Social networking is at its best when you can connect with people who have common interests. Ideal for me and millions of other eco-minded moms, GreenMoms.com is a one-stop shop for mothers to share ideas about greener living locally and globally.

The site provides a directory of member-recommended green products and services, discussion forums, blogs, a green store, and the tools and support for anyone around the world to start their own local GreenMoms group. Local groups organize activities like attending berry-picking events at farms, hosting vegetarian potlucks, and compiling lists of local green resources. (Hint: GreenMoms still needs a Philly group leader. If you can make some time to organize, I can promise you at least one enthusiastic member!)

Learn more, sign up, and connect with me and thousands of other green moms online.

On Sept. 17, The Wardrobe Boutique officially opens to the public. Benefiting The Career Wardrobe, The Wardrobe Boutique offers new and gently used women's apparel and accessories in an upscale boutique atmosphere. Among the vast selection of styles and sizes, find high-end brand names like Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Paula Hian, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Eileen Fisher, and more. I already scored a Comme de Garcons jacket for $20.

The store serves the public by selling items at a deeply discounted price, offering another opportunity to recycle clothing for a good cause. All proceeds directly benefit The Career Wardrobe. General store hours are Tuesday-Friday 11-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Wardrobe Boutique
1822 Spring Garden St.
(215) 568-2660

The Equilibrium Pilates Fall Mat Workshop for Beginners will be held Sept. 16 - Oct. 21, every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. This workshop will teach you the basics of Pilates and get you ready to pop into affordable mat classes held several times each week. The workshop is only $150 for six weeks.

Equilibrium Pilates
424 S. 2nd St.
(215) 923-3669

Getting the kids ready for back to school? Let them show off their eco-smarts by touting tree-free paper and pens, the envy of all the green generation.

GreenLine Paper Company's wide range of eco-friendly back- to-school products include 100% recycled composition books, Rebinders recycled corrugated cardboard binders, ZEBRA ECO Ballpoint retractable pens made with more than 70% real post-consumer plastic like old CDs and cell phones, Wrap-N-Mat Reusable Sandwich Bags, and much more. Find great green deals for use from kindergarten through college.

See below for a coupon code for a free gift with purchase.

GreenLine Paper Company is in the running for Green America's 2009 People's Choice Award for Green Business of the Year. Cast your vote here.

Spirit Beauty Lounge was thrilled to be chosen as one of Marie Claire magazine's "Editor's Picks" in its "New Way to Shop" supplement.

Spirit Beauty Lounge introduces several new hard-to-find organic luxury beauty lines this fall, including Nostalgia Organics' Aromatherapy Balms. These balms are made with 100% organic botanical oils and natural plant essences for a purely aromatic treat. With a synergistic blend of up to six different therapeutic essential oils, Nostalgia Organics are a refreshing natural alternative to synthetic perfume. This portable, affordable luxury is 100% vegan and not tested on animals.

As a special introductory offer, Spirit Beauty Lounge is offering a three for $25 deal on Nostalgia Organics products (regularly $10 each).

Congratulations to our two fabulous Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly" 2009 winners.

The Monster Minders won "Best Pet Sitters" for the second time and the magazine says, "Easier to book than a car share, this adorable team of energetic pet-perts (serving Rittenhouse to South Philly) carefully feeds, walks, cleans up and cuddles - but most of all, honestly loves - your furry housemate(s) as much as you do."

Tammi Gindle at juju spa & organics won for "Best Manscaping" for "gracefully waxing every hair off a man."

See below for two special coupons for juju salon and spa.

If you haven't been reading the Philadelphia Eco-Living Examiner lately, you missed giveaways for aden + anais organic muslin swaddle wraps, Fuji Enviromax batteries, Lucky Earth waterless car wash products, and more exclusive giveaways and discounts on eco-friendly products.

The Examiner also tackled green marketing, the best products for a beautiful, green pregnancy, and where greenies can go for online social networking.

Sign up to receive alerts about more great giveaways and useful green living tips. Thank you all for reading and for your wonderful comments and suggestions.

The Monster Minders Strut for Mutts

Join The Monster Minders as they raise money to save Philadelphia's homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. On Sat., Oct. 31, The Monster Minders will participate in the Thirrd Annual PAWS Mutt Strut, which will bring animal lovers and their pets together for a 1.5-mile scenic walk through FDR Park. They will raise badly needed funds for PAWS' lifesaving programs, including adoption, foster care, spay/neuter surgery, and veterinary care. The team also will have a booth for its "Bubble Trouble" drive, where clients buy bottles of detergent for the shelter for raffle tickets to win a basket of goodies and/or free walks. The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a no-kill rescue organization dedicated to saving the most vulnerable animals in the city's animal control shelter. For more information on supporting or walking with The Monster Minders, visit online.

Children's Crisis Treatment Center's "Cruise for the Kids"

Savor the last of the warm weather at Children's Crisis Treatment Center's Ninth Annual "Cruise for the Kids" fundraiser on Thurs., Sept.10, 7 p.m. at the Moshulu (Penn's Landing, 401 S. Columbus Blvd). Hosted by the Friends of Children's Crisis Treatment Center (CcTC), Cruise for the Kids offers delicious food, top-shelf open bar, Caribbean-themed live music by Verdict, and fantastic raffle prizes to support the Friends' efforts to raise funds and awareness for CcTC. CcTC offers services for Philadelphia children and their families struggling to cope with traumatic experiences. Tickets cost $80 per person for general admission and $60 per person for Friends of CcTC. VIP tickets are $100 per person and include admission to an exclusive cocktail party at 6 p.m. Parking is complimentary. For tickets, visit online.