Back to school is a crazy time of year. Going from carefree summer schedules to the structure of school schedules can be tough on the whole family. But one thing we do love about this time of year is the motivation to get organized (and hopefully keep it that way). Here are 8 tips to help you get organized before school starts.
1. Shop smarter, not harder. Get your school supplies early. Don't find yourself running around at the last minute. Target has thousands of school supply lists right on their website, so you can shop online, have it shipped right to your door. Done, and done!
2. Get the right gear. Choose items that make your life easier. Little Green Pouches and bento-style lunch boxes like Easy Lunchboxes, allow let you prep a week's worth of lunches at one time.
3. Set up an easy to follow morning routine. A morning routine makes everyone's life easier because the entire family knows what to expect. Put the power in your kids' hands and give them the confidence to complete their morning routine on their own. We love using a clock with simple prompts so kids know when different tasks should be completed in order to get out the door on time. Or use visual prompts with fun magnets that show what tasks need to be done.
4. Practice, practice, practice. The week before school starts, begin practicing the morning routine. Get up at same time you will have to for school, and practice getting out the door on time. To make it easier on everyone, go somewhere fun like out to breakfast or to the park to celebrate a successful practice.
5. Meal prep. Did you know you can make PB&J sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them? Throw them in your kid's lunch box in the morning and it will be thawed by lunch. Same goes for smoothies - you can freeze them right in your Little Green Pouches. For busy nights, spend some time to stock your freezer with ready to cook meals like enchiladas, lasagna, and crock pot dump meals.
6. Take the pain out of getting dressed. Lay out a week's worth of outfits so they are ready to go. This idea from Krazy Koupon Lady is so cute.
7. Set up a homework station. Get your kids excited about doing homework by creating a special spot just for homework with all the supplies they will need (this will also help keep them from getting up 100 times because they need something).
8. A place for everything and everything in its place. Prevent the school morning scramble by having everything in its place so nothing gets forgotten. Forms, homework, backpacks, lunchboxes—have a designated spot for it all.
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Use our 3.4 oz. or 7oz. reusable food pouches for filling, storing and eating these great recipes.
Happy cooking! Want more Real Food recipes? Check out our favorites.
]]>Homemade Almond Milk
Recipe adapted from TheKitchn
2 cups organic raw almonds
4 cups water
Optional
Vanilla, honey, agave syrup for flavoring and sweeteners
Makes about 4 cups almond milk.
]]>We use these lists to decide what to buy organic, and what we can buy conventional in order to save money. Without further ado, here is the list. You can download it here, too.
]]>1. Frida Baby Bitty Bundle: You guys. Everything from FridaBaby has been a lifesaver. I recommend the Windi and NoseFrida to every mom I know. And give a pack of Windis to everyone for their shower. It is the only thing that truly worked in those early months when baby was extra gassy. This may not seem like an "exciting" gift, but I promise mom will thank you every time it saves her sanity and means she gets a little extra sleep. This kit is packaged cute and includes the NoseFrida, Windi, NailFrida and Fridet the MomWasher (a hospital bag must-have!).
2. First Foods Starter Kit: I started thinking about homemade baby food before my son was even born. I would have loved to be prepared with everything I needed to get started.
3. Honest Company Healing Balm: We use this for everything from chapped lips to diaper rash.
4. Oribel Portaplay: Most expectant moms register for things they will need in the first few months. But what about after baby is 6 months old? I always recommend that moms remember to register for a handful of products they will need later in baby's first year. We love this activity center because it truly grows with baby and can be used in many different ways.
5. Meal Delivery Subscription: This is a great gift that new parents will appreciate in the early weeks when they barely have time to shower, let alone decide what's for dinner and go to the grocery store. This is especially nice if you live far away from the parents and can't bring a meal over in person.
6. Cate and Levi Stuffed Animal: These stuffed animals are one of a kind, handcrafted from Premium Reclaimed Wool.
7. Luxurious Robe & PJ Set: Think about mom, not just baby. Mom will love having a cute, comfortable new "outfit" to wear after baby's arrival.
8. Cleaning Service or a Roomba: This would be a great group gift. Give mom the gift of a clean house by purchasing a gift certificate for a local cleaning service. She will appreciate having one less thing on her mind and having a clean house. Or, give her a Roomba - the gift that keeps on giving (and cleaning).
9. Photo Printing Gift Card: Make it easy when it's time to print some of those adorable baby photos.
10. Monkey Mat: So versatile. Perfect for the park, beach, airport, or even at home. Another one parents will appreciate down the road.
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Want to make an effort to be more eco-friendly in 2017? Me, too! But where do you start? What is realistic for you and your family? Here are some ideas.
Going green doesn't have to be all or nothing, and it doesn't have to mean completely changing your lifestyle. Every little bit helps, and we want to help you get started with 6 resolutions you can make in 2017 that will make an impact.
What are your New Years Resolutions?
]]>Coconut Cream Frosting (dairy free, gluten free)
2 cans coconut cream (not coconut milk)
1/3 cup sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, powdered sugar)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
1. Chill coconut cream in can for at least 24 hours
2. Turn can upside down and open from bottom. Pour off coconut milk (save it for smoothies) so you are just left with the cream.
3. Add coconut cream, sweetener and vanilla to bowl of stand mixer
4. Beat on high until well mixed and fluffy
5. Add frosting to Little Green Pouches for easy, mess-free cookie and cupcake decorating
Options
If you want to flavor or color your frosting naturally, add fruit and/or veggie purees to the frosting. Blueberries, beets, and carrots all provide great color and some extra nutrients.
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Oh, chia seeds how we love you. You have more omega 3’s than salmon, more potassium than bananas, more calcium than milk, and are loaded with antioxidants, and you're also a complete protein.
Store-bought chia seed drinks, though? They are so tasty, but also so pricey. Once you realize how easy they are to make yourself, you may never go back to buying them. Here's how to make them.
Ingredients
2 cups of tart cherry juice (or the juice of your choice such as pomegranate juice)
2 cups water
6 TB chia seeds
Directions
1. Warm water, add to cup with chia seeds.
2. Stir well until chia seeds start to expand. Cover and put cup in the refrigerator. Let sit overnight.
3. The next day, stir juice into chia seed gel and mix well.
4. Pour into Little Green Pouches and store in fridge.
Fall is the time for comfort food, slow cookers and yummy recipes. We want to see what you are cooking this fall. Share a photo of your favorite fall recipe on Facebook or Instagram and tag the photo #LittleGreenFall for a chance to win our Fall Recipe Contest. Here's the deal:
1. Enter via Instagram or Facebook October 11-31st. Upload a photo of your favorite fall recipe, tag Little Green Pouch and use the hashtag #LittleGreenFall Enter multiple recipes for more chances to win.
2. Be sure to tag Little Green Pouch and use the hashtag #LittleGreenFall
3. One randomly selected winner will win a 6-qt. slow cooker, cookbook, and LGP prize pack.
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'Tis the season for all things pumpkin, so we've put together our favorite pumpkin recipes for fall.
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Head back to school organized and ready to go with the help of Little Green Pouch, Plan to Eat, and EasyLunchBoxes.
One lucky winner will receive:
A Little Green Pouch Starter Kit (you choose the size pouches)
A one-year membership to Plan To Eat. Plan to Eat is an online meal planner app that allows you to add and organize recipes, drag those recipes onto a calendar to plan them, and the software automatically creates your shopping list based on your planned recipes. By providing tools that streamline the meal planning process Plan to Eat equips households to eat better food, eat together, save money at the grocery store, and have a less stressful cooking experience in the kitchen.
A container set and one lunch bag (winner chooses color) from EasyLunchboxes. EasyLunchBoxes are the fastest way to pack school lunches. And the cooler bag is specially designed to carry the containers upright. Food and lids stay put. Great for work, school, and travel.
Enter Below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
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It's time for back to school, and back to having everyone dressed and fed and out the door on time. No time to do it all? Since dropping the kids off without clothes on isn't an option, sitting down for breakfast may seem like the easiest morning task to cross off the list. But don't do it! Here are our favorite recipes that can be made ahead of time, and eaten in the car, thanks to Little Green Pouch. With 3 sizes of pouches to choose from, they are perfect for every member of the family, no matter how big or small the appetite.
Roasted Carrot, Cherry and Millet
]]>This weekend we whipped up a batch of DIY crayons. They were such a hit on Instagram, we decided to share the how-to with all of you. First of all, why DIY crayons? Do you find crayons break all the time, and you are constantly replacing them? These giant crayons will last a lot longer. You can buy oversized, "toddler" crayons, but they are expensive. So this super easy DIY version is a great solution.
All you need is an oven, a muffin tin, and crayons. You can use all the broken crayon pieces you have laying around, or use new crayons that you break yourself.
DIY Crayons
1. Preheat oven to 250
2. Gather crayons and remove wrappers. Tip: soak crayons in warm water, and wrappers will fall right off.
3. Sort by color, and place crayon pieces in muffin tins
4. Place muffin tin in oven until crayons melt (about 15 minutes)
5. Turn oven off. Let crayons cool for a bit in oven (about 30 minutes)
6. Remove crayons from oven, and let cool completely
7. Remove from muffin tin and enjoy!
]]>These 5 recipes are perfect for refueling after workout. Fill one of our 14-ounce pouches for the perfect portion.
]]>It's crucial to properly fuel before and after your workouts in order to see the best results and not be left feeling drained and low on energy. After a workout, your body needs to carbohydrates and protein to refuel. These 5 recipes are perfect for refueling after workout. Fill one of our 14-ounce pouches for the perfect portion. Making sure you get the nutrition you need after a workout is as easy as 1-2-3:
Banana Peanut Butter Green Smoothie
Berry Green Post-Workout Smoothie
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Snack Smart: When it's hot out, keeping hydrated is extremely important. But it can be hard to get kids to slow down enough to drink enough water. Try a slushy frozen in a Little Green Pouch. This recipe with coconut water in it is great for staying hydrated as well. The kids (and adults) will love them, they will stay hydrated, and you will avoid the dreaded melted popsicle mess.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing: Linen, cotton, and silk are the fabrics of the summer. Light colored clothes and hats will reflect sunlight, rather than absorbing it like dark colors do.
Plan some indoor activities: While summer is all about being outside, on especially hot days, take advantage of free air conditioning. Go out to lunch, to the museum, library, or window shop at the mall.Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada Book: This book, "written" by Jimmy Fallon, is so adorable and a special book for Dad to read with baby.
Fit Bit: Chases after kids is a great workout—why not get credit it for all the activity? Keep Dad healthy and fit for years to come with this perfect gift for the active, health-conscious dad.
Diaper Bag: Never have to worry about asking Dad to carry the diaper bag when it's this cool. Use as a computer bag or carry-on when the baby is potty trained.
Amazon Tap: Part bluetooth speaker, part personal assistant, the Amazon Tap is a must-have for the techie dad.
Fun Pair of Socks: Keep Dad smiling all day at work with a a pair of fun colorful socks. He'll think of the kids every time he looks down.
Bike Trailer: Make your time outdoors with your family quality time with a bicycle trailer. It's the perfect transportation option for your little ones whether you want to go on a bike ride or a brisk walk.
Sunglasses: You can never have too many sunglasses. Especially if your kids are in the "hide all the things" stage. These sunglasses from TOMS also help give sight to a person in need.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Cold brew is all the rage, and for good reason. It's easy, less acidic, and perfect for hot summer days. Add cold water to fresh ground coffee beans, and in the morning, you'll have a homemade coffee concentrate that you can adjust with ice and milk to your preference.
BONUS: Of course, the hottest gift of any season is the 'Not So' Little Green Pouch. 14 ounces, cup-holder friendly, and reusable. Perfect for the always on-the-go dad.
]]>Here are our tips for successful camping with a toddler.
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When choosing a camping location (especially if camping with kids for the first time), don't venture too far from home. We are lucky that we have lots of beautiful campgrounds close to home, and chose one that was just 45 minutes away.
If the weather changes unexpectedly, there is an emergency, or just to avoid a car meltdown before you even arrive, try to stay closer to home.
While our son spent most of the time walking and crawling around the campsite playing with rocks and sticks, we brought a few pieces of gear that were lifesavers.
Pop n Play: I cannot recommend the Summer Infant Pop n Play enough. We have only had this portable play yard for 6 weeks, but have already gotten our money's worth. We use it at the house, in the backyard, at the lake, and it was very useful camping. It's larger than a pack n play which give kids more room to play, and SO easy to pack and move. At a few points during our trip, a 1, 3, and 4-year-old were all playing together in the Pop n Play.
It was nice to have a place the baby could safely play while we were setting up and breaking down camp, cooking, or in case any of the kids were getting to interested in the campfire.
Pack n Play: Still the best sleeping option when traveling. Note: the play yard mentioned above is not good for sleeping in. The bottom is thin, and not supportive. Plus, it would take up a lot more room in a tent than a pack n play.
Hiking Pack or Carrier: Our hiking backpack came in handy for hikes, but an Ergo or similar carrier would work well, too. Even if your toddler is walking, there may be certain trails that aren't safe for them, or they may decide they don't feel like walking halfway through a hike.
Clip-on Highchair: It was so convenient to have a clip-on highchair so the baby could eat with us safely. They also make folding camp highchairs, but I prefer the sturdiness of the clip-on highchair. When we arrived, Baby O enjoyed lunch lakeside while mom and dad set up camp.
A good (big) tent. We use an "8-person" tent for the three of us. It's tall enough that even my 6'3" husband can stand up, which is so helpful.
A tall air mattress: When I was pregnant, we upgraded to a double high air mattress. OMG, the difference is huge! Especially if you need to feed, rock, change, or dress a baby, it's so nice to be a couple feet off the ground rather than a few inches. And ours really doesn't take up much more room than a standard air mattress when rolled up.
All the fresh air and playing made O hungry! I prepped and brought lots of easy to grab, no-cook foods for him so he could eat any time of day, whether we were cooking or not. I roasted sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, made applesauce, and brought lots of string cheese, fruit, and plenty of pre-filled reusable pouches.
I filled some Really Little Green Pouches with a Zucchini, Peach and Cherry puree, and made a big batch of smoothies with banana, coconut milk, berries, chia seeds and yogurt and filled several 7 ounce pouches. That way he could snack throughout the day.
I wanted to bring food that I knew O would eat. Camping isn't the time to find out if your baby likes a new food. You may end up with wasted food and a hungry baby. Plus, you don't want to risk an allergic reaction when away from home. Bring familiar, nutritious, filling foods.
While climbing on rocks and playing with sticks were O's favorite camping activities, it was nice to have a few of his favorite toys and books from home. Just be sure to bring easy-to-wash toys.
Unless we're traveling, all of O's naps and nighttime sleeping happens in his crib. I knew going into camping that sleeping might be rough. And I was right. The cold nights, and unfamiliar sleeping arrangements meant we wound up with a toddler in bed with us both nights. On the bright side, it meant we got a few extra snuggles.
Dressing the baby in layers, both during the day and at night, was very helpful. It was warm in the sun, but cool in the shade and when there was a breeze. At night, we layered under and over his PJs, and added extra blankets throughout the night. You don't want to overdress a baby at night. If they start out too hot, they will sweat and then be wet and cold later.
Seeing our son so at home in the great outdoors, and loving camping as much as mom dad, was amazing. We're already looking forward to our next camping trip.
I had read some tips about practicing sleeping in a tent before you go. This felt like too much work to me, but may be a good idea if you have the time.
If you are formula feeding or need to heat bottles, I definitely recommend some sort of jet boil to quickly heat water. We didn't need to worry about that this trip as I am still breastfeeding, but would also mean your coffee would be ready quicker, as well.
Don't forget the coffee! :) You'll need it after those sleepless nights and getting up with the sunrise.
Have fun!
]]>Set yourself up for success by spending a little time at night prepping for your morning. While you're cleaning up dinner, make a batch of smoothies or overnight oats to store in your Little Green Pouches. Or start a batch of slow cooker oatmeal to enjoy in the morning. Bam! Breakfast is done.
Get backpacks and briefcases packed and set them by the front door. Or, be a real overachiever and put them in the car.
Don't fool yourself into thinking you can do an hour's worth of stuff in 30 minutes. By getting up 30 minutes earlier, you will be able to start your day calm and relaxed. Hey, you may even get to enjoy a full, hot cup of coffee. That alone is worth missing out on a few minutes of zzzzs.
If you are short on time, breakfast should not be the morning habit to skip. Have healthy grab-and-go foods on hand by prepping the night before (see above). Smoothies, overnight oats, and hardboiled eggs can all be made ahead of time and grabbed out the door. Bonus: our new 14 ounce pouches fit in a cupholder, so you can enjoy your breakfast from the comfort of your car :).
You read that right. Resist the urge to check Facebook, Instagram and your email. It is a slippery slope that leads to lots of wasted time. Before you know it, you've watched one too many cat videos, and you're frantically running around to get out the door.
Whether it's a full workout, or just a few minutes of stretching and jumping jacks, starting your day with some sort of activity will leave you energized and ready to tackle what the day has. Plus, it will put you in a better mood so you are better equipped to handle it when things don't go perfectly.
Accept that no matter what, things are going to come up. Someone will forget they needed to bring cupcakes for the school bake sale, you'll spill coffee on your clothes, or you'll forget your cell phone charger at home. Know that you get to try again tomorrow, and not every morning is going to be perfectly calm.
Love your morning coffee or yoga routine? Maybe you want to spend a few minutes reading before everyone else wakes up. Schedule something you love in the morning, and getting out of bed will feel like less of a struggle.
Bonus: Have kids? Set a timer to keep kids on track in the morning. You can purchase a big analog clock, and put a post-it at different times when they should finish certain tasks and move on the next. Sick of breakfast taking 45 minutes instead of 20? Give them ownership of when they should be done with breakfast, teeth brushing, dressing, etc. It will save you the agony of fighting with them and begging them to get dressed.
]]>…. Aaaaah hahaha.
Amiright? Those two statements, while ideal, sometimes feel like the farthest from the truth. Sure we give it our all some weeks, but as life picks up, we juggle a gazillion tasks, errands and then some - healthy eating on the go because a ginormous j.o.k.e.
Here is the deal, Prescribe Nutrition is built on eating whole foods, particularly with a combination of the magic trio: fat, fiber and protein. Making sure each meal and snack has a combination of fat, fiber and protein is going to help you feel satiated and keep your blood sugar levels stable. One of our favorite and easiest ways to achieve this? A smoothie. Not to mention that we're always be delighted by the chance to start the day with greens. Always.
But smoothies have their challenges on the go - spilling, smoothie ‘staches, your mason jar NOT fitting in your cup holder or feeling safe in your purse, being tough to clean out, etc. We know you're feeling us on this one! Enter the Not So Little Green Pouch which has 14 oz. of space for your enjoying. And being dishwasher safe and free of toxic materials was a must (thank you!). Plus, this new pouch is cupholder-friendly, making it truly perfect for on-the-go.
Our favorite smoothie combinations usually incorporate:
- Water or nondairy milkAs we head towards warmer weather this citrus-y, uber refreshing smoothie is a favorite:
KEY LIME PIE SMOOTHIE [1 LARGE OR 2 SMALL SERVINGS]
*Optional!
Voila! Now funnel this bad boy into your Not So Little Green Pouch, and you’ve got yourself a bangin’ breakfast (or snack!) in the most easy to use and clean container that exists.
For more great recipes, tips and tricks from this fantastic nutrition team of experts, join them (and us!) for Prescribe 20 starting this Sunday, April 3rd. Use the code: ‘LGP’ for an additional 20% off!]]>
We say it all the time—Little Green Pouch isn't just for babies. But what does that really mean? How can people of all ages and stages of eating benefit from reusable food pouches? We developed a full line of pouches in a variety of sizes to be utilized at people of all ages and eating abilities. Let's dig a little deeper into the lifecycle of Little Green Pouches:
0-6 months: Use the 7 oz. pouches for breast milk storage. No more tossing countless disposable bags. The pouches are freezer-safe, too.
4-12 months: Use the 3.4oz Really Little Green Pouches for storing and serving your homemade baby food.
6 months-8 years: The 7 oz. original Little Green Pouch is perfect for yogurt, smoothies, and applesauce. Pack in school lunches for the perfect eco-friendly lunchbox companion.
Teen and Adult: Bigger appetite? The newest addition to the Little Green Pouch family is the 14oz. "Not So" Little Green Pouch. This cupholder-friendly version is ideal for commuters and athletes looking to bring homemade fuel on-the-go. No time for breakfast? A smoothie-filled pouch is your solution.
Elderly: Solid foods can be troublesome both early and late in life. Skip the canned nutritional drinks, and make your own nutrient-dense food that can be enjoyed right from the pouch. Our pouches are also perfect for preparing for, or recovering from surgery if solids are not permitted.
Have a question about how you can use Little Green Pouches in your family? Just ask.
You may also like: 9 Other Uses for Little Green Pouches
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Jen and Jadah send you weekly emails with shopping lists, recipes and tips to make amazing smoothies. What we love best about this 30-day smoothie challenge is that it is not a cleanse or a diet. You are just adding super-healthy smoothies to your normal diet. There is nothing worse than skipping meals and getting hangry. You don't have to worry about that with this challenge.
Try this smoothie to get excited about the challenge, and then sign up.
Eating local, and what's in season is better for your health and the environment. Food at its peak is going to pack the most nutritional punch. Choose options from local farmers, and you will reap even more nutritional value while also helping minimize the impact on the environment it takes to transport crops.
But when you have access to every fruit and vegetable year-round, how do you know what's in season? Don't worry—we've got you covered.
It's March, and that means we've got spring on our mind. Luckily, spring produce is starting to come into season, so we thought we'd round up some of our favorite recipes that include these in-season favorites.
Asparagus
Cauliflower
Kiwi
Broccoli
Avocado
Chocolate Pudding with Avocados
Parsnips
Peas
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While energy gels are convenient, and scientifically may have the right balance of proteins and carbs, they are just that—scientific. And they often taste that way, too. And they can often upset your stomach (not a good thing on a run or bike ride). So what are the benefits to making your own fuel? And how can you still make it convenient?
Here are 5 reasons to make your own energy gels/fuel, plus a recipe to get your started.
INGREDIENTS: Maltodextrin, Water, Fructose, Peanut Butter (Peanuts, Salt), Organic Cocoa Liquor, Leucine, Sea Salt, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Valine, Green Tea (Leaf) Extract (Contains Caffeine), Calcium Chloride, Citric Acid, Isoleucine, Malic Acid, Pectin Powder, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative).
So, ready to make your own fuel or gel? Try our Sweet Potato, PB & Banana Mash Up to get started.
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Going green doesn't have to be all or nothing, and it doesn't have to mean completely changing your lifestyle. Every little bit helps, and we want to help you get started with 3 resolutions you can make in 2016 that will make an impact.
But where do you start? What are appropriate and safe tasks for kids? Below are 8 tasks that little ones can help with. Of course, always supervise closely, and use your judgement as to what is right for your child.
It's that time of year again—time for our annual Holiday Gift Guide where we share what items we are loving for the kiddos and ourselves. We've put together a few of our favorites things for babies, toddlers, big kids, moms and dads.
Visit us on Facebook and Instagram each day for a chance to win.
]]>We've got an exciting GIVEAWAY for you! We've teamed up with Baby Brezza, Eat.Drink.Love, and Baby Food Universe to give you the chance to win a One Step Baby Food Maker and a whole bunch of Little Green Pouch products.
Enter below between November 6th and 13th for a chance to win.
Little Green Pouch is 3 years old! Over the years, we've loved seeing photos of how families across the globe use Little Green Pouch to make healthy living more convenient, less messy, and better for the environment.
To celebrate, we want you to show us how you use your Little Green Pouches. Tag your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram photos of how you use your Little Green Pouches with the hashtag #MyLGP to enter. Each week, we'll choose one random photo to win a Little Green Pouch Starter Kit.