Looking at the straws and cups made from corn (entirely recyclable and compostable), the natural pebble flooring, and minimalist white décor flooded with natural light, it can be easy to wonder if the unassuming new pizza place in Wyckoff, NJ is more about eco-style over substance: it’s not. Open since December 2009, The Flatz Company makes a tasty and healthful pizza pie, and is one of my favorite new lunch spots.

The “flatz” are thin as tortillas, and crispy as crackers with creative pizza toppings on the menu like “The BLT” complete with chopped lettuce sprinkled on top; “Swimming with the Fishes” for the anchovy lovers out there; the “Jammin’  Banana Fruit” topped pizza flat, or even “The Prestige” with white truffle oil and shaved parmigiano reggiano.

The Flatz Co boasts their ingredients are “better than organic,” abiding by stricter standards than required for organic certification. For instance, the wheat flour used in the base of the flats is free from chemicals with nothing added and nothing removed. Which makes this mom’s heart go pit-a-pat – in a good, healthy way.  Served simply over paper on a reusable plastic tray, my kiddo actually likes to take care of the small amount of waste to use the  automated bin doors for recyclables or trash on our way out.

With each “flat” measuring about 12 inches in diameter, they’re more than enough for one person and easy for two small kids to share, and to that end The Flatz Co has a “Buy Two Flats, Get One Free” special on Mondays and Tuesdays. The three pizza flats should be about right for a family with two small children, as the three of us order three and end up taking about the equivalent of ¾ of one home. I also like their natural drink offerings like Boylan’s fountain soda, Mash sodas or Harney & Sons ice tea.

The Flatz Co plans to expand with four new locations in Manhattan and California over the next year. I suggest you keep your eyes peeled for one near you, but in the meantime, try it out the next time you make the journey over the GW Bridge into Bergen County.

The Flatz Co

314 Franklin Ave

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

201-560-0150

The International Toy Fair 2010 took place the week, ending yesterday.  Toy Fair incorporated an Eco-Friendly Product Zone, its first, allowing such toymakers and companies to really feature their products highlighting this component.

I found a hand full of eco-friendly toys that I thought were fun and interesting. Here are some of my favorites:

TDC Games: has 500 piece puzzle, with each piece embedded with sunflower seeds. They encourage you to, once completed, soak the puzzle over night in water and then plant them daily until they bloom.

Arttero: Founded by two moms from Madison, WI, award-wining Artterro offers eco-friendly art kits that inspire children’s artistic talent through high-quality materials found in the many different-themed options they offer.

miYim: with products found in major retailers nationwide, miYim offers organic toys for the younger child, ad is currently working to expand their line further with environmentally-friendly toys as well.

Sprig toys: one of my kids’ favorite are their trucks made from recycable materials. Battery-free and eco-friendly, this Colorado based company is working with WHAMO to develop biodegradable, kid operated pre=school toys.

Planet Fred: soft, organic material, and called Bamboo Bears. The company will plant one tree for every six bears purchased through the National Arbor Day Foundation.

There were more companies that had displays, my hope is that next year this number will even larger. Though it is no secret that added the eco-friendly aspect to a products adds to higher manufacturing costs, but with the increase in demand lately among parents looking for environmentally-friendly toys, my hope is that companies will find that the cost is worth it.

Photo credit: Sprig Toys

Walking down the streets of New York City exposes you to tons of great shops. Many of them new arrivals taking advantage of prime real estate,  changing neighborhoods, or opportunities offered to them by the city and its natives. But every once in awhile, you will come across a place that is more than just a store. It’s a part of New York City history, born and bred.  A place that has been here through thick and thin, that has hung on, offering us the best that they have to offer as they grow, representing New York City in every way.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 is such a place.  This New York City icon started as a family owned pharmacy, exactly where you find it now, at 109 Third Avenue in the East Village. And though some things have changed, such as Kiehl’s becoming an International success, many things have stayed the same, such as the continuity with which it serves quality products that not only cherish the skin they are the developed for, but also our planet.

I love Kiehl’s products because of how great they smell and feel on my hair and skin. But I also really, really love how they focus on creating products that respect the environment and encourage others to do the same. It has continuously developed programs and products that spread the message of love not only to Mother Earth but to our communities as well.

And though it is true that I have a personal relationship* with Kiehl’s, the quality and reputation of their products, their contributions to our city’s history and communities, their efforts to educate others about the environment, and their own involvement in these efforts, make Kiehl’s Since 1851 a true New York City success story.

Another reason to feel good about wanting to splurge on self care, be you a boy or a girl.

Read more about the fun that was had as I joined Kiehl’s in kicking off Fashion Week NYC during Kiehl’s Fashion Night Out  2009. 

The Giveaway:

I’d like to share some Kiehl’s love. Tell NY Metropolista the ways in which you give back to our planet and/or our community.  We will select two (2)  winners on Friday, September 25, 2009.  

Each winner will receive an 8.0fl oz jar of Imperial Body Balm each valued at $42.00 and a 6.0 fl oz bottle of Kiehl’s new Açai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist each valued at $26.00.

Tweet about the giveaway and qualify for a second entry (make sure to @nymetropolista).  No more than two entries will be counted.

*Disclosure: My wonderful husband, Travis Cain, is Sr. Art Director for Kiehl’s Since 1851, and as such, we enjoy the wonderful perks and gifts any member of the Kiehl’s family does.  That being said, my review here is honest and true.  I have received no compensation, gifts, products, or other endorsement for this review. As a matter of fact, they don’t even know I am writing this, so I hope they likey.