Darling handmade Baby Sweaters at unbelievable prices!

Mtoto means child in Swahili. Fabulous  hand-knit children's wear from Kenya. Its more than a sweater, it's a story.

Toto Knits is a collection of hand-made creations for babies and children. Each piece is hand-knitted with love and a sense of fun and is made to last! Our inspiration comes from our surroundings here in the African bush and of course, the totos who wear them.

We are organic! We are now using super soft organic cotton from Uganda, spun here in Nairobi and using bio friendly dyes.

Our products are ethically produced in Kenya by a group of local artisans. The cotton is locally grown and spun, and the wool is hand-spun and dyed. Toto Knits provides an opportunity for Kenyan women to gain financial independence while learning new skills and working in a flexible way which fits around their commitments to their families.

Please visit this amazing site and support these women! 

http://www.totoknits.com

California's beloved sea otters in mysterious population decline

Southern sea otters, among the furriest and most beloved critters in the animal kingdom, have declined in number for the second year in a row, according to scientists who are trying to pinpoint possible causes.

Once hunted to the brink of extinction and currently listed federally as a threatened species, the charismatic otters often seen frolicking off Central California have dwindled to just 2,711 animals.

That figure, based on counts made by the U.S. Geological Survey, represents a 3.6% drop from the 2009 estimate. More alarming, scientists say the number of otter pups has decreased by 11%.

Additionally, their geographic range -- about 200 miles from Pigeon Point to Gaviota State Park -- appears to be shrinking at both ends.

"We have seen a decrease in sea otter numbers throughout most of their range, particularly in those areas where most of their reproduction occurs, while pup counts have dropped to 2003 levels," Tim Tinker, a scientist for the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, said in a news release. READ MORE . . .

by Pete Thomas, GRINDTV.com

One Scrappy Mom is a friend of JILLY jellybug

Meet Jilly!

[ 7 ]July 27, 2010 | One Scrappy Mom

I want to introduce you to quite possibly the CUTEST little critter you’ve ever seen! Meet Jilly Jellybug. Jilly was created with an idea and doodle from her creator Kathleen. She was given a home on the web. Only her story is so much deeper. See she’s on a few little missions. One of these mission is to help save rain forests. We all know that rain forests are a very important part of the environment. They do so many things for the world. They are also becoming rare. A percentage of all Jilly jellybug sales goes towards rainforest and gorilla conservation! You can help make a difference with your purchase.

Jilly Jellybug is only ONE of the neat designs available! It also comes in her friends Gracie glowworm, Pavel Pollywog and Gamba gorilla. The characters are so unique, I fell in love with them the first time I saw them. My daughter did too. She is always wearing her Jilly Jellybug shirt. I love the bright colors and it’s very appealing to the eyes. The applique is on the shirt very well and even though it has been washed 6 thousand million times times, it’s still as bright and fresh as the first time she wore it! The shirts are made from a nice soft breathable cotton. The shirts are pretty good size and I didn’t notice any shrinking, so if there was it was much to minimal to notice. The story captivated my heart and I am honored to be able to have a Jilly Jellybug in my home!!

Sea Turtles Displaced by Gulf Oil Spill Return to Sea, thanks to Sea World Orlando

On July 8, SeaWorld Orlando released five Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles – displaced by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico – into Gullivan Key near Marco Island, Fla. This particular body of water is popular habit for these endangered reptiles.

SeaWorld aquarists and veterinarians provided care for the reptilian refugees since their June 25, from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) in Gulfport, Miss. the animals were being treated for injuries related to fishing hook sand line but need to make room for the possible arrival of animals with oil-related injuries. SeaWorld is one of the few organizations with the expertise to tend to Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles.

Unique Handbag of Recycled Ties

These beautiful and amazing handsfree bags are made by Dorothy Lewis of Grace is Enough. They are designed to be worn across the body, freeing both hands. The tie concept bag is designed for those of us that love style, sustainability, function and uniqueness. the repurposed (and sometimes vintage) nectie is used for a strap and the bag features a small pocket on the front, perfect for your cell phone. Fully lined, reclaimed zipper closure. Please visit World of Good to order yours! The cost is $35.00, with $7.00 for shipping. This purchase supports education/training and marginalized ethnic groups.

Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project

The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) is committed to creating a safer and healthier life for impoverished children and communities of South Africa, and other African nations, with a particular focus on individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Born from a partnership between Academy Award-winning actress and native South African, Charlize Theron, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), CTAOP supports organizations that understand the importance of collaboration and responding to real community needs. Partner organizations use innovative thinking and action to create and implement programs that address immediate needs and promote self-sustainability, growth and responsibility.

Please visit the site and support this organization!

Buy a Pair of Shoes and a pair is donated to a child in need!

One for One

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.