Basket full of Naturally-Dyed Eggs

With Spring comes Easter. Every year, we celebrate Easter by preparing an Easter basket of colourful

Babies should eat organic within their first 3 years of life

I advocate for eating organic as much as you can, but in some instances, it’s just not an opti

Natural Nail Polish for your Little Princess (and Mama too!)

What little girl doesn’t like to paint her nails or put on make-up and play dress-up like her

 

Basket full of Naturally-Dyed Eggs

March 31, 2012 in EcoLife

With Spring comes Easter. Every year, we celebrate Easter by preparing an Easter basket of colourful eggs, fresh herbs, and fresh breads along with some Easter chocolates. Ever since I can remember, we spent every Good Friday and/or Easter Saturday preparing our Easter baskets. I remember using markers to decorate one ‘special’ egg that would be the feature egg of our family Easter basket. I would have so much fun personalizing it every year! I wish I had pictures of my Easter egg decorating evolution. So for my sweet little bunnies, I will definitely start a picture diary of their egg creations.

If you don’t celebrate Easter, colouring eggs to celebrate the Spring season is a great craft to do with your kids or even for some Spring DIY home décor. It can even be a science experiment and an opportunity to learn or review colours and colour mixing.

Tips for a basket full of colours!

  1. Start off by boiling your free-run eggs for about 5 minutes until they are hard boiled. (If you are using farm fresh eggs, be sure to wash them first.)
  2. If you want some patterns on the eggs, use a natural wax white crayon to draw the patterns before you dye your eggs. (This is a fun activity to do with your kids…it’s like magic when the eggs are dyed and the patterns show!)
  3. To dye the egg, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the coloured water, and pour the water over the boiled egg until it is completely covered.
  4. If you want deep colours, it’s best to use fresh or frozen produce and leave the boiled eggs in the coloured water for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator or until the egg reaches the desired colour. For paler colours, canned produce will work.
  5. These natural dyes won’t give you a glossy effect so if you want a glossy effect, rub some cooking oil on the shell once it has dried completely.

 

To make Lavender-colored Eggs use a small quantity of natural purple grape juice or red zinger tea.

 

To make Green-colored Eggs use boiled spinach leaves.

 

To make Yellow-colored Eggs use green tea or chamomile tea.

 

To make Orange-colored Eggs use cooked carrots, chilli powder or paprika.

 

 

  To make Pink-colored Eggs use boiled cranberries, raspberries, or beets.

 

To make Red-colored Eggs use pomegranate juice or canned cherries with their juice.

 

To make Blue-colored Eggs use blueberries.

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Babies should eat organic within their first 3 years of life

March 20, 2012 in EcoBaby, EcoFoodie

I advocate for eating organic as much as you can, but in some instances, it’s just not an option for some people. If your options to feed your family organics are limited, try to ensure your children ages 0 to 3 years old are eating organic as much as possible.

From conception until the age of 3, our bodies and our brains develop faster than any other time in our lives. Our little bundles of joy also eat more than we do when we compare consumption based on pound for pound measurement. Not to mention, because our babies are still developing their immune systems, they are more vulnerable to environmental toxins.

A 2004 study conducted by the Environmental Working Group tested how many chemicals were found in umbilical cord blood. The study found that: “Of the 287 chemicals [they] detected in umbilical cord blood, [they] know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.” (Source: Environmental Working Group study: http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php

It’s important to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your child’s food. Here are the top foods to consider:

1. Organic dairy
Breast-feeding is always the best for your growing baby, but if you choose to use formula, consider buying organic. Although your baby is likely not to consume cow’s milk within his/her first year (as advised by majority pediatricians), he/she is consuming a lot of milk in the form of formula. If you consider how the cows are raised and what they are fed on commercial farms, it’s best for your baby and our planet to buy organic milk and dairy products.

2. Organic Soy
Soy can be found in a surprising array of products that your baby may be consuming. If you are not using soy-based baby formula, you probably didn’t realize that the infant formula you may be using contains soybean oil…as do teething biscuits, baby pasta, arrowroot cookies, veggie puff finger foods, and many of those little crackers we mamas always seem to have in our bags for backup!
Soybeans are sprayed with almost as much pesticides as corn, and are usually grown through the use of Genetically Modified (GM) seeds. As there are no regulations for companies to state that their product is genetically modified (yet!), it’s best to read the label of all the foods you purchase and try to go for the organic version, especially if the ingredient list has some unfamiliar ingredient or an unidentified vegetable oil.

3. Organic Baby Cereal
As baby cereal is usually one of the first foods your baby tries when beginning solids, starting with heavily processed conventional baby cereal made with white rice flour and probably soybean oil would not be most wise. Not only does introduction to the comfort of white flour mean a possible rejection of whole grains in later years, but also a possible start to childhood obesity! Choosing the healthier organic whole grain baby cereals means you are introducing your baby to a healthy lifestyle for (what we hope) the rest of her life. Not to mention, you are also doing the earth a big favor: no pesticide or chemical fertilizer is used when growing organic rice!

4. Organic fruits and veggies
It’s obvious that organic fruits and vegetables are the healthier choice as they are not sprayed with pesticides, grown in depleted soil, or grown from genetically modified seeds. But what may be more important, if not just as important, is that they contain higher contents of vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

To find out how to make your own baby food at home, read my post for tips and recipes.

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Natural Nail Polish for your Little Princess (and Mama too!)

March 20, 2012 in EcoLife

What little girl doesn’t like to paint her nails or put on make-up and play dress-up like her mama? I’ve always been a girly-girl and can’t wait until my DD grows up and wants to do girly things!

So I’m happy to know that there is a non-toxic nail polish that I can safely put on my DD’s nails when she’s older.

Piggy Paint, developed by a fellow momprenuer, is a safe alternative to the chemical laced, toxic smelling nail polish that is traditionally used. Here is why it’s safe and fun!:

  • Non-toxic
  • Low Odor
  • Water-based formula
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Fun, vibrant colors
  • Dries to a hard, durable finish
  • Cruelty-free
  • Safe for use during Pregnancy!
(For more info about the product, visit PiggyPaint.com
If you have never tried it before, this giveaway brought to you by my fellow EcoSavvy Mama’s at Peace of Mind Baby, is perfect!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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iherb.com Discount on natural beauty and grocery products

March 11, 2012 in EcoDeals

It’s difficult to find good deals, if any, on natural and/or organic products iherb.com offers natural and/or organic bath and beauty products, supplements, groceries, and household products.

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It also offers pretty cheap shipping to Canada.

If you are a new customer, you can save on your first order. It’s a great way to try out this new service and save some money too!

Special Discount: $8 off for first time customers instead of $5.00. Ends at the end of MARCH 2012 by using coupon code ELU550

Shipping costs are really good too! International Air Mail, where available, is now a flat $4.00 for orders over $40.00.
Please note that this shipping method is only available for orders up to 4 pounds (1814 grams), with a maximum value of $80.00.

Also note that orders of $60.00 or more will receive a minimum 5% online discount.

Take advantage of these great deals, and order all your supplements, bath & beauty, grocery and baby products from iHerb.

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Pesticides in Soap and Personal Care Products

March 11, 2012 in EcoBaby, EcoDeals

I don’t know how many times that I have reminded my DS to wash his hands WITH soap rather than just rinse them with water. After all, it’s the soap that prevents the spread of bacteria, disease and germs. But never did I think that I was telling him to wash his hands with pesticides!!

As much as I try to live organically, I don’t always purchase organic personal care products for the whole family. I do try to buy natural and/or organic shampoos and soaps for my kids but, honestly, it’s never been a priority for me. It’s already disheartening that we have to read every label on the food that we buy to ensure that the producing company didn’t sneak in any unhealthy ingredients. With the recent arsenic in brown rice scare, we have to be even more careful, even when purchasing organic products.

There are so many ingredients in personal care products, so unless you are a chemist, you are bound to get confused…especially since some products may sound hazardous but are not, and others that sound natural, may actually be harmful. Thanks to the wonderful power of the internet, we can make it a little easier on ourselves. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has developed a database (EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database) of over 69,000 personal care products, including sun care, skin care, makeup, hair, eye care, nails, fragrances, oral care, and baby care. It’s a great resource to even check how your current personal care products score and make an informed decision on what products you may switch to.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics carries a great line of personal care products for pregnancy, baby, postpartum, and family. Their products are non-toxic, all-natural and organic.

And for the week of March 12-18, you can get up to 55% off of their products through Precious Beginnings Boutique and EarlyBird Deals. Visit earlybirddeals.ca on Monday, March 12, 2012 (through March 18th, 2012) and purchase a gift card for Precious Beginnings Boutique in Vaughan, Ontario (Limited quantities available!).  

 

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Spice up your baby’s life!

March 2, 2012 in EcoBaby

I love cooking with different spices. I think it gives food a new taste and awakens your senses.

Since my DD has started solids, she’s been a diva about it. She doesn’t like many of the purées and prefers to eat our food. It may be that she wants to be a ‘big girl’ like her older brother or that she enjoys the different tastes and textures of the adult food. Either way, I’m glad she’s loving the new smells and tastes of herbs and spices.

And the bonus…herbs and spices can help babies welcome new tastes of unfamiliar produce and whole grains AND they are super healthy!

Herbs and spices are used in many homeopathic and natural medicines to prevent and fight illnesses and diseases.

EcoSavvy Mama Note: With the introduction of any new foods, be sure to check with your pediatrician and follow the 3 day wait rule to ensure your baby doesn’t have any adverse reactions to the new food, herb or spice.

Here is a list of herbs and spices that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting affects.

Garlic

Photo Credit: Google Images via http://www.bellybytes.com/nourish/images/garlic.jpg
If you are breastfeeding and eating garlic, your baby has already been introduced to the taste of garlic as it is transmitted to your breast milk. Just be cautious with how much garlic you use as it can upset a sensitive tummy! You can add a little garlic to any savory dish to enhance its flavour.
Prep Tip: Use it with carrots & basil, mashed potatoes, green beans, winter squash.

For more information about the Goodness of Garlic for Baby, visit Homemade Baby Food Recipes.

Cinnamon

Photo Credit: Google Images via http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/images/cinnamon.jpg
Such a yummy spice that adds that little bit of sweetness that most babies love! And so versatile! This anti-oxidant rich is a favourite of my DD. It’s so easy to use.

Prep Tip: Use it with sweet potatoes, apple and/or pear sauce, mashed banana, plain yogurt, pumpkin, winter squash, oatmeal or baby cereal, rice, quinoa, and even chicken/turkey.

Try this Apple & Pear with Raisins & Cinnamon purée recipe:

*This recipe makes 4-6 portions. Suitable for freezing. Provides fiber, potassium and Vitamin C

Simmer all ingredients (peeled, cored, and cubed apple and pear, 1 tbsp of raisins and 1 generous pinch of cinnamon) using a little bit of water, covered, for 5 minutes. Purée and allow it to cool a little bit.

Basil

Photo Credit: Google Images via http://www.theworldofpizza.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/basil11.jpg

I always have this anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-microbial herb growing by my window in the winter and in my garden in the summer. Basil is also a milder herb so it’s good to start off with for babies.

Prep Tip: Use it with garlic carrots, tomato pasta sauce or any other pasta, and with chicken/turkey with garlic.

Rosemary

Photo Credit: Google Images via http://appetizinglyyours.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/rosemary.jpg

Another one of my favourites and a good anti-inflammatory! When using it for baby, avoid using the sprigs and only use the leaves, finely chopped.

Prep Tip: Use it with mashed potatoes and chicken/turkey.

Nutmeg

Photo Credit: Google Images via http://completewellbeing.com/static/img/articles/2009/08/a-nutty-affair-1.jpg

Nutmeg can be considered a companion to Cinnamon as it can be added to most dishes that use Cinnamon. It adds a hint of sweetness to foods without using sugar. Try using these healthy herbs to replace sugar, and your baby won’t be dependant on sugar in foods. Nutmeg has an antibacterial compound, is good for the heart, and improves memory.

Prep Tip: Use it with apple sauce, plain yogurt, sweet potatoes, winter squash, oatmeal and other baby cereals, rice, and quinoa.

What spices do you add to spice up your baby’s life and pallet? Share your recipes below…

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Peace of Mind Baby Savings for the EcoSavvy Parent

February 29, 2012 in EcoDeals

New Subscriber’s save 20% off an EcoParent Subscription

Promo code: peaceofmind

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Another great giveaway!


Win a pair of tickets to the Original Baby Soirée on March 11, 2012! (Contest ends March 4th, 2012.)
Enter here!

For more info on this fabulous event, click here.

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Making your own organic baby food

February 29, 2012 in EcoBaby

First the recall by President`s Choice Organic baby food line and then the arsenic scare in organic brown rice products. If my choice to make my own baby food is questioned sometimes by it`s possible time consumption or inconvenience, these recent reports have definitely strengthened my decision.

Some mamas I know won`t try to make their own baby food because it seems like too much work, especially with a hungry baby crying to hurry up with her/his food! I completely understand the thought process and I know that each family is different and therefore, should choose whatever option works best for them.

Personally, I believe, making your own organic homemade baby food is the best choice as you are using the freshest, healthiest and purest produce and ingredients. You are in control of what your child is putting in his/her mouth!

The trick to having the time to make your own baby food is to use the same ingredients you are using to make your family`s meals. Simply purchase a little extra of that ingredient and while making your family`s meal, prepare your baby`s food too! And what`s better is that you can make extra and freeze it for use when you are in a hurry. If you are still not convinced that making your own organic baby food is the best choice, consider the following:

  1. You control all of the ingredients that your baby is eating.
  2. You can ensure that your baby is getting a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins, not just the combos that are sold in stores.
  3. To ensure optimal freshness, you can use seasonal, local fruit.
  4. When you know which foods your baby likes, you can customize the baby food so that he/she eats more of it.
  5. Saves you money
  6. Produces less waste
  7. (Maintains your EcoSavviness!)

Here are some easy, no cook purées for your little one that is just starting off on solids:

Melon Purée:  remove seeds from melon, discard skin and green flesh, purée. You can mix this purée with mashed banana or avocado.  Eco Mama note: Cantaloupe is a great melon to use as it is the most nutritious of all the melons, and is rich in Vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium.

Avocado Purée: Using a soft, ripe avocado half, mash it with a fork and mix with 2 tbsp of breast milk or formula. Eco Mama note: Popular with babies because of its buttery taste and texture AND provides Vitamins B6, E and potassium, plus healthy fats. Make yourself some guacamole using the other half, some garlic and lemon/lime juice as a healthy snack for them. 

Banana-Mango Purée: Mash half of an avocado and half of a banana together; then stir in 1-2tbsp of breast milk or formula. Eco Mama note: What baby doesn`t love the sweetness of banana? And what mama doesn`t like the potassium and Vitamin B6 that it provides? Just remember that bananas can be constipating for little ones just starting solids. 

 

To freeze  your extra baby food, I like to use baby cubes as they are individualized. Rule of thumb for freezing…keep it frozen for up to two months. If baby doesn`t finish it, don`t refreeze it or refrigerate it as the bacteria in baby`s saliva will spoil it.

EcoFoodie tip: You can use the carrot and sweet potato purées in your family meals too and sneak some additional nutrition into the meals. Add it to your banana bread or your tomato pasta sauce. Your family won`t even notice!!

What`s your baby`s favourite purée? Share your recipes and experiences below!

 

 

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Toxins in Breast Milk?

February 26, 2012 in EcoBaby

Yep! You read it right…breast milk can contain toxins! I think many mamas out there are in shock as we may have always been under the impression that breast milk is the safest choice for our little ones. But don’t let this scare you into choosing to use formula. Formula can contain some of the same chemicals (depending on how it is manufactured).

So rest assured, your choice to breastfeed your little one, was the better choice as the health benefits of nursing far outweigh the risks from the chemicals that can be passed via breast milk.

What chemicals/toxins can be passed via breast milk?

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS): Although many of these industrial chemicals, industrial by-products and flame retardants have been banned for years, they can persist for decades due to their accumulation in our bodies.

Organic Solvents: These are found in household and industrial products. Some common ones include ethanol and propanone. These can be found in household products such as glue, paints, aerosols and varnishes. Because organic solvents don’t accumulate in the body, the best way to avoid passing it through to your baby via your breast milk is by avoiding them.

Lead: Keep your calcium levels up as this toxic metal can be released from your bones if your calcium levels are low.

Phthalates: This hormone- altering chemical can be found in your everyday personal care products such as cosmetics and shampoos. Opt for the natural, phthalates free versions.

What affects can toxins in breast milk have on your child? 

If the above toxins are passed through your breast milk to your child, they can cause cognitive deficits such as lowered IQ. But don’t worry too  much! Your breast milk will likely have only traces of toxins, which (as many studies suggest) can not harm your baby.

What can you do to reduce the toxin levels in my breast milk? 

You are probably doing it already! Maintaining a healthy diet is key. What you eat is what they are! Ensure that you are eating enough healthy foods to have an adequate amount of nutrients for both you and baby. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats such as those found in avocados and almonds. To ensure you have enough calcium, try to incorporate low-fat dairy products such as organic greek yogurt with blueberries and walnuts.

Also, to limit the amount of toxins that can come in through exposure to them, avoid chemicals with strong smells such as paint and paint thinners, household cleaners (opt for the natural cleaning methods), nail polish and nail polish remover, and other arts/crafts materials that may give off a strong smell. If it is opportune, get your hubby or someone else to fill your tank with gas.

 

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Arsenic Scare in Products Containing Brown Rice Syrup

February 23, 2012 in EcoBaby, EcoFoodie, EcoLife

Ever since the news about arsenic in baby formula came out, I have been following the news. Our family eats brown rice and brown rice products so I want to ensure that I am not feeding them arsenic! I am quite upset that this carcinogen is not monitored by the FDA or the CFIA. The results of these studies that found high levels of arsenic already showed that there was 6 times higher arsenic levels in the tested baby formula than is allowed in water as per the EPA.

The National Institute of Environmental Health’s Environmental Health Perspectives, said that infants and young children are especially vulnerable, since their dietary arsenic exposure from the products, per kilogram of body weight, is two to three times higher than that of adults. The only thing that I am somewhat ok about is that they have released the name of the baby formula: Nature’s One Baby’s Only Organic Toddler Formula and Nature’s One Baby’s Only Organic Soy Toddler Formula.

 

Nature’s One has responded to this new study that found these high levels of arsenic but has yet to recall their products. Their reasoning is that they meet FDA standards. But my question is what if the FDA standards need to be updated? Nature’s One seems to be on the defence completely. Their response page states that the Dartmouth study conflicts with the World Health Organization and seems not to be taking any responsibility for the high levels of arsenic in their product. I have not seen this line of products in Canada so I’m not sure if there is much concern with respect to the arsenic baby formula here. Nonetheless, I would urge parents to check their formula and ensure it does not contain organic brown rice syrup as one of their main ingredients. I would rather be safe than sorry. Some health defects do not show for many years so even if the children consuming these products with high levels of arsenic are not seeing any negative reactions currently, who’s to say it won’t affect them in the future?

GreenFacts.org has stated that long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water can cause cancer in the skin, lungs, bladder and kidney. It can also cause other skin changes such as thickening and pigmentation. 

As an EcoMama and the one making decisions in the household about food, I am also upset that they have not released the products that were studied. They have stated that 2 out of 17 baby formulas have tested high in arsenic levels as well as 22 out of 29 cereal/energy bars. Why can’t they just warn us which ones have tested high so that we can avoid them until their studies have been concluded and the FDA and CFIA have released their recommendations?

The only company related to using organic brown rice and organic brown rice syrup that has taken some responsibility is Lundberg Family Farms. They have provided their response and additional information for their consumers, and have stated that the subject of naturally occurring arsenic in food products is complex and an area that has been the subject of a number of studies but as of yet there are no federal or state standards in regard to testing or as to what are safe levels. 

The Lundberg Family Farms line of products includes:

  • Rice
  • Rice Cakes (some contain organic brown rice syrup)
  • Rice Chips
  • Risottos
  • Roasted Brown Rice Couscous
  • Pasta
  • Heat & Eat Organic Rice Bowls
  • Syrup (contains organic brown rice syrup)
  • Flour
  • Cereal

Nature’s One also has a product line of cereal bars for kids that has organic brown rice as an ingredient: Nature’s One EnviroKidz. You can check out there line of products here. Unfortunately, there have not been any responses on their website regarding the recent news about arsenic in brown rice syrup.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this recent health news. If you find any other products that use organic brown rice syrup, please post them in the Comments section for everyone to be on the look-out.

Sources:

The Environmental Leader, Feb. 21, 2012, Study, Organic Rice Syrup Linked to High Arsenic Baby Formula

Nature’s One, Nature’s One Responds

GreenFacts.org, Scientific Facts on Arsenic

Lundberg Family Farms, Arsenic in Food

 

 

 

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