Why I love Trader Joe's - The Christmas Edition

Hello Readers!

OMG- what an awesome holiday season it has been for me and TJs. Bargains and fun all in one place!

I started off right after Thanksgiving by purchasing their annual Advent Calendars. For exactly one dollar each - your child can count down the days to Christmas starting on Dec 1st. For those of you thinking Advent-wha? the concept is that each day your child unwraps small piece of chocolate, thereby counting down the days to Christmas. So, that's 24 chocolates for one dollar!

The deal was so incredible, I went back and got six more for my friends! (Err,I mean for my friend's kids :-))

Next up - the MOST ADORABLE gingerbread man kit. He came already baked but the kids decorate it with candy and icing that are all provided in the box - and all said decorations were made from all natural ingredients (no dye!).

This one was pricey at 3.99 a pop but made the kids quite happy. The cookie was also very yummy itself.

For the Mamma's and the dark chocolate lovers there was the return of the dark chocolate star cookies. Yummmmmm does not even describe it.

Today however was the topper, the angel on top of the Christmas tree, the star purchase of the YEAR (insert drum roll here) Weighing in at .99 cents- yes you read that right - I purchased a DIY cookie kit, complete with dough, two cookie cutters and icing for decorating up to four Christmas cookies. Now we haven't used it yet because my angels turned into devils somewhere around 4:30 and I decided to start drinking at 6, but check back next week for a full review.

I had one last score - a box of star shaped chocolates, also for a dollar, that were a variety of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. It seems the milk ones were all broken and hence the sale. Those puppies are coming with me when I go a-visiting.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Green Gift Ideas for Christmas!

Hello!

A few years ago, Mattel was under big fire for releasing toys made in China that had unsafe levels of chemicals.
I learned very quickly that it's hard to buy "safe toys" but since my kids don't put stuff in their mouths anymore, I have tried to let loose a bit.

I draw the line on makeup.
My daughter has received make up and lip glosses as gifts a few times now, given the grab bags at dancing school & girl scouts.
After a quick inspection to see "made in china", I disgarded said products as soon as she wasn't looking.

This year, she had her sights on a beautiful Justice make-up kit. But....I cannot do it.
I did a little research and found this lovely and girly safe make up kit.
Little Earth's Beauty http://www.earthsbeauty.com/review.htm made by Earth's beauty is the perfect solution.

I will be ordering one today!

Since I know I have fans with kids of all ages, please see the daily green's lovely slideshow of "green toys".
http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/green-toys?click=getstarted#fbIndex1

Happy Shopping.

Ho, ho, ho!

Healthy Dinner Tonight!

A few years back, Jessica Seinfeld was all the rage amongst mommies everywhere with her Deceptively Delicious cookbook where by you sneak veggies into food so kids don't know how healthy they are eating. She was then sued by the author of the Sneaky Chef - and then Jerry was sued for defamation of character, and it went on and on.

Anyway, I didn't have much luck with some of her suggestions and recipies.

Recently, however, a friend turned me on to Gwenyth Paltrow's site and newsletter entitled GOOP (www.goop.com)

Today's post was about Jessica's new website and cookbook about making healthy things from fresh for busy lives (I'll take one of these for Christmas, please!)

Here's the website if you want to check it out yourself!
http://www.doitdelicious.com/

This is her mantra:
We are all about simple and easy recipes as well as great tips and advice about cooking and shopping for food. Our hearts are with those who are just starting their adventures in the kitchen—those who are intimidated and possibly even terrified—so we will always keep it real about what it takes to get a meal on the table. You will find us in and out of the kitchen digging up great finds at supermarkets, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, restaurants and food trucks; and, hopefully, finding that hidden gem of a recipe, and highlighting that gadget that makes life easier for you in the kitchen. Our goal is to get everyone cooking—from the very beginner to those who are already comfortable but looking for fresh recipes and fun tips.

Here's a sample & simple recipe:

Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, separated
3 cups low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup cauliflower puree
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 2 1/4 pounds)

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, sauté the chopped garlic in 1 teaspoon of the olive oil until it begins to turn golden brown. Add the chicken broth, turn the heat to high, and reduce by half, about 8 minutes. Add the lemon juice.

In a small bowl, combine the water and cornstarch. Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the boiling chicken broth. The mixture will thicken quickly. Add the cauliflower puree. Sprinkle in parsley, if desired. Cover to keep warm and set aside.

Meanwhile, begin heating the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Whisk the egg whites and egg in a shallow bowl. Combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder on a large plate. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour and then dip in the egg mixture. Drop the cutlets directly into the heated skillet. Sauté 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Add the lemon sauce and cook 2 to 3 minutes more to combine flavors. Serve.

Calories: 333, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Protein: 45 g, Total Fat: 8.5 g, Saturated Fat: 1.5 g, Sodium: 565 mg, Fiber: 3 g

A fan is born!

Parents of School Aged Children: READ UP

I was talking to some moms outside my daughter's dance class the other day when the subject of lice came up (Yuck).
Apparently, it's going around in a neighboring school.

One of the mom's told me that lice do not like the smell of rosemary - it apparently repels them - and someone has made this into a product for this purpose.
Fairytales haircare is organic and natural and good for your child's hair regardless of the anti-lice capabilities. If you have a knotty hair kid like I do, this spray will do dual purpose as a leave-in conditioner and protector of unwanted pests!


It's sold at smaller pharmacies and specialty beauty shops or you can always buy online.
They also have summer care products that are natural and chem free!
I got myself some - and we are now using it daily. (Don't forget to spray behind the ears)


Stock up and prevent today!

Cake Friday! Tried and loved!

My daughter turned seven on Monday, which meant I needed to make her cupcakes and something healthy to take to school and share with her class. I love making and eating cupcakes but since I have become all to aware of chemicals and other nasty items in our food, I read the back of a traditional cake box (it was Betty Crocker I believe).

Did you know that yellow cake mix has yellow dye in it??
Frosting is just as bad - it has high fructose corn syrup and a ton of other unidentifiable items in it. I am done with those items. Done! What are they thinking???

Thank goodness I am now a regular shopper at Trader Joe's and they have some new products out that I used and will review for my readers.

Trader Joe's now makes a cake and frosting mix - without harmful chemicals!
For your reading pleasure - please visit this post and blog - which I found today and cannot wait to read more about. Two ladies write a blog and a book called "Cooking with Trader Joe's"- I think I am more excited about that than I am that it's Friday!!

So - I used the cake mix and there were two options on the back - make with oil or make with butter. I chose the oil version - but my BFF told me the butter is simply divine. I have to admit, it did not taste that good when I licked the spoon (and the inside of the bowl) but after it came out of the oven, it was just as good as any other cake mix.

Now - the frosting takes a bit of getting used to. It's butter cream frosting - so it's not what our kids are traditionally used to eating but it was good (however fattening). Although my daughter often says "Trader Joe's stuff has less chemicals in it but it doesn't mean it's all good for you" Well said Meg!

Next up - Sunday night baking for her class treat.
Our school only allows "healthy" birthday snacks so this one is always tricky. However, I had been eyeing up a recipe on the side of the Multi grain Pancake and Waffle Mix. It was called a "Blueberry Coffee Cake" and boy was it easy. I folded in frozen organic blueberries, used the multi grain mix in place of bleached (yuck) flower - some eggs, oil, and wallah - I got a lovely square cake that I cut into mini squares and they were moist and delicious.
I cut back on the amount of sugar and substituted some pure Vanilla for an extra little kick - cause that's how I roll!

Delish! A must try for all!

Why Anti-bacterial Cleaners and Soaps Are Very BAD!!!!

Most moms, especially new moms, are a little over protective when it comes to protecting their young against germs.

While this makes sense in theory, using anti-bacterial soaps are actually bad for the environment and the greater good of man.

Here's a quote I found online:

"In general, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial products harm beneficial microbes as well as harmful ones. Remember, not all bacteria is bad! The use of antimicrobials may cause resistant strains of microorganisms and that's bad for everyone. Warm soapy water remains the simplest anti-bacterial treatment.

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/organic-parenting/microban?click=main_sr#ixzz12jSXuI2s

and yet another from Web MD:

In three separate studies, the researchers showed that the chemicals -- triclosan and triclocarban -- have potential to affect sex hormones and interfere with the nervous system. They also may become suspects in the search for causes of autism.

Read More: http://children.webmd.com/news/20080529/safety-debate-on-antibacterial-soap

Now unfortunately, I have had to cut out my trips to bath and body works. Once my favorite store, they are full of these offensive products.

What is safe?

Alcohol based cleansers for your hands.....and for a "green" solution - Try Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer (which is alcohol free! safe for little ones).

This choice is also economical as the label boasts that a spritz nets you 4x more uses per ounce than regular gel

www.cleanwelltoday.com

This moms is your lesson for the day. Quite shocking but very true!!

Tell me: Will you eliminate these from your home?

For you Mama!

Today's post is dedicated to the Mama, as we need to take care of ourselves as well!

Someone who works in the beauty industry once told me "a woman uses 30 products before she leaves the house".

That got me to doing some serious thinking.
My first thought was - no way!

And then....I counted based on my morning routine:

1.soap

2.shaving cream

3.shampoo

4.conditioner

5.body cream

6.deodorant

7.acne cream

8.face repair cream

9.facial moisturizer

10.hair gel

11.foundation

12.blush

13.concealer

14.mascara

15.eyeliner

16.eyeshadow

17.lipgloss/lip moisturizer

18.hairspray

19.handcream

20.perfume

- So it was not quite 30 but my god - 20! It's a wonder I make it out of the door!

Every one of these products has chemicals in it. So does your toothpaste, mouthwash, clothes, etc.

Kind of blows your mind, right? No wonder cancer is rampant and on the rise.

Today's post is dedicated to trying to take the above list and make as many of them as I can be "all natural choices".

Here are some suggestions on easy swaps:

Hand/body cream: Yes to Cucumbers - Completely Cooling Body Butter

Skin care prodcuts - Have to admit how this one got started.....Kate Gosselin apparently leaked that she uses Ole Henrickson products which you can click here to buy. (Apparently the eye cream is botox in a jar!)

After some research, I found out his products are almost all natural but are definitely paraben free.

Lip Gloss/Moisture - Kiss My Face lip gloss and or Burt's Bees wax for lips.

Hair products- I started using Aveda after I got a strong recommendation from a friend. Turns out that all their ingrediants are NATURAL!!! Bonus!

Forget about the perfume, do you really need it? Not only is it expensive but it's chemicals sprayed on your skin and being absorbed directly into your body. Save it for a special occasion I say!

Hope you consider your morning routine and try to make your choices as healthy as possible!

Love, Mama

Green Your Halloween!!

Greetings Moms!
I think most of you will agree that Halloween is as big as - or bigger- than Christmas when you have kids!
If you want to "green" your Halloween check out some awesome tips from Healthy Child Healthy World - click here!

Now, I will admit that although the costumes are probably full of chemicals I do still buy them, although I try to limit the face masks and paint.

I do try to recycle costumes, pass on, take from others......and I will definitely hand out "good candy". I've been an adapter of pure chocolate in my house as of late. It is just a coco bean - grown on the earth - no dyes no added chemicals and no sticky-take-the-enamel-off-your-teeth worry (like fruit snacks), so I think I will be giving that out as well as maybe some Trader Joe's all natural treats. Boy, will I be popular with the kids!

Muahahahahahahhahaha. Happy Haunting!

Cleaning your floors - The Ecofriendly Way

Let's face it, your floors are important and your kids and pets are all over them! Winter is approaching and you'll be spending more time in your house and on your floors - so how do you keep them clean and your family safe?

My BFF sent me this link to an ecofriendly, chemical free floor cleaner that can be purchased as a kit at Beth Bath and Beyond (love that store!)

Anyway, I checked it out and it appears that this company has been around since 1919 and they boast a chemical free hardwood floor cleaner as well as sealants if you need to finish your floors.

Here's some literature direct from their website:

http://www.mybonahome.com/home.html

Bona waterborne floor cleaners are safe for floors, families, and the environment. Bona's specially-developed non-toxic formula also limits the harmful effects of downstream pollution.

Bona waterborne finishes have no toxic fumes and low VOC's so they are healthier for your family, pets, and the environment. In addition, there is no need to vacate your home during the finishing process due to fast dry times and easy water clean-up. This Swedish waterborne technology highlights the true beauty and elegance of the wood and provides the ultimate in durability. It, too, is GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality

Not only are they good for your family, but they are also kind to the environment. That's win-win!

If you are shopping at your local Target and can't get to a Bona store - remember that Method is always another alternative for your floorsl. I have used this and it works and smells quite lovely.

Method- See here

And there is always the vinegar and water combo that you can spray on and wipe off
(see directions here: http://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/Vinegar_to_Clean_Hardwood_Floors)

Next up- safe carpet cleaners! Check back soon. I am researching now!

Healthy Ice Cream

It's been a hot one, and I have been on vacation, so I apologize for the lack of new posts.
However, while I was out and thinking about enjoying some good ol' fashioned ice cream this week, it occurred to me that ice cream could be really unhealthy if you don't read your labels.

I did a bit of research and found this on a blog called Natural News:
Some pretty frightening sounding chemicals like caroxymethyl cellulose, butyraldehyde, and amyl acetate are additives in some commercial ice creams. How about some diethyl glycol -- a cheap chemical used to take the place of eggs, which is also used in anti-freeze and paint removers.

Aldehyde C-17, flavoring for cherry ice cream, is an inflammable liquid used in dyes, plastics, and rubber. Piperonal, used in place of vanilla, is a lice killer. Ethyl Acetate, a pineapple flavor, can also clean leather and textiles.

Unfortunately, this doesn't work out to be like any natural substances like lemon that can be both eaten and used as a powerful cleaner. Ethyl Acetate's vapor has been known to cause chronic lung, liver, and heart damage.

There are quite a list of other unsavory ingredients littering many of today's most famous grocery store ice creams. Here are just some of them: Mono and diglicerides, disodium phosphate, benzyl acetate, mono stearate, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, modified corn starch and soy lecithin.

Now, just because most of these additives are on the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list by the FDA, doesn't prove they aren't harmful and besides, the real question is: Are any of these ingredients desirable or even necessary to an originally wholesome treat? Remember, the FDA does not require ice cream makers to label all of their ingredients. Oh, boy.


So, now that I took the fun out of ice cream for you- what's a girl to do.
Well, just stick with these brands:

Breyers - remember those commercials circa 1980 (polysorbate 80?) Well read the ingredients on Bryers- milk, cream, sugar, cocoa - really isn't this how it SHOULD be?

Trader Joe's Brand Ice Cream a.k.a Joe Joe's Ice Cream is very good!

Horizon makes an organic brand (the same people who make milk) so if you want to go that route, I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Finally- Haagen Daz does a "take five" ice cream that literally has just five ingredients (again, that is all you NEED to make ice cream!) I have bought this on more than one occasion and was not disappointed.

Now go forth and enjoy!

Blown away! "The Unhealthy Truth"

Robyn O'Brien has written a book called "The Unhealthy Truth" and she also has a web site that you can read here. Basically, she is all over the food industry and notes the shift began in 1994 to put crap, crap, crap in our food supply to satisfy food production quotas. Very very scary stuff.

This makes sense given that cancer, ADHD, and Autism have all been on the rise since this year.

If you don't have time for the book and can just do one thing.....read this list and make a switch.
If you can - read the book, I intend on getting it as soon as possible.

She's a mom, just like us and she has a video here!

Here's her list of the "one thing you can do now":

Instead of:	Choose This!
Cheetos	Fritos or Natural Cheetos
Fat Free Miracle Whip	Original Miracle Whip
M&M's	Chocolate Chips
Lenders Blueberry Bagels	Lenders Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Hawaiian Punch	Minute Maid Fruit Punch
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese mix-yellow	Kraft Macaroni and Cheese mix – White Cheddar
Duncan Hines Devils Food Cake mix	Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake mix
Prepackaged noodles with powder mix	Bag of noodles with butter/olive oil
Prepackaged mix of rice	Bag of plain rice with salt/spices added
Lowfat Ice Cream	Original Ice Cream
Strawberry Ice Cream	Vanilla Ice Cream with your own toppings!
Blue Yogurt	White yogurt – add your own toppings

Got a school aged kid who snacks - try this list:

Swimming in a Sea of Goldfish

Step 1: Replace the multi-colored goldfish (you know, the green, red and orange ones!) with the bright orange goldfish

Step 2: Replace the orange goldfish with the uncolored version or pretzel versions

From Chips to Dips

Our kids loved chips and I hated to deprive them. But I just couldn’t stand to see them crunching those fluorescent orange deep-fried chemical compounds every day after school.

Now we occasionally have a bag of chips as a special treat, but mostly my kids dip crackers, rice crackers, or pretzels into ketchup, mustard, yogurt, or honey. Sure, there are chemicals in their dips, too, but far fewer than if they scarfed down a bag of chips. Remember, it’s not a perfect world—but it can be a better one! I can also dream of the day that they ask for carrots and celery sticks to crunch on instead of chips, can’t I?

Make your own Snack Packs (and get your kids to help!)

Step 1: Tell your kids why you’re not buying the prepackaged versions anymore: too many chemicals and you love your kids too much to feed them that.

Step 2: Get creative and make your own snack packs. Enlist the help of your kids. I tried to mix four healthy choices into the bag, making the fifth one the bonus feature! For example: 1) raisins, 2) nuts (if you can swing it in an allergy-free house), 3) some pretzels, 4) some little crackers (from a box with a short list of ingredients that you can pronounce) and for 5) maybe a chocolate chip or two (or if you’re like me and hate throwing out food, you may want to use up the candy-coated cereal here or the M&Ms you still have or the yogurt raisins that you didn’t realize were coated in rBGH-laden dairy).

Step 3: Make a dozen or so little bags—with your little ones helping—and stash them for the week. Done! Quick, easy, and no chemicals. Give yourself a hug!

The Clean 15 & The Dirty Dozen

Hi Peeps!
Great video find today - lead by Dr. Weil - who really rocks.
We all know eating organic is expensive and tricky so I found this guide to be awesome.
And, if you aren't on board with organic yet- listen to what he says about how pesticides are found in your tissues!
It'll make you a believer!

Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen Video is informative and quick! Check it out here!

Get the Lead Out!!

If you, like me, are trying your best to eliminate unnecessary chemicals in the lives of your children, then you will be amazed to read this article.

Posted on the AOL homepage today - it seems that those lovable bouncy houses are laden with LEAD. The article goes on to state that California is suing the manufacturers for having what is described as a lead count dozens of times past the federal limit and that they pose a significant threat to our children.

I do notice a very artificial plastic like smell when I am around one of these.

Really makes you think twice about using them ever again. Or at least- LIMIT your usage.

I wonder if business will suffer at the over-priced bounce play places.

Tell me : will you consider this next time you have the opportunity to play in one of these??!!

Plates and Cups and "Good recycle numbers"

Borrowed this poem from Parents Magazine.

5, 4, 1 and 2 ....all the rest are bad for you!

(Keep above - toss the rest!)

A few of my friends and I were discussing plates, cups and general feeding items for our kids.

There is a ton of crap out there, and if you put it in the microwave or dishwasher, you are doubling your exposure to bpa and other chemicals because the heat causes it to seep out.

I personally use a set from IKEA that safe mama posted about a very long time ago.

Click here for her post!

Now if your kid is character crazy.... have no fear Zak designs has you covered.

Zak boasts the following

Each and every Zak product meets or exceeds all state, federal and international regulations regarding PVC, BPA and Lead contents and are unquestionably safe. Parents can be assured that any Zak children's product featuring artwork of today's most popular children's characters contains no BPA.

I am not suggesting that our government is the best source to trust but at least I feel better about their products - than someone that I have not heard of. They have a "commitment to child safety" philosophy so I might check them out.

Keep in mind that dollar store items often have lead in them and goodness knows what else.

I ban those from my house.

So, it's Friday, get out your stuff, check the recycle numbers and dump anything that is questionable.

Write soon....see more info here!

New! Johnson's Natural Baby Shampoo and Wash!

Special Sunday Edition!

I was perusing the safer child products in my local Target and passed this one up but then came back to it. See, Johnson's and Johnson's has been selling paraben soaps for years and years so they are banned from my house. But, I noticed a slight change to the packaging and noticed only THESE products were in with the rest of the organic products so I picked one up and read the ingredients (which is a mom's best defense).

Johnson's is now putting out 98% natural products that are more cost friendly than a California baby or Burt's Bee's wash. They have a baby shampoo and a head to toe foaming wash as well as lotion. (4.99 for 10 oz)

Upon reading the labels, I learned that there are no parabens (yay), or dyes but I do wonder what some of the other items in the product are. There is also "fragrance" which is not necessary since my kids emit a natural sweet scent - especially when cuddling and being good.

The packaging (the bottles) claim to be made out of 60% post-cosumer recycled material and they encourage you to recycle.

My heart is warm.

These products will be used this evening and I'll let you know how they perform but so far they had me at "no parabens".....

I am off to do some research on sulfates because I believe I heard that these were "not good" and I am assuming that it's the 2% that is not natural.

If you want more info on these products click here.

I am glad that a big huge conglomerate company like J & J is finally doing something smart and responsible. I just hope that more follow!

Happy Sunday indeed!

Ketchup and Maple Syrup = Big Ticket Items!

A few years back, my husband I bought new appliances for the kitchen. Our purchase included a new refrigerator that dispensed water right on the fridge door. Fast forward a couple of years and another kid later and my husband joked, "We bought the wrong refrigerator, what we should have got was one that dispensed ketchup and maple syrup on the fridge door! Think of all the money we would save opening and closing that door and how much of a time saver it would be!"

He joked, but he was absolutely right, we use a ton of both of these items.

A wise woman I once worked with told me - "Going organic is expensive and time consuming, so just look at your most used items and go organic there for starters". Very wise and smart advice and I hope my readers can think about this. If you can't afford to go organic or if you just don't seem to have that option in your local supermarkets, then just sit down and make a list of the big ticket items in your house and start there!

For me it's these things: milk, apples, bread, ketchup and syrup.

So, let's get down to it - ketchup first.

There are options. Heinz makes an organic ketchup but it is pricey and not easy to find. Trader Joe's makes one as well but I would be lying if I said it tasted the same. My kids poo-poo'd it long ago and it's not even the right color. But, now that product labels are pushing healthy eating, this caught my eye - Hunt's Ketchup says right on the label - No High Fructose Corn Syrup. Cue the enlightening music. What's this? Hunt's - which is a pretty decent ketchup and not to mention easy on the wallet- just took out this one horrible ingredient! There was much rejoicing in the supermarket aisle that day for me! And Hunt's may be happy to know, they have a new customer!

Second big ticket item in my house- maple syrup. Or, fake maple syrup - given that Aunt Jemima is really just manufactured chemical crap. I had to think about this one long and hard. The only way to get the chemical free stuff, from what I have seen (but please correct me if I am wrong) is to buy pure maple syrup and that my friends has about 892 grams of sugar per half of teaspoon :-) (I am kidding of course, it's more like 50 per teaspoon) but oh my god, it's delicious. I prefer Camp's Pure Maple Syrup - and they make an organic version as well. If you read the label (which I do religiously now) it's quite amusing and it says this : maple syrup. Ha ha ha!

No additives, no crap, just right out of the maple tree. I had to struggle with this a bit - given the high sugar content - but I do believe the following : if it comes from a tree- how bad can it be?

Poetry readings coming soon.....

New Brand Alert! Bubble and Bee

During my sampling of free products that I promised to share with y'all...I came across a brand I had never heard of and I did a little research for you. www.bubbleandbee.com is a new-to-me organic brand that I am sure will explode. It's up and coming so you, my reader, are going to be very "on trend".

The two products I have from these fine folks are:
Pit Putty Deodorant Stick (show of hands, how many of us heard that regular deodorant may or may not cause breast cancer? hmmm, that's a lot, well maybe we take the guess work out and use this!)

The other product I was lucky to get is a 100 % Organic Bug Spray!

Now I haven't seen these in stores yet, so check the website for buying these products if you are interested. The packaging is adorable...so I am sold!

I am testing it out the deodorant during our heat wave this weekend so stay tuned for a review!

Toothpaste Thursday

Today I was lucky enough to come across a wide variety of free sample organic products. (Don't fret or be envious, I am going to share it all with YOU- virtually of course :-)

Today I am going to focus on the toothpaste, because well, not much has excited me since the arrival of my first ever passport!!

Our lovely friends at Burt's Bees make an organic, all natural toothpaste - not just for you but ALSO SPECIFICALLY targeted for KIDDIES! YAYYY! Lollipops and sunshine all around!

So, let me tell you about the two products I sampled today:

For Mama:
Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste- Multi care with fluoride - peppermint flavor.....
It was in a word - groovy. I spoke to a few "green" folk and they highly recommend that as an adult, you use a fluoride toothpaste - because well none of us wants that "not-so-fresh-feeling" and we want to keep and retain both our teeth and our friends!
Retail price for this is about 5.00 but please visit the site for a 1.00 off coupon or a free sample.
Yay, we love BB!

For Kiddies:
Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste for Kids - Fluoride Free- berry bee flavor (with plaque fighting cranberry extract)
Comment from the six year old - "I like it!"
Face from the three year old - not so thrilled but didn't gag, throw up, attempt to run or leave the scene, he did continue brushing so me thinks he'll get used to it and over it and use it.

After all, I've read up on the Spongebob and Barbie Toothpastes and those folks are putting DYE IN THE TOOTHPASTE. Seriously people! How does the FDA approve this crap????!! I'd love to be a fly on the wall in one of those meetings!

Now, you might be asking- Green & Healthy Mom- Where does one purchase this and are there other options?

Why of course I have that answer, or it wouldn't be Toothpaste Thursday. (Also I love that they have a whitening formula!)

Click here to find out where Burt's Bees Products are sold.
Click here for Tom's of Maine alternatives (taste test pending, check back next Thursday!)

Enjoy!

Recall alert!

Dangerous chemicals in tween jewelry!

Click here!!!
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVwU1ju0oUHJIcQI9t7NyTLkBZcAD9GUC2LG0

Today's Topic : Pajamas! Did you know this...

Sometimes I will hear something and kind of ignore it - because if we really sit down and review every single thing that has chemicals or is dangerous, we can go quite nuts.

But this one seems to be a re-occurring theme that just keeps popping up and I had to stop and address it.

Flame resistant pajamas - which are a must if you have an infant- are bad for your kids!
As the article here puts it (click now)....why would we put our kids in something to sleep for 12-18 hours awhile it's emitting a chemical that their tiny lungs are breathing in?? I am totally paraphrasing but I am really angry that I've gone out of my way for these types of pajamas to learn that they are dangerous!!

So, what's a mom to do? Natural, cotton, organic pjs that are SNUG fitting are the alternative.

I am kind of sad because it takes the fun out of some of the pjs we own, but it's totally not worth it.

What will you do? Heed the warning or push it out of your brain?

Kiss My Face - Coupons and More

Hola readers!
My BFF and I love coupons more than almost anything (except for maybe wine and chocolate). This morning she came across a great coupon for a great product and I wanted to share it with you all.

Kiss My Face - is a line of organic and natural body care. Their line consists of soaps, shampoos, moisturizers- you name it!

They have a ton of products for children - click here to go right to it.

And check out their story here! (I am a sucker for a good story).

If you frequent Trader Joe's or Target - you will find their products on the shelves but if you do not their website is ecommerce enabled.

I am actually making a purchase right now so that I can use my coupon for a free soap! Click here to use it yourself!

Speaking of Cereals.........see this recall

I came across this interesting story today at The Daily Green.

Click here to read the entire story!

Another reason you should eat organic cereals and leave these big brands behind. They are running dirty businesses and you should think of them as such.

Go Cascadian Farms and Annie's!!!

Low Sugar Healthy Cereals Your Kids Will Love!

Wouldn't we all love to make whole wheat pancakes or organic scrambled eggs every morning? (Ok, I would!) However, I am a working mom of two and breakfast is five minutes in front of the TV while I blow dry my hair and apply make up (Yes, Virgina, that is all the time I have).

So, I do give them cereal during the week but I try my best to make it the bestest cereal in the world. Which ones do my kids and I prefer?

Nature's Path makes a lovely box of Gorilla Munch that Jake can't get enough of.

It's basically just like corn pops (little round balls)!

They also make it in chocolate flavored (fake cocopuffs) but that one is a little harder to find.

**These cereals are also gluten free if you have any little ones out there with special diets.

Cascadian Farms is my next favorite.

We call this one "Cinnamon Toast Crunch"

Lastly, there's nothing wrong with good old Fashioned Corn Flakes or Cheerios - both are low in sugar, although I do tend to buy the Trader Joe's version of both - given that these tend to guarantee no sneaky chemicals.

Add a little organic skim milk and you can be on your way!

Here's a link to find out more - great brands, I will try them out myself!

Click here!
http://www.grist.org/article/cereal-killer/

Heat wave and chemical free!

Sunscreen again! Yes, and here's why. It's important and a huge issue that the FDA hasn't yet determined how cancer causing our sunscreens might be. Yes, that is what they are saying. In fact, it might be less cancerous to just get burned and deal with it after.

This is why I stared this blog in the first place - I am outraged!

Thankfully, there are companies out there doing something about it and here is a great find from our friends at Sephora, who have a "green label". Special shout out to my BFF Jessica for the big find:

Lavanila Laboratories have a line of skin care products that are all wihtout the following harmful chemicals that are in regular sunscreens:

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan


What in the fudge is Triclosan - and am I putting this on my kids body- really?
Get me to Sephora at once!

See more skincare items at Sephora that are "free" of harmful agents here.

For Mommy and Baby!

Summer Eating & Pesticide Free

So, summer's here (if you are in the North East you may want to throw your computer after reading this as if you don't know) ... and fruits are very refreshing and flowing in my house.

Due to the fact that we are in summer and still in a recession of sorts, I wanted to address the "organic is expensive" concerns.
Yes, Virgina, it is!

However, with this handy dandy guide, I hope you can navigate your way through the produce aisle and feel free.

These are the top ten items you should try to buy organic- if you can! The rest you can just buy regularly. Now, please keep in mind, if junior eats 7 pints of blueberries a week, then buy those! Someone once said on the Dr.Oz show that it really depends on the AMOUNTS you eat of any one item. So, use this as a guide but also use your noggin for best results!

* Peaches
* Apples
* Sweet Bell Peppers
* Celery
* Nectarines
* Strawberries
* Cherries
* Lettuce
* Grapes (Imported)
* Pears
* Spinach
* Potatoes

Editor's Note: I have this list on my home bulletin board and it varies a bit but this list was taken from www.babyzone.com as I am always making sure I monetize my organic well!

Those Vampires From Eclipse Might Really Have Something ....

Ok, so the issue with the Twilight characters is that they don't eat anything at
all. The "good ones" are kind of like vegetarians in that they only feast on
animal blood and not human. What is my point and my odd comparison? I am getting
there.
Trying to avoid red meat and find other protein sources besides meat to satisfy craving and nutrition
is similar to our old friends The Vampires.

I know you are thinking or saying the following:

"But... I have a picky eater and she only likes meatballs!" Switch to turkey
meatballs my friend!

"My son is addicted to chicken nuggets" Give him Perdue whole grain nuggets and
keep offering alternatives.

What are some good high protein alternatives?

Unprocessed cheese - try Babybel or Laughing Cow. Let him pick the crackers and
serve with grapes. OR - make a quesadilla!! Don't ask, just make it and put in
front of them. Tell him or her its a rollup!

Endamame in the shell - taking the little beans out are half the fun.

Hummus dip with pretzles- what's not to love?

"But my kid loves Hot Dogs" (so do I little Joey!)- try the Applegate Farm
Organic Unprocessed Hot Dogs- they are actually pretty good and even my husband
agrees!
Keep in mind, these are beef so use sparingly!

Organic, chemica -free finds at Marshalls! Vinegar is mentioned!

Happy 4th y'all!

I spent the 5th trying to stay cool and collected, so I hit up my local Home Goods/Marshalls and found a few good deals on organic products.

One item I scoped out had a catch name but this heat has fried my brain (something about glass)

Anyhoo- it was vinegar and water in a bottle and they were selling it as an organic glass cleaner.

Now, I wasn't about to shell over 5-6 dollars for that, so I decided to do some research and make my own! I always knew vinegar was a great natural cleaner. As soon as I get a free spray bottle I am shedding myself of Windex. Windex by the way is basically a poison (as well as dryer sheets --so beware!)

Click here for Vinegar tips!

And here for a few more!

My additional Marshall's finds consisted of some more shampoos and conditioners.

There is a lovely brand called EO and we tried the conditioner tonight as that was all they had.

EO (Essentials Only) works quite well and has an orange like after smell that my daughter quite enjoyed.

EO is sold online and at amazon.com and of course MARSHALLS. If anyone knows any other places to get these products, please let me know!

Toodles.

Summer Brings on the Chemicals!

Summer is here, and if you have kids like me who "Sear like an Ahi-tuna" or you are just like most moms and want to protect that precious baby soft skin then this is the post for you.

Do you cringe every morning and afternoon when you spray or rub sunscreen on them...did you ever read the back of a sunscreen bottle? It's painful. Did you also know that the FDA has admitted that it has not tested sunscreens effectively and doesn't know if it's worse to not protect your kids or use chemicals to protect them???

Don't believe me? Click here to read proof of this!

I know it's wrong as it feels terrible every single day that I do it!

I consulted another mom friend who also goes by the name of Jennifer and we compared some notes.

1. Organic Sunscreens are hard to find

2. They don't work all that well.

So, what's a mom to do?

Well, we are still experimenting with brands ourselves, but here's what we know:

"Burts Bees" gives horrible coverage is not pleasant to apply. It kind of goops up on you.

(Yes, goops is a word!)

Banana Boat has a Paraben free brand! Yipee! And....it also has a Target generic brand counterpart! (Yipeee again!)

The jury is still out on exactly which ones are good and safe but here's a great article you might enjoy.

I am looking for some reviews here so please send them in if you got em!

You too can be a guest blogger on Green, Healthy, Organic Moms Helping Moms!

The Daily Green: 21 of the Best Natural Sunscreens

Write in and tell me what you got!

Go Paraben-Free With Us!

Just the other day, I was reading an article that severely changed my life.

It was about Parabens and how they are known carcinogens and in EVERYTHING, especially things that we put on and use with our children.

In an effort to be Paraben-Free, I did a little research and have switched to the following products.

Target sells two shampoo/body soaps that I've tried-

"Say Yes to Baby Carrots" - Gentile Foaming Shampoo and Body Wash

"Burts Bee's Baby Bee Shampoo and Body Wash"

Now, I will not lie, they work OK at best.

For a body wash, they are just fine.

If you use it as shampoo and you have a girl with longer hair, it's not great.

Boys with their little peach fuzz hair is fine.

I will use this as shampoo on the girl only if she's kind of between cleanings. (You know, she had a good scrubbing of the hair the day before and is just kind of taking a bath just to wash off some body grime but her hair is pretty OK and I am just throwing this in for good measure and a mommy medal)

Anyone else try products -let us know.

You can be a guest blogger if you write a great review!

Here are some additional resources if you'd like to read more on the matter, and go paraben free yourself (parabens- not just harmful to kids!)

Target - Paraben Free Search

Safe Mama.com

Paraben Free Beauty

The Celebrity Cafe

The Good Human

Natural Help for Swimmer's Hair

My daughter just doesn't have "good hair". Like my own, it tends to get "ratty" and it pretty much drives my dad up the wall. Whenever he comes to visit he will say "can you do something with her hair"....and funny thing is, I just did before he arrived.

So, as soon as summer arrives and she hits the pool, hell does "break loose" and she looks like a Rastafarian. (no offense to the Rastas!)

I was afraid to try a "swimmer's shampoo" because I figured chemicals to combat chemicals is an ugly waged war.

Some internet research later.....I learned APPLE CIDER VINEGAR does the trick. Basically it works like a clarifying agent, restoring shine, removing rattiness and making the world a better place. It really does work, and you just need to get passed the smell in your bathroom! Although my son barged in and said "it smells delicious in here...." Me thinks he might like salads in his future!

Fruit Snacks and Dye - Oh My!

Fruit Snacks. The bane of my existence. I cannot buy a box without my son going nuts and torturing me on END for more of them.

Being that I was on a mission to cut out High Fructose Corn Syrup, I began to do what all healthy moms start to do - read the ingredients on the box.

There's just no way around it. If you want to be healthy, it's a must.

I started with the dreaded HFCS and noticed there wasn't any (yay) - however what these tasty crack like snacks do have is.... DYE!

Oh yes, DYE is not good for kids. It's terrible. I think it like stains your kidneys or something.

So, I did search through some products and here are some healthy fruit snack alternatives.

Two products were found at Target, and one at good ol' Trader Joes!

Enjoy and let me know what your little one had to say!

Annie's Homegrown Berry Patch Organic Fruit Snacks

(comes in bunny shapes!)

Florida's Natural Brand Fruit Snacks

Trader Joes Pick O' the Day: Trader Joe's Fruity Flakes (yummerific!)

Grist - my new favorite blog

I just read this post on the chemicals that strawberries might have in them.
Really? When are we going to wake up.

Click here to read it.

Our government is poisoning us. We trust them and they poison us.

High Fructose Corn Syrup = Bad

If you haven't heard, High Fructose Corn Syrup is basically.....the devil.

It's in a lot of our foods and you would be amazed at some of the surprises I've had.

Besides the regular junk food, I have also found this horrible, disgusting element in whole wheat bread and Contadina TOMATO PASTE! Yes!! You think you are being a good Italian-like mamma and making some good pasta and sauce and whammo, you are giving your kids chemicals and you don't even KNOW IT.

Take a look, read the labels and let me know where you find this monster lurking.

(I've already written a note to Lender's Bagels... I never heard back)

To learn more, there is a facebook group - search "ban high fructose corn syrup", friend them and let me know what you think.

My mission: find a good pancake syrup that is not 350.00 or has less than 90 grams of sugar and does not possess this demon.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Organic, Low-sugar Drinks for Kids

I am a tea drinker. Hot tea in the middle of the summer? Yes please. Ice tea? Yes please. Love tea.

When I first tried the Honest brand of ice teas, I really did feel like I tasted and found a little piece of Heaven.

What's not to think etherally of?

Low sugar- about half of what they put in a Snapple and no fake sweeteners.

THEN, throw in for good measure that it's ORGANIC.

I was totally sold.

Skip ahead a year or so and I happen to find, on a bottom shelf of a supermarket - "the holy grail".

Organic, low sugar juice boxes for kids, made by that same lovely company-- Honest-- in great kid flavors like grape and lemonade!

The downside, if there has to be one, is the cost. Heaven don't come cheap. The ice tea can be 1.69 a bottle and I think 8 juice boxes are 4.00, so I do not buy them all the time, but I do throw them in the mix for a little good measure.

One more downside is the way you put the straw in....it's not easy or conventional, however my kids DO LOVE the taste.

I have also found these at Target, for you lovers out there. As my daughter once said "You really can buy everything at Target".

Indeed Meg.

Since the post title is Organic low-sugar drinks, I do need to mention one other great find.

Again, had me almost jumping up and down in the aisles. Trader Joe's puts out an organic "low calorie" - which is really just half the sugar - LEMONADE.

I mean, I wanted to go find Mr. Joe, the trader by profession, and all out HUG HIM. He's the greatest, really. Corporate companies, take note: this is what we need. Cut out at least half the sugar and you don't need to be organic, so you can save there, but just cut out some of this crappola!

Total great find.