with two children!) 8x8 Paintings have just been added to the - 85 8x8s for $85 Collection


Time In ~... how can a time-out work without plenty of time in? read more

Like Minded ~... when we become a united, loving front; sharing in the joy and discipline, our children feel secure.... read more


Learn more about the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection


I wish you an inspired day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie











360.261.0874

see new paintings at http://www.kmberggren.com/

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Setting Boundaries - The Studio is Open... or Closed?

When we moved into our new house in late June, I was stoked that I would have a studio with, among other wonderful features, doors that close… !

I mentioned this more than once while chatting with collectors, friends and fellow artists – it seemed most people thought that my excitement about the doors stemmed from the fact that I had an urge to go inside and close the doors – sending a signal that “mommy is working, leave me be!”

It’s amazing how many times I heard that idea stated to me when I raved about my closing doors. However, the real reason I am excited about my lovely studio with closing doors is for the blessing of being able to CLOSE my office – CLOSE my studio, CLOSE my option to work!


No urge to lock others out of the studio (as a matter of fact, I love to work while my children bumble in and out), but to lock ME out of the studio!



I find one of the hardest parts of working at home is the “obviousness” of how much work needs to be done – you can never escape it. Every time you walk past your work area you are reminded of that email you need to send, that painting that needs photographing, that composition that needs ‘just a little something more’.


I have always struggled with the ability to set boundaries for myself – and I have been self-employed and working from a home office for

almost seven years.


That is seven years of work, work, work (more so, of course, before the kids were born).


“Sure I’ll make dinner, just let me quickly list this on Etsy.”

“Sure I’ll read you that book, I’m going to just real quick check my email.”

“Yes, I’m coming! I just need to upload these pages to my website!”


Now, I’m not saying that this is necessarily (always) a bad thing – I am proud of the way I am able to use my time without procrastinating or wasting much of it (see an upcoming post about Procrastination, coming soon).


BUT… My personal life does pay.


So, one of my first purchases when we moved into our new house was going to be an “OPEN/CLOSED” sign for the studio – something I could set to tell MYSELF when I could and could NOT enter the work space.


That was the real reason I was ecstatic about having a studio with doors.


Last weekend, my son and I decided to play with Sculpey (wonderful sculpting medium by the way) and I made my sign!

It was fun and he enjoyed taking photos of the process. I crafted the letters from Sculpey, baked them, painted them, mounted them to a painted board and glued on a ribbon. Simple as that.

I’m happy with my sign, and happy to say that it IS helping me to set my boundaries. If I develop a respect for this little sign from the start, then I know that I will become more disciplined, thus more efficient.


RIGHT? :)


How are you setting boundaries in your work/family life? Do your kids/husband frequently take a back seat to that juicy contact you met today? Does dinner burn while you are quickly sending a promo email (my hand is up)? Do you feel like your studio/office/craft area/workspace OWNS you?


It’s time to set some boundaries – work will always be there. I say this as a reminder to myself, as well.

Today, I closed my studio for the whole morning, which turned into the whole day! I just played with my three-year-old while his brother was at his first day of Kindergarten - until something pressing (in the studio) kept me from making dinner on-time!


Have a relaxing evening and REMEMBER! TWO NEW 8x8s are coming tomorrow morning!

Love & Sincerely,

Katie

Sixth Street Gallery Opening Reception

The opening reception at Sixth Street Gallery took place last night and was a packed house! Thank you to all who came and browsed, visited and took home artwork.

I look forward to the next show!

I enjoyed showing with Angelina Marino and Joel Heidel, whose work is full of joyful and thought-provoking movement. learn more about the work of Marino & Heidel

Thank you, also, to Jen Deale who livened up the show with her talented voice and lovely music ~ I like this blurry photo of Jen at work:

Jen is also a mother of 2, and I like that shared connection.

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.
~Mildred B. Vermont

This weekend, my goal is to spend more time reading and playing with my boys, more time walking and chatting, more time baking and resting - and some time each day painting and getting work done :)

Have an inspired weekend (long, I hope)

Thank You.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

EVENT TONITE! Hand Me Down, Free Cards Friday

The process of Hand Me Down, completed in July of 2008,

then re-completed in September 2009!

Hand Me Down, Completed September 3, 2009 (reworked from a 2008 painting)

Currently on display at Sixth Street Gallery, Vancouver, WA

http://www.sixthstreetgallery.com/

EVENT TONITE!

Sixth Street Gallery Featured Artist Showing 5-9pm

Vancouver, Washington

Featuring live music by Jen Deale, Hors d'oeuvres, and more!
I will have several brand new originals, Art Charms, and prints available

Also showing tonite - sculptures and paintings by Marino & Heidel

“Cirque” explores gymnastic movements flavored with acrobatic elements derived from Marino and Heidel’s study of the Chinese circus. An incredible collaborative effort from conception to completion, the direct metal sculptures of Marino and Heidel are formed from sheet metal to create three-dimensional works, finished with paint and patina. By combining the surprising angles possible from utilizing thin gauged metal and the varied yet subtlety colored surfaces, elements of the work appear suspended.

copyright 2009. Marino & Heidel
learn more at the website of Marino & Heidel

Have a great day!
Love & Sincerely, Katie

Remember ~ Today is Free Cards Friday! Comment on this post and be entered to win!

2 New 8x8 Paintings - Tomorrow's Event!

Painting everyday continues to be my vow - and these daily sessions are now more important to me than ever before... while the family sleeps, Mommy renews, like most mothers I know, in one way or another...

Two New 8x8 Paintings have just been added to the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection - http://kmberggren.com/portfolio-85-85.htm

-Memory ~ ... It seems not so long ago we held them with our whole entire bodies...

-Justify ~ ... The plan to do less and be more, to spend more time enjoying the giggles, the freedom, freshness and innocence...
read more: http://kmberggren.com/portfolio-85-85.htm

UPCOMING EVENT! TOMORROW NIGHT!

Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 5-9pm Vancouver, Washington. Featuring live music by Jen Deale, Wine, Hors d'oeuvres, and more! Sixth Street Gallery Featured Artist Showing

For the Mommies out there:

I am a first-time school Mama now (my son started Kindergarten yesterday) and now I find myself with new things to throw my energies at. For one thing, I began wondering about the plastic lunch containers that live in the cupboard... what are they made of and are they contaminating my son's little sandwich while it waits for him to enjoy it? Eeeewww.

I have been researching late into the evenings (okay, into the wee hours of the morning) the last several nights and here are the some options I have come up with:

KidsKonserve offers a set of nesting stainless steel bowls but my concern is whether or not my five year old will be able to open them on his own (without sending the contents across the table and floor!) at school. They also offer reusable cozies for wrapping sandwiches, cookies, carrot sticks, etc. as well as stainless steel thermoses.

CitizenPip offers muck-free plastic containers (which was my first choice, til I wondered about the chances of the plastic later being deemed unhealthy) as well as stainless steel water bottles.

At this point, I have purchased a few Wrap and Mats from GetNGreen.com for the fact that not only will they be easy to open and easy to clean and reuse, but my little boy will also have a little built-in placemat for the cafeteria table, since I am certain he will be setting his food directly on the table! There is a volume discount at GetNGreen, so I purchased four.

I'm still looking for additional options, but I feel as though I have taken one step in the right direction. I now, also, have many 100% cotton napkins so that we can reduce waste in that aspect, too.

The trick now will be to convince him to not throw these things away at lunchtime, but to pack everything back into his GI-Joe lunchbox and bring it home to me :)

About 9 months ago I purchased 4 Kanteens from Kleen Kanteen, and though they were spendy, that was some of the best money I have ever spent. With our Multi-Pure water filter, I feel 100% confident in the quality of water my family is drinking!

Comment with any brilliant ideas that you have had, let's share them :)

I wish you an inspired day.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

360.261.0874 - see new paintings at http://www.kmberggren.com
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