Crunchy Granola Baby

What's Next? . . .

2011-02-27T10:03:00.014-05:00

So it’s been a little over a month since we closed the store. Although I still can’t express my feelings adequately, I’ll try. I’ve read every single email, post, tweet and note. I’m in awe. It’s so surreal to me that I’ve made a difference to so many people and I’m completely overwhelmed….in the most amazing way. I hope you all understand how much you mean to me, and how your thoughts have influenced me. What a gift! Since closing CGB, I’ve been able to spend more time with my boys and I’m so thrilled with the adventures we’ve had. And although I’ve still been updating our Facebook and Twitter, I recently decided to close both accounts. I cannot duplicate what CGB was and it’s time for me to let it go. It's been a sincere pleasure to act as a resource for you all and I thank you, thank you, thank you for all the support and love. Don’t forget to utilize the resources at Mighty Aphrodite, Parents United and Whole Soul Mumma’s blog in the future. They are fantastic and will help you in your journey through parenthood. Peace, Love and Laughter, Jennie, Tom, Tommie and Ben

CGB is Closing

2011-02-05T12:13:00.003-05:00

It is with a very heavy heart that I am announcing the closing of CGB.

I'm so grateful for the 4.5 years we've been able to serve the Salem community and beyond. Many of you are like family to me and I'm so glad we've had the opportunity to learn from one another.

Thankfully, a few wonderful Salem shops are stepping up to take over some of our ventures.

Mighty Aphrodite Maternity is a wonderful resource for expecting mothers and will take over the lending library that we've been building. Borrow some books, purchase your maternity clothes and utilize Brett's knowledge. She is an amazing resource and can offer dynamic support for both the expecting and post-partum mom.

The unique classes that CGB has always offered can now be found at Green Tea Yoga. And it's a perfect fit - Segue directly from HypnoBirthing to Prenatal Yoga.

And for our loyal CSA-ers, check in with Milk & Honey. They are working on becoming the new Salem host site, another perfect fit. Pick up your week's fruits & veggies while also collecting your groceries.

These three local shops are just a few examples of the dynamic and thriving Salem community. Please remember that to maintain our exciting and diverse downtown, we must all shop local. It's not just about the products for sale or the classes offered, its about supporting one another and the unique character of Salem.

Although our brick-and-mortar store is already gone (as is the web store), we'll be maintaining our blog, FB, and Twitter as a resource for parents. And if you have questions about cloth diapering, babywearing, or anything else crunchy.... I'm here for you.

Thank you all for your love and support over the years. I will certainly miss you all.

Peace, Love & Fond Memories.

Jennie

Our New Friend: Northside Carting

2011-01-29T15:05:00.007-05:00

Earlier today, I met with Eric Lipsky from Northside Carting, an environmental management service company that currently leases and operates the Salem Transfer Station. He explained to me the following new transfer station incentives, and I'm passing them along to you!

1) The new site will look like the picture above in contrast to its current status. Additionally, this will stabilize the environmental impacts along the Forest River.
2) Northside Carting will provide the complete cost to cap the uncapped ash landfill- a long standing liability to the City of Salem
3) The City will receive $225,000 per year, each year, in a host community agreement of which $30,000 will go directly to the Salem Education Foundation.
4) A new city-wide recycle center for all recyclables and e-waste
5) An updated yard waste center updated yard

Eric has me convinced. But what do you guys think? Comment below or go ahead and let him know!Visit their website or Facebook page.

Remember - For Salem and its businesses to thrive, residents need to stay informed and involved!

Twitter Tuesday!

2011-01-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

Do you take part in CGB's Twitter Tuesday? We ask you questions via Twitter and Facebook ... you answer ... and we choose one random winner to receive a great, crunchy prize!

A few weeks ago, we asked what your favorite toy was as a child. Thanks to a few of our Twitter friends, who made us nostalgic for our youth. And we hope to see your answers next Tuesday!

@CrunchyGranolaB I loved My Little Ponies!!less than a minute ago via Tweets60lisa bruce
sunshinewalks

@CrunchyGranolaB My favorite toy was a little stuffed Papa Smurf. I even tied him (gently) to my bike so we could be together all the time!less than a minute ago via webPatrick Rogers
iamwhatisee

@CrunchyGranolaB my favorite toy as a child was my kitchen set.less than a minute ago via webAimee Hughes
amohughes

New Product: Bamboosa Onesies

2011-01-27T09:50:00.002-05:00

Just in time for the cold weather! These lap shoulder long sleeve onesies are 67% Viscose from Organic Bamboo/ 28% Organic Cotton/ 5% Lycra ultra-soft fabric. They are especially designed to give little bodies less constriction and room to wiggle!

Choose from:
- E is for Earth White (in natural)
- R is for Recyle (in sprout)
- C is for Cage Free (in natural)
- A is for Animal Protection (in sherbert)

Stop by CGB and pick up your bamboo onesie, or choose one online.

SUP the Coast ... A Video

2011-01-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, we told you about SUP the Coast ... Well now, check this out:

SUP The Coast from Wind Powered Productions on Vimeo.

Learn more by visiting their website, blog or Facebook page.

New Products: For Cleaning!

2011-01-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

New cleaning products have arrived at CGB! Wicked Clean is an all purpose all natural cleaner made from distilled water, castile soap, vinegar, sodium borate, and organic essential oil of lemon.

We've also got a new Mama's No Yuck product - a great cleaning product for car seats, strollers, cushions, rugs, toys & more! It is environmentally friendly, made from natural enzymes, natural surfactant, fragrance, stabilizer, and water. It is non-toxic, 100% biodegradable, alcohol and paraben free, and non-caustic.

Learn about this family owned business and how this product came about and find more information on Mama's No Yuck Cleaner at www.MamasNoYuck.com.

SUP the Coast

2011-01-22T10:29:00.009-05:00

Beginning this March, some friends of CGB (Will Rich and Mike Simpson) are embarking from Key West, Florida and paddling along the Eastern Seaboard on their stand-up paddleboards towards their final destination: Portland, Maine.

“We’re combining our passions for paddling, people, and the ocean while fulfilling a dream of seeing the East coast from the water,” says Will Rich.

More than just a spring adventure, Will and Mike hope to spread awareness and raise money for two specific causes:

- Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization which supports America’s service men and women, particularly upon their return from duty.

- SUP Clean-Up, a world-wide organization based in North Carolina that educates people about the well-being of our marine eco-systems on which we so closely depend.

Why not consider donating money or your time to either of these prolific non-profits?

And don't forget - It takes money to paddle the coast. Help Will and Mike achieve their goal by donating to their cause, or purchasing from their “wish list” of necessary items.

You can also track their progress by visiting their website, blog or Facebook page.

CPR - January 22, 2011

2011-01-20T10:19:00.000-05:00

Are you CPR certified?

If not, why not take three hours on Saturday, January 22 and learn CPR and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction for infants (birth to 1 year of age) and children (1 year to 8 years of age), choke saving skills, rescue breathing and CPR for people over the age of 8.

The class includes a book, materials, and a Key Chain Face Shield. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a CPR card valid for (2) years.

Cost is $50. Checks can be made out to When Seconds Count. Register at Crunchy Granola Baby: 978.741.0800 or crunchygranolababy@verizon.net.

Our Featured Artists from The Phoenix School

2011-01-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

Now featured in the store: Original artwork by PK-8th grade students at the Phoenix School in Salem!

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Exploration and Preparation

2011-01-16T10:39:00.001-05:00

Beginning this Thursday, January 20, CGB is introducing a new class: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Exploration and Preparation.

About one in three women in the U.S. give birth by cesarean, and so many women are facing the question of whether or not vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is right for them and their families.

In this class, we will explore what VBAC is, the risks and benefits, why many women are choosing it, and how to access it. You will learn about current VBAC research and get the tools you need to evaluate the options for yourself and decide if VBAC is right for you. Then, we will discuss strategies for VBAC, choosing and finding VBAC friendly care providers, and working with your previous birth experience(s) to have the birth you want. You will learn lots of tips and strategies for VBAC labor and birth, and you and your labor partner(s) will learn about labor support, including techniques specifically for VBAC.

This class includes a lot of discussion and interactive exercises designed to help you explore your options, address any fears you have and give birth confidently, with support and acceptance.

Our instructor Nechama Wildanah is a CPM, midwife and women's health educator who has done a lot of advocacy and community organizing work around access to VBAC and other women's health issues. Nechama graduated from Maternidad La Luz, a midwifery school and birth center on the U.S./Mexico border, in 2006. She has worked in birth centers and homes, and has been privileged to attend births in a variety of cultures, for a very diverse group of women and families. She speaks Spanish. Nechama has a homebirth practice in the Boston area, MotherRoot Midwifery, and also attends births as a doula and provides postpartum support as a certified lactation counselor. She is experienced in attending VBACs, and one of her all-time favorite births involved helping a 14 year old "catch" her baby sister as the two middle sisters looked on. Nechama is very grateful to be able to work with women and families, and is a member of the Massachusetts Midwifery Alliance, International Cesarean Awareness Network and Circle of Health International. In her spare time, Nechama likes to be with friends and family, eat ice cream, make cartoons and read really dorky research studies.

Class fee is $130.00 per couple. You can contact Nechama with questions or to register at motherrootmidwifery@gmail.com or you can call her at 617-717-8598.

HarperOlive

2011-01-15T12:43:00.004-05:00

New at Crunchy Granola Baby!

HarperOlive: Unique threads... for modern tots!

We've got an owl lined hoodie, ruffled jacket, and a cute fiona flower tunic!

A Labor and Delivery Nurse's Homebirth

2011-01-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

Let me start this by informing any readers that I am a labor & delivery nurse, and am currently in my last few months of a nurse-midwifery graduate degree program. So I might get a little technical, and my perspective was a little different than the average first-time mom who has no idea what to expect. Granted, though I had an idea what to expect, I still had no idea how labor or birth would feel, how long it would last, etc etc. So I was still clueless in the most important ways! We planned a homebirth and saw exclusively a homebirth midwife. I decided when I was 18 that I was going to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife, and I knew that I would plan homebirths for my babies. Reading stories about homebirth midwives is what inspired me to become one, so it was definitely my plan long before I even became pregnant or my husband and I were even engaged. He knew from the get-go that it would be happenin' at home! (PS - if anyone is interested in discussing the research supporting the safety of homebirth feel free to contact me through CGB, I'd be happy to connect you with articles, etc!)

Prelude: I had difficulty falling asleep the night of Monday, March 29th following our appointment with our midwives, when they had discovered that my baby was still in the "sunny-side up" position, aka the dreaded "OP" (occiput-posterior) with his face facing my belly button rather than my back. This means the widest part of his head presents to the cervix and these babies, unless they rotate spontaneously in labor (or with assistance!), are very difficult (though not impossible!) to birth vaginally.

When I finally fell asleep, we were very rudely awakened at 2:25 am by the grating blare of our apartment building’s fire alarm. Of all things, and all days! We stumbled out of bed and down the stairs (against Toby’s protests and requests to ‘just stay in bed’), and waited in the pouring rain with the other tenants while the fire trucks lined up outside. After ten minutes of searching the fire fighters came back out. Evidently the building was not engulfed in flames, and we were allowed to go back to bed.

Because I was still so upset about the idea of birthing an OP baby, I lay awake until about 5 or 6 am worrying about the possibilities of birthing an OP baby. And cried some more.

I finally dozed off around 5 or 6, only to waken around 8 am with a series of what felt like rather intense gas pains and a serious case of the runs. I felt my belly harden with each pain as I raced to the bathroom, and had the inkling that these might be the start of labor. But I was mostly in denial, and really felt that the nature of them was probably just some GI thing or another, and to wait it out—they’d surely pass just like the rhythmic Braxton Hicks that were coming off and on the past week or so. But then, I noticed they kept coming…about every 10 minutes. And quickly, they become uncomfortable enough that I was running to the bathroom every few minutes to empty the rest of my colon—and though I felt all day like my bowels couldn’t possibly contain anything more, I managed to have diarrhea up until about two hours before Elijah was born. The strangest part was that they really felt like food poisoning, but more intense, and my belly became rock hard with each wave. I began to get nauseous with each one. They still were about 10-15 minutes apart, so I firmly told Toby when he awoke that he could NOT call the midwives—it was way too early! We finally agreed that at 1 pm, if they were still coming, he could call to at least let them know I might be in early labor. And I made the decision that I could definitely not go out anywhere today, so he had to call off our plans with some friends who were in town visiting from NYC—informing them that I was in labor. I kept telling him not to tell anybody, since this was our first baby and labor could last days or just fizzle completely and I didn’t want to cause any false alarms! He almost went out with the friends by himself at my insistence, since the contractions were about 10-15 minutes apart and bearable at the time he called them. But he decided to stick around, and wisely!

Nancy (our midwife) ordered me to get some rest since she said I was likely to have the baby late that night or early the next morning (I thought she was being awfully optimistic, especially since I hadn’t even had any bloody show—just lots of nausea and diarrhea, and I’d so far vomited once). Wonderfully, Elijah and God granted me an hour or so of beautifully spaced-out contractions so that I slept deeply in between each, between about 1 and 2 pm. We agreed to check in with Nancy around 5:30 pm or 6.

Around 5:30, Toby called Nancy back to tell her I was still having contractions, a bit closer together, and asked for any recommendations for comfort measures. By this point I was on the floor with each contraction. The pain was breathtaking and unrelenting—it felt like a million saws grating against my sacrum. He was definitely still OP, because all of my labor felt like absolute agony in my lower back. His skull grinded relentlessly against my backbone with each contraction and I literally just focused on surviving each one. It felt somewhat better to make low toned howls with each wave, which I began doing in earnest, especially once I jumped into the shower at Nancy’s suggestion. The water against my back felt good enough that I remained in there for about an hour, during which the contractions picked up in frequency significantly, coming about every 3-5 minutes (we were no longer timing them, but I could just tell). Toby had called to ask that perhaps Nancy send one of her student midwives to offer some support, telling her we didn’t think we were ready for her to come yet. Danielle & Tammy would be on their way in a moment, she said.

Danielle arrived shortly thereafter and offered some comfort measures that I tried but immediately declined because I could not handle any counter pressure on my back—it just felt that it dug further into the searing bone pain with each wave. I did get into polar bear position which offered some relief, especially between contractions. About 15 minutes after Danielle got here, Nancy called back to check in and heard me mooing in the background (probably asking for the Lord to help me, which is what I was shouting at this point from the shower with each wave), and told Toby “I’m getting in the car!”. I still felt it was too early at this point, that this could still fizzle, that it would last all night, and I didn’t know how I’d do it. I decided if she checked me and I was 1-2 cm, I was going to refuse to last any longer. The intensity of the back pain was too much for me—I’d made it about 10 hours at this point and was feeling nauseas, had vomited several times, was terribly thirsty from all the diarrhea and vomiting, but unable to keep anything down, and I was becoming truly weary. I dreaded each contraction and just focused on living through it, bellowing curses that I’m sure terrified the neighbors and those walking down the street past our window.

Soon, Heather, Nancy’s partner midwife, arrived and offered me some relief with rubs and affectionate pats. Her touch felt amazing, and her confidence in how well I was doing made me feel marginally better. I just remember moaning to Tammy, “Why is our baby OP? I just hope I’m not 1 cm—I haven’t even had any blood show!” And her quiet responses: “So that when you’re a midwife, you understand!” and “That’s okay!” (about the lack of bloody show).

Nancy arrived, and what a godsend. She walked in, came right to me and put a cool compress on the back of my neck. She began to talk me through each wave, looking me in the eye and holding my focus, asking me to relax deeply, to find the depths of my capacity to birth even through the pain, to tell myself that I was safe, that I was a mama lion. I managed to hold on with her through a few contractions wherein I felt like my body was being ripped apart from my sacral bones, and asked her to check me to see if she could possibly change the position of the baby.

Imagine my surprise when she laughed joyfully and exclaimed that she almost didn’t believe her fingers, because I was nearly fully dilated and my water would break any second because my bag was bulging hugely.

And break it did, in a huge splash that coated almost our entire bedroom (thank goodness I had had Toby make the bed over with the plastic fitted sheet by that point, and Nancy had hastily removed the quilts at some point after she got there and before my water broke). All I remember is the feeling of the gush, hearing the splash, and the peals of everyone’s laughter at the mess from the fluid. The room was giddy. Everyone but me—I was still in agonizing back pain with each new wave, but suddenly my body began to bear down intently with each contraction. I started to push, more by instinct than actual purposeful action. My whole body was just seized with powerful urges to push, before I even really recognized that was what I was doing. Nancy told me if the pushing felt satisfying, the cervix was likely completely gone and she didn’t need to check me again. It did feel satisfying, and also took away some of the back pain.

I switched to my back because my hands and knees were exhausted, and they helped me hold up my legs in lithotomy position—oddly enough, as this was sort of the opposite of the way I’d envisioned giving birth at home. But the relief of complete rest in between pushing was wonderful, and finally, at some point in the pushes, my back pain disappeared completely and was replaced by the burning of tissue as his head came closer and closer to being born.

It felt like forever, but was only actually about 35-45 minutes of total pushing efforts. Eventually they told me to reach down and feel the top of his head—it was wild! I almost couldn’t tell the difference between my tissue and his, except his just felt like a little ball of harder skin. It was insane. Then I began to really want to meet him, to feel the power of the fact that in mere minutes I was going to actually meet this baby we had loved for 40 weeks and 3 days, and made love to make, and who was part me and part the love of my life. I was impatient! Not to mention, it became incredibly uncomfortable. When I felt the ‘ring of fire’ (which was NOTHING compared to the pain of back labor), I decided I’d risk tearing and that I officially wanted to get this baby into the world ASAP. Once his head was remaining on the perineum between pushes, I gave one or two huge, mighty pushes and he came flying into the world—no crowning time; he jumped right out in one fell swoop, head, shoulders and body. The down side to this was a relatively large tear that required probably 6 stitches. The up side was the incredible relief of having him on my chest and absolutely no labor left! I have never experienced such utter relief at having something over. And he was so incredibly alert! A nice lusty cry and completely pink—he got Apgars of 10 and 10, and let me tell you, I have never once seen that in the hospital. But he deserved them! I didn’t even see any real acrocyanosis in those first few minutes! Elijah Erson was finally here, 7 lbs exactly, at 9:13 pm (A mere 2 hours after the midwives arrived!)

It was the biggest rush of my life. I just remember feeling in complete awe, and asking Toby to tell me whether he was a boy or girl (since I was lying flat, it was a little difficult with trying to keep his dry blankets over us for me to look for myself). Toby made the announcement and I remember saying “Elijah—and he was born on Passover!”. When we decided on Elijah, I had read that the name was often given to (Jewish) baby boys born around Passover. As I had read that statement from a naming web site, I remember feeling that this baby might be born around Passover; in any case, my ‘due date’ was near Passover, so it seemed like a good possibility. As it turns out, he was literally born the night we were supposed to attend a seder with friends.

The midwives were incredible. Nancy stitched me up, they made tea, cleaned the apartment of the birth mess, took my vital signs, weighed the baby and did his newborn exam, gave us lots of love and affection, sat me up with lots of blankets and helped me nurse, and kissed us goodnight. And then it was just us—by 11 pm, the team was gone and it was just our new family looking at each other in awe. Shortly thereafter my parents arrived with my brother in tow—I had asked specifically for my parents to bring him with them (he was a college student living across the city from us at the time Elijah was born) and we had a champagne toast and shared in our joy and excitement. Everyone was astonished it was over so soon!

editors note: Here are a couple of links to articles regarding homebirth.

http://www.understandingbirthbetter.com/index.php?ID=1&Lang=En

http://www.cfmidwifery.org/pdf/CPM2000.pdf

Free Enrichment Programs

2011-01-05T08:01:00.000-05:00

The Phoenix School FREE Saturday Enrichment Programs for 3-6 and 7-10 year olds. Young explorers for bright, curious students. Come spend an hour and a half listening to a story, doing science experiments, making a robotic invention to solve a problem, or creating an art project. Each program will be different.

Programs take place from 10 - 11:30AM. Next dates are: January 8, 2011; February 12, 2011;
March 12, 2011. Admission is free, but pre-registration is preferred through website or by calling 978.741.0780.

Learn more about the Phoenix School here.

Upcoming Events for 2011

2011-01-02T10:23:00.001-05:00

· Natural Childbirth: Session 1: Sundays, Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and Jan. 16) from 4:30-8:00 and Session 2: Sundays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb.13

· The Three Hour, Learn Everything Breastfeeding Class : Monday, Jan. 10 at 6:30PM

· Second Baby or More: Tuesday, January 11 at 6:30PM

· Baby Wearing Demonstration: Saturday, Jan. 15 at 10AM

· HypnoBirthing: Sundays, Jan. 23, Jan. 30 and Fe b. 6 at 9AM

· Want to Become a Childbirth Educator?: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at 9:00am - Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 at 6:00pm

· Postpartum Doula Training: Saturday, Mar. 12 - Sunday, Mar.13

Learn more about these events and workshops at www.crunchygranolababy.com

"Spooky and Kooky"

2010-12-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

The Salem Community Arts Center has created an adorable 2011 calendar that features a collection of whimsical images created by Salem artist Richard “The Hammer” Flynn. “Spooky and Kooky” is a unique fundraising calendar that can be purchased for $1. which will help the committee toward the purchase of St. Mary’s Italian Church in Salem and the subsequent creation of a Salem Community Art Center (SCAC).

Available for purchase at CGB (among other great local shops), all the proceeds will go directly to SCAC.

New Product: Bamboosa Snowflake Onesie

2010-12-28T08:35:00.000-05:00

Check out this new snowflake onesie, made by Bamboosa!

This super-soft lap shouldered onesie makes dressing baby so easy as it pulls softly over baby's head without tugging. Plus it's comfortable and well fitting made from a blend of naturally thermal regulating. Plus - We've got matching caps!

Stop by the shop, or pick up yours here.

Happy Holidays 2010

2010-12-24T07:15:00.002-05:00

Jennie and Amy of Crunchy Granola Baby wish you all a happy holiday season!

(And thanks to Tabitha Sherrell for these hilariously entertaining photos...Check out more of of her work here.)

Last Minute Gift Idea

2010-12-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Running a little behind on finding a gift for the new baby in your life?

CGB's got you covered. Our new gift set contains One Badger Baby Balm 2oz, and One Organic Cotton Onesie from Under the Nile. Plus - it comes in a reusable, natural cotton mesh bag featuring a tag with original Badger art!

It's a simple, elegant way to treat the ones you love to the best stuff for their skin!

Get yours now.

Holiday Hours 2010

2010-12-21T09:17:00.003-05:00

CGB is thrilled that the 2010 holiday season is upon us. We look forward to spending time with you, our customers, and our families. So please note the holiday hours below:

Christmas Eve: 10AM - 3PM
Christmas Day: Closed
New Years Eve: 12PM-3pm
New Years Day: 12PM-5PM
*And don't forget that CGB is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for the brisk winter months, but you can always shop online www.crunchygranolababy.com

Video Snapshot of Salem Open Studios

2010-12-18T15:45:00.002-05:00

Snapshots from Salem Art Association's Open Studios last Saturday, via Salem Patch.

Babywearing Demo

2010-12-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

Do you want to learn how to wear your baby, but you want some guidance? On Saturday, December 18, Vickie Dawson will demonstrate how to use a tie wrap.

Other carriers being shown, Taylor Made Ring Sling, Little Star Pouch and the Action and Ergo Baby Carriers. If you already have your baby wearing gear, bring it with you!

Space is limited so please call to let us know you are coming. All participants will recieve 10% off any babywearing product during the demo.

Curious why you should wear your baby? Click here to learn why.

Gift Ideas (via Patch)

2010-12-14T07:58:00.001-05:00

Looking for some cool gift ideas for the kids in your life? Well of course CGB can help! But so can Salem Patch, a new website about Salem run by professional editors, writers, photographers and videographers.

In a recent article, Patch highlights some great gift ideas like a sock monkey from MonkeyShines Studio (available at CGB), "A Walk Through Salem" storybook (also available at CGB), and Sophie the Giraffe (at Hip Baby Gear). Check out the full list here.

And if you really want help picking out a fun and unique gift for the crunchy granola baby in your life, stop CGB and let Jennie, Amy or Jess help you out!

Three Hour, Learn Everything, Breastfeeding Class

2010-12-12T10:41:00.000-05:00

On Monday, December 13, CGB is proud to host our Three Hour, Learn Everything, Breastfeeding Class. You can learn to avoid breastfeeding obstacles now rather than try to over come difficulties later. You will learn:

Milk production
Feeding cues
Baby led latch
The golden hour
Establishing a good milk supply
Hospitals & the hidden obstacles
What to expect
Getting more sleep
What dad can do
Shower gifts and gadgets
How to bottle feed a breast fed baby
Friends & Foes
Avoiding post partum depression
Solids & Weaning
Finding your tribe

Learn more, including how to register, here.

Deals, Deals, Deals

2010-12-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Sure, the fantastic Holiday Shopping Event is long gone. But the Boston Globe recently highlighted some "Bargain Bin" deals, which mentioned the Event and CGB ... plus our gals at Modern Millie and J.Mode). We're honored! So go ahead, read the article here!

*And don't worry - We've still got some sweet holiday deals happening!Check out our 50% off rack, spend just $100 on a Once Crunched organic mattress, save 50% on Naturepedic sheets, and more!

Parent's United Annual Coat Drive

2010-12-08T11:35:00.004-05:00

Parent's United has organized their Coat Drive once again. Receive 20% off any item when you drop off winter gear at Crunchy Granola Baby.

Donations are dropped off to local families in need. Other drop off locations are Mighty Aphrodite (244 Essex Street), and the Salem YMCA (One Sewell Street) now through February.

Bamboosa is Back!

2010-12-08T08:18:00.000-05:00

All your favorite Bamboosa products are back! Swing by the shop and stock up on hooded towels, crib sheets, socks, hats and blankets! Or shop online!

Twitter Tuesday!

2010-12-07T07:39:00.000-05:00

Sure, we're closed on Tuesdays. But you can still be part of the CGB family! Head on over to Facebook or Twitter and take part in Twitter Tuesday!

Just tune into CGB on Facebook or Twitter and answer our weekly question. Maybe we'll ask about your holidays, or your favorite game. Perhaps we're curious what your favorite food is, or whether your son/daughter enjoys gardening.

Answer the question and your automatically receive a chance to win a prize! At the end of the day, we'll randomly choose one winner from all the answers and send a great CGB product to the winner.

It's easy, fun and you could win some great crunchy swag.

*PS: How much do you love Marek Sotak's Human Twitter Icon? Adorable!

Holiday Shopping Event: Thursday, December 9

2010-12-04T10:53:00.003-05:00

Celebrate the holidays in Salem with all your favorite local shops! We're staying open late on December 9 so you can enjoy a leisurely and lovely holiday stroll along Washington and Church Streets.

Participating shops include: Crunchy Granola Baby, Salem Cycle, Red Lion Smoke Shop, Salem Wine Imports, Milk & Honey, Hip Baby Gear, Penelope's Pet Boutique, Modern Millie, Urban Elements, Mud Puddle Toys, Coon's, Rockafellas, Mighty... Aphrodite, Roost, The Beehive, Laura Lanes, J. Mode and Treasures Over Time.

We'll have treats, discounts and all shoppers will be entered into a drawing to win a terrific prize. Learn more about this event here.

What Else?

- Crunchy Granola Baby is offering 15% off storewide, plus hot chocolate, yummy organic treats and mini photo sessions with Sherrell Photography.

- Salem Wine Imports will host a free wine tasting, with extra discounts available on sample wines.

- Salem Cycle is offering 20% off any non-sale, in-stock item.

- Milk and Honey will be serving lots of cheese and crackers and other tasty samples to keep you nourished while you shop, plus 15% off storewide.

-Modern Millie Vintage & Consignments will be offering a discount of 15% off a purchase up to $99 and 20% off a purchase of $100 or more.

- Treasures Over Time will be providinghot apple cider, plus a free holiday ornament with all purchases over $25.00.

- Mighty Aphrodite Maternity Consignment is offering 20% off the entire inventory, and the chance to win a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind keepsake locket from ladedah.

-Laura Lanes Skin Care is offering 10% off all full price skin care and make-up, plus herbal tea and cookies.

- And don't forget when you shop at Urban Elements, 5% of December's sales will be donated to the Northeast Animal Shelter.

Eco- Kids Ornament Kits

2010-11-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

A whole lot of Eco-Kids art activities came in! More finger paints, eco-dough, and now an eco-friendly art pad to create on!

And brand new for Christmas, the Eco-Ornament kit:2 paper mache ornaments (star & globe), set of 8 paints, 1 detail and 1 regular paintbrush

Paint is handmade using rice flour, water, sugar, citric acid, corn starch, corn syrup, zinc oxide, potassium sorbate, rosemary oil, soy lecithin, kaolin clay and natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts .

All this from an eco-conscience family owned business in Maine!

Salem Community Arts Calendar

2010-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Support our Local Arts Center by purchasing Richard Flynn's Spooky Kooky 2011 Calendar.

Makes a great Holiday gift!

Many reasons to buy Richard Flynn’s Spooky & Kooky 2011 Calendar!

Here are a few:1) All proceeds benefit SCAC

2) It makes a great Holiday gift

3) It’ll give you 12 months of smiles

4) In addition to counting the days it makes the hippest coloring book ever.

Buy your copy at the following locations starting November 22: CinemaSalem; Coven Cafe; Crunchy Granola Baby; Front Street Cafe; Harrison’s; Hip Baby Gear; J-Mode; Modern Millie; Picklepot; Salem Cycle; Treasures Over Time; Urban Elements and Witch’s T’s
We’ll also be selling them in December at Historic Salem’s Christmas Walk and Salem Arts Association’s Open Studios Tour.

Kaya's Kloset

2010-11-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

More soft shoes in from local mom business Kaya's Kloset!
We have a great selection of organic and non-organic designs.

More Monkeys

2010-11-26T14:26:00.003-05:00

Just in . . . 2 troops of monkeys. The new Gaia Troop, made from recycled cotton, meet Pagan, Memo, Lotus and their friends. We have some old timers in from the original Beantown Troop.

Perfect little monkeys a top a stocking!

All infant friendly and made locally!

Promotions! Promotions! Promotions!!

2010-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Receive 15% off all purchases (including sale items!) Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Get your Holiday gifts this weekend and save big! (and we have tons of new inventory, Baby Legs, Eco-art ornament kits, and more!)

This just in from Mayor Driscoll:

As the holiday season approaches, the City is encouraging residents to shop locally and support the local business community. Today, I proclaimed the Friday, Saturday and Sunday following Thanksgiving “Local Business Weekend” to remind shoppers of the many shopping options in Salem and, to celebrate the City is offerin...g FREE parking in our two garages and at the Church Street lot. So get an early start on your holiday shopping and support our local economy at the same time!

Black Friday Promotions!

On Black Friday 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar is offering free apps to anyone who can produce a receipt of $35.00 or more from a small boutique, shop, gallery, or any other small business located in Salem.

Thank you 62!!

Small Business Saturday!

A day to come together in support of the small businesses we love.
The businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.
That day is November 27, 2010—the first-ever Small Business Saturday^SM.
Join the movement, spread the word.
Be sure to become FB fans @ http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?ref=ts&v=app_165267296827487

Exciting stuff going on all around town!
Shop and dine local!!

Salem's Green Business Challenge

2010-11-22T08:19:00.001-05:00

Last week, winners of Salem’s first annual Green Business Challenge were announced during a ceremony at Old Town Hall. The program was designed to promote sound environmental “green” practices and acknowledge companies currently incorporating strategies to reduce their environmental footprint.

The winners are:
Category One (1 owner-employee)

Best in Class: Green Tea Yoga
Honorable Mention: Acupuncture Center of Salem; Kim Indresano Photography

Category Two (1 to 5 employees)

Best in Class: Crunchy Granola Baby
Honorable Mention: The Phillips House/Historic New England; Salem Sound Coastwatch

Category Three (6 to 50 employees)

Best in Class: Armstrong Field Real Estate
Honorable Mention: Joe Green Home Solutions; Merchant Consulting Group

Category Four (over 51 employees)

Best in Class: Salem State University
Honorable Mention: Crosby’ Marketplace; Bioengineering Group

We are very excited to have won Salem's Green Business Challenge. It makes what we work so hard at even more rewarding and it gives other businesses a chance to show their commitment to the environment.

Congratulations to all the winners and to all 49 Salem businesses who took the challenge.

I am so proud to be living in a City with such an astounding focus on Green living!
Thank you!!

Parents United Coat Drive and Adopted Family

2010-11-18T09:00:00.003-05:00

Parents United of Salem is once again organizing a coat, scarf and hat drive for infants, toddlers and kids.

Please drop off items at Crunchy Granola Baby at 72 Washington Street or Mighty Aphrodite Maternity Consignment at 244 Essex Street from NOW until February 1st.

If you have any questions, or would like your items to picked up please contact Melissa Wilson at mailto:melzwilson@hotmail.com?subject=HAWC%20Back-to-School%20Drive

We Have a New Adopted Family!

As the Holidays quickly approach, Parents United of Salem needs your help. This will be the 4th year that Parents United of Salem has adopted a family for the Holidays. Every year the generosity of our community continues to surpass our expectations. Last year we were even able to provide a Christmas Holiday to two families in need!

During this time, we provide our adopted family with a full Thanksgiving Meal and we also work together to provide them with an entire Christmas Holiday! We know that by working together and everyone giving a little we have made a significant impact on the Holidays for families that really need it.

If interested in helping, please specify if you are interested in donating:

a meal item (specify Thanksgiving, Christmas or both)
a Christmas wish list item
a Christmas tree
a monetary donation

Please contact Melissa Wilson at melzwilson@hotmail.com or via Facebook (Melissa Drewenski Wilson). Please feel free to call her as well with additional questions at 978-968-4888.

North Shore Clay Studio Open Studios

2010-11-17T15:12:00.003-05:00

Medicine CAbinet Makeover

2010-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our friends at New Harmony Wellness in Beverly are having a Medicine Cabinet Makeover event.

MEDICINE CABINET MAKEOVER
Your Guide to Home-Based Health Care

When: Saturday, November 20, 10am

Where: New Harmony Center for Health & Wellness 7 Thorndike St Beverly

Cost: Free! RSVP to New Harmony

Our ultimate goal at New Harmony is to give YOU the tools necessary to maintain your health and wellbeing. Come to a free class at New Harmony Center for Health and Wellness on Saturday, November 20 at 10AM, and learn what you can do to keep yourself and your family strong a sprightly this winter!

Participants will learn how to use professional-grade Chinese herbal medicines for the first signs of sore throat, head cold, allergy and flu symptoms. Better still, we will also discuss immune-supportive formulas to prevent illness as well. Preventative self-care is the best healthcare!
Healthy Medicine Cabinet kits will be available for purchase at a reduced rate for participants.

RSVP with Melissa at 978-922-3030 or Healing@newharmonywellness.com

Babywearing Demo

2010-11-13T10:04:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, November 20, Vickie Dawson, mother of 3, will demonstrate how to use a tie wrap during our Babywearing Demo.

Other carriers being shown, Taylor Made Ring Sling, Little Star Pouch and the Action and Ergo Baby Carriers.

If you already have your babywearing gear, bring it with you!If you don't, all participants will receive 10% off any baby wearing product during the demo.

Space is limited so please call to let us know you are coming.

Participate in Study on Rapid Rise in Cesarean Rate

2010-11-12T18:55:00.003-05:00

We are happy to help out Alice Kaufman with her research for the study she is conducting. All the information is below:

Dear all,
My name is Alice Kaufman, and I'm currently a senior at Smith College. I'm working on a thesis project studying cultural causes andexplanations for recent and rapid rises in the cesarean rate in theUnited States, particularly in New England. I am distributing surveys topeople who are involved with pregnancy, labor and birth as caregivers,medical providers and recipients. I am hoping to collect a diverserange of opinions on the topic, as I believe that a cross section ofbeliefs and practices from all facets of society will shed light on thecultural forces surrounding birth. If you live in New England and are currently pregnant, I would reallyappreciate it if you would take part inmy study by filling out my survey for women who are currently pregnant. If you are not currently pregnant but are involved in pregancy and birthas an OB/GYN or a midwife, I invite you to take my survey for healthcare providers. Both surveys are online and anyone who lives in NewEngland and falls into one of the groups listed above is welcome to takethem at any point. The links are as follows: survey for health care providers:http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=HJDLNI_4c86493b survey for currently pregnant women:http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=HJDJLM_7d509312 If you would prefer to fill out paper copies of the surveys please letme know and I'd be happy to mail one to you. Participation in thesurvey is completely voluntary, and I will maintain strictconfidentiality so as to protect anyone who chooses to participate fromcoming to any emotional or social harm as a result. The surveys and theprocedure used to administer them have been reviewed and approved by theInstitutional Review Board at Smith College. If you have any question about my research or would like to talk with mefor any reason, please e-mail me at akaufman @smith.edu and I would behappy to discuss my work with you. I greatly appreciate your interestin my research. I believe that shedding light on the cultural forcessurrounding birth in our culture is important to maintaining andimproving the comfort and health of women and babies. Your assistancewould significantly aid my research and my analysis of this topic.
Thank you for your time,
Alice Kaufman
Smith College
Phone: (617) 791-0218 (617) 791-0218
E-mail: AKaufman@Smith.edu

Winter Hours

2010-11-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

CGB is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The rest of our hours are the same:

Sunday: Noon to 4PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10AM to 6PM
Thursday: 10AM to 7PM (Parenting group for toddlers starts at 10AM)
Friday: 10AM to 7PM (Parenting group for newborns to crawling starts at 10AM)
Saturday: 10AM to 6PM

And don't forget to check our calendar for a full list of upcoming events, workshops, seminars and more.

Winter 2010- 2011 CSA

2010-11-09T10:25:00.001-05:00

It's that time again. We look forward to the winter CSA (community supported agriculture) shares starting up! Citrus Shares will be available this season, details TBA

Details:

The season runs for 13 weeks, starting the week after Thanksgiving. There will be no delivery the week of December 27th or February 21st.
Full Winter Share is $585
Half Winter Shares $415
1 dozen Eggs is $78
1/2 Dozen Eggs is $39

*Monthly payment plans are available for those purchasing 3 or more seasons, contact the farm directly for details.

Want To Become A ShareHolder?

Register at Crunchy Granola Baby as soon as possible, Print out a registration form at Heaven's Harvest Farm site no later than Nov. 27.
Checks should be made out to Heavens Harvest Farm and dropped off (or mailed) to Crunchy Granola Baby. Please include: Name, Address, Phone and Email.

Questions? Contact CGB at 978.741.0800 or crunchygranolababy@verizon.ne

November Promotion: Little Beetle Diapers

2010-11-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Little Beetle Velour Diapers (Size 2 and 3) are 30% off throughout the month of November!

So why cloth diaper? A few simple reasons:

A typical disposable diaper takes up to 500 years to decompose and an estimated 27.4 billion diapers are used each year in the U.S. In contrast, cloth diapers can be reused over 200 times before they need to be turned into rags, which can then be used indefinitely.
The average baby uses about 6,000 diapers throughout the first two years of life. At a typical cost of 25 cents per disposable diaper, parents can expect to pay around $66 per month (or $1600 per year) on disposable diapers. In contrast, using cloth diapers tends to cost between $300 and $1000.
Disposable diapers contain traces of Dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process. It is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. Additionally, disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a type of super absorbent polymer (SAP), which becomes a gel-like substance when wet. A similar substance had been used in super-absorbency tampons until the early 1980s when it was revealed that the material increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

North Shore Bazaar 2010

2010-11-07T07:04:00.000-05:00

Celebrating Green in Salem!

2010-11-05T17:37:00.004-04:00

Crunchy Granola Baby wins Best in Class Green Salem Business Challenge 2010 Charter Program!

These Green Salem Business Challenge winners were chosen for “Best in Class” or “Honorable Mention” by distinguishing themselves as the greenest in their respective size classes. Winners were chosen by a panel consisting of members of the sponsoring organizations.

Awards will be presented by Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and Salem Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rinus Oosthoek at a ceremony at Salem Old Town Hall in Derby Square on Thursday, November 18th at 2pm. The honorees by category are as follows:

Category One (1 owner-employee)
Best in Class: Green Tea Yoga
Honorable Mention: Acupuncture Center of Salem; Kim Indresano Photography

Category Two (1 to 5 employees)
Best in Class: Crunchy Granola Baby
Honorable Mention: The Phillips House/Historic New England; Salem Sound Coastwatch

Category Three (6 to 50 employees)
Best in Class: Armstrong Field Real Estate
Honorable Mention: Joe Green Home Solutions; Merchant Consulting Group

Category Four (over 51 employees)
Best in Class: Salem State University
Honorable Mention: Crosby’ Marketplace; Bioengineering Group

Congratulations to all the wonderful businesses who work to be green!

2010-11-04T14:26:00.005-04:00

Wear your baby in comfort and style!

We are so very excited to be carrying the Gypsy Mama Wrapsody baby carriers! CGB has two different styles to choose from: the Bali Breeze and the Bali Stretch. Different sizes are available in the Bali Breeze, and both have funky, eye-catching patterns for both Mom and Dad! Did I mention this company is local? Based in Southern, Maine!

More about Gypsy Mama from the founder, Kristi

"Gypsy Mama was born of my desire to promote attachment parenting in all its aspects. Babywearing is the keystone of my own parenting; it has helped me evolve into the mother I've become, and
I want to help other families find the joy babywearing can bring to their lives! What began, in 2004, as a kitchen table business (me, sewing and decorating wraps at my kitchen table and dyeing them in my bathtub) has become an international microbusiness. In 2006, as a then-single mother, I was able to buy a home with an attached carriage house/barn -- with help from friends and family, it was quickly renovated and became a 600 square foot office/warehouse space for the business. It's been such a beautiful journey, learning and growing with this company, and such a joy to be working from home and watching my children grow."

Instructional DVDs are also available with these wraps.

Also, don't miss our Babywearing Demonstration on Saturday, Nov. 20!

Bugworks!

2010-10-30T12:54:00.007-04:00

We had an amazing time with Bugworks this morning! A big thanks to Maire Anne for bringing a diverse selection of bugs ... and then teaching us all about them!

Halloween Weekend! In Salem!

2010-10-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Halloween weekend in Salem with CGB! We've got Bugworks on Saturday and our Annual Halloween Party on Sunday!

Bugworks is an educational company that specializes in exciting science enrichment programs featuring live insects and other arthropods. This half-hour program, designed for children between the ages of 3 and 5, features fun, safe bugs that reinforce concepts such as size, shape and color. The children can learn by looking, touching or both! And did we mention that this event is FREE? But register soon - space is limited to 15 kids. Call 978.741.0800 to save your spot now! (Learn more about Bugworks at www.bugworks.net)

Join CGB for our Annual Halloween Party from 1 to 3PM on Sunday and enjoy yummy organic treats, great games, and tons of fun! All babes and toddlers in costume will be entered into our raffle!

New Product: TXAI Organics

2010-10-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

CGB is thrilled to carry terry hoodies and adorable dresses from TXAI organics. These 100% cotton outfits are made in the USA and feature a special hand dye and print process.

Seriously, how cute?! (We've got pink too!)

The Lyceum Halloween Costume Brunch for Kids

2010-10-25T10:20:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Halloween upstairs at the Lyceum on Sunday, October 31 from 11AM to 2PM. This event also features entertainment by the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and Alice, goodie bags for all kids (no candy) and prizes for best costumes. Plus:

- Wicked Good Buffet Brunch 11:00am to12:30pm

- Games, Prizes and Surprises: 11:00pm to 1:30pm

- Costume Awards Ceremony 1:00pm to1:30pm

Brunch is $10.95 for kids 4 to 12 (under 4 are free) and $21.95 for adults. Please call 978-745-7665 for reservations (before Friday, October 29). A portion of all proceeds to benefit NortheastArc. Generous donations provided by:Hip Baby Gear, Mud Puddle Toys, Crunchy Granola Baby, and Ben and Jerry's.

Sibling Preparation for the Birth of their Sibling

2010-10-21T10:49:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 23 CGB will be hosting a sibling preparation class with Nechama Wildanah, CPM, midwife, and women's health educator. This one day workshop for parents and their children is designed to familiarize kids with the sights and sounds of natural birth, so that they feel confident and prepared when the big day comes.

Through interactive activities, games, role plays and art, children will be introduced to the process of birth. Parents will get the information and resources they need to prepare their kids to be present at birth, and will receive lots of tips from a midwife experienced in child-attended births. Kids will make labor noises, gain an understanding of how babies are born, and learn about what laboring moms are like as they concentrate on giving birth. Kids will leave knowing what to expect when their mom is in labor, what it will be like when their new brother or sister is born and how they can be involved and help. They will also make a special present for the new baby, and learn why big brothers and sisters are so important!

Learn more here.

New Product: Positively Organic Long Sleeve Rompers

2010-10-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

These adorable rompers feature playful prints and simple styling and are made from luxuriously soft organic interlock cotton with nickel-free snaps and a loose "room-to-grow" fit. They are an adorable addition to baby's wardrobe. Pick up yours here.

Closed

2010-10-16T17:45:00.000-04:00

Crunchy Granola Baby will be closed on Sunday, October 17. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you on Monday!

And don't forget: The Three Hour, Learn Everything Breastfeeding Class is Monday evening at 6:30. Learn more here and register directly with Kathy at 978-922-4289 or abbottkathy@comcast.net

Help the Homeless during Halloween at CGB

2010-10-14T17:40:00.005-04:00

Support Lifebridge's Second Chance Thrift Shop by purchasing a "Bite Size" Life is Good longsleeved T. And these great shirts are not just for Halloween. Cute for all year 'round!

CGB will be selling T's sized 4 toddler ($15)--all proceeds go to toward benefiting the homeless shelter and all the hard work the volunteers do to make a change. Second Chance Thrift Store has adult and child sizes, as well really cool Life is Good pumpkin bags. Help end homelessness!

Never been to the Lifebridge's Second Chance Thrift Store? It is located right down the street from Steve's Quality Market at 56 Margin Street in Salem. We highly recommend you go and check it out, along with your awesome "Bite Size" T-shirt, you will find a plethora of groovy home goods, furniture, jewelry, and much more!

Celebrate Halloween with Bugworks!

2010-10-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

What better way to celebrate Halloween than with creepy crawly bugs?!

CGB is excited to welcome Bugworks, an educational company that specializes in exciting science enrichment programs featuring live insects and other arthropods. This half-hour program, designed for children between the ages of 3 and 5, features fun, safe bugs that reinforce concepts such as size, shape and color. The children can learn by looking, touching or both! And did we mention that this event is FREE?

CGB welcome's Bugworks on Saturday, October 30 in two sessions: 11AM – 11:30 AM and 11:45 AM– 12:15 PM. But register soon - space is limited to 15 kids. Call 978.741.0800 to save your spot now! (Learn more about Bugworks at www.bugworks.net)

*And don’t forget to return to CGB on Sunday, October 31 for our Halloween Party!

New Products! Sweet Spud

2010-10-11T08:21:00.000-04:00

Sweet Spud's debut line of organically enlightened children's apparel feature messages of love, peace and wisdom. These bodysuits, knot caps and toddler tees are made of super soft Certified Organic Cotton without pesticides, harmful dyes or heavy metals. Consciously made in the U.S.A., Sweet Spud is sweatshop-free and environmentally responsible.

Pick up your bodysuit here.

We ♥ Locals.

2010-10-10T11:15:00.001-04:00

Sure, we love Salem during Halloween season. All the excitement, events, and new people ... but we also really love our locals.

And to prove it, we're giving Salem locals 15% off their total purchase* throughout the month of October. So don't let the crowds keep you from downtown... we would miss you!

*excludes diapers

Open Interviews for Seasonal Retail Position

2010-10-09T11:13:00.003-04:00

Crunchy Granola Baby is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team!

And on Saturday, October 16 from 2-4PM we'll be holding open interviews for a part-time seasonal retail position here at the shop. Please bring your resume and/or letter of interest, and be prepared to show us why you're the person for CGB. And please - serious interviews only.

We’re looking for outgoing candidates with a passion for natural living. We are well-known for our superior customer service, so applicants should enjoy working with people, especially children. Applicants should also be self-motivated and driven individuals with a desire to excel.Applicants should also have a passion for merchandising our ever-growing collection of products, be computer-literate, and be willing to help with our behind-the-scenes work, such as event organization, web maintenance, social networking, etc.

Part times sales consist of providing customer service, and applicants should also have the flexibility and availability to work 10-15 hours per week (day, evening and weekend shifts). Other Responsibilities:

* Love talking with people? You should relish in assisting customers because, trust us, we have some of the best customers.
* Prefer a clean house? We need somebody who doesn’t mind a little cleaning and light lifting.
* Interested in learning more about natural living and parenting? You should be willing to educate yourself about our products and their benefits.
* Are you community-oriented? We need an individual who wouldn’t mind helping out at workshops and events.

Trick or Treating with the Mayor

2010-10-07T09:11:00.000-04:00

Join Mayor Driscoll for trick-or-treating in Salem on Friday, October 8! The evening begins at 5:30PM at the East India Fountain and the trick-or-treat train will travel along your favorite Salem shops, including CGB! Trick-or-Treat Bags provided and costumes are encouraged. For more details on daily Haunted Happenings events in Salem, click here.

New Product Alert: Bathroom Tisue

2010-10-06T11:22:00.000-04:00

You may have seen it on Facebook, but CGB now carries BumBoosa bathroom tissues for you AND your little one. I

This bathroom tissue is made from 100% bamboo processed with the mechanical pulping method, is tree-free, biodegradable, BPA-free, and elemental chlorine-free.

Very affordable, very green.

Costume Swap!

2010-10-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

Have you heard? CGB is proud to announce that we are helping with the Parents United Green Halloween Costume Swap!

Simply donate your little one's used costume, receive a free ticket, then go to the Salem YMCA on October 9 from 10AM - 3PM to pick out another costume! If you don't have a costume to drop off, simply donate $5 and receive a ticket to attend the event.

And did we mention - CGB is the donation center? Swing by and donate your old costume!

New Product: Keekaroo

2010-10-02T15:58:00.004-04:00

CGB is thrilled to carry this Wooden High Chair from Keekaroo, which grows with your child from 6 months to adult!

This chair is perfect for your child and adjusts to fit every possible need. Plus - it's got tons of great accessories! You can getbooster seats, comfy foam inserts, tray inserts, grab rails and more! More about the Wooden High Chair:

3-Point removable Pelvic Belt - Adjustable Foot and Seat Plate - 5 year warranty - Easily cleans with warm water - Height adjustable in seat plate and foot plate - Depth adjustable in seat plate.

And if you feel like grabbing a seat, the max weight it can hold is 250 lbs.

Stop by CGB and check out our demo model - then order yours today!

Support Salem Education!

2010-10-02T12:55:00.005-04:00

It's baaaaack ...Tickets are now on sale for the 3rd Annual Food for Thought Raffle. One lucky person will win dinner for two anywhere in the world!

Tickets are just $5 each, or 5 for $20, and you can purchase them here at CGB or at the following businesses in Salem: Pamplemousse, Waters & Brown, or Green Tea Yoga. Tickets will also be sold through each of the 10 Salem Schools as well as on our Facebook page and online at http://www.salemeducationfoundation.org/.100% of net proceeds benefit The Salem Education Foundation

The winning ticket will be drawn at 4PM at the Fountain Stage on the pedestrial mall on Essex Street by Mayor Kim Driscoll. What are you waiting for?! Get your tickets today!

Celebrating nAGLY!

2010-09-27T08:47:00.000-04:00

Join nAGLY (North Shore Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth) on September 30 for their 3rd Annual Fundraiser Event. There will be both a silent and live auction, live entertainment and dancing, a cash bar and great food, fun, and friends!

Celebrating nAgly will take place in the Hawthorne Hotel Ballroom from 7 to 10PM. For more information, contact Coco at 781.913.3737 or Kirsten at 617.308.8565.

Support the Shanty! (and CinemaSalem!)

2010-09-25T08:32:00.002-04:00

A big shoutout to our friends at The Lobster Shanty, who will be featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri!

Support the Shanty by attending Cinema Salem's premiere on Monday, September 27. Doors open at 9PM and the show starts at 10PM. Check out more details here.

Cloth Diapering Workshop

2010-09-23T09:42:00.001-04:00

Interested in cloth diapers, but can't tell a prefold from a pocket? Intrigued by the idea of using cloth diapers, but not sure where to start? Already use cloth diapers, and still have questions? Just want to see what all the fuss is about and check out the fluff in person? Join us for Cloth Diapers 101! Noreen Flanagan, owner of Merrimac Valley Cloth Diapers, will be our guest to explain everything cloth diaper on Saturday, September 25 at 10:30AM.

During this one-hour class, we'll cover:

the different types of cloth diapers and diapering systems;
how many cloth diapers you really need;
how to launder your cloth diapers;
how cloth diapers can fit your family, budget, and childcare situations;
and much more!

Noreen will have a collection of her diapers for sale after the workshop, as well as our Imse Vimse and Little Beetle lines.

Please RSVP as space is limited! Contact CGB info@crunchygranolababy.com or give us a call 978-741-0800

New Class: Parenting Support with Traditional Chinese Medicine

2010-09-21T08:20:00.002-04:00

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been studying and treating women’s health for thousands of years. Come learn about the safe, natural techniques that Traditional Chinese Medicine uses to prepare women for conception and a pregnancy, from regulating menstruation to managing stress and increasing energy. Take home knowledge of acupressure, nutritional therapy and other daily practices to prepare your body and mind for a strong, peaceful pregnancy!

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive system of healthcare with a continuous clinical history of more than 2500 years. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise, all based on traditional Oriental Medicine principles. It is most effective when applied as a holistic style of medicine, using various modalities simultaneously to formulate a treatment plan that works from several angles to achieve optimal performance of, and harmony between, all organ systems.

CGB's classes are as follows:

Preparing the Vessel: Thursday, October 7 at 7PM
A Beautiful Pregnancy: Thursday, October 14 at 7PM
Holistic Healthcare in the Home: Thursday, October 21 at 7PM

RSVP to Crunchy Granola Baby at 978.741.0800. Fee is $5.00. Learn more here.

About our Instructor:
Annie Dallas, L.Ac., received her master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of TCM (Denver) in 2007. She is National Board Certified in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She has done post-graduate studies at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center on the use of acupuncture for cancer patients and has a keen interest in helping to improve the quality of life during and post cancer treatment. In addition, she studied two styles of TCM-based facial rejuvenation, and enjoys helping women, young and old, understand their beauty as an outward rendering of internal health and harmony. Annie incorporates all applicable TCM modalities into her treatments, including herbal medicine, tui na (medical massage) and nutritional therapy.Oriental Medicine certification (earned by less than 20% of US acupuncturists) allows Annie to incorporate Chinese herbal medicine, tui na (therapeutic bodywork) and nutritional therapy into her acupuncture treatments. Annie is new to Massachusetts and practices at New Harmony Center for Health & Wellness in Beverly. She lives in Salem along with her husband, daughter and golden retriever (Mr. Kansas).

CGB is Hiring!

2010-09-19T12:09:00.007-04:00

Crunchy Granola Baby is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team!

As a growing retail outlet, we’re looking for outgoing candidates with a passion for natural living. We are well-known for our superior customer service, so applicants should enjoy working with people, especially children. Applicants should also be self-motivated and driven individuals with a desire to excel.

Applicants should also have a passion for merchandising our ever-growing collection of products, be computer-literate, and be willing to help with our behind-the-scenes work, such as event organization, web maintenance, social networking, etc.

Part times sales consist of providing customer service, and applicants should also have the flexibility and availability to work day, evening and weekend shifts.

Other Responsibilities:

Love talking with people? You should relish in assisting customers because, trust us, we have some of the best customers.

Prefer a clean house? We need somebody who doesn’t mind a little cleaning and light lifting.

Interested in learning more about natural living and parenting? You should be willing to educate yourself about our products and their benefits.

Are you community-oriented? We need an individual who wouldn’t mind helping out at workshops and events.

If all this sounds like you, please send resume and / or letter of interest to crunchygranolababy@verizon.net. No phone calls please.

More about Crunchy Granola Baby: CGB is a unique Salem shop that specializes in organic and natural items for babies and young children. But we’re also much more than a retail shop – we see ourselves as a community resource. Some of what we offer includes: classes and workshops in birth, breastfeeding, newborn care, parenting and healthy living; support and play groups for families; along with various fundraisers, events and community outreach.

Discover the artistry of linaloos hair clips for kids

2010-09-14T15:23:00.004-04:00

Crunchy Granola Baby is lucky enough to carry a very unique, artistic, and totally eco-friendly line of baby or toddler hair clips from linaloos. They are handmade with recycled vintage sweaters... seriously, how cool is that?

The founder of the business is a local Mom from Melrose who started out just making the accessories for her daughter, Caroline. And... by popular demand, a business was born!

Best of all, you can feel even better about buying one of these one-of-a-kind cuties because 10% of the proceeds goes to charity.

Stop by and take a look... Halloween is just around the corner, and we have some great seasonal clips!

Why Talc Free?

2010-09-14T08:23:00.000-04:00

Talc is an unnecessary material that can easily be eliminated from your everyday life. Read below to learn why you should buy talc-free products. (Information from PreventCancer.com)

What is talc? Talc is a mineral, produced by the mining of talc rocks and then processed by crushing, drying and milling. Because talc is resistant to moisture, the products that contain talc, and thus pose the most serious health risks are body powders, like baby powder.

Why is talc harmful? Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos. Responding to this evidence in 1973, the FDA drafted a resolution that would limit the amount of asbestos-like fibers in cosmetic grade talc. However, no ruling has ever been made and today, cosmetic grade talc remains non-regulated.

What kind of exposure is dangerous? Talc is toxic. Talc particles cause tumors in human ovaries and lungs. Talc particles are able to move through the reproductive system and become imbedded in the lining of the ovary. Additionally, talc miners have shown abnormally high rates of lung cancer. The common household hazard posed by talc is inhalation of baby powder by infants. Since the early 1980s, records show that several thousand infants each year have died or become seriously ill following accidental inhalation of baby powder.

*Looking for talc-free baby powder? We've got it!

Upcoming Events

2010-09-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

Lots of great events happening here at CGB over the next few weeks. Check it out:

Working Mothers' Breastfeeding Group: Monday, September 13 at 7:15PM
CPR: Saturday, September 18 at 10AM

Holistic Parenting Class: Sunday, September 19 at 12:30PM

Baby Hand and Footprints in Clay : Thursday, September 23 at 11AM
Cloth Diapering Workshop: Saturday, September 25 at 10:30AM

Welcome Multiples: Tuesday, September 28 at 6PM

Kami Clips for Halloween!

2010-09-09T08:17:00.001-04:00

Here in Salem, Halloween starts early. And our wonderful friend over at Kami Clips whipped up these black and orange designs ... just for us! Swing by the shop and check 'em out!

...because we love Salem

2010-09-08T10:37:00.000-04:00

CGB is psyched to welcome Salem State students back to the city! And to celebrate, we're giving 15% off to students when they present their student ID.

AND we're also very thrilled to give a 10% discount to all PEM members when they show their membership cards at purchase.

Labor Day Sale

2010-09-05T09:02:00.000-04:00

Save 25% storewide on Monday, Sept. 6 in celebration of Labor Day!*

*Sure, some restrictions apply. But why not stock up on organic clothes, babywearing, and more?!

Welcome Baby Ben!

2010-09-04T11:31:00.008-04:00

"I had an amazing birth! Ben William was born at 8:35am on September 3, 8lbs 2 oz, 21 1/2 inches long at 42 weeks and 3 days! He was born posterior (Ouch) and in his amniotic sac. : ) There was nothing like being surrounded by amazing women who got me through this birth! Tara Kenny , Audra Karp and Keela Bourgoin , with out them I might still be pushing. Thanks to Tom and Tommie for their support too, I couldn't have done it without them! I can't wait to share this birth story!!" - Jennie

PS: And since no one guessed the correct gender, birthday and weight in our "Baby Forecast," we randomly chose a winner from those people whose guesses were the closest. Congratulations to Leslie Levesque, the recipient of a coupon for 40% off one product at CGB!

Back-to- School Drive to benefit HAWC

2010-09-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

Parents United of Salem is once again organizing a Back-to- School Drive to benefit HAWC (Help for Abused Women and Their Children). Every year they are in desperate need of back-to-school supplies and clothing for children. Please drop off items at CGB through September 15th. Remember: anything you can spare can help a mother and her child.

If you have any questions, or would like your items to picked up please contact Melissa Wilson at melzwilson@hotmail.com

About HAWC: HAWC provides services and support to victims of domestic violence residing in 23 cities and towns on Massachusetts' North Shore in order that they may make informed, independent decisions about their futures, and access alternatives to living in a violent situation.

Celebrate the Harvest!

2010-08-29T10:49:00.000-04:00

Celebrate the Harvest with …garden-fresh treats, wine, and raffles to benefit Salem Community Gardens, Inc.

This party takes place at Pamplemousse on Tuesday, August 31 from 7 to 9PM.

Advance tickets available at CGB and Pamplemousse, for a suggested donation of $20. Tickets also available at the door.

For more information, contact Lisa Spence at info@growsalem.org

Why Shop Local?

2010-08-28T14:50:00.005-04:00

- Local businesses produce more income, jobs, and tax receipts for local communities than big box stores do.

- Local businesses are more likely to utilize local ads, banks and other services.

- Local businesses donate more money to non-profits and are more accountable to their local communities.

- Supporting local businesses preserves the economic diversity of our communities and the unique character of our neighborhoods.

- Supporting local businesses is good for the environment because it cuts down on fuel consumption. Buying locally produced goods reduces the need to ship good from thousands of miles away and also cuts down on the distances shoppers travel.

And although we realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally, just think local first!

Great Homeopathy Class!

2010-08-26T09:16:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, CGB hosted a fantastic Health & Healing with Homeopathy Class.

Class instructor Nancy Petino has always been interested in alternative medicines and therapies and practiced them herself.

She says, "As a new mother I became increasingly concerned with finding natural, safe, and non-invasive ways of treating the common ailments that affect children and families – without the harsh side effects and other undesired results of prescription drugs. I wanted an individualized approach to my family’s healthcare. Traditional Western medicine fell short in providing what I was looking for, so I returned to my interest in homeopathy. This path has lead me to be trained as homeopathy practitioner by Rodd Stockwell, MD through Empowerment Medicine."

Contact Nancy at nancypetino@aol.com to learn more.

Special Offer: Yoga Sakti

2010-08-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

Click on the coupon above to download a coupon for $5 off of your first Prenatal Yoga class at Yoga Sakti with Spirit Wellness Center! View the full schedule here.

Celebrate the Harvest!

2010-08-24T10:48:00.002-04:00

Salem Community Gardens invites you to Celebrate the Harvest. Get ready for an evening of garden-fresh treats and wonderful wines.

Time and place?

Hosted by:
Pamplemousse
185 Essex Street, Salem

Tuesday, Auguest 31
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This fun-filled event will benefit to the Salem Community Gardens. Suggested donations are $20 and can be purchased at Crunchy Granola Baby, 72 Essex Street, or Pamplemousse.

Hope to see you there!

The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

2010-08-21T10:49:00.005-04:00

A Note from Emily Skin Soothers (Ipswich, MA):

"A few weeks ago, The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 (HR 5786) was introduced by Congressman Ed Markey (MA) and a few other congress persons. It would likely put small cosmetics manufacturers like myself (and maybe some of your other favorite companies)out of business.

Though well meaning, the bill calls for reporting, testing and labeling requirements for Cosmetics that would be extremely burdensome, costly and prohibitive to small companies that already make clean cosmetics. The big companies that make the cheap and potentially dangerous products have the resources to comply and would be able to jump through the hoops.

The bill has been pushed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics who are using scare tactics like the Story of Cosmetics to inflame the public's fear. They'd like to overregulate and overhaul the whole industry with no regard for companies like ours. There are simpler ways to regulate that would not harm small businesses.

I believe that if the bill passes and hurts the small, green cosmetic companies it will also have extremely negative consequences for many of the small independent health food stores that you shop at.

In Europe over 1000 harmful or suspect ingredients are banned from cosmetics. In the USA, there are less than 20 banned. Wouldn't it be easier to have a list of known harmful and banned substances and enforce it? Would more cumbersome regulations keep us safer, or just be a big waste of time?

I hope you'll consider signing this petition against the ACT here. Thanks for your time and consideration." - Mike Arsenault, founder of Emily Skin Soothers

Jennie's Baby Forecast

2010-08-14T13:14:00.011-04:00

Health and Healing with Homeopathy

2010-08-11T09:36:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, CGB will welcome Nancy Petino for a talk on Health and Healing with Homeopathy.

During this presentation you will:

Review the history of homeopathy
Review what’s in those little blue vials
Learn the difference between combination and single remedies, and how they work for you
Learn how homeopathy can work for you
Leave with a clearer understanding of how to effectively work with your homeopath for optimal results, as well as what to expect at your first visit

This free event begins at 11AM and will be led by Nancy Petino, a homeopathy practicioner. Nancy says "As a new mother I became increasingly concerned with finding natural, safe, and non-invasive ways of treating the common ailments that affect children and families – without the harsh side effects and other undesired results of prescription drugs. I wanted an individualized approach to my family’s healthcare. Traditional Western medicine fell short in providing what I was looking for, so I returned to my interest in homeopathy."

Market Mouse Activity Sets! Encourage kids to eat their veggies!

2010-08-10T12:31:00.006-04:00

Just in at CGB is our locally-made Market Mouse Activity Set and Apron with Recipe Card. This is such a great way to get your children interested in local and organic produce, as it gets them involved with the shopping AND the cooking!

Market Mouse Activity Set (Includes reusable shopping tote, 35 full color cards, binder ring and blank cards.)

You can use the activity set at the market or at home. Simply select a few cards from the deck, attach them to your Market Mouse bag and off you go. At the market, play scavenger hunt with your food cards and place each item you find in the bag. At home the cards can be used as a game to learn more about food groups, letters, colors, and healthy eating habits.

Market Mouse Apron with Recipe Card and Spoon

Once you have used the Activity Set, the child will be ready to come home, put on the adorable apron, use his/her brand new wooden spoon, and help Mom and Dad in the kitchen. Make the "Cheesy Mouse Recipe" or "Berry Yummy Pancakes" included in the kit, or simply let your little one be creative with a little guidance from you.

You never know! You may just have a future chef on your hands!

A new face at CGB!

2010-08-09T17:02:00.007-04:00

CGB has a new team member! We are super excited to have Kim Raines on board as the shop's Assistant Manager. Be sure to stop by and meet her! One thing is certain, Kim is never short on words or afraid of a good conversation with our oh-so valuable customers.

More about Kim:

Kim is a native Southern gal from West Virginia who has resided in Salem for nearly 12 years now. She is a former Salem store owner with a background in interior design and writing. Besides being an avid supporter of local businesses, Kim enjoys learning more and more about organic products and going the extra mile for customers. Her zen is cooking, especially with local produce to create rustic yet gourmet meals that she shares with her husband, Eric, and 14-year-old, adopted pug, Comet. Other passions include scouring flea markets for hidden treasures, photography, and all things outdoors.

Sales & Henna & No Tax, Oh My!

2010-08-07T16:22:00.005-04:00

Only one more week to celebrate CGB's 4th Birthday!

Save up to 70% off storewide through Saturday, August 14. And don't forget: Next weekend is the Mass. Tax Free Holiday! There's no better weekend to stock up on cloth diapers, organic clothing, babywearing products, and everything else natural for you and baby.

We're also celebrating our 4th birthday with Henna! We will be welcoming Valerie Doyan of Nature's Body Art and Soulstice Shop in Rockport to decorate our bodies like no one else can.

So bring those pregnant bellies (and not-so pregnant bellies, too! Check out the arm tattoo at left.) to CGB on Sunday, August 15 at 1PM get some amazing Henna artwork! Call 978.741.0800 for your appointment, but be warned: Jennie's first in line. This event is free AND you can save 30% off your purchase during the celebration! Learn more about Valerie and her artwork here.

*And check out more of her amazing artwork here.

Birth Story: Christine's Birth of Acadia

2010-08-02T09:00:00.007-04:00

Early on in my pregnancy I knew I wanted to have a natural birth. Sure, some friends and family thought I was crazy, but it was important for me to at least try. I took a Natural Childbirth class and had a birth plan prepared and thought that I was ready to go. I figured if I really needed some relief, medication was always there as a backup.

A week before my due date my husband and I went out with some friends. One asked me, “so do you think it’s going to happen soon?” My response, “I have plenty of time. I don’t feel any different.” We went home and I was in bed at about 11:00pm. At exactly 12:00am I woke up and said to my husband, “Either my water just broke or I wet the bed.” After we turned on the lights I knew my water had broke. I hobbled to the bathroom, leaking everywhere, and ended up just sitting on the toilet for the next 30 minutes. I heard that if your water breaks, it usually doesn’t gush and in general it doesn’t happen to most women. Well mine gushed and I couldn’t really move anywhere without a trail of fluid behind me. So I sat and relaxed thinking about what was about to happen.

After about 30 minutes my contractions started and they never let up. From this point on I had a contraction about every five minutes. This I expected because the same thing happened with my mom. We called the doctor’s office (yes, even though I wanted a natural birth, I still planned on giving birth at the hospital and they said to get some rest and if nothing progresses come in by 6:00 a.m. With my contractions already close together, I wasn’t able to sleep. I tried to rest in bed or on the couch, but it was tough. Slowly my contractions got stronger and at around 4 a.m. we left for the hospital.

Now, in the past, I’ve had numerous “female issues.” I’ve had more abnormal pap smears than I can count. I’ve also had a few biopsies of my cervix as well as a LEEP procedure. I always asked if this would affect my having children and was always told no. Soon I was going to find out what this did affect.

When I got to the hospital I went straight to triage and was seen by the midwife on staff. I immediately felt comfortable because I saw her at an earlier date when I was having early contractions. By this time my contractions were really strong, but still manageable. The midwife examined me to see how far along I was. After a very thorough exam, she still couldn’t tell (due to the scar tissue that had built up from my procedures) and called another midwife in to check. To this day I think her arm, up to the elbow was inside of me. I’ve never felt pain like this. They said they thought I was 4cm dilated, but still couldn’t be sure so they would have me rest and then do another exam. I broke down and cried. By this time I had been in labor for over eight hours and because of the extent of the exam, my contractions were now coming faster and stronger. I knew I couldn’t have another exam without a little help.

I was moved to a birthing room and was soon met with the anesthesiologist. I got an epidural and almost immediately felt better. I was able to sleep on and off but now I wasn’t able to walk around. I was okay with that since I had another exam and I was progressing nicely. Around 6:00 p.m. my nurse came in to check me and I was told it was time to push. This I was not expecting. I thought I would feel pressure, or something to indicate it was time. I didn’t get any of that so I wasn’t really sure what to do. I pushed and I pushed, and I pushed some more. Sometime in the middle of my marathon pushing, my epidural wore off. Now I felt the need to push and push hard. Unfortunately, my baby wasn’t budging. After three hours of pushing I broke down (again). I needed help. My options were an assisted forceps delivery, or a C-section. Both had risks, but, as I found out later, my baby was now in distress and had to get out. I opted for the forceps but was still taken to the OR in case that didn’t work. Luckily I was given a little more medication to numb me.

At 9:42 pm Acadia Ann Vogel was born. She was a little bruised from the forceps, but otherwise happy and healthy. I cried when I heard cry knowing that it was over and I had a healthy baby girl.

While things did not go as planned with Acadia, I’m happy that everything turned out okay. I have a healthy baby and would have done anything to ensure that. Maybe things will go more smoothly with the next one, maybe not. The most important thing for me is that I did what I had to do for me and my baby.

* Editors Note: Click to find out more about the LEEP procedure that Christine had previously had referred to.

CGB is turning 4!

2010-07-31T13:01:00.000-04:00

Come and celebrate our 4th Birthday with store-wide savings! Starting tomorrow, through August 14th, we're taking huge markdowns (10-70%) on all products, including babywearing, cloth diapers and clothing! Happy Birthday, Crunchy Granola Baby!

ATTENTION ESSEX COUNTY! TIME CRITICAL! OUR MIDWIVES STILL NEED OUR HELP!

2010-07-30T11:10:00.002-04:00

Recieved this information today.

Hi everyone:

We just learned that the reason our bill has not moved forward since
we got out of Steering and Policy is because Rep. Joyce Spiliotis put
a hold on it.
She needs to hear from her district TODAY that we want her to take
off her hold and support the bill. Her contact information is below.
WE NEED CALLS FROM HER CONSTITUENTS - AND- FROM FOLKS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE NORTH SHORE BIRTH CENTER (clients, midwives, admin). If you can't
call, email.
Please do NOT call if you are not either in her district or
associated with the birth center. If you are in neither group but
have friends or family who are, please call them and ask them to call.

Read the attached fact sheet before you call. Ask to speak to a
legislative aide and politely request that she remove her hold.
Explain that this bill has been vetted by both the Public Health
Committee and the Health Care Financing Committee and is important to
people in her district. You can refer questions to me, Mary Ann Hart
(our lobbyist - her contact info is on the fact sheet), or Kay Khan,
our sponsor.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE
JOYCE A. SPILIOTIS

Room 236
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Telephone: 617-722-2430
Email: Rep.JoyceSpiliotis@hou.state.ma.us
Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Twelfth Essex. - Consisting of all precincts of
wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, of the city of Peabody, in the county of Essex

FACT SHEET

Massachusetts Coalition for Midwifery

Fact Sheet: House 4810
An Act Relative to Certified Professional Midwives and Enhancing the Practice of Nurse-Midwives

The Purpose of the Bill: is to have the Commonwealth set standards for the practice of midwifery in Massachusetts. The bill creates a Committee on Midwifery within the Board of Medicine, which will regulate the practice of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). It would also strike outdated statutory language that mandates physician supervision of Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).

Legislative History: H. 4810 has been reported favorably from the Committees on Public Health and from Health Care Financing. The bill is currently in House Steering and Policy (6/28/10).

Current Law: Currently, the Commonwealth only regulates the practice of CNMs, through the Board of Registration in Nursing. There is no state oversight of CPMs. Current law also contains unnecessary and burdensome mandated physician supervision of certified nurse-midwives’ prescriptive authority.

Why This Bill is Needed: Midwives who are not nurses provide midwifery services to women across the state. This bill is needed to ensure that midwifery care is practiced safely in all settings in Massachusetts, with clear standards set and state oversight.
Supervision requirements for certified nurse-midwives create excessive and unnecessary liability for physicians and limit consumer access to high quality midwifery services, especially in high-need communities.

What This Bill Does:
• Establishes state oversight of midwifery through a Committee on Midwifery within the Board of Medicine, which will regulate the practice of CPMs.
• Authorizes the Department of Public Health (DPH), in consultation with the Board of Nursing, to promulgate regulations relative to prescriptive authority for CNMs.

Who Are the Midwives That Will be Affected by this Bill? There are two types of midwives- Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs – 450 in MA), and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs - over 30 in MA and growing) - all professionally certified by nationally approved certifying agencies.

For more information, please call Peggy Garland, CNM, MPH, Coordinator of the Massachusetts Coalition for Midwifery 617 306-1511 or Mary Ann Hart, Hart Government Relations, at 617-797-8488 or HartMaryA@aol.com

Massachusetts Midwives Alliance • Massachusetts Chapters, American College of Nurse-Midwives

Senate Sponsor
Sen. Richard Moore
Senate Co-sponsors
Susan C. Tucker
Richard R. Tisei
Jennifer L. Flanagan
John W. Scibak
Sonia Chang-Díaz
Steven A. Baddour
Cynthia Stone Creem
James B. Eldridge
Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.
Jennifer M. Callahan
Bruce E. Tarr
Susan C. Fargo
Stephen M. Brewer
Anthony D. Galluccio
Karen E. Spilka
Mark C. Montigny
Gale D. Candaras

House Sponsors
Rep. Kay Khan
House Co-sponsors
Jennifer Benson
Lida E. Harkins
Alice K. Wolf
Ellen Story
Ruth B. Balser
Michael F. Rush
Stephen L. DiNatale
Martha M. Walz
Matthew C. Patrick
Stephen Kulik
Robert P. Spellane
William N. Brownsberger
Carl M. Sciortino, Jr.
Jeffrey Sánchez
Stephen R. Canessa
James E. Vallee
Charles A. Murphy
John W. Scibak
William Smitty Pignatelli
Frank I. Smizik
Denise Provost
Michael J. Moran
David P. Linsky
Christine E. Canavan
John D. Keen
Robert M. Koczera
Peter v. Kocot
Katherine Clark
Willie Mae Allen
Sean Garballey
Cory Atkins
Sarah K. Peake
Anne M. Gobi
Todd M. Smola
Timothy J. Toomey
Joseph R. Driscoll, Jr.
Timothy Madden
James B. Eldridge
Jennifer L. Flanagan
Steven A. Baddour
Richard J. Ross
Kevin G. Honan
Jennifer M. Callahan
Gloria L. Fox
Benjamin Swan
Susan C. Tucker
Jeffrey Davis Perry
Bruce E. Tarr
Robert L. Rice, Jr.
Garrett J. Bradley
Paul McMurtry
Viriato Manuel deMacedo
Timothy Madden
Richard R. Tisei

Birth Story: Susan Kowalske

2010-07-29T14:31:00.007-04:00

Baby Repete arrived at 12:38am on February 5, 2010, with Daddy on the speakerphone and Crunch Granola's fabulous Jennie at my side as our Doula.

After my 41 week appointment, I was feeling the same few mild contractions I'd felt after the last two appointments with membrane stripping. My husband, Ryan is in the US Coast Guard and was out to sea, so I called Meghan, a friend across the street, we had a glass of wine and sat down to watch Grey's Anatomy.

After the show, I took a shower, to see if these contractions were real, but I still hadn't timed them and I wasn't worried. My first took about 36 hours from the first noticable contractions, and these contractions were no big deal. The shower slowed them down, so I called my friend Kelly (who had promised back up to let her know we weren't having a baby tonight, told Meghan I'd see her tomorrow and started in on laundry and cleaning. Too bad the contractions came back with a vengeance!

At 11pm, I still couldn't decide if this was for real or if it could wait until the morning so I didn't disturb my sleeping toddler, Pete. I called the birth center, the midwife asked me to come in to get checked. I called Ryan (out on the boat) to let him know I was going in to get checked. He said there's nothing he could do, they were out on a search and rescue call but to give him a call if they admitted me. I called Meghan to take me and my toddler to the birth center and called Jennie.

We arrived at the birth center at 11:50pm. I called Kelly and she came to pick up Pete and took him back to her house. I was checked in at 6cm, monitored for 15 minutes. Jennie ensured all my birth plan wishes were honored, because I was in no state to think about the birth plan we had written together. I barely had time to use our planned pain management techniques, but I was able to get in the tub, and 2 pushes later arrived my fat little baby at 12:38am without so much as a Tylenol. He was 10 POUNDS 6 OUNCES! 21 inches long.

We had to wait for Ryan to return home 18 hours later to officially name our new baby BOY, but decided on Chester after Ryan's grandfather.

Thank you thank you thank you to Jennie, Kelly and Meghan for all your help. This further proves Karma's a bitch. I mean, who needs a backup plan, after all, it's not like I'm going to go into labor so fast I barely have time to get to the hospital...

I was so honored to be part of "Chet's" birth. Susan was absolutely amazing! My very first birth as a "doula in training." Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of such a very special moment! xo Jennie

Urgent: Midwifery Bill Action Alert!!!

2010-07-28T06:38:00.006-04:00

Received this email from MFOM's Ann Sweeney, it was also brought to my attention that they need people at the court house. This is only until Friday, if you are able to make the trip to Boston contact Audra Karp at audrakarp@gmail.com so they will be expecting you. I can also email you the Fact Sheet from Massachusetts Coalition for Midwifery. Just let me know!

Dear Midwifery Supporters,

Good news!!! We are steps away from getting the midwifery bill—that so many of us have worked on for so long—passed this legislative session, which ends THIS SATURDAY, 31 July.

Even if you have already done so, please call and/or email your OWN Mass Rep. today, tomorrow, or any day you can this week, asking them to reach out to Speaker DeLeo to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote and to help pass the bill THIS SESSION.

Please note the bill, is now known as House 4810: An Act Relative to Certified Professional Midwives and Enhancing the Practice of Nurse-Midwives.

Who’s your rep? You can find them at the following link: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php

Text of the bill can be found at the following link: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/186/ht04/ht04810.htm

Thank you again to the whole coalition for all of your excellent work. We could not have come this far without everyone’s expertise, experience, passion, and all the good work you are already doing to address this critical issue.

Keep the pressure on!!!
Ann Sweeney MFOM (www.mfom.org)
617-901-2777

P.S. We’ve recently heard that there is a surprising amount of misinformation about the midwifery bill among many representatives, especially regarding the items below, so please share/forward this email to your representatives or their staffers who might help correct the record for other Representatives.

1. The Mass Medical Society strongly objects to CNMs functioning without direct MD supervision, yet has articulated no sound basis for this objection. Nationally, ACOG already supports the elimination of direct supervision of CNMs by physicians, acknowledging that it is not required for safe practice, and 44 other states no longer have such requirements. This requirement is the reason full-scope CNM services are not now accessible in high-need Massachusetts communities such as Lawrence and Worcester. Requiring such supervision creates excessive and unnecessary liability for physicians, so it is even more puzzling to witness the continued opposition of the Massachusetts ACOG chapter to this feature of the bill.

2. Some legislators have been led to believe that the bill would provide new prescription writing privileges for nurse-midwives, when this is not really the case. Nurse-midwives already have prescription writing privileges but can now exercise these privileges only if an MD is technically providing supervision, which amounts merely to a review of sample prescriptions on a quarterly basis. Because of hospital accrediting rules, this clause prevents CNMs from admitting patients in labor under the midwives’ own names, prevents them from serving on hospital committees which determine maternity care policies, and bars them from any control of their own practice environment. This undermines the ability of CNMs to provide the most effective care. (By the way, CNMs already have independent prescription authority in most other states, for example: NM, NH, WA, AK, OR, and the District of Columbia.)

3. Although the legislation has already been rewritten to accommodate concerns about the age at which a midwife could begin training (it was changed from 18 years to 21 years), legislators are still being misled about this fact. (There are, by the way, no such age requirements that we have been able to find in the Massachusetts statutes with respect to the education of nurses.
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4. Another objection is that the bill does not require a midwife to carry malpractice insurance. In almost all states, malpractice insurance is not required by statute, and it would be unfair to single out one professional group in this regard. Some would argue that such a requirement would violate equal protection clauses. Because the ‘risk pool’ of homebirth midwives across the country is small, malpractice insurance has never been available for homebirth midwives, despite the concerted efforts of national and local organizations over several decades. Requiring CPMs to adhere to a standard that is impossible is another mechanism to restrain trade and prevent access to home birth midwives. Childbearing women who want to be protected by malpractice insurance have the option of delivery in facilities, where such insurance coverage is required. Moreover, the Massachusetts legislature could, like a few other states, make disclosure of this absence of malpractice insurance coverage part of a required informed consent procedure. The malpractice insurance issue is NOT a credible objection to this bill. .

How to be Green? Shop Once Crunched!

2010-07-20T12:34:00.013-04:00

We all know that the turnover with baby clothes is wicked fast -- at the rate your little one grows, sometimes they only get to wear an outfit once or twice! That's why many moms turn to consignment as a way to get rid of barely used baby clothes and stock up on new ones at a reasonable price. But buying consignment isn't just thrifty -- statistics show that it also helps the environment.

Here are the facts:

- The Council for Textile Recycling estimates that buying resale clothing prevents about 2.5 billion pounds of fabric from entering directly into the waste stream. This works out to about 10 pounds per person in the United States!

- According to the Environmental Protection Agency “The average American throws away about 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per year.” When clothes and toys are discarded they either end up in landfills or they are incinerated. Landfills frequently leak leading to water and soil contamination. Landfills also give off methane, a greenhouse gas that leads to global warming. When items are incinerated it leads to a great deal of CO2 and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, air pollution, and water pollution.

- When you buy more gently used items, fewer resources are being consumed to create new ones -- you're also cutting down on chemicals used in non-organic treatment, and carbon emissions used for transportation.

Our Once Crunched line allows you to be green and to save money! By donating your gently used baby clothes, you're reducing waste and earning credit to use here at CGB -- and by buying Onced Cruched, you're lowering carbon emissions and recycling.

Super-Awesome Once Crunched Crocs!

If you haven't checked out Once Crunched, come in today to see what you've been missing!

Once Crunched Tunic Top/Dress

Once Crunched Boy's Shirt -- perfect for a family photo!

Adorable Once Crunched Capri's!

Even more love for Harper Olive

2010-07-13T13:43:00.009-04:00

Remember when we freaked out over how cute HarperOlive's hand-knit hats are?

Well, prepare to freak out with us even more.

Now we have a whole line of dresses, tops, and skirts from HarperOlive! And, OMG... the cuteness!

Still 100% organic cotton, still locally made, these are some of the most adorable clothes we've ever had in-store.

Full of special details like pleats and ruffles, HO's pieces are perfect for the budding fashionista in your life.

Come on into CGB and see for yourself -- this new line is not to be missed!

Urban Elements and Sankofa Massage

2010-07-12T13:39:00.009-04:00

You already knew that Urban Elements is the place for unique and beautiful home accents and gifts at a great value. But did you know that they are also home to Sankofa Massage and Bodywork?

Sankofa provides professional and ethical bodywork for every generation. With the entire person in mind, each session is tailored to meet the client's therapeutic needs and to achieve their personal goals. With that kind of mission statement, you know you're in good hands! Sankofa offers everything from Deep Tissue Massage to Reiki and Reflexology. They even include "pre-pay specials" - multiple massages at a discount!

So next time you come by Urban Elements to pick up something pretty for your home, be sure to check out Sankofa Massage and Bodywork and do something great for your body as well. You'll be glad you did!

New Product: Bungalow Bebe

2010-07-09T11:29:00.007-04:00

We've carried clothes from green, organic retailer Bungalow Bebe for some time (like those cute Kimono Onesies), but their latest collection really knocked our socks off!

Check out these cute mix-and-match separates for boys and girls, and the sweetest little sleeper onesie ever -- all in organic cotton, of course!

Come into the store and see for yourself! And don't forget about our Under The Nile Sale while you're here!

Local Awesomeness: Grand Opening of The Beehive

2010-07-08T12:05:00.010-04:00

We love Roost for its funky-chic home decor, gifts, and accessories. Well, now Kate and Jamie are bringing us even more local awesomeness with their second store, The Beehive.

Just as packed with good taste as the first store, the beehive could be considered Roost's sassy little sister, with a focus on cards and the lighter side of life. Come and enjoy drinks, eats, and storewide discounts at The Beehive's Grand Opening on Monday, June 19th from 5-8 PM. And, pssst... it's right next door to Roost! We'll be there with bells on.

Birth Stories: Isabel's Irish Birth

2010-07-06T13:27:00.013-04:00

Ever since I can remember thinking about birth, the idea of having a natural birth always seemed like a given to me. My own mother delivered me naturally, free from intervention and medication, and I grew up hearing her talk about birth as a beautiful and fulfilling experience. I also remember her describing how important it was for her to feel every moment of labor and birth—she said she didn’t want to miss a thing, no matter how uncomfortable or even painful part of it was.

When I got pregnant in the winter of 2008, my husband and I were living in Ireland, where he is originally from. Despite my strong beliefs about natural birth, I still had a vision in my mind, from my U.S. upbringing, that birth was something that happened in hospitals with doctors. So, we went about interviewing obstetricians and decided on one who supported our wishes for a non-medicated birth. Ultimately, the obstetrician’s role in Ireland is to provide pre-natal checkups (including an ultrasound at every single appointment); however, it is generally a team of midwives who provide maternal care during labor and deliver babies in the hospital.

On the morning of the 13 October, 2008 (four days past the estimated due date), I woke up with some minor cramping, which felt a lot like menstrual cramps. I told my husband to go to work, as it didn’t seem like anything major, and my parents had flown over from the States to be with me, so I had support. As the day wore on, my mother finally convinced me that, yes, these were actual contractions, and something must be happening! I had a scheduled appointment with my doctor that day, and when I went in, he examined me and told me that I was 1.5 centimeters dilated. I called my husband to tell him to start making his way home.

That evening, my parents retreated to another part of the house, while my husband and I labored together at home, in dim lighting, with quiet music. When I look back, I wish we had just stayed there and welcomed our daughter into that warm, cozy, and peaceful setting. But, we had come to the idea of homebirth ‘too late’ and, because we didn’t know anyone who provided homebirth services, we really didn’t feel we had the resources we needed to make that decision. Finally, when my contractions were about 2 minutes apart, we decided to head into the hospital on the very bumpy back roads of rural Ireland.

In the hospital, which my parents jokingly describe as looking like a relic from the 1950s, we had a litany of both positive and negative experiences. For the first part of my labor, we were in the care of a disgraceful midwife who disparaged my husband, criticized my parents for wanting to wait all night in the waiting room, and chastised me for getting sick on the floor during a contraction (you’ll be glad to know that I wrote an extensive letter of complaint to the hospital administrator and the midwife was called out and later required to go for counseling). Thankfully, a second midwife took over during the latter part of my labor, and she was wonderful. She had given birth at home to all of her children, and showed total respect for our birth plan, which we had laminated and brought with us.

Part of my birth plan, of course, was to labor naturally, with no interventions. My husband supported me with a massage machine during each contraction, and I bounced on the labor ball and moved around. But, as things got closer, and without having prepared properly, my resolve began to wane and my mind let the pain begin to take over. The midwife offered me the use of a thing called Entonox, or gas/air (which I don’t believe is used in the States, but you can read about it here). I had read that the Entonox (50% air and 50% nitrous oxide) was the least invasive form of pain relief and that it didn’t affect the baby’s alertness or ability to breastfeed. Basically, you take a mouthpiece and breathe into it as you feel each contraction coming on.

Finally, with two hours before my daughter was born, I guiltily agreed to take it. The Entonox only barely took the edge off the pain I was experiencing, but soon I was feeling the need to bear down, and stopped taking it. Rather quickly, and with a huge rush of relief and joy, my beautiful daughter was born. My birth plan had stated that I wanted her delivered directly onto my bare chest so that we could begin our bonding immediately. Instead, they said they had found some meconium in my waters and that necessitated cutting the cord immediately (something else I didn’t want), and whisking her across the room for a check-up with the pediatrician. Those five minutes were excruciating and finally, I had my amazing child in my arms and at my breast.

Although Isabel’s birth did not happen exactly how we had planned, it was overall a very positive and beautiful experience. I don’t know what I would have done without the incredible support of my thoughtful, caring, and informed husband, and without the gentle wisdom of our wonderful midwife. After returning to the States and finding supportive community resources, such as Crunchy Granola Baby, and getting to know other parents who are aligned with attachment parenting and natural living, we will go into the birth of a second child much more prepared and with greater knowledge and a stronger sense of empowerment about our own capabilities.

Ed. Note: Thanks to Isabel's Mom for her thoughtful story! If you're a globe-trotting Mama like her, be sure to check out this helpful article from escapefromamerica.com.

July Promotions!

2010-07-03T10:54:00.007-04:00

Cloth for the Coast: Diaper Drive for the Gulf

2010-07-02T11:11:00.006-04:00

CGB is committed to doing our part for the environment -- whether it's by reducing waste by using cloth diapers, buying locally-made products to lower emissions and create a smaller carbon footprint, or in this case, by reaching out to places in need of some extra help.

We are pleased to announce our in-store diaper drive; CGB will be collecting microfiber towels, pocket diaper inserts, washed / used prefold diapers, baby blankets and burp cloths to be donated for wildlife rescue and clean up through LA organization Cloth for the Coast.

Bring your donations to CGB and help save the environment and the people and animals of the Gulf Coast! All diapers must be free from snaps, elastic or velcro. Bring them in by Monday, July 19th to make our shipping date.

If you have any questions, contact us at crunchygranolababy@gmail.com. If you want to make your own shipment, or you can't get to CGB, you can send your donations to:

FuzziBunz Diapers

ATTN: CFC315 Weeks St
New Iberia, LA 70560

For more info on ways to help, visit communityforthecoast.org

Crunchy Granola Baby

What's Next? . . .

CGB is Closing

Our New Friend: Northside Carting

Twitter Tuesday!

New Product: Bamboosa Onesies

SUP the Coast ... A Video

New Products: For Cleaning!

SUP the Coast

CPR - January 22, 2011

Our Featured Artists from The Phoenix School

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Exploration and Preparation

HarperOlive

A Labor and Delivery Nurse's Homebirth

Free Enrichment Programs

Upcoming Events for 2011

"Spooky and Kooky"

New Product: Bamboosa Snowflake Onesie

Happy Holidays 2010

Last Minute Gift Idea

Holiday Hours 2010

Video Snapshot of Salem Open Studios

Babywearing Demo

Gift Ideas (via Patch)

Three Hour, Learn Everything, Breastfeeding Class

Deals, Deals, Deals

Parent's United Annual Coat Drive

Bamboosa is Back!

Twitter Tuesday!

Holiday Shopping Event: Thursday, December 9

Eco- Kids Ornament Kits

Salem Community Arts Calendar

Kaya's Kloset

More Monkeys

Promotions! Promotions! Promotions!!

Receive 15% off all purchases (including sale items!) Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Get your Holiday gifts this weekend and save big! (and we have tons of new inventory, Baby Legs, Eco-art ornament kits, and more!)

On Black Friday 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar is offering free apps to anyone who can produce a receipt of $35.00 or more from a small boutique, shop, gallery, or any other small business located in Salem.

Salem's Green Business Challenge

Parents United Coat Drive and Adopted Family

We Have a New Adopted Family!

North Shore Clay Studio Open Studios

Medicine CAbinet Makeover

Babywearing Demo

Participate in Study on Rapid Rise in Cesarean Rate

Winter Hours

Winter 2010- 2011 CSA

November Promotion: Little Beetle Diapers

North Shore Bazaar 2010

Celebrating Green in Salem!

Bugworks!

Halloween Weekend! In Salem!

New Product: TXAI Organics

The Lyceum Halloween Costume Brunch for Kids

Sibling Preparation for the Birth of their Sibling

New Product: Positively Organic Long Sleeve Rompers

Closed

Help the Homeless during Halloween at CGB

Celebrate Halloween with Bugworks!

New Products! Sweet Spud

We ♥ Locals.

Open Interviews for Seasonal Retail Position

Trick or Treating with the Mayor

New Product Alert: Bathroom Tisue

Costume Swap!

New Product: Keekaroo

Support Salem Education!

Celebrating nAGLY!

Support the Shanty! (and CinemaSalem!)

Cloth Diapering Workshop

New Class: Parenting Support with Traditional Chinese Medicine

CGB is Hiring!

Discover the artistry of linaloos hair clips for kids

Why Talc Free?

Upcoming Events

Lots of great events happening here at CGB over the next few weeks. Check it out:

Working Mothers' Breastfeeding Group: Monday, September 13 at 7:15PM

Baby Hand and Footprints in Clay : Thursday, September 23 at 11AM

Kami Clips for Halloween!

...because we love Salem

Labor Day Sale