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.